Guide to Atlanta, GA’s Black History
A Brief History of Atlanta
During the Civil Rights Era, Atlanta was known as the city too busy to hate." And today, in the 21st century, Atlanta is the "city not too busy to care.”
Atlanta is the nation's 4th largest black-majority city and has long been known as a "black mecca" for its role as a center of black wealth, political and social power, education, and culture including film and music.
Atlanta's Civil Rights Leaders:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The undisputed leader of the American civil rights movement and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Coretta Scott King
Founded the King Center in Atlanta and worked to make Dr. King’s birthday a national holiday.
Ralph David Abernathy Sr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s mentor and confidant. Worked with Dr. King to create the Montgomery Improvement Association, the organization that led to the Montgomery bus boycott.
John Lewis
Famous for getting into "good trouble." Freedom Rider, march leader in Selma, and youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. Served as the U.S. congressman for Georgia’s 5th congressional district until his death in 2020.
Why shop Black-owned?
1. Help close the racial wealth gap.
Jim Crow-era practices like redlining and job discrimination segregated Black Americans from higher-paying jobs and homeowner ownership opportunities that ultimately prevented wealth building.
Today, the median wealth for white families is about 12 times that for Black families.
2. Create jobs & opportunities.
8/10 of Black-owned businesses fail in the first year and a half due to lack of resources and funding. By buying from Black-owned businesses, you are pouring money into the local economy and generating more wealth for Black communities.
3. Build community + boost morale.
Buying Black means you support Black pride, equality, and it is an active form of allyship and solidarity toward the Black community. By consciously choosing where your money goes, you are paving the way to helping the Black connunity build wealthy and prosperity.
Black-Owned Coffee & Tea Shops
Black-Owned Brunch
Black-Owned Lunch, Dinner, & Drinks
Black-Owned Shops & Entertainment
Leaning into Atlanta's History
Atlanta is considered the home of the Civil Rights Movement and serves as the final resting place for many great Black leaders. Here are a few key landmarks and museums to further your education allyship to the Black community.
Important Landmarks
Museums & Tours
Atlanta Weather
All tips from this guide will be donated to Atlanta's Center for Black Women's Wellness in honor of the 2022 Black History Month theme: Black Health and Wellness.
Please send any feedback or improvements to this guide to olivia.frances.biz@gmail.com or you can message me on Instagram.
The home for unique & authentic travel
