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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Atlanta. Written by Emma Hurt, Kristal Dixon and Thomas Wheatley.

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Axios Atlanta

Set aside time with your significant other (or your BFF) and show them your love at these Valentine's Day Events.

💃 Get a 40-minute private dance lesson and 30 minutes of private social dancing for $100 at Get Up and Dance Studio through Feb. 26. Email guadatlanta@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

The studio will also host a multi-genre social on Feb. 18.

🍾 Show your love through food, STK Atlanta will offer a special menu from Feb. 10-14. You can enjoy caviar-topped oysters and Champagne for $69.

🌹 The Atlanta Botanical Garden proves its one of the most romantic spots in the city with its Valentines in the Gardens event. 

🕯 Keep the flame alive with a candle-making class with Atlanta-based Bear & Honey in Little Five Points.

Celebrate love with these Valentine's Day events

Set aside time with your significant other (or your BFF) and show them your love.

Illustration of a heart with an arrow through it. The tip of the arrow is the Axios A logo.

Set aside time with your significant other (or your BFF) and show them your love at these Valentine&#x27;s Day Events.

Things to Do

Last month, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr chided local media for its characterization of activists protesting Atlanta's planned $90 million public safety complex.

Carr urged media outlets to "stop calling these people protesters," arguing that "rioters" was more fitting for the activists, some of whom broke windows and set a police car on fire during the downtown demonstration.

The now-national, largely leaderless movement against the complex in southwest DeKalb County has sparked a debate about the language used to describe the people trying to halt the project. 

Why it matters: Debate over the language used by public officials and law enforcement affects how people perceive what's happening, further inflames the dispute and drives a deeper wedge between either side.

Driving the news: Elected officials from Gov. Brian Kemp to U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, both Republicans, have at times referred to the activists as "terrorists" and "militant activists." Democratic Mayor Andre Dickens has called some of the out-of-state activists "outsiders." 

Others, including many supporters of the largely leaderless movement, say they are activists who are working for the environment, public safety reform, outright police abolition, or a mix of the three.

But during the fog of protest and the ensuing debate between public officials, law enforcement and activists, words matter. 

What's happening: Academics argue that labeling activists as "outsiders" reminds them of language segregationists used against activists during the civil rights era and that the word "terrorist" is often used to describe people actively opposing stances they support. 

"I literally have seen this playbook over and over again," Sekou Franklin, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University who has been following the protests, told Axios.

What they're saying Hannah Riley, who opposes the facility, said the terms used to describe activists "are being used by media and public officials to delegitimize the widespread local dissent."

Catch up quick: A peaceful vigil honoring Manuel Esteban Paez "Tortuguita" Terán, who was shot and killed by an officer after law enforcement say he shot a state trooper during a confrontation in the forest last month, ended in arrests after some threw rocks at a downtown building and lit a police car on fire.

18 activists, including some who allegedly occupied the forest site, are being prosecuted under domestic terrorism and other charges by Georgia's attorney general and DeKalb's district attorney. 

Zoom out: Franklin told Axios he's pored over archives of debates surrounding the Voting and Civil Rights acts and "you find a lot of the local racist and segregationists saying that the only reason why Black folks, for example, have issues is because of outsiders that are stirring the pot."

"They said, 'Well, we had peace and harmony in our community before the outsiders came in,'" he said, adding that most protests were led by local, mostly Black people. "They could not grasp the idea that local Black folks had these grievances."

The other side: Carr told Axios the comparison to the struggle to end racial discrimination is "absurd" and that he sees a "bright line" between words and actions.

"Protesters use words,” Carr said. "Actions, acts of throwing rocks through windows and lighting cars on fire, shooting police officers, anything that is an act of violence is no longer peaceful protest."

Between the lines: Terrorism as a word is so broadly used that it's become meaningless, John Horgan, a Georgia State University professor who studies terrorism and political violence, told Axios. And the state's legal definition is so expansive that it captures activity that most people may not view as terrorism, he said.

"It's a pejorative label, and increasingly used just to characterize acts that we ourselves disagree with," Horgan said. 

Of note: In response to a question from Axios, Kemp's communications director Andrew Isenhour said: "For our part, we define domestic terrorists as those who commit acts of domestic terrorism, plain and simple."

Dickens' office did not return Axios' request for comment.

What's next: Last week, DeKalb County announced it approved a land development permit needed to move the project ahead.

Activists have vowed to continue fighting it, including with a week of solidarity protests in mid-February. 

Terán's family is planning to hold a press conference Monday in DeKalb County.

Editor's note: The charitable foundation of Cox Enterprises and its leadership have financially supported the project. Cox owns Axios. 

“Cop City” and the language of protest

Opponents say labels like "domestic terrorist" and "outsider" are meant to delegitimize the movement

Illustration of a protest sign, a molotov cocktail and a bullhorn cycling between two quotation marks. 

Police

Illustration of a protest sign, a molotov cocktail and a bullhorn cycling between two quotation marks.

Last month, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chided" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/ChrisCarr_Ga/status/1616947801715261440" data-vars-content-id="1877762f-e88e-48e1-87bc-716d38ca3781" data-vars-headline="“Cop City” and the language of protest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCarr_Ga/status/1616947801715261440" target="_blank">chided</a> local media for its characterization of activists protesting Atlanta&#x27;s planned $90 million public safety complex.<ul><li>Carr urged media outlets to &quot;stop calling these people protesters,&quot; arguing that &quot;rioters&quot; was more fitting for the activists, some of whom broke windows and set a police car on fire during the downtown demonstration.</li><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now-national" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/01/05/brian-kemp-cop-city-atlanta-georgia" data-vars-content-id="1877762f-e88e-48e1-87bc-716d38ca3781" data-vars-headline="“Cop City” and the language of protest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/01/05/brian-kemp-cop-city-atlanta-georgia" target="_self">now-national</a>, largely leaderless movement against the complex in southwest DeKalb County has sparked a debate about the language used to describe the people trying to halt the project. </li></ul>

News

Politics

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is bringing ballets based on Johnny Cash, a children's classic and creative genius in its upcoming spring and summer seasons.

What's happening: In March, the acclaimed modern ballet troupe heads to Piedmont Park to perform free ballets set to the music of Cash's later career — in cowboy boots, no less — and "Peter and the Wolf."

Yes, and: In May, Terminus will dance to Ana Maria Lucaciu's "Long Ago and Only Once," at Kennesaw State University.

This summer, expect a touring residency in Florida and Terminus Ballet School performances.

Catch up quick: In 2017, some of the Atlanta Ballet's top dancers broke off from the city's most well-known troupe to form Terminus, their own company focused on modern ballet. 

Think of more original works about aging, love and complex questions of neuroscience, along with family-friendly fare like "Peter and the Wolf" in outdoor spaces.

The big picture: "We're not a tutus and tiaras kind of ballet company," John Welker, Terminus' co-founder and artistic director, told Axios. 

"We tell stories grounded in human experience. We create original works that use the beauty and the rigor of ballet” to tell stories with which people can identify. 

What we're watching: The Johnny Cash ballet, obviously.

Terminus Modern Ballet begins anew

"We're not a tutus and tiaras kind of ballet company."

A ballet dancer in red performs outside on a green lawn while a person watches 

Photo: Courtesy of Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is bringing ballets based on Johnny Cash, a children&#x27;s classic and creative genius in its upcoming spring and summer seasons.What&#x27;s happening: In March, the acclaimed modern ballet troupe heads to Piedmont Park to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="perform free ballets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artsatl.org/terminus-modern-ballet-announces-spring-season-free-concerts-in-the-park/" data-vars-content-id="1fa49522-18d4-4d81-9b46-3a7c5441c5f4" data-vars-headline="Terminus Modern Ballet begins anew" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artsatl.org/terminus-modern-ballet-announces-spring-season-free-concerts-in-the-park/" target="_blank">perform free ballets</a> set to the music of Cash&#x27;s later career — in cowboy boots, no less — and &quot;Peter and the Wolf.&quot;

If you think driving on Buford Highway is the opposite of relaxation, try walking. New funding, however, might make it less of a nightmare for pedestrians.

Why it matters: Though designed for cars, Buford Highway is used by a surprising number of pedestrians going to work, school, shopping, or medical appointments. 

Transit riders, too. One of MARTA's most popular routes runs along the highway that's seven lanes wide in some spots.

Driving the news: $1.5 million in federal funding will help make the highway safer and more accessible along a stretch in Doraville between I-285 and Longmire Way.

Details: That money, secured by Sen. Jon Ossoff, will be spent on audible push buttons for crosswalks; landscaping; benches, bike racks, and waste receptacles; curb ramps, and more.

State and local officials, along with community advocates like We Love Buford Highway, have spent more than $50 million — and more than a decade — to add pedestrian refuges, bright crossing signals, and other projects to slow down cars. 

Zoom out: Within just a few miles on Buford Highway, the average person could buy churros at La Churreria, banh mi at Lee's, and Chinese at Canton House. But food shopping by foot is a gamble.

For decades, traffic planners have prioritized the speed of automobiles over the safety of pedestrians on Buford Highway. Doraville has seen more than 30 crashes involving pedestrians over the past five years.

By the numbers: GDOT says a hectic rollercoaster segment from Lenox Road to the Doraville city limits — once one of Georgia’s most dangerous — hasn't seen a pedestrian death in roughly five years thanks to new medians and other safety fixes.

Another project is scheduled to finish construction in 2015.

Of note: Much of Metro Atlanta's immigrant population and their families have flocked to Buford Highway over the decades for its affordable housing and sense of community.

The multicultural corridor is facing gentrification and displacement as development pressures from surrounding cities like Brookhaven encroach on the thoroughfare.

Buford Highway pedestrian safety gets a funding boost

More than $1.5 million will add curb ramps, audible crosswalk signals and more.

Illustration of a pedestrian crossing sign with a dollar sign.

Transportation

If you think driving on Buford Highway is the opposite of relaxation, try walking. New funding, however, might make it less of a nightmare for pedestrians.Why it matters: Though designed for cars, Buford Highway is used by a surprising number of pedestrians going to work, school, shopping, or medical appointments.

Eight bands. Hundreds of musicians. Countless drumsticks. This Saturday, they will pack Mercedes-Benz Stadium to showcase some of the Southeast's best HBCU marching band talent.

What's happening: Musicians from Alabama State, North Carolina A&T and Grammy-nominated Tennessee State universities will compete alongside two of Atlanta's best high school marching bands — Westlake in South Fulton and Mableton's Pebblebrook — at the All-Star Battle of the Bands.

What we're watching: The Westlake Mighty Marching Lions. Called the heartbeat of the school, the roughly 130-member band has been working on their performances since July, director Cedric Young told Axios. 

Expect formations spelling out words, numbers and characters, plus plenty of flair, he said.

The Marching Lions will deliver a high-level, university-caliber arrangement that shows off the year-round program’s musicianship, Young said. Maybe a ballad or two, which Young said shows off both artistry and skill. 

What they're saying: HBCU marching bands have their roots in military drum corps. Some still employ military drill commands like about face, dress right dress, and come to attention.

"The terminology hasn’t changed," Young said. "Just the feel of the performance has changed. The groove."

Of note: In addition to an incredible sight and sound to behold, the marching bands offer parents and guardians a chance to educate kids about the emotional, social and leadership skills that playing in the band can offer. 

"These students have been in band since middle school and now most of them are receiving scholarships," Young said. "How about using band and academics to get your education paid for through being in these bands?"

Battle of the Bands to showcase Southeast's best HBCU marching bands

Eight bands. Hundreds of musicians. Countless drumsticks.

A photo of a marching band with brass instruments and a bandleader leading out front 

Music

Eight bands. Hundreds of musicians. Countless drumsticks. This Saturday, they will pack Mercedes-Benz Stadium to showcase some of the Southeast&#x27;s best HBCU marching band talent.What&#x27;s happening: Musicians from Alabama State, North Carolina A&amp;T and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grammy-nominated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/11/16/tennessee-state-university-nominated-best-roots-gospel-grammy" data-vars-content-id="c6828dda-1506-4a69-ae86-67f5437edaa2" data-vars-headline="Battle of the Bands to showcase Southeast&#x27;s best HBCU marching bands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2022/11/16/tennessee-state-university-nominated-best-roots-gospel-grammy" target="_self">Grammy-nominated</a> Tennessee State universities will compete alongside two of Atlanta&#x27;s best high school marching bands — Westlake in South Fulton and Mableton&#x27;s Pebblebrook — at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All-Star Battle of the Bands" data-vars-click-url="https://allstarbattleofthebands.com/" data-vars-content-id="c6828dda-1506-4a69-ae86-67f5437edaa2" data-vars-headline="Battle of the Bands to showcase Southeast&#x27;s best HBCU marching bands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://allstarbattleofthebands.com/" target="_blank">All-Star Battle of the Bands</a>.

Thomas Wheatley

Featured stories

Celebrate love with these Valentine's Day events

“Cop City” and the language of protest

Buford Highway pedestrian safety gets a funding boost

Battle of the Bands to showcase Southeast's best HBCU marching bands

Terminus Modern Ballet begins anew