“Leadership is not about raising your voice. It’s about helping others find theirs.” — Andrew Young
When I think about Atlanta’s rise as a global city, I stand in awe of Andrew Young. Pastor, civil rights leader, Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, and Mayor of Atlanta, his life has been one of service and vision. He built bridges between people, between business and community, between faith and action.
As Mayor in the 1980s he brought billions of dollars in new business to Georgia and opened doors that changed the future of our city. He made Atlanta a place where global companies wanted to invest and families wanted to build their lives.
He was also the driving force that helped bring the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta. The world may have watched two weeks of competition, but what he brought us was so much bigger. The Olympics transformed our skyline, expanded our infrastructure, and placed Atlanta on the world stage in a way that still shapes us today.
Through it all he leaned on his faith. Even in his toughest moments, through the struggles of the civil rights movement, political battles, and personal loss, he chose courage and kindness. He has never stopped giving back. His philanthropy continues to touch education, healthcare, and opportunity for generations to come.
Andrew Young reminds us that true leadership is about purpose, not power. His life shows us how faith and service can lift an entire city.
“The greatness of Atlanta has always been that it is a city too busy to hate, and busy enough to build the future.” — Andrew Young
I am humbled by the path he paved. Atlanta is greater because of him, and his legacy will continue to light the way for all of us.
#atlantastorytelller🍑💟
