Has Black Atlanta LOST its Afrocentric/Black Cultural "energy/edginess?" ? (Auburn: buying, public schools)

[Infinite_heights77]

During the 80's/90's, Atlanta was becoming known for its Afrocentric/Black Cultural atmosphere that appealed to many other Blacks coming from other parts of the world (mainly for ex- Northeasters and Mid-Atlantians). Friends, family and colleagues would boats on how progressive Atlanta was becoming with its many Afrocentric/Black enterprises (e.g. independent schools, restaurants, colleges/universities, convention halls, churches and etc.).

Is that appeal still prevalent within The Atlantic Metro area?

Thanks!

[Infinite_heights77]

It's been a few years since I was in the ATL, but, I remember hitting up the Underground back in the mid 90's seeing all these various religious, cultural, spiritual and intellectual congregating and debating. There were numerous good, clean and Black owned restaurants to choose from, many festivals, conferences (Nile Valley Conferences), events taking place at Morehoue/Spelman/AU and things of that nature.

[OuiOui]

Yes, Atlanta has somewhat lost that atmosphere, but that is because the city is becoming more diverse, which is good. You can still find those places in the AUC and West End. West End just hosted the annual Malcolm X Festival. You've got the colleges, churches, Hebrew Israelites, and Black owned restaurants (some vegan) in AUC/West End areas. There's Kemetic Yoga (based on African spirituality) Saturday mornings at Firehawk Yoga in West End.

I wouldn't say it's very prevalent in the entire city, but that is because that movement has sort of died down nationwide (no one's walking around in dashikis anymore like back in the day lol). But you can certainly still find what you're looking for in the areas I mentioned. Start with finding local meetup groups online & on Facebook, and more than likely they'll lead you to events in Atl that you weren't even aware of. I see plenty on the Kemetic yoga pages that I follow.

[afdinatl]

No. People that are out of the loop will say yes but those that know the local scene well know that isn't hasn't been lost. Probably has increased over the years

[OuiOui]

Originally Posted by afdinatl

No. People that are out of the loop will say yes but those that know the local scene well know that isn't hasn't been lost

Well, the city as a whole though? I'd definitely say yes. It's more reduced to certain pockets nowadays, which is just fine.

[afdinatl]

Originally Posted by OuiOui

Well, the city as a whole though? I'd definitely say yes. It's more reduced to certain pockets nowadays, which is just fine.

No. Those in the know know the city has way more cultural stuff than it used to have. Ask anyone in the scene heavy who has actively been participating in the scene the last 15 years

[OuiOui]

I agree that there's more cultural stuff, but the OP specifically mentioned Afrocentric, which is a very small niche, even among African Americans. Geared towards Blacks does not equate to Afrocentric.
But congrats on being in the know! I'm not one to argue, so I'll let you wear the in the loop badge.. I guess that attitude comes with the territory once you officially move to the city

I do hope that my first response helps the OP find what they are looking for, next time they're in town.

[Clayton white guy]

West End a good suggestion: APEX Museum (Black History), Wren's Nest (West African Folktales even if they were published by a 19th century White man), Shrine of the Black Madonna (Coptic Christian Church and bookstore), and as some one else pointed out, the Atlanta University Center is very close. Also, a little further south down Cascade Avenue/ Road is The Beautiful Restaurant and other Black owned businesses. Another suggestion would be The Martin Luther King Historic District along "Sweet" Auburn Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward. Here you can find The King Center and Historic Site. Do not overlook the new Civil Rights Museum downtown, either. Hope these suggestions help you plan your next visit to my wonderful hometown! ;0)

[AcidSnake]

Probably depends on how you look at it.

You can find afrocentric events, organizations, and media that cater heavily to that niche.

Now...if you are talking about in terms of political and social awareness? As in a general reactive/proactive response to the events of the present day that affect the black community? Issues such as public schools, public safety, the economy(buying black), and all other stuff?

And how or if the average black Atlantan is in touch with their afrocentric roots when contemplating these issues?

Now you are talking a different ball of yarn.

Maybe I am reading too much into the question. Sue me!

Originally Posted by Infinite_heights77

During the 80's/90's, Atlanta was becoming known for its Afrocentric/Black Cultural atmosphere that appealed to many other Blacks coming from other parts of the world (mainly for ex- Northeasters and Mid-Atlantians). Friends, family and colleagues would boats on how progressive Atlanta was becoming with its many Afrocentric/Black enterprises (e.g. independent schools, restaurants, colleges/universities, convention halls, churches and etc.).

Is that appeal still prevalent within The Atlantic Metro area?

Thanks!

[Larry X]

West End is the only place I can think of.