History

Summerhill has a rich history dating back to 1865 when it was founded by freed slaves and Jewish immigrants. The area quickly developed into a center for education, worship, and commerce. Georgia Avenue was the bustling heart of Summerhill, boasting a variety of businesses ranging from grocery stores and butcher shops to ice cream parlors and even a movie theater. Notably, the original Piedmont Hospital and a branch of the Carnegie Library were also located on Capitol Avenue.

Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles founded the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary in 1881. It initially opened its doors on April 11th, 1881, in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church in Summerhill. Two years later, the school relocated to a new site, and a year after that, it changed its name to Spelman College.

Hank Aaron was a legendary baseball player, known for his record-breaking achievements while playing for the Atlanta Braves. He was particularly cherished as a hero by the black community. Notably, he struck his 700th home run in Summerhill, and the wall where he set this record still stands today as a tribute to his remarkable accomplishments.

The 1996 Summer Olympics were hosted in Summerhill, GA, offering a significant opportunity for the area. However, despite the event's magnitude, no lasting improvements were made.

Over time, Summerhill has expanded, welcoming new individuals and sharing the narratives of its evolving heritage. SNDC is dedicated to ensuring that our cherished Summerhill neighborhood persists in progressing and flourishing. We strive to foster a sense of community while embracing change.

 

 

Mission Statement

Our goal at SNDC is to create initiatives and collaborations that foster inspiration, education, empowerment, and advocacy among residents, in order to bolster the Summerhill community.