Atlanta played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and is rightfully proud of that fact. Between 1940 and 1970, the city played quite a part in the efforts of African Americans to gain the same rights as everyone else.
During the early part of the Movement, many proponents of civil rights found a home in Atlanta. The city is the only one in the world where you can view two Nobel Peace Prizes. The movement left behind some cultural landmarks that are well worth a visit if you come to Atlanta, here are just a few of them.
The Atlanta Life Insurance Company was started by an African American, Alonzo Herndon over 100 years ago and provided group life insurance for African Americans. The company is still the leading provider today and is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of our past.
The Auburn Avenue Research Library is an open library with links to the Civil Rights Movement and is in the Sweet Auburn district where it all began in Atlanta. As well as culturally significant, it houses thousands of books and is a great resource for locals.
The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum is a memorial to a local man made good. The venue contains unique documents, thousands of books, photographs and mementoes of his presidency, while his Nobel Peace Prize is displayed in all its glory.
The King Center was established by Coretta King after Martin Luther’s assassination in 1968. It is now home to a garden, fountain, library and has a number of exhibits that shed a little light on the great man himself.
The Ebenezer Baptist Church is where Martin Luther King Sr. and Martin Luther King, Jr. served as co-pastors in the 1960s. Built in 1886, the church is home to a large and lively congregation as well as being a popular tourist attraction.
Auburn Avenue in Sweet Auburn played an important role in the fomenting of the Civil Rights Movement. Many prominent figures of the movement were either born here or lived here, including Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Tomb of Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King is a cultural icon and a popular item on many visitors lists. Housed in the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, it overlooks Ebenezer Baptist Church.
The Sweet Auburn Curb Market has kept residents fed with fresh fruit and vegetables for many years and is still offering fresh produce as well as tourist trinkets, hot food and a range of locally produced craftwork and produce.