By Eliza Germany and Karis Smith
NABJ JSHOP Reporters
What does everyone need to live? Food. Especially when fighting something as big as social injustice. This week, NABJ JSHOP students visited Paschal’s Restaurant and Bar–the historic civil rights kitchen to learn more about the iconic Atlanta restaurant.
Founded in 1947 by the Paschal Brothers, this humble restaurant began as a small establishment and turned into a cultural landmark, serving as a safe, familiar haven activists could freely relax in during the Civil Rights Movement. Key figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Mrs. Coretta Scott King and dentist Dr. Roy C. Bell ate at this establishment. Though years have passed since then and Paschal’s location has changed, with their main location now being on Northside Drive, the restaurant still has its soulful charm, brick walls filled with history, the same aroma of their famous 1947 chicken recipe, and bubbling conversations between patrons and staff.
When walking into this restaurant, it is like you are transported into the past. Every photograph and recipe is a living archive that connects citizens to the community, always reminding us that it is the little things in life that people remember. Shared moments and meals can bring unity.
Horace Henry, a local photojournalist behind most of the pictures hanging throughout the restaurant, is a regular. He says that his favorite photo is one of Former President Barack Obama with Dr. Michael Harris receiving counseling from C.T. Vivian at Wheat Street Baptist Church. Renata, a bartender who’s worked at Paschal’s for 12 years, says that her favorite is the drawing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When you come to Paschal’s, Renata recommends the famous fried chicken. Henry says his favorite thing to order is the blackened salmon salad as he’s trying to eat healthier. However, he does enjoy the other soul food staples like the catfish, collard greens and candied yams.
Paschal’s is truly more than just a restaurant; it is an overpass that connects multiple generations. Civil rights leaders, their children and grandchildren, and current political figures like former mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms are recurring visitors. Renata said, “The most memorable thing about the restaurant is the families.” She describes Paschal’s as a “great gathering space, seeing people pick their kids up from school or celebrate moments together.” Her biggest takeaway from working here is that “history is extended when you bring family, friends around in culture.” The longevity of Paschal’s continues to connect the past with the present.
Be the first to comment