The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 011923

January 19-January 25, 2024 • Vol. 58 Issue 37 • FREE

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Take em’ to Church Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis addressed the congregation of Big Bethel AME Church on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. During her time there Willis was open about the many death threats she and her family has received. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis speaks her truth

BY DONNELL SUGGS

F

ulton County District Attorney Fani Willis took a step away from the lectern inside the pulpit at Big Bethel AME Church and caught herself. She was in the middle of her testimony, a discussion she recently had with God, and was about to cry. Willis was invited to be the guest speaker for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial service at the historic 175-year-old church located in the heart of Auburn Avenue, and moments earlier told the congregation that this was going to be a different kind of interruption in service.

"Now I must warn you, if you are looking today to hear from a perfect person, well he was crucified and he died for your sins," said Willis. "Today what God has brought you is his very flawed, hard-headed, and imperfect servant. So I pray for him to please use me this morning."

Willis announced to the congregation that the theme being celebrated on the eve of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is, "It starts with me." She proclaimed that there has been and can continue to be a shift in the cultural climate through the study and practice of Dr. King's non-violent philosophy. The current climate she said she was in was one of hatred, racism, sexism, violence, and constant death threats. As one of a very few female district attorneys of color in the United States, Willis already had a tough job to do in Atlanta's largest and most populated county. Of the 50 district attorneys in the state of Georgia, only seven are Black women.

On Sunday, without having to mention the name of the former United States president currently dealing with indictments in Fulton County, she was clear that the weight of her lofty position had gotten much heavier following the charges levied against Donald J. Trump.

"This church is built on faith and resilience and this hard-headed, flawed, imperfect servant before you is built and is being constantly chiseled on faith and resilience," Willis said. "I knew God was telling me I'm sending you where you need to be. God always brings you to that safe place where you need to be."

Willis asked a question that felt more introspective than rhetorical. "How much are you presently willing to sacrifice for the greater good of His purpose?," she said. "I want to talk to you today about what is required to be a soldier in warfare to shift the cultural climate."

A mother of two adult daughters, Willis,

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (center, in black) was the guest speaker during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worship service at Big Bethel AME Church on Auburn Avenue on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice 52, said, "I must reveal a secret, the journey is ugly, the journey is painful, the journey is full of pitfalls, but if you are one of His children you must answer the purpose, the call, and you must answer the mandate."

During her 30 minutes in the pulpit, Willis shared stories that her father, former defense attorney and member of the Black Panther Party, John C. Floyd III, shared with her of Dr. King. She said her father spent time with King and often told her stories about speaking with King and how tired the slain Civil Rights era leader was.

"I must confess to you, as a little girl I really didn't think that Dr. Martin Luther King's dream would still be just a work in progress. I thought by 2024 that us humans would have gotten it together. That the cultural shift would have already taken place. I thought by now we would all just be getting along. Boy was I wrong."

She said now, as much as any time in his-

See WILLIS on page 3

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson of the AME Church (left) and Pastor John Foster pray with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis during service at Big Bethel AME Church on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

theatlantavoice.com • January 19-January 25, 2024 • Page 3

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WILLIS Continued from page 2 tory this country needs a cultural shift. She used the lack of respect for law enforcement and the racist, bigoted, and hateful rhetoric being shared on social media and in public as examples. "Americans have normalized cruelty, bigotry, and hate," Willis said. "See they criticize me for who my Earthly father is and my Heavenly one."

Floyd let his daughter know there is a big difference in how King is celebrated today versus when he was alive and one of the faces of a cultural change in America. Those lessons on perspective have not left Willis, who was uncharacteristically open and vulnerable during her time at Big Bethel. "Oh we're going to tell the truth this morning," she said. "This week at one point I became so in need of my source that I stopped and to tap in I penned a letter to my Heavenly father. I desperately needed to tap into that one source. God knows my heart, my joys, my pains, my sins, my faults."

She prefaced that point by proclaiming, "In my life I have experienced things that taught me that Jesus is the only source I can rely on every time and all the time," Willis said.

Willis shared that she still receives a steady diet of death and bomb threats. Through different means, King shared similar experiences of threats of violence to himself and his family during his journey from co-pastor under his father at Ebenezer Baptist Church and the first president of the Student Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to global icon and later civil rights martyr.

In a candid moment that drew a hush over the crowd, Willis shared that if she isn't alerted of multiple death threats per week On Christmas Day 2023 she was alerted of a shooting at her home only to learn that it was a cruel prank. She called it just another day when her joy was stolen while trying to celebrate God. "God, I trust you, God, I thank you, God, I love you, I thank you for every attack that makes me stronger," she said. "See, I sit here with a peace that passes all understanding."

The latter statement brought the congregation to its feet.

United States Representative Majorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga, 14th District) and Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne were mentioned during Willis' testimony. "God, I don't want to be like those who attack me.

I don't want to be like a Marjorie Taylor Greene," said Willis. "How is this woman who has the honor of being a leader in my state, how is it that she has not reached out to me? She can tell me I don't agree with anything that you're doing, but I do not agree with people threatening your life or the life of your family."

She said God asked her to pray for Greene, Thorne, and others who have ill intentions or thoughts about her and her family.

During the reading of her letter to God, Willis also shared with the congregation that she sometimes feels unworthy of the position she currently holds. She read: "Lord, even right

Church elders and leaders form a prayer circle with Willis (to the right of the woman in blue) before Sunday service at Big Bethel AME Church on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

The church’s praise mime ministry during a worship through creative expression performance during the service. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice now I continue to feel unworthy of the honor.

A divorced single mom who doesn't belong

to the right social groups, that doesn't necessarily come from the right family, and doesn't

have the right pedigree, the assignment was just too high for lowly me."

Willis shared that she "struggled the entire time" raising her children following her divorce from their father, but obeyed God and carried on to eventually become the first ever female Fulton County District Attorney.

"It will always be one of my greatest honors.

I worked so hard for it for so long, but I still humbly realize that only one percent of the district attorneys in this country are women of color."

Carla Morrison, chair of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worship service, said to Willis, "Sister Willis, Big Bethel pulled out all the stops for you this morning."

Willis was presented with a plaque and some gifts by church leaders, including senior pastor Rev. Dr. John Foster and Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District AME Church Bishop Reginald T. Jackson who said of Willis during his introduction of her as the guest speaker, "She's prepared for the job for which she was elected. I want Fulton County to know that this is one of the best things you've done.

I am so proud of our speaker this morning."

Willis closed with her time in church with some homework for the congregation: "Please find a way to do your God-given assignment to make this world a better place for all people."

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Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.”

— Susan L. Taylor

Keep Fighting for Your Political Power

T H E AT L A N TA

VOICE

BY HON. TOMMY STALLWORTH

FOUNDED

very American deserves to be respected and reflected by their government. The right to vote is about the ability to be seen and heard by people who make consequential decisions that impact your life, your family, and your community. It’s about real power. Right now, in Detroit — one of the Blackest cities in America — there is an effort underway funded by a group of nakedly partisan activists to strip away that power and deny people their fundamental, constitutional right to representation.

In 2018, Michiganders voted overwhelmingly to establish an independent citizens redistricting commission and redraw the state’s House and Senate districts. In the first election with those new, fair maps in 2022, Democrats won the state house and senate after 40 years of Republican gerrymandering.

All the work that happened in 2023 proved what happens when you have a legislature that respects and reflects the people — the people win. Led by Joe Tate (D-Detroit), the first Black Speaker of the House, Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), the first woman Senate Majority Leader, and Sarah Anthony, the first Black woman to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee in Michigan history, the legislature, and Governor Whitmer delivered tangible results. With this new, more representative majority under the leadership of multiple Black committee chairs, they cut taxes for working-class families to lift 25,000 kids out of poverty, built more housing, delivered free breakfast and lunch for every student, and made a range of other investments in Michigan’s greatest resource— it’s people.

Now, all that progress is at risk.

There is an effort underway to force the redrawing of some of those districts. While that effort may be couched in official-sounding legalese and seemingly come from a sincere place, it is motivated by one thing: power. The lawsuit to

May 11, 1966

E

FOUNDER/EDITOR Ed Clayton

Immortalis Memoria

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

J. Lowell Ware Immortalis Memoria The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware.

PUBLISHER Janis Ware jlware@theatlantavoice.com PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER James A. Washington jaws@theatlantavoice.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Janelle Ward jward@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR AT LARGE Stan Washington swashington@theatlantavoice.com MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com

ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION The right to vote is about the ability to be seen and heard by people who make consequential decisions that impact your life, your family, and your community. redraw these maps is being led by John Bursch, a man most famous for his repeated attempts to erase the rights and freedoms of fellow Michiganders. He is the Beetlejuice of conservative movements, appearing in lawsuits to strip away basic LGBTQ+ rights, gut workers’ right to organize, and use public money to fund private schools.

Now, Mr. Bursch is once again on the forefront of a power grab backed by well-funded interest groups who want to prevent the Democratic majority in the Michigan Legislature from doing their jobs. They can dress it up any way they want, but their end goal is the same as it has been for people throughout American history who

have stood on the floor of the United States Senate and across bridges in Selma: take power away from you.

They are counting on your cynicism. They want you to look away and be discouraged from exercising your political power going forward. They hope that you will be discouraged from showing up and exercising your power to build a government that looks like and fights for you.

Do not let them win.

As we approach Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 95th birthday, we must carry on his mission. While his movements for civil rights and voting rights were successful, he is no longer with us, but those who

seek to deny us the ability to make consequential decisions about our lives, families, and communities still are. On voting rights, Dr. King once said, “The denial of this sacred right is a tragic betrayal of the highest mandates of our democratic tradition.”

Our task is simple: do not look away. We must continue fighting their efforts to appease us with symbolic representation and work together to build real political power that delivers lasting change.

Let’s keep fighting for our sacred right.

Hon. Tommy Stallworth is the former chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and Detroit Caucus.

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Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

Perfect Power for Your Biggest Weakness

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

I remember reviewing the letters of Paul in Bible Study. In doing so I was constantly reminded that one cannot look at Paul without really seeing Jesus’ amazing handiwork. Now you need to know that I think Paul is an awesome person when it comes to the story of his life. I haven’t found a biography or autobiography of anyone in or outside of the ‘good book’ who comes close to my admiration for Paul; Jesus notwithstanding. Because the two are so closely associated with one another, I can’t help but consider the impact of this tandem on human history. Just in case someone wants to debate me on this by bringing up the lives of the 12 apostles, I have considered them as well as the prophets and I’m just one of those who is in awe of Paul. A very large part of the bible is devoted to Paul’s building of the early church at a time when who you worshiped was a life and death decision.

Paul himself says in his letters to the church in Corinth, there was indeed a point to his suffering and persecution and the basis for most, if not all, of

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. what he went through was a by-product of his faith in Jesus Christ.

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I (Paul) will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.

This kind of thinking and belief led to the eventual proliferation of the church worldwide. It also makes the point of how the lives of so few have impacted and influenced so many in the world then, and the world as we know it today. Forgive me if I find this a rather fascinating fact. Paul is who he is because of his

unique one on one encounter with Christ. That encounter changed him and ultimately the world in which we live. If that be true, then our individual encounters with Christ should also have a profound effect on us and the world in which we currently live. It is not unusual for new Christians to come under attack by old friends. It is also not unusual for new Christians to come under the attack of the world, since it is in the world where Satan has power. I think Paul’s good news is there is a place of refuge when this happens. He uses himself as an example to follow.

If I surrender my weaknesses to the power of Christ and subjugate my will to that of the Lord’s, then I become empowered to deal with whatever is thrown my way. Life, the Christian life, is funny that way. It places what I

have described as a bull’s- eye on your back, designed to distinguish you from those non-believers around you.

It, your faith, also sets you up and apart to do great things in the name of Jesus Christ, my personal Lord and Savior. I guess what I’m really saying is when the going gets extremely tough, check the human being Paul.

Like Christ he’s been through and has experienced the worst that life has to offer. But because of his belief system, he’s experienced the best of God’s promises. It’s like a refresher course and I just wanted to let you know where I go during difficult times. You might also find some answers there.

The point I’m trying to make is that in the eyes of God, one’s weaknesses are welcomed opportunities for God to show up and show out.

Have you ever wondered why those who have been through so much are able to stand and witness for Christ?

Reexamine the reality of God’s grace and you might just get your answer.

May God bless and keep you always.

“YOUR VOICE”

Could DA Willis’ personal relationship with one of the lawyers investigating Trump and his co-conspirators endanger the racketeering case against them?

DANETTE EVERETT Atlanta “I’ve glimpsed over the story and haven’t gone into too much detail, but my first initial reaction was that it was striking. I feel like, I mean, what if they were a couple? What if they were married? Um, would it be a problem then?… If she was a man, I feel like something would still be said about it, but probably not as much because… I feel like this is such a patriarchal system, it would just kind of blow over, but since it’s a woman and it’s a black woman, and she’s from Atlanta… I feel some way… it’s a bold move… Like, that’s gangster for her to make that move.

Like. All right, Queen. I feel like that’s Queen status. Honestly.”

AIBSOLA AKINS Atlanta I believe that in today’s society, people’s hidden activities are being exposed more frequently. Unfortunately, Fani Willis’ relationship with a lawyer who is part of the investigation team is likely to cast a negative shadow on her. It wouldn’t be an issue if she had legitimate grounds for pursuing the case, regardless of whom she is targeting. However, we live in a society where everyone is interested in others’ personal affairs. When someone’s private life becomes public, especially in a compromising manner that elicits public sympathy for the other party, it creates a conflict of interest.

If Fani Willis were a white male, I am not certain whether it would be such a big issue.

PIERRE SANDERS Atlanta “I think all associations outside of the courtroom matter inside the courtroom. So, the question of the matter should always be the facts.

Once the facts are given: Are you guilty or innocent beyond reasonable doubt? That’s all that matters.

I’m pretty sure that the reason why he (the lawyer) is in the position he’s in the first place is because people do favors for people based on friendships and relationships that may get you into trouble sometimes. So there could be some of that going on both sides at the end of the day. The law is already written, and if you broke it, she should be able to articulate whether you broke the rules or not. And that should be the end of it.”

TERRANCE STANLEY Atlanta Voice “I think that it does jeopardize the case because if you don’t come clean with it and make it seem like it’s just a normal thing to go on a date, and it’s nothing more than what it is, it’s kind of like that first rule: Don’t get caught. And it sounds like by going to the church, instead of coming to the people who voted her in, whatever, for her to go to the church...The same scenario, the same thing. They always do the same, like just politics as usual, you know, poli-tricks as usual. And she got caught and he got caught. And basically I say, let’s come clean. I think it’d be alright if she came clean.”

Compiled by Vincent Christie

Page 6 • January 19-January 25, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

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‘If not Atlanta, then where?’: Cricket Wireless & Celebration Bowl are committed to staying in city

Diane Larché, dead at 65

BY STAN WASHINGTON

L

Long-time Atlanta marketing and public relations owner Diane Larche died Friday, Jan. 12 after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. She was 65. Photo submitted

ong-time Atlanta marketing and public relations owner Diane Larché died Friday, Jan. 12 after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. She was 65.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 19, at Ben Hill United Methodist Church in southwest Atlanta.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA., in 1998, Larché started Larché Communications, LLC where she served as president

and CEO. Her client list over the years included a number of nonprofit organizations like the 100 Black Men of Metro Atlanta and the United Negro College Fund. Larché’s company also operated the popular Family Food Fest which was a staple event on Father’s Day.

Larchéwas a familiar face at a number of nonprofit and social events in metro Atlanta. She was a proud graduate of University of Pittsburgh and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“We talked about and shared so much!

These past months haven't been the same.

You no longer have to suffer. R.I.P. Diane,” posted close friend Maria Boynton.

Larchéis survived by her husband of 27 years Joseph and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Killer Mike to Georgia Voters: Run to the Polls

BY DONNELL SUGGS

G

rammy-nominated rapper, Atlanta native, and business owner Killer Mike performed at halftime of this year’s Atlanta Hawks MLK Day game. This wasn’t Killer Mike’s (neé Michael Render) first time performing in front of large crowds at a sporting event – the attendance for Monday’s MLK Day game was 17,447 – and it wasn’t his first time performing on MLK Day. It was however a unique opportunity for him to speak to a large swath of Georgia voters on the eve of the Iowa Caucuses.

“On a hyper-local level it’s very important that people stay engaged because hyper-locally is where the change happens,” Killer Mike said.

During his performance, Killer Mike prefaced his hit single, “Run”, by saying “Y’all better run to the polls this year.” Afterwards, he used the example of the $40 million of federal funding that went towards metro Atlanta trade schools and how important that was to educating thousands of people as a reason for focusing on local politics.

“When you look at the $40 million coming down the pipeline for trade schools a few years ago, Atlanta would have gotten skipped had it not been for Vincent Fort,” he said. “If Vincent Fort wouldn’t have raised hell about it we wouldn’t have had the trade schools blossoming on Metropolitan Avenue like we have now.”

The turnout for recent local elections has been low in Georgia, particularly during non-presidential years. For example, There were just over 97,000 reported votes for the 2021 mayoral election. The subsequent runoff between Andre Dickens and Felicia Moore, both well-known members of Atlanta

Grammy-nominated artist Killer Mike *(center) surrounded by media following his performance during halftime of the Atlanta Hawks MLK Day game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Jan. 16, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

City Council at that time, saw 78,643 voters cast ballots.

“For me, it’s important on a hyper-local level,” Killer Mike explained. “I know it’s sexy to be arguing about who is going to be president, but it’s sexier to know who you are voting for judge, who your prosecutors are going to be, who your mayor is going to be, and who they are going to anoint as police chief.”

There are more than seven million reg-

istered voters in Georgia, with more than 750,000 of them registered to vote within Fulton County. “Get to know your city councilperson,” said Killer Mike, who added that he recently spoke with Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Lewis. “I want to see more young legislators, I want to see more young people in city council, and I want to see more progressive mayors like the one we currently have.”

Killer Mike, whose latest album “Michael”

has been nominated for multiple Grammy awards, wanted to further reiterate his points on the importance of voting and voter education.

“Whoever is going to be president is going to be a bigger argument, but hyper-locally you should care about who is going to be your mayor, who are your state representatives, and who your governor is more than anything,” he said.

theatlantavoice.com • January 19-January 25, 2024 • Page 7

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Terri Lee (above) is the sole finalist for the vacant Atlanta Housing CEO opportunity.

Photo provided by City of Atlanta

Terri Lee poised to take over as CEO

BY DONNELL SUGGS

T

he search for a CEO for Atlanta’s 86-year-old housing governing body is now down to one.

Terri Lee, who has served as Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) COO since 2020, is the sole finalist for its next CEO, according to sources familiar with the organization. Lee was the first Chief Housing Officer for AHA and was responsible for spearheading the One Atlanta Housing Affordability Action Plan, which was to mobilize $1 billion from private and public sources to create and preserve affordable housing throughout the city.

The search for a CEO began in October 2020 following the resignation of former CEO Eugene Jones, who joined the organization in 2019. Jones, who submitted his resignation in September 2023 remained in the position until December 31.

Lee is expected to bring vast amounts of experience to the position, having worked in Jackson, Mississippi for the city’s housing and development authority. She earned

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a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Jackson State University following her graduation from Grambling State University.

A resolution confirming Lee as the sole finalist will be on the agenda during the Atlanta Housing Authority meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 24.

About Lee being the frontrunner for the position, Atlanta Housing Board Chair Larry Stewart said in a statement, I’m pleased that our exhaustive search process has resulted in the recommendation of Terri Lee as the sole finalist for this position. We look forward to growth and innovation ahead with Terri at the helm of Atlanta Housing.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who had made an appearance at the annual Georgia Chamber Eggs and Issues hours before the news broke about Lee becoming the one and only finalist for AHA CEO, said in a statement, “Terri Lee is an exceptional leader with a long and distinguished career in affordable housing.”

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Smith Family Ranch hosts MLK Day community cleanup Suppo Support SCAN TO DONATE

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

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n honor of Martin Luther King Day, NEXT Steps, a youth entrepreneur program, held a MLK day community cleanup and BBQ fundraiser at the Smith Family Ranch in Stockbridge.

The Smith Family Ranch is a family-owned and operated entity. Centrally located in the city of Stockbridge, it’s home to a variety of furry friends that wait in excitement to be treated by the new visitors. The ranch also serves as the grounds for community events and gatherings where they are thrilled to share all the wonders mother nature has to offer.

At their first community cleanup event at the Smith Family Ranch, Dana Jewel Harris, executive director of Next Steps Youth Entrepreneur program, said one of her mentees brought her to the ranch because she helps farmers and new beginning ranchers design their spaces and turn them into agritourism states.

“This ranch is 42 acres, and I will be developing a supply chain management system as well, but it'll be rooted in education and training. With agritourism, it involves education but also involves hospitality, tourism, outdoor recreation, and entertainment,” Harris said. “So, we've done Easter egg hunts where we get about 400 people here. We did a jazz festival last October, where we had 150 people here, so this place lends for a lot of community outreach and engagement, but it's also an outdoor venue.”

At the community cleanup, Harris said they are starting the beautification process.

The entire area of the ranch is going to be beautified over the course of the year. We have petting farms, so we have a lot of field trips and we do birthday parties and family reunions,” she said. “People get to feed the animals as part of the experience, we have a seven-mile walking trail, and have pocket gardens throughout the area, and we also have a three-acre pond in the back where we teach fishing and ultimately want to do concerts around the pond.”

At some point this year, Harris said, they will be holding garden parties and teaching how to grow all kinds of things in the area.

“We’re going to expand on that to include a greenhouse, have an outdoor kitchen, and really make it engaging and inviting to get more people outdoors to do this part of therapy,” she said. “I'm beginning my journey to be licensed in horticulture therapy. The kids that are shoveling looks like work, but that's a therapy activity because collaboration and doing something that is bigger than yourself

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SHELTERLESS order to keep doing that com/peachtree-and-pine/ at thisand level we need all In honor of Martin Luther King Day, NEXT Steps, a youth entrepreneur program, held an MLK day community cleanup BBQ PROJECT the financial assistance we can get. fundraiser at the Smith Family Ranch in Stockbridge. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

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for someone else. So, for people that's feeling depressed or something like that, it helps them, and we do equine therapy where every second Saturday, we teach people how to ride horses.”

Harris said she chose to do the cleanup and BBQ fundraiser on MLK day because MLK day has always been an amazing day of service.

Also, she used to have an old farm in west Atlanta called Atwood Community Gardens and was one of the top community partners with Hands On Atlanta.

“I would serve about 1,500 people a year.

Every MLK day I'd have about 1,500 a day and MLK day is when people are off and then is called the day of service. So, people would look out for things to do that they could do with their family,” she said. “Not only is it helping the community, but it's something that you come back to, so MLK day has always been an amazing day of service, and finding people is a great marketing tool to get people to come to your property. It helps the business, the community, and the kids get to learn and stay out of trouble.”

For more information, visit https://www. thesmithfamilyranch.com.

The Smith Family and Dana Jewel Harris (far right) pose for a photo during the MLK Day cleanup and BBQ, Monday, Jan. 16, 2024. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice\

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Community

Sandy Springs honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with art and film

BY JANELLE WARD

T

he City of Sandy Springs hosted a free interactive learning experience at City Springs on Monday afternoon honoring civil rights icon and Atlanta native Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would have been his 95th birthday.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art and Film Celebration brought together parents, grandparents, and children of all ages to participate in a variety of King-themed arts and crafts and to view a private screening of the 1999 Emmy-nominated classic, “Our Friend, Martin.”

Sandy Springs mayor Rusty Paul said that the city has put on MLK-themed events for the community every year since 2005, making it the longest-running continuous celebration that Sandy Springs has hosted.

“It’s always been oriented toward the kids,” Paul said. “We want them to learn, and we figured that having a more tactile learning experience… would be the best way for kids to learn, because if you want to defeat hate, you have to start early.”

The mayor also said that it’s important to continue organizing community events that bring to light one of the darkest time periods of America’s history, even as critical figures of the era begin to pass away.

“It’s very important that we learn from our history — the good and the bad,” Paul said.

Each of Monday’s activities centered around specific elements of King’s legacy and mission: dream, justice, love, liberty, equality, and freedom. Kids designed keepsake bookmarks featuring quotes from King, completed MLK-themed word searches based on details of the civil rights leader’s life, and went home with a certificate of completion after finishing all six objectives.

Latoya Morgan brought her daughter, Serenity, to Monday’s event to help her grasp the significance of King’s actions and the sacrifices made in the hope of a better future.

“I’ve always loved Dr. King — since I was 11 years old,” Morgan said. “So, I want to make sure she understands the legacy of the impact that his life had on the next generation to continue the work.”

Morgan said she brings Serenity to MLK-related events often, as a way to teach her about her ancestry and as a result of Morgan’s passion for civil rights.

“She needs to understand the elders that came before her and that the privileges that she now is afforded, like the life that she lives, didn’t come easy. It was with a price,” Morgan said. “There were people who laid their lives down for us to be able to have these freedoms."

The City of Sandy Springs hosted an interactive learning experience for local kids and their families at City Springs on Monday afternoon in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and historical contributions. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

Latoya (right) and Serenity Morgan attended the MLK Day event in Sandy Springs on Monday, Jan. 16, 2024. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

Page 10 • January 19-January 25, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Arts

ONLINE

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies says Russell Center’s model could be replicated nationwide

Taylor Mackenzie Smith’s journey from Atlanta to Broadway

BY DONNELL SUGGS

A

laddin", the hit Broadway musical of the Disney classic film, is at The Fox Theatre this week from Jan. 11-14 and for one of the cast members the trip to Atlanta is much more than a tour stop. It's a homecoming.

"I grew up here," said actress and dancer Taylor Mackenzie Smith, who is in the ensemble for the production, and made many trips to The Fox as a kid, whether on school field trips or with her family. "It's truly full circle."

"Aladdin" stars actors Adi ray as the title character, Marcus M. Martin as "Genie", and Senzel Ahmady as "Jasmine", but for Smith's family, friends and mentors this is weeklong production taking place just miles from where she grew up in the Cascade neighborhood is a true start turn. Her parents have already seen the show, and there are plans for her former dance teacher, Djana Bell to come see her Friday.

"It's been just a blend all through the week," said Smith about how many family and friends have come to The Fox to see the show. She is looking forward to seeing Bell, who taught her the art of dance at Norma's Academy of Dance on Jonesboro Rd. in Fairburn beginning when she was three years old.

"She really helped me learn my love for musical theater," said Smith of Bell, who she remains in contact with today. "She really got me from point A to point B." Atlanta is home for Smith, who attended the Children's School and Woodward Academy before matriculating to Spelman College where she majored in Drama and minored in dance. Both skills would serve her well following graduation when she moved to New York to pursue a career on stage. The inspirations that stoked the fires of that dream started at Norma's, but also from the seats of a production of "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway in 1998. There a young Smith saw Grammy Award-winning singer Toni Braxton play "Belle" and knew she wanted to be on stage one day. Braxton was the first Black actress to lead a Disney Broadway production.

"It meant the world to me to see that," Smith remembers. "My parents were adamant about getting us to that show. I can remember just being overwhelmed with emotion."

The moment remains so vivid in Smith's memory that she can recall what she had on that night. She wore a yellow gown with a ti-

Taylor Mackenzie Smith (above) during a panel discussion inside the Marquee Room at The Fox Theatre, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.

Smith was born and raised in Atlanta, and visited The Fox several times during her youth. "It's truly full circle," she said. Photo

by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Taylor Mackenzie Smith (above) was born in Atlanta, raised in the Cascade neighborhood, and attended Woodward Academy and Spelman College before leaving home for a career on the stage. She is part of the ensemble for Disney’s Broadway production of “Aladdin,” which played at The Fox Theatre last week. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

The cast members of “Aladdin”; (left to right, back row) Marcus M. Martin (Genie), Adi Roy (Aladdin), Senzel Ahmady (Jasmine) along with students from the Ron Clark Academy pose for a photo following a panel discussion about the show, which is taking place at The Fox Theatre this week. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

ara. "The Disney world has been a part of my life forever," said Smith.

Asked what Atlanta means to her, Smith, who wore a navy blazer with a Spelman crest on it, said, "It means home, nostalgia, community, support and an appreciation of the arts."

Her parents still live in Cascade and she recently visited home during the Christmas holiday. Before that however, trips home have been infrequent due to the busy schedule a production like "Aladdin" commands.

Smith has been a part of the ensemble since August 2022, and in February there was a layover that turned into a flight delay long enough for her to return to her childhood home to see her parents.

Smith says Atlanta will always be home no matter where her career takes her. "This is why we go on tour, to play our hometowns," said Smith. "To be able to be down the street from where I grew up and went to school is truly full circle."

theatlantavoice.com • January 19-January 25, 2024 • Page 11

Education

ONLINE

A park in every NPU: West Cascade Park gets green space, playground

AUC presidents react to Gay’s resignation

BY ALLISON JOYNER

L

eaders in the Atlanta University Center reacted to news of the sudden resignation of former Harvard University president Claudine Gay last week.

“It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president,” Gay wrote in a letter to the Harvard community.

The resignation comes after controversy over Gay’s testimony during a congressional hearing regarding her and other university presidents improperly handling antisemitic harassment towards Jewish people on campus.

“Legitimate concerns regarding antisemitism on college campuses are being used as a wedge to divide us by those fearful of an emerging leadership of American institutions that reflects our diversity,” said

Harvard University President Claudine Gay, seen here in December 2023, is stepping down amid a firestorm of controversy at the university. Credit: Ken Cedeno / Reuters Dr. David Thomas, President of Morehouse College.

Gay also faced allegations of plagiarism in an early 2000s article regarding minority representation in political participation in California.

“After consultation with members of the [Harvard] Corporation, it has become clear

that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this movement of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual,” Gay wrote in that aforementioned letter.

With Gay becoming the first Black person to lead the Ivy League school in its 400-year

history, many wonder if her decision was racially motivated.

“Looking beyond the unfortunate and highly complicated set of circumstances that led Dr. Gay to submit her resignation as President of Harvard University, I think it is incumbent on all of us, both in academia and outside of academia, to be mindful of the vital role that women, and especially Black women, continue to play in leadership positions across a wide range of professions,” said Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine.

Harvard’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Alan Garber, will serve as interim president until a new one is announced.

“We thank President Gay for her courage and vision as she began leading Harvard and regret that she will not be able to see her vision fulfilled,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College.

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Page 12 • January 19-January 25, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Business

ONLINE

It’s always the right time to plan for retirement

YMCA, Lenox host winter clothing drive

BY JANELLE WARD

T

he YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Lenox Square are teaming up to host a winter clothing drive inside the Buckhead shopping destination in support of the city’s disadvantaged communities.

For the entire month of January, Lenox shoppers can drop off new or gently used children- and adult-sized winter garments, which include, but aren’t limited to, jackets, coats, gloves, hats and scarves.

“Lenox Square is pleased to partner with YMCA of Metro Atlanta for the return of our annual winter clothing drive,” said Robin Suggs, general manager of the shopping center. “We look forward to kicking off 2024 by giving back to our community and fostering a new relationship with an organization that has made a positive impact in Atlanta for over 165 years.”

Donations will be collected inside the Management Office on the mall’s ground floor, adjacent to the Dining Pavilion restrooms.

“Through our work with Lenox Square, we’re able to expand our reach to make a greater collective impact,” said the president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Lauren Koontz. “We look forward to cultivating

YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Lenox Square are partnering to host a winter clothing drive at the shopping center until Jan. 31. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice this partnership, which will help ensure that children and adults have access to the essen-

tials needed to learn, grow and thrive.”

Lenox Square’s Management Office is

open on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Atlanta named sixth-hottest housing market

BY JANELLE WARD

A

tlanta is expected to become a popular destination for potential homebuyers this year.

According to a recent analysis from Zillow, the city ranks among the top 10 hottest housing markets in the country for 2024, rising three rankings from last year to claim the sixth-place spot.

The analysis takes into account housing affordability and labor market conditions across the 50 largest metro areas in the country to predict the most competitive hotspots for residential real estate throughout 2024. Those metros with the most stable job markets combined with the highest rates of home availability are expected to see the greatest surge in interested buyers, while making homeownership seemingly achievable for younger generations locked out of the market in years prior.

“Housing markets are healthiest where affordable home prices and strong employment are giving young hopefuls a real shot

“Housing markets are healthiest where affordable home prices and strong employment are giving young hopefuls a real shot at buying and starting to build equity,” said Zillow Economic Research data scientist, Anushna Prakash. Credit: iStock/JohnnyH5 at buying and starting to build equity,” said Zillow Economic Research data scientist,

Anushna Prakash. “I’m cautiously optimistic that the housing market will get back on

stable footing in 2024 — we shouldn’t see the massive price spikes of the early pandemic or fast-rising mortgage rates of recent years.”

According to the trends report, the combination of ample employment opportunities and increases in new supply drives buyers to chase listings in new markets.

Per Zillow’s data, the value of a typical home in Atlanta currently stands at $373,212, the fourth-highest home value listed in the report’s top ten. To compare, this statistic is more than $125,000 higher than the typical home value within the “hottest” metro area, Buffalo, New York, and is roughly $25,000 above the national value.

Homes in Atlanta also sat on the market for the longest of all metros listed in the ranking, with the typical listing sitting for an average of 26 days.

The city is one of four housing markets in the Southeast to make Zillow’s 2024 list, joining Charlotte, North Carolina, and Orlando and Tampa, Florida. None of the Southeastern markets made the list top five.

theatlantavoice.com • January 19-January 25, 2024 • Page 13

Business

Signs by Hilton Atlanta brings 800 jobs to Georgia

BY JANELLE WARD

G

ov. Brian Kemp, Hilton executives, shareholders, and leaders from the Georgia World Congress Center Authority came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Signia by Hilton Atlanta hotel in downtown on Thursday afternoon, the largest ground-up hotel developments the city has seen in four decades.

Lauded for its close proximity to signature Atlanta landmarks like State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 976-room, 40-story hotel features eight food and beverage establishments, over 100,000 square feet of event space, and the largest hotel ballroom in the entire state, while standing as the tallest building on the city’s westside.

“Today, our championship campus is a beacon of inspiration, showcasing what can be achieved when visionary leadership, dedicated teams, and supportive communities come together,” said Brian Daniel, chair of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s Board of Governors. “We didn’t just build something. We’ve shaped the future of hosting events and economic development on the west side of Atlanta.”

Construction of the Signia began in May of 2021 after the GWCCA officially selected Hilton as the hotel’s operator in 2020. However, the project’s earliest stages trace back to over a decade ago, under the governance of Kemp’s predecessor, Nathan Deal, who was also present for Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting.

Gov. Kemp, in his remarks, thanked the former governor for his approval and backing of the hotel since its inception, stating that the current condition of Georgia’s economy and the state’s national status are direct results of his leadership. “(Deal) certainly laid the groundwork for this unprecedented position that we’re in today,” Kemp said. “This project was first conceived during his time in office, and he supported it knowing this facility would be an essential part of attracting visitors and businesses to our state.”

The ceremony’s speakers reiterated that Georgia is defined by both its capacity for tourism and its ability to attract economic opportunity on a national scale. Daniel said that Georgia has been recognized as the best state in America to do business for 10 consecutive years and that the tourism industry stands as the state’s second-largest economy.

Atlanta specifically stands as Hilton’s largest international market. Kemp said the city is home to 136 Hilton hotels belonging to 13 brands and that an additional 40 hotels in the area are currently in development. Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, also identified Atlanta as the company’s “most important market”, with the Signia serving as the first newly-built hotel of its kind in the world.

“We (operate in) 130 countries around the world, but very few (properties), if any, are

Signia by Hilton Atlanta, a 40-story hotel, has 976 rooms, and features eight food and beverage establishments, and over 100,000 square feet of event space. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

Gov. and First Lady Kemp, Hilton president and CEO Chris Nassetta, and other distinguished guests gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the front lawn of the Signia by Hilton Atlanta Thursday afternoon. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

as important as this and have the kind of impact that this has,” Nassetta said. “This is one of the best properties we have in the world amongst any of our 22 brands.”

Nassetta also said that the hotel brings approximately 800 permanent jobs to Atlanta, many of which are already filled by employees entirely new to the hospitality industry.

“It really is wonderful to be here to celebrate,” Nassetta said. “I think (the Signia’s completion) is a milestone for Atlanta and a milestone for the state of Georgia.”

Page 14 • January 19-January 25, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Religion

ONLINE

Higher Ground: Madam C.J. Walker Museum

Belong Church Atlanta will move services to North Atlanta High School

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON Belong Church Atlanta announced its collaboration with North Atlanta High School, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to making a positive impact on the city of Atlanta.

Following the successful provision of 500 toys for children during the 2023 holiday season, Belong ATL is set to relocate its services and events to North Atlanta High School on Sunday, Jan. 21.

Pastors LaBryant & Phineka Friend Pastor LaBryant Friend from Belong ATL said he and his wife, Phineka, are very excited about the move.

“I have always felt like we were supposed to be in Atlanta, so to make this type of move now, I am very, very excited for it to happen,” he said.

Originally from Huntsville and Selma, Alabama, LaBryant and Phineka have been pastors “all the time”.

“We've done everything from youth pastor thing, executive pastoring, senior pastor, so about 16 years now,” he said.

LaBryant said when he and his wife moved to the Atlanta area in 2017, it was primarily because they wanted to follow their call to the city of Atlanta.

“For about two years, we did ministry right inside of southwest Atlanta. Four years later, we primarily moved to Dallas (Georgia) because there was a space available to us,” he said. “But the entire time we were there, we always knew that there would be a moment where we would have the opportunity to come back to the city of Atlanta. So, time and opportunity came, and we were presented with an opportunity to move our services and events to North Atlanta High School, and it was just one we couldn't say no to.”

Their last service in Dallas was Dec. 10, according to LaBryant. They were located there for about 16 months.

“Majority of our partners do not live in the Dallas area, so for 16 months, we had people that were committed to what God was calling us to do, driving over an hour every week to come out there,” he said. “We're talking about 150+ people driving in every week to be a part of what we're doing, so their commitment has just really blown my mind and so I'm excited to see how cutting their drive time to about 30-35 minutes helps.”

Why North Atlanta High School?

Pastors LaBryant & Phineka Friend of Belong Church Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Belong Church Atlanta The partnership and collaboration between Belong ATL and North Atlanta High School was initiated by both pastors who reached out to the high school.

“We approached them about collaborating in high hopes of gaining access and getting an opportunity to be a part of their community,” he said. “Once we met with their principal, Mr. Douglas, and their support staff, shockingly, they overwhelmingly said they felt like we needed to be there as well and opened their doors for us.”

LaBryant said what drew him and his wife to seek out North Atlanta High School was to make sure they had a location that would be close enough to graze Paulding County while also being able to be back in the city of Atlanta.

“We knew that we wanted to be back in the city and that was paramount, but we also knew that over this last year, we've made some phenomenal relationships in the Dallas Harlan County area, so we wanted to be sure that we had a location that would still be close enough to graze Paulding County while also being able to be back in the city of Atlanta,” he said. “When we were looking for locations, one of the driving forces behind that was how do we make that happen the easiest? And that North Carolina location was just a perfect one.”

The Partnership The partnership will be, as LaBryant described it, a “set-up and breakdown” church, where every week, they will come into the school and set their stuff up. Once they finish, they’ll break it down.

“We're really excited about this, one of the things that change for us because we're collaborating with North Atlanta High School now is we become what we call a setup and breakdown down church, which simply means every week we will come in and set our stuff up and once we're finished, we'll break our stuff down,” he said.

This gives, according to LaBryant, the church an opportunity to become partners in a community to help impact the influence of the students and the entertainment within the context of more than one high school and the surrounding area.

“In that first service, we have two service opportunities that come in at 8 a.m. and noon, and we're just expecting the opportunity to teach the hearts and minds of people in a way that we've always felt called to,” he said.

Their first partnership with North Atlanta High School was the provision for 500 toys for children.

“One thing that we shared with them (North Atlanta High School) was we didn't want to just use their building, but we wanted to collaborate,” he said. “So, for us, it's important to not just use a facility but to become a part of the community that we're now engrossed in. They were in the middle of preparing and creating this toy drive, and it was just the perfect time. We found out two weeks before and we told them, ‘Hey, in any way we can support it, we can and will’. We ended up bringing close to 600 toys to North Atlanta High School for their children.”

For context, the high school’s football team sponsored a community center that

was sponsoring one of the elementary schools in the community.

“It was four children aged from kindergarten through 12th grade and right before the break, the principal dressed up as Santa Claus and they had a lot to do all around it,” LaBryant said.

Within the context of the partnership with the high school, LaBryant said building and bridging other community partnerships in the city is the main goal.

“We have stated pretty adamantly that if we don't have to recreate the wheel, we're going to believe in the power of collaboration and there's a lot of beautiful things that can happen when we bring our resources together,” he said. So, one of the things I think is pivotal is our ability to partner with several organizations in and around the Atlanta area.”

Services & Events planned One of their promises to the school is an initiative called “Feed the Streets” and the goal is to feed and/or serve 10,000 families throughout the course of 2024.

“We're partnering with a program in the city that's going to allow us each week to not just financially sponsor, but to also be the hands and feet, essentially helping to serve people in and around the city of Atlanta,” he said. “So, we're excited about that collaboration and then throughout the school year, there's going to be a myriad of different collaborations that we do with more than North Atlanta High School. Our ask for them has just been, ‘hey, whatever you all need support, backing behind a community project.

That's an internal project. We want to be sure that we are not just financially supporting, but that we're hands and feet as well.”

The duration of the partnership is categorized as “year-to-year”, according to Bryant.

“This project will definitely be throughout 2024, but this is an honest and open-ended collaboration and the opportunity to be a part of that community as long as we design it,” he said.

LaBryant also said they will be at the school every Sunday for sure and then throughout the week is on “absolute basis”.

“What we have promised them is opportunities for mentorship and we're willing to do whatever we need to do for them,” he said.

For more information, visit https://www. atlantapublicschools.us/northatlanta and https://www.webelong.church.

theatlantavoice.com • January 19-January 25, 2024 • Page 15

Lifestyle

ONLINE

5 steps to a less lonely 2024

Street Lines: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy 2.5T AWD

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he popularity of sports utility vehicles sees no slowing down, and automaker Hyundai has done a solid job making their two-row 2023 Santa Fe a standout amongst the pack.

This SUV’s exterior design flaunts Hyundai’s signature grille, plus thin LED headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights all providing both style and enhanced visibility. The power folding heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and curvaceous frame further add to the attractiveness and functionality.

Considering that there are numerous trims to incrementally take the Santa Fe to the next level including the SEL, XRT, and Limited, the reviewed, top-of-the-line Calligraphy still maintains a great value while generously pampering owners. While the standard

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version comes with a plethora of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Bluetooth; and a quartet of USB ports to name a few, the Calligraphy impressively answers the demands of true luxury seekers.

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Page 16 • January 19-January 25, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com