John Wesley Dobbs Have you crossed John Wesley Dobbs Avenue

Last updated: 7/29/2023

John Wesley Dobbs Have you crossed John Wesley Dobbs Avenue on your way to class or heading for a friend s dorm But who was john Wesley Dobbs Dobbs grew up on a Cobb County farm with his grandparents farmers who had once been enslaved and came to Atlanta as a young man Remembered as a key community leader and advocate for Black success Dobbs raised a family and had a career working on the railroads for the Post Office In the 1930s and 40s you were likely to find him in this area talking to people on Auburn Avenue and the surrounding streets A large man with a booming voice Dobbs was a memorable speaker reminding listeners that bucks ballots and books were the key to effecting change Dobbs was a tireless advocate for success economically and politically Dobbs loved to walk the streets engaging many people in conversation and urged them on to new success You may also recognize Dobbs grandson Maynard Jackson who was the first Black mayor of Atlanta The mural shown below is near campus on Aub Avenue Dobbs is shown on the left with his grandson Maynard Jackson on the right CKSON SON MAYNARD JACKSON DOE