1 - Game Changers Magazine Jul/Aug 2017
3 - Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017
PRESENTS
THE FIRST ANNUAL HOLIDAY
FUNDRAISER To benefit the homeless & less fortunate Location/Address: Merle Manders Conference Center (Lower Level) 111 Davis Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 Day/Date/Time: Saturday, December 9, 2017 ~ 6:00pm- 9:00pm
TTicket cost: $30/single adult or $50/couple (ticket sales end November 12th)
With each ticket purchased, your name is automatically entered into a drawing to win a prize. ***Must be present to win. Purchase tickets@
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FOOD~ FUN~ MUSIC~GAMES~PRIZES ~Ugliest & Tackiest Christmas Sweater Contest ~$1 Bingo Raffle Tickets ~Silent Auction
#teamdeucehands #uglychristmassweater Feel free to bring donations of toiletry items, socks, hats, and gloves. Make someone smile this holiday season. “DEUCE HANDS are Better than One.”
Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017 - 4
Steaven Misher: Atlanta’s Rising Prince of Poetry By: Kaliah Henton-Jones
When Steaven Misher speaks you get the sense that you need to pull up a chair and get real close because you don’t want to miss a word. He delivers phrases with the cadence of a melodic jazz band—too many pathways to keep up--- but every single sound blends perfectly into one harmonious masterpiece. Misher is unassuming, except for the fact that he is almost always in a suit and reliably ready to arrest your psyche with his words. He has been creating and sharing his poetry to anyone that will listen for more than two decades. But now, this self-professed Prince of Poetry wants to step outside of the shadows of the unknown and assume his place as the voice of a new generation of rhapsodists in Atlanta. Misher is a southern boy at heart and he exudes a charm and intellect that is a throwback to the Harlem Renaissance. He was born in Albany, Georgia but later moved to Washington, D.C. before serving a stint in the U.S. Military. Misher completed undergraduate work at Morehouse College, holds two Master’s degrees and is in the process of completing his PhD. He is also a well-respected teacher in the Atlanta school system. Yet, Misher feels like his educational accomplishments are not what qualifies his existence. He believes it’s his poetry. Misher 5 - Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017
recalled the day he knew he had a gift, “I recited a poem I wrote about raising black boys to a group of grown men inside a barbershop…when I got through there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. My words and delivery brought them to tears.” It was at that moment that he understood the power of his words. Misher has not looked back since. In 2010, Misher completed his first anthology of poetry, Eagles Fly Alone. It was a collection of inspirational works. It also contained his most recognized poem by the same name. In 2013, he released Healing in His Wings. It served as a tribute to people who inspired some of his earlier works. This year, Misher completed his third anthology, Heaven Has Windows. He calls it his best work yet. It came at a time when Misher says he faced, “Great personal difficulty.” He suffered through the death of his brother and then struggled with the dissolution of a marriage. “It was as if the walls were caving in on me and I had nowhere else to go but the pad and pen.” Misher says, “Heaven Has Windows was humbling and at the same time my most vulnerable piece of work. I had to take a close look at me to really find healing and hope.” Now Misher has turned another page in his story. He was recently selected as “2017’s Best Inspira-
tional Poet” through Georgia Artists & Neo Soul Poetry Awards (GANSPA). The poetry award has positioned Misher to a wider audience and has made his grind to produce and recite poetry even more intense. Misher writes poetry at alarming pace. First, he is inspired by a thought or idea then he isolates himself before fleshing out his message. That’s when the stanzas start flowing and the barbs from the rhythm and rhymes strike the listener’s ear like a sting ray. During a dinner meeting a few weeks back, Misher sat in a crowded noisy South Atlanta restaurant to have a business meeting about a television appearance he was scheduled to have later in the week. Conversation shifted to one of his early poems written in high school. Without missing a beat Misher reached back into his poetic vault and began to recite the 20-yearold poem. In the two to three minutes that followed time froze. Business associates around the table with Misher were immediately sucked into the vortex of his words. It had appeared that a slight hush fell over that section of the restaurant as he transformed himself into this brazen poet that had the cadence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the swagger of former President Barack Obama and
the poetic resilience of the rapper Common. Steaven Misher is the real deal. The poet, U.S. Veteran and educator is now working on plans to form his own non-profit. It will support causes that impacts the lives of the world’s most vulnerable…children. Misher is also working on a secret project that he says will make waves concerning some of Atlanta’s best poets. He is also committed to community causes. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County and the Henry County Branch of the NAACP. Later this month, Misher will be a featured performer at the Gospel Choice Awards on September 25th at the Georgia International Convention Center. Atlanta’s Rising Prince of Poetry says now is his time to make a difference. In the words of his hero and fellow Morehouse College alum Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.” Misher is claiming his seat at the podium to be the best poet Atlanta’s ever seen. Learn more about Steaven Misher Website: www.steavenmisher. com Twitter: @smisher73 Instagram: @Smisher73 YouTube: SteavenMisher
Why Buy Life Insurance NOW? Written by Kye Wilson When you think about buying life insurance, what are some of the common reasons that either you have said or heard others say why it is okay to wait and buy it later? I don’t have the time right now? I cannot afford it at this time? I don’t want to take a physical exam or answer any medical questions? I want to lose weight, get in shape, and stop smoking......... first? Yes there are many reasons that seem like they make sense to put off this dreaded task until later, but there are many better reasons to do it now.
be issued with ‘conditions’ or the worst case scenario is that an application is completely declined. This is the scenario that you absolutely want to avoid. Some declination factors cannot be changed or improved in the future to have your application accepted at a date. The one thing that is guaranteed when it comes to pricing life insurance at all companies, the price increases with your age. Looking at that factor alone, you will never get a better price then today. Unless you have a way to reverse your age, every year your age rate increases. Now to 1the next excuse and the most dreaded one, medical exams. In reality, if you shop around and look at various policies with the same or different companies, you will see that there are vastly varying requirements to purchase a policy. Some policies require extensive questioning and medical exams
down to policies that literally require only a few basic questions and your signature and payment. You are able to choose a policy that fits your comfortability level. With our company, if you do choose a policy that requires a physical exam, it can be done in privacy of your home or place of your choice at a time that fits your needs. All exams are conducted by a licensed nurse and you once completed you will receive a full comprehensive report of all of your exam and lab results for free. The exam alone is worth a few hundred dollars and we do it for free. The final reason that people tend to wait is so they can ‘just get @@@ in order before I apply for insurance.’ Waiting is not always necessary. Buying insurance today while you are a little overweight, or currently trying to quit smoking is not a permanent scar on your record. For many minor and some major
Let’s talk about those reasons. The first reason and the most important one in my opinion is that being offered the chance to purchase a life insurance policy IS NOT GUARANTEED. Companies are quite selective on what qualifications must be met before they will agree to offer you a policy underwritten with their company. People are often surprised when I explain that we have to apply to see if your current health condition or financial status will be acceptable to buy a policy. Typically your health status tends to decline as you grow older in Your child is driven to be the best on age. This means the field. But they need you to be the that the eligibility driver off the field. At American Family window becomes Insurance, we believe your dreams are the smaller and may most valuable things you will ever own. limit your policy And we’ll help you find just the right options and the insurance to protect them. cost to purchase the policy increases. A policy can also
health concerns, you can buy a policy immediately for a higher price and then after you have achieved your goal you can apply for a rate reconsideration. This means that you can provide medical proof from your doctor and/or complete an application amendment to have your rate changed to reflect your current health status. Doing it this way instead of the reverse mean that you will have coverage the entire time. Regardless if you ever obtain your goal. Because as stated earlier, we know your rate is going to increase with you age for sure. I hope this brief article gave you a little more insight on how life insurance works and why it is almost always better to buy now rather than wait until later. The truth is, when it comes down to an unfortunate and financially devastating loss of a loved one, spouse, parent or child, the surviving family never cares how much you weighed or exactly what date you purchased that now treasured and lifestyle saving life insurance policy.
Let’s talk today.
Kye Wilson Agency 1123 McDonough Place McDonough, GA 30253 (770) 284-2311 kwilso2@amfam.com
American Family Insurance, Mutual, Standard of OH and WI Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 and The General® | © 2016 012413– 7/16
Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017 - 6
T&N Bow Ties and Apparel: Where Style Meets Purpose Spotlighting Youth Entrepreneurship How is the business going? Treandos: The business is going well. We are selling bow ties to a lot of
by Shana Thornton T&N Bow Ties and Apparel is an online clothing boutique that specializes in trendy bow ties and neckties. The small online business was founded by 5-yearold Treandos and 2-year-old Noah Thornton. The brothers are passionate about professional attire that represents the essence of kids and adults everywhere. Dressing with confidence is at the
Henry County Alumnae Chapter (HCAC), in collaboration with the Zeta Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Clayton State University held their Second Annual Ex-Offender/Returning Citizen Job Fair on September 15th 2017. The program’s goal was to improve Criminal Justice reform, reduce recidivism and insure 7 - Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017
heart of the mission for the small people. online business. Check out this recent interview with co-founder Treandos Thornton. He shares his What do you like best about vision for the new upstart business. selling bow ties and neckties to people? Treandos: I like to talk to differWhy did you want to start this ent people about things. I enjoy business? telling people how the bow tie Treandos: I wanted to start my business because I wanted young or necktie would and old people alike to feel comfortable looking their best. This is look on them. important. They try the ties on Why bow ties and neckties? and often Treandos: Bow ties and ties are love them. really cool. They can make any I enjoy shirt look nice. We also sell neck scarves for ladies. We can't forget sharing my the ladies. Everyone likes to look business super nice. It makes you feel good cards with others too. about where you are going.
the event was a “one stop” shop for ex-offenders. Several employers and community partners participated in the job fair, allowing ex-offenders a chance to accomplish several things at one location (Clayton State University). Over 300 Ex-offenders attended and were given the opportunity to meet with employers, participate in
workshops, receive Free HIV Testing and register to vote. The attendees were given information on how to overcome the barriers they face in becoming productive members of society. Employers such as United Way, Staff Zone, Epic Roofing and Goodwill Industries interviewed 140 participants and offered training and employment to 53 ex-offenders. Community partners - including Georgia Department of Labor, Veterans Administration and The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - provided additional information pertaining to job training programs, housing and resources available to ex-offenders. The Georgia Justice Project conducted a seminar and provided literature to a filled classroom of ex-offenders relating to record expungement and changes to laws affecting their legal rights. Clayton State University Career Services offered workshops on
I keep my business cards on me. Who helps you with the business? Treandos: My mom, dad and brother are helpful. My younger brother gets excited when we sell bow ties. He's funny. He loves people. What do you want to do in the future when you grow up? Treandos: I really want to be heart doctor who sells bow ties to community members. I also want to be an artist who draws pictures for others. I really like art too. For more information, please visit www.tnbowties.com .
resume writing and interview skills and their Political Science School screened the documentary Released, with Q&A. Also a legal firm provided information on Child Support Assistance. The Streetz of Gentleman, a local non-profit organization, donated 30 business suits to outfit participants for job interviews and 70 ex-offenders registered to vote. The event was broadcasted live on two radio stations - 94.5 and 87.7. 93% of the ex-offenders rated the job fair good to excellent with the following comments: “Great job and money, I was hired on the spot.” “I really enjoyed the overall outcome of the job fair…lots of opportunities.” In light of the event’s continued success, HCAC has committed to making this an ongoing program in collaboration with Zeta Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Clayton State University.
The End of Alzheimer's Starts With You Written by Sylvia Dennis
This is the second year that the Walk to End Alzheimer's is being held in McDonough. This is a mini walk that spins off from the Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer's. I am the walk chair and the purpose of this walk is to bring awareness and to raise funds for Alzheimer's research and caregiver's support. Why we walk? An estimated 5.5 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2017. This number includes an estimated 5.3 million people age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals under age 65 who have younger - onset Alzheimer's. By 2025 - just eight year's from now - the number of age 65 and older with Alzheimer's dementia is estimated to reach
7.1 million - almost a 35 percent increase from the 5.3 million age 65 and older affected in 2017. Georgia ranks 4th in that increase in Alzheimer's by 2025. Every 66 seconds someone in the United States develops the disease. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Since 2000, deaths from heart disease have decreased by 14 percent, while deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased by 89%. Henry County Walk to End Alzheimer's is being held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Alexander Park, 300 Atlanta Street, McDonough, GA. Registration begins at 8:00am, Ceremony at 9:00am and the
walk begins at 9:30a.m.. It's a 5k Walk/Run. All walkers and runners are invited to participate. Anyone interested in the walk, please visit our website http://www.henrycountywalk2end alz.org/ or contact Sylvia Dennis-Wray at 404-919-3233. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Sylvia Dennis-Wray at 404-919-3233. Last year our walk raised approximately $7,000, we had approximately 18 teams and approximately 300 walkers. This year our goals are to raise approximately $100,000, to have 40 teams and to have 500 walkers. Some of our sponsors are: The City of McDonough, Edward Jones Investments, Autumn Leaves of Stockbridge, Eagles Landing Senior Living, A New Level Empowerment & Consulta-
tion, LLC, SDW Marketing Firm, Minute Man Press, McDonough and Hometown Magazine In addition to the walk this year, Henry County will be "Painting the Town Purple" in honor of World Alzheimer's Awareness Month and to raise funds. All cities in Henry County will do something purple the week of September 24 - September 30th. One of the things that we will do is display purple pinwheels all over the town. Pinwheels may be purchased at http:// www.henrycountywalk2 endalz.org/ for $1 each. All funds raised will be donated to our Henry County Walk to End Alzheimer's. The End of Alzheimer's Starts With You!!
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Putting an end to Racism and Social Injustice by Thomas White
Silence in the face of racism is participating in that racism. There is no other way around it. If you see blatant discrimination and oppression happening and you do not take steps to correct it, then you are complicit in that oppression. At some point, Americans must realize that hiding from a problem does not make the problem go away. I hear people talk about the resurgence of racism since the election of Donald Trump. The reality is that racism never went away. The racists were only quiet, biding their time until they could openly proclaim their true allegiance. The sad part of the story is that we knew they still existed. We heard racism roar as Tamir Rice took his last breath. We shouted and protested that roar. We raged against the complex that allowed an innocent child die so cruelly. We stood indignant against the tide of hate that threatened us. Two weeks later, the anger faded. Yes, beneath the surface, anger still boiled. Unfortunately, we had to get back to our everyday lives. Silence offered too much comfort. We did not want to be the only voice shouting. We preferred to live our fantasy, our illusion of peace and justice. We chose to ignore the problem. Now, we can no longer ignore the problem. White supremacy threatens to become mainstream. The racist movement is almost acceptable to some of the very
politicians that once condemned them. Where is that condemnation now? A few months ago, family and friends chose to distant themselves from me because I marched in the Atlanta March for Social Justice and Women. They claimed that protesting the system was un-American. Where are they now? Do they condemn those that protest for the side of hate? You and I both know the answer to that question. We need people to lead our charge. We need organizers to bring us together. We cannot go back to silence. I challenge every community leader, myself included, to go beyond the pulpit. On Sunday mornings, make sure that you are preaching about injustice. Make sure that you are showing your congregations a way to find hope and peace. Do not stop with the Sunday
morning pulpit! Go beyond the doors of your church or meeting hall. Go into the community and preach the message of change. One person cannot stand alone against the establishment, but that one person can organize others. We must march in numbers. We must rally against the hate. This cannot be just a moment in
time. This must be the shift in our reality that truly changes the game. Do not let the fire of revolution die. Light your fire now and contribute it to the flame of the masses. Alone, our fires may be small, but together, our flame of change can sweep the world. Silence is no longer acceptable.
Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017 - 10
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City of McDonough 4th Quarter Recap by Craig Elrod The last few months have been busy for the City of McDonough. In July Mayor and Council voted on and approved a budget for fiscal year 2017-2018, which runs from July 1, 2017 until June 30, 2018. The total budget for the City that includes all funds for FY 2017-2018 is currently set at $28,881,751, which represents an increase of 6.6% over the previous FY 16-17 amended budget of $27,091,368. The General Fund is the largest component of this total with expenditures of $16,167,305, an increase of 10% over the previous adopted amount of $14,645,750. Even with the budget increase, a millage rollback was approved by
Mayor and Council which lowers the property tax in the City of McDonough. New businesses continue to come to McDonough with Tru by Hilton, Taco Mac, Miyako Japanese Steak House, and Culver’s all opening in the South Point area recently. Jim ‘N Nick’s, Great American Cookie, Marble Slap, and Buffalo Wild Wings have also broken ground in South Point and will be opening soon. In our downtown we have two new businesses that are currently under construction and set to open during the first part of 2018. Story on the Square, which will be a bookstore and wine bar, is set to open at 19 Griffin Street. Joe’s Tex
Mex will be opening inside the old Chaffin building at 15 Griffin Street. Construction is also taking place at 32 Jonesboro Street. This building will become the new home for Veterans Support Group, which is dedicated to providing free assistance to Veterans of all branches of service. Parks new and old continued to be addressed over the past few months by the City. Big Spring Park once again benefited from private donations. Earlier in the year an all-inclusive playground equipment was donated to the park by Our World at Hope Park. In August Leadership Henry donated bathrooms to the park, which feature changing tables for adult special needs visitors. Avalon Park celebrated a ground breaking in September on the recently approved expansion which will include additional parking, green space, and a new splash pad. The new Jonesboro Road Park had its concept plan voted on and approved by Mayor and Council in September as well. A budget of $500k has been approved for this new park, with construction set to begin soon. In terms of new homes, the City has seen a major increase in building with new homes being built in existing developments and even a few all new developments being permitted inside the City limits. These new homes prove that McDonough continues to attract new residents. These new residents will soon be driving on new roads as well. GDOT recently started construction on the “one way pairs” project that will transform how traffic moves
through our downtown. This 30 month project includes a new roundabout on Jonesboro Road which will have a new entrance into Alexander Park West, and includes two lanes of one way traffic on both Jonesboro Street and Hampton Street. Thirteen new sidewalks inside the City limits have also recently been approved. This new sidewalk connectivity project is a SPLOST IV project and will be completed in phases, with the first phase set to start construction in late October. Looking forward the City will hold an election on November 7, 2017 for the Mayor position, District 1, District 2, and one of the At-Large council seats. The deadline to register is October 10, 2017 for the City election. Early voting starts October 16, 2017, and all voters will vote at 40 Atlanta St in downtown McDonough. As always I would like to invite everyone to attend one of our City Council meetings. All meetings are always open to the public, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate. All meeting dates and times can be found on the City website (www.McDonoughga.org), along with videos of previous meetings. It’s truly an honor to serve a City and its people that I genuinely love, thank you for allowing me to do so. Please contact me anytime at celrod@mcdonoughga.org if you ever have any questions and/or concerns I can help with. Take care, and God bless.
Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017 - 12
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My name is Annanethia Colzie-Hattney, but many know me as Peaches. I am truly a Georgia peach ‒ born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from high school, I was blessed to marry my husband Clayburn Hattney. Together we have two children, Keenard and Claysha. I am also the proud grandmother of a handsome young man, Keevon Hattney. I quickly landed a job in the financial services industry shortly after high school. From there, I moved into the insurance industry where I gained the knowledge and experience to open my own agency. I am now a successful Allstate agent of 11 years in Stockbridge, Georgia.
Helping people is a big reason I got into insurance. I get to help people protect what is most important in their lives, whether it is auto and home insurance or saving for college and retirement. Moreover, my understanding of the people in this community has been an important factor in providing the outstanding customer service local families have come to expect! I’d love to meet you and help you with coverage decisions that fits your life. I can also help you prepare a strategy to achieve your financial goals. My mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, assist in recovering from the unexpected and realize their dream! You are in Good Hands!
Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct - 14
CONNECTING HENRY’S GOT SWAG By Janice Jacoby
Where can you turn when you feel hopeless? What do you do when you have no idea where to go for help? Connecting Henry, a department of Henry County Government and a nonprofit organization that operates as the local branch of the Georgia Family Connection, is proud to be entering its 19th year of operations. Georgia Family Connection is the only statewide network in the country dedicated to the health and well-being of families and communities. Its mission is to identify and connect existing resources in the community by facilitating collaboration to strengthen families and children in Henry County. Connecting Henry is the gateway organization that brings community partners (non-profits and faith-based organizations, government and public agencies, businesses and civic organizations) and citizens together to collaborate and share resources with the community to advocate, educate, and assist one another. It envisions a community where collaborative partners work together to remove barriers in order to empower families to become stable and self-sufficient. Connecting Henry has a reputation for building strong relationships with community leaders, agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations to unite the community and strengthen families. Connecting Henry hosts a bi-monthly Collaborative meeting bringing together community partners to address issues within the county that affect us all. Topics discussed in past meetings have included homelessness, crime rates, school absentee rates, low reading level statistics, grant writing, marketing and more. The purpose of these meetings is to bring community groups together and to develop 15 - Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct 2017
solutions to enhance the quality of life in Henry County. All voices have an opportunity to be heard at the table, all viable ideas are considered, and everyone has the opportunity to participate. Connecting Henry fulfills many roles and is led by a dedicated and caring team of professionals who have made it their mission to connect and empower members of the community who are in need. Headed by Executive Director Susan Crumbley, Connecting Henry reaches out to a wide network of partners. Crumbley is assisted by a dynamic team which includes Program Director Barbara Coleman; Finance Manager and Grant Writer Janice Jacoby; Program Coordinator and Math Instructor James Williams; Intake Coordinator and Office Manager Cheryl Walker; Instructors Brenda Strickland and Taylor Welch; Career Advisor Gwen Crawford; Driver Roosevelt Dozier; and Mentor Chris
Smith. Connecting Henry is a beacon to many families in Henry County and, in many cases, a lifeline without which many citizens would feel hopeless. Through its Benevolence Network, Connecting Henry partners with local churches and the school system ensuring families do not fall through the cracks. The organization fields 300 - 400 calls each
month, routinely makes referrals to resources, and provides financial assistance to families in need. Connecting Henry, as the gateway organization to the Benevolent Network, is known for its due diligence in assisting families with the goal of providing long-term solutions, not just quick fixes. S.W.A.G. “Students Working to
achieve greatness” Program Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. Some curve balls can throw your whole game off if you don’t have a good support system in place. They can completely knock you out of the game for a while even if you have a support system. Young adults are not always mentally and emotionally prepared to handle some of the challenges life throws their way. They may become frustrated, discouraged, defeated, anxious, angry, or depressed. They can feel like they are in quicksand being dragged down. They can’t move. The more they struggle, the faster they sink. They have no idea where to go or what to do to get out of their situation. One of the more widely known programs of Connecting Henry is the S.W.A.G. Program, which is designed to assist young adults with the skills, resources and academics necessary to be successful in the workforce. The S.W.A.G. Program provides Life Skills Workshops, Career and Educational Support, Job Training and Counseling. A student can move through the program in as little as three months or take up to two years depending on his or her engagement and motivation to succeed. This past June, in front of a packed auditorium
of families and friends of the graduates, S.W.A.G. held a graduation ceremony honoring the 43 students who earned their GED Diploma and the 32 who participated in a Work Experience (WEx) internship. These are just a few stories of what is possible: stories of how impenetrable the human spirit is. They are stories about community, resilience in the face of adversity, and stories about life. Andy His life was never easy. He had huge responsibilities kids his age should never have to take on. He was forced to grow up long before he was ready to. After years of being a high school dropout and working dead-end jobs, he realized he wasn’t happy and knew he wanted more.
Andy, a tall, solemn young man in his early twenties, had dropped out of high school six years ago. He tells us, “Getting my education wasn’t very high on my list of priorities. Working was so much more interesting to me … I became comfortable with making minimum wage every other week. As time passed, I grew tired … not even doing something that made me happy.” While in the program, Andy was having problems with his vision. He wasn’t working, wasn’t earning any income, and needed to visit an eye doctor. Through funding received from a local foundation, Connecting Henry was able to send him to an eye doctor and later purchased the specialty lenses he needed. He earned his GED diploma in six months. Upon finishing his
diploma, he was employed in an 8-week paid WEx internship while he strategized his next move. Andy, described as quiet, persistent and eager became an electrical helper apprentice and now earns $14 an hour in a job he really enjoys. Disclaimer: At Connecting Henry we respect every student who comes to us for help – and many are working toward a fresh start in life. So while their stories are true, some participant names and images have been changed to protect their privacy. Thank you for understanding. Carol A girl whose beauty was obscured by timidity and sadness, was on a dark path to nowhere. She felt hopeless and lost in the maze her life had become. Carol easily captures your heart. She joined the program under the age of 18 after being out of school for two years. She said, “Bad decisions led me to this point.” When she went to S.W.A.G., she couldn’t make eye contact and barely spoke above a whisper. Her self-confidence was at an all-time low. Carol recalls, “I just wanted to give up.” With the encouragement and support of the S.W.A.G. staff, she earned her GED diploma in ten weeks and was employed in a 12-week paid WEx internship at Connecting Henry gaining valuable administrative experience and skills. Within the safety net provided by the staff, she began to extend herself and try new things. Carol Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct - 16
was terrified of driving, but she knew she needed to learn to move on with her life. Utilizing grant funding, Connecting Henry paid for Carol to take driving lessons with an instructor. The first time she took her driving exam, she failed. In the past, that failure would have crushed her, but with the supportive staff of Connecting Henry surrounding her and encouraging her, she resumed her lessons. The next time she passed with ease. Her excitement was palpable; her energy was unstoppable. She learned to fish; she learned to cook; she learned to drive a car; and she learned to smile. She blossomed. Carol is now working part-time, recently bought a car, and will be graduating from Medical Assistant training in October. A few months ago, Carol noticed her mother behaving strangely. Because of the medical training she received, she recognized the symptoms of a stroke and sought immediate medical attention. Carol’s quick thinking and prompt action saved her mother’s life. Gavin He had tried it his way, having
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fun, living life on his terms, working for pocket money digging ditches, and having employers take advantage. He hit rock bottom, and the only direction he could go was up. Gavin, an old-soul, was determined to succeed. Leaving traditional schooling more than five years ago after completing the 8th grade and not being successful in an alternative youth pro-
gram, he turned to Connecting Henry. He shared, “I just couldn’t get ahead without a diploma and without it, I got turned down for every job.” Through attending classes and receiving math tutoring regularly, Gavin earned his GED in four months. He recalls, “I chose the S.W.A.G. Program because I heard it’s the best. I needed something handson and good with tutoring and the program is free.” From day one of entering S.W.A.G.’s doors, Gavin knew he wanted to work in law enforcement. It was his dream. Working collaboratively with the Sheriff’s Department, an internship was arranged. Just three short weeks into his internship, the Sheriff’s Department offered him a full-time position. Dreams do come true. Gavin, along with other GED graduates will continue to receive guidance and support for 12 months in ‘follow up statuses.' Their stories and journeys are different, but what they all have in common is they are all high school dropouts, they all earned the GED diploma, and, they are writing new chapters in their own stories.
S.W.A.G. was their lifeline. Connecting Henry does not do all of this good work alone. Their tag line is #togetherwecanmakeadifference. They have a vast network of community partners to assist them in meeting the S.W.A.G. students’ and the community’s needs. For more information about the S.W.A.G. Program and how to enroll, become a WEx Business Partner, a Collaborative Partner, to make a donation, or to support Connecting Henry’s mission please call 770-288-6230, visit conectinghenry.org or check them out on Facebook. Connecting Henry is 100 percent grant, contribution, or in-kind support funded. The S.W.A.G. program is partially funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the generosity of other grantors and is administered by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct - 18
STREETZ OF GENTLEMEN GALA CELEBRATING YOUTH
staff@rustyoliverforcongress.com rustyoliverforcongress.com
RUSTY
F O R U. S. C O N G R E S S United States House of Representatives 3RD DISTRICT OF GEORGIA
PO BOX 352 FORTSON, GA 31808 706.442.5031
Written by Because We Care Henry The 3rd Annual Streetz of Gentlemen Black Tie Gala celebrated youth in the Henry County community. Streetz of Gentlemen founders, Andreal Mallard, Dr. Edward Womack, Nathaniel Joseph, and Jamal Burt showcased exceptional young men in the community who demonstrated the positive outcomes of the organization vision for educating, elevating, and eliminating stereotypes of young African-American young men through community service. The Streetz of Gentlemen team are on the ground daily
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in the community impacting lives and meeting young people where they are on their terms while mentoring the way to successful outcomes for young black men. The goal of the gala was to raise funds for a 15 passenger van to provide transportation to young men allowing them to access the groups education based program. Please consider donating to Streetz of Gentlemen assisting in such a worthy cause empowering young men!
RUSTY OLIVER
A VOICE FOR ALL IN THE THIRD DISTRICT. DEMOCRAT FOR CONGRESS WORKING FOR BIPARTISAN SOLUTIONS
1 Child, 1 Family, 1 Community at a Time:
Community Activist and Advocate Ms. Sarah Billups B y A s h o n t é Ly l e s
Although starting life under the suffocating oppression of the Jim Crow South, Ms. Sarah Billups was incredibly free. For most of her earliest years in her home town of Aliceville, Alabama along with her sister, Sarah grew to be a gifted, strongwilled, musically talented young woman. Living in her segregated community afforded her a level of protection and cultural education most do not experience today. While the outside greater community of Aliceville was a harsh reality filled with a complicated type of line walking, her inner African-American community fostered her self-esteem, demanded excellence, required a thirst for knowledge and taught her that she had only the limits her own mind conceived. Her childhood and adolescence was punctuated by the reality that the outside world did not see her in the same light. Sarah’s father passed when she was just four years old and she and her sister had an 18-year gap between themselves and her older brothers. Her mother worked tirelessly as a housekeeper and caretaker earning just $10 per week; in spite of this obvious struggle she provided a loving
and enriching home for Sarah and her siblings, giving them whatever they needed “somehow, by the grace of God”. She regularly brought home sweet treats for her girls and books which she’d often rescued from her employer’s trash. Sarah devoured these books and all educational opportunities even life’s harshest lessons. Sarah recalls “there were so many things that went into making us into the people we are” speaking of herself and her sister. She says though her mother had little formal education she was much smarter than herself and had she had similar opportunities “she would have been something!” On the rare occasion Sarah encountered White people while growing up it was usually an unpleasant experience. She recounted an incident when a crooked salesman talked her mother into purchasing something she couldn’t afford. When the man came to their home to collect the money owed, her mother wasn’t home, the man demanded of Sarah that her mother owed the money. Sarah defiantly snapped that her mother told him she could not afford it when he
gave it to her. Her mother came home in between jobs and when she learned of Sarah’s flippant attitude toward the man she became terribly frightened, she knew the man would come back looking to harm Sarah. Sarah’s mother assigned her own sister to stand guard outside the home and ordered Sarah to remain in doors no matter what she heard outside. Sure enough the man returned ready to hurt that “gal” who mouthed off to him, Sarah’s aunt just kept repeating that Sarah wasn’t home until the man grew frustrated and left, but not before hurling racial slurs and threats. These punctuations do not define the woman Sarah Billups has become. Where some may have been turned to hate in response to the treatment she and many
in her community experienced, Ms. Billups’ response has been academic excellence, compassion for others, and a passion for community activism. Sarah graduated from high school at the age of 16, soon after moving with her family to the borough of Long Island in New York City. The vibrancy of the city matched her own and she set to the path toward advocacy and activism. Sarah went on to receive her Associates of Applied Science from Suffolk County Community College in 1975, then her bachelor’s degree in social work at State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1977 and her last formal degree, Masters in Social Work at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY in 1983. While in college Sarah founded the Black United Students at Suffolk Communi-
communities first MLK Jr. program featuring singers, speeches, poetry etc. which packed the church consistently. Ms. Billups organized the first NAACP Prison Branch in the country, known as the Genesis Branch, at the Long Island Correctional Facility, which served as a model for other prison branches around the country.
ty and she was instrumental in bringing Jesse Jackson to speak at the school. Later she would work on Reverend Jackson’s presidential campaign. She also served on the National Council of Negro Women. Years after leaving a community program she’d ran; a young man received an award and was asked who was the most influential person in his life and he replied Ms. Sarah Billups. This
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is just one of the many accolades Sarah has received over her years serving the community first in New York and now in Atlanta South. Ms. Billups’ work as a youth mentor began in New York with the NAACP. Her mentor was Charles Gray the president of the NAACP for Islip, NY told her she had much more potential than she knew, soon she was involved in the NAACP organizing programs for the community at her church. Ms. Billups did the
She worked as a school social worker for Central Islip School in New York where she provided counseling and crisis intervention programs for high risk students, grades 9 through 12. She counseled youth and families on issues involving gangs, teenage pregnancy, youth violence, and substance abuse. Sarah also had a heart to care for the psychiatrically disabled, she did so as a psychiatric social worker for Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in Brentwood, NY. She sponsored the first major AIDS Symposium in the area under the National Association of Social Workers and Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Ms. Billups was active in the Public Employees Federation as a Political Action Liaison, and fought for jobs and employees’ rights and benefits around New York State. She was a member of the Central Islip School District’s Multi-Cultural Committee, and was the catalyst for the district’s “International Unity Day” in commemoration of the 9/11 attacks. The hundreds of young people who have benefitted from
Ms. Billups’ service have all gone on to successful lives, none falling prey to the ills of underprivileged communities. Sarah relocated to Georgia in 2008, and has been working with the Henry County NAACP as Chairperson of Religious Affairs for three years. She was appointed Community Coordinator for Henry County NAACP by Branch President, Mr. Eugene Edwards. She has done Black history lectures, sponsored the first Juneteenth program in Henry County, assisted with Black history programs in Stockbridge and McDonough, “I don’t care how much Black history you learn there is always more to learn” and she set out to learn more and then share that knowledge in her novel titled “Ephraim’s Journey: A Tale of the Underground Railroad” which Ms. Billups hopes to soon have published. I am excited to read it myself. Sarah says “no one teaches kids about the political process” so in a continued effort to do that she hopes to start the Shiloh Cultural Youth Academy in collaboration with Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough, GA where she will provide Civic and Cultural education and services. Ms. Sarah Billups is ever striving to improve the community and engage the youth in the shaping of their future, and we thank her for it.
As a math teacher, I’m responsible for ensuring that students learn and understand concepts that are specific to courses they are enrolled. I often move beyond the role of a traditional teacher and provide advice, counseling, and mentorship especially as it relates to the future of my students who are 14 to 15 years of age – if a freshman – and older. In my early years as a teacher, I often told students about the possibilities that exist beyond their school walls, neighborhood, community, the Atlanta metro area, and the state of Georgia. I would share with students my projections on schools they would like, schools they could be accepted at, and schools that would present them with inciting financial aid packages; however, I realized that students had no understanding of what school X, Y or Z was or had to offer because they were focused on their familiarity with schools within the state of Georgia. Many knew of other schools, but their knowledge of schools across the continental US was limited. I knew that I needed to ensure that students understood their options, not just because of the education they would receive, but also because of the variance that exists when considering contexts and geography. I then decided to plan the first of my annual college tour which I named the “Bridge2College Tour”. The first college tour travelled across Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. We visited 14 schools – a mix of public state, private,
Bridging the Experience to College Akhenaten Hotep Amun @ AchieveMeant Educational Solutions, LLC
and HBCUs. Students were excited about seeing schools they read about, saw on television or never knew existed. The students walked across campuses, visited dorms, classrooms, and spoke with students who were both our tour guides or who we crossed paths with. On our visit to Vanderbilt University, we meet with a student that graduated from Stockbridge High School the year before. During our lunch with Masiray, now a senior at Vanderbilt, I realized that the educational experience that best benefits students is one in which they can connect with others that they know…those they have social relationships with after “school is over”. When students got a chance to see someone they knew hundreds of miles away at college, they knew that they could do the same. I also realized the success of the tour when students understood the similarities, differences, pros and cons between campuses and their related contexts. After our first tour, the students decided that they wanted to travel to the northeast. The second year, we traveled up to Ohio and east towards Niagara Falls. From the falls, we traveled south along the east coast visiting a total of 15 schools. We also visited Cedar Point, Niagara Falls, Times Square in NYC, the national mall and capital in Washington D. C. We also visited three campuses with students from the first tour enrolled as freshmen – all 3 students were and are still on academic, full-
ride scholarships. The third year was a very different experience. Getting to Los Angeles, CA was going to be a challenge by bus, so we had to fly. Everything went smoothly! We traveled by bus from Los Angeles, CA up to Seattle, WA and saw a total of 16 schools last September. The big difference was touring schools that focus on the computer graphics, animation, special effects, and gaming industries like Gnomon in LA, the Academy of Art in San Francisco, and Digi-Pen up in Seattle. While out West, we also visited the Google and Apple Headquarters, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Red Woods National Park in Northern California. This tour was beyond special because many of the students were now seniors and travelled with me on all 3 tours. This was their last hay-ride and then they were set to ride off into the sunset until I planned a tour to visit them. The fourth tour will fly out to Tulsa, OK and visit 16 schools across Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. This tour, during the third week of September will visit the most number of HBCUs and schools that host college tour alumni. In case you were wondering, the tour for September 2018 is also already planned. Sign-ups will
begin at the end of September 2018. Although designed to fall during the September break for students in Henry County, we always have students from other districts travel with us without issue. The Bridge2College Tour, now referred to as B2C Tour, is the flagship service offered by AchieveMeant Educational Solutions. Additionally, I tutor students for classes and standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. I also provide consulting services for students, families, and schools interested in better preparing for the college application/admission and scholarship process. For more information, please contact me. My name is Hotep – short for Akhenaten Hotep Amun. My contact information is below. AchieveMeant Educational Solutions achievemeantes@gmail.com 678-902-1008 Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct - 22
Writers and Contributors Andreal Mallard Editor and Chief
Ashonte Lyles Community Advocate
Xavier Johnson Leadership Training and Business Coaching
Kaliah Henton-Jones Public Relations
Andre Allen Graphic Arts and Layout Design Janice Jacoby, Feature Story Writer Sylvia Dennis Marketing Expert Kye Wilson Business Owner Jamal Burt Education Builds Opportunity, EBO
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Shana Thornton Lets Talk America Radio Thoma White President of The Henry County Democrat Party Craig Elrod Business Owner/ City Councilman Elton Alexander Because We Care Henry Akhenaten Hotep Amun Educator
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Hidden Gem DuLac’s Bow Tie Chef Cafe McDonough, Georgia Written by Because We Care Henry
DuLac’s is Henry County’s upscale, hidden jewel option and alternative to heading north to the northern suburbs for upscale dining. Even rooftop dining can be added for special events like the Streetz of Gentlemen Black Tie Gala. Dulacs is located at 32 Macon Street McDonough, on the McDonough Square! For more information please see the article below and the DuLac’s ’s website at http://www.dulacsbowtiechefcafe.com : Bringing a modern flare from a traditional soul… only begins to tell the story of why DuLac’s is becoming the most sought after restaurant in the Historic Downtown District of McDonough, GA. You will find the delicacies of DuLac’s simmering away in a 100-year- old row building that was once home to The First National Bank of McDonough on Macon St (32 Macon St. McDonough Ga 30253). Follow our story to find the perfect recipe for
traditional southern favorites that tell a story of where the burning passion for the kitchen (no pun intended) began for Chef DuLac or as often called “The Bow Tie Chef.” “Although the location that is now making history as DuLac’s has been home to several unforgettable McDonough merchants, it was by no accident that we decided to make our lasting footprint in the sand,” said Chef and Owner Gregory DuLac. “Growing up in a traditional household you learn to appreciate the nostalgic charm of history and listen to what it has to say.” Chef Gregory aka The Bow Tie Chef, is a graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta where he received a degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management. Gregory could not stifle the desire to show others how he infused traditional dishes of his childhood with modern tech-
niques and flavors to create plates of perfection, so he embarked on his first business venture and started a Personal Chef service, The Bow Tie Chef! After several years of cooking for clients, special events, Atlanta celebrities and private parties it was time to put what was always admired as a strong last name to work. In 2015 DuLac’s Bow Tie Chef Cafe was a dream brought to life. DuLac’s, daily becoming a local favorite for its quaint yet classy, upscale, casual dining is just the spot that McDonough has been waiting for. From the fresh rotating greens, to the customer favorite, Cast Iron Treasure, and 4 Cheese Mac, a meal at DuLac’s will
never disappoint. Visit us today for our popular Brunch from 11a-2p or for Date Night style Dinner from 5p-9p. Game Changers Magazine Sep/Oct - 26
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