by former United States President Donald J. Trump. Photo courtesy of iStock
Metro
Rocket Community Fund’s Commitment to Atlanta
More people are working, according to new job numbers
BY DONNELL SUGGS
The most recent jobs numbers released by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics showed more than 200,000 jobs were created in June. Whether those were “Black jobs” or just jobs in general, the Biden-Harris administration can continue to hang its hat on job creation while campaigning around the country. United States President Joseph R. Biden spoke to supporters in Wisconsin on Friday afternoon and mentioned the positive jobs numbers during his speech.
Under the Biden-Harris administration there have been 15.7 million jobs created, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
The Black unemployment rate in this country did not fall during June but remains at 6.3%, according to Jon Donenburg, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council. This is lower than the 8% it was before Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office in 2020. To put those numbers in an even grander perspective, Black unemployment is at the lowest level it has ever been since Black unemployment numbers
were recorded.
“This administration has made a lot of strides, but we have more to make,” Donenburg said during an interview with The Atlanta Voice on Friday afternoon. “We are trying to make sure we have shared prosperity for all Americans.”
The Republican party is in dispute of the current jobs numbers being as positive for Black Americans, however.
“Bidenomics has driven the unemployment rate to the highest it’s been in two and a half years, creeping America closer and closer to a recession,” said Republican Na-
tional Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Whatley in a statement emailed to the media. “All Americans are struggling from Joe’s failed economic policies,” added Whatley in the statement. “Unemployment is up for women, Black Americans, Asian Americans, veterans, and persons with disabilities.”
Trump's “Black jobs” comment from the first debate between him and Biden, which took place in Atlanta, home to one of the country’s largest middle and upper-class Black voting blocks, has gotten pushback via social media and in several op-eds and opinion columns.
Biden for President recently released a one-minute radio spot that highlighted the Trump “Black jobs” comment. The spot, a fictional conversation between two Black men, is geared towards Black voters.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, a fierce Biden surrogate also believes Black voters, in Georgia and beyond, should keep in mind
what the former president said. “Trump’s comment at the debate about “Black Jobs” and “Hispanic jobs” was yet another dog whistle to his base,” said Dickens. “The voters clearly see Trump’s racist attacks. It was no surprise to hear him say that some jobs are for Black people and some jobs are for Hispanic people – creating even more division. What we know for sure is that there is no one job for any race or group of people. We are fortunate to have President Biden in the White House to stand up and deliver for our communities.”
The jobs numbers also show that the employment-to-population ratio is higher than it was before the pandemic. In layman’s terms, that means there are more people working in America—both part-time and full-time—than there have been in the past four years, three and a half of which have been under the Biden-Harris administration’s watch.
Deputy Director of the National Economic Council Jon Donenburg told The Atlanta Voice of the recent numbers, “We are trying to make sure we have shared prosperity for all Americans. This administration has made a lot of strides, but we have more to make.” Photo courtesy of iStock
Local
SnapCo celebrates 11 years of community building
First Black Romance Book Fest is coming to Atlanta
BY LAURA NWOGU
The first-ever Black Romance Book Festival is coming to Atlanta in 2025. From May 30 to June 1, romance lovers across the country will celebrate the literature and voices of the Black romance authors who have been making their hearts pump, overworking their tear ducts and creating rich and diverse narratives.
The event is the brainchild of Atlanta-based author Lauren Lacey. From best friends to lovers to second-chance romances and unexpectedly discovering healing and love on an island, Lacey has been weaving Black love stories together since 2023. When she recently attended a large-scale book festival, Lacey shared that she was excited to see a few Black authors in attendance. However, her excitement didn’t reflect the interest of the other festival-goers.
“What was disheartening was, I didn't see them getting a lot of traffic. And it was because it wasn't our space,” Lacey said. “It wasn't our target audience. It wasn't the people who love and enjoy reading our books.”
As a new author herself, Lacey knew she wanted to create a space where emerging and established Black authors could come together and connect with their readers. But even more so, where the authors could be appreciated for their works, and that invisibility she saw at that festival could turn into a shining light.
Over 105 indie and traditional authors have been announced for the festival, an achieve-
ment that has come from sheer hope and dedication. As a first-of-its-kind event, Lacey revealed that she and her team reached out to over 100 authors, and after a few nos, those rejections soon turned into yeses. The buzz for the event reached a high when they confirmed New York Times bestselling author Kennedy Ryan as an author.
“She just applied as if she was just an author. And we were just like, wouldn't it be amazing if we could get Kennedy Ryan? When we saw the signup form, we were like, ‘Oh my gosh.’
“Her support behind this has just been a Godsend. It has just been the most overwhelming emotion. And not only that, but just the authors — they are as excited as the readers are.”
The event will feature panel sessions, all-day
book signings, vendor booths, a group reading lounge and fun events such as a historical fiction decades dance party and rom-comedian night. Book influencers/content creators and book clubs who have been instrumental in promoting Black authors will also be in attendance to host these events.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. in 2020, reports have shown that U.S. consumers spent more on recreational reading than ever before. For many, it renewed an interest that had been dormant for years; for others, it began a new journey into discovering new literature they could read for fun. From the birth of BookTok to recommendations from avid readers on other social media pages, a new light has been shone, especially on Black authors.
“A lot of times, publishing companies don't really give us that opportunity to showcase our works. And our works are so beautiful. Our works are so great. They're emotional. They're raw, and they're relatable. And so, the impact of social media has been so great because it has really amplified a lot of authors' voices. We won't be silenced because that's how we were able to create the Black romance book festival.”
It’s not uncommon for Black authors to get pigeonholed into genres that are perceived as only an avenue to rehash trauma. But with the festival, Lacey said she wants to dispel those stereotypes and showcase that Black stories and authors don’t only live in a monolith but are making names for themselves across the
Black Atlantans perspective of Fourth of July celebrations
BY ERINN GARDNER DTU Intern
Independence Day commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, thereby liberating America from Britain. Nevertheless, African slavery remained highly prevalent in the nation, resulting in the absence of true freedom for any enslaved individual of African descent. In actuality, they were granted freedom on June 19th, 1865, almost a century after America gained their independence.
Since Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, countless Blaxck American citizens have questioned their role in celebrating the Fourth of July, as they feel the holiday does not pertain to them. Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July'' encourages the audience to realize that Independence Day does not call for celebration amongst anyone in the Black community.
“The feeling of the nation must be quickened; the conscience of the nation must be roused; the propriety of the nation must be startled; the hypocrisy of the nation must be exposed; and its crimes against God and man must be proclaimed and denounced,” Douglass said.
He emphasizes the sanctimony of the Dec-
laration of Independence. It reads that all men are created equal, but there was an entire race of people who were enslaved. Due to the nation’s complicity and its failure to act upon its foundational principles, Douglass urged African-Americans to reconsider their recognition of the holiday.
Black communities have historically celebrated the Fourth of July through cookouts, pool parties and fireworks. Spelman College alumnae Mira Donaldson and Atlanta resident and educator Edwin Victor mentioned that Black citizens utilize the occasion as a means of fostering communal solidarity, as opposed to commemorating its meaning.
“Internally, the holiday means nothing to us, but I think it’s interesting how we embrace fellowship, and use that time to get together with family, travel and use it to our own advantage. I always thought of it as a day I would see my family, and it’s something I would look forward to every year,” Donaldson said.
They claim that unity among the community is a way of reclaiming a narrative that is not particularly designed for Black Americans.
“We always saw the Fourth as a time to rekindle, spend time together and have a good time.
Juneteenth was definitely long overdue and it’s beautiful that we’re recognizing it, but this holiday is also a really good opportunity for us to celebrate family,” Victor said.
Although the Declaration of Independence deliberately excluded Black Americans during that period, their descendants have been in our country for more than two centuries since then. Consequently, an abundance of Black Americans consider the United States their established residence and aim to celebrate the nation's territorial freedom, rather than focusing on those who were not free during that time.
“As a Black American, it’s like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. I think we enjoy the benefits of America being an independent country, but ultimately thinking about how we were still enslaved, the holiday means a lot,”
Atlanta resident Kierstyn Smith said. “It’s not something that resonates with me or I’m proud of, but I recognize the importance of it”.
Young Democrats of Georgia Vice President Davante Jennings believes that no change in America can be achieved unless all residents, particularly African-Americans, take pride in it.
Although he understands that not every member in the Black community will connect with
infinite amount of narratives that can be told within the romance realm. The festival will showcase every sub-genre of Black romance, including paranormal, young adult, sports, fantasy, queer/LGBTQIA+, street literature, suspense, contemporary, erotica, inspirational and many more.
Lacey said the response has been overwhelmingly good. But amidst the sponsorship and partnership opportunities that have been coming their way, she wants to ensure that the event stays true to its goal of creating an inclusive space that benefits Black authors and readers.
“It's not just a me thing. This is an US thing. It's a community. And I think that's what's so beautiful about it.
“We want to remember why we're doing this, and we don't want our space to be convoluted or tainted in any way because of opportunities that we may not have received before. We want to make sure that we respect our readers, and we want to make sure we respect our authors, too. And so, I think it really does help our authors, too, because we've been rejected so many times. We've been rejected and neglected and dismissed but not anymore.”
While planning the festival, Lauren said she’s working on her next series, a small-town romance reminiscent of an HBCU in the early 2000s titled “The World Around Us.”
For a full list of confirmed authors, visit the website. Limited tickets are still available at Blackromancebookfestival.com
the holiday, he argues that the only way to bring about constructive change in America is to acknowledge and celebrate the positive and negative aspects of the country's history.
“I initially went down the rabbit hole of thinking this holiday is not for us, but then I recently realized that I am an American, and we must show pride if we want to begin better the country we live in and just have a love for it,” Jennings said.
On the other hand, several Black Americans have begun to refrain from celebrating a holiday that does not directly celebrate them. Spelman College Sociology and Anthropology Co-Chair Cynthia Spence highlighted the progression of society, and how the establishment of Juneteenth serves as a step toward reparations and the culpability for the egregious treatment of enslaved individuals.
“I am very happy that Juneteenth is now a major holiday because it acknowledges that people of African descent were enslaved in this country,” Spence said. “In terms of the federal government actually addressing the wrong in the enslavement of human beings, Juneteenth is that symbolic representation of the federal government taking responsibility, and in many ways this federal recognition of Juneteenth portrays a very small aspect of reparations.”
The event is the brainchild of Atlanta-based author Lauren Lacey (above). Photos by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
“One important key to success is
An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” – Arthur Ashe
Stop the Lynching of President Joe Biden
BY REVEREND DR. BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS JR.
There are moments in life when the convictions of the spirit and personal consciousness collide in opposition to the mainstream, popular outcries for the blood, life, and the end of the future existence of another human being. I refuse to be a silent witness to another lynching in America. Thus, the following is what I have observed and witnessed firsthand over the past days to the lynch mob-like escalation of calls for President Joe Biden to step down from campaigning for reelection in 2024. I am not representing any organization or political party. On the 4th of July 2024, while sitting quietly in Raleigh, North Carolina I jotted down my personal views.
Although I am a proud Democrat, I am so saddened by the backstabbing cowardice of those who dare to publicly call for President Biden to step down while having an utter contradictory refusal to utter publicly any call for former President Donald Trump to step down and to end his fascist-engaging campaign to retake The White House. The question is why? The attempted political lynching of President Joe Biden has more to do with disingenuous political infighting than difficulties at a nationally televised political debate. What are the real motives from all of those who are calling for President Biden to step down?
Some will say that my words and expressions here are too strong and controversial. That may be true because there should be strong words and expressions that always should call out and condemn any form of lynching. A political lynching is also a crime against the oneness of our humanity. Such is the situation today in America. It is the politics of division versus the politics of unifying all Americans for the best interests and future of the nation that is on the ballot. Democracy is on the ballot. Justice is on the ballot. Equality is on the ballot. Equity is on the ballot. Freedom is on the ballot.
The antidote to the current resurgence of ignorance, racism, cowardice, fascism, and retrenchment from freedom, justice, equality, and equity is to work hard daily and diligently to ensure the largest voter turnout this year in American history. Why do I claim responsibility for urgently making this statement on July 4, 2024? African Americans, like others who fought and died in the fields and streets in the 13 American colonies during the Revolutionary War against the British Empire 248 years ago, have a birthright to the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776, and later to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Although thousands of people of African descent, who were not enslaved, enlisted and fought for freedom and independence against the British, no people of African descent were invited or permitted to attend the formative meetings of the newly emerging nation’s democracy and Constitutional Convention held in Philadel-
The question is why? The attempted political lynching of President Joe Biden has more to do with disingenuous political infighting than difficulties at a nationally televised political debate. What are the real motives from all of those who are calling for President Biden to step down?
by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
phia, Pennsylvania in 1787. My great, great, great, great grandfather, The Reverend John Chavis (1763-1838), fought as a young, enlisted soldier in the Revolutionary War against the British in our home state of North Carolina and in the state of Virginia. The Chavis family has lived in Granville County, NC for over 285 years. My father, Benjamin F. Chavis Sr. (1898-1965) enlisted and fought as a young Sergeant Major soldier in the United States Army in World War I.
The point here is that generations of African and African American soldiers have enlisted and fought and died to defend and protect the nation and democracy for the past 248 years. And we are not going to permit anyone or anything to deny our birthright to freedom and democracy. For us, the right to vote in America is blood-stained and sacred. We know from our lived experience the horror, pain, and suffering from centuries of physical lynchings in America to satisfy the sheer fear, hatred, white supremacy, and ignorance of racism. Today, we also know when mobs cry out for the downfall and political lynching of those who have been our allies in our long struggle for freedom, justice, voting rights, and equity, we cannot be silent.
It is ironic that also here in Raleigh, NC less than 24 hours after the questionable so-called debate in Atlanta, GA, President Biden spoke eloquently and forcibly at the NC State Fair Grounds
about a couple of miles away from the John Chavis Memorial Park in downtown Raleigh. President Biden stated, “I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious, I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know — I know how to tell the truth.” The truth is therapeutic. Our nation needs more truth over the lies and prevalent fake news.
At the same time, as the calls for President Biden to step down, the United States Supreme Court has now ruled that future and past presidential “official acts” of violence, crime, repression, voter suppression, and insurrection are all immune from prosecution as long those acts are official acts within the core responsibilities of a President of the United States. This is dangerous and fundamentally against the meaning and principles of democracy. That is why now, more than ever before, we must raise our voices and mobilize our families and communities to go out and vote in record numbers in the Swing States and in every other state across the nation. We all have work to do. We said back in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, “When things get tough in our struggle for freedom, we have to become tougher.”
Join me and raise your voice with me. Let’s vote in record numbers throughout America. Stop the lynching of President Joe Biden.
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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SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
MOMENTARY STATUS
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON
The Atlanta Voice
Can you imagine a moment lasting a lifetime? My reference is an attempt to bring understanding to the term “living in the moment.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in the moment of your own salvation? I mean stay in the exact moment that you found the Lord I guess what I’m really trying to get is the depth of the faith; the reality that knowing is forever. Have you ever had a moment when you knew something was absolutely true? Can you remember the feeling of knowing how much you love someone? Your mother? Your father? Your child? Your husband or your wife? It probably didn’t occur over a long period of time. It was probably something that happened in the blink of an eye; a touch, a smile, a hug, a glance, maybe even a memory of something that was special only to you. Whatever it was, I’m sure it was a momentary t h i n g that confirmed in your spirit how you really felt. If you could capture that moment, hold on to it, then I Think you will start
We sometimes use the sacrifice of His Son, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, to illustrate how much God loves you and me.
to see what I’m talking about.If you could measure time in that moment, then I believe you could possibly get a glimpse of what eternity looks like. Time passes but, for a moment, the feeling lasts forever.We are taught that God loved us before we even existed. From the beginning of time until the end of time, one thing is for certain and that is, God’s love for His people. We speak of God’s faithfulness. We sometimes use the sacrifice of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to illustrate how much God loves you and me. I would like to take a moment and try to grasp what happens in the moment that we are faithful to God. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in the moment of your own salvation? I mean stay in the exact moment that you found the Lord. I can’t speak for your experience, but I know mine
“YOUR VOICE”
was incredibly deep. For an instant, for one fleeting moment, I knew without question that God was the answer to everything. Guilt, sorrow, anxiety, helplessness, fear and above all love, all manifested itself in me all at once, at the same time.To be honest, it scared the hell out of me.They say when you’re about to die,your life flashes before you. But I’m here to witness that same thing happens when you’re saved. Your old life flashes before you in preparation for the new one to come. It is the quintessential definition of joy. My original question was can you imagine a moment lasting a lifetime? If you can grasp the concept of the depth of faith you have at that moment of your own salvation, then I think that is the first step towards understanding eternity and realizing the difference between
God’s time and your own. I mean God is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the beginning and the end, always was and always will be. I know I’m on thin ice here.The moment of faith gives us insight into the meaning of faith. How long does it take for a thought to occur? How long does it take for faith to flourish? How long does it take to replace a lie with the truth? One could say in no time at all. One could say that time is relevant. I choose to believe that time is forever, here and now, at this very moment.And when I lose sight of this and try to understand it in my own terms, I just try to remember that moment of my own salvation and remember, it has been in the making forever. Concentrate on that moment of faithfulness and may God bless and keep you forever. This column is from “Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian” by James Washington. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
What are your thoughts on the Supreme Court supporting legal immunity for the President during their term in office?
Atlanta
“I feel like the Supreme Court, giving absolute immunity to the President, is pretty insane in a sense, because the president is human and with them granting immunity, it's allowing the President to do whatever [he wants] as long as he can back it up within [the confines of] the job. And the way some Presidents work, they can justify what they do, even when they're wrong. So I think that's when we start thinking about that human trait coming into your job. It’s pretty bad since there is no telling what they can justify. Bombings, assassinations, all of that.”
Atlanta
“I believe that giving the President absolute immunity is pretty much ushering us into dictatorship. It's a very dangerous game, giving someone immunity to the law. It can bypass a lot of wrongdoings on the part of the people. I'm a very sci-fi fantasy person myself. And any time that the president, king, or queen argue amongst themselves, it hurts the poor and little people. So, I think that giving a president absolute immunity would just hurt the poor. It'll make the poor poorer and make the rich stronger. And they can overturn any rule if they have immunity. So it's just a bad idea, like always.”
JAHFARI BOOTH, SR
Atlanta
“I agree with it... America has achieved success through the presidents' leadership in that way. And I feel like it's just an isolated situation. He [Trump] is being targeted. We need to change the system completely by getting somebody in power so that we don't have to think that way, maliciously. So yeah. It's okay. I agree with it. I agree that it’s for the improvement of America. America has been involved in many things that presidents should have been prosecuted for, but unfortunately, they weren't. So, to wrap it up, why isolate this individual when there are a lot more Presidents who have done extreme acts against mankind, against different races, and different countries as well? So I leave it like that.”
JASMINE KING
Atlanta
“My opinion on presidential immunity going forward is that it would only be exercised during active war or a nuclear response situation. I feel that any actions eligible for presidential immunity would not have occurred within the 50 states of America. It's our common hope that an act of war or a nuclear response is a circumstantial situation. So it was almost never. But given a situation, it's okay to have the President turn the other cheek to save our lives.”
Compiled by Vincent Christie
K. CALLOWAY
MIYANA SARVER
Election Central
The stakes are high: Biden-Harris in-state campaign offices reach 16
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Decatur, Ga. - The office, though big in size, was quickly filling with democratic supporters on Saturday afternoon. The Biden-Harris administration opened a new campaign office in Decatur, next door to Calle Latina on East College Avenue in what is a heavily democratic area of metro Atlanta. The location is the 16th campaign office that has been opened this year, the first since the first presidential debate took place in Atlanta two weeks ago. The Biden-Harris train continues to make Georgia a crucial target for their campaign and the DeKalb Democrats, a local supporter group, were on hand to greet the dozens of supporters who came out to hear surrogates talk about continuing support of the current democratic ticket.
“This is our time on this planet to make a difference in the world,” said DeKalb Democrats Vice Chair Karen Davenport, who wore a white “Women for Biden-Harris” t-shirt and matching white pants. “Now is the time for us to work together to get people out to vote again. If you want this world to be better, you have to get up and act.”
Moments earlier, DeKalb Democrats Chair Clare Schexnyder, a breast cancer survivor standing beside Davenport, shared her story of how the Affordable Care Act saved her life and added, “This is the energy that all of us need. The world seems a little crazy right now, but we aren’t crazy. We need to spend a lot of time together. We are going to be all over this county.”
Schexnyder and Davenport believe Dekalb County, the fourth largest county in the state in terms of population, will make up the difference the Biden-Harris administration needs to win Georgia, a crucial battleground state.
“The stakes are high,” Davenport said, leaning into the microphone for emphasis. “If we get everybody in DeKalb to vote then so goes Georgia.”
Biden won Georgia by a small margin during the 2020 presidential campaign, so Davenport’s claims of Dekalb County’s importance aren’t simply bluster. The crowd inside the new campaign office was filled with seniors, like 86-year-old Beatrice Williams, who said she felt close to Biden because of their ages.
“I’m like Joe Biden, and I’m going to stick with Joe Biden,” Williams said. “The reason why it’s important for older people to vote is because we still are in our right minds, and plus Trump wants to cut my social security and all the benefits.”
Alongside Davenport and Schexnyder as speakers were Young Democrats of Georgia President Parker Short, who could have doubled as either woman's youngest son. Short, 22, said of the new campaign office, “President Biden is expanding his presence across the state because we’re going to win Georgia again.” Short, a graduate student at the Univer-
“I’m like
I’m
sity of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy, is enthusiastic about stumping for Biden. “The path to the White House runs through DeKalb County,” he yelled.
Other older, more experienced voters in attendance agree with Short’s enthusiasm.
“The reason I’m here today is because the Biden-Harris administration has provided the resources that people really need,” Carl Weaver, an educator and supporter, said. “They are leading the fight against corruption and injustice.”
Verdaillia Turner, the president of Georgia Federation of Teachers, also a Biden-Harris supporter, added about the recent talk of Biden stepping away, “There’s nothing perfect about a human being. There’s nothing perfect about democracy.”
On Biden’s 81-year-old age and how that has become the crux of the political discussion lately, Turner said, “Number one, we need to stop the agism. That’s a message to America. This campaign is reflecting what citizens think about people who have worked their whole lives in this country.”
Congressman Hank Johnson took the microphone to much applause and was equally saluted throughout his 10-minute speech. Johnson started with a story about how the
first presidential campaign for former United States President Barack Obama had a common phrase associated with it: Yes We Can.
“Y'all remember that,” he asked the crowd. “Today is no different from when we were chanting ‘Yes, we can.’ Johnson added, “We were with Joe Biden before the debate and the people are with him after. Now it’s yes, he can. Yes, he can. Yes, he can.”
Johnson said his conversation with his fellow members of Congress and his constituents has not been about Biden stepping away from the campaign. He blamed this conversation on the media. “It doesn’t make sense to change horses in the middle of the stream,” Johnson said. “We need to stick with Joe Biden. I talk to him often, and he's not in cognitive decline.”
Asked if Black-owned media can play an even bigger part in getting the news out to voters, Johnson agreed. “This is a wakeup call for the administration and campaign to get the word out in minority-owned media,” he said.
According to the Biden-Harris campaign communications staff, there are plans to open another campaign office in Douglasville. Republican National Committee spokesperson Henry Scavone told The Atlanta Voice that the Trump campaign now has “over a dozen fully staffed field offices in the state right now.” There have been offices opened in remote Georgia cities like Martinez and north Atlanta Republican strongholds like Alpharetta, according to Scavon. He says offices were also opened in Fayette, Gwinnett, Cherokee, and Cobb counties.
The campaign office on E. College Avenue in Decatur was packed during the first day of activity on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
86-year-old Beatrice Williams plans to vote for Joseph R. Biden for president. She came to the campaign office opening to show her support for the Biden-Harris administration.
Joe Biden, and
going to stick with Joe Biden,” she said. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Carl Weaver, a local educator and Morris Brown College alum, says he is voting for Biden and Harris in November because, “They are leading the fight against corruption and injustice.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice
‘He’s All In!’
BY DONNELL SUGGS
COLUMBUS, GA. -
United States First Lady Dr. Jill Biden came to Georgia's third largest city on Monday night to speak in front of a crowd of Biden-Harris administration supporters at a Veterans & Families for Biden-Harris event at the Bibb Mill Event Center.
When it came to what her husband, United States President Joseph R. What Biden, was planning to do, Dr. Biden's message to the dozens of supporters in the warehouse-style space was clear: "He's all in."
A number of veterans took the stage before Biden arrived in order to share their thoughts on former United States President Donald J. Trump's past comments on veterans, such as the oft-used "losers and suckers" comment.
First to take the stage on Monday night, retired veteran Bill Martin shared a story of getting a draft notice at his parent's home in 1969. Along with Martin, there were several veterans, including Columbus resident Gloria Tyson, that mentioned Trump avoiding being drafted because of perceived or actual medical issues.
"We got to show up on November 5," Martin said. "This election is about a lot more than veteran's benefits. This election is about the survival of democracy."
Tyson, a retired veteran of 21 years of service, said she was there to support the Biden-Harris administration. She took the stage and yelled into the microphone, "Good evening, democrats." Tyson took the stage alongside Dr. Biden.
"You don't define a president in 90 minutes," Tyson said. "We are a democracy and we are going to continue to be part of a democracy." Tyson and her husband Kennedy, who was also in attendance, are both veterans and have been married for over 40 years.
Dr. Biden opened by thanking the crowd and the community, which was made up of many veterans and seniors. "I'm glad to be back to visit with this community that so many veterans and veteran families call home," she said. Biden's father was a military veteran. "Does Donald Trump know anything about being in the military?," she asked.
She took a few moments to list some of the pro-military accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration, including health care and the Pact Act .
"You are what this election is all about," Biden said. "We cannot trust Donald Trump.....the military community deserves better."
Denise Ellis, a democrat and Minneapolis native, said she moved to Georgia in the
First Lady was in Georgia to support Biden-Harris campaign
so we have to have Biden back into office."
Phylis Leggett, a Biden-Harris supporter, added that she supports Biden and Harris because, "They stand for the values of what America should be. That's what I want for my four grandchildren."
Democrats.
"It's a dangerous time and we're not getting off the horse in the middle of the stream," Ellis said. "We can't take
Throughout her 15-minute speech Biden was crystal clear about what the campaign needed from veterans and their families this election season. "Together Georgia, together, we are going to win this," she said before leaving the stage.
wake of the George Floyd incident and because she wanted to get directly involved in local politics in a battleground state. She now works with the Muskogee County
Trump,
A large crowd of supports filled a room inside the Bibb Mill Event Center in Columbus, Georgia to hear U.S. First Dr, Jill Biden (foreground in white and black) speak on Monday night. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
Columbus resident and retired veteran Gloria Tyson (front) introduced United States First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (foreground) Monday night. Biden was in town to kick off a Veterans & Military Families for Biden-Harris campaign. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (above) said her husband, U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, is “all in” on continuing to campaign for a second term as the 45th president. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
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Community
Centria Autism establishes first Life Skills Autism Academy
Authentically Me: Travii Aiko, a voice for the next generation
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”- Gandhi
Eight years have passed since Atlanta resident Travii Aiko, 30, a native Chicagoan, dancer, and community health outreach worker raised on the city's South Side, noticed his health was declining.
A year later Aiko began experiencing night sweats, vomiting, and dramatic weight loss, which were contributing factors to a life that had begun to spiral two years earlier for Aiko after being outed as gay in church and subsequently unhoused.
Uprooted, Outed, & Diagnosed
Aiko’s entire livelihood took a wild turn in the spring of 2015.
"One day, I was called up to the front of the church, and [the pastor] said over the mic, 'Until God releases those demonic homosexual spirits from you, you can no longer serve in the church,'" Aiko, who led the church's praise dance ministry and is nonbinary, recalls.
A meeting between Aiko and church leadership led to further interrogation where they asked them if they were gay, to which Aiko answered yes.
"At that moment, I felt more forced out," Aiko said.
With Aiko's mother and grandmother viewing their sexuality as a constant source of embarrassment and shame, they packed their clothes into two garbage bags.
After leaving home, Aiko found refuge in Chicago's ballroom scene and shelter within the House of Ebony.
In October 2017, after noticing severe health declines including heavy weight loss and spots over their body, Aiko decided to get tested and what came back ultimately changed her life.
“I was diagnosed with HIV-positive, contracted type-2 syphilis, and also had gonorrhea,” they said.
In a state of shock at the time, Aiko says they previously did not know about HIV transmission or what it meant to be in care.
"Care sounded like gibberish. Viral load? CD4? I didn't know what they were saying to me," they said.
This was before joining a support group for gender non-conforming people at The University of Chicago and linking with renowned infectious disease specialist Dr. John Schneider, who was instrumental in Aiko's health resurgence and their relocation from Chicago to Atlanta.
At this point, Aiko said they were feeling helpless and had little to no support. She said there was no point in being in a city and state they were born in and not have support from her biological family.
“I don’t need to be here," is what I told myself. I needed to try to find myself because at that point, I’m masking everything and not living as my most authentic self,” Aiko said. “I kept telling myself, you don’t want to be another statistic. I was living for everyone else.”
Also, Aiko told Dr. Schneider they were going to take a leap of faith and move to Atlanta.
The doctor gave Aiko a six-month supply of medicine and said, “You promise me you’ll get into care as soon as you arrive and if I have to send over documents, let me know”.
From Chicago to Atlanta
In 2018, two hours before arriving in Atlanta, Aiko called their mother to let her know they were relocating.
"Well, take care of yourself," she said. "Click”.
Additionally, Aiko said this was confirmation for them to live their life. They describe their first few months in Atlanta as “shaky”, ultimately falling into sex work before landing a job with HIV prevention service organization NAESM.
“I’m grateful for those ups and downs because it made me the person I am today,” Aiko said.
Moving was something they needed, according to Aiko.
Atlanta, Aiko said, was their first choice because it was not only their escape from Chica-
go but had been to Atlanta already for dance competitions and one day, his friend asked if they wanted to move to Atlanta.
For Aiko, Atlanta is also a refuge for their various intersecting identities. If you identify differently on the South side of Chicago, Aiko said, it isn’t safe. Aiko wanted to live in their truth.
“I want to walk outside, and if I have a wig on, I have a wig on. If I have a face full of makeup, I have a face full of makeup. I am more than just an expression. There is a divine feminine energy in me every day,” they said.
Living in Atlanta
When Aiko first arrived in Atlanta, they were introduced into sex work because they needed quick money to pay rent. What should’ve been a random hookup turned into Aiko being offered money.
“I was telling myself I needed the money because I got to pay rent where I'm staying. From there, I started posting ads,” they said.
Aiko says they participated in sex work for about two months and the last time was a guy who didn’t even want to have sex or do anything sexual. The person wanted someone to talk to and eventually offered Aiko a job at a local Zaxby’s.
“At first, I was like, ‘Zaxby’s?!’, but I rather work there than to keep doing sex work, even though everything wasn’t affiliated with sex-
ual acts. Sometimes it was massages and other stuff,” they said.
After some time, Aiko realized they needed to make changes in their life and couldn’t survive off of a Zaxby’s salary. Aiko knew they wanted better for themselves and wanted to get back into working in prevention services, which is how Aiko started working for NAESM.
“I reflected on a lot of things during that time that I hadn’t before. I was in a new city questioning how I was going to make any of this work, could I move forward, how do I move on,” she said.
Aiko told herself she needed to start her healing journey because she can’t work in the prevention services field if she isn’t all the way ready to be herself.
“I can’t give advice to someone if I’m not taking my own advice or I can’t be that voice for somebody else if I’m not being one for myself,” she said.
Rebuilding & Moving Forward
Aiko said the relationship with their mother is “a lot closer” these days and it wasn’t until the hit drama series POSE came out that rekindled their relationship.
“It was the scene where Cubby was on his deathbed and you had his chosen family on
See AIKO on page 9
Travii Aiko, 30, a native Chicagoan, dancer, and community health outreach worker was raised on the city’s South Side and now lives and works in Atlanta. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice
Continued from page 8
one side and his biological family on the other,” she said. “My mom called me because in that particular scene, Cubby’s mom was apologizing to him basically saying she wasn’t taught how to raise a gay child”.
Aiko says the chosen family had to explain to the mother that life didn’t teach you these things but all you must do is love your child regardless.
Their mother bursts out crying apologizing to Aiko during their phone call.
“I was honestly grateful for the show even coming out because it was a part of my own healing journey and probably was for a lot of people where parents can understand and see some insight on what the LGBTQ+ community has to offer and who we are,” Aiko said.
From that conversation, Aiko and their mom talk a lot more and recently called to tell her how proud she is of Aiko.
“I left the house with only two garbage bags of clothes and never looked back and looked at me now and how successful I am, so she saw that I made something out of myself,” she said.
Their relationship with their grandma is decent as well. Their grandmother sends prayers and calls sometimes.
Aiko quotes the famous movie, Finding Nemo, as advice they would give to their
24-year-old self.
“Just keep swimming,” they said. “It’s always a way around situations or sometimes you have to tackle the situation head on, deal with it, and press forward.”
Even before receiving the phone call from
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their mom, Aiko said they apologized to themselves and to their mom, but not physically before the call.
“I apologized to her because I knew I had more things I wanted to do in my life and I can’t do those things if I’m still holding on to
grief, anger, and pain,” Aiko said. “I can remember how I felt in those situations and all the emotions, but I don’t want those things or that situation to stop me from growing.”
Aiko says the best advice she can give to someone is to come to terms with truly forgiving, so you can start your own healing journey.
“We can’t heal if we keep picking at a wound,” Aiko said. “If we keep picking at the scab, it’ll continue to bleed, so sometimes we have to learn how to forgive and move on, even if they aren’t sorry.”
This is where the healing journey starts, Aiko said. Before receiving the call from their mother, Aiko said she forgave her mom, not for their mom, but for themselves.
Aiko understands this may not be the case for everyone but says that’s okay because at the end of the day, “we get one life” and she said she wasn’t going to wait for that day to come because she still had a life to live.
“The journey may be ugly, but once you’re fully healed, your life is going to be beautiful. God and the universe made that call happen where we were aligned and were able to have that conversation,” she said.
Furthermore, Aiko learned her life is a testimony to the next generation coming up and even after that generation. She wants to lead, guide and be a voice for them all while being open and honest about their life and journey.
For more information on services, visit https://naesminc.org.
GRANT HOLLOWAY U.S. OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALIST
“The journey may be ugly, but once you’re fully healed, your life is going to be beautiful,” said Aiko (above). Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
‘Fierce Urgency of Now’ initiative for peace
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
The “Fierce Urgency of Now’ Peace collaboration invited the public to their Violence Prevention Strategies and Solutions (S.O.S.) symposium to share and raise awareness to bringing peace instead of violence to the streets of Metropolitan Atlanta.
The symposium brought together highly esteemed violence prevention practitioners, educators, researchers, community and faith leaders, youth, and civic and corporate leaders to share their perspectives and recommendations to address violence in Metro Atlanta.
Gun violence is the leading cause of death for kids and teens in the United States surpassing car accidents, drug overdoses and cancer, according to a 2023 New England Journal of Medicine study.
In Fulton County, according to a 2023 Emory University report, which tallied by far the highest youth crime rates according to GBI statistics, aggravated assault offenses increased from 362 offenses committed per 100,000 youth 17 and younger in 1990 to 588 offenses per 100,000 youth in 1993. Juvenile weapons offenses in Fulton increased from 203 offenses per 100,000 youth 17 and younger in 1990 to 359 per 100,000 youth in 1993.
Data collected from the medical examiners' offices in the five counties indicate firearms were involved in the deaths of 157 youth 17 and younger between 1989-1993.
Fierce Urgency of Now is a faith-led community-based collaborative with a call to action for peace in Metropolitan Atlanta. The collaborative members include committed stakeholders who are addressing the growing incidences of violence through development of a 10-Point Plan for Peace. Partners serve on their ‘Champions for Peace Task Force’ to develop the 10-Point Plan.
Activities in the symposium included strategy focused sessions with community residents and organizations and academic, civic, and corporate representatives.
Founder of Grieving Relatives In Every Violent Event (GRIEVE) Betty Maddox Battle said the importance of this call to action is to cultivate a long-term productive plan to ensure young Black men and kids are off the streets and to create peace.
For 25 years, she served the community as a Crime Scene Investigator in the Special Investigation Division of the DeKalb County Police Department and five years as a Public Education Specialist with DeKalb County Fire Rescue.
Although she may appear well prepared for the worst that can happen, nothing could have prepared her for the tragic news that her oldest child had been murdered. This was her fate in May 1993 when her son, Michael Maddox, 25, was shot four times by a sixteen-yearold on Metropolitan Avenue.
The shooter was sentenced to 30 years.
In response to her devastating loss, Battle
founded the homicide support group, Grieving GRIEVE. As founder, she advocates for the fundamental rights of victims of crimes with compassion, honesty, dignity, and most importantly love.
Battle said her reasoning and purpose in
getting involved was due to the loss of her son.
“I’m here to make a difference and to be a part of the solution as well as part of the problem, so no other mother will have to go through what I’ve been through,” she said. “I’ve retired out of law enforcement, and I’ve experienced both aspects, the victims and the judicial aspect.”
Battle says she tells people all the time it doesn’t hurt until it hits home, and they have spent over $557 billion a year on gun violence prevention.
“It’s happening disproportionately in the Black community, so we've got to try to solve this problem with each other, because it's our children that are being murdered,” she said.
Additionally, Battle also said to build community is important and the community needs more help through the work of the Atlanta Voice, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and other news media to get the word out.
As for advice for people who have lost children due to gun violence, Battle says to look within spiritually.
“I don’t have a one particular religion that I would refer to, but all of us are Black individuals and spiritual as a whole and sometimes, we have to get to ourselves and pray from within and ask for strength from on high, wherever that comes from,” she said.
The strength is on the inside of us, Battle says.
The ‘Fierce Urgency of Now’ 10-Point Plan
is as follows:
Implementation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Safer States Agenda:
1. Establish a Georgia Office of Violence Prevention in accordance with the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Guidelines
2. Allocate Violence Prevention Funds in Local Budgets
3. Convene Champions of Peace Violence Prevention Advisory Council
4. Develop a Multi-County Metropolitan Atlanta Violence Prevention Plan
I Identification and Coordination of Partnerships
5. Mobilize Faith leaders to support the Violence Prevention Movement
6. Collaborate with institutions of Higher Education
7. Hold media and entertainment industries accountable
8. Seek support from philanthropic and corporate communities
Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Organization and Wraparound Services Support
9. Establish systems of support for Child Victim Identification Program (CVIP) and Wrap-Around service organizations
10. Implement violence prevention strategies in Metropolitan Atlanta K-12 Schools
For more information and resources, visit https://grievingrelatives.org
Michael Maddox was only 25 when he was shot and killed by a 16-year-old on Metropolitan Avenue. His mother, Betty Maddox, framed the shirt he wore the day he died. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Founder of Grieving Relatives In Every Violent Event (GRIEVE) Betty Maddox Battle (above) said the importance of this call to action is to cultivate a long-term productive plan to ensure young Black men and kids are off the streets and to create peace. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Health
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A Solo Journey to Cape Town
Dr. Adrelia Allen emphasizes need for clinical trial diversity
BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN
NEW ORLEANS –
While the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is known for fun times, great food, and link-ups with friends, the annua affair is also a time for poignant conversation. Dr. Adrelia Allen is the Executive Director of Clinical Trial Patient Diversity at Merck, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company. Before speaking at the Global Black Economic Forum, Allen discussed how the lack of representation while researching new treatments negatively impact our lives.
First and foremost, clinical trials are research studies that test a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention in people. These trials are the primary way that researchers determine if a new form of treatment or prevention, such as a new drug, diet, or medical device (for example, a pacemaker), is safe and effective in people.
“We know that there are differences in how drugs work in different races,” Allen explained. “And for African Americans, knowing that we have the highest mortality of many diseases and cancers, we cannot wait. So it was definitely imperative for Merck to be here. When we think about who’s attending ESSENCE, we know that [the audience is largely] Black women. When you educate a man, you educate an individual. But when you educate a woman, you educate the entire community.”
How does historical traumas affect participation in clinical trials?
According to a 2021 study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, 75% of research participants are White. Even though White Americans make up 60% of the United States population. By comparison, 8% of research participants are African-American/Black. Currently, African-American/Black people are 13% of people in the U.S. There are a lot of historical prejudices, and those traumas do get passed down. Reports and those stories were amplified during the COVID-19 era, when people would bring up the Tuskegee experiment relative to the vaccine.
Allen acknowledged the existence of those traumas. However, there is no solution that directly fits all experiences and conditions. Most Americans are distrustful of medicine. This is not a Black problem. COVID-19 and the anti-vax sentiment that we all ran up against to tell us enough that it’s not about race. It’s about the conditions, the systems, and the processes of care that failed to speak to the wounds. She described a moment in which her father, while being diagnosed with prostate
cancer, refused to take an MRI. Why? Because it was a trigger for him because of the Tuskegee experiment. He believed that he would be treated as a guinea pig. But, Allen says, the key is building trust.
“Educating and making sure that we’re talking in communities working with trusted voices, because we can’t go in and simply start talking,” Allen explains. “Helping them understand so that they can be the relay for their communities and talking about clinical trials and in that means we are, keeping patients at the center of what we’re doing. And, we make sure we have community advisory boards that we bring and share recruitment materials, protocols, even procedures that are involved with the clinical trial.”
Other Barriers to Entry Trust is also the vehicle that allows for the doctor-patient relationship to flourish. The doctors will know what trials will be
relevant as long as the patient is willing to disclose family histories and so on.
In addition to race, disability and socioeconomic status are factors that play a role in lack of participation. To that end, Congress has passed the Diverse and Equitable Participation in Clinical Trials Act (also known as the DEPICT ACT) in 2022. Allen says the Federal Drug Administration’s guidance is pending. However, she’s looking forward to building Merck’s action plans.
Allen says Merck is working to operate clinical trials at the four historically Black medical schools. Included is Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta. These trials will be conducted by investigators and managers of color with participants from underrepresented populations. Additionally, Allen says Merck is also removing financial barriers to reimburse out-of-pocket travel costs for trial participants and providing a solution to ease transportation barriers.
“Although the finalization of the FDA Diversity Action Plan guidance is pending, we are working across our clinical trial sites to implement mandatory, multipronged diversity action plans for all latestage clinical trials,” Allen said. “We are taking concrete steps to help historically underrepresented communities access our clinical trials.”
What’s Next
In the end, every medicine that resides in the medicine cabinet, there must be more African-Americans to ensure that drug is going to be safe for us.
“We want to be a part of that,” Allen said while describing the clinical trial process. “The scientific medical innovations that are occurring today are the differences between life and death. Having access to that information is powerful, and we want to have that information before having to make the critical decision.”
Dr. Adrelia Allen, the Executive Director, Clinical Trial Patient Diversity at Merck, poses for photographs outside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture on Saturday, July 6, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/ The Atlanta Voice
Preserving Homeownership: Open Communication is Key
Voting rights and democracy in focus
BY KYNNEDI S. JACKSON DTU Intern
Four years ago, there was “a major political shift” in the words of Aklima Khondoker, voting rights attorney and Chief of Programs and Strategy for Demos. What was once considered normal was now in flux, leaving everyone uneasy.
On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, a question-and-answer book signing for the book entitled, “Find Me The Votes: Elections and the Rule of Law in 2024” written by author’s and investigative journalist Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman was held to bring awareness to democracy and voting rights, while also providing deeper insights into former United States President Donald J. Trump's actions. Klaidman recalls this historic battle and says, “If Trump had prevailed everyone’s vote would have been disenfranchised; black, white, or hispanic…it doesn’t matter.”
The book dives deep into the intersection of former President Trump and the Georgia voting scandal, a pivotal moment in U.S. politics. It explores how allegations of vot-
er fraud and irregularities in Georgia's 2020 election could have severely disrupted all political parties. As Isikoff talks more about the cases he stresses that, “Georgia is the center of the political universe…this was ground zero, the deciding factor. The crime scene began here. Georgia is the story.” It was understood by everyone in attendance, no matter the party, Democrat or Republican, that what happened four years ago can never happen again. For the sake of democracy everyone has to come together to reach common grounds.
Fani Willis, the District Attorney of Fulton County, is a central figure investigating these claims. Willis’ role is pivotal to the legal and political ramifications of the scandal, highlighting efforts to uphold electoral integrity amid widespread controversy. Willis also plays an important role in the book’s planning and throughout the case as her personal relationships are now being questioned and tested for integrity as well.
Overall, the book portrays how such events could potentially reshape public trust in elections and the dynamics of American democracy, illustrating the profound im-
pact on both political processes and societal norms.
From the mouth of Isikoff himself, “What happened was an assault on voting and democracy?” The book offers unfiltered truths focused on voting rights and democracy, regardless of political affiliation. It serves as a call to action, urging people from all backgrounds to educate themselves. The aim is to prevent similar challenges from arising in the future, emphasizing the importance of informed participation in safeguarding democratic processes.
Now, as we find ourselves essentially reliving the same moments from the pre-election period, it is crucial to educate the people.
Shea Roberts, state representative for House District 52, reminisces about four years ago, experiencing these times once more, remembering the hard work and tough times. She earned her place to continue, but there's still much work ahead to hold leaders accountable, ensure those who desire to lead do so for the right reasons, protect voting rights, and cover all aspects comprehensively.
What does this mean for Georgia? This marks just the start. Efforts can’t be halted
now. There's a call for younger generations to engage, yet there's concern as they may not have experienced much else, emphasizing that the task is far from complete. Roberts “worries that there is apathy because this isn’t anything new for the younger generations, but at the same time younger people are who gives hope…they don’t see color, gender, or party, they just want to save the planet and enjoy life a little bit. If we can just hold on to democracy long enough the young people will save the planet.
Events like this will continue to shape the future. Jonathan Barlow, spokesperson for “The Future: Today and Tomorrow” company reflects on the event and its importance. “It is about making sure that everyone is aware of how to pass along the narrative of democracy and the true narrative so that it is not misconstrued or lost in the constant debates.”
Going forward Khondoker emphasizes that “America wasn’t built for everyone. It was built for white landowners and Trump represents that foundation and what America has become comfortable with. We must keep working to continuously flip the status quo.”
Panelist (left to right) Helen Butler, Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition for the people’s agenda, Aklima Khondoker, voting rights attorney and Chief of Programs and Strategy for Demos, Author’s Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman, and moderator Sharon Reed. Photo by Kynnedi S. Jackson/The Atlanta Voice
ABFF and Walmart’s Black and Unlimited Fatherhood Project
Old Rabbit Gallery is Peter Street’s newest art house
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
You couldn’t break Miya Bailey’s concentration as he carefully tattooed a customer's left leg in the private tattoo and social club of City of Ink.
City of Ink is located above his first contemporary art gallery, Peter Street Station. Bailey was calm, cool, and collected one evening, not a thing in the world would take his eyes off his work, not even while discussing his newest gallery. On September 1, 2023, Bailey opened his second contemporary art gallery, Old Rabbit Gallery. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Bailey moved to Atlanta in 1994 to escape the streets and pursue an art career. For Bailey, art is a social endeavor, balancing solitude with collaboration. Bailey’s decision to open Old Rabbit Gallery was influenced by the vibrant art scene he found on Peter Street.
"When I first moved on Peter Street, there were a lot of art galleries over here," Bailey remembers.
The space now housing Old Rabbit Gallery had previously been an art gallery and Bailey felt it was time to revive the gallery scene in the area. He says his goal was to reinvigorate the local art community and provide a platform for contemporary artists.
"All my friends are artists, everybody I know. I like to be social. I like to work in private, but I also, when I did Peter Street Station, it was mostly because I didn't want to work by myself all the time," Bailey said.
Bailey aimed to create a space where artists can interact, learn, and grow together.
"Sometimes I want to hang out with my friends and paint up here, " he says. “Sometimes I want to paint by myself. Sometimes I want to, you know, I got an option to keep it open or I can feed off of another artist from over there. But we bounce off stuff," Bailey continued.
"Being able to curate art in all these beautiful galleries that Miya Bailey has created has been very rewarding. He trusts and believes in my vision, and the community I love does as well," said Plushette Ellis, gallery curator.
Currently on display at Old Rabbit is the exhibit "Troublesome," featuring works by Mr. Soul, a graphic artist born in Cleveland. Mr. Soul moved to Atlanta on November 23, 1996, a date coinciding with his nephew's birthday. His decision to relocate was influenced by both personal and professional motivations, and he believed Atlanta's vibrant culture was ideal for his artistic growth. The music and movement of the Dungeon Family and Organized Noize, which provided a powerful musical backdrop, inspired his vision for his art. Reflecting on his exhibition "Troublesome," the title of the show inspired by a Tupac song, Mr. Soul told The Atlanta Voice
that the energy of the song resonated with his experiences of trials and tribulations, especially during his 20 years in Atlanta. The exhibition, which includes 20 pieces, also touches on significant moments, such as conversations he had with his father before his father's passing in 2016 and his subsequent move back to Cleveland.
Mr. Soul hopes new viewers of his art will feel the energy behind his art and find personal meaning in it. “I want people to be inspired by the work. I want the community of artists and people in Atlanta that I did the work for, I want them to be satisfied with the presentation, and that part of me doing this show was for that community as well,” said Soul.
The imagery in Mr. Soul's work often evokes powerful social and political themes. The "Dusted and Disgusted" series, inspired by a song by E-40, addresses issues such as street politics, betrayal, and systemic forces that create poverty and violence. The series features young black women who appear ready to challenge the status quo, representing a generation conscious of the societal issues they face. Another notable piece in his collection is the Marvin Gaye piece, inspired by his mother's love for the artist.
“My My” is Bailey’s next (and 8th) solo art exhibit and is set to debut on September 6th, 2024.
July 5th is the opening of Old Rabbit Gallery’s latest exhibit, “adult swim” , a solo exhibition by Kaylah Hagler.
Old Rabbit Gallery is located on 309A Peters Street, Atlanta, Ga 30313.
“Troublesome” by artist Mr. Soul. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
“Dusted and Disgusted” by artist Mr. Soul (above). Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Old Rabbit Gallery is Peter Street’s newest art house. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
My ‘Black Job’ Is to Protect Democracy
BY KEITH BOYKIN
Yes, Joe Biden is a flawed candidate, but Donald Trump is a threat to America. Our Black job, if there is such a thing, is to stop him.
I’m not doing this again with y’all.
While Democrats debate how to respond to Joe Biden’s debate performance, Trump and the Republicans are plotting to erase the entire twentieth century.
That’s not an exaggeration. Donald Trump has publicly threatened to be a dictator on “day one” if he wins in November, and the Supreme Court justices he appointed have just immunized him from accountability and vested him with the unchecked powers of a monarch
If Trump wins, he would empower an army of radical right-wing activists who plan to implement Project 2025, dismantle civil rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQ rights, rescind long-established progressive laws and policies, and swing a wrecking ball against the fragile institutions of government and democracy.
Yes, Joe Biden is a flawed candidate, but Donald Trump is a threat to America. If anyone should withdraw from the race, it’s the twice-impeached convicted criminal.
But some critics are making the same miscalculation they made with Hillary Clinton. A Trump victory will not bring on a progressive people’s revolution, strengthen third-party candidates, or buy us time to elect a better Democrat in the next election. It will set us so far back that it will take decades to unravel, no matter who wins in 2028. America cannot afford to make that mistake again.
Back in 2016, I was teaching at Columbia University when college students were complaining about Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president. Many raised legitimate concerns, including her support for the unpopular war in Iraq. But others raised less substantive issues. She’s not likable. She panders And the most memorable critique: they didn’t believe her when she appeared on “The Breakfast Club” and announced that she carried hot sauce in her purse
I, too, opposed the war in Iraq, and that was one reason why I voted for Barack Obama instead of Clinton in the 2008 presidential primary. But now it was 2016, and Clinton was the Democratic nominee facing a Republican opponent, Donald Trump, who posed a clear and present danger to democracy.
“If Hillary Clinton wins, we may have a liberal majority on the Supreme Court for the first time in nearly 50 years,” I posted on Twitter a few weeks before the election. That was eight years ago.
Now, as Trump cements his legacy on the right-wing court, that opportunity could be lost for a generation, as Republicans have appointed six of the nine Supreme Court Justices.
Joe Biden is not the ideal candidate to rep -
resent the Democratic Party. He’s an 81-yearold white man leading a party that is increasingly represented by young people, women, and people of color.
I worked for Biden’s opponent when he ran for president in 1988. I did not vote for Biden when he ran the second time in 2008. And I did not support him in the Democratic primary in 2020. I even wrote articles criticizing him after he was elected president. But I did vote for him in 2020 because I knew he was the best available option.
I am not invested in the question of replacing Biden on the ticket. I would vote for Biden, Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Wes Moore, Pete Buttigieg, or any other credible candidate that Democrats nominate. This election is not about them. It’s about protecting our rights.
For five years, I covered Trump as a political commentator for CNN, following his
racist speeches, midnight tweets, and unhinged press conferences. Some Americans may not remember the constant chaos and crises from Charlottesville to Covid that defined the Trump years, but I do, and I refuse to go back.
I know that Democrats prefer young, articulate, charismatic presidential candidates in the tradition of John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. I do too, but the young guys don’t always deliver. It was not JFK, but an older, less attractive Lyndon Johnson who signed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, 60 years ago today. As Jesse Jackson said at the 1984 Democratic National Convention, “I would rather have Roosevelt in a wheelchair than Reagan on a horse.”
Trump is far more entertaining than Joe Biden, but a presidential election is not a popularity contest. It’s a job interview. Unfortunately, the majority of white voters plan
to install a twice-impeached, quadruple-indicted, convicted criminal with a 50-year history of racism in the most powerful position in America.
My Black job, if there is such a thing, is to stop them.
“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.
United States President Joseph R. Biden (center) posed for a photo with Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock (third from the left), Montgomery (AL) Mayor Steven Reed (furthest left) and Birmingham (AL) Mayor Randall Woodfin (second from left) on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the morning of Saturday, May 18, 2024.Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
