On Second Thought For Monday, July 25, 2016

Police shootings of unarmed African American men have sparked protests across the country, including in Atlanta. The protests in the city have been peaceful for the most part. But recent violence against police in Baton Rouge and Dallas have raised questions about the capacity of law enforcement officers to serve as both public servants and defenders of the peace. We talk with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Bill Torpy about why he thinks the way officers handle protests in Atlanta work. 

What is the "Atlanta Way" when it comes to handling protest? Fortunately, Atlanta has had rather peaceful protests. We are joined by Atlanta-Journal Constitution columnist Bill Torpy who discusses what is distinct about the way protests are handled in the city. Then, developer Nathan McGarity and archivist emeritus Steven Brown talk about discoveries in Greensboro, Georgia. Who could forget Muhammad Ali lighting the opening ceremony torch in the 1996 Summer Olympics? A retired Georgia state trooper who served as Ali's security reflects on his experience. Next, GPB's Leah Fleming explores the impact of Governor Nathan Deal's push for criminal justice reform as felons transition from cell block to public service. Finally, a new graphic novel transports readers to Jekyll Island during the twentieth century. Co-author Ed Crowell shares his inspiration for the "The Jekyll Island Chronicles."

Then, developments are underway to renovate a 19th century cotton mill into a craft brewery and loft apartments in Greensboro, Georgia. But 11 years ago, developer Nathan McGarity made a surprising discovery in the mill's rafters. He discovered a trove of old letters and pictures that revealed a little known piece of US history. We speak with him and Steven Brown, archivist emeritus at the University of Georgia's Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library, about what they found. Also, we look back at one of the most unforgettable moments from the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. We hear from retired Georgia state trooper who provided security to Muhammad Ali as he lit the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Throughout his tenure, Governor Nathan Deal has pushed for criminal justice reform, including education and occupational training behind bars. That has more felons going from cell block to firehouse. GPB's Leah Fleming takes us to a Middle Georgia town where some volunteer firefighters are actually convicted felons currently serving time at the state penitentiary. Plus, a new graphic novel takes us to Jekyll Island during the early 20th century. Back then, the tiny Georgia island was a hot spot for some of the most powerful and wealthy people like William Rockefeller, Joseph Pulitzer, and Marshall Field. "The Jekyll Island Chronicles" bring us back to that time, but an alternate universe. We talk with co-author Ed Crowell about the inspiration for his book.