ARTS + CULTURE
SOFU REMEMBERS THE LEGACY OF JUDITH JAMISON
ALVIN AILEY at the Fox
LIFESTYLE LETTER
It’s the Month of Love!
Hey SoFu!
February is all about LOVE! Here in beautiful SoFu, we are celebrating Black History! It’s a pleasure to indulge in and recognize our rich cultural heritage. It’s a great time to soak up some art! Why not take your Valentine to enjoy Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at the Fabulous Fox? I know many in our community that make it an annual date night tradition with their spouses. This time it will be a special tribute in memory of Judith Jamison. We interviewed a young dancer with Georgia roots for this February issue. And speaking of current Black History, check out our own Judge Penny Brown Reynolds! She’s doing big things in SoFu, Atlanta and DC! Read all about it in this issue!
Maybe your person is more into sports! Jump on board the hottest trend and enjoy some Women’s Basketball at the Atlanta Dream or GSU! We are loving the LOCAL stars that the Panthers showcase!
Lastly, maybe you want to spend your V-Day inside with your sweetie. Here’s an idea! Tune in to East Point’s own DIY Crafty Guy Jamie Mills on YouTube and make something together. And share some chocolate! Tons of chocolate is the key! Anyway, enjoy the Local Love, #SoFu! Thanks for reading!
ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR
@SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Michelle Taylor Willis
michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kevin Giles | kevin.giles@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jada Garner, Gabrielle Latimore, Jasmine Tiffany
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dario Calmese, Paul Kolnik, Alex Robinson, Andrew Eccles, R. Faligant, Isaac Salomon
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
HOME OF THE ULTIMATE STUDENT
lmhotep Academy provides each student with accelerated academics, which challenges them on and above their grade level and provides tailored academics to those students whose educational achievements may not meet the standard requirement.
Pre-Kto 8th Grade schedule A Tour!
Renowned as the fastest-growing City in Georgia and the 4th fastest-growing suburb in the Nation, Union City combines the charm of an intimate community with the cultural, educational, and economic prowess of a large metropolis.
Nestled just minutes from the world's busiest airport, Union City stands proud as the residence of influential brands like Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, ASOS, Amazon, Merecedes-Benz, Walmart E-Commerce, and Atlanta Metro Studios.
Experience the fusion of business and lifestyleReclaim, Renew, and Reimagine your future in Union City.
city scene
1-14: “Pieces of Us: Selections from the Dameon and Kim Fisher Collection” at ADAMA brings together works from the carefully curated collection of Dameon and Kim Fisher, shining a light on their profound role as cultural custodians within the Black community. As dedicated collectors, the Fishers have intentionally gathered pieces that narrate the diverse and dynamic history of Black life, identity, and artistry. This exhibit showcases their vision and the powerful ways in which collected artworks hold stories that preserve, celebrate, and expand our understanding of Black heritage, especially within Atlanta’s rich cultural landscape. The Fishers’ collection embodies the deep responsibility of preserving cultural narratives, ensuring these voices are both remembered and revered. Photos by Issac Salomon
business monthly
Portrait of Ailey Series Available on PBS LearningMedia
The compelling story of the life, work, and legacy of Alvin Ailey is the subject of “Portrait of Ailey,” a new eight-part documentary series available for free on PBS LearningMedia. Created by Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Fox Theatre from February 12—16 for six incredible performances. Tickets, starting at $39, are available at The Fox Theatre box office.
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at True Colors at Southwest Arts in SoFu
Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company kicks off its upcoming season with a production of “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” a play about an African hair braiding shop in Harlem. Written by Tony-award nominated Ghanaian-American, Jocelyn Bioh, and to be directed by Ibi Owolabi, the play premiered on Broadway last year as part of the Manhattan Theatre Club’s 2023-2024 season. True Colors' production will run from Feb. 11 to March 9, 2025. www.truecolorstheatre.org
Gocha Hawkins Honored With Georgia State House Resolution
Gocha Hawkins was honored with Georgia State House Resolution #1718, recognizing her outstanding contributions to Atlanta’s culinary scene, unwavering philanthropy, community service, and dedication to Atlanta. Georgia House Representative Mesha Mainor presented the resolution at Gocha’s Breakfast Bar (Cascade location). Hawkins is known for putting a creative spin on breakfast and brunch. Her culinary style blends the richness of Southern tradition with contemporary flavors and progressive ideas. Gocha’s Tapas Bar is the newest addition.
Photography by Judith Jamison by R. Faligant
Photography by Alex Robinson
ARTICLE BY JADA GARNER
30 Years of Elegance and Empowerment
Zeta Phi Beta’s Tea With Z Returns
The Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. honors elegance and purpose with its 30th annual Tea With Z on February 23, 2025. Celebrating legacy, scholarship, and social contribution, the sorority hosts its flagship event, headlined, “We Are Zora!” at Atlanta’s Carlos Ballroom.
Tea With Z celebrates the life and achievements of Zora Neale Hurston, a trailblazing author and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. member, for the past 30 years. This much-anticipated luncheon serves as a scholarship fundraiser for the Kappa Iota Zeta Foundation.
The Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter, founded in 1980, has served as an icon of service in the East Point area for 45 years. With over 200 members, the chapter has granted over $100,000 in scholarships to Georgia students and continues to advocate in areas such as education, mental wellness, voter engagement, and youth development. A historically African American sorority formed in 1920 at Howard University, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. exemplifies the organization’s commitment to Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.
Marea White, chair of the 30th anniversary tea, shares, “Education is a transformative tool that cultivates leaders and strengthens communities. Our annual fundraising tea is more than just a celebration of the life and achievements of Zora Neale Hurston, a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, a prolific playwright and author—it’s a commitment to investing in our future.”
Tickets for the 2025 tea are available through Eventbrite. A percentage of the proceeds benefit the Kappa Iota Zeta Foundation’s scholarships for college-bound youth. For sponsorship queries, please contact teawithz@zphibkiz.org
ARTICLE BY JAMIE MILES
DIY Candle Houses
WITH THE CRAFTY DIY GUY
JAMIE MILES: THE CRAFTY DIY GUY
Jamie Miles, known to his growing YouTube community as “The Crafty DIY Guy,” is a dynamic creator with a passion for all things DIY. From budget-friendly Dollar Tree crafts to thrift store makeovers and even some mini
home renovations, Jamie brings creativity and flair to every project. His journey as a homeowner began in 2018, and his need for affordable solutions quickly turned into a love for DIY projects that resonate with thousands.
With over 100,000 subscribers, Jamie has built a loyal following by showcasing cost-effective DIYs, lifestyle hacks, meal ideas, and fashion tips—particularly for “Brawn” guys looking to look their best on a budget. Beyond crafting and lifestyle content, Jamie is also a licensed REALTOR in the state of Georgia, helping clients find their perfect homes while sharing his real estate expertise.
In addition to his work in DIY and real estate, Jamie is a seasoned actor with notable TV and film credits. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA* (E), he has appeared in co-starring roles on hit shows such as “The Resident” (FOX), “Watchmen” (HBO), “The Inspectors” (CBS), “Halt & Catch Fire” (AMC), and in commercials for major brands like AT&T Wireless and Doritos.
Jamie’s expertise, whether in DIY, real estate, or acting, continues to inspire and connect audiences across multiple platforms.
YouTube: youtube.com/TheCraftyDIYGuy Instagram: @TheCraftyDIYGuy TikTok: @TheCraftyDIYGuy
Creating these candle houses is a fun and affordable DIY project that anyone can do! You can find all the supplies at your local Dollar Store or craft store for less than $10, including the candles.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
SUPPLIES:
• 2 Box-Style Faux Wood Signs
• 10 Wooden Dowel Rods
Additional Materials:
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
• Paint (Spray Paint works great!)
• Decorative Rocks
• Small Glass Candle
• Lineman Pliers or Wire Cutters
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Choose Your Box Signs: Find wood box-style signs at your local dollar store. Look for ones with a built-in frame design. The printed design doesn’t matter, as you’ll be painting over it. If you want variety, pick different sizes to create multiple candle houses.
2. Prepare the Dowel Rods: Use pliers or wire cutters to cut 4 dowel rods to the same length, between 7–10 inches, depending on your desired house size.
3. Attach the Corner Posts: Flip the box sign upside down so the framed edge faces upward. Glue the dowel rods vertically to the four corners of the box using hot glue. Let the glue set firmly.
4. Build the Roof Base: Take another dowel rod, cut it to fit across two of the corner posts at the top, and glue it in place. Repeat this process to connect the remaining corners, creating a square frame for the roof.
5. Create the Pitched Roof: Cut 4 more dowel rods to about 4 inches each. Form a triangular shape at one end of the roof by gluing two rods together at an angle, connecting them to the square roof base. Repeat on the opposite side of the structure.
6. Add the Roof Ridge: Connect the two triangular roof ends by gluing a dowel rod along the top peak to complete the pitched roof structure.
7. Paint and Decorate: Once the glue is dry, take your house structure outside and spray paint it in your favorite color. Let the paint dry completely.
8. Add Finishing Touches: Place decorative rocks, faux plants, or other embellishments at the base. Add a small glass candle in the center, and your stylish candle house is ready!
Styling Tips: Make several houses in varying heights and sizes for a big visual impact. They look great on a fireplace mantel, coffee table, or as part of a centerpiece. These DIY candle houses are simple to create but make a stunning statement!
DR. PENNY BROWN REYNOLDS
A SoFu Legend
ARTICLE BY DR. ALETHA CHERRY
It’s difficult not to be inspired by South Fulton legend Penny Brown Reynolds, PhD, JD, and USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. The Emmy-nominated judge, author, and SisterTalk founder drew me in with her words
“I think now it's time to do right by me. If I do right by me first, then I will be at the greatest and highest level of what God will have me to do for people.”
during Morehouse College’s 2024 Founder’s Day Convocation. She made it known that “Our silence co-conspires with injustice.”
The first Black American to serve as executive counsel to Georgia’s governor and lieutenant governor reflected wisely. She had an up close and personal experience at 10 that changed her life.
“I decided to be a Black person who would not let them call me different because my hair was different, because I was smart, or because I looked different,” she shares.
She studied each of Dr. Martin Luther King’s works. She went into detail about sitting at the feet of beloved culture holders: Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients Coretta Scott King, Dr. Joseph Lowery, Xernona Clayton, and C. T. Vivian; Evelyn
Lowery and Rita Samuels were given motherly reverence. Tom Joiner, Dan Moore, and former Governor Roy Barnes continue to do the work.
“I WAS ALWAYS A PASTOR WHO HAPPENED TO BE THE DEPUTY ASSISTANT. THAT WAS MY DUTY STATION,” SHE SAYS.
Her voice wavered when mentioning her mother. A needed heart transplant that never came increased the drive for social justice. Social justice via food insecurity falls in line with her role at the USDA. Historically, institutions like the USDA have participated in unequal access for Black, Brown, and women farmers. Waiting years after filing an action was no longer acceptable. Under Brown Reynold’s leadership, the first ever USDA anti-harassment and CONTINUED >
discrimination programs were instituted. New USDA initiatives must complete a civil rights impact analysis to ensure equity. HUD is often partnered with the agency to streamline services.
“I WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO TRAIN A NEW GENERATION BECAUSE WE’RE NOT GETTING IT RIGHT,” NOTES BROWN REYNOLDS.
Collegiate administration may be in the future. Students focused on law at Howard University, as well as her own Georgia State University, benefit from her expertise. An HBCU alumna of Interdenominational Theological Center, as well as Associate Pastor of Midway Missionary Baptist Church (with husband as Senior Pastor), Brown Reynolds overflows with energy and focus.
ABOUT CITY OF SOUTH FULTON
“South Fulton is leaning into the opportunity of brand newness of a new municipality. When we talk about incredible leadership, I think at this point we need mature leadership—leaders who can lean on advice from people who’ve been doing this for a long time…it’s essential that they work together. The learning curve is significant, but I really want us to maintain a sense of community and let people know about it to attract them to come and live in the area.”
– Judge Penny Brown Reynolds
With several trips and purposeful time for rest already planned, Brown Reynolds is leaning into change.
The Tony Tatum Experience
ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE LATIMORE FROM $20 TO CENTER STAGE
Tony Tatum
With only $20 in his pocket and a dream bigger than Saginaw, Michigan, Tony Tatum packed up and headed straight to Atlanta in 1999 to follow his life’s calling: music. Tony’s first lessons in music and performance began in his mother’s bathroom, where she turned every morning into her own concerts. With the mirror as her audience and the brush as her microphone, Tony’s mother sang classics with the fervor of a star performing for thousands. Tony began mimicking her style, inspired by her passion, and belted out songs by The Whispers and Donny Hathaway at age 7. Most kids his age just memorized lyrics, but Tony found himself infatuated with the craft. It was not enough to just like the artist and sing— he studied song structures, dissected verses, and fell in love with the artistry behind beautiful music.
Tony’s leap of faith in ‘99 marked the beginning of what Tony calls “the struggle.” For 6 years, Tony practiced relentlessly, studied the business, and stayed ready for any opportunity he knew would come his way. That 6-year investment finally came back full circle one Tuesday night while Tony was on the phone driving down I-75. A producer he’d connected with called him and Tony ended up auditioning for Keith Sweat over the phone—still driving— and
2 days later, he was on a tour bus traveling the world as a background singer with Keith for the next 6 years. On the global stage, Tony learned to command a crowd, connect with fans, and deliver a captivating performance.
Today, Tony has curated monthly tribute shows at St. James Live in Atlanta, where he honors legends who inspired him to pursue his career in music, including Switch and DeBarge. He aims to keep the integrity of their timeless music alive while crafting his own legacy as a performer.
Tony lives to tell the tale: If you believe in your purpose, “whether it takes 20 days or 20 years, stick with it until you get a yes.” For Tony, that yes turned that $20 and a dream into his reality—a life of musical fulfillment that can fully support him and his family.
PANTHER PROWL!
ARTICLE BY JASMINE TIFFANY
Join Coach Gene Hill and Georgia State Women’s Basketball for an Exciting Season and Upcoming Events!
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WOMEN EXCEL EVENT
Date: Feb. 21
Location: The Gathering Spot Atlanta Tickets are now on sale!
Link to event: https://givebutter.com/M7xLxG
The 2025 Women’s Empowerment and Excel Luncheon will honor Dr. Felicia Mayfield, Zoe Oli, LaTonya Story and
Kim Bearden, one of the founders of the Ron Clark Academy. This gathering will bring together women from all walks of life to celebrate achievements, foster connections, and spark meaningful conversations about leadership, personal wellness, and success. This event is to help those looking to expand their network, discover new paths to growth, or simply be inspired by the incredible women around you; this event is designed to help those excel in all areas of life.
The event will benefit the Georgia State Women’s Basketball team and the All Blue All NIL Collective.
Get Into the Georgia State Women's Basketball Team's Exciting Upcoming Season and Events
MORE ABOUT THE ALL BLUE ALL NIL COLLECTIVE
The All Blue All NIL Collective is the official Georgia State University Athletics platform established to cultivate and support name, image, and likeness opportunities for the 16 teams and over 375 student-athletes who are proud to represent the blue and white. All Blue All NIL was created to provide opportunities for the Panther Family to contribute and engage with all GSU student-athletes through a variety of NIL activities, including in-kind promotional deals, social media endorsements, appearances, meet and greets, autographs, and digital content.
Website: https://allblueallnil.com/
Coach Gene Hill is in his sixth season as the head coach of the Georgia State women’s basketball program. He was named the Georgia State head coach by Director of Athletics Charlie Cobb on April 19, 2018. Hill brought strong ties to Atlanta and a track record of winning as an assistant coach at Power 5 conference programs. He took over as the 11th head coach in GSU history after five seasons on the staff at NC State, which followed a 4-year stint at Georgia Tech.
“We’re preparing for our upcoming conference and key games like Education Day in February. It’s all about staying positive through the highs and lows and continuing to work hard.” —Coach Gene Hill
“The Women Excel program started four years ago, and each year it gets bigger and better. We’re proud to bring women together, make connections, and leave them feeling inspired.” —Coach Hill
“I came to GSU to bring something to the school and the team, so receiving recognition feels great.”
—Crystal Henderson
“There may be days when you don’t feel like it, but remember your why,” Mikyla Tolivert advised incoming college athletes.
“It’s amazing to see women’s basketball finally getting the spotlight. We were overlooked for so long, and now we’re showing the world what we can do.” —Mikyla Tolivert
Telling a Story
ARTICLE BY JUJU RAMOS
SoFu Lifestyle Talks to Georgia Native Christopher Wilson and Remembers Judith Jamison
Through Movement
Alvin Ailey Returns to Atlanta
Christopher R. Wilson of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has found a way to connect the soul to the stage. For him, dance is far more than technique— it’s a way of communicating, of telling stories, and of creating moments that resonate long after the final curtain falls.
Wilson’s journey began at age 11, when he first saw the Ailey Company perform. Even as a child, he felt the transformative power of their movement, but it wasn’t until a summer dance program at age 16 that he realized the stage was his home.
Photo by Paul Kolnik
“That performance made everything clear,” Wilson recalls. “It was the moment I knew this was where I belonged.” One of the most meaningful milestones in his career came full circle at Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre— the same place where he first experienced the magic of the Ailey Company. Performing there for the first time, with nearly 100 friends and family in attendance, was, as Wilson describes, “euphoric.”
Wilson credits Alvin Ailey’s choreography for its powerful blend of ballet, jazz, and Graham and Lester Horton techniques. However, it’s the humanity woven into every movement that sets Ailey’s work apart.
“Mr. Ailey didn’t want cookie-cutter dancers,” Wilson explains. “He wanted us to tell our own stories through his choreography because that’s how we connect with audiences.”
Dance, Wilson believes, is a universal language that transcends barriers.
“Movement is innate in all of us,” he says. “It’s a way to level the playing field and create moments of true connection.” To him, dance is not just art— it’s a catalyst for change, a mirror to society, and a bridge between people.
Judith Jamison, a legendary figure in dance and a mentor to Wilson, instilled in him the importance of storytelling.
“Every movement has meaning,” Wilson reflects. “Whether it’s a reach, a tilt, or even stillness, it’s all part of the story.”
Today, Wilson continues to honor the legacies of Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison, while carving his own path. Through his work, he invites audiences to experience the beauty of storytelling, the power of connection, and the art of humanity in motion.
Due to popular demand, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to The Fox Theatre from February 12—16 for an unprecedented six performances including a moving Valentine’s Day show on February 14. The highly anticipated 2025 Atlanta engagement showcases the unrivaled artistry, passion, and precision of the extraordinary Ailey dancers in brilliant premieres, new productions, and repertory favorites. The uplifting finale of every performance will be the mustsee masterpiece Revelations. Tickets, starting at $39, are available at The Fox Theatre box office, 660 Peachtree Street NE, www.ailey.org/ series/ailey-atlanta, www.foxatltix.com, or by calling 855-285-8499.
Photo by Paul Kolnik
Photo by Dario Calmese
Photo by Andrew Eccles
“WHEN I FIRST MET MS. JAMISON SOME YEARS AGO, SHE GAVE ME A HUG AND THANKED ME FOR PROMOTING AILEY AS A MEMBER OF ALVIN AILEY AMBASSADOR OF ATLANTA. I WAS HUMBLED AND GRATEFUL TO BE IN HER PRESENCE. AS REGAL AS SHE WAS, MS. JAMISON WAS A REAL PERSON WHO LOVED HER COMMUNITY AND THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF WHAT WE HAVE CREATED AS PEOPLE OF THE DIASPORA. THIS BEAUTIFUL, BRILLIANT, AND TALENTED CULTURAL ICON WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
MS. JAMISON'S LIFE AND LEGACY WILL LIVE FOREVER.” —TONYA COOK 20-YEAR ALVIN AILEY AMBASSADOR OF ATLANTA
By: Jolene Butts Freeman
W king Moves 247, a column w ate, and empower women who a mas, or women who want to be either of the above It’s 2025! It’s a new year, so everyone is making New Year’s resolutions. Well, don’t do it! Why? Because you want to accomplish your goals, right?
My research reveals yeah, I GOOGLED it that according to U S News & World Report, the failure rate for New Year’s resolutions is 80%, with people losing motivation by mid-February
So, mamas, don’t do it to yourselves. Let’s move forward in 2025 by making lifestyle changes instead of New Year’s resolutions Lifestyle changes are small steps we take, one day at a time, to accomplish a goal.
Check it out there are FIVE types of lifestyles: healthy, unhealthy, active, busy, or hectic Here’s a personal example: every morning, I have a date with Starbucks This girl has to have her morning coffee, and if I don’t, my day goes to hell in a handbasket That’s part of my lifestyle
We all fall into one of these lifestyle categories Which one do you belong to? This calls for some self-reflection And if you’re a narcissist, stop reading this won’t work for you!
So, like the young folk say: “Miss me with” the New Year’s resolutions Figure out which lifestyle you belong to, set your goals, find a reliable and consistent accountability partner, and take steps to reach your goals one step at a time Now, in the words of my Daddy - the late Emanuel Butts - GO BE GREAT!
ARE YOU ready TO APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS LOAN?
ARTICLE BY GLENDA WALKER
When applying for a small business loan, being prepared is key to ensuring a smooth and fast process. As the saying goes, “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” Having the right documents ready is essential for a successful application. Here are the key documents you’ll need:
1. Last 3 Years Tax Returns (Personal and Business) Lenders want to see your financial history. Your personal and business tax returns for the past 3 years provide valuable insight into your income, profits, and tax obligations.
2. Current Year Profit and Loss Statement A current Profit and Loss (P&L) statement details your business’s revenue, expenses, and overall profitability. It helps lenders assess whether your business is generating enough income to cover loan repayments.
3. Current Year Balance Sheet The Balance Sheet outlines your business’s assets, liabilities, and equity at a given point in time. It allows lenders to evaluate your financial stability.
4. Accounts Receivable and Payable Reports These reports show outstanding customer invoices and unpaid bills. Lenders use this information to gauge your business’s cash flow and ability to meet financial obligations.
5. Personal Financial Statement (PFS) A Personal Financial Statement (PFS) outlines your personal assets, liabilities, and net worth. This helps lenders assess your personal financial situation, especially if the loan requires a personal guarantee, which it will.
6. Bank Statements Bank statements from the past 3 to 6 months provide a snapshot of your business’s cash flow, helping lenders understand how you manage your finances.
Being prepared with these key documents not only speeds up the loan process but also increases your chances of approval. Stay ready so you can secure the funding your business needs to grow!
Glenda Walker, CEO
Relationship Management Solutions Inc. (RMSI)
Office 877-354-7040 ext. 1001
Mobile 470-485-4009
Glenda@Rmsifundings.com website www.Rmsifundings.com
