Black and Educated, hear Atlanta was place to be True or False (Decatur: affordable apartment, condo)

[Big L]

One would think that the "Black Mecca" talk would have died down by now. Although there are plenty of successful people here (African-American and otherwise), there really isn't much about Metro Atlanta that would make it stand out compared to Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, D.C., or other metros of similar size. Most of my friends in other cities are doing just as well as most of my friends here are doing. The economy is rough everywhere, so moving is not always the answer unless you have a job offer in hand.

My wife and I are both African-American and have advanced degrees, but like most people that I know here (again, African-American and otherwise), we are far from being millionaires. We also aren't a part of the so-called "Black Elite" that some people move here seeking. It is good to see other successful African-Americans around us, but neither my wife nor myself had to move to Atlanta to see that.

[JTJ1977]

Originally Posted by Big L

One would think that the "Black Mecca" talk would have died down by now. Although there are plenty of successful people here (African-American and otherwise), there really isn't much about Metro Atlanta that would make it stand out compared to Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, D.C., or other metros of similar size. Most of my friends in other cities are doing just as well as most of my friends here are doing. The economy is rough everywhere, so moving is not always the answer unless you have a job offer in hand.

My wife and I are both African-American and have advanced degrees, but like most people that I know here (again, African-American and otherwise), we are far from being millionaires. We also aren't a part of the so-called "Black Elite" that some people move here seeking. It is good to see other successful African-Americans around us, but neither my wife nor myself had to move to Atlanta to see that.

I am African American as well, and I do agree that this talk should have died down around 2000. "MOVE TO ATLANTA AND BUY A 10 BR/12 BATH HOME, DRIVE ON STREETS OF GOLD, AND RETIRE WITH MILLIONS IN THE BANK!!". Now, back to reality.

It reminds me of stories that I've read about black perceptions of Harlem, circa 1920s, with many of the same exaggerations. And, much like Harlem, many African-Americans (and West Indian immigrants) were disappointed. Not to knock Atlanta, since I may be moving there next year for doctoral study. I'm certain that there's plenty to like about the place, just as there's plenty to like about cities nationwide; but if I move there, I won't arrive screaming "EUREKA!!" out loud...lol.

[sk8t]

Originally Posted by blondandfun

Many blacks in Atlanta work in government. I'm not aware of any majority-black corporations. However, the local governments are majority black. But Atlanta had the highest white population increase in the entire country.

Oh geeze, not another " black people are only successful in ATL becuase of the government" post by a bitter white guy. As if even half of the government jobs are "well paying" and there hardly any black proffessionals.

[tonygeorgia]

Originally Posted by Big L

One would think that the "Black Mecca" talk would have died down by now. Although there are plenty of successful people here (African-American and otherwise), there really isn't much about Metro Atlanta that would make it stand out compared to Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, D.C., or other metros of similar size. Most of my friends in other cities are doing just as well as most of my friends here are doing. The economy is rough everywhere, so moving is not always the answer unless you have a job offer in hand.

My wife and I are both African-American and have advanced degrees, but like most people that I know here (again, African-American and otherwise), we are far from being millionaires. We also aren't a part of the so-called "Black Elite" that some people move here seeking. It is good to see other successful African-Americans around us, but neither my wife nor myself had to move to Atlanta to see that.

I highly disagree with you. No other city has as many AA colleges, AA with degrees (per capital), AA events, no other city has as many AA upper middle class neighborhoods, etc than Atlanta.

[Akhenaton06]

Originally Posted by Big L

One would think that the "Black Mecca" talk would have died down by now. Although there are plenty of successful people here (African-American and otherwise), there really isn't much about Metro Atlanta that would make it stand out compared to Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, D.C., or other metros of similar size.

I'd take Charlotte off that list since it isn't of similar size (although it offers some of what Atlanta does, just on a much smaller scale), but otherwise, I think you have a point.

[Akhenaton06]

Originally Posted by tonygeorgia

I highly disagree with you. No other city has as many AA colleges, AA with degrees (per capital), AA events, no other city has as many AA upper middle class neighborhoods, etc than Atlanta.

DC is in the same ballpark.

[Akhenaton06]

Originally Posted by blondandfun

Many blacks in Atlanta work in government. I'm not aware of any majority-black corporations. However, the local governments are majority black. But Atlanta had the highest white population increase in the entire country.

1) Not all of the local governments in the Atlanta area are majority Black. As a matter of fact, I'm sure more aren't than are.

2) Majority-Black corporations aren't the same as Black-owned corporations/firms. See: Georgia second in nation for black-owned businesses *| ajc.com

[FlyiMetro]

Originally Posted by firemonkey53

I heard that there were more black millions in the Atlanta area than any place is the world. Do you really think if your educated and Black there are better opportunities in Atlanta?

The answer is No.

[Big L]

Originally Posted by tonygeorgia

I highly disagree with you. No other city has as many AA colleges, AA with degrees (per capital), AA events, no other city has as many AA upper middle class neighborhoods, etc than Atlanta.

Although I did attend an HBCU, it was not one of the local ones. In addition, my neighborhood is not predominantly African-American.

People have to bear in mind that we are not a monolithic race of people who always have to be around "us" to be happy. My main focus is on my family and my career. I don't need to have several HBCUs in my metro area or even several upper-middle-class "Black" neighborhoods around me to be comfortable. That is why I don't see a huge disparity between Atlanta and places like Dallas or Charlotte. The African-Americans there that I know are doing just as well and I am and are just as happy with their homes and neighborhoods.

[Big L]

Originally Posted by Akhenaton06

DC is in the same ballpark.

The only knock that I have against D.C. is the cost of living. Everyone that I know in and around D.C. are doing fairly well for themselves.