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Politics: The NEW Wave in Henry County, GA by Ariel Shaw, Vice Chair Henry County Democratic Party
There is a new wave in Henry County, GA. The tides have changed and there is a new group of enthusiastic, energetic and progressive individuals that are ready to take the lead. The Henry County Democratic Committee, a Committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia, has recently had two pace-setting County elections that have reformulated the political landscape in Henry County. Those recent elections include Henry County’s first African American District Attorney, Darius Pattillo, and the first African American Woman as District 2 Commissioner, Dee Clemmons. With these new County elections, the Henry County Democratic Committee also has a new executive board with fresh and progressive ideas to engage its citizens, get more Democrats elected, increase voter education and protection, and to ensure that the people have a voice. One of the many ways that we are engaging our base is a series of town halls that will be coming to the area. We have Politics After Dark on the third Thursday of each month at Savoy Bar and Grill on Hwy 138 in Stockbridge, where you can enjoy live music, food and be informed about the community that you call home; with an emphasis 3 - Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017
on networking with your community officials and elected representatives. Coffee and Canvass is held the third Saturday of each month, where we go into the community to meet and engage our neighbors. We also have a series of events to engage families as a whole, including the Henry Dems Ice Cream Social coming June 2017. Our general monthly and business meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Shiloh Baptist Church, in its education building, located at 262 Macon Street, McDonough GA 30253. We are looking at partnering with several community-based organizations to collectively make an impact. We understand that voting is a necessity and is a right that we must not take for granted. We have no time for apathy and must
re-energize our voter base. While all politics are local, we stand with the Democratic Party of Georgia and Resist the Trump Agenda, which aims to set us back 40 years. There are several municipal elections that are taking place, including Stockbridge City Council and Mayor, as well as McDonough Municipal Elections both taking place on November 7,2017. There are several state and county elections taking place in 2018. The Gubernatorial Election, to elect the next Governor takes pace on November 6, 2018. We ask that you, your neighbor, your family member, and your church member get involved. We ask that you ensure those that are legally able to vote are registered and we ask that you become the change
that you want to see. Join the new and effective wave in your county, Henry County, GA. Ariel Shaw, MBA is the 2nd Vice Chair of the Henry County Democratic Party, a Committee of the State Democratic Party of Georgia. She is a businesswoman, owner of a local small business, and is involved in several county initiatives that aim to increase economic growth and vitality, such as the One Henry Initiative, which is currently working on a business incubator. She is also the Parent Advocate of Henry County’s Get Georgia Reading, an initiative started by First Lady Sandra Deal, to ensure that all children are reading at grade level by 2020. Ariel is an avid believer that you can effect change, and getting involved is that key!
Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017 - 4
5 - Game Changers Magazine Jan/Feb 2017
FROM THE DESK OF
Craig M. Elrod A Recap of 2017
by Craig M. Elrod, McDonough City Council District III 2017 has already been a busy year for the City of McDonough's Mayor and City Council. During this busy first quarter of the year the City has opened up the new City of McDonough Courthouse, opened the new all inclusive Hope Park playground inside of Big Spring Park, approved the expansion of additional walking trails and community lawn to be located inside Alexander Park, approved the building of a
City museum (to be located inside the Polk Building), approved the expansion of Avalon Park, made significant progress on completing the Phillips Drive road improvement project, welcomed man new businesses, and installed free wifi that services the downtown square along with Rufus Stewart Park, Big Spring Park, Richard Craig Park, and Alexander Park. Steps were also taken to start the construction of a new
park on Jonesboro Road, however, the final concept plan has yet to be approved. As mentioned previously, the two newest additions to downtown McDonough or the new City Courthouse and the Hope Park playground at Big Spring Park. The Courthouse is a brand new, state of the art building which began having court in March and is located on Lawrenceville St. The Hope Park playground located at Big Spring Park is the first all inclusive playground in McDonough and is located on Veterans Drive. The Phillips Drive road improvement project is bringing side walks, new street lights, a storm water collection system, and wider lanes to Phillips Drive in order to make it a safer road to drive on, live on, and walk along. In January, Mayor and Council spent several days in Atlanta during the Georgia Municipality Association's annual Mayor's Day Conference and two days in Peachtree City for the annual Council retreat. This year the McDonough Youth Advisory Council also attended the Mayor's Day Conference, and represented McDonough proudly as they spoke to leaders from other cities across the state. Also in this first quarter of the year, Mayor and Council received the official audit for fiscal year 2016. The audit found that McDonough is in very good financial shape, with 57% of the total budget in savings. General fund revenues were approx-
imately $13.44 million, with expected expenses budgeted at about $14.1 million during the approval of the 2016 budget. Actual expenses totaled about $12.66 million, showing a savings of about $1.5 million from 2016. City staff members are currently building the fiscal year 2017 budget, which Mayor and Council will be reviewing and voting on in June. With that quick summary of the first few months of 2017 you can see that our City has a lot of ongoing projects, exciting plans for the future, and had a great fiscal year 2016 financially. Fiscal year 2017 looks to be another great year for McDonough, and I look forward to giving you another recap in the future. 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 it's people that I genuinely love, thank you for allowing me to do so. I'm positive that McDonough's future is as bright as ever, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for our great City. 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.
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"Mr. Baker is on the Move" Scott “Scottie B” Baker has an intriguing past. Born and raised in Lansing Michigan, early on Scott had an affinity for music, entertaining, and the stage. Dancing, listening, singing, and eventually performing took Scott on his beginning journey into the world we know as music, entertainment, and radio .New to Atlanta Georgia, Scott hit the ground running, working for Vision Incorporated as V.P. of Marketing and Promotions, and also working on his
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college radio station, WSTU 98.1 Clark Atlanta University, as a producer and personality on “The Lunch Party”. After building
Owner of Mr. Baker's Executive Grill
a firm reputation in the industry, Scott was able to anchor events locally with the likes of BET, MTV, and Vh1. From there Scott has gone on to work with WVEE V103, Hot 107.9, WCLK 91.9, and a host of other radio stations on various projects. Scott prides himself on his versatility and being able to cater his craft to any person, place, or thing. Wearing just about every hat from event coordinator to talent, he limits himself to nothing. Mr. Baker is currently
working on various projects such as “Baker’s Best” on Blog talk radio a premiere talk show where people get to hear the latest, and also be heard. He is also the current host for Centennial Olympic Parks “Wednesday Wind Down” concert series, and boasts a YouTube channel with over 100 shows like “Real Talk Sports”, and “Truth Be Told Pod”. Scott Baker is a pioneer, an innovator, who has not begun to scratch the surface on what he plans to bring to the game. Looking for that X-factor to take your event /show to the next level, LOOK NO FURTHER.
Speaking of Your Health by Shana Thornton
I can rattle off countless health statistics but I would rather speak to your heart about matters of health. Let's spotlight the part of our lives which really should be a top priority. Now you may argue that certainly other values have precedence in your life. I certainly have other priorities as well. Yet the notion of the chicken and the egg comes to my mind. Life is so precious and our health is certainly not guaranteed to be in check tomorrow. Without question, our health status has some significant impact on longevity. Now, it's not the only determinant in the picture but it plays a vital role. So, I dare ask an uncomfortable question. Why do some adults dismiss medical matters? There are definitely some valid reasons. Some individuals have shared with me that they have economical reasons and accessibility dynamics. These are completely understandable and unfortu-
nate concerns. I have also been told by some people that they don't have the time to stop for important medical appointments. I have been told by a few completely honest individuals that they were afraid to hear any potentially negative news about their physical health. We all want good health. No one looks forward to bad news. But a leading oncologist recently told me on air that ignoring the possible bad news doesn't erase it. It's a tough statement but a real one that hopefully will encourage us all to keep our preventative care appointments and even follow up with a medical call back. Some statistics can instill fear. I'd rather remind us all that we have loved ones who want to see us here as long as possible. I certainly acknowledge that we can do everything within our power and still face health challenges. Yet, I feel better knowing an attempt was made. After all, we owe it to the people who love us to give it our all. You matter. Live well! Shana Thornton is an award-winning digital journalist. Check out her news talk radio program at www.ltaradio.com.
URGENT CARE CENTER AND OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE ARRIVES IN NORTH HENRY COUNTY ELLENWOOD, May 3, 2017 — Fairview Urgent Care, a brand new 5,000 square foot facility, located at 4475 West Village Parkway, is set to open its doors to the public on Monday, May 8th at 10am., preceded by a public grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 6th, from 11am to 2pm. The Fairview Urgent Care Center will serve the Ellenwood area and Henry County with high-quality care for common illnesses and non-life-threatening injuries with walk-in, after-hours, and weekend availability. They will also soon offer TeleHealth, which allows patients to simply call or click to request a consultation with a licensed physician, who will provide a diagnosis and treatment recommendations, including prescriptions, if necessary. Focus Occupational Medicine is another service offered to employers and employees through Fairview Urgent Care. They offer occupational medical services that help businesses of all sizes to reduce injuries, lower costs, and promote a safe workplace. Drug and alcohol testing, DOT, pre-employment, annual, and exit physicals, as well as workers’ compensation initial and follow-up treatments are just a few of 9 - Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017
the many services offered by Focus Occupational Medicine. Both Fairview Urgent Care and Focus Occupational Medicine are the first anchor tenants in the new Fairview Corners planned, 30-acre development. The vision, according to Buffalo, New York-based Nidus Development, is to build and manage an upscale, mixed-use medical campus combined with a high-end, village concept retail complex. The centerpiece of the project—a major medical campus, featuring the Urgent Care Center, an ambulatory surgery center, and medical office buildings—will be a convenient, near-by destination for patients and their families from Henry County and the surrounding region, reducing the need to travel into Atlanta for many medical services. Fairview Corners is designed to fill a void for 500,000 medically underserved residents in a ten-mile radius, including North Henry, Clayton, Dekalb, and Rockdale Counties. A hotel is also part of the plan as is independent senior living, townhouses, and single-family homes. “The Fairview Corners Medical Campus will be the pinna-
cle intersection of quality healthcare, shopping and dining, resulting in a superior patient-and customer-centered experience,” said Nidus Development President and CEO Dr. Greg Daniel, MBA. “This innovative project will lead to the modernization of the Ellenwood region and transform the healthcare and retail environment.” Commissioner Bruce Holmes is committed to the economic development of
project is to transform Henry County from a medically underserved area to a health and wellness community. The project goes along with his vision to make the Fairview area a walkable, health and wellness community. “I'm happy that Nidus believed in my vision to redevelop this area into a health and wellness community,” said Commissioner Bruce Holmes. “This development will anchor this tri-county
Northern Henry County as it is one of the fastest growing segments in that county. Henry offers a high quality of life, low cost of living, revitalized easy access and proximity to downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, historical and cultural amenities, outdoor and recreational opportunities, and highly-ranked educational institutions. The goal of this $80 million
commercial corridor and will be a destination for quality medical care, retail and healthy living. “The road infrastructure has been improved and aligned with beautification and 8' multi-use paths, Holmes explained. “Village Park at North Henry located adjacent to this development has finally opened adding even more walkability to the area. Lastly, (continued, page 11)
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(continued, from page 9)
construction of the Anvil Block Rd realignment was recently approved by the Henry County Board of Commissioners. This new alignment will connect Anvil Block and Fairview road putting our health and wellness commercial corridor closer to I-675. I'm
proud of the work that has been done in North Henry County and look forward to the start of next phase of Nidus' development.� Upon completion, the Fairview Corners Medical Center is projected to employ over 1,300 people directly and indirectly, with an esti-
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mated economic impact of $185 million. About Nidus Development Nidus is the real estate developer of choice in the select markets we serve. Whether leasing, purchasing a parcel from our portfolio, entering into a buildto-suit agreement or seeking a partner to identify and develop a new project, Nidus has the experience, expertise and vision to meet custom needs. Nidus—a member of the Luthuli Group—began as a real estate holding company, managing The Exigence Group's medical-based real estate division, while seek-
ing development opportunities. Over the past six years, Nidus has evolved into a visionary full-service firm that provides value to business partners, patients and consumers by clustering complementary medical services with choice retail experiences. The Nidus portfolio consists of free-standing medical centers, Class A office space and large, mixed use medical and retail campuses. Nidus properties are strategically located in highly visible and desirable markets that are characterized by dense populations, affluent household income levels and high daily traffic counts.
Community Spotlight: A Woman of Faith Serving the Community Stockbridge Councilwoman Neat Robinson, a woman true to her faith, is a devoted mother and caregiver to her loving father. She has been a City of Stockbridge resident for 12 years and has been a pillar of strength in the Henry and Clayton County communities for 18 plus years. Councilwoman Robinson is currently a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church, and was also a long-time faithful member of Floyd Chapel Baptist Church, located in the City of Stockbridge. Councilwoman Robinson is currently employed within the Henry County Public School System, where she graciously serves Austin Road Middle School as a Certified Paraprofessional Teacher for In-School Suspension. She is a graduate of Morrow Senior High School in Morrow, Georgia. After graduation, she completed a certificate program for data entry at Data Entry Business Institute of Atlanta, Georgia- a subsidiary of Atlanta Area Tech. Her professional work experience includes serving DeKalb County for three years as a Correctional Officer, as well as serving over twenty years in Corporate America, gaining extensive expertise in Sales and Customer Service. Councilwoman Robinson is
a true community servant, spokesperson, and has been faithfully initiating and participating in a wide variety of community programs, including - Spearheaded Stockbridge’s first Youth Advisory Council
- 2016 Graduate of Atlanta Region Commission Community Planning Academy - 2016 Appointee to Henry County Strategic Planning Task Force - 2016 Appointee to Georgia Municipal Association
Federal Policy Council - 1st Annual Public Works Employee “Lunch in the Park” - Unity in the Community Exhibition Basketball Game - Unity in the Community-Making Stockbridge Beautiful Clergy Roundtable - Stockbridge Community Collaboration for Peace Forum - Women’s Health Talk - 2016 Housing Forum - Stockbridge Youth Forum - Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon - 2016 Winter Housing Forum Councilwoman Robinson’s love and commitment for the youth and her community is clearly shown by the work that she has accomplished. Her belief is “If not now, when? And if not me, who?” She also plans to continue establishing more initiatives throughout her tenure as Stockbridge City Councilwoman. Councilwoman Robinson believes that every community, especially the City of Stockbridge desires strong, professional, dedicated, compassionate, hardworking, and dependable leadership. For this reason, she has vowed to commit her life to the people and the community for future development and continuous growth, honored to serve the citizens of Stockbridge. Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017 - 12
Students at Walnut Creek Elementary Show Why They are Shining Stars
Streetz of Gentlemen recently visited Walnut Creek Elementary school. The students immediately attached themselves to the motivate message presented by the guys entitled “Don’t Give Up, Turn Up!” These students are standout because they competed in rap, dance
and basketball free throw shots contest in order to be featured as shining stars in this current issue of Game Changers: The Conscious Culture Magazine. Andreal Mallard, co-founder of SOG says “These kids have bright futures! They are highly motivated and goal oriented, these are the type
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of future leaders we need, those that have a voice, a passion, a drive to succeed! #EEEsUp” Special Thanks to all the teachers and consolers who welcomed Streetz of Gentlemen with open arms to
share key elements pertaining to career day. Jamal Burt also shared motivational nuggets to keep kids focused on higher levels of education. Thank you again and big ups to the shining star of the month!
Manhandled: Hidden Code Words That Impact Men and The People That Love Them by: Dr. Oliver T. Reid “Your Solution Coach”, international life, ministry and relationship coach, motivational speaker and multi-bestselling author.www.iamasolutionconsultingllc.com Many often ask who is Dr. Oliver T. Reid and the method behind his work as a motivational speaker and life coach. Some refer to me as” Your Solution Coach. I simply say, that I am a man that has discovered the answers to my problems I’ve faced the hard way. See I’ve learned that everything in my life is and was made of words. Every relationship I encountered were deeply embedded or rooted in word exchange. My latest book Manhandled: Hidden Code Words That Impact Men and The People That Love Them, delves into the fact there every man on earth has a set of codes. This book was written with women in mind. It is an in-depth look into how certain words we hear from our childhood as men influence how we relate to the people around us. Let’s address the Real Issues. Let’s Crack the Man-Code! Yes. I focused on the reality and some of my research was to see why most men will say what they don’t feel and feel what they don’t say. From when we’re kids, we're taught as men to sometimes suppress our
feelings. When you fall, they say, “Hey, suck it up! Get up! Be tough! Don’t cry!” It’s embedded into our social DNA, how to act and our etiquette even from childhood. And so, you find that man twenty years later, engaged in relationships, suppressing his feelings. I realized that those behaviors come from words. So basically, words carry codes that embed or impute certain things and can trigger up some on-and-off behaviors. Which kind of code words did I look at, how did I come with them, and how do they work? Code words always ran ramped in my communication and set up a broken stage that introduced my communication style. I found the same word issues prevalent in my life, were staring back at me when counseling other men. Being inspired by the multitude of men wrestling with the same communication issues, I came up with about eight code words and they all have the root word -man in them. Manipulation is one of them, I deal with Manslayer, Mantraps, Manifestation, Manufacture, Man -less, Man-
child and Many. I deal with just several words that come out of the word man. So, it’s good to use those words and talk about how the codes are hidden in them. For example, manifestation. It’s in every man, whether you're paraplegic or the most fit guy in the universe, you have the longing on the inside to manifest something. Every man wants to manifest something and gets frustrated if he cannot manifest. Who this book is directed to? Yes, I address ladies in this book. Am I talking to single women looking to settle down with a man or you're talking about how married women should relate with their men? The book is geared towards anyone who has every gotten lost in the maze of communication. Both (men and women) singled or married will benefit from reading Manhandled. The book is designed for the single woman that’s waiting and the married woman that’s trying to understand her man. It’s also written to the daughter that’s trying to understand her father. That’s why I named it ‘The People That Love Them’. Because it could be the daughter, it
could be the son that deals with the father, but it’s for the single woman, and it’s for the married woman. Certain chapters are dedicated to how to improve those relationships. Why did I delve into these issues? Yes. It’s from the standpoint of men being misunderstood. All the mistakes I’ve made - I went through a divorce - and just some mistakes I made in my first marriage and all the relationships before that. I even took things from my childhood, the rejection from my father, all those things were brought into the relationship. And a lot of times, the people that dealt with me didn’t understand that they were also dealing with the words that had been encoded from other relationships, from things from the past, from pain and rejection. So, the way I looked at certain words they communicated to me didn’t quite mirror everything, the intent of the person saying it to me. When they were saying certain things to me, they may be meaning for it to be one way, but my filter was looking at something in a different way based on my experiences. Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017 - 14
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History of Hip Hop The Beginning by Dr. Kelly Glow www.kellyglow.com Ask any rap fan from the Hip-Hop generation, born between 1968-1980, what is the birthplace of Hip Hop and you will probably hear them say that it started in Bronx, NY around 1973. The physical address, 1520 Sedgewick Avenue in the Bronx, to be exact, is the official location where legendary DJ Kool Herc would throw the first of many parties for his local community. Now, I agree that there was a rising youth culture developing in the streets of New York City during those times that would eventually become known to the masses as “Hip Hop”. However, I also believe that there are some strong cases to support the idea that the movement of Hip Hop was much broader beyond the Big Apple. First things first, many people often confuse Hip Hop culture with rap music and entertainment. When you first understand that Hip Hop is a lifestyle, a culture, and a state of
mind, then you can begin to acknowledge the existence of Hip Hop outside of New York City. Hip Hop arose out of the decline of the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, and the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s. The was a new generation of Black and Brown youth in the early 1970s, who were faced with dire social conditions such as: police brutality, violence, drugs, gangs, chronic joblessness, loss of affordable housing and community demolition. In the early 1970s, access to discos, dance studios, recording studios and music education programs were non-existent to inner city youth. Non-White ethnic groups such as Puerto Ricans, Jamaicans, Mexicans, and African-Americans began to band together around a certain unwritten, moral code based upon the common oppression that they shared.
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There is evidence of this movement of street youth culture across the Unites States. Aerosol and graffiti writing has been documented as early as 1960 in the streets of Philadelphia, PA. In 1969, author H. Rap Brown, talks about his experiences of “rapping” and “playing the dozens” on the streets of Baton Rouge, LA. The dance form, “Poppin”, originated in Fresno, CA. Another dance form, “Lockin”, was popularized by the group Electric Boogaloo in Los Angeles, CA. “Break Dancing” is attributed to groups such as The Rock Steady Crew in New York, NY. The movement existed
across the nation, but, Busy Bee Starski, DJ Hollywood, and Africa Bambaataa were the first to give it a name and actually coin the phrase “hip-hop”. Local disc jockeys such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Africa Bambaataa became notorious for having the best block parties around the Bronx. The parties drew in the best dance crews, the best artists, and the best rappers around town. Collectively, graffiti artists, deejays, break dancers, and rappers would make up the foundational elements of what we call “Hip Hop Culture” today. Those block parties, or “Jams” as they would call it, were a bold vision of Africa Bambaataa and The Zulu Nation, for people to come together in the name of Peace, Love, Unity and Having Fun. This would garner the attention of the media, who would produce news stories about this thing called “Hip Hop”, and the rest is history! So, in my opinion, Hip Hop was not created in the Bronx, but it definitely grew in the Bronx.
“An Afternoon At The Oscars”
“Fun Makers Factory Meets Robotics” The Tabernacle Of Praise Christian Academy will be having a Robotics Camp June 5th thru June 9th from 6:30am until 6:30pm. This will be a great way to keep your child or children engaged in the areas of Mathematics, Science, Reading, Writing and Christian Education. During the span of the week children will be engaged
in interactive Vacation Bible School Activities, Fun Makers Factory and tapping into the world of Robotics and coding all while gaining the opportunity to meet and learn from TOPCA own innovative teaching staff! Call the school for more information. The number is 770-626-4125.
What A Sight To Behold! On April 30th the students of Tabernacle Of Praise Christian Academy were honor for their outstanding achievements throughout the school year. The affair took place at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge, Georgia. The students and their families really enjoyed the affair!
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ANDREA BOYD
T H E
Kameelah: Andrea, I see you’ve worked with some creditable organizations.
L A D Y
Wr i t t e n b y K a m e e l a h M o n t g o m e r y
Kameelah: If someone asked, “Who is Andrea Boyd”, what would be your response? Andrea: A person of humble beginnings, who is now living the life she created for herself. I was a teen mom, college dropout, welfare recipient and divorcee. I turned all those things around to become the Founder and Managing Attorney of The Price Boyd Law Firm, LLC. Kameelah: When did you decide to practice law and do you feel you have accomplished all of your goals in that field? Andrea: I was born and raised in the inner city of Detroit, Michigan. I began my career in the legal industry in the late 80s. Despite a lack of mentors, unimaginable odds, disappointments and failures, I was determined to get my life on track, complete my undergraduate degree, graduate law school, and move up the corporate ladder to self-employment, creating my own successful law firm. Today I am an accomplished attorney, entrepreneur, author and speaker.
L A W
How did you build these relationships and keep them nurtured with the pressure of representing them as a personal attorney? Andrea: Prior to starting my own firm, I worked as a paralegal and an attorney at a large Atlanta law firm. My prior experience included counseling, protection, enforcement and litigation for leading companies in the apparel, food, healthcare, technology and non-profit industries. I started The Price Boyd Law Firm with substantial experience, professional relationships which I nurtured over many years, the trust of my colleagues and friends, as well as significant community relationships. My clients
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know that they can depend on me for legal advice and to aggressively advocate on their behalf. Kameelah: I was informed, this past winter you worked with the Angel Tree Program. How do you feel about leadership and the importance of displaying it even when no pay is involved? Andrea: I have a saying, “Everything is not about a dollar. If you do what you love, the blessings will follow.” I believe in that statement with all my heart. Taking a leadership role in serving the community is the responsibility of all of us. Angel Tree is a Prison Fellowship Ministry, which is a part of my church family, Tabernacle of Praise.
In 2016, we had over 100 volunteers, collected over 1,000 gifts, and were able to touch the lives of over 50 families. Kameelah: I understand you have a heart for teen Moms, women returning to college and women who are “reinventing” themselves. Can you tell us about it? Andrea: Having been a teen Mom, but overcoming that and many other obstacles, I draw upon my business acumen, personal wisdom and powerful experiences to encourage teen Moms and women who may have experienced setbacks in life to pursue their passion, purpose and promise and to rationalize and realize the
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change they need to effect in their work and their lives in order to fulfill their goals. I am a mentor for at-risk youth. I have delivered powerful messages to thousands of people all over the United States, including entrepreneurs, legal professionals, churches and women’s groups. Kameelah: Your office has been very successful at helping Fathers obtain rights. How awesome is that?!? What made you focus on Fathers especially when the odds are stacked against them in the courtroom? Andrea: The Price Boyd Law Firm advocates on behalf of Mothers and Fathers based on what is right and in the best interest of children. We have, however, experienced an influx of men who are having issues with establishing meaningful relationships with their children or child
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support, and do not know their rights. Many Fathers believe the odds are stacked against them and they don’t seek to establish or exercise their right to participate in their children’s lives. Based on the needs of our community, we have created a division of our Family Law group that is dedicated solely to Fathers’ Rights. We host free webinars and workshops to educate them. We provide affordable fees and payment plans to our clients so that money is not a hindrance to building strong Father/ child relationships. We truly believe that children need both parents. In addition, our clients have various familial backgrounds. All of the fathers we work with have experienced some form of a broken relationship (i.e., divorce, break-up, etc.) or breakdown in communication with the mothers of their children. As a result, some mothers refuse to reasonably communicate, co-parent and they even go as far as alienating the children from their fathers. It is our goal to advocate for our client in obtaining an Order from the Court that reflects what is fair and in the best
interest of the children. Kameelah: What advice would you give fathers that don’t know where to start? Andrea: If you are not married to the mother of your child, you have no legal rights until you obtain an order legitimating the child. A legal action establishing fathers rights is called "legitimation." This legitimation process is necessary to establish custody and visitation rights when the parents are unmarried, even if the Father is named on the birth certificate. In addition to creating a legal father-child relationship, an order of legitimation gives the child the right to inherit under Georgia law just as though the parents were married when the child
was born. If you have a child born out of wedlock, I would advise you to legitimate the child immediately. Paying child support does not establish legitimation and does not guarantee visitation. It is important for Fathers to engage the help of an attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable in handling such issues. Kameelah: Tell us about your team at the The Price Boyd Law Firm. Andrea: The Price Boyd Law Firm is a boutique law firm located at 809 Pavilion Court, in McDonough, Georgia. I am the Founder and Managing Attorney. Charles Singleton serves as Senior Counsel and Marlon Brammer serves as a part-
time Staff Attorney. Amanda Everette joined our firm as a Paralegal and Nierra Smith is our Legal Assistant. We have a family environment and truly work as a team to service our clients. I would also like to note, our office is a general practice firm. My primarily focus is on family law, business law and personal injury. Charles Singleton practices in the areas of bankruptcy, probate and family law. Marlon Brammer provides support in various practice areas.
Downing, age 29. Anthony Downing, age 27 and Kameelah: Every business Shayna Downing, age 17. I owner has a breaking am also the glam-Mother of point where they feel like an awesome glam-daughter, giving up, what is it that Bailey Grace Glass, age 3. I keeps you going? am not married yet, but I Andrea: When I feel like am in a meaningful relagiving up, I remember the tionship. I live a balanced reason I do what I do and life which starts with God, the motto of the firm: Pasfamily and work. sion – Purpose – Promise. I Kameelah: How do you love the law and aggressive- balance being a business ly advocate for my clients. owner and creating time This is my passion. I was for yourself? born to be an attorney and Andrea: I believe that every to be an agent of change. business owner should set This is my purpose. I made his or her own personal a covenant with God that mission statement, somefailure is not an option and thing that serves as a conto step out on faith. God stant reminder about your has honored my walk of purpose for becoming faith. This is my promise. a business owner. My When I feel like giving up, personal mission stateI stand on my passion, pur- ment is to pursue my pose and promise. passion, purpose and promise while living a Kameelah: Andrea, it’s balanced life, being a already been established leader in my commuthat you are a pretty busy nity, and using my gifts lady. Do you enjoy a family to make a significant life, and if so, tell us about difference. In order to them? achieve my mission of Andrea: I have three beauliving a balanced life, I tiful children. Shanthony plan for “me” time. Just
as I schedule client meetings, I also schedule dates with family and friends, movie night with the family, girls’ day at the spa, etc. I also enjoy working out at the gym or walking to destress after work. Kameelah: What are some issues you feel plague our community? Where do you feel changes need to be made? Andrea: Our community needs more business owners to provide internships and apprenticeships for our youth. While we want to encourage all children to at-
tend college, there are some youth that will not. If we, as business owners, expose our high school-age youth to various career paths, provide professional guidance and mentorship, I believe the result will be a positive impact on the community at large. Please note the following contact information if you would like to learn more about Andrea Boyd and her law firm. www.priceboydlaw.com Facebook: www.facebook. com/ thepriceboydlawfirm IG: @Lawlady2013
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SINGLENESS
Gloom or Glory?
For many singles today, the season of singleness can be filled with many distractions, bad dates, lonely nights, day dreams (of finally finding the one), unfulfilled promises, an overall lack of focus and so much more. Consequently, many view this season of life with less optimism than other seasons; thinking that life without a mate is somehow incomplete. May I suggest to you that maybe, just maybe, the real
issue has more to do with perception than anything else. Rest assure, life's ups and downs will find you whether you're single, married, engaged, in a relationship, it's complicated or flat out not interested! And sure, having someone to build and enjoy life with is an incredibly awesome thing: but hear me when I say this, being alone has it's privileges!! In fact, my experience and exposure has
shown me that the people who are the happiest and most successful during their season of singleness, are the happiest and most successful in their marriages. Singleness is a time where you and I can become more self aware, dive deeper into the pursuit of our destiny, discover more about who God has created us to be AND what people and things best compliment that. While I truly believe that there are some things about you and I that will only be exposed within the confines of a relational context; I also believe that this exposure is only valuable to those who have done their due diligence while alone and can view it through the lense of personal growth. "Your response is your responsibility." Being single can either work for you or against you, depending on how you interact with it. In other words, how you respond to the disappointments and distractions particular to being single
can not only affect you in this season, but it can determine the duration of the season as well! So I ask you, is being single really as glommy as we make it seem at times, or is that just how we've chosen to see it? The truth is family, that God desires to get just as much glory out of our lives while we're single as He does any other season of our lives. Being single is a season to celebrate; a time to position ourselves to absorb all of the goodness of God specific to this season. Honestly, it's the work we allow Him to do in and through us during this season that will give you and I the capacity to love our future spouse as He loves us - deeply and sacrificially! So, I challenge you to take an introspective look at your responses to life during this season of singleness. Then ask yourself, are my repsonses a reflection of an attitude of gloom or of one that glorifies God? Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017 - 22
Andreal Mallard Editor & Chief Andre Allen Layout & Graphic Designer Xavier Johnson Leadership ad Business Coach Contributing Writers Kameelah Montgomery Feature Story Ariel Shaw Vice President of Henry County GA Democratic Party Dr. Edward Womack of We Rise Media
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Jamal Burt CEO of Education Builds Opportunity Shana Thornton of Let's Talk America Radio Dr. Oliver T. Reid Relationship Coach Dr. Kelly Glow Hip Hop Philanthropist Rodney Gray Author/Speaker Tanya Barnett Wife Coach Tray Kearney Author/speaker/Coach
Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017 - 24
Tanya Barnett
the "Real" Wife Coach Tanya Barnett is the "Real" Wife Coach as well as a relationship and an empowerment speaker. She is the author of Being a Wife Just Got Real: Things I Wish I Knew, Before I Said, I Do". She founded the Real Wife Movement™, where she equips single and married women with tools to create healthy relationships, marriages and families. Tanya is an US Air Force veteran and the founder of Forever Free Books, which is a mobile literacy nonprofit. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Social Science from University of Maryland, University College. She is a marathoner, triathlete and an avid book reader. She and her husband Don have been married 17 years and have 3 awesome kids. Please describe your leadership style I like to lead with my team assisting with some of the decision making. When everyone feels like they are a part of something, they are more willing to give their best. I also believe in thanking people publically. In today’s world,
some people just need to be acknowledged or praised for their efforts. Too often we point out the negative. I choose to do the opposite. Finish the sentence, teamwork is important because … Teamwork is important because one person cannot effectively do everything. Personally, I would go crazy trying to do everything. I opted to hire a virtual assistant who is amazing. We work well together and she likes to see how the finished product is changing the lives of the women we serve. Since she feels like she adds value, she gives The Real Wife Movement™ her best work. This also frees me up to work on other aspects of our movement. What social media platforms do you engage in the most? I’m a Twitter and Facebook chick. I use Instagram but not as much as I would like to. I tried Snapchat but I just can’t wrap my brain around it. What professional organizations do you support? I am a member of and support The BOSS Network, Women Veterans Interactive,
The National Association of Professional Women, NAACP, Congressional Black Caucus, etc. I am also an adult Girl Scout and have been for a long time. Describe your networking style? I am the one who asks women what their story is. Since I love to hear about what other women are doing, I am usually the one who is listening to other women’s stories. Once they find out that I am a relationship coach, it turns into
a mini coaching session no matter where I am. Name three business leaders who inspire you. Maggie Lena Walker was the first female bank president of any race to charter a bank in the United States. Oprah Winfrey Cathy Hughes A favorite quote that motivates you? My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. ~Maya Angelou -Twitter handle @RealWifeCoach
Rising Middle School Spotlight on
Marlon Miller, Jr.
Marlon Miller Jr. is a 5th grader at East Lake Elementary School in McDonough Ga. He is a model student and leader, always setting an example for the younger students as well as his fellow classmates. As a kindergartener, he won the Poetry Recitation Competition school wide and went on to represent his school in the regional competition. He has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll throughout his tenure at East Lake Elementary. He is also constantly recognized for outstanding citizenship, responsibility, and behavior. From 2015-16, his art work was selected and show cased in the Superintendent’s Art gallery in
the Henry County Board of Education building. In 2017, he was invited and inducted into the National Junior Beta Club. Though Marlon has high academics and is very artistic, his true passion is playing soccer. He has been playing since he was 3 years old and is sometimes referred to as the young Pele’ of his generation… constantly recognized for his speed on the soccer field. Marlon is a rising middle school student and will attend Union Grove Middle School in the Fall where he will uphold his impeccable character and continue to strive for high academic achievement.
DISCLAIMER
The articles and thoughts expressed in this publication are the sole opinions of the individual author or group that expresses them and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication. By all means, we welcome comments from out readers,. To send material to be included in this publication,
email us at streetzofgentlemen@gmail.com Be sure to include a name and area of residence. Please not, we maintain the right to edit for brevity and clarity. All submitted articles become property of GameChangers Magazine and may be used by us at any time and by any of our affiliates.
Game Changers Magazine May/Jun 2017 - 26
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Game Changers Magazine Nov/Dec 2016 - 28
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Infidelity The Big Pink Elephant Woman on Woman crime. The silent family exterminator. The silent epidemic. Infidelity the big pink elephant in the room that everyone is walking around.
Why have we decided to be silent about the number one killer of a woman's self esteem, drive, spirit and family? Is it because WOMEN are the problem?? Have you ever watched a woman go through the devastating affects of infidelity. I have!!!! ME!!!!!! It's like a spiritual disease killing her from the inside out. She can't eat. She can't sleep. She can't even think. Let's not leave out the constant worrying along with the bickering, begging and covering up. Who wants their family and friends to know that the fairy
tale has become a nightmare!!!! The shame and embarrassment puts her in her own private prison. A slow silent death of her spirit. Nothing is a bigger distraction to a woman than the other woman. We run around blaming men. Saying men are no good and all men are dogs. The problem is who are they being dogs with and who's raising these dogs??? Exactly one of us!!!!! Another woman!!!!!!!! When did it become fashionable to be the other woman?? When did it become ok to sleep with someone else's man? How did we become the prey of a predator with the same face. Why are we choosing to consciously destroy another woman's family and feel comfortable saying, "it's not my problem, he's the married one, NOT ME." That still makes you a homewrecker!! Infidelity changes the course of so many lives. It changes a child's destiny. It changes the way a young girl will look at a man when she becomes a woman. It will affect her ability to choose effectively. It will be a major influence on what she thinks a man should be. How do you think she will choose a decent man if she saw her daddy cheat? To a little girl, a father is the first man she will love. He's the
first man she thinks is everything. He's the man she will model her choices after when she chooses a man. How will she know what a red flag is when all she's experienced were red flags that her dad taught her were normal. How is she supposed to spot disrespect when all she's seen is disrespect for her mother? Our children are growing up in a society where women are no longer concerned about morals, values or dignity. Not because they don't care, they just don't know any better because for years infidelity has been the big pink elephant in the room. Ladies, we are a major factor in a young girl's or boy's life. If you come in to their life by way of the other woman, the lesson you're teaching is that it's ok to be second. It's ok to share a man. It's ok to disrupt a household. It's ok to abuse another woman as long as you get the man. What about our sons?? They go out into the world as wrecking-balls to women. Daddy left mommy for another woman, so why should I even get married? I can just be a baby daddy. You got the man, but left his son to be the man of a house before he's even been taught to be a man period. Now the cycle will continue. He will grow up lying, cheating and leaving all because we as women could not say no to another woman's husband. It's so much deeper than the fact that you got the man.
The destruction you left behind will last for generations. Ladies we have to open our eyes to this horrible epidemic and do better. It's not going to change until we change it!!!!!!! Cheating is a form of abuse and if you are knowingly sleeping with someone else's husband, boyfriend or fiancĂŠ you are an abuser. You think you're not accountable for the mess, but you are. You are just as much of the problem as the man; maybe even more. Not caring is not even supposed to be in our DNA as a woman. We have the power to change the world by simply honoring, guarding and respecting each other's RELATIONSHIPS!!!!!!! By just not sleeping with someone else's man. Are we going to keep passing the buck, or are we going to come together in love? Love for each other. Love for the children and most importantly love for ourselves. Ladies, why will men change if we are rewarding their bad behavior by giving them options and fighting each other? Why will they change if WE allow them to have their cake and eat it too? Why would they respect us if we don't even respect each other or ourselves? Women we are our own worst nightmare. Exterminating our own families. Infidelity is a disease and women are the antidote. When will we administer the cure? No more blame game it's time for a major change and the name of the game is ACCOUNTABILITY!!!
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McDonough City Councilman Rufus Stewart Brings Quality of Life to the Community
By Andreal Mallard If you drive down Phillips Drive or just decide to take a walk, you will see that providing up standard quality of Life is the single most important thing to Councilman Rufus Stewart. Mr. Stewart has served his community for over 25 years and has made himself available to the people he serves consistently. After fighting vigorously for a Communi-
ty Block Grant, the city of McDonough has not only re-paved the streets but put new sidewalks in place to give the citizens a sense of upscale living. Along with SPLOAST dollars and city funds, Mr. Stewart has led the charge to make his community great again. Mr. Stewart states “This is only the beginning, we are going to help citizens remodel homes, upgrade our park
equipment and create an environment that is safe and family friendly. “ “We want businesses that are in this area or plan on coming to this area to thrive and it starts with vision and leadership!” says Councilman Stewart. Throughout the summer, Councilman Stewart provides summer camps for kids and resources to keep young people positive. He is constantly giving back through many programs he has established for the community. New street lights and mailboxes were also
added to the project of the Community Block Grant and SPLOST funds making it safer to walk the street and easier access of communication thru mail for the citizens. Thank you Mr. Stewart for you hard work and dedication. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Mr. Stewart via phone at (678)618-7754 for community relation matters.
by Dr. Edward Womack Have you allowed people, places or things to drive what is supposedly your Destiny or expected outcome in life? Have you allowed others to treat you any way they want to? How does that make you feel? If we’re honest with ourselves, we know it robs us of true joy, fulfillment and happiness. The undisputable reality is while we may have encountered some impressions of what our destiny may be, we also should understand it won't materialize without some great demands. We should intentionally pursue what we desire to become our reality. We have the right and the responsibility to Demand our Destiny. We can encounter and/or create new and improved opportunities every day. These opportunities that present themselves may try and disguise themselves as our destiny. Just because it’s easy, just because it comes into our environment, doesn't mean it's necessary for us or will add to the fulfillment of our destiny. Therefore, we must become fully aware of what is required to achieve our destiny and check to make sure that we are plotting the course and committed to persist until we achieve that destiny with each one of us. While some of us may have encountered feedback, suggestions, accusations and maybe even mistreatment for the things we aspire to create, execute or use to serve others with to make a positive impact on the society of those we
love and serve. Our time is NOW and we must begin to Demand Our Destiny. WE must understand why we are here. Upon doing so we must understand why we must demand more of ourselves than we demand of others. If we can't or won't develop a clear vision of exactly what we should represent as our Destiny, chances are we will never receive or achieve it. There are core values and morals that guide us. These core values lead us to our destiny. If we are unclear or murky as to what these values are, what our specific morals are, chances are we will not make the type of demands that lead us to our destiny. While this may sound easy to some of us, in all truth, demands will be made upon us that may not understand, control or enjoy. We must stand fast to the principles which create our core values. This necessity for clarity demands that you know exactly, what those unique guiding principles and values are for each of us. To be unclear or have a cloudy understanding of what our core values are will lead to indecision, frustration, and eventual destruction. At this point, we must take an introspection and look within and decide what we believe in and stand for it. Once clarity of Des-
tiny and purpose aka “The Why” has been established, then it becomes easier to make demands of ourselves and those around us, to lead us to our ultimate destiny which may not be easy to achieve, but most certainly worth the journey to get there. What we demand of ourselves and others may require a makeover of those we engage, entertain and consult. When we surround ourselves with people that are not committed to their core values, you will find they have a microscopic interest in yours. In fact, they may be secretly driven by sources and forces that are diametrically opposed to your vision. In order for us to evolve and grow into our destiny, we must insist that those in our circle of influence are congruent with that ultimate vision and destiny. The closer and nearer we approach our true destiny the more defined it becomes. What we are affected by and impacted by is what will determine what our destiny becomes. That means our core values that affect us and our morals that impact us must be consistent with what we have accepted as the direction of our destiny. As you Demand your Destiny, you must realize that there will be peaks and valleys. When you’ve been to the bottom there
is no place to go but up. And when you're at the bottom, if you land on your back, you can look up and if you can look up, you can get up. One key to Demand your Destiny, is to no longer surround yourself with negative people. Instead, we must begin to surround ourselves with people who believe in our purpose and are willing to work toward manifesting it. That includes inspiring, positive thought leaders that are engaging in activities that are propelling us toward our destiny and helping us to achieve theirs as well. Destiny is a place where you were born to be. It is a place that once you arrive you will be ordained, anointed and appointed to be there. Your presence there would not only bless and empower you but will share the same value to those around you. It is paramount that you not only demand your destiny, but you do well in that destiny. When you finally reach your true destiny, you will positively impact the lives of those in your family and those in your community who may depend on it. For you to reach your destined promise, your destined purpose, you must begin walking and working on purpose and when you walk in purpose, your Destiny will have been revealed.