That '70s City: Politics

News

That '70s City: Politics

That '70s City: When Atlanta Came of Age

Jimmy Carter takes the oath of office as Georgia's governor from Justice Robert H. Jordan in 1971.

A son of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson was the first black mayor of Atlanta. But before becoming mayor, he graduated from North Carolina Central University's law school in 1964. In the above picture, Maynard Jackson hugs his mother, Irene Dobbs Jackson, and his first wife, Bunnie Jackson, also an NCCU graduate, after his election in 1973.

Maynard Jackson was declared the winner -- by referee Julian Bond -- during an exhibition boxing match against Muhammad Ali (on the canvas) in 1975. Jackson served as mayor from 1974 to 1982 and returned to office from 1990 to 1994. During his 12 years in office he helped create an Atlanta that boasted the world's busiest airport, allowed minorities to do business with the government, hosted the Olympic Games and attracted people to a black mecca. Atlanta's airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is named for him. As well as the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal. Jackson died in 2003.

Maynard Jackson takes the oath of office as Atlanta's mayor on Jan. 7, 1974, from Judge Luther Alverson.

Lester Maddox works behind the counter in his souvenir shop.

Former governor Lester Maddox stands in front of his souvenir store in Underground Atlanta in 1978.

John Lewis and wife, Lillian, campaign for his congressional run in 1977. Zell Miller is in the background.

Sen. Herman Talmadge talks with Georgia farmers in 1973.

In 1972, picketers appear at Highland Elementary School on North Avenue, protesting the possible busing of Atlanta students and a proposal to close the school under the Atlanta Board of Education's desegregation plan.

Ronald Reagan enters Georgia World Congress Center in 1979 to announce that he's running for president.

Shirley Franklin was a member of Atlanta's Art Committee in 1978.

Interracial gay couple Bob Salo (left) and Conde Peoples march in a gay pride celebration parade.

Anti-war protesters marched on Peachtree Street in 1970.

The Atlanta Journal from November 1976 blared Jimmy Carter's presidential victory over Gerald Ford.

Members of the Gay Rights Alliance march in 1977.

Jimmy Carter was sworn in as president in 1977.

1/16

Jimmy Carter takes the oath of office as Georgia's governor from Justice Robert H. Jordan in 1971.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Qualifying week in Georgia kicks off high-stakes filing frenzy

PHOTOS: Qualifying week begins in Georgia

Tucker head coach James Hartry

Photos: Cambridge defeats Tucker in second round of state basketball tournament

cedar grove, cairo

Photos: Cedar Grove defeats Cairo in first round of state tournament

Salem Campground Covington

PHOTOS: See the 'Places in Peril' across Georgia for 2026

More Galleries

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

01202026 day of protests

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort

PHOTOS: Georgia's first snowfall of the year

PHOTOS: Georgia's first snowfall of the year