Andrew Young on How Atlanta Became Black Economic Powerhouse

Civil rights leader Andrew Young has a straightforward way of explaining how Atlanta became the city it is today.

“You can get anywhere in the world from Atlanta and not have to recheck your baggage,” said Young, a former mayor, in an interview.

It’s a small detail, but to Young it captures how Atlanta learned early to see itself as a hub for business, culture and ideas.

These days, the city is anchored by the world’s busiest airport and a metro area that’s home to more than a dozen Fortune 500 headquarters, including Coca-Cola Co., Delta Air Lines Inc. and ...