This story comes from our partners at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For more on the news, trends and events shaping Black culture in Atlanta, visit Unapologetically ATL. Nijil Jones is practically giddy taking a large cardboard box out of an industrial fridge. Inside the chilled box are what Jones calls the best pecans in Georgia. And Jones, […]
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Posted inJobs, Money
More Green Jobs Are Coming to Georgia. Will Black Residents Benefit?
Qcells employee Kimberly Richardson is trying to help the South Korean solar panel manufacturer recruit more Black folks like her to work at its expanding factory in Dalton, — but there’s a problem. Less than 5% of the people living in Dalton are Black. Additionally, the city is located about 89 miles northwest of Atlanta, […]
Posted inHousing, Money
Black Airbnb Hosts in Atlanta Say City’s Short-Term Rental Policies Lack Clarity
For Nalah Garcia-Walker and her husband, real estate investing was their means of creating generational wealth. So when the couple decided to purchase their first property in Cascade Heights and convert it into an Airbnb two years ago, the decision was rooted in getting supplemental income outside of their day jobs. Garcia-Walker specializes in consulting, […]
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What You Need to Know About Short-term Rentals in Atlanta
With all the cultural attractions and sporting events Atlanta hosts each year, the city is a hot market for those looking to host a short-term rental as well as those looking to book their stay. There are more than 10,000 short-term rentals listed in Atlanta, including on Airbnb and Vrbo, according to Key Data. Whether […]
Posted inHousing, Money
The Rent Control Bill Stalled, but This Activist Isn’t Done Fighting
Margie McLeod spent Tuesday outside the Georgia State Capitol in downtown Atlanta trying to sway lawmakers to support a bill she already knew was unlikely to get signed into law this year. “I’m not the type of person to give up,” the 75-year-old community activist told Capital B Atlanta on Wednesday. “We don’t know what’s […]
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Up in Smoke: What a Proposed Tobacco Tax Hike Could Mean for Georgia
Everybody knows smoking is bad for you, which is why a group of state lawmakers wants to make it more expensive in Georgia. In early February, state Rep. Ron Stephens introduced HB 191, legislation that would raise taxes on tobacco products in the interest of public health. It’s a move that could have more of […]
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How to Get Help Paying Your Utility Bills in Metro Atlanta
Rising utility costs nationwide are becoming a growing burden for families alongside other economic pressures like inflation. As utilities are on the rise, some service providers have already started shutoffs for customers who are behind on payments. On Jan. 2, the city of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management announced that it would begin shutting off water […]
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Atlanta Has an Affordable Housing Problem. Can John Legend Help?
In the pews of Atlanta First United Methodist Church in Downtown, John Legend is listening to a story from the Rev. Jasmine Smothers. The lead pastor is talking about her journey from seminary school to where she is now, standing in front of city leaders, housing organizations, and a couple of city photographers talking about […]
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Why This Black Lawmaker is Pushing Rent Control Legislation
A veteran member of the Georgia General Assembly is calling for an end to the state’s 39-year-old ban on rent control laws. State Sen. Donzella James on Thursday introduced a bill that would repeal sections of Georgia law barring local governments from issuing rent regulation restrictions. Georgia lawmakers issued a statewide ban on such laws […]
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Tenants Denied Rent Relief Express Outrage Over City’s $10M in Unused Funds
Cherie Miller was angry Monday morning when she heard that city leaders had announced plans to send $10 million in unused COVID-19 rent relief funds back to the federal government. The 55-year-old grandmother is in the process of being evicted from the Capitol Gateway Apartments near Downtown, where she’s been renting for the past 11 […]
