The Whitening of Atlanta

61.4%..........

That is the percentage of African Americans residing in the largest city in the south, Atlanta, Georgia. The city where Martin Luther King was born.


The city whose current Mayor ( Shirley Franklin) is both black.....and a woman. Rappers Ludacris and T. I. call the ATL home.


Known as the "Hip-hop" capital of the world..........Atlanta has shown its willingness to embrace the NFL professional team .....the Atlanta Falcons.


It was not always the case. The Falcons were a joke for over 30 years with the Smith family owning the team. Apathy ........ruled.


Then along comes Home Depot wizard (and billionaire) Arthur Blank. The new owner lowers ticket prices , spruces up the Georgia Dome, and gets Atlanta excited again.


And ..........that number 7. Michael Vick. All Mr. Vick did was fill that dome.........from 2003 to 2007. All sell outs. In late 2006, the Falcons boasted of a waiting list of 90,000 for a chance to purchase season tickets.


Then came last season..........Vick going to jail........Head coach quitting in the middle of the season..........a dismal attendance record......


So with the 2008 NFL draft facing them.......The Falcons .......with a new General Manager and Coach, made decisions to rebuild this franchise.


Mr. Blank has decided on not going back ........to black. All about image, Blank has shipped out vocal DeAngelo Hall (to Oakland).


Saturday, in the first round, white quarterback, Matt Ryan was drafted (with the third pick) to lead the team. Their second pick was another white player, offensive lineman Sam Baker.


The new ........faces of the franchise.............


While one can not blame Mr. Blank for being cautious.......( and yes.....it is his team) We are disappointed at how quickly Mr. Blank is trying to de-black the team with a steady flow .....of white.