ATL Blog
Nov 21, 2024
Since the summer of 2020, something extraordinary has been brewing in the city of Atlanta: A cultural movement and a bold new initiative to unapologetically celebrate and bring joy to young Black lives in the city. ATL fondly calls it ‘The Black Joy Fund.’
ATL: Advance The Lives (ATL) was born from both love and pain. It is a non-profit organization that carries within it the spirit of George Floyd. Founded in the Summer of 2020 by Former Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan and his wife Sarah, ATL came to life following the tragic and untimely death of George Floyd. Moved by national and local social unrest and rally cries for racial equality, Matt and Sarah committed to becoming part of the change needed to cultivate a new culture—where every voice is valued, every opportunity is embraced, and every dream nurtured.
Since its inception, ATL’s Black Joy Fund (The Fund) has been the cornerstone of its Playbook, touching the lives of countless Black Youth and families in the city’s most vulnerable communities. The Fund supports several of Atlanta’s after-school programs that provide inner-city Black Youth access to unforgettable joyous experiences infused with cultural enrichment, new connections, and opportunities often out of reach for children in their communities. The goal is to ensure Atlanta’s Black youth can confidently march into their own Victory Formation and WIN.
Another game-changing initiative in ATL’s Playbook is the Black Youth Support Study Cohort. In addition to providing crucial financial funding to families navigating unexpected emergencies such as clothing, housing, food, and household expenses, the Cohort also collects valuable data to better understand gaps in existing support systems so that future efforts are more targeted and effective. Just as a quarterback needs a solid offensive line to provide a safe space of protection for intelligent decision-making during the game, the Cohort serves as a protective shield and safety net for Black children so their lives are not upended during a family emergency.
The children and families who have benefited from ATL’s programs describe them as magic. Kind of like the magic a football team experiences when they score a winning touchdown; ATL’s Black Joy Fund and Black Youth Support/Study Cohort are giving Atlanta's Black Youth the joy and magic of freedom to live without worry. These children have often spent too much time fearful and anxious about the cares of life when they deserve to focus on the wonder and tranquility of their childhood. Seeing the joy on their faces as they experience these unforgettable moments is the epitome and magic of giving Black Joy.