The Atlanta Voice E-Edition AV063023

June 30-July 6, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 8 • FREE

INSIDE THE ISSUE Verizon Surprises Blackowned Doll Company with $10K Grant PAGE 7

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Gone But Not Forgotten Atlanta Mayors Keisha Lance Bottoms (left) and Andre Dickens stand vigil at the new memorial for Atlanta’s missing and murdered children Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

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Metro

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The ‘Eternal Flame’ memorial to Atlanta’s missing and murdered is located at City Hall across the street from the State Capital. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

City of Atlanta, victims’ families unveil memorial ‘Eternal Flame’ to the Atlanta Child Murders victims

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

B

etween 1979-1981, 30 young victims were slain in what is now known as the “Atlanta Child Murders”. To honor them, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, then-Mayor Kiesha Lance Bottoms, victims’ families, and other key people dedicated a memorial to those who were lost.

“At least 30 of our young children and young adults have been abducted and killed or were missing. Those of you who were here during that time know just how on edge this entire city was during that period,” Dickens said. “Mayor Maynard Jackson, the first African American Mayor, he wanted to find a way to keep kids safe during this period.

He created what became known and called, ‘Camp Best Friend’ offering a haven in the city of Atlanta’s children.”

Dickens said he was between 4-6 years old during the time of the Atlanta Child Murders.

“That was a time that fortified us and brought us together, and you had to be in when the streetlights were on. You would see vans in your neighborhood and clear the streets so you could ensure you wouldn’t be a victim; everyone was on edge at that time,” he said. “I attended Camp Best Friends and even my daughter, who is now 18, has attended the camp. So, an initiative that was born out of tragedy, became one of the largest city-operated summer programs in the country and it’s still going on strong.”

Designed by international public artist Gordon Huether of Napa, CA, the “Eternal Flame” memorial includes a 52-foot-long remembrance wall with the name of each victim mounted next to an accompanying shelf

for mourners to place special mementos in honor of children lost too soon.

Seating faces the expansive wall, where visitors can spend time, contemplate, and pay their respects. The wall’s composition of Corten steel gives the memorial a strong, enduring impact as it weathers into a rust-colored patina. At the far end of the memorial, an Eternal Flame burns as an enduring and inspiring tribute to the victims and all those affected. The semi-enclosed space creates a symbolic embrace meant to comfort and sustain visitors. Centered within the semi-enclosed space is a granite inlay engraved with Pearl Cleage’s ‘A Poem for Our Children’.

Ms. Cleage is an acclaimed novelist, essayist, playwright, and activist, and was named Atlanta’s first Poet Laureate in 2021. She was commissioned to compose the poem to commemorate the victims.

“My goal in designing ‘Eternal Flame’ was to commemorate the immeasurable loss suffered by the families and friends of the victims and by the entire City of Atlanta, and provide a space for remembrance and healing,” said Huether. “It also pays homage to those who aided in the searches, recovery, and community-wide mourning in the aftermath of this collective tragedy. It’s not just about the past, though, as the monument offers a reminder to the community to safeguard and support all of Atlanta’s children.”

Additionally, the memorial has been a long-desired goal of the victims’ families and elected officials and reached a key milestone in 2020 when then-Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms established the Atlanta Children’s Memorial Task Force. Funding and design fol-

See JUMP on page 3

theatlantavoice.com • June 30-July 6, 2023 • Page 3

Metro lowed quickly and Huether was selected to create a sculpture to fulfill the community’s vision.

During the memorial’s unveiling, Bottoms said she did not expect speaking at the memorial would be “so emotional”.

“Some will say it was a long time ago, but to us who were there, it seems like yesterday because we remember everything. As Mayor Dickens said, we were children and we remember the year, our parents holding us close, communities frozen,” she said.

“As a parent, I think of the ages of these beautiful children. Many of them were the ages that my children are now. To the families, what I do know to be true, is that Mayor Maynard Jackson cared deeply about each family and each town. Along with so many of the Atlanta Police Department, the FBI, and so many others worked diligently to find the person responsible for taking these young lives. We too remember that they were your children, they weren’t just names, they were human beings that you loved dearly.”

Bottoms also said she is honored to have played a part in ensuring the memorial will be here “for an eternity”.

“Every single person who walks on the grounds of Atlanta’s City Hall will remember those children who mattered to us then,

A crowd gathered near the memorial for the ceremony and unveiling Tuesday morning. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

matter to us now, and they will matter to us for generations not yet forward,” she said.

“I know progress has been made in analyzing the DNA and there’s still many answers

to find, but it is my hope that one day soon Mayor Dickens will be able to share that information with the public as well, whatever information that may be available so they

can continue to bring solace and comfort onto the victims’ families.”

The memorial is public and located on City Hall grounds.

NNPA Wins in Four-Year Internal Voting Rights Civil Cases

BY STAFF REPORT In a definitive and consequential ruling, the Honorable Ebony Scott in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division, issued on May 10, 2023, a factual “Summary Judgment” in favor of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

Today, in an official notice sent out to each member publisher of the NNPA, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr, President, and CEO of the NNPA, confirmed, “In the matters of Dorothy R. Leavell v. NNPA, Amelia Ashley-Ward v. NNPA, and Carol Geary v. NNPA, the courts in the District of Columbia have now ruled in favor of the NNPA.” The NNPA is the national trade association of the Black Press of America representing over 240 African American-owned newspapers and multimedia companies throughout the United States.

Chavis resoundingly attested, “Finally, after four years of extended and financially costly, frivolous lawsuits against the NNPA, we have good news for the NNPA upon winning these significant legal victories.”

Chavis concluded, “The NNPA will continue to work diligently to ensure that the voting rights of all our member publishers are protected from any future effort to subvert the overall interests of the membership of the NNPA.” Leavell, Ashley-Ward, and Geary who are members of the NNPA, disagreed with the outcome of the 2019 NNPA national elections and sued the NNPA, in part, to contest the results of the 2019 NNPA Board Elections.

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President and CEO of the NNPA.

In 2019, the membership of the NNPA duly elected Karen Carter Richards, publisher of the Houston Forward Times, as the new NNPA Chair.

Leavell was defeated by Richards for Chair of the NNPA. “As much as I would like to say that I’m excited about this ruling I’m not [because] this should have never happened to our esteemed organization or the wonderful publishers who make up this important entity,” Richards stated.

“This entire ordeal has been a stain on this organization, led by three individuals who re-

fused to accept the will of the qualified vote of our publishers.”

Richards continued: “Not only did we have to fight through the COVID-19 pandemic and other changes in the market, but we also had to fight against the frivolous actions of three of our member publishers.

“Now, thankfully after four years, we can put this unjustified action behind us and move forward for the betterment of our organization and continue to do what’s right for the NNPA.” During the past four years, however, the NNPA continued to make substantial progress even in the face of the continued civil litigation.

“We are pleased with the judge’s decision, and it’s been a long time coming,” NNPA General Counsel Attorney A. Scott Bolden stated.

“There was never any substance to the plaintiffs’ allegations. Unfortunately, it took four years and a lot of legal expenses to prove that there was nothing there.”

Bolden said Judge Scott also issued a separate order of sanctions – the second during the case – “for some of the conduct of the plaintiffs and their counsel.”

“This isn’t the first time the plaintiffs and their lawyers were sanctioned,” Bolden asserted. “It is fortunate that we were able to emerge victorious.”

Bolden said many lessons were learned about how the lawsuit was brought and how the plaintiffs and prior judges handled it.

“Going forward, we’re looking forward to working with NNPA members and the board members to prevent any future lawsuits

“We are pleased with the judge’s decision, and it’s been a long time coming,” NNPA General Counsel Attorney A. Scott Bolden stated. Photo Credit iStockphoto / NNPA

against the organization by amending the NNPA Bylaws to ensure that any disputes will require mediation or arbitration,” Bolden said.

He said the two avenues are far less expensive than civil litigation.

Bolden also noted that Carole Geary, publisher of the Milwaukee Courier, lost her lawsuit against the NNPA in 2022, appealed the defeat, and lost again.

“Thanks to our outstanding legal team, our leadership, and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, our president/CEO for pressing forward as we endured such an unfortunate and costly situation,” Richards added.

The NNPA is now preparing to celebrate the 196th Year Anniversary of the Black Press of America at its 2023 Annual National Convention in Nashville, TN, June 28July 1, 2023.

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Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.”

— Oprah Winfrey

Unsung Exemplars: Black Women in Medicine

I

BY DONALD SUGGS

The St. Louis American

n a recent essay, Massachusetts General Hospital physician Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford points out the myriad of ongoing hurdles and inequities that contribute to the underrepresentation of Black women in medicine. Dr. Stanford gives voice to the many frustrations that Black women physicians like her still face.

The deplorable history of Black women being disregarded in this country continues in the experiences of many Black women in medicine today. These experiences are rooted in the three-fifths compromise: slave-holding states in the U.S. constitutionally discounted all Black persons as only portions of human beings, tallying them merely for congressional representation and taxation purposes.

Jasmine Brown, a thirdyear medical student at the University of Pennsylvania and a former Rhodes Scholar, shares in a new book how Black women have fought to become physicians since the Civil War. Through enumerated stories, she recounts the hindrances Black women pursuing careers in medicine have faced throughout history.

She writes, “It is important to understand the barriers Black women physicians faced. As more professionals are working to correct some of the wrongs and increase diversity in medicine and research, we need the historical perspective to understand what these barriers are rooted in.”

Moreover, despite Black women’s historic activism in prominent social justice movements, Black women continued to experi-

These remarkable Black women physicians should serve as a powerful reminder and great inspiration for all of us.

Photograph courtesy of Eben Kassaye/Unsplash.

ence crippling racism and elitism into the 19th and early 20th centuries. The women’s suffrage movement focused on access to the voting booth for white women, rather than for all women — a fact that is often ignored or forgotten.

It has been Black women, long active in the long struggle for justice and equality, whose courageous, steadfast contributions have been largely unrecognized and underappreciated.

We see this low regard manifest in the demanding expectations that help perpetuate the daunting constrictions we see for Black women physicians.

Recent data show that almost half of medical school students are now white women (among Black matriculants, 60% are women). Nevertheless, only a third of practitioners are women.

Further, Black women physicians experience bias in medical education, training, and the workforce — extensions of overlapping systems of oppression and privilege that also fuel unfiltered prejudice from some medical colleagues and patients.

Yet it is widely accepted that Black patients have

better health results when they are treated by Black healthcare workers. There is a direct correlation between health and personal success. Improved representation in health care leads to better health and reduced medical costs.

All of the Black men and women physicians in the U.S. constitute only a meager 5% of practicing physicians, and 53% of that small number are women.

This compares with white and Asian women physicians who make up 34.4% and 43% of their respective group’s physicians.

White women physicians do indeed face well-documented gender-based discrimination from white male physicians, who continue to dominate the field of medicine. In their early careers, 76% of white women physicians reported gender-based discrimination, 56.3% during mid-career, and 35.8% in their late career. But they are spared the additional emotional disruption that racial bigotry inflicts.

American Medical Association (AMA) Immediate Past President Dr. Gerald Harmon admits that “a shortage of Black physicians contributes to poorer health outcomes for Black

patients.”

Also, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the National Medical Association (NMA), the most influential Black physicians’ group, have announced a joint initiative to address the dire need for more Black physicians by working with Black colleges and universities to secure more scholarships. It remains to be seen whether these well-intentioned efforts are sustainable enough to make a substantial difference over time.

The NMA writes in unequivocal language, “Academic medicine has a professional and ethical responsibility to educate its trainees and health professionals on the history of medicine — including its ugly side — and to critically examine how historical and contemporary political and social factors have created racial/ethnic health disparities. Until such reckoning, the field of medicine’s ability to achieve health equity for all will continue to be futile.”

The remarkable history of so many strong, incredible Black women physicians — who followed a calling, broke down entrenched racial and gender-based barriers, and paved the way for future generations — should serve as a powerful reminder and great inspiration for all of us, those in the medical field and beyond.

These esteemed women are powerful exemplars for our community of the power of belief, courage, dedication, hard work, and a passion to serve others. We need to let them know that we are grateful and they are deeply appreciated.

Donald M Suggs is the publisher and owner of The St. Louis American

T H E AT L A N TA

VOICE FOUNDED May 11, 1966

FOUNDER/EDITOR Ed Clayton

Immortalis Memoria

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

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

PUBLISHER Janis Ware jlware@theatlantavoice.com PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER James A. Washington jaws@theatlantavoice.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Janelle Ward jward@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Noah Washington nwashington@theatlantavoice.com MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com

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Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

. n e e s e B

Be hear

True faith requires action, so act accordingly SCAN TO DONATE

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lism.

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

You guys have heard, read my feelings about faith actually being a verb. Regardless of when and how you found religion, what are you going to do about it now?

Faith being a verb rather than a noun requires action. That action, in my opinion, should actually be based on the faith of what you believe.

For example, if you believe Jesus is who He said He is, then do you still gossip? Do you continue to spread rumors and innuendo?

Are you forgiving of the flaws and faults of others? Do you really turn the other cheek?

I mean, faith as a verb demands active behavior consistent with the belief that all things have a purpose far beyond the realm of today.

Our understanding, then, is pretty much incidental to the faith we claim when it comes to our actions.

Mercy, charity, and love all have a place in your everyday experience in the world of human beings.

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If your faith is so shallow that the only thing that touches your heart is just that, the things you can touch and feel and see, then you’ve missed the point of eternal existence.

Faith in the Almighty literally means claiming the life that Jesus promised abundantly. Believe it or not, that life did not begin the day you were born and will not end the day you die.

So says every professed Christian on the face of the planet. But how you handle this short conscious existence goes a long way towards the quality of your afterlife.

“All things work together for good according to the lord and those who have been called according to his purpose.” –Romans 8:28.

The consequence of faith then means realizing that according to

Be seen.

the more knowledge you gain, the more selfless you should become.

I guess all I’m trying to say is the dynamics of faith over time, will demand that your lifestyle reflect an awareness of spiritual consequence for your actions or lack thereof.

“Therefore brother, we have an obligation…” –Romans 8:12.

We must live according to the Spirit within us rather than the passions that would corrupt us. A faithful Christian knows the difference and functions accordingly.

“We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage…” –Romans 12:6-8.

Simply put, that’s my point. This is the kind of knowledge that separates “gonna” from “do.”

May God bless and keep you always.

God’s purpose, your role is clear.

One must act on the Word of God as given by Jesus Christ. One must live rather than merely profess faith. One must be a church rather than just attend one.

So often in scripture, we are reminded that Jesus was focused on a lifestyle pleasing to His father. As a matter of fact, he was appalled at the use of “The Law” as an excuse not to fulfill the purpose of “The Law.” Jesus accepted any and all who believed in the Son of Man as also the Son of God. He, therefore, demanded appropriate behavior from apostles, elders, gentiles and sinners alike.

The higher up the religious hierarchy, the more Jesus expected to be done on behalf of the unenlightened. The more faith you profess,

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STAFF REPORT

A(Atlanta, 501.3C NONGa) – Family, friends and colleagues are saddened PROFIT NEWSby the passing of Atlanta entrepreneur Maceo A. Brown, ORGANIZATION who 33 years ago started one of the larg-

est Black owned and operated security and alarm monitoring company in Georgia.

Being remembered by many for his leadership, business acumen and philanthropy, his legacy as an industry leader will continue on.

Throughout his lifetime, Brown received numerous awards to include: Atlanta Business League Hall of Fame Inductee and Corporation of the Year Award, Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta Business of the Year Award, Atlanta Tribune’s Business Achievement Award, the Herndon Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Invest Atlanta’s Southside Champion Award. Maceo was also appointed to the Board of Councilors for the Carter Center and recognized in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. Maceo was often sought to deliver motivational and inspirational messages to aspiring youth, enterprising entrepreneurs, community leaders and church congregants.

Along with being a successful entrepreneur, Brown was the founder of MACEO’S Kids (Mentoring Aspiring CEO’s), a non-profit organization created to pair

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Black youth with mentors in an effort to foster an entrepreneurial spirit.

“Thank you for your many words of encouragement, prayers, condolences, and expressions of love shown for my husband,” expressed his wife. “I am grateful that God gave me the opportunity to share 34 years of his life.”

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Business

BLACK MEN AND ISOLATION IS THE SILENT ISSUE WE ALL NEED TO CATCH.

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Ambassador Andrew Young, Black investors talk minority funding at Aprio “Access to Lending” panels

BY JANELLE WARD

A

ccounting firm Aprio hosted the second installment of its series of panels on minority business ownership Tuesday evening, connecting smallscale Black entrepreneurs and investors with the capital and mentorship opportunities needed to expand their ventures.

The event brought together Atlanta-based business professionals experienced in offering funding to developing companies, for a panel discussion on breaking into larger markets, ending with a one-on-one fireside chat with former Atlanta mayor and civil rights icon, Ambassador Andrew Young.

Each guest speaker on the first panel talked about their experiences in lending and accumulating capital, and how their current companies work with smaller businesses to stimulate their growth.

Tony Hilliard, private bank market executive for Bank of America, said it’s important to consider the character of minority- and women-owned businesses requesting assistance, in order to match them with the resources best suited for their models of operations. He also said minority business owners should broaden their horizons and get creative with their methods of entrepreneurship as a way to make up for lost profits and time generated by systemic inequality.

“I think we have the opportunity that exists going forward to think differently about the businesses that are possible, and where we can lend into situations that we probably wouldn’t have done because we don’t have the legacy of a few generations that have taken over a business,” Hilliard said.

“What we’re thinking about now is, ‘How do we foundationally think about the future of lending?’ And that, to me, has a broader DEI lens than we’ll probably have ever experienced.”

The federal government also has a hand in supporting minority-owned businesses in their financial pursuits. Through a series of programs and other resources, the Georgia Minority Business Development Agency Business Center, located inside the Georgia Institute of Technology, offers assistance to growing ventures generating a minimum of $500,000 annually.

Jennifer Pasley, project director at the Georgia MBDA, said the organization’s accommodation strategies aren’t one-size-fitsall for its clients, and that meeting companies where they are in their entrepreneurial

Ambassador Andrew Young joined leaders from Bank of America, the Georgia Minority Business Development Agency and o15 Capital Partners for dual panels on minority entrepreneurship Tuesday evening at Aprio’s headquarters in Brookhaven. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

journeys is necessary in helping them expand physically and financially.

“What we learned is that a company can complete an application and submit it to a financial institution and be denied. Take that same application to another institution, and it is approved,” Pasley said. “So, we have learned that it’s not a cookie cutter situation.

Every situation is unique.”

Kenneth Saffold, co-founder of minority-owned investment firm o15 Capital Partners, said that focusing on funding ventures dedicated to bringing about social, racial and gender equality is crucial to the firm’s mission.

“You need to have capital in order to participate in capitalism,” Saffold said. “[The] 1800s ‘capital’ was land. Today, we think that by investing in these types of businesses, we’re providing capital for them to thrive and flourish and for them to ultimately be successful.”

All panelists also acknowledged the im-

portance of networking as entrepreneurs working to expand their businesses.

Pasley added that entrepreneurs should take advantage of funding opportunities granted by public and private entities left untouched following the course of the pandemic. She also said to surround yourself with intelligent financial advisors and educate yourself on the monetary resources available at your disposal.

“It’s important to know what you don’t know,” Pasley said.

During his panel, Young discussed Atlanta’s evolution since his time in office, as well as his investment in the Black-owned digital banking platform, Greenwood.

Greenwood, a financial technology company co-founded by Atlanta-based rapper and activist Killer Mike, gives users a space to save and invest their money in a way that directly benefits minority communities. The venture, named after the historic African American district located in Tulsa, Okla-

homa, commonly referred to as ‘Black Wall Street’, intends to circulate wealth within the Black and Latinx communities in a fashion similar to that seen within the Midwestern landmark at its prime.

Ambassador Young joined the project by the time its launch was announced in 2020, citing a desire to address widespread poverty as a reason for getting involved.

“I don’t know anything about money,” Young said. “I know people, and I know human needs. And I think that’s my role.”

Young also said that the current generation of entrepreneurs has the chance to positively impact the world in more ways than the civil rights leaders of the 1950s and 1960s by building upon the framework they established.

“I’m trying to invite you or let you know that whether you like it or not, you are part of the same movement that I’ve spent my life in,” Young said. “Only you’re in a [financial position] to end poverty, and you’ve got a job.”

theatlantavoice.com • June 30-July 6, 2023 • Page 7

Sponsored Content

Verizon Surprises Black-owned Doll Company with $10K Grant

BY STAN WASHINGTON

F

or a young company like Atlanta-based Beautiful Curly Me any good publicity is vital to its continued growth. But when a seemingly routine TV interview turns into a surprised check presentation it then becomes a godsend.

During an interview with the local TV show Atlanta & Company at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) (6/20), Evana and Zoe Oli, mother and daughter business partners were caught totally off guard when former Atlanta Hawks guard Lou Williams showed up to present them a check from Verizon for $10,000.

The mother/daughter duo looked as if they weren’t sure it was all real. The team at the Russell Center decided to surprise the two who are member stakeholders at the center.

The check is from Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program and partner LISC. Zoe, the 11 year-old CEO said the grant is right on time.

“I’m going to use every cent to expand my company, my social impact and expand the line of dolls this Christmas,” she said.

Williams heard about the young CEO through his mother who was impressed after a brief meeting with her. The three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee said it’s important to support our youth and their dreams.

“She’s a young entrepreneur, doing a lot of positive things. I think it’s important especially with young people to have a vision, to have goals that they want to accomplish in the future,” Williams said. “Any time that people like myself in the community can give a young person a hand I think that’s important.”

Zoe’s path into entrepreneurship began four years ago when she was seven years old.

When she was six her mother bought her a black doll, “I loved that doll but it didn’t have curly hair like mine,” she said.

After several failed shopping attempts to find a black doll with the desired hairdo, she decided to make her own but not just for herself but for other girls who wanted the same thing.

“We are all about instilling confidence in young black girls through beautiful black dolls like Bella, (the first doll),” she said.

According to Verizon communications officer Burnadette Brijlall, the telecom giant started their Digital Ready program two years ago because they recognized that many small businesses were having a difficult time competing in today’s digital economy.

“We saw that small businesses had a need for influence marketing, tax support, how to get a website, etc., “ Brijall said. “All of these resources are so important to small businesses who need help getting into the digital economy. How do you take your business from being just brick and mortar to having

Beautiful Curly Me owners Zoe Oli (check) and Evana Oli are surrounded by staff members of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to celebrate the check presentation from Verizon. Photo by Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Evana and Zoe Oli, owners of Beautiful Curly Me, are surprised to receive a $10,000 grant from Verizon presented to them by former Atlanta Hawks guard Lou Williams. Photo by Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice

an online presence.”

The project is serving “tens of thousands” of small businesses, Brijall said.” With women and minority owned businesses we felt

it was important to help these businesses thrive in the digital economy.” “ It’s not just about the grants that the program offers, but learning how to make your

business better. There is coaching, mentorships, meet-ups, guidance on the platform and we will be holding sessions across the country this year,” she added.

Page 8 • June 30-July 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Business

Atlanta has approved fewer private housing units in 2023 when compared to numbers from 12 months ago, a decline that may further contribute to the city’s impending housing shortage.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta’s approved private housing units see steady decline as home prices escalate

BY JANELLE WARD

N

amed the most expensive housing market in the United States by researchers at Florida Atlantic University earlier this year, Atlanta has approved fewer private housing units in 2023 when compared to numbers from 12 months ago, a decline that may further contribute to the city’s impending housing shortage.

After witnessing highs reminiscent of pre-pandemic levels last summer, the number of privately-owned housing structure units approved by permit in metro Atlanta has gradually declined since the beginning of the year, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

The number of approved units in the greater Atlanta area reached 3,946 in January, after seeing numbers surpassing the 4,000-unit benchmark for four months of last year. The metro area closed out 2022 with 3,294 private housing units approved, representing an increase of approximately 600 units over the course of a month.

Approved units have since declined each month of 2023, dropping to 3,315 in February, 3,006 in March and to 2,886 in April.

The number of approved units in the greater Atlanta area reached 3,946 in January, after seeing numbers surpassing the 4,000-unit benchmark for four months of last year. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Nationally, approximately 1.4 million private housing units were approved in December of 2022, and numbers have fluctuated around this total every month since.

Soaring mortgage rates are also complicat-

ing home searches for interested buyers in today’s market, with rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages standing at 6.67% for the week ending June 22, per Freddie Mac. However, the numbers of completed

homes and homes under construction have remained steady over the past year, both regionally and nationally, despite rising construction costs affecting the timeline of new projects.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, completed private housing units approached a 12-month high last month, reaching approximately 1.52 million units. The number of privately-owned units under construction across the U.S. has hovered around 1.7 million since May of last year, measuring at 1.69 million units last month.

In the South specifically, homes under construction reached a new high last month, surpassing the 800,000-unit benchmark for the first time. The region saw approximately 852,000 units completed in the same month.

The decline in approved units may affect the progress of metro Atlanta’s new residential projects in the future. Editor’s Note: Atlanta home prices have remained among the highest in the country. The Atlanta Voice will continue to cover residential real estate industry changes to better inform our readers.

theatlantavoice.com • June 30-July 6, 2023 • Page 9

Business

Stay-at-home-mom creates Cristina’s Curls inspired by daughter’s struggle with cradle cap, eczema

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON Atlanta stay-at-home mom and former licensed esthetician, Courtney Smith, created her company, “Cristina’s Curls”, to help her daughter’s eczema as an infant.

Cristina’s Curls is a natural, organic, and handmade children’s hair and skincare product company that has reached nearly $2 million in revenue after starting just two years ago.

Smith, who named the company after her daughter, has since had massive success helping other mothers who were struggling to find natural remedies for their children.

After starting the business at home, Smith expanded to a warehouse and hired employees, helping the company sell an average of about 8,000 products per month.

Shortly after Cristina was born, Smith noticed her daughter began to suffer greatly from eczema, sensitive skin, and cradle cap.

Smith, who is mother of three and previously owned a spa, said she knew the side effects that came with using sterile creams and medications.

“I wanted a more holistic approach, but I could not find what I was looking for in stores, so I created my own in partnership with my husband who is a chemist. That solution has become Cristina’s Curls,” she said.

Amongst the company’s best-selling products are the Nourishing Baby Hair and Scalp Oil, Nourishing Baby Detangler and Tearfree Shampoo and Body Wash.

Cristina’s Curls products are organic, handcrafted and paraben free. Product ingredients include a variety of natural plants and herbs including lavender, aloe vera, chamomile, shea and mango butters and coconut, castor, and jojoba seed oils. The products cater to children of all ages.

“Of all the products out there, this was a hole in the marketplace, so I am happy to provide a solution that is not only useful, but also much needed by so many infants and children who suffer from the same issues,” she said.

For more information or to check out their products, visit https://cristinascurls.com/ .

Additionally, Smith spoke with the Atlanta Voice about the process behind Cristina’s Curls.

The Atlanta Voice: Talk to me about the process of starting, “Cristina’s Curls”.

Courtney Smith: I’ve been a licensed esthetician for the last nine years now and I owned a spa here in Atlanta for four years.

After about four years, I decided to sell my day spa, and spend more time with the kids.

My daughter was getting ready to go to high school and I just wanted to focus on my kids at the time. So fast forward, I had Cristina in 2020 like right at the beginning of the pandemic. So, when I had Cristina, who is my third child, she had every issue a newborn or infant can have from allergies, eczema,

Cristina’s Curls products. Photo courtesy of Cristina’s Curls

Courtney Smith and her daughter, Cristina. Photo courtesy of Cristina’s Curls

cradle cap, you name it, she had it. So, along with us dealing with the pandemic and everything, we were in and out of doctor’s offices, in and out of dermatologist’s offices trying to find an ointment or cream or something to help her primarily with her eczema.

So, after seeing about three or four doctors and just not being happy with the ointments and products they were giving us to use, my husband and I were sitting down one day and he said, ‘Why don’t you just make her something’ and a lightbulb just went off. I’m like ‘yes this is what I do’ because aside from being an esthetician, I also have my certification in formulation, so that’s how this company came about. The first two products that I made for her were a shampoo that doubled as a shampoo and body wash for her eczema and the second product was a hair and scalp oil that helped with the dandruff and flakey scalp she had along with the cradle cap.

AV: Is there a mentor or someone who inspires you as a business owner?

CS: Well, not a mentor I’m directly working with. I do see a lot of successful business owners on social media, for example, Monique Rodriquez from Mielle and Courtney

Adeleye from The Mane Choice. So, of course being in this industry, it’s a very small industry and I’ve seen how they have grown their brands over the past eight to ten years, but as far as having a mentor that I am working with one-on-one, no. I’ve just been researching and learning as I go. The business aspect of it hasn’t been that hard. My husband and I own another business that we’ve had for 12 years, so structuring the business hasn’t been as hard, just learning the ins and outs of the healthcare and beauty industry, as far as products, because like I said before I was in service side of it, but now learning about products, that has really been trial and error.

AV: Are your products only for children?

SC: Now we have a lot of adults that use Cristina’s Curls as well. So, it’s not just for children. We have three different collections: one is called Nourish and Baby, that’s for newborns and up, one is Nourish and Grow, that’s for nine months and up, and we also have one called Curl Enhancing and that’s for nine months and up as well.

AV: Your company and products have gone viral and reached nearly $2 million in revenue after starting just two years ago. Did

you ever think it would take off in this way so quickly?

CS: No, I did not! I had no clue. When I first started it, it was solely for my baby. I was stuck between a hard place as far as ‘what do I do for her skin’ and just being happy with the results I was getting for her. I didn’t think it would go this far even when it started taking off, I was still like ‘It was never the plan to really run a business, I’m enjoying being at home and the kids and Cristina was still only six months old when I officially launched the company. She was still little, but it just fell in my lap, and I could not allow it to grow and be at its full potential.

AV: With Cristina’s Curls finding such massive viral success, where do you see the company in five years?

SC: I think Cristina’s Curls is going to be all over the world, that’s what I’m working on now, getting it into retail stores, children’s boutiques, children’s hair salons. I plan on just taking over and making Cristina’s Curls the number one children’s and haircare/ skincare brand for brown African American children.

AV: What are your business goals for the remainder of the year?

SC: My goal in the next six months is to get into two retails stores that we’ve been working on and on Amazon.

AV: What kind of advice would you give to future business owners or parents who might want to find ways to help their kids?

SC: I would say look at the ingredients. I don’t know if it’s just because of my background as far as being an esthetician or that now this is my business, but I always look at what I’m putting on my child because it has different reactions, not just topical reactions. If they’re allergic to it, if it changes their behavior or hormones like now, they’re doing research that says lavender, who we’ve all used on babies, or at least I have on babies before, it’s not good for their hormones, it has a bad effect on their hormones. So, I always tell parents to advocate for their child, know what you’re putting on your child, have an allergy test done on them to know what they’re allergic to, what they aren’t allergic to, and just being very aware of the products that you’re using on them because they can be more sensitive to things than we are.

Page 10 • June 30-July 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Business

200 Peachtree Group to bring Nordic-inspired entertainment to downtown

BY JANELLE WARD

2

00 Peachtree Group announced plans last week to add two new developments to 200 Peachtree in downtown, fulfilling a need for walkable “eatertainment” attractions in the area.

The proposed 20,000 square feet of added entertainment space includes a Nordic-themed brewery and a combined eatery and activity concept of similar inspiration, both of which will further diversify the selection of businesses nestled inside the mixeduse retail development over the next year.

Drew Tull, president and managing partner of 200 Peachtree Group, said the new establishments will arrive in time to serve Atlanta locals and visitors attending the College Football National Championship Playoff in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

“The Downtown Atlanta area is being reimagined. The area is booming with new investments as Atlanta prepares to be put in the biggest spotlight since the 1996 Olympics,” Tull said. “We are proud to be a part of the solution in transforming the area and making it better than ever before.”

According to a press release announcing the developments, SKOL Brewing Company

200 Peachtree Group recently announced two new ventures coming to downtown Atlanta SKOL Brewing Company and Valhalla Social. Photo courtesy of 200 Peachtree Group

is slated to take up 5,000 square feet inside the building, serving eight varieties of beer, each brewed in-house, upon its grand opening. The brewery will seat up to 90 patrons, but will be capable of holding up to 250 guests during private functions.

Valhalla Social will take up 15,000 square feet inside 200 Peachtree, a venue capable of seating up to 300 people. On top of serving bites and custom brews from SKOL Brewing Co., Valhalla Social will offer a wide array of activities for patrons to try, including

ax-throwing, billiards, Skee-Ball, basketball and other classic game bar finds.

The two establishments are prompted to sit adjacent to one another inside 200 Peachtree, giving customers easy access to both ventures while also opening opportunities to host large events consisting upwards of 750 people.

Atlanta-based architectural firm CNNA Architects is slated to oversee both projects.

Tull said that 200 Peachtree Group is targeting Atlanta locals and visitors with the new ventures, adding to the list of nightlife opportunities awaiting patrons following concerts and sporting events in the city. He also said that the walkability of downtown will aid in the success of the new developments, as a majority of Atlanta’s existing “eatertainment” establishments are situated outside of the city’s core.

“We believe that the density of the downtown area, which is being set up to increase dramatically, will be a huge factor in the success of Valhalla Social, our ‘eatertainment’ concept,” Tull said. “We are turning 200 Peachtree Street into a destination itself, and our brands and partners are helping to do that.”

SKOL Brewing Co. is expected to open later this year. Valhalla Social anticipates opening in the spring or summer of 2024.

The Union Fit Hub: Fitness Community Emerges on Atlanta's Beltline

BY NOAH WASHINGTON The Union Fit Hub, a fitness and lifestyle facility, recently opened its doors in Atlanta, along the Beltline. Spanning 10,000 square feet within the Telephone Factory Lofts, this establishment offers a range of amenities and services.

Founded by entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast, Ty McMath, The Union Fit Hub aims to redefine the traditional gym experience and provide a platform for fitness entrepreneurs to connect and grow. One of the distinguishing features of The Union Fit Hub is its diverse range of offerings. In addition to a fully equipped fitness center, the facility includes various spaces to cater to the multifaceted needs of its members.

"When we were putting the space together, we were thinking, would people actually work out on a treadmill and have smoothies and drink wine? We had a running group come in while New Realm was providing brews, and we had to kick them out. People were working out and networking like it was a Starbucks,” McMath told The Atlanta Voice.

Included in the facility is a photography studio that allows athletic brands to capture promotional shots, while a podcast studio provides a platform for fitness-related discussions and content creation. Furthermore, a well-equipped kitchen, the D.O.P.E Healing IV and a refreshing juice bar are also available to enhance the overall experience. Join-

The Union Fit Hub is located on the Atlanta Beltline. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

ing McMath in his efforts was Todd Holmes, who came on as a sales partner and developed into a robust partnership between the two shortly after McMath’s conception of the facility.

“I like to find a visionary that has a great idea that I can meet and engage with on a personal level and based on the content of their character I can believe in them and invest in them. I like to be someone who can support someone like Ty McMath,” Holmes

told The Atlanta Voice.

The Union Fit Hub encourages a social and collaborative atmosphere, where individuals can exercise, network, and enjoy various amenities simultaneously. McMath's vision for The Union Fit Hub extends beyond physical fitness. He aims to create a community centered around wellness, and to facilitate this, he has collaborated with vendors such as The Metric Mate, GoJuicy ATL, and Bondy NV.

These partnerships offer members access to a black-owned fitness application, a health juice alternative, and quality fitness apparel.

By incorporating these vendors, McMath seeks to emphasize the importance of nutrition and provide opportunities for shared experiences within the fitness community. Notably, Ty McMath's commitment to fitness and community-building extends beyond The Union Fit Hub. Torch Fitness was McMath’s previous venture and introduced fitness and wellness to multifamily communities.

With The Union Fit Hub, McMath aspires to create a space where fitness entrepreneurs can connect and thrive. Currently stationed in the historical Telephone Factory Lofts building along the BeltLine trail in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood, The Union Fit Hub benefits from a rich historical backdrop.

The building, originally constructed in 1938 as the Western Electric Telephone Factory, which was later converted into lofts.

The location was chosen deliberately by McMath so that they can provide accessibility to fitness professionals who may be priced out of the city center, ensuring clients have a true option for their fitness journey.

“A lot of our talent started moving outside the city when the real estate got really high and for them to have their place they would have to go outside the city,” McMath told The Atlanta Voice The Union Fit Hub is located on 828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE w4, Atlanta, GA 30306.

theatlantavoice.com • June 30-July 6, 2023 • Page 11

Education

Wellstar makes it known priorities are profits over people, invests millions into venture funds.

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice. com

529 Plans Make Saving for College Easier

BY BRIA OVERS

F

amilies dream of providing the best education possible for their children. But with college costs rising year over year, the dream of higher education requires financial strategy. That’s where 529 plans can help.

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment account used for educational expenses. It can pay for college expenses like tuition, housing, and other costs. It’s also used for K-12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, vocational programs, student loan repayments, or funding a Roth IRA. “The reason 529 plans are beneficial is that they’re typically invested in the stock market,” Adrienne Davis, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Zenith Wealth Partners, says. “Savings accounts are typically subject to inflation. They may not have high-interest rates. The hope is, with a 529 plan, investing it in the stock market and allowing it to grow over time, you’ll be able to grow that nest egg.”

17% of Black families are using 529 plans to save for education expenses, according to the Education Data Initiative.

The tax benefits are another bonus for this investment vehicle. For 2023, contributions of up to $17,000 per contributor, per beneficiary or recipient, may qualify for the annual gift tax exclusion.

Davis says some states allow for tax deductions each year the plan is invested. In addition, states like Maryland and West Virginia contribute money to the account.

529 Plans in Action Onika McLean was introduced to 529 plans by a friend in the finance industry.

“She said they have this financial thing where your kids can have a 401(k) plan for college,” McLean says. “Instead of getting them the latest Jordan sneakers, you can give these coupons out, and people can pay into their college savings account so they can go to school.”

McLean is a managing clerk at a legal firm, a comedian, and a single mother of two daughters who are 29 and 24 years old.

She knew she wanted her children to attend college. Finding out there was a way to send them and cover some of the expenses sounded great.

“They’re six years apart, so for my oldest daughter, I put more money in it than for my younger daughter,” McLean says. “With my younger daughter, I was more aggressive with the investment portion because, in my

The tax-advantaged investment account can help cover substantial college expenses, making them a powerful tool for economic empowerment. Credit: Safari Consoler / Pexels

mind, she had more time.”

Davis told Word In Black this is a common method for 529 plans.

“We encourage our clients to put money into a 529 plan and we start them when their kids are younger,” Davis says. “When they’re closer to the age where they want to start pulling from the funds, we do have to make sure we’re conscious of what the allocations are so the account doesn’t experience a lot of volatility.”

These accounts are often a mix of stocks and bonds, similar to other types of investment accounts.

For years, McLean put $50 to $200 in the account with every paycheck. When it was time for her children to attend college, she was able to help them pay for tuition, hous-

ing, books, and laptops.

Although her eldest didn’t graduate from college, she didn’t have significant financial obligations like student loans. McLean used the 529 accounts to pay for anything financial aid couldn’t.

With the remaining money, she changed the beneficiary from her eldest daughter to her youngest and continued contributing.

Investing in the account doesn’t stop once college begins — contributions can continue while in school.

Her youngest daughter graduated with a biochemistry degree and no debt from attending college.

“If the state doesn’t have it, they’re not going to market it,” McLean says. “As a Black community, oftentimes, we don’t know

about finance and it’s intimidating. This was something that wasn’t intimidating for me.”

Finding the Right 529 Plan Davis doesn’t recommend this plan to everyone. Speaking with a financial professional who can look closely at each person’s finances is always advised.

“You have to choose which underlying investment you want to have, and then you have to look at what the fees are,” she says.

“The fees can really eat into the principal balance over time.”

Davis recommends parents take stock of how they’re caring for themselves financially before opening one of these investment accounts. Putting on their oxygen masks first, Davis says.

Page 12 • June 30-July 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Sports

5 TIPS TO BECOME A HOMEOWNER IN 2023.

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Atlanta Hawks General Manger Landry Fields (red shirt) said of the recent additions to the team, “The potential for all three of these guys is really, really high.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

THE ATLANTA HAWKS INTRODUCED 2023 DRAFTEES THIS WEEK

BY DONNELL SUGGS BROOKHAVEN, Ga.- The Atlanta Hawks introduced 2023 draft selections Kobe Bufkin, Mouhamed Gueye and Seth Lundy this morning at the Hawks practice facility, Emory Healthcare Courts. All three players were given their jerseys and addressed the media following a brief introduction by Hawks in-game announcer Bob Rathbun.

Hawks General Manager Landry Fields spoke of this being his first draft as GM and his being excited to be sitting next to these particular players. “I’m really excited about the building blocks we have for the future,” Landry, who was the 39th overall selection to Toronto during the 2010 NBA draft, said.

“The potential for all three of these guys is really, really high.”

Bufkin, the 15th overall selection, mentioned that Hawks guard Dejounte Murray was the first player on the team to reach out following his being selected by the team.

Both Mouhamed and Lundy said they also heard from Murray on draft night.

“He told me this is when the work starts,” Mouhamed said of Murray’s message on draft night. Mouhamed doubled his scoring average from his freshman season to his sophomore season at Washington State.

Atlanta Hawks 2023 draft selections Kobe Bufkin (4), Mouhamed Gueye (18) and Seth Lundy (8) were introduced to the media this morning at the Hawks practice facility in Brookhaven.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

There’s a good chance he can continue working on his offensive game while with the Hawks NBA G League affiliate College Park Skyhawks during the regular season.

Asked what he thinks he needs to work on to better his opportunities for playing time at the NBA level, Mouhammed said, “I think just working on my game overall. At this level you have to be able to shoot and space the floor. I think I have a lot of growing to do.”

Gueye, a 6-11 sophomore forward out of Washington State University, is happy to be in Atlanta and shared a story about the moment he found out he was drafted by Char-

lotte at pick 39 and later learned his draft rights had been traded to the Hawks. “I got the hat, then my agent called me and told me I was going to Atlanta,” Gueye, a native of Dakar, Senegal, told The Atlanta Voice. “I was like," Thank God. I wanted to come to Atlanta and they wanted me too. That was a relief.”

All three Hawks draft picks had worked out for the team prior to the draft. Lundy called draft night a night he won’t ever forget. “Honestly, it was the best day of my life.” There’s a video of him watching the draft with family and friends and finding out he was drafted that has gone viral.

Buffkin, who was joined at the press conference by his mother and family, said of his mentally during his time in high school and at the University of Michigan, “My mom always said play like the world is watching, so that’s what I’ve always tried to do.”

Hawks hold draft watch party, 6,500 show up The Atlanta Hawks held a draft night party at State Farm Arena Thursday night and 6,500 fans were on hand to watch the team select Michigan sophomore Kobe Bufkin and Penn State senior forward Seth Lundy with their first round and second round picks, respectively.

Bufkin, a 6-foot-four guard from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was one of the key players on a very good Michigan team last season. A former McDonald's All-American, Bufkin averaged 14 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in 33 games for the Wolverines last season.

Bufkin (left), like many basketball players born during the 2000's, is named after the late NBA superstar and five-time champion Kobe Bryant.

Atlanta's second round selection at pick 45 was New Jersey native Seth Lundy. A starter during his junior and senior seasons, Lundy started all 36 games this past season, averaging 31 minutes and 14 points per game.

theatlantavoice.com • June 30-July 6, 2023 • Page 13

Community

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DAV, RecruitMilitary hosted Atlanta Veterans Job fair

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

T

he Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary hosted the Atlanta Veterans Job Fair Thursday, June 22 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Atlanta military community had the opportunity to meet and network with nearly 60 organizations like PepsiCo, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Altec, and FedEx. Veterans bring numerous skills from their military background that are fundamental in various roles and industries. Although their service does not automatically qualify them for employment and the job search is not easy, their skillset is what wins the attention of employers and that’s where RecruitMilitary steps in.

Their mission is to empower veterans with meaningful employment by connecting them with companies who are looking for their unique skill sets.

“At RecruitMilitary, we know the value of

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary will hosted the Atlanta Veterans Job Fair on Thursday, June 22 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo courtesy of Recruit Military

veteran talent and make it our mission to empower members of the military community with meaningful career opportunities,” said Tim Best, CEO, and a former U.S. Army Special Operations Attack Helicopter Pilot. "We work with thousands of companies throughout the world that see tremendous value in the transferable skills that transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses bring to their organizations. We are pleased to provide these organizations with a vast network of highly qualified job candidates who are ready to bring their military trained talent to work.”

Registration is free and available online to all transitioning military, veterans, military spouses, and dependents.

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is located at 1414 Andrew Young Int’L NW, Atlanta.

For more information or to learn more about how RecruitMilitary leads the mission to empower veterans and their families with career opportunities, visit https:// my.recruitmilitary.com/events/atlanta-veterans-job-fair-june-22-2023

Arts

Samurai: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller comes to The High Museum

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

F

riday, June 23, marked the launch of Samurai: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller. The exhibit showcases several samurai artifacts along with culturally relevant displays, including paintings, ceramics, and traditional samurai armor. The exhibited pieces span from the Edo period through nine different centuries.

This exhibition not only displays the collection but also highlights how samurai culture influences broader society. To this end, the High Museum has partnered with TrapSushi to host a Sushi Making Class.

"Black culture goes hand in hand with Asian culture, creating a synergistic relationship. The styles of food and music can be incorporated into each other, especially considering the enjoyment they bring," said Jared Ross from TrapSushi to The Atlanta Voice.

The entire collection represents the culmination of 40 years of acquisition by Gabriel Muller, who scoured the world in search of these artifacts.

The exhibit will run through September 17, 2023. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

"Most of the pieces were sourced from outside Japan. In 1868, as depicted in the movie 'The Last Samurai,' the Emperor abolished the samurai class. The Emperor prohibited the samurai from wearing their armor and carrying their swords, which had been a privilege," Muller explained to The Atlanta Voice.

The exhibit also includes a series of works centered around the Black samurai, Yasuke, told through Brandon Sadler's 1986 Ink and Watercolor series, The Story of Yasuke, which consists of six separate pieces.

"Every time we put the exhibition together, it's a beautiful sight to see. I've been working with this collection for 15 years," Jessica Beasley, curator for the exhibit told to The Atlanta Voice In addition to fine-art displays, the exhibit features films that showcase the history of the samurai. The High Museum is the first museum in the Southeastern United States to present Samurai: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, a collection that has been displayed worldwide.

The exhibit will be on display until September 17, 2023.

Page 14 • June 30-July 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Arts

Netflix combines Action, Comedy and Government Conspiracies in upcoming film They Cloned Tyrone

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE "I couldn't think of anything that I could compare it to. The film is ambitious, which makes me excited about it. I want to do the stuff that will be remembered 30 years from now. The stuff That is not out there yet," Film producer Stephen Love explains why The Cloned Tyron was a project he couldn't say no to. The film is Netflix's next summer blockbuster. It contains a fantastic cast led by a promising Black director and an entertaining approach to government conspiracy theories. Love elaborates that Netflix subscribers will get something they have never seen before with this movie.

"People should see they cloned Tyrone because they have never seen anything like it.

If they don't see it. We may never get another Black movie with a big budget that gives you Sci-fi, mystery, and comedy," They Cloned Tyrone premiers on Netflix on July 21. A screening of the film took place At the American Black Film Festival on Wednesday, June 14, in Miami Beach.

The film stars John Boyega, Teyonah Parrish, and Jamie Foxx. The film is directed by Juel Taylor and produced by Stephen Love.

They Cloned Tyrone is about three people who discover the government is doing mind control experiments on their neighborhood and has been doing it for a long time. The film follows the three lead characters as they

Filmmaker Stephen Love Photo Credit: Damu Malik Photography

peel back the layers to reveal what the government was doing to the public.

According to Love, the cast was magical together, as he saw terrific performances from everyone on set. The Cloned Tyron was shot in the Fall of 2020, there was a limited amount of people to be on set while shooting, but those times brought great moments from the leads and supporting actors.

"Teyona, I think, for the first time, had an

opportunity to let loose and be funny for the entire movie. The first day I saw Teyonah and Jamie Foxx go at it performance-wise, I was like, Oh, this is going to be dope," said Love "Foxx is an established talent. Seeing a young talent like Teyonah go toe to toe with him is amazing. Then you Have John Boyega come in with the opposite energy of their banter, and it plays so well on screen,'" said Love.

Netfilix believes in They Cloned Tyrone.

The streaming platform releases plenty of shows and movies throughout the year, but they put more momentum behind this film.

Love breaks down how Netflix aims to be a space to elevate new filmmakers.

"Netflix will get behind you if you have something to prove. They also want to prove they can launch a big new voice of a filmmaker in Joel. Universal launched Jordan Peele with Get Out. Other studios have a history of launching careers. Netflix has been known for attracting talent already launched. Still, now I feel like they want to elevate groundbreaking filmmakers like Joel," said Love.

They Cloned Tyrone poses the right components to captivate Netflix subscribers this summer.

Love and the rest of the team behind They Cloned Tyrone intends to deliver a message through the film. The film producer describes his type of filmmaking as medicine in the candy. Love says you will leave full after watching the movie.

"They Cloned Tyrone is a signature project because it embodies everything else on my slate. We may explore a societal issue at the center of it or a life lesson, or even a nugget of wisdom. Still, we're going to drape it in genre and entertainment heavily. It won't feel like work to take it in, but you will feel fed," said Love.

The Atlanta Voice staff’s top five songs in honor of Black Music Month

BY STAFF REPORTS

J

Janelle Ward, reporter

une is Black Music Month and in honor of the ocasion The Atlanta Voice editorial team was tasked with naming their five favorite songs. All genres of music, eras, and artists were eligible for the lists. The goal was to share the songs that move, motivate, and inspire us.

Here’s what we came up with.

Enjoy, Donnell Suggs Editor in Chief The Atlanta Voice

“Kiss” - Prince “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” - Michael Jackson “I'm Gonna Make you Love Me” - The Supremes and The Temptations “Irreplaceable”- Beyoncé “Killing Me Softly With His Song” - Roberta Flack

Noah Washington, reporter

“Pillow Talk” - Sylvia “What's Going On” - Marvin Gaye “Me and Your Mama” - Childish Gambino “Never Gonna Give You Up” - Barry White “Unforgettable” - Nate King Cole

Isaiah Singleton, reporter “I Have Nothing” - Whitney Houston “You Are All I Need to Get By” - Aretha Franklin "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing” - Stevie Wonder “Feeling Myself ” - Nicki Minaj (featuring Beyonce) “ICU” - Coco Jones

Donnell Suggs, Editor in Chief

An original copy of the late Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album, which was released on Valentine’s Day, 1985. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

“Lyrics to Go” - A Tribe Called Quest “Ribbon in the Sky” - Stevie Wonder “School Spirit” - Kanye West “Private Dancer” - Tina Turner “I Refuse Limitation” - Goodie Mob

theatlantavoice.com • June 30-July 6, 2023 • Page 15

Lifestyle

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2023 Hyundai Kona N

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

H

yundai continues to shine with their N racing-inspired series (including N and N Line), and the 2023 Kona N maintains the luster. Named after the research and development center for high-performance automobiles based in Namyang, South Korea, coupled with the world-famous test track in Nürburgring, Germany, this automaker has done a stellar job bringing the thrilling driving experience in various models.

Focusing on the Kona N, its sporty look pops with a roof spoiler, LED lighting package, roof side rails, 19-inch alloy wheels, and the welcomed “N” badge accents various parts of its body and interior to further brandish its identity. The review model’s “Sonic Blue” color scheme with red piping

Photos courtesy of Hyundai

and black interior is a highly recommended combination.

The racing-inspired design is legitimized thanks to a punchy 8-speed, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine powered by 276 hp and 289 lb.-ft. of torque. The standout enhancements

to make every trip more invigorating include paddle shifters, the ability to customize your own driving mode by touchscreen, and a red “NGS” power boost button on the steering wheel to activate a 20-second driving surge ideal for passing or simply feeling the need for

speed. (Note that the exhaust can be sonically enhanced in different modes to flex muscle as well.) The N-Corner Carving Differential (eLSD) and N-Tuned electronically controlled suspension also deliver optimal handling.

Along with the gracious warranty package Hyundai is renowned for, safety ratings are at the top of the class, the Harman Kardon sound system is theateresque, it has Android/Apple connectivity, and affordability is wows with a $35K asking price.

Overall, the Kona N is the perfect car for anyone who demands being invigorated behind the wheel without breaking the bank.

Fuel Economy: 20 city/27 highway/23 combined.

Price: Base price is $34,700 and $36,645 with handling, freight, the roof rails, and Sonic Blue paint scheme For more information, visit Hyundaiusa. com.

The Atlanta Business League hosts its 17th Annual Men of Influence Reception & Induction Ceremony celebrating African American men and their accomplishments.

Congratulations to the 2023 ABL Men of Influence!

2023 Legends Hall of Fame

Warrick Dunn

Former NFL Player, Philanthropist

July 18, 2023 – 6PM | Hyatt Regency Atlanta 265 Peachtree Street, NE | Atlanta, GA 30303 For more details and registration, scan here...

PRESENTING

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

Page 16 • June 30-July 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Mural Of The Week

LOCATION: 398 Auburn Ave. ARTIST: @rebelno.seventhy.three

www.theatlantavoice.com • June 30- July 6,2023

EMPLOYMENT

CLASSIFIEDS FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSAL

ENGINEERING/TECHNOLOGY

Keysight Technologies, Inc. has an opening in Atlanta, GA for a Full Stack Developer (Advanced Software Solutions Designer) (D01): Develop, test, and deliver high quality software solutions to maintain a portfolio of cloud platform services and libraries. Send resume & reference job code to: Keysight Technologies Inc., Attn: US Country HR, 1400 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, or send to Chrc.us@keysight. com.

SENIORS SENIOR (62+)

Spacious 1-Bedroom Affordable!

Rent Based on Annual Income Amenities, Great Location, and Convenient to Marta Please call for detailed information

(404) 586-9098

Sealed proposals for 23RFP062323K-JA - Operation & Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Services For The New Fulton County Animal Shelter for the Fulton County Real Estate & Asset Management Department, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance, electronically through Bidnet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date.

Proposers names will be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99955748800 Proposal Bond: 5% Proposal Bond Required Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide preventive/scheduled and corrective/unscheduled maintenance services for the New Fulton County Animal Shelter. Specific maintenance services include facility management; facility property; building envelope and structure; site utilities and distribution systems; central utility plant; hot and chilled water systems; natural gas and LP distribution and combustion systems; plumbing, sewer, and water control systems; electrical systems and lighting; low voltage systems; heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); uninter-

ruptible power supply (UPS); emergency generator; security and alarm systems; fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and fire suppression; kitchen and laundry equipment; pest control; swimming pool; fume hoods and grounds/landscape.

In order to obtain complete information about this solicitation, please click the link below where this document and supporting documents can be downloaded, https:// www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty.

Fee: N/A Term of Contract: The effective date of the Purchase Order shall begin the starting date and shall end absolutely and without further obligation on the part of the County on the 31st day of December 2024.

A Pre-Proposal Conference, will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., local time, via Zoom to provide proposers with information regarding the project and to address any questions.

Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_x_POKar7RPq_2so0jqZrnQ Site Visit: N/A If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Janett L. Adams, APA, at Email: janett.adams@fultoncountyga.gov or (404) 612-7967.

Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technicalities.