The birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 501 Auburn Avenue.

The name “Sweet Auburn” was coined by John Wesley Dobbs, grandfather to Atlanta’s first black mayor, Maynard Jackson.  Dobbs, himself the unofficial “mayor” of Auburn Avenue, helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement and for Auburn’s most notable resident, Martin Luther King, Jr.  Ironically, progress lead, in-part, to the decline of the neighborhood as new found freedom fostered an exodus for exploration outside of this historic district.  On this show, we’ll examine what made Auburn Avenue great, what went wrong, and why it’s all coming back together through rebuilding, re-connecting, and the Atlanta Streetcar.

Photo courtesy of Auburn Avenue Research Library.

While the Auburn Avenue historic district has seen a devastating decline since the 1970′s, there are many people working to preserve the neighborhood’s history and help bring it back to prominence.  The Auburn Avenue Research Library is special in that it is the only library of focus in the Fulton County Library system, and that it has for years collected important documents, artifacts, and images relating to the African American experience. Archivist, Kerrie Cotten Williams joins Gene to talk about the collection, the importance of cataloging culture, and how the library preserves African American history not only for people right here in Atlanta, but for cultures across the globe.

Ryan Gravel, Senior Urban Designer with P+W.

Looking forward, Auburn Avenue plays an important role in Downtown Atlanta and Sweet Auburn’s revitalization due in large part to the Atlanta Streetcar Project.  At one time Atlanta boasted over 300 miles of streetcar tracks, not only providing a mode of transportation, but also connecting our communities.  In the late 1940′s the “car” went the way of the bus.  Well, thanks to $47,000,000 in federal funding, the streetcar is back and it’s being built as we “talk” with an east-west route that rides right down Auburn Avenue.  Here to traverse the future of transit in Atlanta, and specifically the streetcar, is Ryan Gravel, Senior Urban Designer with Perkins+Will.  Gravel, who had the original (and may we say very bright) idea of the Atlanta Beltline, is the type of person who really sees the big picture, and we’re happy he could join Gene in the studio to talk about the positive implications the streetcar’s promise has on our city.

Duke Ellington and his band. Photo by Michael Ricci.

Back in the day, Sweet Auburn was not only home to seriously successful entrepreneurs, including Alonzo Herndon, Atlanta’s first black millionaire, but it also hosted the hottest acts that showbiz had to offer.  The likes of Duke Ellington, Sam Cooke, Gladys Knight, and Little Richard all graced clubs like The Royal Peacock.  Auburn was literally booming, but as the residential population dwindled so went the retail, restaurants and nightlife.  Fortunately, the culture, character and history remained.  Blight and the subsequent endangerment of those assets prompted local civic leaders to get involved to protect their homes and their heritage.  As the Chairwoman of the Historic District Development Corporation, Mtaminika Youngblood continues to work toward the preservation of the Sweet Auburn area, representing the interests of the neighborhood and the community at large.  Mtaminika’s connection to Auburn Avenue, along with her story of restoration and preservation of her family’s home, adds a personal touch to a show that is rich with history.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake. Photo by Leigh Beisch.

One of the sweeter stories of success along Auburn Avenue comes the way of the Sweet Auburn Bread Company, owned by chef Sonya Jones.  Praised for her cakes and pastries, Chef Sonya opened shop and her doors to the community in 1997. One of her more notable moments was when she served then President Bill Clinton her famous sweet potato cheesecake (of her own creation!) during his visit to the historic district.  Her ambition and tasty treats keep customers happy and deliciously contributes to the fabric of her community.

Mixed-Use Developments such as Renaissance Walk point to the bright future of Auburn Avenue.

As we watch Atlanta grow, we cannot forget the history of our iconic neighborhoods.  No other area of our city embodies the triumphs of African Americans like Sweet Auburn, and no other area is carrying the banner of Atlanta’s immediate developmental future quite like this neighborhood.  We predict with pleasure that Auburn Avenue will continue to contribute as much to Atlanta’s positive growth and culture in the future as it has in our storied and precious past.  As we celebrate Black History month, let us look to the future, but remember and honor those who helped bring us this far.

THIS SHOW AIRS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH at 8:30 AM & 6:30 PM on AM 1690 “The Voice of the Arts”.  You can also “LISTEN LIVE” at www.1690wmlb.com.  Enjoy!

Narrow Road to the Far South #14, 2011. Todd Murphy.

For our maiden voyage, we take a snapshot into the high-end art world with Anna Walker Skillman, owner of famed Jackson Fine Art, a premiere gallery showcasing world-class photography right here in Atlanta.

Anna joins Gene in the studio to talk about three incredible shows on exhibit through April 7th. Todd Murphy, Chip Simone & Vivian Maier. Tune in, take a listen, then go take a look.

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Click the icons to see a bit of background on each building.  Hear about “The Skyline” now.

(Zoom out to see the latest two)

Built in 1897 as the English-American Building, Atlanta’s Flatiron Building, by architect Bradford Gilbert, predates New York’s more famous Flatiron by five years.

The United States can claim as one of our most lofty inventions, the skyscraper.  George A. Fuller’s solution for “load bearing capacities” lead to the eventual construction of the Tacoma Building in 1889, the first structure built where the outside walls were not relied upon for support.  A few years later the famous Flatiron Building, one of NYC’s first skycrapers, was erected in 1902.  Atlanta was ahead of the curve on this one however, with our own Flatiron Building preceding the Big Apple’s version by five years.  So, it’s no surprise that our highrise history comes with ample pride.  This month we explore that history along with the impact and importance that the skyline plays in both our physical and cultural development.

Once on the brink of extinction, the Peregrine Falcon is back, and hanging out at The Four Seasons!

When the Atlanta Falcons made their debut in 1965, the Peregrine falcon was experiencing a swan song.  Pesticides used in farming since the 40′s had all but killed off the falcon by sending their reproductive abilities into a free fall.  Strangely the football team’s name really has nothing to do with the local presence of this great and rare bird.  Despite the fighting spirit and sporting nature of the bird, which inspires the team name, it took environmental legislation such as the Clean Air Act to help the species soar high again.  In two cases, the falcon has literally come home to roost among some of the skyline’s marquee buildings.  Jim Ozier, with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, joins Gene in the studio to share his perspective about nature meets man in the big city, and to tell us about these notable nests.

"This is the skyline I first remember: the BG (Bank of Georgia) tower is the loftiest thing in town, followed by its predecessor, the Fulton Bank building to the right on Marietta Street," remembers Jim Auchmutey, who shares this vintage postcard from his collection.

As Atlanta was growing up socially and economically, it was also growing vertically.  Growing up as a native, Jim Auchmutey, an author of southern culture and a features writer with the Atlanta Journal- Constitution for 30 years, took great notice of these advancements and his curious nature lead him to explore Atlanta’s skyline with a kid’s imagination and a historian’s approach.  From riding elevators to see his city from new heights, to interviewing power-brokers and policy makers, Jim’s pride for Atlanta is evident.  Jim sits down with Gene to share some of his personal reflections and give an insider’s scoop to some of the people behind the properties.

Developer & Architect John Portman changed Atlanta's skyline both inside and out. Interior photo of atrium at Portman's Marriot Hotel, built in 1985.

Robert M. Craig, professor emeritus of architectural history at Georgia Tech, author of Atlanta Architecture: Art Deco to Modern Classic, 1929–1959, and coauthor, with Paul Goldberger, of John Portman: Art and Architecture, is one of the foremost authorities on Atlanta architecture.  Having an architectural historian seems only appropriate for a show about the skyline, and we’re both happy and impressed by Craig’s extensive knowledge and his willingness to educate and inform.  His insights and audio visualizations into the world of John Portman (and the world he created) are particularly intriguing.  His history lesson about Atlanta architecture is worth taking note(s).  Oh, and he’s a great guy.

Vamp. By Chip Simone. Atlanta. 2005.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, and the skyline is the photograph most attributed to the identity of a city, then it would stand to reason the best vantage of the city would be worth knowing.  Chip Simone, acclaimed Atlanta photographer of city life, does not make a habit of shooting the skyline. He does however tell us about “Kodak Hill” and shares the in’s and out’s of capturing life in the shadows of  Downtown…and Midtown…and Buckhead.  In fact, Simone has walked the entire length of Peachtree Street (10.1 miles in all) with camera in hand, and walks-the-walk of a true artist.  This month he joins us in the studio to talk-the-talk.

Although we all enjoy the majesty of Atlanta rising into the sky, we hope this show will literally change the way you look at it…in an interesting and entertaining way, of course.

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Local reporter Jeanne Bonner captures the skyline from the baseline and also wins our "Submit your Skyline" Photo Contest.

William Fox

In 1929, William Fox was a movie mogul and The Fox Theatre was Atlanta’s crown jewel of movie palaces.  This Christmas Day, “The Fox” celebrates its 82nd birthday.  Over the years it has hosted many award-winning performances. Comedies, tragedies, & dramas – in the form of movies, plays & dance – have all played on the big screen and the stage, creating more than a few memories along the way.

The Nutcracker is a long-standing holiday tradition at The Fox Theatre.

However, The Fox’s history is not all glitz and glamour.  The curtain nearly closed in 1974, and would have for good if not for the efforts of concerned citizens, community oriented corporations and the foresight of Atlanta Landmarks, Inc. and their “Save the Fox” campaign.  This month we celebrate with The Fox and take a look back at the history, the preservation, the restoration, and the theatre’s place in Atlanta’s cultural landscape.

Walt Disney's "Song of the South" grand world premiere at the Fox Theatre, October 1946.

"Save the Fox" poster circa 1976.

Beauchamp Carr is EVP at The Woodruff Arts Center and was an integral player with Atlanta Landmarks, Inc.’s effort to prevent The Fox from becoming a Bellsouth parking deck.  Beauchamp joins Gene in the studio to remind us about the incredible preservation effort, and to share some personal thoughts about the theatre he helped rescue.

Chairperson of Emory’s Film & Media Studies, Matthew Bernstein also swings by Sidewalk Radio to talk about The Fox, the golden age of cinema, and the magic of movie palaces.  Bernstein’s passion for film and his knowledge about cinematic history paint a nice picture of how The Fox used to be, what it used to be, and why it is important today.

The Fox is a anchor both on Peachtree Street and in our cultural heritage.

Leo Alvarez is nothing if not real.  As Atlanta’s Urban Design Leader at Perkins+Will, Alvarez is consumed with culture.  In this episode, Alvarez discusses how to protect, plan, design and deliver culture within our community while keeping it genuine and appreciating the authenticity that already exists.  And, in Atlanta, “The Fox” is synonymous with authenticity.

The 1922 finding of King Tut's Tomb set off a craze in Egyptian architecture & design.

Molly Fortune is Atlanta’s good fortune in that she leads a team that keeps The Fox alive, refreshed and restored so that memories can be made and so that this cultural monument can be enjoyed for generations to come.  As Director of Restoration at The Fox Theatre, Fortune has a magnifying glass on every detail from furniture to fixtures, wallpaper to windows.  In our interview, we examine these important design and architectural details with her down to the smallest twinkling star.

So, as we move into a New Year, let’s reflect on the icon we almost lost, and remember the importance of keeping it real!  Here’s to a fantastic 2012, and a sincere appreciation for The Fabulous Fox Theatre over the past 82 years.  Happy Birthday Fox Theatre & Happy Holidays, y’all!

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For this, our Thanksgiving Special, Gene is joined by four very “thoughtful” guests who act as our Atlanta Restaurant Guides, coming together through conversation to explore our heritage, our history, the soul of Southern Food, and the importance of family and friendship.

Ma Hull's in Inman Park was known for their banana pudding and for their family style. The band Little Feat shows their appreciation.

Bill Johnson, Founder and Principal of The Johnson Studio, knows his way around a kitchen, and a bar, and a seating area and Atlanta.  His firm has had an architectural and design hand in well over 400 restaurants that locally include Aria, Nava, Bistro Niko, One Midtown Kitchen, Lobster Bar, South City Kitchen, Kyma, Horseradish Grill and even The Varsity.  Bill stops by the studio to talk shop and drop knowledge about the thought that goes behind these fabulous spots.

Aria. Architecture & Design by The Johnson Studio.

Steven Satterfield, Co-Owner and celebrated Chef of Award-Winning Miller Union, is a true talent in the kitchen (ask Martha Stewart) and just a down-right cool guy.  His restaurant just celebrated its 2nd anniversary, but the location’s history dates back many years before when Atlanta’s reinvigorated “West Side” was a meat packing district and the site where the restaurant sits today was the Miller Union Stockyard.

Winter Vegetable Plate. Miller Union.

Steven joins Gene to share the history of the “West Side”, his personal history, insight into the Southern Foodways Alliance, and the art of today’s Southern food.

Miller Union "gets it" when it comes to food, beverage, decor, and down-home Southern hospitality.

Don Rooney’s job is to answer questions.  As Curator of Urban and Regional History at The Atlanta History Center, Rooney’s depth of experience and knowledge about about our past is hard to beat.  But it’s his personal nostalgia and love for Atlanta along with his role in a dining club, that really add the cherry on top to a wonderful conversation that ranges from Civil Rights “sit-ins” to celebratory birthday dinners and much more.

Restaurants played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement as places to plan, places for peace, and places to protest.

In 1962, Marie Nygren’s mother, Margaret Lupo, bought Mary Mac’s Tea Room from Mary McKenzie after working there for just one week.  Over the next 32 years she grew that business through equality, family values and of course mouth watering Southern Soul Food like collard greens and potlikker, macaronni and cheese, fried chicken, cornbread, fried green tomatoes, meatloaf, okra, black-eyed peas and baked potatoes.  Marie joins Gene and graciously shares her family’s story about Mary Mac’s and the carried on traditions of home cooking, plus its place in her current kitchen, “The Farmhouse at Serenbe”, where she and husband Steve Nygren will host 400 for Thanksgiving Dinner!

Mary Mac's serves up some of Atlanta's best.

So, with that, please enjoy this feast of knowledge and nostalgia that promises to impress.  We’d also like to offer a special Thanksgiving “thought” to all of our friends, family, and fans…Have a fabulous holiday and enjoy it in good health.

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The Vortex. The burgers are scary good.

Growing up as a retail pocket to serve Inman Park and Candler Park in the early 1900′s, L5P as it is affectionally known, developed organically.  This type of development meant that the area was not planned, per se, but grew out of need and desire.  That original desire was not the alternative lifestyle we see today, but it always had a vibe.  In the 1960′s its vibe dwindled into deplorable conditions when white flight and local politics reared their ugly heads.  However, local politics was also one of the reasons that the neighborhood bounced back in the mid 1970′s.  That, along with lots of blood, sweat, tears and beers, plus a healthy dose of rock music and elbow grease, brought Little Five Points back to life.

Early days in Little Five Points. Circa 1960.

Little Five Points got its name from the five streets that intersect at the center of the neighborhood, but got its reputation from a sub culture of urban pioneers who are among Atlanta’s most funky, creative, colorful and cool.  In this episode of Sidewalk Radio, our host Gene Kansas explores the art, music, mayhem and culture of this alternative enclave that includes Elvis shrines and disco nights (Star Bar), record stores (Criminal Records, Wax’n'Facts), raucous retail (Junkman’s Daughter), thrift havens (Stefan’s), booze (Euclid Avenue Yacht Club), books (A Cappella), bands (Variety Playhouse), co-op’s (Sevananda), coffee (Aurora), and pimento cheese burgers (The Vortex) to die for, all available within a few block radius, and in Atlanta that makes it one of the truest novelties of it all.

Junkman's Daughter is a potpourri of pop culture and one of L5P's most visited "sights".

Maneul Cadrecha.

Joining Gene in the studio this month to discuss some of the history and architecture of Little Five Points and how alternative enclaves develop in cities all over the world, plus share his design expertise, and impart personal and professional insights about the cultural aspects of the area is Perkins+Will Principal and their Atlanta Design Director, Manuel Cadrecha.

Also lending an artful conversation to this month’s show is one of Atlanta’s favorite local artists, if not one of our most colorful and visible, Ronnie Land.  ”R. Land”, as his signature reads, creates a cast of characters through his art that embody Atlanta and goes hand-in-hand with the counter culture on display in Little Five.

"Fine day for fishin'" offers an homage to street artist HENCE while characterizing a Joel Chandler Harris moment enjoyed by one of Land's sub culture characters.

Eric Levin is the founder and owner of Criminal Records, the owner of cult and neighborhood favorite Aurora Coffee, and is one of the early pioneers who has grown up in business and in the neighborhood, but he is more than that.  Levin joins Gene in the studio representing scores of local residents and business mainstays in his love for the ‘hood and why it’s an important place to cultivate and sustain.

Criminal Records is home to vinyl, vivaciousness, and a fan base that vibes on all things Little Five.

So, get on your green wigs, grab your PBR, load up your Yacht Dog and get ready for a thrill ride through a place that is culturally unique to our city, Little Five Points.  Enjoy.

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October 4, 2011

Friends,

On this, the 1 Year Anniversary of Sidewalk Radio, and on behalf of the entire Sidewalk Radio crew, we’d like to thank you: the listener, the fan, the supporter. Your interest and enthusiasm have been wonderful and both have made the past year a true joy. Thank you so much.

We would, of course, also like to thank all of the wonderful guests (50 in all) whom have joined us over the past 12 shows.  Each one of our guests was charming, intelligent, entertaining and informative and each a true individual. From celebrated local artist Radcliffe Bailey to former Mayor Sam Massell, from The Clermont Lounge’s Blondie (yep, she was on) to Atlanta Preservation Center Executive Director Boyd Coons, from Coca-Cola Archivist Ted Ryan to H&F’s Greg Best, and from Atlanta BeltLine President & CEO Brian Leary (our first interview) to Senior Military Historian of the Atlanta History Center Gordon Jones, plus many others, we certainly are lucky. [visit show blogs to see - and hear - all of the guests]

Of course, we’d also like to thank our sponsor, Perkins+Will for their support of and belief in our show. P+W truly “gets it” and we are truly grateful for them. Their mantra of creating “Ideas + buildings that honor the broader goals of society” is right on and makes us proud to be associated with such a cool, creative, collaborative and conscious organization.

Additionally, I’d like to personally thank Max Arbes, the Producer of Sidewalk Radio and the Programming Director of AM 1690 “The Voice of the Arts”. Max’s adventurous spirit and keen ability to keep things flowing, sounding good, and coming together each and every month, along with his vision and interest, really make Sidewalk Radio the best it can be.

And, neither Max nor I could not do it without the support of Matt, Sharon, Brandon, Stephen, Jeff, Scott, Larry, and everyone else that contributes to Atlanta’s coolest radio station. You all have been fabulous to work with and I consider you good friends. And speaking about friends of Sidewalk Radio, none of this would be possible without the leadership and vision of WMLB owner, Joe Weber.  Joe has believed in the show from the get-go, and certainly is a huge believer in our Atlanta community.  He offers his tremendous support to both.  Thank you, Joe.

So, that’s about it. We’re going to keep on doing what we do and you all keep tuning in, we do appreciate it!

Yours Truly,

Gene Kansas

Host Gene Kansas (left) and Producer Max Arbes at the Sidewalk Radio launch party October 2010.

Before it was an airport, it was a race track. April 16, 1925, city leases 287 acres from Coca-Cola magnate Asa Candler. Airport named Candler Field. Photo courtesy of David P. Henderson.

Sam Massell. Atlanta Mayor 1970 - 1974.

Sam Massell, the first Jewish Mayor of Atlanta, the current President of The Buckhead Coalition, a true and perennial ambassador for our city, and a man who’s administration was chiefly responsible for bringing MARTA to Atlanta (and ultimately the airport which it finally reached in 1988), joins Gene in the studio this month to opine and offer anecdotes about the huge success of Atlanta’s International Airport, plus offer a politician’s view on its importance to our city.  Oh, and the Mayor even shares a few secrets from his time in office including his take on Brand Atlanta, New Coke, and why we won’t have a second airport.

Flying certainly seemed more "colorful" in the 70's when Massell was Mayor.

With 90,000,000 passengers traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport each year (and climbing), the world’s busiest airport (out of 49,000!) is in many ways the de facto face of the city, a tremendous component to our brand.  We’re lucky to have experiential branding expert, Keith Curtis of Perkins+Will, join us this month to talk about the importance of brand, and how the airport’s image impacts the rest of Atlanta.

When most parents would drop their kids off at a friend’s house or have the babysitter come over, David P. Henderson‘s mother would deliver him to the observation deck at Hartsfield International, while David’s father, a Delta Air Lines (a huge reason that Atlanta and the airport are such a success) pilot, would fly the friendly skies.  Henderson, a true wealth of airport information, and author of Sunshine Skies, brings personal reflection with an amateur historian’s knowledge to our discussion about Atlanta’s Airport.

Tower in 1961. Courtesy of Sunshine Skies by David P. Henderson.

Part-time stand-up comedian and full-time celebrated chef of “ATL’s” first high-end restaurant, One Flew South, Chef Duane Nutter serves up a whimsical take about airport security, “southernational” cuisine, and what people from all over the planet want to eat when they visit our airport.  Chef also shares a sample menu that makes us want to fly down to the airport and belly up for a bite.

One Flew South. The first upscale dining experience at the world's busiest airport.

In preparation for takeoff on this, the 12th episode and 1-year anniversary of Sidewalk Radio, please bring your seat-backs to their upright and locked position, make sure your tray table is put away, and all of your carry-on items are stowed.  It’s our job to provide your in-flight entertainment, a colorful, fascinating and fun history lesson about perhaps the biggest reason Atlanta is Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.  Please enjoy, have a nice trip, and see you next month.

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"Homage to King" by artist Xavier Medina-Company. Photo by Louis Delsarte.

Freedom Park’s relevance in Atlanta history dates back to the Civil War.  On July 22, 1864, Sherman watched the city burn during the Battle of Atlanta from Copenhill (location of the Carter Center) very close to the same spot that the “Homage to King” sculpture stands today as a symbol of our freedom.  This sculpture, by Catalan artist Xavier Medina, was erected at the intersection of Boulevard and Freedom Parkway shortly before the 1996 Olympics on a site that just five years prior was embroiled and embattled in a contentious fight that had been brewing since the 1960′s and severely heated up in the early 1980′s when the Department of Transportation reignited the proposed Stone Mountain Tollway that promised fast access through the city and almost certain destruction of Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods.

Before Freedom Park - Highland Avenue circa 1992.

At the literal and metaphoric heart of the matter was the Carter Center.  Like most big time real estate deals, politics plays a huge part.  As Governor in the 1970′s, Jimmy Carter had opposed the road.  However, after his presidency, he backed the plan for a “Presidential Parkway” in and effort to find a home for and road to his Presidential Library.  The city was up in arms again, and in 1981, Cathy Bradshaw helped lead the fight (along with some serious assistance from friends, neighbors and future Congressman, John Lewis) against the Georgia Department of Transportation’s proposed road which would have literally divided many of the charming neighborhoods we love today.

Bradshaw was President of C.A.U.T.I.O.N (Citizens Against Unnecessary Thoroughfares In Older Neighborhoods) the legal arm of a protest group, who together with the very visible activist arm known as the Roadbusters, ultimately (in 1991) helped put an end to the proposed road.  This resolution not only ensured the preservation of treasures like Inman Park, Candler Park, Lake Claire, Poncey-Highland and Druid Hills, but it also resulted in the symbolic connection between the MLK Center and the Carter Center, proving to be a win-win-win for all.  Cathy joins Gene in the studio this month to reflect on the “NO ROAD” fight and remind us about how Atlanta came together for a common cause.

Even though all sides were able to reach an agreement in August 1991, the work was far from over.  It was by chance that David Blackley, a landscape architect and now President of the Freedom Park Conservancy, was at City Hall and happened upon the plans for the new road.  The DOT was not known for designing beautiful, meandering parkways, opting instead for quicker, cheaper, easier straight lines.  David teamed up with Cathy and C.A.U.T.I.O.N (which later evolved into the Freedom Park Conservancy) to perfect the plans for beautification and has been involved ever since, helping to give us the prideful park we have today.  David and Gene discuss the design of the Freedom Park, the ongoing programming, and art in the park.

Map of Freedom Park.

And speaking about art in the park, Gene speaks with Patricia Kerlin, responsible for helping to bring significant sculptures to Freedom Park and representing the Atlanta Public Arts Legacy Fund (APAL) which oversaw the maintenance of much of the public art on Freedom Park after the Olympics.  Kerlin, an architect, brings her insight and her opinion to some of the park’s greatest pieces, some of its more controversial installments like 54 Columns by Sol LeWitt, and of course the lasting legacy of gateway pieces like “Homage to King” in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. and “The Bridge” by Thornton Dial in honor of the contributions of Congressman John Lewis.

Thornton Dial's "The Bridge", at Ponce de Leon & Freedom Pkwy, honors Congressman John Lewis.

We’re also honored to have on our show this month, City of Atlanta Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, George Dusenbury, adding valuable insight and expertise to the discussion about Freedom Park and our city’s park program en masse.  Prior to his role with the city, Dusenbury was heavily involved with the Freedom Park Conservancy and Park Pride among others.  In addition to overseeing all of Atlanta’s 348 parks, plus the creation of new parks from efforts like the Atlanta BeltLine and others, Dusenbury also takes time to enjoy, riding his bike through Freedom Park to the Capitol several days per week.

So, now that you’ve read a little more about this important effort and amazing park, tune in to hear the full story from our experts.  Oh, and get out on the path for a walk, a jog, a bike ride, or just to see some great art in Atlanta’s largest public green space.

LISTEN TO THIS SHOW NOW ON iTunes. ENJOY.