Governor Miller Honors Paschal Brothers
UPDATE!
to Postcard: Paschal’s Restaurant “The
Paschal’s Precinct’s” Last Day of Operation.
Congressman John Lewis (5th District GA)secures $100,000 of federal funding for the renovation and preservation of Paschal's restaurant and motel in Atlanta through the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act in Fiscal Year 2004. (http://www.house.gov/johnlewis/pdf/December_newsletter.pdf)
Black officials to urge feds to preserve
Paschal's site
Mark Davis - Staff, Atlanta Journal Constitution
View the GABEO Resolution Here
Milledgeville --- Before going home today, elected black officials from
across
One of the final orders of business of the Georgia Association of Black
Elected Officials is to consider a resolution calling for the landmark
Giving historic status to the site where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and others planned their campaigns for equality would qualify the restaurant for federal funding, said Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta).
That cash, he said Saturday, could make the difference in whether the restaurant, which was closed in July, is destroyed or saved.
"We want federal support and believe it's appropriate to ask for it," said Brooks, an outspoken critic of proposals to flatten the restaurant.
The restaurant and adjacent hotel belong to
The original owners run another restaurant nearby.
The plans to destroy the old site touched a nerve in
School leaders said CAU, which purchased the restaurant seven years ago, was losing $500,000 a year to keep it open.
Placing Paschal's on the same list as other historically significant structures could ensure the restaurant's survival, Brooks said. Nearly 40 years ago, he recalled, he spent a month at the hotel, and saw civil rights figures nearly daily dining on Paschal's chicken.
The resolution, while not binding, would let federal officials know GABEO's feelings about the restaurant, he said.
Brooks predicted the resolution would pass as quickly as people passed Paschal's corn bread to each other.
Last day's meals at Paschal's bittersweet
Related:
• Chat With Other Paschal's Patrons
By JIM
THARPE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was a place where world-changing events took shape, where romances
blossomed, where common men and women broke bread with legends.
And on a sweltering July afternoon, it all came to a close with a simple flick of Moses Gammage's wrist.
"That's it -- we're closed," 73-year-old assistant manager Gammage
said nonchalantly Monday afternoon as he turned the lock on Paschal's
restaurant in southwest
After four decades of serving up generous helpings of cutting-edge politics, soul food and indelible friendships, the so-called "kitchen of the civil rights movement" was out of business, bade farewell by hundreds of last-minute diners.
"Not long ago, if you were black and you came to
Open at its current location since 1959, Paschal's was where the Rev. Martin
Luther King Jr. and his lieutenants planned the
A fading "Maynard for Mayor" bumper sticker touting Maynard
Jackson, the man who would become
Muhammad Ali ate here. So did Stevie Wonder and an aspiring singer named Aretha Franklin.
But in a city where development often wins out over historic preservation, the restaurant now faces a date with the wrecking ball.
Community activists have protested the planned demolition and will meet with
Paul McLendon, 74, signed a petition that asked that the restaurant be spared.
"In my opinion, it's the most important part of this community," McLendon said. "There's a possibility this place can be made profitable again. Look at all the people here the last few days."
Whatever the outcome, those who came out Monday agreed that Paschal's days as a community gathering spot were over. Many of them said that time had passed years ago.
Doris Wilson, 67, ate a buffet lunch of friend chicken, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, corn muffins and peach cobbler with two of her friends. She remembered skipping high school in the 1950s to frequent the old Paschal's, which was located across the street but now is a vacant lot.
"Business fell off here as the years went by and the neighborhood fell
down,"
James Paschal, who with his brother, Robert, founded the original
restaurant, recently opened another Paschal's on
Raymond Meadows, 64, said one of the unintended consequences of the civil rights movement was the decline of business districts such as the neighborhood where Paschal's once thrived. Jim Crow laws created largely separate black and white business districts, he said. With integration, black businesses often suffered, as African-Americans moved to formerly suburban counties and, like whites before them, did their shopping and dining at malls and chain restaurants.
"We grew up with this place," Meadows said about Paschal's. "It was a home away from home. But business in this whole area started to decline as more and more of the black community moved to Clayton and DeKalb counties."
For a few hours Monday, it looked like the old days.
Diners filled every booth and every bar stool, and a line snaked out the door. At one point, the wait was more than an hour. One waitress said she had pocketed $200 in tips by early afternoon.
"This place has had more business in the last four days than it has in the last six months," Dodson said. But he attributed the flood of commerce to old-timers like himself coming back one more time, to remember.
Merry Ford came back for one last meal at the place where she met her husband, John, 17 years back. She had just gotten out of church and was having lunch when she locked eyes with a handsome, young man at a nearby booth.
"He was too bashful to say anything," Ford said, "so I asked the waitress who he was and wrote my name and telephone number on a napkin and had her give it to him. He called me three days later. We've been married 15 years."
If you believe that Paschal's is a significant part of black history in
Thank You For Your Support!
“It's
a disgrace that
“Yes, I'm in favor of saving Paschals,and it's historical value.” – Christine Lewis, Avondale Estates, GA
"Preserve
the history that this restaurant has built. If nothing else, Use the space as a
quiet learning center/meeting place for the students. Old menus, furniture,
pictures of civil rights meetings and other memorandum should be displayed for
public viewing...No matter what you do -- don't destroy a part of black
American history." - M. Gale Belton,
Vernice
Lawson,
"Paschal's
is quintessential to
Karen
Sanderfur,
"I
had the pleasure of dining at this fine establishment when I was a college
student
in the 70's. Please save this piece of Black History." - Elizabeth
Sneed,
"I've
never had the pleasure to eat at this restaurant, but I know that its very
important to preserve these places that were so special to so many significant
others." - Toni Barnes,
"As
a CAU student I remember going to Paschal Restaurant my freshmen year, and
enjoying the food while taking in all its rich history. This is an important
part of black history that should be preserved by all means." - Deena
E. Ashford,
Deborah
Plears,
"Please
preserve this piece of our history!" - Rosalyn Barnes,
"I
would like to support efforts to preserve Paschal's as a historic site. We must
preserve this valuable institution!" - Chandra Thomas,
Georgette
Jones,
Jeremy
B. Jones,
"I
am appalled at the fact that an historically black university would destroy
something that is clearly the epitome of positive, forward moving black life.
Paschal's provided food for the soul, meeting/fellowship, black economic power,
arts, family, leadership, etc. This sign is a reminder of where we as a black
community came from, how strong we still are, and where we can and will
go." - Ashlee Anderson,
"I
feel that it is our responsibility to perserve the rich Black History that
"The
old Paschal's is a part of our history. Who we were, the roads we have
traveled,who we are. Let's preserve our own History." - Sandra
Simone,
"
I have never been to Paschals, but the story I heard shocked me, that
"As
previous owner's in the service industry, my husband (Mr. V.)and I would
appreciate if the university system could utilize the building as an
institution for learning the hospitality industry. UUUMMH! SAVE THE SIGN and
BUILDING." - Rose Virgil,
"Our
first time at your restauant was in 1987, when our son entered Morehouse in
1987, and last year we had the pleasure of dining at your new location. We
enjoyed it so must that have reserved several rooms at your hotel for our sons
upcoming wedding (October 10-12). It's important that we reserve our historic
sites." - Glorious M. Crooms,
"As
a student at
Runako
Godfrey,
Jennifer
Harris,
"We've
got to preserve our history and our heritage, be it cultural events or
businesses. Support Black history/heritage." - O'Brae C. Bowman,
Sam
Clapp,
"It
would be a great loss to destroy such a meanignful landmark. With so much
creativity abounding in our souls, should we not pursue both the physical and
cultural needs of Clark Atlanta students (and others) by integrating as much of
Paschal's into the future dormitory's design?" - Clarice and
Steven Allgood,
"Help
save
Harold
Williams,
Stella
Gray,
"Leave
it alone, enough of history is gone from
"Save
the building and the vintage signs too!" - Jessica Lavandier,
"
"This
fine institution must and needs to be saved! The history and heritage that is
in so much danger of being lost as have other sites. The Magnolia Ballroom,
Lincoln Country Club and Golf Course, Kings Wig-wam and
Gary Saunders, Olive Branch, MS
Kim
Poole,
Sandra van Meek, Flowery Branch, GA
"Paschal's
is a part of our history and should be treated as such." - Stacey
L. Williams,
"Growing
up my father who attended Morehouse College in the 50's, told me the tale of
how Paschal's started out selling chicken sandwiches "out the trunk",
and rose to create an institution that would be the launching ground for world
changing events. One would believe that a so-called black institution of higher
learning would have respect for such tradition, and hold it sacred...if for no
other reason, than to inspire within it's student body the same spirit that the
Paschal brothers embodied in creating such a legendary megaplex of black owned
enterprisies." - Charles Lester,
Kesha
Nichols,
Ellen
Mendelsohn,
"Not
only is Paschal's a significant part of our Black History, but the service and warmth
of the entire staff is enough incentive in itself to have 2 great locations in
the heart of Atlanta!" - Jarrod Collier,
Alvilda
Jones,
"I'm
currently serving in the United States Air Force in
"It
would be a shame to destroy such a significant landmark and historical
artifact." - Michael A. Ferby,
Rahsaan
Tann,
"Any
part of Black History should be preserved, especially the good parts that hold
so much richness! I've had the pleasure of dining at the new Paschal's and if
the old Paschal's was anything of the sort --- MY, MY, MY! Our culture is the
only one that wants to get rid of every "Stone of Rememberance", and
it's sad not to have anything to look back on and reflect!" - Torrence
Wimberly,
"A
HBC should be the last to tear down a significant part of history. I'm a
Monica
Davis,
Carla
Phillips,
Lauren
Singleton,
"Paschal's is a true part of African-American History (Civil Rights Era). We can't let it die. Together we have major buying power. Let's exhaust all our resources before we throw in the towel." - Tonya Roberts, Tucker, GA
Ava
Ivy,
"It
would be a travesty to destroy Paschals. I make it a point to dine there when
in town the first week of the month each month. I am looking foward to dinning
there today as I am in town for the Got Jazz out door concert at Centennial
Olympic Park. I am Director of Marketing For One Nation Promotions. This is an
Omega Media event sponsored by Michelob, Delta, Creative Loafing to mention a
few and we are looking foward to another opportunity at the end of this event
to dine there." - Dana Armstrong,
"This
is terrible to decide to tear down the history of this area for dormitories. My
grandmother talked about eating at Paschal's and all the fun and conversations
that took place at the restaurant. The recommendation to leave the restaurant
inside of the dormitories is an excellent idea. I think that the students,
faculty and other visitors would enjoy this environment. So let's band together
to keep our history rich and strong - leave Paschal's!" - Elizabeth
Moses,
"As
a African American, and a professional who has been in the hospitality business
for twenty years, Paschal's has been a visual reminder to me that all things
are possible in business.They have promoted the fact that all persons could own
and operate hospitality related businesses, in a world today that does not have
a lot of black owners.The gathering spot for many, as this city's history and
the nation's history was discusssed intelligently.Whatever I can do to save
this wonderful site..., count me in!" - Tyrone Shannon,
Latrice
J. Lawson McGrady,
Annette
Nevels,
"It
is foolish to erase your own history. Especially this landmark. It is an internationaly
important site. Think of the future."- Charles T. Orr, Jr.,
"We've
lost enough landdmarks in
"In
our efforts to move forward, we have forgotten our past. There is a direct link
between a people knowing their and understanding their past and that same group
of people moving forward into economic and social prosperity. I am sure you
will agree that there is a place for this building in our future... since we have
had so many famous people eat here, why can't we have this building earmarked
under historic preservation.....This is history." - Tonia Johnson,
Jack
and Yolanda Washington,
"History
YES! Landmark YES! but it was the FOOD that brought em' BACK!!" - Ralph
McGill III,
B.
Brown,
Jules
McNeal,
Jeraldine
Chambliss,
Susan
Turner,
"I'm
not from
Kimberlyn
Sinkfield,
"This
is part of
"Having
lived in
"Those
who forget the past often repeat mistakes which could be avoided." - Denise
Arredondo,
Aramintha
J. Grant,
Sandy
Coley,
Jamie
L. Evans,
Kim
Aiken,
Eleanor
Reed,
"There
are very few places left in
"I
feel we should keep a historical site." - Brenda Payne,
Darlene
Badger,
"What
a mistake it would be to destroy one of the few landmarks for Black History.
Our control seems to be oblivious to the value of a historical building that
reprensent all segments of our society. Certainly something can be done to save
this landmark." - Jill Mosshamer,
Renee
King,
"Paschals
will always be a part of my childhood memories. My favorite, the chicken that
my sister and I wrap up and put in our pocketbook on Sunday,(the piece was so
big) that night we had a special treat! But the for me it was the apple pie and
ice cream. Boy I can taste it now and that was 35 plus years ago. CAU, history
and memories are going down in that heap of what maybe a pile of bricks but a
life time of love, family gatherings, and history for so many people." - B.A.
Davenport,
"Have
we exhausted all options? Please save this historical landmark!" - Angela
Finley,
Jeraldine
Chambliss,
Susan
Turner,
Brenda
W. Davis,
"I
have never been to Paschal's;however, my fiance had lived in Atlanta for over
13 years and he told me about the restaurant. I certainly hope and pray that it
stays open especially since it means so much to the city and is such a gift of
history for us all. I do plan on (if it stays open) to visit the place for a
plate of fried chicken because I heard on Channel 5 this morning from both
newscasters how good the chicken was and my fiance also bragged on the food
there." - Melody Tarver,
"We need to save Paschal's, because it is a piece of Atlanta's history." - Pam Ivy, Stockbridge, GA
"When I moved to GA in 1977--that was the first place folks told me to go try. They were right!!" - Marcia Boone, Morrow, GA
"
I remember the first time I dined in Paschals Motor Lodge and Restaurant, it was
back in 1971 when my DECA teacher had taken the class out for not just food,
but a taste of black history on what was then called Hunter Street. It was a
very educational and memorable event for us kids. There is soo much history in
the place, and not just the restaurant it self, but the strip as a whole. I was
driving down the strip the other day, and a great sadness came over me just to
see how everything was boarded up, so desolate looking. Gone are the black
businesses that boomed back in the day, gone are the night clubs that jammed
back in the day, streets packed with friendly people. Hunter Street is history
to the black community, even though the street has been renamed, history can
not be remade. We need to fight to keep Paschals Restaurant opened, it is the
very core of our history as black people. Jesse Jackson is famous for his
saying "keep hope alive" I say "keep black history alive! Keep
Paschals opened!!" - Linda Reynolds,
"I
may be young, but I know some things. Instead of tearing Paschal's down, it
should made into a Civil Rights Landmark!!" - James Pressley,
"It would be a shame to lose such a historic piece of our heritage. What'a even more sad is the very institution that should have spearheaded this drive to maintain this piece of history is the one that wants to tear it down. Have we become so "edumacated" that we forget from whence we came?(yes, I spelled it that way purposefully)." - Bettye Hill-Bodiford, Norcross, GA
Neketia
Jordan,
Eric
Bryon,
Lynne
Wiley,
Catina
Jorda,
Saundra J. Flanagan, Avondale Estates, GA
"Being
a native Atlantan, I feel that Paschals should remain a landmark. It not only
served as resturant for some of our greatest black leaders, but also as a
meeting place for them. Let's preserve our black history so that our younger
generation can still see a great landmark of our culture." - N.
Benson,
"There
are ways that CAU can have the new dorm, and Paschals can continue to operate!"
- Ken Hedrick,
Niela
Hill,
Cloretta
Ceasar,
Christine
Black,
Marie
Bornelus,
Tammy
Williams,
Christie
Flesher,
"Please
keep Paschals history alive! If we start getting rid of our history, it will
not stop there!" - D. Nelson,
"Keep
the building up because it is a part of our black history in Atlanta." - Lakissia
Wheeler,
Shawn
Moss,
Sammie
Madison,
Juanita
Madison,
Mary
Christian ,
Annie
Brooks,
Libbye
Binion ,
Henry
Veal,
Daryl
Madison,
Chris
Veal,
"I
am an ex-Morris Brown student of 1990 and I have had first hand experience in
staying @ Paschals during a time when the water was not working in my dorm. It
was a lifesaver in 1990 and I am sure it was a lifesaver during the civil
rights era. I am urging you to save this landmark for the enrichment of my
children to come. My idea is to leave the resturant operational as is and turn
a group of units into a museum filled with civil rights information. Take the
additional bldgs. for dorm refurbishing and this will provide living space for
the students, preservation of a historical landmark, & a source of revenue
to the university by charging admission to the museum." - Sabrina
Taylor,
Gete
Williams,
"Paschal
means to me a legacy that is going to be destoyed. Back in the day Paschal's
was a restaurant where civil rights leaders had important meetings. Keep hope
alive and also keep the dream alive like Martin Luther King quoted. Even though
half of our prominent leaders are gone we still have a piece of history that we
can talk about and look at what happened back in the day." - Tosha
Madison,
"Paschals
is a part of history because it's part of the Civil Rights Movement. Paschals
needs to be saved because it's a landmark and it a part of history. We as
people need to keep The Dream Alive and save history or history will be
diminished. History makes up who we are as people. If we don't have history we
don't have anything to show. Paschals is part of history and we need to keep it
that way." - Sandy Madison,
"Please
don't close Paschals,because, it is a historical landmark as well as a
historical restuarant for me and everyone else too. In July 1984 upon
graduating from The School of Social Work @ Atlanta University where I received
my Masters in Social Work, my family from Westminster,SC & Philadelphia,
PA. and myself ate there for my celebration dinner,where,they enjoyed the food
as well as learning about the historical history of Paschals while we
ate." - Jonell Kinard,
"Please
save this for our children. There is a new generation emerging that doesn't
believe that Hitler killed seven million Jews...do you really want a generation
to lose sight of the struggles and battles fought for racial equality?" - Leighanne
Reynolds,
"PLEASE
DON'T LET THOSE WHO DIDN'T WANT US TO HAVE AN HISTORY IN THE FIRST PLACE
INFLUENCE YOU TO CHIP AWAY AT YOUR OWN HISTORY. THERE ARE ALWAYS ALTERNATIVES,
AND SOME ARE BETTER THAN THE FIRST PREMISE." - Marilyn K. McCrary,
Obinna
Lewis,
Clarence
Lewis,
Barbara
Lewis,
"I'm
orginally from Florida, and my mother used to attend college at the AUC in the
late 50's in the summer months and brought my brother and I here. Paschal's is
an Atlanta historical landmark and should remain that way for eternity. When I
moved to Atlanta in the 1980s, I've frequented the restuarant with one of my
family members who is now deceased, but was a huge supporter in his day. This
place holds a legacy of memories don't tear it down!" - Flora
Quattlebaum,
"This is a vital part of history! There are many antebellum homes maintained by the historical societies, but what about this business that brought together white and black, that opened itself to the leaders of a movement that changed our world! This business is historical in the civil rights movement, but also as a profitable business owned, managed and successful by black men! The future generations need to be continually reminded at what can be accomplished, even more so now because of the men and women that frequented this business. If we continue to demolish our history, we are only doomed to repeat it. I would love to help however possible! People need to be reminded of history, to preserve the legacies set forth by the brothers who opened it and by those that fought to free all of us (even white females like me)!" - Beverly Burns, Jonesboro, GA
"If
we do nothing black history will be wiped away, just look at Morris Brown U.
and our history books." - Keith E. Stephen,
Tina
Perrin,
"Once history is erased we can not create it. Please, preserve this place of black historical significance." - Gregory Nash, Atlanta, GA
"PLEASE
GIVE IT A CHANGE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS THE COMPANY VISION, MISSION, AMD THE NEW
GENERATION AND PROSPECTIVE MINDS, AND THAT HISTORY CONTINUE TO GROW AND THE
RIGHT TO SERVICE THE PEOPLE. TO INCREASE THE COMMUNICATIONS TO BUILD THE
LOYALTY IN WHICH IT SERVES." - Pearl Lowe,
"I
eat a Paschal's at least three times a week with my co-workers. We are a young
group of educators who was introduced to the resturant by our principal. We
have grown to love it and would hate to see it demolished." - Christopher
James,
Eric
London,
"Surely there something that can be done to preserve this landmark. Do we have destroy our history in the name of progress?!?" - Terez Mays, Alpharetta, GA
Reginald Jones, Alpharetta, GA
Brian Ivy, Stockbridge, GA
Dr.
Ron Bohlander,
"This
is such an important place it should be preserved as a national historic
site." - J. Allen Rider &Karen E. Reagle ,
Bobby
L. McClain,
Tamara
Jones,
Dimirial Richburg, Lithonia, GA
"I
feel that Paschal's should stay in business because of the history. We as a
black community should want as much of our history to stay in tact as
possible." - Hope Paschal,
Lynn
Richburg,
Terri
A. Scott,
"I
love progress, but not at the expense of loosing our historical landmarks. I am
certain that CAU has Plan II and Plan III. We would greatly appreciate their
decision to use either plan." - E. Marie Scott,
"I'VE NEVER EVEN BEEN TO PASCHALS AND I CALL MYSELF EATING AT ALL THE TOP NOTCH SPOTS IN AND AROUND ATLANTA. AFTER ALL THE RECENT COVERAGE I COULD KICK MYSELF. LATE NEWS TONIGHT INDICATE THAT IT'S A POSSIBILITY IT WON'T CLOSE, I PRAY THAT IT STAYS OPEN CAUSE I WANT SOME OF THAT FRIED CHICKEN THAT'S BEING TALKED ABOUT. I'M COMING IN BUTT FIRST CAUSE IT NEEDS A GOOD KICKING." - Earl Jones, Fairburn, GA
"We need to keep Paschals open for the history that was made there, it is very important that we teach our young people about the importance of the building. The history is great, the lounge was one place we could go for big time entertainment. Let the people know what they can do with hard work,and a good idea.It should be made a landmark." - Sandra C. Williamson, Atlanta, GA
"CAU
can only see $$$$ signs. Some things are more important than money." - M.
J. Oliver,
"Please
do not destroy this historic landmark. University officials must continue to
look for opportunities to reduce the deficit, provide additional quality
housing for students and preserve the "original" Paschals. These are
not mutually exclusive goals." - Cheryl P. Wilcox,
"We must begin to value our history, this site deserves to be on the National Historic Registry. It needs to continue to serve the food it has been serving since 1960, but in an atmosphere tha acknowledges the historic legacy of the building (pictures, stories ect...)" - Joseph Derrick Lewis, Atlanta, GA
Mona
Spencer,
Michele
Oliver,
Mary
Spencer Carr,
"IF
YOU CLOSE PASCHALS YOU CLOSE A PIECE OF BLACK HISTORY." - Tuvayas
Duckworth,
"I
think it is very important to save this piece of African American history. We
as one people should go to whatever extreme to save Paschals." -
Demetrius Q Watson Sr.,
"I
have worked for the Concessions JV/Paschals Group. It is a wonderful company. I
know they have the resources to buy this or at least contribute something to
it. I totally agree with the statement that if they can save the Margaret
Mitchell House and the Fox Theater, that they can save little 'Ole' Paschals.
The Paschal Group impresses me so much because they started with one little
restaurant and then were able to blossom into the nice big enterprise that it
is today. I hope that the family who started this restaurant doesn't forget
their roots. NEVER forget where you came from. It is your legacy. I think we
all need to remember where we came from, and hold on to the memories, so we can
appreciate the good we may live in the present and in the future. SAVE PASCHALS
!!!!" - Brian Searles,
"If
at all possible, I believe that this restaurant should be saved. There is too
much history in this restaurant to just be thrown away. " -
Sharman Czahor,
Byron
D. Amos,
The
cost of "progress" in Atlanta is just too high to pay. When will
those who weild the swords or have the deep pockets in this town finally learn
how important our history is - not only to us - but to all and future
generations! I am completely outraged that those who would consider tearing
down such a historical place could be so blinded by thier visions of the
almighty dollar. Why haven't they come up with an alternative location. So many
presumably smart men should be able to figure that out while preserving and
respecting what is part our of city's heritage." - Belinda Lott,
"If
we, as a people, have the power to preserve a historic landmark, we should not
hesitate to exercise that power. May the powers 'that be' have the dignity and
common sense to acknowledge this fact, and "Do The Right
Thing"." - Ben CK Staten,
"It
is a sad day for all when history is forsaken in the name of the almighty
dollar." - Megan Kline,
"Paschals
is a part of history that must be preserved at all costs. It played host to the
most important events in Black American history. To allow such a historical
presence to be torn down by a wrecking ball without researching other viable
options (for which there are many) would be a travesty and a insult to the
African American Community in Atlanta and all across America. SAVE PASCHALS
SAVE PASCHALS SAVE PASCHALS SAVE PASCHALS SAVE PASCHALS!" - William
J. Russell,
"Please
save Paschals, part of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and World Civil Rights
movement." - Benjamin Wiles,
"A
CITY TOO BUSY TO HATE! Atlanta is such a vibrant diverse city and should not
lose a piece of history! at the very least, if the university does not want to
operate a restaurant turn it into a musuem(form a partnership with the MLK
Center and the SLC) and invite suggestions/input from the king family, jesse
jackson, andy young, joseph lowery, and all parties interested." -
tom :-)" - Tom Rawls,
"This
is a historical site, don't demolish it!!!!!!!!!!" - Katherine
Jean Hawkins,
"Please
preserve Black History." - Chandra McMillan,
"Although
I didn’t in the past know much about the restaurant Paschals, after seeing and
hearing about it in the media, I believe that this is a very important part of
our Black history. I for one would not like to see it destroyed, because I
would like to have the opportunity to bring my 2 young children ages 9 and 13
here and explain to them over a nice lunch or dinner the history of how all the
famous people like Martin Luther King came here to strategize their famous
walks. We as Black Americans have lost so much of our heritage and if we
continue to do so there will not be much left to show our children,
grandchildren and great-grand’s in the future. So please let’s try and keep
some of our past so that we can have something to show our children in the
future." - Ophelia Goldwire,
"I
am a native son of Atlanta and have been going to Paschal's since I was a
little boy. Even to this day I occasionally go to the restaurant with my
family. So please do not shut this fine historic establishment down, it is a
stable in this city's heritage." - Wendell Finch,
"This
is really a no-brainer. To destroy a monumental historic site such as Paschals
is offensive and frankly quite rediculous. Our Black History is already being
wiped out enough by others without us joining in too." - Diane A.
Whitehead,
"Clark
Atlanta University, please do not tear down our historical restaurant." - Bernice
Scott,
"
Clark Atlanta University needs to think twice about demolishing Paschal's
restaurant. I find it hard to believe that the restaurant has caused CAU's
deficit. If so, CAU is not doing very well in educating our kids. Black history
needs to be taught to our kids not torn down and placed in some history book in
hopes that this generation will read and inquire about it. The rich history
that Afro-Americans, African-Americans, blacks,whatever you want to label yourselves,
is not being taught in the homes. Now by destroying apart of history, CAU is
sending a message that we have "arrived" just because of the cars and
homes that you now own. But we have not "arrived", especially when
this generation let it be known that Martin Lurther King, Malcolm X, Sojourner
Truth, Alexander Crummell, Broker T Washington, W.E.B. Dubois, Ida Wells
Barnett, Mary MCleod Bethune, Zora Neal Hurston, James Langston Hughes,Colin
Powell, and a host of many others do not mean a thing to them. We cannot sit by
and continue to condone this "hip-hop age" attitude toward the
history of Blacks. Paschals does not need to be"demolition",
"scaled down", or limited. It is ashamed that we as a people are
destroying our own history." - Debbie Pilgreen,
Mitch
Boyd,
"As
a historic site & a milestone towards black enterprise, Paschal's should be
reserved as a legacy for our future generation." -Genevieve F
Williams,
Tasha
Patton,
"DON'T TEAR IT DOWN!!!" - Valerie Chapman, Stockbridge, GA
Pamela
Parker,
Yolaine
Eiland-Spicer,
Cavalier
Spicer,
"I
was a student of the Atlanta University Center. The first memory my family and
I have of the first in the family to go to college is of dinner at Paschals.
There is enough erosion of Black History and culture without a Black college
furthering the cause. However, I don't feel Clark should carry the full load of
the business if it is failing. If the Black or African-American community wants
to preserve this history, then we also need to support it. As with so many
other issues we will stand for the fight but, we retreat too early thinking the
battle has been won! My family and I will be eating there more often to support
the preservation." - Glenda Stinson,
"Can
we please hold on to some of our history? I have a three year old daughter and
I'd like to be able to talk to her about some of the people who have visited Paschal's
and for her to taste and enjoy that good home cooking." - Sonya
Robertson,
"Please
save this landmark, I want my children's children to be able to enjoy our
history." - Neana Randle,
Ivy
Pugh,
Shannon
Harris,
Anne
Chance,
"The
old Paschals is a significant part of Atlanta, GA Black History and deserves to
be preserved." - Howard G. Camp,
"Please
honor the hard work and dedication of the Paschal Brothers by keeping the doors
open. Let us come together and make a positive difference. We applaud the
efforts of Mr. Sonny Royal and "we" pledge to join him in encouraging
everyone to patronize the establishment so that the financial doors can open
very wide!" - Edward and Brenda Medows,
Sandra
Dee Roberts,
James
A. Walls,
"As a young college freshman at Morehouse College in 1965, seeing Paschal's for the first time was an inspiration to me . We're talking about history as it was happening, our Black leaders were plotting for the survival of those who have benefited from the education we received. For anyone to think of destroying this monumental site it would be unthinkable. It would be like denying your parents and grandparents. This site is "US", you and me, there is no history if you don't preserve what the past has taught us. There is no going back to change anything that has happened in our life, so we must hold to those memories that we have. "SAVE PASCHAL'S" for our future." - John A. Jones, College Park, GA
Doris Benjamin, Stone Mountain, GA
K.
Jones,
"I
am a 34 year old white female. I have never been to Paschal's, but do know one
of the family members and think that it is very important not only that
Paschal's stay open, but that it be made into an Historical Landmark. I cannot
believe that Clark Atlanta would allow this historical landmark to be torn
down. I realize that CAU is in serious financial trouble, but they should allow
Paschal's to keep the historical restaurant open and take Paschal's up on their
offer (to build the new dorm in the back parking lot). I think that is the only
fair thing to do that could make everyone as happy as is possible in this
situation." - Shannon McCown,
C.E.
Williams,
Timothy
Hagan,
"SAVE
IT!" - Dr. Bethann Witcher,
"An
Institution such as Paschals should continue in its original state. Not just
for a reminder of the Black Struggle but an example for all Human Rights and
Humanity! Unfortunately, History has a short memory for injustice and downright
crimes against peoples. Perpetual reminders need to continue for reminders.
Otherwise, complacency and apathy set in. Paschals is a "Critical"
reminder for a progressive and compassionate society!" - Richard
Levin,
"I grew up in Atlanta not far from Paschals...and they're tearing it down??!?!? UNBELIEVEABLE. Please, PLEASE...what ever has to be done, save this historical landmark!! It seems like everytime I look up, another piece of Atlanta's past has bitten the dust...Paschals, Macys downtown, the old stadium, the Omni...WHAT'S NEXT?!?! I mean...while we're at it...why don't we just tear down the Georgia dome! It's over 10 years old and we just can't have that! Unbelieveable." - Gerry Thrash, Plesanton, CA
"I
grew up on Paschal's food and passed by the building every day coming from
Washington High. It needs saving. Dont' tear it down." - Gwenola
Grier,
"I
just can't believe you're considering closing Paschal's and then have the nerve
to try to display memorabilia from the restaurant in the proposed dormitory.
What are you going to say, "here used to be an civil rights institution -
but that wasn't important?" If Georgia Tech managed to preserve Junior's
in the Olympic construction, you could come up with a plan to sell to another
owner/operatoror and divest yourself of the property in history's best
interest." - Anita Prather Harvell,
"Too much history has been lost to progress. Why not start with Paschal's and incorporate history into progress? One must look back at our history as a city, a region, and a nation to move forward together. Surely Paschal's, a physically important landmark for the community, could be saved in order to preserve a tangible connection to a force that shaped the country." - David Howe, Savannah, GA
"My
great-aunts always taught me the value of history at a very young age. Even
though I'm only twenty-seven and have never ate at Paschal's, I know of its
importance to histroy. It breaks my heart to see that this is happening. What
are we teaching are youth? When did history have a price tag? CAU, I do have a
question for you. Why are you ashamed of civil rights history? If it wasn't for
that resturant and the people who met there, this world would be worse of a
nightmare than it is now.You are a learning institution of higher edcucation,
you of all people should want to perserve it. I know economicaly times are hard
even for the bigger schools in the state as well but, they would work with
whoever it would take to perserve history. NO MATTER THE COSTS!!!!!! I'm just
one person but,please listen to the people and the community. Don't take a
piece of history away." - Michelle Grady,
"I
lived in Atlanta in the 50's. Paschal's Brothers was the place to go. Their
fried chicken and potato salad with hot rolls was the first of the fried
chicken phenomenon." - Paul Clements,
James
Royal,
Michael Bryant, Marietta, GA
"I
will support Paschals by giving a monetary donation and by visiting the
restaurant more frequently." - Sharon Robinson,
Marcus
Atkinson,
Cheryl Smith, Austell, GA
"Paschal's
and the entire AU Center has never received its proper recognition for the key
role it played in bringing civil rights to America. I am white, and did not
move to Atlanta until 1966, but I believe the movement for civil rights is one
of the most important movements in our history. Unfortunately, most people do
not realize this movement started long before the 1950's and long before Dr.
King became known throughout the world. So many thinkers, educators and
activists have connections to this area of Atlanta, yet there is so little
physical recognition. I understand that the University is probably not the
right one to own the restaurant. but, surely, they can build a new dormitory
without destroying Paschal's. Why is it that Memphis can save the Lorraine - the
location of death - but Clark/Atlanta will not save Paschal's - where it can be
argued that the movement for civil rights was born (or grew up)? Saving
Paschal's can be an important step in bringing recognition to so many other
people and places that have helped move our country along the path of fairness
- one which we must continue to travel. It can also be part of an overall
economic plan for the West End, which is in need of economic growth. How many
people visit the King Center each year? How many of these visitors would also
like to visit/eat at Paschal's and walk the streets where Dubois taught and
Walter White grew up? This is a great opportunity - as well as an obligation
that we have to our children's children. I only hope there will be a rallying
around Paschal's and the entire West End." - Jay Scott,
J.
Berger,
"PLEASE
DO NOT DESTROY A PART OF ATLANTA'S HISTORY!!!!!!" - Deborah
Gonzales-Trimble,
Renae
Ninnis,
"I
plan to visit Paschals today, & hopefully add a photograph to my historical
book, seems the city raises monies for everything else, maybe some type of
event should have been held/rallied to raise the money to restore & save
this LANDMARK!" - Wanda F. Jones,
"I
read the Sunday AJC newspaper today about the Paschal Brothers. Funny, just
last night I had a conversation with my uncle about the Paschal Brothers. My
uncle told me stories of My Great Aunt Alberta Jones-Morrison who marched with
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and served in his church as a usher and deaconess
during the time MLK Jr. preached. My uncle also told me how Aunt Bert (loving
name the family called her) would bring him from New York to Atlanta in the
50's as a little boy in the summers and take him to Paschal's for chicken. My
uncle was telling the story of the Paschal Brother's as an inspiration tool
being I am new to Atlanta and trying to understand the history of my new home.
Both my Maternal and Paternal family is from Georgia, so I am proud to plant my
roots back home. I just think from reading the story of how the Paschal
Brothers achieved so much and made such a historical mark in Atlanta it would
be a detrimental loss to this great state to erase what made Atlanta what it is
today. Clark Atlanta University needs to do all it can to help the original
location continue to live on it's legacy and leave Paschals where it is. The
story my uncle and AJC told was a great inspiration to me also and it saddens
me to know that dormitories are more important to this great college than
history. I pray that in some way Paschals can be saved." - Donna
A. Levine,
"Our
history should not be destroyed at the whim of a university's wishes. Without
the civil rights activists who met and strategized at Paschal's, we would not
be in the political, social and economic power that we are in now." - Andrea
Johnson,
"In
my native Virginia, they preserve civil war trenches and battlefields, and any
house where some major civil or revolutionary war figure slept, ate or met.
Because it was destroyed during the civil war, Atlanta lacks those kinds of
landmarks, but it is much richer in its civil rights history, and that's part
of the reason I (a white,Virginia girl) moved here. Surely Paschal's, such a
major civil rights landmark in so many ways, is not deserving of less
recognition than those Virginia civil war landmarks!
I am confident that if the will to preserve it is there, we can find the money,
and discover the best way to maintain and use the space and keep this important
landmark preserved. But don't tear it down before we even have a chance. To
tear down Paschal's is to tear down a symbol of what Atlanta and the civil
rights movement was (and still is) about." - Sarah Shalf,
Cre
Sechrist,
"I
support (with a passion) the movement to save Paschal's from becoming
non-existent. Up to the late 1980's, Paschal's was where I spent the nights
while visiting Atlanta. It also was the place where I meet ol' classmates and
friends and enjoy fellowship over great meals. It was the crossroads of the
African American community in Atlanta. Let's not repeat the negative things
that we have done in the past ... destroy or allow to be destroyed historic
structures and institutions in our community. Enough has already been done in
some areas of Atlanta to destroy great memories. Also, we need African American
owned hotels. Where is the pride and love for what's ours?" - Floyd
Ingram,
"In
these times of efforts to repeal gains of the Civil Rights Movement, it is
crucial to instill the sense of purpose and historic pride in our youth. This
comes from exposing them to the institutions that so strongly fostered and
supported the movement. HBCU's, the churches, the organizations, and yes the
shrines. What's next? Will there be an effort to raize Ebenezer? It is
particularly distressing that a black institution (Clark-Atlanta) is the
perpetrator." - Roy Byrd III,
"Paschal's is a 'mainstay' in Atlanta's Black community. As a student at Booker T. Washington High School in the 50's, buying a quarter of a chicken between two slices of bread with lettuce and tomato for 42 cents is a long-lasting memory. In later years, while a student at Spelman College and while working as an Administrative Secretary with the Southern Leadership Conference, Paschal's was an integral part of my development... having dinner, enjoying the LaCarousel, introducing out-of-town guests to Atlanta's entertainment; and of course seeing the black leadership strategize on ways to implement integration in Atlanta and the South. Paschal's is definitely a major part of history, not only in Atlanta but across the Southeast. PLEASE save Paschal's!" - Barbara H. Williams, Atlanta, GA
"CAU – PLEASE DON’T DO IT! Paschal’s - This is the place where my parents took my siblings and I after church for a treat – you remember, back when church seemed to last all day. This is the place we went when our father wanted to celebrate a birthday or when he finished playing the piano at a recital or church function. Paschal’s is one of the few places where we went that was Black owned and you asked “Wow, you mean I can own my own business one day just like this?” This is where I learned about the Civil Right movement outside of the classroom and could shake hands with people that were apart of it – someone other than my parents or Grandparents. The place where there was no telling who we might get a peek at or if we were lucky, even shake hands with. Someone like the mayor, or a member of congress or maybe even the pastor of the church that we just left. This is the place where I later took my girlfriends and before moving to North Car