Andre Dickens – 61st and current Mayor of Atlanta

Andre Dickens is the 61st and current Mayor of Atlanta. Dickens is a product of Southwest Atlanta and the Atlanta Public School System—attending high school with members of Goodie Mob as well as André 3000 from OutKast. He later enrolled in the Georgia Institute of Technology where he received his degree in Chemical Engineering in 1998 and later graduated with a master's in public administration from Georgia State University. He owned a furnishing company before being elected as an at-large City Council member in 2013.

Mayor Dickens’ vision for his city is focused on Moving Atlanta Forward, through improving public safety, increasing opportunities young people, empowering neighborhoods, investing in housing and combatting homelessness—all while fostering a culture of integrity. He has established multiple initiatives for the city—one being Midnight Basketball. The basketball seasons engage young people at recreation centers in communities with higher percentages of gang activity. Through healthy competition, participants not only learn de-escalation skills, but also have access to services to obtain a GED, find a career path and even get a free haircut. Statistics showed overall crime was reduced in the areas during Midnight Basketball games. Mayor Dickens is an Atlanta United supporter, and attends matches every time he can.

Andre Dickens is featured in the 2023 Atlanta United FC production ‘Inside the 404’, where he touches on the influence of OutKast and the history of music in Atlanta, as well as the influence former politicians had on him while he was growing up. ‘Inside the 404’ is a documentary produced by Atlanta United FC in collaboration with Atlanta Influences Everything, as part of the launch of the 404 Kit, Atlanta United’s 2023 third kit.