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Volume 88 • Issue 44
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Businesswoman Mary Parker honored at gala
Mike Epps loyal to his roots
P. 5
P. 7
Sexuality and Stigma
P. 8
June 9-15, 2016
Atlanta’s special champion:
Muhammad Ali
June 9-15, 2016
COVER STORY
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali impacted Atlanta from sports to social issues to trying to find the serial killer. By this time, Mayor Maynard Jackson was so desperate for clues to find this savage murderer of children, that he spread $100,000 in cash on a desk in his office as an incentive for anyone in the public to come forward with information or clues to catch this monster that was killing kids. Muhammad Ali declared that the reward money was woefully insufficient. So he came to Atlanta and pledged $400,000 to Mayor Jackson’s reward pot, bringing the total to a half-million dollars. “To have somebody like Muhammad Ali take note and do this very significant gesture … meant a lot.” A month after pledging the reward money, the Atlanta Police Department independently fingered Wayne Williams, for the string of murders. No other children were abducted and killed after that. Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell said Ali’s fight for freedom, justice and equality helped make the world a better place.
Atlanta Daily World
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By Terry Shropshire When local dignitaries and city officials say that the late, legendary Muhammad Ali had close ties to the city of Atlanta, it is not an exaggeration. Not by a long shot. In fact, it might be an understatement. Muhammad Ali was inextricably intertwined within the social fabric of Atlanta because of his ties to the city in the late 1960s, the late 1970s and again during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where he electrified the world by lighting the Olympic torch. In fact, the man who is universally recognized by the nickname “The Greatest” had a profound impact on the life of Atlanta’s current Mayor, Mohammad Kasim Reed, better known to the public as simply Kasim Reed. The boxing champ, who had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for the past 30 years, died late Friday, Feb. 3 from septic shock related to complications from the disease he was first diagnosed with shortly after his retirement from the pugilistic sport in the mid-1980s. Mayor Reed, whose father was a boxer, was deeply influenced by the courageousness of Ali and told the media after his death that his legal first name was influenced by the turbulent times of the late 1960s. “So when I would go to school as a boy, at Utoy Springs Elementary School … my name was acceptable because of Muhammad Ali. I can’t tell you what that meant,” he told the AJC. Ali had deep affections for the city of Atlanta, for this was the place where legal practitioners fought to restore Ali’s boxing privileges after he was stripped of his championship title and put in jail. He had refused to honor his draft status and enter the Vietnam War. Georgia State Sen. Leroy R. Johnson of Atlanta, the first African American to be elected to the state legislature in half a century, was also an attorney. He found loopholes in Georgia’s law
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and worked through a legion of obstacles — including white supremacist groups who shot into Johnson’s home on occasion — to get Ali’s right to get back in the ring. The champ, of course, was given back his boxing privileges after a three-year ban from the sport that made him famous, and the rest is history. Boxing was merely a platform that Ali was blessed with, however. As Ali receives universal accolades, including poignant words from President Obama and the British Prime Minister, as well as athletes of every sport, most Atlanta dignitaries are all abuzz about Ali’s willingness to put his career and freedom on the line for what he believed in. “Muhammad Ali was an inspiration to people all around the world,” said the equally legendary freedom fighter, Congressman John Lewis. “He was a man who gave up his title and risked his place in history to stand up for what he believed. His moral courage and willingness to put himself in harm’s way served as an enduring inspiration to young men, especially young activists, in this country and around the world. He spoke out for peace and justice, and he strengthened the resolve of young people to resist militarism and the illfated war in Vietnam.” “I have not often watched boxing tournaments, but I remember how my father and uncles would root for Ali to win in the ring. His accomplishments gave so many a sense of pride and validated the capacity of African Americans to excel, to lead, and even surpass others in their achievements,” Lewis added. Ali greatly influenced another mayor, Kasim Reed’s predecessor, the iconic Maynard Jackson, when life in Atlanta was seemingly hijacked by the serial killer who terrorized the city, preying primarily on African American boys. In all, more than two-dozen boys were killed between 1979 and 1981. Ali, still remembering what Atlanta had done to restore his career, contributed greatly
Associated Press Atlanta Business League Central Atlanta Progress Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce National Newspaper Publishers Website: www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com Lorraine Cochran “While Ali gave us many indelible moments in sports history, his lighting of the torch at the 1996 Olympic Games — a symbol of unity and goodwill —marks an especially proud moment for Atlanta and the world,” Mitchell said. “Ever the consummate showman, with a quick wit that appealed to the masses, his life and legacy truly embody the essence of greatness. Our deepest condolences [go out] to the Ali family during this time of loss. The world will remember his name.” Councilman Michael Julian Bond, whose venerated father was the civil rights giant Julian Bond, said he admired Ali much more for what he endured outside the ring as opposed to what he did inside of it. “Muhammad Ali was not just dominant in boxing and in politics, his true dominance was his strength of character. The challenges that he faced away from his profession, demonstrated his indomitable moral character. He was a fascination to all who met him. His electrifying personality, his discerning intellect and huge heart made him the world’s friend. “Of all of the great attributes that men aspire to have, he possessed them. He was the greatest,” Bond concluded.
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NEWS
HADC celebrates opening of The View in Stone Mountain Project is part of HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program
ADW Staff Reports The Housing Authority of DeKalb County and the Housing Development Corporation of DeKalb celebrated the Grand Opening of The View on Wednesday, June 1. The View, an 80-unit new construction mixed-income Elderly community, was completed in the Fall of 2015 as one of the first Rental Assistance Demonstration new construction conversion deals in the country. The project utilized the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s RAD program, launched in 2012 as a broad-range effort to preserve federally-subsidized affordable housing. RAD is helping to address the capital backlog in the public housing program through leveraging the private sector to preserve affordable housing, serve more eligible households, and maximize the impact of scarce federal resources. HADC was one of the first housing authorities of its size to convert all of its housing stock by utilizing HUD’s RAD program, beginning in 2014. tilization of the RAD program is providing the long-term financial stability needed to maintain, preserve, and add permanent affordable housing units. HADC has raised more than $50 million to convert the Authority’s portfolio of public housing units to RAD units scattered across seven developments, including The View and the initial phases of Village at Mills Creek on the former Tobie Grant Manor public housing site scheduled to be completed in 2016. The View, a three-story mid-rise mixed-income development is located on 10.2 acres of land that was the former location of The DeKalb County Children’s Shelter, which was not being utilized. Located within the apartment complex are 50 Project-Based Voucher units, are 25 RAD/HOME units and five market rate units for a total of 80 apartments. Designed for independent seniors, The View has four different floor plans of one- bedroom, one-bath and two-bedroom, two-bath apartments ranging from 778 to 1,046 square feet in size. Units feature nine-foot ceilings, fully equipped kitchens with pantries and walk-in closets. Community amenities were specifically designed to foster resident socialization and encourage healthy lifestyles. The View includes a computer/business center, exercise and fitness center, covered drop-off area, community room with warming kitchen, fenced community garden, grilling/gazebo picnic area and walking path, theater room, arts and crafts/activity room, and covered outdoor terraces with a winter view of Stone Mountain Park. Development of The View was made feasible through a multi-finance strategy including 9 percent Low Income Housing Tax Credits allocated through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Federal HOME funds from the DeKalb
County Community Development Department, and HADC Replacement Housing Factor funds. The Housing Authority served as the lead co-developer on this project, along with the Beverly J. Searles Foundation. Walton Construction Services served as the builder for the project. The View’s ownership entity include the HADC’s notfor-profit Real Estate and Acquisition affiliate, Housing Development Corporation, Beverly J. Searles Foundation, and limited partner investors, Hudson Housing Capital LLC and Direct Tax Credits Inc. Speaking about HADC’s development efforts, HADC’s President and CEO, E.P. “Pete” Walker, said, “Development of The View was made possible through support from HUD, DeKalb County, and the City of Stone Mountain – all of which played a major role in the success. One of the most important things we can do as PHAs and housing developers is to create mixed income communities. RAD provided an exciting opportunity to revitalize communities and improve the quality of life for DeKalb County residents.”
Front row: Edward Jennings, Jr., Region IV Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Patricia Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Stone Mountain; Dorothy Williams, Board of Commissioners Chair of the Housing Authority of DeKalb County; Sharon Barnes Sutton, DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner; Laurel Hart; Director of the Housing and Finance Division for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; and an intern from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Back row: Philip Gorgone, Hudson Housing Capital; residents of The View; E.P. “Pete” Walker, Jr., President and CEO of the House.
June 9-15, 2016
Mayor Reed to host Atlanta’s inaugural bike share program ADW Staff Reports Mayor Kasim Reed, along with the Department of Planning and Community Development and Atlanta’s bike share operator, Cyclehop, will launch a demonstration phase of the bike share system on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodruff Park, North of Edgewood Ave, between Peachtree Street NE and Park Place NE The program will include 100 bikes at 10 stations in downtown Atlanta. By the end of 2016, Cyclehop will coordinate the installation of 500 bikes at 50 stations citywide. Following the press conference, city officials, business leaders and residents will conduct an inaugural ride through downtown. DJ Josh “J1” Raiford of Hot 107.9 will serve as the emcee for the event and the radio station will provide giveaways to attendees. In 2012, Mayor Reed committed to the goal of making bicycling an integral part of daily life for Atlanta residents, workers and visitors by year 2016. Establishing the bike share program is an essential step in achieving this goal. Joining Reed at the Bike Share Program includes: • Tim Keane, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Community Development • Becky Katz, Chief Bicycle Officer, Department of Planning and Community Development; • Dan Murphy, General Manager, Cyclehop; • DJ Josh “J1” Raiford, WHTA FM – Hot 107.9
District 6 Town Hall to address Fulton County opportunities and challenges Fulton County Commissioner Emma I. Darnell, District 6, will host a 2nd Quarter 2016 Town Hall Meeting in South Fulton on Monday, June 20, 2016. The meeting will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the South Fulton Service Center located at 5600 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park, GA. Residents, community groups, business owners and other stakeholders can take advantage of the opportunity to discuss matters surrounding the quality of life in South Fulton. “I look forward to receiving (and transmitting) information related to the (quality) delivery of County services. E-mail is good but in person is better,” stated Commissioner Darnell. County Manager Dick Anderson and department heads will provide updates on County services. Department heads participating in the Town Hall Meeting will include: • Police Chief Gary Stiles - Code Enforcement • Ellis Kirby, Director, Department of Real Estate and Asset Management - Solid Waste • John Thompson PhD, Director of Aging and Youth Services Department (AYSD) - Children and Youth Summer Programs, Senior Multipurpose Facilities, Senior Neighborhood Centers and Summer Programs District 6 Quarterly Town Hall meetings allow citizens to ask questions and discuss issues of concern to their neighborhoods and communities while allowing the County to provide updates on plans for community improvements and proposed solutions to issues of concern to citizens. For more information about the 2nd Quarter “Mighty 6” Town Hall Meeting, citizens may contact District 6 Chief of Staff Corey Adams at 404-612-7164 or email Corey.Adams@fultoncountyga.gov.
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BUSINESS
June 9-15, 2016
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
Commissioner Garner hosts major employers job fair On June 16 District 4 Commissioner Joan P. Garner and the Fulton County Housing and Community Development Department, Workforce Development Division will host a job fair. The event will feature personnel representatives from 16 metro Atlanta employers. Among those companies that will be hiring are Coca Cola, FedEx Ground, MARTA, the Georgia World Congress Center, Wal-Mart eCommerce Fulfillment Center and Gate Gourmet. At least 10 other Public/Private firms will be on site from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, at the Adamsville Regional Health Center at 3700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive; Atlanta, GA 30331. Other employers who will participate include: • Zoo Atlanta • IKEA • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta • Dunbar Armored • Gwinnett County Police Department • Zaxby’s • Chatcomm911 • Manpower • Ark Temporary Staffing • Ranstad
Throughout the year, Workforce Development assists unemployed citizens and those seeking to improve their incomes to meet their needs and/or the needs of their families (See Attached Success Stories). Assistance is provided in the following areas: • Career Advisement to help set career goals and education requirements • Assistance with resume preparation • Schedule participation in a Job Readiness Prep Workshop • Learn appropriate ways to dress to file in-person applications or attend interviews and job fairs • Obtain free training if the employment seeker meets eligibility criteria Workforce Development services are also available at the following locations: South Fulton Career Center North Fulton Career Center 5710 Stonewall Tell Road, North Fulton Service Center Suite 160 7741 Roswell Road, Suite 205 College Park, GA 30349 Sandy Springs, GA 30350 770-306-5202 404-613-4480 The Office of Workforce Development is a division of the Housing and Community Development Department. Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability including communications in an alternative format should contact the Disability Liaison in the Housing and Community Development Department within five days of the event at 404-613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, dial 711.
Empire Board of Realtists’ blazing trails to Minority Homeownership ADW Staff Reports The Empire Board of Realtists, the Atlanta chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, is the oldest minority trade association in the United States, primarily comprised of an African American membership base. Under the leadership of 2016 President, Sharon Henry, this organization is honoring its rich 77-year history and fulfilling its mission of “Reimagining the Dream of Homeownership through Advocacy, Activism and Action.” “My presidency is primarily focused on revitalizing and reinvigorating this organization on a local level. This synergy will, no doubt, have a ripple effect on a national and global level”, says Henry, 2016 President, Realtist/Broker of more than years. Henry acknowledges that she is “standing in some big shoes of those who fought for the right to home ownership for all,” and she intends to carry on that mission to achieve the organization’s objective of securing the right to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed or color and the goal of promoting democracy in housing through professionals in all areas of the real estate industry. The EBR was organized in 1939 by seven black real estate brokers who were dissatisfied with the status quo” relating to housing conditions in Atlanta for blacks. Additionally, they were dissatisfied with the conditions for black real estate practitioners and were denied membership in the National Association of Realtors trade organization as realtors. In the 1940’s the “Atlanta 7” and black real estate professionals all across America formed similar local organizations to address the conditions for Black consumers and real estate practitioners in their communities. They determined a need to form a national real estate trade association to address their common needs. Thus, in 1947 twelve pioneers, one woman and eleven men hailing from seven states across the country
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met in Tampa, Florida, to form NAREB. It was there that the “REALTIST” name was branded. Since its inception, Realtists have participated in various meaningful challenges and legislative improvements, to establish fair housing for all. The EBR and more than 90 other local boards have since joined the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc., as local chapters. Some of EBR’s major accomplishments include: 1958 – present: Annual Awards and Scholarship Gala. the Empire Board has awarded over $500k in scholarships to deserving high school, college, graduate school students as well as to students obtaining professional real estate related training who have gone on to become industry leaders in the public and private sector throughout the country. 1991 – present: EREB’s School of Real Estate. This approved school offers Salespersons and Broker Pre-License Courses. L.S. Conn was School Director and Barbara Ann Alexander its Coordinator. EREB’s Education Program grew extensively in 1991-1992 under the direction of Maria Williamson-Johnson, and another grant was obtained from the GREC. As stated by past president Q. V. Williamson, “A free man’s most cherished dream is to own his own home, in the place of his choice.” EBR continues to dedicate its energies toward making this dream come true. Their motto “Democracy in Housing” truly provides the stimuli and stamina for EBR to remain an important institution in the economic engine of metropolitan Atlanta and the state of Georgia. The EBR is located at 686 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 in the heart of Historic West End.
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Reach out to them at info@empireboard.org or 404-7555575 or http://www.empireboard.com/.
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BUSINESS
June 9-15, 2016
City Council president and dignitaries honor business pioneer, Mary Parker
Mary Parker, the award-winning entrepreneur and founder of the nationally-renowned ALL N ONE Security Services, awarded more than $25,000.00 in scholarships to ten students Saturday, June 4, during the 3rd annual Raising Other Generations gala. Scores of dignitaries, celebrities and guests filled the Atlanta Hyatt Regency Hotel, including legendary daytime soap opera actress Victoria Rowell, City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, House of Hope Senior Pastor Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Civil Rights Icon Xernona Clayton and International Environmental Advocate Laura Turner-Seydel were just a few notable guests on hand to support the Mary Parker Foundation. “When you think about our city, we are a city of dreams. It’s about going to college and starting businesses” says Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell. “Mary Parker has a lot of love for this city. She is a mother of the people.” The evening’s scholarship winners included Nyeta Thomas, Shantrice Appleby, Cheryl Dixon, Christian Beasley, Elizabeth Sweeney, Keenan Mar, Angel Velasco, Ron Sanders, Shalliejah Evans and Tayla Bibb.“We want these students to continue the legacy of raising another generation. If they get it, they will look back and bring others up,” Parker said. The gala also honored Gospel Singer Dr. Bobby Jones with the Legendary Generation Award. “I am fortunate to be honored tonight for my television show and gospel music. I
am delighted to be recognized for my work,” says Dr. Jones. Ted Turner’s grandson John Rutherford Seydel, III was one of the Keep It Moving awardees. The Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Fund took home the Organizational Partner Award. “This is a very proud moment and helps validate all the effort and the importance of the work we do,” says Chairman Tim Mahone of the Mahone Fund. “It is my hope that we use this opportunity to create educational pathways for our youth and improve the health and wellness of our community.” Parker started the scholarship program in 2011 awarding two students $2,500 each. In five years, the scholarship program has grown tremendously. To date, more than $100,000 has been awarded to more than 24 students, representing 17 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Parker, also author of The Chick in Charge, owns a multimillion-dollar security firm with multiple offices in the United States and Africa. Parker, and her team of nearly 300 employees, have secured major events such as the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game, PGA Tours, Trumpet Awards and the commencement speech given by President Barack Obama at Morehouse College. To learn more about the Mary Parker Foundation and contribute to its mission, log onto www.MaryParkerFoundation. com.
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COMMUNITY
June 9-15, 2016
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Center for Civil and Human Rights and A3C present ‘Get Centered’ The Center for Civil and Human Rights will host a powerful forum during A3C conference called “Get Centered.” a unique event to celebrate its 2nd anniversary on Thursday, June 23 from 8 p.m to 11 PM. The panel will focus on hip-hop’s past and present impact on the civil rights movement, with panelists: Killer Mike, Toni Blackman, Stic (of Dead Prez), Speech (of Arrested Development) and David Wall Rice (of Morehouse University). Rohit Malhota of the Center for Civic Innovation will moderate the discussion. Get Centered is produced in association with A3C Festival & Conference, one of the largest hip-hop events in the US and a force for discovery, education and collaboration. A3C has programmed an unforgettable evening that includes a panel, special DJ sets and a performance by Soul Food Cypher. More than a birthday party; the celebration will echo the design and content of The Center, inspiring visitors to learn more about the struggles for human rights at home and around the world - with a sense hope, commitment, and action.
John Lewis to receive Liberty Medal for civil rights work
In this photo taken Jan. 15, 2015, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., holds the new installment of his award-winning graphic novel on civil rights and nonviolent protest, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) ADW Staff Reports U.S. Rep. John Lewis will be honored with Philadelphia’s Liberty Medal for his dedication to civil rights. In announcing the award Thursday, National Constitution Center CEO Jeffrey Rosen says Lewis’s leadership “helped to extend the blessings of liberty and equality to all Americans.” Lewis, a civil rights veteran repeatedly threatened with violence while working for voting rights in the Jim Crow South, was a King lieutenant and the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. He has represented Georgia in the U.S. House since 1987. He’ll be presented with the award in a Sept. 19 ceremony. The medal is given annually to those who strive to secure liberty for people worldwide. Previous Liberty Medal winners include the Dalai Lama, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and rock singer Bono
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Legendary Atlanta DJs, DJ Jelly, DJ Nabs and Jaycee have all prepared DJ sets highlighting records that exemplify political, socially conscious and progressive movements. Soul Food Cypher is an organization that prides itself on using the power of speech to transform lives and communities. Soul Food Cypher will be hosting a cypher and invite the crowd to participate. Derreck Kayongo, CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights said, “Get Centered is a true testament to the evolution of social change. There isn’t a better home for this kind of celebration than the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the House of Courage.” “We are honored to be working with the Center for Civil and Human Rights to help celebrate their 2nd anniversary party,” said Mike Walbert, executive director of A3C.” The panel brings an amazing group of people together to discuss hip-hop’s impact in social change over the last 40 years. I am really looking forward to the conversation and an unforgettable night.”
Philanthropitch event to award cash grants to visionary non-profits Fast-pitch competition gives Atlanta non-profits chance to make bigger impact. Atlanta’s inaugural Philanthropitch competition will give local non-profits three minutes each to pitch innovative solutions to pressing issues affecting metro Atlanta. Seven finalists will compete for funding to help scale their proposed solutions and have a larger impact on problems like food security, access to education, and youth leadership. A panel of six judges, comprised of successful entrepreneurs, business leaders and philanthropists will judge each finalist pitch, provide instant feedback and award personal funding to their favorite competitor. Up to $50,000 will be awarded at next Thursday’s event. In addition to personal funds awarded by judges, Corporate Award Sponsors EO Atlanta and the Sage Foundation will each award grants to their favorite finalists. The Corporate Award gives these sponsors an opportunity to involve employees and members in charitable giving by sending representatives to decide which non-profit organization the company will support. The audience at Philanthropitch can also vote for their favorite pitch in the Audience Choice Award, which decides the winner of all proceeds from the sale of tickets for the event. Atlanta is the first city to host Philanthropitch outside of the event’s hometown in Austin, Texas. Philanthropitch is managed by the Notley Fund, an Austin-based philanthropic investment firm, and has awarded more than $500,000 to 38 non-profits there over the past four years. “When we started our expansion plans for Philanthropitch, we knew we were looking for a city with the same type of innovative and entrepreneurial culture as Austin, and for a city with high civic engagement,” said Sara Reeves, Program Director at Notley Ventures. “We’ve been spotlighting impressive non-profits in Austin for four years, and after seeing the work this year’s finalists and other social impact groups were doing here, we knew Atlanta was exactly the right choice for the first Philanthropitch expansion city,” Reeves said. Philanthropitch Atlanta is being introduced by ChooseATL, a local initiative focused on attracting and retaining talent to the Atlanta job market. “Atlantans are passionate about their city, and are very active in making it a great place to live and work. Philanthropitch is a perfect way to accelerate the efforts of some of our most motivated and effective non-profit organizations,” said Kate Atwood, vice president of ChooseATL. Other sponsors for the event include Friendly Human,
the Sage Foundation, The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Atlanta, Google Fiber and BuildASign.com The event is open to the public and begins at 5:30 with a half hour of networking, hors d’oevres and drinks. More information on Philanthropitch Atlanta can be found at http://philanthropitch.org/
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ENTERTAINMENT
June 9-15, 2016
Mike Epps remains loyal to his humble roots
By Mary L. Datcher
Having a good laugh is one of the most therapeutic ways of releasing pinned up emotions. We often find relief in the comfort of laughter whether it’s finding a funny anecdote from a bad situation or watching a favorite funny film or show. Most of us have a comic inside of us but few have the gift of standing out and the art of stand-up. Mike Epps is one of the members of this elite club. The NAACP Image Award winner wrapped up his second season of the Starz series, “Survivor’s Remorse”. On the show, viewers fell in love with the character of Uncle Julius—the streetwise and playboy uncle of pro basketball player, Cam who moves from the projects to the suburbs of Atlanta into his nephew’s mansion. In the season finale, Epps character is last seen in an ugly automobile crash—leaving fans wondering if this is the final curtain bow on the series. Epps enters a new chapter in this television career, taking on the role of the new ABC television summer series, “Uncle Buck” premiering June 14. The family comedy is a modern-day adaption of the 1989 film starring the late comedic actor, John Candy. “First of all, I could never follow John Candy. John Candy was a remarkable comedian at what he did. At the time, it was great as a film. My “Uncle Buck” is Mike Epps into the title of Uncle Buck. At first when I was offered the show, I got a little intimidated, people are going to look at me like, ‘That’s not John Candy.’ I thought about it,” he said. “My kids and the new millenniums they don’t even know who John Candy is. I think the show is going to be an education as well as a homecoming for those that remember John Candy.” We best remember Epps from his earlier start on the comedy circuit in the early 1990’s. A native of Indianapolis, Epps would often travel to Chicago to hit the comedy circuit often becoming a familiar face at the Clique Nightclub, the Cotton Club and All Jokes Aside. He says his second out-of-town comedy gig was in Chicago at the Clique formerly E2 Nightclub on South Michigan. “I rode on a Greyhound bus to the Clique. Tony Sculfield was hosting that night. My first time on stage was in front of a Chicago crowd.” After receiving $1,500 from his tax returns he moved to the Big Apple where he eventually ran out of money. After camping out on his manager’s sofa for two weeks, he got his big break appearing on Russell Simmons’s HBO series, Def Comedy Jam. One night as he’s finishing up his stand-up act, he was unaware that Ice Cube and John Singleton was in the audience. Impressed by his act, they were introduced and invited him to audition for the film Next Friday; eventually landing the role of Day-Day. One of the first purchases he made with his money—a charcoal BMW 745 and a washer and dryer for his mother. “I come from a poor background. Everything that I get, I feel like I have to share it. I’m learning as an adult—you can’t share
that. You can’t make this person happy—you can’t buy them. I’ve had such a hard time saying ‘no’.” Epps came from humble beginnings, growing up in Indianapolis—raised by a single mother. He dropped out of school in 8th grade and was intrigued by the street guys that graced the neighborhood. Everything that has carried him thus far throughout his success he says is through his faith in God and his mother. Since then, he has bought the six homes that he and family were evicted from, fixing them up and making sure his aunts and cousins currently reside in them in his hometown. This past month, he went back to Indianapolis and graduated from Arsenal Tech High School earning his high school degree. “I contribute this to my mother who allowed me to go out there in the world, through her prayers and experience everything that I needed to experience at a young age. I didn’t understand. My momma didn’t know what I was doing or where I was at the age of 15 or 16 but her prayers got me through a lot of stuff.” Some of his film credits include Friday after Next, All About the Benjamins, Sparkle, Repentance, Bessie, Jumping the Broom for which he won an NAACP Image Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2011. Epps most recent role as Richard Pryor can be seen in the Nina Simone biopic, Nina, starring Zoe Saldana. A small role that he said he was born to play prepared him for the lead role in the actual biopic based on the life of legendary actor and comedian, Richard Pryor. The project that has been in the works for the past ten years. He would often visit both Pryor and his wife forming a close bond. Preparing for such an iconic role is a challenge with Pryor’s daughters and other family members in dispute with the film’s producers but Epps refrains from discussing it—rather focusing on the job he’s been hired to do. “Tapping into somebody that was so complexed. As an actor, as a comedian, I know for me to pull it off—I have to go into some dark places even in my own personal life. A sacrifice is a sacrifice. In order to give the people what they want, I have to sacrifice that and disappear and go away—deeply engulf myself into the role.” Just recently, during a visit to Chicago to promote his new television show—the comedic star made an impromptu visit to the South Side visiting students at Chicago Vocational Career Academy. Ameena Matthews of Pause for Peace is a long-time friend of Epps and invited him to speak to the student body. Moved by the senseless violence that has engulfed the streets, he felt his visit was a ‘no brainer’. “These kids very rarely see successful people in their presence that take the time out to speak to them. To try to educate them on show business, Hollywood or about life itself—God put it on my heart. I love these children because I come from this. This is my ministry.”
A father himself, all of his fame and fortune is not what brings a smile to his face— it’s the joy of his children. “My kids are the best gifts that I’ve ever had. Just being excited about going to hospital and seeing them—this kid, this baby. Nothing could top that. My experience with my kids.”
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LIFESTYLE
June 9-15, 2016
Sexuality and Stigma
and having conversations with their partners about consent. But we are all also responsible for changing the narratives around sexuality. If we want This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health a healthier sexual environment, we must all Today” page focuses on sexuality and the stigmas educate ourselves about our bodies and human associated with sexual behavior that sometimes sexuality, challenge sexuality stigma and body prevent people from making healthy choices. negativity in the media that we consume, discuss Vianca Masucci, health advocate at the Urban positive, alternative images and ideas, and have League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Esther L. open conversations with our peers about how Bush, President and CEO of the Urban League sexuality stigma affects our communities. Most of Greater Pittsburgh, shared their thoughts on importantly, we must help the children in our this topic: lives build pride in their identities. This will EB: Hello, Vianca. I hope that you’re ready to nurture the confidence they need to understand chat a bit about stigma and sexuality. their worth and advocate for themselves in VM: You bet I am, Ms. Bush. This is an sexual situations and otherwise. interesting topic because it plays out in so many EB: Good point, Vianca. I have noticed different ways and affects each person differently how the maturing millennial generation has depending on their place in society and the Esther L. Bush begun to change attitudes about sex a lot identities with which they are associated. EB: You’re right! It is such a contemporary, yet sensitive topic. in the past few years by doing just what you’re talking When we talk about sexuality and stigma we’re exploring about. Millennials talk very openly about things that everything from prejudice against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and would have never been discussed twenty years ago transgender persons to double standards that make it socially like “slut-shaming” and “body positivity”. This talk has helped make sexuality less of a taboo topic acceptable for men but not women to act on sexual urges. which has helped reduce the stigma. VM: Let’s unpack this a bit. Stigma, which is an association of shame, is directed by many things: culture, religion, law, VM: It is progress but we still have a long history, the list goes on. Stigma becomes a health issue when it way to go. As a member of the preceding begins to influence behaviors that cause bad health outcomes. generation, what advice would you give Both men and women are very concerned with stigma to your peers who grew up in a time attached to their sexual behavior. This concern can cause when sexuality was more of a taboo individuals to partake in risky sex behaviors and it can feed topic? EB: I would encourage them to ask anxiety that may actually develop into mental illness. EB: Here’s the thing that I struggle with, Vianca. Stigma is a questions. A lot of stigma is caused social factor meaning that society at large buys into it. How by misunderstanding and it is very can an individual trying to live “their best health” overcome easy to be confused by the changing beliefs surrounding sex. If you’re upset by what is backed up by common social thought? the changing attitudes about sex or laws that benefit VM: It is a complicated problem, isn’t it? I don’t think the sexual minorities, don’t allow that frustration to responsibility should fall on one person; it is everyone’s turn into prejudice. Instead, understand why people responsibility. Of course, each person is responsible for are pushing for change. If you feel as though these their own sexual health—making sure that they have safe changing attitudes go against your religious beliefs, sex, getting tested for HIV and STDs at least once yearly, talk to a member of your clergy about your concern. By Esther L. Bush
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This is an issue that affects many of us; we should be joined not divided by it. VM: Perfect! Thank you for providing your insight on this issue, Ms. Bush. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on next month’s topic: medical marijuana.
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EDUCATION Economic icon Suzanne Shank tells Georgia Piedmont Tech grads bravery is key
June 9-15, 2016
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By Zaundra Brown Dr. Jabari Simama, President, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, recently welcomed Ms. Suzanne Shank, Chairwoman, CEO & Co-Founder of Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C., one of the nation’s top municipal bond underwriting firms, as the college’s 2016 commencement speaker. “Ms. Shank will be the first to tell you that she benefitted from having a strong mentor in her life,” Dr. Simama said. “She went on to found her company, which is one of the top municipal bond underwriting firms in our nation, with her mentor, and in doing so became the first African- American woman to lead a publicly traded financial services institution,” Dr. Simama stated. Speaking directly to the graduates, Shank shared aspects of her success. She credited having a mother who was a teacher as a strong influence in her life. “My mother began reading to me at age three, which sparked a lifelong curiousness. It’s because of the support I received from both my parents that I decided to earn my bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech, and later, my master’s degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania,” she said. Shank recounted some of her professional experiences that presented challenges during the Great Recession, which began in 2006 and ended in 2009. She told the audience that bravery was the quality that enabled her to guide the firm through those tough economic times, and she encouraged Georgia Piedmont’s graduates to summon bravery whenever they encounter life’s trials. Following Shank’s keynote address, Ms. Sadie Dennard,
Chair, Georgia Piedmont Technical College Board of Directors, joined Dr. Simama at the podium to present the Presidential Sankofa Award, the college’s premier honorary award, to Ms. Shank. “We at Georgia Piedmont Technical College present the Presidential Sankofa Award to men and women who have attained the highest level of accomplishment in their professions,” said Dr. Simama. The concept for the award originated with Dr. Simama, in support of his vision that all people have a moral obligation to help those who are less fortunate. Shank was praised for embodying the spirit of “giving back” through her civic and
Atlanta Technical College Open House Events June 16 thru 18 By Terreta Rodgers Atlanta Technical College (ATC) will showcase its career and technical education programs during two open house events on the main campus located at 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, anyone interested in college can visit the campus and explore ATC’s 100+ programs. Representatives from ATC will provide information about many career and technical programs including film production, culinary arts, computer-aided design, HVAC repair, dental hygiene, nursing, automotive repair, construction management, early childhood care and education, fire science, hospitality management, paralegal studies, criminal justice, phlebotomy, photography, forensics, welding, cosmetology, and more. Prospective students and their families can tour the campus, visit with faculty and staff, and learn about new flexible learning options. The college offers day, evening, weekend, and online courses. Potential students can also explore the many opportunities to transfer credits earned at ATC to four-year colleges and universities. Advisors will be on site to discuss financial aid programs including the PELL Grant, HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant, the GO Build Georgia High Demand Career Scholarship, and the Strategic Workforce Industry Development Grants (SIWDG). The SIWDG is a relatively new award available to Georgia residents who are pursuing a certificate or diploma in a designated program of study. Students must receive HOPE Grant or Zell Miller Grant to qualify for
SIWDG funds. The grant provides assistance toward educational costs for eligible students enrolled in an approved program such as early childhood care and education, welding and joint technology, health information management coding, pharmacy technology, design and media production technology, commercial truck driving, computer programming, computer technology, and diesel equipment technology. For additional information on the grant and a complete list of SIWDG eligible programs, visit https://tcsg.edu/freecollege. php. The Go Build Georgia High Demand Career Scholarships is a new scholarship that will be awarded to graduating high school seniors entering a Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) institution in a field of study leading to a high demand career in the skilled trades. These scholarships are made available by a collaborative effort of Go Build Georgia (GBG), the Go Build Georgia Foundation and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). Go Build Georgia High Demand Career Scholarships can be used to cover tuition, requisite fees, and materials. The Atlanta Technical College open houses are free and open to the public. As a special bonus, the college application fee will be waived for all those applying to the college during the event on June 16 or June 18. Applications received at the open houses can still be considered for fall admission. Classes begin August 17, 2016. For additional details on the Go Build Scholarship visit http://gobuildgeorgia.com/ scholarships.
charitable activities. Attendees also had an opportunity to hear from the college’s Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education and Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership GOAL award recipients. In 2016, Georgia Piedmont student Justin Bates was selected as first runner-up in the statewide competition. The EAGLE competition recognizes those students who have demonstrated superior achievement in adult education classes and programs. LaShonda Jenkins, another Georgia Piedmont student, was tapped to participate in the statewide 2016 GOAL contest. The GOAL program recognizes the best students from each of the state’s technical colleges and one Board of Regents college with a technical division. Addressing the graduates, Dr. Simama said, “We are so very proud of you. Today is your day — the day that you all have worked to achieve throughout your academic career is realized. Rejoice in your victory,” he stated. “Thank you, family and friends, for supporting your loved ones during this journey. You are a witness to the great things that are happening at this college,” he concluded. Degrees, diplomas and certificates were conferred from the following areas: Business Information Systems; Education and New Media; Health and Professional Services; Industrial Technologies; and Public Safety and Security. Students who earned their General Educational Development credential also were recognized. Georgia Piedmont’s 2016 commencement ceremony was held at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
BBB offers tips for choosing a safe child care arrangement The school year has come to an end, and summer is right around the corner. For parents, choosing a child care situation can be a difficult decision. One has to consider safety, affordability and convenience to home, work and school. BBB Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia advises asking a lot of questions and doing some homework before settling on the arrangement that is best for you and your child. Before you settle on a child care situation, BBB recommends that you: • Check out the business first. Whether you’re looking for a day care center, a home day care or a nanny service, visit bbb.org for a company’s Business Review page. It may be a good idea to check with Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Bright from the Start is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia’s community powered child care rating system. • Tour the facility. It should be clean, toys and equipment should be in good condition, and it should feel age-appropriate for your child. Make sure the bathroom facilities are age-appropriate and that hand-washing stations are accessible for small children. Food prep and serving areas should be
separate and well-marked. • Ask about employees. Ask if background checks are conducted on all employees and volunteers. Ask about employee turnover. High turnover of full-time staff is a red flag. Make sure employees are CPR and first-aid certified. If it’s a home-based day care, ask for names of friends or family members that regularly visit the home when children are there. • Find out about policies. Ask what the facility’s policy is for punishment of misbehaving students. Punishments should be age-appropriate and noncorporal. Also, get a copy of the payment policy and schedule to make sure there are not additional fees or late penalties. • Ask around. Get recommendations from parents in your neighborhood. When visiting a facility, ask parents of current students about their experiences there. For companies you can trust please visit bbb. org/atlanta.
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June 9-15, 2016
AUTO FOR SALE Auction 2004 Ford Taurus SES 4 door, 228, 000. Miles , needs transmisson and other repairs. No title. 1995 Honda Accord V6 4 door. 238,000 Miles, needs transmission and other major repairs. No title. Time 7am June 23 2016, at 1581 Lester Road suite A3, Conyers, GA 30012 404-254-7147 SOLD AS IS.
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GUEST COMMENTARY
GUEST COMMENTARY
by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
by Julianne Malveaux
Make presidential race about issues Donald Trump has now won the delegates needed to give him the Republican presidential nomination. The Bernie Sanders surge continues — he may even win California — but Hillary Clinton apparently has the superdelegate support needed to give her the nomination. We’re headed to a presidential race with two candidates burdened with record levels of disfavor. This leads to the widespread expectation of a spitball brawl for a campaign. Trump has already begun branding Clinton. The Clinton campaign has begun attacking Trump as reckless and unqualified. A negative campaign of branded insults will drive down turnout. It would be a disservice to this country and its people. The United States faces major challenges. We have an economy that does not work for working people, who struggle with stagnant or declining wages, increasing insecurity, and soaring costs of basic needs from health care to college education to retirement security. Record numbers are in poverty. Shameless tax scams allow billionaires to pay lower tax rates than the police who protect their homes. Global corporations stash trillions abroad and pay lower tax rates than mom-and-pop small businesses. Climate change is a real and present danger that the Pentagon rightly says poses a rising national security threat. The president’s efforts to extract us from the endless wars in the Middle East have been frustrated. Tensions are rising with both Russia and China. We’re running trade deficits of $500 billion a year, undermining good jobs here. In our cities, the impoverished are more concentrated, more isolated, with less hope and more dope and violence. We need a real debate about the choices we face. Donald Trump has used insult more than policy to win his nomination. But he’s begun to make policy addresses. Last week, he gave a speech on energy policy. He vowed to unravel the Paris climate agreement, rescind the Obama climate change rules, revive the coal industry and redouble our efforts to achieve pure energy independence. He vowed to “deal with real environmental challenges,
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not the phony ones we’ve been hearing about,” presumably climate change. Clinton has a detailed agenda on energy policy. She believes climate change is a real threat. She wants to build on the Paris agreements and capture the lead in the emerging clean energy economy. The differences between the two positions are stark and worthy of a great debate. Similarly, Trump earlier gave a speech on foreign policy in which he challenged many of the shibboleths of our foreign policy. He wants a stronger military that is used less. He wants our allies to pay a greater share of the burden. He seems more willing to negotiate and more skeptical about intervention. Again, there are major substantive differences in direction and policy from Clinton. The American people would benefit greatly if the election debate were focused on these and other fundamental policy choices. Both candidates should continue to detail their policies and debate their differences. The media should focus less on gotcha questions, stop recycling insults and feeding the spitball fight, and start probing about policy and direction. The problem, of course, is that insults draw attention. Attention means viewers. Viewers mean advertisers. The media are constantly driven to highlight the latest insult, the outrage and the fake scandal — rather than to focus on the needs of the people and how each candidate proposes to address them. Similarly, as Trump showed in his primary, insults gain free media. Free media means attention from voters — and saves money. So the candidates are tempted to descend into a brawl of jabs and counterpunches. Instead of a debate about the direction of the country, we get a campaign based on branding the other. This is a recipe for dividing and misleading the country. We’re going to be electing a president in a country that faces big challenges. It is time to take this out of the back alley. The only way that happens is if everyone is more responsible: the candidates in choosing issues over insults, the media in the questions they ask, and the voters in what kind of behavior they will reward.
Trump and Sanders: Angry white men For all their dueling ideologies, Senator Bernie Sanders and “presumptive Republican nominee” Donald Trump are two sides of the same coin. Both of them are angry, so intensely so, that they are inciting a destructive anger among their followers. When Republicans brawled and pushed and shoved at Trump rallies, I never anticipated the flip side — the fisticuffs and rhetoric at Nevada caucuses, the likes of which might have put Trump terrorists to shame. Both the Chump Trumps and the Berning Bernies are being led by whining, angry, entitled white men, separated by ideology, but joined by both outrage and naiveté. I don’t think either Bernie or the Donald planned to get as far along in the presidential process as they have so far. Senator Sanders proudly carries the redistributionist flag with rousing rhetoric about social and economic justice. His agenda seems to have been to raise these issues aggressively, and he did. His presence in the campaign pushed Hillary Clinton hard to the left and made her engage with constituencies she might otherwise have ignored. For all his success, I don’t think Sanders expected to have more than 1500 delegates to his credit. And now that he has them he doesn’t know what to do with them. Both he and the Donald are publicly floundering, signaling that they never had a winning, or graceful losing, plan. Secretary Clinton and her followers shouldn’t be so hard on Bernie, though. While they should not demand that he get out of the race, he is well advised to tone is rhetoric down. I sat with women at the 2008 campaign who sobbed their way through then-Senator Clinton’s concession speech and appeal for party unity. I debated a PUMA (Party Unity my Hind Parts) activist who swore she would not support nominee Obama. In 2008, Hillary devotees were as passionate as Bernie devotees are now. The kumbayaa moment comes in July in Philly, not just yet. It reflects poorly on the Hillary camp to dismiss or ignore those who are passionate about Senator Sanders. At the same time, it is important to note
that extreme anger is a unique privilege of white men. Imagine then-nominee Obama raging at Hillary in the way that Bernie has. His temperament would have been sliced and diced and parsed and inspected and he would have been so damaged by the conversation that it might have affected his electoral results. If Secretary Clinton ever managed to get her voice to Bernie’s decibel, if she every managed to project such rage, she’d be written off as a crazy lady and peripheralized. But when the angry white men yell and scream and whine and lie, they are celebrated not condemned. Both Bernie and the Donald are whining about rules they say are rigged against them, but the rules may have favored them. Donald Trump has garnered a greater percentage of delegates than votes because of the way some states have chosen to award delegates. He wants more, but he failed to invest as much time learning the rules as some of his competitors did. Senator Sanders says he should have more delegates, but if he had to play under republican rules, he’d have fewer. Democrats are more likely to award delegates on a proportional basis, which means that a close race might give each candidate nearly the same amount of delegates. Sanders has no standing to call the system rigged. He has kept his distance from the Democratic Party for most of his career, never participating in the rules process. If he wanted to write his own rules, he should have run for President as an independent. Sanders and Trump have positioned themselves as outsiders, but they want insiders to roll out the red carpet for them because they jumped into a game they haven’t mastered. They haven’t worked at establishing a foundation, but they are demanding the keys to the house. They aren’t wiling to put the work in to reforming our flawed two-party system. Instead, they are finding unfairness when none is there, whining when work might make a difference, and leveraging their angry white maleness into voter approval.
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