Atlanta Celebrates Michael Hollis with Concourse D Renaming at Airport

Atlanta Honors Air Atlanta Founder with Airport Concourse Renaming

The spirit of the late Michael Hollis took center stage on a magical night at Midtown’s Four Seasons Hotel, where friends and family gathered to celebrate his monumental achievement in aviation history. This was no ordinary get-together; it was a recognition of the Atlanta City Council’s decision earlier this year to rename Concourse D at the city’s bustling airport in his name.

Michael Hollis was a trailblazer, possibly one of the first African Americans to own and operate a commercial airline—Air Atlanta. It’s been more than a decade since he passed in 2012 due to pancreatic cancer, but his memory remains vividly alive among those who knew him best.

“I’m sure the ghost of Michael Hollis is running around here,” exclaimed Julius Hollis, his brother, who has tirelessly worked to keep his sibling’s legacy vibrant and relevant.”

Among the esteemed guests, leaders like banker George Andrews, financier Dan Kolber, and Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts attended to offer their tribute to Hollis’s enduring spirit. Julius fondly recalled how his brother “lifted people up,” even when they would butt heads, as brothers often do.

Cultural Windfall: National Black Arts Festival Nurtures Talent

In a bid to nurture budding talent, the National Black Arts Festival is gearing up for its Artist Project Fund, kicking off January 2025. Stephanie Owens, the Executive Director, revealed that 20 artists will undergo an intensive six-month journey, focusing on both their art and the crucial financial skills needed to carve a sustainable artistic career.

“Without the financial skills, many brilliant artists may struggle to sustain their practice,” Owens pointed out, as the festival gears up to distribute around $200,000 in artist grants this year.

Schools in Clayton County Make Academic Strides

A significant reduction in Clayton County Public Schools’ inclusion on the Georgia Promise Scholarship List is making waves this year. From a previous list of 52 schools, only 21 remained. This adjustment resonates with Dr. Anthony Smith, Superintendent of CCPS, who is not just celebrating the numbers but testifying to the increased academic rigor making a genuine impact on student outcomes.

Decatur High School is also riding high, with 17 of its students nominated for the prestigious 2025 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program, an enriching four-week summer experience that blends academics with cultural activities at Georgia Southern University.

Star Power at Morehouse School of Medicine Graduation

The halls of Morehouse College will soon echo with the wisdom of Courtney Vance, an award-winning actor and mental health advocate, as he delivers the keynote speech at Morehouse School of Medicine’s winter commencement. His recent literary work underscores the importance of mental health within the African American community, promising a stirring address about reshaping narratives and reclaiming power.

Innovative Ventures and Partnerships in Atlanta

Emory University is igniting the entrepreneurial spirit with the launch of the Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst Program. Designed to arm early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, the program welcomes applications from the university’s students, staff, and alumni until January 17.

Meanwhile, Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens has strengthened international ties with a landmark visit to South Africa, focusing on economic, cultural, and educational collaborations. This diplomatic initiative aims to bolster Atlanta’s global presence while nurturing cross-continental alliances for mutual progress.

Community and Cultural Initiatives Abound

The Atlanta Opera is calling out for creative composers and librettists to participate in its annual 96-Hour Opera Project, offering a rich playground for artists and a chance to win sizable cash prizes and festival accolades.

On the philanthropy front, North Point Ministries and their annual Be Rich campaign have crossed a stunning $100 million in donations, supporting a wide array of nonprofits globally over the years.

Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia unveiled bold plans to construct 70 new homes in Forsyth, Cherokee, and Dawson counties, marking a significant scale-up in their ability to address the housing affordability crisis head-on.

Inclusion and Community Engagement Expand

With an eye on the future, Atlanta Pride has welcomed four fresh faces to its Board of Directors. These new members bring diverse skills and fresh enthusiasm, positioned to further expand the organization’s reach and impact across Georgia in the years to come.

From educational safety initiatives like those hosted by Mercedes-Benz USA at local schools to the immersive environments created for mobility-impaired adventurers participating in Georgia’s First Day Hikes, Atlanta continues to embrace growth, innovation, and inclusivity in all its forms.