“Sweet Auburn”
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In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, there was a vibrant and thriving community referred to as "the richest Negro street in the world," it was not only a commercial center but also a cultural and spiritual hub for African American life before the civil rights movement.
The story of Sweet Auburn begins with its nickname, given by unofficial “mayor” of Atlanta John Wesley Dobbs whose grandson would become the first Black Mayor of Atlanta in 1961. You could find restaurants, law offices, doctors' offices, insurance companies, banks, churches, funeral homes, clubs, drugstores, and more. It was a place where African Americans could find opportunities for both commerce and community. Several institutions played a crucial role in providing credit and financial services to black homeowners who were often ignored or excluded by white lending institutions.
A key figure in the history of Sweet Auburn was the iconic civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was born and raised there. This street shaped the early life of the future visionary.
The Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge, built in 1937, served as a base for the Prince Hall Freemasons. It housed the office for Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Madam CJ Walker Beauty Shoppe—the first female millionaire in America—and the studio of WERD, the first African American-owned radio station.
Sweet Auburn's prosperity began to decline in the 1960s with the construction of the downtown connector. The construction of I-75/85 plowed through black communities and divided Sweet Auburn in two. The highway deliberately avoided direct access to Auburn Avenue, diverting traffic away from the once-thriving district.
The construction of the expressway displaced an estimated 30,000 residents, shattered communities, and forced several businesses to close their doors. Those who managed to survive the construction faced challenges in the form of reduced traffic and customers. The spirit of enterprise in Sweet Auburn was severely impacted by this disruptive development.
When you're in Atlanta, tap in with Unexpected Atlanta for tours of the city.
HELLA INSPIRED.
The story of Sweet Auburn begins with its nickname, given by unofficial “mayor” of Atlanta John Wesley Dobbs whose grandson would become the first Black Mayor of Atlanta in 1961. You could find restaurants, law offices, doctors' offices, insurance companies, banks, churches, funeral homes, clubs, drugstores, and more. It was a place where African Americans could find opportunities for both commerce and community. Several institutions played a crucial role in providing credit and financial services to black homeowners who were often ignored or excluded by white lending institutions.
A key figure in the history of Sweet Auburn was the iconic civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was born and raised there. This street shaped the early life of the future visionary.
The Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge, built in 1937, served as a base for the Prince Hall Freemasons. It housed the office for Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Madam CJ Walker Beauty Shoppe—the first female millionaire in America—and the studio of WERD, the first African American-owned radio station.
Sweet Auburn's prosperity began to decline in the 1960s with the construction of the downtown connector. The construction of I-75/85 plowed through black communities and divided Sweet Auburn in two. The highway deliberately avoided direct access to Auburn Avenue, diverting traffic away from the once-thriving district.
The construction of the expressway displaced an estimated 30,000 residents, shattered communities, and forced several businesses to close their doors. Those who managed to survive the construction faced challenges in the form of reduced traffic and customers. The spirit of enterprise in Sweet Auburn was severely impacted by this disruptive development.
When you're in Atlanta, tap in with Unexpected Atlanta for tours of the city.
HELLA INSPIRED.