"Paschal's has been a mecca," said John Cox, a board member of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. "It's been a sanctuary for those white and Black people who have wanted to come and say what they wanted to say and not be intimidated or afraid to say it for fear of being either fiscally or verbally assaulted."
It's been called everything from "Little City Hall" to Atlanta's "Black Chamber of Commerce," said Clark Atlanta President Thomas W. Cole Jr. "Regular caucuses have been held here affecting the growth of not only the city but the nation, too."
Paschal's also defined the best in Atlanta nightlife by regularly featuring such high-profile entertainers as Gladys Knight. Aretha Franklin, Cannonball Adderly and Ramsey Lewis in its La Carrousel Lounge.
Cole promises to preserve the historical integrity and good name of the Atlanta institution.
"Paschal's has grown into an icon in African-American history and culture," said Cole, "and it's known for far more than its fried chicken."
COPYRIGHT 1996 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
