In Atlanta's Vine City neighborhood, a once dilapidated fixture has been given a new lease on life as a martial arts studio, continuing its legacy of community service and education. The building, which has harbored institutions such as the Georgia Teachers and Education Association crucial for Black educators during segregation, was transformed by Sule Konata Welch, who envisions the space as a beacon for local youth needing an alternative path. Welch discovered the rich history of the premises during renovations, which included the need to strip it of asbestos and bring it up to ADA compliance.
The two structures that now comprise The Welch Center, suspected to have been built in the early 1960s and the 1930s, respectively, required considerable work to rehabilitate including asbestos removal and significant updates to meet modern standards before its renaissance could occur Welch told WABE. Inside, relics of a bygone era, such as bulky '60s furniture and shag carpets, whispered tales of the past - among them, the office of Horace Tate, a union leader and Georgia legislator who fought fiercely for education reforms.
Already fitted with a storied past relevant to African American education, Welch seized upon his own martial arts experience, which began at 17, to offer hapkido, kali, kung fu, capoeira, tai chi, and yoga instruction at The Welch Center. Certifications abound not just for Welch but also for his wife Cecily, a certified CPA who contributes her expertise to Welch Financial Advisors located upstairs and manages a co-working space for entrepreneurs. Their joint effort in revamping the building hails a dedication to both the physical and financial wellness of their community.
The transformation has not gone unnoticed by the locals, whose support has been nothing short of tremendous Cecily recalled her encounters, including evenings where passersby would shout words of encouragement - capturing a shared sense of hope and investment, she described an instance to WABE saying, "There have been two occasions when I’m leaving at night, and some random guy walks in front of the gate and yells, ‘Yo, good peeps, good peeps,’" highlighting the community's eagerness for a revitalizing force in their neighborhood.
