The First Black Mayor of Atlanta: Who He Was and Why He Still Matters

Atlanta’s modern identity as a Black political and cultural powerhouse is closely tied to one leader: Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr., the first African American mayor of Atlanta.

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are learning how the city works, understanding who Jackson was helps explain everything from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to the city’s role in Black political history.

Who Was the First African American Mayor of Atlanta?

The first African American mayor of Atlanta was Maynard Jackson, elected in 1973. He took office in January 1974 and served three terms:

• First tenure: 1974–1982
• Second tenure: 1990–1994

Jackson’s election marked a major turning point, not just for Atlanta politics, but for Black political power in the urban South.

Why Maynard Jackson’s Election Was Such a Big Deal in Atlanta

In the early 1970s, Atlanta was still navigating the legacy of segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. When Jackson became mayor:

• He was one of the first Black mayors of a major Southern city.
• His victory signaled that Black voters in Atlanta had real political power, especially as the city’s demographics shifted.
• His leadership helped shape Atlanta’s reputation as the “Black Mecca”—a place where Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and elected officials could rise to national prominence.

For Atlantans today, many of the city’s institutions and opportunities—especially in business and aviation—are directly connected to decisions made during Jackson’s time in office.

Key Contributions of Maynard Jackson as Atlanta’s Mayor

1. Transforming the Atlanta Airport

One of Jackson’s most visible legacies is the airport that bears his name.

• Under his leadership, Atlanta built a major new terminal complex and expanded operations.
• He pushed for stronger participation by minority-owned businesses in airport contracts.
• In 2003, the airport was officially renamed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in his honor.

If you fly into Atlanta today, the “Jackson” in the airport’s name is a direct tribute to his impact on aviation, business inclusion, and economic development.

2. Expanding Opportunities for Black and Minority-Owned Businesses

Jackson is often remembered locally for his “affirmative action” approach to city contracts. He made it a priority that:

• Minority-owned businesses received a meaningful share of city contracts.
• Major public projects, especially the airport, included Black contractors and professionals.
• Atlanta’s economic growth would not just benefit a small group, but open doors for more residents.

Many Atlanta-based Black construction firms, engineers, architects, and service providers trace key opportunities back to changes that began under his administration.

3. Shaping Atlanta’s Political Culture

Jackson’s time in office helped normalize the idea of Black leadership in top city roles. After him, Atlanta continued to elect multiple African American mayors, including:

• Andrew Young (1982–1990), former U.S. Ambassador and civil rights leader
• Bill Campbell (1994–2002)
• Shirley Franklin (2002–2010), Atlanta’s first female mayor and first Black woman to serve as mayor of a major Southern city
• Kasim Reed (2010–2018)
• Keisha Lance Bottoms (2018–2022)
• Andre Dickens (took office in 2022)

For anyone following local elections in Atlanta, this continuity of Black leadership is rooted in Jackson’s breakthrough victory in 1973.

Quick Reference: Maynard Jackson at a Glance

Where You Can See Maynard Jackson’s Legacy in Atlanta Today

If you’re in Atlanta and want to better understand his impact, you can connect his story to real places in the city.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Location: South of downtown Atlanta, primarily in Clayton County
• Relevance:
  • One of the busiest airports in the world, central to Atlanta’s economy
  • Renamed to honor Jackson’s role in transforming it
  • A major driver of jobs, logistics, and tourism in the Atlanta metro area

Every time you or your visitors land in Atlanta, you’re passing through what many locals consider one of Jackson’s signature achievements.

2. City of Atlanta Government and Civic Life

Much of how Atlanta city government operates today—especially around procurement and diversity efforts—reflects patterns shaped during Jackson’s administrations.

If you’re a local business owner, contractor, or resident trying to engage with the city, you might interact with systems and programs influenced by his era, such as:

• Office of Contract Compliance (overseeing equal business opportunity in city contracting)
• Small and minority business programs designed to promote equity in city-funded projects

A central physical hub for understanding current city policies is:

• Atlanta City Hall
  • Address: 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main government offices, including the Mayor’s Office and City Council

While the policies have evolved over time, the philosophy of inclusion that Jackson championed remains part of Atlanta’s civic identity.

Why Maynard Jackson Still Matters for Atlantans Today

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, knowing who the first Black mayor was helps make sense of:

• Why Atlanta is often viewed as a center of Black political power
• How the city’s business environment became more welcoming to minority-owned companies
• Why infrastructure projects like the airport are so central to the city’s story

His tenure shaped the Atlanta many residents experience now: a city with strong Black leadership, major global connections through its airport, and a long-running emphasis on economic opportunity and inclusion.

Common Questions Atlantans Ask About Maynard Jackson

Was Maynard Jackson from Atlanta?

Jackson was born in Dallas, Texas, but grew up in Atlanta and had deep roots in the city. His grandfather, John Wesley Dobbs, was a prominent Atlanta civic leader, especially in the Sweet Auburn community.

How old was he when he became mayor?

He was in his mid-30s when elected in 1973, making him a young, rising political figure at the time—something that energized many local voters.

Why is his name on the airport?

His name was added to recognize his:

• Leadership in expanding and modernizing the airport
• Strong stance on including Black and minority-owned businesses in airport contracts
• Long-term impact on making the airport a global gateway and major employer for metro Atlanta

In summary, the answer to “Who was the first African American mayor of Atlanta?” is Maynard Jackson—and his story is woven into the airport you fly through, the businesses that thrive here, and the political culture that still shapes Atlanta today.