On July 18, 1998, Vine City organized a demonstration at Democratic National Convention

Vine City demonstration at Democratic National Convention. Members of the Vine City community held a demonstration from 9-10:30 p.m. at the Democratic National Convention at The Omni in Atlanta. The demonstrators were concerned not only about their local community but also other neighborhoods around the country, as their opening statement indicates: “whereas, VINE CITY, a residential neighborhood in Northwest Atlanta and located within walking distance of the GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER and adjacent to the ATLANTA CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT is a neighborhood of significant Black Historical Heritage and National Significance, the following platform is adopted on behalf of Black historical neighborhoods, inner city and low-income neighborhoods, rural communities and neighborhoods nationally”. (Note: formatting reflects that of the original source.)

After their opening, the protesters outlined their platform in which they expressed concern about race, pollution and poverty, especially relating to the policies of the Reagan Administration. Their platform was both locally and nationally focused. For instance, they advocated the designation of Vine City as a National Historic Site, and they spoke out against the repeal of the Georgia Law 44-7-19 of 1984 which had forbidden rent control in Georgia. They also supported recycling efforts and solar power initiatives as ways to combat the “RACIAL TOXIC INJUSTICE” by which “most toxics [are] dumped nationwide on Black and low-income neighborhoods.”

Despite their efforts, the demonstrators’ demands were not met. The construction of the Georgia Dome began shortly after the Convention.

Source:
Community Concern and NPUL L. "Adopted Platform of Vine City, Altanta, Georgia," July 18, 1988.
The location in the Kenan Research Center (Atlanta History Center) can be found here.