What is Black Atlanta known for?

Black Atlanta is known for its thriving Black culture, Black-owned businesses, historically Black colleges (HBCUs), Civil Rights history, world-class nightlife, music scene, and a booming Black entrepreneurship ecosystem. Atlanta is often called the 'Black Mecca' of America. BlackAtlanta.com is your guide to all of it.

What percentage of Atlanta is Black?

Approximately 51% of Atlanta's city population identifies as Black or African American, making it one of the most Black-majority major cities in the United States. The Atlanta metro area has the second largest Black population in the country.

What are the best Black Atlanta events this weekend?

BlackAtlanta.com is the #1 source for Black Atlanta events — from nightlife and day parties to brunch, networking, concerts, and rooftop events. Visit blackatlanta.com/Scene for the latest Black Atlanta events this weekend.

Where can I find Black-owned businesses in Atlanta?

BlackAtlanta.com hosts the largest directory of Black-owned businesses in Atlanta, GA — including restaurants, bars, salons, fitness studios, professional services, real estate, and more. Visit blackatlanta.com/Guide to browse the full directory.

What neighborhoods are popular in Black Atlanta?

Popular Black Atlanta neighborhoods include West End, East Atlanta, Cascade, South Fulton, Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, Decatur, and Camp Creek. Each has a vibrant community of Black-owned businesses and cultural events.

Fulton County District 5 Commissioner Race 2026 — Meet All 5 Candidates

From decorated veterans to marketing veterans, five qualified candidates are vying for the seat that shapes policy for 186,000 South Fulton residents

THE POLITICAL PULSE — BY LEGACY JONES

South Fulton is ready for a change at the top — and five candidates are ready to make their case.

The race to represent Fulton County Commissioner District 5 is officially on, with five qualified candidates locked in for the May 19, 2026 General Primary. The seat — currently held by Marvin S. Arrington Jr., who is vacating the post to challenge incumbent Robb Pitts for Fulton County Chairman — covers nearly 186,000 residents across Atlanta, College Park, Chattahoochee Hills, East Point, Fairburn, Palmetto, South Fulton, and Union City.

This is not a small race. The District 5 Commissioner serves on the seven-member Fulton County Board of Commissioners, setting policy for public health, safety, welfare, and economic development. They oversee county departments, adopt annual budgets, authorize bond referenda, and serve as the direct link between nearly 200,000 residents and county government. Whoever wins this seat will shape the trajectory of one of Atlanta's most culturally rich and fast-growing corridors.

The Field: Who's Running

Sojourner Marable Grimmett — Democrat

Qualified: March 2, 2026 | Website: ElectSojourner.com | Contact: ElectSojournerGrimmett@gmail.com

A daughter of the late historian Dr. Manning Marable, Sojourner brings over 25 years of leadership across government, healthcare, education, and affordable housing. A Clark Atlanta University and Penn State graduate, she has secured more than $1 million in COVID-19 relief for underserved communities, helped improve healthcare access for over 1.4 million Georgians, and expanded affordable senior housing statewide. As a senior leader at Peach State Health Plan, she managed a multi-million-dollar budget while cutting costs and improving systems. She has been named a Top 100 Black Women of Influence and a 40 Under 40 honoree by both Georgia Trend and the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Her five-point agenda covers public safety, affordable housing, healthcare access, economic growth, and infrastructure.

"I'm not running to learn on the job. I've spent decades listening to residents, working with elected officials, and getting tough things done. South Fulton County deserves experienced leadership that's ready on Day One."

Dejia Felicity Swindell — Democrat

Qualified: March 4, 2026 | Website: FelicityForFulton.com | Contact: felicityforfulton@gmail.com

A former Miss Black Metro Atlanta and Miss Black Georgia USA, Dejia Felicity Swindell is running under the banner "Your Voice. Your Future. Our Fulton." Shaped by the Atlanta University Center, she has spent 10+ years serving Fulton families, mentoring over 300 students, and personally investing more than $8,000 in local initiatives. A working mother and entrepreneur, she brings grassroots credibility and firsthand knowledge of how county government decisions impact neighborhoods, schools, and small businesses. Her platform centers on opening county contracts to small businesses, fighting for senior dignity, and creating safe spaces for youth.

"I am not just running for the people — I am the people."

Tiffany Henyard — Republican

Qualified: March 5, 2026 | Board Approved: April 14, 2026

The most nationally recognized name in the field, Tiffany Henyard is the former mayor of Dolton, Illinois — a Chicago suburb where she served under the self-given title of "Super Mayor." She relocated to South Fulton's Chatterton Springs subdivision in May 2025 after losing her re-election bid following years of controversy and a 2024 FBI investigation into her administration. No charges were filed. Her path to the ballot hit turbulence when opponents challenged her Georgia residency. On April 14, 2026, the Fulton County Registration and Elections Board voted 3-1 to approve her candidacy, accepting her May 2025 lease as sufficient proof of statutory residency. Henyard is the only Republican in the race and is positioning herself as a political outsider. "I don't like the fact of where the Democrat Party is going. Their values don't align with mine no longer," she said.

Dr. J. Jazz Thomas-Jones — Democrat

Qualified: March 5, 2026 | Website: jazz4fcdistrict5.com | Contact: kokolovellc@outlook.com

A retired decorated Navy veteran, 30-year federal administrator, ordained minister of 41 years, and holder of an Honorary Doctorate in Metaphysics, Dr. Jazz Thomas-Jones is running on a platform of "Proven Leadership. Prepared. Purpose-Driven." A South Metro Atlanta resident since 1989, she spent decades in federal administration overseeing IT, payroll, budgeting, staffing, and government contracts. As Founder of the Champion For Justice Network, she was instrumental in connecting civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Gerald Griggs to national police brutality cases in 2015. She is also Founder of Platinum Media Network and a pioneer of digital media. Her priorities include community safety, economic development, infrastructure, small business support, youth education, government accountability, and senior services.

“My goal is to redefine District 5 into a Phenomenal, Powerful District. I am a proven leader, I am prepared for the assignment, and purpose-driven. With your support, together we can achieve this goal.”
— Dr. J. Jazz Thomas-Jones, Candidate for Fulton County Commissioner District 5

Helen Zenobia Willis — Democrat

Qualified: March 6, 2026 | Website: HelenZWillis.com

One of the earliest entrants into the race, Helen Zenobia Willis formally announced her candidacy in fall 2025 with a birthday celebration and campaign kickoff. Currently serving as a South Fulton councilmember, she began her life of service at age 12 volunteering at her local hospital. Running on "Fearless Leadership. Proven Results," Willis is focused on criminal justice reform at Fulton's courts and jail, stronger water and sewer infrastructure, small business growth, and holding government accountable to every taxpayer dollar. Her background as a certified accountant and payroll tax professional gives her a sharp analytical eye on county budgets and fiscal management.

"District 5 deserves a commissioner who is unafraid to lead. I will not back down in the fight for criminal justice reform, stronger county services, and real accountability for every taxpayer dollar."

What's at Stake

The District 5 seat is one of the most impactful local offices in all of metro Atlanta. The winner will serve on committees covering Justice & Public Safety, Arts & Culture, and Economic Development, and will represent Fulton County in regional bodies like the National Organization of Black County Officials (NOBCO) and the Georgia Association of Black County Officials (GABCO).

With early voting running April 27 – May 15 and Election Day on May 19, 2026, South Fulton voters have time to engage each candidate. BlackAtlanta will be following this race closely.