The New Atlanta Alt-Weekly Project

It’s been a while since Atlanta had a great alternative weekly newspaper.

You know: those free publications that report on local news, food, culture and more — from a fun, frank and raw perspective. Over the years, Atlanta has been home to several alt-weekly newspapers like that.

Hell, I even used to work for one: I served as the first Black editor-in-chief of Creative Loafing in both Charlotte, N.C., and Atlanta. Working there was a dream come true, but those glory days are pretty much over.

Yeah, it’s been a while since Atlanta had a great alternative weekly newspaper … so we’ve decided to, for one special issue, bring those glory days back. But we need your help to do it! (More on that below.)

Our mission: Create a pilot issue for a brand-new, ATL-centric alternative weekly newspaper. We’re dedicated to capturing the voice, flavor and energy of our favorite alt-weeklies from back in the day — and also break new ground by representing the Black and Brown people and culture that fuel Atlanta and put the city on the map in a major way. We’ll bring together some of the city’s best-known editors, writers, photographers, graphic designers and more, along with a host of new editorial voices, to craft some super-dope content. Then, we’ll distribute this (still-untitled) publication to folks across the city at select distribution spots for free. And if you really dig the pilot issue, we just might make it a regular thing!

Want to see this project come to life? Donate to the cause via this campaign. Big or small: Any amount is appreciated. The funding will allow us to pay our crew of journalists, pay for printing and cover other production expenses.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be rolling out more details about the paper (such as when the damn thing is hitting the streets, where you can find it, etc.); be sure to check this space for updates.

We’re excited to make this happen for Atlanta, so join the team — and let’s do this!

— Carlton Hargro