Letter from the Publisher Greeting Athenians and Readers,
What a year 2020 has turned out to be so far. There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on our city/country. I've watched many small businesses close their doors and heard the pleas of those who now can’t afford a roof over their heads. But even in the midst of this storm of chaos, there is still an opportunity for structure and growth for all. I’ve seen people start new businesses and others plant a garden in their backyards. As COVID19 continues to destabilize our current lifestyles, it is in some ways building a foundation for new ones. Growth doesn't come without discipline and appreciation! Appreciation can change your whole outlook on life, and you don't have to acquire it alone. Earlier this year, in March, we were on track to release an issue on public housing and home ownership in Athens, GA, but COVID-19 struck and we had to adjust how Highlight Magazine would address issues facing our community. "A Black Plague? What does COVID-19 Mean for Us?" offers appreciation for those guiding our community through the COVID-19 pandemic as it continues to plague African Americans at a disproportionately high rate. The individuals interviewed are a part of organizations and institutions that most impact us during these difficult times. Thus, I congratulate every single one of them for their service in this battle. I’d like to personally thank all healthcare workers for stepping up to serve given the risk of being exposed to the novel coronavirus. After all, they have done so in a society where some only pretend to acknowledge COVID-19 while remaining committed to preserving the economic structure at all costs. These individuals are some of the greatest problem solvers of our time.
Troy Copeland sets the tone in a deep discussion titled "Love in a Time of COVID" on the black communities’ experiences of COVID-19. Rick Dunn's "In School or Out of School?" shares the reality Athens students face as they prepare for virtual learning. We've also dedicated a section of Highlight for the youth in our community that want to voice their opinions on our platform. This issue's submission is a winner of the Chess & Community Writing Scholarship. The poem is about community stewardship and written by Ndeye Amy Sarr. With cases of COVID-19 on the rise, Athens has encountered days that some of us were never prepared for, nor ever expected. Store owners are cutting hours and workers while schools have transitioned to online instruction. In these hard times, Highlight Magazine has an even greater responsibility to keep the community connected and informed. We are committed to citizens knowing that they are not alone and that there is information and resources available that can help them adjust. In closing, representation matters. Seeing yourself, your experience, and your people's experiences acknowledged in places and positions the community values most is critical to meaningful civic engagement. It inspires the next generation, providing a greater sense of the possible in an ever more inclusive vision of our shared future. We need more individuals who know what public health for children of historically oppressed minorities. It has been reassuring to meet these individuals and witness their authority as they keep our community safe. I hope you, the reader, enjoy. Thank you, Ron Lamon Carson Jr. HIGHLIGHT
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Highli Hi ghlight ght Mag Ma gazine Owner/Publisher Ron Lamon Carson Jr Copy Editor Troy Copeland
CONTENTS Letter from 1 the publisher Patrick Davenport 2 Montez Carter 4 Dr. Cshanyse allen 6 Mumbi anderson 8 Taylor pass 10 Ovita Thornton 12 Lawrence Harris 16 Diane Dunston, md 18 Love in a time 20 of covid : Troy Copeland Around town 24
Voice of the Youth! 26 Ndeye Amy Sarr Letter to the pub- 27 lisher Rick Dunn business directory 29 All CDC Guidelines followed. www.highlightathensga.com
Patrick Davenport
District 1 Commissioner for the athens-Clarke unified Govt.
Tell us what being from East Athens means to you? the future of unlimited possibilities. If we stay stuck, we will Has East Athens seen promised growth since you were never move forward. elected? Do you plan to run for reelection in the future? What unique challenges does COVID-19 pose to the I am the only commissioner who is from Athens black community? How and why are you involved in its and I am proud to represent the exact same district that I prevention and recovery? grew up in. I love my town and will work hard to make sure There are many, many challenges that the black East Athens gets put back on the map. It has been a chal- community constantly face, racism, housing, lack of opporlenge, as I have collaborated with businesses, a hospital, tunities, healthcare and many others despite COVID-19. But, and many restaurants to entice them to the East Side. I have what I feel is our most unique challenge is our social lives. worked with our Economic Department and other community We are very social. We are naturally cultured to be around partners to showcase the possibilities of what East Athens people. We go to church with family and friends, we have has to offer. Current economic constraints and researched strong family and social bonds, we enjoy playing sports market analysis has made my efforts hard, but my passion and socializing outdoors while communicating with one and and hope will always be for revitalizing East Athens. There another. Our natural nature of being social with one and are multiple projects that are currently taking place that I am another is our most unique challenge. With that being said, proud to have been a part of shelter in place and social that will bring hope back to the distancing is our most unique Eastside. Will I run again? If it challenge concerning COVIDis His will then it is His way. He 19. I am doing my best to help is my lighthouse in which I will my community understand the follow. severity of COVID-19. I care, You recently addressed not as an elected official, but the Black community about as an African-American who COVID-19. Correct me if I am is tired of being yet another statistic. I have talked to wrong, but I had assumed that you addressed the many neighborhood leaders, Black community as a black families, pastors and friends man and not necessarily as to help them understand why a commissioner. What comwe shouldn’t let our guards pelled you to do that? down and to find ways we can A few months ago follow CDC recommended Athens Area Habitat I wrote a personal yet pasguidelines. The tide has sionate Facebook about my turned significantly, but we as a people have always and will concerns for African-Americans overcome this pandemic. with issue of Covid-19. During that time, we were dying at a Walk me through the biggest higher rate considering our moments for you during percentage of the population. the pandemic. How did you Learn more at overcome these moments? Many of my family members and African-American friends The biggest moment of AthensHabitat.com were not taking COVID-19 serirealization for me was when ously and seemed not to care. I New York City shut down. And began talking to some of our civic-leaders in town and asked states began to shut down. It was surreal. Just think about what efforts were being done to mitigate the growing crisis in the mentality of people not really comprehending what was our community. Not feeling a sense of unity or care, I became going on or paying attention to one day having a business upset because we were becoming yet another statistic and I in complete operation to the next morning being shut down. wrote a Facebook post (as Patrick not as Commissioner) with I remember when an entire town in the State of New York the sentiment of trying to help our community take COVID-19 had the national guard being brought in to shut the city down more seriously. My parents and family taught me to over- and to keep people sheltered in place. At that moment, the come those struggles and to not let those struggles hinder reality of the movie “Contagion” set in. But through it all, our me. As an African-American I have experienced those same situation is unique but history is our guidance. We had to struggles that many talk about, but I see a world were more change everyday life when 9/11 occurred, and this situation black people are becoming CEO’s, doctors, marrying outside is just the same. It is only temporary and we all just have to of their race. I see our culture imitated often and appreciated work together and get through this. The Bible is always my by others. Racism still exist and inequalities still exist, but I source of inspiration and my constant prayers to God. always go back to how far we have come and look towards
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Montez Carter Where are you from? Tell us about the journey that led you to become the CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital? Tell me about your passion for rural healthcare. I grew up in central Mississippi in the town of Ackerman. From an early age, I wanted to become a pharmacist and was blessed to have the opportunity to achieve that goal. I started my career in the hospital setting as a clinical pharmacist and took on an administrative role as a pharmacy director. At that time, I had not thought about healthcare administration as the next part of my journey, but worked for a CEO who saw that potential in me and encouraged me to pursue expanding my administrative role. After completing a master’s degree in Business Administration, my role was broadened to include oversight for other clinical and non-clinical departments. My family and I came to the Athens area 10 years ago for the great opportunity to work for a faith-based ministry in St. Mary's and we were excited about this being the community where we would raise our kids. During my time here I have been blessed to serve various roles such as Vice President of Operations, President of Good Samaritan Hospital and President of St. Mary's Hospital. I am currently in my third year as President and CEO of our system and have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside some extraordinary colleagues who are committed to our mission. I have always had a passion for rural healthcare. When I see or hear of the challenges of access to quality health care for the vulnerable and underserved, I can relate to what that means for those affected. In small towns, patients are the people you work with, worship with, and see at the grocery store on weekends, so the care you provide takes on a very personal face. I understand the critical role that quality health care plays in not only the lives of people, but also the economic welfare of communities. Anyone having the misfortune to experience an event such as a stroke or heart attack should get timely, quality care, no matter where they live. Walk me through the hardest moments for St. Mary’s while being at the forefront of a pandemic. Are you surprised by anything? How did you all overcome these moments? What have you succeeded and failed at? What drives you to keep moving forward? Some of the most challenging moments of this pandemic have been the amount of information coming at us, the frequency at which that information has changed or evolved, and the fact that there was so little known about this virus initially that much of the early information was not based on science in the same way that we are used to when making decisions for patient care. We have learned much as we have worked through this disease but there has been no playbook on what exactly to do for COVID-19. We have had to pray for wisdom at times to make the right decisions for the health of our community and it is a situation that none of us could have been completely prepared to face.What keeps me and countless other health care professionals moving forward is the fact that we know our neighbors need us. Most of us got into the healthcare profession because of our desire to help and care for others, and at a time where there is such a need we will commit to be here for as long as it takes for us to get through the pandemic. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and students return for the semester. How would you manage to keep the hospitals from becoming full? What happens if they do? First – and this is critical – we are working to educate our communities about the need to stop the spread of the virus. St. Mary’s has an active role in caring for people when they need health care. The community has an active role in protecting one
Ceo of St. Mary's Health care system
another. Our communities need to keep working to flatten the curve so that patient volumes remain within our healthcare system’s capacity. Frankly, all Georgia hospitals are stressed right now. We need the community to remain diligent and continue working to stop the spread. In terms of what we do to handle the increased patient volume, first, we monitor each hospital’s situation constantly and can share resources and staff and even transfer patients as needed. Second, we are working with other local healthcare institutions and the state. If we reach capacity, we have surge plans we can implement quickly. If our region were to experience numbers that exceed our surge capacity, we are engaged with state and other initiatives to handle the overflow. To what extent do you consider healthcare a right of citizenship or an ethical issue? How does your management of St. Mary's reflect your thinking on that? St. Mary's commitment to those who are poor, vulnerable, and most in need goes back to our founders, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who reopened St. Mary’s as a faith-based, not-for-profit hospital in 1938. Our Mission and Core Values are a direct continuation of their calling to serve their communities, especially people who are marginalized by society. One of our Core Values that really speaks to me is Reverence. We honor the sacredness and dignity of every person, no matter who they are or what their worldly circumstances might be. All of our Core Values – Reverence, Commitment to Those Who are Poor, Safety, Justice, Stewardship and Integrity – align with our Mission to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities. What this means is that we stand in the gap. We serve each person who comes to us, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, orientation or socio-economic status. We are dedicated to partnering with other organizations to address the underlying social determinants of health that make it so hard for many people to live a full and healthy life. We fully embrace Trinity Health’s focus on eliminating systemic racism in America. We and our Diversity Council are continually working to ensure diversity and inclusion in our senior leadership team, management, vendor contracts, and across all levels of our organization. Obviously, this is about much more than COVID-19. It is about who we are and being true to what we are called to do. How do you collaborate with the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government and other local partners on its response to the second wave of COVID-19, what do you prioritize and why? Coordination and collaboration with our local and state governments is an essential part of our efforts. We have formal communications with these key partners at the staff level every day, and at least weekly at the leadership level. These communications ensure that we are on the same page as we work together to address the pandemic. I want to highlight the work of our Community Health and Well-being team during this time. They are committed to building strong relationships with community partners, identifying community resources and patient needs, and connecting patients through our Social Care Hub to resources that address social needs such as food, housing, access to primary care, and mental health resources.Because of these internal and external efforts, we were able to put protective measures in place during the first wave and return to full operations as soon as possible. This was extremely important because people with COVID are not the only ones who need care. Patients need to have the confidence that they can safely come to us with any health need, from a heart attack or stroke to a mammogram or knee replacement. We are prepared so that our patients are protected.
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Dr. Cshanyse Allen Where are you from? Tell us about the journey that led you to become a doctor? I am a native Athenian. I grew up on the eastside. I was educated in the Clarke County School District, and obtained my post-secondary education at Florida A&M University and Clark Atlanta University with a bachelor’s degree in health care administration. The following fall semester post-graduation, I started a nursing program at Brenau University. Two years later, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I continued and obtained a master’s degree in nursing and later a doctorate degree in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia. My journey has been a unique one, and one well worth it. I pursued a doctorate in nursing because I wanted to be an expert in the field of nursing and use my knowledge to guide and train others in healthcare; specifically nursing. I have always wanted to operate a nursing school because it is a career that leads down many paths and allows one to help many people along the way. There is a disparity in the field of nursing, and my goal is to fill the gap. There are many nurses in the healthcare field, and not a lot of nurses of color. According to minoritynurse.com there are about two million and eight hundred registered nurses and six hundred and ninety thousand licensed practical nurses (LPN) in the United States (US). Out of those numbers there are only two hundred seventy-nine thousand black RNs and One hundred sixty-two thousand LPNs that are black. On the flip side there are even less in the world of nursing academia. This is a problem that must be addressed. I have always been a person of action and I enjoy helping others reach their goals. This is how I ended up becoming a nurse who later obtained a doctorate in nursing practice. I figured out a way to put the pieces together to develop a solution to a problem. My journey was a tedious one. There were many long nights and obstacles that attempted to rob me of my dream. Those forces are still there, but I will continue until I have accomplished all of my goals. What role does Innovative Healthcare Institute play in its prevention and recovery? IHCI works to secure funding to assist in providing grants to students who meet income requirements for financial assistance. Our recovery methods are to continue to provide quality job training, certification and employment in the safest manner possible for our students. This allows them the ability to take care and provide for their families. During this pandemic, it is important that we teach people how to fish. It is a very important skill. It is also important that people in our community have a choice in places where they can obtain job training and certification as well as employment. If there is a second wave and people are faced with losing jobs, they will have certifications and the ability to apply with other employers. Innovative Healthcare
owner of innovative healthcare institute
Institute will continue to institute safeguards based on science. Walk me through the biggest moments for you when the pandemic started. How did you overcome these moments? The biggest moment for me was when IHCI closed and thoughts of what I would do if IHCI were not able to reopen. For me it was simple, I would take a nursing position and I would be okay. The fear for me was what about the people that depend on IHCI for training, certification and employment. I received messages wondering when IHCI would open, and could we do the program online. It was a scary time for me, and it gave me time to reflect and plan. It was incredibly stressful, but now we are open and ready for whatever happens next. I am excited with the partnerships that we have obtained during the pandemic. We have partners in our community and surrounding counties who continue to work with us and assist with supplies, tuition, student uniforms and more for our students. I am a believer that pressure builds diamonds. I see a bright future ahead for IHCI and our graduates. Tell me what it is like educating everyday citizens into qualified healthcare workers during COVID-19? Are you surprised by anything during your teachings? What did you learn? There is no day that is the same at IHCI. I have learned that we have some amazing and brilliant people in our community who have graced the seats at IHCI. Many of them need an opportunity and are paralyzed with the fear of Covid19. Many must work and are trying to secure certification to gain better employment. We teach about Covid19 and try to subside their fears and train them how to protect themselves, their patients and families. We teach them what employers must provide and what to do when they are placed in difficult positions. I am not surprised at anything. We implemented a math section a couple of years back when I identified that many folks cannot perform simple mathematical computation. This is needed when we teach conversions. At this point nothing surprises me anymore. We just do what we can to assist our students and make the best out of any situation.We meet them where they are. There are many folks that could benefit from our program and are unable due to restrictions because of criminal background records. I'm saddened because of my inability to help this sector of our community. That really hurts when you know that you have resources that can help people and give them an opportunity to a better life and cannot because of disparaging items on their background check or failed drug tests. I have learned that social justice reform is needed not just in our criminal justice system but in our school system and in healthcare. This is beyond Covid19 and will worsen once the pandemic subsides. We have work to do.
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Mumbi anderson
Clinical Assistant Proffesor at The university of georgia
Firstly, what inspired you to become a public health continue to serve in various capacities in the community, professional? from delivering meals for the Athens Community Council While traveling in my early 20’s, I recognized the on Aging (an amazing organization!), to participating in the health disparities that impacted communities in other coun- review of ACCUG with the Athens Overview Commission. tries, were oftentimes magnified here in the U.S. because of One of the Commission’s focus areas, for example, is on the our fractured healthcare infrastructure, disparities in wealth City’s response to crises and Public Health emergencies. and income, and systemic racism. Many other countries in We hope that we will have a good body of work for the ACC the world do more with less, and in the U.S. we tend to use Mayor and Commission to use in their future emergency up so many resources for healthcare, but see no improve- response planning. ments in the outcomes of everyday Americans. So to me What kind of impact does the UGA student population it seems like the solution should focus not so much on the have on the local Athens's community when it comes treatment of individuals suffering from chronic and infec- to the spread of COVID-19? tious disease, but rather the Well, students are young prevention and mitigation of and will do what young people poor health outcomes in varido. They want to enjoy college ous community-focused ways. life and feel invincible. NatuSince you hold numerous rally, this makes them high vital positions in the Athens risk for infection and spread. community, what role do The county, state, and federal JOIN OLLI@UGA TODAY you play in the prevention governments should provide FOR ENGAGING ONLINE CLASSES community protection in this of COVID-19? AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES At the University of situation because decision Georgia I have been directmakers should be the ones ing our MPH program for a who assess the overall risk decade and our students go in communities. Why do we on to do amazing work locally, have drinking, smoking, and regionally and nationally. We consent ages…we understand recently partnered with the that young people take risks Department of Public Health and don’t often understand to coordinate the students in impacts that their decisions contact tracing for the state. have on others. So again, it We have students in nearly is no coincidence that as stuevery health district in the dents flood to Athens, so too Lifelong Learning state working as contact tracwill COVID-19. for those 50+ ers and case investigators. Since the start of the semesI also work closely with the ter do you believe UGA’s Dean, Associate, and Assiscampus is a safe environolli.uga.edu · 706-542-775 tant deans of the College of ment? I do not. Public Health to ensure that the messages about COVID-19 What will you do to ensure that all voices are heard in are going to every community in the region and that our your data gathering and decision making? work in the College aligns with the mission of the State I plan on being out in my community supporting and National Public Health directives. It is truly an uphill student and families events and functions, and speaking battle. As a newly elected Board of Education member, I to my constituents. I plan on attending every BOE meeting jumped in immediately, alongside the other member-elects, informed and prepared with the information I need to make and have begun working with the Board, specifically the decisions and speak for my constituents. I plan on keeping policy committee, on evaluating all 300+ district policies open dialogue with the Athens community through various and procedures. It’s a wonderful introduction to the role online and social media platforms, and I plan on hosting of being a board member. One of the recent policies we community conversations in my district annually. I have reviewed was the leave policies that will ultimately impact introduced myself to the neighborhood associations in my the staff and students when school resumes in September. district and hope to attend meetings soon. And I will attend I think the timing of our placements in the BOE was such school meetings as well as meetings of various relevent that come January, we will have been involved enough organizations in town so that I can be more involved and from the beginning of the school year, and understood the become better informed about the needs of our community. policy enough, to be able to begin our work effectively. I also
DO YOU ENJOY LEARNING AND MEETING NEW PEOPLE?
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Taylor Pass Tell us what being from East Athens means to you? Has East Athens seen promised growth since the election of your former opponent? Do you plan to run again in the future? I take a tremendous amount of pride in being from East Athens. I was born and raised in the heart of it. I am east side made, and proud of it. The eastside has created many great leaders. Some are only known within the community and others are internationally known. Look at how many people who were and are very influential around the county and state that come from here. We are “Blue Collar”. We work hard for what we get. It’s like a family connection; everybody knows everybody. Since my childhood, I have seen growth in this part of town. Lately, I haven’t seen very much growth that affects us in a positive light. I’ve seen a lot of families displaced, and a lot of housing and apartments go up in the area that people in this area can’t afford or don’t qualify for. It’s either too expensive or primarily student housing. There is very little for young professionals or for families who are working hard just to make ends meet. I haven’t seen any opportunities for work to come near here to give people a chance to work close to home. The last few years or so have been pretty stagnant and I don’t believe we have taken steps forward to make progress as a whole community. My opponent has had some harsh criticism since her victory. Although I may not agree to everything that’s done, I do believe in treating people with respect. I hope that she will listen to the real voices in the district and do the work as best she can. As far as me running, I’ll do whatever it takes to help make sure our community is safe and progressing. My community deserves it. How are you involved in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic? Why? I work at the Athens Neighborhood Health Center and we try to spread the word that we offer free testing. I would like to see people take advan-
Special projects coordinator At athens neighborhood health center.
tage of that. Also, I think Covid-19 could possibly pose a threat to our children’s education. With us doing virtual learning in schools, some households are not able to have Wi-Fi access, computers, and some students may not be able to fully understand and learn virtually. This will be the most critical year of our children’s lives as far as learning and staying on level. We, as adults, have to do our part to make sure our kids are learning the material so that we don’t fall behind and make sure the ones who are already behind don’t fall even further. The kids are our future and will one day have to take over the reins to lead and make the decisions. We must make sure they are ready. I help serve those who are in need. I’ve been actively involved with the Northeast Ga Food Bank food distribution at East Athens Development Corporation. We’ve served thousands of families since April. I’ve dropped meals off to the homeless on the street and carried them to households with no transportation. My job has been really trying to get people tested so I’ve been doing a lot with making sure people can get the quality healthcare they deserve. I am motivated to do these things because I understand people’s struggles. I understand my blessings and I believe in, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Everyone deserves to be treated fair and with respect. Who do you call on for guidance and motivation while doing work in the community? My mom is my biggest motivator. She has supported me my entire life. I’ll usually talk to her before I make big decisions or sometimes after I’ve already made them, lol. Whether I like it or not, she keeps it real. I also have a picture of my grandmother, Evelyn C. Neely, that hangs in the house that I look at and talk to when I’m feeling alone and need strength. I’ll look at it and I also pray to God. My fiancé, Cherrelle Pullen, is always there when I need to vent and share ideas. I also have great family and friends who I can always call on. HIGHLIGHT
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Ovita thornton Where are you from? How long have you held the office of Commissioner for District 9, and what inspired you to run for office?What is your most memorable or enjoyable moment so far? I am originally from Philadelphia PA. I moved to Athens in 1982 with my husband Willie Dexter Thornton, who is an Athenian. We met in Daytona Beach Florida in college. Our sons, Cory, Travis, and Kyle matriculated through the Clarke County School District. We strongly support Historic Black Colleges and Universities. I am a graduate of Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach Fl. Our boys followed suit and are an alumnus of Albany State, Morehouse, and Tuskegee University. I was elected to the District 9 commission in 2018 after serving 16 years in the Clarke County School District. I admit I did not take it seriously when I received a call asking me to run, but it gave me almost a year to think about it. After identifying assets, the needs, and recognizing potential growth, I thought I could help residents have a voice in the decisions impacting our community and I was willing to serve. Three accomplishments that I am most proud of are co-sponsoring the Prosperity Package, and the Start Program with Commissioner Mike Hamby and sponsoring the Black Lives Matter. But recently the 5.3 million dollars CARES Package which provides funding to non-profits that will go directly to those who are negatively impacted by COVID. People still need help with food, but we are directing funds to help with rent and mortgage assistance, small business loans and grants, health care and equipment, technology for schools going virtual, COVID PPE’s and supplies and more based on the federal guidelines. Also, will continue investigating “Citizen Participatory Budgeting” as a way to get more community input in government spending. Gentrification has inflated property value. Will homeowners have to pay more in taxes this year during the COVID-19 recession? How is the impact of these taxes being distributed amongst citizens? How will this affect future gentrification and housing cost in Athens? Gentrification came on the scene in Athens in the late early ’90s predominately in East Athens, it has been exploding ever since. But the COVID-19 does not impact property taxes. The tax assessors set property taxes regardless of the pandemic. Zoning and infrastructure is what indirectly impacts property taxes. Tax Allocation Districts (TAD) also known as tax increment financing, is the current issue that the commission is
District 9 commissioner for Athens-Clarke Unified GOvt.
looking into. TADs is a defined area where real estate property tax monies gathered above a certain threshold for a certain period of time to be used for a specific improvement. With the Northeast Business Alliance, I hosted a TAD education meeting. Our county manager Blaine Williams and Joe Johnson and Joyce Rhodes from Atlanta were the expert presenters on this call. TADs are valuable community development tools, but the challenge is to not to open the door in the future. Walk me through the hardest moments for you while serving as commissioner during a pandemic. Are you surprised by anything? How did you overcome these moments? What have you succeeded and failed at? What drives you to keep moving forward? I am surprised that Athens Clarke County was one of the first counties to issue a shelterin ordinance and data showed the number of case were lower compared to other counties, now the government is facing a lawsuit because three bars downtown do not want to enforce face mask and closing bars earlier; even though the numbers are increasing. I am surprised that the Governor is taking the Mayor of Atlanta to court because she issued face mask and not in ligation. Not a good use of taxpayers monies. I am surprised that we have been having public conversations about COVID and bars downtown, but we the local government had pools opened until constituents complained. Now, we are reading more research that children are being infected and passing it to others even though they may asymptomatic. I am surprised as commissioners we have been getting different or no information about the numbers, race and gender, contact follow-up. I am surprised the Athens Neighborhood Health, the Nurses Clinic, Mercy Clinic are not major resources for the Department of Health, the two hospitals, UGA, FEMA, and private test providers. These three agencies provide services to our most vulnerable populations before the pandemic and during the pandemic. We need a master plan or guidelines for Athens Clarke County. Athens is the anchor for the surrounding counties. UGA students will soon return in full force. Public schools are going virtual be there are still concerns. We need recommendations for industry to protect their workers while making production. Essential workers are usually poor, black who cannot work from home who may need emotion and mental health support. The CARES Package will help, but we, the Athens Clarke County need to support holistic guidelines developed by health professions on the front lines.
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lawrence harris What role does the Athens-Clarke County School District play during the COVID-19 pandemic? Why? The main focus of the Clarke County School District during the Covid-19 quarantine has been ensuring that all of our students have the tools and resources they need to be successful. In alignment with our goals to graduate all of our students College & Career Ready we recognized that when we had to stop face-to-face instruction that we needed to provide some tools and resources to keep our students learning, which we chose to do virtually via computer. We also know that many of our students depend on the school system for food resources so we launched our meal service program just two days after we determined we would not be coming back into the buildings. In the first three weeks served over 85,000 meals to students.
Why is food scarcity a problem in our community? How would you explain access to resources that Clarke County School District offers? This is a complicated question I think this question can be hit at so many different points. Part of the issue is access to capital to stock up on food. All of a sudden, hundreds are going to grocery stores in drones to buy all the food, supply is low. If you’re a resident who doesn’t have the funds at that exact time you miss out. You also take into consideration food desserts, access
Chief of Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships at CCSd
to wholesome and healthy food items. If businesses are reducing hours and you are an hourly worker, that’s less money in your pocket so a reduction in ability to purchase foods. As a school district, we have continued to provide resources to students even with our buildings being closed. How does COVID-19 uniquely affect impoverished communities? Does CCSD have the stability to supply resources for these communities long term? Depends what resource we are talking about. Food, yes we are good for a while. We will not run out. We are preparing for launch of our online instructional framework so we have the ability to provide that longterm as well. During a state wide shut down, what happens to foster families? How does that compare to the plights of other families? Are children allowed visitors? What impacts can this have on their development? Our Social Work department continues to work with our social agencies, including our homeless and foster are liaison offices. We’ve used these contacts to continue to provide food and resources to these students, even during our closure. Each child’s situation is different so I cannot say that all students are being allowed visitors. It is all based on their specific situation.
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Diane Dunston, MD
Where are you from? Tell us about the journey that led cine in Athens Clarke County. I am not presenting practicing you to become a doctor? medicine in Athens, but I continue to work in the Athens com I came to Athens in 1987 with a year and a half obli- munity through the East Athens Development Corporation gation to the Federal Government and joined the community assisting families in need with accessing basic necessities health center in Athens as pediatrician. When my obligation to promote health and wellbeing. was completed I continued to work with the community health How would you assess and/or evaluate what you have center because it was there, that I could see all patients witnessed of the Black citizenry's response to the panregardless of their ability to pay for the high costs of receiving demic? What constructive advice would you offer? high quality, primary and preventive medical care. For thirty Unfortunately, there have been too many mixed mesyears I worked with the community health center with one sages and our community has not always been properly goal in mind to improve access to health care and promote informed. We must continue to alert people to the seriouswell being among ness of this pandemic Over 100 5 Star Reviews on Zillow! all families in the and assist our commucommunity. This nity in accessing the is the mission of necessary resources Federal Qualified to protect themselves. Health Centers The burden of this panand despite our demic has fallen on community health those of us with limited center which did access to the resources not receive Federal to combat the mounting grant dollars for the ill effects of this public majority of the time health crisis. My advice which I served( is to listen to the public 25 years ), we health experts and worked diligently follow their guidance. in the community Seek the support of to provide quality your local government primary health care and public health offiregardless of an cials. They have been individual’s income, given resources, from race, or other cirthe Federal governcumstances which ment, on your behalf to support you during are often used to exclude people. this public health emerWhat unique gency in our country. 8851 Macon Hwy | 706-607-6226 | office@naborealty.com challenges does How would you Practicing Radical Neighborliness Ever y Day. COVID-19 pose to assess and/or evaluthe black community? What role does your practice play ate what you have witnessed of the Black citizenry's in its prevention and recovery? response to the pandemic? What constructive advice COVID-19 has had a disastrous effect on African- would you offer? American communities, causing high infection rates and Unfortunately, there have been too many mixed mesdeath in our families. This is not a surprising finding. Too sages and our community has not always been properly many in our community are living in conditions which contrib- informed. We must continue to alert people to the seriousute to poor health, including lack of access to quality housing, ness of this pandemic and assist our community in accessing inadequate educational opportunities and high unemploy- the necessary resources to protect themselves. The burden ment rates. Living with the stress of racism and discrimination of this pandemic has fallen on those of us with limited access decreases our immunity in fighting off infections. Limited to the resources to combat the mounting ill effects of this resources, lack of healthcare insurance and discriminatory public health crisis. My advice is to listen to the public health healthcare systems assure that African Americans will be experts and follow their guidance. Seek the support of your disproportionately negatively affected during this pandemic. local government and public health officials. They have been The statistics, thus far, bear this out. As a physician, I dedi- given resources, from the Federal government, on your cated my career to the ideal that all individuals deserve equal behalf to support you during this public health emergency access to the high-quality healthcare services available in in our country. their communities. For thirty years I practiced pediatric medi-
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Love in a time of COVID
By: Troy Copeland
We’re in the middle of a deadly pandemic. Most of us are surviving it thus far. Many of us are adjusting and adapting, taking care of ourselves and others. But it’s still lurking, demanding that we acknowledge it. While, for the sake of the greater civic good, the state government has relaxed its most stringent orders limiting public interactions, it does so urging great caution. That’s for good reason. The national toll of fatalities continues to rise. In only two months, the United States has lost over 100,000 citizens to Covid-19. While policy strongly encouraging and requiring people to stay home and avoid public gatherings has effectively slowed the official rate of contagion, a lack of access to effective testing early on means we have no idea how many people were already infected and, therefore, contagious before intervention. This poses a serious problem. While it typically takes up to two weeks for symptoms to emerge in infected persons, they may unknowingly spread the virus throughout that time. Not only that, in an element of the disease that seems positively insidious, infected people who never develop symptoms and who seem perfectly healthy otherwise, might spread it. That means that until we are tested, any of us might be infected. And any of us might convey the pathogen to others who might die as a result. We all know that death is inevitable. In all its forms, death limits and defines what we call life. And we also know that we may not have much say in how we experience these limitations or in which ones we will eventually meet our ends. Even so, we don’t typically risk our lives or the lives of others recklessly or needlessly without raising serious concern for our psychological well-being. Mentally healthy people adapt and adjust to the demands of our circumstances. Those who aren’t adapting and adjusting—those who have the option of wearing masks in public or staying home to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting the virus, but
aren’t, or who aren’t being mindful of keeping six feet of distance between themselves and others in public spaces—are being reckless with their own lives and the lives of everyone with whom they come into contact. I was speaking with a childhood friend via email back in early April. I’d seen a video she posted to Facebook during the government-mandated “lockdown.” It featured a street brawl in an impoverished neighborhood. Two groups of young men and women waged war at close quarters while dozens of others crowded around to watch or intervene. No one wore masks. No one maintained six feet of distance between themselves and others. Everyone was involved with everyone else to varying degrees—pushing, pulling, holding, hitting. The melee was, perhaps, as hysterical as it was tragic. So, I messaged my friend, saying, “I’m concerned about you being there filming that awful event. There’s a pandemic raging! You and everyone there were putting one another at risk of life!” She promptly responded, “Thanks, but you don’t have to worry about me. The blood of Jesus covers me! How are you? I hope you’re well!” I responded, “I’m doing the best I can up here in Athens. One day at a time. Trying to be vigilant, but still concerned.” She claimed to understand: “I see. Well, I’ll pray that the blood of Jesus will cover you and yours, too.” I didn’t know how to respond to that. I love this friend, but a neighborhood brawl, to her, was life as usual. After all, no one was seriously hurt. In the end, everyone either walked back to their homes or drove away in their vehicles. That said, it might’ve been an episode of farce akin to WWE “Professional Wrestling” if not for the fact that, as I pointed out, there’s a pandemic. The deadly danger, in that case, is exposure to an infectious disease that relies on asymptomatic people—people without symptoms—to infect and, when possible, kill others. Had any one person involved in that brawl been
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unknowingly sick, everyone else present and anyone housing, and healthcare. Preventable disadvantages with whom they were to associate in turn—friends and for African Americans were considered to be necessary family—could’ve become horribly and fatally ill. So, while for the ethical preservation of white supremacy. After I respect and admire my friend’s faith in “the blood of all, whatever else whiteness has meant in the history Jesus,” I wish she would be mindful of the fact that one of our nation’s policy and in the experience this has way “Jesus” is said to protect and care for others is shaped, it has always been characterized by exemption through wisdom. After all, according to the narratives from the presumed limitations of “others.” It wasn’t so much a matter of what a person to which those who believe in the divinity of Jesus subscribe, looked like. From the very earliest when Jesus was confronted by days of the African presence in the devil and asked to attempt America, Africans and Europeans suicide in order to prove that God and American Indians have produced many “black” people who the Father would protect him, he rebuked the enemy through were, for all intents and purposes, wisdom rather than power: “One entirely or predominantly Euroshouldn’t put the Lord your God pean in appearance. However, to the test.” In this way, he demonstrated love—con- in time, the mere rumor of African ancestry was enough cern for his own well-being and the well-being of all to justify this demonstrable difference in the limitations others whom his life might otherwise benefit. He wouldn’t one could expect to face. Those who had few limitations unnecessarily risk that. This love, he would go on to restricting who they were or what they could do were teach his friends, is the very essence of “the law and white. Those facing many such limitations were black. the prophets.” That is to say, it is the point of religion. It was that simple. Racism was the active commitment It is religion in practice. It’s the ultimate commitment to to defining and demonstrating white supremacy— the common good which his eventual lynching and the whiteness—as an exception to limitation. White was shedding of his blood were supposed to symbolize. the norm for human life. “Others” were the exceptions This kind of faith—this kind of formal and informal and therefore rightly subject to limitiations. Meanwhile, “religion” in pracblackness grew to be charactertice—is what Protect Yourself from enabled African ized by the life Coronavirus AND affirming ways in American commuYOUR WIPES! nities to survive the which individuals Avoid Sewer Backups. worst of America’s shackled with limihistory. Those who tations negotiated were able cared and navigated for themselves mitigating comEven the and cared for plexities to care Flushable for themselves one another when Ones! their lives were and each other. It “put to the test.” became a matter Slavery was only of living, and, one of the many wherever possible challenges to Afriand to whatever extent one could can American achieve, thriving. humanity. It was only one of many This thriving, it is performances of important to note, white supremacist was not simply despite limitaideology. The de jure and de facto tions, but because racial segregation of them. At its that followed in its best, this thriving wake was, in so under the burdern Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department many ways, worse, of limitations is as it not only sustained the illusion of racial differences crucial to what it has meant to be black in America. Much but compounded the illusion by insisting that these like Jesus when confronted and challenged by his nemcontrived differences were meaningful. That which dis- esis in the canonical narratives, black people have been tinctly defined the word separate in what was supposed both most human and most divine by choosing, when to otherwise be fair and equal experiences for blacks pushed to the brink, to reverence their own lives and the and whites was characterized by savage inequities with roles they play in the lives of others as a life affirming respect to access to quality in employment, education, acknowledgement and experience of limitations, how-
“One shouldn't put the Lord your God to the test.”
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ever arbitrary or cruel those were. Now here’s what all of that has to do with Covid-19. For many reasons yet to be explored and confirmed academically or intellectually, African Americans are dying of Covid-19 at nearly three times the rate of white, Asian and Latino citizens. At the state level, in Kansas for example, that rate is as high as seven times that of our peers. And the all too dismissive explanation has been that black people are more likely to suffer from obesity and its related medical complications (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, etc)—circumstances which doctors say contribute to a greater likelihood that infected persons may develop a severe, fatal case of the disease regardless of race. However, 49% of black Americans bear the burden of obesity compared to 42% of whites. To quote Dr. Sabrina Springs, associate professor of sociology at the University of California at Irvine, “Researchers have yet to clarify how a 7 percentage point disparity in obesity prevalence translates into a 240 percent to a 700 percent disparity in Covid-19 fatalities.” And that means, for whatever reason, we are far more at risk from the pandemic than other ethnicities. This means that we as individuals would be wise and good, after the examples of our ancestors, to perform a greater degree of caution than most others. I know. Who says life is fair, right? I’ve seen the social media videos. Of those filmed, predominantly white citizens have been shown refusing to wear masks—indignantly and belligerently resisting the
requirement to do so by businesses that are acting in accord with the highest caution warranted by growing data supporting the idea that mask-wearing significantly reduces the spread of the virus. I’ve seen them coughing in the faces of proprietors and employees— spitting, even. Fighting. In some cases, employees attempting to enforce company policy for consumers wearing masks have been murdered. Perhaps because of the relatively low incidence of fatalities in white communities, many individuals feel that imposing heightened caution on the general population for the sake of what the Constitution calls “the general welfare” is invasive. Authoritarian. Their “freedoms” are being infringed, they seem to feel. And that freedom is defined by the need to be in the world as an exception to and exemption from limitations that define the lives of others, even though such exception and exemption threatens others’ lives. For thinkers, this performance of freedom begs the question of what freedom is or could possibly be for individuals when “all lives matter.” It’s a valid question made all the more so by the ongoing, public transmission and contagion of a disease that has killed 100,000 people in two months. We can and should debate this. As citizens of a republic, it is our responsibility to do so. In the meantime, however, for readers who love or at least value those disproportionately massacred by this pandemic, let us submit to heightened caution where we can. Wear masks in public if medical and mental health issues permit. If they don’t, avoid
Free Testing Options for COVID-19 Anyone can be tested for COVID-19, whether or not you have symptoms. Residents without a doctor or primary care provider can visit an urgent care center or federally qualified health center, use the Augusta University ExpressCare app, or contact the following to make a testing appointment. Hours and days may change.
1
Athens Neighborhood Health Center
2
706-546-5526 - 675 College Ave. 706-543-1145 - 402 McKinley Dr.
706-340-0996 • Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Call to make an appointment
• Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - Noon & 1:00-5:00 p.m. Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - Noon & 1:00-7:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday (McKinley Dr. only): 8:00 a.m. - Noon
3 Athens Free Clinic Mobile Unit
706-308-4092
Please wear a face cover in public spaces.
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• For residents without transportation or who have barriers to care
crowds. When you can’t avoid crowds, try to maintain method, they maintain, would be merely appeara six foot distance between you and those around you. ing in ethnically diverse, public spaces while It’s important to note that Covid-19, in many ways, largely not wearing masks or acknowledging any other remains a mystery to science and medicine. While the precautionary policies that can be construed as an authorelderly and those with underlying health conditions—like itarian assault on the constitutional rights of individuals. There’s much to consider in that. And it all circles those suffering from compromised immune systems— are most at risk of developing severe and possibly fatal back to the idea of freedom and how, to white supremacases, there have been severe and fatal cases among cists, both outspoken and implied, the discursive heritage the young and middle-aged of all ethnicities. And many from which they derive their sense of validity rests on of them have had no diagnosable underlying health the assumption that being required to acknowledge or issues. This undersubmit to a shared scores the horror esteem for human of not being able life is oppressive to pinpoint exactly to the degree that humanity is what is responsible thought to entail for the disproporor involve those tionate number of considered to be severe and fatal Your photo in a TV commercial! cases among Afri“others.” With that can Americans. It in mind, this writer WHAT: We want to see how water works for you with a Water Works is not, however, a strongly encourphoto contest. horror that has been ages the reader, Send us a photo that fills in the blank: lost on malevolent regardless of his or dastards who have her race, ethnicity Water Works. Today. Tomorrow. For ______________. historically donned or political affiliathe appearance of Gardening? Coffee? Cleaning? Get creative & tell a water story in a photo! tion, to adopt and ghouls to exploit the perform an ethical culture’s insistence response to this WHO: Photographers of all ages & experience levels in Athens area pandemic based on the significance of WHEN: Submit a high quality photo by August 30, 2020 on the presumpdifferences in targetWHERE: Visit www.accgov.com/WaterWorks for official contest rules ing black Americans tion that the lives WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Twenty photos will be selected as finalists & of others matter. and others for terror move to online judging round. The 10 photos with the most votes will To do so without and murder. be the star in a TV commercial to air in October. respect to race, According to The ethnicity, political Business Insider Learn more: www.accgov.com/WaterWorks affiliation—friend and TIME magaor foe, even— zine, among other is to be covered sources, outspoken white supremacists across the nation have called for by what Christians call “the blood of Jesus.” It is, “the using Covid-19 as a bio-weapon. Their goal: To inten- way, the truth, and the life,” which is characterized, tionally infect and kill as many African Americans, other as Paul the Apostle wrote in I Corinthians 13, by that ethnic minorities, and law enforcement agents as pos- which “does not seek its own exclusive way or advansible by facilitating the spread of the disease. Part of that tage…” At our most indomitable and invincible, this is advocacy has entailed insisting that potentially infected what it has meant to be Black. There is nothing more white supremacists should avail themselves of human or humane. And, as another New Tesopportunities to spread the pathogen tament writer states when attempting to describe the divine as “love,” there among their perceived enemies. is nothing more “God.” One such
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AROUND TOWN E.a.d.c emergency F ood Dis t rib u t ion
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month. The East Athens Development Corporation works cooperatively with; The North Georgia Food Bank, Chess & Community, People living in Recovery, Athens Clarke County Sheriffs Office, 3d Champs, Athens Alliance Coalition, and many more volunteers to provide food for those seeking resources during the COVID-19 Pandemic. So far they have given over 200,000 lb of food since the stay at home order in March. For more information visit www.eadcinc.org. RIP to Dennis "Baby Clown" Arnold our fellow Athenian pictured above with Taylor Pass.
Ches s & Communit y Zoom Enrichmen t Progr ams
Every month Chess and Community host zoom programs such as virtual book clubs, yoga and mental wellness check-in for parents and students. The virtual STEM workshops are designed to help students identify the role of STEM in everyday life. These programs help parents and children connect deeper with themselves and each other. Collective community healing is an important element during these times. To learn more about these programs at www.chessandcommunity.org.
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3D Champs prepare for fall 2020 season
3D Champs kicked off their practice for the Fall 2020 season. Retired NFL player Dunta Robinson and coaching staff are using football to get kids involved in programs such as entrepreneurship, debates, and reading clubs. Their mission is to teach local youth how to use strategy as a survival and navigational tool in life. 3D champs' main focus is keeping kids safe from COVID-19 and building up the whole child not just the next great athlete. For more information go to www.3dchamps.org.
Demand for Criminal Justice Reform
On May 31 - July 31st there were a series of protest in Downtown Athens due to the murder of George Floyd. The protest led to the removal of a confederate monument in the heart of downtown Athens which is pictured below. It cost the Athens Clarke County Govt. over $400,000 to relocate this monument to a more desirable location. Due to the high demand for criminal justice reform Highlight's next issue will entail what that looks like in Athens, Ga. interviewing those most familiar with the topic. Any submissions for opinion editorials on this topic can be submitted at www.highlightathensga.com/ projects.
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Voices of the youth : Ndeye Amy Sarr For the first twelve years of my life, I lived in Senegal, which is a country in West Africa, and stayed in an apartment with my nanny and sisters. I went to a private school in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Dakar is somewhat industrialized and has many resources compared to other major cities in Africa. During summer breaks, when I visited my family in Ndianda, a rural region in Senegal, it seemed like I stepped into a whole new world. The houses weren’t structured, so my family lived on land surrounded by huts. My cousins had worn out clothes and shoes, and most had skin conditions due to the excessive humidity. Some of them didn’t attend school because my uncles couldn’t pay for quality education. Because there was limited food, rationing groceries was an everyday struggle among the village. The Scramble of Africa during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, and the effect of generational poverty are causes of Senegal’s growing destitution, but I believe the government of Senegal hasn't progressed in providing the basic necessities of life to its community. The current leader, Macky Sall, hasn’t fulfilled his duties in helping the people of Senegal. He uses the country’s revenue on himself rather than his community members. He pursues other projects that have absolutely nothing to do with providing students with quality education. Being a leader has no correlation with one’s title, but rather how a leader’s action can change the state of its community. To execute that action, one must exercise their responsibilities through community stewardship. To me, community stewardship is when groups of people in the community work together to assist, guide, and build members of the community that lack necessary resources to advance their lives. Many government agencies act as stewards by following ordinances that deal with both the environment and management of resources. The government is unable to provide aid to everyone, so community members that are involved in steward acts are able to help themselves by identifying the needs and priorities of the community. As our population grows, our economy grows as well, and the nation experiences a deeper division between the rich and the poor. Community stewardship is designed to help decipher the root of where problems occur that cause a delay in the community. There are many local organizations that dedicate their time and hard work to see the next generation prosper. The Athens Area Homeless Shelter and the Athens Community Council on Aging are community stewards that I admire and respect. The Athens Area Homeless Shelter provides services such as shelter, food, supportive housing, job opportunities, and many more to effectively help homeless individuals, and families. They have programs that keep community members that are impoverished stable whether that’s giving a family a place to reside, after-school childcare services, security and knowledge. The Athens Community Council on Aging enriches the lives of older people by providing meals, health services, and support mentors. I have been interning at the Athens Community Council on Aging for eight months, and my role involves providing seniors with activities, providing meals, and having educational and life discussions. Every month, I team up with the Center for Active Living leaders at the Athens Community Council on Aging, and pack a supply of necessities for people that live in low-income housing. I enjoyed every moment I
had connecting with people in my community, listening to their life successes and downfalls, and watching them admire and encourage me to be victorious in my upcoming dream to become part of the medical field. These services that the Athens Area Homeless Shelter and the Athens Community Council on Aging provide are community stewards that the community needs to survive. For someone to become a community steward, they must have experiences or events that happened in their lives that motivates them to help people. To become a community steward, someone must have extreme levels of passion that derives from encounters that triggered their desire to assist people. For example, my first hand experience in living in Senegal gave me an overview of how countries that have less resources live, and the importance of leadership. Watching my own family struggle in an atrocious predicament motivated me to greatly contribute in my community now and in the future. To accomplish my aspirations, I will create change through a career in the medical field, specifically as a Nurse Practitioner and fierce advocate for women’s health. There are many cases that show medical negligence towards patients especially in resource limited countries. For example, my mother endured a lack of medical assistance post-labor with my sister who was diagnosed with malaria. She went to three hospitals in one night after giving birth that rejected her due to lack of space. Although my sister was treated, not many cases have good outcomes. All the adversities I faced in my life are reasons why I aim to further to always show community stewardship and continue my education to affect change in the healthcare space by combating poverty cycles and improving access to quality health services. Community stewardship allows organizers to efficiently help the community, because they are able to identify specific problems and decipher them to promote community healing and wellness, cultivate compassion, and empower others. The government is not able to provide the care for everyone that needs it, so small groups are able to become more innovative. They know their needs and priorities which allows them to directly invest in projects that promote environmental health, and the well-being of the community. The person that is involved in community steward is able to build a sense of understanding and connection to the people that cry for help. The person builds sympathy that allows them to wholeheartedly impact the lives of people, and empower the community. I strive to become a community steward through my career, and become a reliable leader that people can count on. I refuse to let my low-income status constrict my opportunities in becoming a contributing member of society. I came to America hoping that I can change the situation my family and community faces everyday. My exposure to how different people live in the world humbled me, and showed me that I have the power to change my community for the better. My involvement at the Athens Community Council on Aging and my dedication to clubs in my school is only the beginning to my upcoming achievements in defeating generational poverty and providing quality medical treatment to people who are neglected
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Letter to the Publisher: rick dunn In school, or out of school, that is the question. That children should return to the schoolhouse. These child healthcare play on William Shakespeare’s famous line, “to be, or not to be,” specialist said since Covid-19 forced school closures in March is the question that communities across this nation are asking that youth have suffered from food shortages, physical and sexual about how to reopen school in the midst of Covid-19. Do we send abuse, depression, drug and alcohol use, and suicidial intentions. children back into school buildings? Do we use online methods All of the above sounds like great reasons CCSD should of teaching, so they can practice distance learning? Or, do we be reopening with face-to-face learning. But, for one reason I am use a hybrid method that blends the two options? glad they are keeping the buildings closed. That reason is death. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) decisions on All the matters mentioned above can be addressed. They can be how schools reopen should be based on case rate and positive conquered. There is no conquering death, especially the death testing data. The recommended thresholds are 100 cases of a child. And, let’s not forget the possible death of teachers and per 100,000 population, and a five percent positivity rate. But other school staff. Corona data dips and rises like a “Death? Why do you gotta rollercoaster. That means plans to go there? You know the rates of ENGAGING COMMUNITIES ... reopen schools must be flexible. children contracting and dying Initially the Clarke County School EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS! from Covid-19 are low,” you might District (CCSD) was going to be thinking. reopen on August 3 using a To which I reply, the numbers are hybrid model. The day after the low until it’s your child. announcement was made, new Going back to the CDC data data dictated a different course be you find that the hospitalization taken. Athens-Clarke County had rate for children under age 18 is gone from meeting the desired 8 per 100,000. But for a school district like CCSD, a closer look thresholds to rates of over 400 at those numbers should provide cases per 100,000 and 11 percent positivity. Thus, the starting date reasons to pump the breaks on was pushed back to September face-to-face reopening. The 8, and in school attendance was hospitalization rate for white replaced with daily online learning. children is 2.1 per 100,000, for The change brought discontent Blacks it is 10.5, and Hispanics from students and parents. The Curated resources that promote equity & 16.4. youth I talk to hate online learning. To make matters worse, social justice: books, toolkits & more! They describe it as “boring.” They 45.7 percent of the hospitalized Digital eBooks, audiobooks & magazines. gripe about being online for six Hispanics under age 18, and 29.8 Virtual events & classes. hours doing school work. “That’s percent of the Blacks (compared Online Summer Reading for children, too long,” one whined. to 14.9 percent of whites) had teens & adults. But their greatest points of underlying health conditions that Plus, place holds on library materials for dissatisfaction are the inability to put them at greater risk of dying. curbside pickup! be with friends, and loss of faceThe same type of conditions ATHENS REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM to-face contact with teachers. (diabetes, lung issues) that have According to the CDC this adult members of these minority 2025 BAXTER ST, ATHENS 706.613.3650 forfeiture of human contact may groups dying from the virus at be more damaging than any academic loss a student might disportionately higher rates than their white counterparts. experience. So in a district with a student body that is primarily “Important social interactions that facilitate the development of children of color, and already has minority students disportionately critical social and emotional skills are greatly curtailed when underperforming academically, do you now want them to come to students are not physically in school. In an in-person school school and risk catching a disease that could kill them at greater environment, children more easily learn how to develop and numbers, too? maintain friendships, how to behave in groups, and how to interact As a community, we can fill in the gaps caused by and form relationships with people outside of their family,” stated distance learning. Churches can open their doors so children a CDC report entitled “The Importance of Reopening America’s can have a safe place to learn, get tutoring, be fed, and be Schools this Fall.” surrounded by their friends and caring adults. Counselors and The report continued, “In school, students are also able to access social workers can come out and check on their emotional and support systems needed to recognize and manage emotions, academic well being. Parents can then go to work, so they can set and achieve positive goals, appreciate others’ perspectives, provide for their families, with the knowledge that their kids are and make responsible decisions. This helps reinforce children’s in a safe place. Just like they would be if they were in school. feelings of school connectedness. Or their belief that teachers But, as a community, we can never replace someone’s deceased and other adults at school care about them and their well being.” child, or adult family member. The American Academy of Pediatric tossed out other reasons In school, or out of school? I hope I answered that question.
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Minority Business Directory The small business community in Athens has seen better days due to COVID-19. With this directory, Highlight Magazine intends to help support Black and other minority businesses. Athens is full of entrepreneurs. Call them, tell them Highlight sent you, and support those that make our community a better place. Go to www.highlightathensga.com to find more or register a business. Business Name
Specialty
Location
Contact
Aaron Locksmith LLC Chalises Heavenly Inspired Deans Barber Shop
Locksmith
Athens, Ga
(706) 765 - 8445
Luxury Bath & Body Products
Athens, Ga.
(706) 424 - 8963
Barber / Beauty Shop
Athens, Ga.
(706) 372 - 9843
Eat - A - Bite
Southern Barbeque Catering
Athens, Ga.
(706) 389 - 0846
Affordable Fresh Produce
Athens, Ga.
(706) 850 - 4169
Hair & Beauty
Athens, Ga.
(706) 540 - 4432
Farm to Neighborhood Gansiry Mireya Braids Grizzly Delivery Her Fashion House Jimmy's Automotive Repair Lil Ice Cream Dude Mcrae Family Dental MEU Radio Nichols Moving & Hauling Payne Construction Commercial Peachy Green Clean Co-op Peerless Financial Group Prominence Hair Company Rashe's Cuisine Ron L Carson Jr. & Associates Sebastian Salon Spiffo Made It Studios The Superior Shine Trend'Setta Kutz
Transportation Services
Athens, Ga.
(706) 352 - 3638
Custom Fashion
Athens, Ga.
herfashionhouse.com
Auto Repair
Athens, Ga.
(706) 850 - 9298
Ice Cream Shop
Athens, Ga.
(706) 308 - 8885
Dentist
Athens, Ga.
(706) 546-8480
Internet Radio
Athens, Ga
meuradioathens.com
Home Mover
Athens, Ga.
(470) 258-8379 - 9966
Engineering
Athens, Ga.
(706) 552 - 3911
Cleaning Services
Athens, Ga.
(706) 248 - 4601
Financial Advisor
Athens, Ga
(404) 901 - 7503
Hair Vendor
Athens, Ga.
prominencehairco.com
Catering Services
Athens, Ga.
rashecuisine.com
Photography / Videography / Marketing
Athens, Ga.
(770) 744-6403
Hair Salon
Athens, Ga.
(706) 224 - 8114
Audio Production
Athens, Ga.
(706) 207 - 9023
Car Detailing
Athens, Ga.
(706) 248 - 5596
Mobile Barber
Athens, Ga.
(706) 207 - 1519
Troy Copeland
Copy Editing / Script Writing
Athens, Ga.
troyofathens36@gmail. com
Val's Daughter
Southern Meal Prep/Catering
Athens, Ga
(404) 661 - 6108
Building Careers and Relationships in Athens since 1979. www.bosstaff.com BOS_HighlightsAd_7.45x2.25_FINAL.indd 1
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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES PLEASE VISIT US AT W W W. AT H E N P R I N T I N G . C O M 1135 CEDAR SHOALS DRIVE, ATHENS, GA 30605 706.353.2632