The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 090624 by theatlantavoice633

Atlanta Takes the Lead to Combat Homelessness

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (center), Partners for HOME CEO Cathryn Vassell (left), Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta CEO Frank Fernandez (right), Jason Winston (Atlanta City Council District 1). Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta Housing appoints Kelly Beaty English as Chief of Staff

Mayor launches the largest investment to address the unhoused

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Partners for HOME CEO Cathryn Vassell, Georgia State University President Dr. M. Brian Blake, Frank Fernandez of Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, and members of the Atlanta City Council gathered on the corner of Peachtree Street near Woodruff Park for the special announcement.

The Mayor was the first to speak and announced a major investment in the effort to combat what remains a major issue in Atlanta: homelessness. A public-private investment of $120 million will build hundreds of units for the city’s homeless.

“This is something that the city must take the lead on,” Dickens said during his remarks. He added that this would be the single largest investment in homelessness in the city’s history.

Dickens said this investment wouldn’t just be for short-term fixes for units, similar to what was created with The Melody project last year. It would be for the long haul.

“We are here today to talk about something we all see and that we all are touched about,” Dickens said.

The details of the million-dollar investment include multiple projects, according to renderings that were set up near where the Mayor and others spoke. According to Vassell, there are also plans to continue raising money for further investment.

“We must move like we have never moved before,” said Vassell, who said Partners for HOME have “rehoused” thousands of families over the past couple of years.

“This is a crisis in our country and until we get a hold of it, we will continue to see

unhoused people coming into our community,” Vassell said.

The two projects, Waterworks and 405 Cooper Rapid Housing, will be located in underserved communities on the city’s Westside. According to Dickens, waterworks will consist of two buildings and 100 total units that are expected to break ground in the fall. 405 Cooper, located in Mechanicsville, will combine 70 for-sale townhomes with 100 units for the unhoused.

Fernandez, who said he saw people sleeping on the street on his walk over to Woodruff Park Tuesday morning, added, “This commitment says a lot about who we are as a city.”

The Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta contributed $10 million to Partners for HOME for this project. According to its website, partners for HOME, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that was started in 2015, aims to bring together government, nonprofit, business, and commu -

nity stakeholders to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.

Vassell wants to raise another $43 million of private funds for the projects but added that this cannot just be a collaboration between these entities. Taking from the Mayor’s “Group project” slogan, Vassell said there also needs to be investment from county, state, and behavioral health organizations.

“This investment is courageous, ambitious, and audacious,” she said.

Following the event, Dickens (left) greeted a man who called out to him moments before the press conference began. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

“This is something that the city must take the lead on,” Dickens said during his remarks. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice

Dozens of people gathered outside of Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta for the press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Vivo brings African elegance to Atlanta

Black Coffee ATL Opens its Second Location on Morehouse College Campus

BY LAURA NWOGU

The Black Coffee Company, an Atlanta-based coffee shop brand, has opened its second location on the campus of Morehouse College at 830 Westview Dr. SW. Students, family and friends attended the ribbon cutting Friday morning as music blasted and customers grabbed cups of specialty coffees with creative names that pay homage to Atlanta such as “Cash Money,” “Killer Mike,” and “The Dirty South.”

For the owners Christopher Bolden, Jamin Butler, Branden Cole, Gino Jones and Leonard Lightfoot, opening a coffee shop on Morehouse’s campus is a dream that began with the ending of the movie “Boyz n the Hood” when Cuba Gooding Jr. and Nia Long’s characters go to Morehouse and Spelman College respectively. Bolden shared that a majority of the owners are California natives and the movie was their first introduction to the HBCU, so when Morehouse reached out with the opportunity to open a

new location on its campus, they couldn’t pass up the full-circle moment.

“The five of us graduated from Xavi-

er University, so HBCUs are close to our heart,” Bolden said. “To be able to open it at the prestigious Morehouse College just fills

our hearts.”

The group of friends launched The Black Coffee Company brand in 2018 and their flagship coffee shop Black Coffee ATL opened at the end of 2021. Since its inception, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, community empowerment and education have been its core values. With the opening of a Black Coffee ATL on the HBCU campus, they hope to advance those values and create a safe space for students where they can study, listen to music and congregate, continuing to foster the community hubs that Black-owned coffee shops provide.

“We're only 2% represented in the coffee industry, so it was really important for us to capture the coffee business and the coffee industry, and then to be able to share it with the people that look like us.

“It's just been amazing. We want to be a staple for the Morehouse campus. We want to employ the students here and then also allow expansion to other universities and colleges across the country.”

The Black Coffee Company, an Atlanta-based coffee shop brand, has opened its second location on the campus of Morehouse College at 830 Westview Dr. SW. Photo by Laura Nwogu/ The Atlanta Voice

“You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s a part of it.”— Denzel Washington

Innovative Solutions to Georgia’s Maternal Health Crisis

BY DR. TRUDDIE DARDEN

Georgia is in the midst of a maternal health crisis that demands our urgent attention. The statistics are alarming and unacceptable: over 60% of maternal deaths in our state could have been prevented. Black women are particularly at risk, with a maternal mortality rate three to four times higher than that of white women. To make matters worse, more than half of Georgia’s counties lack primary OB/GYN care, leaving many women without essential health care throughout their pregnancy. These combined challenges have resulted in Georgia’s failing grade in maternal health outcomes.

Yet, amid the crisis, there is hope. Dedicated individuals and institutions are working tirelessly to change the narrative. One leader on the frontlines of this fight is Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). Their groundbreaking efforts to address these disparities are making a real difference.

Last year, MSM launched the Perinatal Patient Navigator Program with the support of a nearly $2 million grant from the Amerigroup Foundation. The program aims to reach 130,000 expectant and new Black mothers and their families across Georgia, focusing on reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. A key aspect of this program is the creation of a rural maternal health residency program, bringing much-needed maternal care to underserved regions of the state.

What sets this program apart is its community-centered approach. MSM trains women from within the communities they serve – many who have their own childbirth experiences – to become health navigators, community health workers, doulas, and lactation specialists. This not only provides vital support to mothers, but also creates meaningful employment opportunities within the community.

Healthcare facilities across the state are integrating these trained navigators into their teams. Working alongside clinicians, navigators offer critical support, guidance, and a compassionate presence that can make all the difference in a mother’s care journey. Since the program began, 26 navigators have been trained, with 38 more currently in training. The impact has been significant, providing tangible support to those who need it most.

This initiative isn’t just a band aid on an immediate crisis; it’s about creating lasting change. By addressing the root causes of maternal health disparities, the Perinatal Patient Navigator Program is building a foundation for healthier communities across Georgia. The work is driven by critical data, but also a deep commitment to improving health outcomes for Georgia’s most vulnerable populations.

The Center of Maternal Health Equity at Morehouse School of Medicine was founded in 2019 to understand the severity and complexity of maternal health disparities, inform policy

solutions, and support innovative research for interventions to reduce and eventually eliminate the disparities which threaten the health and well-being of mother and child, particularly during delivery as well as post-partum follow up care.

Amerigroup is proud to stand alongside MSM in this critical mission to address health disparities and improve outcomes for all Georgians. The program’s success is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations with shared values collaborate to tackle systemic challenges, like making motherhood safer in Georgia.

The work being done today will ripple through generations, ensuring that no mother faces this journey alone and every family gets the

best start possible. If you are a mother in need of support or interested in becoming a trained navigator, please contact Amerigroup at (404) 752-1500.

We see you, we hear you, and we are here for you. We’re committed to turning this crisis into a story of strength and hope. By working together, we can ensure that every mother in Georgia receives the care and support she deserves, paving the way for healthier, brighter futures for all.

About Dr. Truddie Darden: Dr. Darden is a board-certified pediatrician and currently a Medical Director at Amerigroup Georgia with a focus on Utilization Management, working on health policies across the state.

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

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Black women are particularly at risk, with a maternal mortality rate three to four times higher than that of white women. Photo Credit: iStock.com

Spiritually Speaking: Circle The Wagons

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

You know, one of the things that is almost necessary when you turn your life over to Christ is to consciously and deliberately surround yourself with other people of faith. Recently, I’ve talked to friends who are experiencing their transformations and exploding in their knowledge and thirst for the Word. It’s kind of refreshing for me as I remember my own experience. For those of you who might now know, I was so hungry spiritually in the beginning that I thought I was headed to seminary. I needed that kind of instruction, or so I thought. When I told a minister friend of mine, he, without discouraging my enthusiasm, made a valid point. One of my downfalls was believing that intellectual pursuit was a solution to most of my confusion on almost everything. I could intellectually rationalize anything. Boy was I wrong. That kind of thinking kept me out of church; my friend reminded me of that. He told me that many people can quote scripture backward and forward but have no faith. He thought I would be better served if I surrounded myself with people as hungry as I was for the Word. He surmised that fortifying one’s emerging faith was much more important at that time than spiri -

He thought I would be better served if I surrounded myself with people as hungry as I was for the Word.

tual intellectualism. That’s when I started bible study, and continue in some form or fashion to this day. That pastor friend was right, and my efforts to become a mature Christian have been matched stride for stride by those who have attended bible study with me. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to watch and be a part of another person’s spiritual growth. To have someone else recognize spiritual maturity and awakening within you is also wonderful. That’s why watching others testify to what God is beginning to do in their lives is extremely heartening. It rekindles my early feelings upon recognizing and accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I’m reminded of how people responded to me. Christ people.

“YOUR VOICE”

Friends that I had known for years opened up to my opening up about Christ.

Folk I’ve known forever and never knew were believers seemed to appear out of nowhere. Was it them? Or was it me? I’m convinced that until I offered to confess to them my transformation, they had no way to touch that part of me. Once opened, the fellowship had a place to enter my until-then walled-off soul.“Moreover, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in Him. Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christthe righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” Philippians 3:8-9.Think about it and surround yourself accordingly.

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 toward spiritual enlightenment.

What do you think about banning cell phones throughout the public schools in Georgia?

Atlanta

If you send your child to a public institution or school, you must play according to the public rules. If the public school says your child must lock up their phones while in class, you must obey that. If not, then you should homeschool your children. They're your children, and their education is your responsibility. I understand that if you want to access your child at all times of the day. When I was coming up, I knew I wasn't on my phone throughout the school day, and we can see that these children are less proficient or intelligent than they were back in the day, and studies have shown that. So, again, if you want to send your child to public school, then you have got to play by the public rules."

Loganville

"I disagree. The phone should be put up. But they should be able to have their phone at school in case of an emergency and I need to contact my child. It's a lot of distractions. And many kids are having their phones out, texting or just online, surfing, and needing to pay attention in school. That’s why they try to take them. But they shouldn’t have them on, or they should be silent in the backpacks, but they definitely shouldn’t have taken them from them.

Atlanta

"I think cell phones are only needed in the classroom if the teacher designates a special time because parents drop their kids off knowing they're at school. So, cell phones in the classroom are just a distraction during instruction. So, I think there's a time and a place for cell phones, and during class time, it's not."

Atlanta

"It shouldn’t be allowed. In case of an emergency, people should be able to have their phones. At high stimulation times, when it's boring or school, or when they are at lunch or something, they should be able to use their phones. Some kids don't have friends. They might need their phone because they only have online friends. I think it's important."

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Fatman Scoop, rapper and hype man passes away at age 56

Community City hosts first-ever Global Black Pride Event

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

Atlanta Black Pride kicked off with a major historic bang!

As Atlanta hosts the first-ever Global Black Pride convening in the United States, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens hosted the sold-out 5th Annual Mayor's Global Black Pride Reception, powered by Gilead Sciences.

This party-with-a-purpose welcomed over 700 business leaders, influencers, and constituents to celebrate the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ identities while raising funds for the Mayor's Youth Scholarship Program.

Highlights of the evening included the presentation of contribution to Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program, honoring Nicco Annan, who stars as Uncle Clifford on the hit show P-Valley, with the Cultural Impact Award in partnership with GLAAD, and Roshell Darlene Hudson, distinguished Atlanta activist, with the Community Impact Award.

The moment you walked into City Hall, the energy was high and full of life. Patrons were dressed in their best stylish outfits enjoying house music, refreshments, and great conversation. Before the event began, dancers came out to open the night. Choreographed by Lyrik London, the dancers performed to songs like Alter Ego by Doechii featuring JT, a slew of Beyoncé songs such as Spirit (from the Lion King Soundtrack, 2019) Energy, Black Parade, and more.

Dickens emphasized Atlanta's role as a beacon of diversity and equity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community.

Dickens said Atlanta is a special city where dreams “take root and dreamers can thrive.”

“When I heard Global Black Pride chose Atlanta as its’ first ever host city, I was not surprised, but I was excited because Black Pride has been a beloved tradition in Atlanta for decades, and now we get to showcase our culture and hospitality on a global stage,” Dickens said.

He also said he has had the privilege of seeing the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community first hand, from activists on the front lines to everyday Atlantans living their truth and contributing to the “fabric of Atlanta.”

“Seeing Afro futurism is spot on as we look to the future, and I am now more than ever committed to ensuring that Atlanta stays a beacon of hope and is a city where diversity isn’t just accepted but it stays,” he said. “I want you all to know that I stand with you and will always bring the full force of the Mayor's Office with me as we continue advancing equity opportunity and justice for Atlanta's LGBTQ community, let’s have a Happy Pride.”

The importance of voting in the upcoming presidential election was also stressed, with a call to action to vote as if one's life depended on it.

“We have a little more than nine weeks left before the presidential election. This election matters, so please do not sit this one out.

Senator Raphael Warnock says our vote is a prayer for the world we want for ourselves, our future, and our children, so vote like your life depends on it,” he said.

As for the guest of honor, Annan reflected on the cultural impact of his role on P-Valley and its docuseries, "Down in the Valley," emphasizing the importance of representation and diversity in media. Annan also expressed gratitude for the audience's embrace of Uncle Clifford and acknowledged the hard work and long-term effort behind the show's success.

“You don’t have to wait for somebody to tell you it is okay to be who you are, playing this role of Uncle Clifford, and you all-embracing the docuseries. I’m so grateful for that because I know this opportunity doesn’t always happen,” Annan said.

He also teased the new season of P-Valley, which will be released soon, saying, “The cast, the crew, the designers, they’re coming for you. We are coming for you, and your kitchen ain’t gonna be ready.”

Additionally, he highlighted the broader cultural influence of TV shows like "Madam Secretary" and "House of Cards" in shaping societal beliefs, particularly about gender and leadership in the upcoming election.

“When you look at P-Valley, when you look at Down in the Valley, and when you look at everything this brother right here has done, see the possibility,” he said. “Understand that you are not a one-trick pony, and I encourage all of you to continue being a cultural impact because you affect change daily. Stay black and stay true to yourself.”

Also, during the event, a health clinic, in collaboration with the Fulton County Board of Health and Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, offered guests free MPOX vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and Doxy PEP.

Rashad Burgess, vice president of advancing health and black equity at Gilead Sciences, discussed the importance of emphasizing HIV is not a crime and encouraged people to get tested and continue to stay aware.

“We must not forget black communities from around the diaspora are impacted by HIV disproportionately from Johannesburg to Rio de Janeiro to right here in Atlanta, and we ideally understand these inequities because of our legacy of innovation and HIV and dismantling inequities is at the core of what we do, because it is woven into the entire fabric of Gilead Sciences,” he said.

During the event, Burgess announced the organization is advancing health equity by enabling access to care, delivering scientific innovation, and igniting social impact.

The need for social impact, he said, is important now more than ever because despite the transformative therapies that are available, 34 states have laws that criminalize HIV and people living with HIV, 64 countries have laws that criminalize homosexuality, and some even have a penalty of death.

“We know these laws discourage members of our community from learning their HIV status and legitimize stigma towards people living with HIV, which creates additional barriers to care,” he said.

Burgess further announced Gilead Sciences is partnering with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to launch a campaign called ‘HIV Is Not a Crime, which advocates for the modernization or repeal of HIV criminalization laws.

Furthermore, in honor of Global Black Pride, the canopies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were illuminated in the colors of the pride flag from Tuesday, Aug. 27, through Friday, Aug. 30, welcoming international visitors and symbolizing the Dickens’ Administration’s solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

For more information about Global Black Pride, visit https://globalblackpride.org. For more information about Atlanta Black Pride events, visit https://www.atlantaprideweekend.com.

As Atlanta hosts the first-ever Global Black Pride convening in the United States, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens hosted the sold-out 5th Annual Mayor’s Global Black Pride Reception, powered by Gilead Sciences. Photos by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Entertainment

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Atlanta musical artist Cello/Phn performs new song at Global Black Pride Festival

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

Atlanta Black Pride weekend is finally here and is responsible for hosting Global Black Pride for the very first time. With the weekend festivities beginning, Atlanta resident and alternative R&B and psychedelic musician/songwriter Cello/Phn (pronounced: Cellophane) performed on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Piedmont Park.

After a two-year-long break from releasing music, Cello/Phn is back with his newest single, Fennin’. Cello/Phn describes the new single as something he has never done before, having sexual undertones and

His last full project, “What Happened to Monday,” came out in 2022.

Originally from New Orleans, Cello/Phn started his musical journey about three to four years ago. He said he would write music and leave it in his phone until one day, his roommate asked him about it, his ex at the time helped him get studio time, and the rest was history.

Some of his musical inspirations are Steve Lacy, Prince, Lenny Kravis, Maxwell, and Taylor Swift. He’s also currently listening to Sabrina Carpenter’s latest hit album, “Short n’ Sweet,” where he says he loves the song “Taste”, but has found a new love for another song titled “Dumb & Poetic.”

Cello/Phn spoke with The Atlanta Voice before his performance to discuss his passion, new music, and more.

The Atlanta Voice: You’re performing at the Global Black Pride Festival on Saturday at 3 p.m. How are you feeling about your upcoming performance?

Cello/Phn: I'm a little anxious. I think this might be the biggest crowd I’ve performed in front of. We’ve been preparing this for a minute, like the last three years, so I think I'm always anxious. I feel like this one's going to make me nervous, but I'm also super excited too, though.

AV: As a Queer artist, what does performing at Global Black Pride mean to you?

CP: For me, it means more than anything I've gotten before. I feel like a lot of people think because I have a big following on social media, it makes me feel like a celebrity or popular, but my music is something I'm passionate about.

AV: It’s been two years since your last project, “What Happened To Monday?” why the two-year gap?

CP: I’m a creative strategist outside of music. For me, everything must be strategic and perfectly placed. I went through a period of changing my body, losing weight, and getting more in touch with myself. “What Happened to Monday” did so well, charting on iTunes at number 48, right under Taylor Swift and right above Radiohead. I have always had that feeling of, ‘How do we come harder?’ For me, that takes time.

AV: Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Fennin.’ What was the idea behind it?

CP: I feel like I don’t have a lot of sexual under-toned music, and I wanted something closer to my song, Higher, but like amped up. Fennin’ is about meeting someone, and you’re so infatuated that you want to be under his skin. It’s not in your face; everyone has feined for someone at some point in life.

AV: What’s your process for writing and recording music?

CP: I can only write music when I’m emotional, whether I’m super happy or sad. Typically, music is created when I’m sad, but I can’t control what comes out of those emotions. I’m trying

to get to a place where I can write music without that feeling, but most of my music comes from a place of real experience. I’m good at making melodies quickly. When I was working on ‘What Happened to Monday,’ I called two rappers to sit down with me, and I told them to challenge me, and if they could convince me to change my lyrics, I would change them. That’s been happening lately with my music, which is exciting because I used to be stubborn.

AV: How has your music reflected this new evolution over the past two years?

CP: The music is very vocal. Like I said with Fennin, there’s a lot more movement. Normally, I’d want to keep to myself on stage and not move around. Now, I’m moving around the stage and moving my body because before, I was heavier, but now I need to move more.

AV: What makes your music different from others?

CP: What makes my music different from other people is my stance on Queer music. For the longest time, I was rejected from Queer blogs and events because I was told my music wasn’t “gay” enough, and what makes my music Queer is me because I’m Queer enough. I also think it’s very interesting when we think about the LGBTQ+ community. A rainbow represents us, but in the media, it is always just the pinks, yellows, oranges, but it’s never blue, purple, or green. I fit within that green, purple, and blue space, and we need more presentation.

AV: What are your plans for the rest of the year?

CP: I am releasing a project titled “The Monday Blues,” which was supposed to be a deluxe edition to ‘What Happened to Monday,’ but when management heard it, they told me it was

a whole different project. It’s four songs, 12 minutes long. The inspiration for the project is that if you go to music festivals and get drunk, you’ll meet someone on that Friday, and typically, you would spend that whole weekend with them; then comes Monday, the comedown, which is called Monday blues. That’s comparable to a quick two-week relationship that starts very quickly.

AV: I want to get your opinion, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, on the vandalism of the Pride flag where the suspect defecated on it.

CP: I think it’s unfortunate as we move into the year 2025, we’re still facing homophobia and physical violence just from existing. Imagine people attacking a cosplay event just because they don’t like anime. It’s that simple to let people exist. We created these spaces to escape theirs, and they invaded us. I’m not so much on peaceful protest all the time because sometimes you do have to fight fire with fire. I am a little worried as I prepare to perform on Saturday because you don’t know what to expect. Think about the pulse shooting and all those lives we lost. I hope people can eventually mind their business and let them be themselves. It’s worse things to worry about than two men kissing.

AV: What advice would you give to someone who wants to chase their dreams but doesn’t know how?

CP: You need to find, this is also marketing advice, your why. Why am I doing this? What is the reason for it? And when you have a why, that extends to being a purpose; when you have your purpose, no one can change that. This is yours.

Fennin is out now everywhere.

Atlanta resident and alternative R&B and psychedelic musician/songwriter Cello/Phn (pronounced: Cellophane) performed on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Piedmont Park. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Black Girls Lead: The Link Between Public Schools and a Voter Surge

BY QUINTESSA WILLIAMS

When Vice President Kamala Harris replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic presidential ticket, she became the first woman of color with a realistic shot at the presidency and an instant inspiration to Black women — some of whom raised $1.3 million on her behalf in just a few hours.

Harris’s groundbreaking campaign has now spearheaded another phenomenon: young Black women are currently leading the recent surge in voter registrations.

According to data from TargetSmart, the voter registration rate for young Black women in 13 key battleground states has skyrocketed to 175% — nearly triple the rate from the last presidential election four years ago. The registration rate for Black women in general, experienced similar growth — increasing by 98%, while the overall Black voter rate also rose by 85%, according to TargetSmart data.

Since Harris’ nomination, Democrats have significantly out-registered Republicans, highlighting the effectiveness of the Democratic National Committee’s targeted efforts to engage young Black voters.

The Civic Origins of Young Black Women

Public education has long been critical to nurturing the civic identities of Black students. After the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, centered on Linda Brown, a Black girl — the ruling enabled Black students to attend better-funded, previously all-white schools.

Black girls and young women were integral in organizing and participating in civil rights protests during the Civil Rights movement, such as the Birmingham Children’s Crusade in 1963. Black girls like Ruby Bridges, who became the first African American child to attend a formerly whites-only school, risked physical and psychological harm to move the United States closer to its democratic principles.

However, the quality of civic education in these integrated schools often varied, with Black students receiving less emphasis in the classroom on African American history and political engagement.

Civic Education as a Pathway to National Political Participation

A 2022 report from Child Trends found that Black students were more likely than their peers to report an interest in civic engagement and activities. Drawing on this history and experiences with racism, Black students continue to spearhead civic efforts to promote racial and social justice in the United States. Today, Black children are more likely to use pathways such as social media to engage in activism and promote political awareness and participation among their peers.

Programs like Black Girls Lead and Girls Who Vote have been instrumental in increasing political engagement among Black girls and fostering civic responsibility. These programs provide mentorship and civic education, essential in preparing Black girls to become active voters and community leaders.

In addition, Black youth activism is expressed not only at the local level, such as when a group of girls at Pretoria High School for Girls held a protest earlier in July to highlight alleged racism they experienced, — but also in national movements such as those sparked by the murder of George Floyd when 17-year-old Daniella Fraizer took out her cell phone and recorded his murder in 2020. Such incidents speak to young Black children —particularly Black girls—civically advocating for social justice in their schools and communities.

Data and history connect the role of public education in shaping civic engagement for Black girls and women — and a current spike in Black women registering to vote. Credit:iStock.com/Ridofranz theatlantavoice.com/events

Surging Ahead

Black girls, who account for 7.8% of the overall K-12 student population in the United States, have led a trend of civic engagement, contributing to increased voter registration among young Black women. Additionally, experts say Harris’ groundbreaking run for the White House has captured the imagination of Black women and girls who see themselves in her. However, the surge is not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of years of civic education and empowerment initiatives that have prepared these young women to take

their place as influential voters.

Hilary Wilson, a doctoral student studying education in Louisiana, believes that the historical cultivation of civic engagement will likely have a lasting impact on Black K-12 education and voter registration turnout moving forward.

“As these young girls and women continue to assert their political power, their influence could extend into shaping educational policies, like more civic education in the classroom, that will benefit predominantly Black schools and communities.”

Mediterranean diet may reduce COVID-19 risk

Usher Opens Georgia's First Dave's Hot Chicken Location in Conyers

BY LAURA NWOGU

Atlanta R&B legend Usher opened his first Dave’s Hot Chicken in Georgia on Thursday to a fanfare of music, lines wrapped around the block and a drone show that lit up the sky and stopped traffic. A woman leaned out of her car as Arman Oganesyan, one of Dave’s co-founders, walked by to ask him what was happening in the packed lot of the restaurant located at 1447 Hwy 138 SE.

Just moments before, a choreographed dance of drones had arranged itself into a billboard in the sky that declared the first of nine planned locations was “now open in Conyers.”

“This is absolutely unreal. The amount of love and energy was way beyond anything we could have expected. It is crazy,” Oganesyan said. “I've got to pinch myself often just to make sure I'm not dreaming.”

With just $900 and a dream, Oganeysan and his three childhood friends Dave Kopushyan, Tommy Rubenyan and Gary Rubenyan began selling Nashville-style hot chicken and fries from a tent in East Hollywood in 2017. Seven years and over 200 locations across the U.S. later, they’ve now expanded to Georgia with the investment of Atlanta superstar Usher.

“Our franchisee that was interested in Atlanta really wanted Usher to be a part of this knowing how big he was here, so we had our team reach out to him. He was a fan of the food, and we talked and worked out the right plan to bring it here.”

The fast-casual concept is known for its hot chicken sliders and tenders that are served with sides of seasoned french fries, mac & cheese, housemade kale slaw and Dave’s sauce. The menu also includes shakes with flavors from Oreo to cinnamon toast crunch and loaded M&Ms. The interior of the restaurant is designed with an outer space theme that, though not exclusive to the Conyers location, seems to pay homage to the blended word ATLiens, made popular by hip-hop duo OutKast.

“We pushed it a little extra. So we normally do it anyway, but we made it a little special for you [Atlanta].

“Even though it's such a cool visual brand, it's very food-focused and we're very passionate about the food. We just want people to love and enjoy the food and that's the most important thing to us.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken recently opened in Conyers. The fast-casual concept is known for its hot chicken sliders, and tenders served with sides of seasoned french fries, mac & cheese, house-made kale slaw, and Dave’s sauce. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice

The new Dave’s Hot Chicken is located at 1447 Hwy 138 SE in Conyers. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice

Election Central

Georgia’s Caribbean voters on the minds of Harris-Walz ticket

BY DONNELL SUGGS

LITHONIA—During Labor Day weekend in metro Atlanta, Harris-Walz surrogates, and thousands of festival attendees gathered at the annual Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival in Lithonia. One group was looking to mobilize a voter block that is often assumed to be a Democratic layup, while the other was there to eat, dance, and be merry.

Metro Atlanta is a perfect example of how the United States looks. With nearly a half-million people, its voters represent demographics ranging from Asian-American to Hispanic-American to Caribbean-American. DeKalb County, the fourth largest county in the state, might be the best example of that diversity.

Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo, U.S. Representative Stacey Plaskett (Virgin Islands), and Congresswoman Nikema Williams were on hand to speak to registered voters and potential voters about the importance of being informed and engaged this election season. This year's ATL Jerk Fest brought thousands of people from all diasporas to Lithonia Park to celebrate.

This year's festival is the 19th overall. This year's presidential election may be the most inclusive in this country's history.

"We can't leave any stone unturned," Amo said. "The Vice President isn't running to make history, and she’s running to make a difference."

Amo added that the beauty of the Black communities around the country is that they have so much in common and many unique differences. Plaskett said all of the voters in those communities, including the Caribbean community, have to be addressed.

"So often we're all lumped together, and engagement with different communities is different," Plaskett said. "We all have commonalities; all Americans are interested in education and wealth-creation, but there’s a particular emphasis on economic mobility in the Caribbean. Which is why so many people come to this country."

According to U.S. Census data, there are 13 million people in the United States with Caribbean ancestry. "I think there's an opportunity that Kamala Harris is presenting with her "Opportunity Economy" plan, which is about home ownership, which is the easiest way to create wealth. That resonates with the Caribbean community.

"I think it's important for us to show our numbers, to show that we're involved, to show that we are going to vote so that in future elections or policy-making, people will take the issues that we think are important seriously."

Harris has made several visits to Caribbean-related events in the past. Plaskett believes that was and remains a good idea for the Harris-Walz ticket.

"I want the community to know that the more we come out and support, the more our issues back home to the people we love will be addressed," Plaskett said. "The fact that the Harris-Walz campaign is coming to the Caribbean community and recognizing that we are not all monolithic is important for Caribbean people to be aware of."

United States Vice President Kamala Harris held a solo rally in Savannah on Friday and will visit Detroit to talk to labor leaders on Monday, Labor Day, according to the campaign. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic selection for vice president, will take part in a barnstorming tour of Pennsylvania on Wednesday.

Harris and Walz made inroads in critical Southeast Georgia region

BY DONNELL SUGGS

SAVANNAH - A day after United States Vice President Kamala Harris and her presidential running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, took their first Southeast Georgia bus tour through Chatham and Liberty counties, she was back in Savannah for a scheduled rally inside EnMarket Arena on Thursday, Aug. 29.

A couple of small pro-Palestine protests took place during Harris' time on stage. Having gotten used to those during her rallies, Harris didn’t miss a beat. “We are fighting for democracy, and everyone has the right to speak, but I am speaking now,” Harris said.

During her speech, she discussed the dangers of a Project 2025 agenda and the need to make child care, health care, and the cost of living more affordable. However, she did not deliver an exact plan on how she and Walz would do this if they were elected in November.

Harris said if elected, she would create an "opportunity economy" where home ownership, for example, would be more achievable.

"It's just not about getting by, it's about getting ahead," she said.

The line has been often repeated by Harris on the campaign trail and was repeated by multiple speakers during the hour-and-a-half rally. Another common tag of the Harris-Walz

ticket is letting the large crowds at the rallies know that they are the underdogs and that this is going to be a tight race. "With your help, we will win this November," she said.

Harris/Walz South Georgia organizing manager Antoinette Ross, a Savannah native, spoke first on Thursday afternoon. "This is our opportunity to fight for our country," Ross said of voting.

Before Harris took the stage, Harris-Walz South Georgia campaign manager Antionette Ross spoke about why she began working with the campaign. She told the crowd that when former United States President Donald J.

Trump was elected in 2016, "I learned that we cannot assume whatever progress we make, we can keep."

"The road to the White House runs through Atlanta, it runs through Savannah, it runs through all of us," Ross said.

Current Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, former Savannah Mayor and current Georgia State Rep. (District 165) Edna Jackson, and State Senator Derrick Mallow (Senate District 2), the latter two being native Savvananians and all three graduates of Savannah State University, spoke about the need to show up at the polls the way they showed up in big numbers at the rally on Thursday.

This rally, similar to the visit to Sandfly BBQ on Wednesday, is an expertly coordinated effort to speak with and directly to voters in Savannah and Chatham County. “For the next 68 days, we need to show up and fight, and on Election Day, we need you to show up to the polls," Mallow said.

"I know, I know, I know that Savannah and Coastal Georgia will deliver for her in November," Johnson said. "Savannah has benefited tremendously from the investments during the Biden-Harris administration."

Johnson added that Harris cares about building up the middle class, and Trump does

not. "He will cut housing protections for Black and brown people, just like he makes his billions off the backs of hard-working Black and brown Americans," he said. "Beloved, we cannot afford to lose all of our progress."

Georgia State Rep. Long Tran (District 80), who attended the rally but was not one of the scheduled speakers, told The Atlanta Voice he wanted to hear Harris take full advantage of the capacity crowd inside EnMarket Arena and speak directly to the people of Southeast Georgia and their immediate needs.

"I see Savannah as being a corridor very different to Atlanta," Tran said. "I want to see her deliver a message to these folks."

Tran also mentioned housing costs as an issue constituents he has talked to consider important. The number of apartments in Atlanta, for example, are going up, but the rents are not plateauing. Supply is meeting demand, so what gives, Tran asked rhetorically.

"How do we address this without being heavy-handed," he said.

Democratic Party Chair and Congresswoman Nikema Williams also spoke during the rally. During her speech, she asked the crowd if they wanted “division and anger or joy."

"This is battleground Georgia, where every vote counts," Williams said before leaving the stage.

U.S. VP Kamala Harris (above) made a solo appearance at a rally in Savannah on Thursday, Aug. 2024. Photos by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice

Rep. Stacey Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands) visited the ATL Jerk Fest in Lithonia on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

Fashion, Philanthropy, and Community

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

The music was pounding, the glamor was on full display, attendees were dressed to the nines, and the reason behind the luxurious gathering was truly righteous.

On Sunday, August 26, Phipps Plaza was transformed into a fashion runway for its 2nd annual “Fashion Statement” fashion show. This event was more than just a display of high fashion; it was a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Featuring collections from four designers—Akris, Etro, St. John, and Balmain—the runway event immersed attendees for nearly an hour, with a goal of raising funds for breast cancer research.

Marsha Archer, co-chair of Fashion statement, reflected on its purpose: “This is the second year of Fashion Statement. It was formerly known as Jeffrey Fashion Cares, which lasted almost 20 years. When it ended, we wanted to continue giving back to the community,” Archer said. Joined by a few others who decided to keep the charitable tradition alive, even after the original event's closure, "Even though the event has gone away, the need for cancer research and to fund it has not gone away,” Archer stated.

The fundraiser set a lofty target of raising $500,000 annually, with plans to diversify the beneficiaries of these funds. “Beginning next year, we're going to start changing up the beneficiary so that we'll have the same beneficiary for two years, and then we'll find a new one for the next two,” Archer elaborated. This strategy allows them to broaden their impact and assist various causes.

Before the fashion show began, multiple video testimonies about the foundation and its work were played for participants, highlighting the importance of financial support for breast cancer patients. This included Alicia Robinson, a breast cancer survivor and recipient of Komen’s financial assistance program, who shared her story, emphasizing that financial hardships should not prevent patients from receiving necessary care, ”While medical treatment and care are typically the primary costs associated with the breast cancer diagnosis, there are other expenses of daily living that can keep patients from getting the care they need when they need it,” Robinson

said. Following the testimony, auctioneer Dean Crownover stated that a $2,500 gift will provide financial support for five people with breast cancer through this program.

Reflecting on her experience with the previous event, Archer said, "I did Jeffrey Fashion Cares for two years as a cochair. That event was a legacy in Atlanta; it kicked off the social season. It was the event that everybody talked about, and it raised a lot of money for organizations in need,” Archer continued. When the pandemic forced Jeffrey Fashion Cares to its end, Archer and her team saw an opportunity to continue the legacy of giving by creating "Fashion Statement." Adding to the night’s excitement, the organizers included an auction segment, with the evening's most anticipated item being a two-night stay in the luxurious Zen Suite at the Nobu Hotel. The audience was excited as auctioneer Crownover described the suite, saying, "It’s like having your apartment, 150,000 square feet big, with everything private, a kingsize luxury bed, walk-in closet, and a spacious bathroom featuring a rainfall shower. “

Also auctioned off was "The Domed Cuff," designed by Sidney Garber and valued at $15,000. It is a world travel package for two people, offering destinations like Tuscany, Bali, Thailand, Paris, and Greece. Bids flew fast and furious as attendees vied for these exclusive experiences, with the highest bidders walking away.

Shay Davis, a model and attendee at the event, shared her perspective on the show. “For Atlanta, it was a 10,” she stated enthusiastically. There are not a lot of things that are done with quality, but this event was organized in the back and front of the house. Everything ran smoothly.”

Planning for a "Fashion Statement" is a continuous effort. “It’s a year-round effort,” Archer noted. “We maybe take a week or two off and start planning for the following year. Without the brands, we just couldn’t do it. The brands bring it to life,” Archer stated, “We’re making a statement through fashion,” Archer continued, “While the fashion is on the runway, everybody comes decorated in their style. The most important thing is that we're raising money for a cause,” Archer said.

Shay Davis (above) dressed in Van Miller International designed during the Fashion Statement fashion show at Phipps Plaza. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Georgia overpowers Clemson 34-3

Westlake honors A.J. Terrell with jersey retirement

BY ANFERNEE PATTERSON

SOUTH FULTON — Before the Westlake Lions football game against Gainesville on Friday night, Westlake High School dedicated and retired the number eight jersey of Aundell “A.J.” Terrell Jr. in front of a crowd full of Blue and Silver.

With the huge success Terrell had on the field, his jersey retirement is only the beginning of his legacy and comes as no surprise to him.

“Always,” Terell said when asked about if he imagined having his jersey retired at Westlake. “It was always grinding and trusting the process. Good things happen to people who do things the right way. I didn’t cheat or skip any steps leading up to this. I’m just honored and thankful that this day came. I thank God.”

Terrell played at Westlake from 2012-2016 and was a five star recruit. He went on to play at Clemson under current head coach Dabo Swinney.

While at Clemson, Terrell won a national championship in 2018 and played for another

in 2019.

overall pick.

Terrell builds his legacy with the Falcons Since being drafted by the Falcons, Terrell has stepped up at the team’s best corner and earned a Second Team All-Pro selection in 2021. Last, Terrell signed a four year, $81 million deal to stay with the Falcons.

“This is what I wanted,” said Terrell when asked about signing his contract extension with the Falcons. “Once I got here, I never envisioned leaving or going anywhere else. I’m glad to be a Falcon.”

Terrell continues to give back to his community and Westlake High School financially and is generous with his time. A.J. hosts a football summer camp which he started in 2021. Terrell also won the John Lewis Emerging Leader Award. This honor was bestowed upon him in 2023 by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

one

After Clemson, Terrell was drafted by his hometown team, the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2020 draft with the 16th

Atlanta Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell, holds up his Westlake Lions jersey during a ceremony at Westlake High School on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Anfernee Patterson/The Atlanta Voice

Health

Ex-election

workers want Rudy Giuliani’s apartment

The HIV/AIDS Crisis Is NOT Over!

Georgia is one of the leading states showing an increase in cases

BY STAN WASHINGTON

HELLO! IS ANYONE LISTENING?

The HIV/AIDS health crisis is still with us, especially in Georgia, And for Black people, the numbers are alarming, according to national statistics by the Center for Diseases Center (CDC). This is NOT the time to return to the days of “free love” of the 1960s with unprotected sex.

Officials of AIDS Atlanta and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation met recently with members of the Atlanta news media for assistance in getting the word out about the rising number of HIV cases among Black people in Atlanta and Georgia.

Joining Georgia on the list of the nation’s highest HIV infection rates are Florida, Nevada, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. And do you know what else these states have in common? They are all run by Republican governors who have refused to expand Medicaid.

The expansion of Medicaid is critical in fighting the rising HIV rates, according to AIDS Atlanta Executive Director Nicole Roebuck-Warner.

“Unfortunately, some states are carrying the heaviest burden of HIV,” she said, “several southern states did not expand Medicaid. All of those things are adding to this perfect storm. Leadership matters.”

HIV rates had their biggest drop during the COVID-19 crisis in 20192020. The rates shot back up to pre-pandemic levels in 2021 and continued to increase.

Between 2014-2022, HIV diagnosis rates were higher among Black/ African American men and cisgender men compared to other groups. Rates are also increasing in Hispanic/Latino populations but decreasing or remaining low in other groups, reports the CDC.

In 2021, there were 59,422 persons living with HIV in Georgia. The 20-county Atlanta metro area had the third-highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among U.S. metro areas, with 1,562 new cases and a rate of 25.4 new diagnoses per 100,000 people. One report had metro Atlanta having the highest rate of HIV

per any metro area in the world.

In examining the HIV rates for Atlanta and Georgia provided by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, as of 2022, there are 41,394 Black Georgians living with HIV. The highest figure, 28,620, live within the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta area. Fulton is next with 11,721 residents, followed by DeKalb County, Cobb County, and Gwinnett County. (See chart.)

Unfortunately, the statistics show that the HIV rates of Black women in Georgia have been increasing since the pandemic, and the majority of those women live in metro Atlanta.

HIV rates of Black women are 11.4 times higher than white women. Those rates are also increasing for women in Georgia who are living in poverty. Statewide, 10,928 black females are living with HIV.

In metro Atlanta, among Black women aged 13 and up, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta metro area ranked at the top with 6,602 people diagnosed with living with HIV, followed by Fulton County 2,124, DeKalb 1,500, Gwinnett 627 and with Cobb 529. AIDS officials believe these numbers have increased since 2022.

So why is Atlanta and Georgia at the top of the list of the nation’s HIV/AIDS rates? Roebuck-Warner explains several factors. Let’s start with Gov. Brian Kemp not expanding Medicaid.

“Unfortunately, Georgia is a state that lacks access for all to basic healthcare, which can then add to issues of finding healthcare for HIV, and that includes screening, testing services, treatment, and care,” she explained. “Fortunately, in Atlanta, there are funding resources to fill the gap for uninsured people.”

Not cited by the AIDS officials at the roundtable is Atlanta, known for some years as the unofficial “Black Gay Capitol” of the United States, a title which used to be held by New York City. The city has attracted members of the LGBTQ community because it served HIV/AIDS; AIDS Atlanta has been around for four decades; and the city’s tolerant atti-

Georgia is one of the leading states showing an increase in cases.

tude, which is solely missing in many cities and towns across the country. Also, there are younger generations who did not experience the early years of HIV/AIDS when the death rate was high for those affected by the disease. It took several years before a “cocktail” of drugs was developed to fight the illness. That cocktail has been reduced to at least two drugs, and now, with the proper care, people are living far longer and healthier lives. The drug APREPTUDE is the

Life

STREET LINES

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT 2.5T AWD

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

Just when we sang praises for the 2023 Sante Fe SUV, Hyundai steps their game up again. This year’s version flaunts a completely redesigned frame, with a more stylish interior, longer wheelbase, and an overall rebirth that will have heads turning whenever it’s driven. This SUV is already one of top recommendations in the segment, and with eight trims—yes, eight—to choose from, it will be very difficult to not find a version to suit whatever needs are desired.

The frame is consistent with all the Santa Fe variations for 2024, and for good reason: The square body is now a welcomed boxy look that rivals numerous upscale SUVs found in especially Europe, complete with roof rails, a power liftgate with an expanded opening for optimal tailgating, and an LED lighting package like no other from front to rear. The actual layout of these lights, fenders, dashboard, and even vents are in the

shape of an “H” which I assume boasts the carmaker’s name; don’t worry, it looks innovative, yet not forced.

Specifically addressing the XRT 2.5T, it flexes a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 277 horsepower, 311 lb.-ft. of torque, eight-speed transmission, paddle shifters, and a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, opposed to the standard 3,500 for other trims. It’s also the most rugged of the family, presented with 18-inch, all-terrain wheels clearing 1.3-inch more ground clearance, and all-wheel drive (HTRAC). Ideally crafted for a family to transport up to seven passengers (smaller legroom is present in the third row’s two seats for the kiddies), with all seating lined with H-Tex material for that leather-like feel, and an interior maxing out at 79.6 cubic feet of space. The front provides heated seats (including an eight-way, power-adjustable seat for the driver) enhanced with numerous bells and whistles. Hyundai’s signature Bluelink connectivity; hands-free Bluetooth; wireless Android/Apple CarPlay compatibility; the

Hyundai Digital Key 2; and a 12.3-touchscreen with navigation paired with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster to complement the curvaceous, panoramic dash. Everyone will appreciate the110volt power outlet, sliding sunroof with cover, dual-zone climate control, four high-power USB charging ports, and clever bi-directional center console providing access for the second row.

Safety gets high marks, with generous inclusions of everything from front-and-back collision-avoidance assistance, a surround-view monitor, and rear-passenger alert to name a few of seemingly countless features to ease the mind.

And rest assured, Hyundai maintains their industry-leading warranties, including a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty, plus more.

Overall, just when things looked great in 2023’s Sante Fe family, the fifth generation unveiled in 2024 takes it up an impressive notch especially with its new body starting at a generous $40K. While we look forward to seeing what the other trims present, there is certainty none will disappoint.

Price: $43,750 MSRP

Gas economy: 21 city/28 highway/24 combined

For more information, visit Hyundaiusa.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL FOR BIDS

RFP for Residences at Chosewood Park located at 1211 McDonald Drive SE, Atlanta, GA.

BIDS DUE: September 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm PRE-BID MEETING will be held on site on September 4, 2024, at 10:00 am.

PLANS: Hard Copies of plans available upon request and at subcontractor’s expense from A1 BluePrint (www.a1blue.com), Phone: 404-5248881 OR for a link contact Linda at Lstache@gormanusa.com. Contact Info: Linda Stache, Gorman & Company, Phone: 608-835-5177

CERTIFICATIONS: SBE/MBE/WBE/EBE/DBE/VBE, SECTION 3 and a prevailing wage rate project. This project is also NGBS Bronze and +45L ZERH Credits

FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSAL

Sealed proposals for 24RFP0820K-DB - Operation and Maintenance Services for the Atlanta-Fulton County Water Treatment Facility for the Atlanta-Fulton County Water Resources Commission, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing and Contract Compliance, electronically through Bidnet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty, on Monday, October 28, 2024. All proposals submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Proposals names will be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via Zoom. See link noted in the Solicitation Document of Section 3. Bid Bond: N/A

Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) The Atlanta Fulton County Water Resources Commission is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide operation and maintenance services for the Tom Lowe Atlanta Fulton County Water Treatment Plant. Services include the complete management, operations, maintenance and repair of the water treatment facilities. The 90 MGD Atlanta-Fulton County Water Treatment Facility is located at 9750 Spruill Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022, consisting of consisting of an 1) an intake, including related pumping station and raw water transmission main(s); 2) raw water reservoirs, including Reservoir #1 (approximately 350 million gallons of storage capacity) and Reservoir #2 (approximately 450 million gallons of storage capacity) and 3) the Water Treatment Plant, including raw water traveling screens, raw water grit removal, chemical addition/feed systems, meters, rapid mix, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, washwater decant, treatment works, sludge/ solids dewatering/disposal, clearwells, finished water pump station, maintenance building, administrative building, administrative building and acreage which includes environmental water features.

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

Term of Contract: The initial term of the contract will be (10) ten- year, unless earlier terminated as provided for in the O&M Contract. The O&M contract may be renewed by AFCWRC, at its sole discretion, through its General Manager under the same terms and conditions (with a CPI adjustment for any renewal term), for one (10) ten-year term. AFCWRC’s General Manager may exercise any option to renew the O&M Contract by delivering written notice of the intent to renew to the Commission for consideration and approval ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date of the initial (10) ten-year term of the O&M Contract or the first renewal term, if renewed.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Atlanta-Fulton County Water Treatment Facility’s Administration Building 9750 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, GA, 30022. See Section 1.6 of Solicitation Document.

If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Darlene A. Banks, CAPA, at Email: darlene.banks@fultoncountyga.gov or (404) 612-7879. Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technicalities.

on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. All proposals submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Proposal(s) shall be publicly opened via Zoom, with only the names of the Proposal(s) disclosed at the opening at 11:05 a.m. See link noted in the Solicitation Document of Section 3. Proposal Bond: N/A

Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) Selected Developer will begin undertaking tasks to deliver the project. These tasks would be done between selection and signing of the Development Agreement and other documents related to the terms of the transfer of site control and development requirements. The following scope of work includes but is not limited to some of the tasks that the Developer would undertake:

• Conduct environmental review

• Refine development concept and financial model

• Negotiate agreement terms and conditions with County

• Obtain project entitlements

• Secure project funding Solicitation for more details.

Term of Contract: To Be Determined (TBD).

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Fulton County Government,