Q.Is this Black Tar Lichen?
Ever since Atlanta’s worst rainy summer of 2013, this black gunky, tarry substance has been growing/spreading around my lawn. I live in a HOA property but they only mow the lawn and told me this would be my responsibility to fix. I know nothing about lawns and lawn care but I do know that I no longer walk along the side of my townhouse to avoid getting this gunk on my shoes.

I believe this to be lawn slime mold. More information on this can be found here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/black-substance-on-lawns.htm