Black mecca math: How does Atlanta stack up? It’s complicated.

Our AJC data team helps us make sense of city and metro area trends.

Atlanta: America’s Black Mecca? (Philip Robibero/AJC illustration) ( Philip Robibero / AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Black trail rides, straddling tradition and virality, gaining popularity in Atlanta

Trail rides are “part of an ongoing tradition Black communities, especially in the South, have maintained and are just now being amplified,” said one organizer.

From racetracks to runways: Black brand highlights Kentucky Derby's forgotten history

The Kentucky Derby is known for its racetrack action, colorful fashion, and mint juleps... but what about its Black history? Credits: Libr. of Congress | AAMLO

Credit: Getty Images

RHONE: Refunds from health care providers? The check is in the mail

When patients are overcharged, a refund process that prioritizes speed, communication and transparency should be the goal.

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Black-tie gala will honor Atlanta icon Andrew Young

“Forever Young: A Tribute to Andrew Young” will recognize the former Atlanta mayor as a towering figure “whose journey has shaped not just Atlanta, but the nation and world.”

The LineUp

FRI

SAT

Amanda Williams: We Say What Black This Is

February 7 – May 24, 2025

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

350 Spelman Ln, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, USA

Description

We Say What Black This Is celebrates the diversity, resilience and depth of Blackness while challenging simplistic definitions of Black identity. The exhibition features works from Williams' series What Black is this, You Say?, created in response to the ‘Blackout Tuesday’ social media moment in 2020. The exhibit will include a new abstract painting by Williams and student-written didactic labels.

Upcoming Events

APR

Sacred Spaces: The Legacy of Black Churches in Cherokee County

221 East Marietta Street, Canton, GA 30114, USA

APR

NYC By Way of EAV > The Pub @ EAV's Bodega Bar Pop-Up

469 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, USA

MAY

Mother's Day Candle Making Workshop

79 Main Street Northwest, Suite D, Lilburn, GA 30047, USA

MAY

I Love the '80s Dance Party

553 Amsterdam Atlanta 30306

MAY

Cocktails and Castoffs: Atlanta

290 Elizabeth St NE F, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA

Full List

Food & Entertainment

Credit: Amy Harris/Invision/AP

Post Malone, Robert Glasper among Atlanta concert highlights in May

Shows you should see this month include Post Malone, Xscape, Ivan Cornejo, Robert Glasper and a gospel extravaganza featuring the Manns, Karen Clark-Sheard and Tye Tribbett.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Atlanta’s National Black Arts Festival to have new leader, after 2 key resignations

Leatrice Ellzy Wright, who served as program director for the National Black Arts Festival from 2002-2012, will become its CEO July 1, 2025.

Add these great Black culture books to your May reading list

CONCERT REVIEW

Kendrick Lamar, SZA are at the peak of their powers at Atlanta show

Kendrick Lamar and SZA alternated sessions, but also performed together during a great performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tuesday night as part of their Grand National Tour.

Fashion

Credit: The Athlete's Foot

After shaky social media debut, ‘404 Day!’ Adidas sneakers set to hit stores

The limited-edition Adidas Superstar shoe sparked a range of emojis in initial reactions.

Rapper Trinidad James brings ‘Hommewrk’ apparel shop to Underground Atlanta

The ‘All Gold Everything’ rapper opens retail space in the former home of an Underground Atlanta sneaker shop where he worked.

Atlanta influencers balance demands of content creation with 9-to-5s

Juggling multiple jobs, while challenging, has provided a sense of stability amid uncertainty about the future of platforms like TiKTok.

Atlanta-based bodysuit line LUSCA disrupts women’s fashion through comfort

Attorney Toby Morgan tells the story of how she created her innovative, Atlanta-based apparel brand.

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Our Team

Mike Jordan

Mike Jordan is senior editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture brand, UATL.

Ernie Suggs

Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. A 1990 graduate of N.C.

Christopher A. Daniel

Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Gavin Godfrey

Gavin Godfrey is a senior reporter for the AJC who covers Black culture, entertainment, and diversity.

Najja Parker

Najja Parker is a video and news correspondent for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture team.

Mirtha Donastorg

Mirtha Donastorg is a reporter on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s business team focusing on Black wealth, entrepreneu

DeAsia Paige

DeAsia is a music and culture reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Brooke Leigh Howard

Brooke Leigh Howard is a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Black culture team, UATL.

2 Atlanta designers promote Caribbean culture through festivals, fashion line

Igloo Atlanta, an outdoor Caribbean music festival returns to Lithonia for its 10th anniversary. Two of the promoters also have a Jamaican-inspired clothing line, RepJA.

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC