NAES 36th Annual Conference

April 3-5, 2008
Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel
Atlanta, Georgia

Theme: "The Politics of Ethnicity"

Greetings! On behalf of the National Association for Ethnic Studies, I am pleased to welcome you to Atlanta – or as some affectionately refer to it, Hot-lanta! The city of Atlanta is a popular conference site due to its mild temperatures and numerous tourist attractions. During the month of April, when most of the country is getting out of the muddy spring weather, we can expect great weather, good food, and lots of things to do and see. It has been awhile since the NAES has held a conference in the south, and we thought it was time for a return. With the numerous colleges and universities in the Atlanta area, we look forward to a stimulating and thought-provoking meeting.

Many people know of Atlanta due to its backdrop in Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind, as the home of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., and as the site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. However, Atlanta has a history that encompasses much more than just these.

Anyone interested in history should make Atlanta a required destination spot. For Civil War buffs, there is the Atlanta Cyclorama, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, and the Historic Oakland Cemetery. At the Cyclorama, visitors can learn about the 1864 Battle of Atlanta which is told through paintings and narrated dialogue. If you are interested in being outdoors for your history lesson of Atlanta, visit the Kennesaw Mountain National Park. This park, scene of the heaviest fighting during the Battle of Atlanta (Atlanta Campaign). On its 2884 acres, one can find cannon emplacements, monuments and hear the story of how over 5300 soldiers were killed over a three week period in June-July of 1864. At the Historic Oakland Cemetery, one can learn about the history of the cemetery and its connection to the Civil War. The cemetery grew in large part due to the civil war, but it also was the headquarters for a Confederate commander, and the location of a hanging of three Union soldiers. Atlanta also offers visitors the opportunity to visit its Atlanta History Center which has 32 acres of gardens, trails, and woodland areas. It has permanent and changing exhibitions that feature exhibits on African American heritage, the Civil War, and Southern folk art.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and Sweet Auburn District is known as home of the King family, the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., home of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and location of the King Tomb. A visit to the King Center and the bookstore are musts.

For those who want to see a “contemporary” Atlanta, you are in for a treat. The conference site, the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, is conveniently situated near Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium. Centennial Olympic Park offers the ability to relax and take a look at the cityscape. The Georgia Aquarium opened in 2001, is the world’s largest aquarium and has become a favorite hot spot for both tourists and locals. If you are interested in finding out how one of the world’s favorite beverages is made, a visit to The World of Coke is a must. A tour of the facility is just what you need to quench your thirst for knowledge.

Atlanta is also famous for its shopping, whether in the historic Buckhead neighborhood (where the Governor’s Mansion is located) or the Underground. Both offer different shopping experiences. Buckhead is home to fine dining restaurants, boutiques, antique galleries, and spas. The Underground is an underground street that houses eclectic shops, restaurants, and vending carts. Across from the Underground, one can visit the CNN Studio for a tour of the headquarters of CNN and Headline News.

Dr. Shirley A. Jackson
NAES 2008 Conference Chair