Concentrated along a short mile and a half of Auburn Avenue, the Sweet Auburn Historic District reflects the history, heritage and achievements of Atlanta’s African Americans. The name Sweet Auburn was coined by John Wesley Dobbs, referring to the “richest Negro street in the world.” Like other black communities throughout the country, Sweet Auburn’s success was intricately tied to the residential patterns forced on African Americans during the early 20th century–the result of restrictive laws in southern states which enforced segregation of the races, known as Jim Crow laws. It was here that many African Americans established businesses, congregations, and social organizations. Sweet Auburn is a historically African-American area, closely associated with the Civil Rights movement. The Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site contains the activist’s birthplace and tomb, and the APEX Museum has exhibits relating to African-American history. Lively Edgewood Avenue, on the Atlanta Streetcar route, is known for its street art, hip bars and eateries, and artisan food at Sweet Auburn Curb Market.