The Atlanta Way gained significant attention at the Rotary Club of Atlanta’s meeting on June 23, marking a pivotal moment for community engagement as it reflects on the organization’s legacy.
This gathering served as a reminder of the Rotary Club’s long-standing role in unifying the Atlanta community, a mission that has evolved yet persisted over decades.
The inspiration behind this recent dialogue can be traced back to September 20, 2021, when Rotarians Egbert Perry and Larry Gellerstedt posed a critical question: Is Atlanta losing its way?
This thought-provoking discussion led to the creation of Atlanta Way 2.0, a nonprofit dedicated to bolstering the civic fabric of the region.
The board of Atlanta Way 2.0 boasts many members with connections to Rotary, including Perry and Gellerstedt, creating a blend of legacy and new initiatives aimed at community revitalization.
During the June 23 meeting, Atlanta Way 2.0 facilitated a follow-up discussion focused on reanimating the principles of the legacy Atlanta Way, fostering renewed energy and commitment across the entire community.
This meeting occurred at a significant moment, being one of the final gatherings during Adrian Cronje’s year as president of Atlanta Rotary.
Throughout his presidency, Cronje emphasized the importance of “Calls to Action” from speakers, aiming to encourage the community to collaboratively strengthen Atlanta.
He suggested a program to review these Calls to Action, merging them with the active engagement envisioned by Atlanta Way 2.0.
The centerpiece of the program was a panel discussion, expertly moderated by Jill Savitt, the president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and a board member of Atlanta Way 2.0.
Savitt was joined by a panel of influential figures: former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Egbert Perry, both honorary co-chairs of Atlanta Way 2.0, along with Chris Escobar, the executive director of the Atlanta Film Society and owner of the Tara and Plaza movie theaters.
To set the stage for the discussion, a four-minute video produced by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights highlighted key moments from the legacy Atlanta Way, particularly how community leaders ensured that Martin Luther King Jr. was honored in his hometown on January 27, 1965.
Savitt pointed out that the legacy Atlanta Way is primarily recognized for its role in mediating racial differences during the Civil Rights era.
She stated, “The idea was for pragmatic collaboration and negotiation between Black and white leaders for the best interests of the city.”
However, Savitt acknowledged that the Atlanta Way concept faced criticism for predominantly involving powerful individuals and failing to include those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the conversation.
A commitment is now in place among community leaders to invigorate the Atlanta Way, creating a revitalized Atlanta Way 2.0.
Franklin reflected on the historical roots of the Atlanta Way, linking it to the city’s emergence as a central hub for railroads where individuals pursued their dreams and aspirations.
For over a century, Atlanta has embraced people from diverse backgrounds, converting this melting pot into what has become known as the Atlanta Way.
“This has turned into the Atlanta Way that’s a welcoming place,” Franklin noted.
Perry emphasized that the essence of the Atlanta Way revolves around ‘big ideas.’
Having moved to Atlanta 45 years ago, he remarked on how, at that time, the city was home to about a quarter of the regional population, which fostered a collective concern for the city’s well-being.
Yet, as the city’s population has dwindled to less than one-tenth of the region, the capacity for transformational initiatives has spread out, complicating cohesive community efforts.
“There are challenges with being able to maintain the Atlanta Way – all sides coming together to do big things,” Perry said.
Escobar added that while many cities are characterized by their natural landscapes, Atlanta stands out due to the unique opportunities for achievement it offers individuals who might not find similar prospects elsewhere.
“Atlanta is incredible because it is a place where people have been able to achieve here that they probably would not have achieved anywhere else in business and civic life,” he explained, emphasizing that the city’s status as a crossroads—whether through railroads, highways, the airport, or the internet—has continually drawn people ready to engage in significant endeavors.
Interestingly, none of the panelists were Atlanta natives, with Perry hailing from Antigua and Escobar from Colombia, underscoring the city’s status as a diverse melting pot.
Savitt then raised a pressing question regarding how the region can better support those who feel left behind.
Franklin suggested that fostering a sense of community begins with a collective effort that emphasizes listening and understanding.
“It seems to me that we sometimes rush to the conclusion, and maybe we need to step back and do a little more listening,” she stated.
Perry asserted the importance of reviving a civic responsibility ethos, urging that civic engagement is as vital as paying office rent.
Escobar shared a personal story, reflecting on his humble beginnings.
“I’m in that small percentage that have come from below the poverty line, but now I own two businesses,” he said.
He credited others for the opportunities he received, highlighting that his success is intricately linked to a supportive community.
The discussion then transitioned to a critical theme: how to replicate Escobar’s journey of upward economic mobility in Atlanta, particularly given the concerning statistics.
Metro Atlanta has recently ranked last among the 50 major regions in terms of upward economic mobility.
While Charlotte was at the bottom with Atlanta just one spot ahead, the Charlotte community effectively rallied to address this challenge, improving its ranking in the past year.
As a result, Atlanta’s initiative, Atlanta Way 2.0, aims to reverse this troubling trend by galvanizing community efforts.
On September 25, Atlanta Way 2.0 will host an event titled “Atlanta Way Day,” focusing on the theme of upward economic mobility.
Sherri Chisholm from Charlotte’s Leading on Opportunity program will share insights on implementing changes that have the potential to uplift communities.
A panel of local leaders will respond to Chisholm’s insights, generating a rich dialogue on tackling economic challenges in Atlanta.
This progress represents significant strides for Atlanta Way 2.0, which was initiated in September 2021.
Early on, Ann Cramer, the board chair of Atlanta Way 2.0, creatively described the participants in this movement as “activators.”
To date, there are over 750 activators who have committed to fostering connections, welcoming new residents, bridging gaps, and showing compassion to those facing challenges.
With a call to action, Atlanta Way 2.0 invites everyone to “Join the Movement” and contribute to the collective effort toward an improved Atlanta.
In closing, it has been an honor for the organizers, including myself and colleagues, to launch Atlanta Way 2.0 alongside esteemed board members, honorary co-chairs, and dedicated community partners.
This is only the beginning of an impactful journey!
image source from：saportareport
