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This Week in Atlanta (January 1st)

This Week in Atlanta (January 1st)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Atlanta

Matthew Larsen
January 01, 2024

Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

New restaurants opening this week
Atlanta Hawks game recap
A deep dive into the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
And more…

Quote of the Week

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

-Winston Churchill

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!

Atlanta is famous for a particular brand of soft drink that has global recognition. Which soft drink was originally invented and first sold here?

A) Pepsi

B) Coca-Cola

C) Dr. Pepper

D) Mountain Dew

News

💼 Business

This period saw the opening of new restaurants and the expansion of existing businesses across Atlanta, contributing to the economic landscape of the local communities. These openings included diverse food outlets and eateries, highlighting the city's dynamic and growing business environment.

Snooze, known for its unique take on breakfast, opened a new location in Alpharetta. This marks the fourth site in Georgia for the establishment, demonstrating the brand's expanding presence in the Atlanta area.

The third restaurant from Chef Crystal Smith and Grammy-winning R&B singer Ne-Yo, Johnny's Chicken and Waffles, opened in Midtown. This eatery is known for its diverse menu, including chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese, and other comfort foods.

🏒 Sports

The Atlanta Hawks concluded the year with a thrilling victory over the Washington Wizards, with a final score of 130-126. Key performances came from their leading players, as Trae Young scored 40 points with 13 assists, Dejounte Murray added 32 points, and Jalen Johnson achieved a double-double with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Despite a strong start from the Wizards and a late rally, the Hawks' effort was enough to seal the win.

Famous Atlantans

Martin Luther King Jr.: 1929-1968

Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal figure in American history, was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Born in Atlanta, his legacy as a champion for justice and equality continues to inspire worldwide.

Early Life and Education (1929-1948)

Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in a time of racial segregation. His early experiences with racial prejudice and discrimination profoundly influenced his future activism. He was an exceptional student, skipping two grades in high school and entering Morehouse College at the age of 15.

Morehouse College and Seminary Studies (1944-1951)

At Morehouse, King initially was uncertain about his path but found direction after embracing the ministry, inspired by his father's and grandfather's roles as pastors. He then attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he became class president and valedictorian, and later, he pursued doctoral studies at Boston University.

Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rise to Prominence (1955-1956)

King’s leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began in 1955 after Rosa Parks' arrest, brought him national prominence. This successful protest against the city's bus segregation policy marked the emergence of a new nonviolent approach to combating racial injustice.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1957-1963)

In 1957, King helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), aiming to harness the moral authority of black churches to conduct nonviolent protests in the pursuit of civil rights reform. Under his leadership, the SCLC gained national significance.

"I Have a Dream" and The March on Washington (1963)

King's leadership in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom culminated in his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, which became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and solidified his status as one of its most influential leaders.

Nobel Peace Prize and Beyond (1964)

In 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. Following this, he broadened his focus to include opposition to poverty and the Vietnam War, advocating for economic and social justice.

Chicago Campaign and Poor People's Campaign (1965-1968)

King's activism continued with the Chicago Open Housing Movement and the launch of the Poor People's Campaign in 1967, which aimed to address economic issues extending beyond racial boundaries.

Assassination and Legacy (1968)

Tragically, Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was cut short when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sparked national mourning and widespread riots in over 100 U.S. cities.

Posthumous Honors and Continuing Influence

Posthumously, King has been honored with a national holiday, schools and public buildings named after him, and a memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. His teachings and activism remain at the heart of the fight for justice and equality in America and around the world.

Key Achievements of Martin Luther King Jr.:

Leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Founding President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate for nonviolent civil rights activism.
A lasting legacy as a symbol of peace, justice, and equality.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s journey from Atlanta to the global stage as a leader in civil rights has made him one of the most revered figures in modern history. His commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence continues to inspire movements for social change worldwide.