Connect with us

In Da House Media

The 20th Anniversary of the Largest Greek Picnic in the US, The Atlanta Greek Picnic Was An Epic Celebration of D9 Black Excellence

House Call

The 20th Anniversary of the Largest Greek Picnic in the US, The Atlanta Greek Picnic Was An Epic Celebration of D9 Black Excellence

Atlanta, GA, June 26, 2024 Morris Brown College is back among the thriving accredited HBCU’s and once again welcomed thousands of students, alumni, black sororities, fraternities and lovers of the HBCU college culture to the 20th Annual Atlanta Greek Picnic (AGP). The 6-day cultural and historical event series took place from June 25-30, 2024 at Morris Brown College, 643 M.L.K. Jr Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 and various venues across the city. The 20 Year Anniversary of AGP was a star-studded affair including Fabo, Roscoe Dash, Lil Ru (Rapper, “The Nasty Song”), Mike Clark Jr. (Southern Soul Artist, “Aunties Outside Tonight”), Ben Da Donn (Comedian ) & other surprises.  In its two decade existence, AGP would not only like to continue to incorporate rich tradition, building community and sharing the values of Divine 9 brotherhood/sisterhood but to also bring awareness about the importance of HBCU graduates being whole and healthy humans regarding financial, physical & mental health in our community. 

Mental health in the African American community has become a primary subject of concern over the past years. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death for African Americans ages 15 to 24. However, only one in three African Americans who need mental health care actually receive it, as reported by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) – Mental Health Facts for African Americans. Additionally, sph.umich.edu states that of the 21% of Black and African Americans who had a mental health concern, only 39% of these individuals received mental health services.

The Atlanta Greek Picnic launched their AGP Cares initiative in 2010, to give back to colleges and the black community as whole. This year AGP Cares is proud to announce “complimentary”  6-10 minute AGP Cares Chats with licensed therapists as well as other various health screenings will be provided to attendees at this year’s event, located in the “AGP Cares Corner”. Inside the AGP Cares Corner, we hope to bridge these gaps and provide much-needed support to those in our community who may be struggling with their mental health and other health challenges.

Tiwa Works, founder of AGP, is grateful for the past and optimistic for the path forward for his annual picnic. 

“As we celebrated our 20th anniversary, AGP remains dedicated to fostering unity, creating memorable experiences, and building lasting connections. We reflect on our journey, our achievements, and the exciting possibilities ahead. We champion the celebration of our culture and the support of small businesses. We are committed to continuously tackling important community issues such as financial literacy and mental health awareness, aiming to develop opportunities that will benefit the future generations of our community.” – Tiwa Works (Founder of AGP)

Tiwa Works, the founder of AGP, had the same goal each year for the annual picnic.  “The goal is always continued unity, one of the best summer experiences, and continuing to build friendships and bonds that last a lifetime. That is what AGP continues to build and we expect our audience to continue to celebrate each other, and our culture, this year we looked to additionally provide viable solutions to the financial literacy and mental health challenges we are seeing in our community” – Tiwa Works (Founder of AGP)

Attendees this year enjoyed 6 days full of engaging activities. Kicking off AGP was The Mixer on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 6pm – 10pm at the all new black-owned 42 Bar & Grill, followed by BamBa Tuesday – AGP Edition on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 10pm – 2:30am at Rock Steady. Wednesday kicks off with the Career Fair & Fireside Chat on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 6pm-9pm. This provided an opportunity to network and build connections with the U.S. Army & more! Following the career fair was the return of the R&B Experience,  Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 10pm-3am. This year’s event was sold out with drinks and bottles flowing. Attendees also brought great vibes and high energy! The next event took place on Thursday, June 27th, 2024 from 8pm-2am. The famous AGP Block Party at Underground Atlanta – 50 Upper Alabama St, Atlanta, GA 30303, was a great time spent outdoors in downtown Atlanta with the VIBES. A big stage, Vendors, Food, Multiple Bars and celebrity performances. There was no time to rest because Friday, June 28th was just as active. The Social Media Hangout x Brunch Day Party at Suite Lounge – 375 Luckie St, Atlanta, GA 30313 from 12pm – 5pm was definitely the place to be to pop out with all your Divine 9 friends! After a fun-filled brunch, followed by more fun at the Opulence: AGP Kick-Off Party took place at Believe Music Hall: 181 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta GA 30312. The next day was an AGP Field of Greeks, fitness and wellness event on Saturday, June 29th from 9am-12pm at the Rodney Cook Sr Park – 616 Joseph E. Boone Blvd Atlanta GA 30314. It was a perfect way to start your morning before the 20th Atlanta Greek Picnic on Saturday, June 29th from 2pm-12am at the Founders Plaza of Morris Brown College. Attendees were submerged in Black culture and the HBCU experience. Vendors, food trucks, and live music flooded the campus of Morris Brown College. One of the main attractions at the AGP is the annual Stroll Off where Divine 9 sororities and fraternities compete for a $10,000 prize! To Close out the weekend the Official 2024 Alumni Greek Picnic, Sunday June 30th, at Morris Brown College, from 12pm-8pm! Atlanta Greek Picnic 20th year celebrated and highlighted Divine 9 sororities and fraternities from around the country and HBCU culture. This event series has featured continuous support of black owned businesses and brands for over 20 years!

Sponsors for the 20th Annual Atlanta Greek Picnic include: Red Bull, The U.S. Army, Positive Impact Health Centers, Star Wars: The Acolyte, Au Vodka & TiwaWorks. 


About Atlanta Greek Picnic

Founded in 2004 by Tiwa Works, Atlanta Greek Picnic (AGP) is an annual summertime event designed to provide members of Greek-lettered member organizations of the National Panhellenic Council a unique experience that caters to them celebrating the rich culture of stepping. Since its inception, AGP has had over 350,000 Greek-lettered organizations attend, and over 1500 small businesses participating in the yearly celebration. AGP has also garnered state-wide and global impact with 38 out of 50 states attending and countries like Japan, Spain, Ghana, Germany, Ukraine, Seria, Vietnam, New Zealand and Nigeria have all made multiple appearances at AGP. 

Celebrity photographer and disabled Vietnam veteran Jerome Dorn embodies the very definition of resilience. Born in Philadelphia, the fifth of seven children, Dorn stayed focused throughout his youth, eventually obtaining his degree in Criminal Justice. Dorn has worked with the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Justice, World Wide Detective Agency, and several other high profile security groups. Throughout his successful career, Dorn wrestled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an aftereffect of his military service. Battling the pain and debilitating effect of PTSD, Dorn found comfort behind the camera. Photography proved to be not only therapeutic, but life changing as well. Dorn picked up his first camera in 1970 while serving in Vietnam and knew instantly that behind the lens was where he belonged. His shooting style and photographs were special, generating a buzz in the industry. In 1985, he began his career in photojournalism, working in a variety of genres. Dorn’s credentials include fashion, lifestyle photography, photojournalism, and celebrity/red carpet coverage. Working with MSNBC, Jet Magazine, and major publications in Philadelphia and around the country, Dorn has had the honor of capturing the images of hundreds of notable celebrities and politicians including President Barack Obama, George Bush Jr, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Maya Angelou, Jesse Jackson, Rihanna, Snoop Dog, Will Smith, and Tyler Perry. Photography has sent Dorn around the globe, inspiring his passion for civil activism. In 1995, Dorn assembled and led a group of forty-two men to the Million Man March. Together, they spent five days walking from Philadelphia to Washington DC. In his travels, Dorn observed a common theme amongst the youth of the world. Many of the children he encountered seemed lost. Understanding that opportunities for at-risk youth are minimal, Dorn was inspired to make a difference. Established by Dorn in 2011, InDaHouseMedia was built on the idea that there is room in the house for everyone. With InDaHouseMedia, Dorn’s mission is to provide the future generation with positive direction through sports, music, and photography.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in House Call

To Top