In This Edition of
Global Atlanta Works

The Atlanta region is stronger because of our diversity and richer because of the different cultures that make up the region.  African-American History Month is celebrated and commemorated in February throughout the United States in recognition of the extraordinary achievements of African Americans.  According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, more than 1.5 million African Americans now live in the Atlanta region.  2010 Census and American Community Survey Data are now available on Globalatlantaworks.com.

African Americans in the Atlanta region are a diverse and vibrant community well known for successes in the fields of business, politics and the arts.  In this issue, homage is paid to second generation entrepreneurs, the arts and other forms of cultural expression taking place throughout the Atlanta region this month.  

Michael Russell, CEO, H. J. Russell, Inc.

Listen to Michael Russell’s perspective on leadership in the African American community.
INSERT VIDEO of Michael Russell in the Global Atlanta Works website/Community Conversations section.

Read more about Russell.(LINK to An Era of Entrepreneurs page)

Brooke Jackson Edmond: A Second Generation African -American Entrepreneur

Brooke Jackson Edmond (insert picture)
Senior Vice-President and Principal
Jackmont Hospitality, Inc.
As long as she can remember, Brooke Jackson Edmond has wanted to run her own business. She let her family know at the age of 12 that she would like to own a hotel, leading to a series of summer internships at the Hyatt Regency, Ritz Carlton and Wyndam hotels to test the waters.  After attending the school of hospitality at Cornell University, her interest shifted to foodservice.   Blessed with a mother and father who supported her dream, Brooke has laid claim to her place in the business world.  Read more…..(LINK to An Era of Entrepreneurs page

11th Annual Roswell Roots Festival (insert pics)
The 11th Annual Roswell Roots festival is the largest and most comprehensive celebration of African-American History Month in the state of Georgia. The festival celebrates African-American history and culture by sponsoring a variety of art exhibits, history and cultural events.  Highlights of this year’s celebration include the McIntosh County Shouters, named “Master Artists” of the Authentic Ring Shout by the National Endowment for the Arts; and  “Slammin’ in the Suburbs”, Roswell’s 8th annual poetry slam.   For additional information and complete details on the 2012 Roswell Roots Festival, visit www.roswellroots.com.
Events Calendar
You are invited to view upcoming African American performing and visual arts as well as other celebratory events held during African American History Month, and submit additional events for the Global Atlanta Works calendar at www.globalatlantaworks.com.  
Quick Facts:

• Citizens Trust Bank, opened in 1921 on Sweet Auburn Avenue is one of the largest minority-owned financial institutions in the nation.
• The National Black Arts Festival has been celebrating African American art and culture in Atlanta since 1988 by bringing together renowned visual, literary and performance arts from throughout the world.
• Former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson was the first African American to be elected mayor in any major southern city, in 1974.
• Metro Atlantans Ambassador Andrew Young, Henry Aaron and Rev. Joseph Lowery are all recipients of the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
• The Pea Ridge community in Cherokee County, the Flat Rock community in DeKalb County and the Promised Land community in Gwinnett County, are among some of the earliest African-American communities in the Atlanta region.

Upcoming National Celebrations

• May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
• September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month