The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 030824

Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president of Morehouse School of Medicine, is a trailblazing leader who was also the Dean of the School of Medicine

of Meharry Medical College, another HBCU medical school in Nashville. Photo courtesy of Morehouse School of Medicine

Metro

Girls of Excellence and Power of Girls collaborate for third annual wellness day in Atlanta

Wife, mother, leader

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Rice broke barriers as the first woman leader at two HBCU medical schools, and she's committed to health equity and training more Black doctors.

There are only four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) medical schools in the United States — Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Howard University College of Medicine, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

Valerie Montgomery Rice has played a significant role at two of them. She's not just the sixth president of Morehouse School of Medicine; she's the first woman to run it. And over at Meharry Medical College in Nashville? She was the dean of the School of Medicine and senior vice President of health affairs during her tenure.

But Montgomery Rice isn’t just about accolades and making history. She's fighting health disparities and pushing for more Black physicians in communities that need them most. For example, Black women are three to four times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women. Rice is working to move the needle by training more Black physicians and placing them in underserved communities.

“We understand it matters who we educate and train in order to eliminate health disparities,” Montgomery Rice says. “The world needs what we do best even more now. Unfortunately, we have seen a widening in the gap between health outcomes such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease with more Black and Brown people being diagnosed and undertreated.”

Montgomery Rice's connection to HBCUs began in 2000 when she became the founding director of the Center for Women’s Health Research at Meharry Medical College, which was founded in 1876.

Montgomery Rice initially "said no" to the job, but the recruiter, the dean of the medical school at that time, reminded her of her responsibility as a Black physician.

So Montgomery Rice headed to Nashville where she found, “the most dedicated group of faculty members in a department that I had ever seen and how they were changing lives — not just for the students' lives that they are touching, but for

the community that they are influencing.”

Educational Roots

A love of learning and achievement was instilled in Montgomery Rice at an early age.

WOMEN’S History Month

“The legacy of education for my three sisters and I started with my mother,” she explains.

She grew up with the sound of her mom Annette Alexander murmuring early morning affirmations to her.

“When she was going to work in the morning, and that was around 6:10 a.m., you

would hear the words in your ear,” Montgomery Rice, a native of Macon, Georgia, recalls. “This is what she did for her girls, and though it was a joke for us then, it was a positive affirmation for us [too]. She wanted us to start or end our days with those thoughts in our minds.”

Alexander worked the swingshift for 25 years at the now-defunct Georgia Kraft Paper Company in Atlanta and rose to become the highest-ranking female machinist there.

“That job was a turning point for the economic well-being of our family,” Montgomery Rice says. “My mother wanted more for

her daughters than she could fathom for herself.” And her daily words of affirmation planted seeds of ambition and dedication in her children.

Montgomery Rice's mom whispered, “All things are possible” and “Think positive thoughts” as she headed out to work. That’s not just parenting — that’s prophesying.

Breaking Ground in Academia

“For me, education has been the equalizer, because whenever I was challenged with something I always knew I could out-study

Morehouse School of Medicine President and CEO Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice (third from right) earned degrees from Georgia Tech and Harvard Medical School and believes education is key to a full life. Photos courtesy of Morehouse School of Medicine

Continued from page 2

and outlearn anybody” Montgomery Rice says.

After high school, Montgomery Rice headed to Georgia Tech, and then on to Harvard Medical School. She eventually landed at the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, Kansas, breaking ground as the first Black faculty member in the obstetrics and gynecology department.

“It was my first job, and felt very much in a Caucasian world,” Montgomery Rice remembers.

Undeterred by the lack of diversity, Montgomery Rice says she helped raise the enrollment of Black participants in the clinical trials that were taking place at the university. She made sure to diversify the study coordinators under her charge to better relate to participants.

“I started to see that those people had license to go into those communities and recruit because there was trust,” Montgomery Rice says.

Then in 2000, Meharry Medical College called.

Montgomery Rice accepted the job in Nashville. She immediately recognized that her work at the University of Kansas may have been making a difference, but at Meharry, and later at Morehouse School of Medicine, what she did every day made a difference in more than just students. Her work

Montgomery Rice’s late mother used to whisper encouragement into the ears of her and her sisters while they were asleep.

“The legacy of education for my three sisters and I started with my mother,” she said. Photos courtesy of Morehouse School of Medicine

affected faculty members, staffers, and partners that the school engaged with.

She joined Morehouse School of Medicine in 2011 and climbed the ranks to become dean, executive vice president, and eventually, the CEO and president.

“I thought I could have a greater impact and imprint, and I have been able to realize that at both institutions,” Montgomery Rice said. “I’m very happy where I am.”

Her trophy cabinet? Stacked. Georgia

Trend Magazine's 100 Most Influential Georgians, honorary degrees — you name it, she's probably got it. But she's still looking at these glaring gaps in healthcare outcomes and saying, “no, we can do better.”

Although there were as many as 19 HBCU medical schools at one point in time, that there are only four remaining doesn’t discourage Montgomery Rice.

“We produce 10 times more Black physi-

cians than all the top 10 medical schools in the country,” Montgomery Rice says. “Our presence is still important because the data is clear, when there is concordance whether by race, gender, or cultural experience, there’s improved patient outcomes.”

This story was originally published as part of The Exchange by Deloitte and written by Donnell Suggs.

Killer Mike receives proclamation from the state

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

Michael Render, aka Killer Mike, received a proclamation from Georgia State Representative Imani Barnes for winning three GRAMMYs related to his album ‘Scientists & Engineers.’ Killer Mike, and his wife Shay, were inside the Georgia House chambers when the proclamation was read.

Killer Mike swept the rap categories, Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance, during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. He won his first GRAMMY in 2003 for best rap performance by a duo or group for “The Whole World,” his collaboration with OutKast.

After receiving his proclamation, he reminisced about his family’s history in the Peach State. He immediately thought about his grandparents as they began building their legacies.

“My grandmother came in 1950,” explains Killer Mike. “My grandfather came here in 1940. My grandfather was from Georgia, my grandmother being from Alabama. I know I’m making them proud. And to be honest with you, I happen to know a lot about my family history.”

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

in the Best Rap Album category. Tracks nominated for best rap song 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.”

As soon as State Representative Barnes announced that Killer Mike was in the gallery,

everyone around him pulled out their phones and could not contain their excitement. Whenever someone or a sports accomplishes a major feat, they receive a hero’s welcome inside the House Chamber. Recently, such honors were bestowed upon Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. Another proclamation was extended

to the Atlanta Braves after winning the 2021 World Series.

“Michael Render is a son of Westside Atlanta, Morehouse, and the State of Georgia,” exclaims Inga Willis, a Democrat from Atlanta. “He has done us proud with his musical accomplishments, his reinvestment in the city, and commitment to elevating Georgia. He is more than worthy of State accolades.”

Meanwhile, the magnitude of the moment and the historical significance was not lost on Killer Mike.

“As I walk in this building; since I’ve been a teenager weirded out by the fact that one of my ancestors, from the other side of the fence, hangs on the walls in here,” said Killer Mike. “From a plantation named for the Long family now to a man making influence, political influence, business influence and beyond. I just think that it is truly a story of in Black History Month of African American greatness, the trials and valleys that we’ve overcome and the peaks and the tops of mountains that we see.

I’m very proud to be here today. I’m proud on the behalf of my family and proud on behalf of the African American community in Georgia. I’m proud of Georgia as a community to be awarded this and I take it very seriously. And I’m going to try my best to never embarrass us.”

Rapper and Activist Michael S. ``Killer Mike" Render acknowledges members of the Georgia House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 inside the Georgia State Capitol. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

BY BRODERICK JOHNSON

Many Black innovators have created essential technologies that led to the Internet we have today. Though often overlooked, their contributions helped build this indispensable tool that touches all aspects of our lives.

In 1885 Granville Woods, known as “the Black Edison,” invented the “telegraphony,” building technology that would greatly advance the telephone. Later, Dr. Shirley Jackson’s research laid the foundation for breakthroughs in telecommunications technologies, and Alan Emtage created the first Internet search engine.

Fast forward to today, whether you’re working remotely, seeking a new job, accessing health care, or completing schoolwork, without the Internet, it’s easy to get left behind. In a world reliant on digital technology, addressing digital equity for the Black community is essential to realizing a truly inclusive society.

For generations, Black Americans have fought for full and equal social and economic inclusion. The late Congressman John Lewis called access to the Internet “the civil rights issue of the 21st century,” because he knew connectivity is essential for economic empowerment and full participation in society.

The National Skills Coalition, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, recently found that a staggering 92% of job postings already require digital skills. Jobs requiring even one digital skill can earn an average of 23% more than jobs requiring no digital skills — an average increase of $8,000 in annual income. In other words, digital skills are necessary for nearly every entry-level job and for achieving economic mobility.

Unsurprisingly, people of color are more likely to fall on the wrong side of these gaps. In 2021, the Urban Institute found that 84% of young white people between ages 16-24 have basic digital skills, but only 52% of young Black people do. And while having home broadband can help someone develop those skills, a recent Pew Research study found that 32% of Black Americans lack a home broadband subscription — significantly more than their white peers.

The recent progress in closing the digital divide has been unprecedented — with billions of dollars being invested to tackle connectivity from every angle, from funding rural broadband infrastructure to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In just over 2 years, this

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

— Alice Walker

FCC-administered program has provided over 23 million families with up to $30/month, or up to $75/month on tribal lands, toward their home Internet bills. As a result, collaboration across government, community organizations, and Internet service providers has brought devices and digital skills to millions.

Closing the digital divide is not new to Comcast. For more than a decade, we have worked aggressively to promote digital opportunity by partnering with communities, expanding and investing in our network, and offering multiple low-cost, high-speed Internet product options. The impact has been felt across the country and has helped open doors for so many in our African American community.

Recently, the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training in Baltimore, one of our partner organizations, helped a veteran named Kalem connect to the Internet and strengthen his digital skills. Kalem used the Internet to take virtual classes at a local community college and recently received a community health work certification to pursue a career helping other veterans in need.

In Fort Wayne, Indiana, Netoysha, a mother of two young children, got connected to the Internet at home for the very first time. With the help of our community partner, the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Netoysha and her family found a place to live, as well as resourc-

es to get broadband at no cost. Now Netoysha can take classes online at home, allowing her to avoid additional childcare costs and use her resources to pay for other essentials.

The life-changing impact of digital opportunity must be made available to all Americans. Black History Month offers us a chance to pause and reflect on our experience, take deliberate action to address inequities, and chart our collective future. Based on the extraordinary partnerships and commitments I’ve seen over the past few years, I’ve never been more optimistic about our ability to get it done — together.

I’m inspired when I think about the changes an Internet connection brought to Kalem’s and Netoysha’s lives. The words of Lanet Parker, a single mom in Oakland, encompass the deep impact connectivity has on all of us. Her son, Kevin Butler, found his calling as a mentor to other Black youth through the Hidden Genius Project once he was able to get a home Internet connection.

“With reliable Internet at home, the world opened up,” she said. So, let’s continue our work to develop partnerships and solutions to close the digital divide, create unlimited possibilities, and open up the world to everyone.

Broderick Johnson is Executive Vice President of Digital Equity and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Comcast.

Eliminate luck from your vocabulary

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

Atlanta Voice

Idon’t know about you but, there have been times when I have confused being blessed with being lucky.

At times when it seems that life has stacked the deck against me, my worldly perspective on things can get kind of blurred. I mean life does that periodically in my life.

My point is when this does occur and my back is truly up against the wall, I’m fortunate to be able to steady myself and come back to one very truthful thing.

It’s not luck. Forever strike that. I am blessed and there are not enough hours in the day to say thank you to the Almighty for this simple change in thought.

What it means is that from wherever I sit, what my predicament or circumstances, I have not missed my wake-up call from God. It may have been a long time coming, but this time I didn’t hit the snooze button.

Instead, I got myself out of bed and started at some point to pay attention to God’s agenda rather than my own.

It’s not luck.

If you think about it, everybody could or should ask the same question. Have you missed your wake-up call from God? Did you call the front desk and ask/pray for one?

The bible is full of saints and sinners who, when God rang them up, tried their very best to play past, ignore or sleep through God’s call upon their lives.

Most tried to deny it. Some begged God to ask somebody else. Many just turned over and wouldn’t believe God was actually trying to get in touch with them.

Ask Jonah, Moses, Zechariah to name a few.

But that’s a funny thing about God. He continues to call, sometimes with consequences for the reluctant sleeper. I’m just thankful I answered the phone. Can you imagine missing your wake-up call from God and never getting another one?

Like I said, I’m feeling much more than just lucky today. I would have loved to have seen Mom’s face to hear me say I’m saved.

There are still people rolling over in their graves at this rather remarkable news. Yes, there is a celebration going on. And the only reason I know this is because in my life, I know I woke up exactly one ring before the last ring of my wake-up call.

Now I might be wrong but from my seat, better late than never.

I’m giddy today with the reality that God said, “ring him up one more time.” It stops and starts with ‘thank you.’ It includes the truth that one day I will die knowing that God loves me and that knowledge gives a whole new meaning to my entire existence.

You know when you miss your wake-up call, it has a tendency to ruin your whole day. I believe when you miss your wake-up call from God, it

has a tendency to ruin the rest of your natural life and the next life after that.

I know there is someone who is reading this right now who also knows the feeling of just getting in under the wire; catching a plane, making a meeting, getting to the store right before it closes.

Maybe you made it in time to talk someone into letting you in after the door was locked when they weren’t supposed to. The negative anticipation is replaced with great elation that, whew, you made it.

Thank God I made it! Now I may not get to heaven but I can honestly say, I do know the way. The rest is up to me. I don’t know about you but that’s worth shouting about. The bible says count it all joy.

Life and death look a whole lot different to me now. Actually, they’re pretty much the same to some extent. God is in both realms. And it’s pretty nice to find or be found and then follow Him in this one.

You guys have a nice day and may God bless and keep you forever.

What is one thing, if anything, you think Atlanta should do regarding its growing homeless population?

DANIELLE BESLOW Fayetteville

“I think they should take some of the abandoned buildings they have downtown, rehab them, and help out some of the homeless downtown. It’s too many people out there that are homeless. We have a few shelters, but it’s not enough, and we need to help each other out.”

CARMEN BESLOW Fayetteville

“One thing that Atlanta should do about its homeless community is create a program that helps them find jobs, as there are plenty of jobs that are available for people, and we should help them learn how to conduct interviews, teach them how to put themselves together and make themselves more presentable and hopefully land them a job one day.”

DERRICK GREEN McDonough

“My comment about what we can do about the homeless in Atlanta is back and forth with these container homes. It’s the idea I kind of had in mind. For example, why can’t we get container homes for people without housing? But then, I’m not sure if that may cripple them and cause them to be even lazier than some of them. I’m not saying all of them already are, but that may not be a good idea. The container homes are something to think about. Give them a certain time to get themselves together. And if they can’t, there is room for the next person who may want to take advantage. So this is my input, and I think doing many container homes may not be such a bad idea.”

TONY CADE

Stone Mountain

“What I think Atlanta should do with their homeless is convert cargo containers and set up housing for the homeless. And then, you could charge them based on their income. And if they don’t have any income, you could use that to create jobs for them around the city. And then, if they aren’t qualified to do that, do you look for other options. Compiled

The

“YOUR VOICE”

State

Franklin gets his moment in the spotlight in ‘overdue’ new ‘Peanuts’ special

21-year-old student is running for state representative in District 15

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

Joshua Anthony, is concerned about Albany’s future. The community and city are continuing to deal with several disparities, including poverty, low job employment, and increased crime. He believes Albany and Southwest Georgia have been neglected and passed over.

Therefore, at 21 years of age, Anthony, a student at Georgia State University, is running for the Georgia Legislature, seeking to represent Georgia’s 153rd House District. District 153 encompasses Dougherty County and downtown Albany, including the Audubon, Lakeside, and Oakdale areas.

“We’ve had a few past leaders who have brought great ideas to Albany,” says Anthony. “But overall most people in our city are still struggling, and it has been for years. There are other cities outside Albany’s District 153 that are progressing at unprecedented levels. Now is the time to get involved and create change with a real plan to reverse the continuous cycles of poverty and struggles for Albany’s residents. I cannot make promises or changes overnight, but I have a five-year revitalization plan that will create opportunities over the next five years. I want to help my city so they can believe.”

Currently, David Sampson, a Democrat from Albany, represents District 153 in the Statehouse Legislature. Meanwhile, Anthony takes his classes online as he campaigns. He has championed his events, “Talk & Trim,” community town halls in barbershops where residents can ask questions and learn about his platforms. In September 2023, Anthony also hosted a Farmers’ Workshop, assisting farmers in surrounding counties apply for federal aid with USDA. Anthony recently partnered with Morningside Elementary for his Literacy reading program and spoke with high school students for Career Day with Commodore Conyers Career Academy.

Anthony’s platform also focuses heavily on education including educating seniors about his support of expanding Medicare and Medicaid, a policy position that the greater Georgia Democratic Caucus has championed. He also supports modernizing infrastructure and increasing access to broadband internet.

Plus, Anthony says he supports creating workforce training programs focused on rural-specific skills and emerging industries. Notably, Anthony believes it’s time for Geor-

gia to increase teacher salaries, focusing on attracting and retaining teachers in Georgia’s public schools.

“I think the only way we can move forward

is to initiate a focus on important platforms now,” explains Anthony. I don’t know what other candidates are doing, but I believe in having a plan concerning policies that im-

prove people’s lives. We must invest in the community’s growth so they can believe together.”

Although Georgia has elected two Democrats (Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock) to the United States Senate, the Gold Dome is dominated by Republican leadership in the Governor’s Mansion, the legislature, and in statewide offices. Nevertheless, Anthony is encouraged to find common ground as a great starting point toward working with the current legislators.

“There isn’t one Republican in the Georgia State Legislature that disagrees with not supporting Georgia educators,” says Anthony. “If we can find that common consensus, we can grow and expand to create great legislation. It’s important to have adult conversations and attack the issue head-on and not be distracted by our internal battles. My job is to listen, work, and think of what is best to bring home to Albany, and this is important.”

Anthony is ready to step up and create change now.

“I am inspired to lead; I will never forget the encouraging words of my grandfather: Yes, there will be a struggle and tough times, but that doesn’t have to be Albany’s story.”

Photo courtesy of Joshua Anthony

21-year-old candidate Joshua Anthony reads to students at Morningside Elementary in Albany, Ga. Photo courtesy of Shavonda Miles

Politics

Jamie Foxx sounds ready to return to stand up following health scare

Women for Biden-Harris launched by first lady Jill Biden

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

In honor of the first day of Women’s History Month, the First Lady of The United States Dr. Jill Biden traveled to Atlanta to launch Women for Biden-Harris.

Women for Biden-Harris is a national organizing program to reach and mobilize women across the country to reelect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Biden delivered remarks at Studio House Atlanta, a woman owned collaborative workspace, where she met with women to discuss what’s at stake in the upcoming election, how a second Donald Trump presidency would be a great disaster for women, and the pivotal role women will play in reelecting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

Along her stops in the city, Biden also made an impromptu stop by the 3 Parks Wine Shop, a Black-woman owned small business, as part of her Women for Biden tour to highlight women small business owners and how the Biden-Harris administration is delivering for them.

“It’s no accident Georgia is where we've chosen to launch Women for Biden because four years ago, Georgia, you put us in the White House. From how much work you put in for us and how much you gave, we’re grateful and that’s why I wanted to start here in the place that lifted us over the top,” she said.

Dr. Biden said she wants to do what America did in 2020 and 2022, which she said was talk to friends and tell them why this election is crucial.

“We’re going to tell them what’s at stake and we’re going to make this moment as if our rights and democracy are at stake because they are,” she said. “Here’s the thing about men like Donald Trump, they underestimate our power because they don’t understand how we lead through collaboration by empowering others.”

Dr. Biden also said what gives people clarity to fight is fighting for what’s right and children’s futures are at stake.

“I think our love for our children makes us soft, but we know these are the lives that light a fire in our hearts that makes us fierce. Our daughter’s futures are at stake where our country and its freedom hang in the balance. We are immovable and unstoppable,” she said.

Additionally, Founder of Village Market Georgia, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon said the Biden-Harris Administration has had intentionality around small business owners.

“As they solve national problems, they

have the uncanny ability to go city by city and look eye-to-eye, lifting their stories and celebrating their business because they know when small businesses do well, America does well,” she said.

Hallmon also said she created her busi-

ness to advance and support founders in the city of Atlanta and around America because she wanted to make sure the “sky was set high” and entrepreneurs had an opportunity to accelerate the community.

“What’s so inspiring about being an en-

trepreneur is it takes a level of grit, vision, and determination, but what’s so incredible about being a woman-led business is we don’t just build for ourselves, as we advance, the community advances,” Hallmon said.

Skye Jackson, senior at Spelman College, will be casting her vote for the first time and is excited to vote for Biden-Harris in November.

“The significance of this moment resonates deeply with me as I transitioned from academia into my future career,” she said.

“My education at Spelman has empowered me to recognize the pivotal roles that political engagement plays in shaping our future.”

Jackson also said she knows President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting to ensure young people like herself can have a great and affordable college education.

Furthermore, Biden said it’s time to show them once again what the power of democracy can do by working every day from now until polls close on primary day in Georgia on March 12 and on Election Day in November.

“By re-electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, by deciding the future we want and all need, when we do,ladies, no one can stand in our way,” she said.

In honor of the first day of Women’s History Month, the First Lady of The United States Dr. Jill Biden traveled to Atlanta to launch Women for Biden-Harris. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

Spelman College Senior Skye Jackson expressed how amazing it will be to cast her vote for the very first time in November. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

Business For Keeps Books celebrates Black Atlanta history

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

On Auburn Avenue, nestled amidst the historical landmarks is the For Keeps Books. Founded and owned by Rosa Patrice Duffy, 33, the independent bookseller is an oasis of education in the heart of one of the city’s great Black neighborhoods.

Duffy grew up in the Sweet Auburn District, but when she turned 18 years old she moved to New York City to attend Parsons School of Design. This would start a journey for Duffy from New York back home, which was driven by a desire to create a space that celebrated Black culture while fostering a sense of belonging for all who entered.

During a recent interview with The Atlanta Voice, Duffy reflected on the deep-rooted connections that inspired her to establish the bookstore.

“Downtown Atlanta is really like my home, but there are a lot of contributing factors to the opening up of For Keeps Books,” Duffy said. “I lived in New York for eight years and spent a lot of time in bookstores.”

An ATLien through and through, even citing her favorite song as "For The People” by Atlanta native Young Thug, Duffy felt like the bookstores in New York didn't really cater to the things that she was interested in.

“When there was something that I was interested in, there was a very limited supply of the books that I loved and wanted to start collecting,” she said.

After moving back to Atlanta in 2017, Duffy moved into the Castleberry Hill section of the city. Duffy recalled the sense of belonging she felt amidst the vibrant culture and small Black businesses in the area. She initially faced skepticism regarding the profitability of a bookstore in the digital age, but remained undeterred in her mission to create a space that celebrated Black culture and fostered community.

Having been turned down by a property owner who couldn't see the potential for a bookstore, Duffy's vision came into view on Auburn Avenue. From the Atlanta Daily World to Dr. Martin Luther King's birth home, Duffy Duffy's decision to set up shop on Auburn Avenue wasn't just about business; she recognized the importance of this cultural hub and saw an opportunity to become part of the rich legacy of the area.

“I just enjoy the fact that this space kind of parallels what Lenox Ave was during the Harlem Renaissance,” Duffy said. “I always say Auburn Avenue parallels the Apollo, like Duke Ellington was there and Ella Fitzger-

ald and all these people used to play in that space. The history of these things still exist on this street, regardless of whether things are open.”

Duffy’s vision for For Keeps Books goes beyond the traditional confines of a bookstore, aiming to create a space where Black literature and ephemera could be accessible to all, free from the constraints of academia or institutionalization. Drawing inspiration from her own family's legacy, Duffy sought to honor her grandmother's influence, Dr. Josie Johnson, the first person of African descent on the Board of Regents at the University of Minnesota.

“Most recently, I was watching the “Rosa Parks” music video by OutKast, the music video is taped in front of For Keeps Books. I still feel the presence of those things. I know that I'm walking in the same steps as so many people that came before us,” Duffy explained.

Duffy's pursuit of vintage books was driven by a desire to explore neglected or overlooked narratives. She sees vintage books as windows into the past, offering insights and perspectives that were often missing from mainstream discourse. By collecting these books, which include autographed copies, Duffy

aimed to preserve and celebrate the richness of Black literature, ensuring that these stories were not forgotten or erased.

“I immediately thought of Auburn Avenue, all of those spaces that had, you know, been important to me my whole life. I didn't realize their importance until they were kind of stripped from me when I moved to New York and I realized that we really lived in a very Black city,” Duffy said.

For Keeps Books even hosts third party events in its space. The “Creating Living Archives” a workshop on teaching the “Archive Alive” method, which is a way to preserve histories, mysteries and ongoing stories, was recently in the space.

“So much Black history is in museums and spaces of that nature, but the way that it's being engaged with is so bothering to me,” said Duffy when speaking about historical Black narratives and their importance while speaking in the workshop.

Currently celebrating its fifth anniversary, For Keeps Books faces occasional concerns about safety or criticism from skeptics. Duffy remains resolute in her conviction that For Keeps Books belongs exactly where it is, at the heart of downtown Atlanta, says Duffy.

"If anything about Auburn Ave makes you uncomfortable, you're not supposed to be at

For Keeps Books,” Duffy said. “It's not the place for

you."

Rosa Patrice Duffy, 33 (above), opened the independent bookseller as an oasis of education in the heart of one of the city’s great Black neighborhoods, Sweet Auburn District. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Duffy’s vision for For Keeps Books goes beyond the traditional confines of a bookstore, aiming to create a space where Black literature and ephemera could be accessible to all, free from the constraints of academia or institutionalization.

Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Grady Baby Apparel and Grady Hospital remain at odds in legal battle

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Grady Baby Company and Appar-

co-owner Terrence Albritton is frustrated by what has been a near year-long legal battle with one of Atlanta’s largest hospitals. “We’re still fighting them but our overall goal is to work together,” Albritton told The Atlanta Voice about the family company’s licensing fight with Grady Health System during a recent interview.

“Here we are a small family business that started in our basement and we are fighting to preserve a legacy for our children,” Albritton said.

Grady Baby Company and Apparel, best known for their “We Full” hoodies and t-shirts and positive pro-Black and pro-Atlanta messaging, applied for the trademark in 2018 and received it in 2022, according to documents shared with The Atlanta Voice.

Since March 2023, the two companies have been in a fight for the name “Grady Baby”, which is used most often as a localism for people born and raised in Atlanta and born at what is now the only Level 1 trauma center in Atlanta following the clo -

sure of Atlanta Medical Center by parent company Wellstar Health System. Grady Hospital, a 131-year-old public hospital located downtown and one of the largest hospitals in the state, filed a pair of trademark lawsuits in the U.S. District Court Monday, March 6, 2023.

A civil case, the lawsuits are against Grady Baby Apparel LLC and Grady Baby Company and Apparel LLC, and claim trademark infringement for the popular and commonly used phrase “Grady Baby.”

Albritton believes the two companies coming to the table to discuss their issues would better serve the overall goal for each. Thus far it has only been lawyers talking for the two sides and it has gotten expensive, says Albritton.

“This is still going on and what they are trying to do is bankrupt us,” he said. Grady Baby has started a fundraising effort to help with the mounting legal fees. Albritton hopes there’s an end in sight, but there is little proof that Grady Hospital feels the same way.

“Enough fighting, I want to work together,” he said.

Grady Baby Company and Apparel co-owners Terrence and India Albritton. Photo provided by Grady Baby Co. and Apparel

Community

Atlanta’s Black-owned businesses

WAOK radio program

BY LAURA NWOGU

WAOK’s “Too Much Truth with Derek Boazman” radio program celebrated Atlanta’s Black-owned businesses on Wednesday inside Mr. Everything Cafe on M.L.K.

Nestled in the upstairs bar of the family-owned and operated business that marked a milestone of 30 years in December, business owners gathered to mingle, network and highlight their businesses.

Many of the businesses in attendance were small businesses that ranged from salon and natural skin care products to libraries and at-risk youth support organizations. Joyce Littel, WAOK’s brand manager, recognized that it could be hard for those businesses to afford regular advertising. The event, which started as a way to help local entrepreneurs, allows these owners to use the reach of the radio station to market themselves.

“A lot of times, they can get the business started. If it’s a brick-and-mortar, they can build it. They can do everything to get it up and running but sometimes they don’t save enough for a marketing team,” Littel said. “If we can play a part in their success by giving them an opportunity to talk about their business, talk about their service, talk about their products — that’s what the voice of the community, WAOK, is and will forever be.”

Los Angeles native Jason Aldredge owns Compromising Choices, an at-risk youth organization he founded to help young men in Atlanta make better choices. Drawing from his experiences as an at-risk youth himself and the work he did to change his life, Aldredge said he recognized the power and duty he had to help those in his community see themselves in a different light by mentorship in schools and prisons and hosting events such as an upcoming talent show at Booker T. Washington on March 29.

“A lot of these young dudes aren’t thinking for themselves. They’re allowing other dudes to treat them like crash dummies, and it’s my job to be an interrupter of coffins and jails,” Aldredge said. “These kids have nothing else to see, so I’m here every day. I’m here all the time. I’m here working with them, showing them something different. First and foremost, gaining their trust.”

Henry M. Carter, author, community leader and owner of Conyers book store Tree of Knowledge, made note of a 2019 CNBC report that stated the Black buying power was $1.4 trillion. He emphasized the importance

of utilizing that economic power by investing in and showing support for Black businesses and how that could, in turn, make the Atlanta community better.

“We need to start authentically supporting Black businesses and create an ecosys-

tem where we can recycle that dollar. And we’ll begin to see better schools, we’ll begin to see better housing. You’ll begin to see our young people more engaged and empowered because they’re working at these businesses that can mentor them.”

Jason Aldredge owner of Compromising Choices. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice

Joyce Littel, WAOK brand manager. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice

Henry M. Carter, author, community leader and owner of Conyers book store Tree of Knowledge. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The

Voice

PawKids: Empowering Atlanta’s youth through holistic resources

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

PawKids began in 2015 as an after-school enrichment program for children in Grove Park and has expanded over time in response to the needs of children, their families, and the community.

Founder and executive director, LaTonya Gates Johnston launched PawKids in a neighbor’s backyard with five children. PawKids are a faith-aligned community hub that exists to empower, provide holistic resources, and build genuine self-sustainability in the lives of Atlanta neighbors.

With support from two churches (historically Black, Paradise Baptist Church and majority-white Atlanta Westside Presbyterian are the basis for the “PAW”) Johnston purchased a former trap house on Donald Lee Hollowell Blvd and renovated it to provide a safe, loving environment for the kids after school.

The program quickly grew to thirty, and LaTonya, who herself was raised in poverty, determined the kids needed not only enrichment, but learning support, behavioral health support, and family support to thrive. In 2017, she opened another space, the Gathering Place, to provide respite for parents, parenting support groups, and opportunities for counseling.

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Paradise Baptist Church and Atlanta Westside Presbyterian, Johnston purchased a former trap house on Donald Lee Hollowell Blvd and renovated it to provide a safe, loving environment for the kids after school. Photo courtesy of Paw Kids

See Regina King transform into a political powerhouse in ‘Shirley’

Breaking the cycle: A surgeon’s fight against genetic heart disease

BY LENTHEUS CHANEY

William Cooper calls Atlanta home, a city located a two-hour flight away from Kansas City, where he contracts as a heart surgeon.

Cooper, a proud Kansas City Chiefs fan, displayed the team's logo on his jacket during our Zoom interview, just a week after the Chiefs' Super Bowl win.

Super Bowl Sunday, a day filled with excitement, included an unexpected visit to the emergency room for Cooper after he experienced chest pain.

Without hesitation, Cooper called a colleague and headed to the hospital. In the end, his tests came back negative for a cardiac event, and the pain he experienced was most likely the result of overexertion from an earlier workout.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chest pain is more common in athletes aged 35 and older than in those who live a less active lifestyle.

However, Cooper knows that genetic factors contribute to the likelihood of developing heart disease regardless of age, which is why, after losing two siblings to heart disease, he shares his family's medical history with his children and encourages them to get tested.

What inspired your decision to pursue a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon?

That story has been unfolding for me all my life, from the time I was born. I was always a little precocious and sort of grasped things very quickly. I took a really keen interest in the biological sciences. But the thing that really tipped me over was that my mom died when I was 14. She was only 46 with eight kids, and she died of pancreatic cancer.

At 14, not having a mother around was very impactful for me, and I was angry. I was like, man, God, why did you do this? But I turned it into wanting to conquer and cure cancer.

There was no doubt in my mind at that point that I was going to be a doctor. And I was not going to be deterred in that endeavor. But the reality is, when I got to medical school, I just couldn't fathom seeing more and more people die of cancer like my mother.

While attending medical school, I made a connection with some cardiovascular sur-

geons who were very good with students. They motivated me and gave me the confidence that I could do this.

Unfortunately, years later, my sister and brother died of heart attacks.

How has the personal tragedy of losing family members to the same illness you work to treat affected your experience as a surgeon?

So, our families are a microcosm of society in many respects, and none more than when it comes to our genetic makeup. And so, it gave me perspective. It really allows me to honestly speak to people differently about the whole idea of cardiovascular disease because it has struck home.

And I'm glad you asked me this question because I think so many of us really don't think about it until the leaf falls in our backyard. Then we have to rake it up. You know, leaves are falling in our neighbor's yard. Not my problem. But guess what? When it comes to heart disease and physical ailments, they are going to fall into your backyard one day.

It influences the way that I go about my

business and approach not only my personal health but also how I counsel.

So as strange as it may seem, my family's tragedy, quite frankly, I hope, has turned into a life of knowledge for someone else. I got really, really interested in the whole idea of genetics in the heart as it relates to heart disease. In my career, I believe that the most powerful risk factor is family history.

I've seen absolutely normal people with a strong family history of heart disease come to me with heart attacks, needing heart surgery, having had stents, and all those other things. So, it really got me thinking about the idea of genetics and family history as it relates to cardiovascular disease.

How have you communicated your family's history of cardiovascular issues and your own medical experiences to your children?

So, there's another little piece of this story that needs to be told first. In 2003, I was deployed to Iraq for the Army Reserve. I came back from that deployment, and over the course of the next two, three, or four years, I

developed PTSD. It manifested itself through these overwhelming intrusive thoughts of dying early and young. And one of the therapies for me became journaling and writing stuff down.

That culminated in me writing a book titled “Heart Attack: Truth, Tragedy and Triumph.”

The first chapter of that book is about family history. And I go into the deaths of my mom, my younger sister, my sister and brother Vicki and Alvin, who died of heart problems, my sister Janice, who died of cancer, and my oldest brother Alex, who died of HIV/AIDS.

That was therapeutic for me because the thing that created so much fear for me was the idea of leaving my kids prematurely. When I started to write this stuff down, I was writing the story so that they would know about it.

The conversation doesn't hurt. It may be painful to think about, but that only lasts for a second. Because then the reality sets in that they're still here, you're still here, and you're here to have this conversation. That's the beauty of it.

I am not going to allow my kids to go through their lives or have a problem with their hearts without knowing that they are at risk. So, we're going to get checked. That's how we communicate. We have to be very, very open and honest with our kids and loved ones about those things that could matter, not just to us but also to them.

Considering the instances of death you face in your professional capacity, what methods do you utilize to lessen their mental impact?

In the last 10 to 15 years, I've become a much more spiritual person. Spirituality and getting in touch with a deeper sense of self have been very helpful in that regard. And so, to avoid taking on that energy, I channel my energy into doing all I can to be a positive benefit to everybody that I meet when it comes to health and wellness.

I get myself out of the books, the academic rhetoric, and the statistics and just start talking to people. I start talking to people, trying to meet them where they are. I understand that they don't have the same knowledge that I do, but I also let them know that the knowledge they do have is very powerful, and they don't have to just rely on any one person's opinion or advice when it comes to their health.

Dr. Cooper recounts a recent scare he had with heart disease and emphasizes the significance of genetic testing. Photo provided by Dr. William Cooper

Transportation Marta Airport Station to close for six weeks for renovations

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will close its Airport Station for six weeks from Monday, April 8 through Sunday, May 19 to renovate the concourse and platform levels.

MARTA service will continue to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport via a bus shuttle between College Park Station and the North Terminal Lower Level, downstairs from North Baggage Claim, 22 hours a day, 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.

During this closure, MARTA will be working to remove and replace the floor tiles on both the concourse and platform levels at the station as well as preparations needed for the new canopy structure. These improvements will enhance the safety and appearance of the rail station to best serve travelers and employees at the world’s busiest airport. This six-week station closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both customers and workers while also significantly reducing the overall construction time by 17 months. Additional impacts to complete the project include nightly closures planned for 10

months in 2025 as well as a potential second six-week closure at the end of construction to install the new canopy structure.

Additionally, MARTA began station rehabilitation work at the Airport Station in June 2022. To date, construction teams have completed structural work in preparation for the new elevator installation, replaced the south vestibule and progressed electrical upgrades. Other planned improvements include replacement of ceilings and lighting, a new RideStore, full rehabilitation of the existing elevator, a public art installation, replacement of all signage, and full renovation of employee spaces.

“MARTA remains an efficient and inexpensive way to get to and from the airport, whether you work there or are traveling,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “We will be providing easily accessible shuttle service for travelers and airport employees between College Park Station and the airport so we can safely complete this necessary work at Airport Station. We ask that if you’re headedV to the airport for your shift or to catch a flight, you give yourself an extra 30 minutes to account for

the adjustment to our service.”

Directions from MARTA:

• If you’re flying out or heading to work at the airport, travel to College Park Station as you normally would and follow the signs for the shuttle to the airport. The shuttle will drop you at the North Terminal Lower Level

– Doors LN1 and LN2 – conveniently located near the employee entrance.

• If you’re flying in or heading home from your job at the airport, follow the signs to Ground Transportation and North Baggage Claim, and take the stairs, escalator, or elevator down to the North Terminal Lower Level

– Doors LN1 and LN2 – to catch the shuttle to College Park Station.

• Delta customers should follow the signs from South Baggage Claim to North Baggage Claim and the North Terminal Lower Level –Doors LN1 and LN2 – to catch the shuttle to College Park Station.

• International arrivals: Follow signs to Ground Transportation and take the airport shuttle to the Domestic Terminal. From there, follow the signs to the North Terminal Lower Level – Doors LN1 and LN2 – to catch the shuttle to MARTA’s College Park Station.

“As we continue to serve as a vital hub for global travel, the upcoming renovations at MARTA’s Airport Station reflect our joint commitment to enhancing the travel experience,” stated ATL Airport General Manager Balram “B” Bheodari. “We fully support this upgrade, encouraging our Airport community to plan accordingly by allowing extra time for travel. The availability of shuttle service ensures uninterrupted access, and we are grateful for everyone’s cooperation and patience during this transformative time.”

Furthermore, MARTA will have signs and announcements throughout the rail system and at the airport to alert riders of the temporary rail station closure and bus shuttle service. If you are hosting visitors between April 8 and May 19 who plan to take MARTA from the airport, please advise them to catch the shuttle at the North Terminal Lower Level – Doors LN1 and LN2 – below North Baggage Claim, to connect with College Park Station and the MARTA rail system.

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

Sports

CAU’s Alfred Jordan named SIAC Coach of the Year

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Clark Atlanta University men’s head basketball coach Alfred Jordan was recently named Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) coach of the year.

In only his second season as head coach at his alma mater, Jordan, a former CAU basketball player, led the Panthers to an overall record of 22-5 this season.

“It feels good, it’s been a long time coming,” Jordan told The Atlanta Voice about earning the honor. “It feels like my patience has paid off.”

The last men’s coach to win coach of the year honors was current University of Arkansas Little Rock (UALR) head coach Darrell Walker. Jordan coached under Walker for two seasons before moving to becoming an assistant at UALR before returning to the Atlanta University Center to work as an assistant coach at Morehouse College.

This year’s 22-win season includes a 16-5 conference record and a 12-1 record at home in L.S. Epps Gymnasium. That single home loss took place last year on Dec. 18

to LeMoyne-Owen College, 81-77. The Panthers didn’t lose any of their regular season home games during 2024.

The Panthers started the 2023-24 season with six straight victories, before winning 14 of its next 15 games. Jordan’s ability to recruit high-caliber transfers such as the Stewart twins, graduate students Andrew and Elijah, and Division I transfers Chris Martin and Jalen NeSmith, has gone a long way to transform the team this season.

Martin, a first team all-conference selection, was named conference player of the year after averaging a team-high 18.1 points per game. Junior center Kharye Cayne was named the conference’s defensive player of the year after avering 7.7 rebounds per game and blocking 93 shots in 27 games.

Clark Atlanta opened the postseason in the quarterfinals of the SIAC tournament on Thursday, Mar. 7.

Jordan said his goals for the remainder of the season are strictly team goals. “The rest of the goals are to win the SIAC tournament and the NCAA championship,” he said.

Street Lines: 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T Plus

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

During our review of the debut of the 2023 Dodge Hornet GT here, we were impressed with the compact-utility vehicle’s style including the signature “mail-slot” style grille, vehicle-width tail lamp, 268 horsepower, and overall thrill to drive. In 2024, we get the R/T Plus, an updated version of the Hornet that shows Dodge’s aspiration to provide an earth-friendly, hybrid plug-in model.

Still embracing a lot of the physical characteristics of the precious year’s introduction, plus a responsive powertrain flexing 288 horsepower from a 1.3-liter, I-4 turbo PHEV engine, the five-seater R/T Plus—standing for the “Road and Track” series that has more performance than a standard version but just below the track-terrorizing SRT trims—puts a lot of emphasis in gas conservation. With an EPA-estimated 77 MPG-equivalent in combined city/highway

miles when utilizing the hybrid capability, and 26 MPG if driven solely in gas mode.

(Note that the Hornet can go approximately 30 miles on solely battery power.) I strongly recommend anyone considering the electric vehicle sector to entertain owning a hybrid first to get an idea on how electricity works with a vehicle; getting gas is always an op -

tion with hybrids. The R/T Plus is a version that could help that transition.

The Plus trim, which is about $5K more than the R/T version, adds genuine leather, a theateresque Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated front seats, voice activation, power sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, and wireless charging to name a few upgrades

to the already generous standard features. More recommended options this review model boasted included the stunning Blu Bayou paint and red leather seats. The Customer Preferred Package ($2,345) delivers parking-assist applications, a surround-view camera system, and a plethora of other safety features. Boost the eye candy level with black gloss paint on the mirror caps and side window moldings,18-inch “Abyss'' finish aluminum wheels, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and signature “R/T” badging which collectively comes in the R/T Blacktop Package ($1.595).

For a hybrid to fit five comfortably while providing a nimble, road-gripping driving experience with fewer trips to filling stations, the head-turning R/T Hornet could be a perfect fit.

Price: $46,400 MSRP base; $52,925 as reviewed with aforementioned packages

Gas economy: 77 MPGe/29 gasoline only

For more information, visit Dodge.com.

Photo courtesy of Dodge

Clark Atlanta University head men’s basketball coach Alfred Jordan is in his second season as head coach at his alma mater. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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