Long before it came to prominence as the model cityof the New South, as well as earning the title "thenew Motown," Atlanta was a hotbed of entertainment,business, and civic life for African Americans. At the same time that Harlem was undergoing its acclaimed renaissance, Atlanta could boast of excellent colleges, a thriving social environment, and an entertainment scene that could rival those of much larger cities. From Auburn Avenue, the hub of the city's African-American activity, a spirit of vibrant change and excitement radiated out to reach people across America.
In Black Atlanta in the Roaring Twenties, Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., noted author, historian, and professor at Morehouse College, draws from his extensive collection of photographs and memorabilia from the Digging It Up archives, as well as private and public sources, to create a thorough look at a memorable era of glamour, progress, and achievement. From the dignity and tragedy of Tiger Flowers, world-famous boxer, to the art of Paul Poole, who photographed the energy and humanity of area residents, Black Atlanta in the Roaring Twenties is a lovingly crafted look at a proud people and their heritage.