Being the First: African-Americans in Atlanta Signage unveiled August 27th in Atlanta

 

[August 18, 2022] 

The city of Atlanta Tourism will unveil a new commemorative sign, “Being the First: African-Americans in Atlanta”, in Route 66 Park on August 27 at 10 a.m. The new sign will be placed just off the concrete pathway leading from the park entrance to the Atlanta Fair Ticket booth, around commemorative items from Atlanta’s past. The placement of the sign is to highlight the significance Atlanta High School played in one of the stories on the sign and the importance the Atlanta fairgrounds played in another featured story and linked video.

The new sign will focus on four significant African-American firsts in Atlanta- the first high school graduate, Civil War veterans, publicized Emancipation Proclamation Celebration, and church.

Also featured is an applicable quote from a letter written in 1863 by James Ewing, of the Hawes family (JH Hawes Grain Elevator), while he was fighting in the Civil War. This quote captures the sentiments many Atlantans shared before and during the war.

Route 66 Park is the brick walled park on the corner of Race Street and Arch Street. Parking is available on Arch Street and in the Atlanta Public Library lot. A brief speech will be given by Atlanta Tourism Director, Whitney Ortiz and a big thank you will be given to the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways as the Fall 2021 grant made the sign possible.

[Whitney Ortiz, Atlanta Tourism]