In 1956 Fortune Magazine dubbed Auburn Avenue “the richest Negro street in the world.” During the 1960s, it was the center of the civil rights movement and home to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s organization, the S.C.L.C.  Sweet Auburn was also the locus of Black culture and business. The Royal Peacock showcased legendary acts like Ray Charles, James Brown and Aretha Franklin. The first daily distributed Black-owned newspaper in the country, The Atlanta Daily World, was located on Auburn Avenue. Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in this neighborhood. Churches, such as Wheat Street, Ebenezer and Big Bethel, were at the center of political organizing and social innovations.

Our tour will not only inform you of the history, but will also explain how the neighborhood moved from flourishing to disinvested. We will also share what is being done today to revive this proud and important community and how you might be able to support and participate in the work.