Taking a Trip Down the Streets of the Westside

While exploring the historic Westside, you’ll find Black history that made American history on nearly every block — including the streets you’re driving on. There are several streets in the community named after nationally prominent Black leaders from Atlanta, each of whom contributed to advancing civil rights and democracy for all Americans. While some names are more well known than others, each of them have made history worth knowing.

In honor of Black History Month, we are taking a trip down some of these iconic streets to learn more about their namesakes.

Rebuilding Black Main Street

In celebration of Black History Month, community members and business leaders came together at the Westside Future Fund (WFF) Transform Westside Summit on Friday, February 17, to learn about revitalization efforts of Atlanta’s Black Main Street on the historic Westside.

Panelists discussed the importance of Black History Month, the rich history of the Westside and active work to revitalize Martin Luther King Jr. Drive as Atlanta’s Black Main Street – a once bustling gathering spot for Black leaders and visionaries through the 20th century.

Reverend Leroy Wright of First Thessalonians Missionary Baptist Church kicked off the event with the devotion. Dr. Candy Tate, founding president of Culture Center International, moderated the discussion.

• Annette Abernathy, President of Ralph David Abernathy III Foundation
• Reverend Dr. Herman “Skip” Mason Jr, Historian and Senior Pastor of Historic West Mitchell Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
• Jay Scott, Founder of Greenrock Partners.

SaportaReport Shines a Spotlight on our First Year at 970 Jefferson Street

With our partner the Food Well Alliance, our first full year at 970 Jefferson St. has been a huge success. With the leadership of the Food Well Alliance, we’ve brought together 19 like minded nonprofits and small businesses under one roof with an affordable workspace that ensures that our community organizations can continue to thrive on the Westside.

Offering Lessons on Building Communities

Following our January 17 Summit, the SaportaReport recapped all of the incredible work we are doing to revitalize our community. We are incredibly grateful for this recognition of the hard work and dedication of our team, our supporters and our volunteers.

A Big Surprise for Graduating Seniors on the Westside

Seniors at Booker T. Washington High School received a big surprise earlier this month when it was announced that The Home Depot Foundation would provide a $56,000 scholarship to the graduating class in coordination with the Westside Future Fund.

Historic St. Mark AME Church Gains Landmark Designation

Just this week, St. Mark AME Church was designated a historic landmark by the City of Atlanta’s Urban Design Commission. Located in English Avenue, the church opened in 1895 and long served as a place of prayer and gathering for the local Black community.

Forging Pathways of Success for Westside Residents

In 2013, AT&T Georgia President Sylvia Russell decided it was time to retire. After more than 20 years of hard work and dedication with the telecom corporation, it was time to embark on a new mission. Russell considered having a relaxing, care-free retirement, but when she looked around Atlanta she said to herself ‘there’s still work to be done.’ That’s when she discovered Westside Future Fund (WFF).

Meet Nosha Harwell

Revitalizing our community is a team effort, one that relies heavily on the support of our many incredible volunteers. To thank them for their hard work and dedication, we shine a light on people who actively support our mission.

This month, we honor Nosha Harwell. See what inspires him to give her time as a volunteer for Westside Future Fund.