Black Boy Joy on the Atlanta BeltLine | A West End Street Photography Story

Atlanta (West End), 2026.

I saw four young boys riding the Atlanta BeltLine and for a moment, I was back on my bike with Worm, Bug, Trav, JJ… and sometimes NeNe, when she made us let her ride with us, even though she was the baby.

For a second, the city folded in on itself.

This felt like us wandering from our grandparents’ house.

The headquarters.

Where the day started and the night always found us.

The sidewalks were our maps.

The streets were our classrooms.

And the world felt wide, but still ours.

This is what freedom looks like before it learns fear.

Before the world hardens you.

Before survival becomes the loudest voice in the room.

Just young Black boys exploring Atlanta.

Searching for joy.

Searching for purpose.

Searching for themselves.

Why the Atlanta BeltLine Still Holds Black Childhood

These boys reminded me of a time when the only rules were the ones we made. When laughter carried farther than fear. When the city was a playground and not yet a warning.

And that is worth remembering.