Thousands around Atlanta to participate in meal to remember 1906 massacre

ATLANTA — Next month, thousands in metro Atlanta will sit down for meals around the city to commemorate and remember the 1906 Atlanta massacre.

Channel 2′s Steve Gehlbach got a preview of the collaborative, community event that will tell the truth about the past and discuss the path for the future.

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, in collaboration with the Out Hand Theater and with other community partners, are working to restore the memory and legacy of the 1906 Atlanta massacre, connecting it to today with what they’re calling “equitable dinners.”

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The 1906 Atlanta massacre made headlines around the world and left a lasting scar on the city. The killing of at least 25 African Americans started around Five Points and what is Georgia State University today.

White mobs — up to 10,000 men and boys — invaded Black neighborhoods, destroying homes and businesses.

Friday, a grassroots coalition previewed their upcoming event on the anniversary of the massacre next month, combining arts, a look at local history, and collective action. They hope to have 5,000 people sit down at dinners at 500 tables around the city.

“People share a meal, they share stories, they get to connect with one another, and our goal is to inspire people to make a positive difference,” Adria Kitchens of Out of Hand Theater said.

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The goal is to memorialize and commemorate but also to tell the story in hopes of developing a new understanding just by sitting down and talking.

One of the biggest dinners, with many tables, will be here at the center, with Atlanta’s mayor joined by a descendant of one of the massacre victims.

The event is on Sep. 18 and they are still looking for hosts. People interested in participating can find more information about the event and how to take part on their website.

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