The Most Memorable Pics From Freaknik

A real photo gallery from Atlanta’s most controversial event.

Hulu teased the upcoming documentary about Atlanta’s most controversial event, Freaknik, earlier this month. Though an official trailer for Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told has yet to be released, the streaming giant says that the upcoming project “recounts the rise and fall of a small Atlanta HBCU picnic that exploded into an influential street party and spotlighted ATL as a major cultural stage.” Its impending release are making a few people nervous. However, the event will always have historical significance. Here are the most memorable photos from Freaknik.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Root 100 Nominee Nicholas Ryan Gant Breaks Down the Secret Meaning of His New Single

Freaknik ‘96

Photo: AP Eric Williams

Misty Coleman from Cincinnati, Ohio sported the words Freaknik ‘96 in colorful face paint on her cheeks at Underground Atlanta. Coleman was not a student but was in town to enjoy Freaknik activities on April 19, 1996.

Welcome To Freaknik

Photo: AP John Spink

Freaknic posters abound as the masses arrive once again in the Black college student spring fling on Atlanta streets on April 7, 1998. Here Georgia Avenue’s Brave’s souvenir church near Turner Field adorns a marque getting locals pumped for the event.

T-Shirts For Sale

Photo: AP Renee Hannans

Freaknik students filled the street between 15th and 10 on W. Peachtree Street as Gregory Castillo (green shirt) a 17-year-old old high school entrepreneur sold t-shirts to the crowd on April 17,1998.

Hairstyles For Days

Photo: AP Jean Shifrin

Dope hairstyles were part of the Freaknik scene along Mitchell Street on Saturday, April 19, 1997.

Flooded Streets

Photo: AP Bita Honarvar

A sea of people flooded Auburn Avenue during Freaknik Saturday April 17, 1999

Traffic Jam

Photo: AP David Tulis

Traffic was at a standstill on the 75/85 connector heading north. Motorists have also become pedestrians on the interstate. Photo taken from the Decatur bridge. Exit 94 is the Edgewood Ave. exit in April 1996.

Pass The Camera

Photo: AP Rich Addicks

Freaknik participants from New York passed off a video camera on Marietta Street near Peachtree Friday night, April 18, 1997, the first day of Freaknik.

Late Night Partygoer

Photo: AP W.A. Bridges Jr.

Late night Freaknik party goers flooded the crowded street of Ponce De Leon around three am as cruisers revel in their freedom. Pictured here is Brandy Jackson from Atlanta on April 20, 1996.

Girl, You Better Run

Photo: AP Jean Shifrin

A woman ran back to her car after posing quickly for another Freaknik participant near Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall in Atlanta. After the malls closed traffic came to a standstill on Peachtree and Lenox Roads.

Twerk Something, Work Something

Photo: AP Jean Shifrin

A woman gives an impromptu dance while traffic along Lenox Road comes to a standstill after Lenox Mall closed at 6 p.m. in Atlanta, 1995.

Caught On Tape

Photo: AP Jean Shifrin

The back of a minivan provided a good spot for these women from Missouri to videotape who were cruising the parking lot at Lenox Square Sunday, April 20, 1997 during Freaknik.

Freaknik Boxers

Photo: AP DAVID TULIS/Atlanta Journal Constitution

Capturing the true essence of Freaknik 96, Morehouse grad William Simkins (R) tried to sell Spelman student Celeste Springer a pair of Freaknik souvenir boxer shorts for $5 during the Sweet Auburn Street Freedom Festival 4/21.

Let Me Holla At You

Photo: AP Jean Shifrin

Shantrice Billingslea, with back to camera, talked with some men in the parking lot of South DeKalb Mall. Photo taken Saturday, April 18, 1998 at South DeKalb Mall.

Get Your Freak On

Photo: AP Eric Williams

Kool Raul of Memphis, Tenn. and Marcellus Jackson of Raleigh N.C. both partied atop of their Utility Van while park in the parking lot of Greenbriar mall where students and residents alike gathered there to celebrate Freaknik.

Say Cheese

Photo: AP David Tulis

Freaknik participant Richard Gray (L) of Northeastern University in Boston took a picture of his buddy Dwayne Moore (C) posing with Shanell Perkins (2-R) and her sister LaRonda Perkins (R) outside Centennial Park as the party began just past midnight April 17, 1998. A band inside the nearby Tabernacle provided the draw for early Freaknikers.

Keep Going

Photo: AP David Tulis

Freaknikers who left Lenox Mall jam in and on their cars along Peachtree Road in front of Phipps Plaza while city of Atlanta Police Officers attempt to keep traffic moving around dinner time on April 20, 1997.

Parking Lot Partying

Photo: AP W.A. Bridges Jr.

Late night Freaknik party goers flooded the parking lot of the Catfish Station around 1:30 am Saturday. The club is located across from City Hall East on April 20, 1996.

Bust A Move

Photo: AP Curtis Compton

Izola ‘Pee Wee’ Garnet (cq), left, 29, from Augusta, Ga., danced with a passerby at Underground Atlanta on Saturday, April 17, 1999. Moments later police broke the dance up and keep the crowd moving.

Taking In The Scene

Photo: AP Rich Addicks

From Virginia, from left to right, Enrico Alcaire, Jay Robertson, and Antinio Spilotro were hanging out and watching the traffic and sites (from a no parking area) on the Atlanta University campus Friday, April 18, 1997, on the first day of Freaknik.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Halle Berry's Best Movies, Ranked By Box Office

Halle Berry’s Best Movies, Ranked By Box Office

With Halle Berry’s newest heist film in theaters, let’s take a look at some of her most successful films by the box office! …
The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

As the 2026 Oscars nears, let’s take a look at some of celeb faves who’ve had their fair share of fashion misses on the famous red carpet! …
Why J. Cole's "Everyman" Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

Why J. Cole’s “Everyman” Tour Stunt Is Getting Old

​The superstar rapper has been driving around the country selling CDs out of the trunk of his used Honda Civic …
It's Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

It’s Time For Black People to Consider Wealth Beyond Home Ownership

Black people have always leaned toward home ownership but the changing housing landscape should have us thinking about other ways to obtaining equity …
Why Black Folks Are <i>Always</i> Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Why Black Folks Are Always Expected to Extend Grace When No One Else Will

Black folks are being asked to “turn the other cheek” after the BAFTA scandal, but given the deep history of forcing Black people to submit, the wound is still too fresh …
EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What's at Stake for Black Voters

EXCLUSIVE: NAACP President Derrick Johnson Explains His Expectations for State of the Union and What’s at Stake for Black Voters

The Root spoke to NAACP President Derrick Johnson about why he has “no expectations” for Trump’s State of the Union address …
How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

How the Barbz Are Responding to Nicki Minaj Going Full MAGA

Following her MAGA events, Nicki Minaj has the Barbz divided with some stuck between sticking beside their Queen or stepping away…for good …
Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Proof That Jim Crow Era Was Not That Long Ago And Why This is Important to Know

Jim Crow laws were in place not that long ago. Even though many photos from that time are in black and white, the history is far from ancient and the remnants are all around us …
Mississippi Black Woman Desegregated High School—Then Faced Terror and Isolation

Mississippi Black Woman Desegregated High School—Then Faced Terror and Isolation

Mary Smith-Blackmon was among the first Black students in a Canton, MIssissippi school and shared what it was like to eperience integration in isolation …
A Look at Trump’s Most Misleading Claims Before His State of the Union Address

A Look at Trump’s Most Misleading Claims Before His State of the Union Address

Before Trump’s State of the Union address, let’s get into all of the false claims he’s made about the country and what’s really at stake for Republicans …
Black and MAGA Folks Angry At Gavin Newsom For Implying Black People Can't Read... But That's Not The Full Story

Black and MAGA Folks Angry At Gavin Newsom For Implying Black People Can’t Read… But That’s Not The Full Story

Gavin Newsom Is Receiving Backlash Online After Telling Black Folks He’s Just Like Them Because He Can’t Read… Except That’s Not What Happened …
Celeb With Tourette Syndrome Speaks Out After N-Word Remark at BAFTAs, But the Internet Isn't Here for It

Celeb With Tourette Syndrome Speaks Out After N-Word Remark at BAFTAs, But the Internet Isn’t Here for It

John Davidson has finally broken his silence about the racist ordeal at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. But what he has to say isn’t landing too well with folks online …
Why This New York Mom Was Forced to Deliver Her Own Baby Alone in a Hospital Bathroom

Why This New York Mom Was Forced to Deliver Her Own Baby Alone in a Hospital Bathroom

Long Island parents are demanding a hospital to take accountability after they delivered their newborn on-site…but in a bathroom …
DMX's Son Shares 'Spiritual' Moment With His Father As He Transitioned

DMX’s Son Shares ‘Spiritual’ Moment With His Father As He Transitioned

DMX’s son Xavier Simmons is opening up about a truly unbelievable moment he shared with his father as he transitioned …
The State of the Union Address Was <i>Not</i> Supposed to Look As It Does Today

The State of the Union Address Was Not Supposed to Look As It Does Today

Which president gave a 10-minute State of the Union address? Which U.S. president came up with the name? What do Obama and Trump’s speeches have in common? …
7 Times Black Folks Almost Became U.S. President

7 Times Black Folks Almost Became U.S. President

Jesse Jackson, Charlene Mitchell and other Black Americans who ran for president …
Gabourey Sidibe's Husband Has Shocking Health Scare

Gabourey Sidibe’s Husband Has Shocking Health Scare

‘Precious’ star Gabourey Sidibe’s husband is facing a startling health challenge and is now sharing where he stands now with fans …
Black Woman Explains Why She Only Dates AI

Black Woman Explains Why She Only Dates AI

A 34-year-old Black woman told a CBS News correspondent that a chatbot has given her the same satisfaction as a relationship with a human being, but eliminates the risk …
White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

Allyson Friedman has identified herself as the college professor caught spewing racist language during a virtual council meeting …
So The Shrinking White Baby Data is Why The World Turned Upside Down?

So The Shrinking White Baby Data is Why The World Turned Upside Down?

OPINION: As census data signals a shrinking white majority, the politics of panic move from whisper campaigns to policy …