The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 051024

Lauryn Clark

Lauryn Clark (above) was diagnosed in January 2024 with Level Three

to Severe Autism (Restricted Repetitive Behavior). Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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Dear Lauryn... An autism story

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

Lauryn Clark, now 3, was diagnosed in January 2024 with Level Three Moderate to Severe Autism (Restricted Repetitive Behavior) at two-years-old. April was Lauryn’s birthday month and Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month.

Lauryn’s parents wanted to share their story about their daughter to shine a light on autism and why it’s important to not shy away from a developmental diagnosis, especially in the Black community. Autism is being diagnosed more frequently in Black and Hispanic children than in white children in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nothing is wrong with my child

When Lauryn’s parents Jeronia, 28, and Khayree Clark, 29, discovered her diagnosis, everything started to make sense.

The Clarks said they had speculated Lauryn was autistic due to early signs such as not keeping eye contact, flapping of the arms, spinning in circles, not focusing well, and her difficulty transitioning from one thing to the next.

“When you think about autism, as a parent, you instantly think ‘what did I do wrong’, or ‘what could I have changed for her not to have autism’, but ultimately when you come to terms with it, it’s not anything you necessarily could have done differently,” Jeronia said.

For Jeronia, she said the diagnosis was a “sense of relief” because there wasn’t any speculation anymore about what was going on with Lauryn.

“I don’t say anything is wrong with her, I say she’s special, but it’s a good relief because I know what she needs even if she can’t communicate verbally,” Jeronia explained.

She also had a feeling due to her background in social work and working in early childhood settings. At 18 months, she was noticing Lauryn wasn’t hitting certain milestones and her pediatrician at the time was questioning her speech and communication skills.

“Lauryn is fascinated with certain things like she loves tags, stickers, and any bright color like red or pink, she gravitates towards it,” she said. “She wasn’t necessarily playing with her toys and going to other options.”

“Everything started to make sense in terms of her behaviors matching up to the behaviors of a child on the spectrum,” said Khayree, who added that he had very little knowledge of autism and how it works, so it gave him more reason to do his research.

“I felt like she would honestly be fine, but I knew it would be a hard road for her, but she has the support so even on that note, I wasn’t

worried, but more curious about it,” he said. Ultimately, the Clarks didn’t want to jump to conclusions, so they set an appointment with Lauryn’s pediatrician to observe her in July 2023.

The pediatrician observed Lauryn, played with her on the floor, and noticed some of the early signs Jeronia was speculating. The pediatrician asked Jeronia if she had thought about autism, to which Jeronia said she had speculations, but didn’t want to assume.

This prompted the pediatrician to put a referral in for Lauryn with the Marcus Autism Center, however, she was put on a waitlist, which could’ve taken anywhere between six to nine months.

While they were waiting to be able to schedule the evaluation, Jeronia went through an online company called “As You Are” and received Lauryn’s evaluation on paper for the first time.

Fast forward to January, the Clarks want-

ed to test her again in-person and went to Intown Pediatric Behavioral Wellness to have Lauryn evaluated.

What it takes to be a parent

Doctor of Education and Black entrepreneur who focuses on underserved communities, Marlon W. Gray said it’s extremely important for parents to consider therapy for their autistic children.

“Early intervention is often key as it has long-term implications on speech and communication development, social skills development, and behavior,” Gray said. “Barriers to early intervention is often key as it has long-term implications on speech and communication development, social skills development, and behavior.”

Lauryn started speech therapy September 2023 and is currently receiving occupational therapy as well, according to the Clarks. Speech and occupational therapy are going well for Lauryn, they said.

“We’re just waiting to start Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, but we’re waiting for insurance to go through,” she said. “We tried applying for disability, but we didn’t get it because we make too much.”

Additionally, the Clarks were advised to apply for Katie Beckett, which is a form of Medicaid that doesn’t focus on income but based on the diagnosis/disability of the individual, so right now, it’s a waiting game.

Jeronia said one of the challenges they have faced is with Lauryn in public trying to find ways to keep her engaged. They use a tablet to keep her engaged, but if she happens to grab hold of something and they take it away, Jeronia said it turns into a tantrum. One Sunday afternoon while playing with fake fish and water at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Lauryn had a fit when her parents attempted to move her on to the next thing.

“Everything is a tantrum when transitioning to different things, so we always have to be mindful of that,” Jeronia said.

When Lauryn is having an episode or throwing a tantrum, Jeronia said she calms down with deep compression hugs.

“She likes to be held tight and it helps her calm down. I normally pick her up, hold her, and kiss her to ensure she is getting the nurturing she needs,” Jeronia said.

As parents, Jeronia and Khayree have learned so much from having two kids and discovering various ways to help Lauryn’s development.

“Both kids can give you very different experiences,” Khayree said. “They both offer different kinds of interactions, and you can’t treat one the same as the other, but not let them feel

See LAURYN on page 3

Lauryn Clark, (furthest left) now 3, with her family, mother Jeronia, 28, father Khayree Clark, 29, and little brother Kairo, 1. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

LAURYN

Continued from page 2

like one is getting more attention or love than the other.”

Khayree also said he learned through Lauryn’s growing development, patience is key.

“As long as she is constantly exposed to her therapy and exposed to social experiences and knows that she is learning at her pace then she will be okay,” he said.

For advice to other parents, Jeronia says to not shy away from your child being diagnosed with something like ADHD, Autism, or any other type of diagnosis. She also said early prevention is best.

“Do it as early as possible, the earlier, the better,” she said. “She’s three now, so when she turns 13, she can function. I’ve seen where there’s individuals that were diagnosed with autism at a young age and by high school and college, they are thriving.”

She also said to not tell people something is wrong with your child and to advocate for them.

“Nothing is wrong with them. They just need special attention and additional services, that’s okay,” she said. “Don't shy away from getting your children the services they need and don't be scared of a diagnosis, if you don’t advocate for them, no one else will.”

As far as advice to other parents who may have an autistic child and trying to figure things out, the Clarks said to be patient and be an advocate for your child.

Khayree said it’s not the end of the world for your little one if they are diagnosed with Autism.

“It’s a lifetime thing and as a parent, you just be there for

every step of the way for your little one. No one knows your child like you, so always go with your gut,” he said.

Lastly, he said to be patient and kind to your child and yourself because “it will be challenging”.

“Always remember it’s out of love and wanting the best for them,” he said.

Additionally, Jeronia said she’s planning to run a 5k in October hosted by Georgia Autism and wants to plan one for April 2025 in order to continue raising awareness for autism and to continue to do research.

Dear Lauryn

Lauryn turned three on Tuesday, April 23 and her parents took her to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, where they have a sensory experience for kids.

Her interests are bubbles and music, Jeronia said.

“She sings and dances all day, and she also likes to play with sensory driven things like sand or water,” Jeronia said. “She likes many things with lights and movement.”

Lauryn is also a picky eater, according to her parents. Her food selection is “slim” and consists of chicken nuggets, fries, chicken pot pies, spaghetti, BBQ Lays Chips, green beans, and carrots. She also eats Gerber toddler foods as well.

She also has a one-year-old brother Kairo, who adores his big sister.

If Lauryn was to read these years from now, her parents want to give her a message.

Jeronia said to Lauryn no matter what diagnosis is attached to her, she is loved, a blessing, and can do and be anything her heart desires. She also shouts out Lauryn’s teachers Keiana Jones and Quovadis Thomas for playing such a huge role in Lauryn’s growth.

“Lauryn you are a blessing, and we love you. You’re everything we could have hoped for, you’re bubbly, affectionate, and I love my hugs, I love my kisses,” Jeronia said. “You can be a little aggressive sometimes, but that’s okay, I want you to know that you are loved. No matter how old you are, just know you are worth it.”

Khayree said he wished he was able to communicate better with Lauryn when she was younger and he knows he gave Lauryn a hard time at times, but he was learning to not only be a parent, but a parent to a child that’s on the spectrum.

“A lot of trial and error, but I don’t ever want you to think you are not loved; you were the one that made me a father,” he said. “I remember when you were first born and how you were always calm in my arms. I was the first heartbeat you heard, so understand I love you and you are beautifully and wonderfully made.”

QUOTE

OF THE WEEK

“I will what I want.”—Misty Copeland

Remembering Our Purpose –A Tribute to James Alfred Washington

BY BOBBY R. HENRY, SR.

While in Dallas to memorialize our dear friend, James Washington, my visit routinely found me engaged in stimulating conversations as I saw old friends and met new ones.

The common thread in all these conversations was the future or the plight of America’s Black Press. While I said the common “thread”; it would be more appropriate to label it the common “lament.”

EVERYBODY I spoke to agreed that the “old liberating voice” of the Black Press is needed now - more than ever! For too long others believe they can speak for us.

There was unanimous support for the need to rekindle the Spirit evident in our documentary “Soldiers Without Swords,” to report the news “without fear or favor” and use the pages of our newspapers to “Light the Road to Freedom.” We cannot afford - literally - to fail heeding Frederick Douglass’ admonition that “Power concedes NOTHING without a DEMAND!”

So, I start my “demand” brothers and sisters of the NNPA-the Black Press of America, with US. We must invigorate the content in our pages. As the one true, trusted source of news and information expressly for the benefit of Black People, we have no choice but to draw on the giant historical reservoir filled with the ink (and blood) of those publishers whose memories we laud and cherish.

Succinctly put, we must get out of our comfort zones and “… get about Our Father’s business…!” What do we have to lose, you ask? EVERYTHING!

Why should Black America - jostled and pushed about DAILY, flimflammed, and bewildered by the propaganda mills of some mainstream media, social media - not have the benefit of our rebuttals? Why are our voices silent when the perspectives available online and over the air DO NOT reflect the lives lived in the communities we serve?

The reflections of those who spoke on the life of our dear, departed brother, Jim, convinced me that we – the NNPA - must do something different than what we’ve grown accustomed to doing. Our RESPONSIBILITY to Black America, bequeathed to us by Russwurm & Cornish, by Douglass, Wells, Rolark, Sengstacke, Murphy, Reeves, Goodlett and all those nameless, faceless SOLDIERS whose labors - today - go unrewarded, is to speak clearly, coherently, and incessantly on behalf of Black America.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am one hundred percent convinced that we are up to the job. I’m simply saying that WE MUST DO IT!

In a nation hell-bent on rolling back the hard-fought gains chronicled in our pages - in a nation that has stigmatized affirmative action, DEI, CRT, while thumbing its nose at the constitutional protections paid for in blood - in a nation that our ancestors - stripped of their humanity, dignity, and the right to pursue happiness – DO WE SIT SILENT??

I say NO! I say that the NNPA-the Black Press of America MUST reclaim its rightful place in the hearts and minds of those who once relied on us for Truth and Justice. Our recent Lifetime Achievement awardees, the Zipperts, affirmed what we know to be true –“…our readers depend on their weekly paper

for its news and are upset with any disruption in its delivery.”

It won’t be easy. It wasn’t easy in 1827 when FREEDOM’S JOURNAL exploded into the American conscience. But fear never moved a mountain. And we’ve got mountains that need moving.

Thank you, Dallas. Thank you for the spirit evident in the life of James Alfred Washington. Thank you for rekindling the Spirit that has guided us for 197 years.

Long live the Black Press … we’ve got work to do!

FOUNDED May 11, 1966 FOUNDER/EDITOR

Ed Clayton Immortalis Memoria

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

J. Lowell Ware

Immortalis Memoria

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

PUBLISHER

Janis Ware

jlware@theatlantavoice.com

PRESIDENT/

GENERAL MANAGER

James A. Washington 2018-2024

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER

Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTERS

Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com

Laura Nwogu lnwogu@theatlantavoice.com

EDITOR AT LARGE Stan Washington swashington@theatlantavoice.com

MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com

ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION

ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR

Chia Suggs advertising@theatlantavoice.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

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CONTACT INFORMATION 633 Pryor Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30312

Office: 404-524-6426 info@theatlantavoice.com

Bobby Henry Sr. is the Publisher of the Westside Gazette, NNPA Chairman

Freedom’s Journal, Vol. 1 No. 1, March 16, 1827. Courtesy Library of Congress

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

Temptation Central

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON The Atlanta Voice

This thing with Satan is occupying a good part of my biblical studies lately. I’m encouraged to know that God’s plan is pretty precise and obvious to those who are looking for His Word. I was taken with reading Matthew 4: 1-11 regarding the three temptations of Jesus in the desert after 40 days of fasting. When Satan offers Christ ‘all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; I was shocked at the power the devil has to tempt each and every one of us as we operate on what is essentially his turf. Remember Lucifer hung out with the Lord in heaven. They were roadies for a while until Lucifer got the big head and was banished to the physical realm. Once Jesus rebuked him for the third time scripture says “Then the devil left Him and angels came and attended Him.” So once Christ withstood temptation, God then delivered unto him all that Satan offered and more.You see that is Christ’s birthright and ours

Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

too. So let me get this straight. The devil probably knows the bible better than we do. He understands what tempts us because he knows what pleases God. Remember, they hung out together. Hence I am a much easier target certainly than Jesus Christ was and ruination for me won’t necessarily take the promise of all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. Since I am made in the image of God, perhaps the key to my salvation is surrendering all that I Have and all that I am to Him, He who is my Lord and Savior. By doing so I should be able to put myself into a position to see the devil coming. If I see him coming, maybe I can withstand, for the moment, the need to have my wants and desires satisfied

by sacrificing the integrity of my soul for momentary gratification. I understand there is a difference between the temptation to sin and a test of faith. What I’m coming to grips with is how simple it appears to be when looked at from a godly, no spiritual perspective. Once Jesus answered each one of Satan’s successive temptations with Matthew 4:4 “It is (also) written: Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Matthew 4:7 “It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”Matthew 4:10 “Away from me Satan! For it is written ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”Then the devil left and the angels came. The key then is to get on the oth -

“YOUR VOICE”

er side of temptation by walking in the Word consciously enough to understand that just saying no to Satan is an absolute guarantee of getting all that you desire and all that you need in this life. What must be overcome however is to realize just how cunning the devil has become in getting one to realize, to forget, to ignore that he is the source of all temptation. When in doubt, call on the name of the Lord and eventually Satan will be replaced with angels ready to attend you. As Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom and whatever it is that you desire, you will have more…”

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.

What is one act you recommend honoring your Mother on Mother’s Day?

Atlanta

The usual gifts of jewelry, shoes, purses, or going out to eat may not seem exciting enough. How about trying something different and taking your mother on a nice Bahamas cruise? It'll be a refreshing change of scenery and a chance for both of you to relax and enjoy the beautiful Bahama mama breeze. You can even sip on a nice drink while taking in the gorgeous views of the different sizes of the water flow.

Atlanta

I suggest you spend quality time with your mother on Mother's Day. This could be through a visit to her favorite childhood place, watching her favorite movie together, or simply spending time with her. You never know how much time you have left with your parents, so it's important to cherish every moment you have with them. Additionally, giving your mother a call every now and then can also be a great way to show her that you care.

Atlanta

I think you should treat your mother to a spa day that includes getting her nails done, a foot massage, a facial, a full body scrub, and a massage. A whole day at Jeju Sauna Spa would be perfect. I believe any mother would appreciate this special day just for her, without any kids around. Taking your mother out to eat is a common choice, but it can be overbooked and hectic. So, booking her a relaxing spa day for the whole day would be a unique and thoughtful gift.

Atlanta

My idea, I think you should write your mother a letter. Write your mother's letter, either remembering a time when she made something better or something she did that is an experience that you had together that had an impact on you that you are just now realizing. Write her an appreciation for her being her and how she held everything together. Just something she can keep that doesn't deteriorate.

TATINA CHATMAN

ASHTON BROWN

NOBELLA POWELL

AMOR AMEKUM

The Last Day: Clayton County loses only Barnes & Noble Local

BY DONNELL SUGGS

The customer service desk and the Starbucks counter doubled as registers to accommodate for the amount of people buying books Tuesday night. The only major bookseller in Clayton County was closing in just over an hour and the aisles were full of shoppers taking advantage of the extreme discounts.

The parking lot of the Barnes & Noble was full, so arriving customers had to park in the adjacent parking lot. Christmas ornaments were on sale in the store for 50% off and all books were 40% off. The death of a bookstore and the birth of a book desert was in full effect.The fifth largest county in the state of Georgia will no longer have a major bookseller. The only Barnes & Noble franchise in Clayton County closed on Tuesday, May 7 and with it the only opportunity for locals to browse a large bookstore on weekends or read and study quietly in the attached Star-

bucks during the week and on weekends.

Clayton County has just under 300,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census and with no major bookseller within the county boundaries after Store #2865 on Mount Zion Rd. in Morrow closes, residents will have to drive into Atlanta, more specifically, to Buckhead, to shop at a Barnes & Noble. The Morrow store, which is 23,000-square-feet and is on a two-acre lot, had been in business for nearly 30 years. The closest major bookseller will be the Books-A-Million franchise on Jonesboro Rd. in McDonough, which is 15 miles away to the south or the Barnes & Noble location at Georgia Tech on 5th Street in Atlanta or on Peachtree Rd. in Buckhead.

A family of four stopped in front of the store to take a selfie, while an elderly woman checked the store hours again. The time was 6:41 p.m. and the flow of traffic into the store hadn’t slowed for hours.

A letter on the entrance and at the information counter inside Store #2865 began with:

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Dear Barnes & Noble Customers, It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of this bookstore as the landlord has chosen not to renew our lease.

The letter also read in part:

It has been our honor and privilege to be your bookseller here in Southlake for the last 27 years.

The closure of Barnes & Noble isn’t all bad news. Clayton County’s other bookstore, Nubian Books, will reap the benefit of the closure, says its owner.

“It’s good for me,” said Marcus Williams, owner and operator of Nubian Books, the only Black-owned bookstore in Clayton County.

On that same day of the closure, Nubian Books, the only Black-owned bookstore in Clayton County, was busy with customers buying books and fraternity and sorority merchandise. The store is one of the few places on the Southside to be able to buy either product and is located just a few blocks from the Barnes & Noble on Southlake Pkwy. It is the

only place where Black authors can hold book signings, which often takes place outside of Nubian Books. A lack of an available Barnes & Nobles or franchise bookseller will mean more business for this small business.

In an email to The Atlanta Voice, City of Morrow City Manager Jeff Baker said the city is “actively engaged in finding a suitable location for Barnes & Noble to relocate”.

“We aim to ensure this valuable community resource continues to thrive and serve our residents,” Baker said in the email. “The mayor and council are committed to supporting local businesses and maintaining our city’s vibrant character.”

What’s Next: A number of sources on staff at the Barnes & Noble location told The Atlanta Voice the company is looking for a suitable location in Clayton County to rent and re-open the store in.

Emails to the owner of the property have not been returned.

One of many empty shelves inside the Clayton County Barnes & Noble location in Morrow, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

An elderly woman checks the store hours outside the now closed Barnes & Noble location in Morrow, Ga. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Fulton County DA Fani Willis is endorsed by Georgia’s faith leaders

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

On a warm Monday morning outside Big Bethel AME Church on historic Auburn Avenue, Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis received the endorsement from an assortment of Georgia’s faith leaders. By all indications, Willis will easily win the Democratic Party’s nomination on May 21st. Her lone challenger in the primary is Christian Wise Smith. Smith is a former Atlanta solicitor and prosecutor in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

Willis says during her tenure as Fulton County DA, those leaders stood by her when the times were hardest, when she felt alone, and when she needed a helping hand.

“These men are the men that lead our community,” Willis exclaimed. “They are the men that pray for me. They are the men that offer me and my family protection. For me, that’s starting to be a real thing in the last four years.”

The Honorable Elijah Muhammad once said that the most vulnerable person in this nation is the Black woman. And with that in mind, the faith leaders met with Willis pledging to support her while she’s in this fight.

There was a heavy security presence during the press conference. The watchful

eyes of armed guards and snipers perched along nearby rooftops were keeping watch of the proceedings. It is the new normal for Willis. On May 3rd, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced chargees against Mark Shultz, 66, of Chula Vista, California. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in Atlanta on charges of transmitting interstate threats to injure the Fulton County DA because of her prosecution of former President Donald Trump. Shultz appeared in federal court in San Diego to answer to the charges. Shultz will be arraigned in Atlanta in June.

Since prosecuting Donald Trump for his phone call requesting Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger find 11,780 missing votes in 2020, Willis was thrusted into the public eye of the mainstream media. Willis remains focused on the programs that have helped bring down crime in the City of Atlanta and in Fulton County. She touted her pre-indictment diversion program which is free to the participants who may be on the precipice of a life of crime.

“We’ve been able to curtail that gang problem and bring crime down [by] more than 25%,” Willis explained. “Homicides are down more than 21%. That’s real. Those aren’t just numbers, those are mommas that get to go

home and still hug their baby.”

Fulton County versus Georgia Republicans

Monday’s press conference comes after Georgia State Senator Bill Cowsert sharply criticized Willis for spending money on prosecuting former President Trump rather than clearing the backlog of cases. Willis said there were 101 police cases that were not adjudicated before she took office. She says the backlog has been cleared.

“When I took office, there were 2000 unindicted cases going back seven years – and we still don’t have the right resources and because I’ve fought some Republican commissioners — we’ve been able to get rid of that massive backlog,” explained Willis.

Willis also advocated for Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat and his job he’s done with the Fulton County Jail, despite the battle for funding for a new jail and being understaffed.

“However, for more than 20 years Fulton County has needed a new jail,” Willis said. “They need a new jail right now. The position that they have put my sheriff in is absolutely disgusting. There are doors at the jail that don’t have appropriate locks on them. He doesn’t have the appropriate manpower.

They are asking him to be a magician, not a sheriff.”

The group endorsing Willis includes Georgia AME Bishop Reginald Jackson, Rev. Timothy McDonald, Dr. John Foster, Dr. Cynthia Hale, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, Rev. Shanan Jones, Rev. Andre Osborne and others.

“I want to give a caveat that this is in fact, a ecumenical gathering of preachers,” said Bryant. “And I need you to see light behind me with symbolism and with substance, that they are all men. That is not out of misogyny, it is out of clear messaging: the responsibility in this election is for Black men to step up to the plate, and Black men step up to the plate. This will not even be a debate, it won’t even be a question. It won’t even be contentious.” Willis left those in attendance with one salient point, in direct opposition to those that have directed threats at her.

“No one is above the law,” Willis said. “I don’t care how rich you are, how powerful you think you are, who your daddy is, what your political party might be, how much money you think you got, and how evil your supporters are. I don’t care how many times they threaten me. I will gladly leave this place knowing I did God’s work.”

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks during a press conference on the steps of Big Bethel AME Church on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photos By

Itoro N. Umontuen/ The Atlanta Voice

A Win for Black Entrepreneurship: Is the New FTC Ban Good for Black Businesses?

Business Waste Not, Want Not: Preferred Waste Solutions

BY DONNELL SUGGS

The waste management business is a multi-million-dollar industry that thrives on making relationships with current and potential customers.

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon Preferred Waste Solutions co-owner Julia M. Isaac stood in the driveway of a Clayton County home talking to a new customer. Isaac believes these relations will make all the difference in a very competitive business.

“We want to be known for quality customer service. We want to be the Chick-fil-A of sanitation service,” Isaac said.

As a Black business owner, Isaac also recognizes there is a small piece of the waste management pie and an even smaller piece as a Black female business owner in this particular industry. She is the only Black female owner of a waste management company in Clayton and Henry counties, respectively, the counties Preferred Waste Solutions services.

A former United States Army reservist for eight years and an employee of the Clayton County Police Department for 10 years, Isaac started their business in January of 2023.

Isaac said, “It was always a dream to start a sanitation company,” she said.

Preferred Waste Solution employs 10 people, according to Julia, whose experience in law enforcement in Clayton County is a big bonus because she knows the lay of the land. “We started the business catering to seniors and the disabled,” Isaac said.

Preferred Waste Solutions not only offers traditional curbside trash pickup, but it offers backdoor service, something vital for seniors that might not have the ability to move heavy cans to the end of their driveways. “We want to be what the market needs,” she said. “We realized our seniors really needed this service.”

Asked what she wants the business to accomplish this year, Julia says she wants to become even more involved in the communities that they serve. On Wednesday, May 1, she brought breakfast to teachers at a Henry County middle school for Teacher Appreciation Day. She also said the company plans to have back-to-school and turkey giveaways this year.

LEFT: Preferred Waste Solutions co-owner Julia M. Isaac at a customer’s home in Jonesboro, Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Election Central

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Early voting is now underway for May 21 primary election in Georgia

Fulton County Sheriff Candidates Square Off In First Debate

BY STAN WASHINGTON

One day before early voting began in Fulton County, the four candidates for the top law enforcement post in the county debated at a voters forum at Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church in southwest Atlanta. The forum was sponsored by the Divine Nine, sororities and fraternities of metro Atlanta and a coalition of community organizations.

The candidates fielded questions on inmate deaths at the jail, understaffing, the budget, community input, and relations with the Fulton County Commission.

If there were two points that the four candidates agreed on were: 1) There is a crisis at the jail and 2) It’s going to take more than electing a new sheriff to solve those problems, but a coordinated approach involving nonprofit organizations, community and civic groups, businesses, the governments of the cities that lie within Fulton County, the courts and concerned citizens.

Attending the forum were the current Sheriff Pat Labat, former Deputy Joyce Farmer, former deputy and jail administrator James “JT” Brown and former Fulton jail officer Kirt Beasley.

Labat is facing three candidates who all have worked at the jail before. Despite their calls for new leadership, the sheriff who has been in office for less than 2 years said the jail “was a mess” when he took office.

Being the incumbent, Labat was in the proverbial hot seat even though he has yet to serve a full four year term. He said efforts are underway to clean up the crumbling facility which has been plagued with inmate deaths, overcrowding and sanitation issues.

“We started SCAT - Sheriff Citizens Advisory Team,” Labat said. “We are bringing in all of the “naysayers” - anyone who is critical of the sheriff’s office. We partnered with the Public Defender’s office and Pre-Arrest Diversion Center and gave them space at the back door, so we are focused on getting people out and getting them the services they need, prior to going to court the next day.”

The candidates were asked what two long term goals they plan to implement if money were not an issue. (Responses are edited.)

Kirt Beasley: “I would like to add to the jail a divergent center. A lot of the arrestees that come to the jail are homeless and or suffer from mental illness. So I would create a space where they could come so they don’t end up in a jail facility. And for those already in custody, I would have it so they are better off than when they arrived. That means investing in different programs to help them

not return back into custody.”

JT Brown: “First thing to make sure our personnel is taken care of and part of that would be getting daycare onsite so the personnel won’t have any excuses about child care. Next I want to increase their health benefits because I want to ensure my team is healthy. I would invest in my most valuable resource which is my people. Next I would look at the infrastructure of the facility and hire the best maintenance company in the United States to come in and to keep our facility up to the constitutional standards.”

Joyce Farmer: “I would make sure we are fully staffed. Staffing is part of the reason where we are now. The jail is being torn up because of lack of staff to conduct the security rounds like they are supposed to. I would pay them a decent salary that would retain them. The other money would go into repairs at the jail. I would add a facility next to the jail for mental health. I would remove all of those suffering with mental health issues out of the general population into one unit. That would include those suffering from health issues and move them into that unit.”

Sheriff Pat Labat: “I have only asked for $211 million. We will not arrest our way out of the problems we have. More importantly we have to leverage technology. The Fulton County Commission recognizes that the 30 year old facility we have is out of life-cycle. We did a 15 month, $1.2 million feasibility study and the results were 80 percent of

the jail was out of life cycle. We don’t need a new jail, we need a replacement facility. We need to focus on technology and design a replacement facility so we can have 400 beds for mental health detainees, so we can treat people in a more humane fashion.”

On the question of alleviating overcrowding in the short and long term:

JT Brown: “I would establish crisis intervention centers in different areas of Fulton County. They will have resources they can go to. One of the programs will be a literacy program for the youth.

When I asked certain kids why they got in so much trouble at school they said because they got teased because they could not read. For the detainees I would have a work program for them. I also want to establish a crisis transition center so when they get out of jail they can come back to that facility so they could get job training. Short term I would look at the classification system where you would look at each individual case to determine if they are eligible to be released because it’s their first offense or it’s a misdemeanor.”

Joyce Farmer: “What I plan to do is being involved with the community, being involved with our youth. I want to re-establish the program they used to have called Junior Deputy. I would start as early as kindergarten up until they are seniors. The graduates could come to the Sheriff’s office for an internship. Afterwards if they decide to stay they can apply to become a deputy.

Kirt Beasley: Work with everyone that makes up the justice system so we can get people out of jail if their sentence says so. If they need to go to prison we will work with the state to get them transition to prison. In the past they had 15 days once they were sentenced to be transitioned to state prison. Have the staff review the records of detainees to see who qualifies for early release, present that to the judges and see if they would sign off for early release.

Sheriff Labat: We will continue to do the things we have been doing over the past year and half.

I created an inmate advisory program. I brought in a former LT. Colonel in to lead that program.

Since she left we have released 500 people through partnering with our solicitor and our judges. Just last week when we did a shakedown and found 150 shanks, we also found there were 4 people who had $100 bonds. We also found nearly 300 people that had come back from the state waiting to go to trial. The system is broken. We worked out with the judges that you have 2 weeks to put those people on trial. The state has 14 days to come get prisoners once they have been convicted. We cut that in half. We take those detainees everywhere they need to go . We make our own trips. I get several calls all day, so we know who’s in our facility, how they are being processed.

Labat later stressed to the audience that the jail is facing 30 years of neglect and it will take “a long time to turn this ship around.”

Candidates for the Fulton County Sheriff square off at their first debate. (Left-right) Kirt Beasley, James “JT” Brown, Joyce Farmer and Sheriff Pat Labat. Charles Rambo, a write-in candidate was absent. Photo by Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Education Morris Brown College extends contract of president Dr. Kevin James

BY MARTEL SHARPE

Morris Brown College recently announced that Dr. Kevin James, the institution’s nineteenth president, was offered and accepted a contract extension to retain his position until June 2029. James has served as president of Morris Brown College since 2019, taking over after the departure of former President Stanley J. Pritchett, Sr.

Under James’ leadership, Morris Brown College secured full accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), enabling the school to regain access to federal financial aid programs and Title IV funding. He was also to raise millions of dollars for the school and establish lucrative partnerships to help further its growth.

“I am humbled and honored that the Board has this level of confidence in my leadership and excited to continue as President of Morris Brown College,” James said. “I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community to lead the institution into our next level of excellence through what we call, ‘The Resurgence’.”

CFB Playoff trophy makes its way to SW

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

On Tuesday, April 30, College Football Playoff (CFP) held a press conference announcing the return of the playoffs to Atlanta, making history as the first city to hold the titular event, twice having previously hosted in 2018.

Tiffany Blackman, a sideline reporter for CBS Sports and local sports radio host, moderated the evening with multiple guests/ panelists interchanging at various points throughout the press conference.

The venue, M. Agnes Jones Elementary School in southwest Atlanta was emblematic of the deeper mission of the College Football Playoff Foundation. M. Agnes Jones Elementary School Principal Robert Williams shared his thoughts on a press conference taking place at the school.

"It is an amazing feeling as the principal of M. Agnes Jones to see the investment of our city and the college football program foundation. We're seeing the impact beyond just football. I'm delighted to have them here and to be the host of this press event."

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation has significantly expanded its commitment to educational support in Georgia, building on the success of past initiatives. Since its involvement with the CFP national championship in 2018, the Foundation has continued to focus on supporting and en-

hancing educational opportunities, particularly for teachers and students throughout the state.

In 2018, when Atlanta hosted the CFP national championship, the CFP Foundation launched substantial educational initiatives focused on improving literacy among children. These efforts reportedly created an estimated $4 million impact, providing crucial training and resources to PK-5 teachers within the Atlanta public school system. According to Britton Banowsky, Executive Director of the CFP Foundation, the organization is committed to, "making an impact that's going to last well after the game is played"

The Georgia Teachers Initiative who has partnered with CFP aims to provide a comprehensive support network for teachers, offering resources such as innovation grants and recognition opportunities, "We are blessed to be able to get this workout and excited about the outcomes," continued Banowsky.

To date, the CFP Foundation has invested $80 million nationally over the last decade, impacting over 550,000 teachers and reaching more than 12 million students. The Foundation's partnership with Donors Choose has already resulted in funded projects across 87 of Georgia's 159 counties.

Local and national educational leaders have expressed strong support for the CFP Foundation's efforts. Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, and Chris-

James came to Morris Brown College as its interim president after a 20-year career in higher education, serving as a senior-level administrator, with positions at Strayer University and Herzing University as a dean of academic affairs.

He was officially named President of Morris Brown College in 2020. His first contact extension came in 2021, which extended his contract through June 2025.

Since coming to Morris Brown College, he received numerous accolades including being named HBCU College President of the Year by the HBCU Matters Foundation, one of Atlanta’s Most Powerful Leaders, Atlanta Magazine, and named Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEO for Education.

“The progress witnessed over the past five years under Dr. Kevin James’ leadership is nothing short of remarkable,” said Reginald Jackson, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Bishop of the 6th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. From achieving full accreditation to unprecedented fundraising and academic success, Morris Brown College has experienced an unparalleled surge in momentum.”

Atlanta elementary school

ty Todd, the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, have publicly endorsed the initiative. Georgia's educational leadership, including Richard Woods, the State Superintendent who emphasized the critical role of teachers in the community and the importance of recruiting and retaining top talent in the educational field.

Reflecting on the genesis of the event, Principal Williams revealed, "About 10 years ago, they actually did a program very similar to this. And so when they made the call, I said, "We are all on board, as M. Agnes Jones can do that partnership and highlight one of our teachers as well." M.Anges Jones teacher LaDeandra Scott was honored alongside the school with each receiving $1,000 and $5,000 dollars respectively. Scott is the first teacher to be recognized as CFP plans to award a teacher each week for the next 52 weeks in collaboration with DonorsChoose, a non-profit funding site for U.S public school teachers.

The impact of the CFP initiatives extends beyond financial contributions, fostering a sense of community and support among educators. The Foundation's efforts align with local government objectives, such as those articulated by Courtney D. English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Atlanta, who highlighted the synergy between the Foundation's goals and the city's educational strategies and

was among the panelists during the press conference.

Joining Blackman on stage were Byron Hatch, Chief Operating Officer of the College Football Playoff, and Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council. Hatch shared insights into Atlanta’s repeated selection as host city, noting the seamless synergy between the city’s infrastructural capabilities and its football culture.

The press event for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, heralding not just a game, but a vibrant festival of sport, community, and heritage. The conversation shifted towards the fan experience, a critical element of the championship festivities. The event planners had engineered a cornucopia of activities designed to engage not just ticket holders but the broader public. Playoff Fan Central, a free, family-friendly event, was slated to transform the Georgia World Congress Center into an interactive football theme park, while AT&T Playoff Playlist Live promised a music festival atmosphere that would animate downtown Atlanta with performances from major national artists.

Adding a local flavor, the "Taste of the Championship" set to showcase gourmet offerings prepared by Atlanta’s top chefs. The College Football Playoff championship will take place on January 20, 2025 at the Mercedes-Benz stadium. ONLINE

Dr. Kevin James, president of Morris Brown College Photo Credit: Courtesy of Morris Brown College

Democrats reintroduce federal CROWN Act legislation to ban hair discrimination

Nostalgia Kitchen + Cocktails: A culinary fusion experience

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

Nostalgia Kitchen + Cocktails, Stone Mountain’s newest Black-owned restaurant, held a soft opening last month and will be open full-time on Memorial Day weekend.

Nostalgia Kitchen offers a beautiful dining experience which showcases global-fusion flavors and comfort foods.

From delicious lamb chops, jerk egg rolls, sweet potato soufflé, to mouth-watering four Mac and Cheese, Nostalgia Kitchen showcases a diverse range of dishes, which effortlessly blends palates from across the world.

Also, Nostalgia offers more than exceptional cuisine because the ambiance exudes a “grown and sexy” vibe with touches of coziness, making every guest feel at home.

In addition to their amazing dishes and drinks, Nostalgia also offers a welcoming and attentive staff who ensures guests have a memorable dining experience.

Phillip Edwards, the owner, is successfully living out his vision for Nostalgia. Whether it’s date night, a girl’s night out, or sharing a meal with friends, Nostalgia Kitchen and Cocktails is the perfect upscale destination.

What is Nostalgia Kitchen + Cocktails?

What started out as an old club known as “Club 426 Restaurant & Lounge”, Edwards bought the property a few years ago and turned it into Nostalgia Kitchen.

Club 426 is where Edwards and Head Chef (also his cousin) Shanice Anderson used to hang out when they were younger.

Anderson said opening Nostalgia Kitchen’s doors feels like “a long time coming”.

“It’s satisfying being open, I’m loving the feedback we’re getting from the community and just after two years and even longer for (Philip), the owner. It just feels like wow, our doors are finally open and we’re selling our food and drinks to people, so we’re loving it being open,” Anderson said.

The inspiration behind Nostalgia Kitchen, Anderson said, was trying to bring everybody together. They didn’t want to do one thing like all American, all African, or all Caribbean cuisines, but to blend them all together.

“We wanted everyone to feel welcomed and to bring back the old school vibe of what East Atlanta used to be,” she said. “We want to kind of bring that back and make them more grown and sexier and keep a different approach to it.”

The name Nostalgia, Anderson said, was bringing back what was old and making it new and giving back to the community.

“We all want somewhere to hang out on

our side of town without having to go to Midtown or downtown,” she said.

Anderson also said they chose Stone Mountain as the location because it was where they grew up and the community.

“Even when it was the old club (Club 426), this is where we would party all the time or even at the Atrium. We just want to bring more of the classy effect of downtown here on the east side, and nobody’s doing that yet,” she said.

She also said they want to inspire others to do the same and they do not want to be

the last to do it. Anderson said they encourage other businesses, especially Blackowned businesses, to make sure they’re checking out that side of town.

“If we do it, others will get on board as well and we’ll have more than one option to go to this location,” she said. “You have to start somewhere.”

As a family-owned business, Anderson says her cousin’s vision is to franchise one day and they don’t want to be a “Mom and Pop” spot.

“Making sure Phil’s vision is what he

wants it to be is important to me and I want to make that happen,” she said.

The Menu From Around the World

The vision behind the menu, Anderson said, was to try to include everyone and not limit themselves to one thing such as Caribbean or all American. This caused many name changes for the restaurant, but they ultimately landed on Nostalgia Kitchen and Cocktails.

“We wanted to make sure everyone was included, and the Caribbean part was thrown in there because I can’t help it,” she said. “We had to do jerk because it’s not just a Jamaican thing, it’s a Caribbean thing as well, everyone does it differently.

Anderson said she tried to do different things for the menu like adding Asian culture to their foods such as the Jerk Egg Rolls or the Soul Food Eggs Rolls, which was Edward’s idea, according to Anderson.

“It made sense with our menu and what we had going on and that's bringing the southern side of things to it, but still a little Asian fusion as well,” she said. “It was a lot of ups and downs with the menu and we're still playing with it to this day.”

Also, she said they love what they’re putting out but will still be tweaking the menu in the future to not be tied down to simply one specialty.

Anderson said her favorite item off the menu is the Jerk Grilled Lamb Chops. She also loves the four cheese Mac and Cheese.

Anderson said she “must be a glutton for punishment” when asked what made her fall in love with being a chef.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” she said. “If you don’t love it, you won’t like it at all. I just love being in the kitchen and it’s my happy place.”

Anderson also said she can’t see herself anywhere else and doing the business side of her passion is new to her.

“It’s a lot to learn and I have a lot of friends in the industry thankfully, so I can lean on them and ask questions, but that’s a whole new aspect of it as well that I’m learning to love and I didn’t think I would, but it’s a new chapter for me and I’m excited to see where it goes”

Additionally, she said when people visit Nostalgia Kitchen, she wants them to remember “good food, good service, and good choice”.

“The experience is also something we are striving for our guests, and I think those are things I think about when I leave my favorite restaurants,” she said. “When I can’t stop thinking about it, I’m ready to tell everybody about it.”

Nostalgia Kitchen & Cocktails is located at 5469 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain. For more information, visit https://nostalgiarestaurants.com.

Nostalgia Kitchen + Cocktails head chef Shanice Anderson (above) Stone Mountain’s newest Black-owned restaurant, Nostalgia will be open on a full-time basis on Memorial Day weekend. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

The calamari at Nostalgia. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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Economic Opportunity Tour brings VP Harris to College Park

Stronger Today, Than Yesterday: Black Women-Owned Businesses After the Pandemic Money

BY RANATA SAGO

It’s been four years since the pandemic upended the lives of business owners and employees across the United States. At the onset, more than 29,000 small businesses in Georgia were forced to close. Shauniece Wallace, who owns The Elleven, an event space near Atlantic station in metro Atlanta, remembers feeling terrified. Her team of tattooists, makeup artists, nail technicians, and hair stylists were deemed non-essential. “We had to shut down for two months,” says Wallace. “In that period of time, it was devastating. We had to figure out a way to continue to survive and provide for our families.”

Wallace was able to secure funding through the Open for Business Fund, a $420 million initiative designed to sustain small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund helped maintain and create an estimated 255,000 jobs in the midst of the

recovery. “It allowed me to get caught up on some rent and utilities,” says Wallace. “It also allowed me to get extra security. I did some renovations. I was able to buy some inventory for my event space, which actually helped me increase my hourly rate, which increased my overall income in this business.”

The pandemic unearthed systemic disparities that Black women-owned businesses have been facing for decades. One challenge has been gender equality. “When you think about income earning potential, they earn about 70% as much as a white man, and white women earn about 83% of what a white man earns,” says Angela Dingle, President of Women Impacting Public Policy. “If I have a smaller amount in savings, that means I don’t have the same amount of money available to me to bootstrap or start or grow and expand my business.” Dingle has observed the difficulties that Black women have faced in getting capital with ease. They are more likely to apply for outside financing to cover

operating expenses and less likely to receive full or partial financing.

Yet, there’s been a shift. The newly-released 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report finds that Black/African American women’s small businesses grew to 2.1 million between 2019 and 2023, generating $98.3 billion in revenue for the U.S. economy. Average revenues for these businesses increased 32.7% to $47,300 between 2019 and 2023. “There’s heartening data there,” says Dingle. But we also know that there’s some work that needs to be done so that we can continue that trend.”

The research purports that Black/African American women-owned businesses would bring $361.2 billion in revenue if earnings were equal to white women and $1.5 trillion if on pace with men. Despite average revenue percentage growth between 2019 and 2023 for Black/African American women, the average revenue between 2019 and 2023 for all women-owned businesses was $192,600.

Partnerships have been one way for small businesses to sustain themselves in recent years. Local non-profit organizations and local community development financial institutions (CDFIs) have disbursed grants across markets for essential and non-essential needs.

For Shauniece Wallace, research has been the most powerful tool in guiding how she approaches her business and the market.

“Really dive deep into the type of business that you’re doing. Be innovative. Be creative,” says Wallace. “Pay attention to your expenses, your income. I would also advise that you have a proper business plan. If you don’t plan anything, you plan to fail.”

The Financial Journey is a unique series focused on financial education and opportunities. These stories have been created through a strategic partnership between Wells Fargo and Word In Black. For more information: https://smallbusinessresources. wf.com/women-entrepreneurs/

The research purports that Black/African American women-owned businesses would bring $361.2 billion in revenue if earnings were equal to white women and $1.5 trillion if on pace with men. Photo Credit The Atlanta Voice

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ONLINE Opposition to HB 1105 joins number of rallies across country

Finding Tony: A tale of redemption and overcoming adversity

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE

Redemption stories can be the most relatable tales we come across. We put ourselves in the main character's shoes as we watch them lose and gain what they need to win. Finding Tony is the latest sports redemption movie that will have you cheering like you are in the stands. Starring Steven Bishop and Raquel Justice, Finding Tony reveals the tale of a former basketball player who overcame a tragic loss by coaching a women's basketball team. The team behind the film wants to deliver the message that you can overcome adversity.

"I want to convey to viewers that no matter what adversity you may be going through, there's light at the end of the tunnel. There's a way that you can use that adversity and your story as a testimony," said Raven Magwood Goodson, Director of Finding Tony.

Finding Tony will be released digitally on

May 10. The film is directed by Goodson and executive produced by NBA basketball player Anthony Davis. It is about a widowed NBA star, Tony Greene, who loses everything after his wife is murdered. He reluctantly begins coaching a junior college women's basketball team, where he meets Destiny, an orphaned basketball phenom who will change his life forever. The independent film also stars David Banner and Columbus Short. Finding Tony tackles grief, depression, and overcoming obstacles.

"It's not about how you fall, but how you get up that matters. Community and village are a big part of this film. Tony, Destiny, and even some of the other girls on the basketball team come into the situation broken, and they leave whole because of each other," said Steven Bishop, star of Finding Tony.

Finding Tony is Goodson's directorial debut. She and the whole team behind the sports drama were able to shoot the film in 17 days. Goodson intends for this film to be

something other than another basketball movie. The first item she presents is a male coach leading a women's basketball team. Goodson and the crew explore the dynamic of having a male mentor in the female space.

The director also shares that an intense one-on-one game between Destiny and Tony pushed Bishop and Justice to their limits. She aimed for authenticity.

"I enjoyed the one-on-one game we see between Tony and Destiny because it was challenging for the actors. I said from the beginning I wanted it to be authentic. We won't have doubles. I want them to play basketball. Raquel was making shots, Stephens making threes; it was cool to see them in that element," said Goodson.

Other elements within the script were strong enough to attract the star power in the film. According to Goodson, Davis did not want to do a basketball film because he thought it would be stereotypical. His mind

changed after reading the Finding Tony script.

"He was very involved with what was going on. He was in season when we first started shooting, so we would send him and his team updates. They liked how things were progressing. Anthony and his wife watched the final version, and they loved it. Anthony said they talked about it all night because it was such a great film. It was cool to get his stamp of approval and exceed my expectations," said Goodson.

Goodson and her team held a screening of Finding Tony at Clark Atlanta University on Wednesday, May 1. She wanted to allow Mass Media Art students to see and discuss the movie.

Finding Tony combines tragedy, inspiration, and other narrative tools to keep you engaged until the last shot. Goodson, Bishop, and the whole crew worked hard to deliver a sports redemption story that is different from the rest.

Atlanta United to host D.C. on Saturday

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Atlanta, who will host D.C. United next Saturday (7:30 p.m. first kick), came into Saturday’s game against Minnesota United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. Winless in its last four matches (three draws and a loss), Atlanta United was a point behind D.C. United and tied with Montreal FC with 12 points in the standings. With consecutive road matches in Cincinnati and Nashville on May 15 and 18, victories at home have quickly become paramount to staying in playoff contention.

That winless streak has now moved to five games following a 2-1 loss to Minnesota. Following the loss, Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda was positive about how the team played and added that he feels the team is "fully committed" to what the goals for this season are.

"It was a difficult game," Pineda said. "We had all the numbers on our side except for the score."

Through the first 30 minutes of the match it was difficult to see which club had any advantage with the score tied at 0.

On a pair of occasions United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze, the team leader in assists with three, had an opportunity to give his club the lead. His shot-on-goal in the 31st minutes trickled past the Minnesota goalkeeper but not past a defender that watched it roll wide left.

Giorgos Giakoumakis' (team high five goals in six games this season) header in the 38th minute nearly did the trick as well. Both teams went into halftime scoreless.

The first goal of the match belonged to Minnesota and midfielder Kervin Arriaga, who headed in a corner kick in the 54th minute. It quickly became 2-0 Minnesota after a goal in the 60th minute from forward Tani Oluwaseyi.

Lobjanidze (two goals in nine starts this season) would get his revenge on a goal in the 82nd minute to bring Atlanta a bit closer at 2-1. Thiago Almada's free kick in the 98th minute didn't find the back of the net and Atlanta remained winless in its last five matches.

Good News: A bit of good news is that Stian Gregersen subbed into the match for Noah Cobb in the 77th minute. The Norwegian defender, in his first season in Atlanta and Major League Soccer, had only played in three matches this season before getting hurt almost two months ago.

After the match, Pineda said Gregersen

ABOVE: Saba Lobjanidze agonizes over missing a goal-scoring chance during the first half of a Major League Soccer match between Atlanta United and Minnesota United on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

"looked really good".

What's Next: Atlanta will host the Charlotte Independence at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw on Tuesday before hosting D.C. United on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The next home match after that will be against LAFC on Saturday, May 25. That match will also have a 7:30 p.m. first kick.

Cool Moment: Former Atlanta Braves center fielder and 10-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones hammered the golden spike before the match.

Extra Cool Moment: Following the loss to Minnesota Giakoumakis greeted and comforted a young fan. Surrounded by his family, the young fan was sad and Giakoumakis gave him a hug, a talking to and even posed for a picture with him.

LEFT: Atlanta United striker Giorgos Giakoumakis greets and comforts a young supporter after the 2-1 loss to Minnesota on Saturday night. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

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ONLINE Art is Love. Atlanta is Art.

2024 Nissan Z Performance M/T

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

The highly anticipated 2024 Nissan Z edition has finally arrived coming in three trims—Sport, Performance, and Nismo.

Reviewed here, the Performance is a visual stunner packed with a powerful engine, user-friendly controls, and a respectable price tag for what it delivers.

Reviewed in a premium two-toned “Boulder Gray Pearl” and “Super Black” exterior, this two-door is sleek, curvaceous, and comes with an attractive LED lighting package, plus a front, side, and rear spoiler. The 19-inch RAYS forged alloy wheels are dark painted and super lightweight for optimal handling and responsiveness.

Under the hood, this Z version justifies its name with a 400-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, along with 350 lb.-feet of torque for an invigorating surge. The manual six-speed transmission completes the racing feel enhanced by a sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip differential, launch control,

speed-sensitive power steering, and trusty Akebono brakes with red calipers.

Inside, the driver is greeted by a gorgeous blue and black cabin; leather and synthetic suede; aluminum sport pedals; and pow-

2008 Nissan Rogue Beige Vin#JN8AS58T68W301850 / 2010 Nissan Altima Black Vin#1N4AL2AP2AN485948

You are hereby notified, in accordance with OCGA 40-1119 (a) (2), that the above-referenced vehicles are subject to a lien and a petition may be filed in court to foreclose a lien for all amounts owed. If the lien is foreclosed, a court shall order the sale of the vehicle to satisfy the debt. The vehicle is currently located at 1314 Brookwood Avenue, Jackson, Georgia 30233. Anyone with an ownership interest in this vehicle should contact the following business immediately: Business name: Southern Style Towing Address: 1314 Brookwood Avenue Jackson, GA 30233 Telephone#: 470-344-1634 96628-3/8,3/15,2023

er-adjusted heated seats. The personalized cockpit continues thanks to the hugging, horizontal instrument panel, 12.3-inch display sport screen, and 9-inch touchscreen in the center making activations of all controls

an ease. The technology provided in the Performance model continues to be generous, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android connectivity, Amazon Alexa, and the signature NissanConnect application. The ride gets a nice sonic boom as well, thanks to the eight-speaker BOSE sound system with active sound enhancement.

Ultimately, with the Performance Z being priced just over $50K, the value and thrill are a perfect match for any sports car enthusiast. Considering the numerous safety features and continued reputation of high marks in reliability, this head-turning coupe checks off virtually all the boxes.

Price: $52,210 MSRP (the premium paint, kick plate and a few optional upgrades, and destination have this review model at $55,110)

Fuel Economy: 18 city/24 highway/20 combined

For more information, visit Nissanusa. com.

RFP for Sweet Auburn Grande located at 229 Auburn Ave, Atlanta, GA.

BIDS DUE: June 6, 2024, at 2:00 pm

PRE-BID MEETING will be held on site on May 22, 2024, at 11:00 am.

PLANS: Hard Copies of plans available upon request and at subcontractor’s expense from A1 BluePrint (www.a1blue.com), Phone: 404-524-8881 OR for a link contact Linda at Lstache@gormanusa.com. Contact Info: Linda Stache, Gorman & Company, Phone: 608-835-5177

CERTIFICATIONS: SBE/MBE/WBE/EBE/DBE/VBE, BABAAIron and Steel Only and SECTION 3 Please note: This is a prevailing wage rate project.

Ultimately, with the Performance Z being priced just over $50K, the value and thrill are a perfect match for any sports car enthusiast. Photo courtesy of Nissan