Canopy Atlanta asked over 180 Clarkston community members about the journalism they needed. This story emerged from that feedback.
Canopy Atlanta also trains and pays community members, our Fellows, to learn reporting skills to better serve their community. Aaron Lichkay, a reporter on this story, is a Canopy Atlanta Fellow.
When Canopy Atlanta announced Aaron Lichkay as a Clarkston Fellow, he was already doing community-driven reporting of his own. He had just launched For-Impact ATL, a media nonprofit that spotlights mutual aid groups, social enterprises, and other changemakers serving metro Atlanta. And his work began in Clarkston, profiling local organizations and (coincidentally) literally mapping them out for his community to see.
So for Canopy Atlanta’s own asset map of Clarkston, it simply made sense to uplift the hard work that Aaron had already done. We’re honored to feature some of the places that Aaron had previously identified and mapped out: local businesses, houses of worship, even a professional networking organization geared toward Clarkston’s Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.
The result is a working blueprint of one of the Southeast’s most remarkable communities, made with that community in mind. See Canopy Atlanta’s map, illustrated by Sean Fahie, below. And for Aaron’s full asset map of Clarkston, featuring over 80 community spaces, organizations, and resources, visit For-Impact ATL.
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Editor: Christina Lee
I hope this story leaves you inspired by the power of community-focused journalism. Here at Canopy Atlanta, we're driven by a unique mission: to uncover and amplify the voices and stories that often go unheard in traditional newsrooms.
Our nonprofit model allows us to prioritize meaningful journalism that truly serves the needs of our community. We're dedicated to providing you with insightful, thought-provoking stories that shed light on the issues and stories that matter most to neighborhoods across Atlanta.
By supporting our newsroom, you're not just supporting journalism – you're investing in Atlanta. Small and large donations enable us to continue our vital work of uncovering stories in underrepresented communities, stories that deserve to be told and heard.
From Bankhead to South DeKalb to Norcross, I believe in the power of our journalism and the impact it can have on our city.
If you can, please consider supporting us with a small gift today. Your support is vital to continuing our mission.
Floyd Hall, co-founder
