Proximal Legacy
Van Atta sees potential in lessons that students can learn from Allen’s leadership and hopes for more efforts within the school to honor his legacy.
“I think his legacy for students is such a powerful lesson of growth,” Van Atta said. “ He shows that you can come from a certain orientation or understanding, but completely work for what you truly believe in. It shows that your old way of doing things may not be the way that they should be done now or in the future. I would love to see a project honoring him around the school through maybe a historical marker or some physical installation within the school.”
During Allen’s administration, Atlanta was dubbed the “City Too Busy To Hate.” Now, Atlanta Public Schools still utilizes this messaging in “Too Busy To Hate” anti-bullying campaigns, with fully dedicated spirit weeks and events.
“Ivan Allen lived that phrase during the time that he was mayor of Atlanta because he had to kind of walk a tightrope,” Van Atta said. “I think that his story can be contagious for all listeners.”
Glenn said that this slogan can demonstrate the need today still to promote and advocate for social equality.
“There’s a lot of need today for his legacy to be carried on,” Glenn said. “The phrase “The City Too Busy to Hate,” while it was a very good slogan, it was never exactly correct. Atlanta has always had some time to hate and there has always been room for bigotry almost everywhere in the US. It is the courage that Allen had and the possibility to transition in his lifetime that is necessary.”
Class of 2023 graduate Audrey Zeff is currently studying public policy in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts of Georgia Tech. She said her connection to Allen is inspiring in her college career thus far.
“Attending an institution that is named to commemorate a graduate of my own high school is a little surreal,” Zeff said. “As Ivan Allen was such a prominent political leader who stood for just causes, this naming makes me feel connected to the school and its values.”
Todd hopes the Ivan Allen Prize for Social Courage can foster more generations of leadership following after Allen’s core values.
“Tom Glenn came to us 10 years ago with about 2 million dollars and no connection to Georgia Tech, but he had been moved by Ivan Allen so much,” Todd said. “ Allen’s legacy is one that celebrates social courage, not leadership or political power, but the power to have the courage to risk your life and your reputation for what you believe is right.”
Mayor Dickens also believes that these foundational principles define Allen’s legacy, which is visible in Atlanta today.
“Those are qualities found in a good leader like Mayor Allen, and Atlanta is better off for his service to our city,” Mayor Dickens said.
