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Metro Man: Freedom, Fish and Fizz
By Jerry Attkisson
“Never look a gift horse in the mouth.”
We all know this old adage isn’t true. Remember the Trojan horse? Yet I am uncomfortable questioning Coca Cola’ generous offer of 2.5 acres for a civil rights museum next to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium – especially with the jubilant response from much of Atlanta.
Two of Martin Luther King Jr.’s children aren’t so reluctant to challenge the gift. They believe the museum belongs on Auburn Avenue. That’s a lot of hubris, given that King’s children stand to get $32 million from many of the same people who favor the Coke proposal. I suppose taking an unpopular position is something they got honestly from their father.
Honoring this social revolution next to sea life and soda doesn’t feel quite right. No doubt fish and fizz would feed a museum and vice versa. But the proposed site is behind the World of Coke, not front and center as I had imagined. Pardon the analogy, but this seems like a seat at the back of the bus.
Don’t get me wrong; Coke’s offer is very generous. And what’s even more important is the company’s support of a tribute to civil rights. When Coke gets out in front, Atlanta tends to follow; whatever is planned usually happens.
Just as Coke is “The Real Thing,” so is Auburn Avenue. It is the authentic cradle of the American civil rights movement. And though I can’t speak with King’s eloquence or claim the moral imperative of his cause, I HAVE A DREAM:
THAT Auburn is a celebratory and educational promenade gradually descending through a triumphant arch at Courtland before gently rising as it approaches King’s grave site. It is a testimony to King and Atlanta’s role in achieving social change without the violence of our first revolution, of South against North, or other cities during the civil rights movement. It calls to mind historic Colonial Williamsburg more than Disney World’s Main Street. A Freedom Walk runs from Centennial Olympic Park to where Auburn ends at the proposed Beltline. It is filled with visitors from around the globe and even mule-drawn buckboards like Dr. King’s cortege with guides recounting the story of black heritage.
THAT Sweet Auburn is the crown of civil rights filled with treasures that are active artifacts – King’s birthplace, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the crypt. To this is added jewels like the Royal Peacock, left, filled with blues, jazz and the music of Georgians Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, and James Brown. Soulful gospel rings out daily from the sanctuaries of Big Bethel and Wheat Street churches. The smoke and smell of the Auburn Rib Shack entice hundreds of thousands passing overhead on the Downtown Connector. Beneath, a street market extends to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market.
THAT dilapidated buildings along Auburn are restored to join the Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta Life, APEX museum and the Auburn Avenue Research Library as thriving businesses catering to visitors and the community. Behind is a backdrop of office, hotel and residential towers adding to residences restored in the character of the past.
This dream is within the reach of Atlanta. Bold, creative leadership with passion and persistence is required – along with a lot of money. Much is in place – infrastructure and historic properties. Other property is available at a fraction of the cost of similar developments in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead and beyond.
If Atlanta can offer $102 million in a failed bid for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, we can do more to create another more monumental magnet. The federal government can add to its already sizeable commitment to the area. Sponsorships and investment can come from corporations worldwide wanting to associate with this icon in marketing and selling their products and services. Daimler spent $5 million preserving the Margaret Mitchell House – a story of fact not fiction. Philanthropic organizations that support the cause of freedom can be attracted. Developers and lenders will build and restore as the Integral Group and Bank of America are already doing. Perhaps Dr. King’s children will serve as a catalyst with a contribution of money for the struggling King Center.
Atlanta should be known for more than the home of Gone With the Wind. It should show the world that Atlanta today is Going With the Wind.
jerryattkisson@mindspring.com
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