Freedom bells rang in Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing more than 250,000 enslaved people. Now, five years after its official declaration as a federal holiday, Atlanta is celebrating with family-friendly community gatherings, live music, and Black business expos. Friday, June 19 Juneteenth Atlanta […]
Juneteenth
Posted inEssay, History
History Beneath Our Feet: Where MARTA Runs, Lives Were Once Sold in Atlanta
Back then, they called it Whitehall Street. Today, it’s the Five Points station, where trains rattle beneath pavement and buses exhale their daily breath into the Georgia sun. But before there was MARTA, before the high-rises, before Black folks were paid for the culture that created the pulse of this city, we were on the […]
Posted inCapital B Atlanta, Everyday Heroes, History
MLK and Me: How a Young Freedom Fighter Helped Integrate Atlanta
As a freshman Spelmanite in 1960, Georgianne Thomas, then 18, was so committed to the Atlanta Student Movement that not even the burn of a klansman’s cigarette being pressed into her skin could make her lose her cool or deter her from protesting segregation. “We’re not supposed to stop the line. So you let the […]
Posted inCapital B ATL Events
Here’s a Rundown of Juneteenth Events in Your Community
Black Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for decades, but the anniversary gained added recognition in 2021 when President Joe Biden made it a federal holiday. Gov. Brian Kemp followed suit in April 2022 when he signed a measure making Juneteenth a paid day off for state employees. Juneteenth commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — […]
Posted inMoney
The Road to Turning 500 Acres Into a Black City
As a mysterious new virus spread across the globe and rage over police violence spilled into the streets, Stone Mountain resident Renee Walters spent 2020 in a state of growing isolation and shock. Her distress gave way to depression as the year wore on, and fears about her family’s safety consumed her. “What can I […]
Posted inNews Roundup
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis Needs Security After Threats
Top of the morning! Here is Your AM Rundown, with news updates in 400 words or less. Get caught up on headlines and other developments you might’ve missed. Here’s what’s up in Atlanta today: Fani Willis, Fulton County’s district attorney, is concerned about her safety. Willis has reportedly increased security around her after receiving threats […]
Posted inUncategorized
Juneteenth Still Isn’t Recognized in These Metro Atlanta Cities
Many county and municipal government bodies in the Atlanta metro area have passed similar laws recognizing Juneteenth over the past year, but leaders in some local cities still haven’t done the same. Juneteenth still isn’t a paid holiday for city employees in Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, and Smyrna. Each one is hosting or […]
Posted inNews Roundup
Early Voting in Georgia Starts Today
Top of the morning! Here is Your AM Rundown, with news updates in 400 words or less. Get caught up on headlines and other developments you might’ve missed. Here’s what to know for today: Today marks the first day in the three-week early voting period for the May 24 primary election. Voters can find polling […]
Posted inNews Roundup
Did This Metro City Just Say ‘No’ to Juneteenth?
Top of the morning! We made it to Friday, and there’s a three-day weekend ahead of us. First things first, here is Your AM Rundown, where you’ll get updates on local news to start the day. In 400 words or less, we will bring you up to speed on top stories and other developments you […]