Adw June22 by Atlanta Daily World

“Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning”.

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Volume 89 • Issue 45

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June 22-28, 2017

Loo ne k ins fam ws fo ide f ily r yo or h on u a eal pa nd thge yo ur relat 5 ed

School’s Out

25 Ways to Spend Summer

COVER STORY

June 22-28, 2017

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The intentional summer By Kamille D. Whittaker Along English Avenue, a group of kids spent last summer working on neighborhood improvement projects. The Youth Summer Beautification Program is organized by Friends of English Avenue, an organization intended to help kids break the cycle of poverty and learn to take responsibility for their neighborhood. Youth ages 14-24 from the English Avenue community are employed to clean up trash, remove overgrowth, and plant flowers to improve the physical appearance of their surroundings. The opportunity is both a summer job and a way to make a difference for the place they call home. Leisure time can be spent purposefully. And the summer in Atlanta provides rich opportunities for the youth to continue their learning and community involvement, essentially, extending “time-on-task” well beyond the school year. Every summer, in every sector where Atlanta is strong there’s also an accompanying effort to prime the pipeline of youth. This summer is no different. For example, The National Society of Black Engineers will host its Summer Engineering Experience for Kids programs — the nation’s largest summer engineering program geared toward African-American pre-college students at Ivy Prep at Kirkwood this summer. The program is in the midst of a large, three-year expansion funded by a $2-million grant from the National Science Foundation to NSBE and its project partners, Purdue University and Virginia Tech to target efforts to expand African American representation in STEM programs. From internship opportunities to volunteering; gardening to engineering – there’s a gamut of opportunities to keep the kids occupied and engaged. WORK TAG-ED Summer Internship Program This program pairs high-achieving students with local companies interested in investing in STEM talent and impacting Georgia’s future technology workforce. Must be a minimum of 16 years of age and available for five weeks minimum, 20-30 hours each week. United Way Summer Youth Employment Programs A government-subsidized program that provides employment opportunities in the public and private sector during the summer months for youth age 14 through 21 whose family income does not exceed the federal poverty income guidelines. Georgia Teenwork Internship Program The Georgia TeenWork Internship Program offers job readiness training to enhance and develop necessary employment skills; three sessions of paid internship opportunities throughout the year; guidance and support from Employment and Training Specialist and employment and career education resources. CULTIVATE HABESHA Community Garden Plant and cultivate every Sunday from Noon to 4pm at the Dunbar Community Center. And join the Organic Fest Atlanta by HABESHA on June 24. www. cbpm.org/habesha.html Trees Atlanta’s Junior TreeKeeper Summer Camp Junior TreeKeepers explore the outdoors with hands-on activities in environmental science, biking the Atlanta BeltLine, and field trips to local attractions. Red, Bike and Green Atlanta The Community Rides every second Saturday are more than just a ride; they are an experience. Expect to meet new people, build community, engage with black business, explore and learn about historic neighborhoods, have fun, sweat a little or a lot, all

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along scenic routes. Truly Living Well Summer Camps TLW has developed a comprehensive curriculum to teach urban farming and business skills to people with little or no prior experience. Super Camp, ages 12-15, June 26-30; Science, Math, & Magic in the Garden, July 24-July 28 VOLUNTEER Patchwork City Farms Patchwork City Farms needs volunteers for indoor and outdoor tasks. PCF is a family owned urban farm located in the South West Atlanta historic West End neighborhood with a mission to work with local landholders — public and private — to create a sustainable, naturally grown local food system. Children’s Hospital of Atlanta VolunTEEN Program The VolunTEEN program is for high school students ages 15 to 18 who are looking for a rewarding way to spend eight weeks of their summer. From the front desks to the patient units, VolunTEENs will craft, play games and most importantly leave a lasting impression on our patients and families. LEARN The Clark Atlanta Jr. MBA camp The goal: To educate middle and high school students about business and entrepreneurship. Under the guidance of college professors, students create a business plan and present it at the end of the program in a business plan competition. H.O.T. Days at Georgia Institute of Technology A one-week-long summer program designed to introduce high school students to electrical and computer engineering concepts. | $175 registration; $10 application fee Summer Science Academy @ Emory Emory University Summer Science Academy provide high school students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to develop a better understanding and appreciation of science by exposing them to an educational environment that is conducive to learning, motivating, challenging and fun. | $100 (deposit) CDC Detective Camps Centers for Disease Control: Up to week-long day camps for middle schoolers and rising high school juniors and seniors that exposes students to epidemiology, the field of public health and the diverse career opportunities within the field of public health. | No cost Vivien Thomas Summer Research Program Morehouse School of Medicine Six-week program established in 2002 to recruit high school students to serve as apprentices in biomedical research laboratories. Students are mentored by an MSM research faculty and they conduct research by learning the content, process, and methodology involved in inquiry science. Aviation Camp @ The University of Georgia Kids ages 12-17 will take trips to local airports and flight schools, and when camp is over, will be invited to fly in a small airplane with a licensed pilot. | $750 Digital Film School @ University of Georgia In this one-week intro-

ductory course, students ages 11-15 will learn the basics of screenwriting, camera work, and video editing while working to create an original production. | Day Camp - $360 • Optional Extended Day - $35 Overnight Camp - $760 Fashion Design Camp University of Georgia Discover the basic elements of fashion sketching, illustration, construction, collection development, bead work and fabric selection. | Day Camp - $350 • Optional Extended Day - $35 • Special Extended Day Option – Basic Sewing Course - $115 Overnight Camp - $750 Mini Medical School @ University of Georgia As an intern here, kids ages 11-15 will learn about DNA, x-rays, human anatomy, personal health and more — all while having fun, taking field trips and even performing a mock surgery. | Day Camp - $360 • Optional Extended Day - $35 Overnight Camp - $760 Youth Entrepreneurship Summer Camp (YES Camp) @ Morehouse College This two-week summer program is designed to reach 25 high school students ages 15-18 in the Greater Atlanta area to introduce them to the concept of entrepreneurship. | $600 ($300/week) and $25 application fee ENRICH READING Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program http:// bit.ly/1FxRDRU Get Georgia Reading — Free access to over 8,000 books this summer getgeorgiareading.org MUSEUMS Center for Civil and Human Rights offers free admission on the 1st full weekend of every month. | Tellus Science Museum offers free admission on the 1st full weekend of every month. COOKING CLASSES Publix, Whole Foods, Sur La Table and Williams-Sonoma all offer Junior Chef Classes for kids of all ages to learn culinary craft. FREE YOGA AT THE WEST END FARMERS MARKET Every Sunday from 3-4 p.m. join Kamean at The West End Farmers Market for a free yoga class. Bring a mat, a bottle of water and a small towel and be prepared to shop nutritious eats, beverages, fresh fruits and vegetables at the West End Farmers Market.

Atlanta Daily World

Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932 W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934 Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta Mailing Offices. Publication Number 017255 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Atlanta Daily World, 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Subscriptions: One Year: $52 Two Years: $85 Forms of Payment: Check, Money Order, VISA American Express, MasterCard MEMBER: Associated Press Atlanta Business League Central Atlanta Progress Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce National Newspaper Publishers Website: www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com Lorraine Cochran General Manager lcochran@realtimesmedia.com

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NEWS

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June 22-28, 2017

Mayor Kasim Reed and the Invest Atlanta approve grant to fund 20 percent affordable workforce housing units Mayor Kasim Reed announced today that the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors passed a resolution approving the use of $9 million from the Eastside Tax Allocation District (TAD) for the development of a $90.5 million, 14-story, 302-unit residential tower at 161 Peachtree Center Avenue in Downtown Atlanta. Sixty of the units, or 20 percent of the total units, will be set aside as affordable workforce housing. “I am pleased that Invest Atlanta is able to support a new residential development in Downtown Atlanta with 20 percent affordable, workforce housing units,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The development at 161 Peachtree will be the second new residential development for families and young professionals in Downtown Atlanta in the past decade, demonstrating that developers are growing increasingly confident about building in the core of our city. This is another example of how we are taking action to ensure high-quality, affordable housing options for all families.” Banyan Street Capital LLC, the owner of Peachtree Center, is proposing to partner with Greystar, a national multifamily developer and property manager, to build the residential tower above an existing parking garage adjacent to Peachtree Center.

The project will bring approximately 150 temporary construction jobs, and more than $90M in capital investment to the Downtown area. The total economic impact of the project is estimated at more than $129 million. Construction is expected to begin in early 2018. “This project will not only attract more residents and commercial activity to Downtown, but activate an existing structure in a new and innovative way that brings greater affordability and mobility to Atlanta,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “With 20 percent of the units being offered at 80 percent of area median income, more working families can live within a short walk or transit trip from Atlanta’s jobs centers.” The news about the 161 Peachtree residential tower continues the positive economic momentum already underway in Downtown Atlanta. Post Centennial Park apartment complex will open soon, and construction of the Castleberry Park and Hard Rock Hotel development is underway. In addition, WRS, Inc. will soon begin the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta into a live-work-play destination, ensuring significant investment in the South Downtown area.

Georgians with disabilities launch the no cuts! Hank and Yvonne Thomas to write foreword for no caps! Campaign to #SaveMedicaid “Who’s Who In Black Atlanta’s” 17th edition ADW Staff Georgians with disabilities, together with agencies, organizations and nonprofits who serve them, have launched the No Cuts! No Caps! campaign to bring to attention to the $834 billion cuts to Medicaid in the Housepassed American Health Care Act and being considered by the Senate. One in five Georgians depend on Medicaid services as the agency provides approximately 400,000 people with disabilities in Georgia with access to critical care that helps them live, work and participate in their communities. This includes personal care services, specialized therapies, mental health services, special education services, respite care and employment supports. “People with disabilities are contributing members of our community, and the proposed Medicaid cuts will be devastating not only to the disability community, but to the State of Georgia,” said Eric Jacobson, executive director of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. GCDD is leading the Georgia #SaveMedicaid campaign. The AHCA proposes to drastically cut federal Medicaid to states, including through “per capita caps.” Georgia will be disproportionally hurt by such caps because of the state’s low Medicaid spending. The state is 50th in Medicaid spending on people with disabilities combined with it having one of the highest federal match rates — 68.5 percent of all of Georgia’s Medicaid costs are paid by the federal government. The loss of billions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding could lead to service reductions, longer waitlists, and cuts in provider reimbursement rates. Home and community based services (HCBS) are most at risk because they are optional. The campaign hopes to bring attention to U.S. senators Johnny Isakson and David

Perdue about the importance of Medicaid for Georgians with disabilities. “It is important that our legislators, in Georgia and Washington, D.C., understand how cuts and caps to Medicaid under this proposed bill will negatively impact their constituents,” said Jacobson. “We aim to rally the Georgia community that relies on Medicaid to call the Senators and share their stories. Advocacy is the most important and effective way to get your voice heard.”

Power couple Henry “Hank” and Yvonne Thomas will write the foreword for the 17th edition of “Who’s Who In Black Atlanta” which will be unveiled at an event on July 28 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Married 24 years, the duo is known for their civil rights activism, community and business development. Hank was one of the original Freedom Riders and on the frontline fighting for justice and equality. Now, they are committed to creating employment opportunities in their community. In 1982, the Thomases founded Hayon Group, followed by Victoria Hospitality — named after their first grandchild, in 1999. To date, they have owned and operated a total of 17 businesses — including a coin laundry mat, Dairy Queen, Wishbone, Burger King, nine McDonald’s and four Marriott hotels – with the belief that true independence and freedom comes from not only owning your own business within your community, but circulating that wealth within your community as well. They’ve sold all of their McDonald’s locations and now own one Marriott hotel in Jacksonville, N.C.

“We have been a part of the Atlanta community for over four decades and it is our honor to a part of the Who’s Who family. Giving back to the community where we have lived and worked is paramount to the success of our people,” said Yvonne. “We are excited to have the support of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas as our foreword writers for the 17th edition of ‘Who’s Who In Black Atlanta.’ Our team in Atlanta is working hard to make this a memorable issue and one of our very best,” said Carter Womack, chief operating officer, Who’s Who Publishing. The networking reception will be from 6-7 pm. with the Unveiling Ceremony starting at 7:15 p.m. A subsidiary of Real Times Media, Who’s Who Publishing Company was founded in 1989. The publication highlights and celebrates diversity and inclusion achievements while providing a valuable resource and networking guide for the entire community. Real Times Media is dedicated to sustaining its presence as the leading source of African American related news, entertainment and lifestyle information.

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June 22-28, 2017

BUSINESS

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The people approach to succession planning www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com

By Kamille D. Whittaker The first black-owned investment company on the New York Stock Exchange, Daniel & Bell, which once traded in municipal underwriting worth billions of dollars, was ruled insolvent by the courts in 1996. After the death of the founder, Travers J. Bell, his son, Darryl Bell, inherited the firm. But because the father failed to plan how the business would be run after his death, he had not groomed his son as its successor. Inexperienced in finance and business, the son spent most of the company’s assets rapidly. The courts eventually ruled that the firm and its properties were to be sold to fulfill multi-million-dollar creditor obligations. It’s not always like this. More frequently, businesses fall victim to accumulated negligence and a failure to look at the overall health of a company’s composition beyond the financials – a slow burn of neglect and devaluation, a loss of talent, reputation and confidence. More “fade to black” than “crash and burn.” Despite surveys that show succession planning is the number one challenge threatening a business’s long-term health — ahead of labor costs, health care expenses, finding qualified employees, and foreign competition — only 16 percent of firms have a discussed and documented succession plan in place, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers 2014 survey. “The all-important issue of succession has still not been fully grasped or effectively addressed by far too many,” the PwC survey reported. When queried further, companies that report they have a succession plan in place for some or all senior roles revealed that those “plans” are not properly documented. “A plan that is not written down is not a plan,” stated the PwC findings. “It’s just an idea, and this is an issue family firms must address with the same commitment and energy as they are devoting to professionalizing other aspects of the business. Without it, the entire enterprise is at stake.” Tom McGee, national managing partner of Deloitte Growth Enterprise Services, Deloitte LLP considers family-owned businesses to be a huge component of the U.S. economy, and their attention to good governance practices can have an impact on success and failure. “Given that these companies are considered engines of job creation, a sharper focus on governance is important to their longevity, and to the success of our economy as a whole.” “Many family-owned businesses struggle to maintain their family-owned status past the second generation,” adds McGee. “And while succession planning can be an uncomfortable topic for owners, especially founders, it is critical to the success of an enterprise. By creating a stronger governance and succession strategy, a family-owned business is much more likely to preserve the founder’s long-term vision for generations to come.” While most succession plans fixate on the financials, the best succession transitions provide a people-focused combination of succession management and leadership development as an integral part of the overall business strategy where they identify and develop high-potential leaders capable of executing corporate strategy. When done right, succession management involves two major functions: legacy management and proactively developing a strong talent pool of future leaders and legacy preservers.

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Name Change: Introducing Succession Development “We see many companies put more effort and attention into the planning process than they do into the development process,” says Marshall Goldsmith is executive educator and coach and author of “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” “Succession planning processes have lots of to-do’s — forms, charts, meetings, due dates and checklists. They sometimes create a false sense that the planning process is an end in itself rather than a precursor to real development. Many humans fall into the same trap regarding physical fitness. We have may have fantastic plans in place to lose weight. We may be very proud of our plans, which include detailed daily goals for diet, alcohol consumption, and exercise. And if our execution were half as impressive as our planning, we would be very svelte. Our focus should be on weight loss, not planning for weight loss.” External Advisory Board There will inevitably be blind spots throughout the succession process and a crack external advisory board comprised of known and trusted CPAs, acquisition attorneys and strategic cost reduction consultants tasked specifically with scrutinizing succession related activities can help steady the ship and bring objectivity and clarity to what could otherwise be a highly emotional and political. The Best Succession Development Plan is also a Talent Management and Retention Plan Succession management requires marrying practices that mitigate risk such as preparing successors, with practices that require risk-taking such as allowing those successors to take on roles they are not quite prepared for, according to Janelle Pritchard and Karen Becker, co-authors of “Succession Management as a Knowledge Management Strategy.” This marriage is essential for continuity though, as the organization has to collect knowledge from the incumbent and develop it in the successor. Bench Strength Analysis How does having sufficient bench strength foster innovation and contribute to organizational wellness? If organizations don’t have the right people in the right jobs, they’ll have difficulty carrying out the core operations of the enterprise. But bench strength analysis goes beyond an evaluation of current capability and capacity; it should also anticipate future needs and access whether there are appropriate back-ups for key leaders and associates in difficult-to-fill jobs. Focus on Legacy Management It is important to ensure continuity throughout a succession management plan, and one way to do this is through knowledge management. One of the prerequisites for this management of knowledge is the ability to attract employees with knowledge that can be applied within the organization, and to retain those who contribute to the knowledge capital of the organization. Transparency Do you tell your high performance employees that they are an integral part of your company’s succession plan? According to research conducted by the Center for Creative Research, 77 percent of high-potential leaders surveyed reported that being formally identified was highly important to them. Furthermore, knowing one’s status as a high potential has a significant impact on retention.

May 25-31, 2017

Get into it: Black Girls RUN! By Chela Counts

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For as long as she can recall, Ashley Hicks had always been an avid soccer player, even on a collegiate level. But once she graduated, she eagerly sought a new exercise routine to keep fit. Hicks traded in her light synthetic fabric jersey, durable knee-high socks, shin guards and cleats, for a comfortable pair of running shoes. In 2009, she and longtime friend Toni Carey — whose track code names are “The Dreamer” and “Turtle” — co-founded Black Girls RUN! What began as a blog site to document the lack of diversity seen in long-distance running groups, has now transformed into a major national movement ... literally. With 70 chapters, 23,000 twitter followers, and more than 150,000 members nationwide, BGR!’s mission is to simply encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority. Recent national data shows that 82 percent of black women are either obese or overweight -- a statistic that this dynamic duo has chosen to relentlessly help women tackle. So, whether you choose to run, walk, or participate in strength training, the key is to start where you are and keep moving. “No woman left behind,” says Hicks firmly. “We cater to all levels and are never going to leave you.” Whatever your goals, the BGR! site effortlessly grants prospective and returning members access to a regularly updated running calendar for your region’s nearest groups, readyto-purchase BGR! merchandise, and tips and tricks on how to wear fitness-ready hair. So, what’s the secret formula to this running group’s success? Sisterhood, and the consistent camaraderie fostered through both social media and annual national events like “WALKB4URUN,” “PTST,” and “Sweat With Your Sole,” to name a few. “All the women who run with the group are telling other women and helping other women. It’s almost like it’s contagious to share that love and want to help people,” Hicks says. In September of last year, Hicks and Carey announced that Atlanta had become BGR!’s national headquarters. “With such a large running community, the city’s commitment to the outdoors and a vibrant business community, Atlanta was the perfect place to lay our roots,” Carey said. In September of this year, it was in Atlanta that Toyota, along with media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, presented BGR! Co-founders with a “Standing O-Vation” award during Oprah’s Life You Want Weekend along with a $25,000 grant in their efforts to decrease obesity. Just as there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success, the same rings true for fitness. BGR! members use the running groups to get and stay fit while also expanding their social circle through exercise. A win-win situation for those involved. While the average BGR! member ranges in age between 35 and 45, all ages, and races are welcome into the sisterhood. “It’s a judgment-free zone all about love and encouragement. We’re in this to win this for the long-term to really make a change in our community. We are a national organization founded in 2009, and although we appreciate the support men bring, NO MEN ALLOWED!” said Hicks. “And we always make sure to have a good time.”

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LIVINGWELL

June 22-28, 2017

Deal forms commission on children’s mental health ADW Staff Gov. Nathan Deal recently announced the creation of the Commission on Children’s Mental Health, which is charged with providing recommendations on improving state mental health services for children. The commission, comprised of health care experts, state leaders and children’s advocates, will submit a report to Deal on September 1 that identifies potential improvements to state Medicaid services, as well as ways to increase access to care for uninsured children. “This commission is modeled after several successful interagency collaborations, including the First Lady’s Children’s Cabinet, the Child Welfare Reform Council and the Criminal Justice Reform Council,” said Deal. “These councils have provided invaluable guidance in helping shape effective, meaningful policies. In fact, the Child Welfare Reform Council’s advocacy on the importance of early examination and treatment resulted in changes to mental health coverage for Medicaid and PeachCare members. This year, my budget included an additional $2.5 million to provide mental health services to the full population of children from birth to age five. “The Commission on Children’s Mental Health is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to

better care for Georgians, particularly our most vulnerable, and it’s a natural progression of the work done by the aforementioned groups. Following my state of the state address in January, I began working with appropriate agency directors, legislators and stakeholders to address issues and suggest policy changes to mental health services provided by the state. This commission will review the programs and areas identified, as well as the funding necessary to make improvements, and report back to me in the fall. Its members will work to help ensure our youngest patients receive the treatment necessary to help them grow up as healthy and productive members of society. I look forward to reviewing their feedback and taking the next steps in reforming mental health services for G e o r g i a’s children.”

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Fit fun: Creative ways to get and stay healthy

LIVINGWELL

June 22-28, 2017

State agency to monitor Blue Cross rule on ER use By Andy Miller

By Leah D. Stone As thoughts of the beach and planning summer getaways gets underway, shedding those winter pounds becomes top of mind. So, we’ve enlisted the help of a few fitness gurus to share some tips that will help you on the road to fitness. Celebrity trainer David Buer is an Atlanta-based health and fitness professional with a reputation for achieving results. He has been called upon frequently as a fitness consultant for books, movies and television shows. Currently, he is working with Sharecare, an online health portal developed by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Jeff Arnold, on the Transform YOU program. Rahman “Ray” Grayson, master fitness trainer, is also an Atlanta-based fitness professional better known as “Mr. Shut Up and Train.” Grayson’s free online challenges at shutupandtrain.com have benefited more than 100,000 participants and gained national sponsorship from companies including T-Mobile®, Monster® Headphones and smartwater®. While most people focus immediately on exercise, there is a trifecta approach to getting fit which involves nutrition, physical activity and mental wellness. “You want to incorporate all elements and balance for your best health,” Buer says. Before You Begin “Educate yourself first and go see a physician before you begin a fitness regimen,” Buer stresses. “Listen to your body and make sure you’re physically capable of starting.” Mental preparation is also paramount to successfully completing your plan. “Commit to having realistic long-term and short-term goals,” Grayson urges. “Develop your plan of action and write it down so you can review your commitment to yourself.” Nutrition Tips The foundation to any fitness plan is arming yourself with the right tools, and proper nutrition is one of the most critical. “As far as aesthetics and overall health, nutrition will be the key,” Buer states. “You really can’t out exercise a bad diet, food is responsible for everything and we are impacted by what we fuel our bodies with.” Grayson concurs: “When it comes to nutrition, planning is probably most important. You should know what you’re approved to eat and where it’s going to come from at the start of your day.” While meal planning can be extremely difficult with busy schedules, there are plenty of ways to stay on track. 1. Understand your body’s needs: It is incredibly important to understand your caloric needs before starting any type of wellness program or you may not get the results you are looking for. There are calorie counters online, like the Calorie Calculator available at mayoclinic.org, that can help you understand the calories you need to sustain health and fuel weight loss. 2. Use your resources: Just as important as eating enough calories is eating the right kind. “You need to eat green vegetables two to three times per day, drink half your body weight in ounces of water and limit fast or fried foods,” Grayson advises. “Opt for lean protein rich sources of meat like salmon and turkey.” 3. Challenge yourself: It’s easier to stay on track when you have a partner. Recruit friends

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or co-workers to join in your healthy eating journey and create challenges with prizes for those that stay on track the longest. 4. Don’t eat off plan: Once you establish your daily or weekly meal plan, do not veer from it. “Only eat the food that you said you were going to eat that day,” Grayson advises. 5. Still not working? Enlist help: Meal planning can be time consuming and stressful and may not be for everyone. Luckily there are resources available to help like blueapron.com and plated.com, both options that can deliver fresh meal ingredients to your doorstep for easy preparation. Once you’ve established a clean eating plan, you will need to begin to find the fitness plan that’s right for you. If you can afford it, Grayson recommends seeking the counsel of a competent health fitness professional Physical Wellness Tips 1. Begin at your level, but don’t stay there: It’s important to take it one step at a time and stay positive, but Grayson charges you to push yourself. “Know your levels, but don’t be afraid to push Compensation it; results happen outside of your comfort zone. 2. Maintain a consistent schedule: Consistency is vital to see the results that you are striving for. Buer stresses that quality, not quantity earns results. “If you don’t have a lot of time, 10 to 20 minutes is long enough to make progress, but don’t skip your workout.” 3. Get accountable: Like maintaining nutrition, the best way to stick with your plan is to enlist accountability partners. “Your partner can be in the same city or across the country, you just need to check on each other and share your goals,” Grayson says. “There will be times that you want to quit and you can help keep each other on track.” 4. Skip the gym: While a traditional gym may be best for some, there are plenty of resources to get you fit outside of those four walls. 5. Keep it fun: Nothing keeps you more interested than keeping it creative. Dancing is a great way to burn calories and there are plenty of classes from Zumba®, inspired by Latin dance, to Barre, inspired by ballet, to keep you moving.

If a member chooses to go to an ER to receive care for the common ailments listed when The state insurance department says it will a more appropriate setting is available, the claim monitor the new emergency room policy of will be reviewed by a Blue Cross medical direcBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia “to make tor using the “prudent layperson standard” besure that it is not abused to the disadvantage of fore a determination is made, Blue Cross said. Georgia policyholders.” In reviewing the claim, the medical direcBlue Cross recently told policyholders that tor will consider whether the member had starting in July, it will stop covering ER visits it symptoms that appeared to indicate an emerconsiders to have been unnecessary. The health gency even if the diagnosis turned out to be a insurer, Georgia’s largest, said it’s pursuing the non-emergency ailment, the insurer added. move, involving its coverage of individual polStill, the American College of Emergency icies, due to the costs of routine primary care Physicians (ACEP) said the policy violates the being administered in an ER setting. Physician prudent layperson standard, which requires groups, meanwhile, have been critical of the that insurance coverage be based on a patient’s policy. symptoms, not the final diagnosis. Jay Florence, deputy state insurance comAnyone who seeks emergency care suffermissioner, said in a statement that the agency ing from apparent emergency symptoms, such supports insurers’ attempts to reduce “unneces- as chest pain, cannot be denied coverage even sarily high premiums.” if the final diagnosis does not turn out to be an But Florence added, “You buy health in- emergency condition, ACEP said. surance to make sure you are protected when Lyon something bad happens. We are tracking our “This policy threatens the safety of all Georphone calls and have created a specific code for gians,” Dr. Matt Lyon, president of Georgia’s complaints related to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s ACEP chapter, said in a statement. “We treat new policy. . . . We will closely monitor this new patients every day with identical symptoms – policy to make sure that it is not abused to the some get to go home and some go to surgery. disadvantage of Georgia policyholders.” There is no way for patients to know which Routine care is far less expensive than emer- symptoms are life-threatening and which ones gency room care, and experts agree that un- are not. Only a full medical work-up can deternecessary use of ERs is a financial drain on the mine that.” nation’s health care system. But what constitutes Lyon added that this action will be especialunnecessary ER use can depend on many fac- ly bad for Georgia’s rural population, who are tors — such as patients’ symptoms, their percep- often limited in their options for medical care. tion of their medical condition, their location Donald Palmisano, executive director of the and other issues. Medical Association of Georgia, told WABE Blue Cross has cited the high cost of care in that the Blue Cross policy also might disproporformulating its policy. tionately affect the elderly, those living in rural “We’re hoping that patients go to the most areas and adolescents over the age of 14. appropriate setting’’ for care, said Blue Cross “I have four children, and if there’s an injury spokeswoman Debbie Diamond. The company and it’s hard to determine the pain they’re expe“has a 24/7 nurse line and online tools that are riencing, it’s hard to determine whether to go to always available to help members find the right the emergency room or not,” he said. care option for their neighborhood,’’ she added. Urgent care and retail health clinics are other al- Fusile Jeff Fusile, president of Blue Cross and Blue ternatives for patients, Diamond told GHN. “We are not trying to keep people from the Shield of Georgia, told WABE that “the cost of care’s been going up so much faster than peoER,’’ she said. Blue Cross said its parent company, Anthem, ple’s earnings. We have got to find a better way worked with four board-certified emergency to do some of this stuff, taking some of that unmedicine doctors to develop a list of non-emer- necessary spending out of the system.” also acknowledged, “There are lots of that would better treated maygency be conditions available for beyour timebyand He travel. a primary care doctor than in an ER. The list in- gray areas where the diagnosis wasn’t so bad afcludes conditions such as suture removals, ath- ter all, but you have to look at the situation the lete’s foot, common cold symptoms and season- person was in at the time they were in it.” Separately, Blue Cross and Anthem also have al allergies including itchy eyes, the insurer said. The insurer said it would cover ER visits that to decide whether to remain in the state’s health turn out not to be emergencies if the member insurance exchange. was directed to the emergency room by another medical provider, if the services were provided Courtesy of GeorgiaHealthNews.com to a child under age 14, if there was no urgent care or retail clinic within 15 miles of the member, or if the visit occurred on a Sunday or a major holiday.

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COMMUNITY

June 22-28, 2017

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Atlanta retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. receives customized ELAN smart home

On July 25, 2012, during his third deployment in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Cedric King’s platoon conducted a reconnaissance of a possible explosive distributor in an Afghan village. As they approached the target, they fell under machine gun fire. Once the firefight ended, King proceeded forward, only to step on a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED). The blast lifted him from his feet, resulting in the loss of both of his legs and disfigurement of his right hand. When the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment) learned about King’s service, they decided to honor his bravery with a newly built, completely customized specially adapted smart home. The residence relies on an ELAN Entertainment &

Control System to enable control and automation of the home’s audio, video, lighting, security, and more. “Core Brands’ Regional Sales Manager Jason Davis asked us if we could provide our services to Gary Sinise Foundation for this project, and we were honored to do so,” said Phillip Ampel of Atlanta Audio and Automation, the integration firm responsible for the project. “We built a sophisticated smart home that is highly functional, and jam-packed with exciting entertainment features. It truly offers Cedric and his family an elevated level of freedom — and fun.” One ELAN gSC10 controller serves as the brains of the system, and is accessible through two ELAN TP7 touch panels in the master suite and living room, as well as an ELAN HR200 remote which they use for controlling the home’s surround-sound audio system. King can also use the ELAN App on his smartphone device to easily and simply make any adjustments throughout the home. Atlanta Audio and Automation integrated an extensive Lutron lighting and climate system into the ELAN platform, enabling the King family to control the lighting — or automate its functionality — instantly. “King does not need to physically walk into each room to turn the lights on or off. It’s as simple as a tap on a screen,” a representative from Atlanta Audio and Automation explained. Atlanta Audio & Automation also integrated a security system with 6 IP cameras placed throughout the property to be accessed instantly through ELAN. “It was important for King to be able to easily manage the residence’s indoor and outdoor security feeds. He could be in the living room checking out video of his backyard on a centrally located touch panel, or out-and-about watching from the ELAN Mobile App.” Since King relies heavily on his home’s technology for in-

dependence, AAA made sure to protect the equipment with a Panamax M4315-PRO Power Power Conditioner with key components protected by a Furman F1500 Uninterruptible Power Supply. Both feature BlueBOLT remote energy management. “Aside from the danger of catastrophic surges, ‘dirty power’ can interrupt high-end electronics so they won’t work as they should,” Atlanta Audio & Automation commented. According to Judy Otter, executive director of the Gary Sinise Foundation, the home checks off all of the boxes for the King family. “We are honored to recognize Cedric’s service with this customized specially adapted smart home that really does give him a new level of independence,” she said. “Since his injury, Cedric has persevered, earning numerous medals and awards, he’s run marathons, and even climbed mountains. Cedric is a true inspiration and an American hero.”

ENTERTAINMENT

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MARTA rolls out reinvigorated arts initiative With a reinvigorated push around the arts, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, this week, launched a new program aimed at aesthetically enhancing and integrating art throughout the rail system. The Authority officially kicked off the newly branded arts program with an inaugural launch event at Five Points MARTA Station on Monday with performances from Moving in the Spirit dance company and cellist Jenn Cornell accompanied by Emrah Kotan. In 2016, MARTA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the investment in transit-center art with a goal of improving the overall customer experience throughout the system. Beginning with FY17, 1 percent of the agency’s annual budget is now allocated for art-related programs, art-focused community activities and system-wide art restoration projects. “From mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership experience here at MARTA by intentionally integrating art

throughout the entire system,” said General Manager and CEO Keith Parker. “This new commitment to the arts allows us to engage our customers in a bold, exciting and often entertaining new way.” In December 2016, the Authority hired Arts Administrator Katherine Dirga to curate and oversee the transit systems arts program. Since that time, MARTA has developed a comprehensive approach to engaging the region’s diverse artistic community inclusive of commissioned art pieces as well as the performing arts “We are literally watching art come to life as we restore a number of existing transit station art pieces throughout the system,” said Dirga, who previously served as manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s arts program. “Our approach is to install high-quality, captivating pieces that transcend various artistic genres and reflect, in some way, the vibrancy and history of the community.”

ADW Staff Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Delta Air Lines have partnered with Rotary International to bring awareness to human trafficking with the installation of a temporary photography exhibit. The installation features the Girls Education and Mentoring Services’ “More Than a Survivor” exhibit, with large portraits of human trafficking survivors and their stories on display in the Domestic Terminal atrium through June 22. The exhibit adds to an already-robust presence of anti-human trafficking initiatives launched by the Airport in the past several months. A projected 27 million people are victims

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of forced labor and sexual exploitation, and many are transported across domestic and international borders. In the U.S. alone, 1.5 million victims are trafficked, and one woman or child is trafficked into the United States every 10 minutes. Atlanta is now a major transportation hub for trafficking young girls from Mexico and is one of the 14 U.S. cities with the highest levels of sex trafficking of children. In October 2016 nearly 70 people were arrested in Metro Atlanta for international sex trafficking and prostitution. 82 minors were rescued and more than 239 alleged traffickers were arrested. This operation took place at hotels, truck stops, street corners, and many other locations. The Metro Atlanta Child Ex-

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nually with nonstop service to more than 150 U.S. destinations and nearly 70 international destinations in more than 45 countries. In the wake of the growing awareness of Atlanta’s role as a hub for trafficking, Hartsfield-Jackson launched its “eyes and ears” campaign in January soliciting the more than 100 million passengers traveling through the airport annually to report their suspicions about the prevalence of the trade if they saw any untoward behavior. The Airport’s efforts were recognized by the World Chamber of Commerce in May.

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True Colors Theatre Company presents “Between Riverside and Crazy”

Ex-cop Walter “Pops” Washington has had enough. His landlord won’t leave him alone, his wife recently passed away, and the liquor store can’t keep up with his thirst. Pops’ last living relative, his son Junior, has recently moved back to Pops’ house with his girlfriend, Lulu, and his newly-sober buddy, Oswaldo. With his heels dug into the floor of his rent-controlled Riverside Drive apartment, Pops holds onto old wounds — physical and emotional — while he sweats out the impending verdict on his lawsuit against the NYPD. Artistic Director Kenny Leon and True Colors Theatre Company presents the Atlanta premiere of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize winning dramedy, “Between Riverside and Crazy” True Colors Theatre Company presents written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and directed by Eric J. Little – opening July 11 at Southwest Arts Center. Actor Earl Billings stars as Pops. The New York Times called it “A rich new play…” Adding, “Mr. Guirgis has a splendid ear in blurring lines between the sacred and profane and it is a dizzying and exciting place to be.” “Between Riverside and Crazy” will run through August Tickets start at $20.

Human trafficking survivor exhibit to raise awareness at Atlanta airport ploitation Task Force assisted the FBI in Operation Cross Country X – rescuing one juvenile from trafficking, executing two search warrants, and confiscating seven firearms. More arrests took place in the surrounding area with five people arrested in Alpharetta, one person in Dekalb, four in Dunwoody, two in Gwinnett county, two people in Marietta, five people in the Athens and area and one person in Augusta. Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is the world’s most traveled and most efficient airport, serving more than 101 million passengers an-

June 22-28, 2017

100 middle school students. Six weeks. One life changing experience. In 2014, Centre Dance launched Atlanta Ballet’s AileyCamp in partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which serves 100 middle school children during a six-week period at no cost to the families each summer. This year’s camp kicked off on June 1 with pre-teens from underserved communities receiving a robust introduction to dance and come to respect the discipline of dance as a physical activity that requires athletic ability comparable to skills demanded by any sport. As well, during the camp which lasts one month, campers increase their leadership skills – participating in workshops to build leadership and communication skills, and a variety of social activities. AileyCamp represents a vital component of Alvin Ailey’s vision: using the power of dance to enrich and positively impact the lives of children. The program helps youth develop their self-confidence in an atmosphere of warmth, respect, and trust. Campers take dance classes from experienced teaching artists in popular styles such as West African, jazz, ballet, and the Lester Horton technique (which is the basis of many of Alvin Ailey’s works).

Camp Director Diane Sales shared a story from last year’s camp to illustrate how the camp’s personal development programming can assist a camper in finding their own internal strength. “It was immediately clear to me that one

of our first-time students lacked confidence and felt out of place as a dancer. I thought I wouldn’t see her again after that first day. But she showed up for the second day and each day thereafter. I was immediately impressed with her level of drive and perseverance.

Even though she never excelled at dance and continued to struggle with coordination, she never gave up. Part of her drive came from the support she received from the camp community. Both her peers and teachers encouraged her every step of the way. During a personal development class, she said, “I know I am the worst one in ballet”, which was followed by a chorus of classmates saying, “No! You do so well!” After watching her all summer, I saw her transform at the camp’s final performance.” The guiding concept of Atlanta Ballet’s AileyCamp is that dance is a powerful vehicle for change. Supported by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Power2Give.org, and Wells Fargo, the main goal of the camp is to develop and strengthen each student’s ability to succeed by inspiring them to achieve their goals, conveying the value of commitment, self-discipline, dedication and emotional expression to be found in the art of dance.

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June 22-28, 2017

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June 22-28, 2017

GUEST COMMENTARY

by Charlene Crowell

by Julianne Malveaux,

Civil rights groups ask for broad access to affordable lending

As the Senate Banking Committee turns its attention to reform the nation’s secondary mortgage market, civil rights leaders recently spoke in a strong and united voice. For these national organizations, the housing finance system must embrace — not abandon — its obligation to provide broad access and affordability in mortgage lending. In a June 6 letter to Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), were advised that any emerging legislation for the secondary housing finance market must set in place guidelines to protect against unlawful discrimination. A second and equally important requirement is for all credit-worthy borrowers have access to the mortgage credit they deserve. Signing the letter was a broad coalition of activists: The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, NAACP, National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development, National Fair Housing Alliance, and more. Together they wrote, “Any reform of the secondary mortgage market must ensure access and affordability to mortgage credit for all creditworthy potential homebuyers in all regions of the nation…Diminishing the role and importance that the secondary housing finance systems plays in achieving this goal will continue to deepen the racial wealth gap that already exists in America today.” The current public policy debate on the secondary mortgage market has its roots in the foreclosure crisis that began in 2007. Lax federal regulation and excessive risk-taking by Wall Street firms led to a housing boom where investors chased profits on unsustainable mortgage loans. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-sponsored enterprises also known as GSEs, followed that market trend, hoping to capture profits for their investors. This led to them facing losses that resulted in their being placed into conservatorship by the federal government. Like many other private firms, the GSEs received a financial bailout from the U.S. Treasury Department to avoid a complete market meltdown. Eventually and as authorized by Congress in the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, a $187 billion taxpayer investment saved the GSEs out of the total of $698 billion in rescue funds. Even today, the GSEs remain under conservatorship. But with the housing market stabilized, multiple calls have urged legislative reform of Fannie and Freddie, despite some reforms already enacted. For communities of color, the next decade is projected to demographically change to majority minority. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, seven out of every 10 new households formed will be families of color. In addition, the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is tied to several

statutory mandates that include requirements for the GSEs to share responsibility in reaching affordable housing goals. In a broad sense, today’s public policy housing debate is also an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the past and craft new policies that will avoid their recurrence. “The nation’s housing finance system has never worked for people of color,” noted Lisa Rice, Executive Vice President of the National Fair Housing Alliance. “The system was originally and purposefully designed to exclude these consumers. That construct infused barriers to equal access into the system and those barriers have never been unwound.” “As a result, people of color face grave difficulties when trying to access credit,” added Rice. “This means that the Affordable Housing Goals must be strengthened and the resources and resolve to achieve them must be set in place.” “Because the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a special relationship with the federal government, they also have special responsibilities to the public as well,” said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “Most importantly, part of their business has to be based in low-income communities that have historically been underserved,” Gupta continued. “If Congress decides to overhaul the housing finance system, any entities that take the place of Fannie and Freddie and enjoy the same protections must also meet the same responsibilities.” As the housing market continues to grapple with historical discrimination that resulted in persistent and growing racial wealth gaps, it must also adapt to new 21st century challenges as well. Many millennials are shunning or delaying homeownership due to heavy student debt. Future policies must find a way to serve a diverse marketplace and protect taxpayers from more financial bailouts. Among remedies offered for thoughtful debate and action include: 1.Enforce the GSEs obligations that guarantee sustainable access to credit and affordable housing — especially for low-to-moderate income consumers living in underserved communities. These are the same consumers who have been left out of the nation’s financial recovery. 2.Authorize the recapitalization of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with guidelines that allow a reasonable economic return. 3.Fully fund HUD’s Housing Trust Fund. “Access and affordability are central tenants of the nation’s housing finance system. Two others are safety and soundness,” said Nikitra Bailey, CRL Executive Vice President. “Any GSE reform must protect affordable housing goals and advance the GSEs’ duty to serve. All credit-worthy consumers in every region of the nation should have a real opportunity to pursue their homeownership dreams.

Trump’s budget a “Setback” for civil rights Trump Asked Blacks, “What Do You Have to Lose? Apparently Our Civil Rights. When he was running for President of the United States, “45” asked African-Americans what we had to lose by electing him. Embracing the most dystopian view of the African-American community, he attacked our schools, our streets, crime rates, and unemployment and suggested that we were so far down, that electing him could only improve things. Curiously, he never talked about racism when he talked about the status of African-Americans. He never spoke of hate crimes, police killings, or racist symbols like Confederate flags and Confederate statues. He never denounced some of his most racist supporters, including “former” Klu Kluxer David Duke and alt-right leader Richard Spencer. No, he just asked what Black folks had to lose by electing him! We’ve been learning what we have to lose in these nearly five months of 45’s “leadership.” He cynically used HBCU presidents in a photo-op, while cutting education funds that help HBCUs. He has been silent or slow in denouncing racist incidents that have occurred on his watch, including the lynching of Second Lt. Richard Collins III, and the murder of heroes Ricky John Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche, who stood up to the rabid racist Jeremy Joseph Christian, as he harassed two young women on a train in Portland (it took him three days to respond tepidly to that incident). As of this writing, two days after a noose was hung in the Smithsonian’s National Museum for African American History and Culture, he has not uttered a syllable of condemnation. These issues don’t appear to be important to him. Are we surprised, then, that the budget he has submitted to Congress, would eviscerate civil rights protections in literally every area of our lives? Already, Attorney General Jeff Sessions has moved back toward draconian jail sentences for minor crimes, reviewed consent decrees with police departments, looking to loosen them, and suggested that the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department can be smaller. The budget reflects that so clearly that Vanita Gupta, who led the Civil Rights Division under President Obama and now leads the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, says she sees this budget as a “setback” for civil rights. The new budget calls for folding the Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP) into the Equal

Employment Opportunity Commission, although the two agencies do distinctly different work. EEOC investigates civil rights complaints, while OFCCP audits contracts to ensure that employees have equal opportunity in terms of both promotions and pay. The proposed budget cuts OFCCP by 16 percent and eliminates 130 full-time employees. When the other 470 employees are absorbed into the EEOC, that agency will not get an increased budget despite its expanded mission. Both agencies have been important in ensuring that civil rights violations are rectified. In 2010, EEOC had more than 20 active cases that involved nooses. Even as nooses continue to be hung as symbols of intimidation and hate, such as the noose hung at the African American Museum (the second hung at a Smithsonian museum in a week), the agency charged with investigating these complaints would have fewer resources to do so. Similarly, OFCCP has won money settlements for thousands of employees, and changed employment requirements when those requirements have a discriminatory impact. Women employees at Home Depot were among those receiving monetary settlements because of OFCCP investigations. At the Department of Education (surprise, surprise), a woman who opposes affirmative action leads the Office of Civil Rights. That office will be cut significantly, limiting its ability to investigate discrimination complaints in school systems. At the Environmental Protection Agency, efforts to look at environmental justice have been eliminated. From the noose hung at the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the defacing of LeBron James’ home with a racial slur, there is continuing evidence of the persistence of racism in our nation.This racism is emboldened by a national leadership that is silent despite its manifestations. We cannot be surprised. Our 45th president, after all, once said he did not trust African Americans to work on his accounting. He probably would have failed any OFCCP audit, and certainly attracted several housing discrimination lawsuits decades ago. The president who has been accused of discrimination has the power to ensure that his capitalist cronies face fewer accusations by weakening civil rights enforcement. What did African Americans lose when “45” was elected? Among other things, we (and others) lost civil rights protections!

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June 22-28, 2017

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Image is me, I talk for myself. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become this person others wanted me to be. -Monica

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