On February 3, 2019, Atlanta played host to one of the world’s biggest sporting events at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, bringing an estimated 500,000 people to the area for events surrounding the big game. Hometown company Coca-Cola’s philanthropic giving arm – The Coca-Cola Foundation – joined in on the festivities with a $1 million donation to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, so those coming for the game could enjoy the museum at no cost.
From January 28 through the end of February, all visitors were granted complimentary admission to the civil rights landmark. Additionally, The Coca-Cola Foundation announced $100,000 grants to The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, The Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights and New American Pathways — three Atlanta organizations dedicated to promoting and educating others about Dr. King’s legacy.
“There is no better way to celebrate this exciting moment in Atlanta’s history than to give back to our hometown,” said Helen Smith Price, president of the Coca-Cola Foundation. “We are proud of our city’s remarkable civil and human rights history and are pleased to offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to learn more about how diversity, inclusion and unity are central to the story of modern Atlanta.”
Photo CC by SA 4.0: Marco Correa