Atlanta’s historic Westside is a living testament to the city’s rich past and enduring legacy. Throughout the community, streets and landmarks tell the stories of trailblazing leaders whose contributions shaped Atlanta—and the nation.

In honor of Black History Month, we are launching a blog series exploring the namesakes of four significant streets that run through the historic Westside. In this issue, travel down Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, a prominent thoroughfare stretching through the historic Westside and steeped in history. Formerly known as Bankhead Highway, the street was renamed in 1998 to honor Donald Lee Hollowell, a civil rights trailblazer whose legal expertise helped dismantle racial barriers across Georgia and beyond.

Hollowell’s Role in Civil Rights

As one of the few Black attorneys practicing civil rights law in the 1950s and 1960s, Donald Lee Hollowell took on cases that reshaped Georgia’s legal landscape. He successfully litigated the integration of the University of Georgia in 1961, representing Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter against the state’s segregationist policies. This landmark case not only broke barriers in education but also set a precedent for the desegregation of other institutions across the South.

Hollowell’s legal work extended beyond the courtroom. He provided counsel to student activists during the Atlanta sit-ins, defended Martin Luther King Jr. during the Albany Movement, and played a pivotal role in securing the release of activists who were unjustly imprisoned. His courage and skill in the face of systemic racism earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of younger civil rights leaders, including Vernon Jordan and Horace Ward.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Hollowell as the first Black regional director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for the southeastern United States. In this role, Hollowell continued his fight for equity by addressing workplace discrimination and increasing opportunities for African Americans across the region.

A Street That Carries a Legacy

Renamed from Bankhead Highway in 1998, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway serves as the northern boundary of English Avenue, a historic neighborhood that has been home to cultural movements, iconic musicians, and memorable contributions to Atlanta’s identity. 

Hollowell lived nearby in the affluent and historic Collier Heights neighborhood. Once a bustling corridor during the mid-20th century, the parkway experienced a decline in the 1970s as suburban sprawl drew resources and people away from urban centers. For decades, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway bore the brunt of disinvestment, but today, revitalization efforts are underway to restore its vibrancy and honor the legacy of “Mr. Civil Rights.”

Revitalization and Reflection

Today, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway is at the heart of efforts to revitalize Atlanta’s Westside. Community-led initiatives and investments aim to bring new energy to the area while honoring its history.

Westside Future Fund is currently leading several projects on or adjacent to the thoroughfare, including the preservation and restoration of the historic English Avenue Carnegie Library. Plans for the building include repurposing the structure as a commercial space as a resource for the community. 

Just a block away at 646 Echo Street, WFF is leading the construction of a multifamily development that will bring 24 high-quality, affordable rental units. The project will include two buildings standing three stories, and all units will rent at below market rates—half will be reserved for renters earning 80 percent of the area median income or less, 30 percent will be held for occupants at 60 percent AMI, and five apartments will rent for just 30 percent AMI. 

Just a couple blocks north stands 970 Jefferson Street, the headquarters of Westside Future Fund and a collaborative nonprofit hub home to eight other organizations committed to transformational community service work in Atlanta. 

As these efforts unfold, Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway remains a physical and symbolic reminder of Hollowell’s work. His legacy is not only one of dismantling barriers but also of building pathways for future generations to thrive. 

Atlanta’s historic Westside is a living testament to the city’s rich past and enduring legacy. Throughout the community, streets and landmarks tell the stories of trailblazing leaders whose contributions shaped Atlanta—and the nation.

In honor of Black History Month, we are launching a blog series exploring the namesakes of four significant streets that run through the historic Westside. Running through the heart of Atlanta’s Westside, Joseph E. Boone Boulevard stands as a testament to the legacy of a beloved civil rights leader and community advocate. Formerly known as Simpson Road, the street was renamed in 2008 to honor Reverend Joseph Everhart Boone, a man known as “the picketing preacher” for his fearless activism during the Civil Rights Movement.

Joseph E. Boone: A Life of Leadership and Activism

Born in 1922, Joseph E. Boone was shaped by education, faith, and athletics. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, he was a star athlete who played Negro League football with the New York Brown Bombers before captaining Houston Tillotson College’s football team. However, his true calling was ministry. After earning his Bachelor of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary, he began a career as a pastor and activist—one that would define his legacy.

Before coming to Atlanta, Boone led Alabama’s first Selective Buying Campaign, a precursor to the economic boycotts that helped dismantle segregation across the South. As pastor of Rush Memorial Congregational Church, he mobilized students for the Atlanta Student Movement, which helped desegregate lunch counters, theaters, and public spaces. His leadership nurtured future civil rights icons like Julian Bond, Lonnie King, Marian Wright Edelman, and Carolyn Long Banks.

Beyond Atlanta, Boone was a chief strategist for economic justice, working alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the chief negotiator of Operation Breadbasket, a campaign that pressured businesses to hire Black workers and support Black-owned enterprises. He later served on the Georgia Governor’s Council on Human Relations, appointed by Governor Jimmy Carter.

His activism extended into media and business, co-chairing Atlanta Against Unfairness in Broadcasting, which successfully pressured the FCC to enforce fair programming. He also led initiatives supporting job training, drug treatment, and housing for underserved communities.

Recognized with the Civil Rights Legend Award in 2003 and honored by Congress in 2006, Boone’s relentless fight for justice left a lasting mark on Atlanta. Former Mayor Andrew Young described him as “an aggressive prophet of nonviolent protest.” Today, Joseph E. Boone Boulevard stands as a tribute to his enduring impact, a road that carries forward his vision for justice and equality.

The Boulevard: A Road of Resistance and Renewal

Renaming Simpson Road to Joseph E. Boone Boulevard was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to fighting injustice in Atlanta. The boulevard runs through neighborhoods that were at the heart of Boone’s work, including Vine City and English Avenue, where he championed economic empowerment, community organizing, and public service.

One notable landmark along Joseph E. Boone Boulevard is Fire Station 16, where Atlanta’s first Black firefighters were stationed after the city integrated its fire department in 1962. A historic plaque outside the station commemorates the efforts of civil rights leaders—including Boone—who pressed Mayor Ivan Allen to integrate the department. Recently, Fire Station 16 received $500,000 in federal funding for restoration, ensuring that this piece of civil rights history remains preserved for future generations.

Westside Future Fund Efforts Along Boone Blvd

True to Joseph E. Boone’s legacy, Westside Future Fund (WFF) is driving transformative development along the blocks surrounding Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, reinforcing its mission to build a vibrant, mixed-income community on Atlanta’s historic Westside.

Just one block away, previously blighted land has been revitalized into single-family homes, now providing stable housing for families with live, learn, and work connections to the community—including staff from the Atlanta University Center and local nonprofits dedicated to serving the Westside.

Expanding on these efforts, Proctor Street Village, a forthcoming development, will introduce a mix of single-family and multifamily homes, delivering dozens of high-quality, affordable housing units and further strengthening local housing opportunities.

One of WFF’s most anticipated projects, 839 Joseph E. Boone Blvd, is set for completion in 2025. This mixed-use development will feature 33 affordable rental units alongside 1,200 square feet of commercial space, bringing much-needed housing and retail opportunities to the corridor.

Adjacent to this new development is Kathryn Johnston Park, a vital greenspace that WFF helped bring to the community in partnership with local leaders. The park serves as both a recreational space—with a full-scale playground for children—and a stormwater management solution, helping to alleviate long-standing flooding issues. To ensure the park remains a welcoming space for residents, the WFF Volunteer Corps regularly hosts community clean-ups and maintenance efforts.

As WFF moves into Our Next Chapter—a pivotal capital campaign funding its affordable housing goals through 2028—its work along Joseph E. Boone Blvd stands as a testament to its commitment to inclusive, sustainable progress for the historic Westside.

Learn more about Our Next Chapter today.

For Jon Ingram, joining Westside Future Fund (WFF) as Chief Development Officer is more than a professional milestone—it’s a homecoming. Raised with deep roots in Atlanta’s Westside, Ingram brings both a wealth of experience in nonprofit development and an intrinsic understanding of the community WFF serves.

A Career Built on Service and Community Engagement

Ingram’s career began with the Boy Scouts of America, where he spent years developing and expanding youth programs, fostering community partnerships, and managing fundraising initiatives. Over time, his role grew to oversee five counties in metro Atlanta and lead a team of eight executives. He later transitioned to a development-focused role, managing special events and the annual fund campaign.

From there, he joined the Woodruff Arts Center as Director of Corporate Relations, where he specialized in strategic partnerships, aligning corporate objectives with meaningful community impact. It was here that Ingram honed his ability to connect organizations in ways that create lasting value—not just for stakeholders, but for the broader community.

Now, as WFF’s Chief Development Officer, he is bringing that expertise back to the place that shaped him.

A Personal Connection to the Westside

Ingram’s bond with Atlanta’s Westside runs deep. He grew up surrounded by leaders and mentors from neighborhoods like Vine City and Collier Heights—people who instilled in him the values of education, service, and resilience. His mother and grandmother, both proud Spelman College alumni, instilled in him a deep appreciation for education and community empowerment. His grandmother, a devoted educator, taught at several Westside schools, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. His grandmother, a dedicated educator, taught at several Westside schools, and his parents were intentional about ensuring he remained connected to the community’s history and opportunities.

“My parents made an intentional choice of making sure my brother and I were involved in afterschool and summer programs in the Westside,” Ingram shared. “These were the people who believed in me when I was just a child. Not giving back to those people would be a disservice to who I am as a person.”

His faith has also played a central role in his journey. Growing up, he participated in youth development programs through local churches, including those in the Atlanta University Center (AUC). That foundation of service, faith, and education continues to guide his work today.

A Vision for the Future

As WFF looks ahead, Ingram is committed to helping the organization further its mission through sustainable fundraising and strategic partnerships. He is drawn to WFF’s approach of working with the community, ensuring that residents have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping their own future.

“I love the phrasing about doing with the community and not to the community,” he said. “I’ve always believed in that mentality when working with people. Communities like this are filled with families looking to build better futures, and if I can provide something to help them achieve that, I’m going to do it.”

For Ingram, a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. serves as a guiding principle as he enters into WFF’s mission: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” By strengthening the Westside, he believes, WFF is not just uplifting one community but fostering a ripple effect of positive change throughout Atlanta and beyond.

With Ingram at the helm of development, WFF is poised to continue its transformative work—ensuring that Atlanta’s historic Westside becomes not only one of the most sought-after communities in the city but a place where legacy residents can thrive.

Atlanta’s historic Westside is a living testament to the city’s rich past and enduring legacy. Throughout the community, streets and landmarks tell the stories of trailblazing leaders whose contributions shaped Atlanta—and the nation.

In honor of Black History Month, we are launching a blog series exploring the namesakes of four significant streets that run through the historic Westside. We begin with James P. Brawley Drive, a key corridor in the English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods. Formerly known as Chestnut Street, this thoroughfare honors Dr. James P. Brawley—a visionary educator, university president, and tireless advocate for racial equity and higher learning.

The Legacy of James P. Brawley

Born on September 26, 1894, in Lockhart, Texas, James P. Brawley’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and faith. After being adopted by his paternal aunt and uncle at the age of three, Brawley was raised in a Christian household that he credited with shaping both his personal and spiritual life. From attending a one-room elementary school to graduating with honors from Samuel Huston College, Brawley’s academic journey was marked by determination and excellence.

Brawley’s career in higher education began after earning his Bachelor of Arts degree and pursuing graduate studies at the University of Southern California, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago. His passion for education and leadership brought him to Clark University (now Clark Atlanta University), where he became the head of the Department of Education and Religious Education in 1925. Over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming president of Clark University in 1941—a position he held for 24 transformative years.

During his presidency, Brawley’s vision and leadership reshaped the institution and its role in the Atlanta University Center. He spearheaded the relocation of Clark University to its current site, initiated groundbreaking academic programs, and oversaw the expansion of the campus with new buildings, including an athletic field and a president’s residence. He also helped establish a development office and secured funding that left the university with a budget surplus and no debt by the time of his retirement.

Beyond his work at Clark, Brawley was a founding member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), a pivotal organization that has provided scholarships and financial support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for generations. His contributions extended into the Methodist Church, where he worked to eliminate racial segregation within its structures and championed social action.

James P. Brawley Drive NW: A Street Rich in History

James P. Brawley Drive NW runs through the historic English Avenue neighborhood, an area that has played a vital role in Atlanta’s cultural and civil rights history. English Avenue, known for its rich character and strong sense of community, was once a thriving hub of Black life and enterprise.

The renaming of Chestnut Street to James P. Brawley Drive NW is a recognition of the profound impact Dr. Brawley had on Atlanta’s Westside and the broader Black community. His contributions to education, his dedication to social justice, and his unwavering belief in the power of knowledge continue to resonate today.

Westside Future Fund’s Transformative Work on the Brawley Corridor

A vital thoroughfare through the English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods, the Brawley corridor is at the heart of Westside Future Fund’s (WFF) commitment to equitable community revitalization. Through strategic development efforts, WFF has restored or rebuilt 27 single-family homes and developed 43 high-quality, affordable multifamily units—ensuring that legacy residents and individuals with deep community ties can continue to call the Westside home.

Alongside these housing efforts, WFF’s Anti-Displacement Tax Fund is protecting longtime homeowners on the corridor from rising property taxes, allowing them to remain in their homes and benefit from the neighborhood’s transformation.

Looking ahead, WFF is preparing to restore the historic Yellow Store, a once-thriving neighborhood landmark that, in the wake of disinvestment, became a hotspot for illegal activity. As part of a broader redevelopment strategy, the site is set to be revitalized into a dynamic mixed-use space, bringing new business and residential opportunities to the corridor.

Just across the street, St. Mark AME Church stands as another beacon of renewal. Once abandoned, the church has been reactivated as a vital community hub, thanks to the leadership of Reverend Winston Taylor. WFF has been honored to support this effort, reinforcing its commitment to fostering spaces that bring the community together.

Westside Future Fund’s work along the Brawley corridor is a critical piece of its mission to transform the historic Westside into a vibrant, mixed-income community. As the organization moves into Our Next Chapter—a pivotal capital campaign to fund its affordable housing goals through 2028—this work remains a testament to WFF’s dedication to inclusive, lasting progress.

Learn more about Our Next Chapter today.

On the weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, over 1,200 volunteers gathered in Atlanta’s historic Westside to honor his enduring legacy of justice, equality, and service. Westside Future Fund’s 2025 MLK Day of Service showcased the power of collective action, inspired by Dr. King’s vision of a future built on opportunity and equity for all.

Dr. King’s connection to the Westside is profound. It was here, in this vibrant community, that he lived, worked, and learned — walking its streets and envisioning a brighter, more just tomorrow. The 2025 Day of Service brought together neighbors, partners, and supporters with a shared commitment to turning that vision into meaningful action.

Through the generous support of our presenting sponsor, The Home Depot, and the leadership of the Westside Future Fund team, volunteers took on impactful projects that left a lasting mark. Public spaces were revitalized, beautiful gardens were planted, and transformative projects on school campuses within the Washington cluster created warm and welcoming environments for students, parents and staff alike. The team effort among volunteers from across Atlanta highlighted the unifying force of community service.

“It was amazing to see so many people come out and support not only our students but our parents, our teachers, and our school community as a whole,” said Dr. Teruko Dobashi, principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School. “I think it’s really important for our students to have access to people who look like them, who may not look like them, showing them how to pour into a community so that they can take that and lead and do the same. We’re all about paying it forward here.”

Throughout the day, individuals from diverse backgrounds came together with a common purpose: to answer Dr. King’s enduring question, “What are you doing for others?” The dedication, energy, and compassion shown by volunteers reflected the very principles Dr. King championed and underscored the strength of collective action in creating a thriving community.

“Giving back as a general matter is important because we are very lucky people,” said Cristina Graham of Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP. “The people that you’re looking at here have done great things in life and in order to support our communities and give back for the blessings that we’ve received, it’s so critical to make sure that we help others that need it.”

The 2025 MLK Day of Service was a powerful reminder of the ties that bind neighbors together and the shared responsibility to build a community where everyone can succeed.

Westside Future Fund extends deep gratitude to every volunteer, partner, and sponsor who contributed to the success of this day. Each act of service carried forward Dr. King’s dream and continues to transform Atlanta’s historic Westside into a place of pride, progress, and opportunity — a community Dr. King would be proud to call home.

“The work that we do is so place-based. Everything we do at Westside Future Fund is in these Westside neighborhoods,” said Rachel Carey, Chief Real Estate Officer at Westside Future Fund. “This is an important community for us to nurture, to pour into and to get back from that in the fulfillment of the work that we do.”

The journey of building stronger communities and uplifting neighbors does not end with a single day. Honoring Dr. King’s legacy means committing to service and transformation every day. 

“Our second semester vision is a degree above the rest,” said Dr. Dobashi. “And that’s what Westside Future Fund is: a degree above the rest. Because they came out and showed out today, and every day that they’ve been here.”

Learn more about Westside Future Fund and how to get involved by visiting westsidefuturefund.org.

The first Transform Westside Summit of 2025 was held January 17 and marked a pivotal milestone in Westside Future Fund (WFF) history as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary. The event reflected on a decade of transformative progress while charting a bold path forward to continue honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a compassionate, inclusive and thriving community.

WFF President & CEO John Ahmann opened the Summit by highlighting the nonprofit’s origins in 2015 and its mission to revitalize the historic Westside neighborhoods into a community Dr. King would be proud of. English Avenue resident Ebony Ford shared her personal connection to the work, emphasizing the importance of resident-driven change. Shawn Watwood, Sr., Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Morehouse School of Medicine, led the devotion, encouraging unity and purpose as the community enters a new year of opportunity and growth.

Moderated by Ahmann, the presentation featured WFF leaders offering a reflective look at 2024’s milestones and an inspiring vision for the year ahead.

Key Updates from the Panelists:

• Tameka Askew, Director of Home on the Westside, reflected on the progress in delivering affordable housing and anti-displacement resources.
  • Thanks to generous philanthropic donors, HOTW offers up to $60,000 in down payment assistance.
  • Anti-Displacement Tax Fund (ADTF) continues to empower legacy residents to remain in their neighborhoods. In 2024, there were 10 new ADTF participants and $172,137 in taxes paid, bringing the total to 149 participants since the program’s inception.
  • She highlighted the program’s success in reaching halfway toward its 800-unit goal for permanently affordable rental housing, with 285 slated for construction in 2025.
• Raquel Hudson, Director of Westside Volunteer Corps & Events, celebrated the growing impact of community volunteerism through neighborhood clean-ups, youth programs and community-building events.
  • More than 3,000 volunteers completed 39 projects in 2024, the largest engagement to date.
  • Engagement efforts include park clean-ups, school supply drives, painting murals and bingo with seniors, among others.
  • More than 20 corporate partners contributed to these efforts.
  • 1,200 volunteers have already registered for the 2025 MLK Day of Service.
• Rachel Carey, Chief Real Estate Officer, shared updates on new developments and renovations completed in 2024.
  • There has been a 50% reduction in blighted properties since 2017, driven by strategic land acquisitions in Vine City and English Avenue. These have been replaced with schools, homes and parks.
  • Major projects include the development of 33 affordable housing units and 1,200 square feet of retail space along Boone in English Avenue and the 24-unit Echo Street project, which ensures accessibility with two ADA-compliant units.
  • A 12-unit development at 588/592 Pains in English Avenue will offer 2-bedroom, 1-bath for families and individuals.
• Derrick Jordan, Real Estate Development Consultant, provided insights into projects completed in 2024 and shared exciting updates on innovative developments set to break ground in 2025.
  • Neighborhood rehabs, which are critical to the environment from a blight perspective, were a main focus in 2024.
  • WFF has several projects in the design phase throughout English Avenue and Vine City, featuring all new construction to serve both families and seniors, including 28 units on 390 Sunset and 18 units on James P. Brawley in Vine City.

Fundraising Progress and Future Goals

Ahmann announced that WFF has raised $35 million toward its $55 million goal, thanks to support from philanthropic partners, including The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Woodruff Foundation. The summit concluded with a forward-looking discussion, focusing on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Key priorities for 2025 include:

• Building 225 single-family homes and activating underutilized spaces like the Carnegie Library in English Avenue.
• Expanding Home on the Westside initiatives to help more families achieve affordable homeownership.
• Increasing community engagement through expanded Westside Volunteer Corps
• Strengthening partnerships to support education, safety and wellness initiatives.
• Reaching 100% of the affordable housing goals set for 2025.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

In 2019, Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund partnered to purchase and revitalize 970 Jefferson St. NW, the historic site of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Bill Bolling and John Ahmann played pivotal roles in making this acquisition a reality, turning a shared vision into a success. The two organizations collaborate on managing the facility, with Food Well Alliance overseeing the warehouse and upstairs space, while Westside Future Fund is responsible for maintaining the rest of the building.

Today, 19 nonprofits and local enterprises utilize 970 Jefferson, operating from this revitalized space to collectively contribute to the betterment of the Westside community and beyond, embodying the shared vision that inspired the partnership. We’ve launched a new series, the 970 Partner Spotlight, to highlight each of these incredible organizations and their work. One such partner is Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit whose compassionate support for food service workers in times of crisis has left an indelible mark on Atlanta’s restaurant community.

Supporting Food Service Workers in Crisis

Giving Kitchen was born from a deeply moving story of resilience and collective care. Co-founders Jen and Ryan Hidinger, cherished members of Atlanta’s food service community, faced an unimaginable challenge when Ryan was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2012. The extraordinary outpouring of financial and emotional support from their peers in the restaurant industry not only sustained them during this trying time but also planted the seed for Giving Kitchen, turning their personal experience into a lasting legacy of support of hope and solidarity for others in need.

“Our mission is simple: to provide stability to food service workers through financial assistance and connection to community resources,” said Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, Founder of Giving Kitchen. “We want to ensure that the people who serve us every day have a safety net when they need it most.”

Since its inception, Giving Kitchen has provided over $13 million in financial assistance to food service workers facing illnesses, injuries, housing crises and other unexpected hardships. The organization also offers access to social services, ensuring a holistic approach to stability.

Building Community at 970 Jefferson

When Giving Kitchen moved to 970 Jefferson in 2021, it marked a new chapter of collaboration and growth. Being part of this shared nonprofit hub has fostered opportunities for partnerships and resource sharing. The facility’s location on the historic Westside also aligns with Giving Kitchen’s commitment to equity and outreach.

“The environment at 970 Jefferson enables us to connect with other mission-driven organizations,” said Hidinger-Kendrick. “Collaborations like these allow us to serve food service workers more effectively and expand the reach of our impact.”

In 2023, Giving Kitchen partnered with fellow 970 Jefferson organization Food Well Alliance to host a community meal for local restaurant workers, blending their missions to support and celebrate the individuals who nourish Atlanta’s vibrant food culture.

Serving the Historic Westside and Beyond

The historic Westside has long been a focal point for Giving Kitchen’s outreach. Food service workers from local establishments often turn to the organization for support during times of crisis. By providing immediate assistance, Giving Kitchen helps keep individuals and families stable, benefiting the broader community.

“When a food service worker avoids eviction or receives an opportunity to be more at ease about not skipping a meal to afford their monthly bills, it creates a ripple effect of stability and hope,” said Hidinger-Kendrick. “This is the kind of impact we work to create every single day.”

Looking Ahead

As Giving Kitchen continues to grow, its presence at 970 Jefferson remains central to its mission. By working alongside other organizations committed to strengthening Atlanta’s communities, Giving Kitchen is building a more resilient and supportive network for food service workers.

“970 Jefferson is more than a building; it’s where ideas and resources converge to create real change,” said Hidinger-Kendrick. “We’re honored to be a part of this vibrant community.”

The organization is looking forward to Team Hidi 2025, its largest fundraiser, hosted at Truist Park on March 16, 2025. The fight for one life became the fight for thousands of food service workers nationwide. Food and beverage tastings, auctions, musicians, and speeches make Team Hidi Giving Kitchen’s biggest and most-anticipated event every year.

Giving Kitchen’s dedication to the restaurant community and its collaborative spirit at 970 Jefferson demonstrate the power of compassion and connection. Learn more about Giving Kitchen and the transformative work happening at 970 Jefferson at 970Jefferson.org. You can also follow Giving Kitchen on all social channels @givingkitchen.

At Westside Future Fund (WFF), a group of dedicated interns is making a lasting impact, supporting volunteer initiatives that uplift the community. From neighborhood cleanups to assisting with large-scale volunteer events, these young leaders are at the heart of the organization’s efforts to transform the lives and historic Westside into a community Dr. King would be proud to call home.

These interns, aged 11 to 21, are employed through generous funding from Georgia Natural Gas. The program focuses on keeping young people under 25 engaged, employed, and learning valuable job skills. The group collaborates directly with Westside Future Fund and Integrity Home Solutions, one of WFF’s key community partners, where they gain hands-on experience while making a tangible difference.

“We’re almost here every day, helping to clean up and set up events for the community,” said Anthony, a long-time intern who recently graduated high school.

Their work encompasses a range of activities, including beautifying neighborhoods, preparing and distributing resources for families in need, and ensuring community events run smoothly. From coordinating food distributions during Thanksgiving to supporting community cleanups, their contributions are pivotal to Westside Future Fund’s mission of building stronger bonds among neighbors and fostering sustainable, resident-centered revitalization in the historic Westside.

“I’ve been involved with Westside Future Fund since I was 10 or 11, doing everything from community cleanups to Thanksgiving events. It’s taught me how important it is to give back and be part of something bigger than yourself,” said Jonathan, another long-time intern.

For him and his fellow interns, the work is about creating connections and ensuring that everyone in the Westside community feels supported and empowered.

Ryan, who has also been involved with Westside Future Fund since a young age, reflected on the organization’s impact.

“[Westside Future Fund] gives back to the Westside community,” she said. “They’re helping people stay in the area who might not otherwise afford to. It’s important to me because I can help people who aren’t as lucky as I am. If I have the ability to do it, I think I should.”

The internship program provides these young individuals with valuable opportunities to grow while making a difference. Acting as both leaders and hardworking contributors, their support is crucial to ensuring every volunteer event is a success. Their teamwork and collaboration with other volunteers showcase their ability to inspire and motivate while rolling up their sleeves to get the job done.

Their efforts touch nearly every WFF Volunteer Corps activation, from supporting the annual Ride for the Westside to contributing to community wellness projects. This broad scope of work enables them to develop leadership skills and a profound appreciation for the importance of service.

By equipping these interns with the tools and experiences to succeed, Westside Future Fund and Integrity Home Solutions are preparing the next generation to carry forward the mission of community transformation. Their dedication demonstrates the power of youth leadership in driving positive change and creating a stronger, more connected Westside.

Through their tireless efforts, these interns embody the spirit of Westside Future Fund: to uplift, support and inspire. Their commitment to the community serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that with dedicated hearts and hands, a brighter future is always within reach.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is proud to announce another milestone in its mission to support community stability and empowerment in Atlanta’s historic Westside. Elisha Dumas, an employee at Mercedes-Benz Stadium — the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC — recently became the owner of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home along the James P. Brawley corridor in the English Avenue neighborhood through WFF’s signature affordable housing initiative, Home on the Westside.

Dumas’s role at Mercedes-Benz Stadium perfectly aligns with WFF’s community retention guidelines, which prioritize housing for individuals with live, work and learn connections to the historic Westside. Thanks to a collaborative effort, Dumas received a combined $110,000 in down payment and financial assistance from WFF, Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Housing — turning his dream of homeownership into reality.

Now, with his workplace just minutes away, Dumas not only contributes to the Westside’s vibrant workforce but also joins a growing community of homeowners, renters and participants in WFF’s Anti-Displacement Tax Fund. His story is a testament to WFF’s commitment to fostering a thriving, connected and inclusive Westside.

Home on the Westside: Empowering Residents and Building Stability
WFF’s flagship program, Home on the Westside, focuses on three key service areas to combat displacement and create opportunities for economic stability and empowerment:

• Homeownership: Assisting mortgage-ready buyers in achieving their dreams.
• High-Quality Rentals: Ensuring access to safe and affordable multifamily rental options.
• Property Tax Assistance: Supporting legacy residents through the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund.

Through these initiatives, WFF is building a stronger foundation for the Westside’s future, ensuring it remains a place where legacy residents and new neighbors alike can thrive.

Join WFF’s Next Chapter
WFF’s mission to advance equitable revitalization with compassion is made possible by the support of our philanthropic partners. To amplify these efforts, WFF has launched Our Next Chapter, a capital fundraising campaign dedicated to accelerating the creation of affordable housing for both legacy and future residents. Together, we can restore the historic Westside as a vibrant and enduring part of Atlanta’s fabric.

Be part of the change. Join Our Next Chapter today.

The December 20 Transform Westside Summit featured an inspiring and thought-provoking program centered on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Atlanta’s Westside. Hosted by John Ahmann, President and CEO of Westside Future Fund , the event highlighted the transformative work of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) under the leadership of Jay Bailey, its President and CEO. The event began with a warm welcome from Ahmann and Ebony Ford, an English Avenue resident, followed by a heartfelt devotion delivered by Louis Deas, Founder of Try Deas & Other Treats.

Ahmann led the conversation with Bailey, which highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship in addressing systemic inequalities in Atlanta, a city grappling with stark income disparities and barriers to economic mobility. The two spoke about the power of community collaboration, intentional investment and the indomitable spirit of Atlanta’s dreamers and doers. Bailey emphasized RICE’s mission to create pathways to success for Black entrepreneurs by providing resources, mentorship and opportunities for transformative growth. Key highlights included:

• The Vision of RICE: Positioned as a “beacon of opportunity,” RICE offers Black entrepreneurs a safe space to fail, learn and thrive, addressing challenges like loneliness, anxiety and systemic inequities.
• Historical Context: Bailey honored the legacy of Herman Russell, whose pioneering efforts in business and real estate paved the way for Black excellence in Atlanta. Russell’s intentionality in fostering opportunities for future generations, including building his headquarters on a hill overlooking Morehouse, Clark and Spelman so Black students could see the physical manifestation of what was possible for people who look like them, was a recurring theme.
• Impact of RICE: Supporting over 641 full-time entrepreneurs and touching 10,000 individuals annually, RICE has created and sustained more than 4,200 jobs in the City of Atlanta with those entrepreneurs generating $147 million in revenue every year. This equates to $527 million in new economic impact—surpassing the economic boost of the World Cup annually.

The discussion also delved into the importance of inclusive development in Atlanta, particularly on the Westside. Ahmann and Bailey reflected on:

• The need to preserve affordability for both housing and businesses to sustain Atlanta’s character and ensure prosperity for all.
• The power of intentionality in supporting local entrepreneurs through conscious spending and mentorship.
• The broader vision of Atlanta as a “beloved community” inspired by Dr. King’s dream—a city where opportunity transcends race and class.

Bailey challenged attendees to embrace “fierce intentionality” within their personal spheres of influence, advocating for incremental, localized change. He encouraged supporting Westside businesses, mentoring young entrepreneurs and fostering genuine connections across racial and economic divides. His vision of leveraging Atlanta’s rich entrepreneurial history as a catalyst for future growth left attendees inspired to actively participate in the Westside’s transformation.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.