The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 083024 by theatlantavoice633

4 Ways Black Parents Can Get Involved This School Year

67 days and counting

BY DONNELL SUGGS

There are less than 70 days till Election Day, which takes place on November 5. In Georgia, just like in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, there are certain restrictions and requirements for voting. With just over two months to go, there are several ways Georgia voters can prepare themselves for the big day: registering to vote, making sure you are registered to vote in your county, early voting, and knowing where your designated polling place is.

The Atlanta Voice wanted to put together an easy-to-follow voting guide for Georgians. Here are some important dates and requirements that voters need to know before they go.

Are you registered to vote?

The last day to register in Georgia is Monday, Oct. 7. To learn if you’re registered to vote, Georgians can visit vote.gov/register/ Georgia. A quick visit to the site will allow you to check your registration and register

to vote if needed. The final day to register to vote by mail is also Monday, Oct. 7.

Depending on the election, there are different registration dates. The Georgia Office of Secretary of State lists the different dates. A national voter registration form is also available online in English and Spanish.

When can you vote early?

You’ll have to wait a bit longer for everyone ready to vote right now. Early voting in Georgia begins on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The last day to request an absentee ballot is ten days later on Friday, Oct. 25.

Where can I vote?

Designated polling places depend on which county you are registered to vote in. All registered voters have received voter registration cards; the designated polling place is on that card. If you don’t have your card, no problem. You can find your designated polling place at the Office of the Secretary of State’s Office or the County Board

of Registrar’s Office.

“It is imperative that voters understand the many rules and regulations when it comes to voting, including the deadline to register to vote and where they can cast their ballots, because once the deadline and windows to register and vote are closed, no exceptions are made,” All Voting is Local Georgia State Director Kristin Nabers said in an email to The Atlanta Voice. “Knowing this information is vital, and it is important that every voter understands it, because it will only ensure they are able to make their voices heard.”

Even though Georgia has an automatic voter registration when you apply for a drivers license, Nabers wants voters to remain vigilant about their voter status well before Election Day.

“However, I do want to emphasize that what many voters may not realize is that you need to update your address with your local elections office when you move so that you won’t be at risk of having your

voter registration challenged,” she said.

“You also need to be sure that you are assigned to the correct precinct for election day.

What will I need to vote?

If you are registered to vote and are at your designated polling place, all you will need is a valid piece of photo identification. The Georgia Office of the Secretary of State website provides a list of valid pieces of identification, including driver’s licenses, Georgia public college or university identification cards, valid United States passports, and U.S. military identification cards.

“Fortunately, there are also many guardrails and processes that protect our vote and help prevent disenfranchisement, and organizations such as ours have made sure that the proper officials know what their guardrails and processes are,” Nabers said. “That’s why, alongside some of our partners, we have developed several resources for election officials.

Voter registration tables like this (above in Atlanta, July 2024) will be in churches, outside banks, in community centers, and on street corners around Atlanta for the next couple of months. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Metro Atlanta DNC watch parties show solidarity for Harris

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

On the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Thursday, Aug. 22, United States Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted her party’s Presidential nomination.

The Clayton County Democratic Committee Party in partnership with the Clayton County Federation of Democratic Women hosted a watch party at Nouveau in Jonesboro for a night of community engagement and updates from the convention, which took place inside the United Center in Chicago.

The Clayton County committee showed up and showed out for this special night. The energy was high while everyone watched the final night of the convention. The room echoed in “Harris-Walz” and “For Democracy”.

Earlier that week a DNC watch party was also held in Fayette County on the third night of the convention, which concluded with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz formally accepting the party’s Vice-Presidential nomination.

Maura Keller, Democratic nominee for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, hosted the watch party at Revival Wines in Downtown Fayetteville. Keller said everyone was invited to her watch party, saying “veterans, teachers, public servants, students, and families, let’s all come together and rally behind the Harris-Walz campaign”.

Keller was joined by the local community, democratic activists, and the Fayette County Democratic Committee.

Additionally, Keller said the purpose of holding the watch party was to “continue moving the movement forward.”

The crowds in Jonesboro and Faytetteville were attentive at every moment during the final two nights of the DNC watch party clapping, yelling in excitement, and had their eyes glued to the TV screens.

On night four when actress Kerry Washington brought out her on-screen husband Tony Goldwyn from the Hit TV show “Scandal,” saying, “When we fight, we win. When Kamala wins, America wins”, the crowd at Nouveau shouted the same thing back at the screen.

A member of the Clayton County Democratic Committee Party Herman “Drew” Andrews described the night as a “historic event.”

He also said the watch party is to bring the community together. “We’re doing this to bring the community together, so we can watch our next President Kamala Harris receive the nomination and we’re excited about that,” he said.

On night three when poet Amanda Gorman hit the stage, the entire room got quiet listening to her inspirational words and speech. Gorman was inspirational indeed because people’s eyes and ears did not leave her sight until she was off the stage.

Additionally, Jonesboro Mayor Donya Sartor, the first Black mayor in the city’s history, also stopped by with her Goddaughters to engage with the community and watch Harris receive her nomination.

Sartor said the importance of showing up

was more specifically geared to her goddaughters and ensuring their futures are secured in many ways.

“My son is 30, so a lot of the issues now, I have to think not just for my older children, but for the younger ones, talk about women's reproductive health, and being able to make choices somebody else is going to make a decision for them and their body is alarming to me,” Sartor said.

She said she raised a son and she never knew she’d be raising two girls and having them in her life, so the freedoms she wants them to have, not only for their reproductive rights, but Sartor wants them to see women, not just like her and her position, but Harris and her positions they can achieve higher.

“It’s a number of reasons we can talk about such as the economy, housing, and everything else, but it boils down to day-to-day that someone’s in a position that’s going to secure their future when I’m not around and I think this is a good way to do it,” she said.

Additionally, Sartor also said as much as her family can partake in this process, she is going to make sure they are as involved as possible.

“I’m hoping Madam Vice President will make it back to Georgia, so they’ll get a chance to actually see her with their own eyes,” she said.

Additionally, Andrews said the organization is working specifically on getting people to the polls.

“We’ve done incredible with registering folks, but we want to make sure that leads to them going to vote and that’s what we’re looking for,” he said. “If they need a way to the polls, then we will help them find a way to get them there, if it’s childcare, we’re working with some other organizations that offer that service and it will help them get to the polls.”

He said they are doing challenging work to ensure people will show up early to vote and in November to elect Harris as the next President.

With election night speedily approaching, Andrews gave some words of advice to people who may still be undecided or have decided to not take part in this year’s presidential election.

“I think our former First Lady Michelle Obama said it best and that no one should be sitting on the sidelines, even if you’re undecided,” he said. “You deserve a better America, and one side doesn’t want to provide you that opportunity, so we need to focus on Kamala [Harris] and move forward and not backwards.”

Unfortunately, before Harris could take the stage, watchers were told to leave the venue as the place was closing, however, it's safe to say the energy for the Democratic party and Harris has grown exponentially and people are ready to get her in office.

There are less than 75 days until Election Day, November 5.

For information on how to vote, visit https:// www.claytoncountyga.gov/government/elections-and-registration/. To follow for future events, visit https://www.facebook.com/claytoncountyfdw/.

A member of the Clayton County Democratic Committee Party Herman “Drew” Andrews described tonight as a “historic event.” He also said the watch party is to bring the community together. “We’re doing this to bring the community together, so we can watch our next President Kamala Harris receive the nomination and we’re excited about that,” he said. Additionally, the Mayor of Jonesboro Donya Sartor also stopped by with her goddaughters.

Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

A Democratic National Convention at Nouveau Bar & Grill in Jonesboro on Thursday night.

Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

“If you have no critics, you’ll likely have no success.” – Malcolm X

An Intentional Focus on Black Boys This School Year

BY DAVID E. KIRKLAND, PHD

As the new school year begins, we at forwardED extend our best wishes for a transformative academic journey. Yet, as we settle into the familiar rhythms of the classroom, we challenge educators to embrace a new focus — one that could redefine the trajectory of our education systems, one that will mean success or failure for many of you.

This year, we ask you to place a deliberate focus on Black boys, the students who need our efforts most. Focusing on Black boys in education isn’t about fixing them, though; it’s about fixing the schools and classrooms that fail to see their brilliance. By addressing their needs, we find our greatest opportunity for growth and improvement for our schools and ourselves.

Understanding the Vulnerability of Black Boys

Young Black men and boys remain the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schools. Research consistently shows that Black boys are disproportionately suspended, over-identified for individualized education programs (IEPs), and funneled into special education programs at alarming rates. They are also more likely to encounter discrimination, face microaggressions, and graduate at lower rates than their peers. Standardized tests, which often fail to consider their unique cultural and social contexts, report lower proficiency scores for Black boys, perpetuating narratives of failure rather than potential. Compounding these disparities are systemic issues such as housing insecurity, with Black boys representing a high percentage of foster students and those experiencing homelessness. Exclusion from school and society for minor infractions further exacerbates their alienation, pushing them toward a cycle of disadvantage that is hard to break.

Outside the classroom, Black men and boys face a myriad of crises — incarceration, health disparities, unemployment — and have become one of the most isolated and disaffected groups in our society. The layers of trauma they carry, from depression and anxiety to

a pervasive sense of fatalism, paint a bleak picture of what it means to grow up as a Black male in America today. This is a systemic failure, not a personal one. Addressing these challenges begins with embracing restorative practices in the classroom. But it doesn’t end there. We must focus on better conflict resolution techniques in the school that repair harm and build relationships rather than resorting to traditional exclusionary and hyper-punitive disciplinary measures. We must also enter into imagination to create presponsive spaces designed to reduce the feelings of alienation that Black boys often experience. If we lift up Black males, the entire educational system will undergo a radical transformation. Consider this: if all adverse outcomes for Black males, such as suspension rates, special education identification, and dropout rates, were reduced by 20 percent, and if all positive outcomes, including graduation rates, college enrollment, and academic achievement, improved by 20 percent, the ripple effects across the entire school system

would be profound. Research shows that when we address the needs of the most vulnerable populations, the benefits extend to all students. For instance, schools implementing targeted interventions to reduce suspension rates for Black males often see overall suspension rates decrease, leading to improved school climate and student engagement across the board. Further, reducing the overrepresentation of Black males in special education by even a modest percentage could lead to more accurate and equitable identification practices, benefitting all students who may be misidentified or overlooked.

Improving the school experience for young Black men and boys will likely result in higher overall student achievement. Evidence suggests that when schools create supportive learning environments for their most vulnerable students, all students experience academic gains. In essence, when we do better by young Black men and boys — when we provide them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to flourish — we create a

stronger, more equitable, and more effective educational system for everyone. How do we begin the school year with an intention to do better by young Black men and boys?

Embracing a Possibilities Perspective

The first step in this journey is to adopt a “possibilities perspective,” rooted in an exceptional love for Black youth. This perspective demands a revision of the traditional scientific approach to education, which often views Black youth through a deficit lens. Instead, we must recognize that U.S. schools have been places of extraordinary suffering for Black children, and this reality must change. Gloria Ladson-Billings argues that culturally relevant pedagogy can be part of this change. For her, CRP is not just about inclusion but about transformation, enabling students to see themselves as agents of change within their own lives and communities.

A possibilities perspective invites us to shift from seeing Black boys as problems to be fixed to viewing them as individuals brimming with untapped potential. Researchers like Chezare Warren and Justin Coles have illuminated the ways Black boys are positioned within the schooling apparatus — often as troublemakers or failures — before they even have a chance to define themselves. My research research further underscores the importance of reimagining the educational landscape for Black boys by centering their voices and experiences in curriculum design and classroom interactions.

But what if we began by asking, “What are the possibilities for Black boys in school?” How might their experiences of possibility shape their school lives and beyond? These questions are not just theoretical; they are a call to action. To truly embrace this possibilities perspective, educators must allow Black boys to lead projects that enable them to explore and express their identities, be it through creative writing, art, or community-based research. When students see their lives reflected in their work, they are more likely to engage deeply and take ownership of their learning.

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Young Black men and boys remain the most vulnerable student population in U.S. schools. Photo Credit: iStock.com

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

Faith’s Workstation

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON The Atlanta Voice

You know faith is a tricky thing. It is constantly under attack, and if you’re not careful, you will lose your faith out of simple weariness from constant grief. Life has a way of making you think that some things are just not worth the trouble. One answer to life’s tribulations, if not the answer, is to quit simply. You can quit your job. You can end a relationship. You can simply not come around anymore in those situations where coming around is reminiscent of an unpleasant experience. But in the question of faith, there seems to be a concrete solution to any and all that ails us. It’s called work. By work, I mean work in the name of the Lord. How often have you gotten yourself out of the doldrums because you helped someone else? How often have you been able to be genuinely thankful for what you have because God has shown you that it could be much worse?

Like I said, this faith thing can be tricky. When does it kick in that

now is the time, now is the test, now comes temptation that challenges your faith? There are no road maps that I can see that say Faith Test Ahead. More often than not, we certainly recognize a faith red light or stop sign only after we’ve run through it. I guess I should take some solace in the fact that I at least had a chance to practice my faith yesterday, two weeks ago, or a few minutes ago. But it doesn’t make me feel any better knowing I should have handled a particular situation better than I did. I still botched the opportunity to practice what I preach, to talk the talk and walk the walk. That’s the tricky part. At the end of the day, a review will show you dozens of chances to forgive, witness, profess, help, and serve. At the end of the day, you’ve run stop sign after stop sign, red light after red light.

But as we all know, God is more than a God of a second chance. He is a God of another chance. You get another crack at it because you’re still alive, and the opportunities to

“YOUR VOICE”

serve are multiplied daily. If you missed it this morning, don’t worry. You’ll have another opportunity to try again this afternoon. The faith struggle is remedied by what you do as a result of knowing you can always do more. You can always do better. Real faith mandates a change in you. You can’t do the same things, in the same way with the same people, once you accept Jesus into your life. Therefore, even though you might make the same mistakes, you realize and accept them as mistakes. Now what?

“So watch yourself. If your brother sins, rebuke him; if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day and comes back to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him. The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” Luke 17:3-5.Do you know how hard that is? Increase your faith by forgiving those who repeatedly come against you. So, the dutiful response to the turmoil of this earth is to act upon your faith as a member of a family whose center is not of this earth.

Can you spell tricky? To work, you have to be rooted in the Word. You can understand the rules. You must know when the rules have been broken and try in earnest never to break them intentionally. You know the routine. We walk by faith and not by sight. The deed is the thing. The intent is to act on your faith. Forgive and serve. Now that’s spreading the Word. That’s working. It’s the work, stupid. Remember that it’s not the stop sign you run through that’s the issue. It’s the one you see clearly that will make the difference.The more you see. The more you stop. The more you stop, the more you serve. May God bless and keep you always.

This column is from “Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian” by James Washington. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey towards spiritual enlightenment.

What do you perceive as the harms or benefits of TikTok and Meta? Is there a difference in the threat level they present?

ANDRELL ‘THE DETOX LADY’ JOHNSON Atlanta

“I think all of it falls in the same category as long as it's on the phone. You can click on the app. It's social media. So, anything on the app is a place where people can communicate, do business, and interact. To me, it all falls in the same category. (The negative is) the unknown. I say the unknown of things that we don't see on the surface because we don't know exactly what goes behind the work of (what they do) when it comes to these new platforms.”

ANTONIO ‘TONY TONSORIL THE BARBER’ WAGNER

Atlanta

“They are both convenient, depending on your brand and what you advertise to the individual. However, they can be useful for people trying to get a message out or trying to sell their brand or product. (But when it comes to the kids) you have to do more parenting. Just because of how things are updated now, they have more guidelines and policies that parents can follow and put provisions on the phone or apps the child uses. It's about safeguarding and putting more control over what the child accesses with these apps.”

Atlanta

“TikTok and Facebook are both the same. They're both information gatherers. So whether you want that information to come from Mark Zuckerberg or that information gathering to come from China, they're both doing the same thing. Somebody is gathering your data on both sides and selling it all. No differently than Google. These people do this all the time here. So I feel like TikTok and Facebook are doing the same thing, even if we know it, or even if we don't know they're collecting data and selling it off to the highest bidder; that’s what they do nowadays. There you go.”

BRYANT HUDSON

Ellenwood

“I don't think there's a difference between TikTok and Meta. They both get the same. If the government wants to hack into your phone, they will get it. Your information is online. It's available to anybody. So yeah, I don't think it's a real difference. I just watch what I put on them. Like my son; he's not on any of my pages. If I post him, his face is not included. I don't want his life to be out there. (I don't want) his whole life is documented by the time he was 18. The whole world knows me before I know myself. That type of deal.”

Compiled by Vincent Christie

AKIHARHO AKEEM RHODES

Community Hattie B. Dorsey’s legacy of affordable housing lives on

BY DONNELL SUGGS

The first female mayor in the history of Atlanta took a short walk from her seat to the podium under the tent and began to speak. Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, the 58th Mayor of Atlanta, took a few moments to speak about a dear friend, the late Hattie B. Dorsey.

“Hattie is here with us,” Franklin said of the late affordable housing advocate and founding president and CEO of the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc (ANDP). “It was not an easy fight, there were doubters, but Hattie plowed incredible territory. She was dogged and she was right.”

A new, nearly 100% occupied townhouse subdivision near the corner Campbellton Rd. and Star Mist Drive in Southwest Atlanta is one of those projects that Dorsey was fighting to be built in the SWATS. Dorsey passed away on May 25, 2024, but her legacy lives on in residential projects like Campbellton X, according to Franklin and the many other people that spoke on her behalf on Tuesday. A street sign within the subdivision was named in Dorsey’s honor and a ceremony drew dozens of people to see it, including Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams. The ceremony consisted of pulling a black cover off of the street sign, revealing “Hattie B. Dorsey DR., SW”.

The 10 three-bedroom, three-bathroom homes are going for $300,000, but come with down payment assistance, according to representatives with ANDP and Van Hardimon Homes, an Atlan-

ta-based residential development and construction company. The two companies worked together on Campbellton X.

Franklin said that Dorsey often talked to her about the need for a balance between the haves and the have-nots in Atlanta. Housing was Doirsey’s way to even out the odds a bit.

“This was a major accomplishment by a woman with a vision,” Franklin said.

When it was his time to talk, local real estate developer and real estate broker Michael Oden thanked the Dorsey family, many of whom were in attendance, for supporting her work in the community and carrying on her legacy.

“Please continue to do the work that you’re doing with affordable housing because it’s a seed,” Oden said. “It’s a seed that’s going to multiply. Hattie’s work is going to continue to grow.”

MARTA reminds riders to use their services for Labor Day Weekend

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the safest, most efficient way to travel to Labor Day weekend events scheduled for Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 2, including the Aflac Kickoff Game, Dragon Con and ATL Hip Hop Day.

TAKE MARTA TO THESE EVENTS:

• Dragon Con

• Thursday, Aug. 31 – Monday, Sept. 4

• Downtown Atlanta (Take MARTA to Peachtree Center Station

• Dragon Con attendees should be mindful that costumes do not block the train doors and prevent them from closing.

• Share your costumes on social media (@ MARTAtransit.)

• Aflac Kickoff Classic / Georgia vs. Clemson

• Saturday, Aug. 31 at noon

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Take MARTA to Mercedes-Benz/State Farm Arena/ GWCC or Vine City Stations)

• ATL Hip Hop Day

• Saturday, Aug. 31 – Sunday, Sept. 1

• Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark (Take MARTA to Inman Park/ Reynoldstown or North Avenue Stations)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Need a refresher on how to ride MARTA? Visit How to Ride to Downtown EventsYouTube.

• Pay your fare by downloading Breeze Mobile 2.0 MARTA (itsmarta.com).

The legacy of the late Hattie B. Dorsey was honored with a street sign inside of a new townhome development on Campbellton Rd. in Southwest Atlanta. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin (above) spoke about her late friend Hattie B. Dorsey during a street-naming ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 27 in Southwest Atlanta. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

Target slashed prices and it paid off

The Denim Workroom redefining denim lifestyle

BY MARTEL SHARPE

The Denim Workroom, a new denim restoration and repurposing shop based in Atlanta, is working to change how people incorporate denim into their lifestyles. Currently operating solely online, the shop specializes in tailoring and alterations to denim clothing.

“The Denim Workroom is a sustainable approach to denim, tailoring, and alterations. We do custom work, we specialize in denim repairs,” said Travis Geter, owner of The Denim Workshop. “We’re really about expanding the life of your jeans.”

Geter, 42, created The Denim Workroom in November 2023 after spending over a decade working with denim through retail. While the idea had been in his head for a couple of years prior, he decided to move forward after realizing there was little to no competition in the denim repair space, especially in Atlanta.

He continues, “Instead of buying something new if you have a favorite pair of jeans that you love, we’re all about extending their life. Whether it’s doing repairs or changing the shape of the jeans, if you have wideleg pants and want them to be slimmer, we can do that for you. We can do that for you if you have a slimmer jean and want them to be wider. If you lose some weight, we can take in the waist. If you’ve gained some weight, we can let out the waist. We also do patchworking.”

Geter was a visual merchandising manager for The Gap and a manager and denim tailor for Levi’s before creating his denim brand.

“When I was in Los Angeles, I worked at a Levi’s in Santa Monica, and our store got remodeled. They put a tailor shop in our store, and I was the manager of the tailor shop. In my mind, to be a good leader, I needed to know what my tailors were doing, so I had them teach me some basic stuff. At the same time, I was not interested in being a manager anymore, so my boss and I came up with a plan so that I could learn enough to transition into the role [of tailor]. Everything I learned, I learned on the job,” Geter said.

Geter launched The Denim Workroom on social media with support from his followers and

friends. He also gained a customer base from people he previously served at Levi’s.

The initial launch involved introducing a denim capsule collection consisting of unique custom

what we do and do consultations. Many people don’t know that altering or repairing denim is a thing. I think my business and brand is to educate folks on what you can do with denim,” Geter said.

Currently, Geter does all the alterations himself for The Denim Workshop. Ultimately, his goal is to have a storefront for The Denim Workroom, where he can sell vintage denim, do onsite alterations, and sell capsule collections.

“The point of the gatherings is to tell people about the brand and sell. I have vintage patches that people can buy. I tell them about

pieces. He followed up with a social gathering called “The Workroom Social,” which he used to help create awareness for the brand. These events, now held quarterly, featured on-site shopping opportunities, as well as on-site repairs and alterations.

“It’s essentially what I do now online, but expanded,” Geter said. For more information about The Denim Workroom or to get your denim repaired or altered, visit https:// www.thedenimworkroom.com/.

ABOVE: Travis Geter, owner of The Denim Workshop. Photo by Martel Sharpe/The Atlanta Voice

LEFT: The initial launch came with the introduction of a denim capsule collection that consisted of unique custom pieces. Photo by Martel Sharpe/The Atlanta Voice

Election Central History-Maker: Kamala Harris accepts party nominations

BY DONNELL SUGGS CHICAGO -

While red, white, and blue balloons fell from the rafters at the United Center, Stevie Wonder’s voice could be heard over the arena loudspeakers, “...till I reach the highest ground..”

The final night of the Democratic National Convention saw current United States Vice President Kamala Harris accept her party’s nomination for the presidency. After three and a half years of making history as the first Black vice president of the United States, Harris, who is part South Asian by way of her mother, and Jamaican on her father’s side, looks to make an even greater historic impact as the second ever Black and first female President of the United States.

During her acceptance speech Harris said she wanted to be a president for all Americans.

“To be fair, for my entire career I’ve only had one client: the people,” she said. Harris took time to thank United States President Joseph R. Biden, her family, her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff (Thursday was the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary), and the many people in her life that helped her get to that point. That list includes her sister Mya and nieces, god-children and extended family.

She also took time to answer Republican critiques that said that her campaign rallies failed to address issues that voters want to know her stances on. On the economy, Harris said she will implement an “opportunity economy” upon winning the presidency. She brought the crowd to its feet when she spoke of passing a “middle class tax cut.”

“The middle class is where I came from,” she said. Harris talked about growing up in Oakland and in the other states that her family moved to when she and her sister Mya were kids. Mya was one of the featured speakers during the evening. So was North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who called Harris a fighter that America needs in the White House.

During her speech, which began just after 9 p.m. (Central), Harris also addressed the border and the ongoing war in Israel and Palestine. A single heckler could be heard screaming, “Free Palestine” during that portion of her speech. Harris promised to make ending that war a priority of the Harris/Walz administration.

“I know where I stand and I know where

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the United States belongs,” she said.

The state of Georgia was well represented on the speaker front this week. Senator Raphael Warnock spoke on Monday night and Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA 7th District) was one of the featured speakers on Thursday night. McBath, a well-known gun control advocate, spoke about the topic alongside other state representatives. During her remarks McBath said electing leaders like Harris will go a long way to getting gun laws in place that will save lives. McBath was joined on stage by family members of gun violence victims.

Meanwhile, Republican Party vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance was in Georgia on Thursday. The Ohio Senator made a campaign stop in Valdosta, the 18th largest city in the state.

The Democratic machine continued to demonstrate its celebrity and political star power with speakers such as Rev. Al Sharpton, Senator Elizabeth Warren, comedian D.L. Hughley, Senator Bob Casey, and the Pledge of Allegiance performed by Luna Maring, a sixth grader from Oakland, California, Harris’ hometown.

Sharpton said that the night’s proceedings were the realization of former presidential candidate Shirley Chisolm’s dreams, the culmination of the American experiment, and the end of the Trump era.

“If we stay together, Black, white, Latina, Asian, joy, joy, joy, joy will come in the morning,” said Sharpton.

Even legendary actor Morgan Freeman contributed to the final day of the convention by narrating a hype video that played on the arena's big screens before the Chicks performed the National Anthem.

Award-winning singer/songwriter Pink, who was born and raised in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state this election season, performed one of her many hit songs, “What About Us,” on Thursday night.

Pink’s appearance anchored musical and artistic performances by Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, and John Legend, and poet Amanda Gorman during the four-day celebration and coronation of the Democratic Party’s selection of Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party’s nomination for the presidency Thursday night in Chicago. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Georgia State Rep. Lucy McBath spoke about getting gun laws in place to help save lives during her time on stage on night four of the DNC. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

‘A people that cannot stand together cannot stand’

BY DONNELL SUGGS

CHICAGO -

On a night when Democratic political stars and popular public figures graced the stage inside the United Center. People like former United States President Bill Clinton, Minority House Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, musical legends John Legend and Stevie Wonder, actors Keenan Thompson and Mindy Kaling, and supernovas like Oprah Winfrey. Those names aside, poet Amanda Gorman may have shone the brightest.

Gorman, a native of Los Angeles, became a household name when she was granted the opportunity to deliver a poem during the inauguration for United States President Joseph R. Biden in 2021. On Wednesday night she delivered a new piece for what may soon be a new day in American politics.

Gorman began her poem with simple but powerful words that softly summed up the moment the country, or at the very least the people in the United Center, were facing with United States Vice President Kamala Harris moving closer to history. "We gather

at this hallowed place because we believe in the American dream," Gorman said.

Sticking with the overall theme of the Harris/Walz campaign, which can be

summed up as joy and helping thy neighbor, Gorman's words flowed from her mouth softly but echoed loudly throughout the large room.

TRUMP’S PROJECT 2025 IS

A

THREAT TO BLACK AMERICANS

"A people that can't stand together cannot stand at all," Gorman said. "We are one family regardless of religion, class, or color. For what defines a patriot is not just our love for liberty, but our love for one another."

For all of the jokes Thompson and Kaling told or the wise words Clinton and Winfrey delivered, it was Gorman's words that seemed to hit the target the hardest. In between stanzas of her poetry the crowd applauded as loud as it had the entire night. And that is quite impressive on a night when Stevie Wonder performed the timeless classic "Higher Ground" and John Legend and Shelia E. paid homage to the late Minnesotan Prince Rogers Nelson with a rendition of "Let's Go Crazy."

Lines such as "It is love that frees us all," "perhaps the American dream is no dream at all, but instead a dare to dream together," and "Empathy emancipates" brought people to their feet inside the appropriately named United Center.

During a convention of many brilliant and inspirational moments [See: Senator Warnock's speech on Monday night or the Obama's speeches on Tuesday night], Gorman's three-and-a-half-minutes on the microphone may have done the most to unite an already united party.

Project 2025 is Donald Trump and JD Vance’s plan to remake the federal government if they win. It would:

Use Civil Rights-era laws created to address discrimination to instead benefit white people

– Axios, 4/1/24

Gut the Affordable Care Act, which will raise health care costs and threaten health care coverage for millions of Americans

– AP News, 11/27/23

Cut Social Security and Medicare Americans have earned

– Washington Post, 2/9/23

Ban abortion nationally

– New York Times, 2/16/24

Poet Amanda Gorman speaks during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Wednesday, August. 21, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

ONLINE How on-demand pay helped me manage medical bills

Significant changes in Realtor fees: What Atlanta home buyers need to know

BY LENTHEUS CHANEY

Starting this week, Black homebuyers in the Atlanta market and all American homebuyers will experience a shift in the real estate landscape as significant rule changes implemented by the National Association of Realtors take effect.

These changes, resulting from a historic antitrust settlement costing $418 million, aim to provide greater clarity and choice for consumers when buying or selling homes. They will directly impact how Realtor fees are paid and advertised.

The Significant Shifts

Traditionally, the home seller covered commission fees, so homebuyers were not required to pay their real estate agents di -

rectly. The listing price typically included this commission, which accounted for approximately 6% of the home's selling price.

According to the Atlanta Realtors Association, the average sales price for a home in January was $481,500. A 3% buyer's agent commission could reach more than $14,000 at that sales price.

However, under the new rules:

● Seller’s agents are prohibited from advertising commission fees, which prevents buyers’ agents from selecting homes for their clients based on how much they will earn—a practice known as steering.

● Buyers must enter a legally binding representation agreement with their agents before starting home tours. These agreements detail how payments are made, em-

phasizing that buyers may now bear that cost if sellers do not cover commissions. However, they also highlight that commission rates are negotiable.

Sign and Shop with Caution

As these rules introduce new types of contractual agreements, buyers must thoroughly understand what they're signing. Buyers should also look for a responsive lender knowledgeable about how these rules affect their down payment.

Benchmark Mortgage Branch Manager Susan Pryor expressed concern, "When they talk about cash to close, make sure the lender is taking into account any commission the buyer is responsible for, and try to work with people who are local and available to you even on the weekends."

Impact on Home Affordability

Some in the industry fear a prolonged effect on home affordability if buyers must now pay out-of-pocket for their agents' fees.

Pryor believes these changes will hinder some buyers. "It will be more expensive and harder to purchase a home," Pryor said. "If the seller wants the buyer to pay their agent commission, as a strategy, the buyer can consider making an offer above the asking price and then negotiate with the seller to pay the commission."

Only time will tell if these new regulations will precisely impact Atlanta's housing market and Black homebuyers. The institution of these new rules will eventually break down barriers and create a more equitable, transparent real estate transaction.

Starting this week, American homebuyers will experience a shift in the real estate landscape as major rule changes implemented by the National Association of Realtors take effect. Photo by Lentheus Chaney/The Atlanta Voice

Entertainment Legendary jazz guitarist Russell Malone, dead at 60

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Well-regarded jazz guitarist Russell Malone passed away on Friday, August 23. According to those who knew him well, Malone, 60, was born in Albany, Georgia, but lived in Atlanta for over a decade.

Multiple reports suggest Russell’s passing occurred while on tour with Ron Carter in Japan. His rare solo performances are considered some of the best jazz guitar work in the business. Russell’s performance at the New York Guitar Festival in January 2004 is most often cited as a good example of his prowess.

During his decades-long career, Malone, a self-taught artist, performed and toured with many jazz greats, including Carter, Harry Connick, Jr., Jimmy Smith, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, and many others.

“Russell was probably the most significant jazz guitarist we had in the last 40

years,” said Gray Motley, founding director of Jazz Studies at Emory University.

Motley and Malone remained friends after working together when Motley, a jazz pianist, toured with Malone’s quartet from 1992-1994. “I was very fortunate to meet him in Atlanta and tour with Russell across the United States and Europe,” Motley said.

Motley called Malone “a people person,” something that others who worked with Malone confirmed.

“He had an efficacious laugh and smile and a joy for life,” said local jazz bassist Jordan Dayan. “Russell had all the talent and worked hard at his craft.”

For a young jazz pianist looking to break into the big time, Malone was much more.

"He always looked out for the Atlanta community," said jazz pianist Louis Heriveaux. Malone took Heriveaux on his first national tour. "He helped show me the ropes of the business and took me under his wing. He was a good-hearted cat."

Legendary jazz guitarist Russell Malone passed away at 60 on Friday, August 23, 2024. Credit: Photo contributed by Gary Motley

Why Cognitive Assessments Are a Helpful Tool for Aging Adults

Teens and social media: How to balance the good and the bad

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE

Teenagers and social media are concerned with young people's parents and family members. The time teenagers spend on their devices and what material they engage in can cause adults to worry. Three university professors gathered virtually to discuss this subject's bad and good aspects. They explain social media's physical and mental impact on teenagers' health. The group also discusses how everyone is bundling issues surrounding this matter, causing more concern than necessary. One point that all three experts agreed upon is that social media is not all good or bad.

"One of the themes we see in our work is that social media is not a monolith. The story of teens on social media is neither all good nor all bad. We've found that teens are more likely to say social media's impact on them personally has been mostly positive than mostly negative," said Colleen McClain, research associate at the Pew Research Center.

McClain was joined by Dr. Linda Charmaraman of Wellesley College and Dr. Jason Nagata of the University of California, San Francisco. Each expert tackled a specific topic and explained how parents and adults can apply what is shared. McClain revealed that most teens use YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram today. Her data showed that teen girls use TikTok the most out of the four, and connection and socialization are the reason for it. McClain's material also uncovered that social media overwhelms teen girls with drama, fear of missing out (FOMO), or pressure to post for content or likes.

Dr. Charmaran's research dives into how to prepare teens for social media. Her information deals with identifying risk and resilience in adolescent media use to empower them for greater well-being. Dr. Charmaraman explains that social media is not inherently good or bad. It depends on what the teens see and do. She further elaborates that parents should discuss with their teenagers what to do rather than what not to do. Dr Charma-

ran talks about pre-arming teens with self-awareness for the good and bad on social media. She encourages teens who seek out connections online only to keep the ones that make them feel good and eliminate the connections that make them feel bad. Dr. Charmaran advises parents to enlist aunts, uncles, coaches, school counselors, or whoever is in the teenager's village to help guide them on online interactions.

"Our last study about parental monitoring of middle school and early adolescent youth showed that the dialect that you have to pre-warn young people with everything that could be happening on social media is a lot more

positive and powerful predictor of if it's going to go well or not if they're going to have problematic internet use," said Dr. Charmaran.

"If you wait until something happens, you must start clamping down on their use. It's hard to treat it after it's already happened rather than prevent it," said Dr. Charmaran.

Dr. Jason Nagata discussed the toll social media and screen time take on teenagers' health-related behaviors. He discussed how increased screen time leads to overeating. Teenagers online are exposed to food advertisements and usually sit down when scrolling online, increasing their sedentary time when they could be active.

The data in his presentation expounded on this. Every hour a nine or ten-year-old child stays on social media, there is a 62 percent chance they develop an eating disorder the following year. Dr. Nagata elaborated on the connection between social media and eating disorders when he mentioned the constant comparison to unattainable body ideals, the pressure to display the body for likes, and exposure to eating disorder content.

Dr. Nagata shared some methods for reducing screen use in teenagers, such as restricting devices in the bedroom and at mealtimes. Parents can also present model behavior to teenagers by limiting their screen time.

"One of the biggest predictors of adolescent screen use was parent screen use. I think it's imperative to practice what you preach and model good behavior. Family meal time and bedroom screen use could be times to limit screen use. This can affect eating and sleeping issues," said Dr. Nagata. Social media is a tool that, if misused, can create more problems than solve them. Material from all three experts illustrates that teenagers will use social media and screens no matter what, but parents can equip them with the proper knowledge and present the correct behaviors to prevent this tool from overrunning their lives.

The time teenagers spend on their devices and what material they engage in can cause adults to worry. Photo Credit:istock.com/jacob wackerhausen

Prioritizing oral health care for holistic wellness

BY MARTEL SHARPE

For many people, oral health care comes down to regularly brushing and flossing their teeth, and visiting the dentist twice a year. The reality is that only some people brush their teeth regularly, or floss, and even with dental insurance, those biannual dental visits are only sometimes attended.

In truth, oral health care often takes a backseat to other aspects of wellness. While exercise, diet, primary care, and mental health are widely recognized as essential, oral health care is frequently overlooked or prioritized less.

“[People] don’t understand that not going to the dentist every six months because you don’t feel anything, doesn’t mean things aren’t going on in your mouth,” said Dr. Quodarrius Toney, an Atlanta-based dentist and founder of The Art of Aesthetics Dental Studio. “There is more to your mouth than just your teeth. Things are all connected under your gums which can lead to other health problems.”

“There have been studies that oral health is directly correlated to heart and brain health. A lot of times when we think, ‘Hey, I have a broken down tooth, it’s not bothering me. I can leave it in there.’ It’s like having an open wound in your mouth. If you get sick it’s a direct correlation to affect your heart or brain. There are bacteria that are associated with dental caries that can lead to those types of problems.”

Black (42%) people, ages 20-64, experience untreated tooth decay at a higher rate than their white (22%), Hispanic (36%), and Asian (17%) counterparts, according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).

Black children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), make up 28% of all children, ages 2-5, to have cavities in their primary teeth. Hispanic children account for 33% and white children 18%.

Dr. Toney reports that approximately 70% of his patients are Black. A common dental hygiene issue among his patients is inconsistent brushing, particularly neglecting to brush before bed. He emphasizes the importance of nighttime brushing, as the mouth’s closed environment and rising body temperature create optimal conditions for bacterial growth.

“When I look at the differences between ethnic backgrounds, a large majority of our community is suffering from periodontal disease, which is a chronic inflammatory infection that affects the bony structures that support your teeth,” said Dr. Keith James, DDS, who serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for Dentfirst Dental Care.

Periodontal disease, also known as pyorrhea or more commonly gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums, bone, and ligaments of the teeth. Symptoms include swollen, red, or bleeding gums, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste.

Dr. Keith continues “If you’re not an avid

flosser or going to the dentist on a regular basis, you build up bacteria. If you’ve ever gone over a bridge and you see the pillars, you see those barnacles that are there. That is the type of stuff that surrounds people’s teeth. The bacteria in the mouth coralize and become what is called calculus.”

Periodontal disease disproportionate-

odontal disease is connected to each of these health conditions.

The same build-up in a person’s mouth is simultaneously happening to that individual’s blood vessels, causing the blood vessels to constrict and making the heart pump harder to get blood to the body. As the heart pumps harder, it continues to grow, because it is a muscle. And that’s how oral heathcare can increase someone’s chances of heart disease.

“It can increase your chance of stroke if some of those barnacles break off into your bloodstream and hits your brain. You can have erectile dysfunction, or low-birthweight babies or not be able to get pregnant at all. There are so many different ways that this affects us,” Dr. Keith said.

A report from the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute (HPI) reveals significant disparities in dental care access among Black adults. While approximately 41% of Black adults aged 19-64 visit a dentist annually, a concerning 20% are unable to obtain necessary dental care due to cost-related barriers.

Common barriers to getting quality dental care include lack of dental insurance or insufficient dental insurance coverage, and inability to find dentists who accept a particular dental insurance provider. However, people have more options to obtain quality dental care than they realize. Dr. Keith says that some dental offices have discount plans, which are membership plans where people can get discounted rates on procedures. The way that it works is people pay an annual fee instead of a monthly or annual premium, and with this plan, they should receive lower prices on dental services.

Additionally, patients can use CareCredit, which is a credit card specifically for medical expenses. CareCredit can be used for dental work and it allows the patient to spread out their dental payments.

“Go to your dentist or find a dentist that you’re comfortable with, and just ask those questions like, ‘If I don’t have dental insurance what are other ways that I can afford treatment here, or what are other vehicles that I can use to get treatment done in your facility,’” Dr. Keith said.

Outside of going to a traditional dentist’s office, patients can also go to their local health department which will either provide dental services or recommend affordable options.

ly impacts African Americans. According to the CDC, approximately 60% of African Americans aged 45 to 74 suffer from moderate to severe periodontitis, a significantly higher rate compared to other racial groups.

Heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes are the three health conditions associated with Black people in the United States. Peri-

“Find your nearest dental school, they have all dental treatment at a reduced price,” said Dr. Toney. “When I was in my teens, my grandmother used to take me with her to the University of Tennessee Health Center in downtown Memphis. The student doctors would work on my grandmother. It would cut down the cost by 60%-70%.”

“We want our entire body to be healthy. Just as you see your physician make sure you go see your dentist. Brush twice a day, floss once a day.”

Dr. Quodarrius Toney, 28, is an Atlanta-based dentist and founder of The Art of Aesthetics Dental Studio. A graduate of Howard University, he’s known to provide custom treatment plans for high-profile clientele including Glorilla, Sleazy, Desi Banks, and Davido. Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Art of Aesthetics Dental Studio

Photo Credit iStock/prostock-studio

Ming Smith’s exhibit showcases Black life and culture

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

The exhibition "Ming Smith: Feeling the Future" showcases Ming Smith’s evocative work and is more than a traditional gallery presentation—it's an experience that showcases her works, from surrealist jazz portraits to intimate portraits.

On August 22, The Spelman College Museum of Fine Art celebrated Smith's contributions to photography with a preview of her work.

Co-curator J.E. Azmi, formerly James Bartlett, described the genesis of the exhibition's title, "Feeling the Future," which emerged from conversations with Ming Smith about the nature of her work. "It was Ming's idea," Azmi shared. "From the beginning, she and I always talked about this being an exhibition that you feel even more so than the view."

The meditation room is a central feature of the exhibition, designed to enhance this sensory experience. "Ming wanted a space where visitors could sit with the work and feel it rather than just view it," Azmi explained. This contemplative space allows students and gallery attendees to connect with Smith's work on a deeper emotional and spiritual level, fulfilling the exhibit's goal of fostering a profound engagement with art.

Ming Smith's photography has always centered on capturing the essence of Black life and culture. A native of Detroit and graduate of Howard University, Smith moved to New York City, where she said she became deeply

Shepard Fairey Creates Kamala Harris ‘Forward’ Poster

involved in the city's vibrant artistic community. Her work, spanning nearly fifty years, portrays Black individuals and communities’ everyday beauty, struggles, and triumphs.

Among the distinguished guests at the exhibition opening was Sue Ross, an Atlanta-based photographer and historian. Ross and several artists impacted by Smith’s work, as well as members of the photography collective Sistagraphy, came to honor Smith with flowers. Ross admired Smith's work, stating, "I've known Ming for maybe 30 years. But we rarely see each other; she's in New York, and I'm here. Most of the time, I see her work in just one or two pieces as part of a group exhibition, but to see the whole body of work here is thrilling. I love this museum and its dedication to the work of African American women. To see this retrospective of Ming's work here is incredible."

Reflecting on her career at the Spelman opening, Smith shared the emotional significance of being honored by her peers and the broader community. "I felt honored, and I had to stop myself from tearing up," Smith said. "My photographs have always been about the culture and passing it on—how beautiful we are, how powerful, and just how much value we have.

“I wanted to capture everyday people, and hearing how my work moved others—whether it was a little girl saying she cried or someone reflecting on their own life experiences— was incredibly moving. That’s what I wanted:

some kind of healing, some incentive to create their own story and honor themselves, our experience, and our culture."

Smith’s work reflects a deep love for her community and is a powerful narrative tool. Smith hopes that through this exhibition, visitors will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a greater appreciation for the shared stories and histories that bind us.

Janice Bond, co-curator of the exhibition, recounted her decade-long journey with Smith. This relationship eventually led Bond to study Smith’s work closely and collaborate with J.E. Azmi, who is curating the exhibition. “We were both working independently on projects, and then Ming mentioned we both had ideas for an exhibition, so she suggested we work together. It felt almost fated,” Bond reflected. Bond emphasized that the exhibit, while

comprehensive, does not fully encapsulate the gravity of each piece but provides a powerful entry point into Smith's artistry. "Ming’s portraits are more than just photographs; they are mirrors reflecting depth, mystery, and tenderness," Bond noted. Highlighting the role of curators as stewards of an artist’s legacy, she concluded, “Ming has trusted us with her life’s work, and that makes us more than just curators—we are stewards of her essence and journey.”

Ming Smith’s career is marked by significant achievements, including the first woman to join the Kamoinge Workshop in 1972 and the first Black woman photographer in The Museum of Modern Art's collection in 1979.

"Ming Smith: Feeling the Future" opens on August 23, 2024, and will be available to view through December 7, 2024.

The exhibition “Ming Smith: Feeling the Future,” is now on display at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. Above: Armen Corner Sisters, Harlem, NYC, 1977. Photo taken by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Photographer Ming Smith (above) spoke with a patron attending the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art exhibition preview on August 22, 2024. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Landis+Gyr Technology, Inc.

Lead Technical Product Specialist Atlanta, GA

Remote position

Responsibilities: Serve as an expert to address complex technical issues escalated from the support team. Provide in-depth technical support working across Development, Engineering, SQA, Product Management, and Project Management. Drive resolutions to technical issues, fully documenting them in CSM.

Salary: $117,200 - $118,400/year

Requirements: Bachelor’s in Engg, Comp Sci or related field & 5 yrs exp in job offered or 5 yrs software & hardware solutions. Exp must include 5 yrs each of following: wireless technologies; software quality testing; Utility domain experience; Server platforms/Unix, Networking & Scripting; Application Server architecture using WebLogic, WebSphere, or similar architectures; testing using SOAP UI; writing PL/ SQL queries in Oracle databases; resolving configuration related problems; & troubleshooting Unix based application issues. Experience may be gained concurrently. Send resume & cover letter to: Landis+Gyr c/o Lisa Hudson, Talent Acquisition, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022 or via email to: lisa.hudson@landisgyr.com