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UATL

H.J. Russell helped build Atlanta. His family is expanding that legacy

The Russell family have been a pillar of Atlanta’s business and philanthropic communities for generations, evolving its mission to meet an ever-changing city.
Mori Russell (from left); Emanuel “Manny” Major; HJ “Russ” Russell, III; Benjamin Russell; H. Jerome Russell, Jr.; Zane Major; Lovette Twyman Russell; and Michael B. Russell Sr. pose for a portrait at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)
Mori Russell (from left); Emanuel “Manny” Major; HJ “Russ” Russell, III; Benjamin Russell; H. Jerome Russell, Jr.; Zane Major; Lovette Twyman Russell; and Michael B. Russell Sr. pose for a portrait at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in Atlanta on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (Arvin Temkar / AJC) (arvin.temkar@ajc.com)
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7 things to know about the Little Rock Nine

Who are the Little Rock Nine and why are they important?

23m ago
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Know your Atlanta civil rights icons: Julian Bond

Here is everything you need to know about Julian Bond.

2h ago
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Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

H.J. Russell helped build Atlanta. His family is expanding that legacy

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Forbes: These are the world’s 21 Black billionaires

Of the nearly 2,800 billionaires in the world, only 21 are Black. That’s fewer than 1% percent. Of those 21, only two are women.

The LineUp

7

FRI

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25

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Amanda Williams: We Say What Black This Is

Amanda Williams: We Say What Black This Is

February 7 – May 25, 2025
5:00 AM - 3:59 AM
350 Spelman Ln, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, USA
Website Link

Description

We Say What Black This Is celebrates the diversity, resilience and depth of Blackness while challenging simplistic definitions of Black identity. The exhibition features works from Williams' series What Black is this, You Say?, created in response to the ‘Blackout Tuesday’ social media moment in 2020. The exhibit will include a new abstract painting by Williams and student-written didactic labels.  

Upcoming Events

FEB
15
Forever Ever: A Valentines Day Joint

Forever Ever: A Valentines Day Joint

760 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

FEB
15
Black Experiences in Roswell: Bulloch Hall

Black Experiences in Roswell: Bulloch Hall

950 Forrest St., Roswell, GA 30075, USA

FEB
15
African-American Folktales

African-American Folktales

128 E Pike Street, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, USA

FEB
16
Trailblazers: Florence Price and the Winners of the 24/25 Concerto Competition

Trailblazers: Florence Price and the Winners of the 24/25 Concerto Competition

2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30006, USA

FEB
16
Vanguard Art Show

Vanguard Art Show

760 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Food & Entertainment

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Credit: AP

After Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar, SZA will be in Atlanta for new tour

The pair recently collaborated on Kendrick Lamar’s No. 1 album “GNX”

Beyoncé adds third Atlanta date to upcoming ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour

The eight-city tour kicks off in Los Angeles in April and includesd stops in Paris and London before ending in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Kendrick Lamar and Black culture shine during Super Bowl 59 performances

Killer Mike on Grammy lawsuit: ‘I ain’t talking about none of that.’

The Atlantan, who won three Grammy awards last year, filed a civil suit on Monday.

Fashion

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Credit: Photo courtesy of The Doux

Atlanta’s Black-owned beauty brands seek stability and community

While Black beauty founders say they benefit from Atlanta’s reputation as a founder-friendly city, many are still fighting against systemic challenges.

This Atlanta-based historian is on a mission to make fashion more diverse

With new book and publishing house, Shelby Ivey Christie wants children to know about the likes of Dapper Dan and June Ambrose

Polo program exposes young Black men to sport of kings

Miguel Wilson, the founder of the B.E.S.T. Academy Polo team, is on a mission to a introduce young Black men from Atlanta to the sport.

FUBU and Coogi’s runway resurgence headlines Atlanta Fashion Week

Return of iconic brand, FUBU, highlights annual event taking place from Oct. 2-7.

Become a UATL member.

Get the newsletter, invites to events, partner discounts and more when you sign up.

Our Team
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Mike Jordan

Mike Jordan is senior editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture brand, UATL.

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Ernie Suggs

Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. A 1990 graduate of N.C.

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Christopher A. Daniel

Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Gavin Godfrey

Gavin Godfrey is a senior reporter for the AJC who covers Black culture, entertainment, and diversity.

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Najja Parker

Najja Parker is a video and news correspondent for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture team.

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Mirtha Donastorg

Mirtha Donastorg is a reporter on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s business team focusing on Black wealth, entrepreneu

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DeAsia Paige

DeAsia is a music and culture reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Sponsored Content
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Credit: Courtesy of Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Daytona Beach wildlife: Where adventure awaits!
More than just sand and sun, Daytona Beach offers outdoor experiences for wildlife lovers wanting to get closer to...
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Credit: CAMEREN E. ROGERS / cameren.e.ro

Cancer center combines leading-edge treatment with supportive services
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an emotional and confusing time.
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Credit: RCT

Intimate dinners and majestic views: A romantic getaway in Sevierville
There’s something about the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains that makes you yearn to share the experience with a...

HBCU Homecoming

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Credit: Courtesy

‘Spelhouse’ couples share stories of how they found love at homecoming

Two couples from Spelman and Morehouse share how their love story started at homecoming.

Hollywood power couple helps Spelman celebrate completion of campus center

LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson helped spearhead the multi-million dollar renovation of the fine arts building where their careers and relationship started.

Black royalty on campus: What it’s like to be an HBCU queen

Past and present HBCU queens from Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University and more tell AJC what it's like to wear the crown and why the position matters.

Georgia HBCUs enhance security as homecoming season heats up

Security measures include additional law enforcement officers, bag checks and metal detectors.