Black Mecca

Atlanta is often called the Black Mecca, known for its rich culture, historic legacy, and Black excellence in business, politics, and music. But with rising income inequality and low economic mobility, is the city living up to its reputation? Follow Atlanta native and AJC senior reporter Gavin Godfrey as he uncovers the successes, struggles, and complexities of Black life in Atlanta in a new monthly series. Got a Black mecca story to tell? Email gavin.godfrey@ajc.com.

FROM

Save these dates: HBCU homecoming season is coming

Is Atlanta really the promised land for Black chefs?

Is Atlanta really the mecca for Black chefs? Credits: AJC | Getty | Andrew Thomas Lee, Natrice Miller, Tori Allen, Ben Gray, Mike Jordan/AJC | UATL/Mike Jordan

Atlanta isn’t the ‘mecca’ for Black-owned restaurants you think it is

Top chefs and restaurant operators debate ATL as a city of Black culinary dreams.

Is Atlanta truly the mecca for Black entrepreneurs?

Atlanta is often seen as a hub for Black entrepreneurship, but do the numbers back it up? Credits: AJC | Getty | Herndon Home Museum | Mirtha Donastorg/AJC

The Black queer mecca? Atlanta residents and organizers chime in.

Atlantans say the city continues to be a Black queer mecca but requires more physical spaces and support for all demographics of queerness for the community to thrive.