The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 042624

The African American Mayors Association Conference (AAMA) is taking place in Atlanta this weekend at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones (above) and dozens of Black mayors from around the country took part in the annual conference this week. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

10th annual AAMA honors Maynard Jackson’s legacy, impact

BY DONNELL SUGGS

The mayor of Tracy, California, looked around the grand ballroom inside the Omni Atlanta Hotel and smiled. She was 2,200 miles away from the city she is leading, but felt right at home at the same time. “I love the connectivity,” said Nancy Young.

The first Black mayor and female mayor in the history of the northern California city of just under 100,000 residents, Young is no stranger to Atlanta, her son attended Morehouse College some years back, so she knew she was definitely returning to Atlanta for this special occasion. “And I have been talking to other mayors in California about coming to the conference too,” she said.

Asked what she is looking to accomplish while she is in town and among dozens of other Black mayors from cities both big (Atlanta, New York City, Memphis, and St. Louis, to name a few) and small (Palmetto, Georgia, Miramar, Florida, and Earle, Arkansas, pop. 1,800) Young said she wanted to learn more about how to get larger businesses to connect with and invest in smaller businesses.

Tracy, located in San Joaquin County, is 60 miles east of major tech hub San Francisco and 60 miles west of agribusiness and food manufacturing giant Sacramento. Tracy’s population is just under 6% Black, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.

“I’m trying to find out new ideas and new ways to bring back home to our residents,” said Young, who is in the fourth year of her first term as mayor. She served the city council for a decade before running for mayor.

The African American Mayors Association Conference (AAMA) is taking place in Atlanta this week at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park. Black mayors from across the country gathered in the heart of downtown Atlanta to exchange ideas, fellowship and in the words of Mount Vernon, New York Mayor and AAMA President Shawn Patterson Howard, to be in “the only place where you are going to see this collection of mayors.”

Some of the speakers at this year’s conference have been making national news, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, the first and

only female mayor in the city’s history, were also on hand. Former Phoenix Suns star and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former AAMA president, was also in attendance.

The State of Our City opening press conference took place Wednesday, April 24 with current Patterson Howard, incoming AAMA President and Montgomery (AL) Mayor Steven Reed, Little Rock (AR) Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. and Miramar (FL) Mayor Wayne Messam all taking turns speaking on the behalves of American cities that are being led by Black men and women.

Following the press conference, Palmetto (GA) Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith, that city’s first Black and female leader, said she was at the conference to “tap into what my peers have already been doing around the country.”

Thomas-Smith, an Atlanta native and graduate of Benjamin E. Mays High School, was elected on Nov. 7, 2023 and said she brought Atlanta-style politics to that town of just over 5,000 residents for that election.

“I ran a campaign like I was running for governor,” she said.

The first Black and Black female mayor in the history of Jonesboro, Georgia was also

in attendance Wednesday night. Dr. Donya L. Sartor, a longtime educator and former Jonesboro city council member, was elected on the same day as Thomas-Smith. This is her first AAMA and said it could not be taking place in a better location.

“It’s coming full-circle with Maynard Jackson being so pivotal,” Sartor explained. “With all of the different local and national elections coming up, this is an opportunity for all of us to fellowship and share ideas.”

Jackson’s time as the first Black mayor of Atlanta was an ever-present theme throughout the opening press conference and will be through the week, according to Patterson Howard.

“You can’t move into the future until you understand the past and how the foundation was laid,” she explained. “Atlanta is who it is because of his vision.”

Little Rock (AR) mayor Frank Scott, Jr. said he and his fellow mayors are in Atlanta to revive, reset and resurrect.

Montgomery (AL) Mayor Steven Reed said the purpose of the conference is to bring

Miramar (FL) Mayor Wayne Messam (above) said of recent verbal attacks on Black mayors, “DEI is the new boogeyman and it’s impacting us all. As AAMA, we must stay vigilant and stay focussed.” Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Google’s Love Letter to Atlanta

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

In the heart of Midtown Google's Atlanta office stands tall—taking up 19 floors of the 1105 West Peachtree office building and spanning 500,000 square feet. Known affectionately as "The Love Letter to Atlanta'' by Google staffers, this architectural achievement doubles as a tribute to the city's rich history and vibrant culture. With the doors opening in 2022 amidst the tail end of the COVID-19 global pandemic, only specific teams were allowed into the building at any given time, and only select floors were open to keep safety precautions in mind. The Atlanta Voice was recently given a tour of the facility.

As guests are first taken to the visitor center, they're greeted by a striking red arch resembling a heart. This grand entrance sets the tone for what lies within—a celebration of Atlanta's history. From the expansive windows, the city unfolds before visitors, where they can see the skyline stretching into the horizon. Nearby, right behind the guest check-in station, is a wall adorned with boombox molds meant to pay homage to Atlanta's music scene, inviting viewers to ponder which one is the real deal. The celebration of Atlanta’s musical history is further reflected with record players, posters of album covers, and even the iconic Google “G” placed on a wall composed of old cassette records.

Each floor is more distinct than the last. One floor lends itself to a tropical Hawaiian vibe, while another boasts a space hosting a map of Midtown Atlanta. One of the standout features is the rainbow staircase, reminiscent of the vibrant rainbow crosswalk at 10th St. & Piedmont Ave. It winds its way through multiple floors and serves as a visual node to the iconic Atlanta crosswalk.

Among select floors are specialized “Google” signs, some made of confetti-like material, and others homing in on Google’s trademark colors. But perhaps the most captivating aspect of the building is the artwork featuring pieces contributed by 20 local Atlanta artists, each adding their own unique flair to the space.

Dr. Fahamu Pécou, known for his work in his depiction of Black culture, was among the artists enlisted by Google and present on the tour. Reflecting on his collaboration, Pécou spoke about infusing elements of African heritage into the building's design. His piece, a self-portrait of himself draped in a Kente cloth dashiki against a yellow background, is meant to evoke one of Google’s trademark colors.

One of the standout features is the rainbow staircase (above), reminiscent of the vibrant rainbow crosswalk at 10th St. & Piedmont Ave. It winds its way through multiple floors and serves as a visual node to the iconic Atlanta crosswalk. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

“Part of my aesthetic practice is celebrating and acknowledging the rooting of my own experiences as a Black person and as a Black artist and image maker, connecting past to present,” Pécou explained. Having previously worked with Google in 2020 when he made a design for the Google homepage for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and then gave a lecture during a Google celebration of Black History Month.

Similarly, Brandon Sadler, a Savannah College of Art & Design graduate, and an artist who has his own wall design within the Google office, boasts an impressive clientele roster, including Marvel Studios (where he worked on Black Panther), Disney, and Adidas. Additionally, his creative work has graced other Atlanta institutions such as the Atlanta BeltLine and the Afro Punk Festival. He too joined the tour and is known for his work on The Krog Street tunnel. Reflecting on his collaboration with Google, Sadler emphasized the importance of understanding the client's objectives while staying true to his artistic ethos. “When they approached me, they approached me because they appreciate what I do,” Sadler said. “It's not about trying to control or dictate what my voice is going to be or what my work is going to be. They have an appreciation and understanding.”

During the tour guests gathered at the WERD cafe—a nod to Atlanta's story as the birthplace of the first radio station owned and programmed by Blacks and where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would broadcast his Sunday sermons.

The wallpaper aligning the pod walls features several Atlanta landmarks within its designs, such as Margaret Mitchell House and Ebenezer Baptist Church. It was designed by Atlanta native Shanequa Gay, who holds an M.F.A from Georgia State University and a B.A in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design. “You know, a place by its architecture, and then by its history,” Gay said.

The future for the building includes bringing in local hair care workers for Google employees to enjoy, employed right from the city of Atlanta, so that Google can support small businesses. From the Styrofoam peaches hanging in the lounging areas to the conference rooms named after memorable Atlanta landmarks like “For Keeps Bookstore,” the city is honored in all of the building’s design elements. In every corner of the Google office in Midtown, Atlanta's spirit shines through in Google colors. It’s a love letter to the city Google now calls home.

Cassette art installation inside Google’s Midtown Atlanta HQ. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Structural Racism’s Toll on Black Families in Court

Black individuals and families often face barriers to equal justice in court due to limited access, racial bias, and difficulties representing themselves when legal representation is unavailable or unaffordable. Photo Credit: Katrin Bolovtsova/Pexels

BY NANCY GRIMM

Race and poverty directly affect access to financial resources, healthcare, education and employment –and often will influence the chance for fair legal representation and successful outcomes. Unfortunately, family court, which is responsible for crucial decisions affecting a family’s well-being, is not immune to the impact of structural racism in our judicial system.

Black individuals and families often face barriers to equal justice in court due to limited access, racial bias, and difficulties representing themselves when legal representation is unavailable or unaffordable.

Racial disparities persist throughout the family law system with courts making assumptions about people of color’s legal knowledge, parenting abilities and commitment to their children. While some judges and members of the court treat Black individuals and other people of color fairly, others in the court system exhibit implicit or explicit bias – making decisions simply based on race.

The shortage of Black attorneys and judges exacerbates the issue. The American Bar Association reports minimal growth in the percentage of Black attorneys over the past decade. Of the 1.3 million attorneys nationwide, Black attorneys account for less than 5 percent – hardly enough to adequately serve Black individuals with legal needs across the U.S. Diverse representation is key to improving the justice system and fostering better understanding and respect of the client’s life challenges and legal situation. This can lead to stronger attorney-client relationships and significantly better legal outcomes.

The child welfare systems in this country often harm families by failing to address structural and cultural causes for the family’s challenges. Reports and investigations disproportionately target Black families, resulting in children being removed from their homes and, in some cases, the loss of parental rights. In fact, most allegations that result in removal of Black children from their homes stem from neglect due to poverty or discrimination rather than abuse. Empty refrigerators and pantries, children left alone during work hours due to the inability to afford childcare, or the finding of a room shared among multiple family members can trigger citations that attack the family’s stability. Still, Black families are more likely to be reported and investigated for abuse or neglect than their White counterparts.

Shockingly, 53 percent of Black children face child welfare investigations before the age of 18, often leading to Black children being separated from their families and placed in foster homes or other institutions, which continues to break down the Black family structure and endanger the health and well-being of the children. Once in foster care, Black children typically receive inferior services and funding, are kept from their families for longer periods of time and are less likely to be adopted compared to White children.

Black parents often face unrealistic employment standards for making reliable child support payments. Child support agencies frequently overlook racial challenges and biases in employment, labeling people of color as “deadbeats” and “failures” because of their inability to find work. These biases often lead to fines and incarceration, perpetuating the separation of families and the cycle of poverty.

Limited access to the court system also hinders low-income Black communities, which was evident during the pandemic. Despite efforts to enhance accessibility through such things as virtual platforms for remote hearings and electronic filings, individuals with limited means, particularly Black individuals, often lack access to broadband services, phones or computers. Even those with technological access may not understand how to use it or how the court system works.

How do we improve racial equity and fairness and eliminate racial bias in the family law court system?

To ensure fairness, our judicial system must change. Court standards and practices must be critically examined through the lens of historical structural racism. Implementing training, guidelines and protocols for all judges, attorneys and court personnel to address implicit and explicit bias and their impact on Black families is critical for improving outcomes in family court. Increasing diversity among judges and attorneys is paramount in affording Black families improved representation and outcomes.

Additional solutions involve examining how racial bias impacts the judges who hear and decide cases, addressing economic disparities that leave far too many Black families navigating court on their own, and evaluating whether virtual hearings disproportionately favor White families.

Courts also can partner with community stakeholders, such as libraries and churches, to provide self-represented individuals access to virtual hearings at these community locations using court-issued computers and technology.

Nancy Grimm, Esq. is a family law attorney with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service.

Condition Control

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

You know they say an alcoholic has to admit he or she has a problem before he or she can begin any type of real rehabilitation. How many times have we heard the affected person say over and over again that they really don’t have a problem? They can, in essence, stop any time they want to. It’s just that the ‘want to’ never supersedes the ‘don’t want to. And the ‘I can’t do this by myself’ never seems to surface until that person is face down in the dirt. Sometimes, I tend to think that coming to the Lord is much the same. People like me, and maybe you, are sick from the ignorance of the gospel and don’t understand the illness is killing us day by day. We don’t have the knowledge or the faith required to diagnose our problems and like the alcoholic or the addict, we don’t think we have one. We continue to engage in morally destructive behavior and, while ruining our own lives, take a few loved ones along for the nightmare. Unfortunately, many of us can not and will not testify, even after salvation, that we are sick. Not until we are face

“Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.” Luke 17:1

down in the dirt of life are we able to see the light and recognize that being born again is the only road to health, in this case, spiritual health. My point is simply this. Just like the road to recovery from an addiction is a long and arduous one, so is the road to following Christ. It is neither easy nor straight. Relapse can come from any direction at any time. This ain’t the yellow brick road. My bible says that the cost of following Jesus is an all-or-nothing proposition: once an addict, always an addict, once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic, once a Christian, always a Christian, once saved, always saved. “Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:58.Those who follow God don’t have it easy. On the contrary, life is extremely hard. Persecution from those

“YOUR VOICE”

haters who refuse to accept you as a Christian is the same as the person who offers the alcoholic a drink and can’t understand why he or she says no. One gets it. One doesn’t.

“…Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.” Luke 17:1. Our job is the job. The duty of the addict is to first and foremost understand and admit helplessness over the addiction. We are not in control. Our life belongs to the Lord. Submission is a prerequisite to salvation. Now that we’ve got that straight, facedown in the dirt is replaced with facedown in prayer. The knowledge that relapses are possible and likely is only softened with the reality that relapse is real and part of the sickness of the physical world. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times

in a day and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:3-5. Knowledge is a dangerous thing. Ignorance is lethal. I suggest to you that merely understanding the scope of the struggle is paramount to overcoming it. We must, however, admit and recognize that we are at the mercy of so many things. Now, if the truth be told, God loves us more than we know and probably more than we love ourselves. Therein lies the light in all of this darkness. We are made in God’s image, and our duty is to recognize and represent it to the best of our ability. First and last, we must never fall prey to the arrogance of ignorance to think we can quit anytime we want to, or we can get there all by ourselves. Remember that the next time you wake up, face down. May God bless and keep you always.

This column is from “Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian” by James Washington. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

Would a conviction for insurrection help or hurt

Donald Trump’s presidential campaign?

CANDACE JOYNER

Acworth

“I think a conviction on insurrection charges would help Donald Trump's election chances. It’s very on with his brand. It's going to rally his base. It will excite them and get America back to what they thought it should have been 50 years ago. For the people on the fence…Hopefully, it will sway them and make them realize how crazy he is.”

“ I would love it if he were convicted for the insurrection, and I would love it if it did hurt his chances at the presidency. But, being honest and realistic, I don't think it would be because the people who follow Trump follow him to fault. They honestly would have if he had told everyone to jump off a bridge with him. I don't believe a conviction of the insurrection would hurt his chances. He would still get elected.”

“I think it is going to help his campaign. Donald Trump is like many celebrities in the spotlight; they do well when they do stupid things.”

“I do think a conviction would help his campaign. Donald Trump has a badass complex, which has helped his past campaigns, so a conviction will add to that. I feel like we haven't really had a rebel in office lately, and Donald Trump has been there, and people are standing behind it.”

ADRIAN JOYNER Acworth

RACHEL ANNA OSORIO Sandy Springs

DEVONTE GLOVER Sandy Springs

Compiled by Vincent Christie

State

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Georgia governor signs income tax cuts as property tax measure heads to November ballot

Cobb County commissioner Jerica Richardson runs for Congress

BY ITORO UMONTUEN

Cobb County Commissioner Jerica Richardson is running to represent the United States Congress out of the newly-created Sixth District. Richardson initially announced her intentions to run in September 2023. However, Richardson re-affirmed her decision to run for the redrawn Sixth in January. That decision now sets up a primary battle against incumbent Congresswoman Lucy McBath.

Richardson was elected in 2020 to the County Commission to represent an east Cobb district, the 2nd District. Richardson quickly became persona non grata among Republican legislators who changed the political boundaries to preserve the two GOP seats on the board and ultimately drew Richardson out. Soon thereafter, the Democratic-controlled commission responded by filing a petition to override the Legislature’s decision by amending its own map to protect Richardson. Their appeal proved successful.

“You know, we started on this campaign journey, almost a year ago last year. Overtime, we’ve been able to inspire so many people in both the old Sixth District and the new Sixth District,” explained Richardson.

“We’re excited about making sure that real issues make it to the conversation and that real solutions are presented.”

During an interview shortly after qualifying for the race, Richardson said she maintains her respect for Congresswoman Mc-

MAYORS

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change to their respective cities. “It’s about working hard to bring about the types of change all of the residents of our cities want to see,” he said. “We are here today to reset.”

There were several panels planned for the four-day conference that will take place

through Saturday that include discussion topics ranging from social policy and justice to protecting our democracy via civic engagement.

There is also a community town hall scheduled for Saturday morning inside the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College that will include former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and National Urban League President

Bath. Richardson reiterated that the Sixth is the newest majority-Black district in Georgia and seeks to have substantive conversation around the issues.

“And we know [the Sixth] has been historically under invested and underfunded,” ex-

plained Richardson. “And there has to be a strong message that we’re pulling people in, that we’re not afraid to bring people together who may not want to sit together and really make sure that we are being competitive for the entire district.

Richardson promises to be competitive and the public has the chance to hear the visions on offer this Monday, April 15th. Georgia Rep. Mandisha Thomas of South Fulton, and conservative Jeff Criswell, plus Congresswoman McBath will participate in a candidate forum in Austell.

To this point, Richardson is grateful for the love she’s received from her colleagues. But, she realizes it’s the relationships between the community and elected leaders that create the runway for meaningful changes to take place.

“Without those relationships, you can’t make anything happen. You know that it takes a village,” says Richardson. “There’s a reason why those proverbs that we like to repeat over and over again. It’s overwhelming. It’s overwhelming. And it’s a blessing. It’s an honor. You know, every time people come to me with their individual stories about how the work we’ve done has inspired them. There’s nothing that matches that feeling.”

and former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial.

On Wednesday Memphis Mayor Paul Young and St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones spoke about efforts to combat and reduce violence in their respective cities. Jones, who is in the third year of her first term as mayor, said homicides are down by 40%. She credited a three-pronged plan that is taking place in St. Louis: prevention, intervention and enforcement.

“We are not defunding the police, we are recruiting police,” Jones said.

Miramar (FL) Mayor Wayne Messam, one of the scheduled speakers for the opening press conference, spoke about how DEI has been used to disregard and disrespect certain Black mayors around America. “DEI is the new boogeyman and it’s impacting us all. As AAMA, we must stay vigilant and stay focussed.”

Cobb County Commissioner, Jerica Richardson, poses at the Georgia State Capitol on Friday, March 8, 2024. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Tracy (CA) Mayor Nancy Young and Memphis Mayor Paul Young, no relation, took a moment to meet during the AAMA Conference in Atlanta this week.

Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice

Montgomery (AL) Mayor Steven Reed (above) will be passed the gavel as the incoming president of AAMA. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Education

Frank Ski Kids Foundation addressed climate change

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

Acclaimed syndicated radio personality and philanthropist, Frank Ski, recently released “Amazon Sunrise (Lovely Day),” on his label, Future Sights And Sounds. The single is the first song to debut from his passion project, Climate Change, a captivating nine-track ambient soundtrack inspired by Frank Ski Kids Foundation’s (FSKF) unforgettable expeditions across the globe.

“20 years ago when we took our first trip to the Galapagos Islands,” explained Frank Ski. “We didn’t have the only thing we had was you could bring a Walkman, right? Or, we had the iPod right? The Apple iPods and you just loaded your iPod up with music and you went and I’m a big lover of lounge music and chill music and whatever. While I’m on the boat, I just look up at the sky watching the frigate birds fly right over us and just glide and I’m listening to this music and I said, ‘Man, this would be a great idea for a soundtrack’ and I’ve always had that dream to do it.

But when the pandemic happened, it really gave me an opportunity because I had all this time and I’m sitting at home with a studio, and I said, You know what, I’m finally going to do this. And that’s when we started the project four years ago, with concepts and getting the music and whatnot together to do this. So it’s got a little bit of the classic Frank ski flavor in there. But you’re going to see a whole new side of not only me, but myself and DJ class, my son Harrison and the producers that helped put all this together.”

The Frank Ski Kids Foundation has been empowering children to explore the world, discover their passions, and build valuable life skills through unique educational adventures for nineteen years. For its 20th anniversary The Frank Ski Kids Foundation is taking things to the next level with their 2024 Planet Green Science Expedition, offering ten lucky winners a chance to join the foundation on an unforgettable

all-expense paid trip from June 17th-26th to Study the Effects of Climate Change on The Great Barrier Reef in Australia. All costs including passports, flights, meals, lodging, and apparel are provided to each student at no additional cost.

“It’s going to be a great trip because these kids will see it firsthand,” continued Frank Ski. “I mean, it’s one of the few places that the barrier reef butts right up against their rainforest and the relationship between the two. Not only that, but culturally, how a place like Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, how they rely on what the reef provides just to live and how that’s changing the dynamic of even people living down so these kids will have an immense opportunity to not only go there but also see it firsthand.”

Lastly, the Frank Ski Wine Tasting and Live Auction will take place Sunday, May 5th. The proceeds from this event fund the expeditions for the kids. This year The Frank Ski Kids Foundation has expanded to serve kids in the Atlanta, the Washington DC Metro Area, and within The Frank Ski Network. Ski is still on air in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. However, the reach of the foundation goes beyond the DMV and had winners from New York and New Jersey. But Ski says he started the event at his house twenty years ago and the popularity exploded from there. Because his events are for everyone, Ski says it has attracted a who’s who in corporate America, politics, and entertainment.

“And it just grew so big, because people you would have regular nine to five folks, you would have like corporate leaders, you’d have politicians, you know, from the mayor and everybody else, to the governor, you know, to Hillary Clinton to all these different people that would come through,” said Ski of his annual wine tasting event. “This year, Jeezy and you know, you just get that celebrity mix and it really gives you an opportunity to rub elbows with the who’s who, and at the same time raise money for a great foundation, like the Frank ski Kids Foundation.

Frank Ski Kids Foundation’s 20th anniversary event, the Planet Green Science Expedition, invites ten winners to join an all-expense paid trip to Australia from June 17th26th. The expedition aims to explore the impact of climate change on The Great Barrier Reef.

Business

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Green bubbles, Apple Pay and other reasons why America says Apple is breaking the law

Comcast Donates $1M to RICE and the return of Comcast RISE

BY STAN WASHINGTON

Comcast solidified this month its commitment to supporting the growth of small business in the metro Atlanta area with a $1 million donation to the Russell Innovation Center of Entrepreneurship and also announced the return of Comcast RISE, a comprehensive economic growth program designed to help small businesses move to the next level.

Initially created in 2020 to help small businesses hit hard by Covid-19, Comcast RISE has awarded more than $125 million in funds, marketing and technology grants to some 13,500 businesses. In 2024, the program seeks to help 100 small businesses in five metropolitan areas which are Atlanta, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Richmond, VA and Southern Colorado.

This is the second year, Comcast has picked the metro Atlanta area. “This is one

of the biggest communities we serve in the southeast. Our regional headquarters is based in The Battery (Cobb County). Atlanta is a booming thrilling thriving community,” said Mike McArdle, Regional SVP, Comcast South Region.

RICE CEO Jay Bailey said the Comcast grant will play a significant role in the organization’s expansion plans.

“The donation today will allow us to build out our digital rights platform,” Bailey told The Atlanta Voice. Although we support over 360 businesses in this building and touch about 10 thousand annually, Digital RICE will give us the capacity to support entrepreneurs all over the country and the world. It will help us bring a little bit of the magic we have here to everyone that needs it out there.”

The businesses that will participate in the program will need to apply and meet certain criteria. They must have been in business for at least three years, have less than 100 employees and be located in designated zip

codes of the cities.

If selected the businesses will receive a $5000 grant, creative production media and technology makeovers, education resources and business consultation services and a 30 second commercial spot which will run for 130 days.

“This is really going to change the game for these small businesses,” McArdle said.

Atlanta-based entrepreneur Pinky Cole, the founder of the Slutty Vegan restaurant chain urged all eligible entrepreneurs to apply for this valuable program.

“As an entrepreneur I am proud to stand by Comcast and this program,” Cole told the entrepreneurs attending the announcement.

“I’m excited that 100 entrepreneurs in the metropolitan Atlanta area will have the ability to get the tools, the knowledge and the mentorship and the information that they need. All we need is a little to be able to give a lot.”

Cole has witnessed first hand how the program has helped an entrepreneur who just

so happens to be her husband who is also a restaurateur. Derrick Hayes, owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, told The Atlanta Voice that Comcast’s help was crucial in his company’s growth.

“ I was at a critical point. Scaling up a business is never easy. For a company like Comcast to come in and help me with the technology part of my business is amazing because now I’m able to provide opportunities to others by spreading the message,” Hayes said.

“This is a marquee program. It speaks to the comprehensive set of solutions we can provide to small businesses in the community. We live in the community and I couldn’t think of a better way than to support the businesses that enrich our communities,” McArdle said.

Applications will be accepted between May 1 and May 31, 2024. Grants will be awarded in August 2024. For a full list of eligibility requirements go to: www.ComcastRISE.com.

RICE CEO Jay Bailey (far left); entrepreneur Pinky Cole, Samir Abdullah, Director, Economic Development, Fulton County. Photo by Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Entertainment

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Gregory Porter to headline 30th annual Jazz under the Stars at CAU

Acclaimed, Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter will headline the 30th Annual Jazz Under The Stars concert to celebrate their 32nd anniversary at Clark Atlanta University’s Harkness Quadrangle on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Porter was raised in Bakersfield, California, and began singing in small jazz clubs in San Diego and later New York City, where his music career began to ascend with the release of his first two albums—Water (2010) and Be Good (2012). In 2013, he released his Blue Note debut Liquid Spirit which quickly grew into a global phenomenon, selling more than a million albums and earning Porter his first GRAMMY Award with NPR declaring him “America’s Next Great Jazz Singer.” His 2016 follow-up Take Me To The Alley won Porter his second GRAMMY for Best Vocal Jazz Album and firmly established him as his generation’s most soulful jazz singer-songwriter. In 2017, Porter released the heartfelt tribute album Nat King Cole & Me and in 2020

returned to his original songwriting on the uplifting ALL RISE. Porter has hosted the podcast The Hang, a conversation series featuring his famous friends, as well as his own cooking show The PorterHouse, in which the singer shared recipes inspired by his local community, experiences from touring the globe, and family cooking traditions from growing up with his mother and seven siblings.

Since the CAU Guild’s inception in 1992, this southeast region’s favorite and highly anticipated benefit concert has raised over 3.2 million dollars, providing financial assistance to Clark Atlanta University scholars pursuing degrees in the performing arts, music, creative writing, theatre, film, mass media arts television, and fashion. This year Jazz Under the Stars continues to receive sponsors who believe in the guild’s mission and all proceeds from the concert and auction will benefit the scholarship program. More information for sponsorship opportunities and tickets at https://cauguild.org or (https://www.classy.org/event/ jazz-under-the-stars-2024/e548227).

The CAU Guild’s Jazz Under The Stars concert has raised over 3.2 million in scholarships for Clark Atlanta University students. Photo submitted by Clark Atlanta University

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Food J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen brings Caribbean fusion to Buckhead

BY LAURA NWOGU

J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen, the newest brunch concept from Belle and Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House owner Tasha Cyril, is now open in Buckhead at 558 Main St. NE. With the opening of her new restaurant, Cyril said she hopes to magnify the rich culture of the many islands in the Caribbean that people may not be as familiar with through food.

That hope shines through in the art, music and menu of the restaurant, essentially creating a love letter to Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and St. Lucia and the foodways of those islands.

“Just think of a fusion of flavors from Africa mixed with flavors from India and China,” Cyril said. "There's so much more than just the small parts of us that's probably more magnified — which is not a bad thing — but that brings people to just learn some more about who we are and what we do.”

“J’ouvert” is derived from a French term that means “the start of the day.” However, in the Caribbean, the term has become a tradition that marks the unofficial start of Carnival, a lively festival that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the late 18th century. Now, the term is a cornerstone for a brunch restaurant that aims to bring Caribbean fusion to Atlanta.

With the help of her co-collaborator chef Rory Grange, Cyril set out to curate a menu that melded flavors and ingredients from America with those from the Caribbean. While the menu incorporates popular classics such as jerk chicken and oxtails, it also features creative dishes such as Trini vegan roti stuffed with curried pumpkin, mushroom, cauliflower, and crumbled cashews, jalapeno and cheddar cornbread, a teriyaki steak and eggs skillet and street corn with jerk mayonnaise.

Cyril said the menu also reflects her experience growing up in St. Lucia, recollecting how she picked passion fruit from trees to make juice or eat straight from the vine. Now, that childhood snack is infused into a pancake delicacy topped with mascarpone and passion pulp.

“Let’s use flavors that I love that people are not probably used to or not as popular. If you're from the Caribbean, you obviously know those flavors, but the average person might be like, ‘Oh, this sounds exotic. Let me try it.

“When I grew up, I never had pancakes. Growing up in St. Lucia, that's not a thing. You might have pancakes, but it's not for

Georgia DAs file new lawsuit challenging state oversight panel

breakfast. That's very much American, so how do we fuse foods that come from America with flavors from the Caribbean?”

“Buford Highway on Buckhead,” is what Cyril called the strip of restaurants being developed at the new Uptown Atlanta de-

velopment near Lindbergh City Center. The restaurant joins the collection of Caribbean-inspired restaurants owned by Cyril and her partners Clive Ruddock, Sim Walker, Glenn Wilson, Yusef Walker, and Sopeak Pang, the minds behind Atlanta restaurants

such as APT 4B and Ms. Icey’s Kitchen.

Cyril said out of all the other restaurants, J’ouvert is the most accessible in terms of visibility and parking and is excited for people to experience it.

“I think we’ll do really good over here.”

Tasha Cyril, owner of J’ouvert Caribbean Kitchen. Photos by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Arts

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50th anniversary celebration for Atlanta's Jazz 91.9 WCLK

BY ALLISON JOYNER

On April 10, 50 years to the day, local radio station Jazz 91.9 WCLK kicked off its 50th anniversary with a historic picture of the genre’s premiere musicians making a significant milestone in local jazz history.

The weather cleared in time to capture the best of the best in jazz standing on the steps of Harkness Hall on Clark Atlanta University’s campus to create the “Great Day in Atlanta” photograph.

Notable figures seen were WCLK alumni and staff, past and present Atlanta mayors such as Shirley Franklin, Bill Campbell, and current mayor Andre Dickins, and former Atlanta First Lady Valerie Jackson, who represented the late Maynard Jackson, were among the front-row attendees at the “Great Day in Atlanta” photo-op.

Inspired by the iconic 1958 photo “A Great Day in Harlem” by Art Kane, the “Great Day in Atlanta” photo emulates the East 126th Brownstone with a renaissance of Atlanta-based artists today.

Wendy F. Williams, the general manager for WCLK for over 30 years, said that the iconic voices that participated in the occasion helped tell the story of jazz and preserve its legacy.

In 1974, the then-Clark College-owned

station hit the airwaves, and it is now the National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Radio International (PRI) stations for metro Atlanta.

“When WCLK signed on as a fresh and historic voice in the Atlanta market. Now, 50 years later, it stands as one of the premiere Jazz stations in the country,” said David Linton, Program Director for WCLK.

The “WCLK At 50” celebration is scheduled to continue with several events. On April 24, The Perfect Note will host a concert featuring eight-time Grammy Award-winning keyboardist and songwriter Daniel Weatherspoon.

Fayetteville’s new amphitheater, “The Ville,” will host a celebration on May 18 as part of its summer concert series. The event will feature nationally syndicated radio personalities and award-winning jazz artists Bob Baldwin and Regan Whiteside, as well as performances by Ken Ford, PJ Spraggins, and Latrese Bush.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival will commemorate the jazz station with the “WCLK At 50” musical celebration on Friday, May 24, at the Atlanta Symphony Hall with performances by some of the capital city’s preeminent jazz artists, including Kathleen Bertrand, Phil Davis, Joe Gransden, Rhonda Thomas, DJ Kemit, Tony Hightower, Julie Dexter, Mike Burton, Kebbi Williams, Cleveland Jones, and others.

Photo by Allison Joyner/The Atlanta Voice

(Left-Right) Stan Washington, Quovadis Breaux, Mr. Breaux, Willis Perry. Photo by Allison Joyner/ The Atlanta Voice

Health

Spelman College prof. Tiana Tukes is a pioneer of change

Therapy for Black Girls hosts first live show on 7th anniversary

BY LAURA NWOGU

TThe live show brought many of the podcast's loyal listeners face-to-face for the first time, who usually listen to the show while they commute to work, cook dinner or do other tasks. Bradford said many of her listeners had been asking for an in-person event, so she was excited for everyone to get the opportunity to connect.

“It's funny because I started recording the podcast in my closet … so it's just wild to know that something you started in a room in your home could become this thing that impacts thousands of people every week.”

Much of Bradford’s focus is on making mental health topics more relevant and accessible. The “Healing in Real Time” event included a panel that discussed what it looks like to heal in real time, the impact of going viral, setting boundaries, self-aware-

ness and oversharing on social media. Dr. Ayanna Abrams and Dr. Joy D. Beckwith, two licensed clinical psychologists based in Atlanta, joined Bradford during the event's panel to give insight into balancing wellness with being active on social media, especially within your relationship circles.

The event was an acknowledgment that the scope of therapy has shifted in the past few years. The evolution of social media has created platforms that have increased informa-

tion and access to mental health resources for users. The COVID-19 pandemic widened that scope with the increased use of teletherapy, pushing online therapy to the forefront.

"I think social media has given people an opportunity to get to know psychological concepts that maybe they had never heard of. It has given people access to different kinds of therapists, and the different kinds of ways that we practice," Bradford said. "People who did not even imagine that you could talk with a therapist about a particular topic, I think social media has made it so that you realize there really isn't anything that you can't talk to your therapist about. In a lot of ways, it has decreased the stigma related to mental health, where people are sharing their experiences with therapy."

But Bradford cautioned people to ensure that while following various healing pages and therapists, they don't start to pick themselves apart in criticism. She also urged people to be careful when using terminology

that may not accurately describe their experiences, noting that some terms embedded in psychology have taken on an inaccurate meaning.

Bradford said she started the podcast because she saw a lack of information related to the way Black women could take care of themselves when it came to mental health. By the show's end, she hoped people could carry the conversations away from the live show and into their personal lives which would encourage others to discover Therapy for Black Girls.

“I hope people will take away tangible strategies for how they protect themselves in online spaces, and also a different understanding of how we can extend grace to other people, because that's the other thing that I often see online. We forget that the people we are interacting with are not just little squares on our phones. These are actual people with actual feelings… so it’s important to give grace and extend compassion to one another.”

(Left to right) Doctors Joy Harden Bradford, Joy D. Beckwith and Ayanna Abrams. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice

herapy for Black Girls celebrated its seventh anniversary on April 12 by presenting the first-ever live show of its award-winning podcast at the Variety Playhouse. Created by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist based in Atlanta, the online space aims to encourage the mental wellness of Black girls and women by having conversations about mental health and connecting them with therapists in their area.

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Atlanta United to play in Chicago Saturday

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Atlanta United will travel to Chicago to have a rematch with the Fire on Saturday, April 27. United defeated Chicago 3-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Mar. 31. Atlanta will make its way to the midwest following a 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati at home on Saturday night.

Following the match, Atlanta manager Gonzalo Pineda was asked if there was some comfort in knowing Chicago was his team's next opponent and he said no.

"There is no easy games at all, we just lost five points at home," Pineda said. "We have to come back and win those points against Chicago now, and it won't be easy. Whatever happened the other day, the 3-0, it's going to be a very different game and we need to earn that victory again."

Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobzhanidze could arguably be the Man of the Match despite not scoring a goal or register-

ing an assist. Even though Thiago Almada's strike in the 59th minute gave Atlanta the 1-0 advantage that they would have for three minutes before Cincinnati would tie and take the lead on goals from forward Luca Orellano (62nd minute) and Luciano Acosta (64th minute), Lobzhanidze was involved in every bit of the action Saturday night before being replaced by Tyler Wolff in the 86th minute.

Atlanta United returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium after giving up a pair of second half goals to Philadelphia in a 2-2 draw last Sunday, April 14. Going into the match against FC Cincinnati, the Five Stripes had only lost one match in its previous six. The difference between the months of March and April is that there were three victories during the four matches in March, and thus far in April just two draws during the two matches.

The match against FC Cincinnati began as a battle of defenses as both teams pressed and came up with scoring opportunities to no avail. On more than a few occasions

during the first half Atlanta had clear and present opportunities to score the first goal of the game, but Cincinnati would find a way to thwart them with a block or with fine play from in front of the net. Lobzhanidze was on the front end of a couple of those attempts.

Credit has to be given in particular to Tristan Muyumba, Caleb Wiley and Noah Cobb (who would be replaced by Ronald Hernandez to begin the second half) for their work rate in the back during the first 45 minutes and subsequent three minutes of stoppage time.

During the first half Cincinnati led the way with 12 shots-on-goal to six, while Atlanta held a slight lead in possession with 57%. The match was another draw after 48 minutes.

Atlanta looked sluggish to start the second half but would take the lead on Almada's second goal of the season before falling behind 2-1 following consecutive Cincinnati goals.

Despite seven minutes of stoppage time At-

lanta could only manage a corner kick in the 96th minute that ended up being blocked away.

Welcome back, Miles

Former Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson was given a round of applause during pregame warm ups. Robinson signed with FC Cincinnati following last season. Robinson is signed through 2024 with a club option for 2025.

What's next

The month of May will be full of matches, including three at home and three on the road. Atlanta United will host Minnesota FC and D.C. United on May 4 and May 11 to open the month. Consecutive road matches at FC Cincinnati and Nashville will take place on Wednesday, May 15 and Saturday, May 18, before Atlanta United returns home to host LAFC on Saturday, May 25. Miami will host Atlanta on Wednesday, May 29 to end a very busy month of play.

Thiago Almada,(right) of Atlanta United is on the ball during the second half of a Major League Soccer match against FC Cincinnati on April 20, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

When Toyota’s Avalon was introduced as the carmaker’s largest new sedan back in 2004, it was revered for its luxury, size, and value. After personal experience due to my family owning one, it lasted a memorable 230,000 miles with virtually no issues. After almost two decades, this model was discontinued largely due to the popularity of SUVs, but a Toyota sedan comparable to the Avalon called the Crown arrived in 2023 with an impressive debut. Owners will appreciate its attractive exterior, amenities, a smooth ride, higher seating platform, and stellar fuel economy thanks to the hybrid powertrain. The Crown comes in three trims—XLE, the reviewed Limited, and high-end Platinum. Presented in a prominent “Supersonic Red'' premium paint, it complements the sedan’s other sporty physical elements, including the contrasting black grille; large, 21-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels coming in two tones (19-inch is standard); “quad” LED daytime running lights package; rear LED lights extending fully across the rear; and panoramic roof. Overall, Toyota has made a head turner in the sedan market, for sure.

The XLE and Limited come with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine teaming with three electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Although the performance won’t have drivers white knuckling topping out at 236 horse-

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power, the gas stations will see less visits with a combined 41 miles to the gallon. (For more power, the Platinum boasts a Hybrid Max system, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder heart, pushing out 340 horses, which will hopefully be featured in Street Lines soon.)

Inside, Toyota maintains the luxury feel Avalon boasted back in the day. Passengers are sitting higher up due to the Crown’s raised platform to deliver an SUV feel and better vis-

ibility. The cabin is spacious and can fit up to five adults. The front seats are ventilated and come with 8-way adjustments, while both rows are heated, plus dual-climate control; add the ambient lighting, and panoramic roof, and you have a pampering riding experience for everyone. There is a 12.3-inch multimedia display, Apple/Android compatibility, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, and solid JBL sound system using 11 speakers, an amp, and subwoofer.

Our review model came with the optional Advanced Technology Package, which comes highly recommended. For $2,950, the owner gets the aforementioned 21-inch wheels, panoramic view monitor, and digital key with remote access. Be sure to see the long list of safety features in the generous Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package, which comes standard, and Wi-Fi compatibility.

Ultimately, Toyota has maintained its renowned reputation for providing quality, innovation, style, and a plethora of features for a respectable value. This time, it’s a high-sitting sedan named Crown, which justly enters the automotive industry with a regal introduction.

Fuel Economy: 42 city/41 highway/41 combined

Price: The Crown Limited version is $45,550 MSRP; $50,020 including Advanced Technology Package, premium paint ($425), handling, processing and delivery as reviewed.

For more information, visit Toyota.com

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Photo Courtesy of Toyota