Black History Month

Learn about black history and the story of the civil rights movement in Atlanta, the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. Join The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as we take a look at some of the most prominent individuals, events and stories that have impacted America, over the course of Black History Month.

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A century of Black history. Eleven years of bearing witness.

‘Sponge parks’ and underground vaults: Inside Atlanta’s fight to stop floods

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Her art is in the Smithsonian. A descendent is uncovering her Georgia past.

SPECIAL FEATURE

W.E.B. Du Bois revisited

They were expelled from the Georgia Legislature. Now they’re honored.

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Rooted in resilience: Black Georgia farmers talk land and legacy

Before it is erased: The race to preserve ‘Weeping Time’ slave sale site

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How Nuface became Atlanta’s unofficial hip-hop historian

Atlanta's Larry Compton has spent the past four decades documenting, collecting and celebrating the city’s musical history.

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As Delta’s first Black flight attendants, they were ready for social change

Interview with Delta’s first Black flight attendants Patricia Grace Murphy and Phenola Culbreath, who prevailed through opportunities, challenges to land a place in history.

How Black gospel changed my white life

Lesson 1: Don’t operate heavy machinery the first time you listen to Marvin Sapp.

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Reimagining Langston Hughes’ ‘The Weary Blues’ for young readers

Atlanta-based illustrators contribute artwork to 'Melodies of the Weary Blues,' a children's picture book commemorating the 100th anniversary of Langston Hughes' poetry book.

Atlanta’s DAs, mostly women of color, are working to change the game

Metro Atlanta’s top prosecutors say their shared experiences make them uniquely qualified to deal with the challenges faced by their increasingly diverse communities.

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Atlanta in Black and white: A century of becoming

Newly surfaced photographs reveal protest and pageantry, terror and triumph, showing how 100 years of Black history shaped the city’s conscience and character.

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Atlanta & Georgia

A Homegoing to Remember

The past was bright but the future looks bleak for Herndon Stadium

After 37 years, Atlanta’s OG graffiti crew resurfaces

History

Why an early silent film kiss between two Black actors is so important

Georgia’s 12-string master left a lasting musical legacy

Atlanta’s Black Streaks reached top of early 20th century motorcycle racing

Arts & Music

Georgia’s Mount Rushmore of music

The legend of Mattiwilda Dobbs

The museums at Atlanta’s HBCUs are treasure troves of Black art

Resistance

Cecil Williams’ high-risk drink of water

Black hairstyles take a stand against white beauty standards

Black gays practice resistance daily being their authentic selves

Health

Black women, long ignored in infertility discussions, speak out

Despite progress, HIV remains disproportionately Black in Georgia

Study: Toxins in blood of Brunswick residents who live near factories

Trauma

Tulsa Race Riots: White mobs reduced Black community to rubble in 1921

To My Old Master

‘The Weeping Time’: Largest sale of enslaved blacks in U.S. history

The Black Woman

Novelist Tina McElroy Ansa was a trailblazer at The Atlanta Constitution

In Atlanta and across U.S., legacy of ‘Queen of Salsa’ as strong as ever

‘Sister President’ Johnnetta Betsch Cole: The voice of Spelman

The Black Man

The long, sad ride of Major Taylor

Lo Jelks, Atlanta’s first Black television reporter

Tiger Flowers: Trailblazing southpaw left indelible legacy on Atlanta

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Curtis Mayfield turns Atlanta and Blackness into music for classic films

Singer, songwriter Curtis Mayfield wrote and produced soundtracks for "Super Fly," "Claudine" and "Sparkle." He had homes in Southeast Atlanta and Sandy Springs.

These Black Georgia women are blues legends you may not know, but should

Meet four Black Georgia women who lived and sang the blues who you may not know ... yet: Ida Cox, Cora Mae Bryant, Beverly “Guitar” Watkins and Precious Bryant.

In Atlanta, Jesse Jackson found a home and a stage

Jackson’s ties to Atlanta go back to the 1960s, when he was a young organizer moving in the orbit of Dr King. He returned often to rally voters and promote empowerment.

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Reimagining Langston Hughes’ ‘The Weary Blues’ for young readers

Atlanta-based illustrators contribute artwork to 'Melodies of the Weary Blues,' a children's picture book commemorating the 100th anniversary of Langston Hughes' poetry book.

Atlanta’s DAs, mostly women of color, are working to change the game

Metro Atlanta’s top prosecutors say their shared experiences make them uniquely qualified to deal with the challenges faced by their increasingly diverse communities.

FROM

Atlanta in Black and white: A century of becoming

Newly surfaced photographs reveal protest and pageantry, terror and triumph, showing how 100 years of Black history shaped the city’s conscience and character.

FROM

My love for Black Barbie is an ode to my ancestors

Playing with dolls — especially Black Barbies — allowed me to imagine myself as anything. Only later did I understand that this was never just play.

The legacy of the Black grocers of Reconstruction

The oppressed entrepreneurs of the late 1800s capitalized on low grocery prices to build businesses that influenced Atlanta’s present-day institutions.

‘History will judge us’: Former Atlanta mayors defend minority contracting

Former Atlanta mayors have joined an effort highlighting the importance of the city's minority contracting program and its economic impact.

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King’s refurbished SCLC headquarters joins National Park System

The Prince Hall Masonic Temple and Lodge on Auburn Avenue, where the civil rights leader directed national campaigns, will reopen as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Nationa