“This place is proof that you can save yourself”

Described as a pillar of the community she nurtured, Williams was recently recognized nationally – but she was an icon in Atlanta for decades.

Driving her minivan through Atlanta’s historic West End, Keitra Bates points out the signs of change. There are patterns, she tells me, when it comes to determining which houses are occupied by long-term Black residents and which ones belong to the mostly white newcomers. Patterns you might not notice if you don’t know what to look for.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keitra Bates and we’ve shared our conversation below. Hi Keitra, what is the most important factor behind