During Maynard Jackson’s tenure as the first Black mayor of Atlanta, the city experienced great growth and perseverance despite strife and controversy. And there to witness it were two photographers, Sue Ross and James Alexander, who were busy capturing the experience of Black Atlantans through their lenses.
The exhibition, titled “Phoenix Reborn: A Photographic Reflection of Atlanta City Government’s Past 50 Years” includes many once-in-a-lifetime moments captured by these prolific photographers.
During Jackson’s two terms as mayor, the city experienced strikes, new public works projects such as park and freeway improvements, as well as the implementation of the MARTA rail lines. Jackson was also mayor during the harrowing Atlanta Child Murders. The citizens of Atlanta went through a lot, but through it all, the community showed just how resilient they are.
“We are two photographers who have viewed the course of Atlanta history over the last 50 years through parallel perspectives, and we wanted to show some of that to the public today,” said Sue Ross in an interview. Ross considers Alexander to be her mentor, and so was honored to present her works alongside his in this showcase.
Documenting civil rights efforts of Atlanta’s government to reinstate equal business opportunity programs, meetings of influential leaders, and other significant moments in our city’s history, this exhibition offers a glimpse into the people and movements from the past half-century that made Atlanta the vibrant city it is today.
“After Dr. King was assassinated, I decided I wanted to document this for a while, so I said to Gordon Parks, ‘Gordon, I am going to document Black people for ten years,’” said Alexander in an interview. Parks cautioned trying to make it as a photographer meant that he would starve, but Alexander was dedicated to making it work regardless.
Jackson encouraged Alexander to move to Atlanta and…
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