Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future
The story of South Fulton is inseparable from the legacy of Black excellence, resilience, and leadership that built this region into what it is today. From its roots in historically Black communities to its role as one of Georgia’s most significant African American majority cities, South Fulton has always stood at the intersection of culture, progress, and identity.
While officially incorporated in 2017, the community’s deep history stretches back generations. Neighborhoods that make up today’s South Fulton, such as Cliftondale, Sandtown, Red Oak and Old National, have long been centers of faith, family, and civic pride. Residents here built institutions, championed education, and advocated for self-determination well before city lines were drawn.
This history is not just preserved. It actively informs how the city grows today. South Fulton’s elected leadership, business community, and civic infrastructure reflect a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and prosperity for the people who call it home.
South Fulton is one of the largest majority Black cities in the United States, with over 89 percent of its residents identifying as African American. This cultural identity is a source of strength that shapes the city’s leadership, institutions, and sense of pride. From historic churches to modern advocacy organizations, South Fulton has long served as a hub of Black culture, creativity, and community cohesion.
In 2017, residents voted to incorporate as the City of South Fulton, creating one of Georgia’s newest municipalities. This move empowered the community to take greater control over planning, services, and development. The result is a city with a clear mandate for progress, managed by leaders who reflect the people they serve. South Fulton’s local governance model ensures that growth is not imposed from the outside. It is shaped from within.
South Fulton is home to a growing number of professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and public servants who invest directly in the community’s success. The city boasts a council and mayoral structure led by individuals deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they represent. This authentic leadership fuels a sense of unity and drives policy decisions focused on long-term impact rather than short-term gain.
The South Fulton Development Authority works to ensure that the city’s next chapter is driven by economic opportunity that uplifts all residents. From supporting local business expansion to attracting investment aligned with the community’s values, the city’s approach to growth is strategic and people centered. Future-forward industries like advanced manufacturing, logistics, and technology are part of this vision. Preserving the character and culture that make South Fulton distinct is equally important.
At the heart of this transformation is the Old National District—South Fulton’s most visible and culturally significant commercial corridor. Long a hub for retail, churches, and community life, Old National is now the focus of targeted revitalization efforts aimed at attracting private investment, improving infrastructure, and restoring pride.
Revitalization here isn’t just a policy—it’s a reflection of the community’s voice and values. Redevelopment plans emphasize walkability, public safety, and economic inclusion, with incentives available for projects that align with these goals.