The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 020924

February 9-February 2, 2024 • Vol. 58 Issue 40 • FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

Breakthrough Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease PAGE 14

AROUND TOWN

Watch our Instagram stories @theatlantavoice

‘THIS IS COMING HOME’ New Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris addressed the media during a press conference inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium Monday afternoon. AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Page 2 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Metro

ONLINE

Chase, Hawks, ATL Alumni collab on new apparel that celebrates Black History Month, Atlanta culture

Morris, who spent 11 games as the interim head coach during the 2020 season, is once the first Black head coach in the team’s history. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Raheem Morris is the right man for the Atlanta Falcons

BY DONNELL SUGGS

N

ew Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris sat between the team's general manager Terry Fontenot and Greg Beadles, the team's president. On his face was a smile, a really big smile in fact.

Morris, who once occupied the Falcons' top spot on an interim basis, is now the head man in charge. Raheem Morris is also the right man to lead this team.

Here's why?: Morris wants to be here. "This is coming home," he said, returning to Atlanta where he went 4-7 as the interim head coach during the 2020 season following a 0-5 start and the subsequent firing of then head coach and current Washington Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn. "When you get a chance to come back home in this profession it is extra important," said Morris.

Morris gets what this position means.

Having worked in Atlanta already, Morris clearly understands what being the first Black head coach for arguably the city's most popular and polarizing professional sports club means. "I do understand the importance of being the first Black coach of the Atlanta Falcons," said Morris, who referred to Atlanta as "The Mecca of Black history."

Later on during the press conference, Morris said he respected the fact that his potentially becoming the first Black man to lead this team without "interim" attached Morris is experienced and knows what it takes to lead a team. Despite what his overall coaching record might look like at the moment (21-38 overall). A former head coach with the Tampa Bay Bucs from 2009-2011, Morris amassed an overall record of 17-31 during that time and missed the playoffs all three seasons. A highlight, however, is what took place during the 2010 season when the Bucs were 10-6. So there's a winning season

mixed up in there and thus an understanding of playing winning football in the NFC South.

"It's going to be a winning culture and we're here to win football games," Morris said.

Morris is a family man. Seconds into his introductory press conference and Morris immediately thanked his family, who were in attendance, including his wife, daughters, son, and his parents. Saying at one point during his opening remarks that it was "Absolutely outstanding that they are here today."

Morris and Fontenot feel like a buddy cop movie and I LOVE IT. "It's really cool sitting next to him," Morris said of Fontenot.

The pair both acknowledged how close they have gotten during the interview process, which included more than a dozen people and started on Jan. 8, according to Beadles.

Fontenot, in his fourth year as the first Black

general manager of the Falcons, joked that he is often on Facetime with Morris enough to already be familiar with his family. The pair of groundbreakers will be getting even closer as NFL draft time nears, so it's a good thing that they get along. "He's been to two Super Bowls and he's got a ring, and we're going to get him another one," Fontenot said of Morris, who won a Super Bowl as a member of the Los Angeles Rams staff. "That's our charge."

The Atlanta Falcons have a Black head football coach, and this time it is without the interim tag attached. I believe Raheem Morris is the right man to lead this team. Atlanta has missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons, so even though Morris has his hands full, the dude just gets it. "The community supports us on Sundays. It's our job to support them too," said Morris.

theatlantavoice.com • February 9-February 15, 2024 • Page 3

Metro

Atlanta's Killer Mike wins 3 Grammys

BY STAFF REPORT

K

iller Mike won three Grammys at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. The Atlanta native and Douglass High School alum Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers.” He also won Best Rap Album for Michael.

Killer Mike is 48 years old and shares his Best Rap Performance award with featured artists André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane. For Best Rap Song, André 3000, Paul Beauregard, James Blake, Tim Moore, and Dion Wilson all share the win as well. During his speech, Mike proclaimed artists aren’t too old to win music’s highest honor.

“For all the people out there that think you get too old to rap, bullshit,” exclaimed Killer Mike during the Grammys pre-show held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “I don’t give a damn if you’re 78 rapping about how many gals you got in the nursing home, make sure we keep hip-hop alive.”

In 2003, Killer Mike picked up best rap performance by a duo or group for “The Whole World,” his collaboration with OutKast.

Killer Mike beat out Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss, Nas’ King’s Disease III, Travis Scott’s Utopia and Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villains. Tracks nominated for best rap song

Killer Mike poses in the press room with the awards for best rap performance and best rap song for "Scientists & Engineers," and best rap album for "Michael" during the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP and best rap performance included Doja Cat’s “Attention,” Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock,” Drake and 21 Savage’s “Rich Flex,” Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar’s “The Hillbillies,” Black Thought’s “Love Letter” and

Coi Leray’s “Players.”

Killer Mike was arrested at the Grammy Awards on Sunday. According to a video posted by The Hollywood Reporter, he was escorted in handcuffs by Los Angeles police

at Crypto.com Arena after an altercation inside the arena around 4 p.m. He was booked on a misdemeanor and released on his own recognizance at 8:37 p.m. He is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 29 in Los Angeles.

Page 4 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“You must place interest in principle above interest on principal.”

— Julian Bond

Biden, The Black Church And Mother Emanuel

BY JOHN THOMAS III, PH.D.

O

ne could be forgiven for wondering exactly what happened at Mother Emanuel on Monday when US President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. visited in his first campaign swing of the 2024 Presidential cycle.

As an affiliate member of Mother Emanuel, a journalist, and a collegiate Political Science professor, I confess that I needed a few days to sit with the variety of emotions and perspectives that I felt after Monday’s program.

We know that the Black Church as an institution is more to the African American community than a religious place. It is a vital institutional pillar that has undergirded our existence. From providing physical places to gather and shelter to opportunities for leadership and training to incubators for economic development, the Black Church is a singular institution whose influence sets African Americans apart from different parts of the Diaspora in the Western Hemisphere.

We AMEs take pride in navigating the world of United States politics, including Presidents in our midst. William McKinley visited Quinn Chapel AME Church in Chicago in one of his last speeches before his assassination in 1901.

John F. Kennedy invited the entire Council of Bishops to the White House to recognize Daniel Payne’s role in signing the Emancipation Proclamation. And, of course, Presidential candidates routinely attend our General Conferences.

So, when people question the appropriateness of the sitting United States President to show up to an AME Church, our history shows that he is just the latest in a long line of persons who have come to our doors. Furthermore, President Biden has a special relationship with the AME Church. He was a frequent visitor at Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware, when he represented that state in the United States Senate. He also personally visited the families of the Mother Emanuel victims and the survivors of the 2015 massacre days after the tragedy in a show of solidarity—even though his own son, Beau, had died of cancer days before. As Congressman James Clyburn (and AME Church member) said in his introduction of the President, “We know Joe.” With this context, the visit of President Biden to an AME Church makes sense.

But we know contexts change. The Black Church is not what it once was, and American Democracy is not what it once was. When the protestors stood up in Mother Emanuel during the President’s speech, I immediately noticed they were the youngest people in the sanctuary. Given that they couldn’t bring in signs, I appreciated their boldness and that, when

T H E AT L A N TA

VOICE FOUNDED May 11, 1966

FOUNDER/EDITOR Ed Clayton Immortalis Memoria

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

There are no easy answers, but we know that our faith in Christ will guide us, and we must be obedient enough to follow and act upon it.Photo Credit iStock.com/ChristianChan asked to leave, they respectfully did so and honored the fact that it was a house of worship and sacred ground. We know that there is a generational and ethnic divide in American opinion on the conflict in Gaza, and many of the people were more concerned that they were “disrespecting the President” than their actual viewpoint about genocide. The largely 60-plus crowd in the room was a friendly audience to the President. And we know that the Black Church as an institution is losing inroads among younger generations. Faith will always be important to African Americans— but how that faith is practiced and what institutions shape it is evolving and changing.

Likewise, African American voting patterns are shifting, and the arguments and appeals to Black voters must shift.

Bishop Samuel Green, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District, reminded those assembled in his remarks that while Ella Baker, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and other luminaries of the African American freedom struggle might have had issues with American democracy if there was a choice between President Biden or former President Trump, we know they adamantly would have backed the incumbent. This stark reminder of the situation of American democracy, where White nationalist demagogues and insurrectionists have seemingly hijacked one party, speaks to the peril that the country is in. Yet, for

a generation that has seen the ladder to opportunity kicked down, George Floyd’s life crushed out of him, and the US Capitol bathed in tear gas, the entire electoral process and its benefits are questionable.

As I walked out of Mother Emanuel and back to my office, I saw the snappy punditry beginning to digest the President’s visit. Some things, however, take time to sit and think through. We do ourselves a disservice with snap judgments for a microwave news cycle. Members of the AME Church must think about what it means for the President of the United States to visit our church and what it means for Israel to flout humanitarian norms in the Gaza Strip. We must ask ourselves how best to use our resources to serve the communities we minister to in this troubling time for American Democracy.

There are no easy answers, but we know that our faith in Christ will guide us, and we must be obedient enough to follow and act upon it.

John Thomas III, Ph.D. is the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the official newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the President of the Associated Church Press and an Executive Committee Member of the World Association of Christian Communicators--North America Section. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, he has recently relocated to Charleston, South Carolina where he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the College of Charleston

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 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 9-February 15, 2024 • Page 5

Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

What’s in your wallet?

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

We all understand the concept of a “card-carrying member.” As a matter of fact, you can be categorized by what affiliation you hold by what cards are in your purse or wallet.

To be blatantly honest, we’ve got card-carrying Democrats and Republicans. You can get a membership card for every organization from the NAACP to the ACLU. The more I study the more I’m moved to realize that being a professed card-carrying Christian man or woman of faith, is, as I’ve said countless times, tantamount to putting a bull’s eye on your back and inviting an artillery barrage on your location.

Scripture tells us that accepting Jesus Christ as a way of life is never an easy task. Being crucified, thrown to the lions for fun and games, beheaded or ostracized were all very real possibilities for early Christians; those who believed and then lived according to

Once you commit your life to Christ, preciates mercy causes an adverse from those who believe isn’t it interesting the kind of attention reaction otherwise? Isn’t it a wonder that those who love Christ invite the you attract? wrath of Lucifer in all his forms? the Word of God. Is today so different?

Once you commit your life to Christ, isn’t it interesting the kind of attention you attract?

“Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9.)

Looking around the world today, it is ludicrous not to recognize that religious persecution is still the number one cause of war and man’s inhumanity to man.

CNN will attest to the fact that people all over the planet are be-

ing systematically annihilated for the so-called God they worship. We sometimes take for granted the religious freedom we have (or used to have) in this country and I believe it has lulled us into a sense that being a Christian is easy.

Well, it’s not and never has been.

It’s empowering. It’s enlightening.

It’s eternal. But it is not easy.

The good news is we are not alone and never have been. Living for God is the reality of human existence. Christians believe in life after physical death.

We have some insight into what to expect. Faith lets us know the difference between the physical and the eternal.

Is it a wonder then, that belief in a deity who demands love and ap-

That target on your back should be worn like a red badge of courage because courage is what it’s going to take to first withstand the ridicule of the world and next the scorn of those who would tempt the weaknesses of your passions and addictions, let alone threaten your very life.

I continue to be moved by the acts of faith contained in the bible and those we see every day, where a simple declaration that Christ is the Son of God is an invitation to certain and immediate harm and yes even death.

Let me at least acknowledge that there is a target on my back and thereby tell the world I’m very easy to find.

May God bless and keep you always.

“YOUR VOICE”

What’s one date experience you’d recommend in Metro Atlanta?

BASIRA BRAZILLE Riverdale “I would suggest and recommend Ponce City Market for a date night because it is very fluid. It’s outside.

It’s active. And so you’re not just sitting down. Just eating and just conversing. You’re able to move around in a diverse town. So I would recommend Ponce City Market.”

GOMER ISRAEL YOUNG Atlanta “The one date night spot I would suggest would be Joystick on Edgewood Avenue. It’s an oldschool quarter arcade. And if I’m not mistaken, I believe there’s at least one day of the week when it’s free play. They have everything from Dungeons Dragons night and karaoke nights, and it’s a relatively chill environment.”

TAMIKA LEE Fayetteville I love open mic nights, so I would recommend the Laughing Library that meets every Thursday and the Laughing Skull. I think it’s on Monday nights, but they’re really great events if you love to laugh.”

AMOR AMENKUM Atlanta “My recommendation for a date night here in Atlanta would have to be The Last Sunday Social. It’s an event held by Ebony Dowdy on the last Sunday of the month. Beautiful vibe. We have vendors out there and it has a kickback vibe. A friend of mine refers to it as a family reunion every last Sunday of the month.

Compiled by Vincent Christie

Page 6 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

From the Archives

Young, King step into congress bid February 22, 1970

BY BOYD LEWIS

W

hen Julian Bond changed his mind and decided to not to run for Congressman from Atlanta, two Black movement leaders stepped almost simultaneously into the race.

On February 12 Rev, Andrew Young of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was reported by associates to be preparing to enter the race in the Fifth Congressional District early next month.

And four days later, Lonnie King of the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP announced his candidacy for Fifth District Congressman vanguard of civil rights struggles in Atlanta and both have extensive experience with the Black and poor communities.

THOMPSON FAILS Rev. Young said he entered the race because he doesn't believe the present congressman Fletcher Thompson, a Republican from East Point, represents the interests of all Atlantans.

Rev Young looks younger than his 37 years and has been a SCLC leader for nine years.

“If I run”, Young said, “I want to make sure that as many people in this district as possible have a solid understanding of what the issues are.”

“If we can only get people to respond to issues rather than race, we can change the whole of politics in America.”

Rev Young may enter the Democratic primary. He is a native of New Orleans, La. and holds degrees from Howard University and Hartford Theological Seminary.

CREATIVE ALTERNATIVE Lonnie King, president of the local NAACP chapter said he would like to replace Representative Thompson because he “hasn't serviced the Black people of Atlanta.

I will be creating a positive alternative for the Black and liberal community in Atlanta.

Speaking of running against Rev. Young, King said he hoped there would be no malice between the Black candidates, apparently referring to the still lingering fractures of Atlanta’s Black community after the Tate-Massell bids for Black support in October’s mayoral race.

From The Atlanta Voice February 22, 1970 publication

From The Atlanta Voice February 22, 1970 publication From The Atlanta Voice February 22, 1970 publication Two Black aldermen were present Monday at King’s news conference and lent him their endorsements. Alderman H.D. Dodson of the first ward said “I back a black

man for this position. I dont think we need a Negro.”

Ninth Ward alderman Marvin Arrington also endorsed the NAACP official for con-

gressman.

King is a native Atlantan and is a graduate of Morehouse college.

Like Rev, Young, King will probably run as a Democrat.

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 Boyd Lewis in February of 1970, 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 9-February 15, 2024 • Page 7

Metro

Year of The Youth: One Year Later

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." - Frederick Douglass These words spoken by the legendary educator, author, and race man now encompass Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens' Year of The Youth Initiative. Launched in January of 2023, attendees gathered almost one year to the day of the kickoff, on January 31st, to reflect on the progress made thus far.

Ayan Hickman, 20, a Georgia Tech business analytics major and Year Of The Youth ambassador took the stage first, sitting with Dickens, his fellow Year of the Youth ambassadors, and city officials. Hickman spoke of his experience in the program in the Atlanta City atrium to attendees made up of sponsors, mentors, and participants in the program: "We are not just the future; we are the architects of today. We are capable and will produce as much change as our successors," said Hickman.

Following Hickman, Dickens took to the stage and thanked Atlanta City Council, who he cited as currently in session, before highlighting the accomplishments of the program, which included: - A first-of-its-kind, $20 million investment in our city’s early childhood educa-

tion development system.

- $1 million in safe spaces for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta.

- 5,418 youth registered for the Summer Youth Employment program with an average hourly wage of $17.27.

Speaking about the inception of the program, Dickens gave appreciation to two of his transition team members, Lisa Cunningham and Jennifer Keenan, who were presented with their plaques for the work that contributed to the program, “Our commitment to our young people has in no way ended,” Dickens said before exiting the stage.

There were several guest speakers during the presentation, one of whom included John Hope Bryant, Operation HOPE founder, and entrepreneur. Galvanizing the audience with the words, "Anything Is Possible," Bryant spoke to the importance of financial literacy within the Black community by solidifying its importance for the youth. Listing Atlanta as the tenth largest economy in the United States and the biggest economy in the south, Bryant said, “Half of Black Americans have a credit score of 620; you can’t get a decent home loan with a score of 620. You can’t get anything without a

credit score of at least 700.” Bryant then recounted meeting Dickens for the first time post-election and discussing the matter of financial literacy, “The Mayor (Dickens) is the only Mayor I know who understands credit scores,” Bryant continued.

Atlanta native Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer, and Senior Advisor to the Mayor, as well as Morehouse and Columbia University graduate, listed some of the wider effects the Year of The Youth had on the city, “Last year during the Year of the Youth, the city saw a 19 % reduction in violent crime,” English said, “Last year our city received a 21% reduction in homicide,” English continued before capping the crime-related accomplishment, “During the Year of the Youth, we saw a 46% reduction in youth homicide. More of our younger people are living to see older age,” English said.

Following the statistical breakdown, English gave a call to action to the attending audience to thank Janean Lewis, Senior Policy Advisor of Youth Development & Education, as well as Senior Director of Youth Engagement Office of the Mayor for all the work she did for the 2023 program year, "The Year of the Youth exceeded my

Amplifying artists of every age.

Black History Month 2024 AARP celebrates artists over 50 of every form.

Through our Brain Health work, we know that art keeps us mentally sharp, as it connects us and preserves our collective story. We’re uplifting these dynamic artists who have mastered their craft in the areas of costume design, dance and hip-hop music.

Celebrate Black artists that make your community thrive this Black History Month and beyond.

expectations. We served over 30,000 youth through City programs, community outreach, jobs, and internships and in collaboration with hundreds of implementation partners. The Atlanta community truly answered the call to action and in every corner of the City, there were programs for youth of all ages and interests. I am humbled to lead this initiative on behalf of Dickens and inspired by the work we will accomplish for children, youth, and young adults—in 2024," Lewis told The Atlanta Voice.

Following Lewis's standing ovation she spoke about the historic educational achievements made during the Year of The Youth, such as: - Atlanta public schools had the highest graduation rate in Atlanta public school’s history at 86.6%.

- Atlanta public schools surpassed the state graduation rate.

- Frederick Douglass High School has the highest graduation rate gain (7.2 % gain from 2022).

“It’s been an honor - I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities to meet a lot of people and I got put in situations where normally I didn’t think I’d be in. It’s opened me up and given me more confidence,” said Hickman.

Nasha Thomas National Director, AileyCamp Master Teacher

Ruth E. Carter Award-Winning Costume Designer

Doug E. Fresh Hip-Hop Legend

Discover more today at AARP.org/BlackCommunity

Page 8 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Election Central Kirt Beasley wants to be the next Fulton County Sheriff

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

F

ulton County resident Kirt Beasley officially announced her candidacy for Fulton County Sheriff. Beasley will run in the May 21 Democratic primary to seek the party’s nomination for Fulton County Sheriff.

Beasley sat down with The Atlanta Voice to discuss her career in law enforcement, her candidacy, and why she believes now is the right time to challenge for the position of sheriff of Georgia’s largest county.

Why now?

With over 23 years of law enforcement experience, Beasley said she is best for the position because she’s “homegrown”.

Beasley began her career with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department where she served the entirety of her career rising through the ranks under several previous administrations, including under current Fulton County Sheriff Patrick LaBat as a contractor due to her experience.

“I was hired in 1994 by then Fulton County Sheriff Jacquelyn Harrison Barrett and I worked my entire career, basically at the jail.

I started as a deputy and was promoted to the rank of sergeant, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, then to the rank of captain, then the rank of major, and all the way up to the assistant chief jailer,” she said. “So, through all those years there, I learned the sheriff's office and I know the job. No one had to teach me the job. I worked in management. So, what I have now is to put all the knowledge that I learned over the years, execute it, and put it into action.”

With an extensive law background, Beasley said she is choosing to run now simply because she cares, she said.

“I care about the employees that work at the sheriff's office, I care about the people who are detained at the sheriff's office, I care about the taxpayers of Fulton County, and I care about the people who have loved ones incarcerated at the jail,” she said. “I can hear the silent cries of the staff who are working at that jail now, where they don't have enough staff to ensure their safety.”

Additionally, Beasley said she can hear the silent cries of the inmates who want many things changed, including an adequate number of staff at the jail to protect them.

“I can hear screams of the taxpayers because we don't have enough staff, or there's not enough staff at that jail, and you have inmates who are assaulted. We had one inmate killed by another. We have things like that happen. Lawsuits happen, resulting in taxpayers' money having to pay out these

Kirt Beasley announced her candidacy for Fulton County Sheriff. With over 23 years of experience in Law, she said she feels this is the right time to run for office. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice lawsuits,” she said. “I can hear the cries of those loved ones who have people incarcerated at that jail. They want people in place to take care of their children, sons, daughters, husbands, and wives. The only thing I could think about is if you had someone or friend or whatever that to you, you would be relying on the sheriff's office to take care of your loved one.”

The Importance of Family Family is very important, said Beasley, who is a wife, a mother of two daughters, and a grandmother of two. She has been married to her husband, Ken, for 19 years.

“He's the best and he's great. Our 19 years have been fine, we're enjoying and have enjoyed those years, and we plan to enjoy life together,” she said.

Beasley said her two daughters are scientists in their own field of study.

“One, works in a study of cancer research, and the other does, organ transplantation,” she said. “Then, I have my heartbeats, a 12-year-old grandson, and my five-year-old granddaughter.”

Ken believes his wife is the best choice for the job.

“I feel great my wife is running for Sheriff in Fulton County. I think she’s best for the agency, the citizens, and taxpayers, point blank,” he said. “You couldn’t get a better

candidate who knows that.”

Speaking of family, Beasley strongly believes in the power of community, engagement, and collaboration.

Community, she said, is an extension of family.

“It's just like a family, so how I would incorporate community into my life as it relates to Fulton County, it would be an extension of my family. This means what I would do for my family, I would do it for the citizens of Fulton County,” she said.

When it comes to collaboration, she said it’s working together as a family.

“The Sheriff's Office will have to work with the citizens of Fulton County to make the county better as a whole,” she said. “When it comes to engagement, I look at it like couples becoming engaged, getting along, getting to know each other, and working together towards a common goal.”

Kirt Beasley for Fulton County Sheriff Beasley’s response to the many issues at the county jail is rooted in action and care.

“You must have a share in an agency in place, ready to ensure the safety of the people detained at that jail. So, I believe this action speaks louder than words. You must put yourself into action,” she said. “The sheriff must know that the sheriff’s office is not to be used for his or her personal agenda. It's all

about the citizens of Fulton County.”

Beasley gave an example of this.

“The jail is the largest liability to the citizens of Fulton County, so if you see that's your biggest problem, then you need to adjust staff and reallocate staff. As I see the current administration, they have sheriff's deputies patrolling, running radar, and running speed traps. I see beautiful units all over the city, but then you have so many bad things happening at the jail,” Beasley said. “As a sheriff, you must know how to redeploy and hire staff to address your biggest problem area. Right now, that area is Fulton County Jail, and the focus should be right there.”

Also, Beasley said she knows there are other duties of the sheriff’s office.

“I know we're responsible for the courts securing the courts. I know we're responsible for serving civil papers, executing warrants, and all the things that come with the sheriff's office, but you must deal with your most pressing problem first to make a difference,” she said.

If elected, Beasley said she’s going to bring her knowledge and experience to the table.

“With that knowledge and experience, I'm going to bring some other knowledge and experience with me,” Beasley said. “I'm going to look for people with the same work ethics, values, and morals. I must come in there and put the county first and put the inmates first, the staff first. I'm going to have people working around me to make me better.”

She also said if elected, her priority will be to address the jail conditions like being overcrowded, understaffed, and ultimately unsafe. She also plans to prioritize funds for necessary facility improvements, while providing tax-paying citizens transparency and accountability in budget allocation.

Additionally, she said she will not be a sheriff who will not listen to what others have to say to her to make things better.

“In order to make any agency better or do anything better, you must surround yourself with people who are all working towards that one common goal. In this case, this common goal is to make the sheriff's office better and to make Fulton County better as a whole,” she said.

Furthermore, Beasley passed on a message to the citizens of Fulton County.

“To the citizens of Fulton County, if what you see happening now that's being displayed on television, if you like what you see, then I would say stay where you are.

However, if you don't like all these negative things that we have been seeing, then a change is needed, and I am that change,” she said.

theatlantavoice.com • February 9-February 15, 2024 • Page 9

Election Central

Joyce Farmer, a 34-year veteran of law enforcement in Georgia began campaigning to become the next Fulton County Sheriff in the summer of 2023. Farmer told The Atlanta Voice that her “love for people” is part of her drive to run for elected office. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Joyce Farmer wants to be the next Fulton County Sheriff

BY DONNELL SUGGS

J

oyce Farmer, a candidate for Fulton County Sheriff, has two distinct memories embedded in her brain regarding why she is running for elected office for the first time in her life. In an interview inside The Atlanta Voice building earlier this week, she recalled both moments with vivid color.

Moment one: Farmer was in her East Point Police Department uniform when a mother and daughter approached her. Zoe, an eightyear-old girl, walked over to Farmer and asked her why she was running for sheriff.

The girl recognized her from a campaign poster and asked her mother if they could meet the lady in uniform. Farmer, a mother of three adult children and grandmother of two, wanted to make sure she took a moment to answer the girl. “I told her the reason why I want to be sheriff is to protect little girls like her,” Farmer remembered.

Moment two: The death of Lashawn Thompson within the walls of the Fulton County Jail on Sept. 13, 2022. The 35-year-

old was found dead inside his cell in the psychiatric wing of the jail covered in bed bugs.

The thought of Thompson’s death still bothers Farmer despite her not working at the jail since her retirement in 2018 after nearly 30 years with the department. She’s currently a lieutenant with the East Point Police Department. “That incident really bothered me because that is unacceptable,” she said.

“Mental health is not a crime, it’s a sickness, just like someone with high blood pressure.

Part of my platform will be to educate the community because a lot of people deal with mental health issues in their family.”

Not having any political experience might help Farmer. She is coming into the primary election without having had dreams of becoming the sheriff of Atlanta’s largest county. By her account, Farmer used to avoid any thoughts of becoming Fulton County’s top cop. She said after Thompson’s death she would hear from former coworkers and civilians, both saying she should start thinking about running for sheriff. “I prayed about it and asked God if he wanted me to do this

please let me know,” she recalled.

She started campaigning in June 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. “I’m so grateful and I’m going to stay grounded,” said Farmer.

There’s a lot of fights in Farmer. She was a deputy for 15 years before she was finally promoted to the rank of sergeant by former three-term Fulton County Sheriff Jacquelyn Harrison Barrett, the first Black female sheriff in the United States, in 2003. Farmer was moved out of the jail and into the role of a trainer at the Public Safety Center, where she helped train incoming sheriff’s deputies.

Farmer says she has a plan to raise morale within the department. “The supervisors shouldn’t be so hard on the staff in the field doing the work,” she said. An example she gave was being more supportive of how work shifts are divided up between the staff. “If I know you’re a single parent and you need help with your kids, maybe the 3-11 pm shift works best for you, so why would I put you on the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift?”

The reason for creating those personal connections with the staff is simple, says

Farmer. “It’s all about being real. I might not be that polished politician, but I want to be real and look out for each other.”

Born and raised in Macon, Farmer brings decades of experience to the polls on May 12 for the Democratic primary. She and her staff have already held a ribbon-cutting outside of her election headquarters, and she says she intends to have more public interactions with voters and potential voters going forward like the personal connections similar to the one she had with Zoe and her mother.

“As a deputy, we are there to protect the inmates from each other and themselves,” explained Farmer, a 34-year veteran of law enforcement, which includes 29 years with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO).

“Everybody is not in the [law enforcement] field for all the right reasons.”

When asked if she believes she can win the election Farmer said she did. “God already said I got it,” said Farmer. “I just need to trust him. Man doesn’t promote me, God does.”

Page 10 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Arts

ONLINE

Patients Over Profit Congress Can Improve 340B

Creatives After Dark Launches Blue Room Studios

BY MYA GRANT

C

reative culture has taken on new meanings as it’s evolved over time. Many projects, events, and collaborations wouldn’t have been possible without a creative on someone’s team. Creatives After Dark, a nine-year-old creative agency, is one of the many local collectives aimed at cultivating young creatives and elevating the community around them.

In 2015, Jacques Taylor founded Young Dreamers/Creatives After Dark as an opportunity to build up his friends’ passions.

While attending Carver Early College before graduating in 2012, he met Demario Gay and mentored him to guide him into figuring out his next steps in life.

“We’re adults now,” says Taylor. “We don’t want to run the streets or anything like that, so we started a clothing line.”

What started out as a fashion brand and a small debut pop-up shop on Peter Street quickly led to connecting with others in the art, music, and film industries. Artists would personally contact Taylor to perform at fashion shows and have pop-up shops. It was then that Taylor decided to expand Creatives After Dark into a collective for young artists to have a platform.

While outlining the direction of the collective, Taylor and Gay reconnected to spark the conversation of managing brands and artists. Gay finished high school on a marketing track and wanted to expand his skills and talents. From there, they both started looking for venues to host and collaborate as their projects, clientele, and events continued to grow. Their search started off rough but then they came across 1677 Dorsey Avenue in East Point, also known as Blue Room Studios.

“The reason why it wasn’t hard for us to be convinced was because we knew what we were looking for,” says Gay. “And the video that was sent to us convinced us because it had that industrial look.”

Blue Room Studios is an independent, Black-owned studio that offers a space where creatives can work on their projects and collaborate with others. Described as an incubator for Black creatives, the 1100-squarefoot building is equipped with backdrops, projectors, lights, and the allocated space to dedicate to your project.

Since its soft-launch opening in November 2023, all types of projects from films to music videos to listening parties happened within that space, as well as events and showcases organized by Creatives After Dark.

Project manager and creative director, Ebonee Bailey, was introduced to Gay during

(left to right) Ebonee Bailey, project manager/Creative Director, Creatives After Dark, Demario Gay, Head of Operations, Creatives After Dark and co-founder of Blue Room Studios and Jacques Taylor, founder, Creatives After Dark, co-founder of Blue Room Studios. Photo by Mya Grant/The Atlanta Voice a podcast taping where they connected on similar work with managing artists. Since being a part of the collective, Bailey has had the opportunity to elevate the Creatives After Dark events and spotlight female artists and creatives. Her debut event, The Pink Room, had an extreme turnout, highlighting many female artists and the different nuances of women in creative spaces.

“Anybody can throw an event,” says Bailey.

“Anybody can make a flier but how are you

doing it in a way that’s not just an event but it’s a movement?”

Community and development play a huge role within the creative culture and within the operations of Creatives After Dark. Taylor describes Creatives After Dark and Blue Room Studios as a community more than an agency or collective.

“There are people that come to these events who have come to the first event nine years ago,” says Taylor. “If you go through our Insta-

gram and just look at recap photos, you’ll see familiar faces all the way back to 2015.”

With the month of February being loaded with events, Taylor, Gay, and Bailey look forward to the continued success of Creatives After Dark and Blue Room Studios. Collaborative classes with local colleges, bigger partnerships, and continued exposure of the talent in Atlanta are just some of the ideas we could see very soon.

theatlantavoice.com • February 9-February 15, 2024 • Page 11

Lifestyle

Street Lines: 2023 Honda Civic Type R

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

W

hile Honda has remained consistent with producing innovative, reliable, high-quality vehicles at value, they have also become champions in the Formula One racing sector. And while consumers were unable to do what their trophy-hoisting drivers did on tracks over the years, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will certainly provide a similar exhilarating experience.

Inside and out, this four-seated thrill ride perfectly embraces this automaker’s spirit for racing. At first look, their iconic Civic’s muscular frame set on a lower profile is welcomely unconservative, boasting a curvaceous body, larger grille, signature red “H” badge, 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, high-performance Brembo brakes, flared fenders, a centrally located triple exhaust, and the true suggestion of speed—a prominent rear wing.

Under the hood justifies Honda’s claim for this Type R being their most powerful production car available in the US. The engine flexes 315 horsepower and 310 lb.ft. of torque,

Photos courtesy of Honda thanks to a 2.0-liter direct injection, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine, coupled with a seamless six-speed manual transmission racing fanatics will certainly appreciate.

The performance gets perfected by a differential front MacPherson strut suspension

HomeReady ® First loans are built for first-time homebuyers like you, with: • At least $5,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance • $500 appraisal reimbursement • No location restrictions on where you purchase your first home • Access to HomeView™, a free homebuyer education course Every year one in four homebuyers are purchasing their first home — including many who never thought they’d own a home. Take the first step on your way to homeownership and building a legacy that can last for generations.

Find a lender in your area at FannieMae.com.

Ready for your first home?

Fannie Mae is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Each lender is responsible for ensuring their activities comply with the law. Speak to your lender about eligibility.

and a rear multi-link suspension, complemented by an adaptive damper system and electric power steering for precise handling.

The four driving modes—Normal, Sport, Individual, and +R—further customize the driver’s demands.

Honda evidently didn’t hold back on the interior. Stepping in, eyes will immediately catch the “suede-effect” sport seats with the iconic red enhancements. The driver will appreciate the aluminum shift knob, 9-inch color touchscreen, multi-view rear camera, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charger, and Bluetooth capability, while everyone gets treated to the BOSE Premium Audio System and moonroof. Safety technology is also an obvious priority including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, and road departure mitigation to name a few mind-easing features.

Priced at just under 44K, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R not only offers excellent value, but a truly invigorating bang for the buck.

There are not many automobiles on the market geared towards racing enthusiasts who will still benefit from reliability, safety, and technology. This is one that impressively accomplishes all those feats.

Price: $43,750 MSRP Gas economy: 22 city/28 highway For more information, visit Honda.com.

AD SPACE TODAY!

journalism.

advertising@theatl Page 12 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com SCAN TO DONATE

Community SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM.

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

A 501.3C NONPROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

Be seen.

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

Be heard.

Be seen

Be hea

RESERVE YOU AD SPACE TOD

advertising@ theatlantavoice

advertising@theatlantavoice.com

Soles4Souls Provides New Shoes To Students SCAN TO DONATE

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM.

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

A

t Hope-Hill Elementary School, approximately 80 volunteers watched the school's 400 students make their way into the school gymnasium.

The students were brought into the gym in groups separated by their grades, and none of them had an idea why.

On Friday, Jan. 26, Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based non-profit, delivered 600 pairs of brand-new shoes, as well as socks to the students. Voya Financial, a financial services company, has been partnered with Soles4Souls for fourteen years, and Angela D. Harrell, 50, the company's senior vice president of diversity, equity & inclusion, and Voya foundation president from Smyrna, GA, currently sits on their board. She brought multiple Voya team members as volunteers, including individuals with backgrounds in corporate retail. Volunteers helped distribute and take students' shoe sizes to help them find their perfect pair. "Five of us are actually here today; we have other Voya colleagues out here today. Giving back to our community is important. About 70% of our employees volunteer during the course of the year; it's part of our culture of who we are," said Harrell.

Teachers first learned about the project back in December before the students went on holiday break. Ashton Smith, 37, a kindergarten teacher who has been with Hope-Hill for five years, expressed her joy in witnessing the students' reactions to the surprise shoe giveaway. "Watching them come down the stairs and see like they were a little nervous.

At first, they weren't sure what's going on.

Even though we've talked about it," Smith said. "The minute they tried on new shoes, like their faces just lit up; they were so excited," Smith continued.

The shoe giveaway ran through Soles4Souls' "4everkid" program, aimed at aiding children in low-income regions. The specific program was first launched in October of 2020, and a survey conducted by Soles4Souls showed that 54% of homeless youth have better school attendance once they receive a new pair of shoes. "Just a huge thank you to programs like this, especially for our kids.

Kids come to school, and some of them have old shoes, and it's great to get to see them excited about brand-new shoes and new clothes and ready to show it off and talk to their friends about it. It's a good social thing for them," Smith continued.

Buddy Teaster, 60, CEO of Soles4Souls, shares insights on the organization's mis-

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

Support local journalism.

Suppor local journal

"

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

Peachtree & Pine The Atlanta Shelterless Project

Visit theatlantav com/donat

Scan To Visit theatlantavoice. com/donate

A 501.3C NONPROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

Peachtree & Pine THE ATLANTA SHELTERLESS PROJECT https://theatlantavoice.com/peachtree-and-pine/

We are making a digital transform into a multi media news company the help of our donors and sponso

Jim Washington PRESIDENT www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

MEET OUR STAFF SCAN TO VIEW

"

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

Peachtree & Pine THE ATLANTA

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.

https://theatlantavoice.

SHELTERLESS Angela D. Harrell (above) is Voya’s senior vice president of diversity, equity & inclusion and Voya foundation president. Photo by Noah com/peachtree-and-pine/ PROJECT Chia Suggs Washington/The Atlanta Voice

SALES/ADMIN

Janis Wa PUBLISHER

w

At Hope-Hill Elementary School, approximately 80 volunteers gathered to see the school’s 400 students brought in class by class buzzing with excitement, not knowing exactly what awaited them in the school gymnasium. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice sion and recent endeavors, emphasizing Soles4Souls' commitment to converting shoes and clothing into avenues of educational and economic advancement through their programs. "Our programs aim to make a positive difference on the planet and in people's economic, educational, physical, and psycho-social well-being," said Teaster. The

non-profit was first formed in 2006, as a result of natural disasters in America, such as Hurricane Katrina. In the first year of their 4everkid’s program 25,000 were served, which grew to 75,000 in 2023, with 150,000 expected to be served this year, cited Teaster.

Takara McGee, 34, a school social worker in her first year at the school, remembers

when the non-profit first made contact back in November of 2023 when they were first inquiring about Hope-Hill, "They needed a school of deserving kids, and I'm like, uh, this is us. We have all the deserving kids. We have the best kids," said McGee. Upon learning of the giveaway, McGee collaborated with the parents in the process by collecting shoe sizes ahead of time. McGee recalls the anticipation being built up among the students as she subtly hinted at the upcoming surprise before winter break. "Hey, we're going to have some special people come here; they're going to give us some shoes," McGee recalled telling the students.

With volunteers arriving on school grounds as early as 6:40 A.M., McGee, witnessing the entire event, shared the range of reactions from students. "I love hearing, 'I got yellow shoes! I got rainbow shoes!' from my babies. Seeing smiles on their faces. I think that's been the best and most exciting part," McGee said.

McGee believes that the impact of students receiving these shoes will extend beyond the immediate joy, positively influencing their day-to-day education. "The instruction time that they're going to receive from today on, we’ll be a lot more effective," McGee predicts. "Because, of course, when you look good, you feel good, and then you can learn. You're in a good learning environment," said McGee.

theatlantavoice.com • February 9-February 15, 2024 • Page 13

Community

Comcast backs News is Out and Word In Black for equity

rt P

STAFF REPORT

SCAN TO DONATE

hiladelphia — News is Out, a theatlantavoice.com/donate queer media collaborative of six of the nation’s legendary LGBTQ+ publications, and Word In Black, a collaborative of 10 of the nation’s legendary Black publishers, are joining Comcast NBCUniversal for a groundbreaking initiative: The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab. Through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and economic opportunities, the company is donating more than $1 million to launch this first-of-its-kind Lab that supports coverage of Black and LGBTQ+ topics in the media.

The initiative also supports emerging journalists with a passion for reporting on issues of importance to these communities.

Together, the three organizations will work to shed light on issues within marginalized communities across 16 news publications with the training and resources needed to tell these stories through media and technology and celebrate the work being done by Black and LGBTQ+ leaders in their communities.

“Word In Black is looking forward to working with our colleagues at News is Out and Comcast NBCUniversal on this groundbreaking fellowship program,” said Chris Bennett, publisher of the Seattle Medium and member of the Word In Black collaboration. “Uplifting the voices of journalists and New collaboration between the Black Press, LGBTQ+ media outlets and Comcast NBCUnipublishers who are dedicated to covering versal will help pave the way for the next generation of journalists with the Digital Equity Black and LGBTQ+ stories is vital to the fuLocal Voices Lab. Credit: Courtesy photo ture of inclusive media.”

Specifically, the Lab will elevate Black and Atlanta community for more than 58 years.

LGBTQ+ perspectives through content creant initiative with the Local Media FounBirthed out of the Civil Rights Movement as ation and content sharing with NBCUniverdation, News is Out, and Word In Black to a trusted, authentic, fact and community sal and NBCU Academy during a year-long empower a new generation of journalists driven media outlet for Black Atlanta, the fellowship program that places 16 fellows at and media professionals,” said Anzio Wilpublication’s motto is “A People Without A the 16 participating news organizations. liams, SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion Voice Cannot be Heard.”

Fellows will be part of a cohort that reat NBCUniversal Local. “Ensuring that the • Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco): ceives best practices and learnings from stories and perspectives of underrepresentLaunched in 1971, this weekly newspaper is journalists and media professionals at News ed communities are featured in the media one of the oldest and a pioneer in LGBTQ+ is Out, Word In Black, and NBCUniversal. by dedicated, trained and resourced journalmedia.

They will also report on stories of Black and ists is at the heart of Project UP’s and NBCU • Dallas Voice (Dallas): The premier media LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and creatives in their Academy’s mission. We look forward to seesource for LGBTQ Texas, publishing every communities, share training and resources ing these journalists grow in their career and Friday since 1984. on using technology more in their daily lives, influence.”

• Dallas Weekly (Dallas): Since 1954, Dallas report on policy related to access to technolApplications are open to anyone with a Weekly has been at the epicenter of all things ogy and connectivity, and share the work bepassion for covering communities of color African American in north Texas, one of the ing done to advance digital equity. and/or LGBTQ+ issues. To learn more and country’s fastest-growing regions.

“As a Black queer woman, I know the imapply, go to ,https://localmedia.org/2024/01/ • Houston Defender (Houston): Since 1930, pact of empowering and elevating Black and comcast-digital-equity-voices-lab-fellowthe Houston Defender Network has been LGBTQ+ voices,” said Eboné F. Bell, publishship/ “Raising Black Voices” as we Educate, Ener of Tagg Magazine. “This project gives us The 16 participating publications are: tertain and Empower the Greater Houston an opportunity to instill a great amount of • AFRO News (Baltimore): Founded in Black Community. knowledge and experience in fellows who 1892, AFRO News provides readers with good • Michigan Chronicle (Detroit) The Michcan help amplify the voice of these communews about the Black community not otherigan Chronicle is a news, information, and nities in the media industry.” wise found. The AFRO and its talented team events company that covers the interests of The Local Media Foundation (LMF) will of journalists have won numerous awards, the African American community. Leaders manage the fellowship and Lab and faciliincluding NNPA newspaper of the year in and readers in metropolitan Detroit look tate content creation to reach diverse audi2022. The publication has also been named to the Michigan Chronicle to stay informed ences between the 16 publishers and Comthe nation’s top African-American newspaabout issues that impact their lives. cast NBCUniversal. Word In Black and News per in past Essence-Nielsen consumer surveys.

• New York Amsterdam News (New York is Out are collaboratives that were launched • The Atlanta Voice (Atlanta): The AtlanCity): Started more than a century ago, with a

by LMF. ta Voice has been serving the metropolitan $10 investment, New York Amsterdam News “Comcast is proud to launch this import-

e

.

e

Be hear

has gone on to become one of the most important Black newspapers in the country and today remains one of the most influential Black-owned and -operated media businesses in the nation, if not the world.

• Philadelphia Gay News (Philadelphia): The largest and oldest publication targeting the LGBTQ+ community, started in 1976.

• The Sacramento Observer (Sacramento): Established in 1962, The Sacramento Observer has been one of the most decorated publications in the history of the Black Press.

• Seattle Medium (Seattle): Founded on Jan.15, 1970, The Seattle Medium is the flagship publication of Tiloben Publishing Co. – the largest minority-owned and operated communications company in the Pacific Northwest, serving the Seattle, Tacoma and Portland Markets – and is the primary source of news that residents of Seattle read to stay informed regarding issues and events that affect and enhance the quality of life in African American community.

• The St. Louis American (St. Louis): Since 1928, The St. Louis American newspaper has remained Black-owned and has emerged as the leading, most trusted voice of the area’s African American community.

• Tagg Magazine (National): This award-winning and Black queer, woman-owned publication, founded in 2012, is committed to uplifting the voices of all LGBTQ+ women across the country. Tagg was created to serve “everything lesbian, queer, and under the rainbow.”

• Washington Blade (Washington, D.C.): This weekly publication is the oldest LGBTQ+ newspaper in the U.S. It was launched in 1969.

• The Washington Informer (Washington, D.C.): Founded in 1964, this weekly, women-owned media company serves as the link to the African American community in the D.C. metropolitan area.

• Windy City Times (Chicago): Founded in 1985, this legacy LGBTQ+ newspaper and website covers Chicago and its suburbs.

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

lism.

.

. n e e s e B

advertising@theatlantavoice

SCAN TO DONATE

A 501.3C NONPROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

SCAN TO DONATE

A 501.3C NONPROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

Be seen.

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

Be heard.

advertising@theatlantavoice.com

Support local journalism.

Scan To Visit theatlantavoice. com/donate

Be seen.

Be heard.

B

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

advertising@ theatlantavoice.com

Support local journalism.

Visit theatlantavoice. com/donate

a t

Page 14 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

Health

ONLINE

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

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

In an official statement from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, they explain how gene therapy is "potentially curative." The statement explains that the treatment is so new that more data is required to understand its impact and patient prognosis.Photo Credit iStocl.com/Naeblys

Breakthrough Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE

A

huge breakthrough has been made in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease. In December 2023, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD), Casgevy from CRISPR/Vertex and Lyfgenia from Bluebird Bio. These are the first treatments available to individuals with SCD in the United States.

This significant milestone is worth celebrating, but medical professionals and other experts caution that more research must be completed.

"Gene therapy is an exciting and potentially curative addition to the treatments available to sickle cell warriors. This is a historic milestone, but everyone may not be eligible for gene therapy. We must continue to move forward with research to ensure a solution for every member of our community." Regina Hartfield is the president and CEO of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. The FDA approved Casgevy and Lyfgenia on December 8. Both treatments will be available for SCD patients in 2024. SCD is an inherited red blood cell disorder. According

to the CDC, Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. Healthy red blood cells are round and move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all body parts. In someone with SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the red blood cells to become stiff and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a "sickle."

The results of these abnormal cells are cramping and throbbing pain in different body parts that can last from days to weeks.

Individuals with SCD can have a normal life.

Those people manage their stress and hydration to avoid episodes of pain from SCD. "My biggest thing to keep the crises away is activity and hydration. I hydrate at least two and a half liters a day," said Gaston Gregoire, A nurse practitioner who has sickle cell.

"I am very active. I cycle about 100 miles a week and go to the gym at least three times a week. I think, more than anything, growing up with a disease made me into who I am. I'm very disciplined and organized. I do as much as possible to avoid being in the hospital and live a normal life as much as possible," said Gregoire.

In an official statement from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, they explain how gene therapy is "potentially curative."

The statement explains that the treatment is so new that more data is required to understand its impact and patient prognosis.

Additionally, the word "cure" suggests a simple solution that does not reflect the reality of these therapies. Even after treatment, the FDA recommends 15 years of patient monitoring for health issues.

The statement illustrates how effective gene therapy is. This method significantly reduces acute sickle cell pain episodes within a few years of administration. Gene Therapy will need more years of follow-up to determine whether it will also reduce the organ damage of sickle cell disease and if the stem cells treated continue to produce non-sickling red blood cells for the rest of the person's life or if the stem cells die off over a certain number of years.

Another concern connected to this news is cost. Gene therapy is estimated to cost 2 million dollars, according to the official statement from the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

The statement further explains that the savings in lifelong care may exceed the onetime cost of treatment.

"This new medication, I think, is a game changer if it can effectively reduce the num-

ber of complications from sickle cell, but the number being thrown around needs to come down. It seems prohibitive," said Dr. Gerald Acloque, owner of Florida Concierge Medicine and Wellness.

"Being in research, I know it takes a lot of R&D, money, and years of research to fund, but there must be a way to bring this price point down," said Dr. Acloque.

The FDA's approval of gene therapy is remarkable because it begins a new chapter of treatment for sickle cell disease. Until now, the only way to cure sickle cell disease was through a bone marrow transplant, which is not a widely accessible option because it requires a matched bone marrow donor.

Gene therapy does not require a donor, and it has the potential to be a more widely available treatment. Casgevy and Lyfgenia have opened the door for other gene therapies to gain approval and help advance research into other potentially curative treatments.

"Medications like these that are on the cutting edge were things I heard about when I was in residency. Now they are coming to fruition as real therapeutic medications are game changers not just for this one disease but any other genetic-based disease," said Dr. Acloque.

YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

LOCAL JOURNALISM. www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

A 501.3C NONPROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

theatlantavoice.com advertising@ • February 9-February 15, 2024 • Page 15

theatlantavoice.com

CLASSIFIEDS RESERVE

advertising@theatlantavoice.com

www.theatlantavoice.com • February 9 - February 15, 2024

SENIORS Support

RENTAL

SCAN TO DONATE

local n. e e s e B SENIOR (62+)journalism.

Spacious 1-Bedroom Affordable!

SCAN TO DONATE

Support SUPPORT LOCAL local JOURNALISM. APARTMENTS journalism.

FOR RENT (404) 586-9098

theatlantavoice.com/donate

Rental Units In The Mechanicsville Peoplestown Area

$50 Application Fee Appliances Included Total Electric Peachtree Call Today:

THE ATLANTA SHELTERLESS PROJECT

The Atlanta Shelterless Project

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

SCAN TO VIEW

A 501.3C NONPROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM. https://theatlantavoice. com/peachtree-and-pine/

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

The Atlanta Shelterless Project

TODAY!

THE ATLANTA SHELTERLESS PROJECT

PRESIDENT

Be heard.

advertising@theatlantavoice.com MEET OUR STAFF

R A

DONATE NOW

e seen.

BRESERVE " Be h YOUR

SCAN TO DONATE JAN 31–MAR 3 2024

"

EXCITING NEW PLAYS THAT SPOTLIGHT LGBTQIA+ EXPERIENCES

Support Support RESERVE AD local SUPPORT YOUR local LOCAL journalism. ADSPACE SPACE JOURNALISM. TODAY! journalism.

Janis Ware TODAY! DONATE NOW Chia Suggs SALES/ADMIN

When you donate to The Atlanta Voice, our nonprofit, BIPOC, female-led news organization uses your gift to create local high quality journalism that covers the issues that matter to you.

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.

A 501.3C NONPUBLISHER PROFIT NEWS

Scanwww.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate To Visit theatlantavoice. com/donate

A 501.3C NONPROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION 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 DOCUMENTARY

BY THE ATLANTA VOICE GeorgiaA 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.

Peachtree & Pine

THE ATLANTA SHELTERLESS PROJECT

https://theatlantavoice.com/peachtree-and-pine/

advertising@theatlant www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate ORGANIZATION Visit theatlantavoice. advertising@ theatlantavoice.com com/donate SCAN TO DONATE

Winner of the Alliance/ Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition

A poignant new play on the dynamics that lead us to our home.

"

SUPPORT LOCAL We are making a digital transformation JOURNALISM. By a.k. payne Direction by TINASHE KAJESE-BOLDEN

Support local journalism

into a multi media news company with 501.3C NONthe help of our donors Aand sponsors.

PROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate Book your tickets at alliancetheatre.org/paradise

BOX OFFICE 404.733.4600 Jim Washington PRESIDENT

Scan To theatlan com/do

DONATE NOW

1280 PEACHTREE ST NE // ATLANTA, GA 30309

MEET OUR STAFF A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

B

advertising@ theatlantavoice.com

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

SCAN TO VIEW

Be seen.

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

Peachtree & Pine

theatlantavoice.com/donate

We are making a digital transformation into a multi media news company with the help of our donors and sponsors.

https://theatlantavoice.com/peachtree-and-pine/

SCAN TO DONATE

Peachtree & Pine

"

SCAN TO DONATE

eard.

Be hSupport Be seen. local RESERVE & Pine Be heard.

YOUR journalism.

Jim Washington AD SPACE

SCAN TO DONATE

SUPPORT & Pine LOCAL 404.527.5465 EXT. 21 www.summechcdc.org JOURNALISM.

advertising@ theatlantavoice.com

com/donate

advertising@theatlantavoice.com

Be seen.

Peachtree

2Bdr 1Bth $800

A DOCUMENTARY BY 1BdrATLANTA 1Bth $715 THE VOICE

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

theatlantavoice. com/donate

PROFIT NEWS ORGANIZATION

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

Starting at

YOUR AD rd.

Be heaSPACE TODAY!

Support local journalism.

RESERVE YOUR Visit Scan To Visit AD SPACE TODAY! theatlantavoice.

Rent Based on Annual Income Amenities, Great Location, and Convenient to Marta Please call for detailed information A 501.3C NON-

www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate

Be heard.

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY!

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

Peachtree & Pine

When you donate to The

Page 16 • February 9-February 15, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com