Filmmaker Lance Russell digs into the lesser-known chapters of Atlanta’s past
Filmmaker, YouTube creator and SaportaReport partner Lance Russell will deliver a free presentation exploring the overlooked, surprising and quirky corners of Atlanta’s history this evening, Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Philip’s Child Hall.
Russell is the creator of Stories of Atlanta, a YouTube channel built on an extensive video archive that looks beyond the city’s well-worn narratives. His talk promises to move past the familiar touchstones, William Sherman, Scarlett O’Hara, Coca-Cola, and Hartsfield-Jackson, and into the forgotten moments and hidden layers that most residents and visitors never encounter.
The event is part of a speaker series hosted at the Cathedral of Saint Philip and is free and open to the public. The event is free, but registration is required.
“You may know Atlanta’s story,” the host says. “But do you know the rest of the story?
— Derek Prall
New South presents virtual documentary screening on Chattahoochee Brick Company
New South Associates is hosting a virtual event this evening, Thursday, May 28 at 7 PM to premiere a new documentary featuring the history and archaeology of the Chattahoochee Brick Company site in northwest Atlanta.
The Chattahoochee Brick Company site is tied to Atlanta’s industrial growth and the brutal history of convict leasing after the Civil War. Archaeology and historical research are helping uncover and preserve the stories connected to the site as plans move forward for a future memorial park and public green space along the Chattahoochee River.
Attendees are encouraged to stay after the documentary screening for a live Q&A discussion with Joe Joseph, June Weber, and Patrick Sullivan of New South Associates.
Join here the live virtual event here this evening at 7 p.m.
— Megan Anderson
Egbert Perry to receive Council for Quality Growth’s 37th annual Four Pillar Award
The Council for Quality Growth will honor Egbert L. J. Perry, chairman of The Integral Group, with its 37th annual Four Pillar Award at a black-tie-optional reception and dinner on Oct. 1 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
The Four Pillar Award recognizes a leader who embodies quality, responsibility, vision and integrity while advancing the Council’s mission of balanced, responsible growth. This year’s tribute carries the theme “Integrity. Innovation. Impact.” — a nod to the principles that have guided Perry’s three-decade career in urban development and community investment.
Perry co-founded The Integral Group in 1993, and the firm has since developed roughly 10,000 housing units nationwide through mixed-use, transit-oriented and affordable and workforce housing projects. Among its most notable achievements is Centennial Place, widely recognized as the nation’s first urban mixed-use, economically integrated community.
— Derek Prall
Summer Shade Festival returns to Grant Park for its 24th year
The Summer Shade Festival is back for its 24th edition on Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, filling Atlanta’s oldest park with live music, regional artists, vintage vendors, local food and family programming across two free days.
Presented by and benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy, the festival runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 140 artists and makers from across the Southeast will showcase handmade goods, original artwork, jewelry, vintage clothing, home decor, and small-batch specialty items. Live music spans both days, with Saturday performances stretching into the evening. Deep South Wrestling returns with its crowd-favorite matches, and families can expect kid-friendly activities and open green space throughout the weekend.
All festival proceeds support the Conservancy’s ongoing stewardship of Grant Park’s 131 acres, funding preservation, maintenance, ecological care and restoration projects. Admission is free. Details are available here.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Press Club to host runoff debates across 13 races over two days
The Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series will stage primary runoff debates spanning 13 state, federal, and county races on Sunday, May 31, and Monday, June 1, in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting.
The two-day lineup covers some of the most closely watched runoffs on Georgia’s ballot. Sunday’s schedule opens with the Republican runoff for Public Service Commissioner District 5 and moves through contests for secretary of state on both the Republican and Democratic sides, the Republican U.S. Senate runoff between Mike Collins and Derek Dooley, and lieutenant governor runoffs in both parties.
Monday picks up with the Republican state school superintendent race, Democratic runoffs for labor commissioner and insurance commissioner, and the Republican governor’s runoff between Rick Jackson and Burt Jones. Congressional runoffs in Districts 1 and 11 follow, and the series closes with the Fulton County Commission chair race between Mo Ivory and incumbent Robb Pitts.
Each debate runs approximately 30 minutes. All sessions will be livestreamed on GPB.org and the Atlanta Press Club’s YouTube debate channel, where they will also remain available on demand. Full scheduling details and additional information are available through the Atlanta Press Club.
— Derek Prall
