Exploring Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy and Civil Rights Roots: “The Games in Black & White”

Overview

Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, has a rich history of both the Olympic Games and the Civil Rights Movement. A new exhibit, “The Games in Black & White,” delves into the intersection of these two important events in the city’s past.

The Olympic Legacy in Atlanta

• Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, which brought significant economic and cultural benefits to the city.
• The Olympic Stadium, now known as Turner Field, was converted into a baseball stadium for the Atlanta Braves after the Games.
• The Olympic Village was transformed into a residential community, providing affordable housing for low-income families.

The Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta

• Atlanta was a major hub for the Civil Rights Movement, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis calling the city home.
• The city was the birthplace of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
• Important events, such as the 1960 sit-ins at the Rich’s department store and the 1963 March on Washington, were organized in Atlanta.

The Intersection of the Olympics and Civil Rights

• The exhibit “The Games in Black & White” explores how the Olympics and the Civil Rights Movement intersected in Atlanta.
• It highlights the contributions of Black athletes, such as Wilma Rudolph and Jesse Owens, to the Olympic Games.
• The exhibit also examines the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the 1996 Olympics, including protests against the use of the Confederate flag and the inclusion of a diverse group of performers at the opening ceremony.

Main Takeaways

Atlanta’s Olympic legacy and Civil Rights roots are deeply intertwined, and “The Games in Black & White” exhibit sheds light on this important connection. It showcases the city’s progress and challenges in terms of race relations and celebrates the achievements of Black athletes in the Olympic Games. This exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Atlanta and the impact of the Olympics and Civil Rights Movement on the city.