Sidney Marcus

(1928 - 1983)

Sidney Marcus was a legislator who advocated for progressive causes that helped shape the city of Atlanta. Governor Joe Frank Harris once said, “Sidney was the kind of fellow who had the unique ability to bring people together... and cause things to happen.”

Marcus represented Atlanta’s District 26 in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1968 to 1983. He was active on the Health and Ecology, Ways and Means, and Rules committees. He was most effective in sponsoring legislation affecting hospitals and medical care. Marcus served as chairman of the Fulton County house delegation for several years. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1981, defeated by Andrew Young. He is remembered for his work in the E&M family construction company, and for stopping the I-485 freeway that threatened to bisect numerous intown neighborhoods.

In honor of his work, Sidney Marcus Boulevard and Sidney Marcus Park on Cumberland Road are named for him, as well as the auditorium at the World Congress Center. A native of Chicago, he attended Atlanta public schools and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1948. In 1955, he graduated from Emory University School of Law. He married Charlotte Glyck, and they had three children: Robyn, Bradley, and Beth.