I am Decatur is a collection of 50 portraits and stories from individuals who make Decatur the vibrant city it is. It is a celebration of our differences and of our shared humanity. These portraits and stories demonstrate that we are more alike than different. Regardless of the color of our skin, religious beliefs, or sexual preferences, we all have the same desire to be accepted, respected, and to belong.
In 2017, a large-scale installation of I am Decatur portraits and accompanying stories were displayed on the downtown bandstand, in the City of Decatur.
Amina Mohamed
“I choose the light everyday. When I go into darkness I just pull myself up to the light. We are here for a reason. I have a purpose in this life but I haven’t found it yet. I’ve been soul searching, still learning and finding myself. I won’t give up. I will get where I need to go. I’m just starting.”
Robert Griffin and Andrew Curr
When Robert Griffin and Andrew Currie were invited by friends to attend a festival in Oakhurst, they were struck with the feeling that Decatur was where they belonged. “There was this incredible feeling of welcomed diversity, old and young, black and white, gay and straight, and everything in between.”
Mitsuko Ito grew up in Tokyo and moved to the United States as an adult. Mitsuko has lived in Decatur with her husband and four school-aged children since 2011. “I love living in Decatur because of the proximity to neighbors and the open-mindedness of the people.” Mitsuko has been trying to instill in her children one important lesson. “Respect is definitely a big part of the Japanese culture. We are very careful to maintain the harmony and peace of the collective.”
City Schools of Decatur School Resource Officer Matthew Damico fosters positive relationships with students from the very young to the college-bound. “I take every child’s safety and well-being to heart. I want them to leave our community at 18 ready to be healthy members of society.”
When Martha Haythorn was voted onto the Homecoming Court at Decatur High School she felt embraced by her peers. “It means a great deal to me. When I saw my name it made me realize that my school community accepts me more than I knew. They don’t see me as the girl with Down Syndrome but as a unique person, a leader, and an advocate. People with disabilities want to feel like they belong.”
Hector Amador left his home in Mexico City when he was 18 years old and immigrated to America. At a time when bigotry and racism are on the rise, it has not been easy being a minority Hispanic despite living in a liberal town. “It’s not easy to leave one’s family and country and come to America. As bad as things are right now, I will say this. America is still a country where an 18-year-old boy can come to town with 20 dollars and no English and twenty-seven years later be able to make a living as a photographer, live in a great city, have a nice house and a great family. In America you can build a life; your hard work will pay off. That’s the dream.”
Willie Mae Hardy was born on a plantation in 1908 in Talbot County, Junction City, Georgia. In 1939, Willie Mae moved to Atlanta with her husband in search of a better life for her only child. She joined the Butler Street Baptist Church where she became a devoted member and also worked as a housekeeper for various families over the years. Cooking was a passion and collard greens were her specialty. Willie Mae’s secret to a long life is, ”Stay out of trouble, get a job, and if you do the right thing the Lord will bless you.” At 109 years old, Willie Mae is blessed.
Recent DHS grad John Ellis represents all that is possible when a community can help shape its young adults into confident, loving, creative citizens ready to step into the world with outstretched arms. “I’m not done with Decatur. I’m just moving on. I’ll be back.”
For the past eight years, countless Decatur kids have crossed Adams St. safely on their way to and from Renfroe Middle School thanks to whistle-wielding, award-winning crossing guard Eula Malone. In 2014, she was awarded Decatur City’s Thomas O. Davis Award for exemplary public service and inspiration to the community. “That was quite a surprise. I always say do the best and be the best you can be. I was proud to get that award. I was just doing my daily routine.”
Jon Abercrombie grew up in the segregated South during the turmoil of the civil rights era. His experiences led to a career devoted to social justice and community building. “These are the things that have shaped me, these experiences with people and their voices.” At 69-years-old, Jon is in the process of moving into a new phase of his life as he learns to live with Parkinson’s. “With time and love being most valuable to me, I will paint deep from my heart. I will paint to overcome the black and white palette of fear of those we do not know. I will paint with a multi-colored palette to capture the love of the God we do know.”
As Decatur Fire Department Support Service Captain, Ninetta Violante fights fires and stereotypes. “When I started it was difficult. I had to prove myself because of my gender. Today our department is very open and accepting. I think we’re ahead of the game compared to what’s occurring nationally and internationally.”
At 18-years-old, Steve Barrett joined the army and volunteered to go to Vietnam. While Steve’s friends back home were going to drive-in movies and out on dates, he was fighting for his life and those of his buddies in Vietnam. “It taught me, don’t sweat the small stuff because there may not be a tomorrow.”
A tragic accident in 2000 left Elliot Poag isolated in a nursing home, “just laying around waiting to die.” But a move to Decatur restored his independence and gave him a new lease on life. “I live like the birds outside, free. In my heart, I’m always free. I believe I can fly.”
Sharian Rugs is the oldest family business in the City of Decatur. It has prospered since it was founded in 1931 by Bedros and Paul Sharian’s parents, who were Armenian immigrants. Paul and Bedros joined the family business as young men and took over the operation from their parents in the 1950s. Despite being in their nineties, Bedros and Paul continue to come into the office on a daily basis but have passed the management on to their children and grandchildren.
Catherine Carter remembers when the Decatur Square after dark was devoid of activity. “They rolled up the streets in the evening,” says Catherine. “There was no activity or event to go to in downtown Decatur.” In 1982, Catherine Carter and her family attended an overcrowded Fourth of July event in Stone Mountain. ”When I got home I called a friend and asked her what she thought of the idea of having fireworks and a parade in Decatur. She thought it was terrific.” And so the seeds of Decatur’s rich festival tradition were planted.
What does it mean to be part of a community? This is one of the central questions kindergarteners at Winnona Park Elementary School in Decatur examined during their fall 2018 expedition entitled, “I am Winnona.” Laura Pitts and the other kindergarten teachers supported their students in a journey to learn about themselves and their greater community. When two tragic events stuck, one at home and another far away, the kindergartners learned how their combined efforts of kindness could make a difference in the world.
Wiley Roberson was born on Atlanta Avenue in Decatur in 1934. When urban renewal and white flight occurred it provided the Black community the chance to expand and live in other areas of town. “I have had a wonderful life in Decatur, but I’ve seen it change dramatically.“
When Fonta High moved to Decatur in 2016 she joined the steering committee for Create Community 4 Decatur: Black Lives Matter. “I was extremely motivated to get involved with social justice issues as they pertained to what was happening in the Black community, with people considered marginalized, and people of color. I knew I wanted to be a part of the Black Lives Matter movement.”