Atlanta History - Sweet Auburn
Atlanta, GA -
Margaret Mitchell wrote the classic, "Gone With
the Wind," in her apartment in Atlanta, Ga. The images of beautiful
plantations and the "Old South" are forever captured in this great
novel. Audiences everywhere fell in love with Scarlett and her confidant
and friend, Mammy. But, the days of slavery and the stereotypes
that went along with the movie are, fortunately, no longer. And
it is only fitting that the changes began in Atlanta, also known
as... "The Gateway to the South!"
Sweet Auburn is actually several blocks of black owned businesses and residential property along Auburn Avenue. Auburn Avenue is a place where legends were born and are still remembered. The most well-known being the great Martin Luther King, Jr.
King lost his life to an assassin while fighting for equal rights for people of every skin color. He was instrumental in initiating the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. A holiday in his honor has been established, and his life's work is commemorated each and every year on King's birthday, January 15th.
The historic district of Sweet Auburn
is a symbol of leadership and pride for African Americans, as
well as the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement.
King was born and raised on this famous street in a house that has withstood the ravages of time since 1895. Auburn Avenue is also home to the Gothic Revival Ebenezer Baptist Church where three generations of the King family have preached for the last 80 years. Follow the "River of Life" leading to his tomb, and you'll find this famous quote, "Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!"
At the early age of 38, King was finally free from a world of segregation and suppression. To make King's "dream" become a reality, the Center for Non-Violent Social Change has carried on with King's mission and can also be found on this remarkable street of dreams. But, Sweet Auburn's claim to fame doesn't end there.
