PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

Business

Business

PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

In Atlanta, the 20th and 21st centuries have seen the rise of influential philanthropists and doers, including entrepreneurs and executives like Alonzo Herndon, Robert Woodruff, H.J. Russell, Bernie Marcus, Arthur Blank, Alana Shepherd, Anne Cox Chambers and Jim Kennedy.

Network breach could keep Henry Schools offline until January

Atlanta Life Insurance Company

Civil rights voting

Philanthropy shaped Atlanta. Here’s how that legacy endures.

Clark Atlanta University

There are no less than seven buildings named after Woodruff, his wife or his parents, like the Winship Cancer Institute. (AJC file)

Emory hopes to avoid protests at commencement

The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation and a group of sister foundations spearheaded an effort to save Grady Hospital.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Herman J. Russell

Herman Russell donated $1 million each to Georgia State University, Tuskegee University (Russell’s alma mater), Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

MLK personal writings take new generation beyond ‘I Have a Dream’

The Georgia Aquarium, built with a $200 million gift from the Bernie Marcus Foundation, was Marcus’ first major philanthropic project after retiring. The Home Depot co-founder wanted to help rebuild downtown and make the city more of a destination. It opened in 2005. (Seeger Gray/AJC)

Flu activity down for second week in row but still high in Georgia

Philanthropy shaped Atlanta. Here’s how that legacy endures.

Arthur Blank, co-founder of Home Depot, formed the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation with about $4 million worth of Home Depot shares in 1994. Since then, he has pledged more than $1.5 billion to causes around the world, including a $17 million grant to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Philanthropy shaped Atlanta. Here’s how that legacy endures.

Atl displacement

Philanthropy shaped Atlanta. Here’s how that legacy endures.

Iyamah Williams celebrates as she walks across the stage during Clark Atlanta University’s 2025 commencement ceremony. The Blank Foundation recently announced a $50 million scholarship initiative for students at Atlanta's historically Black colleges and universities. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Emory Graduation

How Atlanta is becoming friendlier for walkers, runners

Under Jim Kennedy, former chair of Cox and current chairman of the Cox Foundation, the organization ramped up its giving. The Cox Foundation provided pivotal initial support to the Beltline. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Okefenokee mining threat remains

1 / 28

Alonzo Herndon, born a slave, became Atlanta's first Black millionaire. He established the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, which became one of the most successful Black-owned companies in the country. (Courtesy of Atlanta Life Insurance Company)

Today’s Gallery Headlines

Placeholder Image

Credit: Estela Muñoz/AJC

PHOTOS: Argentina, Egypt fans share emotional celebration, disappointment

Egypt fans erupted in excitement after an early goal for their team, and they kept that energy for most of the game.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

PHOTOS: Egypt, Argentina bring dramatic action to World Cup in Atlanta.

Egypt scored early and kept the lead for most of the game, then Messi happened.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

PHOTOS: Runners showcased their fashion sense at 2026 Peachtree Road Race

From splendid patriotic outfits to downright bizarre ones, this year's Peachtree Road Race runners certainly didn't disappoint.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

PHOTOS: Elite runners, other divisions from the 57th Peachtree Road Race

Elite runners, wheelchair racers, push-assist teams and handbike racers compete in the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th, 2026.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

PHOTOS: Scenes from the 57th 2026 Peachtree Road Race

See the runners, crowd and more from the 57th running of the Peachtree Road Race. About 56,000 runners took part in the world’s largest 10K.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

PHOTOS: High school students go bass fishing for championship

Sure, everyone's familiar with football, baseball and basketball in high school sports, but what about bass fishing? In Georgia, students meet at Lake Sinclair before dawn to

Placeholder Image

Credit: Estela Muñoz/AJC

PHOTOS: "Indy" the bald eagle navigates Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The resident raptor from the Auburn University Raptor Center is an experienced commercial airline traveler.

Placeholder Image

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC

PHOTOS: Kids take off for Peachtree Junior race

More than 3,000 young runners participated in the Peachtree Junior on Friday, July 3. More than 56,000 are expected for Saturday's main race.