Atlanta Hawks and State Farm’s open 11th Good Neighbor Club for Atlanta Youth at C.T. Martin Recreation Center

Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta VoiceNobody said being safe can’t be fun as well.& On Thursday, Nov. 14, in southwest Atlanta, the C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center opened its doors as the city’s 11th Good Neighbor Club, a collaboration between the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm aimed at creating safe, engaging spaces for Atlanta’s youth. This newly renovated teen center, complete with PlayStation 5s, vibrant lounge furniture, and decor celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is designed to serve as a supportive environment for young people to learn, connect, and thrive.Reflecting on the center’s personal impact, 17-year-old Jeremiah Hughey, a senior at Benjamin E. Mays High School, who took to the stage to speak to the attending government officials and C-suite executives described the recreation center as “a place of growth, inspiration, and connection.”“It’s more than just a building for me,” Hughey said, while describing how public spaces like this have shaped his journey as a young adult.Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice“This is an investment in our young people and an investment in their future,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said, echoing the young man’s sentiment. Since Dickens came into office, he has stood by one of his...