‘The state of our city is strong’: Dickens state of the city address preaches progress

A video plays before Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens took the stage inside the Woodruff Arts Center on Monday, Mar. 25, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice The auditorium inside the Woodruff Arts Center filled quickly after 8 a.m. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was going to give his annual State of the City Business Address. Coming out onto the stage to Usher’s “Yeah!”, Dickens immediately thanked the three former Atlanta mayors in attendance; Ambassador Andrew Young, Bill Campbell, and Shirley Franklin.  Dickens took a moment to thank the numerous government officials, City of Atlanta employees, his family and close friends. He also took time to thank the family of former Atlanta Mayor and legendary civil leader Maynard Jackson, the first Black mayor in the city’s history, who were also in attendance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Jackson being elected. “I’m blessed to have a talented group of people on my team,” Dickens said.& Governor Brian Kemp was not in attendance, but was also acknowledged by Dickens for his work leading the state. “The state of our city is strong,” said Dickens at the beginning of his address. He listed a couple of reasons why he believes the city...