Clarkston, Georgia: Ellis Island of the South - in pictures


  • With more than 60 languages spoken, Clarkston, Georgia, is the most diverse square kilometre in America. Holly Aguirre / The National
    With more than 60 languages spoken, Clarkston, Georgia, is the most diverse square kilometre in America. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • The Refuge Coffee Co in Clarkston, Georgia, is a non-profit company that gives new US residents a chance to learn a skill and earn a pay cheque. Photo: Caroline Barber
    The Refuge Coffee Co in Clarkston, Georgia, is a non-profit company that gives new US residents a chance to learn a skill and earn a pay cheque. Photo: Caroline Barber
  • There are many murals carrying pro-migrant and positive messages around the city. Holly Aguirre / The National
    There are many murals carrying pro-migrant and positive messages around the city. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Since opening seven years ago, Refuge Coffee has served thousands of customers from more than 80 countries in Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Since opening seven years ago, Refuge Coffee has served thousands of customers from more than 80 countries in Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • The Refuge Coffee shop used to be a mechanic's garage. Holly Aguirre / The National
    The Refuge Coffee shop used to be a mechanic's garage. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Refuge Coffee is a non-profit company that gives migrants from all over the world their first job in the US. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Refuge Coffee is a non-profit company that gives migrants from all over the world their first job in the US. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Phyllis Ingram is a Grade 3 teacher who moved to Clarkston in the 1990s. She and her sorority sisters regularly support Refuge Coffee. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Phyllis Ingram is a Grade 3 teacher who moved to Clarkston in the 1990s. She and her sorority sisters regularly support Refuge Coffee. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Atlanta, Georgia resident Phalary Huy and her family heard about Clarkston on a radio programme and visited on a Sunday to enjoy the various types of cuisine and markets. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Atlanta, Georgia resident Phalary Huy and her family heard about Clarkston on a radio programme and visited on a Sunday to enjoy the various types of cuisine and markets. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Refuge Coffee has a 'giving kitchen' for those who want to share food with their neighbours. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Refuge Coffee has a 'giving kitchen' for those who want to share food with their neighbours. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Georgia State University has a beautiful campus within walking distance of downtown Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Georgia State University has a beautiful campus within walking distance of downtown Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Clarkston Village has ethnic restaurants, a world pharmacy and two halal markets. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Clarkston Village has ethnic restaurants, a world pharmacy and two halal markets. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • The City Hall Annex in Clarkston, Georgia. Photo: Macallan Construction
    The City Hall Annex in Clarkston, Georgia. Photo: Macallan Construction
  • The city is home to 60 nationalities, earning it the nickname of Little Ellis Island. Photo: Caroline Barber
    The city is home to 60 nationalities, earning it the nickname of Little Ellis Island. Photo: Caroline Barber
  • Let's Eat Asian Food in Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Let's Eat Asian Food in Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Kathmandu Kitchen and Grill in Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Kathmandu Kitchen and Grill in Clarkston. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Kathmandu Kitchen and Grill. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Kathmandu Kitchen and Grill. Holly Aguirre / The National
  • Deorali Grocery. Holly Aguirre / The National
    Deorali Grocery. Holly Aguirre / The National