City leaders, community members, and the Martin family gathered Saturday at the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center to unveil a new exhibition honoring the life and legacy of longtime Atlanta City Councilmember Clarence Terrell “C.T.” Martin.
Held during Black History Month, the ceremony celebrated Martin’s decades of public service and his lasting impact on Atlanta’s westside communities. The exhibition highlights his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to ensuring neighborhoods like Adamsville received investment and opportunity.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined elected officials and community leaders in recognizing Martin’s role in shaping modern Atlanta.
“Lift every voice. Not some voices. Every voice,” Mayor Dickens said during remarks at the unveiling. “That was the principle that guided C.T. Martin’s life in public service.”
A Champion for Atlanta’s Neighborhoods
Martin represented District 10 on the Atlanta City Council from 1990 until his retirement in 2017, earning the nickname “The Dean” for his longevity and institutional knowledge. During his tenure, he chaired several key committees and helped shape policy on transportation, public safety, and economic equity.
He worked during a pivotal era in Atlanta’s history, including alongside Mayor Maynard Jackson, advocating for fair opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses and pushing for more equitable public investment.
One of Martin’s most visible legacies stands at the heart of the unveiling itself. He championed funding and development for the Adamsville Natatorium and Recreation Center, which was later renamed in his honor. Today, the facility continues to serve as a vital hub for youth, seniors, and families.
Preserving a Legacy for the Next Generation
The newly unveiled exhibition offers visitors a curated look at Martin’s life and service, including his advocacy for safer neighborhoods, youth development, voter engagement, and equitable reinvestment.
Mayor Dickens emphasized that the exhibition is not just about reflection, but about responsibility.
“Today, as we unveil this exhibition, we do not simply remember C.T. Martin,” he said. “We commit to carrying his work forward.”
The event brought together roughly 100 attendees, including city officials, community advocates, and members of Martin’s family, underscoring the enduring influence of his leadership across generations.
Continuing the Work
The unveiling also reinforced the City’s ongoing commitment to equitable investment and neighborhood revitalization, priorities that remain central to the Dickens Administration’s vision for Atlanta.
By preserving Martin’s story in a permanent exhibition, city leaders hope to inspire residents and future public servants to continue building a city where opportunity reaches every neighborhood.
As Mayor Dickens noted, Martin’s legacy is rooted in action and accountability.
“That is C.T. Martin’s legacy,” he said. “And that is the work we must continue.”
