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Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Atlanta clean tech partners with Dow.

• A deep-dive into the life of Alonzo Herndon.

• Bijan Robinson leads Falcons' 38-20 victory.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Atlanta neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art and is the location of the annual "Inman Park Festival"?

A) Buckhead

B) Midtown

C) Inman Park

D) Little Five Points

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, located in Atlanta, is C) Georgia Aquarium.

News

💼Business

Atlanta clean energy tech company secures partnership with Dow Inc. (link)

Fayetteville officials envision Avalon-style downtown project. (link)

🏒Sports

North Carolina football player dies following battle with rare lung cancer. (link)

Bijan Robinson scores 2 TDs; Falcons beat Panthers 38-20 for 3rd straight victory vs. NFC South foe. (link)

🏦Finance

Home Depot co-founder’s Buckhead penthouse lists for $5 million. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Wed • Oct 23, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 PawPaw Rod - Doobie Mouth Tour
The Masquerade - Hell, Atlanta, GA
Mon • Oct 21, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Unity TX / Silly Goose
The Masquerade - Hell, Atlanta, GA
Tue • Oct 22, 2024 • 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Acid Mothers Temple
The Masquerade - Altar, Atlanta, GA
Wed • Oct 23, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🙃 Collage Night ~ October — The Bakery Atlanta
638 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday 23 October, 2024 at 7:00 pm | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Atlanta within a giant biodome” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Atlanta Historical Events

The Burning of Atlanta (1864): Much of the city was destroyed by General William T. Sherman's Union forces.

In 1864, the city of Atlanta faced a cataclysmic event that forever altered its landscape and history. As part of the Union's strategic efforts during the Civil War, General William T. Sherman targeted Atlanta due to its critical role as a transportation and supply hub for the Confederacy. After a series of battles collectively known as the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman's forces successfully captured the city in September. What followed was a deliberate and systematic destruction, known infamously as the Burning of Atlanta. Union troops set fire to railroad depots, warehouses, factories, and other infrastructure that could aid the Confederate war effort, intending to cripple the South's military capabilities.

The conflagration that engulfed Atlanta was vast and indiscriminate, leaving in its wake a city largely in ruins. Residential and commercial buildings, alongside the strategic targets, were consumed by flames. The city's inhabitants, already weary from the siege and battles, were plunged into further despair. The burning of Atlanta was not just a military tactic; it was a psychological blow aimed at diminishing the morale of the Confederacy. The dramatic scenes of the city aflame would be etched into the collective memory of the nation, symbolizing the devastating impact of the Civil War on both the landscape and the psyche of the American people.

In the aftermath of the burning, Atlanta faced a monumental task of rebuilding from the ashes. However, the resilience and determination of its citizens prevailed. The city's reconstruction became emblematic of the broader post-war recovery of the South. Atlanta's resurgence from the ruins of the Civil War was a testament to its enduring spirit, setting the stage for its transformation into a major economic and cultural hub in the years to come. The Burning of Atlanta, while a harrowing chapter in the city's history, ultimately became a pivotal point that underscored Atlanta's capacity for renewal and growth.

Famous Atlantans

Alonzo Herndon - Entrepreneur and founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.

Early Life and Background (1858-1878)

• Alonzo Herndon was born in Walton County, Georgia, in 1858, into slavery.

• Following emancipation, he worked as a farm laborer and later as a barber in Senoia, Georgia.

• In 1878, he moved to Jonesboro, Georgia, where he continued working as a barber.

Barbering and Entrepreneurship (1878-1905)

• Herndon's skills as a barber led to his success in Atlanta, where he opened his own barbershop on Peachtree Street.

• His barbershop became a social and political hub in the city, frequented by prominent figures.

• During this time, he also established the Atlanta Benevolent and Protective Association, a burial insurance society for African Americans.

Founding Atlanta Life Insurance Company (1905)

• In 1905, Alonzo Herndon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, initially operating from his barbershop.

• The company focused on providing insurance products and financial services to African Americans, filling a crucial gap in the market.

• Atlanta Life Insurance Company would become one of the most successful and enduring African American-owned businesses in the nation.

Expanding Business Operations (1905-1920)

• Herndon's business acumen led to the company's rapid expansion, with branch offices in multiple states.

• Atlanta Life offered various insurance policies, burial insurance, and pension plans, promoting financial security within the African American community.

• The company's success was a testament to Herndon's dedication to empowering his community.

Key Achievements (1905-1927)

• Alonzo Herndon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company in 1905.

• The company quickly grew to become one of the nation's largest African American-owned businesses.

• Herndon's leadership and entrepreneurship contributed significantly to Atlanta's African American business community.

• He played a crucial role in providing insurance and financial services to underserved African American populations.

• Herndon's legacy continues through the Atlanta Life Financial Group, which remains dedicated to his vision of economic empowerment.

Legacy and Philanthropy (1927-1937)

• Alonzo Herndon passed away in 1927, leaving behind a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

• He bequeathed substantial funds to Atlanta University and Morris Brown College.

• Herndon's contributions to education and his commitment to uplifting the African American community continue to benefit future generations.

Historical Significance (1937-Present)

• The Atlanta Life Insurance Company remains in operation and continues to serve the African American community.

• Alonzo Herndon's story stands as a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship, and the enduring impact of African American businesses in Atlanta and the nation.

• His contributions to the city's history and economy are celebrated and remembered to this day.

Key Achievements:

• Founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company in 1905.

• Pioneered insurance and financial services for African Americans.

• Established a lasting legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

• Contributed to the economic empowerment of Atlanta's African American community.

Alonzo Herndon, born into slavery, rose to become a prominent entrepreneur, founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, and a philanthropist. His journey from humble beginnings to business success exemplifies resilience and the determination to uplift the African American community. Herndon's lasting legacy continues to impact Atlanta's economic landscape and serves as an inspiration for future generations.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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