The image above is only one of the many signage found throughout the street that depicts old businesses. One of the most important aspect that shaped the cultural fabric of the Avenue was its title as the most successful district for black commerce. The present signage found throughout the Avenue reflects this past glory, and due to their sheer volume shows just how much this title shaped the street.
The image depicts Congressman John Lewis, a major figure in the fight for black equality. Sweet Auburn itself was the home to many civil rights leaders, such as John Dobbs and Dr. King, this fact demonstrates the deep roots the area has concerning the civil rights movement. The mural of Congressman Lewis is yet another testament to the identity of the street, showing just how important the fight is to its residents. As John Lewis is a major advocate for black equality, his image reflects the cultural influences of the Avenue.
One of the oldest church on Auburn Avenue, the Ebenezer Baptist Church is a church situated at 101 Jackson St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 on Auburn Avenue. Founded in 1886, the church served the prosperous black community for decades and continued to do so until very recently when it was made a national historic landmark. A landmark opened to public use. The site contains many memorabilia of church life from when the King family pastored the church; such artifacts range from the organ on which Dr. King’s Mother played during Sunday mass, to structures such as the “Fountain of Love” found along the left side of the building. Upon entering the building, you are met with a fresh blast of air that relieves you from the hot humidity of outside; the cold blast is coupled with an “old building smell,” an attribute most fitting as the church has been standing erect for well over a century. The coloration of the Church’s interior seems to be from a very bright palette; colors such as white, like pink, and a somewhat emerald color make an appearance. The colors help generate an upbeat feeling, one that distracts you from the outside world.
Two choices present themselves, either left or right. On the right side of the building, two staircases appear, one leading down to the basement, while the other goes upstairs to where the sermons were held. The left side has but one staircase, also leading up to the second-floor sermon room. The stairs are lined with what appears to be red velvet carpeting; giving off a very formal and ancient type of feeling. When entering the sermon room, you are met with a complete change in scenery. The outside alludes from the beauty found inside the chamber, as the light reflected off the stained glass windows set off a surreal feeling of holiness. The room has two floors, both used for seats; the top section, however, is only half the size of the bottom section. Walking towards the front you will see the podium/stage in which the pastors gave their speeches. The organ where Dr. King’s mom, Mrs. King, was killed is located towards the left. The organ exudes an air of both sadness and happiness. Sadness for the loss of a great woman, and happiness for all the joy it has brought to its patrons. Walking down to the church’s basement, the smell of oldness reaches new peaks, as the room felt very dingy, yet its floor and walls seem almost immaculate. Being inside the church where the civil rights leaders and activists convened, gave a wonderful feeling of being human. This is what it feels like to be in front of greatness.
Voice recording of the interior of the church. Going to the church was an experience, the voice recording documents this experience in real time. The record provides information based on first impressions coupled with information received from an orator on the history of the church. The recording includes touch, feelings, and sight.
The basement was cool to the skin, the floor titles seem polished and well kept, as there were little to no sign of wear and tear; the room itself felt a little dingy, however. The smell of the basement was reminiscent of an old home, a little stifled. The stage behind the speaker, towards the back, has its paint chipping away.
The rock seems to have been processed and was not found the way it looks. The rock feels like a granite blend, very cool and smooth to the touch. The dirt found towards the base of the fountain is very old, in an almost dusty kind of way. The soil clearly has not been changed for a long time, and the grass to the side of the fountain feel fake to the touch.
Black with a bronze outline, the sign states the Ebenezer Baptist Church as a National Historic Landmark. The sign is very gradient to the touch, rough and course. There are signs of corrosion around the border; attributing to the speck of blue found towards the bottom of the sign. The letters are embezzled, they jut outwards from the background, bronze in color, similar to the border. They are smooth to the touch.
The sign seems very outdated, as if it has remained the same throughout the years. The material, and the tubing surrounding the letters demonstrate that once upon a time, they had the capability to light up. The sign hangs outwards from two poles. The coloration of the sign, its letters, versus the buildings coloration exudes an air of distinction. The colors are in such a way that it draws attention to the separation of the two.
On Friday the 16th, 2016, I went down to the “King Center” to view its historical content. The King Center is a historic park, established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, commemorating the life of Dr. King and his role in the Civil Rights movement. The King center is located on 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312; being a part of a larger whole, the King Center itself encompasses the tomb of Dr. King, as well as “Freedom Hall”. Outside of Freedom Hall lies the crypt of Dr. King and his wife, situated in the center of a reflecting pool; directly in front of the crypt is the “Eternal Flame”. Walking up the slightly elevated pathway, Freedom Hall appears at the start of the reflecting pool; to the right of the entrance is where the piano (from my pictures) is located. The hall is 2 stories high, on the bottom floor, as you enter the building, I saw a variety of different artifacts, ranging from statues to paintings. Up the stairs there were two different exhibits, the first containing articles of clothing of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta, such as the pastor robe I documented. Whereas the second exhibit showcased Rosa parks. Inside the Rosa Parks exhibit I found a variety of small trinkets, what caught my eye was the quilt situated on the wall opposite of the door. A painting of hers hang to the right of the door, on the same wall. Both exhibits, including the outside, is very easily accessible to anyone, with little to no crowd; and pleasing to the eyes, as the coloration of the sites are of neutral color, such as white.
Going through the King Center gave me a sense of happiness; a happiness knowing that the life of such a remarkable man is still remembered and preserved to this day, and quite possibly continue to do so well into the future. The environment however did not compliment this sense of happiness, as there was barely anyone present; it gave off a very secluded, almost desolate kind of feeling. Though, this may be attributed to the time and day we went. Mentioned before, these sites are very easily accessible, allowing for anyone, either a tourist wishing to see the life of Dr. King, or just a person going on for a walk, the site is set up in such a way that it caters to both. It would seem to me that the park does not do much in terms of advertisement, besides the occasional signs pointing towards the center. Take for instance, my knowledge of the place, I had no idea of its close proximity, despite parking and going to class on the same street. Overall, the King Center was a remarkable place that does a good job in exhibiting the life of Dr. King, as well as the fight for Civil Rights.
Inside a glass case. The predominate colors are black and red. The robe is black, whereas the sash is red, with yellow at the tip. There is a cross image right above the yellow tip. Next to it is another article of clothing, this one having red, black, and white coloration. The arms of the robe is a grayish color, with 3 black bands running across the middle of the sleeves, same for both sides. The cuff of the sleeves are also black. Located in the Dr. King exhibit inside Freedom Hall, King Center.