The faces of Atlanta - special advertising section - Advertisement

Black Enterprise, March, 2004

Imagine a place that is diverse in every element of its existence. A place where big business meets big fun ... A place where many pages of African American history were penned by the blood, courage, tenacity and faith of Atlantans; a place where the entrepreneurial spirit runs rampant, a place that transforms dreams into vision and vision into economic power. A place where people make a difference and reshape the way we interact with each other and the way we do business locally, nationally and globally.

Atlanta is a place like no other.... whether you return to the past and experience the historic, economic good times of the "Sweet Auburn" district--which hosts the Atlanta Life Insurance Co. founded in 1905 by Alonzo Herndon, the headquarters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site and the Royal Peacock Lounge--where every Black musician who made it performed, or whether you delve into present day where an entity like the Atlanta Daily World, one of the nation's oldest Black owned newspapers, has been a catalyst in the publishing world paving the way for Atlanta-based and other publications. The city has over 25 viable African American newspapers and magazines.

These days, Atlanta is home to over 60,000 minority owned businesses, thanks to organizations like the Atlanta Business League, headed by executive director Leona Barr Davenport. Since 1933, the nonprofit ABL has provided economic empowerment and business development opportunities for minority owned businesses throughout metropolitan Atlanta. The entrepreneurial spirit always has been a part of Atlanta's history. In fact, there were so many thriving black owned businesses along busy Auburn Avenue that it was once dubbed "The Wall Street of Black America." African American businesses in 2004 are not limited to Auburn Avenue--but that early entrepreneurial drive is reflected in the ongoing success of companies like The Gourmet Companies: Matlock Advertising and Public Relations, founded by Kent Matlock; the Harrell Companies, founded by auto dealer Steve Harrell; Moody Construction and its founder Dave Moody, and Baranco Automotive and its founders Greg and Juanita Baranco.

Lea O'Neal came to Atlanta 20 years ago and saw the need to get newcomers together to learn the city and network with each other. She formed Black Atlanta Transplants and now has a multicultural database that reaches thousands with information on what to do in the city. NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson opened the Magic Johnson Multiplex Cinemas in Atlanta in 1996, and has subsequently opened 2 Starbucks Coffee Houses and a Magic Johnson TGI Friday's Restaurant.

It is also home to a growing, thriving middle class. According to the most recent U.S. Census figures, Atlanta has the highest number of black middle income household in the nation. Thanks to the prosperity of the '90s, the city has become the top destination in the country for middle and upper income blacks. Consequently, new housing developments are springing up all over the city and its suburban areas, many with African American developers, like H.J. Russell and Company--now headed by 2nd generation President and COO H. Jerome Russel, as well as builders and architects. New home prices appeal to all budgets, from $140,000 3-bedroom homes up to $1,000,000 multi-room mansions that sit on 2 or 3 acres within new gated communities.

Known as Black Mecca, Atlanta once again has been recently named the number one destination for African American travelers, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. With international credentials, Atlanta knows how to entertain. Venues such as the Georgia Dome, Phillips Arena, Centennial Olympic Park and Turner Field have hosted some of the world's largest major athletic events, from the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, the 1994 and 2000 Super Bowls, 2003 NBA All Star Game, and numerous World Series, to SEC championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Georgia Power Annual Football Classic of 100 Black Men; Atlanta definitely knows sports. It is the home of major league professional sports teams--the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Thrashers. Consequently, many major league athletes call Atlanta home, even those who don't play for local teams. Brian Jordan of Major League Baseball and Glenn Robinson of the NBA are just two pro athletes who reside in the city. Other residents include Atlanta Falcon quarterback phenom Michael Vick as well as former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, and baseball's homerun king (and automobile entrepreneur) Hank Aaron.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest, provides an easy transition from most major cities within the U.S. Atlanta has long been an attractive destination for conventions, meetings, festivals and the arts. It has grown into an icon for multicultural activities. Under the leadership of executive director Stephanie Hughley, the National Black Arts Festival has escalated to an annual event that still commands the "best of the best" performances and international talent, drawing artists and visitors from across the African Diaspora to this 10-day festival of art and culture. Groups such as the National Medical Association, the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, the National Association of Black Journalists, the 100 Black Men of America, the National Baptist Convention, Delta Sigma Theta, and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce all have successfully hosted their meetings here. In 2004 the city looks to host the mega-conference of the T.D. Jakes Ministries, drawing more than 150,000 attendees as well as the Links, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (the Shriners) and the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show.