International Soul

BUFORD HIGHWAY’S NORTHEAST PLAZA

Northeast Plaza is a cultural crossroads. Walk one way and you’ll see a favorite Mexican restaurant, La Carreta, which continues to grow steadily in size and popularity; walk another and you’ll find yourself on course for some of the best soul food around, hidden behind the tinted windows of Southern Fire Kitchen, where regulars line up for the honey cornbread and short ribs. A few doors down from the immense international supermarket you’ll discover Pan Paleta and its sought-after frozen confections. Currently, Northeast Plaza also hosts one of the sculptures in the “Wings of the City” exhibit.

There’s a lot to discover, and as you wander you’ll inevitably notice NCG Cinema, if it hasn’t already caught your eye. Even if you didn’t come for a movie, chances are you’ll wind up standing in front of the theater, staring at the wall to get a closer look at the faces of “Mi Gente”–my people. Created by artist Yehimi Cambrón, the giant mural is composed of continuous-line portraits of Latinx community leaders whose names may not be familiar but whose work has shaped regional history. Within the lines of each face are other faces, vignettes depicting the themes and everyday people behind the scenes. From contemporary activism by Dreamers to older and ongoing efforts in education, labor, gender, and political advocacy, “Mi Gente” encompasses both a wide range of activism and a focus on individuality and diversity. The five large portraits are dynamic, fluid, and colorful–much like Northeast Plaza itself. And in true modern style, it even has its own playlist on Spotify, “Brilla Mi Gente,” curated by social justice organization La Choloteca.

Make a loop around Northeast Plaza and discover faces and places you might not have heard about yet but definitely won’t forget, and enjoy new flavors everywhere you turn.