VOLUME 22 NUMBER 30
FREE
OCTOBER 29, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Anthem Inc. to create False report leads to arrest of Jeffrey Breedlove, DeKalb Commissioner Nancy Jester’s top aide 1,800 IT jobs in effrey Breedlove, DeKalb it would be from the man in the Midtown Atlanta County Commissioner room. No drugs were found in the
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Tom Miller, senior VP
ATLANTA – Anthem, Inc., one of the nation’s largest health benefits companies, will create 1,800 information technology(IT) jobs in Midtown Atlanta and invest more than $20 million in the community over the next six years, officials have announced. Anthem’s new facility will be located at the Bank of America Plaza, allowing for close collaboration between the IT hub and the Anthem Innovation Studio that recently opened in Tech Square, officials said. “I am excited that Anthem has chosen Atlanta for its consolidated IT business, where the company will have access to a base of highly skilled workers and a thriving business community focused on building for the future,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “This move demonstrates that Atlanta is the region’s leader in technology and IT talent. This year alone three major Fortune 500 companies have established IT and innovation centers in our city.” Gov. Nathan Deal praised Anthem for its investment. “As Georgia continues to grow its reputation as the nation’s top destination for the health IT industry, major companies like Anthem continue to strategically position themselves here,” said Deal. “Georgia’s qualified workforce and the collaborative partnerships on both state and local levels will allow Anthem to improve customer outreach while maintaining its competitive edge on a national scale. We value See IT Jobs, page 11
NancyJester’s chief of staff, is facing felony charges after falsely telling police he was held against his will in a motel room during a bizarre incident in which he admitted he was a crack cocaine addict and tried to convince police not to arrest him. Breedlove, 49, was arrested on Monday, Oct. 24, at the Budget Inn and Suites on Memorial Drive. DeKalb County Police found him inside Room 222 with a 26-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman. Police were responding to a call that someone needed help and that a gun was at the location. The officers ended up arresting Breedlove on charges of filing a false imprisonment report, a felony, and taking statements from him in which he admitted that he was addicted to crack cocaine. Breedlove allegedly told police that “theoretically speaking” if he bought crack,
room, however, and the man and the woman were not charged in the incident, police said. According to the police report, Breedlove said he owed the man $200 and intended to give him an American Express card worth $2,700. He allegedly asked the officer if he could “make this go away,” telling him if he needed anything from him, he would do it. said. Breedlove said he was a “very important person,” the chief of staff for DeKalb County Commissioner Nancy Jester, the police report said. Jester could not be reached for comment, but told CBS 46 that she had fired Breedlove immediately upon learning he had made a false report to police and was arrested. The television station said Jester issued the following statement: “I do not condone or tolerate lack of performance in an employee and I have taken swift and immedi-
Jeffery Breedlove
ate action regarding this situation. I look forward to moving forward to continue to add value to the citizens of District 1 and all of DeKalb.” Breedlove’s arrest surprised many in the community. Recently, he had sent out several news releases on behalf of Jester criticizing DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson and ICEO Lee May for not See Crack addiction, page 2
DeKalb’s Hank Stewart to be saluted As Poet Laureate
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eKalb County resident Hank Stewart, who is celebrating 25 years as a poet and community servant, will be honored as Poet Laureate by Congressman Hank Johnson and DeKalb ICEO Lee May. Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond also will be among community leaders and friends who will pay tribute to Stewart on Monday, Nov. 7, 5 p.m., at Atlanta City Hall. Stewart, who is the author of seven books, will release a new work,“25 Years and Still Counting,” during the celebration. The new book highlights Stewart’s 25-year journey, recapturing some of his favorite poems, the lives he has touched with his messages, an overview of his awards and special moments during this quarter of his life. The icon has worked with many prominent officials over the years. Stewart has recited his poems for First Lady Michelle Obama; the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson; former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; the Rev. Hosea Williams; and Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, civil rights leader. Stewart also has performed for Ruby Dee, Johnny Cochran, Harry Belafonte, Xernona Clayton and Ambassador Andrew Young. Singer, actress, Jill
Scott says “Hank Stewart’s poems get all up in your bones.” Stewart has been called a catalyst for action and a messenger of hope. A devout Christian, he considers spirituality, history and love as his major influences for delving into the world of literature. “As one would expect, my (life) experiences have had a great influence on the poetry I write and perform. Poetry has helped me to deal with many issues,” says Hank, who released his first book titled, “The Answer” in 1993. Stewart has perHank Stewart formed spoken word at the Trumpet Awards Against the Call,” a breast cancer and Essence Music Fesawareness initiative that has raised tival. He has written and performed more than $100,000. He also is d commercials for the McDonald founder of the Annual White Linen Corporation called “365 BLACK,” Affair, Hot Chocolate, Love Jones and African American poetic rendiSundays and Five Men on a Stool. tion commercials for WAGA TV in Stewart is a member of the Board Atlanta, which earned him an Emmy, Promax and Gabby awards. Stewart is the founder of “Walk See Hank Stewart, page 10