Phoenix tribune., 1921-09-17
PROGRESSIVENESS IS
PREDOMINANT FORCE
in ATLANTA BLACKS
(By the Associated Negro Press)

Atanta, "a, Sept 15.-They are
doing big things in Atlanta in a big
way. If you think they are not, come
down and look over this beautiful
metropolis of the south.
The specific object of this story is
to give a closeup of the progressive
business side of our life in Atlanta
Too often people get their ideas of
communities from criminal news stor-
les. always, of course, front page
flame shead stuff. Atlanta has suf-
fered from notorious information
When you come here and see what
the business people are doing, you go
away with new inspiration and a
new visions-there is no Question
about that.
There is one notable outstanding
condition in Atlanta. The older men
Of Atlanta, Herndon, Howard, Ross,
Sr, and others, who came to business
opulence tn ough the proverbial "tri-
ais andtribulations,' are not only con-
tinu'ng to be progressive and push
forward racial interests, but they are
backing up the young generation with
will. Indeed, that's beautifully fine!
We must have more of the pulling to-
gether everywhere.
Atlantans have vision, so, accord
ing to Seriptural formula, there is no
danger Of them perishing. There is
nothing too big to tackle and put over
ini Atlanta. Here they~-taK in thou
sands and hundreds of thousands like
some communities talk in dimes and
quarters. 1t requires no more ener-
gy to do big thing than little thing,
and frequently less time. Vision, sys-
tenn and push, that's the combination
that puts things across here. Dollars,
you say? It's all in the system, they
make the same money work a half
dozen different ways here, just like
Mr.. Fred. We have never seen an
Albanian worrying about money. They
seem to have plenty of it, or the
equivalent, and they get on the job
"Ben Davis" Household Word
ben Davis" is a household word
in Atlanta. He is an outstanding fig
ure of practical achievement. He is
a fighter; he is progressive. He be-
lieves in young people, and encourages
them. The great Odd Fellows build
ing is a lasting monument to his busi-
ness ability.
President Perry of the Standard
Life Insurance Company knows no
Alps. He has just opened the doors
of the Citizens Trust Company,
$350,000 institution. You have to see
this magnificent structure with it's
most impressive modern fixtures and
appointments to believe it. The half
cannot be told. And all the ''live
wires" of Atlanta say they are just
starting to do things there.
J. c. Ross, vice president of the
State Savings Bank and president of
the Atlanta Business League, is a
splendid example of young Ameri-
ca" We heard Mayor Key, of At
lanta, pay most glowing tribute to
this fine young business man before
an audience of more 5000 people DUR
ing the session of the National Negro
Rueinose Taapua Rauhen Plack
owner of the Auditorium Theatre and
president of a hundred thousand dol
lar realty company; William Shaw,
cashier Of the State Savings Bank;
Charles Shaw, assistant secretary of
the Standard Life Insurance Company;
Jesse o. Thomas, executive head Of
the Urban League work of Atlanta;
T. X. Gibson, president of the Su-
preme Life Insurance Company; Har-
ry H. Pace, head of the Black Swan
Record Co., of New York City, but
with large interests in Atlanta, and
scores Of others, work hand in hand
to make Atlanta shine! We will tell
the world that this group has the
bright idea of doing things. More
power to them.
AtIanta's Leadership in Business
Hero are some of the things the
Negro has in Atlanta:
In addition to its hundreds of shop
keepers Atlanta has:
Banking houses serving every fin.
nancsal need; life insurance com
pany (home office); life insurance