The Atlanta Voice 072823 E-Edition

INSIDE

Caption: Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins is the oldest and longest running Black-owned law form in the state of Georgia.

Pictured (left to right) are the partners: Thomas G. Sampson II, Thomas G. Sampson, Sr. and Jeffrey E. Tompkins.

Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Metro

Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins continues ‘working for its people’

BY DONNELL SUGGS

The plaques on the wall just inside the entrance of Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP (TKST) office on Main Street are a small reminder of how long the Black-owned law firm has been in business. The honors range from one of the partners being inducted into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers to commendations from the office of the governor and cities of College Park and Atlanta, respectively, to plaudits from The Best Lawyers in America and local publications. There are too many to count or list here.

For the past 52 years TKST, the longest running Black-owned law firm in Georgia, has defended individual citizens and local businesses in cases both big and small. The mission has always been to “represent our people,” said founding partner and current managing partner Thomas G. Sampson, Sr.

“We wanted to create a firm that lasts, because if Atlanta couldn’t have an established Black law firm then where can we have one?,” asked Sampson rhetorically. “The firm is particularly proud of the support from the Black community and the greater community at large. Our aim continues to be to provide the best legal services possible to our people.”

With eight attorneys and just over 20 support staff, TKST recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2021. A party was planned on the greenspace adjacent to the office where dozens of people attended and celebrated decades of service to greater Atlanta. Some TKST employees, which Sampson, Sr. often called “family” during a recent interview with The Atlanta Voice, have been with the firm since the early days in downtown Atlanta office buildings. Gwen Dixon has worked for TKST for the entire time it has been in business. Beth Martin is now celebrating 50 years with the firm, with Nancy Haskell at 42 years and Yvonne Torrence currently on her 38th year of service to the firm.

Many things have changed during the 53 years TKST has been in existence. These days Sampson, along with his son Thomas G. “Woody” Sampson II and Jeffrey E. Tompkins is continuing the firm’s legacy. During the decades TKST has been serving the community, attorneys such as former Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard and former Atlanta City President Ceasar Mitchell have passed through the doors of TKST.

The firm’s legacy also extends to the bench as 10 former attorneys have moved on to become judges.

“It means we’re part of the history and fabric of Atlanta,” said Tompkins, a native of Atlanta and Frederick Douglass High School alumnus.

The mission from the first day in business was to have a place for Black attorneys to be able to practice law, according to Sampson, who joined the firm following his graduation from the University of North Carolina School of Law. One of those attorneys happens to be his son, Sampson II, who joined the firm following his graduation from Emory University School of Law.

“I felt like I’ve had the best training. The best lawyers that I’ve seen are right here at the firm,” said Sampson II, who joined the firm in 1994. For nearly 30 years Sampson II has been practicing law shoulder to shoulder with his father. “It’s been a blessing to learn from these guys,” said Sampson II who started the young lawyer internship at the Gate

See THOMAS KENNEDY SAMPSON

“I feel like we’ve

reason,” said Thomas G. Sampson, Sr., who graduated from Morehouse College and the University of North Carolina

of Law before returning to Atlanta to help start TKST. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice There are 10 judges that have made stops through Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins over the years. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Continued from page 2

City Bar Association.

Tompkins, who is also a Morehouse man and was inducted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), worked at the firm as a summer intern during the late 1980’s. He was offered a job at the end of that summer since he had already passed the bar and was on track to graduate from Emory University School of Law.

“It was great,” said Tompkins of the opportunity at such a young age. Back then law students could take the bar exam while they were still in law school. “It was affirmation that I had done good work.”

Thomas Kennedy & Sampson Tompkins was established in 1971 as Kennedy Bussey & Samson. The firm holds the title of being the oldest black-owned law firm in the state of Georgia.

During the early 20th century, the legal profession posed significant challenges for Black people seeking education and professional opportunities in the legal field. Discrimination and limited access to law schools created barriers for aspiring Black lawyers, but also created the opportunity to start Black-owned law firms.

"In terms of our founding, we started in 1970. I graduated from law school, which was from the University of North Carolina. I joined the firm in late summer with John L. Kennedy and Reuben T. Bussey. They had been in practice, probably six weeks before I joined them. And the three of us were the founders of the firm,” Sampson told The Atlanta Voice.

John L. Kennedy was the first African American lawyer hired by a downtown Atlanta law firm, Alston and Bird, which was then known as Austin Miller & Games. Kennedy had been with them two years before deciding to open up his own firm. Bussey, a graduate of Morris Brown College, also worked at Alston and Bird for a couple of years before he left to join Kennedy.

“As the years passed, changes occurred within the firm, Reuben Bussey died and John Kennedy died in 1994," Sampson said.

Following the passing of Kennedy and Bussey, the firm continued onward with the introduction of Ari Thomas, a second cousin who played a pivotal role in the firm's journey. “He introduced me to Kennedy and helped me get started and thus the name changed to Thomas Kennedy & Sampson,” added Sampson.

The decision to prioritize Thomas' name was in recognition of his stature as a prominent Black attorney at the time. Sampson didn’t want Thomas' impact to be forgotten.

The Gate City Bar Association, often referred to as the “Black bar” of Georgia, has a storied & history deeply intertwined with Thomas Kennedy Sampson Tompkins. Founded in 1948, the association provided a platform for Black lawyers to connect, support each other, and fight for a place in the legal stratosphere. Sampson and Sampson II

are the only father/son duo to serve as president.

During its 52 years TKST has represented clients in cases involving excessive force, police misconduct, and constitutional violations.

“I want people to know that there is a Black firm in Atlanta, an all-Black firm, where the partners are listed in Best Lawyers in America, where the partners are listed as Super Lawyers, where the partners are listed as one of the top firms by USA Today and World Report's tier one top tier Law Firm,” said Sampson II.

Atlanta was changed forever when the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) started bringing people all over the city and suburbs by bus in 1971 and later by rail in 1979. TKST was hired as outside general counsel for MARTA in 1973 and was changed forever, according to Sampson, who credited the efforts of the late Lyndon Wade, then the Executive Director of The National Urban League and Jesse Hill, the former president of Atlanta Life Insurance Co. for making that initial connection. Both men, icons among the Black Atlanta business groundbreakers, were on the MARTA board of directors at the time. “They were very committed to seeing that minorities got a piece of the MARTA work,” said Samson.

“MARTA was our first major client,” Sampson remembered. “There was a commitment here that did not exist in a lot of cities. Atlanta being as progressive as it was and as it has been through the years made it easier for these commitments to be made.”

Former three-term Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson was also on Sampson’s mind when he thought of the people that made that MARTA deal possible.

“It was huge. Back in 1973 it was really huge and it provided the springboard for

us to bring on other corporate work. A lot of times when you start with the first and provide excellent legal service that first client can be a springboard,” said Sampson.

MARTA remains a client, along with Coca-Cola Company and Grady Health, to name a few.

Gathered together outside of one of its two College Park locations under a blazing morning sun, the partners at TKST pose for photos. It’s hard to get all three of the men together with all of the trial work and depositions they have to handle week after week, year after year. Despite the busy caseloads all three attorneys have, there are also times the attorneys host younger Black attorneys, sometimes without scheduled visits. Sampson II recalled a time recently when a young attorney dropped by the office to talk at 8:30 one morning. Sampson II talked to the young man for nearly an hour before getting

back to work. “It’s important to give people inspiration,” he said.

The importance of TKST as the oldest Black law firm in the state to the Black legal community cannot truly be measured monetarily or in wins and losses. “I’m proud of the influence and inspiration the firm has had within the community,” said Sampson II. “I’ve realized how important the firm is from other people.”

TKST aimed high when it was established more than 50 years ago. With lofty goals set, it is more than fare to say those goals have been met. “We’ve done great work for a long time and our success is recognized by those in the legal world,” added Tompkins.

“Our goal, our objective was to be an African American firm that could compete with anybody at any time within our specialities,” said Sampson. “That was what we strove to do.”

Mission accomplished.

Less than 10 percent of the law firms in Georgia are Black-owned and operated. Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins holds a special place among its peers in metro Atlanta. “It means we’re part of the history of Atlanta,” said Jeffrey E. Tompkins. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP was started in 1971 in Atlanta. The firm moved into its own building in College Park in 1998. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Voices

Florida Decides to Teach That Our Ancestors Benefitted From Being Enslaved

BY AZIAH SIID

Florida has taken yet another stride against teaching the full scope of Black history in statewide public schools — and it’s sparking criticism from advocates and families both state and nationwide.

The new standards, posted on July 19 to the Florida Department of Education website, approved requiring public schools to teach that enslaved people “developed skills that could be applied for their personal benefit” and more.

“The notion that enslaved people benefitted from being enslaved is inaccurate and a scary standard for us to establish in our education system.” Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani said.

“I am very concerned by these standards,” Eskamani said. “Especially some of the notions that you know, enslaved people benefitted from being enslaved is inaccurate and a scary standard for us to establish in our educational curriculum.”

As Harvard Law School professor Cornell William Brooks wrote on Twitter, “Florida‘s new educational standards will assault the emotional health of Black children. If the Supreme Court found segregated education hurt Black children in 1954, THIS segregated white supremacist version of Black history will do the same in 2023.”

Indeed, the new standards come with clarifications — for middle school students, teachers must educate students on “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”

High school students will learn about events such as the 1920 Ocoee Massacre, the Tulsa Race Massacre, and the Rosewood Race Massacre, all egregious acts against Black bodies in history.

However, the new rules require that instruction of the Ocoee massacre include “acts of violence perpetrated against

and by African Americans.”

The massacre is considered the deadliest Election Day violence in the nation’s history, and, according to several historical ac -

counts of the incident, it began when Moses Norman, a prominent Black landowner in the Ocoee, Florida, community, attempted to cast his ballot and

was turned away by white poll workers.

The decision is just the latest move by Florida politicians — led by Republican governor Ron DeSantis to prevent the accurate teaching of Black history. In January, Florida’s education officials department rejected a proposed pilot version of an Advanced Placement African American Studies course for high school students after it claimed the course lacked educational value. In addition, the DeSantis-led “Stop WOKE” movement has sparked numerous book bans nationwide.

“Today’s actions by the Florida state government are an attempt to bring our country back to a 19th century America where Black life was not valued, nor our rights protected,” Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said in a statement.

“It is imperative that we understand that the horrors of slavery and Jim Crow were a violation of human rights and represent the darkest period in American history. We refuse to go back.”

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“Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.”

—Carol Moseley-Braun, former U.S. senator

Tampa newspaper advertisement offering a reward for the return of a runaway slave

Plantation slaves photographed by Timothy H. O’Sullivan/ wikipedia

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

I suppose the details are all in the interpretation.

I went to church intent on hearing a particular preacher, only to find him absent from the pulpit.

The guest minister’s sermon on humility was a stark reminder that it is all about the message and never about the messenger.

Fortunately for me, that was one of the spiritual lessons I learned from the minister who saved my life—coincidentally, the one whom I was going to hear on that Sunday.

Humility, as the pastor was trying to clarify and explain, should be viewed as described in Philippians 2. The entire chapter is devoted to Paul’s message to the Church at Philippi regarding “imitating Christ’s humility.”

As I listened, “humility” transformed from my initial context of docile behavior to a fact of faith and strength of character.

By that I mean, it was made clear that Christ chose to consider Himself at best equal to, if not lesser than his fellow man.

Remember, we’re talking about God here. He consciously chose to make Himself human in order to serve His divine purpose.

The text tells us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but, in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interest of others.”

Now, my recollection of Christ says that’s a pretty good description of how He looked upon His duty and that was pretty much what got Him killed.

I mean, isn’t it interesting that the most dangerous — and, therefore the most powerful and important — thing you can do in life is to care about someone else more

greatly than you care for yourself?

This humility thing does indeed have the inherent power in this is crystal clear.

Paul teaches us that it is our fundamental responsibility, as Christians, to be united in our effort to emulate Jesus’ denunciation of status, pride, ego and self.

Surely, if anyone had a right to be arrogant, it was the living Son of God.

You try being the walking talking Word and deliberately transform yourself into a mere mortal human being.

If you can grasp that thought, please don’t let it blow your mind because you know you couldn’t do it. Become Christ and die willingly on the cross by the hands of mere

men.

Fortunately, as the minister made clear, Paul is not asking us to do the impossible. He let us know that our goal is service unto man.

Put a lid on what we think of ourselves and our prideful independence in favor of our collective interdependence upon each other and the Almighty.

Christ died to save us all and here in Philippi, Paul tells us that our conduct must be rooted in the following truth: out of this thing called humility, Christ saved the world.

Are we better than him? Think it through.

If you look down your nose at anyone for any reason, if you truly think you’re better than anyone else, then you think you’re better than Jesus, who thought himself no better and even less than you.

He died in service to us, you and me.

Do something good for someone else today simply because you can.

If you don’t get this, may God bless and keep you always.

“I’m very fortunate to still live with my mother, but I never thought I’d be out here looking for a job. This strike has pulled me back into doing Photography, Modeling and Makeup; revisiting my old skills has made me realize that I still got it and hey it’s not so bad, sometimes we gotta go backwards to fling forward. But my heart goes out to my fellow film friends. Some are relaxing, chilling and most are really struggling. We are trying to make it out here by creating our own films, applying to 9 to 5, etc. This is life changing and enlightening.”

“The industry… how it has affected me is kind of bad. I had to move out of my apartment. I’m facing repossession of my car. I’m grateful that I have a few businesses that I can fall back on that will help me but a lot of people don’t. They (Actors and Writers) are in fear of losing their job because of what A.I. is doing to the industry… taking money out of their pocket. So I understand why they are striking but it’s affecting us.

“The current duel strikes of the Writers and Screen Actors Guild has affected me significantly because my primary source of income as a customer in Atlanta’s tv and film industry has completely shut down. The show I was working on since the beginning of May was shut down and I have been out of work for a couple of weeks. So now I am figuring out my way through Georgia’s unemployment process with its own set of challenges. I guess I’m not alone but it’s still hard, though.

Compiled by Vincent Christie

“The film strikes have basically brought work for film to a standstill. There’s some indie stuff out there but now you are dealing with slim pickings. A lot of us have found other avenues to supplement our income. Pretty much there is nothing else around except Tyler Perry stuff. Tyler Perry is still going. I don’t know how but they are still going. But I supplement by teaching photography for the City of Atlanta and I’m also a Photographer as well so I am doing different things to keep the money going.

We get lost sometimes. But allow me to simplify it this way. Satan wants me as a trophy and God wants me as an eternal testament to His love.

The Atlanta Voice

As a participant in Atlanta’s tv and film industry and culture, how has the Writer and Screen Actors strikes affected you and your livelihood?

You are only better in your pride-filled mind

London Shara Atlanta

Hakim Wilson Atlanta

Kenya Morgan Decatur

Anthony Gary Atlanta

5 ways to build or rebuild your credit

SPONSORED BY JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

Agood credit score is a critical part of a healthy financial future.

Having strong credit can make it easier to get a car loan, mortgage, an apartment and even some jobs. Because lenders use your credit score to help assess your reliability as a borrower, a high credit score can help you qualify for lower loan interest rates – saving you money over the course of your lifetime.

There's no fast track to building credit or improving your current score, but you can help make the process much easier. These five steps can help:

1. Find out your current credit score

Most adults already have a credit score that can be obtained by requesting a credit report and reviewing it carefully. You're entitled to one free report each year and can request it at AnnualCreditReport.com. Chase Credit Journey® can also help you manage, monitor and protect your credit.

2. Apply for a credit card

If you’re starting to build credit, credit cards can speed up the process if used responsibly. Since credit card companies report activity to credit agencies, healthy activity can be a huge help when it comes to building your credit. Student and other new-to-credit credit cards are a good option for those who are looking to build credit. Establishing a credit score and

history requires having an account open for at least six months, so be patient and diligent about practicing healthy credit habits.

3. Address debt impacting your score

It’s expected for consumers to have some debt, but significant credit card debt and missed loan payments can have a major im-

pact on your credit score. Pay bills on time and don’t overspend – maxing out a credit card or coming close to your limit will lower your score. If you’re working to rebuild your credit, pay down debt as much as possible and catch up on past-due bills. Also be careful about searching for new lines of credit while carrying significant debt – lenders could see

this as a risk and your score could drop.

4. Practice good financial habits in other areas

Establishing a savings and checking account, renting an apartment and paying utility and other bills on time are among the activities that help show lenders you’re fiscally responsible. While these actions might not directly affect your credit score, they’re beneficial practices lenders will notice when considering your application for a car loan, mortgage or other major life goal.

5. Help your children build credit

Opening checking and savings accounts for your children can help teach them about everything from depositing your paycheck to easily paying your bills -- the basic building blocks of your financial infrastructure. You can also consider making your teenager an authorized user on your credit card account to assist them in establishing their own positive credit history. Take this approach if you consistently pay your credit card bill in full and on time, as late payments can also impact your child's credit report, in addition to your own.

Building and rebuilding credit takes time and patience, but the results are worth it. A solid credit history can help you build generational wealth, reach your financial goals and establish long-term fiscal stability for you and your family. For more information on the basics of building credit, visit chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education.

A good credit score is a critical part of a healthy financial future. Photo Credit Getty Images

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The Gathering Spot and Greenwood Inc. have called a truce

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

Monday morning, Greenwood, Inc. and The Gathering Spot have jointly announced a resolution to resume operations, thus ending their legal disputes.

Before the announcement, there was a statement from the community of members which lays out a cavalcade of demands which requests Greenwood completely remove itself from the daily operations of The Gathering Spot due to what they describe as, “a blatant disregard for our history and culture,” in addition to a misrepresentation of Greenwood’s leadership structure and business model.

Here is a snapshot of their demands:

•Greenwood Inc. remove Ryan Glover and Paul Judge from the business, force the repayment of any unearned benefits, and forfeit any unvested equity that either have in the company

•Greenwood Inc. form a relationship with a banking partner that has Black leadership Greenwood Inc. bring Black leadership into its C Suite

•Greenwood Inc. publicly disclose all shareholders in the company

•Greenwood Inc. provide an accounting, to the public, of any money spent in bonuses and salary payments to employees

•Greenwood Inc. provide a list of Black vendors with which it currently works – if any such relationships exist

•Greenwood Inc. share any plans it has to acquire a banking charter

•Greenwood Inc. provide an accounting, to the public, of any money from the almost $90 million dollars it has raised that has been spent with Black businesses, vendors, consultants, and communities – if any such payments exist

•Greenwood Inc. provide an accounting, to the public, of any grants made to Blackled organizations and entities – if any such payments exist

•Greenwood Inc. hire a Chief Equity Officer, or other similar role, to ensure that the interests of the community that Greenwood claims to serve are taken into account with all executive decisions

•Greenwood Inc. lay out its 5 and 10 year plans to create wealth in the Black community

Shortly thereafter, Greenwood, Inc. and The Gathering Spot have jointly announced a deal to resume operations and therefore

ending their disputes. The announcement says:

Greenwood and The Gathering Spot today announced jointly that we have resolved our outstanding business disputes and will continue to uplift Blacks and minorities by building community and supporting financial freedom around the country.

“We are ready to finish what we started, in the same spirit that we began with and continue to build and grow with our community,” said Ryan Wilson, CEO of The Gathering Spot.

Moreover, both companies say they are pleased to put this issue to rest and move forward. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but both Greenwood and The Gathering Spot are displaying a united front with the outcome.

According to the announcement, this signals the end of a period of friction between the two companies and opens a new chapter of collaboration and shared visions, albeit with very few details plus more questions from members and the concerned public alike.

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

The Atlanta Open got underway in earnest Sunday night with a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) exhibition match between two highly regarded players, Leylah Fernandez and Coco Gauff. Both women are currently ranked in the top 100. Even though Gauff won the match 6-3, 6-3, Coco had fun while playing in front of her hometown fans at Atlantic Station.

“I feel it’s great,” exclaimed Gauff. “I mean, the support that we got today was insane. “They’ve made me the person who I am 100%. Moving from Atlanta to South Florida was a big change, but I love the culture here in the city. Being a Black woman in tennis and having the support from all the people in Atlanta means a lot to me truly.”

Fernandez, is a 20-year-old left-handed player from Montreal, Quebec and she is currently 86th in the world in singles and ranked 21st in doubles. Meanwhile, Gauff is currently ranked 7th in the world in sin -

gles and 4th in the world in doubles.

“Today’s match was a fun one,” said Fernandez. “As an exhibition, I had a lot of fun playing Coco and especially in front of an amazing crowd. here’s some fun moments. There’s some definitely good points. And I think there were some shots that we tried but I think it was a good atmosphere altogether.”

As the tournament got underway in earnest on Monday, fans left Atlantic Station happy to see some entertaining women’s tennis. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens supported Fernandez and Gauff during the exhibition match.

“Yeah, it was really cool,” said Gauff of Mayor Dickens’s attendance. “I didn’t know he was gonna be in attendance tonight. I did a little event for Brownwood Park. We’re renovating that park. And we received his support doing that. So I’m just happy that he was able to show up today and especially supporting women’s tennis and women’s sports.”

Meanwhile, Atlanta native Chris Eu -

banks will be playing in this year’s Atlanta Open. The former two-time Georgia Tech All- American and Westlake High School alum, is currently ranked 31st on the ATP Tour after his stellar run at Wimbledon. He lost in the quarterfinals to No. 3 Daniil Medvedev. Eubanks will take the court at 7pm Tuesday evening.

University of Georgia redshirt freshman Ethan Quinn received a wild card invitation into the Main Draw. In May, Quinn became the fourth Georgia Bulldog to win a National Championship in singles, joining Mikael Pernfors (1984, 1985) and Matias Boeker (2001, 2002).

The overall draw is star-studded as Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Alexander Bublik, Yoshihito Nishioka, Daniel Evans, Ugo Humbert, Adrian Mannarino, J.J. Wolf, Kei Nishikori and Gael Monfils

Greenwood and The Gathering Spot today announced jointly that we have resolved our outstanding business disputes and will continue to uplift Blacks and minorities by building community and supporting financial freedom around the country.

Leylah Fernandez, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Coco Gauff pose for photographs after an exhibition match during the 2023 Atlanta Open on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez kick off the 2023 Atlanta Open

IMAN Atlanta fights for full restoration of citizen’s voting rights

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

The Inner City Muslim-Action Network (IMAN, pronounced ee-MAN) actively strives toward meaningful social justice and human dignity beyond the barriers of religion, ethnicity and nationality. To that end, IMAN is fighting for the restoration of voting rights to formerly incarcerated felons that have paid their debts to society.

Kareemah Hanifa is the Lead Community Organizer with IMAN Atlanta and she is leading the fight for the full and complete restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated felons that have served their time in Georgia.

“I think in the system that we’re living in right now the criminal justice system doesn’t just affect Brown and Black people,” said Hanifa. “We are all people who breathe and eat and need access to resources. This [initiative] empowers people of color from marginalized communities, it’s who it affects, right? Because the people who create these laws don’t fully understand how these laws just empower people in the community. They don’t understand when people don’t have access to resources that crime rates go up. They don’t understand these things.”

Currently in the State of Georgia, persons with felonies on their records can vote only if any of these conditions are met, according to the Secretary of State’s office:

•You are not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction.

•You are “off paper”— you completed incarceration, parole, and probation.

•You are serving a felony First Offender or Conditional Discharge sentence and the status has not been revoked.

•Your sentence is complete — your right to vote is automatically restored. You just need to re-register in order to vote.

Georgia’s Black citizens are significantly more likely to be disenfranchised than nonBlack citizens, with 5.2% of Georgia’s Black voting age population currently denied the vote.

Hanifa previously met with Senator Warnock regarding the reinstatement of voting rights to the formerly incarcerated people. He understood the disenfranchisement and the unfairness of these laws, particularly in the Southern United States. Hanifa added

that Warnock understood the plight because he has a member that was incarcerated and released during the throes of the Coronavirus outbreak.

“He had the understanding that there are these barriers that prevent people from fully reintegrating back into the community,” explained Hanifa. “And so what IMAN Atlanta is doing is talking with state representatives, talking with Senators about why this is a very archaic law. Why this law is unfair and why these laws do not meet the needs of the people who live in America today.”

Over the last 25 years, belief in these principles has motivated 25 states to change their laws and practices to expand voting access to people with felony convictions. Despite these important reforms, 4.6 million Americans were unable to vote in the 2020 election because of their criminal record, according to John Paul Taylor, Senior Campaign Strategy Associate, Rights Restoration with the Advancement Project. Fifty percent of those individuals reside in four states: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

“There was a time in a community where maybe there was one or two people who had

been incarcerated,” said Hanifa. “Now everyone knows someone who has been incarcerated, right? It’s not a whisper anymore. It is a welcome home at the recreational center. It is a welcome home at the church services. So today we understand that there are more people of color who have very long sentences of probation and parole.”

Hanifa believes voter disenfranchisement is something that affects individuals and communities and would provide a bi-partisan solution. She also added that if a person’s voting rights are restored, one can’t assume that person is going to vote Democratic or they’re going to vote Republican. She believes whoever is in favor of serving the community in the capacity in which the community needs, that person will ultimately come out on top.

“As we train up people, we’re not only just saying ‘hey, you need to change the law,’ but actually giving people information,” said Taylor. “We want people that can also truly be that watchdog and monitor of the system for once the process has, you know, once we change the law and those that are directly impacted, like Kareemah, can actually hold

the state accountable.”

Hanifa and Taylor want everyone to know is restoring voting rights to those that were incarcerated goes hand in hand with rectifying racial and societal injustices because the people willing to participate not only have a unique perspective

“I always tell people, like don’t vote for people because they look like you,” explained Hanifa. “Don’t vote for people simply because they sound like you or they talk like you. Because, people say a whole lot of things. But do you support [voter] rights restoration? Do you support access to clean water, affordable housing, and the environment? Are you a supporter of environmental justice? Like are these the things that you believe in and if you do, then you got everybody’s vote?”

Note: Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor in Georgia still has the right to vote. If a person is incarcerated for a misdemeanor, that person can request an absentee ballot. Plus, anyone can vote while awaiting trial for any charge, even while incarcerated, as long as the person has not lost their right to vote due to a prior conviction.

Kareemah Hanifa, Lead Organizer with IMAN Atlanta, poses for photos in front of the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Coca-Cola continues to leave Atlanta feeling refreshed

BY ROBERTNEY HARLAN

For newcomers the recurrence of the Coca-Cola name and imagery may come as a shock, but to the Atlanta natives Coca-Cola has been an essential part of the city since May 8, 1886 when the first Coke was served at a pharmacy lunch counter for 5 cents. This bubbly drink has spent 131 years integrating its way into the culture of Atlanta, through their billboards, advertisements, Midtown Coca-Cola headquarters, and even the notable attraction Downtown “World of Coca-Cola.”

Due to the company’s rigorous marketing strategy, the Coca-Cola drink has become a staple in all parts of the world. In turn, the company has given back to where it was first conceived, creating job opportunities, sponsorships that strengthen the community, and investments that illuminate the culture.

The Coca-Cola Company has invested millions of dollars into community wellbeing. Specifically, in protecting the environment in which Georgians, many of whom are Coca-Cola employees, live and work, Through the Coca-Cola Foundation they have supported youth development and education,

Coca-Cola continues to refresh the world while representing the city of Atlanta. Photo

By Robertney Harlan/The Atlanta

water conservation, and recycling programs across the state. These are just a few ways Coca-Cola has created employment opportunities for the city of Atlanta.

Coca-Cola is also very active in investing money into establishments that will elevate the culture. For example, the company has invested $7.2 million dollars in the Atlanta University Center. They have also given $6 million dollars to the surrounding HBCUs, including Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta University. Through Coca-Cola’s collaboration with Engage, a collaborative innovation and cooperative venture program, to improve Atlanta’s technology systems to further elevate the city as a whole.

Coca-Cola has embedded itself in the city of Atlanta and it has proved itself worthy of its spot. Not only has it found a way to influence the world but it also makes philanthropic efforts to give back to their hometown. Making the love between Atlanta and Coca-Cola an everlasting relationship that allows for both to thrive.

Camp MBUSA gets off to a great start

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

Mercedes-Benz USA recently hosted “Camp MBUSA” in collaboration with Atlanta Falcons’ Bijan Robinson, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Safe Kids Worldwide.

The event, part of MBUSA’s corporate social responsibility initiative called “Driving Your Future,” aimed to empower the next generation through educational programs and child safety promotion. Over 50 MBUSA employee volunteers joined Robinson and children from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for a day-long event.

The camp featured various field day activities and interactive safety education stations led by Safe Kids Worldwide who is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year.

“Our goal is to address the inequities and communities to keep families safe. We know that the work that we do each and every day to protect and prevent is most important to reaching in and providing families what they need and communities that are most vulnerable,” said Torine Creppy, CEO and president of Safe Kids Worldwide.

These activities focused on topics such as water, bike, pedestrian, and child passenger safety. The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta was part of MBUSA’s commitment to make a positive difference in the communities they serve. The event aimed to provide children with practical

knowledge and resources to promote summer safety and injury prevention. The camp brought together volunteers from MBUSA, YMCA staff, Safe Kids Worldwide, and Bijan Robinson to guide the campers through different summer safety activities.

These included helmet fitting, bike rodeo, and passenger and water safety training. Additionally, the children enjoyed engaging in field day activities such as a bounce house obstacle course, relay races, and arts and crafts stations. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons Running Back and MBUSA Brand Am-

bassador, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to raise awareness about summer safety and spend time with the children.

“It’s such a blessing to be out here with them. To see their faces, all the smiles on their faces. For me, like, I have just such a big heart for the kids. You don’t really want to mess up their fun, but you really just want to be a part of them and to understand and enjoy, you know, they got going on, especially at the YMCA for them,” Robinson told The Atlanta Voice.

Ultimately, the goal of “Camp MBUSA” is

for the children to leave with more than just memories of a fun-filled day. While enjoyment is a primary focus, they are also acquiring valuable life skills that will serve them well throughout the summer and beyond, remarks Vice President of Residential and Outdoor Programs, Drew Hullinger, “The YMCA of Metro Atlanta, our mission focuses on being open to and serving all through mind, body and spirit. At the end of the day, we want to champion communities where everyone belongs,” said Hullinger.

Voice

Mercedes-Benz USA recently hosted “Camp MBUSA” in collaboration with Atlanta Falcons’ Bijan Robinson, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Safe Kids Worldwide. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

NexCubed focuses on HBCU’s growth and success

BY SOLOMON HAYES

This week, the UNCF Summit for Black Higher Education was held in Atlanta. Over the years, the summit has provided a space for hundreds of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and PBI (predominantly Black institutions) leaders, practitioners, advocates, stakeholders, or anyone who is interested in learning more about higher education. With many of the participants coming in with hopes of supporting HBCUs through building a black network, one in particular stood out as a pioneer in his own right with a solution to bridge the racial wealth gap.

Marlon Evans is the CEO of NexCubed, a global accelerator that invests in startups during the seed stage, providing early-stage capital, corporate relationships, access to a global ecosystem, and most importantly, a four-month acceleration program. Evans has always had diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of his investment ethos. However, a few years ago, in 2020, Evan desired to find a way to create an even bigger impact on HBCUs.

“When we decided to really figure out how we can add an even bigger impact on the top of the funnel, like opportunities that are just getting started, we said, why don’t we open source our acceleration curriculum and provide it at no cost to HBCU students and alums, and so it started off really just as a pilot project within NexCubed” Evans told The Atlanta Voice.

He proceeded with the project, focusing on HBCU students and alumni who were cre-

ating their own startups centered around developing technology-enabled solutions that close the wealth gap, ranging from increasing access to healthcare, education, and financial services. Thus, the HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI) was born, and once it had taken on a life of its own outside of NexCube, the initiative soon partnered with UNCF to support the HBCU entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“So we started in 2020, running programming at HBCUs focused on helping students and recent alums, if they had an idea for a business, really helping them understand how they take that idea and turn it into an opportunity where they could get funding and support to help them scale their business,” Evans said.

To date, over 750 students and alumni from over 80 HBCUs have participated in the initiative. This partnership has expanded to create an 8-week Fall and Spring Pre-Accelerator program at 12 HBCUs across the country. These even include Atlanta-based schools such as Morehouse College and Spelman College, along with many others throughout the country, and HBCUFI is looking to expand to even more like-minded institutions. The program goes over topics such as validating the idea, building a prototype, customer discovery, marketing and branding, legal operations, and fundraising. By the end of the program, participants will take part in a pitch competition where they will have the opportunity to receive non-dilutive program awards in support of a minimum viable product (MVP) development.

As an investor, Evans encapsulates the

meaning of the old Bible verse from Luke 11: 10-13, “If you give a man a fish, he will be hungry tomorrow. If you teach a man to fish, he will be richer forever.” Evans, in this case, has created a program that teaches HBCU founders how to create long-term sustainability while providing funding. Leveraging advisors who have started companies and who

UNCF kicks off UNIT HBCU Summit

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

Monday, July 17 was the first day of the UNCF UNITE summit, celebrating the unity of “HBCUs” and “PBIs”. The conference launched with a reception focusing on Afrocentricity, which included kente clothes of different colors and patterns located on every attendee's chair. A rendition of the negro national anthem which was recited by Sydni Allen and called the entire room into attention. This was all building up to a live musical African drum performance leading into the introduction of the keynote speaker of the evening, former Spelman College President Dr. Johnetta Cole.

Atlanta is the home of Atlanta Universities and Colleges (AUC) and is colloquially considered to be the mecca of African-American culture in the United States of America.

"Atlanta is the black mecca and is often

seen as a place for black achievement, black entrepreneurship, and political power. We forget that a lot of that has its roots in the Atlanta University Center here. We have had black colleges propelling Atlanta and the Black Community of the South. I'm glad we are here now at a time when HBCUs are experiencing a renaissance," Dr. Lomax told The Atlanta Voice.

The opening reception featured multiple speakers, such as Mr. Milton Jones, UNCF Board of Directors, and Dr. Michael Lomax, President of UNCF. During the evening, Dr. Lomax gave a declaration of intent regarding legal action towards the Supreme Courtin regard to the latest Affirmative Action decision. A talking point for each speaker throughout the night, either directly addressed or alluded to.

On June 29th, 2023, the Supreme Court of

the United States' ruling on affirmative action put an end to racial segmented admissions policies in higher education, up-ending 40 years of precedent in the United State educational system.

The 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, which was designed to address Black Americans' discrimination, was cited by the majority in a 6-3 decision to abolish the practice of race-conscious admissions.

"These are difficult times, and to have the Supreme Court, the highest court in our country, deliver an assault on my rights and the rights of all women has been very difficult. To have that followed by an assault on the ongoing struggle for diversity in American higher education is a deep blow. Yet, I know I can only spend so much time being outraged because then what I continue to have to do is be the activist that I have always

have been corporate executives, Evans said that they “work with each of the teams, both in small cohort groups of five to eight and then one on one.”

“And so those individuals are really the ones who are helping the students understand how to apply that curriculum to their businesses,” said Evans.

What makes HBCUFI different is that it exclusively focuses on HBCU founders. According to Evans, the initiative is a message to other investors, “serving as kind of a catalyst to other investors to say, hey, there’s enough deal flow coming out of HBCUs that you really should be taking a second look, you know, in the same way that investors will go to MIT and Stanford and look for opportunities. We want them going to North Carolina and to Howard with that same type of interest and intensity around.”

Programs and foundations like the one Marlon Evans has manifested are vital to the HBCU community and even beyond to the Black diaspora. These initiatives pave the way to closing the racial wealth gap by providing opportunities to previously overlooked founders. Similar to Evans, there are many leaders from the black community, especially from HBCUs, who have determinedly worked to achieve positions that allow them the opportunity to further uplift their community. Many of these leaders attended the UNCF summit to collaborate, share ideas and projects, and possibly gain sponsorship, with the intention of creating a black intellectual ecosystem.

been and push back against these assaults. I deeply believe that people of color and people of all marginalized communities have to continue to sing the song that Ella Baker sang. We who believe in freedom will not rest until it comes," Dr. Johnetta Cole told The Atlanta Voice.

This decision also comes upon the banning of Black and progressive literary works by legislation such as "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, and "Ulysses" by James Joyce.

But, UNITE also celebrated HBCUs and the revitalization that they have received in the last decade.

“Knowing about the power of these institutions, while I was knee high to a duck. From my parents, from my great-grandfather and to now see in the middle of these troubled times- to see a resurgence of respect for our HBCUs is heart-warming. It certainly gives each of us who believe in these institutions great joy,” said Cole.

NexCubed CEO Marlon Evans (right) is interviewed By Chevy DTU/The Atlanta Voice intern Solomon Hayes (left). Photos by The Atlanta Voice

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Your Mortgage Company is a Great First Resource if You Are Having Difficulty with Payments. Read online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Atlanta ranks fourth best city for renters in recent study

BY JANELLE WARD

In a June report from RentCafe, Atlanta is named the fourth best city for renters to live in this year.

Atlanta places fourth out of more than 100 towns and cities around the country, almost half of which are located in the South.

Using data from Yardi Matrix and other databases, the report takes into account details of each city’s housing conditions, local economy and overall quality of life. Atlanta ranks highly particularly for its prosperous economy and its steadily expanding portfolio of multifamily developments prepared to house new residents moving to the city for employment.

Atlanta ranks fifth in terms of housing and related affordability, landing a top spot partially due to its influx of new multifamily construction expected this year and in 2024. This combined with the city’s moderate cost of living and an occupancy rate of 93.5% — one of the lowest rates featured in the report — gives the city an advantage over other locations observed in the data set.

Doug Ressler, manager of business intelligence at Yardi Matrix, said that Atlanta’s increase in available rentals gives new renters more influence in choosing a unit, allowing them to walk away with more of the amenities they want at a more affordable price.

“What we see with the economics of supply and demand is that the more units, the more flexibility or leverage that renters have in terms of choosing prices that fit their income,” Ressler said. “So, what you have is property owners willing to make concessions.”

Unlike the other cities rounding out the list’s top five, more than half of Atlanta’s recorded households classify as rentals. Ressler said that more than 15,000 new rental units are anticipated for completion by the end of this year, making up about 3.5% of the city’s current rental stock. An additional 18,000 units are slated for completion next year. This increase in available housing will

prevent prices from rising as rapidly as seen in other metros and regions of the country.

“Even without [government-implemented programs], we think that you’ll continue to see a deceleration of prices, which means it’s going to be more affordable for the entire population in general,” Ressler said.

Cities in the Southeast take up many of the spots on RentCafe’s list, following a trend of companies migrating from major metropolitan areas and establishing roots in smaller cities offering more land at cheaper costs.

Atlanta isn’t exempt from this phenomenon. According to the study, the city ranks

sixth for its economy, a position credited to local job growth and the share of residents who have obtained some level of higher education.

Ressler said that Atlanta’s base in education is beneficial for rising small businesses and startups, prompting immigrants and educated professionals alike to play roles in the local economy.

“Atlanta fits the bill if you want to start a side hustle, or if you want to start your own individual business,” Ressler said. “It’s a very rich and diverse environment to be able to do that.”

The city limits aren’t alone in being recognized for renting potential. Marietta also makes RentCafe’s list, placing 12th overall and ranking 22nd, 13th and 31st for housing, the economy and quality of life, respectively.

With small and mid-sized cities appearing alongside metropolitan areas in the report, companies’ motives to expand their outreach and production aren’t limited to cities with populations exceeding hundreds of thousands of people. Charleston, South Carolina, a coastal city with a population just under 150,000, ranks at the top of RentCafe’s study, with its share of new apartment builds approaching 30%.

The influx in new apartments also helps resolve a pending issue in cities teeming with young professionals. Not all demographics of workers are ready to own a home, and some residents simply can’t afford to break into the current housing market. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates have hovered between 6.5% and 7% since the end of May, reaching heights not seen since 2008.

Marietta’s share of rental units resembles that seen in Atlanta, although young and single renters on average, particularly those belonging to Generation Z, still choose to reside within the urban core, as older renters and homebuyers, including some millennials, tend to opt for suburban living, where they generally see more land and square footage to fit their familial needs.

Ressler said he doesn’t see this trend shifting anytime soon. Atlanta’s growth isn’t forecasted to cease or slow down within the next 10-15 years, as tech companies and other major employers continue their reshoring efforts by bringing new jobs to the United States.

“We don’t really see the potential for oversaturation because of a lot of government and infrastructure bills that are still processing through the pipeline that have yet to play out in terms of the money spent, and where you’re going to see a lot of that economic diversity being created,” Ressler said. “The Southeast is prime.”

Rack Room Shoes opens its first Alpharetta store

BY JANELLE WARD

Rack Room Shoes opened its first Alpharetta storefront last week, adding to the more than a dozen locations based in and around Atlanta's city limits.

The new store is situated inside Mansell Crossing, joining T.J. Maxx, Burlington and

Macy’s Furniture Gallery, which help anchor the development on North Point Parkway.

“We are eager to meet new and existing customers to show them our unparalleled shopping experience and selection of footwear for men, women, and children,” said senior regional manager of the company, T. Clark, about the opening.

“We’ve enjoyed serving the communities throughout Georgia for many years and this beautiful new store is a great addition to the market.”

Rack Room Shoes, known for its yearround discounted prices on name brand footwear, manages more than 500 stores across the country, approximately 45 of

which are based in Georgia. The brand also operates in tandem with Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse, which has locations in Canton and Lawrenceville.

The Alpharetta location opens from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Atlanta was named the fourth-best place for renters to live in 2023 in a June study from RentCafe. Photo by Janelle Ward/ The Atlanta Voice

Sneaker Doodle Co. provides sneakerheads with design options

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

Welcome to the world of a brand new Black-owned family business, Sneaker Doodle Co. founder Elizabeth Akinbode said Sneaker Doodle is an interactive retailer and surrounded by creativity and fun. Sneaker Doodle, according to Akinbode, was created because she saw an opportunity to bridge the gap in the lack of human interaction since the pandemic.

Customers have the option to bring their own kicks or Sneaker Doodle will provide sneakers.

“Our focus is on customization, which means you get to design and paint your own shoes. Bring in your favorite kicks, or choose from our selection, and we’ll provide all the art supplies you need,” Akinbode said. “Whether you’re planning a corporate event, birthday party, artist workshop class, date night, or buddies night, Sneaker Doodle Co is the perfect place to unleash your inner artist and create a one-of-a-kind pair of sneakers.”

Akinbode spoke with the Atlanta Voice to discuss why she decided to start her business, mentors, inspirations, the process, and more.

The Atlanta Voice: Why did you decide to start your business?

Elizabeth Akinbode: Starting my own business was a decision driven by my passion for sketching and family bonding, and a desire to create something unique in the market. I wanted to have the freedom to pursue my own ideas and build a brand that resonated with customers. Additionally, I saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market and provide a solution that was currently lacking.

AV: Was there a moment that inspired you to start this business?

EA: Yes, there was a defining moment that served as the catalyst for starting my business. During the pandemic I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap of lack of human interaction. The overall lockdown experience made me realize the untapped potential and the opportunity to make a difference.

AV: What was the idea behind Sneaker Doodle Co. and how did it come to fruition? What about the name?

EA: The idea behind Sneaker Doodle Co. was to offer a unique customization service for sneakers, allowing individuals and sneaker heads to express their personal style and create "one-of-one designs". I noticed a growing trend of people seeking to personalize their footwear, and I wanted to provide a safe and community to fulfill their creative desires. The name Sneaker Doodle Co. was chosen to reflect the combination of artistry and individuality that we offer. "Sneaker" represents the core product and "Doodle" represents

the artistic freedom and creative expression associated with our customization process. The name embodies the essence of our brand and the experience we aim to provide to our customers.

AV: Is there a mentor in your life that inspired/inspires you as a business owner?

EA: Absolutely. To name a few Les Brown, Howard Schultz, and Tony Robinson has been a significant inspiration in my journey as a business owner. Their extensive experience in business and their successful entrepreneurial ventures have provided invaluable guidance, wisdom, and support. Their insights and advice have helped shape my business strategy and navigate challenges along the way.

AV: Tell me a little about the process of getting your sneakers customized.

EA: At Sneaker Doodle, we've streamlined the process of getting your sneakers customized to make it as seamless as possible. Once a customer chooses our customization service, they can either bring in their own sneakers or customize the all white Air Force One's we provide. Our skilled team of artists works closely with the customers to

understand their vision and preferences. They discuss design ideas, color schemes, patterns, and any specific requests the customer may have. Based on this consultation, the customization process begins, where our artists bring the vision to life using various techniques such as painting, airbrushing, embroidery, or other specialized methods. The customer is kept informed throughout the process, ensuring their satisfaction with the final result. Also we have an in-store workshop, where the customer either brings in their own shoe or we provide all white Air Force One's or canvas shoes. During this workshop session our skilled team of artists works closely with the customers to understand their vision and preferences. With these preferences and minimal guidance from our artists, customers have full creative control to customize the shoes of their dreams.

AV: Do people have to bring their own sneakers, or do you provide sneakers as well?

EA: We offer flexibility to our customers in terms of providing both options. Although customers may bring clean worn shoes in with our Bring Your Own Shoe (B.Y.O.S) program, we also provide a curated selection of sneakers for those who want to start fresh or

explore new styles. This way, individuals can have the opportunity to choose from a range of sneaker options that suit their taste and preferences, or save money and still get an amazing experience.

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

EA: Our primary focus for the remainder of the year is to expand our customer base and strengthen our presence in the market. We aim to achieve this by implementing targeted marketing strategies, forging strategic partnerships with influencers and other brands, and enhancing customer satisfaction through exceptional service and high-quality customization. Additionally, we plan to explore new avenues for growth and expanding into different markets.

AV: Any advice to future business owners about taking the plunge?

EA: For aspiring business owners, my advice would be to trust God, write the vision, take the plunge and trust the process. Most importantly, never lose sight of your passion and purpose. Starting a business requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Stay focused on your long-term goals, and don't be afraid to take calculated risks.

For more information, visit https://sneakerdoodle.co.

Sneaker Doodle Co. is located at the Mall of Georgia (3333 Buford Dr, Buford).

At Sneaker Doodle Co. customers can either bring their own kicks to Sneaker Doodle or they will provide them for you to customize. Photos courtesy of Sneaker Doodle Co.

Lifestyle

Dr. Joy discusses her novel "Sisterhood Heals"

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE

"Dr. Joy has done something that we need. It is very clear this is a labor of love and comes from a real place. I started the book two and a half weeks ago and wept. Every chapter makes me want to tell everyone about it. I messaged my college friends and my sorority sisters telling them we have to do the activities in the book," said Kimberland Jackson, moderator of the event.

This is one of many reactions of the women who read Sisterhood Heals. A book about the transformative power of healing in the community and how to nurture and grow friendships. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist and host of the award-winning podcast Therapy for Black Girls, wrote the book. Dr. Joy came to South Florida to discuss the book and share how the audience can develop friendships to replenish rather than drain.

"In the book, there is a sisterhood health survey. I love a good assessment because you can't figure out what's happening without a baseline. This assessment you can take with your friends to find out what type of sister they are and explore how people are showing up for you" said Dr. Joy.

An evening with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford happened on Tuesday, July 11, at Book and Books in Coral Gables, Florida. Dr. Joy publicly discussed the book with Kimberland Jackson, a melanated life coach and mental health advocate. The women discussed how Dr. Joy created the book and the concepts readers can use to evaluate their friendships.

"As much as the book is a celebration of sisterhood, it's also a challenge for us to do better with each other. We need to handle each other more gently. There was much rewriting to ensure this wasn't a tough love read. I wanted the book to translate care rather than tough love because I don't think we ever change or get better with tough handling," said Dr. Joy.

Sisterhood Heals was released on June 27. The book caters to Black women, but the ideas within the novel are so good that anyone can use them to gauge their relationships. Sisterhood Heals is Dr. Joy’s first book. She shared that Sisterhood Heals was originally supposed to be a women's retreat in Atlanta, GA, but the pandemic changed those plans. Dr. Joy conversed with her literary agent and transformed the subject of that retreat into the book. Sisterhood Heals dives into what we learned from the women in our families, what type of sister you are, and how to show up for sisters who are having a hard time.

"A lot of us want to show up but don't know what to do. We often say, "Call me if you need something." While that may be helpful and well-intentioned, people who are struggling

with depression or anxiety most of the time don't know what they need, and that becomes an additional burden. What can be done at those moments is to think of some-

thing they need but wouldn't ask for. That could be Getting food delivered, handling laundry, even helping them find a therapist," said Dr. Joy.

Dr.Joy and Jackson's conversation got into the subject of dissolving friendships. Dr. Joy explains that a friendship usually dissolves when one of three things happen. Someone gets engaged or married, becomes pregnant or has a baby, or gets a career promotion. Dr. Joy breaks down that in each of those scenarios; people are grieving at the idea of their relationship not being the same as it used to be. Instead of people expressing happiness for one another, people tend to act out in passive-aggressive ways.

"Tough Conversation can unlock a new level of intimacy within a friendship. People grieve when major transitions happen. We don't have the language to express grief. In the book, I have scripts that can start those conversations. People appreciate it when you bring it to the table," said Dr. Joy.

"What often happens in engagements and marriage is it reactivates childhood wounds of the abdomen. Like those early feelings of not getting picked first. They come back, and we don't even recognize it." said Dr. Joy.

Sisterhood Heals has more on this material and other methods anyone can use to evaluate and strengthen friendships. Dr. Joy has created a book with concepts everybody can apply to be a better friend and have better bonds. Sisterhood Heals is available everywhere books are sold.

Find out what type of sister you are at https://www.sisterhoodheals.com/#sister-quiz.

A book about the transformative power of healing in the community and how to nurture and grow friendships. Photo Credit: Passion Ward

The audience listening to the conversation about Sisterhood Heals at Books and Books in Coral Gables, FL. Photo Credit: Passion Ward

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford signed copies of Sisterhood Heals at Books and Books in Coral Gables, FL. Photo Credit: Passion Ward

Board of Education approves new Black history standards that critics call ‘a big step backward’.

FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Sealed bids for 23ITB139493BPS - Evolv Weapons Detection System for the Fulton County Police 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 Thursday, August 17, 2023. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom. Bid Bond: N/A Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) Fulton County Police department is seeking to purchase and the installation of 6 Evolv Weapons Detection System. A 5-year subscription for each lane is required. The detailed scope of work and technical specifications is outlined in the Scope of Work of this bid document. 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: This is a one-time procurement. A Pre-Bid Conference, will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., local time, via Zoom to provide bidders with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/94898969748 Meeting ID: 948 9896 9748 One tap mobile

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Envelope ID: B4EF34A7-885E4492-A9DA-5E096023F015 +1 720

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9896 9748 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adaKvUfrca oin by SIP 94898969748@zoomcrc. com oin by H.323 162.255.37.11

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FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/ georgia/fultoncounty. Fee: N/A

FULTON COUNTYADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Term of Contract: ONE (1) YEAR with two (2) one year renewable years. A Pre-Bid Conference, will be held via zoom on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., local time, to provide bidders with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PDPTDg2FSCyF5gFof1v4Yw

Or an H.323/SIP room system: H.323: 162.255.37.11 (US West) 162.255.36.11 (US East) Meeting ID: 955 4190 8418 Site Visit: N/A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT

Sealed bids for 23ITBC139448A-JWT, Truck Mounted

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Tokyo) 149.137.24.110 (Japan

Osaka) Meeting ID: 948 9896 9748

MANDATORY SITE VISIT: August 3, 2023, 10:00 a.m. 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Phyllis Stewart, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: phyllis.stewart@fultoncountyga.gov or (404) 612-4215

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

ENGINEERING/TECHNOLOGY

Keysight Technologies, Inc. has an opening in Atlanta, GA for R&D Engineer 3, Software (RDES06): Ongoing development, improvement, and maintenance of Keysight/EEsof’s Electronic Design Automation products (ADS and IC‐CAP) for the Power Electronics (PE) market segment. Position may require up to 25% domestic and/or international travel. Email resume & reference job code to: Chrc.us@keysight.com.

Sealed bids for 23ITB138778C-MH - Boiler Inspection and Preventive Maintenance for the Fulton Real Estate and 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 Monday, August 21, 2023. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom Bid Bond: N/A Scope of Work: Fulton County Government (“County”) The purpose of this Invitation to Bid is to solicit for a standby on site boiler inspection and preventive maintenance services vendor. In order to obtain complete information about this solicitation, please go to the link below where this document and supporting documents can be downloaded,

FULTON COUNTYADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Sealed bids for 23ITB073123C-MH - ITB Elevator and Escalator Maintenance Services FY 24 for the Fulton Real Estate and 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 Monday, August 21, 2023. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom.

Bid Bond: N/A

Scope of Work: Fulton County Government (“County”) seeks to contract with a vendor to provide all materials, labor, tools, equipment and appurtenances necessary for the maintenance and servicing of Elevators and Escalators. The detailed scope of work and technical specifications are outlined in the Scope of Work

INFORMATION: The selected vendor(s) must have the capacity to provide such services in a facility located within Fulton County. If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Mark Hawks, Chief Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: mark.hawks@ fultoncountyga.gov. Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.

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

Fee: N/A. Term of Contract: 1 Year with 2 Renewal Options. A Pre-Bid Conference, will be held via zoom on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., local time, to provide bidders with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Please click this URL to join. https://zoom.us/s/97574001093

Or One tap mobile: +14703812552,,97574001093# US (Atlanta) +14702509358,,97574001093# US (Atlanta) Site Visit: N/A If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Mark Hawks, Chief Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: mark.hawks@fultoncountyga. gov. Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.

CCTV Sewer Pipe Inspection System for the Fulton County Public Works 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 Thursday, August 17, 2023. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom Join Zoom Meeting https:// zoom.us/j/97636195326 Meeting ID: 976 3619 5326 One tap mobile +14702509358,,97636195326# US (Atlanta)

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0140 US (Phoenix) +1 669 219 2599 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 976 3619 5326 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ agwReUqyO Bid Bond: N/A Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County) is seeking a CCTV Sewer pipe inspection system mounted in a truck for mobility to different locations through out the county. 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: One Time Purchase.

DocuSign Envelope ID: D284E779191B-4D8E-A905-61144DF40E66

Pre-Bid Conference: N/A If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Janelle Tanner, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: janelle.tanner@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-612-7969. Fulton County reserves he right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities

DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

Cooper Lighting LLC seeks a Development Engineer in Peachtree City, GA to devise & excte test strtgy & anlyz rslts in a systmc mnnr with an emphss on automtn. Reqrs a Bach deg in CS, Sftwr Eng, or a rltd fld of study (frgn deg eqvlnt accptd) & 5 yrs of rltd exp. Exp must invlv the fllwng: revwing prdct reqs to plan Release Test Strtgy; exctng test scnrios; Atlassian Tools incldng JIRA, Confluence, & Xray; SQL queries; API vldtn using Postman; trblshtng using Linux cmmnds; MobileApp Tstng; Cllbrting with crss functional team in onsite/offshore model; Agile mthdlgs; Python scrptng & Autmtn Test Frmwrks; Web app tstng & Brwsr cmptblty; Tstng networking protocols as BLEMesh, Zigbee3.0, & iCAN bus; Embddd Frmwr Tsting; & 5 yrs of exp in Hrdwre/Sftwre tstng. 10% domestic trvl reqd. Telecommuting permitted up to 1 day per wk. Email resume to taamericas@signify.com. Resume must include Ref. #24-GA, full name, email address & mailing address.

Eshe Ukweli Howard University

Fellow

Solomon Hayes Morehouse College

Fellow

Brielle Smith Howard University

Robertney Harlan Howard University

Jacob Bellevue Howard University

Sweeney Morehouse College

Tullos

Graham

Jordan Jennings Florida A&M UniversityChevrolet Marketing Fellow

Janiya Pearson Hampton UniversityChevrolet Marketing Fellow