Part of the ATL Culture Without Borders series | A Historically Black Since Original Series
Celebrating the voices, traditions, and communities that define Atlanta
What do six of Atlanta’s last seven mayors have in common?
The answer isn’t political party or policy.
It’s a leadership legacy deeply connected to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Black Greek Letter Organizations.
For decades, Atlanta has been led by mayors whose experiences were shaped by HBCUs or the Divine Nine, institutions that have long produced many of the nation’s most influential civic leaders. Their impact has extended far beyond City Hall, helping shape Atlanta into a city recognized for its leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural influence.
That legacy was on full display during the Atlanta Cultural Exchange.
As Mayor Andre Dickens welcomed visitors from around the world during one of the Exchange’s signature conversations, he continued a tradition of leadership that has helped define Atlanta for generations. His vision for the Atlanta Cultural Exchange reflected the city’s commitment to sharing its creativity, history, and diverse communities with a global audience.
As Mayor Dickens shared,
“The Atlanta Cultural Exchange is an opportunity for Atlanta to showcase the creativity, cultural achievements and vibrant community we have cultivated for generations. The Exchange is designed to provide a platform where local artists, performers and storytellers can celebrate Atlanta excellence on a local stage while amplifying their voices on a global scale.”
That vision didn’t begin with one administration. It is part of a much larger story.
Maynard Jackson
Morehouse College | Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
When Maynard Jackson became Atlanta’s first Black mayor in 1974, he transformed the city forever. A graduate of Morehouse College and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Jackson championed greater economic opportunities for Black-owned businesses and ensured that minority contractors had access to major city projects. His leadership helped establish Atlanta as a national model for Black political and economic empowerment. Jackson also received his law degree from HBCU North Carolina Central University School of Law
Andrew Young
Morehouse College
Morehouse College | Civil rights leader, former U.N. Ambassador, and former Mayor of Atlanta.
Civil rights icon, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Atlanta mayor Andrew Young brought a global perspective to City Hall. A graduate of Morehouse College, Young strengthened Atlanta’s international reputation while promoting economic development and positioning the city as a destination for business, diplomacy, and culture.
Shirley Franklin
Howard University | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Shirley Franklin made history as Atlanta’s first female mayor and the first Black woman elected mayor of a major Southern city. A Howard University graduate and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Franklin focused on strengthening the city’s infrastructure while continuing Atlanta’s tradition of visionary leadership.
Kasim Reed
Howard University | Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Howard University graduate and Kappa Alpha Psi member Kasim Reed continued Atlanta’s legacy of HBCU-educated leadership. During his administration, the city experienced significant economic growth, expanded development, and increased national visibility.
Keisha Lance Bottoms
Florida A&M University | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Bottoms is a proud Florida A&M University graduate and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member. During her tenure as mayor, she guided the city through one of the most pivotal periods in its history, leading Atlanta during the COVID-19 pandemic while navigating a time of heightened national conversations around racial justice and civic engagement.
Andre Dickens
Georgia Tech | Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Today, Mayor Andre Dickens continues that tradition. While a graduate of Georgia Tech, his membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. reflects the continued influence of Black Greek Letter Organizations within Atlanta’s civic leadership.
His leadership during the Atlanta Cultural Exchange demonstrated Atlanta’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the communities that have shaped the city while welcoming the world through culture, creativity, and connection.
As visitors from around the world experienced the Atlanta Cultural Exchange, they also experienced a city whose leadership has been profoundly influenced by institutions that continue to shape generations of changemakers.
Atlanta’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and culture.
And for decades, HBCUs and the Divine Nine have helped write that story.
