What we love — and hate — about Atlanta
But it's not perfect, and not a day goes by where we're not complaining about something (looking at you, Downtown Connector).
Driving the news: On this 404 Day, please indulge us as we dive into our love/hate relationship with Atlanta via this non-exhaustive list.
Love
We are forever changing: Metro Atlanta's population rose from 3.5 million people in 2000 to over 5.2 million in 2024, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission, making us the sixth largest and third fastest-growing region in the country.
It's also a transient town, and the churn of interesting people moving in and out make for an interesting and diverse place. (That also makes for great international food — but is it too much to ask for a good sandwich?)
Hate
Can't keep up: We have underinvested in mass transit and affordable housing, fueling sprawl, which keeps us confined to cars on wide roads choked with gridlock.
Elected officials and planners have prioritized building roads — the infrastructure of least resistance — to serve the economy first and people second.
Love
You can get anywhere from here: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — a love/hate story in itself — can connect you with more than 150 destinations. You could fly to some later this afternoon if you wanted (and could afford).
Hate
Identity crisis: A city reborn, the Black Mecca, the City Too Busy to Hate?
Atlanta is eternally rising from the ashes, swinging for the fences. In the process, we never really figured out who we are.
Love
Black history and present: The city isn't just the hometown of famous civil rights figures. It's been a springboard for Black excellence in the arts, music, business, science and just plain life and a beacon for people across the country.
Hate
Income inequality and social inequity: Decades of red-hot growth have failed to bridge the wide gap between the haves and have nots in the metro area and Atlanta in particular.
Love
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Refinery29
a day ago
- Refinery29
I Just Got Back From Marbella — A Black & Unbothered Guide To A Euro Summer
You may have already heard it declared to all and sundry: it's a Euro Summer! The recurring summer TikTok trend is geared towards luxury travel-hopping across Europe. Think al fresco dinners in Rome. Yachting around the Amalfi Coast. Picnicking at the Champ-De-Mars in France. And Kourtney Kardashian's claim to the 'Dolce Vita' lifestyle. I've been scrolling through various aesthetic videos taken across the continent that feel both romantic, cultured, and wealthy, and it got me thinking: my 'Euro summers' looked a lot different in my 20s. They were budget, boozy, and a bit feral. What new luxury experiences could I look forward to as a sophisticated (ish) Black woman in her 30s? I recently kickstarted my Euro Summer in Marbella, a city in southern Spain on the Costa del Sol. There's much that Marbella's known for, maybe you've heard of them: parties with an all-white dress code, designer stores, celebrity sightings, and, for the acquainted, the city goes by 'Marbs' (but let's forget about that whole 'no carbs' thing). In Spain, the city has carved a global reputation for wealth, yachts owned by billionaires, privileged youth dancing all night, and exclusivity. It's a trip I wouldn't have imagined having 10 years ago at the beginning of my journalism career, and I was told to prepare to see a different side to Marbella. A Euro Summer Through A Black British Lens Living in the UK means I have been able to travel to many countries across Europe, mostly on the cheap via budget airlines. My experiences have been widely varied; from all-inclusive family resorts and cruises around the Mediterranean, to last-minute city breaks and along popular party strips in my teenage partying days. In Black travel communities, there's a lot said about travelling while Black and the nuanced experiences that can come with it (to put it delicately) — especially in places where we are even more of a minority than in major UK cities. On social media, Black women from the US and beyond planning their European summers have asked, Where are the countries I'll feel most comfortable? Where will I be welcomed? These are common fears for Black women — but as we say at Unbothered all the time, there are Black people everywhere. I estimate that I've travelled to at least nine countries and 20 cities across Europe in my life, and while I have been mostly embraced (Lisbon is undefeated for how welcoming it is), unfortunately, I experienced some of the worst racism of my life in Pisa, Central Italy, and will most likely never travel to Croatia again for the same reason. But there have always been vastly more good experiences, and I found that there's an appreciation for culture that works both ways. Travelling across Europe will always be varied (Dear American friends — when you say Europe, do you mean Santorini or Skegness?), and learning not to let fear of the unknown quell my wanderlust is part of the journey. Where I Stayed: Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella After a quick two-hour flight from Manchester to Malaga's airport and using my choppy duo-lingo'd Spanish during a private taxi ride, I arrived at the Kimpton Los Monteros in Marbella, IHG Hotels' latest addition to its hotel portfolio in Spain. The building has an Old Hollywood cinematic feel; it's more intimate than sprawling, with bright Barcelona-inspired interiors, multiple pools and chic spots to enjoy a cocktail or two. I was struck by the hotel's warmth — it is luxurious, yes, but also airy, inviting, and friendly. It's situated a stone's throw from Marbella's beaches, but also well catered to inside. We made use of the gym, padel courts, rooftop infinity pool and were pampered lavishly in the Spa by Maison CODAGE, yet I quickly learned that where there is peace, there is also a party in Marbella. As soon as I arrived, the hotel's truly gorgeous (respectfully) staff told me to prepare for the annual Kimpton Festival and gestured to a champagne tower balanced precariously in the courtyard. I was urged to dress in a 70s theme, and mark my words, I was already prepared. This party was both grown and boujie. Guests of the hotel lounged around the pool, mingling, laughing, and dancing. As my travel group danced the night away, I found myself vibing with many Spanish revellers — even though they didn't speak English and I definitely can't speak Spanish (typical Brit), we connected purely on vibes and the overflowing champagne. The evening managed to be both romantic and sexy, as 70s classics played as the sun set and turned the skies pink. Partiers hitched up their dresses and rolled up their trousers to dance barefoot in the pool. I walked back to my hotel room with my shoes in my hand and thought to myself, It seems like my Euro summers never really changed! Combine Revelry With Discovery During Your Euro Summer There's a theme to my Marbella trip: revelry. In Marbella, my name, L'Oréal, became 'Lorena' in coffee shops, and I adopted a personality and persona that suited it; a glamorous and mysterious traveller. It's a character I like to adopt when travelling to places where I know I'll be one of the few people who look like me because, well... standing out isn't a choice, it's just a fact. And it provides me with an armour that allows me to walk into any room confidently. We made multiple trips to La Cabane, an exclusive beach club hosted by Dolce & Gabbana and also the oldest beach club in Marbella. I was told that La Cabane has boasted many celebrity visitors over the years, including names such as Michael Jackson (who actually sheltered from the paparazzi at Los Monteros itself, during his BAD tour in 1988!), Elton John and more. As you'd expect, the club is fabulous, decadent, and a little ostentatious with bold blue and white Dolce and Gabbana print covering every surface of the room. Guests come dressed in designer beach attire to dine on Mediterranean cuisine by a Michelin-starred chef. Now this is Marbella, I expected, I thought at the time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA CABANE (@lacabanemarbella) I was told that La Cabane has been trying to do more than just put on famous house DJs and share more of Spanish culture with its guests. One evening, famous flamenco singer Diego El Cigala performed at a private gathering I attended. I felt honoured to witness what felt like an intimate, special moment for those who grew up watching him sing. As tables of friends and families sang along, I felt like I was watching a family film; this was the best flamenco voice of their lifetime, they told me, and I immediately understood — this is a voice that transcends language barriers. On previous trips around Spain, there were parts where I mainly saw Brits in British pubs — which of course is more than fine at home, but not quite what I think of when I am picturing a trip to the country (a whole other conversation for a different day). For a long time, I didn't think I truly knew Spain, though I visited frequently. This would change when we learned about the history of espadrilles with the help of a family-owned espadrilles workshop, HANDMADE. They shared how espadrilles were imagined by impoverished workers who used plants to make the shoes and how, later, they were reimagined by Coco Chanel, who added a heel to the shoes and sold them to the masses. There was something special about threading the ribbon of the espadrilles by hand — I felt much more connected to its history and appreciated learning about its roots. I personally loved seeing some of Spain's true face and connecting with its soul. And of course, there is much more to learn and piques my interest as a Black traveller in Spain — and I made a note to dive into the history of Afro-Spaniards and generational African influences that are sometimes not associated with the country. Make Eating An Important Part Of The Itinerary If, like me, you eat most things that swim in the sea (sorry), you'll love the dishes on offer in Marbella. When I travel, I love to have a night that is revolved around one special dining experience — because food, for me, is an integral part of any cultural immersion. One privileged moment on this trip was eating a meal by José Carlos Garcia, the only Michelin-starred chef in Malaga (he also designed the delicious menu at the Kimpton Los Monteros). Truthfully, I have been intimidated by Michelin meals in the past, but the grandness of this experience was thankfully met with the encouragement to try new foods and reimagine flavour. I don't think I've ever used the word 'gastronomic' before, but it was. Each dish told of story of Garcia's heritage and his culinary training, and I was happy to come home with one of his cookbooks. Take To The Sea & Walk Around The Old Town It wouldn't be Marbella without setting off to sea. As we sailed around the Med, dolphins playfully surrounded us and launched into the air, as if dancing. My camera roll is now 90 per cent dolphin photos. These are the moments that will be cherished all summer long. I also ventured into Marbella's Old Town, across a strip of all white buildings and designer stores. At times, I found myself walking alone (something I always encourage people to do — safely!), getting a little lost, and I stumbled across the San Bernabé Fair, where there were multiple flamenco shows and lots of food, and once again was thrown into the magic of the culture. I was told that Marbella became a hotspot for remote workers during the pandemic, with gorgeous weather most of the year. The city is expensive — sitting at the higher end for Spanish tourist destinations — and its long rumoured exclusivity felt true to its reputation in parts of this trip. But of course, that is part of its appeal for many people looking to have a Euro summer, many dream about.
CNBC
4 days ago
- CNBC
Why Black entrepreneurs flock to Martha's Vineyard every August
Martha's Vineyard has long been a summer vacation destination for Black families, but August in the Massachusetts beach community is becoming an important hub for Black entrepreneurs, investors and financial firms, too. "I would say the magic of it is really about introducing your network to someone else's network," said Calvin Butts, founder of East Chop Capital, a private equity firm named after a neighborhood on the island. "We found great success raising capital there, we've had our portfolio companies speak as well, we've done very, very well with deal flow." A wide range of companies including Disney, Cisco, Goldman Sachs, McDonald's, Google, Ford, Mckinsey and CNBC parent company Comcast are hosting or sponsoring business-focused events on the Vineyard this month. The Black Economic Alliance is hosting an event called "The Gathering," bringing together corporate leaders to discuss ways to help increase the opportunities for Black employees and companies. "The Vineyard is a spot to capture an audience who wants to have an intellectual and financial conversation about how to uplift Black culture," said Melissa Bradley, general partner of the BEA Venture Fund. Martha's Vineyard became a popular vacation destination for Black families over a century ago with the opening of the first hotel that allowed Black visitors, Shearer Cottage, in 1912. Since then, Black families have bought homes and created a community centered around the town of Oak Bluffs and Inkwell Beach, a name that is a nod to the segregation on the island in the past. This year, clothing brand Ralph Lauren released its Oak Bluffs collection looking to recognize and capitalize on the history and prestige of the island that hosts visitors like Michelle and Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Spike Lee. Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, CEO of Ebony Magazine, is hosting an event with the founders of Black-owned spirit brand Uncle Nearest and said she sees the vineyard as a way to bring the history and the future of the magazine to life for its target audience. "For EBONY, being present on the Vineyard in August is both strategic and personal," Sklenar said in a statement. "It's an opportunity to connect with a powerful cross-section of our community, deepen meaningful relationships, and position the brand not just as a cultural icon, but as a modern business driving impact, visibility, and growth." Donae Burston, founder of La Fête du Rosé, said he also sees tapping into the culture of the Martha's Vineyard community as an organic way to grow sales among a consumer base that aligns with his marketing as a luxury brand. "For us it would mean so much to have the acceptance of people in Martha's Vineyard," said Burston. "Being able to go to Martha's Vineyard and focus on [high-net-worth] individuals from all over the world who appreciate wine — It's visibility, it's helping them become evangelists to go back home and spread the gospel." For four generations, Erin Goldson and her family have spent summers in Martha's Vineyard. This year she is launching a new event called the "Vineyard Icon Awards," sponsored by Diageo and Estee Lauder. The honorees are business and political leaders who are helping to shape August on Martha's Vineyard as a place where culture and commerce meet. "Over the last five or so years, a lot of companies are realizing that there is a wealth of successful, accomplished, driven Black professionals, who decide to come to the vineyard in August," Goldson said. "You can come to the vineyard for rest and relaxation," she said. "But every year here there is also a growing legacy, where Black ambition and aspiration are celebrated in a very unique way."
6 days ago
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
LOS ANGELES -- No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'
