A painful piece of Atlanta’s history is moving closer to becoming a place for remembrance, reflection and public use.
On Saturday, October 3, residents, descendants and historic preservation advocates gathered at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church for the final public meeting on plans for the former Chattahoochee Brick Company site.
The City has been working with the community since acquiring the property in 2022 to create a memorial and public greenspace that honors the Black men subjected to forced labor there.
Why This Site Matters
Founded in 1885, the Chattahoochee Brick Company used Georgia’s convict-leasing system, which disproportionately targeted Black men and subjected them to brutal forced labor.
The company was owned by James W. English, Atlanta’s 24th mayor, who also served on the Atlanta City Council and as Police Commissioner. Bricks produced at the site helped build Atlanta’s streets, buildings and infrastructure.
“We can’t change what happened back in 1878. But we can decide what we do from this point forward,” Mayor Andre Dickens said. “We can tell the truth, honor the Black men whose labor was exploited, whose lives were sacrificed, and make sure their stories are never erased.”
What’s Planned for the Site
At Saturday’s meeting, design team SCAPE presented the final framework plan for a memorial, greenspace and park where people can learn about the site’s history, reflect and spend time along the Chattahoochee River.
The project is also envisioned as part of Atlanta RiverLands, a 100-mile regional network of trails, parks and public spaces along the river.
“We’re not choosing between remembering the past and building the future,” Mayor Dickens said. “We’re doing both.”
With the framework plan complete, the next step is building partnerships and securing the resources needed to move the project forward.
Learn more about the site’s history and plans for its future at chattbrickriverlands.atlantaga.gov.
