The name Sweet Auburn was coined by John Wesley Dobbs, was referring to the street that was named “Richest Negro Street in the world in 1956 by Fortune magazine.” Like other Black communities throughout the country, Sweet Auburn’s success was intricately tied to the segregated residential patterns forced on African Americans during the early 20th century–the result of restrictive laws in southern states which enforced segregation of the races, known as Jim Crow laws. It was here that many African Americans established businesses, congregations, and social organizations.

At once intensely historical and painfully cutting-edge, Auburn Avenue is a world apart: home to some of the city’s oldest African American owned businesses like Atlanta Life Insurance Company and historic buildings like the Odd Fellows Building built in 1912-13. Auburn Avenue was the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Of all the ways to explore Atlanta, venturing out on foot is among the best option for locals and visitors alike. On this Sweet Auburn tour, we’ll move beyond Peachtree Street, walking the famous street to paint a portrait of the social, cultural and economic history. The influence this street had on Martin King and so many others in the African American community is immeasurable. The dynamic cultural makeup of Atlanta’s most fascinating street will be overlooked no more.