A City That Won’t Bow
They came to answer a challenge from Washington — a Trump administration order threatening to choke off federal dollars from cities that keep diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs alive. Billions for housing, airport work, and BeltLine projects hang in the balance. But the crowd at Big Bethel didn’t come to talk fear. They came to talk faith. “We are gathered here to rekindle the spirit of our city — to remind one another that courage, unity, and truth still live within us,” said former councilman Jabari Simama, now helping to lead the new Soul of Atlanta Coalition. “Our mission today is clear: to bring people together, share knowledge, and demonstrate that when we act with purpose and faith, we can change the course of our community. We can push back against forces that seek to divide, distract, and destroy us.” “Atlanta was built by people who refused to dream small. We will never deny the values that have not only made this city great, but made it just.”A Legacy Worth More Than Money
Atlanta has already paid a price for its convictions — forfeiting $37.5 million in airport funds this summer rather than gut its minority-contracting program. “Our soul is not for sale,” declared Elder Toni Belin Ingram of the AME Church, her voice rising over the applause.
Where the Story Began
A Coalition of Courage
From Shirley Franklin to Kasim Reed, the lineup at Big Bethel looked like a living timeline of Atlanta’s Black leadership. Pastor Jonathan C. Augustine — or “Pastor Jay” — reminded everyone why they were there. “Your presence here says we know what’s happening,” he said. “An autocratic leader is targeting blue cities led by Black mayors. And yet here we stand.” The new Soul of Atlanta Coalition plans to spend the next year gathering stories, uplifting minority-owned businesses, and organizing pushback against attacks on DEI and affirmative-action programs.Standing in the Gap
Even as City Hall weighs its legal moves, Dickens said the work of serving people continues — especially with the federal shutdown straining families. “We’re spending time feeding the least, the last, the lost,” he said. The Atlanta Community Food Bank has launched a $5 million emergency plan to replace lost SNAP benefits, aiming to distribute six million pounds of food in four weeks through 700 local partners. “In tough times,” Dickens said, “we see the true spirit of Atlanta — compassion, connection, and courage.”The Thread That Holds Us
From MARTA’s leadership recently reaffirming its commitment to disadvantaged businesses to the airport’s quiet determination to keep inclusion alive, the thread that runs through Atlanta is the same one Maynard Jackson spun fifty years ago: shared opportunity. “Diversity isn’t a program — it’s our way of life,” said Ambassador Young. “And it’s worked pretty well.” Related articles MARTA Job Fair Set for Nov. 6 – Offering Competitive Pay and Benefits WIC and SNAP Funds Halted: Shutdown Deepens Food Insecurity CrisisPlease consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!