UATL | Black Atlanta Culture and News

KING'S CHAPEL

Morehouse’s beloved Dean Carter retires after 47 years

Fireworks at Stone Mountain Park

The revolution will be literary: 5 books from Black authors to read in July

women in business

404WARD

These 6 Black women are reshaping the music business in Atlanta and beyond

The LineUp

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Sacred Spaces: The Legacy of Black Churches in Cherokee County

April 9 – August 30, 2025

Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

221 East Marietta Street, Canton, GA 30114, USA

Description

Black churches in Cherokee County, born from the resilience of the enslaved and newly freed in the 1800s, became far more than places of worship—they were the beating heart of the Black community. These sacred spaces nurtured minds with education, empowered voices in political and social movements, and provided a sanctuary where culture and faith thrived. From uplifting sermons and joyous fifth Sunday gatherings to shared meals and unwavering support, these churches embodied strength, unity, and the unshakable spirit of a people determined to rise.

The Cherokee County History is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. Please check historycherokee.org for updates on hours.

Description

Black churches in Cherokee County, born from the resilience of the enslaved and newly freed in the 1800s, became far more than places of worship—they were the beating heart of the Black community. These sacred spaces nurtured minds with education, empowered voices in political and social movements, and provided a sanctuary where culture and faith thrived. From uplifting sermons and joyous fifth Sunday gatherings to shared meals and unwavering support, these churches embodied strength, unity, and the unshakable spirit of a people determined to rise.

The Cherokee County History is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. Please check historycherokee.org for updates on hours.

Upcoming Events

"We Are Music" Photo Exhibit

"We Are Music" Photo Exhibit

399 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

WE ARE MUSIC: photographs by Jim Alexander & Sue Ross

WE ARE MUSIC: photographs by Jim Alexander & Sue Ross

399 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30312, USA

Aliah Sheffield Live in Atlanta!

Aliah Sheffield Live in Atlanta!

515 N Mcdonough Decatur 30030

The Happy Black Parent 4th Annual Children's Book Festival

The Happy Black Parent 4th Annual Children's Book Festival

352 University Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA

Omar

Omar

PONCE CITY MARKET, 650 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

Black Outside

Frank Ski with children attending one of his annual Frank Ski Kids Foundation educational trips. (Courtesy of Frank Ski Kids Foundation)

How three Atlanta hip-hop radio personalities embrace the outdoors

Radio vets Frank Ski, Greg Street and Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan find pleasure and relaxation in the Great Outdoors and created platforms to get Atlantans involved.

Nature Gurlz: Black women in their 50s to 80s finding friendship on trails

FROM THE AJC

Middle Georgia RV park enlists Black Atlantans to unwind in nature

Boots on the ground: Black trail rides are the new family reunion

Black Mecca

Danielle Ponder poses for a photo in her home studio in Stone Mountain on June 6, 2025. The singer quit her job as a public defender in Rochester, New York, to pursue a music career in Atlanta. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Why a former New York lawyer moved to the Black mecca for music

Like many before her, singer Danielle Ponder is hoping Atlanta can help her reach her dreams.

Is the Black mecca ‘10 years behind the rest of the world’ on mental health?

Crunching the numbers: How Atlanta really compares

Our Team

Mike Jordan

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

Mike Jordan

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

Gavin Godfrey

Gavin Godfrey is an editor and Team Lead for UATL, the AJC's Black culture franchise.

Gavin Godfrey

Gavin Godfrey is an editor and Team Lead for UATL, the AJC's Black culture franchise.

Brooke Leigh Howard

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

Brooke Leigh Howard

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

Ernie Suggs

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

Ernie Suggs

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

Najja Parker

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

Najja Parker

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

Christopher A. Daniel

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

Christopher A. Daniel

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

Mirtha Donastorg

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

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.

DeAsia Paige

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

Entertainment & Fashion

Beyonce, here accepting the Innovator Award during the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2024, won the Grammy for album of the year iin February. (Chris Pizzello/AP 2024)

FROM THE AJC

Saddle up for these Beyoncé-themed pop-up bars, brunches and shows in Atlanta

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour is coming to Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium for shows Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday.

Tech N9ne’s ‘blueprint’ for independent success stretches from KC to Atlanta

Actor and comedy scion Damon Wayans Jr. is paving his own hilarious path

Underground king: Remembering D.R.E.S. Tha Beatnik

Food

Aisha "Pinky" Cole, the owner of Slutty Vegan, opened her first brick-and-mortar location in 2019. The company at one point had expanded to 14 locations across four states, but today operates five restaurants. (AJC 2019)

FROM THE AJC

Planned Slutty Vegan airport location is a no-go after chain’s restructuring

Multiple Slutty Vegan locations have recently closed over the past few years.

Restaurateur Pinky Cole speaks with UATL about the future of Slutty Vegan

Atlanta chef Jernard Wells premieres Black travel show on TV One

FROM THE AJC

EXCLUSIVE: Lil Yachty becomes partner in Atlanta-based cocktail Yacht Water

KING'S CHAPEL

Morehouse’s beloved Dean Carter retires after 47 years

Founding dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel reflects on faith, legacy and the global vision inspired by MLK.

SPORTS-BBY-ENGEL-COLUMN-DA

FROM THE AJC

HBCU Swingman Classic to showcase talent to kick off MLB All-Star weekend

Bankhead Seafood reopened in November after closing in 2017 after more than 50 years serving seafood in Atlanta's Westside neighborhood. The restaurant has temporarily closed to make building, operations and menu updates. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Killer Mike confirms temporary closure of Bankhead Seafood

Atlanta's Bankhead Seafood, which reopened in November after being closed since 2017, will close until mid-July as the restaurant makes building and menu updates

“I don’t feel in danger workin’ here," JJ Food Mart's overnight clerk Connell Daniels Jr. said. "They should be worried about me.” (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

FROM THE AJC

At a store that never closes, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch

At JJ Food Mart on the west side of Atlanta, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch. If you misbehave, Connell Daniels Jr. might put you on Instagram.

Atlanta’s Pride Parade

FROM THE AJC

Corporate pullback from LGBTQ groups leaves Atlanta organizations in the lurch

Some Atlanta LGBTQ groups are reevaluating their programming and staffing in light of the reduced support.

Cadillac Chronicles TV gets your favorite artists to perform while riding shotgun

The Atlanta-based social media series records live interviews and performances from the road in a 1974 Eldorado. Credits: AJC | CadillacChroniclesTV / YouTube

women in business

404WARD

These 6 Black women are reshaping the music business in Atlanta and beyond

Six Black female music executives in metro Atlanta continue to shift the music industry and culture in tech, artist management, law and more

Fireworks at Stone Mountain Park

The revolution will be literary: 5 books from Black authors to read in July

For many Americans, July 4th is a time to celebrate freedom. For Black folks, that relationship is complex. These titles explore the implications of being Black in America.

Tommy Runz Returns to Atlanta For Peachtree Road Race

AJC Peachtree Road Race: Tommie Runz isn’t a fan of the humidity, but he’s back for the vibes

Tommie Runz talks about running in the Atlanta Journal-Constituiotn Peachtree Road Race, and the sense of community he finds at the event.

Otis Redding Statue

FROM THE AJC

Dispatch: Otis Redding statue, in new spot, conjures up famous tune

A lifelike statue of Otis Redding "sittin' on the dock" has resurfaced in the soul-singing legend's hometown Macon, Georgia. Surrounded by cars and concrete - and some water.