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!
LIFESTYLE LETTER
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us that have helped us along in our journey can leave us missing out on what truly matters.
Right now I’m grateful for my City Lifestyle family. My local SoFu team got to convene with our corporate team in Kansas City to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the founding of the company! We returned invigorated and ready to serve this community and tell great stories from the eight cities that #SoFuLifestyle represents. I’m so grateful to my publisher for creating a space where I can feel fulfilled and that I’m contributing to society by adding some positivity to a harsh world and care for my son on a flexible schedule. I do not take this for granted and I thank God every day for the opportunity to strike a balance. But that’s what this company is all about: serving God, caring for families and celebrating local communities. If you believe in what we do and want to partner with us, reach out to the incomparable Michelle Taylor Willis. We can’t contain our excitement about the things to come in #SoFu, including the Miss South Fulton Pageant and Miss #SoFu! Stay tuned!
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our area who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
Blessings to you and your family!
ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE
founder of Gagnant Media.
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kevin Giles | kevin.giles@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jasmine Tiffany, Zaria Samuel
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Aric Thompson of Dream Multimedia Group
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
1-7: Georgia State Universiry Celebration of Women in Sports
On Tuesday, September 10, they celebrated women leaders in sports at Georgia State University. The head coaches of the women’s teams were on a panel to discuss leadership, teamwork and empowering young women leaders to make a difference in the world.
Renowned as the fastest-growing City in Georgia, Union City combines the charm of an intimate community with the cultural, educational, and economic prowess of a large metropolis
Renowned as the fastest-growing City in Georgia, 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, Mercedes-Benz, Walmart E-Commerce, and Atlanta Metro Studios.
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, Mercedes-Benz, Walmart E-Commerce, and Atlanta Metro Studios.
Experience the fusion of business and lifestyle - Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine your future in Union City.
Experience the fusion of business and lifestyle - Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine your future in Union City.
In celebration of Carolina Handling’s 58 years in business in 2024, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based intralogistics company launched its 58 for 58 pallet jack giveaway with a new fiscal year philanthropic focus called “Handling Hunger Together.” Equipment was awarded to qualifying organizations on a first-requested basis, throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. Together, they distribute an average of 290 million pounds of food annually.
The Atlanta Cluster of the Links, Incorporated hosted a Link Up the Vote rolling rally car caravan to encourage citizens to register prior to the Oct. 7th deadline and to get out the vote. All six Atlanta chapters of The Links, Incorporated fanned out through low voter turnout areas of Fulton County to encourage citizens to register and to vote.
Mayor Vince Williams of Union City, Georgia was invited to participate in the 2024 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York City. This invitation comes as Union City has been recognized as the fourth fastest growing city in the United States, highlighting its significant development and potential on both a local and national scale. Mayor Williams’ involvement in the CGI presents an invaluable opportunity for Union City to engage with global leaders and innovators.
ARTICLE BY JASMINE TIFFANY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARIC THOMPSON, DREAM MULTIMEDIA GROUP
PRESENTING THE MISS SOUTH FULTON PAGEANT
The City of South Fulton is on the verge of something extraordinary, a new chapter of empowerment, leadership, and opportunity for young women, with the establishment of a local Miss Georgia Pageant division. At the heart of this initiative are two dynamic women, Councilwoman Helen Willis and Dr. Lovie, who are determined to provide a platform that will help young women flourish. Their dedication marks a long-awaited project that promises to bring positive change to South Fulton and beyond.
Councilwoman Helen Willis is passionate about fostering growth in young women across her community, and this initiative resonates deeply with her values. “I am inspired to support the establishment of the Miss Georgia Pageant division in South Fulton because I am deeply committed to empowering young women in our community,” she says. For her, the pageant is more than just a competition, it’s an opportunity to nurture local youth and to provide them with a space where they can showcase their talents, intelligence, and leadership abilities.
“Hosting this prestigious event in South Fulton, we highlight our local youth’s incredible potential and provide them with opportunities for personal growth, scholarship, and community engagement,” Willis adds. She envisions the pageant as a way to help participants cultivate poise, confidence, and responsibility, some traits that will serve them well in all aspects of life.
Dr. Lovie Negrin, one of the organizers of this initiative, is motivated by a deeply personal connection. “I’ve always believed in the transformative power of purpose and opportunity,” she reflects. “Organizing this pageant division allows me to not only support my daughter’s dream but also to give back to young
women with untapped potential.” Dr. Lovie’s mission is clear: to help young women gain the confidence and support they need to succeed, both within the competition and in their everyday lives.
Councilwoman Willis’s involvement as a board member also promises to be instrumental in driving the success of the Miss Georgia Pageant division in South Fulton. Her goal is to provide financial backing for the initiative while leveraging her experience in community engagement and bringing people together for a common cause. She sees this new division as a perfect alignment with South Fulton’s vision of promoting leadership, education, and service among young women.
“As a board member, I envision myself playing a pivotal role by leveraging my experience in community engagement, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and providing financial support for young women who want to advance their education,” Willis explains. She hopes to see increased community participation in the coming years, with more young women completing their education and excelling in different spheres of society.
Both Willis and Dr. Lovie see this new pageant division as essential for South Fulton, where opportunities like these are often out of reach in underserved areas. “Without the active involvement of our community leaders, these opportunities simply wouldn’t exist here,” Willis says. She believes the division is about more than competition—it’s about creating pathways to success and cultivating a sense of self-belief in young women.
“Hosting this prestigious event in South Fulton, we highlight our local youth’s incredible potential and provide them with opportunities for personal growth, scholarship, and community engagement.”
“As a young woman, I remember the impact of having mentors who saw my potential before I did. They gave me the platform to explore my abilities and the confidence to pursue my dreams,” Dr. Lovie recalls. This is exactly what she aims to re-create through the Miss Georgia Pageant in South Fulton.
Councilwoman Willis and Dr. Lovie’s unwavering support of the new pageant division reflects their belief in the potential of South Fulton’s young women. They are dedicated to bringing the Miss Georgia Pageant to their community, ensuring it becomes a beacon of hope, ambition, and empowerment. This project, long-awaited for the Atlanta area, promises to transform lives, enabling young women to thrive in an environment that celebrates their talents, resilience, and vision. As Dr. Lovie says, “Every girl deserves that chance to shine,” and now, South Fulton is ready to provide it.
Dr. Lovie Negrin (Executive Director)
Jasmyn Gordon (Judge’s Chairperson- Co Director)
Don Rivers Productions, Inc. (Producer)
*Not photographed
Kajara Anderson (Treasurer)
Councilwoman Helen Willis (Community Liaison)
Michelle Taylor Willis - SOFU Lifestyle magazine publisher (Media Coordinator)
Deidre Brown (Facilitator)
The two below are not on the board but are sponsors Randall Smith (Sponsor)
Lady Danzy - Fit for a Queen (Sponsoar)
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
From the bustling fashion world in New York to revolutionizing politics to humanitarian endeavors in providing resources to families with children on the autism spectrum, there isn’t an industry that Ty Spears hasn’t dominated.
Spears launched his career in New York, appearing in Gentlemen’s Quarterly, Vogue, and Neiman Marcus. He made moves in the fashion industry by creating the Ty Spears Cosmetic Corporation, which revolutionized men’s skincare with products tackling discoloration and ingrown hairs. Despite his success, Spears’ passion for connecting with people remained, leading him to political lobbying for influential figures like Andre Dickens.
“The thing that I like is the ability to connect and support others,” said Spears, reflecting on his enduring commitment to helping those around him.
Spears now dedicates his time to giving back to his community by providing resources to families with children with autism. As a father to Jardine Spears, Tyrone has experienced the peaks and valleys of raising a child with autism, which inspired him to start the Jardine Spears Autism Foundation. The foundation provides developmental programs for children with autism and offers a supportive space for parents to share their experiences and access resources. Spears recognizes autism’s challenges to individuals and their families, but he remains deeply grateful for the lessons and personal growth from raising Jardine.
“I’m blessed that I have him because it changed my life and gave me a new perspective of what life is really all about,” said Spears.
The Jardine Autism Foundation recently hosted its 7th annual charity golf tournament to raise awareness about autism’s impact on children and their families and support the foundation’s ongoing programs and services. Additionally, the Jardine Autism Foundation will host its first gala in Spring 2025.
“I’m so fulfilled when I’m giving of myself and seeing the reward of someone else being happy or having some form of healing,” said Spears.
Spears’ work ethic and influence are motivated by his love for God, community, and family.
Dear Hannah,
We’ll make sure you can count on your power company.
Because we know this time of year, you’ve got some company counting on you.
Reliably yours, Making Life Better
Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated–the most prominent African American family organization–is pleased to announce Darlene McGhee Whittington as the organization’s 28th National President! National President Whittington was elected on July 27 at the 46th National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to being elected as National President, she served as the 2021-2023 Regional Director of the Southeastern Region and Southeastern Region Member-at-Large 2019-2021. SoFu resident Whittington entered Jack and Jill as the Organizer and Chartering President of the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter (GMAC) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the first chapter of Jack and Jill to attain
the designation of 5 Star Chapter of Excellence, where she currently remains an active member. She has also served the organization in several leadership roles.
Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Whittington is a graduate of Spelman College holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry as well as a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University. She has had an award-winning 24-year career in pharmaceutical sales and marketing and currently serves as a Therapeutic Area Manager in Hematology for Genmab Pharmaceuticals. She has also served in various leadership roles within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Nu Lambda Omega Chapter, Atlanta) and as a board member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter). An active member of The Links, Incorporated (Atlanta Chapter, VP of Membership) and the Parents’ Circle of Atlanta Girls’ School, Whittington and her family are active members of the Buckhead Church in Atlanta. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, traveling, photography, crafting, and spending time with her husband, Delmar, and daughter, Skylar (15).
Jack and Jill of America, Inc. was founded in 1938 to nurture future African American leaders by stimulating the growth and development of children through educational, cultural, civic, recreational, health and social programs inspired by mothers. Through its 271 chapters organized in seven regions across the United States, Jack and Jill is considered the largest African American family organization in the nation, representing more than 70,000 family members which includes mother members, fathers, and children ages 2 through 19.
HELP BISHOP AARON B.
LACKEY MAKE CHRISTMAS MERRY FOR SO MANY!
Aaron B. Lackey Ministries, Inc. (ABLM) is a nonprofit organization that was birthed out of the heart of Bishop Aaron B. Lackey. This ministry coordinates and provides leadership
families in the Fairburn area. We are ecstatic about this year’s Christmas Giveaway. Last year, we blessed children with at least $200 worth of merchandise per child and over 150
ALTHOUGH THE MINISTRY PERFORMS ITS SACERDOTAL DUTIES, THE REAL HEARTBEAT OF ABLM IS TO FIND WAYS TO BLESS “THE LEAST, THE LESS, THE LOST AND THE LEFT OUT.”
for most of the Community Outreach efforts for Temple of Prayer Church, Inc. Although the ministry performs its sacerdotal duties, the real heartbeat of ABLM is to find ways to bless “the least, the less, the lost and the left out.”
This year, Aaron B. Lackey Ministries will sponsor its 10th Annual Christmas Giveaway, December 7th-8th. Last year, they served close to 900 children and gave away over $175,000 worth of food, clothes, blankets, toys and bicycles.
“Christmas is a very special time for families,” says Bishop Aaron B. Lackey. “It brings children joy to play with new toys on Christmas day.
Aaron B. Lackey Ministries is committed to help spread Christmas cheer to
of them were able to receive their first bicycle. This year, it is our goal to continue the trend by giving away approximately $160,000 worth of Christmas items and at least 225 bicycles. We welcome your donations to help us accomplish that goal.”
HOW YOU CAN PUT A SMILE ON A CHILD’S FACE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
No gift is too large or too small and all gifts are tax deductible Donations may be sent to Aaron B. Lackey Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 116, Fairburn, GA 30213, a 501©3 Organization. If you have any additional questions, please contact (770) 969-5126 BishopLackey@gmail.com or Special Projects Manager, Mrs. Sara Holland at SaraFairburn@aol.com.
