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Volume 89 • Issue 38
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April is National Minority Health Month
All Eyes
April 27 - May 3, 2017
on the
Westside
April 27 - May 3, 2017
COVER STORY
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Anti-displacement, revitalization aim of city development initiatives
On the eve of the launch of the Beltline in 2008, a not-yet Atlanta mayoral candidate Senator Vincent Fort chided the City of Atlanta for the amount of economic attention that areas of Atlanta deemed Tax Allocation Districts were getting and would be getting anyway, irrespective of government intervention. “We should not be engaging in developer welfare by setting aside TAD money. I don’t believe we taxpayers should rush to subsidize wealthy developers for areas they were planning on developing anyway.” In the same year, at a public hearing held by Atlanta City Council, members of the community pointed out that TAD money can only be collected and used in economically and social depressed areas and that many sections do not meet that criteria. Furthermore, in order to achieve TAD status; it must be proven that redevelopment would not be possible for the area without government intervention. The areas in question: Piedmont Park, Inman Park, Virginia Highland, Morningside and Ansley Park — not exactly underserved. But the City has always had its sights as well as its development arm set on the city’s blighted and long underserved areas – namely the West End — in ways that would attract both development (i.e. the Mercedes Benz Stadium) and inevitably the vestiges of gentrification. To address the latter, the City of Atlanta launched two recent initiatives. The first, a partnership with the Westside Future Fund to launch the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund Program, an initiative that will pay any property tax increases for qualifying homeowners in the English Avenue, Vine City, Ashview Heights and Atlanta University Center communities. The new program is designed to help ensure that current homeowners are not displaced due to rising property values as public and private investments are made in these neighborhoods. “The City of Atlanta is proud to launch this essential program which will help ensure that long-time residents get to share in the prosperity coming to the Westside, thanks to new infrastructure, new parks, more transit, the Atlanta BeltLine, and a surge in economic development,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “This program is another stake in the ground to preserve the character and the history of our transformative Atlanta neighborhoods.” “The Department of Planning and Community Development is committed to achieving sustainable growth in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhoods,” said Commissioner Tim Keane. “As part of that sustainable growth, we must have programs and policies in place to ensure affordable housing and offer housing incentives and resources to our residents who need them the most. We hope that the Anti-Displacement Tax Program is one of many initiatives to come.”
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The fund, administered by the Westside Future Fund and sourced from philanthropic donations and community weigh-in, will operate as a grant for individuals and will not require participants to pay back any funds received. Fund payments will begin in the 2018 tax year. The program is one of many strategies initiated by the Westside Community Retention Collaborative which was created to address Westside resident concerns on displacement and gentrification. In September 2015, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the City of Atlanta a $30 million CHOICE Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, which has already enabled the city to leverage additional public and private funds to assist in revitalizing five Westside neighborhoods. In June 2016, the City of Atlanta received the Promise Zone designation, which allows the City to work strategically with HUD and other federal agencies to boost economic activity and job growth, improve educational opportunities, reduce crime and leverage private investment to improve the quality of life in the “Westside Promise Zone,” comprised of the historic Atlanta University Center neighborhood, Ashview Heights, Vine City, English Avenue and Castleberry Hill. The communities will also soon welcome the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Castleberry Park mixed-use development and a Hard Rock Hotel. To double-down on the furthering equitable neighborhood development, Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development arm, plans to revitalize 24 single-family vacant and blighted properties in Atlanta’s English Avenue and Vine City neighborhoods, transforming the abandoned land parcels into affordable and energy efficient workforce housing units for Westside residents. The acquisition of these vacant and blighted properties for development was completed as part of the Westside TAD Neighborhood Strategic Implementation Plan with the approval of the Invest Atlanta board of directors. All units also must be developed for homeownership and be made available at prices affordable to households earning a maximum of 120 percent of the area median income for Atlanta’s metropolitan statistical area. “We implemented a Westside land assembly strategy in 2014 to activate vacant and blighted land, putting these properties to use for the community as affordable workforce housing,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO, Invest Atlanta. “This initiative is one part of our larger strategy to encourage equitable development that benefits residents in English Avenue, Vine City and other Westside neighborhoods.” Developers can submit bids using a variety of
unique and innovative housing types, whether through new construction or the renovation of existing homes. All responses must align with the vision articulated in the Land Use Action Plan, which recommends the preservation of homes with historical importance and the implementation of new housing design that is consistent with the existing historic homes. “This effort will bring a variety of new affordable housing options to English Avenue and Vine City while also preserving the heritage of these historic neighborhoods,” said Dawn Luke, senior vice president of Community Development, Invest Atlanta. If all goes according to plan, the redevelopment will help to reduce blight, enhance security and catalyze future private investment in these communities. However, some residents are reasonably skeptical. The construction of Turner Field in 1997 made similar promises to the surrounding Mechanicsville community. And current redevelopment plans revolving around its sale to Georgia State University – some of which involve eminent domain demands on behalf of the City -- have been met with both engagement and resistance. The Westside is no different. “Before the new Mercedes Benz Stadium was being constructed, one of the controversial points that were there in terms of location was that there were two historic black churches that were a tangible representation of the history of culture for a lot of folks, not just for the city of Atlanta but for the people who have been inspired by the work that these institutions have been able to move the meter on,” said Greg Clay, candidate for the Atlanta City Council, District 3. “The community just hasn’t healed over it. Before the Georgia Dome was constructed there was a community there, and adjacent to the Georgia Dome there was the Georgia World Congress Center and there was a community there as well – and so when you look at development along that Northside Drive corridor, folks in the community are considered to be a wall, almost in the shadows of the GWCC. You can stand in their parking lot and throw a baseball across the street and hit the door of Bethune Cookman Elementary School that had to close its doors last year.” Short of public policy aimed deliberately at reducing inequity in economic development, proximity to billions of dollars in development still presents challenges. “A lot of the trust associated with the different waves of large projects that have come in – the context of the open air drug market that’s there in the English Avenue that folks have, since the ‘80s been dealing with, it makes for a narrative of mistrust when folks come and say ‘hey we want to make the area better,’ but the waves of development just have not changed the community a whole lot.” Despite its challenges, it’s a community that has a very rich history that city officials say its two new initiatives aim to preserve by preventing displacement and enhancing quality of life. “Martin Luther King Jr. made his home there and he still has a home that’s there that his family owns. The Herndon Home is in that district; it’s sitting next to Morris Brown College which is holding on strongly for dear life as a part of the Atlanta University Center. One can say that in the face of a lot of this development, why is it that the community has not been at the table to grow like the other side of the street? One project or one corridor being developed is not going to repair the mistrust that folks have had over decades. The challenge for us who care about communities, is to know that people make communities just as much as brick and mortar things do.”
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NEWS
April 27 - May 3, 2017
Mawuli Davis: Basil Eleby’s arrest speaks to issues of alienation in Atlanta Atlanta Daily World
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ADW reports Fulton Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville signed off on the release of Basil Eleby, the 39-year-old homeless man who plead not guilty to setting the fire that brought down a southbound portion of Interstate 85. Eleby was released on a $10,000 signature bond from the Fulton County jail and is now in the care of a Michael & Michael Counseling & Consulting, Substance Abuse Counselor under the condi-
tion that he receive residential drug and mental health treatment, become employed within 60 days, and steer clear of the scene of the collapse unless accompanied by his lawyers or their investigators. Eleby is formally charged with felony arson and criminal damage to property for allegedly starting the fire under the bridge which eventually spread to flammable plastic conduits the Georgia Department of Transportation had been storing there for years. The Georgia state fire marshal said the huge spools of plastic and fiberglass conduit stored under the bridge were petroleum based and that allowed the fire to spread so quickly. “At this point we are still investigating everything,” says attorney Mawuli Davis, one of four attorneys including Gary Spencer, Tiffany Roberts and Lawrence Zimmerman, who make up Eleby’s legal defense team. A group of more than a dozen people and social justice/community organizations formed the Community Coalition in Support of Basil Eleby. Their first order of business: securing pro-bono legal defense, setting up a website and 800 number to disseminate information and receive tips related to the case. “We are looking to first allow Basil
Civil Rights groups sue over Congressional run-off election deadline ADW reports Georgia’s NAACP is among five civil rights and civic engagement groups that have filed suit against Georgia and secretary of state Brian Kemp, alleging an effort to block registered voters from participating in a highly scrutinized runoff election between the top two finishers, Democrat Jon Ossoff and Republican Karen Handel, in Georgia’s 6th Congressional District. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed a complaint in the federal district court in Atlanta, arguing that the state is violating the National Voter Registration Act, which sets 30 days before a federal election as the earliest permissible deadline for voter registration. Because no candidate won 50 percent of the vote, there will be a second runoff election on June 20. Georgia election officials contend that the June runoff is simply a continuation of the initial special election, so they don’t have to allow newly registered voters to participate. The registration deadline for Tuesday’s election was March 20, and officials state anyone who registers after that day is not eligible to vote in the June runoff, which would include anyone who had moved to the 6th District or turned 18 since March 20. Ezra Rosenberg, co-director of the voting rights project at the Lawyers’ Committee, argues that under the federal law, Georgia can’t set the registration deadline for the June 20 runoff any earlier than 30 days before that election — that is, May 22 — noting that “Federal law specifically defines elections as including runoff elections.” In fact, the National Voter Registration Act, passed in 1993, defines the word “election” based on the Federal Election Campaign
to settle in into his new environment with Michael & Michael counseling and consulting, and we are looking at everything that we have access to at this time. We have not received discovery in the case yet, we have not received everything that the state has. So, in the meantime, we’ve had a number of potential witnesses come forward with helpful information. It is going to take a while.” There is also a federal investigation that is underway, assisted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, that is probing a Downtown Connector crash and chemical spill which happened barely two weeks after the I-85 bridge collapse on March 30th. “It is not a criminal investigation, but we are very interested in seeing the result of that. I’m not sure when the investigation started — before or after Eleby being charged — but we know that it is not complete.” And though establishing causation on the part of the GDOT – what the GDOT did or did not do, what was stored there, and for how long –is not compulsory to Eleby’s defense, it speaks to broader issues about how the state engages defendants of lesser means. “The reason that this team of attorneys became involved was because this catastrophe was laid at the feet of this single man of very little means. He was very much so living at the margins of our society and he is very easy to target and scapegoat. When the coalition reached out
to us and asked us to take up the case pro-bono we knew we had a moral and social responsibility to make sure that he would not be railroaded because of his socioeconomic status.” Eleby’s arrest opens up a larger conversation about homelessness in the city, Davis asserts. “There are currently roughly 2,000 homeless individuals all sleeping under bridges and in otherwise difficult circumstances [in the Atlanta metro region] and that is a reality that many people are living with. We also know that there are issues around substance abuse which public health concern and should be treated as such. Substance abusers are sick and should be helped and looked upon more compassionately; not criminalized for having a substance abuse problem.” The team’s strategy is to speak up for the voiceless and work with community activists for the rights of the disenfranchised. “One of the things that I’m hoping people get from this is that there are people who are still committed to working in the interest of our community and not just allowing people who lie on the margins to live without support from others to face the complexity of issues we face as a city, state. And there’s a lot of positive that could come out of this. What was destroyed was a bridge but it is possible to build new bridges of humanity through this process … and that’s far more important than concrete structures.” Eleby’s next court appearance is set for June 16.
Act. That 1971 statute defines an election as “a general, special, primary, or runoff election.” The civil rights groups are asking the federal court to order the state to let people vote on June 20 if they’re registered by May 22, and to make widely public the extension of the new deadline. According to Francys Johnson, president of the Georgia NAACP, the goal of the secretary of state and the state of Georgia is to “make voting difficult, to make voting something that all Georgians cannot participate in. Any time there is a need to interpret federal law, [Kemp] always interprets federal law to close opportunities for Georgians to be able to exercise the right to vote.” The state’s counter to claims that the National Voter Registration Act pre-empts state law: Georgia law requires that individuals who vote in a runoff election must be registered to vote in the initial election, stated Kemp spokeswoman Candice Broce; and that allowing new voters to register would undermine the integrity of the runoff. She also noted that the U.S. Constitution allows states to set additional qualifications for voters in federal elections that don’t exceed the qualifications for state elections. “The election system, which includes the voter registration database and electronic poll books, was set up in such a way that it necessarily depends on the runoff being connected to the underlying election,” said Broce. “Attempting to make a change to the election system this late in the process could result in serious complications to normal election operations.” The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Georgia NAACP, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples’ Agenda, ProGeorgia State Table, Third Sector Development and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta.
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BUSINESS The Coca-Cola Company honored with Grass Roots Justice Award
April 27 - May 3, 2017
The Coca-Cola Company, the world’s largest beverage company, has made a commitment to meaningful criminal justice reform, crafting company policies that remove barriers to opportunity for those with a criminal record. In 2016, The Coca-Cola Company was one of the 19 founding signers of the White House’s “Fair Chance Business Pledge.” As part of their commitment to equal opportunity in hiring practices, The Coca-Cola Company does not engage in background screening until after a hiring decision has been made and subsequently reviews the relevancy of the history to make an informed decision. In Georgia, 3.8 million people (over 1/3 of the state’s population) have a criminal record, which includes arrests without conviction. Too often, that record disqualifies individuals from being a full participant in their communities — even after they’ve already paid their debt to society. The Coca-Cola Company’s “Fair Chance” hiring practice not only provides these individuals a fair shot at employment, but also ensures the Company has the opportunity to select from among the most qualified candidates. Co-chairs for the event held at The Commerce Club were Tye Darland, senior vice president and general counsel for Georgia-Pacific and Norman M. Brothers, Jr., senior vice president and general coun-
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sel for UPS. Special guest Georgia Supreme Court Justice Michael P. Boggs, co-chair of the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform, was the featured speaker for the program. Doug Ammar, executive director of Georgia Justice Project, said, “Georgia Justice Project is committed to creating opportunity for those re-entering society after being arrested or convicted. We work for better opportunities for returning citizens to re-join the workforce. When major employers like The Coca-Cola Company make the commitment to give people with a criminal record a fair chance at employment, second chances become possible. This benefits the individual, the company, and our entire community.” Georgia Justice Project is a (501) (c) (3) nonprofit organization which provides pro-bono legal services combined with social services and employment support for poor people accused of a crime. In addition, we assist individuals with expungement or modification of their criminal records where allowable by law, and we work to change Georgia’s laws that keep the 3.8 million people with a criminal record from becoming economically self-sufficient following an arrest or conviction.
The evolution of Atlanta’s music industry has been revolutionary dating back to the success of James Brown, Outkast, TLC, Usher, and more recently, rapper Future. Economically however, Atlanta-based recording studios and labels have been unable to maintain a steady uptick that would ultimately bring more artists to the city. The relevance of Atlanta’s dynamic music scene has declined in the past few years, with more than five recording studios shuttering or relocating, including Doppler Studios and LaFace Records. Staying in business in any industry takes more than a village and good wits. What’s more, creating a brand that is known nation-wide and has been in business for more than 20 years requires the humility and adaptability that Curtis Daniel III and Mike Wilson, owners of Patchwerk Recording Studios, have mastered. Patchwerk has surpassed its role as just a recording studio, expanding its reach as a brand that hosts listening parties, meet and greets, live performances and parties. Since purchasing the recording studio in 2009, the duo created the dream partnership that allows both to maneuver — Daniel III develops his ideas creatively while Wilson initiates the execution. “It’s hard to be creative and come up with ideas for the place to run and do more things when you’re always worried about doing the tedious things like worrying about when the bill is getting paid,” says Wilson. “Now, Curt has more freedom to expand on other things. He’s the idea guy and I’m more of the ’Oh
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you got the idea, I can make that stuff happen.’ This formula mixed with providing the best customer service and building the best team results in Patchwerk serving as the driving force in the Southeast’s music industry. Before this partnership emerged, however, it was Bob Whitfield, former Atlanta Falcons player, who partnered with Daniel to birth the legacy of Patchwerk. As a start-up, they foresaw the importance of staying in their own lane and serving the “southern hospitality”Atlanta is known for. “We came in with the idea that anybody can buy the same equipment, same space, have a pretty girl sit at the front desk, and have beer and snack machines. But the thing that would separate us would be our people,” Daniel explains. “So from day one, the thing that has helped us was our motto which is ’we don’t sell studio time, we sell customer service.’”Furthermore, it has been crucial for Patchwerk to recruit the right people to work together, and Daniel made sure of this by formulating a test from the book, “How to Win Customers and Keep Them For Life,” which every employee had to pass. By also seeing the importance of engineers and actually employing them and putting them on payroll, Patchwerk was able to grow its clientele. That’s where Mike Wilson comes into the picture. Inspired by Wilson’s work, Daniel knew he had to have him on his team, but not without passing a few tests. “I’d already done TLC, ‘Waterfalls,’but I had to come in and prove myself. Curt wasn’t sold on the ’hype’ and that’s one of the key things that will help you
choose good people,” Wilson says. The recording studio has worked with prominent artists such as One Direction, Mariah Carey, Gucci Mane, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, just to name a few. Such an elite client list is not easy to acquire, but the key, Daniel claims is “The difference between if you pull the refrigerator out here, and it’s clean behind it; It’s not just clean in the front. If you go downstairs to the shop, everything’s labeled, machine rooms are in order, so nothing is a gimmick. From the ground up, we’ve built this place to be successful.” And successful it has been. From 1995 to this technology-based era, the studio has been able to adapt quickly to the revolution of the music industry. Wilson confesses, “Back in 2000, I didn’t want to change from tape. When we first started, we were working with tapes. There weren’t CDs or computers. I didn’t want to use computers because I thought it sounded better on tape, but you have to go where you’re pushed. If you don’t keep up with technology, you’ll get left behind.” The music industry has taken quite a leap from older operations, but one thing that hasn’t changed much is the way businesses interact with others. Unlike the film companies that are flourishing here in Atlanta, forming a music union group that determines standards and rules is a much more difficult task. “We haven’t gotten there yet in Atlanta,” Curtis admits. “It’s harder because we’re creative and there’s a culture of being an individual in this industry so it’s not that easy to talk for one voice. Ironically, though, I think the smaller we get, the better we get.”
COMMUNITY
Myrna Fuller, art advocate, retires from Hammonds House Museum
ADW reports
Inside Atlanta’s recording industry: How Patchwerk makes it work By Camilla Mhute
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Closing out a sensational 13-year run, Myrna Fuller will retire April 30, 2017, the culmination of a celebrated tenure as executive director for Hammonds House Museum in Atlanta’s historic West End. Fuller was vice chair of the Fulton County Arts Council at the time of the Hammonds House Museum’s opening in 1988; when her predecessor, Hammonds House founding executive director Ed Spriggs dedicated the museum to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art of the African Diaspora and Africa, placing an emphasis is placed on education, artistic competence, embracing diversity through shared cultural journeys and fostering interactive dialogue to discover commonalities. Born and raised in a small black, Italian and Jewish neighborhood of Princeton, N.J., Fuller was intimately familiar with cultural exchange – and the museum was a creative space for her to live out her blend of art and advocacy. “The arts, especially visual arts, are special to me because I am a visual artist and graphic designer,” Fuller explained when being inducted in Atlanta Tribune’s Hall of Fame in 2014. “I know the power of the creative process personally and universally in our daily lives as a vehicle for communication, cognitive development, education and enjoyment. My passion for art to be used to activate alternative methods for everyone, especially young people, to be inspired, knowledgeable about the talents and histories of artists of African descent, and proficient in the academic subjects that are so important in today’s achievement measurement system.” Before her executive directorship, Fuller developed a career mixture of ranking corporate and nonprofit positions, working at Eastern Airlines as management training instructor, in-flight manager, and area director of the Atlanta City Ticket Offices; art director with BBC Productions (later Acuity, Inc); managing director of the National Black Arts Festival; and executive director of the Atlanta Branch NAACP. She opened her own design firm, IView Graphics, in 2000. Fuller’s involvement with the arts as a practitioner helped define her interests as a volunteer within the creative sector. She has served on the board of the Arts Festival of Atlanta, president of the Board of Hammonds
House Museum, and is currently co-chair of the Arts Georgia Advisory Board, serving on the steering committees for United Arts Front and the citywide Soul of Philanthropy initiative. Since taking the helm at Hammonds House Museum in 2004, Fuller has expanded programming and established several new important collaborations. She mounted more than 50 exhibitions, introducing Atlanta audiences to unfamiliar artists such as Tomas Easson and Ealy Mays, and reacquainting patrons with familiar, locally known artists such as Lillian Blades and Louis Delsarte. HHM’s annual exhibition schedule now includes an artist-in-residence, such as New Orleans printmaker Katrina Andry, whose work is currently on view. The 9th annual Atlanta Quilt Festival, a partnership with the Clara Ford Foundation and the South Fulton Arts Center, is a recurring exhibition staple. Other components of HHM’s Permanent Collection have gained prominence through travel to the National Museum in Washington, DC; the High Museum of Art in Atlanta; Prospect 3 in New Orleans; Spelman College Museum, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, and Emory University Michael C. Carlos Museum. Important collaborations with the Wren’s Nest, the Atlanta Printmakers Studio and other organizations were developed to maximize program impact and variety -- the newest partnership with Just Add Honey Tea Café brings added value to museum visitors seeking a unique space to enjoy fine art and culinary treats. One of Fuller’s parting accomplishments is the renovation project that includes a new HVAC system, rebuilt front porch and roof, back steps, patio, and interior work to correct damaged or problem areas in the historic 150-year old facility. “As only the second executive director in Hammond’s House almost 30-year history, Myrna has truly been an integral part of laying the foundation for Hammond’s House, remaining as an important center of cultural education for the metro-Atlanta region. Her commitment to this institution, and to the arts in general, is exemplary, inspiring and is a major part of what motivates me and my colleagues on the board to continue to roll up our sleeves to ensure the vibrancy and impact of this institution sustains itself for many years to come,” stated Imara Canady, Hammonds House Museum board president. Fuller has been the stabilizing factor for the museum during economic downturns, administrative setbacks, and the challenges of minimal resources. “The journey would not have been possible without talented creative artists, dedicated staff, caring patrons and, most important, the vision and great foundation formulated by the first Executive Director, Ed Spriggs,” says Fuller. “Having spent the last two months in transition with Interim Director Leatrice Ellzy, I am confident that the growth we’ve achieved over the last 13 years will serve as a strong foundation for Hammonds House Museum to reach new heights.”
April 27 - May 3, 2017
City Council president Ceasar Mitchell hosts free college prep series
ADW reports In partnership with the Princeton Review, the office of Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell announces its 21st semi-annual College Prep Series (CPS) on Saturday, April 29, from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, 1630 Metropolitan Pkwy. The free event provides SAT, ACT and PSAT practice exams in a simulated testing environment. The event is open to all students throughout metro Atlanta and registration at dreamupatlanta.com is required. In addition to college entrance exams, the CPS offers resources to help parents better navigate the college application process, including workshops on obtaining financial aid. More than 6,000 youth ages 14 to 19 have participated over the past decade. “A college exam is certainly not a measure of how ‘smart’ a student is. However, it offers a reminder that ‘success occurs where opportunity meets preparation’,” said Council President Mitchell. “That means giving Atlanta students access to tools and resources, like the College Prep Series, that can improve their test-day performance. They deserve our best.” On Saturday, May 6 at 9 a.m. students and their families are invited to return to Atlanta Metropolitan State College for the “Scores Back Celebration.” During the follow-up event, Princeton Review advisors will provide test feedback along with tips and strategies to help students improve overall performance. This year’s CPS partners include Atlanta Public Schools, Hojeij Branded Foods, STEM Wars and TRiO Georgia. For more information, visit www.dreamupatlanta.com or call 404-330-6052.
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LIFESTYLE
April 27 - May 3, 2017
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Shea Moisture fans revolt over new campaign
Shea Moisture, last month, launched a new ad campaign announcing plans to expand its reach in the haircare and beauty industry. Generally, that would be good news. But the natural hair community was not at all keen on the specifics. Part of its #EverybodyGetsLove campaign, a minute-long spot which gained unexpected traction this week featured a black woman discussing the difficulties of dealing with her natural hair, but quickly transitioned to two white women — also expressing hair woes.
The intended message is a simple one, and likely one the company considered universal: “Break free from hair hate.” But many who use the brand found the contrast tone deaf. And the reaction on social media was swift and strong. Most, especially those diehards of the family-owned brand, hated it. The unexpected swell on Monday caused the brand to trend on Twitter well into the evening with users calling the company “gentrified” and one tweeting, “Shea Moisture is cancelled after that commercial…”
The brainchild of Richelieu Dennis who incorporated four generations of recipes, wisdom and cultural experiences into natural bath and body care products, Shea Moisture is a umbrellaed under Sundial Brands — the parent company — with Nubian Heritage and Madame C.J. Walker Beauty Culture. Further complicated the reaction, the misconception that the company is no longer black-owned. Bain Capital obtained a minority stakeholder position in 2015, a move that caused its consumer base to worry that the company was going the way of other popular black-owned beauty brands. In short, attract a loyal following but fail to be able to compete in the marketplace. Not the case. In 2016, the company launched the #BreakTheWalls campaign, a transformative and revolutionary multimedia effort to highlight the divisive constructs of beauty and move towards the inclusive shopping experience that all women deserve. Digital and social assets highlighted everyday women and beauty vloggers raising their voices to ask one simple question: “Why is our beauty not reflected in the beauty aisle?” “I think there’s a credibility and authenticity issue with brands that wake up one day … and, you know, five years ago they couldn’t care less about their black customers and they put out crap, and now they’re coming up with
new brands or changing to go after what they see as a trend. And so I think because we’ve been so dedicated and committed, and focused – consumers aren’t stupid,” Dennis said of the inspiration for #BreakTheWalls. This week, Shea Moisture’s responding apology to its community spoke to the same premise. “Please know that our intention was not – and would never be – to disrespect our community, and as such, we are pulling this piece immediately because it does not represent what we intended to communicate. You guys know that we have always stood for inclusion in beauty and have always fought for our community and given them credit for not just building our business but for shifting the beauty landscape. So, the feedback we are seeing here brings to light a very important point. While this campaign included several different videos showing different ethnicities and hair types to demonstrate the breadth and depth of each individual’s hair journey, we must absolutely ensure moving forward that our community is well-represented in each one so that the women who have led this movement never feel that their hair journey is minimized in any way.” Myleik Teele, founder of CurlBOX, is sympathetic of the community that she has immersed herself in, but also hopes consumers receive the brand’s sentiment.
The Global Conversation: closer to home Photographer Ross Oscar Knight knows what it’s like to be a stranger in a new place; some would say a resident abroad — even — if you’re as serious about seeing the world as he is. His language, his craft spoken through the lens of a camera. And so it stands to reason that he would jump at the opportunity to work with Emory University students through the Ethics and Servant Leadership program. EASL, under the guidance of Edward Queen, director, and Carlton Mackey, assistant director, is designed to inspire, and support all members of the Emory community in developing the skills to lead for the common good. Knight was intrigued when contacted to oversee a group of students’ participation in Global Growers. “The Emory Center for Ethics, in partnership with Southwest Airlines, contacted me based on work I have done in the community to help students produce and learn about socially engaged art,” he explained. “Truly, I was attracted to this project because I feel a sincere responsibility to use my photography as a voice to highlight social issues.” Knight met with eight students throughout the fall semester to shape and produce an art project with the Atlanta-based nonprofit that connects refugees and immigrants who were farmers in their home countries to local agriculture opportunities. The goal: to challenge the stereotypes of refugees in Georgia. “I helped the students write a creative brief and then taught them about cultural understanding, messaging, safety, location research, lighting and equipment.” The group visited Umurima Wa and Decatur Kitchen Gardens to meet with farmers and decide how best to tell their stories, with Knight assigning individual roles like who would serve
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as the project’s videographers, photographer assistants, editors, location scouts, translators and interviewers. In the process of learning more about the work of community-based organizations, students are challenged to examine the role of art in social change and to create artwork that can influence pressing social issues. The rising political discourse around immigration and international refugees made this project particularly poignant for Knight who travels extensively abroad. “I am actually glad that the immigration policy and immigrant rights are being discussed instead of ignored. At the same time, I am saddened to hear some of the anger and frustration expressed by leadership in our country. I feel that we should be looking for ways to strengthen these communities that add so much to our
economy and the diversity of our nation. Are there problems with individuals coming to the US illegally? Sure. People risk their lives for the opportunity to make a better life for their families. Having a family now myself, I understand the drive to keep my family safe and make life better for the next generation. My true feeling is that our leaders need to act with more cultural sensitivity with their language and their actions. Through my photography commissions, I visit countries all around the world and meet people from all walks of life. We cannot treat immigrants as objects. They are real. They have feelings. Their lives matter.” To date, Knight has trekked to six different continents to observe, participate in, and photograph cultural ceremonies and commercial work that fulfill his passion to understand and
communicate the beauty of the human story unfolding. Knight’s interest in photography began in grade school when a teacher gave him a disposable film camera as a way to communicate differently because of his childhood stutter – something he has dubbed the transformative power of photography. His work has appeared on CNN, Oprah Winfrey, HGTV, the NBA, and in Forbes and ESSENCE magazines, and he is Co-director of the global diversity platform Beautiful in Every Shade. The resulting photographic exhibit from his collaboration with Emory’s students, “Reframing Refugees,” was among three final projects recently unveiled as a part of “Art and Social Engagement,” a course offered through Emory’s Center for Ethics with support from Southwest Airlines. “I believe the role of the photographer is really the role of a historian. Our images will live on to give future generations a glimpse into our past. And sometimes that’s the unwritten past. At the same time, photographers have the power to shape our current media narrative. Images captured can be just as subjective to the photographer’s beliefs as objective. In the black community our responsibility is to challenge persisting stereotypes and present the diversity our culture in a positive light.” Knight continued, “I find inspiration on a daily basis all around me. My influences as an artist are everyday people that I observe walking down the street. I love to witness the energy of their emotions and to find a way to capture it with my lens. I am not as passionate about photography as I am about meeting people and learning their stories. With my camera I am able to recount these stories and share with the world.”
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ENTERTAINMENT
MARTA rolls out Jazz Mondays in May ent, including performances by Ede Wright Trio (May 1), Dave Ellington/Chris Burroughs (May 8), Omega Level (May 15), and Indie Revenge (May 22). Scheduled May performances are as follows: Decatur Station Ede Wright Trio Monday, May 1 3 – 5 p.m. Lindbergh Station Dave Ellington/Chris Burroughs Monday, May 8 3 – 5 p.m. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is offering live music every Monday in May from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at four of its rail stations. MARTA Jazz Mondays, in partnership with award-winning jazz artists, is designed to showcase local musical talent while increasing the presence of the arts throughout the MARTA system. “We are committed to enhancing the overall customer experience with our reinvigorated focus on the arts throughout the MARTA system,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “We are making an intentional push to explore innovative ways to transform the transit experience by introducing new amenities and options that engage our customers in a new way and creative way. This initiative is just one part of our larger arts program here at MARTA.” Local musicians will lead the diverse array of musical tal-
College Park Station Omega Level Monday, May 15 3 – 5 p.m. Midtown Station Indie Revenge Monday, May 22 3 – 5 p.m. “MARTA Jazz Mondays are another crucial link to better connect us with our customers and help redefine the transportation experience for our riders,” Jennifer Jinadu-Wright, MARTA Senior Director of Marketing and Communications said.
Jazz greats perform First Friday at historic First Church First Friday at First, a part of the Jazz and Arts Ministry at First Congregational Church, has become a mainstay opportunity for great music that is good for the soul and an outstanding opportunity to be in downtown Atlanta for a gratifying and appealing evening in a safe place with great people. First Friday is held on the first Friday evening of each month from 6 p.m. through 9 p.m. in the Commons, on the campus of First Church, located at 125 Ellis St. NE. Atlanta’s premier jazz ministry is a featured program sponsored and hosted by First Congregational Church under the supervision of The Reverend Dr. Dwight Andrews, pastor of the church and a jazz master saxophone player in his own right. “First Fridays at First Church is an elegant, true jazz experience that warms the heart and soul making you feel real good!” says Theresa Hightower, who was the featured artist at First Friday in March. The line-up for Jazz 2017 at First Friday includes some of Atlanta’s most prestigious jazz musicians. Featured artists who will perform for the remainder of the year include Louis Heriveaux. pianist (May); Alex Lattimore, vocalist (June); Mike Walton, tenor saxophonist (July); Will Scruggs, saxophonist (August); Doc Powell, guitarist (September); Kevin Bales, pianist (October); and Joe Jennings, saxophonist and leader of the “Neighborhood Arts Ensemble Big Band” closes out the season in November. First Friday at First is the brainchild of Dr. Andrews, an accomplished musician and composer, is also an Associate Professor of Music at Emory University. He was the first Quincy Jones Visiting Professor of African American Music at Harvard University for 1996-1997. He is the recipient the Yale Divinity School’s prestigious Lux et Veritas Award, and was the Distinguished Visiting Scholar of the Arts at Spelman
College for 2015-2016. As a musician, Dr. Andrews has appeared on over 25 jazz and ‘new music’ recordings. He is recognized for his collaborations with playwright August Wilson and director Lloyd Richards, having served as musical director for the Broadway productions of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, and Seven Guitars, and the Broadway revival of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom featuring Whoopi Goldberg and Charles S. Dutton. He provided the music direction for the Broadway revival production of A Raisin in the Sun, starring Sean Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, and Sanaa Latham. His film credits include The Old Settler starring Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen, The Piano Lesson, HBO’s Miss Evers’ Boys and the PBS documentaries, W.E.B. Dubois: A Biography in Four Voices and Homecoming: The Plight of Black Farmers in Georgia. The public is invited for great music, a full course fish dinner, fun, and fellowship. Music lovers are en remind the public to come early to get a seat. Individual tickets are $15.00 each; prices for dinner range from $7.00 to $4.00. For further information and to purchase tickets, please contact First Church at 404-659-6255 and ask for the church administrator during regular office hours.
April 27 - May 3, 2017
Roland Martin, Rodney Perry chop it up in Atlanta for ‘Grow House’ Grow House, a new film from director and Friday co-writer DJ Pooh features comedian Lil Duval and Friday alum Faizon Love. The funnymen sat down with Roland Martin for NewsOne Now and had a wild conversation ranging from their favorite comedians to an awkward phone call Duval had with his sister. Joining in on the conversation was comedian Rodney Perry and the gang was all smiles in discussing the 420-themed Grow House. The film also stars comedian DeRay Davis, Snoop Dogg, and Malcolm McDowell, among others. The plot for Grow House is similar to other stoner classics of the past. Pat, played by Davis and Darius, played by Duval, a pair of potheads who are well-versed in the art of using the leaf but want to break into the business of selling to dispensaries. Of course, hijinks are certain to ensue with Lil Duval and DeRay Davis on set as both of veterans of the outlandish. W h i l e Love, Perry, and Martin all shared stories of funny family members they’ve known over the course of their lives, nobody was prepared for Duval’s story about his younger sister. Duval mentioned that his sister, who he said is gay, called him to ask for a sperm donation before the comedian hung up on her. However, the added bit of the story was that Duval’s sister was hoping to get her partner pregnant but that didn’t stop Duval from calling his mother and snitching on his sister for the seemingly odd request. Grow House was released on Thursday, April 20, National Weed Day.
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ENTERTAINMENT
April 27- May 3, 2017
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The Andrew J. Young Foundation presents ‘Strong Medicine’ documentary By Tiara Cole Although traditional healing methods have existed in African societies for nearly 6,000 years, the practices are often dismissed by outsiders as antiquated or otherworldly. Yet, after many trips to the continent and over 15 years of dedicated research on the subject, Ambassador Andrew Young has concluded that these secret healing techniques make for strong medicine. The Andrew J. Young Foundation presented much of his findings in ‘Strong Medicine: The Secret Power of African Healing’ documentary at the Buckhead Theater on Tuesday, April 25. The documentary made the case that African herbal methods are the secret to effective and affordable health care; and Young spent much of his time in Africa discovering the use of secret healings passed down for centuries by traditional African healers known as ‘medicine men and women’.
Extensive scientific studies prove that using the mind, body, spirit, and riches of the Earth have positive effects in treating illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, aids, and Ebola. While alternative medicine is taking the United States and Europe by storm, it’s the trusted methods of ancient healing that have kept people well throughout Africa for millennia. In the documentary, Young argued that today 85 percent of Africa relies primarily on tradition healing methods for health care needs — due in part to limited access to Western medicine. “I am convinced through my many trips to African villages and urban centers that age-old secrets might actually surpass modern medicine in some cases,” Young said. “Science and Morehouse School of Medicine together are proving this to be true.”
Black women maintain dignity in O’Reilly scandal By T. Shawn Taylor Hats off to Perquita Burgess, the Black former temp worker at FOX News, for standing up to big media to reclaim her dignity. You may recall O’Reilly was fired a day after her new sexual harassment allegations became public. O’Reilly still walks away with a $25 million payout and the chance to make millions more in appearances. Burgess, unlike the five women FOX paid to settle claims against O’Reilly, won’t see a dime. She said on “The View” last week she is satisfied knowing O’Reilly won’t do it to another woman, at least not at FOX. Burgess’ attorney Lisa Bloom says the fact her clients weren’t seeking financial restitution made them more credible and ultimately brought down O’Reilly. Lesson learned? Time will tell. More than 25 years since Professor Anita Hill accused her former boss, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, of sexual harassment at his Senate confirmation hearings, and employers are still getting it wrong. The onus is always on the accuser. And when she’s at the lower end of the pay scale, or a Black woman of any rank, she is likely to endure the abuse longer and least likely to be compensated for it, let alone in the millions of dollars. Already reeling from the demise of its Chairman Roger Ailes over sexual harassment allegations and legal action brought by former FOX anchor Gretchen Carlson, and similar claims by former FOX personality Megyn Kelly, the New York Times reported the network settled five claims against its star O’Reilly for more than $13 million. Burgess’ case was never about money, but it raises serious questions about why, in so-called modern times, feminism’s hard-won established norms for how women are to be treated consistently fall short to safeguard Black women. “Nobody cares about what happens to our dignity and our well-being. When I say nobody, I mean the society around us is not offended,” said Sandra Finley, president and CEO of the League of Black Women, a research and advocacy organization for Black professional women with leadership ambitions. “You can be a temp working at a company that (you) hoped would lead to a career, or you can be (U.S. Rep.) Maxine Waters. It doesn’t matter. You can’t have enough status, can’t have enough accomplishment and be safe as a Black woman, or be presumed that
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you will be safe.” Finley was referring to the backlash after a clip of Waters criticizing President Trump ran on “The O’Reilly Factor,” and its host commented he couldn’t hear her “for the James Brown wig.” “These are the same people who consistently offended First Lady Michelle Obama,” said Finley, adding that for Black women, “There is no social advocacy for the dignity of her person.” As soon as she said it, I knew what had been missing in my life: A champion. As a Black woman, I’ve witnessed and experienced the degradation and verbal assaults, in and outside the workplace. I don’t expect those who would attack Michelle Obama but back O’Reilly or Trump to be my champions. But it hurts when social advocacy for my protection is missing from the places you’d expect to find it: in the workplace, your own community, the family, or at home. Even now, perceptions of Black women are unduly influenced by pop culture rather than the tender feelings the men who would offend have for their own sisters, daughters and mothers. It’s where the term “ignorance is bliss” comes from. In the workplace, a lot more women suffer through sexual harassment than report it. Burgess’ allegations date back to 2010. She told
“The View” she didn’t report it then because she didn’t want to jeopardize opportunities for other temp workers from the agency. That she left a social media trail, proclaiming on her Twitter feed a few years ago “Bill O’Reilly likes black women… let’s leave it at that,” not only boosts her credibility, Bloom said, but shows the abuse affected her for years. But don’t go lumping Burgess in with Kelly and Carlson. To quote author Bebe Moore Campbell, “Your blues ain’t like mine.” FOX settled last fall with Carlson for $20 million, and Megyn Kelly has gone on to replace a Tamron Hall on the “Today” show. Burgess, who described the abuse last week on “The View,” said she felt “triumphant” over O’Reilly’s firing. She painted a picture of O’Reilly as almost childlike in his persistence and throwa-rock-then-hide-your-hand tactics. Grunting at her as he walked passed her desk when nobody was around, and looking her up and down. Then came the bigger insult. He walked passed her desk and said “Hey, Hot Chocolate,” Burgess told the panel. “And he didn’t look at me when he said it…not only was it sexual, but I took it as a very plantational remark…such a blatant person with such a high profile, making me feel uncomfortable, but not even acknowledging me.” Host Whoopi Goldberg said Burgess “may
have been the nail in O’Reilly’s coffin.” I say the 60-some advertisers that abandoned “The O’Reilly Factor” time slot brought the blueprint, the wood and a rivet gun; no nail needed. His fate was sealed. As much as some would like to archive O’Reilly’s ouster under “done in by a sister,” sorry, there’s just not enough evidence. There is evidence, though, to show that a Black woman’s position doesn’t matter when it comes to this type of abuse or disrespect for her person, in general. O’Reilly’s ratings soared following his infamous brouhaha with Waters over the wig comment. Waters hit back but Finley points out that although Waters holds a position of power, she still had to be shaken by the confrontation. “Maxine Waters had to stop dealing with the nation’s business to deal with one man’s foolishness, one man’s viciousness, in his face,” said Finley. “She had to pivot from the serious work of being our congresswoman. This is what this is going to be about? Really? For black women, high or low, it doesn’t matter. It’s open season.” Burgess called it “workplace violence.” Last year, the League of Black Women petitioned the U.S. Department of Justice under a lame-duck administration to look into the impact sexualized verbal assaults have on victims and how they escalate over time, potentially becoming physical, to no avail. At its annual symposium May 24–26 in Atlanta, the League plans to hold a session that looks at the economic impact on Black women having to function the way we do in the workplace. In the absence of a natural norm that is inclusive of all women, Finley offers this advice: “Don’t assume they have all the power. Waters owned her power. Some say it’s easy for her, but it’s not. Her service and experience is always at horrible risk. She models what we have to do. If you wait for the cavalry to come, it’s not coming.” If it’s the fear of losing that’s holding you back, “you’re already losing,” she continued. “Understand that the normal society and feminism are not coming to our rescue. Womanism says you stand up for yourself and get these people to back off you, or this will continue without challenge. If you do anything less than this, you are underserving yourself.” T. Shawn Taylor is a writer and entrepreneur based in Chicago.
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EDUCATION
Tuition costs at Georgia colleges on the rise By Tiara Cole The University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted to raise tuition for the 2017-2018 academic year for more than two dozen schools. All 28 of Georgia’s public colleges and universities will hike tuition by two percent, which the Regents say limits the increase across the system to $27 to $98 per semester for a fulltime, in-state undergraduate student. Kennesaw State University is among the affected schools. “This measured rise in tuition by the Board of Regents following a year when tuition remained unchanged helps KSU to continue to serve our students while being mindful of access and affordability,” Kennesaw State Uni-
versity President Sam Olens stated. The average cost of attending a USG school increased during a recent 10-year stretch from $8,361 to $14,791 a year, a 77 percent increase, according to a recent state audit. “With the generous support of the governor and legislature, we continue to focus on college affordability, while providing quality education,” said Chancellor Steve Wrigley. “Keeping tuition increases to a minimum allows the University System to provide a quality education balanced with the critical need to keep public higher education affordable The global number of students attending college doubled to 207 million in 2014 – as a result governments are struggling to keep pace, Global
Education Monitoring Report and International Institute for Educational Planning noted. To reduce student debt, Clark Atlanta University officials implemented a program this year called “15 or 18” where students can take 15 credit hours each semester to owe less money and graduate sooner. As tuition costs rise, many students fear the financial aftermath of their matriculation or are dropping out altogether. “I honestly try not to think about it because the thought of paying it back is completely overwhelming,” CAU senior Keshaunte Brown said. USG continues to focus on increasing accessibility through its affordable online offerings. The online core curriculum, eCore, will lower tuition to $159 per credit hour from $169. KSU for instance, will decrease the cost of online tuition on average by six percent.
April 27 - May 3, 2017
“The University System of Georgia is committed to providing students an affordable, accessible and high quality college education,” said Shelley Nickel, executive vice chancellor for strategy and fiscal affairs. “Across the University System, we are working together to help make college affordable with the ultimate goal of student success.”
Nine Atlanta Public Schools have been Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s LPN removed from State Priority, Focus lists program ranked No. 1 in state
ADW reports Nine of the 74 public schools removed from the Georgia Department of Education’s list of Priority and Focus Schools were Atlanta Public Schools – removed “because they no longer meet the definition of a Priority or Focus school and have met the required improvements to exit,” APS said. The following APS schools were released: Focus Schools • Benteen Elementary School • Brown Middle School • Cleveland Avenue Elementary School • Dobbs Elementary School • Fickett Elementary School • Parkside Elementary School • Hope-Hill Elementary School Priority Schools • Maynard H. Jackson High School • South Atlanta School of Health and Medical Science As part of Georgia’s ESEA waiver, which granted flexibility from some provisions of No Child Left Behind, the GaDOE was required to identify Priority and Focus Schools. Priority Schools represent the lowest-performing 5 percent of Title I schools based on achievement data, plus schools with a graduation rate below 60 percent for two consecu-
tive years. Focus Schools represent the lowest-performing 10 percent of Title I schools based on achievement gap data. That data examines the gap between a school’s lowest performing 25 percent of students and the state average, and the extent to which that gap is closing. “Every school that made the necessary improvements to exit Priority or Focus School status deserves to be commended,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “The ongoing work of these schools, coupled with supports from GaDOE staff and RESAs, continues to move the needle and prove that underperforming schools can improve, even when they face difficult odds.” As Georgia transitions to the Every Student Succeeds Act, GaDOE will no longer identify Priority and Focus schools. Instead, GaDOE will be required to identify and support Comprehensive Support and Improvement and Targeted Support and Improvement schools. “We are very pleased to learn that nine APS schools have been removed from the state’s Focus and Priority lists,” said APS Superintendent Meria J. Carstarphen. “While we are making strategic improvements with our transformation efforts, we still have much work to do toward improving student achievement.”
Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program has been ranked #1 in the state bywww.practicalnursing.org, a website dedicated to providing substantive information to prospective students who are considering a career in nursing. Georgia Piedmont’s practical nursing program achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) from 2012 through 2015, which was practical nursing org’s evaluation period. “I congratulate the students who passed the NCLEX-PN exam and the four full-time faculty members who shepherded them through the curriculum and testing,” saidDr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. “Their success is our success.” To determine Georgia Piedmont’s ranking, website officials analyzed 22 schools throughout Georgia that offer LPN programs. Of those, 10 were ranked by the officials. Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s LPN program was ranked first, with Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro placing second and Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta placing third. Practical Practical nursing.org uses sever-
al criteria to evaluate schools that offer LPN programs, but the school’s pass rate on the NCLEX-PN is weighted heavily. The NCLEXPN exam content is based on four categories: Safe and effective care environment; health promotion and maintenance; psycho-social integrity; and physiological integrity. For more information regarding Georgia Piedmont’s Licensed Practical Nursing program, please contact Kaye Henry, program director, at 770-786-9522 ext. 5047 orhenryk@gptc.edu. Established in 1961, Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is one of the top technical colleges in Georgia. As a student-centered institution, GPTC prepares individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing, global economy. In August 2016, Georgia Piedmont was ranked among the top ten technical colleges in terms of enrollment by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. GPTC’s graduation rate is more than 74.3 percent, and its graduates secure employment at a level resulting in a 98.7 percent placement rate. With nearly 4,000 students, Georgia Piedmont’s adult education program is among the largest in the state. The college has 12 learning centers in DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale and Morgan counties.
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April 27 - May 3, 2017
HELP WANTED French Bakery Chef, Duluth, GA. Apply: http://www.maclabbakery.com/career/
CONDO FOR RENT SOUL BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL ARUBA Memorial Day Weekend: May 24-29, 2017 Usher also gracing the stage this Memorial Day Week, Nary J Blige, Faith Evans, and Cedric the Entertainer. www.arubavacay.com - 2 Bedroom Condo
ANNOUNCEMENT NOTICE OF INTENT TO ABANDON RAIL SERVICE AB-290 (Sub-No. 388X) Norfolk Southern Railway Company (“NSR”) gives notice that on or about May 15, 2017, it intends to file with the Surface Transportation Board (“Board”), Washington, DC 20423, a Revised Notice of Exemption pursuant to 49 C.F.R Part 1152 Subpart F – Exempt Abandonments, permitting NSR to abandon approximately 1.0 mile of rail line extending from Milepost DF 632.10 to Milepost DF 633.10 in Atlanta, Georgia (referred to herein as the “Line”). The Line traverses United States Postal Zip Code territories 30324 and 30309. There are no customers served on the Line, which has been out of service for over two years. The proceeding has been docketed as AB-290 (Sub-No. 388X). The proposed action entails the abandonment of rail service over the Line. The Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis (“OEA”) generally will prepare an Environmental Assessment (“EA”), which normally will be available 25 days after the filing of the abandonment notice of exemption. Comments on environmental and energy matters should be filed no later than 15 days after the EA becomes available to the public. Such comments will be addressed in a Board decision. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the EA or make inquiries regarding environmental matters by writing to OEA, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20423, or by calling that office at (202) 245-0295. Appropriate offers of financial assistance (“OFA”) to continue rail service can be filed with the Board. Requests for environmental conditions, public use conditions, or rail banking/trails use also can be filed with the Board. An original and 10 copies of any pleading that raises matters other than environmental issues (such as trails public use, and OFA) must be filed directly with the Board’s Section of Administration, Office of Proceedings, 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20423 [See 49 C.FR. §§ 1104.1(a) and 1104.3(a)], and one copy must be served on applicants’ representative [See 49 CFR § 1104.12(a)]. Questions regarding OFA, public use or trail use may be directed to the Board’s Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs, and Compliance at 202-245-0230. Copies of any comments or requests for specific Board action should be served on the applicant’s representative: William A. Mullins, BAKER & MILLER PLLC, 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037; phone: 202-663-7820; fax 202-663-7849.
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GUEST COMMENTARY
GUEST COMMENTARY
by Wade Henderson
by Julianne Malveaux
We still must get the every student succeeds act right In late March, President Trump signed a resolution to invalidate a regulation designed to help implement the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This move will create tremendous confusion among states that are currently in the middle of putting the new law in place in time for the 2017-2018 school year. Even more egregious is that congressional Republicans attempted to rewrite or ignore the intention, history and plain text of the law to eliminate the rule. The 2015 passage of ESSA was a rare recent example of successful bipartisan policymaking. The legislation both reauthorized the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and reinforced ESEA’s core principles to ensure schools have the resources they need to teach all children well, particularly Black children and other children who’ve been neglected for too long, and give them the opportunity to succeed. Now that the rule is gone, it’s essential that the civil rights legacy and legislative intent behind ESSA and the original ESEA not be obscured and that states recognize in developing their state accountability plans that they are still bound by the provisions of the law designed to ensure all children have equal educational opportunity. ESEA is — and always has been — a civil rights law. It was a central plank in the Johnson Administration’s “War on Poverty” and one of a long string of legislative successes emanating from the civil rights movement in the mid-1960s. The legislation provided federal funds to help educate low-income children and recognized that the federal government has an important role in the educational success of every American child, no matter where they lived, how much money their parents had, or what they looked like. Honoring this civil rights legacy, legis-
lators ensured in 2015 that the ESSA reaffirmed that the federal government has an essential and irreplaceable role in enforcing civil rights laws and holding states and districts accountable if schools are not educating all children well. One only has to reflect on the long history of state and local decisions shortchanging vulnerable students to understand why the federal role is essential for historically marginalized students, including the children of color who now comprise a majority of K-12 students in America’s public school classrooms. Children facing the greatest barriers to their success like Black children and children from low-income communities need and deserve schools that educate “all” children well. They also deserve to know that the federal government will still hold states and school districts responsible if schools are not doing well or need help to improve. And yet Republicans, in their zeal to rewrite ESSA’s legislative history, have been claiming that states would have carte blanche to ignore the students who’ve been deprived for far too long and sweep problems in schools under the rug now that the rule is gone. And that has led to more confusion and uncertainty for states who are in the middle of drafting their accountability plans, attempting to comply with the law, and deciding how best to support their students. But make no mistake, ESSA — and its requirements for states — are still on the books and it’s important for our children’s future that states understand their responsibilities under the law. Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund.
I won’t be silenced by solar industry’s tactics Being a journalist who covers issues important to the African American and other marginalized communities, I have taken on powerful forces over the years. I have provided a voice for underrepresented communities and engaged both the private and public sector, but always strove to be accurate and respectful. After all, how can I demand civility and fairness from others if I don’t practice it myself? Earlier this year, I wrote a piece in a publication that focuses on issues in the African American community, about the rooftop solar business, and expressed concerns that industry bad actors were misleading consumers. I focused on three aspects that worried me: First, that new customers may be unaware that the panels can cost upwards of $15,000 and can generate an additional lien against their home, making it harder to sell. Second, rooftop solar salespeople often tell customers that they will save a lot of money on their utility bill, which is not always true. Third, salespeople engaging in high-pressure tactics often do so in the hope that a customer will sign a contract before they understand all of the complexities of a long-term financial agreement. In response to my article, the Solar Energy Industries Association — which represents the rooftop solar industry in Washington — wrote a response in the same publication refuting my piece. I didn’t fully agree with SEIA, but I respected their right to voice their opinion. I saw their response and was hopeful that going forward the industry would take more steps to protect minority consumers. I decided to move on and continue writing about the other issues important to me. However, in the last few weeks, I have become a target of an intimidation campaign led by SEIA. Specifically, a gentleman named Michael Schmidt, a Senior Vice President at Crosscut Strategies, who claims to be an agent of SEIA, has repeatedly called and emailed me and my staff. In one call, he even asked a staff member why I had not responded to him and asked: “what was I afraid of?” In his correspondence to a woman in my office, Mr. Schmidt states that I wrote: “that solar companies are targeting communities of color”. Mr. Schmidt went on to say that: “The SEIA team
finds this abhorrent and they wanted to follow up with her about what she knows, since the column didn’t provide details. SEIA takes this issue and consumer protection generally very seriously. Would it be possible to arrange a quick call between Dr. Malveaux and SEIA’s general counsel about this?” I believe that Mr. Schmidt’s suggestion that I speak with SEIA’s general counsel, Tom Kimbis, is an attempt to assert that my comment about “targeting communities of color” could be libelous. If SEIA wanted to provide me with facts to change my mind, why couldn’t Mr. Schmidt provide me with that information, or connect me with SEIA’s communications or policy experts? The suggestion that I speak with SEIA’s in-house attorney was designed to intimidate. Be assured, I take this threat seriously. I believe I did nothing wrong, but I do not have millions of dollars to defend myself. SEIA represents companies like Tesla that are worth billions of dollars. It wouldn’t be a fair fight. I want to be clear: I wrote the rooftop solar piece based on recent correspondence sent by three Democrats in the Congress to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The letter was read by Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, a Hispanic, and Reps. Emmanuel Cleaver of Missouri and Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, both African Americans. At the end of the letter sent by those Congressmen, they stated that the high-pressure sales tactics used by bad actors in the rooftop solar industry are often targeted at the least sophisticated consumers. Therefore, the matter is a “particular concern for minority communities in our districts and around the nation.” That is where I got the line in my piece that SEIA seems to be so upset about. If Abigail Ross Harper, the head of SEIA, or anyone at the association has an issue with what I said in my piece, then they should have reached out to me and asked to speak. I would have agreed and had an open mind. But the fact that they decided to try and use a hired gun to try and intimidate me and my staff only makes me believe that my original piece—that the rooftop solar industry does not respect minorities —was sadly all too accurate.
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