Capitalizing on Atlanta Culture as it suffers from Income Inequality

Closer Look with Rose Scott

“Closer Look’s” second national PRX show examines Atlanta’s income inequality gap. While Georgia’s capital city is rooted in civil rights and it’s bustling with entertainment, sports, technology and culture, data reveals Atlanta is stalled when it comes to economic mobility. In fact, within the last decade, Atlanta has consistently remained atop or near the top for U.S. cities with the worst income inequality. On average, Atlanta’s poorest residents earn around $11,221 per year, while its richest earn around an average of $324,230 per year.

Now, the overarching question remains: What’s driving Atlanta’s income inequality? To find answers, show host Rose Scott examines the past, present and future of the city described by former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen in the 1960s as “The City Too Busy to Hate.” Scott talks with Atlantans about the southern city’s identity and its influence on everything from politics to hip-hop. Atlanta natives also share how and why they feel the city has failed to equip all of its residents with the needed tools and resources to become the beloved and equitable community envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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