Share the heritage of Atlanta's "4th Ward"

While some cities are known for their historical preservation efforts, Atlanta has instead developed a reputation for constantly rebuilding and rebranding itself over the years. Founded in the 1830s as a southeastern railroad hub, Atlanta was originally a Confederate stronghold before being burnt to the ground by Union forces during the Civil War. After the war, many formerly enslaved people moved to the city in search of new opportunities, and Atlanta soon became known as a prominent center for black businesses and universities.

In 1887, Atlanta adopted the phoenix as the city’s official symbol. Even today, Atlanta's culture is strongly tied to the idea of rising from the ashes of destruction to create something new and beautiful. But this progress now comes at a cost – As the city’s population rapidly expands, skyrocketing rental prices and property values are forcing many longtime residents out of their homes. Meanwhile, historic buildings and neighborhoods are constantly being torn down to accommodate the influx of new development projects.

Embracing change has always been one of Atlanta’s greatest strengths, but at what point does the city need to start preserving its heritage? Who decides which parts of the city’s legacy are preserved and which parts are swept away to make room for something new? In this documentary, we will explore over 100 years of Atlanta’s history and culture through the lens of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods – The “Old” Fourth Ward.

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