As the world looks back at 2023, AJC staff members are taking stock of what mattered in Black culture. In this story and others, we’re reviewing ATL’s year that was, for what it meant for the Black community and what might be next, because what happens in Atlanta never stays inside 285.
In this story, members of our staff share what parts of the culture they hope not to see in the new year. Additionally, AJC journalists talk about stories that should have received more attention.
Let us hear from you: Fill out this form and tell us your thoughts on the year in Black culture, and your answers could appear in a future AJC story.
Happy Holidays!
What is something we leave in 2023 and don’t want to revisit in 2024?
Writer and actor strikes! Pay the scribes and thespians what they deserve, and don’t let artificial intelligence devalue their craft.
Also, A.I., please don’t take my reporter gig. — Gavin Godfrey
Bad service brunch culture, where folks care more about being seen a certain way than hanging out with friends and eating good food with good service. — Mirtha Donastorg
Misinformation, but I know that won’t happen. — DeAsia Paige
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Rappers dying. It’s become way too normal for young Black people to be killed violently or die from drug overdose. Celebrity status doesn’t make it more important, but when so many people look up to these figures and they die so casually it makes me afraid that we’re missing an opportunity to change course. — Mike Jordan
Credit: Michael Blackshire
Credit: Michael Blackshire
What was something people should have paid more attention to in 2023?
The continued wealth gap that cloaks the fact that, while Atlanta is a Black Mecca, a lot of people are truly struggling and living day-to-day in certain parts of town — Ernie Suggs
Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com
Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com
The Fearless Fund case. The potential implications of the lawsuit are wide-reaching. — Mirtha Donastorg
Credit: Publicity photo. Arian Simone, Keshia Knight Pulliam
Credit: Publicity photo. Arian Simone, Keshia Knight Pulliam
The APS school board race’s impact on Black families. — Gavin Godfrey
Atlanta’s amapiano scene, which I plan to write a story about soon. — DeAsia Paige
The fact that the Michelin Guide is now in Atlanta. Keith Lee took all the oxygen out of the room when his reviews began showing up right after the Michelin ceremony, so everyone seemed to care less than they might have otherwise. And we know that there was an exchange of money for the Michelin Guide to come to Atlanta but I don’t think people stopped to ask why Atlanta (and not all of Georgia), and the answer might be tied to what’s going to happen here in 2026... — Mike Jordan
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