The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 020224

February 2 - 8, 2024 • Vol. 58 Issue 39 • FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

Airbnb donates $50k to Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship PAGE 9

AROUND TOWN

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‘This is my life’s work’ Terri Lee, an alumnus of Grambling State University, was selected President and CEO after a national search from October 2023 through the new year. Photo Submitted: City of Atlanta

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Metro

ONLINE

Mental health program Black Boys Better is now in Atlanta

Terri Lee named Atlanta Housing President & CEO

BY DONNELL SUGGS

T

he search for a CEO for Atlanta’s 86-year-old housing governing body is finally over. Terri M. Lee was unanimously voted to uphold the vacant positions Wednesday afternoon during the Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners meeting.

The meeting took place in the heart of the Atlanta University Center inside Roosevelt Hall, and further added to the link Lee has with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Lee went to college in Grambling, Louisiana, and spoke of how the pride she has in that city, and in her alma mater, Grambling State University, shows up in her work.

“This is my life’s work,” she said after the meeting and her appointment as Atlanta Housing CEO and president was made official. “I have dedicated my entire life to affordable housing. I understand what happens when you give a person opportunity and access. Growing up in Grambling, really was a family environment in a family town.

I was afforded the same opportunities as many of my friends who had more economic means and whose families had better positions and jobs than my family.”

Lee said she has always been “intentional” about making sure there are even more pathways for people to secure affordable housing in Atlanta. “We have to stop bureaucratic red tape, we have to make sure we focus in on what a family needs to be housed and housed quickly,” said Lee. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens attended the meeting and took an opportunity to speak about why Lee was a good choice for the job. “I saw a lot of resumes and names from around the nation,” Dickens said. “This is a coveted position.”

The national search for the next CEO and president began in October 2023 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, 2023.

The mayor added that a big part of selecting someone locally was that, “We don’t have time for someone to learn Atlanta. There’s a great advantage in that.”

Lee has served as the COO of Atlanta Housing from 2018-2020. Lee has a deep understanding of Atlanta and its housing needs, having been the first Chief Housing Officer for Atlanta Housing. She developed

Lee (standing) addressed the mayor and others during her appointment ceremony inside Rosevelt Hall earlier this month. Photo

by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Terri Lee (above, left, pictured with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens) was recently appointed CEO & President of Atlanta Housing. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice Lee has served as AH’s COO since 2020. Prior to that, she served as the City of Atlanta’s firstChief Housing Officer from 2018 to 2020, after serving as its Deputy Commissioner of the Department of City Planning for ten years. Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Housing

the One Atlanta Housing Affordability Action Plan, which aimed to raise $1 billion from private and public sources to develop and maintain affordable housing throughout the city. Lee has extensive experience in community development and planning. Prior to her current role, she worked for the City of Atlanta from 2004 to 2020, holding various positions. Her roles included Director of Housing (2004-2008) and Deputy Commissioner of City Planning (2008-2018). Lee is expected to bring her vast experience to the position, having worked in Jackson, Mississippi for the city’s housing and development authority. She earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Jackson State University following graduation from Grambling.

“In Atlanta Housing we will be intentional about giving families a chance to enjoy affordable housing,” Lee said. She also added that she wants to continue reaching out to the private sector about contributing to the mayor’s mission of providing 20,000 affordable units by 2030.

“I am standing before you as the incoming 20th president of Atlanta Housing,” Lee said.

Jones, who also attended the meeting, said of Lee’s appointment, “You’ve made a great decision.”

theatlantavoice.com • February 2 - 8, 2024 • Page 3

Metro

City officials joined Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens last week to unveil initiatives to tackle homelessness. Dickens issued an executive order to increase funding for projects aimed at supporting the city’s growing unhoused population. Photo by Lentheus Chaney/The Atlanta Voice

Dickens unveils near $5 million initiative to combat homelessness

BY LENTHEUS CHANEY

C

ity officials joined Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Wednesday to unveil initiatives to tackle homelessness. Dickens issued an executive order to increase funding for projects aimed at supporting the city's growing unhoused population.

“Today, I am announcing that I am issuing an executive order to allocate $4.6 million to the appropriate city departments to expand shelter services, warming center operations, and additional shelter sites and provide the wrap-around services and security needed to go along with these additional locations,” Dickens said.

Dickens recently participated with volunteers in the statewide Point in Time Count.

The PIT count, a bi-annual nationwide survey of the unhoused, is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“Hundreds of volunteers banded together to span across the city to survey people experiencing homelessness,” Dickens said. “The data we collected assists the city to be able to gauge our progress in combating homelessness and also guides federal allocations and resources toward this cause.”

According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ 2022 PIT Count Homeless report, the statewide unhoused popula-

Along with “The Year of the Youth,” and affordable housing, Dickens has spent time addressing the need for a reduction in the city’s homeless population. Photo by Lentheus Chaney/ The Atlanta Voice

tion increased by 43% between 2019 and 2022.

“While we have made great progress, there is still a tremendous amount of work to do,” Dickens said. “Last year we launched our rapid rehousing initiative. The acceleration of our rapid rehousing initiative is to at least have 500 less individuals experiencing homelessness by the end of next year.”

According to Dickens, The Melody, the first of these rapid housing initiatives, will debut Friday in South Downtown.

Constructed from shipping containers, The Melody consists of 40 studio units, with each unit featuring a bathroom and kitchenette.

The organization Partners for Home will help people experiencing homelessness transition to The Melody and provide them with wrap-around services.

“It's super exciting. I think it's not just that we're doing housing, but it's housing that you or I would be proud to call home,” said Cathryn Vassell, Partners for Home CEO.

“There are solutions that are being created that are temporary, that are congregate in nature, where people have to live in dormitory-style environments with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities, and many folks don't want to live like that.”

Atlanta City Councilman Jason Winston, who chairs the Community Development Human Services Committee, introduced the resolutions that help fund these rapid rehousing initiatives. “$3.1 million overall, but we had 700,000 that went for Gateway, which is a low-barrier entry housing shelter in the city of Atlanta, and then Partners for Home, got $2.4 million,” Winston said. “They're specifically going to try to address the situations that we're having with unhoused individuals under underpasses and underneath some of our bridges.”

According to Winston, the city will continue to collaborate with various organizations and seek sources for ongoing funding to help provide resources to Atlanta's unhoused population.

“It's just not Partners for Home; we've got other partners that we're going to continue working with to try to address homelessness,” Winston said. “The council is working collaboratively with the mayor and his administration to find a permanent funding stream to be able to combat homelessness throughout the city of Atlanta.”

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Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“What’s in front of you is a whole world of experiences beyond your imagination.

Put yourself, and your growth and development, first.”

- Phylicia Rashad

Persistent Lending Disparities VOICE Perpetuate Nation’s Racial Wealth Gap T H E AT L A N TA

FOUNDED

May 11, 1966

BY CHARLENE CROWELL

F

or America, Black History Month brings opportunities to revisit our nation’s lessons, achievements, and unfulfilled promises, capturing our attention as well as our hopes. Yet nothing hits home harder than the painful reminders of how so much of Black America continues to struggle financially, despite an economy that reports low unemployment, a robust stock market, and low inflation.

Whether discussing kitchen table economics, or yesteryear’s grievances, money – or the lack thereof – is an ongoing and dominant concern.

Now is a good time to examine the policies and practices contributing to why Black wealth remains so elusive for people whose work ethic is often far larger than their paychecks.

The Federal Reserve’s recently updated Survey of Consumer Finance 2019-2022, analyzes post-pandemic trends – particularly as they affect racial wealth gaps.

In 2022, Asian-Americans had a typical family wealth of $536,000, the highest of any race or ethnicity, and nearly twice the typical white family’s wealth of $285,000. But these six-figure wealth assets did not include either Black or Latino households. Instead, a typical Latino family held only about 20 percent of the wealth of the typical white family (about $61,600), and Black family wealth was even lower at $44,900, only 15 percent of the wealth held by white families.

“Despite strong growth in wealth for nonwhite families over the past two surveys, we remain far from racial equality, reflecting the large differences in wealth that have persisted for decades,” states the report. “Taking a slightly longer-run view, since the Great Recession the typical Black and Hispanic family has had between about $10 to $15 of wealth for every $100 held by the typical White family,” the report continues. “This ratio has closed only modestly in the past two surveys. The typical Black family went from having about $9 in wealth for every $100 held by the typical white family in 2013 to around $16 in 2022; the typical Hispanic family went from having about $10 in wealth for every $100 held by the typical white family in 2013 to around $22 in 2022.”

Recently the Brookings Institution independently analyzed the Fed’s data in a new publication entitled, Black wealth is increasing, but so is the racial gap, citing the effects of public policies against Black participation in proven wealth-building assets.

“Policies that privilege whiteness are reflected in higher levels of wealth for the average white family, which can be leveraged across genera-

In 2022, Asian Americans had a typical family wealth of $536,000, the highest of any race or ethnicity, and nearly twice the typical white family’s wealth of $285,000.

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 Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR AT LARGE Stan Washington swashington@theatlantavoice.com MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com

ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION tions to generate greater wealth and advantages,” wrote Brookings. “This became very clear during the pandemic: Black households made major gains through housing and business equity, yet that growth paled in comparison to white households’ gains from investment returns.”

For example, Brookings found that in 2020 Black businesses employed 1.3 million people and created over 48,000 new jobs. If access to capital could be available to more entrepreneurs to begin new businesses, or expand existing ones, greater Black wealth likely would result.

In a separate but related analysis, Brookings examined how redlining of Black business districts suppressed wealth-building, similarly to how lowered appraisal values of Black homes suppress wealth-building in majority-Black neighborhoods.

“Our research found that storefronts and shopping centers in communities with higher shares of Black residents are valued measurably lower than otherwise comparable properties in communities with fewer Black residents”, wrote

Brookings last November in Building Black wealth through community real estate ownership. “We estimate that the undervaluation of majority-Black ZIP codes results in aggregate wealth losses of $171 billion in retail space for the owners of these properties... By comparison, owner-occupiers of housing lose an estimated $235 billion in majority-Black ZIP codes.”

Imagine what Black wealth could be derived if these billion-dollar discounts were removed from Black and Latino communities. Until or unless public policy reforms effectively address these historic inequities, racial wealth gaps will persist. The financial bottom line – regardless of color – is that people cannot invest what they do not have, or are shut out from mainstream lending. Let’s embrace the lessons of history and enact policies to increase lending for minority homes and business owners, to close the nation’s racial wealth gaps.

Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR Chia Suggs advertising@theatlantavoice.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Terry Milliner SALES R.D.W. Jackson rdwadman@gmail.com SUBMISSIONS editor@theatlantavoice.com DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com

CONTACT INFORMATION 633 Pryor Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30312 Office: 404-524-6426 info@theatlantavoice.com

theatlantavoice.com • February 2 - 8, 2024 • Page 5

Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

Your honest effort is what the Lord truly desires

S

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

cripture says that your life should be lived in such a way that those around you can see Jesus in you.

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Now that sounds good in theory, but what does it actually mean?

The only explanation that works for me is the one that talks about service; working in the name of the Lord.

Now we know it is ludicrous to think that anyone can live a perfect spiritual life. But isn’t it reasonable to expect that it shouldn’t take a cross-examination from a district attorney to understand where this is coming from?

The man who professes to love Jesus shouldn’t feel okay about cheating on his wife. The man who claims Christ as his Lord and Savior can’t be content living a life of crime.

The Lord cannot be your confidant and you find ways to rationalize illicit sex, drugs and satanic rock and

“But seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness and all things will be given you as well.” Matthew 6:33 roll. We all have our faults and flaws, but at some point, in your supposed walk with God, your righteous behavior, your principles and your spiritual integrity must shine through.

Perfection is an impossibility but serious effort is not only possible, it’s mandatory.

It is indeed necessary to give every day your best shot.

Like everyone else, you will fall short more than any of us would want to admit to. However, as the saying goes, if you try you might fail. But if you don’t try, failure is a guarantee.

God, I believe, requires a consistent and serious effort to live up to the Jesus model. He will do the rest.

Forgive me for a moment as I testify about what I know to be true.

My bible says the closer we come

to Jesus’ standards, the more we recognize the blessings of God. And why wouldn’t we?

After all, He has already put His footprints in the snow. The path to righteousness is clear. The goal is simply to be in the right relationship with God. “But seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness and all things will be given you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) This seeking thing to me has always meant working in some capacity; using your gifts to help others. Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who has sent me.”

(John 9:4) I don’t dare put myself anywhere near Jesus’ pedigree, but I am not opposed to working for what I want.

I’ve done it all my life. You probably

have too.

So, the important question is how hard are you willing to work knowing that your eternal soul is at stake? Just what are you willing to do or say to let the world know you are really trying to be a man or woman of God? The good news of the gospel makes it clear that this is easy, if not ridiculously easy. Love God. Love your neighbor. In this context, I’m saying love is a verb.

Throughout the bible, God uses people as instruments. So, to me this work that I’m trying to focus on is recognized by letting go and letting God use me to uplift the soul of another human being. I’m trying to be up to the task.

For those of you who are used to this, you know it is a very humbling experience. But, “…If a man will not work, he shall not eat…And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1013) That’s it really. Get up and get busy and may God bless your effort.

“YOUR VOICE”

If money was no object, what Metro Atlanta neighborhood would you choose to live in?

MELISSA ALEXANDER Atlanta

SPENCER GREENE Atlanta

EVELYN ROBINSON HARDY Marietta

LESLIE WOODS Stone Mountain

“If I could live anywhere in the metro Atlanta area - money, no object - I would probably live in Cascade Heights or Collier Heights. Because, you know, who doesn't love mid-century modern homes? It's a historically black neighborhood. And, you know, that's my kind of jam.”

“The neighborhood I would live in if money wasn't an option. I think I would live in the Summerhill area. It's really up and coming. And there's a lot of really cool restaurants, bars, things to do around there that we like to do, like little cool shops. That's really important to me. I like to have them close to me where I live. But also it feels close enough, like it's in the city, of course, but it doesn't feel like it's in the city as far as traffic. It feels like it is its own little community. But it's close enough to downtown and midtown to get to anywhere you need to go to very quickly. You don't feel like you're in the direct path of traffic. Summerhill seems like a really cool place to live in if I can afford it. ”

“If I had all the money in the world, I would go to Chamblee. I love the shopping areas. I love the food spots. I love the culture of just being able to sit around and be amongst other people who are, you know, bougie.”

“If I had to live in any area because money was no object, it would be a toss up between Kirkwood and the southwest Atlanta East Point where. I love the homes.

A lot of historical homes are in these two neighborhoods. Two communities. I like the walkability of both of those communities, and it reminds me of my time in Boston, where things just made sense because I can get there quickly. I also really, really, really enjoy the atmosphere just being around. That's where it is. So that's where I live.”

Compiled by Vincent Christie

Page 6 • February 2 - 8, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

From the Archives

The Criminal Justice System FEBRUARY 2, 1974

BY J. LOWELL WARE

T

he result of a number of research reports about the system of criminal justice all point to the fat that the system has broken down and is a dismal failure.

The following is a report from three organizations released recently: A federal panel, the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, reports the prisons are obsolete, cannot be reformed, should not be perpetuated. Stop building prisons the Commission says and give offenders light sentences that place them in work release programs and in the hands of community-based agencies.

A Police Foundation study of police deployment in Kansas City concluded that saturation patrols by uniformed cops in marked vehicles does not reduce crime. Target areas were regualry patrolled by one car. The city’s standard patrol method by four cars is saturation patrol and control area that had no regular patrol at all. Police just responded to calls. What happened? Believe it or not, the biggest increases in crime were reported in the district that was constantly patrolled by four cars. The standard one car patrol district has a slight rise in crime over last year. And the no-patrol area actually had a decrease in reported crime.

A special blue-ribbon panel in New York condemned the system of carind for juvenile delinquents. They said the system provides no services for children most in need. There is no equal access to care and treatment and racism consciously or unconsciously pervades the child care system.

These reports explode some of the myths held by most people about crime and its prevention. Most people think that bigger prisons and longer sentences will make the streets safer. That’s fantasy. Prisons only work for the people who get contracts to construct them and the civil severants who work in them. Typical sentences are already longer than in most other countries.

All prisons seem to be able to do is teach younger inmates how not to get caught again. They don’t deter crime. They increase the probability of its rise by embittering convicts by refusing to provide treatment and training and by treating human beings like caged animals.

So current state and federal plans for

From The Atlanta Voice February 2, 1974 publication.

From The Atlanta Voice February 2, 1974 publication.

spending several billion dollars on bigger and better prisons amount to a fantastic waste of money, energy, and human lives.

An even stronger myth is the one about how all it takes to cut crime is to put more cops on the street. The Kansas City test throws some cold water on that one too. Over half of all crimes occur indoors–out of view of street patrol cars. It is safe to say that an investment in community agencies and police community relations could prevent many crimes from being committed.

From a long-range view, the condemnation of the juvenile justice system is most

important. The picture is one of neglect of detained children- - no training, no visible attempts at dealing with their problems, and racial distinctions all along the line.

Since much of the crime rise in recent years is directly attributable to the fact that there are more and more people in younger age groups that tend to run afoul of the law, the best way to cut crime is to adopt constructive youth programs. The lack of services and constant resort to caging young offenders only ensures that kids who could be put on the right track are deflected onto a course that will lead to future, more serious

From The Atlanta Voice February 2, 1974 publication.

offenses.

So the present criminal justice system may be a big failure. But crime is an ever-presnet danger that still must be dealt with. If we are to ourselves and our communities of the criminal elements there must be an effort to develop a concern to the point of becoming involved in the process of eliminating crime.

The Black Press was established in 1827 to improve the living conditions of freed slaves in the North through advocacy journalism and progressive ideas. Even today, our mission is to give a voice to African Americans in the political, social, educational, or entrepreneurial marketplace.

In 1966, Ed Clayton and J. Lowell Ware founded The Atlanta Voice to provide essential coverage of the civil rights movement to the city’s Black residents. The newspaper was born out of the Civil Rights Movement and has since chronicled one of the most significant, volatile, and important eras of American history. Our motto is “A People Without a Voice Cannot Be Heard.” The Atlanta Voice provides the means for African Americans to have their say. The article, written by then Publisher J. Lowell Ware in February of 1974, demonstrates the newspaper’s dedication to its mission. Through its coverage, The Atlanta Voice has become an essential source of information for the African American community, providing them with the means to express themselves and be heard.

theatlantavoice.com • February 2 - 8, 2024 • Page 7

Making their mark.

This Black History Month, we celebrate those driven to write their own story, supported by the leaders and mentors who inspire them on their journey.

Join the first certified African American master chef and his young protégé in exploring how heritage and history shape the path ahead.

Watch now at publix.com/blackhistorymonth.

Certified Master Chef Daryl Shular Assistant Sous Cameron Byron

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Business

ONLINE

Georgia World Congress Center Authority cuts ribbon on Signia by Hilton hotel

Airbnb donates $50k to RICE

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

A

irbnb announced they're directing more than $3 million in grants to 40 US nonprofits as part of the Airbnb Community Fund, including a $50K grant to Atlanta-based Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship (RICE) to support their efforts to advance economic opportunity for Black entrepreneurs.

Committed to helping Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Atlanta innovate, grow, create jobs, and build wealth, RICE has partnered with Airbnb as part of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy since 2022.

The Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy aims to introduce people, especially those from historically underrepresented communities, to hosting on Airbnb.

Through this partnership, RICE and Airbnb have helped hundreds of Black entrepreneurs learn how to tap into the tourism economy and build wealth by turning their spare room or property into a source of extra income.

“Black entrepreneurs constantly experience a lack of access to capital that allows them to grow and scale their businesses," said Jay Bailey, President, and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs.

“Through the Airbnb Community Fund, we can help Black entrepreneurs and small business owners create new jobs, products, revenues, and services in metro Atlanta."

Airbnb launched the Airbnb Community Fund in 2020 to invest $100 million by the end of 2030 and strengthen communities worldwide.

The 2023 Community Fund grants include

$10 million directed to 100+ nonprofits across 40+ countries on six continents.

Several of the Community Fund grants in the US are going to organizations that support Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem and help diverse communities benefit from the tourism economy.

These include RICE, the Brotherhood Crusade in Los Angeles, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund in Washington, DC, and the Hispanic Wealth Project.

Each of these organizations shares a commitment to closing the wealth gap and have been partnering with Airbnb as part of the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, an entrepreneurship development program focused on introducing people to hosting on their platform.

Thanks to collaboration with these organizations and others, more than 1,000 people across the US have participated in the Academy since 2021, learning how they can become an entrepreneur by turning their spare room or property into a source of extra income.

“We’re proud to support the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs’ critical work through the Airbnb Community Fund,” said Nia Brown, Public Policy Manager at Airbnb.

“RICE shares our commitment to building a more inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to help more Black entrepreneurs across Atlanta benefit from home sharing and the tourism economy.”

For more information, visit https:// www.airbnb.com/d/airbnb-entrepreneurship-academy

Lighting the way As a self-taught draftsman, Lewis Latimer worked with Alexander Graham Bell to draw the plans for a new invention: the telephone.

Latimer provided the blueprints and expertise for Bell to file the first telephone patent on February 14, Lewis Howard Latimer 1876, paving the way for what would Courtesy of the Queens Borough Public Library, Long Island Division, Lewis H. Latimer Papers. later become BellSouth. With Latimer’s help, Bell was able to beat his rival to the patent.

In 1884, Latimer joined Thomas Edison’s lab in working on lightbulbs. He guided Edison through the process of filing patent forms, later becoming an expert witness on patents.

As the Smithsonian Institution states, “His (Latimer’s) name will be forever associated with two of the most revolutionary inventions of all time: the incandescent electric lightbulb and the telephone.”

Making Life Better

greystonepower.com

GreyStone Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

THANK YOU, GEORGIA!

Every time you play the Lottery, you’re helping our kids get one step closer to their dreams. For over 30 years, the Georgia Lottery has contributed more than $27.2 billion to education.

On top of that, over 2.1 million HOPE scholars have gone to college, and more than 2 million four-year-olds have attended a Lottery-funded Pre-K Program. That’s a lot of students, so we’ll just say “Thank You, Georgia!” for all of them.

theatlantavoice.com • February 2 - 8, 2024 • Page 9

Education

ONLINE

Georgia House and Senate pass separate bills that would revive prosecutor oversight panels

Educational alternatives hindered for Atlanta students

BY LENTHEUS CHANEY

M

ichelle Hall and her son travel 40 miles daily to a specialized school. Their commute continues since the Atlanta School Board rejected an application last September for a proposed charter school.

Hall, a supporter of the public charter school called Tapestry, said she moved her son from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) to his current school because APS was unable to meet his specialized education needs.

“Getting the attention of the administrators and initiating an IEP (Individualized Education Program) was a frustrating process and took a long time,” Hall said. “Advocating for all the accommodations and support he needed was (also) interrupted and suspended by the pandemic.

“The special education support he did receive was not adequate,” Hall said.

Additionally, Hall noticed a change in her son’s behavior, and his mental well-being declined while attending APS. She said she had to find an alternative for his neurodiverse needs.

“My child, who loved school, was brought to tears on a daily basis. My joyful and naturally extroverted child turned inward and depressed,” Hall said. “Thus, we made the decision to find an educational alternative.”

The term neurodivergent, neurodiverse, or neurodiversity, according to the Cleveland Clinic, refers to people whose brains operate differently, but it is not a medical term. Because there is no clear standard for how a brain should work, using the phrase avoids labeling people as normal or abnormal.

Tapestry's approach to serving neurodiverse students According to Matthew Tyson, president and CEO at Tapestry Public Charter School, Tapestry has a unique educational approach to teaching neurodivergent students that differs from the support currently available in the district schools.

“Tapestry provides an individualized educational environment that focuses on the needs of each student. Neurodiversities are factored into the fabric of the school and not as an afterthought,” Tyson said. “Students with and without neurodiversities are taught together, participate in school activities, and are included together.”

Tapestry currently operates one location within the Dekalb County School District, and they seek approval for operation within the APS system. However, the Atlanta School Board unanimously rejected their application.

“We are disappointed by their decision and saddened for the over 600 APS families who supported us,” Tyson said.

“We still believe that we would be a valuable addition to APS or another school district that strives to meet the needs of a diverse student body.”

Familiar with the needs of neurodiverse students, Tyson believes in the work Tapestry does and served as the school’s first assistant principal eight years ago.

“I worked in Dekalb for my entire career but was looking for a way to impact the lives of more neurodivergent learners,” Tyson said. “I grew up as the oldest of four neurodiverse boys and spent my entire teaching career as a self-contained special education teacher.”

Tyson said he witnessed special education students being marginalized and not included in the school culture. He said he has a mission to end these practices.

Photo Credit: iStock/zimmytws

“All students should be celebrated for their unique talents, and all schools should be set up in a way that allows those students to pursue their dreams in an authentically inclusive setting,” Tyson said. “My goal has always been to support a school that genuinely understands and respects the needs of neurodiverse learners, and Tapestry is that school.”

Why APS denied Tapestry’s charter application Several members of the school board were approached for comment, and none responded.

However, in an interview with decaturish.com, prior to being elected as the new District 3 Atlanta School Board member, Ken Zeff said, "The district must do more to support its students with special needs. Too often, parents are compelled to go above and beyond to get proper services for their children. This has dramatic equity implications for parents who are denied agency to advocate for their kids.”

Zeff, the executive director of an education nonprofit, said that addressing the regular vacancies of special education teachers marks a starting point.

“We must invest in our teachers by streamlining bureaucracy and providing them more voice in how they manage their caseload and the students in their care,” Zeff said. “We must be open to all options to serve this population that is rightfully looking to the adults in the system to support their individual education journey.”

According to the Atlanta Board of Education’s meeting agenda dated Sep. 5, the document states a recommended action of denial of Tapestry’s application based on the following reasons: - The current underutilization of a significant number of schools - The existing staff shortages currently impacting the district’s Special Education Department - Tapestry's ability to maintain demographic parity in light

of its issues with doing so at its Dekalb location In response to the board’s decision, Tyson said Tapestry represents a very diverse student body, and the Atlanta School Board’s recommendation represents erroneous facts.

“We make concerted efforts to recruit from across the district. APS failed to acknowledge that a significant number of our students are neither black nor white, resulting in a skewed representation, Tyson said. “In addition, they failed to acknowledge that 40% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch using incomplete data, which represented an inaccurate presentation.”

Hall said the Atlanta Board of Education's denial of the charter school demonstrates a larger issue and has nothing to do with catering to neurodivergent students.

“They've never articulated an interest in supporting special education or neurodiverse students,” Hall said. “The board didn't want to engage in a new charter; they were too distracted by their termination of the superintendent. I believe APS's verdict had nothing to do with serving neurodiverse student needs and everything to do with the dysfunction in the school system."

Next steps for neurodiverse APS students Following the rejection of its application, Tapestry’s administration anticipates finding new ways to grow its footprint.

“The Tapestry Board is still assessing its next steps,” Tyson said. “The Board is committed to replication and is reviewing all potential alternative paths for expanding our model to the metro Atlanta community.”

And although Hall will continue making the daily trips for now, she still said Tapestry is the right solution for APS. “Adding Tapestry to their offerings would be a way to promote their focus on inclusion,” Hall said. “I believe Tapestry is a proven model and a great addition to the mosaic of educational options in APS.”

Page 10 • February 2 - 8, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Education

Oakland Elementary School gets $20k Box Tops gift for nutrition

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

A

s teachers and students return to school following the holiday season, Box Tops for Education donated $20,000 to Oakland Elementary School in McDonough.

In addition to Oakland, Box Tops for Education donated to 13 other schools in need nationwide (in total $280,000). According to The Education Trust, low-income schools receive approximately $1,000 less per student in state and local funding, which contributes to inequity and lost opportunities for these students.

As a Title 1 school, Oakland Elementary receives federal funding to support the academic achievement of low-income students, and with 79% of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, school leaders are determined to provide the proper nutrition for all their students.

Oakland Elementary School Principal Andre Johnson said it feels amazing to be given a blessing in the form of $20,000 from Box Tops for Education.

“I'm a person that is for the students. It feels amazing to be given this opportunity to be back into their lives and just so back into the community because this community has a new principal here. This community has opened their arms and their doors and accepted me as their leader of their children and their education,” he said. “My whole purpose is just to make the school more a hub for the community, so that's why we were so excited for this $20,000 Box Top donation.

Additionally, Oakland Elementary has transformed Box Tops’ $20K donation into a new garden-to-table program, something they’ve been wanting to start for quite some time but didn’t know how it would be funded. The $20,000 donation will also be used to maintain mentor groups and angel funds for the lunchroom to ensure every student receives a nourishing meal each day. The program began in August 2023.

Box Tops Brand Experience Manager Lilly Moeding said Box Tops for Education has always believed that a child’s education is the foundation to achieving their fullest potential.

“We all know schools do not receive enough funding, sadly, so that was true when the program launched in 1996, which continues to be true today in 2024. So as part of General Mills' commitment to advance equity in education, Access is working to help students in schools where support is most needed,” she said. “That's the reason why we recently made this donation of $20,000 to 14 schools in need and that's what we call these low-income schools that really could use extra help through our pro-

Box Tops for Education donated $20,000 to Oakland Elementary School in McDonough. Photos courtesy of Oakland Elementary School With the $20,000, Principal Johnson and Oakland Elementary’s mental health and wellness facilitator Willie Marie Holmes partnered with nonprofit Young Men Rising to start the Garden-To-Table program to build garden beds, plant seeds, and learn all about gardening, on top of a mentoring program.

gram. We recently made this $20,000 donation to 14 of them, and Oakland Elementary was one of the schools that were selected.”

By nurturing nature, Oakland Elementary is nourishing minds so students are ready to grow inside and outside the classroom.

Willie Marie Holmes, Oakland Elementary’s mental health and wellness facilitator, is leading these efforts with help from the school’s Young Men Rising program. Together, they have already set the wheels in motion by building garden beds and benches, planting seedlings in grow bags, and more.

“We're very thankful to be selected by Box Tops for Education for the money because

See BOX TOPS on page 11

theatlantavoice.com • February 2 - 8, 2024 • Page 11

Education

BOX TOPS Continued from page 10 we believe the same as them that education is the foundation for our children to reach their fullest potential. We are there to ensure that our children are receiving a quality education,” Holmes said.

The garden-to-table program, according to Holmes, offers mental health and wellness for students because it gives them a mentor to help them talk about school, soil, and how to nurture planets and grow them.

“It gives them an outlet to talk to a mentor about their well-being, health, and what they're doing in school. On the other side of the garden program and mentorship is that we take what they plant, and we cook it. We do cooking demonstrations with the students, we show them how to make collard greens, a salad, and things of that nature,” he said. “We bring the parents in, so they can receive the same plant skills into their home. It’s a full circle because we want to put a more sense of belonging in the school and make sure everyone has a great mentor.”

“We’re building connections with students, staff, community partners, and with the community and with parents, we're forging relationships through our initiatives,” Holmes said.

Additionally, Holmes said the garden program is near and dear to her heart.

“I really love the garden program, and it has really helped our students with having the opportunity to learn how to grow fresh vegetables and just eating it and knowing the taste of growing food without any of the pesticide tastes like,” she said. “The garden is also a place where we can get out

Oakland Elementary School is a Title I school located in Henry County.

there and talk. We can get there and talk about issues that may be related to school or may not be related to school.”

Furthermore, Holmes said without the help of Young Men Rising, there would be no garden. The nonprofit helped build the garden beds in the school’s courtyard, according to Holmes.

“They have donated so much time and donated some of their own resources with helping us get it started until we got our funding from Box Tops for Education,” she said. “Young Men Rising is vital to the success of the school garden. It would not be what it is today without them and I'm so very thankful for them.”

In five years, Holmes said she wants to see fruit trees all around the building.

“I want to see anywhere that we can garden that this space is being used to grow fresh food for staff, students, and the community,” she said.

Both Holmes and Johnson said they want this program to be about the community and the kids.

“It's not just providing food, relationships, cooking opportunities, and mentorships here. We want them to grow and thrive in the home as well,” Johnson said.

“That being a touch point between siblings, between mother and father, between grandparents, aunts, and uncles because

as a part of our school, we're tied to one school with 79% of our students being low income. Currently, with increased rent, and housing instability, you never know if from one day, if you're living in your home where you live, in which you're on, or how you may transition.

Johnson said in addition to the partnership, they are also buying greenhouses for the garden.

“Even in these months where we actually have the winter garden going, we can start preparing for our spring and our summer garden by planting seedlings in the greenhouse,” he said. “I’m grateful for this donation from Box Tops. The $20,000 has just launched us into a new era for the garden-to-table program. We are already seeing a transformation in our students with their relationships with teachers, other students because of the mentoring, and the way that they're caring for the garden.”

Moeding also said participating in Box Tops for Education is a “really easy way for anyone to support their school of choice or a school in need.

“All you need to do is download the Box Tops for Education app and scan your grocery receipt; we're no longer clipping. The program is now fully digital when you scan your grocery receipt, including any box taps, and participating products, and includes family favorites like Cheerios, Annie's Mac and Cheese, and Nature Valley Granola bars, you'll earn cash for your selected school, so you simply scan your receipt in the app. The app reads your receipt and instantly puts that cash into a pending account for your school of choice, and then we mail checks to schools twice a year in December and in April.”

Economy

Zoo Atlanta’s annual job fair is set for Thursday, Feb 8

Z

BY DONNELL SUGGS oo Atlanta's annual seasonal and part-time job fair is back.

Scheduled to take place on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the job fair offers registered applicants an array of opportunities to work at one of Atlanta's most popular tourist attractions.

The job fair will take place in the Conservation Action Resource Center. Applicants are asked to enter at the south end of the Cherokee Avenue parking lot.

"As a workplace and as a culture, Zoo Atlanta is unlike any other destination in the city," said Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond King in

an email to The Atlanta Voice.

"Our team members have the opportunity to come to work surrounded by hundreds of animals from around the world, contribute to a mission of conservation of wildlife and their habitats, and make a positive impact on our community."

Among the positions available are admissions cashiers, membership sales associates, education instructors, ride attendants, ropes course guides, summer camp instructors, and more.

"We always look forward to welcoming new team members to the fun, meaningful, and inclusive experience that is working at the Zoo," King said.

Zoo Atlanta will host a job fair Thur., Feb 8. Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta

Page 12 • February 2 - 8, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Sports

ONLINE

US identifies three Georgia-based soldiers killed in attack in Jordan

Atlanta’s best sports rivalry takes place in the AUC

BY DONNELL SUGGS

W

ebster's dictionary describes a rival as "one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess." No words are truer when describing Atlanta's best in-town sports rivalry. The Clark Atlanta Panthers and Morehouse College Maroon Tigers have played one another in basketball for decades and on Saturday, Jan. 27 the latest chapter in a rivalry took place at L.S. Epps Gymnasium on the campus of Clark Atlanta University.

Clark Atlanta would win their seventh consecutive game, 70-62. The second chapter of this rivalry will take place at Forbes Arena on the campus of Morehouse College on Saturday, Feb. 17. Following the game, Panthers head coach Alfred Jordan said, "Our guys knew the implications of this game in the standings, and accepted the challenge. Hats off to [Morehouse] coach [Douglas] Whitlter and his team for making the game a battle."

Morehouse College (12-6 overall, 9-2 conf.), currently at the top of the SIAC standings with a 9-2 conference record, came into the matchup on the heels of a 58-52 victory at Talladega College. Clark Atlanta (13-3 overall, 7-3 conf.) hadn't lost a game in the new year, winning six straight to start the second half of the season following the holiday break.

L.S. Epps Gymnasium was packed to capacity an hour before tip-off Saturday afternoon. DJ Crizis (pronounced "Crisis") was playing music that had the crowd on its feet throughout warm ups and player introductions.

The Clark Atlanta Might Marching Band provided the National Anthem and the game was underway. Both teams came out of the gate tight, missing the first seven shots of the game between them. Morehouse forwards Chukwuebuka Nwafor and Ahmand Decker scored the first two baskets of the game to give the Maroon Tigers a 5-0 lead. Clark Atlanta senior guard Elijah Stewart, a former Morehouse player who transferred to Clark along with his twin brother Andrew following their graduation from Morehouse, delivered the Panthers its first three points on a drive and subsequent free throw.

The Stewart twins are veterans of this rivalry, having played games on both home courts and during the conference tournaments. Before the game both players greeted several of their former teammates.

The Panthers took its first lead at 9-5 when Elijah Stewart (10 points) scored again on a drive followed by a jumper from fellow senior guard Jalen NeSmith, whose father Malloy "Future" NeSmith is a New York City playground legend. The younger NeSmith, a leftie, has tattoos on his left arm, "Son of a Legend" and "New York". The hoops pedigrees didn't stop there, with the son of former University of Michigan guard Demetrius Calip, Demetrius Calip II, a Morehouse junior guard that transferred in from a Los Angeles junior college program, giving Morehouse a 13-10 lead with a three-pointer.

Calip's father was a member of the 1989 Wolverines national title team alongside National Basketball Association (NBA) great Glen Rice.

There were six ties during the first half, with neither team leading by more than five points during the first 16 minutes of the game. The next four minutes would see Clark Atlanta lead by as much as 10 points. The score was 25-20 with 3:13 remaining in the first half following a jumper from sophomore forward and Bronx, New York native Shemani Fuller (15

Clark Atlanta hosted Morehouse College in the first of two annual regular-season meetings, on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by Menra Mapfumo/ The Atlanta Voice

The Panthers defeated the Maroon Tigers 70-62, in front of a capacity crowd inside L.S. Epps Gymnasium. Photo by Menra Mapfumo/The Atlanta Voice

points and six rebounds). A Western Michigan signee out of high school, Fuller's relationship with Panthers head coach Alfred Jordan, both are native New Yorkers and alums of the Cardinal Hayes High School basketball program, helped him find a home in Atlanta after averaging less than 10 minutes a game as a freshman. Fuller contributed a three-pointer and a put back to help Clark earn the largest lead of the game going into halftime, but it was a twisting drive by NeSmith that brought the crowd to its feet and gave Clark Atlanta a 37-23 advantage.

The second half would begin with a 12-5 run by the Maroon Tigers to cut the Clark lead to just seven points. Morehouse junior Jaden Gray scored four of those points. A junior college transfer from powerhouse program Panola College, Gray

(13 points and six rebounds) scored both baskets from midrange. Members of his family sat behind the scorers table and yelled every time he touched the ball.

Clark Atlanta University head coach Alfred Jordan. Photo

by Menra Mapfumo/The Atlanta Voice Clark Atlanta's veteran guards would help right the ship with baskets from Andrew Stewart (14 points, five rebounds, and three assists), a three-pointer, and Chris Martin. The latter having played on the Division I level at Presbyterian College before transferring to Clark Atlanta and choosing to sit out last season.

Clark Atlanta took its largest lead of the game, 60-42, at the 10-minute mark when NeSmith, Martin and Fuller scored on consecutive Panther possessions.

Morehouse was far from finished, with freshman guard Cedric Taylor III (team-high 17 points on 6-18 from the floor) scoring five straight points, including a deep three-pointer.

Morehouse was behind by eight points with seven minutes to play when Fuller scored in the paint to put the home team ahead 65-55. Morehouse pulled back within eight points when junior Nate Lacewell (10 points) connected on a corner three-pointer with 3:40 remaining in the game. A transfer from Texas State University last year, Lacewell came into the game averaging just over four points per game. That shot gave him six points in the game. A pair of free throws from Gray and an offensive rebound and put back from Keshawn Pegues drew Morehouse within six points.

With a minute to play in the game Martin gave the Panthers a six-point advantage on a drive to the basket. A double-digit scorer on the season, Martin only had three points at halftime, but rebounded to score 13 points during the game.

NeSmith (nine points, four assists, and three rebounds) would go to the free throw line late in the game, making a pair that put the game out of reach.

theatlantavoice.com • February 2 - 8, 2024 • Page 13

Arts

ONLINE

50 years ago Maynard Jackson was elected Atlanta’s first Black mayor.

Purchase this limited edition commemorative shirt today! www.theatlantavoice.com

Atlanta artist unveils personal mural at East Lake Publix

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

I

n honor of Martin Luther King and his profound legacy, Publix launched a communications campaign highlighting Atlanta locals who carry forward the torch of his ideals.

The creative centerpiece of this campaign holds great significance and is a first for Publix: a mural on the external wall at the East Lake store in Atlanta (2235 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta).

The mural illustrates the impact and teachings of Dr. King through the personal experiences and interpretation of Atlanta artist N. Carlos J. Publix said they partnered with Carlos not only because he expertly weaves powerful themes throughout his art, but also because of his passion for inspiring others and bringing people together.

When he first got the call, Carlos said, it was an unbelievable feeling.

“I felt honored Publix believed I could come up with delivering such an important

message. They felt I was the type of person and artist to embody what they were trying to do to show the community in Atlanta,” he said. “It’s like a legacy moment because now that it’s done, that’s a footprint that won't and can’t ever be taken away. I was able to do that and put my family on the wall. When you have your family flying in to see, stand in front of it, and understand the magnitude of what that means, it’s unbelievable.”

The mural, Carlos said, is very personal to him because it became personal during the process.

“It’s about legacy, but it became personal for me and was sort of like a story. The whole idea is about MLK and his legacy, but it’s also about what he left for all of us. To put my family into the mural was to illustrate what he did to allow all of us to do what we’re doing, so I made it personal,” he said.

The mural, Carlos said, took him alongside two assistants, two weeks to complete.

Carlos said his inspiration for the mural was essentially Dr. King’s ideals and how

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The mural illustrates the impact and teachings of Dr. King through the personal experiences and interpretation of Atlanta artist N. Carlos J. Photo courtesy of Publix those ideals still manifest in the present day.

Additionally, he said the storyline of the mural starts off with the bird, who is a spiritual representation of MLK. “It's (the bird) floating above us and everyone down below. It's like in spiritual form, and it's got the Nobel Peace Prize around its neck, looking down protecting us and giving us the light and still providing those ideologies and fearlessness that MLK had,” he said.

The next part of the mural, Carlos said, are stories personal to him. After the bird, comes Carlos’ father.

“He (his father) embodied some of those same ideals that MLK pushed down to us, so I have him there,” he said. “Then there's another version of him next to it where he's holding, nurturing, and protecting his child, giving his child information that the next generation will take and push forward as well.

Following his dad, the next image on the mural people will see is Carlos and his daughter.

“I'm basically doing the same thing that my dad did in the mural. I'm pushing those messages and ideologies that will help her in her lifetime,” he said. “I have a key in my hand and I'm unlocking her mind and heart and passing that information to her. The key also symbolizes the key that they used to lock MLK in jail in Birmingham.”

Carlos said there’s a lot of symbolism and thoughts going throughout the mural. The next part of the mural is the “hands of the older generation”, according to Carlos.

“The hands of the older generation are nurturing the seedlings of the younger generation, so that's when you see the water.

The water dropped into the plant so they can grow and then because of that, you see the child that's holding the balloons, symbolizing that child can fly and the sky's the limit because of all this love, protection, and com-

munity,” he said. “All of that has been passed along to this child, and then it just keeps going. The child becomes this adult, and you can see inside the adult figure standing on top of the mountain and that's again showing that the sky's the limit and anything's possible. You can do whatever you want.”

Furthermore, the flowers he said around her are just like spirits.

“The spirits are full of love being passed along throughout that storyline. That's the ideologies and the love in the building and community that's being passed along throughout the story. So, it keeps going along and the girl receiving love is passing it along,” he said. “You can see the hands coming out of their minds passing along knowledge and love, that's when you see the books, and this goes into the next member of the community.”

The next generation is becoming an adult, according to Carlos.

“The last part is the bird flying forward and it becomes another MLK, another person who now will be doing the same thing, will do exactly what he was doing when he was here, and what he left behind. That bird now will be able to do the same thing,” he said.

Additionally, Carlos said he wanted the mural to motivate, inspire, and push people forward who may never even meet nor see him.

“I thought it was important to make it personal and make it about family, love, and history because someone who I'm never going to ever see is going to witness this and going to mean something to them and that's really the whole legacy part of it for me,” he said.

“It's like I'm leaving something behind that's going to bless me with my art.”

For more information, visit https://blackcommunity.publix.com/mlk/.

Page 14 • February 2 - 8, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

ONLINE

Health

Georgia Democrats vow to get abortion rights on the ballot in November’s elections

Church support leads to healthy congregation, study finds

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE

T

he church has been an anchor for many people in the Black community. A recent study revealed that religion played a role in one's health. According to the American Heart Association, Those who believe religion plays a vital role in their health may be more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, be physically active, and have confidence asking questions of healthcare providers than their peers who don't share that belief. The report was based on a study by Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine students in New Orleans. Their findings reveal that the church's strong support has led to healthy people in the congregation.

"The black church has played an important role in their constituents' spiritual, social, and physical well-being. The more cynical view would be that people are just leaving it up to God. But I think what's happening here is we're showing the opposite. It's actually through the support from church that it can improve your health," said Farah Allouch, epidemiology PhD student at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Allouch and the team behind the study sent a questionnaire to 300 Black churchgoers in New Orleans. Through the answers, they discovered people who said that religion dramatically influences their health tended to have better health behaviors. The questionnaire also revealed that 70% of participants in the study reported that they had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and about 50% also reported diabetes.

Allouch believes structural racism and the unfortunate legacy of slavery in the United States have played a role in their condition.

The purpose of the study is to provide data to back up a more comprehensive study that would determine if a program that would lower the risk of heart disease in black churches would be effective. Allouch elaborates that the team intended to use the initial study to leverage the support and sense of community people already have within the church and their neighborhoods to try to maintain that program. Allouch has seen similar programs that did not last due to structure.

"I think a lot of the time, what ends up happening in these more community-based programs is the researchers come in, do the program, get the results, publish their papers, and then they're out. Then, whenever that money goes out of the program, it's not

The church has been an anchor for many people in the Black community. A recent study revealed that religion played a role in one's health Credit: iStock/Bohdan Bevz sustainable.

In this study, we're trying to leverage what already exists: this enormous sense of community. The immense feeling of people looking out for each other and trying to integrate that to lower that risk of heart disease," said Allouch.

Another piece of information the study uncovered is Black churchgoers are aware that their health is in their hands. Dr. LaPrincess Brewer is a cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. She conducted a similar study in August 2022, and her findings uncovered that Black churchgoers are not just relying on faith to be healthy.

"Many of the participants we interact with in our studies have shared their strong faith and belief that God will care for them. How-

ever, rather than relying on God alone to heal them, they tend to view their health as something they need to work towards alongside God, strengthening their faith. In many of our focus group discussions, interviews, or participant testimonials, we've had individuals share that they feel empowered to improve their heart health to live the life God has intended for them," said Dr. Brewer.

Dr. Brewer suggests incorporating health messaging in sermons and other worship services for those who want to improve the well-being of their church home and family. Dr.Brewer explains in the report sermons that emphasize unhealthy habits to avoid may provide a strong motive for churchgoers to adopt healthy lifestyles. Another interventional step to apply is blood pressure screenings at the church. Connecting people to primary care services and providing

coaching and education programs on healthier eating and physical activities are more ideas to guide the congregation in a healthier direction.

What's next for Allouch and her team in the New Orleans study is preparing for a more comprehensive study. The group aims to recruit 1200 participants across 40 churches in New Orleans. With the data from this study, Allocuch and the team can determine what is sustainable and how it can be scaled. Their goal for all this work is to make a difference in the locals' health.

"We're trying to make it as easy as possible for folks to monitor their health to make small changes to their lifestyle that, hopefully, in the long term, they can sustain. And they can sustain as part of this larger community at the churches," said Allouch.

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At The Atlanta Voice we are telling the stories of the community. Our voices matter. Our community matters.

Facts matter. Producing journalism that impacts our readers is what we do best and have done for the past 55 years, and in order to keep doing that at this level we need all the financial assistance we can get.

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