It just seems like millennials have a way of creating a dialogue in a very creative way.
Welcome to Atlanta – Jermaine Dupree
Popular Atlanta rap group Migos’ new album, “Culture” has many Atliens appreciating the recognition that “old Atlanta” once had. I mean, they even got a shout out for their hit song “Bad and Boujee” from fellow Atlanta native Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) on the 2017 Golden Globes. If you are not familiar with the term old Atlanta, then allow me to explain how it vastly differs from the Atlanta we see today. Riding downtown in the early to mid 90’s there was no Turner Field, only the Fulton County stadium or if you lived on the southwest side then you knew about the movie theater that used to be housed downstairs in Greenbriar Mall. Or even if you were a child you knew that during a certain time of year you had to stay inside of the house because Freaknik would paralyze the streets for hours.
Now no one is saying that the Migos are reinventing the culture wheel or bringing old Atlanta back, or that they are even recognizing it at all. However, they as Atlanta artists with the true Atlanta sound are taking the platform to bring awareness to issues that otherwise go swept under the rug by new developments and zoning restrictions. Arguably, Atlanta can use a facelift in some areas but at what cost? The culture of a city that is as vibrant, colorful, and powerful as Atlanta’s should not be allowed to get lost in the influx of new businesses that culturally depreciate its value. Financially, Atlanta will thrive, but many of its residents will either be pushed out or faced to make a difficult choice that barters the value of the place that they call home.
If anything, the Migos have created a dialogue by naming their new album “Culture”. When you hear that word what does it mean? To many Atlanta natives, it means so much of what no longer exists or what they are currently fighting for so that it remains relevant. Looking at the new changes that are taking place in the city, it is not so much the developments themselves but instead, it is the way that many deals are being done. If we are going to talk about culture and southern culture specifically, then we must recognize that southerners are communicators who like the be avidly involved in their communities. When that one piece of “home training” is not implemented in what they value as culturally acceptable, we then face the argument of city officials and ordinances who do not look to the faces of these communities for involvement.
The south’s got somethin’ to say – Andre 3000
Looking back on history in Atlanta, we are a city that is built from the ground up. We have rich communities who look to one another in times of need and times of joy. We have a history of civil rights and is ultimately deemed the civil rights capital of the south. Sometimes, it is hard to believe that Atlanta has come from such a wealthy history with good and bad stories that are passed through time. However, it is our culture. From Auburn Avenue to the Atlanta University Center, to to the Historic West End, to English Avenue, and all the way to Benjamin E. Mays Drive the culture of Atlanta is one that is rich and has to prosper beyond the changes.
On the topic of culture, Atlanta has so many tangible ones to call on when times get a little confusing. One has to think, what would Atlanta be without the dirty bird (I know you remember that), Mr. Everything’s, the University Barbershop, Bronner Brothers hair care, the King Center, and Cascade Skating rink? Or the artists who were bred here such as T-Boz and Chili from TLC, Shanti Das, Ludacris, Bonecrusher, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Gladys Knight, Xscape, Ghetto Mafia, Pastor Troy, and 112 just to name a few. Atlanta, in a sense, is universal and can reach millions simply because of the culture that it has accumulated over the years.
Our music, our art, our southern comfort and everything that intertwines everything confined within I-285 and I-20 is what aids Atlanta in being one of the most amazing capitals in the south. We have inevitably made such a name for ourselves that it is hard to shed. The dirty south, A-town, the A, Atl, Hotlanta, your zone, or however you refer to Atlanta is what makes Atlanta so special. Yes, the city is changing but if you are not helping it move in the right direction then you are already a part of the problem. There is no one answer to the ever changing city, but there are solutions and resources that you can use to make sure that what you deem as your culture is preserved.
Do it for the culture – Millennials
What Neighborhood Planning Unit are you in? What district are you in? Who is your district council member? Who is the city council president? Who are the mayoral candidates running for office in late 2017? These basic questions can be found with answers on the City of Atlanta website that will even direct you to a brief history of why late Atlanta mayor, Maynard Jackson created the NPU’s in 1974. If you are truly going to do it for the culture, then aid in getting out there and preserving it. Visit different NPU meetings to see how things are done differently in the city. Many of us millennials have intentions of doing things and will even take to social media to advocate, but hardly ever go hand in hand with those in need of our help. When it comes to preserving Atlanta it will take more than a few social media posts, even though that is a start.
Yes, Atlanta is changing and no many of us do not like it out of the fear that the true Atlanta will get lost. Nonetheless, imagine how powerful Atlanta would be if us twenty-somethings ran for city council, attended NPU’s, participated in service projects, and ultimately went beyond ourselves to ensure that Atlanta continued to grow. That in itself would be beauty personified. Nonetheless, for that to truly happen we would have to embrace the beauty and reasonably reject what would turn this city on its head. Agreeably, there have been some decisions made in this city that has not been the best, but in order for that to cease you have to be at the forefront. The culture of Atlanta will forever be embedded in those who choose to carry it throughout everything that they touch which means that it will be impossible to remove if you choose to do something about it now.
So the next time you decide to listen to “Culture” by Migos, also think about the differences that you can make to ensure that you are indeed, doing it for the culture. Nevertheless, Atlanta you and the people who make up its vibrancy are so valued and so worth the hype. From your lingo to the way you make an entrance into a room and even down to your style, you are more than valuable.