Henry Grady promoted an idea called the "New South" in the 1880's. He was a Democratic political leader and was interested in helping the south diversify its farming, invest in northern businesses, and promote southern industrial growth.
He hosted cotton expositions and industrial fairs that attracted new jobs and investments to Georgia. He also proclaimed that Georgia (Atlanta specifically) had a willing work force and African American workers were treated fairly.
He was criticized for these statements. He was a known white supremacist, and overlooked the oppressive treatment of African Americans living in Georgia.
