UATL

No matter the exhaustion of the process, Charity Hamidullah dedicates every part of her day to her craft as a muralist.

“From eating good, health, workouts, rest — it’s to show up better for my art,” she said.

says an artist never knows what will happen while they’re on a lift, but she continues to figure it out and adapt to the environment with each mural. She understands the goal is to get paid and, above all else, make the art.

“I’ll risk it all for that. That’s what I’m here for,” she said. “That’s why I create my art.”

Read about her journey as an artist and a muralist at the link in the comments.

🖋️ : Brooke Leigh Howard
📸 : Estela Muñoz / AJC | Angel Parrilla

Like many good ideas, the Atlanta Soccer Map arose from a group chat.

This one took place in 2025. It was a digital brainstorm between reps from nonprofit Soccer in the Streets and local Black and brown creatives, centered on 2026 FIFA World Cup activations in Atlanta.

The group of creative directors, visual storytellers and football lovers wondered: what they could collectively produce that would speak to the potentially 300,000 visitors expected to show up and to folks already here.

“How can we give them a guide to the World Cup, a real one? How can we actually give them a guide to what the culture is and feels like,” creative director and content creator Gavin Guidry recalls.

Released this week, the Atlanta Soccer Map is that collective’s visual response to those questions. It’s a hand-drawn piece by artist Joseph Veazey, curated by the local soccer community, geared toward die-hards, casuals and folks new to the beautiful game in metro Atlanta. It’s an intricately detailed celebration of places, spaces and people that shape its namesake’s football ecosystem.

Its creators hope it can spark future conversations and collaborations for the metro area’s diverse football community long after the World Cup.

The Atlanta Soccer Map sets a spotlight on landmarks, bars, gathering spots, murals, fields, shops and individuals driving football culture locally. It features over 90 entries, including a “Starting 11″ of people and local organizations — Deng House, DJ EU, Kitboys Club, Footie Mob, Jason Longshore — dubbed “Atlanta Soccer Culture Makers.”

New from Gavin Godfrey 🔗

How the Atlanta Soccer Map celebrates city’s diversity Ahead of FIFA World Cup, creative collective works with artist Joesph Veazey to celebrate Atlanta's soccer culture.

Legendary R&B singer and longtime Atlanta resident Peabo Bryson has died 5 days after suffering a stroke, a representative for the artist told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via email. He died Tuesday afternoon.

The Cobb County resident performed one of his most recent metro Atlanta shows May 2: a co-headlining concert with Jeffrey Osborne in Fayetteville.

The singer is best known for his duets “A Whole New World” (with Regina Belle) and “Beauty and the Beast” (with Celine Dion) — winning Grammy awards for both.

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” the family shared in a statement. “While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit. His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.”

Coming up on : Pour Minds’ Lex P and Drea Nicole join Najja and Nedra for a conversation about podcasting, friendship and Black women owning the mic. Hit the link below to subscribe so you don’t miss the episode.

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Art scholar Cheryl Finley, the inaugural director of the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective and a Spelman College professor, has been selected as the High Museum of Art’s 2026 David C. Driskell Prize recipient.

Each year, the High Museum in Atlanta recognizes individuals who advance Black American culture within the art industry.

As an art historian and critic, Finley has helped establish a training ground for art professionals through her position within the AUC. She said winning the award aligns with her work and that of fellow historians, curators, scholars, artists and future generations.

Read the full story at the link in our comments.

🖋️: Brooke Leigh Howard / AJC
📸: Courtesy of Gideyon Kife

Hot 107.9 launched in 1995 as Atlanta’s first hip-hop station. Birthday Bash began as the station’s annual birthday celebration, a way to spotlight Atlanta artists and the acts the station played.

The first show was held at Variety Playhouse, with Outkast, The Notorious B.I.G. and Diddy among the performers. Since then, Birthday Bash has grown into one of Atlanta rap’s signature stages, hosting names including Kanye West, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Drake, Jeezy, Cardi B and Latto.

This year, the 30th anniversary lineup reflects what producer and artist liaison Beyonce Alowishus called “old Atlanta.” Headlined by T.I., the show will include Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Pastor Troy, Kilo Ali, Soulja Boy and newcomer YK Niece.

Read the full story at the link in the comments.

🖋️: DeAsia Paige / AJC
📸: Arvin Temkar / AJC