This summer, Atlanta Way 2.0 and SaportaReport have teamed up for an initiative aimed at enhancing the civic fabric of greater Atlanta through impactful journalism. As part of this initiative, intern Gabriella Hart shares her insights and experiences from her ongoing research.
Gabriella Hart, a native of Atlanta and a current master’s degree student in Urban Studies at Georgia State University, began her internship with a foundational understanding of Atlanta as a civil rights hub. She recognized the city’s connection to Martin Luther King Jr. and “The Atlanta Way,” a collaborative framework between Black and white leaders that emerged in the 1950s to foster better race relations in a segregated South.
Her research traverses several decades, delving into the historical context of race relations in Atlanta, highlighting pivotal moments and the evolution of civic involvement. Conversations with significant figures such as Jill Savitt, the president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Maria Saporta, founder and CEO of SaportaReport and Atlanta Way 2.0, and Britton Edwards, COO of Atlanta Way 2.0, have shaped her understanding of the city’s progress and challenges.
One notable aspect of Atlanta’s historical landscape is the role of the Atlanta University Center, which has been instrumental in developing Black leadership. Jill Savitt emphasizes the importance of a professional Black leadership group that emerged alongside their white counterparts, allowing both groups to identify and collaborate on common goals.
During her research, Gabriella explored the dualities of Atlanta’s progress and systemic issues. The establishment of Techwood Homes in 1936 marked a milestone as the nation’s first public housing project. However, by the 1960s, it was evident that these housing initiatives came with significant drawbacks, such as concentrated poverty, prompting a shift towards mixed-income neighborhoods.
While Atlanta’s legacy includes significant strides in civil rights, it has also faced criticisms regarding its historical enforcement of federal laws to protect civil rights. Gabriella highlights a harrowing period when Georgia’s resistance to federal mandates was notably evident. For instance, Governor Eugene Talmadge’s objection to ‘The New Deal’ in the 1930s denied vital support to Black Americans and reflected a broader pattern of resistance.
Integration in Atlanta Public Schools did not commence until 1961, several years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954. Furthermore, in 1965, following King’s Nobel Peace Prize, civic leaders experienced a reluctant response to honor King until corporate pressure from figures like Coca-Cola’s J. Paul Austin shifted the narrative, leading to a sold-out gala in King’s honor attended by over 1,500 people.
King himself acknowledged the communal effort in a letter to Vice Mayor Sam Massell following the event, celebrating it as a symbol of Atlanta’s potential to rise above its past conflicts and work toward reconciliation.
As her research unfolds, Gabriella emphasizes the power of civic pressure in initiating societal change, noting the proactive steps taken by residents and organizations during troubling times. For instance, Black community leaders formed mutual aid networks during the Depression, and in response to Governor Ernest Vandiver’s threats to close integrated schools, the white civic group HOPE was established to support desegregation efforts.
Moreover, Gabriella uncovers post-Loving v. Virginia resistance within Georgia, demonstrated through the case of Betty and John Sanford, an interracial couple denied a marriage license, reflecting the state’s reluctance to conform to federal rulings.
Despite the complexities of Atlanta’s historical narrative, there are positive developments today. The leadership landscape has diversified, with women and people of color assuming more significant roles within city government compared to the predominantly white male leadership of bygone eras.
Atlanta Way 2.0 aims to amplify the importance of engaging all voices in building a robust civic framework in the Atlanta region. Gabriella expresses her vision of a future influenced by the wisdom woven into Atlanta’s history, underlining the importance of inclusivity in discussions around progress and development.
Savitt encourages young people like Gabriella by asserting that engagement doesn’t need to follow a prescribed manual. Instead, they are invited to immerse themselves in community meetings, connect with individuals impacted by civic decisions, and foster relationships with like-minded advocates.
Encouraged by her research, Gabriella feels empowered to be part of ongoing civic efforts to combat injustice and inequality in Atlanta. She notes that the path to creating a more equitable city is a collective endeavor, echoed by Edwards who articulated a quote from Mayor Andre Dickens regarding the necessity of collaborative problem-solving.
In reflecting on her journey thus far, Gabriella recognizes the importance of learning from the past. She appreciates the city’s spirit of collaboration and finds inspiration in the ongoing quest for justice in Atlanta.
As the summer unfolds, Gabriella Hart looks forward to delving deeper into the intricate relationship between Atlanta’s historical context and its current social landscape. Her aspirations for a future in urban planning or policy are rooted in the desire to contribute to a city that continues to evolve in a manner that is inclusive, thoughtful, and just.
image source from：https://saportareport.com/lessons-from-the-past-and-present/atlanta-way-2-0/atlantaway2-0/
