Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Cox offers voluntary buyouts to 1,250.

• A deep-dive into the life of Hamilton E. Holmes.

• Texas, Tennessee lead SEC, Florida struggles again.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are."

— Anaïs Nin

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!

What is the name of the Atlanta annual event that focuses on design, architecture, and urban planning, featuring lectures, tours, and exhibitions?

A) Atlanta Design Festival

B) The Architecture & Design Week

C) MODA Design Week

D) Atlanta Urban Design Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Atlanta building, a historic landmark serving as the main post office for the city, known for its beautiful marble façade and neoclassical design, is D) The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse.

News

💼Business

Cox will offer voluntary buyouts to as many as 1,250 employees. (link)

10-acre Downtown site hits the market after foreclosure last year. (link)

🏒Sports

Texas, Tennessee at top of SEC after Week 3, Florida at the bottom again: SEC vibes rankings. (link)

Top high school QB recruits: How the nation’s elite prospects fared over the weekend. (link)

🏦Finance

UPS to lay off more employees after steep cuts announced earlier this year. (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 Braves vs. New York Mets
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Sep 24th | 7:20 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets
Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Sep 25th | 7:20 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 greek
Vinyl, Atlanta, GA
Monday, Sep 23rd | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Victoria Canal
Vinyl, Atlanta, GA
Tuesday, Sep 24th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎶 Children's Storytime
2900 Peachtree Rd #310, Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, Sep 25th | 11:00 AM | (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 with buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades” 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 Founding of the Atlanta College of Art (1905): Played a significant role in the city's artistic community.

The founding of the Atlanta College of Art in 1905 played a significant role in shaping Atlanta's artistic community and fostering a culture of creativity and education. This institution was established with the goal of providing formal art education to aspiring artists and nurturing their talent within the city. As one of the earliest art schools in Atlanta, the Atlanta College of Art became a hub for emerging artists, attracting students from diverse backgrounds who sought to explore various artistic disciplines.

Over the years, the Atlanta College of Art contributed to the city's artistic landscape, producing talented artists, designers, and creative thinkers. The institution encouraged experimentation and innovation, fostering a vibrant arts community that enriched Atlanta's cultural offerings. Its graduates have gone on to make significant contributions to the local and national art scenes, leaving a lasting impact on the city's cultural identity.

While the Atlanta College of Art eventually merged with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2006, its legacy endures as a testament to Atlanta's commitment to the arts and education. The institution played a pivotal role in nurturing artistic talent and contributing to the city's vibrant arts community, setting the stage for Atlanta's continued growth as a cultural and creative hub.

Famous Atlantans

Hamilton E. Holmes - One of the first two African American students admitted to the University of Georgia.

Early Life and Education (1941-1959)

Hamilton E. Holmes was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1941, into a family that valued education and civil rights. Growing up during the era of segregation, Holmes excelled academically and athletically at Turner High School, setting the stage for his groundbreaking role in the civil rights movement and his future achievements.

Undergraduate Studies at Morehouse College (1959-1961)

After high school, Holmes enrolled at Morehouse College, one of the nation's premier historically black colleges, where he continued to excel. His academic prowess and leadership abilities shone through, laying a solid foundation for his challenge against segregation in higher education.

The Fight to Integrate the University of Georgia (1961)

In 1961, Holmes and Charlayne Hunter (now Hunter-Gault) became the first African American students to attend the University of Georgia (UGA), following a legal battle that reached the federal courts. Their admission marked a historic victory against segregation in the American South, breaking barriers for future generations of African American students.

Overcoming Challenges at UGA (1961-1963)

During his time at UGA, Holmes faced and overcame numerous challenges, from social isolation to threats against his safety. Despite these obstacles, he remained focused on his studies, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.

Graduating from UGA and Medical School (1963-1967)

Holmes graduated from UGA in 1963 with a degree in pre-medicine, then went on to attend the Emory University School of Medicine, where he was also among the first African American students. His academic excellence continued, and he graduated in 1967, ready to begin his career in medicine.

A Distinguished Medical Career (1967-1980s)

After completing his medical training, Holmes distinguished himself as an orthopedic surgeon, becoming a respected figure in the medical community. He worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access and quality for all, particularly the African American community in Atlanta.

Leadership in Medicine and Education (1980s-1990s)

Holmes served in various leadership roles throughout his medical career, including as the first African American to be admitted to the all-white Cobb County Medical Society in Georgia. He also became the associate dean at the Emory University School of Medicine, influencing the next generation of medical professionals.

Legacy and Recognition (1990s-1995)

Throughout his life, Holmes received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to medicine and civil rights. His legacy includes not only his historic role in desegregating UGA but also his efforts to mentor young African Americans pursuing careers in medicine.

Connection to Atlanta (Throughout Life)

Holmes's connection to Atlanta was lifelong and profound. Born and raised in the city, he broke racial barriers in higher education and medicine, contributing significantly to the community's health and well-being. Atlanta remained central to his personal and professional life, symbolizing both the challenges and progress of the civil rights movement.

Passing and Posthumous Honors (1995)

Hamilton E. Holmes passed away in 1995, but his legacy endures. The University of Georgia and Emory University, among others, have honored him posthumously, recognizing his contributions to civil rights, medicine, and education. Holmes's life and work continue to inspire future generations to pursue equality and excellence.

Key Achievements:

• Became one of the first two African American students to integrate the University of Georgia.

• Graduated from UGA and Emory University School of Medicine, breaking racial barriers in education and medicine.

• Served as a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and medical educator, contributing significantly to healthcare in Atlanta.

• Received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to civil rights and medicine.

Hamilton E. Holmes's life was a testament to courage, resilience, and excellence. As one of the first African American students to attend the University of Georgia, he played a pivotal role in the fight for civil rights and the desegregation of higher education in the American South. His distinguished career in medicine and his dedication to improving healthcare access and quality for all, especially in his hometown of Atlanta, leave a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and impact lives.

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.

-Matthew Larsen

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