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Priorities
of the Spirit of Sweet Auburn
Our vision is to restore Auburn Avenue to its place of
prominence as "the greatest street on the planet" build the worlds
grandest promenade linking the Martin Luther King Jr., National
Historic Site to the Center for Civil and Human Rights and to
transform the Sweet Auburn Viaduct into a world class destination
attracting both tourist and residents.
The
Sweet Auburn Viaduct
The 75/85 Connector splits the Sweet Auburn Historical District in two.
It presents a foreboding, dark and dreary area that is a magnet
for pan handling and drugs. The
intention during the Olympics was to make it
into an international market.
As funds dwindled this never happened. Our
plan is to transform the viaduct into an international destination and
tourist attraction. We
envision a world class venue
that celebrates the Spirit of Sweet Auburn and fulfills Dr. King’s Dream
of the Global Family.
The Viaduct would be an Oasis along the Sweet Auburn Corridor.
An outdoor International Café, showcasing food, music, arts and
crafts from around the world. The
viaduct wall which is the size of a football field would be an
electronic panorama of the history and heritage of Sweet Auburn and a
display of world cultures.
The Sweet Auburn Corridor
The Sweet Auburn Corridor has the potential of building one of the
greatest history, heritage, entertainment, dining and cultural corridors
in the country. Anchored by the
new Tyler Perry Studios, King Center, SCLC International Headquarters on
the east end and Centennial Park, Aquarium, Coke Pavilion and Center of
Civil and Human Rights on the west end, this too will be one of
Georgia’s great destinations.
The vision is to extend Auburn Avenue to Centennial Park.
To make the connection between the King Center
and the Civil
Rights Museum.
We envision visitors walking and taking in all of the current and new
attractions, including the StudioPlex, APEX Museum, The Atlanta Daily
World, The Auburn Research
Library, The Youth Art Connection crossing Peachtree Street where
Congressman John Lewis Offices are located, taking in the Rialto, the
Barrister Theatre, 123 Lucky Street, Ted’s, The Tabernacle and
Centennial Park.
What:
The Sweet Auburn Springfest is the largest street festival in the
Southeast traditionally attracting thousands of attendees. The
festival is a celebration of the rich history and heritage of Atlanta's
Sweet Auburn / ML King Jr., historical district.
The Sweet Auburn Springfest also serves as a vehicle to promote and
raise awareness of the many new businesses and residential developments
in the district.
Where:
Held on Historic Auburn Avenue (Sweet Auburn) once known as Forbes
magazine declared "the richest Negro street in the world." The
birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The center of Black business,
social, civic, religious life and the cradle of the civil rights
movement.
Who:
The Spirit of Sweet Auburn is an organization that was founded in 2001
by Charles E. Johnson for the purpose of fostering the redevelopment,
branding and quality of life of the Sweet Auburn District.
SOSA promotes the idea that the Spirit that built Auburn Avenue is a
universal spirit, It is the same spirit that ended apartheid in South
Africa, bought down the Berlin Wall, was demonstrated in Tiananmen
square and resulted in the election of Barack Obama.
Why:
Our vision is to restore Auburn Avenue to its place of prominence as
"the greatest street on the planet" build the worlds greatest promenade
linking the Martin Luther King Jr., National Historic Site
to the Center for Civil and Human Rights and to transform the Sweet
Auburn Viaduct into a world class destination attracting both tourist
and residents.
When:
The Sweet Auburn Springfest is held the 2nd weekend in May with
supporting events held throughout the year. SOSA also actively
promotes and supports the activities of the institutions and businesses
within the district.
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