2024 ABL 90th Anniversary Campaign

Since 1933, The ABL has helped to shape metro economies by providing access to resources and assistance in

forging better regulations and standards to help businesses thrive. We are honored to support the ABL's 90th

Anniversary Initiatives which include the renovation and reconstruction of the historic Ashby Street Theatre, the

ABL's Headquarters, and critical spaces for services that support the growth and vibrancy of the "Heritage

District" along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and surrounding communities.

Opening in 1934, the 300-seat Ashby Street Theatre was one of Atlanta's first theaters to serve the African

American community. Affectionally referred to as "The Ashby" the Theatre was located at the corner of then

Ashby and Hunter Streets (now MLK Jr. Drive and Joseph Lowery Boulevard). The bustling corridor is where

Black people had the opportunity to shop, congregate, go to church, and educate themselves. The Ashby is an

emblem of the time when Black Atlantans had a parallel economy of Black-owned businesses, catering to and

patronized by their own. The building has been empty for years.

We are proud to celebrate the Atlanta Business League's 90th Anniversary by supporting and investing in the

Leagues' first community development initiative. This multi-phase initiative includes the restoration and

renovation of these iconic spaces. This collaboration also invests in programs provided by the Atlanta Business

League for Black businesses. From its headquarters located next to the Theater, ABL has demonstrated visible

and measurable results for thousands of Black-owned businesses in and around Atlanta.