Collier Heights facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Collier Heights Historic District
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 Location in Metro Atlanta
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| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
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| Built | 1948 |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000457 |
| Added to NRHP | June 23, 2009 |
Collier Heights is a special neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia. It's located in the southwest part of the city. This community is unique because it was one of the very first places in the United States built entirely by African-American planners. They created it for African-American families who were becoming part of the middle class in Atlanta.
Collier Heights has been featured in famous magazines like Ebony and Jet. It was also highlighted in the "Homefinder" section of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper. Since 2009, Collier Heights has been listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site across the country. In 2013, it also received a local historic designation.
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A Look Back: History of Collier Heights
The Collier Heights neighborhood was started in 1948. Many famous and important people have lived here. These residents helped shape history, especially during the Civil Rights Movement.
Some notable homeowners include:
- Martin Luther King, Sr., father of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Donald Hollowell, a well-known Civil Rights Attorney.
- Ralph David and Juanita Abernathy, who were close friends and partners with Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Christine King Farris, sister of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Cynthia McKinney, a U.S. Congresswoman.
- Emmanuel Lewis, an actor from the TV show "Webster."
- Billy McKinney, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
- Leroy Johnson, an attorney and former State Senator.
- Jasmine Guy, an actress from the TV show Diff'rent World.
- Asa G. Yancey, Sr., one of the first African American doctors in Georgia.
- Herman J. Russell, a successful contractor and community leader.
Community Spirit: The Neighborhood Organization
The Collier Heights Community Association (CHCA) is the oldest and largest group in the neighborhood. It started in 1968 and helps keep the community strong.
One important part of the CHCA is its Historic Committee. This group works to preserve the history of Collier Heights. They also plan projects to improve the neighborhood.
The CHCA organizes many fun events throughout the year. These include a summer block party called National Night Out. They also host a Christmas party and a "Salute To Legends" celebration. This special event honors the famous residents who made history in Collier Heights.
The CHCA holds meetings on the second Tuesday of every month. They meet at Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 6:30 PM.
Special Awards and Recognitions
Collier Heights has received many honors for its importance. The City of Atlanta declared September 8, 2009, as "Collier Heights Day." They gave the community a special proclamation. This recognized its historic significance in both the city and the nation.
Similarly, Fulton County, Georgia, also declared September 16, 2009, as "Collier Heights Day."
In 2008, Collier Heights began working to become a nationally recognized Historic Site. They wanted to be listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. This was because it was the first community in the nation built by African Americans for African Americans. On June 23, 2009, the community achieved this important goal. In June 2013, it also received a local historic designation.
Learning and Education
Collier Heights has several schools and a public library branch.
Public Schools
- Bazoline E. Usher Collier Heights Elementary School
- Harper-Archer Elementary School
- John Lewis Invictus Academy (for 6th-7th Grades)
- Douglass High School
Private Schools
- Berean Academy; for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
- St. Paul of the Cross Christian Academy; also for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Public Libraries
- The Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System operates the Adamsville–Collier Heights Branch. This library provides books and resources for everyone in the community.
Getting Around: Transportation
Collier Heights has several important roads. These include Collier Drive, Waterford Road, and Hamilton E. Holmes Road. The neighborhood also borders Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.
Public transportation is available through MARTA. The Hamilton E. Holmes transit station serves Collier Heights. It is the westernmost station on the MARTA system.
