Concentrated along a short mile and a half of Auburn Avenue, the Sweet Auburn Historic District reflects the history, heritage and achievements of Atlanta’s African Americans. The moniker “Sweet Auburn” was coined by John Wesley Dobbs, referring to the “richest Negro street in the world.” The success of the district was marred by the racially based redlining and development of the highway system that severed the prospering community. Despite the hardships faced due to this segregation, Sweet Auburn has been home to some of the most influential Civil Rights leaders in America including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. Sweet Auburn, despite the racial roadblocks, has continued to act as a shining beacon and as the “Black Mecca of the South”.