30 Years Later: East Lake’s transformation into a thriving community and national model

The foundation that supports Atlanta’s East Lake community, the East Lake Foundation, is celebrating 30 years. Ilham Askia, who serves as the president and CEO of the East Lake Foundation, says East Lake residents are at the core of the foundation’s work, and no decision is made without their input.

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Askia talked about how the neighborhood — once overshadowed by crime, poverty, and crumbling infrastructure — was transformed into a thriving community. The neighborhood’s revitalization is now widely recognized as a blueprint for 25 communities across the nation through the efforts of the Purpose Built Communities nonprofit.

During the discussion, Askia reflected on her vision for the future of East Lake, discussing the foundation’s history, mission, and the legacy of the late real estate developer and founder Tom Cousins.