South Atlanta Welcomes PNC's Mobile Banking Unit

We are thrilled to announce that thanks to collaborative efforts with PNC, we will regularly be welcoming a mobile banking unit to Carver Market! 

As a result of historic systemic inequity, South Atlanta has long been “underbanked,” meaning that there have been few financial institutions or brick-and-mortar banks that neighbors can access nearby. Local banks offer critical resources for financial stability, like the ability to select among a variety of financial services or having access to a personal banker who can offer tailored financial advice.

The partnership with PNC’s mobile branch will work to undo some of this inequity and ease access to banking services for South Atlanta residents. The mobile branch will offer one-to-one banking and offer a suite of core banking services, like opening checking and savings products, replacing debit cards, applying for credit cards, and more. The mobile unit also features a mobile ATM to ensure that South Atlanta residents can move and use their funds with ease. 

The mobile banking unit will come to Carver Market every week, and we have loved hearing the excitement of our neighbors when they hear about this new offering. Many thanks to PNC Bank, neighbors who advocated for better banking options, and people like you for supporting initiatives like this one!

3 Unique Facts about Joyland - Our "Neighbor" Neighborhood

A mural in Joyland. Photo by FCS staff.

The neighborhoods of South Atlanta hold plenty of memories, and they are full of enlightening history. Today, we’re celebrating Joyland!

Joyland includes lots of small, single family homes. Originally, it was the site of an amusement park for African Americans that opened in 1921. The only amusement park specifically for Black Americans, Joyland was located in a pleasant, shady spot. Though the amusement park is gone today, there’s still a lot to marvel at in this area!

Joyland has one of the oldest Black civic leagues in the city of Atlanta.

This area has been led by some of the area’s most civic-minded Black residents, including Ken Akbar, the current president of the civic league.

Joyland Park was hit by an act of nature shortly after opening.

The groundbreaking amusement park suffered destruction in a wild wind storm. The gusts let leopards out of their cages and even blew the roof off the Big Top show. The park was eventually restored through insurance funds.

Arthur Langford, Jr. Park is named for a prominent Black historical figure Arthur E. Langford Jr.

Langford served as a city councilman and state senator. He was also the father of former First Lady of Atlanta Sara-Elizabeth Reed. The park that bears his name was originally named Joyland Park until locals decided to change it in order to honor his memory. 

Today, you can visit Joyland’s thriving local nursery Nourish Botanica (started by a Start:ME Alumna!), gather at the Louise Watley Library, or play basketball on the beautiful mural in Arthur Langford, Jr. Park. 

We are proud of the rich history in South Atlanta, including our own neighborhood and the ones adjacent to us. We are grateful to learn and preserve from these communities each day.

Introducing Marvin Nesbitt Jr. - Senior Director of Community Development

We are excited to introduce our new Senior Director of Community Development, Marvin Nesbitt Jr.! Originally from South Carolina, Marvin brings decades of experience in social work and community development – including 12 years at the Atlanta Housing Authority. 

“My purpose is rooted in my own life experiences, which means my entire career has been centered around helping people realize their potential. I want to see to it that individuals and families from underserved communities are able to walk a path that leads towards generational success. Over the course of my life, people saw potential in me and gave me the opportunities and support I needed to thrive. I’ve always wanted to see that the same opportunities and support are afforded to others who may share my similar life experiences,” he says. 

Although Marvin has a special connection to Historic South Atlanta, he was not aware of FCS until he began researching the role he now holds. 

“My nephew was a student at Carver High School, and I volunteered at the school a lot at the time,” Marvin explains. In particular, he volunteered to support the athletic teams his nephew was a part of, including getting snacks and food for them. 

He recalls, “It was tricky to do, because at the time there was no grocery store nearby.” 

Then one day, a grocery store showed up. Marvin says he remembers what a buzz it caused. Students started going there. He learned that there was a coffee shop next door that Carver teachers would visit regularly. Soon, Marvin started getting snacks at the store, too. 

He laughs, “I never knew who owned it. I just knew it made a big difference in the lives of the kids and community members.”  

Imagine his surprise when he was touring Historic South Atlanta with President Jim Wehner. They had already gone on a tour of the neighborhood highlighting the blocks of homes. Jim had told Marvin about our work in Training and Consulting and Neighborhood Engagement. Fast forward a few years. Then, they arrived at Carver Market. 

Marvin was blown away. “This was you all, too? You’ve done all of this?” he exclaimed. 

“At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a part of this organization. I had seen first hand the way it helps neighbors thrive.”

Now, Marvin says he’s looking forward to learning from the team of “talented individuals” who make up FCS. “I really am looking forward to working alongside them and locking arms with neighbors,” he says.

We’re so glad to welcome Marvin to the team, and we can’t wait for you to get to know him, too!