The Center for Civic Innovation (CCI), a local nonprofit dedicated to enhancing civic engagement, has found a new home at the historic Prince Hall Masonic Lodge and Temple on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta. This iconic building, known as the ‘Jewel of Auburn Avenue,’ has been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s rich history, hosting figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
On June 4, CCI opened its new 4,500 square foot headquarters, a significant upgrade from its previous location on Edgewood Avenue. CCI Founder and Executive Director Rohit Malhotra expressed enthusiasm for the new space, stating, ‘This space is going to be a place that gives people the tools, the community, to fight even when it’s hard or even when people tell us to give up.’
The new headquarters will enable CCI to expand its current initiatives, including policy reports, civic labs, and city panels. The facility will also serve as a programming center, gathering space, and co-working hub, with options for monthly memberships and room rentals for meetings and events. CCI Board Chair Dr. Tanya Washington emphasized the importance of the space as a gathering point for those committed to equitable policies.
Historic Significance and Future Plans
The Prince Hall Lodge, recently renovated as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, holds a storied past. Built in 1940 by civil rights activist John Wesley Dobbs, it has housed numerous historic tenants, including the Georgia Chapter of the Prince Hall Masons. The building’s legacy as a hub for social movements aligns with CCI’s mission to foster civic innovation.
Malhotra highlighted Atlanta’s role as a moral compass during challenging times, noting, ‘Almost every social movement in this country has come through Atlanta.’ The CCI team acknowledges the current societal challenges and aims to create a ‘safe space’ for civic education and engagement, with plans for short-notice events and expanded programming.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Superintendent Reggie Chapple praised the synergy between the historic site and CCI’s modern civic efforts, stating, ‘We actually get to move into the modern era and match the energy of the civil rights movement that was happening here with what’s happening at CCI.’
As CCI embarks on this new chapter, the organization remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals and communities through civic engagement, drawing inspiration from the historic energy of its new home.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
