Atlanta is creating a ripple effect felt around the world as film studios build a new black Hollywood and blue stripes redefine our country’s political future. This portfolio celebrates the city’s collective strength and rich tapestry of creative talent.
What makes Atlanta so sacred? It was the center of everything that matters: music, art, film, and politics, as recent events demonstrate. But now, perhaps due to the spotlight on politics, people are paying attention to the city’s limitless potential and the outstanding talents living there.
One such person is Dr. Joycelyn Wilson, assistant professor of hip-hop research and digital media at the University of Georgia Tech’s Ivan Allen University, who wrote an essay for the March issue, which explains Atlanta’s rich history and cultural importance, especially for the black community. I wrote. “Like Wah Kanda, Atlanta is a special place for black Americans,” she wrote. “The difference is that there are some of the Mecca myths that really exist. First, this is the birthplace of Dr. King. His noble actions made Atlanta one of the most culturally resilient cities in the southern United States. Second, Atlanta is We’ve applied it over and over again, mixing music, culture and business with progressive democratic politics, a secret source that helps keep the city blue and, more recently, the traditional red state.”
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The spirit of cooperation and community also flows freely throughout the city. For this portfolio, two sets of Atlanta-based photographers, Ahmad Barber, Donté Maurice, and Chrisean Rose from AB+DM have come together to create a roster of local politicians, business owners, and artists who will showcase the city’s diverse and impressive look. Thought leadership. Below, creators share their perspective and passion for the place they call home.
“Atlanta isn’t a perfect metropolis. It’s not a big city, but it’s unique. Over the years, it hasn’t been fully admired for training generations to settle for national and international influence,” Wilson said. Because of the people and cultural currency that make up the vibranium of. Atlanta is our and Kanda. People from here have always been aware of the superpower potential and now the rest of the world is finally seeing too.”
Okorie “OkCello” Johnson
Cellist and composer
Atlanta is where I decided to become a black man and an artist, find love with my wife, and raise a daughter. This is where all my passions and talents find purpose and expression. I believe that all of that can only happen in Atlanta.
Honestly it’s black. I am so proud of the black history, present and future of this city. If it’s good and black, here it is. If there is a problem with black people across the country, it is here too. That doesn’t mean Atlanta doesn’t belong to any other race, ethnicity, community, or point of view. I’m sure other people in different groups feel about Atlanta just like me.
It happened in the late 80s and 90s that the Black Atlantans signaled creative, artistic and alternative black people across the country through art. We came and stayed and made art. But it is more difficult now. The city is much more expensive. But honestly it didn’t seem to slow down one’s soul.
It is a magical city and is the closest place to Kanda with Wah I know. Most importantly, Atlanta is this new American place we are building, and the last elections are proof of that. Atlanta and its surroundings are why Georgia chose Blue. You are welcome, USA.
Jay Chena Almond
Model, mother, and founder of the Tender Foundation
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
The people who make Atlanta. Black people who drive and promote culture.
What makes the city most proud of?
Legacy.
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What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
recognition. Atlanta is beginning to be included in conversations with cities like LA and NYC. The urban scene didn’t require external verification, but here it offers bigger and better opportunities for creative people. Artists here were forced to pay attention and recognize the city’s talent.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
Atlanta affects everything.
Acorn Adi Cole
Model
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
Atlanta is a furnace. I have found that the city is open and inviting to anyone and everyone. Not valid for most other communities.
What makes the city most proud of?
Atlanta is definitely a black city. This is one of the few cities where topics such as diversity, inclusion, representation, and political power for blacks are not just eager stories. Only discussing these issues can make a difference in your community.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
It’s a place where you can blatantly express your art and culture. Atlanta supports thriving black businesses, collaboration within the community, resource sharing and queer visibility at a level not seen in other cities.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
Atlanta has taken its place and continues to grow. I’m forever grateful that I can be part of something in the middle of shaping myself rather than forcing myself or acclimatizing to a society that doesn’t always get my best interest in mind.
Porsche Williams
ATLANTA CAST member activist and real housewife
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
The city is so vivid with culture. Walk down the BeltLine and you’ll get a rolling view of all types of people: skaters, Caribbean music fans, gourmets, bikers, parents, Black Lives Matter supporters, workaholics at rest, and art connoisseurs.
What makes the city most proud of?
Rich citizenship history. Streets like Auburn Avenue and Hosea Williams Boulevard boast homes where citizenship leaders met to plan actions to advance the country.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
Atlanta has some of the most beautiful hotels. Have a Cobb salad at Del Frisco’s across the street, then get a massage at the Waldorf Hotel! On Memorial Day, be sure to visit Wyatt’s BBQ, Old Lady Gang on Peters Street, and The Original Hot Dog Factory in downtown. Of course, everyone should visit Centennial Park. It’s the starting point for the Coca-Cola World, Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, CNN Center, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the BLM protests in Atlanta in early 2020. And I love going through Tyler Perry Studios. What he has accomplished is admirable and encouraging!
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What should the outside world know about ATL?
Atlanta has HBCU’s Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morris Brown College.
Lacey Duke
director
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
Atlanta is a welcoming city. I was born or raised in Atlanta but very quickly felt like home. It’s a thriving black city with a rich history and heritage, and you can feel it seep through the atmosphere every day.
What makes the city most proud of?
I have always felt that Atlanta is one large, supportive community. You can find like-minded individuals and actually build with them. There are no barriers to entry.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
The film and music industry is huge, but it’s still quite new, so people can make their own votes. It’s actually an interesting mix of people from Atlanta and people from all over the world together. It’s very special.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
Atlanta is now the epicenter of culture. These connections between people here gave birth to some of the greatest movements and moments in American history.
Pinky Cole
Entrepreneur and founder of SLUTTY VEGAN RESTAURANT
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
The days of having to go to New York or LA to make it are over. Now, if you have a dream and work hard, you can succeed in Atlanta. This is what I like the most in this city.
What makes the city most proud of?
I started my restaurant, Slutty Vegan ATL. I am proud to have built something that gives me the opportunity to give back using my platform through my non-profit organization, the Pinky Cole Foundation. We left our mark in Atlanta and will continue to do so.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
Atlanta is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I love the murals around the city. Culture is one of the Black Pride and Black Excellences that showcase the city’s rich history.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
Atlanta radiates Black Excellence in every possible way.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
I love the Atlanta possibilities. This is where you can dream big and know that dreams can be formed, no matter who you are or where you come from. There is homage to this uniqueness that sets us apart from other cities in the world, especially in African American society.
What makes the city most proud of?
I am most proud of our place in history. We are the cradle of the American citizenship movement and Dr. It is the birth and final haven of Martin Luther King, Jr. Growing up and living in Atlanta, it was commonplace to see history book icons in the church. Exercise in the gym at the grocery store. When I was doing triathlon training and practicing swimming at the YMCA in southwest Atlanta, Ambassador Andrew Young came in and said he stood by the pool and said he had the worst kick he had ever seen. Then he taught me how to improve swimming. Only in Atlanta!
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
For decades, Atlanta has been known as the world’s hip-hop capital, but over the past decade, the film and film industry has flourished. Expect to see peaches and the words “Made in Georgia” appear in the final credits of most TV shows and movies. Tyler Perry and other major Hollywood productions have made a huge investment in our community. A few years ago the production company hired its own production team. Atlanta is currently educating and nurturing domestic talent for production operations. We are truly South Hollywood.
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What should the outside world know about ATL?
We are a multifaceted city that is constantly evolving. Atlanta affects everything! There are incomparable synergies between our businesses, charities, governments, arts and cultural communities. Our administration has committed to our community that no one will be left behind in all the developments of our city. We are not a perfect city, but we work every day to fulfill Dr. King’s dream to create a society based on a loving community, a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love for fellow human beings.
Lauren Amos
Owner of SNEAKER-CONCEPT STORE WISH ATL
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
Its spirit, passion and vitality. Atlanta has emerged as a cultural hub for film, music, art and fashion. It’s been a huge spotlight in Georgia over the past year and we’ve been delighted to see it at such an important time in our history.
What makes the city most proud of?
Atlanta is known for its activist spirit, and its centerpiece is powered by young, hard-working and creative people who want to change the world. I am proud of the young leaders who work hard to tackle the real challenges we face right now. As one of the most diverse cities in the South, we have practical conversations about institutional racism, inclusion, diversity and equity.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
There is certainly a growing need for global fashion and streetwear within the local culture. I have always been passionate about bringing my discoveries from all over the world to my community. So I opened the WISH ATL in 2004.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
Once known as a small town in the south, Atlanta is now a world-class city with a rich, vibrant, creative and innovative arts community.
Sean Bankhead
Dancers and choreographers
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
Wherever they go in the world, people are fascinated by the fact that Atlanta is always ahead of trends. Especially when it comes to dance, music and entertainment.
What makes the city most proud of?
When I first started my career as a choreographer, I did something contrary to the norms and made difficult decisions when I left California and returned to Atlanta. The most successful ever since. I am proud to be able to showcase my Atlanta talent globally. When people see Atlanta dancers at work, they know we mean business!
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
Atlanta has no trapped experience. Always find a new atmosphere, develop more original talents and become stronger.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
We are the family here. We enjoy supporting each other and creating.
Sky Lynn
Art Director, Photographer, Founder of PINKER TIMES
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
Living in Atlanta can always be curious. Each pocket in the city has its own personality, authentic cultural experience and delicious cuisine.
What makes the city most proud of?
The city not only embraces change and growth, it nurtures and advocates for artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and people with a real vision that needs to be seen. It’s one of the fastest growing cities, but there’s so much warmth and hospitality.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
Overdue recognition and attention Atlanta deserves! People and businesses are coming without leaving.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
What can i say It is a city that always moves. Don’t be scared by traffic jams. We are pretty awesome.
Keith Reeves
COMPANY ballet dancer, ATLANTA ballet
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
Diverse art community.
What makes the city most proud of?
Our history rooted in the civil rights movement.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
I see more and more black creatives moving here every year.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
The Atlanta arts community is thriving and full of rich culture.
Amiya Scott
Trans actors and models
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
I love that it encourages self-expression and allows me to be free to find my tribe.
What makes the city most proud of?
I am proud that a city other than my hometown can still feel like home. She evacuated New Orleans at age 17 due to Hurricane Katrina. My family lost everything and had to start over. Atlanta was the springboard of my career. What seemed like a nightmare turned into a dream.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
Atlanta is becoming Black Hollywood. I’m so happy to hear a black voice, show a black talent, and the opportunity is made for us.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
You have reached the capacity. I’m kidding! Atlanta is a magical city and a place to make your dreams come true. I am the proof.
Alex Del Roach Davis
Marketing manager of the Go Art Museum, the founder of GALLERIE88
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
It is a city and a community. It is a great place to raise children, the weather is nice and the people are friendly. At the same time, it is a hub of business and creativity where people can collaborate and gather resources to build a monument of Black Excellence.
What makes the city most proud of?
Atlanta is a city of dreamers who believe in themselves and each other. It is very empowering to work with incredibly talented people in all industries including business, art, music and technology. They are people who look like me, understand where I am from, and [know] what inspires me.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
Atlanta has a rich cultural history. From the Grammy-winning recording artist to the Grammy-winning symphony, you can’t even talk about music without talking about Atlanta. What has changed is awareness. There are people who have devoted their lives to advancing Atlanta’s art and culture, and the fruit of their efforts are now recognized as artists finding themselves on the world stage. People are coming here to know what it is and this is causing more excitement for young people to participate as producers as well as investors.
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What should the outside world know about ATL?
Atlanta is an exciting place, but it’s also a serious place. Here, the amount of brain power from top to bottom as well as from bottom to top is excellent. It is a model for a city where everyone participates and every voice matters.
Joycelyn Wilson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of HIP-HOP Research and Digital Media of IVAN ALLEN COLLEGE of GEORGIA TECH
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
There’s no other place like Atlanta! Nowhere can I see people who look like me every day. There is energy infused into the culture of Atlanta. No matter where my itinerary goes, Atlanta is home.
What makes the city most proud of?
When Atlanta appears. Take these last two important elections: the general election and the Senate final. We showed up and showed! We pride ourselves on being a city with a strong history of citizenship and human rights.
What are the most important changes in the arts and culture scene?
The most significant change took place in 1994 when Outkast declared “There is something to say in the south” and GOODie MOb asked “What do you really know about Dirty South?” Those statements and questions have turned their attention to the arts, music and culture emerging from Atlanta and the area.
What should the outside world know about ATL?
The rest of the world should respect Atlanta’s name. It doesn’t mean that it sounds harsh, but the city knows how to revitalize its culture to develop progressive politics while dealing with poverty and homelessness issues. Part of that revitalization lies in the coalitions that blacks and whites have built together since at least the 50s.
