Aja Arnold
As seen in:
Bandcamp Daily,
VICE,
The Intercept,
Truthout,
Mondoweiss,
In These Times,
The Real News,
Popular Resistance,
The Appeal,
Reader Supported News
and
human | recovering | founding editor @mainlinezine
creator of 'bad vacation' podcast, out soon 💫
send funds to patreon.com/mainlinezine
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Aja Arnold
From heartache to hope and back again, Jahnah Camille grows
Jahnah Camille is a headliner at this year's Mainline Music Fest in Atlanta. For more information and tickets, go here. If you're a music lover like me—and the people for whom this column is intended—you might engage in what's now called "active listening." If you're an active listener, you likely have a particular penchant for things other people, commonly referred to as "passive listeners," don't. That little slide on the guitarist's fretboard.
The Atlanta DIY scene is redefining protest through music
Moments from Sword II's release show for their latest album 'Electric Hour' at South Bend Commons in Atlanta. Photo credit: Aja Arnold/Mainline, 2025. "You can't help it. An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times." — Nina Simone "This track is for real about fuck the cops.
From SXSW to Ticketmaster to Spotify: Musicians organize against industry corporate overlords
In 2024, more than 80 artists, musicians, and panelists withdrew from the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin to protest the event's continued collaboration with and sponsorship by the U.S. Army and defense contractors, such as RTX (Raytheon), Collins Aerospace, and BAE Systems.
Reporting on ICE killings follows a long history of normalizing state violence
A memorial for Alex Pretti on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, where federal agents killed Pretti on Jan. 24, taken Feb. 3. The memorial, consisting of flowers, candles, and signs, was erected following Pretti’s death. Photo by Chad Davis. In January, federal agents in Minneapolis publicly executed Renee Good and Alex Pretti, inciting growing U.S. and global anxiety around escalating fascism and authoritarianism in the U.S. government.
Journalism in Crisis: Combating AJC Propaganda
Editor's Note: Last June, we published the first part of an essay analyzing both the historic and modern harms caused by Atlanta legacy paper The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Here, we have published the second part of that essay, which has been updated for timeliness. On January 26, 2026, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), Atlanta's most prominent legacy daily newspaper, published an opinion article penned by Republican House representative Earl L.
Atlanta Activist's Arrest Underscores Search, Surveillance Powers of Border Agencies
Atlanta Activist’s Arrest Underscores Search, Surveillance Powers of Border Agencies Samuel Tunick’s story is part of a wider trend of surveillance at border crossings. Legal and security experts weigh in on possible precautions citizens can take. Atlanta, GA — On December 2, DHS and FBI agents arrested activist Samuel Tunick after being pulled over while driving in Atlanta. An officer asked him to step out of the vehicle, under the pretext of inspecting a tail light.
As the South goes, so goes the nation – Scalawag
This story was originally published at The Objective, a nonprofit newsroom examining systems of power and inequity in journalism. I am from a city that claims to influence everything. For better or worse, it's true — Atlanta really does influence everything. We are home to the hip-hop epicenter of the world. We are the cradle of the historic Civil Rights Movement.
U.S. media has ignored the South. But its problems are the nation's
I am from a city that claims to influence everything. For better or worse, it’s true — Atlanta really does influence everything. We are home to the hip-hop epicenter of the world. We are the cradle of the historic Civil Rights Movement. We have been known as the “Black Mecca” since the 1970s and, more recently, have become the “Hollywood of the South.” Atlanta is certainly one of the largest cultural hubs and exporters; and the same can be said of the South as a region.
Cop City Rico Trials Begin In Atlanta, First Case Declared A Mistrial
Atlanta, GA — The first trial in the ‘Cop City’ RICO case began the morning of July 7 in Fulton County Superior Court, with defendant Ayla King returning to court for the first time since January 2024. However, proceedings quickly came to a halt following Judge Kevin Farmer’s declaration of a mistrial and the defense’s decision to appeal the mistrial. King’s case is being heard separately from the other 60 defendants after filing for a speedy trial on Oct. 30, 2023.
Aja Arnold
On the morning of April 23, around 7 a.m., the FBI, along with other local and state police, battered down the doors of…
Democrat Michigan AG Asked FBI to Raid Protesters’ Homes — But Won’t Tell Students Why
On the morning of April 23, around 7 a.m., the FBI, along with other local and state police, battered down the doors of four residences across Ann Arbor, Canton, and Ypsilanti, Michigan. The homes belonged to pro-Palestine student organizers at University of Michigan. The raids were the latest move by the University of Michigan and the state against student organizers following the protest encampments last spring.
From the Atlanta Race Massacre to Cop City: The AJC Incites Harm – Scalawag
On Aug. 21, 2021, the editorial board of Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) published its support for "Cop City"—a then-proposed $90 million training facility for police and fire personnel; the cost of which has since ballooned to over $109 million, according to the most recently available reports.
Atlanta Suburb Repeals Law Forcing Protesters to Obtain Consent of Anyone Within 8 Feet
You no longer need consent to speak your mind within 8 feet of someone in Sandy Springs, Georgia, where the local council repealed one of three controversial new free speech ordinances that were mostly written by the Anti-Defamation League. In April, the Atlanta suburb in northern Fulton County passed three new ordinances expanding the definition of disorderly conduct, which critics immediately flagged as unconstitutional restrictions on First Amendment rights.
Tina Vásquez, Author at Prism
President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump are in Texas today touring different sectors of the Southern border, a spectacle that encapsulates how central immigration is to each of their reelection campaigns. It is Biden’s approach to immigration in recent months, however, that has been a source of controversy on both sides of the […]
Atlanta police, ATF, and FBI raid three homes in southeast Atlanta, one arrested and others detained
Police have charged one person with first degree arson while at least one other remains in police custody. Police said in an official statement that additional arrests are “coming soon.” ATLANTA— According to a search warrant, police seized a number of items, including laptops, iPhones, “Defend the Atlanta Forest” stickers, posters, and flyers, video cameras and tapes, among other things.
Why Journalists Must Speak Out about Gaza
Aja Arnold, et al. - TRANSCEND Media Service Attacks on journalism and media are dangerous to us all. 7 Dec 2023 – As journalists and media workers, we know that silencing a free press is a key tactic of authoritarian governments. We are horrified that the Israeli military has now murdered an unprecedented number of journalists and media workers in Gaza—at least 75 people as of December 4.
Why journalists must speak out about Gaza
This op-ed was co-published by In These Times, Mainline, Mondoweiss, Prism, The Real News Network, Reckon, Scalawag and Truthout. Copyright, Truthout.org. Original op-ed reprinted with permission. As journalists and media workers, we know that silencing a free press is a key tactic of authoritarian governments. We are horrified that the Israeli military has now murdered an unprecedented number of journalists and media workers in Gaza — at least 75 people as of December 4.
Why journalists must speak out about Gaza
This op-ed was co-published by In These Times, Mainline, Mondoweiss, Prism, The Real News Network, Reckon, Scalawag, and Truthout. As journalists and media workers, we know that silencing a free press is a key tactic of authoritarian governments. We are horrified that the Israeli military has now murdered an unprecedented number of journalists and media workers in Gaza—at least 75 people as of December 4.
Palestinian journalists under attack: A letter of media solidarity
This op-ed was co-published by In These Times, Mainline, Mondoweiss, Prism, The Real News Network, Reckon, Scalawag, and Truthout. As journalists and media workers, we know that silencing a free press is a key tactic of authoritarian governments. We are horrified that the Israeli military has now murdered an unprecedented number of journalists and media workers in Gaza—at least 75 people as of December 4.
Why Journalists Must Speak Out About Gaza
Part of the Series Struggle and Solidarity: Writing Toward Palestinian Liberation This op-ed was co-published by In These Times, Mainline, Mondoweiss, Prism, The Real News Network, Reckon, Scalawag and Truthout. As journalists and media workers, we know that silencing a free press is a key tactic of authoritarian governments. We are horrified that the Israeli military has now murdered an unprecedented number of journalists and media workers in Gaza — at least 75 people as of December 4.
The case against the Merrimack Three is an attack on the Palestine movement as a whole
On November 20, three Palestine Action US activists were arrested in Merrimack, New Hampshire, for their protest at one of the operational facilities of Elbit Systems, an Israel-based international military technology company that is the Israeli military’s number one weapons provider. At the scene, police discovered spray-painting, smashed windows, and damage to HVAC equipment on the building.
Prosecutors Smearing Dead 'Cop City' Activist by Publicizing Their Diary, Organizers Say
On November 6, dozens of people walked through the doors of the Fulton County Courthouse to be arraigned for charges of organized crime and racketeering for their participation in the movement to stop Cop City, the massive $90 million-plus police training facility that has sparked widespread opposition for over two years.
Atlanta, Egypt, and Israel police forces share ‘crowd control’ weapons and military-industrial techniques
This article contains additional reporting from Adjoa Danso, a contributor at Mainline. ATLANTA—On Nov. 13, Atlanta police reportedly used Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Egyptian police crowd control and military-industrial techniques against civilians. That morning, over 500 people gathered in Southeast Atlanta to protest construction of Cop City, a $90 million-plus police militarization facility being constructed in Weelaunee Forest in unincorporated DeKalb County.
Atlanta Voters Want to Decide the Future of Cop City. Will Their Leaders Let Them?
The Appeal in Your Inbox Subscribe to our newsletters for regular updates, analysis and context straight to your email. Organizers say they've collected thousands of signatures for a referendum to put Cop City on the November ballot. But local officials seem intent on making sure it doesn't reach a vote. Photo via Albrica Tierra Photography, courtesy of Vote to Stop Cop City Coalition Organizers say they've collected thousands of signatures for a referendum to put Cop City on the November ballot.
Atlanta police target bail fund organizers in latest crackdown on ‘Stop Cop City’ movement
Three organizers were charged with “money laundering” and “charity fraud” in a direct attack on mutual aid and civil rights protests. This story was produced in partnership with The Mainline, an independent magazine based in Atlanta. Around 9 a.m. on May 31, more than a dozen heavily armed Atlanta police officers in SWAT gear arrived at a brightly painted residence in the city’s Edgewood neighborhood.
Behind Georgia’s Authoritarian Crackdown on ‘Stop Cop City’ Protests
At least 42 people have been charged with "domestic terrorism" under the state's wide-ranging statute. Legal experts say the charges are "sloppy," unprecedented, and unlikely to stick. Law enforcement in the Atlanta area has, in recent months, turned to increasingly authoritarian tactics in their efforts to suppress protests and activism against the construction of “Cop City,” a proposed 85-acre police training facility.
Atlanta Activists at 'Stop Cop City' Aren't Backing Down After Police Kill Protester
The movement to stop the construction of a controversial police training facility in Atlanta gained international attention this past week, after sweeps of forest protest encampments resulted in dozens of arrests, terrorism charges, and the police killing of an activist.
Police Killing of Protester Brings Grief, Urgency to Atlanta's 'Stop Cop City' Movement
Organizers are calling on national support for their continued efforts to halt the construction of a police militarization facility in the Atlanta forest. Organizers are calling on national support for their continued efforts to halt the construction of a police militarization facility in the Atlanta forest. This story was produced in partnership with The Mainline, an independent magazine based in Atlanta.
Ep. 67: Talking the APS "Cheating Scandal" with the Abolitionist Teaching Network
https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/48627962/aps_cheating_scandal_1.mp3This week we’re interrupting our standard schedule for a special episode as this story develops. In 2011, 178 Atlanta Public School teachers were investigated for purportedly changing student test scores. Twelve were brought to trial, all Black. Ten were found guilty. Seven are still in limbo as they hope for appeals, and fear the very real and imminent threat of imprisonment.
#StopCopCity resistance continues as bulldozing ensues in Atlanta forest
Police in DeKalb County and Atlanta respond with helicopters, drones as local residents gather to protect land in South River Forest ATLANTA — On Tues., Jan. 18, around 2 p.m., The Mainline received community reports of heavy machinery and tree cutting taking place in the Old Atlanta Prison Farm land located in the South River Forest. The land was originally inhabited by Muscogee (Creek) indigenous peoples before their forced removal in the 1800s.
Why Atlantans Are Pushing to Stop 'Cop City'
After the city council passed the ground lease for massive police facility known as “Cop City,” local opposition hasn’t ceased; it’s evolved. This story was produced in partnership with The Mainline, an independent women-led magazine based in Atlanta. On Sept. 8, the Atlanta City Council gathered after listening to nearly 17 hours of comments from over 1,100 constituents across the city.
Ep. 54: What happened to the Rayshard Brooks Bill?
https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/46913793/ep_51_what_happened_to_the_rayshard_brooks_bill_proper.mp3As Atlanta nears its municipal elections, Aja takes us back to an important story that has remained a source of much confusion among constituents and journalists alike: what happened to the Rayshard Brooks Bill. While national outlets have cited this bill with the claim that Atlanta was actually near defunding the police, that was not the case with this legislation.
Coca-Cola steps down from Atlanta Police Foundation after Color of Change releases groundbreaking report
The corporation leaves the APF’s Board of Trustees after Color of Change releases first-of-its-kind report exposing police foundation ties to Fortune 500 companies, corporate mega-donors On Wed., Oct. 7, Color of Change in partnership with public accountability initiative LittleSis released its in-depth report examining the 50-year history of police foundations and corporate partners—a relationship that has enabled police violence nationwide.
Official documents show no community members present on training facility advisory council
Despite previous claims from Atlanta Police Foundation, documents show “Public Safety Training Academy Advisory Council” had no community members present, violation of mayor’s administrative order A map of major roadways in Atlanta detailing the location of the Old Atlanta Prison Farm. Source: Save the Old Atlanta Prison Farm official website.
Ep. 46: Kamau Franklin / Community Movement Builders
https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/46166976/ep_46_kamau_franklin.mp3This week, Aja talks with Kamau Franklin of Community Movement Builders in Atlanta about the recent city council vote in which council members voted to table Cop City legislation that would have authorized a ground lease of 381 acres of green space to Atlanta Police Foundation for $10 a year. This means that Cop City was in fact stopped — at least until the vote that is scheduled to take place on Sept. 7.
Atlanta Poised to Approve Massive Police Training Facility
On a recent evening in Atlanta, a group of over 100 residents gathered in the sanctuary of a local church, spaced out and wearing masks to follow pandemic precautions. “We are dealing with a very important issue tonight that the city has not dealt with,” said Kamau Franklin of Community Movement Builders, a local Black-led collective that organizes against gentrification in the city, kicking off a town hall as the setting sun peered in through large pastel, stained-glass windows.
Your weekly ATL politics briefing, July 23
https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/45819630/your_weekly_politics_briefing_july_23.mp3King, Sylvia, & Aja return for this week’s politics briefing with a special feature of our poet laureate T-Pain. Important dates regarding #StopCopCity, local candidates’ safety plans, Sylvia’s new candidate alert, details on Atlanta’s surveillance program Operation Shield, FOG, football, and Kanye are all on the menu.
Your weekly ATL politics briefing, July 16
https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/45729380/your_weekly_atl_politics_briefing_july_16.mp3King, Sylvia, and Aja are back to help ring in Mainline’s 2nd anniversary — this week we hit the ground running with updates on ATL Homeless Union, the “we-don’t-really-want-your-input” public input session for Atlanta residents about Cop City, voting rights & mass arrests of Black women in D.C. protecting the right to vote, and a hefty new candidates alert from Sylvia with notes on campaign...
Breaking: Atlanta houseless community forms union, gather at City Hall to serve demands
On Sunday night, The Mainline received a tip that members of Atlanta’s houseless community, who now self-identify as the ATL Homeless Union, have gathered and formed an encampment outside of City Hall on the lawn at Central and Mitchell, as pictured above. Sources tell us they will remain at City Hall “until their demands are met” and will host a rally every day at noon that “people are encouraged to come to.” Photo credit: The Mainline/2021.
Your weekly ATL politics briefing, June 25
We deserve a press that is free of corporate and political influence. The need for a free press and autonomous journalism is more present today than ever. We are a purely grassroots media organization, meaning we don’t accept any money from politicians, advertisers, or outside funders. Can you chip in a small donation of $5 today? You can make it monthly here — your donation will ensure the survival of independent, local media during a time we need it most. Donate Today
Your weekly Atlanta politics briefing, June 18
https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/45360701/your_weekly_atlanta_politics_briefing_june_18.mp3King, Sylvia, and Aja are back for a (shorter) Atlanta news and politics briefing with notes and reflections on Juneteenth, the latest news in city council & its decision to Joyce Sheperd’s latest ordinance, local activism efforts to defend the forests and resist the land deal with Atlanta Police Foundation, and our regular Kasim watch and new candidate alert.
BREAKING: COVID-19 outbreaks in three housing units in Irwin County Detention Center
Letters and interview obtained by The Mainline shows ICDC staff mix symptomatic individuals with general population, refuse to protect detainees from COVID-19, among other human rights violations Detained immigrants play soccer behind a barbed wire fence at the Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia. February 20, 2018. Picture taken February 20, 2018. REUTERS/Reade Levinson OCILLA, GA.
What you need to know about voting in Georgia during the pandemic
A comprehensive guide to voting in Georgia as we near the most important election in our nation’s history under oppressive federal and state administrations, questions arise in Georgia concerning absentee ballots and current voter suppression efforts Updated: Mon., Aug. 31, 4:26 p.m. to reflect the recent federal court decision in Georgia which ruled that ballots postmarked by Election Day must be counted.
Bitter, by Bitter
released February 10, 2017 All songs by Maritza Nunez © 2017 Produced by Randy Garcia Recorded, Mixed & Mastered at Fort Karate in Atlanta, GA fortkarate.com Photos by Camila Izaguirre & Zo Chapman Special thanks to Abby
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Aja
Contact Aja, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack