Adw june 29 by Atlanta Daily World

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Volume 89 • Issue 46

The Tech Mecca By Katrice L. Mines

Survey after survey has named Atlanta’s burgeoning tech scene one of which to take note. From the convergence of tech giants, Facebook, Google, Twitter and Amazon to the city being named a “Top 3 tech mecca of tomorrow” by FORBES Magazine earlier this year, we’re feeling solid about the metro area’s moniker as the Silicon Valley of the south. And so we’ve rounded up a few companies that are on our radar and that we believe should be on yours. Enter: some of Atlanta’s hottest innovators, M. Cole Jones and Michael Flanigan of Covello, Harold Alexander of Alexander Software and the superteam behind Digital Good Times. Harold Alexander | CEO, Alexander Software Everyone wants to pitch Harold Alexander an app idea. So, if you meet him and that urge arises, realize that he may have heard your idea already. Alexander, an electronic engineer, software engineer and CEO of Alexander Software has been in the business long enough that he’s grown accustomed to keeping

his profession under wraps. Though the interest he sparks with people in conversation is par for the course considering how he feels about his industry – technology. In his opinion, “It’s the best in the world.” Alexander Software has created cloud-based B2B applications for 15 years, recently rolling out its marquee offering – TimeCUE, a mobile and online time clock which allows employees to clock in and out using their smart phones (Android and iPhone). The mobile and online time clock uses GPS software to pinpoint an employee’s location so they cannot clock in or out from locations not approved by their employer. “We are doing something that no one else is doing with regards to time keeping,” Alexander adds. “After we built TimeCUE, it allowed the company to refocus on that product and push everything we had into making it the best on the market. Our goal is to change the time keeping industry and I believe we have the product to do that. I believe when we look back a few years from now, TimeCUE will be the application that took the company to the next level.”

June 29 - July 5, 2017

It was the coup that Alexander attributes to fortuitous inventing. Alexander Software had recently built a medical application for a physician who, after it was installed, requested a time clock for his staff. So a time clock was added to the application without much of a thought until a couple of months later when another client requested an online time clock. Since they had already embedded one into the medical application, he realized it could actually be made into its own application. Little did he know, if he built it they would come. The old adage about opportunity favoring the prepared also applies. Alexander is intentional about staying plugged into the industry whose borders of innovation are drifting beyond the West Coast. His method – adapting, enrichment, networking and constant reading. “I attend a lot of software conferences which help me to keep my ideas fresh. I’ve attended Google I/O a couple of times over the past few years and GWT.create, which is the platform we write most of our applications on. These are essential tools to staying up to date on the latest innovations.”

COVER STORY

June 29 - July 5, 2017

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Atlanta claims its spot in the tech scene

Harold Alexander

Michael Flanigan

The Devry Institute of Technology alumnus’ first business endeavor was called A&T services in the ‘90s and involved selling and troubleshooting computers in the “computers in every home era.” That business morphed into Small Office Specialist -- computer sales and networking, and now Alexander Software Inc. How has he stayed relevant? His company’s ability to evolve. Digital Good Times “Technology is growing faster than access in the city of Atlanta. Atlanta has the largest growing inequality gap in the nation, and the city of Atlanta does not have the infrastructure as of yet to provide enough access to keep up with the growing technology demand. Our goal is to illuminate the road to access amongst the job seeking black and brown middle class through informative, entertaining, educational and innovative tech centered content.” That’s the why of Digital Good Times. The who: Creator Emman “Small Eyez” Twe, Jack Preston – art director, and creative director Tristan Khavari. Digital innovator Adia Dightman and Lawrence Wayne, vibrational engineer, were early co-hosts and remain friends of the show. The what: Digital Good Times, a radio show and media platform for a diverse demographic of artists, creatives, and techies worldwide. On collaboration ADW: How did you come together as collaborators? DGT: It all started with an idea Emman a.k.a. “Small Eyez” had bubbling in its gestation period for about a year or so to do a music and arts infused tech podcast/talk show. I needed a co-host with tech knowledge and a good mic presence so I asked my friend Web/graphic designer and fellow music collaborator Jack Preston to host the show with me. We soon realized we needed a few more souls to fill up the roster mainly because we didn’t want to be the only ones doing all the talking on the show. Organically we also asked our friends and sound engineers Lawrence and Khavari to come observe our 1st taping and at the last minute they ended up co-hosting the show with us adding those missing pieces to the puzzle. Adia our tech community liaison came into

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M. Cole Jones the fold after hearing one of our episodes. I think we were 3-4 episodes in and we realized we were greatly in need of a woman’s perspective in our discussions. Good times and the impact ADW: You say that your reach includes creatives, artists, technology enthusiasts and consumers, developers, and entrepreneurs. What are the specific demographics of who you believe you reach? DGT: A positive behind that statement is that you can use this data to gain insights on whom you’re actually reaching. When we first started digital good times we were casting a pretty big net. Once we zoomed in on who was actually listening to the show we came to the conclusion that we are connecting with the black and brown middle class of Atlanta ages 25-34, employed, or job-seeking tech savvy folks.

Digital Good Times ADW: What demo do you hope to be reaching? And further, now that you have this audience, what do you hope to incite/inspire? DGT: We want to reach the world. We believe that the message of self-empowerment through technology, community and collaboration is a message every person on this earth with tech interests needs to hear and be inspired by. We hope to inspire anyone aspiring to join the tech economy from teens in their parents’ homes building apps, to 20-30 somethings wanting something beyond a 9-5 job where they can create platforms and be entrepreneurs within the tech space.

Be there or be square ADW: Why should we tune in? DGT: There is not another show like ours on the planet. Nowhere else are you going to get relevant tech news discussions with entertaining and engaging dialogue, add a splash of shenanigans, incredible music mixes, and actual informative content and resources from a black millennial perspective. It’s about open ears, open hearts and open minds … Digital Good Times. Michael Flanigan and M. Cole Jones | co-founders, Covello Big or small, if you’ve ever had the opportunity to collaborate with Covello co-founders Michael Flanigan and M. Cole Jones, more likely than not, you’ve also received their infamous homemade banana bread. “I was doing several things once I graduated from Georgia Tech, and one of those things was teaching myself how to cook and bake. So, I learned to bake banana bread,” Flanigan says. “And two years ago, I had another company and one of the things we would do when we talked and connected with people was just give it to folks. I started doing more things in the community, and it was a great way to meet people and build a connection. So, I just brought that same connection to Covello.” And while the baked banana bread has proven to be quite a hit over the last few years, Covello’s secret ingredient to success truly lies behind building relationships that inspire new thinking. “What that means exactly is that we help big companies and small companies work together to start on a path of creating a solution,” Flanigan explains. Like the creation of Atlanta Public School’s bus tracking system, to bringing their startup flair to other clients such as Microsoft, Chick-fil-A and The Coca-Cola Co. just to name a few. Flanigan and Jones pride themselves not only on the conception of an idea, but assisting each client with the execution and implementation. “If you want to do something new and different, from technology, to marketing experiences, people, product placement (whatever it is), we help you with those things by finding those relationships to help you achieve those goals. It’s like we’re an adult Disney World,” Flanigan said. “If you have a dream, we can help make it come true.” Flanigan who is described as the “connector” and Jones the “gladiator” officially launched their business less than three years ago with sustainability plans already in mind. Those plans included the continuation and advancement of built products to specifically meet the needs of each of their clients. “One of the first questions we ask our clients is ‘what are your goals and what are you trying to accomplish?’” said Flanigan. “You can have the greatest idea on the planet, but if it’s not really solving a problem (regardless how big you are), you need something that will help others.” Adds Jones, “So basically, the work we do with our clients helps inspire the products that we build; our own Covello products.” With a “help local” business model approach, Jones and Flanigan undoubtedly agree that their ultimate goal is to get things done efficiently through their understanding of the challenges faced by both small and large companies alike. Check out the July/August issue of Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine for more tech companies to watch in Atlanta

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

Dr. Dale Burgess promoted to Dean at Georgia Piedmont Technical College Dr. Dale Burgess, a seasoned administrator the success of this institution.” and talented instructor, has been tapped to serve Prior to joining Georgia Piedmont Technical as Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Dean of College, Burgess was employed for 28 years at Arts & Sciences. DeVry University in Atlanta. While at DeVry, he Previously, Burgess worked as an evening and served in several capacities including: Dean of weekend administrator at Georgia Piedmont the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences/College and was an adjunct faculty member for more of Health Sciences; Associate Dean, General than two years. As dean, Burgess will ensure the Education; Assistant Dean, General Education; president’s vision and strategic priorities are imand Senior Professor, General Education. Beplemented throughout the School of Arts & Scifore working at DeVry, he spent four years as an ences. instructor at his alma mater, Benedict College. “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Burgess as “”Every enrolled student at Georgia PiedGeorgia Piedmont’s newest dean,” said Dr. Jabari Dr. Dale Burgess mont takes Arts & Sciences courses, and I’m Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technilooking forward to leading a team of dedicated cal College. “Dr. Burgess possesses an impressive track record professionals who take pride in providing our students a solid of proven leadership at several institutions of higher learning. foundation in General Education,” Burgess stated. He has hands-on experience working in our college with stuHe completed a doctor of philosophy degree at Colorado dents, faculty and staff, and he is bringing considerable exper- State University, where he defended his dissertation, “Spiritutise to this pivotal role.” ality and Leadership: How Male African-American Leaders “I am very excited Dr. Burgess is joining the management in Higher Education Perceive the Influence of Spirituality in team as dean of the School of Arts & Sciences,” said Dr. Ivan their Decision Making.” He holds a master’s degree from The Harrell, executive vice president of academic & student affairs Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from Benedict at Georgia Piedmont. “Knowing he came to the college as an College. Additionally, Burgess has earned a leadership certiadjunct is especially important, because he will be able to re- fication from the Georgia Association of the Certification of late to this large population of educators who are so vital to Teachers (GACE).

Atlanta law firm guides five city governments in diversity initiative Griffin & Strong, P.C. was selected to lead organizers from five major U.S. cities in developing plans for more inclusive municipal procurement processes. Last week, leaders from Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis and Milwaukee, Wis., met in Atlanta to kick off the fourth cycle of the City Accelerator program, an initiative of the Living Cities and the Citi Foundation. The program promotes the advance of innovation that benefits a wide swath of residents. The cities chosen for this fourth Cohort of the City Accelerator were each asked to identify challenges to raising amount of business they do with minority-owned and women-owned businesses. Griffin & Strong, P.C. founder and CEO Rodney K. Strong, and Deputy Project Manager Sterling Johnson will helm the year-long initiative, lending their expertise in helping public organizations identify shortfalls in diversity business dealings as well as finding solutions that include more disadvantaged enterprises. “Addressing disparities in the local economy has always been at the heart of our work,” Strong said during his welcome to Cohort members at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “We are excited to help bring our expertise from decades of national public policy research and implementation to these five leading cities as we ensure that opportunity and economic growth go hand-in-hand as part of a comprehensive strategy that benefits all residents.”

Griffin & Strong, P.C. is a law and public policy consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA. Since 1992, the firm has represented individual clients, small businesses, corporations, and government entities in public policy consulting, legislation, contract compliance, supplier diversity consulting, and disparity studies. Strong and Johnson will guide procurement, diversity, contract and communication leaders from each city in plotting out pathways to increasing their economic connection with local disadvantaged business. “By opening up the procurement process to small and diverse businesses owned by people of color, cities have an incredible opportunity to realize the publics’ vision of a thriving, vital economy,” said Ben Hecht, president and CEO of Living Cities. “Five cities were asked to lead the way, and we are excited to lift up their work as examples of how we can create a new urban practice dedicated to getting dramatically better results for low income people faster.” Each city’s work plan will be driven by grant proposals – due in August – for funding from Living City private sponsors intended to improve on the percentage of minority- and women-owned business contracting. The fourth cohort will have their final convening in May 2018, and final grant reports are due the following month.

June 29 - July 5, 2017

Harold Martin appointed interim president of Morehouse College By ADW Staff The Morehouse College Board of Trustees has appointed alumnus Harold Martin Jr. as interim president. Martin takes on the day-to-day leadership of the college following the death of Interim President William J. Taggart earlier this month. “While these circumstances are certainly unprecedented, I am honored to step into the role of Interim President of Morehouse College,” Martin said in a statement released by the college Monday. “Over the past few months, Harold Martin Jr. the College has made great strides under the leadership of Bill Taggart; it’s amazing how much he was able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.” Martin has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a J.D. from Yale Law School. He was the class valedictorian at Morehouse in 2002, earning a B.A. in Business Administration. An associate partner at the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, Martin also has served as secretary of Morehouse’s Board of Trustees since last April. With his appointment as interim president he has resigned from the board and will guide the college until a search committee identifies and hires a new president. “The Morehouse College Search Committee has received many inquiries regarding the permanent President’s position and is working diligently to identify a candidate as the process moves forward,” said Dale Jones, the committee’s chairman.

Atlanta Streetcar’s next stop is MARTA, Beltline

By ADW Staff Mayor Kasim Reed announced that MARTA will take control of the city’s struggling but improving streetcar system, which runs along a 2.7-mile downtown loop. The streetcar will be absorbed into MARTA within two months, according to Reed, and will tap into the transit agency’s planned $2.6 billion expansion, funded by additional sales taxes Atlanta voters overwhelmingly approved in November. Under the city’s control, the streetcar has cleared up most of the significant operational concerns outlined by the Georgia Department of Transportation in a 2015 audit, which cited 66 issues and safety concerns. Reed confidently said the streetcar’s next stop will be the Beltline, though he didn’t specify when or exactly where that connection will occur. Free streetcar rides may also be returning, a loop back to the system’s inaugural months. “I think that we will be shifting toward it being free,” Reed told 11 Alive. “We’re just trying to figure out the right timing for that.” In peer cities, Reed said, streetcars are used more as tools of economic stimulation than for-profit transit systems.

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June 29 - July 5, 2017

NEWS

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be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime. The HIV/AIDS rate in certain parts of the city of Atlanta, particularly downtown ATL, is as bad as some third world African countries, the CDC reported in 2016. “Downtown Atlanta is as bad as Zimbabwe or Harare or Durban,” Dr. Carlos del Rio, co-director of Emory University’s Center for AIDS Research, said last year. The disparate rates for the black community are staggering. Last week, AIDSVu launched new data and maps that visualize HIV’s impact in Atlanta down to the ZIP Code level. As one of the cities most impacted by the disease in the United States, the interactive mapping tool – illustrating the HIV epidemic across the U.S. – is invaluable for public health professionals and community leaders to allocate resources where they are most needed. Each year on June 27, AIDSVu recognizes National HIV Testing Day by raising awareness of the critical role that testing plays in fighting the HIV epidemic. More than 1 million people in the United States are currently living with HIV, and 1 in 7 people with HIV are unaware of their infection. Widespread HIV testing, early diagnosis, timely linkage to care and treatment, and access to comprehensive HIV prevention services are critical components of the national response to the HIV epidemic. In fact, according to a 2015 study by researchers at the CDC, more than 90 percent of new HIV infections in the United States could be averted by diagnosing people living with HIV and ensuring they receive prompt, ongoing care and treatment.

By Rick Rodgers If your goal is to be financially independent, and it should be, you need to make some changes now that you’ll stick with for the rest of your life. Here are a few suggestions for small resolutions that can have a significant impact on your financial future: Spend less than you earn. If you take home $1,000 per week, you cannot spend more than $1,000 per week. That seems simple, but a survey released by Bankrate.com found 76 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Resolve to live on a budget that’s below your means. You will never be able to out-earn your capacity to spend, so get your spending under control this year. Credit cards are a last resort. Spending less than you earn will cause your savings to grow. The savings account will be there when the car breaks down or the washing machine goes out, so you don’t have to turn to credit to handle the emergency. Most Americans are not prepared financially for any type of unexpected financial burden. Your goal should be to have three to six months of living expenses set aside in a liquid account for emergencies. Invest for financial independence. The goal here is to get to the point financially where you no longer have to work to support yourself. Set aside some of the money you’ve worked for today. Allow it to accumulate and grow so one day that money will be working for you. Start by controlling spending so you have money to save and invest. Continue the process until the return on your investments exceeds what you earn by working. Financial independence gives you the freedom to choose to continue working, change

Wheat Street Baptist, nation’s first church-based senior high rise gets green light for $24M renovation project By Henrietta Spearman It’s finally a go. The Wheat Street Towers – the nation’s first federally funded, church-sponsored affordable senior high rise – recently received the green light from the Invest Atlanta and HUD to close on a $24 million dollar deal to renovate the 14 floor, 210 unit building. Invest Atlanta, a component of the city’s Economic Development Authority arm, will contribute $12.5M from its coffers to launch the initial phase I of this renovation project. The Wheat Street Towers project falls under the purview of the Wheat Street Charitable Foundation (WSCF), a 501c-3 non-profit which is associated with but separate from the church itself. WSCF is solely responsible for managing and operating all aspects for existing Foundation properties as well as all the development of new projects supporting its mission of affordable housing and economic development in the Sweet Auburn corridor. WSCF is the largest, non-profit land owner located within the Auburn Avenue Historic District. Phase I of WSCF development includes the renovation of all 210 Wheat Street Towers apartments into newer state of the art housing units. Phase II plans will include the development of additional market rate and affordable housing as well as exploring various retail entreprenurial opportunities. “Wheat Street has been very fortunate to amass several acres of prime real estate situated on the outskirts of downtown which features a postcard picturesque view of Atlanta’s skyline in the foreground,” said Ben Logan, a member of the WSCF Strategic Planning & Development team. Location, location, location has been our best asset. We have remained steadfast in the church’s legacy, and we are proud of our church’s civic and business accomplishments. Our church history reflects that we have always served as both a spiritual and social beacon for the Atlanta community at large,” he added.

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Despite millions of tourists visiting the area annually, and the constant flurry of media exposure, many residents have been displaced and numerous small minority owned businesses located between Decatur Street and John Wesley Dobbs have struggled financially in the past to keep their doors open. The current influx of Georgia State University’s collegiate residential projects along with several new diverse small businesses and restaurants in the area appears to be making a change in the right economic direction. All of the Wheat Street properties are located within Atlanta’s primary urban Transit Oriented Development (TOD) area. Studies show that urban TODs are creating quite the buzz in inner city areas around the country. Real estate developers are very eager to work with transit authority officials, city planners, and property owners in and around city mass transit hubs to revamp these properties into vibrant inviting successful enterprises. “All of our properties are just a stone’s throw away from the Auburn Avenue Atlanta Streetcar stop, which shuttles thousands of visitors to the Martin Luther King Jr. historic sites” commented Logan. This project represents an opportunity for us to continue fulfilling our organization’s mission of service to the community, and we have additional goals and aspirations to continue to reinvest in this historic corridor. We are very grateful to Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed and Invest Atlanta for their confidence in our organization. Without their vision and support, the Wheat Street Towers renovation project would not be possible.” he added. The Benoit Group has been selected as the developer, and general contractor. The Dorchester Management Group will oversee the day-to-day property management for Wheat Street Towers. Construction on the building has already begun, with completion set for Fall of 2018.

June 29 - July 5, 2017

5 Steps to take toward financial independence

New Atlanta map reveals severity of HIV epidemic

Seventy percent of the people living with diagnosed HIV in 2014 were African American. And according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 51 Georgians will

BUSINESS

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jobs, work part-time or not at all. It is the ultimate financial goal. Pay less in taxes. Anyone looking for a place to cut expenses might start with their own tax return. Too many Americans pay more taxes than they should. Take advantage of tax retirement accounts through work and health savings accounts, if they’re offered. There are tax credits available for children, higher education, dependent care and retirement savings. Many of these credits go unclaimed each year. Resolve to minimize your income taxes this year and put the savings into your new financial plan. Make a plan. You need a short-term financial plan for controlling spending — a budget. You also need a long-term plan that establishes the level of savings you maintain, a plan to get out of debt and an investment plan that will take you to financial independence. The plan becomes your road map. You don’t want to get to the end of your working career only to find you haven’t saved enough to maintain your lifestyle and you still have a mortgage on your home. Resolve to save something from every paycheck this year. Keep increasing it until you are saving at least 10 percent of your pay. Take the first step now.

Educating your audience on how to support your business By Tasha S. Robinson

Facebook.com/ADWnews Follow us @ADWnews

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At least once a week on social media, conversations stir towards friends, families or even strangers asking for a discount versus paying full price for products or services. As a small business owner, you may be frustrated that the people in your life want something for free or at a heavily discounted price. The amount of hours that you labored to create a product or service does not change because it’s your grandmother. In all actuality, you are scrutinized even more because they are someone close to you. Educating your audience is a fundamental aspect of the growth of your company regardless of whether they are friends, family or strangers. By taking the time to inform others about what you do and how you do it not only provides the insight to why you’re priced at a certain level, but it also gives you a moment to share your story. One thing I learned very early in business was the importance of informed buyers. When you have informed consumers they are more aware of the market, their options and why supporting a business financially matters. A majority of brands are failing at the art of storytelling. When I visit websites, the About page is often like a ghost town that does not provide insight as to who the owner is, why they started their company or their vision for the future. Sharing the vision behind your business entices your audience to want to learn more about you, thus building the relationship you want for a steady stream of

FREE CHECKING Bye-Bye Monthly Account Fees revenue. Before sharing about various companies I have created over the years, I sent out a personalized email to about 30 people or so explaining my vision. The email entailed what I was trying to achieve, my goals and what I needed from them. My primary objective with these emails is to share with my close friends and family that I need their emotional and fiscal support. Most business owners I tend to encounter tell their friends and relatives after the launch never inviting them into what they are building; falling back on the excuse, “they never supported my past ideas.” People cannot support you when they are left in the dark. Your story equips the people around you, and those that you will encounter with insight on why supporting you at your current market rates are critical to the success of your company.

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June 29 - July 5, 2017

POLITICS

Atlanta City Council approves minimum wage increase By Taylor Lee Atlanta City Council approved a phased increase in minimum wage to $15 over the next four years for city employees. This increase was discussed last week as part of approving the city’s $648 million fiscal 2018 budget. Also included is a 3 percent raise for all employees except those making $150,000 and above, and an increase in the starting salaries for firefighters. Beginning on July 1 the minimum pay for city employees will rise from $10.10 an hour to $13 an hour, increase to $14 an hour in fiscal 2019 and increase to $15 in fiscal 2020.

Departments that will benefit from the increase include: Human Resources, Finance, Law, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and many more.“With this action, we are demonstrating that the City of Atlanta offers competitive employment at all levels, and respects the dignity of all workers. Atlanta isn’t the only city that is in the process of getting minimum wage increased. Additional cities include Missoula, MT; Pittsburgh, PA; Greensboro, NC; Portland, OR; Milwaukie, OR and others. The stated goal is to get closer to a liveable wage to hedge against volatility in the economy.

The Atlanta City Council voted last week to approve the extension of car rental tax collected at the CONRAC (Car Rental Facility) at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The approval ensures that the Atlanta Hawks remain in the City of Atlanta and will maintain Philips Arena, a keystone of Downtown Atlanta, as a highly competitive venue for sports and entertainment events. In November, Mayor Kasim Reed announced the deal terms for the $192.5 million transformation of Philips Arena. Specifically, that the public contribution for arena renovations is capped at $142.5 million, of which $110 million will come from a series of bonds backed by the recently expanded car rental tax collected at the CONRAC (Car Rental Facility) at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and other facilities throughout the City. An additional $32.5 million will come from the City’s proceeds of the sale of Turner Field to Georgia State University and Carter and from the liquidation of other underutilized City assets. No money from the City’s general fund will be used on this project. The Atlanta Hawks will contribute $50 million to the renovations of the arena while the team and the arena operator will execute an extension of the lease and operating agreement for the facility. Under this extension, the arena operator will make lease payments of $5.9 million to the City. To promote full and equal business opportunities in connection with the transformation of the arena, the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to develop an Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan that will ensure at least 31 percent participation by women and minority business enterprises. The team will hire a licensed attorney,

jointly selected by the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFRCA), to serve as an EBO monitor. This monitor will report on a quarterly basis about the status of the EBO goals. The agreement includes a break-up clause that would require the Atlanta Hawks to pay up to $200 million should the team leave the City prior to the 2047-2048 season. The Atlanta City Council also approved a resolution to create a Stadium Neighborhoods Community Trust Fund, which will fund projects to directly benefit residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. AFRCA will provide a one-time contribution of $4 million to the fund. “I am pleased to announce that with today’s vote of the Atlanta City Council, the deal to renovate and modernize Philips Arena, our public sports and entertainment venue in downtown Atlanta, is final,” said Mayor Reed. “Combined, the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Hawks organization will invest $192.5 million into the renovation, generating jobs and additional economic activity throughout the process. I believe the decision to invest in this asset will be one of the most consequential moves for Downtown Atlanta in decades. I extend my thanks to Atlanta Hawks owner Tony Ressler for his partnership, to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for his support, and to our partners with the Atlanta City Council, the College Park City Council and the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority for their cooperation.” The Hawks will start the modernization of Philips Arena during the summer of 2017, and the transformation will be completed by the start of 2018-2019 season, coinciding with the Hawks’ 50th Anniversary in Atlanta.

Atlanta Daily World

June 29 - July 5, 2017

NOW ACCEPTING ADVERTISERS

Founded In 1898, Leaving A Mark Around The World For More Than A Century. Miles College is moving into the future, shaping leaders in new generations. Designing a campus for the future, the college has a $20 million expansion project underway that is slated for completion in the Fall of 2013. As the campus continues to grow, so does Miles’ reputation.

New Welcome & Learning Center New Residence Hall

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New Student Activities Center

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plaints from residents who say the new figures are too high, inaccurate and difficult to appeal, objections to the freeze came from Hapeville city officials and Atlanta Public School officials who claim that the loss of revenue could lead to layoffs and the suspension of teacher pay raises. Those municipalities in Fulton can still raise their tax rate to hedge against what the county has proposed. The decision only applies to residential properties built before 2017.

Atlanta City Council also votes to establish $4 million Stadium Neighborhoods Community Trust Fund

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An obscure law from the 1800s gives the Fulton County Commission the authority to take steps to relieve homeowners who received sky-high tax assessments this year. Additionally, commission chairman John Eaves says his board has unanimously voted to rescind this year’s tax assessments and keep the 2017 Tax Digest at 2016 levels – after the tax assessor’s office originally declined to revert levels to previous years. According to the tax assessor’s office, the average assessment rose 12 percent from 2016; and some homeowners report being assessed an increase of anywhere from 50 to 300 percent. This year’s assessments reflect significant valuation increases in many portions of the County, reflecting a strong real estate market and in line with market trends. Under Georgia law, values are required to be within 90110 percent of market value. Overall, 2017 valuations indicate a real estate market with values similar to those before the 2008 recession. The median change for residential parcels across Fulton County is approximately 13 percent. By comparison, Cobb County’s 2017 valuation, which included review of 50 percent of residential properties, saw a median increase of 16 percent. Gwinnett County updated valuation for 60 percent of residential properties, and saw a median increase of 12 percent. The tax relief may only be temporary. Assessors say they’ll probably end up raising taxes even more next year but a state senate committee is trying to find a more permanent solution. Although Eaves said his office was inundated with com-

Final agreement reached on Philips Arena transformation

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WHO’S WHO IN BLACK ALABAMA

Fulton County Commissioners provide solution to controversial tax assessments

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WHO’S WHO IN ATINO

COLUMBUS

Celebrating Latino-American Achievement

THE FOURTH EDITION

INTRODUCTION BY JUAN ARMANDO ROJAS JOO FOREWORD BY HENRY GUZMÁN

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LIFESTYLE

June 29 - July 5, 2017

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The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami gets it right By Katrice L. Mines The idea of stateside travel locales that make you feel transported abroad … Yes, to this. And The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is one such destination. A tropical island oasis located minutes from downtown Miami and South Beach, the fourstar resort is situated along miles of golden beaches in what feels like a place set apart. Separated by little more than lush greens and the ocean; a brief drive in is all that’s needed to disconnect. Simple. But, enough. The hotel recently completed its final stage in a resort re-imagination that included a redesign of its guest rooms, reception area and a new signature restaurant, Lightkeepers. One of Miami’s most iconic hotels located along the five-mile barrier island, the resort draws a variety of travelers seeking sundry experiences from family vacations to luxury jaunts. The basics and the intricacies of designing a traveler’s home away from home experience are all done well here. Opulent king and double bed options are featured in relaxing room layouts that are an extension of the hotel’s breathtaking surroundings down to the details of custom-designed furniture and tropical ambiance. Two pools — one for families with a cascading waterfall and a separate adult tranquility pool for couples, nestled in lush tropical surroundings offer rest and

recreation. It is believable that the resort has become a go-to destination for its indulgent nightly tequila tastings and world-class dining in one of the resort’s five-globally inspired dining destinations. Or for the evening cruises which sail the island of Biscayne Bay, Miami with panoramic views of the Miami Skyline and the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center — one the largest tennis centers of any Ritz-Carlton worldwide. The Tennis Center features one hard court and 10 soft clay Hydrocourts, and several clinics and lessons for tennis enthusiasts of all ages. At the 25,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne, 21 treatment rooms evoke classic West Indies glamour and tranquility, and services are inspired by the rich history of native Tequesta Indians, famed explorers and coconut plantations. The spa features a co-ed Sanctuary, eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and vitamin C infused showers as well as two signature Couple’s Suites, a full-service hair salon, fitness center, movement studio and Spa Boutique. A wide variety of dining options has made the resort a culinary destination for even the most discerning palates. Grab coffee, snacks and sweet treats at Key Pantry, an open-style marketplace café or settle into the ocean breeze on plush sofas and cabanas for a gourmet burger at Dune Burgers on the Beach. If you’re looking for a more intricate meal, Lightkeepers’

inviting menu is influenced by the abundance of fresh seafood sourced from the southern waters of Florida and the fertile soils of the Florida Keys, northward. With cheeses from Winter Park, beef from Ocoee, and snapper from Key West, locally grown and caught ingredients are key to the quality and diversity of taste options. My suggestion, the Palmetto Creek Pork with smoked chorizo, white bean ragout and mustard molasses glaze. At The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami the well-established nuances are not its exception; they are the rule. Rates start at $299.

As the weather gets warmer, drinking enough water is more important than ever. The human body contains a high proportion of water, so when the temperature rises and the body tries to cool itself by sweating, dehydration can occur, particularly in children. Dehydration is the loss of water and salts from the body. We need water to maintain our blood volume and to ensure our other body fluids function properly, as well as to maintain our blood pressure. Along with water, the body also needs electrolytes, which are salts normally found in blood, other fluids, and cells. Water is an important nutrient that composes approximately 50-60 percent of our body weight. For years, we’ve been told to drink eight glasses of water a day for optimal health. But that one-size-fits-all prescription no longer fits a training athlete. Fluid intake is an important part of training and athletic performance. The benefits of adequate fluid and electrolyte intake during exercise include lower heart rate, improved blood flow to working muscles and skin, body temperature control, support for muscular contraction, preventing hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels), quick recovery, improved performance and lower perceived exertion. A good rule of thumb: Sip half your body weight in ounces of water every day. A 150-pound person, for example, should then down 75 ounces, or just more than 9 cups of liquid daily. For athletes, hydration is essential, especially during the hot, humid days of summer. Kids need water, too, particularly when they’re outside playing in the sun all day. Drinking water throughout the day in general is important. It’s just as important for someone who is working at a computer all day to drink water, as it is for somebody who is running a marathon. But it’s not just water that hydrates you. Juices, coffee, tea and sports drinks count, too. Coffee is no longer thought to be a dehydrating beverage. 20 percent of your water intake comes from the food you eat. High-water foods have another benefit: They can help you slim your waistline. Cantaloupe, watermelon, berries,

tomatoes, leafy greens - all of these things are nutrition powerhouses. These foods are also low in calories. They fill you up, so you’re very satisfied, they add hydration, and they also help you control your weight! Watermelon is the juiciest of fruits. Sucking on a wedge of watermelon is even more refreshing than a cold can of soda, and with a 92% water content it’s a tasty way to rehydrate. Spicy food makes you sweat and helps you to cool down. Some people disagree and say it warms you up, but I don’t think so. Though your mouth and face may feel hot, it will cool you down in the long run. The heat makes you sweat, which cools you down, but that also means you’re constantly losing fluid. This can lead to some serious, and in some cases life-threatening health problems. There are three stages of heat related problems: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps are the least serious, but are an indication of approaching trouble. Symptoms of heat cramps are: increased heart rate; a feeling of faintness; dizziness; extreme tiredness; hot or sweaty skin and a flushed face; and possibly nausea or vomiting. Heat exhaustion is more serious with the symptoms similar to heat cramps, but confusion sets in and the body temperature increases. Heat stroke is the most serious and if left untreated, brain damage can occur. Some symptoms that may occur with heat stroke are hot, dry skin; dry mouth; mental confusion; headache; shallow breathing; loss of consciousness; hysteria; and extreme weakness. Although fluid loss occurs during hard physical work, even simple tasks like gardening, walking or riding a bike can result in a significant loss of fluid within a very short period. We can also lose a lot of fluid in hot or humid conditions. If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, get medical help immediately. Get them out of the heat; remove the outer layers of clothing, and loosen any tight clothing; lay them down with the legs elevated; fan them and if the person has dry skin, apply wet compresses. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration or over exhaustion. Use the color of your urine to guide if you’re hydrated enough — the clearer the better.

ENTERTAINMENT

Genius marketing strategy with spotify propels local artist’s newest album By Taylor Lee

By Glenn Ellis

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2 Chainz’ (Tauheed Epps) success with his newest album, “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music,” has partially come from a pure genius marketing campaign, done in partnership with Spotify. The campaign included a replica trap house that is painted pink, a nail salon with color combinations named after songs on the album, trap merchandise, a Pretty Girls FitFest, and a paint and sip experience. The pink traphouse, located at 1530 Howell Mill Rd., has become a hot spot in the city for photo ops and a magnet for social media. Additionally, Instagram cosigns from fellow artists Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Yo Gotti, and Jeezy ignited an even greater following. Epps is not new to Atlanta or rapping, but the promotion for this album has shown his drive to stay on top of the current trends. The album, released on June 16th, 2017, opened at No.2 on the Billboard 200 list with 106,000 equivalent album units sold. Though only a short period of time has

June 29 - July 5, 2017

Usher’s New Look to host 300 youth for summit

elapsed, Epps is clearly on the track to another successful album. The 16-song album features Drake, Pharrell, Nicki Minaj, Migos, Chance the Rapper and more. The album can be found on Spotify and Apple Music. In addition, his 35-date tour with the trap choir to support the album started June 25th and will continue until September 10th.

Usher’s New Look, the non-profit organization founded by Usher Raymond IV, will host the inaugural Disruptive Innovation Summit at the new SunTrust Park on July 2021. The two-day summit will focus on empowering participants between the ages of 17 and 24 who have an interest in changing the world. Hosted at SunTrust Park, speakers include Usher, Jay Versace, Kate Atwood and other global innovators who will share details on their personal and professional journey. “The Summit is all about growing together - it’s going to be a transformative experience for attendees that will inspire leadership and creativity.” said Usher Raymond IV, founder of Usher’s New Look. “These future leaders are the ones who are going to change the world for the better and I’m excited that New Look is bringing these change makers together.” The summit will also include networking, breakout activities, performances and the much-anticipated Spark Tank Competition with a $5,000 prize sponsored by General Electric. This competition will allow those attending to pitch their disruptive innovation business or non-profit idea with a chance of receiving funding to make their ideas come to life. Live from the summit floor will be the Dream Market where entrepreneurial attendees can showcase their small business to others.

“We are only as strong as the next generation,” says Russell Stokes, president and CEO of GE Energy Connections. “We are thrilled to partner with New Look on this inaugural event and help fuel the next group of leaders.” Nearly 18 years ago in 1999, a then 20-yearold Usher Raymond IV sat in the back of an Atlanta courtroom with his mother Jonnetta Patton, listening to juvenile court hearings. As each teen took the stand and shared their testimony with the judge, their stories began to flow together. Each one was connected by a common thread; the circumstances that had led them there. At the root of each narrative, Usher and his mother observed a lack of mentorship, opportunity and exposure. It was from this experience that Usher was driven to ignite a movement that would provide underserved youth with the ability to see past their current circumstances and discover a new perspective, or new outlook, on what their life could be. With the help of his mother, he formed Usher’s New Look as a catalyst to empower and instill confidence in young people all over the world.

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June 29 - July 5, 2017

GUEST COMMENTARY

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux

by Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

Healthcare in the dark My grandmother, and yours, too probably, used to say that things done in the dark would eventually come to light. There is way too much “dark” public policy being done by this administration, too many instances when whispers and innuendo are substitutes for truth and transparency. If 45 wonders why there are so many leaks from the Oval Office, perhaps he ought to consider more transparency. Instead, he veers in the other direction, with lies and secrets. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Principal Deputy White House Press Secretary did a good job of playing bait-and-switch at the meeting of Thursday, June 22. Sanders could not answer questions clearly, especially about 45’s Twitter assertion that he made no tapes of his conversation with fired FBI Director James Comey. This admission comes more than a month after 45’s May 12 suggestion that he might have tapes of his conversation with Comey. His threat was, perhaps, meant to intimidate Comey, but it apparently had an opposite effect and now the President is mired in several investigations. The fact that Huckabee Sanders, who is as comical as her boss, Sean Spicer, could not answer questions, was only one part of the flawed press conference. Broadcast networks were not allowed to broadcast the press conference. They had no notice that they would not be allowed to broadcast. According to one CNN commentator, the cameras were set up, prepared to broadcast, and their feed was turned off. What are they afraid of? Are they afraid that their smirks and sighs will be interpreted as disrespectful? Are they afraid that broadcasting moments like the one where 45 asked April Ryan to arrange a meeting for him with the Congressional Black Caucus be perceived as racist and condescending? Failing to allow broadcast networks access to press conferences reeks of obtuse fear. But the 45 press conferences have nothing on the health care legislation that the United States Senate offered up on June 22, with a time line that calls for a vote to take place before the

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Fourth of You Lie recess. The 142-page piece of legislation was released and posted online on the morning of June 22, and has already been described as “heartless” and “mean”. There will be no reimbursement for Planned Parenthood. Cuts in Medicaid. Health insurance premiums determined by age. Scant protection for those with pre-existing conditions. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With such a short time line for voting on the Senate legislation, it is unlikely that there will be time for robust hearings on the provisions of this legislation. So, not only were Democrats (and some Republicans) locked out of the drafting process, but they will now also be muzzled in the process of discussing this legislation. The good news is that Republicans must get 50 (along with VP Mike Pence as a tie-breaker) votes in order for this legislation to become law, and as soon as the bill was released four Republican Senators said they could not vote for it. Hard-line Tea Party Republicans are not happy with the new legislation because it does not completely “repeal and replace” President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. Moderate Republicans are not happy with the legislation because it is draconian, and will make health insurance unaffordable for too many. Will the Senate take a page out of the White House book and prevent the broadcast of hearings on health insurance? Will Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) schedule enough hearing time (unlikely, despite requests from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to do so). This is a clear case of “follow the money”, as the legislation will make people pay more money for less health care. Indeed, it is amazing that a handful of Republicans, behind closed doors, were tinkering with a sector that represents one sixth of our economy. While both 45 and Senate Republicans like to do their dirt in the dark, it doesn’t take much light for us to see that their odious actions are devoid of integrity. Surprise, surprise. Julianne Malveaux is an economist, author, and Founder of Economic Education.

Trump turns back on a future with Cuba In his perverse fixation on overturning all things Barack Obama, President Donald Trump now turns his attention to Cuba, the island located 90 miles off our shore. Reports are that the president plans to travel to Florida to announce that he will reverse Obama’s opening to Cuba, reinstate restrictions on the right of U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba and curtail business opportunities that Obama had opened up by executive order. This is, in a word, ridiculous. The United States maintained an economic embargo on Cuba for more than 50 years. It plotted repeatedly to assassinate Fidel Castro and to overthrow his regime. It painted Cuba as a terrorist nation for its support of Nelson Mandela in the fight against apartheid. For more than five decades, a succession of U.S. presidents — cowed by the right-wing Cuban community in Florida — enforced an economic embargo even though the policy increasingly isolated the U.S. from its neighbors in the hemisphere and its allies across the world. When Obama finally went forward with a limited opening, he was doing more to end the isolation of the U.S. than of Cuba. Now Castro, the leader of Cuba’s revolution, is dead. His brother Raul has announced he will leave office next year. The Soviet Union is no more; the Cold War is over. A new generation is coming to power in Cuba and a new generation of Cuban-Americans is rising in Florida. The vast majority of Americans and the vast majority of Cuban-Americans support free travel to Cubans. So why would Trump want to revive the failed policies of the past? The reasons range from the petty to the perverse. Trump’s hatred of Obama is apparent. From Obamacare to climate policy to Cuba, he seems intent on overturning whatever Obama did — no matter how great the cost to the American people. In the campaign, Trump pledged in Florida to overturn Obama’s opening. Right-wing Cuban-American legislators — Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida —

have lobbied Trump hard to revive the travel ban and embargo. According to the New York Times, Diaz-Balart exacted a promise from Trump as a price for his vote in favor of Trumpcare. He signed off on depriving 23 million Americans of health care coverage in order to tighten the screws on Cuba. Obama’s policy of engagement, however halting, has already shown results. Engage Cuba, a U.S. business lobby group, published an economic impact analysis on the costs of reversing Obama’s policy. It put the cost at as much as $3.5 billion in lost revenues and 10,000 jobs lost in the travel industry over the next four years. Commercial contracts that will create $1.1 billion worth of U.S. exports to Cuba in the next five years would be broken, costing more than 1,000 jobs a year. Once more the right of Americans to travel would be sacrificed, in the name of what? Petulance? Perversity? Undying hatred? The Trump administration has made it clear that in its America First foreign policy, America’s economic and security concerns will not be sacrificed in the name of human rights. But it rationalizes its reversion in Cuba on the grounds of defending human rights and spreading democracy. This is at best what former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes called a “tragic irony,” given the Trump administration’s “complete lack of concern for human rights around the world.” Surely, after more than five decades we have learned that Cubans, proud of their revolution and their independence, will resist economic or military coercion. One would think that Trump, who trumpets his business background, would understand that open relations with Cuba — trade, travel, human and cultural exchange — will have far more impact in generating pressure for change than a reversion to the failed embargo. Under Castro, Cuban education and health care became the envy of Latin America. An educated generation now rises to power yearning for more. The U.S. should engage them, not seek to isolate them.

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