The Gold Trail
Atlanta, USA — The Black Mecca of the South
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Atlanta

The Black Mecca of the South

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Atlanta is the undisputed capital of Black American ambition. Home to the nation's largest concentration of HBCUs, the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the engine of Black business, entertainment, and political power for the last half century. If you haven't been, you don't know.

Where to Eat

Pascal's Restaurant

Pick
Castleberry Hill·$$

Since 1947, Pascal's has been the unofficial dining room of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King ate here. John Lewis ate here. The fried chicken is still the best in Atlanta.

Must try: Fried chicken and waffles

The Busy Bee Cafe

Pick
Vine City·$$

Atlanta's oldest soul food restaurant, open since 1947. The Busy Bee fed the movement — and still feeds the community. The smothered pork chops are legendary.

Must try: Smothered pork chops with cornbread

Slutty Vegan

West End·$$

Pinky Cole's plant-based empire started right here in Atlanta's West End. The lines are long and worth every minute. The One Night Stand burger is the move.

Must try: The One Night Stand burger

Where to Read

Medu Bookstore

Pick
Greenbriar Mall·$

One of the most important Black bookstores in the South, Medu has been a cultural anchor in Atlanta for decades. Exceptional selection of African and African American literature, history, and art.

Must try: Ask about their author event calendar

Charis Books & More

Little Five Points·$

Atlanta's legendary independent bookstore with deep roots in social justice literature and a robust Black studies section. A community institution since 1974.

Must try: The social justice and Black studies shelves

Where to See

Alliance Theatre

Pick
Midtown·$$$

The Alliance has been a champion of Black playwrights and directors for decades. Their commitment to African American theater is unmatched in the South.

Must try: Check the current season for Black-led productions

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Pick
Centennial Olympic Park·$$

One of the most powerful museums in America. The lunch counter sit-in simulation alone is worth the trip. Essential for understanding Atlanta's role in the movement.

Must try: The Rolls Down Like Water: The Civil Rights Movement gallery

Where to Stand

Sweet Auburn Historic District

Pick
Sweet Auburn·Free

The birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the historic heart of Black Atlanta. Walk Auburn Avenue from the King Center to Ebenezer Baptist Church to the original Pascals. This is sacred ground.

Must try: The full walking tour — start at the King Center

The Atlanta University Center

Pick
West End·Free

The largest consortium of HBCUs in the world — Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, and Morris Brown. Walk the campuses. Feel the legacy. This is where Black excellence is manufactured.

Must try: Morehouse campus tour and the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel

Editor's Note

Atlanta's Black community is one of the most powerful in the world. The city has produced more Black millionaires, politicians, and cultural icons than anywhere else in America. Come ready to be inspired.

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