"None of us alone can save the nation or the world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so."

– Dr. Cornel West

All Challenge Days

Welcome to day 4

Topic: Racial Diversity in Atlanta 

Challenge yourself to gain a deeper understanding of how the racial divides in Greater Atlanta affect the Asian-American and Latinx communities.

Reminder, no matter who you are or where you are on the journey, you will not be perfect. Try to digest the information slowly and go at your own pace. Allow time for reflection and avoid feeling pressured to tackle everything.

When you hear the word segregation, what do you think of?

Many of us think back to the Civil Rights Movement.

The Manhattan Institute’s report The End of the Segregated Century: Racial Separation in America’s Neighborhoods, 1890-2010 says:

“At its mid-century peak, segregation reflected the operation of both government and market forces. Beginning in the 1930s, federal regulations disfavored the extension of mortgage credit to homeowners in mixed-race neighborhoods.”

Present-day racism was built on a long history of racially-distributed resources and ideas that shape our view of ourselves and others. Explore the charts and resources below to better understand the current and historical diversity and segregation across Metro Atlanta and Georgia.

According to Georgia State University, the Asian and Asian-American population in Metro Atlanta has grown dramatically in recent years. After increasing by 128% in the 1990s, the number of individuals of Asian descent in Georgia grew by another 81.6% since 2000.

Data via Census.gov

These days, most of Metro Atlanta’s new Latinx residents hail from the United States. Are we creating equal opportunities for Latinx children to thrive? What’s the history? Find out more below.

Image via atlantaregional.org/ipums.org/nationalequityatlas.org

Challenge Menu

The most racially segregated cities in the South 

Data guru Nate Silver looks at segregation across 100 of the largest cities. Atlanta ranks 2nd nationally and is the most segregated city in the South.

The Racial Dot Map 

The Racial Dot Map displays one dot for every person in the United States. Created by the University of Virginia, the map displays a different dot color for each racial and ethnic group.  As you zoom in over an area, you can clearly see how segregated communities are. Although it looks like “smudges” at the national and regional levels, zooming in reveals the segregation within regions, cities and neighborhoods.

How Asian-Americans are Changing the South

For decades, Asian-Americans have clustered on the coasts, but in recent years thousands have moved to the South, remaking communities in the process.

How race and racism shaped growth and cityhood in north metro Atlanta 

This article explores the history of racially based policies from the 1940s through the recent cityhood movement in Atlanta.

How Atlanta traffic is a byproduct of past segregation 

The author and Professor of History at Princeton University Kevin Kruse provides a brief synopsis of research from his book about the link between highways and racial bias. (7 minutes)

Why Do We Say ”Asian American” Not “Oriental”? 

The word Oriental is hundreds of years old, so why do Americans no longer use the word? And how did the word “Asian-American” take its place? Watch this episode of PBS’ “Origin of Everything” to find out. (7 minutes)

The ‘Racial Cleansing’ That Drove 1,100 Black Residents Out of Forsyth County, GA

Listen to this radio interview with Patrick Phillips who grew up in Forsyth County when it was still all-white, and people of color were not welcome. His parents were among the civil rights protesters who, in the 1980s, protested the county’s continuing segregation. His book titled “Blood At The Root” is now out in paperback. It’s based on his archival research, as well as his interviews with town residents and descendants of the Black people who fled in 1912. Terry Gross spoke with Patrick Phillips in 2016. (37 minutes)

Feel the Rhythm

Feel the rhythm of the Neighborhood Initiative at Atlanta History Center Mi Gente project by listening to the Brilla Mi Gente playlist, curated by La Choloteca. The Mi Gente project tells stories of everyday individuals and experiences that make up the Latinx community of Atlanta.

For Reflection

“Here to Stay II” Jess Snow, 2017
Photography by Eyesome Productions

Take Action

Today in Greater Atlanta nearly 500,000 children live in communities lacking the basic opportunities and resources needed to thrive. Lives born with pure potential are too often offset by the disparities that a zip code or race produces, holding us back for an equitable Greater Atlanta.

The Racial Equity and Healing Fund
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Thank You

The following organizations have provided funds to support the United Way Racial Equity and Healing Fund. 

Anthem
Assurant
Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation
Gas South

Genuine Parts Company
Global Payments Inc
Printpack
Robert W. Woodruff Foundation
Southern Company Gas

Target HQ
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
The Coca-Cola Company
Truist