2024
2011
In the summer of 2011, Atlanta InTown collaborated with writing students at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to produce a special issue filled with their reports and feature articles. As part of InTown’s 30th anniversary celebration, we decided to produce this issue again.
While previous versions of the story were more eclectic in nature, this collaboration had a suggested theme: This month marks the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Atlanta is the birthplace of the civil rights movement, so it seemed like a way to acknowledge the history and explore the impact of the landmark law.
After months of conversations and meetings with students in Paige Gray’s writing classes, this special section evolved into an examination of how the Civil Rights Act continues to provide opportunity and equality, while also examining its flaws and ongoing challenges.
In this tense year with a presidential election coming up, and with civil and human rights driving much discussion and dialogue, features on Global Black Pride in Atlanta, women’s advancement in sports, successful Black entrepreneurs and art as activism are timely and relevant.
Inequality is also a theme here, with gig workers struggling to make a living, the ongoing threat of book bans that stifle knowledge and diversity, and the difficulties baseball legend Hank Aaron faced after hitting a historic home run showing how much work is still needed to fulfill the dream of civil rights for all.
Be sure to visit our special SCAD x Rough Draft section to read student stories published throughout June.
Colin Kelly was editor of Atlanta InTown for 20 years and has been a journalist and freelance writer for 35 years. He is also an award-winning poet and novelist. More articles by Colin Kelly
