Longtime civil rights leaders Dolores Huerta and Andrew Young discuss their social justice efforts at The Summit on Race in America at the LBJ Presidential Library on Monday, April 8, 2019. Huerta, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, co-founded the United Farm Workers of America with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s and has spent decades advocating for laborers, women, and children. Young, a key lieutenant to Martin Luther King, Jr. in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, has served as mayor of Atlanta, U.S. congressman from Georgia, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Moderating the discussion is Mark K. Updegrove, LBJ Foundation president and CEO...The Summit on Race in America runs from April 8-April 10 at the LBJ Library...04/08/2019.LBJ Library Photo by Jay Godwin..
In a bold initiative that aims to honor the legacy of one of Atlanta’s most distinguished leaders, the Andrew Young Foundation is proposing the development of a $100 million Peace Center in the heart of Vine City. This historic neighborhood, long known for its cultural significance, would serve as the perfect backdrop for a center dedicated to promoting peace and unity, values that Mayor Andrew Young embodied throughout his storied career. As an influential civil rights activist and a pivotal figure in Atlanta’s transformation, Young’s work has left an indelible mark on the city, making the proposal not just a tribute, but a timely call to continue his mission of social justice.
The foundation envisions the Peace Center as a hub for community engagement, education, and healing—elements that are increasingly vital in today’s climate. With recent years highlighting societal divisions, the need for spaces that foster dialogue and understanding has never been greater. Located in a neighborhood rich with history yet facing its own challenges, the Peace Center could play a crucial role in revitalizing Vine City, creating jobs, and uplifting its residents. By intertwining Young’s legacy with the city’s future, this initiative seeks to inspire the next generation to carry forward the torch of advocacy and compassion.
Plans for the center include interactive exhibits, workshops, and events designed to educate visitors about civil rights history, the importance of community service, and the ongoing fight for equality. These features will not only pay homage to Young’s contributions but will also serve practical purposes in addressing contemporary issues. In a city known for its resilience and rich cultural tapestry, the Peace Center could become a beacon of hope, guiding Atlantan’s towards a more just society.
As the city of Atlanta continues to grow and evolve, the establishment of the Peace Center would symbolize a commitment to fostering harmony and understanding among its diverse populations. In the spirit of Andrew Young, who once said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world,” this initiative serves as both a reminder of the work yet to be done and a celebration of the progress that has been achieved. It challenges us all to step up and contribute to the ongoing journey towards peace and unity, making it clear that Andrew Young’s legacy is far from over.
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