COMPLIED BY LAURA NWOGU, KERRI PHOX, ISAIAH SINGLETON, DONNELL SUGGS, AND NOAH WASHINGTON
of three sons
ByJamar Robinson, 43, wellness and performance coach, Atlanta, GA
“When I think about fatherhood I think about legacy. I didn’t have much of a relationship with my father when I was coming up, so as I got older and I got more aware I could see the differences between my friends who had fathers in their lives and those who didn’t. As far as confidence, conflict resolution, how they carried themselves and bounced back from hardships and things of that nature.”
“I just try and make sure I spend individual time with each one of my sons. In my three sons (ages 10, 7, and 4) I can see myself in each one of them. My oldest is into sci-fi and photography. My middle son is the action, adventure, superheroes type of kid. My youngest son is the rough and tumble, sports, football, basketball type of kid. Since all three of those kids live within me, when we have individual time we connect on different levels in different ways.”
By Solomon Copeland, 64, Respiratory therapist supervisor, Stone Mountain, GA
“Fatherhood is a major responsibility. It is a relationship of unconditional love. I have been blessed to help nurture another life in this world. There’s so much involved from the teaching, nurturing, providing discipline. Also you want to teach them to be true to themselves and have reverence for God. What fatherhood means to me is not an easy and simple question, but I know all of it is consumed with unconditional love.”
Anthony Nwogu, 70, insurance agent, Lithonia, GA
“Fatherhood to me means being always present in my children’s life, guiding them to make right choices in life. Even when they make wrong choices, I will always be there to help them get back on the rails, with love and understanding.”
Adaptation
By Louis Frederick Douglas, 58, retired juvenile court judge, Atlanta, GA
“At a high level fatherhood is the same three things to all of my children: Attention, Affection & Acceptance. And I’ll add a fourth - adaptation.”
“Attention is the active time spent in the presence of a child in an environment that’s safe and offers organic opportunities to de -
velop conversations. Good fathering means listening to what’s being said & what’s not being said.”
“Affection is simply unconditional support. As a somewhat introverted dad who is not comfortable with public displays of affection I am learning to offer unapologetic full throated outbursts of affection.”
“Ultimately the goal of Fatherhood is to create ways to nurture what's best in my children. Accepting them as they are promotes a positive healthy child. I want to set an example for them to be confident in who they are and most of all, I want my children to feel loved and accepted for who they are. That’s all they need.”
“Sometimes the daily rhythm of life is interrupted by unexpected events. In those cases my children will need to see me pivot and offer a surge in fatherhood. They may need me to drive 8 hours in the drop of a hat, or stay the night in the hospital room along with them. They may even need me to pick up and move to another state to support them. In the past I have done all of the above.”
“In short, a true father does not practice cookie-cutter love for his children. True fatherhood requires love, creativity, wisdom, and intuition spread generously to children individually, always paying attention, offering affection and acceptance.”
Love, Protection, Patience, and Growth
By Khayree Clark, 29, civil engineer, Stockbridge“I believe as my children grow the defini-
See FATHERS on page 3
Continued from page 2
tion or message will always change for me. For at this moment just means love, protection, patience, and growth. These 4 things are what I believe is needed to be an effective dad. Most times I am learning and gradually failing at times. Sometimes I say to myself ‘I could’ve handled that better’ or ‘I should’ve said something else rather than that.’
“There are also those times where their growth and learning begin to blossom and have their cute moments. Like even watching them dance with mom just shows the good moments. Masking my smile with my little jokes and witty remarks. However, on the inside I’m glad they can smile knowing that I’ll make sure they are taken care of even on days I may not be up to par.”
“I always asked God why you were blessed with this responsibility. I don’t think I deserve it at times. Sometimes I think my kids could do better. Question: Do my kids love or even like me? I think I’ll get my answer as time goes on. Until then, I will continue to provide those four qualities the best I can but also discipline and show them the path we want them to walk.”
By Darryl Lockett, 40, director of whole health and health equity, Indianapolis, IN
“I believe that parenting, whether by a mother or father, fundamentally develops character. As a parent, God has entrusted you with the responsibility to shape and mold the heart and mind of another one of his children.”
“Fathers have a unique opportunity to equip their children with the necessary skills, resources, and confidence to fulfill their dreams and reach their full potential. The ceilings that I reach will be the floor from which my children start their personal and professional lives. I recognize that embracing these responsibilities means showing my children a love that surpasses any they will receive from others in their lives.”
“Fatherhood taught me about my own shortcomings”
By Nate Prince, 44, insurance agent, Stockbridge, GA
"Fatherhood to me is the beginning of life honestly. All my experiences in life, growing up and going to college and doing all that different stuff but life did not truly begin for me
Darryl Lockett (foreground) showing his oldest son Landon, 5, video of him speaking on the necessity of change for The Kennedy King Memorial Initiative on Wish TV in Indianapolis. Photo submitted by the Lockett family/The Atlanta Voice
until I became a father."
"Fatherhood taught me a lot about my own shortcomings and it taught me patience, what I put my mom through a lot of times and the folks who were raising me because I see a lot of myself in my children".
Raising Chase like Charlie raised me
By Donnell Suggs, 46, journalist, Jonesboro, Ga.
“On Monday afternoon my nine-year-old
son Chase and I called my father, Charlie Suggs, at his home in Brooklyn, New York for his 80th birthday. The triangle of lineage from my dad to me to my son has been something that I had been thinking about lately, and when we all got on the phone that day I felt a rush of exuberance. Fatherhood, to me, means keeping that legacy between the man that raised me and the boy that I am raising. Hearing myself tell my son the lessons that my father once told me still freaks me out. In a good way though.”
“Chase and I regularly go to our local Waffle House in Morrow for breakfast and lunch. We have been doing so since he was four years old and at this point he knows the staff and manager there, and they know him. My dad used to take me and my twin brother Darryl to breakfast at local diners just like that. The way he treated me shapes the way I treat my son today. I always try to thank my dad for that. I can’t truly thank him enough, so I try my best to raise Chase the way my father would be proud of.”
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) will temporarily close parking decks at Dunwoody and Medical Center Stations on the Red Line to install new equipment that will make parking more convenient.
· June 4 to June 28: The Medical Center parking deck is closed. Customers may
use the parking decks at Sandy Springs, North Springs, Doraville, and Lindbergh Stations.
· June 10 to July 3: The Dunwoody Station parking deck is closed. Customers may use the parking decks at Sandy Springs, North Springs, Doraville, and Lindbergh Stations. This lot will be open for Peachtree Road Race users on July 4. Local shuttles will operate as normal.
This temporary closure is needed to install new entry and exit gates, ticket dispensers, fee payment machines, license plate recognition cameras, and other system technology. New payment kiosks will allow customers to pay with cash or card before going to their car and exiting the lot.
This project upgrades all the equipment at MARTA’s paid long-term parking facilities at 10 heavy rail stations. In the future,
this system will be compatible with MARTA’s Automated Fare Collection 2.0 system, which means customers can pay for parking with their fares through a single MARTA app.
For more information, visit https://www. itsmarta.com/Dunwoody.aspx. For more information on automated parking, visit https://www.itsmarta.com/automatedparking.aspx.
“If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself.”— Gabrielle Union
Every parent has certain preconceived ideas of how their child will fit into our complex world. The unexpected joy of parenthood is accepting that each child has unique abilities and challenges — some of which may be difficult to initially understand.
I began my career as an early childhood educator and was privileged to teach children from all types of backgrounds and abilities. My professional training gave me the skills to develop personalized strategies for a child who was experiencing learning challenges.
Earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early childhood professionals, really propelled my teaching practice. A key part of earning the CDA is understanding traditional educational models may not be enough to support early communicative development for children with disabilities. In my teaching, I also realized what the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute has reported: “Black families of children with disabilities face additional stress and difficulties because of their multiple marginalized statuses, particularly within the intersection between racism and ableism.”
The nonprofit I lead, the Council for Professional Recognition, emphasizes to our early childhood educators that they need to modify their approach to lesson plans and offer tools to better help all children with disabilities thrive. We highlight such insights in “Essentials for Working with Young Children,” the textbook for educators pursuing a CDA credential. Yet our responsibility to all parents and society at large means we must do more to share insights, especially with underserved and under-resourced communities. The following is some of our best thinking for families embracing the uniqueness of young children with special needs or accommodations. Much of the advice below can apply to all preschool children.
• Embrace Multimodal Communication:
Collaboration between educators and families is essential in supporting student development. Photo Credit iStock.com/sam74100
Children with disabilities may experience challenges in verbal communication, but they often excel in other modes of expression. Educators and families should encourage and support various forms of communication, such as sign language, pictures, or other augmentative and alternative communication devices. For instance, if a child finds it difficult to articulate words, they can use picture cards to express their needs, feelings, and ideas. We should emphasize that all forms of communication are valid and valued.
• Speak Simply and Clearly to Children: Slow the pace of your speech and repeat statements and questions as needed. Speak simply to children and give them one-step directions. For example, ask a child to “Please clean up your toys” (one step) instead of “Please clean up your toys when you’re done. Then go put on your shoes” (multiple steps).
• Promote Storytelling and Dramatic Play: We should engage the child in storytelling and dramatic play activities. Storytelling enhances language skills, imagination, and creativity. A good idea is to use props and costumes during dramatic plays to bring stories to
life and encourage the child to participate actively. This approach can help build language and communication abilities in a fun and engaging manner.
• Encourage Peer Interaction: In both home and classroom settings, we should provide opportunities for children with disabilities to interact with their peers. Encouraging group activities that promote cooperative play and communication is a good step. These interactions can help improve social skills and language development as the child learns from and models their peers.
• Use Visual Aids and Schedules: Visual aids and schedules can provide structure and predictability for children with disabilities, promoting better understanding and participation. Visual timetables and daily schedules can help the child anticipate what comes next and reduce anxiety. Additionally, visual aids like flashcards with images and corresponding words can reinforce vocabulary and language comprehension.
• Create a Literacy-Rich Environment: Research shows that books have a significant impact on a child’s development, including their cognitive, spiritual, and linguistic skills, as well as their
mental and emotional maturation. Both at home and in the early childhood classroom, immerse children in a literacy-rich environment. Surround them with age-appropriate books, brightly labeled objects, and educational materials. Designate a cozy reading corner with comfortable seating and a diverse selection of books that cater to different interests and abilities. Begin with simple, wordless, or photograph-based books. Also select books that appeal to the senses, such as texture or scratchand-sniff books. Encourage children with fine motor challenges to look at books independently to gain practice holding books and turning the pages. Most of all, early childhood educators understand (or should understand) the need to involve families in learning. Collaboration between educators and families is essential in supporting language and literacy development. Educators should share progress updates, provide strategies for at-home learning, and encourage families to engage in literacy activities together. This partnership ensures that the child receives consistent support, reinforcing the concepts taught in the early childhood classroom. From my classroom days, I know young children have so much joy and love to share with us. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for young children with disabilities is vital. The early childhood classroom, along with a nurturing home setting, can serve as a powerful foundation for their future academic and social success.
Dr. Calvin E. Moore, Jr. leads the Council for Professional Recognition, which advances career pathways for early childhood educators through high-quality, competency-based credentialing. The Council recognizes and credentials professionals who work in all types of early care and education settings including Head Start, pre-k, infant-toddler, family childcare, and home visitor programs. As a nonprofit organization, the Council sets policies and procedures for assessment and credentialing. To date, over 1 million Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials have been issued around the world. www. cdacouncil.org
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.
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Janis Ware
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James A. Washington 2018-2024
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SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON
The Atlanta Voice
Iheard one of the most powerful sayings recently when I was in a rather deep conversation with a friend of mine who is about to be installed as the new pastor of his own church. Hang in here with me.``When Satan knocks at the door, let Jesus answer it.” Maybe you had to be there, but I found the thought behind this saying absolutely awesome. Can you imagine if you could really do this? I mean what if you knew for a fact every time the devil was responsible for the temptation, the trial, the sinful suggestions, the weaknesses of flesh and spirit? The reality would be that you could see the devil coming from miles away and no matter how slick or innocent the approach, you could never be fooled again. Would you really do as Jesus did in the desert? Would you renounce the promise of riches, fame, and power? Would it be as easy as “Away from me Satan!” Matthew 4:10.
According to scripture, after
Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord…Do not put the Lord your God to the test… Worship the Lordyour God and serve Him only.
three times, the devil left and the angels came to attend to Jesus and soon thereafter He began to preach. In today’s world I’m simply asking if you knew where damnation was coming from would you still live a damned life?The real question I’m asking is do you know Jesus well enough to ask Him to answer your front door? It sounds easy enough but that’s the issue now isn’t it? When life and the devil deals you a bad hand, can you get the Lord to sit at the table and play your hand? Is your relationship with the Almighty current enough, causal enough, familiar enough to take His presence in your life for granted? In times of great anxiety, do you need
“YOUR VOICE”
DAVID C. Atlanta
to whisper to God to take over or are you screaming at the top of your lungs hoping He’ll hear your plight? I don’t get the impression that Jesus was screaming at the devil in the desert trying to keep His courage up in the face of temptation, the likes of which most of us will never see, let alone experience firsthand. At every turn it was the devil who was way out of his league because when he came calling Jesus merely let His father answer the door. “Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord…Do not put the Lord your God to the test… Worship the Lordyour God and serve Him only.” Matthew 4:4-11. I can only
imagine because I’m not there yet. But please know, I’m working on it.What would it be like to call upon Jesus so regularly that His presence in my daily life would be second nature. I must admit there are times that I do recognize the turmoil in my life has been or is being manufactured by evil.That recognition allows me the privilege to simply tell the devil to back up because I don’t have the time. If you get my meaning, it’s okay to ask Jesus to handle the situation because your time is better spent trying to do the work He would be proud of. When you’re that busy I truly believe Jesus doesn’t mind getting the door. 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.
Why are so many Black men supporting Donald Trump for president?
TRACY NEAL Lithonia
“At this time, more black people have their own business than at any other time in America. You know that we are opening up, credit. We are opening up businesses. We are opening up to entrepreneurship. That's what Donald Trump embodies. So, you know, regardless of if you're a Republican or a Democrat, regardless of if you're racist or not racist, this country is not going to maintain supremacy as a country without us handling business. We have got to get to the business. Trump is handling business. Everybody else is giving money away, setting up plans for us to fail.”
Compiled by Vincent Christie.“I feel like a lot of young black men support Trump because they feel that when he was in office, they got a lot of free money or got access to money, not realizing because of the Pandemic that regardless of whoever was in office, the same things that were put in place to help businesses and unemployment would still have taken place, which in turn, is why I feel like Trump knew that too, which is why he was so adamant about signing the checks.”
“The reason why the black men that are in Trump's corner in his corner is not so much is that they support him, but it's so much that they don't support the other side… They would rather vote for Trump than let the other side win because they don't see themselves benefitting in American society with the other side in place. If he wins, they will receive opportunities, more than just giving stuff. Opportunity is more valuable than giving us money, food stamps, stipends, housing, etc. Black men want opportunity... Most black men want to be entrepreneurs… Most black men do have drive. But sometimes, the missing thing is opportunity. And that has to start from the top down... We need a president that's going to give us an opportunity.”
“The reason why most black men gravitate to Trump is not because of the court cases or checks that he so-called gave out and all that. We see the other side and the lies that come from them, and Trump exposes them. Trump is about the best politician, not the best person. I've never voted a day in my life… But the problem is that one side wants to appease you and give you stuff… and the other is looking to be more liberal where it's open for you to get money. If you have a thriving business or an ambitious personality, you need an opportunity... We want to hear about fixing the problem. We don't care who broke it… So that's why we like Trump; he's coming in with solutions, not blame... America First. And that's it.”
In presidential election years, local elections continue to be ignored
Fulton County Commission hopeful Mo Ivory held a press conference on Thursday ahead of the runoff elections for the District 4 seat on June 18. Ivory ran against incumbent Natalie Hall and Sonya Ofchus during the primary election, pulling ahead of Ofchus but failing to win the majority vote to unseat Hall. The press conference was held outside of the Rick McDevitt Youth Center in Peoplestown, and she was joined by community members and Columbus Ward, president of the Peoplestown Revitalization Corporation, who advocated for Ivory and her campaign.
“The person that we need for the seat … is someone who can bring integrity to this community, a person that we have access to. People who will work for this community, work for the seniors, work for the youth,” Ward said. “We do not need the continued representation of the type of person we have now. That representation needs to be replaced by someone we know will do the right job, do the right thing, and work on our behalf.”
Ivory was joined by Ofchus, who has shifted her campaign energy toward backing Ivory as her former opponent aims to win the District 4 seat. Ofchus commended Ivory for her solution-oriented leadership and criticized Hall, who she said has cost taxpayers more than $1 million.
“That poor judgment and lack of leadership has caused Natalie Hall to lose her way, and as a result, she has lost our trust and vote,” Ofchus said.
“I support Mo Ivory because she will deliver a fresh start, bring ethical leadership, and crack down on corruption. I support Mo Ivory because, as a resident of Fulton County for more than 30 years, she understands our communities’ challenges and what must be done to resolve these issues. And I support Mo Ivory because she is the only candidate left in the race with the leadership skills and expertise necessary to empower our residents and provide them with opportunities they need to live thriving and fulfilling lives.”
At the podium, Ivory emphasized her promises to focus on affordable housing and quality health care, protect tax dollars, and support seniors with better services and more funding.
“My name might be on the ballot, but this election is not about me. This election is about the residents of District 4 who are looking for leadership that stands alongside them and fights on their behalf. This election is about the next generation of District 4 residents who deserve to grow up in a safe and healthy community and who deserve the same opportunities as other people in other areas of this city.”
As we commemorate Juneteenth, our associates reflect on the historic significance of this day. Watch as they share their hopes for the next generation and a more inclusive tomorrow.
See their stories at publix.com/juneteenth
“On Juneteenth, I would like to see the youth acknowledge the history and remember that they have a reason to celebrate. They can find their own way, create their own path in life, not be limited or directed. If they want to pursue anything, they can, and that’s freedom and independence.”
Bruce McCants Supervisor,Lakeland Distribution, Low Velocity
In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, three Black men have joined forces to establish a fragrance brand that not only sells a product but also promotes a lifestyle of excellence and unity. They call it "Ovation."
According to Shawn Crenshaw, the brand’s founder, the idea for Ovation was conceived amid a landscape of social unrest and negative stereotypes. Crenshaw said he recognized an urgent need to celebrate Black men, counteracting their portrayal in the media with a brand that highlighted their achievements and excellence.
“The men who were being portrayed in the media were not the men in my life, and I knew that this image being portrayed was not a true representation of us as Black men,” Crenshaw said. “So, as the idea came to me, I said, you know, there needs to be a message of celebrating us to combat these negative images, and God placed the name Ovation into my head, and then right after that, it was 'Every Man Deserves One.'”
Crenshaw didn't walk this path alone. He brought his longtime friends and collaborators Cecil Cross and Mike Jackson onboard. Jackson describes the humility and mutual respect that formed the bedrock of their collaboration, noting that they couldn't have built Ovation without it.
"I didn't care how great the fragrance smelled; I couldn't be around negativity," Jackson said. “If it didn't work, we wouldn't work at all, and because it's so non-combative, I'm in here for the long run.”
The friendship between the trio dates back nearly a decade, positioning them well for this journey. Cross is the creative genius behind the marketing and event management. Jackson brings his widespread connections and strong lifestyle branding, while Crenshaw works on opening doors, ensuring that Ovation is known far and wide. Together, they have managed to turn an idea into a growing brand.
Ovation doesn’t just sell cologne; it sells an experience and a statement. Crenshaw said their central message that every man deserves an ovation has resonated deeply with their target audience, fostering community and inclusivity.
"The humility factor is what allows the brand to be that much bigger," Jackson said.
According to a report published by Nielsen IQ, spending on beauty products by Black consumers reached $9.4 billion in 2023.
Crenshaw and his partners used such statistics to devise innovative strategies for connecting with these consumers. They have woven involvement with NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals into Ovation's business model. As college athletes gained the ability to
profit from their personal brands, Crenshaw saw an opportunity. "NIL is a new frontier," Crenshaw said. "Athletes have influence, and we wanted to tap into that."
Ovation offers athletes more than just a fragrance bottle—think custom suits, photo shoots, and entrepreneurial mentoring, and has managed to attract several high-profile athletes.
“I wholeheartedly believe that in addition to the funding these kids receive, it’s about the branding and the relationship aspect as well, which goes a lot further than just the tangible or the monetary value of it,” Jackson said.
The brand has signed NIL deals with
Trey’dez Green, who has committed to LSU; Quinton Martin, who has committed to Penn State; Trenton Hankerson, who attends the University of Akron; Nyckoles Harbor, who has committed to South Carolina; and Dylan Tatum, who attends Michigan State.
According to Crenshaw, starting a fragrance brand from scratch involves hefty investments in bottling, mixing, branding, and more. Despite these challenges, the team remains resilient. "We've had stops and starts, but the commitment is unwavering," Crenshaw said. They reinvest their earnings and even look for private investors to sustain the brand.
After consulting with a fragrance manufacturer, Crenshaw first created Ovation for Men Signature. He described the scent as a sophisticated yet versatile blend, best suited for evening wear, with notes of bergamot, cardamom, tobacco, leather, and amber.
The team introduced their newest scent, Ovation for Men Sport, in conjunction with their launch into the NIL market. According to Crenshaw, notes of saffron, coriander seed, and cedarwood make this new scent fresh, vibrant, and best for daytime wear.
One of the most encouraging aspects of Ovation's story is the teamwork and mutual respect among its founders. There are no egos, only collective ambition.
“Quincy Jones once said that ego is really just overdressed insecurity. We're three secure black men and we're happy to see each other succeed,” Cross said. “So, we're able to come together collectively and work together because there are no egos here. We're just all about the common goal, which is to keep pressing this brand forward.”
Ovation is more than just a fragrance; it is a movement toward positive representation, excellence and an unwavering dedication to a cause bigger than oneself.
“What people seem to underestimate is the fact that every man, every human deserves an ovation. Even if you feel like that person is undervalued,” Jackson said. “If you give them that ovation, you can change their life. So, every man does deserve an ovation.”
Chateau 4 Paws, an Atlanta-based Blackowned premier pet care salon, is owned by Managing Director and CEO Janelle Russell.
Russell adores dogs; however, she never thought her passion would become her job until two unrelated events occurred.
In 2005, her then-boyfriend got her a toy poodle, and she was let go from her corporate job. This, in turn, inspired her to open her pet grooming salon, Chateau 4 Paws, in 2010. She said she used her 401(k) to fund her new business venture and asked her parents and uncle to match the funds.
Russell makes it clear she
jumped head-in without knowing anything about a business or having a business plan. All she knew was she loved animals and dogs. Fortunately, one day, someone told her there weren’t any small, independent pet grooming shops in Fayetteville, GA, so Russell set up shop, assuming there wouldn’t be any competition, but she realized otherwise.
She said she learned three other grooming salons were opening in the same area around the same time, so being nervous, she confided in her dad, who offered some wise advice.
As the mother of a five-year-old, one of her game-changing business investments has been digi-
tizing more of her management tools to streamline processes and save time. This has allowed her to spend more time with her daughter and helped her drive higher sales volumes because of the convenience it’s brought to her customers.
Russell’s world-class approach to service has allowed her and her team to create long-term personal relationships with her canine clients and their respective owners.
The Atlanta Voice: Why did you decide to start your business? Was there a moment that inspired you?
Janelle Russell: After being laid off from my corporate job, I was lost and didn’t know what I wanted to do
next. At the time, I had a little toy poodle gifted to me. Over a few months, I saw his demeanor would change when he would get groomed because it was so stressful for him. After much prayer and thought, I knew I wanted to offer a stress-free environment for grooming dogs and cats. I saw a large demand for a pet grooming salon during my initial research. That’s how Chateau 4 Paws Pet Spa was created! At the time, I only had one competitor, and I was motivated to give my customers the best service. Now, 14 years later, the business is still growing, and I’m always thankful to my clients for their support.
AV: How did you come up with the name?
JR: When thinking of a name, I knew I wanted to stand out and planned to expand into a daycare and boarding facility eventually. With that in mind, I began thinking of renowned luxury and lavish experiences, and I thought of Chateau Elan, a resort and winery in Georgia. When you visit Chateau Elan, it’s a luxurious and lavish experience. That’s what I wanted to offer for pets! Chateau 4 Paws Pet Spa is a luxury pet grooming experience for your pets, and Chateau 4 Paws Resort & Spa – our new name after expansion – will be the same!
AV: Is there a mentor in your life that inspired/ inspires you as a business owner?
JR: There are two prominent mentors in my life. First is my late father, a general manager at a large restaurant chain. When I first opened my business, I was stressed about how to bring customers in the door. My dad gave me pointers and advice on how to offer discounts and introduce referral programs to attract customers. Second is my uncle, John Battle, who runs a multimillion-dollar land-
scaping business in Dallas. Before starting my business, I didn’t know how to run a company. I didn’t have a business plan or idea of creating goals for myself. I just knew I loved dogs and wanted to create a safe space for them. My uncle told me many times that running a company takes more than that. He donated his time and money to help me create a business plan and gave me important advice on taxes and reporting. I’m grateful for both of them.
AV: What are your business goals for the remainder of the year?
JR: My business goals for the remainder of the year include continuing our current marketing strategy to bring in new customers and expanding our business to include pet boarding and daycare at our current facility. Expansions like this are a big undertaking, but through my POS provider, Clover, I’ve been able to offer these new services by taking advantage of their Clover Capital program, which provides a cash advance based on my anticipated future sales. It’s played a huge role in my business expansion for nearly five years. I can
use the money to fund expansion without the strings of a traditional bank loan. It’s been an easy and unique way to allow us to create a state-of-the-art facility to provide the best care and services to our four-legged clients.
AV: Any advice to future business owners about taking the plunge?
JR: I would tell future business owners to stay consistent! You can’t build a successful company overnight. It takes dedication, patience, and hard work. Find other entrepreneurs in your industry. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will help you in your journey. Lastly, equip yourself with the tools you need to be ready for your clients, for example, finding the right technology. Building a great website and online presence can make a huge difference. Also, picking a POS system that can help you take payments and manage your entire business – like I have with Clover – can save you time and money. Set yourself up for success!
For more information, visit https://www.chateau4paws.com
If you turn on your radio to Jazz 91.9 WCLK FM between 7 and 10 a.m. on weekdays and hear a motivational message, you are undoubtedly listening to Morris Baxter’s voice.
Baxter has been on-air with WCLK since 2006, when the previous morning show host, Bill Clark, passed away. He auditioned for the program with three other potential hosts and was chosen by staff members and listeners to become the station’s newest personality.
“Morning Jazz with Morris Baxter” features an eclectic mix of jazz music from Maysa to Maxwell to Mike Phillips. But the highlight of his three-hour program is his “Morris Motivations.” He’s also the author of “The Morris Code—21 Ways Something Good Is Going To Happen To You Today,” a collection of 21 stories, quotes, and affirmations.
“I believe that everybody should have a mantra and that mantra should be something that gets them motivated,” Baxter said. What motivates me is when I wake up in the morning. The first person I thank is God. The second thing I say is the ‘Morris Code’: ‘Something good is going to happen to me today.’
“Morris Motivations” has reached tens of thousands of people worldwide with its positive message. Baxter believes it is his purpose to “empower and enlighten.” He credits Coretta Scott King with helping him find his purpose when he was 40 years old after listening to her speak on the matter.
When reflecting on his purpose, Baxter said that his morning show is “the gift that I have been given to make sure that I can really push people forward. “One of the most rewarding things is to make people feel good, but when it comes to what I receive, I believe that as long as you’re humble, you never stumble.”
Morris got his start in radio while he was attending Norfolk State University. Baxter first went to NSU to play basketball but suffered an injury that ended his athletic career. But as the old saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. While he was listening to the University’s radio station, Baxter thought, “Wow, I can do that.” He then spent time at the station,
making his presence known.
One day, the station’s general manager had to attend to a family emergency, and the current host missed their radio shift.
The general manager approached Baxter and said, “You said you wanted to be
on the radio. Here is your opportunity. Here is turntable one, turntable two, and the microphone. Have at it.” From there, “Morris the Nighthawk” was born.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Baxter was exposed to some of the best radio an-
nouncers in the U.S. The one who influenced him the most was Charles Johnson, known as “The Electrifying Mojo.” His show, “The Midnight Funk Association,” would air nightly on Detroit airwaves. Baxter said what he remembered most about the show were the sound effects Johnson used at the end of every show. “It was theater of the mind,” Baxter fondly remembered.
Many great Black male voices have been on the radio over the years, like Frankie Crocker in New York, syndicated host Tom Joyner, Jack “the Rapper” Gibson, and Doug Steele in Atlanta. Now Morris joins that prestigious list.
He shared why he thinks having Black male voices in radio is important, “There are a lot of Black men that are not really being recognized, and it seems like we are slowly being annihilated.” Baxter said about Black male voices on the radio. “I think our presence is something here that is valuable to this world.”
Before Morris arrived at WCLK, his first job in Atlanta was as the national promotions manager for Loud/Sony Records. He worked with hip-hop legends such as the Wu-Tang Clan, Three 6 Mafia, Mobb Deep, and more in this role. Plus, his voice was featured on Blackstreet’s 4x platinum album, “Another Level.”
As the interview concluded, Morris shared a positive quote from Confucious for the Atlanta Voice readers, “If you think about the past, it causes depression. If you think about the future, it causes anxiety. You will always be at peace if you think about the present.”
Having spent months fixing the botched overhaul of the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has a message for Black college-bound students: Don’t bypass the FAFSA like he did when he headed off to college.
“I definitely left money on the table,” Cardona told Word In Black on Tuesday. As the first in his family to attend college, Cardona says, he didn’t realize how much the FAFSA, and the federal aid it brings, could have eased the sting of his tuition bills.
Fixing the FAFSA
Now, after some nine months of fixing bugs, untangling errors, and clearing millions of backlogged applications, Cardona wants Black students to take full advantage of the program. So he’s spreading the word, touting steps the White House has taken to make things easier.
“We have a nationwide strategy to get students from Black communities to fill out FAFSA,” including financial support for churches and grassroots organizations to hold clinics for high school seniors, he says. “We increased the ease of filling out FAFSA because over 80% of our Black borrowers are Pell eligible,” he says, referring to a federal grant program.
“We have to do all of the above, in order to address the negative actions taken by many Republicans to limit education or defund it so that it becomes a private entity.”
Education Is on the Ballot
With a hotly-contested election looming between his boss, President Joe Biden, and former President Donald Trump — a high-stakes race that could hinge on Black voter turnout — Cardona made the rounds of Black newspapers, outlining what his department has done to tackle racial disparities in education.
In a call lasting around 10 minutes, Cardona spooled off a list of the Biden administration’s accomplishments, ranging from student loan forgiveness (“Black borrowers have gotten debt relief at a
higher proportion than many other groups,” he says) to addressing the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision dismantling affirmative action as a factor in college admissions.
Although he respects the high court’s authority, “We are fighting that (decision) tooth and nail,” Cardona says. “We are fighting what we perceive to be a potential lack or lessening of students of color going into our campuses.”
To counter that drop, “what we’ve done at the Department of Education is bring together college leaders to communicate obligations and make sure that their campus reflects the diversity of our country,” Cardona says. His department has issued guidelines
to colleges on how to admit more students of color while still respecting the rule of law.
“We’re giving them strategies, we’re lifting up examples of what (other) colleges are doing to attract Black and brown students,” Cardona says. “We’re encouraging presidents to be very intentional about attracting black talent into their schools, because we know a diverse campus is a better campus.”
Not long after the Supreme Court ruling, “we had a summit at the Department of Education over the summer” to strategize about how to work around the high court’s ruling, Cardona says. “We brought people from all over the country — leaders that know how
to do it well. We put together guidance, giving (other college presidents) strategies on what they could do to attract black talent” to their campuses.
“Look at the Facts”
When asked about what the Ed Department has done to improve education for Black Americans, Cardona didn’t hesitate.
“What I would say is, look at the facts,” he said, including billions in student debt relief, billions more for urban K-12 schools in pandemic-relief funds, and $15 billion for HBCUs. “No other president comes close.”
While he acknowledged “we need to do more,” Cardona also
pointed to the ballot box. If Black people want the improvements to continue, he says, they need to vote in November.
“We need a Congress that understands that their role is to support that,” he says. “If folks look under the hood a little bit, they’ll see that when you have a Republican-controlled House that wants to cut Title I dollars to inner city schools, that’s what we’re up against. So we’ve — I think we’ve done a great job.”
What grade would he give himself?
“I’ll let others grade me,” he says “I’m going to focus on making sure that I do everything I can” to improve education.
The latest Disney Cruise Line universe venture, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is in Eleuthera, Bahamas. Known for its pink sand beaches and shallow waters that allow tourists to snorkel easily, the island of just over 11,000 residents is now home to a new Disney Cruise Line destination.
On Friday, June 7, assorted members of the media and social media influencers were presented with the opportunity to spend the day at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. A first look at the Disney property on the island and what it will offer Disney Cruise Line guests allowed The Atlanta Voice to witness how the global entertainment brand is blending Bahamian flavors and traditions with its own signature moves.
“It reflects the culture and tradition of The Bahamas,” said Yolanda Cade, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, Disney Signature Experiences, of the new Disney island during an earlier briefing with the media days earlier.
Upon docking at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the island is easily seen in the distance. A long bridge separated the Disney Magic from the trams that would take visitors to Lookout Cay. Rides are provided for those who might not be able to make the long walk.
On the walk over, you will hear music coming from speakers on the bridge. One song, an original composition, has the lyrics, “Everything cool/everything fine/ you’re in Eleuthera, so take your time, time, time” in it. The advice is golden, as the five-minute tram ride to Lookout Cay is easy. Note: They drive on the opposite side of the road from what we do in the States, so don’t be alarmed. It was only my second time in the Bahamas, and I forgot about it.
There are several of them on Lookout Cay. True-True BBQ and True-True Too BBQ offer a touch of island favorites such as pigeon peas and chicken. There are several bars on the island and plenty of white sandy beaches to lay and play on.
Lookout Cay is located on Eleuthera’s southern tip and divided into three districts: north, central, and south. The people of the north and central districts are now working at Lookout Cay.
Thus, this new Disney venture provides a new vacation destination for its guests and employment opportunities on the island. From the participants in the Junkanoo Celebration, a mashup of live music and parade vibes that feel more like Carnival, to the maintenance, tram drivers, and the Goombay Cultural Center staff, there are now more employment opportunities for locals.
People like local artist Chauncey Rolle, whose paintings took my breath away when I walked a few short feet to his booth inside the Treasures of Eleuthera store. Born and raised on the island, Rolle, 28, says he’s often inspired by painting women. Many of the pieces displayed were of beautiful Black women surrounded by vibrant colors.
“I like a lot of everything that’s Bahamian,” Rolle said. “I like to try and create accessories for the painting subjects and give them a unique twist.”
Alongside Rolle inside the Treasures of Eleuthera store were Patrice Davis and her many handmade straw baskets, purses, and women’s wallets. Davis told The Atlanta Voice that she has been creating these one-of-a-kind crafts for “over 20 years.”
Her side of the store was packed with customers reaching for baskets and purses emblazoned with Disney characters, something she recently started doing in place of flowers and seashells.
“I just like to see the work. I just love it,” Davis said, a huge smile creasing across her face as she handed a Minnie Mouse purse to a waiting customer. “It gives me so much satisfaction.”
Sunscreen is one step people can take to protect their skin from sunburns. Dr. Adamson proposes that people adopt a regime of sunburn protection. Wearing protective clothing and staying out of the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. are steps to add to the regime. Dr. Adamsons describes how sunburns can have more consequences than just a mark on your skin. Credit: istock. com/meeko media
Summer is kicking off, and this is the time of year when everyone goes outside for outdoor activities.
As you prepare for your summer plans, Dr. Adewole Adamson advises equipping yourself with the proper tools and clothing to keep your skin healthy this season. He shares what to look for in sunscreen and the best way to avoid sunburns. Dr. Adamson debunks myths about sun exposure and skin cancer.
"The relationship between the sun and skin cancer has never been linked for people who identify as black. I have done the research, and it is a myth. Some studies show that the relationship exists, but there's no data to support that too much sun will lead to skin cancer in black people." said Dr. Adewole Adamson.
Dr. Adamson is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas at Austin. He pursued this discipline of medicine
because he likes caring for patients with skin diseases like melanoma. He is passionate about healthcare disparities and access to specialty health in dermatology.
Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or above with broad spectrum coverage is the first piece of advice Dr. Adamson shares. He explains that broad-spectrum coverage protects against Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The difference between the two rays is that UVA has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging. UVB has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning. Sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum coverage prevents both those issues down the road. Dr. Adamson suggests not getting mineral or physical blocker sunscreen when selecting sunscreen. Those types have zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide in them. This material leaves a cast on the skin, which makes dark complexions look white and pasty.
Sunscreen is one step people can take to protect their skin from sunburns. Dr. Ad-
amson proposes that people adopt a regime of sunburn protection. Wearing protective clothing and staying out of the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. are steps to add to the government. Dr. Adamsons describes how sunburns can have more consequences than just a mark on your skin.
"if you're in the sun long enough, you can develop a sunburn no matter your complexion. They are painful and annoying and could lead to premature aging. Sunburns can lead to hyperpigmentation and interfere with the resolution of scars," said Dr. Adamson.
The University of Texas professor encourages people to go to professionals for advanced care for skin health. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a device people have been using recently to diagnose themselves for skin cancer and other diseases. Dr. Adamson discusses how A.I. needs to be revised to be the first option when diagnosing skin. He breaks down how the companies behind the skin A.I. technology need more to give accu-
rate readings.
None of those consumer-facing apps are FDA-approved. If you put them under the rigor of testing, they fail miserably. Only one FDA-approved A.I. product is used by doctors, but it is not even widely used. I caution people from using those apps to make medical judgments," said Dr.Adamson.
He discusses this topic by sharing how commercial companies use A.I. to recommend products to customers. Still, their technology needs more data on people with darker skin tones.
"A lot of the data that trained the algorithms are biased. They don't have data with examples of different conditions and darker skin. Because of that, they often perform much worse in darker skin types," said Dr. Adamson.
Dr. Adamson explains that sun protection is essential for a safe and fun summer. The steps recommended by the University of Texas professor will help avoid sunburns and premature skin aging in the future.
Atlanta-based director/ writer David Fortune aims to shed light on communities hidden in darkness through the art of visual storytelling and cinema. Fortune’s new film, “Color Book,” does just that through an intimate black-and-white portrayal of a devoted father (Will Catlett) who, after his wife's passing, is learning to raise his son with Down syndrome (Jeremiah Daniels) as a single parent.
The film will premiere on June 8 at the Tribeca Film Festival and compete in the viewpoints category after Fortune was awarded $1 million to produce the film at the 2023 festival through AT&T’s Untold Storie. This pitch competition is committed to providing resources and mentorship to systemically underrepresented filmmakers so they can produce their films.
The Atlanta Voice: How does it feel to be able to premiere “Color Book” at the Tribeca Film Festival after winning the pitch competition in 2023?
David Fortune: “I always have a sense of gratitude. These opportunities don't come around often, and for me, making a film that shows the human light of the Black community and our wound and beauty was such a pleasure. I'm so grateful that AT&T and Tribeca (Film Festival) gave me the resources and financial backing to tell this story, particularly in black and white, which isn’t always popular. Still, they supported my vision through and through, and it's been a beautiful journey just bringing this story together.”
AV: When I think of portrayals of differently-abled children, they are usually from the scope of motherhood or a nuclear family. How was it, as the director and screenwriter, creating a film through the lens of a father and a grieving widowed father?
DF: “That's such a great question because for me to just tap into the grief of a father, I had to think about my grief. And thinking about grief in not just a sense of death, but what does it feel like to lose something that you love so much, but now it's
absent? Grief doesn't always mean the death of someone. Grief can mean a heartbreak. Grief can mean the loss of a friend.
"How do you put all those emotions of grief and put it into this character, Lucky, who has such a beautiful relationship with his wife and a beautiful, dynamic relationship with their entire family? What does that look like when she's gone? Even the house’s tone is quiet and often eerie because her presence is no longer there. And even just talking about the role of women, how do they play a part in a family dynamic? And what happens when that is removed?"
AV: As you said, it is a somber film at times, and it’s a film devoid of color, but I feel like the warmth comes in a lot of the moments that you're able to show with the waitress, the cop letting them go or Lucky’s friends. Can you talk about your intentional choice to make “Color Book”
black and white?
DF: “It wasn't a stylistic chance. It was more based on the narrative. With “Color Book,” I recognized early that this movie is very character-driven. It's not about the world but the intimacy between these two individuals. And I felt black and white enhances that dynamic because now you're not distracted by the world around them. You’re so much focused on the relationship between them.”
AV: How were you able to inform yourself on what parents have to tackle when it comes to children with Down syndrome and what the children have to tackle as well?
DF: “Before I started penning this film, I knew I wanted to tell a story about a father raising his son. As I began to think about our community in general, I recognized that you have a differently-abled community. Reflecting on the stories that were not told within the Black communi-
ty, slowly but surely, they started to emerge.
“Before I wrote one word, I spent time speaking to parents who were raising children who have Down syndrome and were on the spectrum to make sure that this film wasn't coming from my voice, but it was coming from theirs. I didn't even take notes. I just listened. And I knew that whatever they were saying would filter into me and flow into the page, and I had to trust that voice. I have to trust that process. I just really wanted to listen to hear their pain but also hear the joys.
“We often look at raising differently-abled children as a struggle, but they will tell you that while you have specific experiences, for the most part, it's just raising the child in general.”
AV: Can you talk more about crafting these characters and writing them in a setting that is the backdrop of essentially 24 hours in Atlanta?
DF: “I just wanted to give you a window into these two individuals' lives, and we get to see the different people in the community they come in contact with. Through these people, we get a sense of understanding of the textures, the tone, and the personalities of Atlanta. This film doesn't shove Atlanta down your throat … I just wanted an intimate portrait of Atlanta that wasn't yelling but whispering.”
AV: It makes sense because I sometimes forget it was set in Atlanta, a loud city. So, that came off
well.
DF: “Thank you. I also really wanted to explore the idea that it takes a village. Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, one of the phrases I used to hear so much as a kid was, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ In this film, I embody the idea that all these communities unite to raise Mason.”
AV: Can you discuss the symbolism of the balloon in the movie more? Throughout the movie, Mason is holding or wants a balloon, and the film starts with a balloon release for his mother.
DF: “That's an interesting one. I wanted the audience to determine what the balloon meant to them. Forme, the balloon reflects Mason’s connection with his mom, Tammy. When he has moments when that balloon is no longer there, it shows his longing — his grief. Because Mason struggles with being verbal, we can finally see him verbalize his emotions regarding his mom. So, the balloon is a reflection of letting go.
AV: What do you hope the audiences, especially parents of children with Down syndrome, take away from this movie?
DF: “My goal is to make sure you get a chance to spend time with two people you often haven't. What are the highs? What are the lows? What are the joys? I don't want to force a message down your throat. I just want to give you a beautiful experience that is an honest portrait of these two individuals' lives. I just want you to decide what means something to you.”
azda has
SUV while enjoying the benefits of electricity, this debut automobile comes highly recommended.
Having the pleasure of reviewing the Platinum trim in the optional Rhodium White, the CX-90’s exterior is curvaceous in all the right places, giving it a sleek, futuristic look regardless of its three-row capacity. The eye candy continues with the 21-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, roof rails, and attractive LED lighting package.
The Platinum perks continue inside, with black Nappa leather-trimmed seats; second-row captain’s chairs which are heated; an infotainment display and color center display both measuring at 12.3 inches; a
1500-watt power outlet; reverse automatic emergency braking; and a surround-view camera system to name a few. Along with
Bluetooth, Apple and Android connectivity come standard, multiple passengers will appreciate the six USB ports, sunshades in
the second row, third row vents, panoramic moonroof, and solid 12-speaker BOSE sound system.
As for the driving experience, Mazda did a great job in virtually every facet. The engine flexes a responsive 323 horsepower, 369 lb.-ft. of torque, and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive enhancing the maneuverability. The paddle shifters, five driving modes—Normal, Sport, Off-Road, EV, and Towing (up to 3,500 pounds)—and long list of safety features will keep the conductor both smiling and confident when on the road. Addressing the hybrid option, the CX-90 gets 25 miles fully electric, which is ideal for daily work commutes and short trips, while a combined 56 miles per gallon with gas. As far as pricing, the PHEV starts at $53,950, and the Platinum trim totals $58,920.
After experiencing this SUV’s successful debut of the CX-90 PHEV, I am certain Mazda will continue to deliver more hybrid and fully electric vehicles in the very near future. And we are ready for it! For more information, visit Mazdausa.com
