Inaugural State of Atlanta Housing meeting provides updates
Terri Lee, president and CEO of Atlanta Housing, provided a detailed update about the state of Atlanta’s housing authority April 15 at the Gathering Spot.
“I’m ecstatic about this morning,” Lee said about the event that featured an “open house” that symbolized the role the authority is playing in providing housing for those in need. “It’s not just our Atlanta Housing. It’s yours’ too.
Lee then went on to describe how Atlanta has always been a “city of firsts” when it comes to housing. Techwood Homes was the nation’s first public housing project in the mid-1930s. And Atlanta developed the national Hope VI model of transforming existing public housing projects into mixed-income, mixed-use communities – redeveloping Techwood Homes into Centennial Place.
She added that Mayor Andre Dickens’ goal of building or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units is another example. “We are more than half-way there,” Dickens said before taking a swipe at the press. “It is difficult. Everyone outside the media knows how hard it is.”
— Maria Saporta
Peachtree Street’s history of streetcars
In the heart of Midtown, city crews were digging up Peachtree Street on Wednesday revealing the layers of our transportation infrastructure.
A big hole in the middle of the street uncovered two sets of streetcar tracks buried a good foot under pavement. The tracks were a poignant reminder of how Atlanta once had an extensive streetcar network that served almost every corner of the city.
The tracks, located in front of the Bulldogs night spot between 7th and 8th streets, was further evidence of how we’ve abandoned — or in this case, buried — rail transit in our city.
— Maria Saporta
UPS CEO to deliver Oglethorpe commencement address
Oglethorpe University announced that Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS will be the commencement speaker for its Spring graduation on May 3.
Kathryn McClymond, president of Oglethorpe, said that the ceremony will celebrate their contribution to providing Atlanta’s workforce and preparing them for leadership in the future.
“The class of 2025 is a remarkable group of leaders in their own right now, and I know they will long remember the insights Carol Tomé will share with us from her illustrious career as a business leader at some of the world’s most successful companies,” McClymond said.
— Allison Joyner
DeKalb County School students honored as Georgia Scholars
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) announced that 18 12th graders were recognized as Georgia Scholars for the class of 2025 by the Georgia Department of Education.
The department selected 145 exceptional students from around the state who will receive a special seal for their diploma and a commemorative graduation cord.
“These 18 young leaders have shown remarkable academic ability, dedication to their communities, and exemplary character throughout their high school journeys,” said Devon Horton, Superintendent for DCSD. “They embody the best of DeKalb County, and we look forward to witnessing all the amazing achievements their futures hold.”
Click here for the complete list of recipients.
— Allison Joyner
Delta Air Lines Foundation invests $16.5 million in Clayton County charities
Last week, Delta Air Lines and The Delta Air Lines Foundation announced they will donate $16.5 million in charitable support for over five years to Clayton County.
Grants totaling $13.5 million will support Clayton County Public Schools, Junior Achievement, the Discovery Center, and the Flint River Boys and Girls Club, and $3 million will support the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce to increase investment in Aerotropolis to improve the County’s economic competitiveness and funds to establish a Donor Advise Fund at the Community Foundation to support additional Clayton County nonprofits.
“The children of Clayton County are our best and brightest, and investing in their future is in our enlightened self-interest,” said Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock.
In the past six years, the Delta Air Lines Foundation has committed more than $33 million in charitable giving to Clayton County.
— Allison Joyner
SCAD students design digital mural for Delta Flight Museum
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has collaborated with the Delta Flight Museum to design an original mural during renovations.
The museum, which reopened last week, features the digital mural “Keep Climbing” to celebrate the airline’s 100th anniversary.
The piece was created with Adobe Illustrator and includes an interactive element where visitors can align the letter on their ticket with the mural to take a picture.
“The mural combines Delta’s history and future through modern, abstract design,” said Jennifer Wee, SCAD student and mural artist. “The large-scale design allows viewing from multiple distances. I wanted to make sure that viewers could enjoy this mural both from afar and up close.”
— Allison Joyner
Board of Regents approves Georgia Southern, East Georgia State consolidation
On Tuesday, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted to consolidate East Georgia State College with Georgia Southern University.
The board says the consolidation fits within its guiding principles, including raising education attainment levels, improving accessibility, regional identity and compatibility, and streamlining administrative services while maintaining or improving service level and quality.
“The consolidation increases our ability to improve student success while expanding access to high-skilled degree programs that attract industry and help the state thrive,” said Sonny Perdue, Chancellor for USG.
Final board approval of the consolidation is expected to be voted on by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Schools.
— Allison Joyner
City Springs Theatre Company to close season with ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’
The City Springs Theatre Company will close its 2024/25 PNC Season with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” running May 2 to 18 at the Byers Theatre in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.
The Tony-nominated musical tells the story of Carole King’s rise from teenage songwriter to music icon, featuring classics such as “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.”
Atlanta native Megan Hill will star in the title role, following performances in CSTC’s Frozen and Ragtime. “Megan is an electric performer,” said Executive Director Natalie DeLancey. “We’re thrilled to have her in this role.”
Performances will be held at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at various dates and times from May 2 to May 18. Tickets range from $64 to $115, with discounts available for seniors, students, groups and military personnel.
Tickets and information are available online or by calling 404-477-4365. The production contains adult themes and is recommended for ages 13 and older.
— Derek Prall
Stop the Violence Rally in City of South Fulton
The City of South Fulton’s District Three Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis invites the community to participate in the 13th Annual Stop the Violence Rally on Sunday, April 27 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Welcome All Park, located at 4255 Will Lee Road. This event is dedicated to reducing crime and gun violence while promoting a safer community.
“South Fulton is a community that stands united in the fight for safety and justice,” said Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis. “The Stop the Violence Rally symbolizes our collective effort to create lasting change and healing our community.”
The event will offer a wide range of resources, including crime prevention, mental health support, job opportunities, de-escalation strategies, and youth-focused activities —all aimed at fostering long-term community healing and safety.
The initiative has strong support from local partners, including the City of South Fulton Police Department, Fire and Rescue, Parks and Recreation, Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts, and the Office of the Fulton County Solicitor-General.
— Derek Prall
Cabbagetown’s second annual Bake Sale returns April 19 with Sweet Treats, Art and Music
Cabbagetown is thrilled to announce the return of its 2nd Annual Bake Sale on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This year’s Bake Sale is a fundraiser for the Joyce Brookshire Memorial Amphitheatre, aiming to support community arts and culture.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including an artist’s market, live music, and a “Cupcake Death Match” at Cabbagetown Hall.
If you’re a baker interested in participating, you can sign up here. If you’d like to volunteer, opportunities are available here. If you’d just like to attend, check out the information here.
— Derek Prall
