'Local Stories' features Atlanta history facts on building-side displays

Equitable by Barber 2 (Courtesy of Faron Manuel)

Over recent years, the ever-growing pedestrian flow through Atlanta’s Downtown has enjoyed glimpses into the city’s rich history through a digital visual storytelling project, “Local Stories,” from Arts and Entertainment Atlanta.

This fall, the digital billboard at Margaret Mitchell Square has shared interesting facts about local historic sites like the Big Bethel A.M.E. Church and Prince Hall, all illustrated by local artists.

On display throughout October is a new story, illustrated by Atlanta multimedia artist and printmaker Jamaal Barber, displayed on the side of the Hurt Building in downtown Atlanta.



Arts and Entertainment Atlanta curator of “Local Stories,” Faron Manuel, joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to discuss the project.

According to Manuel, Jamal unleashed some of his digital editing skills on this project, presenting some “unsavory history about Atlanta and the funding for [The Hurt] building being tied into convict leasing” in a large map display.

More information can be found at A&E Atlanta’s website here.