More Headlines from Makayla Richards
Oscarville: The Black town underneath Lake Lanier
This project explores the untold history of Oscarville, a thriving Black community in Georgia destroyed during racial cleansing in 1912 and later submerged under Lake Lanier. Through multimedia storytelling, it highlights Oscarville’s origins, its violent destruction by night riders, and the loss faced by families like George Rucker’s, whose ancestors fled with mobs in pursuit, leaving behind 100 acres of land. Featuring insights from descendants, historians, and filmmakers creating a horror-thriller inspired by these events, the project sheds light on Oscarville’s erasure and its link to Lake Lanier’s modern reputation. This work brings historical injustice to life, reflecting my dedication to impactful storytelling through research and interactive content creation.
This project highlights the inspiring work of Melly Meadows, also known as the Daffodil Lady, who uses guerrilla gardening to spread kindness and beauty across Atlanta. Inspired by her late mother, Donna Meadows, a trailblazing mayor and advocate for racial equality, Melly secretly plants gardens in unexpected places to honor her mother's legacy. From surprising friends like Mr. Reggie with a blooming tribute to teaching children the importance of history by planting flowers in cemeteries, her mission fosters connections and hope.
In this story, I spotlight the innovative adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, featuring a cast and crew led entirely by women. Directed by Claire Martin of Belle Esprit, a theater company championing marginalized genders, the production breathes new life into Austen’s timeless characters.
One Black History Month I headed a project that highlights the vibrant stories of Black-owned businesses across metro Atlanta, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and contributions to their communities. From fitness studios like Ballethnic Dance Company and Stellar Power Yoga to culinary innovators like Nourish + Bloom Market and Atlantucky Brewery, each business represents a unique facet of Black excellence.
Through multimedia storytelling, the project features pioneers like the owners of ZuCot Art Gallery, who teach the importance of preserving culture through art ownership, and Dr. Samira Brown, who is recognized for her work in COVID-19 education. Entrepreneurs like Mokipops’ young founders and New Black Wall Street Market vendors inspire a legacy of innovation and empowerment.
By combining interactive maps, videos, and in-depth narratives, this project celebrates the diversity of Atlanta's Black business community, fostering awareness and encouraging support for these changemakers during Black History Month and beyond.
The first metro Atlanta autonomous grocery store with robot delivery opened in 2022 during the pandemic, and a year later, the store is still blooming with business.
Investing in the artwork is something most don't feel they have access to. And for historically excluded communities, the reach can feel twice as impossible, which is the passion behind a Black-owned art gallery in Atlanta.
Moving to America pushed one Atlanta-area teacher to open her fitness studio. Even after the pandemic forced them to close her physical doors, her community kept her open.
She is listed as one of the Best Doctors in America and has been credited with strengthening COVID-19 education and vaccine awareness in the Black community, especially among children and parents.
11 Things to Do in Atlanta - Weekly Series
Every Thursday, I publish a series that I spearheaded called' 11 Things to Do in Atlanta. ' The series has garnered over a million clicks, and now events, businesses, and other planners contact us directly to have their events listed.
More headlines from Makayla Richards
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![Pig Statue on Restaurant]()
A sizzling mystery in a small town brings hunger for answers. Where's the 500-pound pig in Walnut Grove?
Nearly a quarter century ago, the landmark of Walnut Grove disappeared in the middle of the night. Now, a new group is determined to solve it.
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Video | Gamer guardian angel: Hapeville officer gifts PS5 to kid he was called to remove
Officer Colleran from the City of Hapeville Police Department was called out to a neighborhood on Monday, according to a post on Facebook.
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Four hearts, an unforgettable love: Two couples celebrate 140 years of marriage
Their story, though not destined in the stars, unfolded through the simple connection of two young hearts that turned into four.
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'The Vising Room Project' comes to Atlanta on Saturday | Face-to-face with lifelong prisoners
Georgia has a higher percentage of people incarcerated than any democracy in the world, according to a study from Prison Policy Initiative, and one project called 'The Vising Room Project' aims to put a voice to those locked behind bars.
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Atlanta Forbes 30 Under 30 teen sets out to create supportive space for girl gamers
A 16-year-old from Clayton County and Atlanta Forbes 30 Under 30 teen is continuing to carve a space out for her name online and has recently taken her talents to live streaming.
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Athens' Legendary Tree: The viral tale of property rights and independence
An old legend in Athens centers around the famous Tree that Owns Itself, and the tale behind it has exploded online, but can a piece of property actually have property rights?
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Speedy Chick-fil-A robots roll out in Georgia, bringing meals at 'hen'-credible speeds
At a groundbreaking ceremony, Chick-fil-A unveiled its new delivery robots, and fans of the chicken brand can see them soon in Georgia.
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Three generations of valedictorians from one Adairsville High family
One Bartow County family has a unique reason to celebrate as three generations of valedictorians mark a legacy of academic excellence at Adairsville High School.
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![Drone pizza delivery comes to Atlanta]()
Drone pizza delivery comes to Atlanta
The woman-owned company, Drone Express, said they teamed up with the pizza giants to offer the service out of their Powder Springs location.
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Emory Hospital allegedly loses part of man's skull during surgery, then charges him $19K to build new one
An Atlanta couple has filed a lawsuit against Emory Healthcare, alleging the hospital lost a piece of a man’s skull during a medical procedure, resulting in additional surgeries, physical and emotional suffering, and mounting medical bills.
Have you followed up?
Following up on stories is a cornerstone of impactful storytelling for journalism or a brand. It ensures that coverage doesn’t stop at the initial headline but dives deeper into a story's long-term consequences, progress, or unresolved aspects. By revisiting narratives, journalists uphold accountability, maintain public interest, and provide audiences with a more comprehensive understanding of the issues. Below, you can find stories where I’ve continued coverage for audiences.
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Following up holds people and organizations accountable for what they promised to do. It’s about making sure the actions match the words and that the changes they said they’d make actually happen.
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Stories don’t end when the news cycle moves on. Checking back in lets us see the ripple effects—what’s gotten better, what hasn’t, and what still needs attention.
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For communities or individuals who don’t often get a platform, follow-ups make sure their stories don’t get lost. It keeps their experiences part of the bigger conversation.
MARTA builds farm at Indian Creek station for Umurima farmers
In 2022, I covered MARTA’s plan to support the Umurima farmers, a group of East African women cultivating produce near the Avondale station, after they were displaced from their original farmland. With the help of MARTA and Global Growers Network, a new farm was planned at the Indian Creek rail station, offering these farmers a fresh start closer to their homes and addressing food insecurity in the area.
A year later, I revisited this story to showcase the initiative's impact and made this interactive graphic showing the farm's growth. The farmers had successfully harvested an acre and a half of chemical-free produce and prepared to sell their first crops at MARTA Markets while sharing fresh food with their community. This follow-up celebrated the fulfillment of promises and the resilience of the Umurima farmers, who turned a challenge into an opportunity for growth.
A BLOOM WORTH WAITING FOR
A BLOOM WORTH WAITING FOR
In June 2023, I worked with our special projects team to share the story of Jackie Flournoy, a gardener in Luthersville, Georgia, who had been patiently nurturing a rare century plant for 36 years. Known as Agave Americana, the plant takes decades to bloom, reaching up to 25 feet tall with striking yellow flowers. Flournoy’s story of quiet dedication captivated the community, as locals joined her in waiting for the plant’s long-anticipated bloom.
A month later, I revisited her journey to document the plant’s spectacular flowering. The bloom became a local landmark, drawing visitors to see its vibrant beauty before its lifecycle ended.
Repurposing MARTA Railcars: Building Marine Habitats in Georgia
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MARTA railcars set sail for the Atlantic Ocean in collaboration with DNR
In September 2023, MARTA announced its partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Reef Project to transform retired railcars into artificial reefs. Two decommissioned railcars, cleaned and cleared of contaminants, were set to be deployed off the Georgia coast, offering a new purpose for these transportation relics.
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MARTA railcars deployed into Atlantic Ocean in collaboration with DNR
Then, in December, the railcars were strategically deployed in the Atlantic Ocean near Ossabaw Island, creating a foundation for flourishing marine life. Experts anticipated that within months, coral and sponges would begin growing, providing shelter for fish and other sea creatures while creating opportunities for fishing and diving.
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Georgia’s coast benefits from MARTA rail car reef project
The August 2024 follow-up revealed the thriving success of the project. Marine biologists documented significant coral growth and marine species inhabiting the railcars, transforming them into essential habitats for Georgia’s coastal ecosystem. I created a video along with my article for with footage provided by MARTA.