Asia Woodard, a rising senior at Spelman College, shares her reflections on her experience thus far as an intern with Atlanta Way 2.0, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Atlanta’s civic fabric.
Although she was unfamiliar with the phrase “The Atlanta Way” before beginning her internship, Woodard has since taken the opportunity to delve into its meaning and significance.
Originally, the Atlanta Way describes the collaboration between black and white leaders in Atlanta from the 1960s through the early 2000s. The city was notable for its comparatively peaceful approach to resolving racial disparities during the civil rights movement, providing a model that other Southern cities at the time failed to emulate.
Despite its reputation, Woodard acknowledges that the original Atlanta Way was not without flaws. The initiative was largely male-dominated and maintained a structure that favored white civic leaders.
As a student at Spelman College, located within the Atlanta University Center (AUC), Woodard is learning about the significant role the AUC played during the civil rights movement. With prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. among its alumni, the AUC also served as a breeding ground for political activism.
King, a Morehouse College graduate, continued to be an influential figure in the Atlanta community post-graduation, deeply involved in his family’s church, Ebenezer Baptist Church. Under the leadership of his grandfather, Rev. A.D. Williams, the church focused on empowering the community by supporting black businesses and promoting homeownership among its members.
Civil rights activism saw a surge in the AUC in 1960, when students formed the Atlanta Student Movement, inspired by earlier protests in Greensboro, North Carolina. These young activists actively worked against segregation, aligning their efforts with the nonviolent principles championed by King and Gandhi.
The legacy of AUC students persists as they continue to fight for justice and equality within Atlanta, demonstrating the importance of community involvement in shaping a city that fosters cooperation.
While the original Atlanta Way fostered community connections, Woodard notes that it ultimately excluded many voices. In contrast, Atlanta Way 2.0 aims to bridge these gaps. Co-founded by Maria Saporta and Britton Edwards, this organization emphasizes inclusivity by engaging people of all genders, races, ages, and classes.
Woodard highlights her recent interview with Jill Savitt, the CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Savitt shared insights on the original Atlanta Way and acknowledged the exclusion of communities based on class and education, echoing the sentiments carried through history.
“Atlanta Way 2.0” represents a revival of this collaborative spirit, aimed at bringing diverse groups together to create an inclusive future for Atlanta. Savitt’s vision fosters hope for a city where all community members can engage and contribute to the civic dialogue.
Throughout her internship, Woodard has been afforded access to experiences and networking opportunities that may have otherwise eluded her. Her journey with Atlanta Way 2.0 aligns with her aspirations of uniting citizens and bolstering the interconnectedness that the organization champions.
The advice provided by Savitt resonated with Woodard; she encourages young people to network widely, as connections can shape future endeavors in unforeseen ways. In just a few weeks, Woodard has already established relationships in multiple fields, anticipating the potential for transformative experiences as she continues her summer internship.
Her fervent desire to refine her journalistic skills and represent the narratives of women and minorities shines through in her reflections.
Woodard’s dedication to storytelling and advocacy fuels her mission to highlight diverse perspectives in media, contributing to a more accurate and represented community.
In her journey as an intern at Atlanta Way 2.0, Woodard embraces the history and progress of Atlanta, eager to contribute to the evolving narrative of the city’s strive for inclusion and equity.
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