BIPOC

Atlanta Negro Voters League: Strength in Unity explores the history and legacy of the grassroots voting rights organization that influenced Atlanta elections from 1949 to 1965.

In the decades between the end of Reconstruction and the beginning of Jim Crow, Black men in the South could still hold political positions and power. One such politician was Henry Allen Rucker, whose work as Collector of Internal Revenue helped to inspire his daughter’s work as an anti-segregation and voting rights activist. This article tells their story.

Explore Elizabeth McDuffie’s journey from personal cook and maid for the Inman family and President Franklin Roosevelt to a civil rights advocate. Known for her ambition, she was considered for the role of Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” Despite not getting the role, McDuffie championed equal rights and workers’ rights for African Americans.

American barbecue’s origins are deeply rooted in Black and Indigenous American culinary traditions. Indigenous peoples used open fire pits for cooking for over 10,000 years, and the term “barbecue” evolved from the Taino and West African words “brabacot” and “babbake.” Despite modern associations with suburban men, barbecue spread across the U.S. through migration and has diverse regional styles.

As part of our Civic Season programming, we break down the origins and cultural significance of the regional divides in barbecue.

The Lost Friends Database compiles ads from the Southwestern Christian Advocate newspaper, where African Americans searched for family members separated by the domestic slave trade. Including ads referencing Atlanta, this database highlights the city’s role in this period. These ads provide a poignant glimpse into personal stories of separation and efforts to reconnect families.

Explore the rich heritage of African American cuisine, from the enduring traditions of West African dishes to the culinary innovations of enslaved chefs like James Hemings. Learn how iconic foods like cala, macaroni and cheese, and bean pie symbolize resilience, cultural preservation, and the profound impact of Black chefs on American culinary history, celebrated through generations.

Join La’Neice Littleton, Ph.D., historian and Director of Community Collaborations, for an exploration of people, places, and events in Atlanta’s Black history.

Dexter Scott King, the youngest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., passed away after battling prostate cancer. A dedicated civil rights activist, he carried on his family’s legacy, advocating for nonviolence, social justice, and animal rights. King’s life work emphasized compassion and equality, reflecting his deep commitment to his parents’ vision.

More Than Brave tells the story of Henry Aaron from his time in Mobile, Alabama, to his record making baseball career and through his life as a leader in baseball, business and charitable causes.

Black churches played a crucial role in community building, social justice, and the civil rights movement in the Black community. Beyond being spiritual havens, Black churches were also pivotal in nurturing the growth of gospel music.

George “Ed” Merritt’s life encapsulates a journey from the racial violence of early 20th century Georgia to becoming a local civil rights champion in Buford. Born in 1913, after his family fled racial terror in Forsyth County, Merritt served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later became a community leader. His political career peaked when he was elected to the Buford School Board in 1973, reflecting the broader struggle for civil rights in Georgia. Merritt’s legacy, highlighted by his advocacy for voting and education, endures in Buford, where a street now bears his name.

The evolution of Black women’s fashion reflects a journey of resilience and expression. Beginning during enslavement with enforced dress codes, Black women used fashion as a form of rebellion, showcasing their identity through headwraps and vibrant fabrics. Post-emancipation, they influenced trends as skilled seamstresses and embraced popular styles. The 20th century saw fashion align with social movements, from dignified “Sunday’s Best” in the civil rights era to natural hair as a symbol of protest during the Black Power Movement. This enduring legacy highlights the creativity and adaptability of Black women in fashion.