Atlanta Eagle Homeowner and Mayor Speak Out After Massive Fire Destroys Building – 95.5 WSB

Mayor Andre Dickens says he doesn’t believe there was malicious intent behind the fire.

“It doesn’t look like vandalism or arson or anything or malicious intent,” Mayor Dickens said.

“This is a sad loss for our community, but the Eagle family is safe in our new community…I hate to see our story unfold like this,” said owner Richard Ramey.

Atlanta Eagle has a history in the city of Atlanta.

In the late 1960s, police raided a movie theater at Ansley Mall to show “The Lonesome Cowboys.” At the time, it was described as a homoerotic underground comedy.

Atlanta’s queer community has had to fight not only for a physical presence, but also to be part of the conversation. This was the reality at a time when conservative and progressive values ​​clashed.

Back in 2022, Jorge Estevez from Canal 2 I spoke with the woman who was there that night in 1969. She says that event became the tipping point of a movement that changed everything. Shortly after the film began, Atlanta police stormed the theater.

In 2009, the Atlanta Eagle was raided after an anonymous tip alleging, among other things, illegal drug use. The city of Atlanta has paid more than $1 million in compensation to the victims.

The original Atlanta Eagle closed its home along Ponce de Leon Avenue in November 2020, after more than 30 years. The owner said this was due to the difficult times of the pandemic.

In 2021, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that the bar would become the first recognized and protected LGBTQ landmark in the Deep South.

And in 2022, Ramey announced that Atlanta Eagle will reopen and take over Midtown Moon.

On Thursday, Mayor Dickens said Channel 2 Action News that once the investigation is complete, he wants to see someone move into the now-abandoned building and revitalize the historic district.

So far, no injuries have been reported in the fire.