The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 092724 by theatlantavoice633

Freedom Rider

Charles Person, 82, became a member of the original 1961 Freedom Riders as a teenager.

Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Riding for Freedom: MARTA hosts John Lewis bus unveiling

Atlanta’s Charles Person tells his story

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

From outside the front door of the Person home, the smooth jazz rendition of "My Favorite Things," originally released in 1959, could be heard. This is the home of Charles Person, 82, who became a member of the original 1961 Freedom Riders and author of Buses Are a Comin': Memoir of a Freedom Rider, which was published in 2021.

When Person started his freshman year at Morehouse College, he was excited to be in such an inspiring environment. Surrounded by like-minded academics and young people who he considered some of the best and the brightest of his generation. Initially, freshmen were not allowed to participate in the growing Civil Rights Movement, but as the movement gained momentum, these restrictions were lifted, allowing Person to join the efforts that would help change America forever.

It wasn’t a struggle for Person to recollect the motivating atmosphere. "The campaign really picked up in 1961" he recalled. "I remember the first march we had. Some people say it was 2,000, but I think there were 5,000 students marching two by two from the Atlanta University campus into downtown Atlanta. We made an impression because we were peaceful and orderly.”

Person said there wasn’t any violence, just a massive, disciplined presence of Black students.

"We had enough people that we could do this every day," Person said. "My two buddies, Frank Holloway and Leon Green, and I could close any lunch counter. Frank was a big guy, and he would just cross his arms and look imposing. It terrified the hell out of white folks, but we were nonviolent. We were committed to the principles of Dr. King and other nonviolent leaders."

Any sit-ins and marches conducted were strategic, targeting high-profile stores like Woolworths, Greens, Rich’s, and Davison’s.

"Rich's was a high-value target because it was where the ultra-rich in Atlanta shopped. We wanted to disrupt business as usual and force the city to confront its discriminatory practices," Person explained.

During this period, Person was arrested for the first time. "When the campaign really intensified, the whites did not want to negotiate with the students. They thought if they ignored us, we’d go away. So we had to intensify and change tactics. We went on a jail-mobile strategy, hitting multiple points at once to overwhelm the police," he explained.

Person’s activism was deeply influenced by the environment of Atlanta's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Morehouse, Spelman, Clark College (Now Clark Atlanta University), Morris Brown College, and the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). "We had our own community, Auburn Avenue and Harness Street, (which is now MLK Jr. Drive). We had everything the white community had, just on a smaller scale—our own bowling alleys, professional offices, dentists, doctors. We didn’t lack anything, except during the holidays when we had to deal with the segregation of downtown shopping," he recounted.

Fueled by his commitment to the Civil Rights Movement, Person was driven by a profound sense of justice and a desire to change the status quo. "We were determined to fight for our rights. It wasn’t just about integrating lunch counters; it was about demanding dignity and respect for our community," Person stated.

The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal period in Charles Person’s life, forging him into a steadfast advocate for equality and justice. His experiences in Atlanta in the early 1960s were marked by courage, strategy, and a deep commitment to nonviolent resistance. "We knew that our fight was bigger than us," Person reflected. "We were part of a movement that was changing the world, and we were determined to see it through to the end," Person continued.

Person's journey did not stop with the marches in Atlanta. After the success of these efforts, the Congress of Racial Equality sought to leverage the nonviolent training many young people had received. This led to the call for the Freedom Rides in 1961. "Well, nobody knew what a Freedom Ride was in 1961, but being given a chance to fight segregation at a higher level was very enticing," Person said.

He volunteered, even though he needed parental permission due to his age. "My dad easily allowed me to go, but my mom was a little reluctant," he remembered. "But eventually, like most mothers, she gave in." Despite their concerns,

Person’s parents understood the significance of the cause. "My dad, I guess, vicariously, wanted to achieve some of the things they weren’t able to do," Person said.

When planning the route for the ride, the original destination was set as New Orleans, with the Freedom Riders beginning their training in nonviolence in Washington, D.C, in May of 1961, where they prepared for various scenarios.

"We thought the worst that could happen was ketchup or condiments being thrown at us, or someone might spit on us," Person said. But the reality was far more dangerous. Person recanted their journey being uneventful until they reached Rock Hill, South Carolina, where John Lewis and another Freedom Rider were beaten severely. "John was asked if he wanted to press charges, and he said no.

Atlanta, the next stop in route, provided a brief but significant respite for the riders. The city was a crossroads where activists could regroup and strategize. During their stay, Person and the Riders were hosted at the Atlanta University Center (AUC), which served as a sanctuary, bringing Person’s journey full circle.

One of the most memorable aspects of Person’s time in Atlanta was the chance to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his team. Listening to this story was both inspiring and sobering, with a dreadful reality. Dr. King, who was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement, expressed his concerns about the risks the Freedom Riders faced, particularly as they prepared to enter Alabama. He warned them that the violence they might encounter could be fatal. Despite this daunting prospect, Person and his fellow Riders remained resolute, motivated by their commitment to the cause.

The Freedom Riders departed Atlanta the following day. As they neared the Georgia-Alabama state line, tensions began to rise. A man, disembarking from the bus, issued a

An old photo of Charles Person from the 1960’s. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Charles Person also served this country during the Vietnam. War Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Fulton County Voter Education Outreach Team visits Spelman College

BY ERINN GARDNER

Fulton County Voter Education and Outreach manager Lashandra Little spoke to several Spelman College students on Monday, Sept. 16 about ways they can actively prepare for the upcoming presidential election. The Spelman Student Government Association (SGA) and the Spelman Bonner Program collaborated so the student body could have the opportunity to become informed about topics ranging from voter eligibility to various methods of voting.

“This is a very pertinent election that’s coming up and we want to make sure we engage our voters, educate them on the requirements to vote, about who’s eligible to vote and the importance of voting in all elections,” 19-year-old Bonner scholar and SGA secretary of institutional advancement Taniyah Taitano said.

Covering 538 square miles in Fulton county, Little and her team aim to educate the population on all things related to the voting process in a non-partisan manner. From high schools to senior homes, they better educate voters on how to become engaged with the election process. This is particularly critical for out-of-state students and a handful of senior citizens to ensure that they are registered to vote, have acquired an absentee ballot, and remain current on how to pursue their early voting.

local and national elections will directly influence their livelihood.

“This event sparked my interest because I believe voter education is just as important as actually casting your vote, Said Kennedy Clemmons, a Spelman College student. “A big misconception we hear is that one vote won’t affect anything, so it’s important to know that your vote matters.”

Voter suppression bills in Georgia, such as SB 202, have limited access to ballots, restricted the number of ballot dropboxes, shortened the window for absentee and early ballots, and banned the distribution of food and water in voting lines. Ideally, Little’s efforts to inform the residents of Fulton County will successfully prevent these bills from adversely affecting voter turnouts.

“Voter suppression has been an issue in Georgia for a number of years now. As someone from a very democratic area, I find implementing the initiatives I see at home here crucial,” Bonner Liaison Samaya Goodwin said.

“The senior centers are my favorite places to go because they’re very excited and always engaged with the voting process, so just helping them in any way we can is rewarding for me,” Fulton County Voter Education Outreach coordinator Naomi Wagner said.

Little allowed students to ask questions following the presentation of several slides, including crucial concepts about this year’s election process and the details of the Fulton County ballot. While college students may perceive the voting process as tedious, they are often reminded that the results of

The session concluded with a skit presented by the Bonner scholars, in which they accurately portrayed the voting process.

“Vote for democracy, do your research, and take the time to diligently focus on what’s happening around the world, not just in the US domestically but also globally,” Taitano said.

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”— Shirley Chisholm

How on-demand pay helped me manage medical bills

BY JOHN WILLIAMS

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. – Charles Darwin As a PhD cellular biologist and biology professor at Albany State University, I’m intimately familiar with the Darwinian concept of “survival of the fittest” – the idea that, in nature, only the most adaptable species endure. This can of course be as true in nature as it is in different facets of our own lives.

Today, we live in a high pressure economy. The cost of living has risen across the board, and many Georgians have leaned on debt, whether it be from personal loans or credit cards to make ends meet. My family and I have felt the same pressures, and it’s an area in which we’ve needed to adapt.

I was born and raised in Albany, Georgia, and live here with my wife and daughter today. I love my hometown and love raising my family here, but I’m also no stranger to witnessing financial hardship within my community. Albany has one of the highest rates of poverty in the state of Georgia, with nearly 30% of our residents living below the poverty line.

challenges with money started with health issues and the costs that came with it.

The cost of healthcare is a common challenge for many Americans, but especially in Georgia –, it’s the 8th most expensive state for healthcare, and beyond that, the #1 worst rated state for healthcare in general. When it comes to our health, the last thing we want to worry about is the cost to keep it. Unfortunately, my medical expenses, and those incurred by trying to diagnose my daughter’s health challenges, put us into a difficult financial position. Making ends meet when you or your family is struggling can be gut-wrenching and all-encompassing. I needed to explore new solutions that could help us adapt to our real financial circumstances.

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I’ve seen friends go through tough financial times. Family and neighbors, too. You can have a great job and still get hit hard with unforeseen expenses, or for us, simply live in a part of the country where it’s just tough to make consistent income. For my family, like many others, our

This is when I discovered “on-demand pay”, sometimes referred to as earned wage access. As a professor and a researcher by trade – you guessed it – I did my research around the concept. Companies that offer it allow you to access part of your earned wages prior to your payday. I was not looking for a loan, and this was clearly not one. The app that I ended up using, called EarnIn, offered no membership fees, no interest payments, did not require a credit check, and no other hidden fees. It simply allowed me early access to wages I’d already earned.And because of the ease of use and access (it’s an app right there on my phone) we felt the effect immediately. When I was able to access part of my paycheck early, it allowed me

to not just pay for unexpected expenses as they arose – like medical diagnosis, treatments, and therapies, but it allowed us to begin to plan and save for the expected- and unexpected- more effectively over time.

One of the things I’ve loved most about the app and on-demand pay is that it’s using my own money. I’m the type of person that prefers to solve my own problems without having to lean on others. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had incredible friends and family who have extended help, and I’ve done the same for them. But EarnIn gave me a way to adapt and solve my own problem by using wages that I’ve already worked for and earned. There’s no reason to wait for payday when I have earned the money and can use it now to facilitate treatment that is needed immediately.

I’m happy to say that our physical health as a family has improved along with our financial health. I’ve been able to adopt other strategies along the way – using tools like EarnIn’s Balance Shield – to help protect from bank overdrafts, budget more effectively, and as a result, save and grow our money.

To my neighbors and fellow Georgians who may find themselves in my situation, remember, living to survive is different than living to thrive. And EarnIn has helped me thrive. Tools like on-demand pay have empowered me and my family to adapt to financial challenges and ultimately evolve our finances to an even better place today. iStock.com/everydayplus

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Spiritually Speaking: Righteous Power

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

One of the most misunderstood terms, not just in the Christian world but also in the secular world, is power. Some associate power with money. Others believe real power is defined by influence, the ability to affect the outcome of a given situation. The more power you have, the more you can affect the lives of those around you. In a spiritual sense, the question of using that power for good or evil has some substantive value. When it comes to the power of prayer, faith, or the power of the Lord, this power becomes the central focus of many intense conversations. According to the Christian faith, God is omnipotent. The truth is that all religions of the world give all power to the God or Gods that human beings believe in. Christians believe El Shaddai can do anything. He doesn’t have the answer to all things, but He is the answer to all things. It becomes clearer and clearer to me that power comes from truth. There is inherent power in the truth of who Jesus Christ was, who He is, and who He will always be.

It becomes clearer and clearer to me that power comes from truth

That truth brings peace of mind. That peace of mind brings about power. I’m not talking about some ideological rhetorical power one refers to in some romantic sense. I’m talking about withstanding the devil, standing up against evil, and walking in real-world power.

I’m always reminded when I read the bible that those who believed in and then acted upon that belief were, and to some extent, still being persecuted in such a way that their very existence is called into question. Can you imagine the power that exists when you define your existence as eternal, one with the Lord always was and always will be? That kind of power is all-powerful. In the very face of death, that kind of power allows you to confess an unwavering belief In God almighty. That kind of power was unavailable to Peter when he first asked about his re-

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lationship with Christ. We all know fear is what prompted the cock to crow, as Jesus predicted. The power that let the same Peter request crucifixion upside down is but a small example of divine power realized.

Have you ever wondered what gives people the will to do right, act right, and be right in the face of adversity, temptation, and, yes, even the threat of death? I guess I should ask more appropriately. Haven’t you ever wondered what makes the righteous persevere? What is it about righteousness that strikes fear in the unrighteous? Why is the happily married man or woman the preferred target of the sinful suitor? Again, power realized is power exercised in the name of truth, faith, and, regardless of how intangible it sounds, in the name of love. At that point, history tells us that real power becomes a threat and must be

destroyed. Is anybody trying to kill your spirit? Is your righteousness under attack? If not, then maybe you ain’t got no power. If not, then maybe you aren’t at peace with God yet. If you were then, everyone around you would necessarily know that because you would automatically become a magnet for the righteous and a target for temptation. Forgive me if I now bring up the term arrogance. Arrogance merely acknowledges the internal power of faith. Whatever comes your way as a Christian is then met with the righteous indignation of one who knows the truth and has the power. Not today. I’m a child of God and don’t have time to play with you.

May God bless and keep you always.

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

What are your thoughts on Sean “P Diddy” Combs’ situation regarding the charges against him for sex trafficking and racketeering?

CHANTYLE WALLS Cordele

"I do not think he deserved bail because human trafficking is serious. And if he's guilty of it, he should pay. [I think] everybody in his entourage that knew what he was doing in and condoned it, [will get caught up in it.]"

HAROLD MONU Upper West Side Atlanta

"Diddy is in for it. I'm not too sure what's going to happen, but no, I don't think you should have gotten bail. I think he's proven to be a menace to society. That video with Cassie kind of seals it for me. Diddy is done.”

CINDY HILL

Atlanta

"I think it's really sad, particularly for his children. All his children have to live with this circus until it comes to its conclusion. I know that he's hurt a lot of people. I know he's put a lot of people on. But I also know that in the industry it is a very, very dirty situation. Do I think he should have got bail? I don't know about that. But I know that there are a myriad of tangled webs of people that are going to get caught up in this.”

JAMELE WRIGHT, SR

Atlanta

"My idea about Diddy getting bail, I don't know. I think that's a tough one. A lot of worse people have gotten bail and a lot of less people have gotten bail. There are people here who have never gone to trial for things that they've done. And I think that I think it's going to be the same list that was with Epstein. But ultimately, it's a power thing.”

Compiled

Vincent Christie

Election Central

Kamala Harris and Oprah Winfrey Unite for virtual rally in Michigan

BY DONNELL SUGGS

Television mogul, actress, and entrepreneur Oprah Winfrey took the stage in support of United States President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last month. On Thursday night she returned to the national stage, this time during a virtual rally alongside Harris in a televised and streamed virtual rally.

A watch party that featured Harris' "New Way Forward" plan took place in downtown Atlanta on Decatur Street. Harris will return to Atlanta on Friday for a scheduled rally at the Cobb Galleria Centre, one of metro Atlanta's largest multi-purpose facilities. Dozens of supporters filled the campaign office to watch a flatscreen

The virtual rally took place in Oakland County, Michigan, a key county in a key battleground state. Celebrities like Chris Rock, Jennifer Lopez, Bryan Cranston, Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller, and Traci Ellis Ross all checked in virtually.

"We are all here for one cause, to unite the vote," Winfrey said. "Values are on the line in this election."

When Harris took the stage a roar came from the crowd at the virtual rally, which included men and women of various races.

"This is so much bigger than me, it's about

America," Harris said. "

There were several guests in the room, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who spoke on behalf of Harris. During the virtual rally, there were also two Georgia families – Natalie, Matilda, and Doug Griffiths and CJ Williams, Andrika Thuman, and Shanette Williams – shared their stories.

CJ Williams, Andrika Thuman, and Shanette Williams were in attendance to share their story of loss. They are the sisters and mother, respectively, of Amber Thurman, who died of septic shock after waiting for the abortion care she needed in 2022. Amber waited 20 hours to get the help that she ultimately did not receive.

Williams, Amber's mother, said she wanted to share their story tonight, because "Amber is not a statistic. She was loved."

Natalie Griffith was shot and severely injured during the mass shooting at Apalachee High School. She is currently in recovery, and the three of them appeared at the event to tell their story.

In the last 25 years there have been more than 400 school shootings in the United States.

“This is not normal, ya’ll, and this is not right,” Winfrey said. “We as Americans have to do better. Lives are being destroyed.”

The event was an hour and a half in length and afterwards some of the people that watched shared why they were invested in the Harris-Walz ticket.

Former Emory Midtown nurse Davita Hughes-Wyne spoke of how she can't go back to what took place during the first Trump administration. "We cannot go back to having a leader in place that performed like he did during Covid," she told The Atlanta Voice. "We have to see something different and for a split second I was losing hope, but Kamala Harris brings the type of hope I needed to see."

Trisha Valentine said she was looking forward to this election. "It's now or never," she said. "I want it to be undeniable, I want it be a mad sweep."

Tim Walz energizes an enthusiastic crowd in Asheville

BY CARLA PEAY

ASHEVILLE, NC—A little rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of rally-goers in Asheville, NC, who braved the elements to hear Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for Vice President. Asheville was Walz’s final stop of the day after making campaign visits to Macon and Atlanta, Georgia, on National Voter Registration Day.

Walz opened his remarks by thanking the crowd of about 2,000 supporters gathered at Salvage Station and acknowledging that they could be somewhere other than standing in the rain. He then drew a loud ovation as he wasted no time telling the crowd why the Republican nominee, former president Donald Trump, must be defeated in November.

“Donald Trump has no plan for you,” Walz said. “He has no plan to improve your life. Kamala Harris has a plan for an opportunity economy.”

He then outlined some of Harris’s opportunity economy talking points, including helping middle-class Americans buy homes, gain assistance with childcare, and start small businesses. Walz also touched on

the differences between what he and Harris call freedom and what that word means to Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

“We believe in the freedom to live your life the way you choose without govern-

ment interference,” Walz said. “To those guys, freedom means that the government should be free to invade your doctor’s office, your school library, and your bedroom. We don’t expect everyone to see the world the same way, and it’s pretty clear our opponents see the world very differently. I learned something really important about serving in Congress. You can compromise without compromising your values.”

Walz also called out Vance for stating during a recent CNN interview that he is willing to “make up stories” to get media attention.

Vance told Dana Bash on the CNN show “State of the Union” on Sunday that if he had to ‘create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what he would do’.

“We are used to them making up stories,” Walz said. “If they If they told people what they really stood for, no one would vote for them.”

Walz talked about Vice President Harris’s excitement about his vision for the future and drew a sharp contrast between that vision and the fear and negativity of the

Trump/Vance ticket. He received one of the night’s loudest ovations when he repeated another one of Vance’s recent comments that school shootings were a “fact of life.”

“They can ban books but not assault weapons,” Walz said. “These guys run on fear. Fear is an incredible short-term motivator, but it doesn’t change behaviors. It’s important to know who they are. But what really inspires people is policies and a vision like Kamala Harris is bringing.”

Among those welcoming Walz to Asheville were the city's Mayor Esther Manheimer and state representative Lindsay Prather, who had high praise for the Harris/ Walz ticket.

“I trust the people in this state to vote for the only qualified candidates in this race,” Manheimer said.

As Walz closed out his remarks, he discussed the historic nature of the upcoming election and the clear choice all voters have to make.

“Cracks in the glass ceiling aren’t enough,” Walz said. We need to make sure that that glass ceiling is shattered and Kamala Harris becomes our next president.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made a rally stop in Asheville, North Carolina on Tuesday, Sept. 17 after having been in Macon and Atlanta (pictured above) earlier that day. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

A watch party took place at a Democratic Party campaign office in downtown Atlanta on the night U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris sat down with Oprah Winfrey in Michigan. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Who is running in Fulton County for general elections Nov. 5

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

As we approach the presidential election on November 5, local elections will also be occurring the same day as well.

Fulton County is holding general elections for district attorney, sheriff, solicitor general, surveyor, tax commissioner, county commission, soil and water board, and superior court clerk on Nov. 5. The list of local general elections in Fulton County are:

I. Fulton County District Attorney (Fanis won against Christian Wise Smith in the Democractic Primary on May 21, 2024)

· Incumbent Fani Willis (D)

· Courtney Kramer (R)

II. Fulton County Sherriff

· Incumbent Patrick LaBat (D) (Advanced primary on May 21)

· Charles Rambo (Write-in Candidate)

III. Fulton County Solicitor General

· Keith Gammage (D) (Advanced primary on May 21)

IV. Fulton County Superior Court Clerk

· Ché Alexander (D) (Won primary on May 21)

V. Fulton County Tax Commissioner

· Arthur Ferdinand (D) (advanced primary on May 21)

RIGHT: The last day to register to vote in Georgia is October 7. Fulton County voters will have to remember to look further than the selection of who will be the next United States prescient this election season. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

VI. Fulton County Board of Commissioners District 2

· Bob Ellis (R)

· Megan Harris (D)

VII. Fulton County Board of Commissioners District 4

· Mo Ivory (D)

VIII. Fulton County Board of Commissioners District 6

· Khadijah Abdur-Rahman (D)

· John Jones (Independent)

IX. Special District Offices: Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor:

· Alan Otwell (Incumbent, Non-Partisan)

The deadline to register to vote online, by mail, or in person is Monday, Oct. 7. Early voting begins soon, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

For judicial office general elections candidates, visit https://ballotpedia.org/Municipal_elections_in_Fulton_ County,_Georgia_(2024)#Candidates_and_results. For information regarding registration to vote or more, visit https:// cm.fultoncountyga.gov.

KAMALA HARRIS OFFERS

A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP

She plans to give:Trump has no plan.

$50K tax deduction for new business owners

$6K to young families in the first year of their child’s life

$25K in down payment assistance for first time home buyers

During his presidency, the Black unemployment rate was at an all time high

His Project 2025 agenda would roll back civil rights policies that offer opportunity for Black Americans He uses race to divide us, scapegoating Black & Brown communities

She believes in what is possible. He’s more interested in defending himself than looking out for you. Let’s turn the page and move forward.

Education ONLINE

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

Daniel Oliphant, Morehouse College Bonner Scholar, initially worked as a volunteer at STEAMsport and is now employed at the organization.

Urban Regata mixes education with industry

BY LENTHEUS CHANEY

The historic neighborhood of Castleberry Hill recently played host to the Urban Regatta, a unique event merging art, creativity, and community service.

In 2011, Bottle Rocket restaurant created this free event, which featured a variety of handmade boats built on bicycle frames and decorated in a variety of themes imagined by the competing crew.

This year's event was not just about the competition but also about fundraising and making a difference in the community.

Toni Dillard, the operations director of STEAMsport Inc., a nonprofit organization, focuses on providing free STEAM programming in science, technology, engineering, art, and math for students in underserved communities.

"We are located just a few blocks from the Castleberry Hill area. This is part of our service area," Dillard said. "We became involved

in the event because one of our board members, Wynn Pennington, is one of the organizers [of the Urban Regatta]. He’s always

working closely with us to help with fundraising and exposure."

According to Wynn Pennington, who also serves as the president of the Castleberry Hill Athletic Club, events like the Urban Regatta and their goal of supporting the community are interconnected.

"We wanted to have a beneficiary for all our work. We do events every month, and all the money raised is donated to the STEAMsport program," Pennington said.

The Urban Regatta featured 20 boats this year, and participation has grown each year, according to Pennington, who was dressed as Batman and piloted a Batmobile-inspired boat-bike.

"If you're not here this year, come out next year because this is a lot of fun. It's a boat race with bicycles," Pennington said.

At the event, STEAMsport showcased various STEAM-related activities, including Oculus headsets for game design, Snap Circuits to teach kids about electricity, and other in-

teractive demonstrations.

"Our goal is to get kids interested and expose them. We hope that they stick with it and eventually pursue a STEAM career," Dillard said. "They're the highest-paying, the fastest-growing, and they're not going anywhere." It's a billion-dollar industry, and a lot of our population is not aware.”

Dillard explained some of the organization's initiatives, such as robotics competitions, underwater robotics, and drone coding classes. She also stressed that their program cost families nothing to participate in.

"We partner with Georgia Tech and the Black Data Processing Association, focusing on technology for African Americans. We start with kids around age 9 and go up to high school," Dillard said. “Parents may not be aware, or if they are, think they can't afford it. All of our programs are free.”

For more information or to support STEAMsport’s efforts, visit their website at https://steamsport.com/.

Photos by Lentheus Chaney/The Atlanta Voice

Metro

PERSON

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chilling warning, Person recanted, ‘You've had it good here in Georgia, but you're in Alabama now’, Person initially dismissed the threat, thinking it was inconsequential since the man was leaving the bus. Little did he know, this individual would later resurface in Birmingham, a reminder of the escalating hostility they would soon face.

As the Freedom Riders approached Anniston, Alabama, the tension only grew. Traveling on Mother's Day, upon arrival, they discovered that the bus station was closed, a rare occurrence on a busy travel day. The bus driver, after speaking with local law enforcement, informed the group that the Greyhound bus ahead of them had been set on fire, and its passengers had been taken to the hospital. He then demanded that the Black Freedom Riders move to the back of the bus. When they refused, the group braced themselves for what was to come.

As Person and the others were violently thrown into the back of the bus, they were stacked "like pancakes," as Person described. Despite their small stature—Person recalls being just 5'6" and 126 pounds—they endured the brutality.

B The bus eventually reached Birmingham, where the violence continued. Person recalls entering the waiting room with James Peck, who was already bloodied from the previous assaults. They were immediately attacked again. A photographer captured an image of Person being beaten; his jacket pulled down over his arms to prevent him from defending himself.

Despite the viciousness of the attack, Person walked away from the scene, refusing to run or show fear. He recalls find-

“I remember the first march we had. Some people say it was 2,000, but I think there were 5,000 students marching two by two from the Atlanta University campus into downtown Atlanta,” Person recalled. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

ing a city bus and asking the driver to take him somewhere safe. The driver, noticing the blood on Person, drove him a few blocks and advised him to cross the tracks, knowing that Black residents typically lived in those areas. Person eventually found a telephone booth and used a scrap of paper with Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth's number, a lifeline that he had inexplicably placed in his pocket earlier. Shuttlesworth sent help, with aid from a nurse in Shuttlesworth's church providing some care to his injuries.

Despite the threats and violence, the Freedom Riders pressed on, driven by their commitment to justice and equality. "We had a job to do," Person said. "And we were determined to see it through”.

In reflecting on the aftermath, Person recalled his experience with the judicial system following the violent attack. "The FBI identified them all," Person explained, describing how the attackers were known, yet the legal system failed to hold them accountable. His deposition was taken, and he was subpoenaed to return to Montgomery for the trial. While in Montgomery, he was on the other side of town during the famous incident at First Baptist Church with Dr. King and other civil rights leaders. “Even though they had pictures, they had wide witnesses and all the kind of evidence you wish you’d had as a prosecutor,” Person noted with frustration, “they were all set free.” He returned home deeply upset by the injustice, “I came home and I was very, very upset,” he stated.

Now, decades after the Civil Rights Movement, Charles Person reflects on the broader scope of those who contributed to the cause, emphasizing that it wasn’t just the prominent leaders like John Lewis or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who made a difference. "There are so many people I know who were crucial to the struggle," he explains. "They weren't John Lewis or Dr. King, but some made sandwiches, others made signs, but all of them played a vital role,” Person stated. “I think what keeps me going more than better than anything, is that the Freedom Rides and all the things that I experienced afterwards let me know there are a lot of good people in this world. There are bad people, but you have to realize that there are good people, and if you keep that in mind, then you won't be jaded”.

Fulton County Schools celebrates opening Promise Career Institute

BY DONNELL SUGGS

COLLEGE PARK -- The orange, black, and white balloons in the gymnasium matched the shirts being worn by the students sitting on the bleachers at the new high school on Main Street. So did the jacket and skirt of the school's principal, Dr. Yalanda Bell. Wednesday morning was a special day for Bell, her staff, local politicians, Fulton County Schools board members, and the students.

Fulton County Schools took a moment during the academic year to celebrate the opening of what is being described as a college and career-focused high school, The Promise Career Institute (PCI). Located on Main Street, Promise Career Institute students are taught skills in high-demand career fields, such as automotive technology, diesel technology, logistics, cyber security, and welding, for example.

"We feel like Promise Career Institute is changing the landscape of education," said Bell, who said students at PCI are coming from East Point, Hapeville, City of South Fulton, Palmetto, and as far away as Roswell. "Our goal is simple, but the road is complex. We are breaking down barriers between education and the workforce."

During a presentation, which took place before the indoor ribbon-cutting, which was scheduled that way due to tropical storm Helene, a number of people spoke about what PCI means to the city, and the future of education in metro Atlanta. Those speakers included College Park Mayor Bianca Motley-Broom, College Park Zone 2 Superintendent Dr. Jason Stamper, Atlanta Technical College President Dr. Victoria Seals, Fulton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney, and Tracy Gilbert, the Director of Community Affairs of Strategic Partner-

ships at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, who announced the airport and PCI were now "business partners."

The airport is one of the largest employers in the state of Georgia and a large amount of those jobs are on the retail side. Paradies Lagardere, a major North American travel retail company with many locations inside the airport, also sent representation to PCI to speak about the school, its training programs, and the potential to hire students in the near future.

"Investing in today's youth is crucial for big business," said DaRon Taylor, Paradies Lagardere Flagship Manager.

Taylor added that engaging with the students at PCI is a way to both build brand loyalty and retention. Guests also included College Park City Councilman Joe Carn and Palmetto Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith.

PCI is not only changing education for

students, but for teachers as well. 24-yearold professional welder Nicholas Sanborn said he didn't think he would ever be in charge of a classroom of young welders. Despite his father being a welder for over three decades, Sanborn wasn't on track to be a welder, he tried selling real estate and other careers instead. While attending welding school, Sanborn would help his classmates and instructors noticed his attentiveness and dedication to detail. When Principal Bell reached out to the school about potential instructors for PCI, Sanborn was the name that was brought forth. And the rest is history.

PCI has "Future Fridays", which is an alternative attempt at giving students more autonomy over their academic calendar. On Fridays, students get to pick three sessions they can take part in during the day. Those sessions include yearbook club and African

drumming, said junior Ahmad Harris.

"Future Fridays have been amazing," Harris said. About the school, Harris, who took the stage to speak after Sanborn, said he knew this experience would make him a better student academically.

$40 million of taxpayer funds were invested into the construction of the school, which was a former school.

"Seven years ago this process started. Our journey was to revitalize what this school was and continues to be," Fulton County Schools board member Kimberly Dove said.

May Motley-Broom said PCI is a return to the time when educational options included all learners. To the students who entrusted their education to the PCI model, some of whom were in the room during the presentation, Motley-Broom said, "You have an entire community rooting for you."

Promise Career Institute Principal Dr. Yalanda Bell (above) spoke about the school’s mission during a morning presentation before a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Promise Career Institute (PCI) junior Ahmad Harris (above) spoke about his experience at PCI during a morning presentation. “I know this experience will absolutely make me better,” he said. Photo Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Ribbon-cutting at Promise Career Institute on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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Six Flags Fright Fest celebrates 30 years of ghouls and goblins

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

As summer is almost officially over, ghouls, goblins, and all things spooky are making their appearance at Atlanta’s favorite Halloween event at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Six Flags is celebrating a milestone of 30 chilling years of Fright Fest with a terrifying roster of 15 haunted attractions, including five premium haunted mazes, including mazes inspired by legendary horror brands SAW and Stranger Things, six frightening scare zones; and four chilling live shows.

SAW 20th Anniversary: Guests were able to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SAW with an all-new experience honoring the franchise’s legacy of terror by plunging guests into the depths of Jigsaw’s twisted mind. Guests will endure torturous trials and come face to face with some of John Kramer’s most diabolical contraptions be -

fore time runs out.

Stranger Things: The students of Hawkins High decide to team up to create a little innocent Halloween fun for their community - but things quickly turn upside down and morph into something far darker.

The Atlanta Voice took a tour of both new attractions and neither disappointed.

In the Stranger Things maze, it took you through various points and moments within the show. At every turn, there was a new scary action and jump scare. There are moments throughout where you feel like you’re a part of the show and reliving scenes. One of the favorite parts was the entire atmosphere putting you back into the show while we wait for the fifth and final season to come out soon.

In the SAW attraction, it’s very reminiscent of the franchise and truly felt chilling and a little haunting. It was an experience because throughout the maze, you heard

screams, evil laughter, and more. It was very enjoyable to walk in this terrifying maze trying to get out alive.

Head of Marketing, Dedra Brown said the 30-year celebration of Fright Fest is “super exciting”.

“I’ve been here many, many years and this is our 30th anniversary and the great thing about it this year, we’re able to partner with two iconic attractions/mazes here at the park, which are Stranger Things and SAW,” she said. “We were able to partner with Netflix to bring a ‘Stranger Things’ maze and Lionsgate/Twisted Pictures for SAW, and the great thing about that is they’re celebrating 20 years.”

She also said partnering with these production teams helps attract something new to the park and “adds more layers to our levels”. There are mazes, shows, scare zones, and even a space for people who may not necessarily like the spookiness of Fright Fest called “Boo Fest”, which is a

safe space for kids and anyone else.

Starting at Six Flags when she was only 16 years old and an Atlanta native, Brown said her favorite part about Fright Fest, even though she said she’s a “scaredy cat”, is the jump scares and shows.

“I don’t like the jump scares, but it’s so fun. I’m also really into the shows and anything new, so like bringing Stranger Things to the park is something I was overly excited about because being from Atlanta, I take pride in anything that’s done right here in the city, so having the show shot here in Georgia is amazing.

Additionally, Fright Fest isn’t the only event that’s happening with the Oktoberfest Food Festival lasting until November 3 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia is happening select nights through November 3. For more information, visit https:// www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/events/ fright-fest-2024.

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz Collection showcases the Black artistic legacy in Atlanta

ADAMA celebrates 40-year anniversary of Cape Town Peace March

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

Friday, Sept. 13 was the anniversary of the Cape Town Peace March. Now nearly 40 years later, that history is commemorated with the opening of the “If You Can Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future” exhibition at the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA).

Dr. Fahamu Pecou, founder of ADAMA, expressed excitement about the exhibit, saying, "We really want to highlight the diversity of the African diaspora, demonstrating all of the innovative and exciting ways that Black artists around the world are engaging in contemporary arts."

ADAMA's mission aligns with the exhibition's goal, amplifying the art and culture of the diaspora. Pecou emphasized the significance of having the Nando’s collection in Atlanta, noting, "The Nando's collection is extremely significant to have here in our space”.

The exhibition opens just before the third annual Atlanta Art Week on September 20 and will run through November 2. Located in Pittsburgh, one of Atlanta’s historically Black neighborhoods, ADAMA stays committed to its mission of preserving and highlighting the rich history of the community. Pecou spoke to the importance of staying in this area amid the rapid gentrification, explaining, "Pittsburgh is one of the first developments of free Black communities in the

The exhibition connects international art with the local Atlanta community, particularly the youth, providing them a direct link to global Black experiences. "We want people to feel like in order to have an art experience, you don't have to go to Midtown, you can experience art and culture right in your own neighborhood," Pecou said, stressing the importance of accessibility and representation in the arts.

Laurie Ann Farrell, the curator of this exhibition, who has institutions such as the Museum for African Art in New York. She played a key role in bringing this exhibition to Atlanta. Farrell has long been involved with contemporary African art and curated several exhibitions. She explained that her passion for the African diaspora started with the show, "Looking Both Ways: Art of the Contemporary African Diaspora" in 2003. Her deep understanding of cross-cultural narratives and her dedication to making African artists visible are reflected in the selection of works on display. Each piece featured comes from the esteemed Nando’s collection, which highlights Southern African contemporary art.

ADAMA and Farrell’s collaboration brought together 30 carefully selected pieces from Nando’s larger 27,000-piece

collection. Featuring artists include globally acclaimed Vivian Kohler, Portia Zvavahera, and Mbongeni Buthelezi. "The quality is incredible, and what I noticed is a rich diversity in themes like portraiture, place, and abstraction," Farrell commented. She explained how these works collectively provide a visual narrative deeply rooted in South African history while remaining universally accessible.

The exhibition also honors the legacy of Dick Enthoven, a South African billionaire and the patron behind the Nando's collection, who passed away in 2022, who played a role in ending apartheid in South Africa. His belief in art as a tool for social change lives on through this exhibition, Farrell noted. Enthoven’s deep ties to South African artists and his support for their work enabled the growth and success of many emerging voices in the art world.

As Atlanta continues to emerge as a cultural hub, “If You Can Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future” serves as a bridge between the local community and the global diaspora. For Dr. Pecou, this exhibition offers the same opportunities for artistic discovery that were scarce in his youth. "Your imagination can run wild, where your heart's passions and desires can be fully expressed," Pecou said, envisioning ADAMA as a place where the dreams of Black youth are cultivated and celebrated.

city of Atlanta. There's a rich, deep, storied history of Black people in this community."

Pietá, 2019, Acrylic paint, on found paper by Vivien Kohler. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Saxiphone Player, 2012 Melted plastic on recycled plastic by Mbongeni Buthelezi on display at African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA). Photo by Noah Washington/ The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta’s first Black-woman-owned culinary academy opens in DeKalb County

The Athlete’s Foot celebrates grand opening of new flagship store

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

Whether in sleet, rain, or snow, people will show what they care about.

On September 14, The Athlete’s Foot (TAF) celebrated the grand opening of its flagship store and community center in Atlanta. The opening was attended by Louisiana State University (LSU) Women’s Basketball star and TAF’s 2024 Brand Ambassador, Flau’jae Johnson. Johnson, college athlete and rapper, reflected on her role as TAF’s ambassador and the significance of community support. When asked about her experience at the grand opening, Johnson shared her excitement: “I literally was just walking upstairs like, wow, I got tears. People took time out of their day to come. It’s raining. It just means a lot to me,” Johnson told The Atlanta Voice Johnson’s partnership with TAF extends beyond the typical ambassador role. As an athlete with one of the highest NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, she views her position as an opportunity to pave the way for future gener-

ations, particularly women of color. “It’s big for me, just as a woman, to be able to set the standard for other women,” Johnson told. Johnson's commitment to raising the bar for women in sports and beyond is central to her mission. She recalled advice given to her: “One lady told me, 'Never take what you don’t deserve, because women after you are gonna, have to accept that as well,’" Johnson continued.

In addition to Johnson’s presence, the flagship store’s grand opening marks a significant milestone for The Athlete’s Foot. The new location at 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 113E, not only serves as the brand’s flagship retail store but also as a community center and TAF’s new corporate headquarters. This store represents more than just a commercial space; it’s designed to be a hub for community engagement, further integrating the company with the neighborhood.

Darius Billings, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement at The Athlete’s Foot, highlighted the importance of this new location in Midtown Atlanta. “This will serve as not just our flagship corporate store but also

September 14,

a community hub, Community Center,” Billings explained. The store's connection to the surrounding area reflects TAF’s broader mission to foster meaningful relationships with its customers and the communities it serves.

Billings also discussed the brand's focus on understanding its consumers. “In retail, you want to know who your customers are and what they like. We’ll be able to use this store as

a testing store for new brands and different activations, and then we can roll things out to our Community engagement has been a central theme in TAF’s business model, and this new flagship store exemplifies that focus. The planning process for the store began over a year ago, and the team carefully selected a location that would foster a strong connection with the Midtown Atlanta community. “This process started probably just a little over a year, maybe a little over a year with the whole process—finding locations and doing the buildout and all of that stuff,” Billings shared. The new flagship store is the culmination of that effort, blending retail with community space to reflect TAF’s core values.

As The Athlete’s Foot continues to grow, its focus on community, culture, and consumer engagement remains at the forefront of its mission. The new flagship store and community center in Atlanta represent not only the future of the brand but also its dedication to giving back to the neighborhoods that have supported its success. Their new location is 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 113E, Atlanta, GA 30308.

The Athlete’s Foot (TAF) celebrated the grand opening of its flagship store and community center in Atlanta. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Racism’s toll on young Black boys: A call to action for mental health

Dr. Maxine Owusu aims to increase diversity in healthcare

BY LAURA NWOGU

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Black women comprise less than 3% of active physicians in the United States, but Atlanta-based ER physician Dr. Maxine Owusu is on a mission to increase diversity in health care. For her, that mission begins with the children.

Stem Kiddos is a plush human anatomy toy, created by Owusu, that aims to be a fun, visual aid for children to learn the names, locations, sizes and shapes of the main body organs. It also acts as a backpack so kids can continue their learning from the comfort of their homes to the halls of their school/ daycare.

Owusu is also the author of "Curious Rosie: A Trip to the Hospital,” the first book of a series that introduces young readers to the diverse and vital roles of healthcare professionals. In the book, all the physicians are women of different ethnicities.

Through partnerships with schools and nonprofits, Owusu is igniting a passion for healthcare — a passion that also started in her youth and carried on into motherhood.

From an early age, Owusu knew that she wanted to be a doctor, but she said she didn’t understand the gravity of what that truly meant until she was in her pre-med programs. She recalled a meeting with a dean at her school that concluded with the dean discouraging her from applying to medical school. When she talked to other women of color in her program, she realized they had been given the same discouragement.

“I realized at that stage that there were going to be people who were going to discourage me through this journey, and then there would be people who would encourage me. But I knew that this is what I wanted to do, so I was going to be steadfast. I was going to do the work that I need to do, and I didn't care who was going to be there to discourage me. I was just going to forge through and accomplish my goals.”

Now she is one of 3,000 Black doctors in the metro Atlanta area,

during a time when there is a critical need for more Black physicians.

Owusu noted the health disparities that exist among Black and brown communities, including increased rates of medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke.

“There's a lot of reasons for that. Unfortunately, one is structuralized racism. We don't have enough access to care … even access to healthy food with all these food deserts. There's also a lot of distrust when it comes to the Black community when it comes to seeing physicians because of what's happened in the past.”

From the Tuskegee Syphilis Study to the theft of Henrietta Lacks’ cells, history shows the eroded trust that exists in the medical field. However, multiple studies show that Black patients receive better care when treated by Black physicians, resulting in better health and lower mortality. Her goal is to increase the number of Black physicians that exist in healthcare and academics by bringing more awareness to these disparities and educating the Black community. Her experiences

training in New York City, which has a large immigrant population, showed her the pressing need for cultural competency and led her to take her experiences beyond the hospital walls by partnering with nonprofits and talking on health panels.

Owusu said she hopes she can continue to create an impact, and if she's able to change one child's life, she'll know she fulfilled her purpose.

“I understand that when you start early, it makes a larger impact for the future when other children see that, ‘Oh, man, I want to do this. I can do this too because she looks like me.’ So it's just been a fuel.

“I love the fact that we are starting to see more representation in medicine, as well as other spaces. What I hope is that through more awareness, through things like what I'm doing, even with STEM kiddos and this book, we can just harness more interest in medicine and within the STEM field, as well as other industries, that we can get more children interested in these things as they're starting to see that this is fun.”

Atlanta-based ER physician Dr. Maxine Owusu (above) is on a mission to increase diversity in health care. For her, that mission begins with the children.

Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Stem Kiddos is a plush human anatomy toy (above), created by Owusu, that aims to be a fun, visual aid for children to learn the names, locations, sizes and shapes of the main body organs. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

The HIV/AIDS Crisis Is NOT Over!

Atlanta Falcons have three important games coming up

BY DONNELL SUGGS

The Atlanta Falcons lost 22-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs tonight and have now played three games this season. Even though Atlanta's overall record is 1-2, the most important part of the season is going to take place during the following three weeks.

Atlanta will host NFC South division rivals New Orleans (Sunday, Sept. 29) and Tampa (Oct. 3) before traveling north on I-85 to play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 13 following a bye week. This season and any hope for a playoff berth will rest on a division title and being able to open division play at home has to become a huge advantage for Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, quarterback Kirk Cousins, All-Pro safety Jessie Bates III, and the rest of the franchise.

The Falcons have missed the playoffs for six consecutive seasons and the last time Atlanta won a division title was in 2016, the year National Football League MVP Matt Ryan and friends made it all the way to the Super Bowl. Yes, that Super Bowl.

A special night Sunday Night Football saw rapper T.I. perform a medley of his classic songs be -

fore the game and singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss sings the National Anthem. Two players from Apalachee High School

REQUEST FOR BIDS

FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Sealed bids for 24ITB092324K-CRB - Tree Trimming and Brush Clearing for the Fulton County Public Works Department, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance electronically through BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/ georgia/fultoncounty, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date.

Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via Zoom. Bid Bond: 5%

Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) The Contractor shall cut and remove all vegetation from the following tank and pump station sites of all branches or limbs overhanging the exterior fence line within 25-feet of the ground, cut all vegetation within the detention ponds and area within the exterior fence, and mow all grassed areas. The following site are included with this work: Jones Bridge Road Elevated Tanks, Alpharetta / Preston Ridge Ground Tanks, Mansell Road Pump Station, Hembree Road Elevated Tanks, Hacket Road Elevated Tanks, Woodstock Road Pump Station, Bethany Bend Elevated Tanks, Providence Road Pump Station, Henderson Road Pump Station, and Freemanville Road Ground Tank / Prichard Mountain Elevated Tank. All trees larger than 3-inches DBH (diame-

ter at breast height) shall remain unless the tree is within a detention pond.

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: 120 Days

A Pre-Bid Conference, will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., local time, via Zoom to provide bidders with information regarding the project and to address any questions.

Link:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vf-6trTovHNA3h_yO6K6BkPx4Y1HcNC0_

Proposals must be submitted online through the WebGrants System at https://www.bidnetdirect. com/georgia/fultoncounty MANDATORY:

The selected vendor(s) must have the capacity to provide such services in a facility located within Fulton County.

If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Craig R. Bogan, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: craig.bogan@ fultoncountyga.gov.

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

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: 404-524-8881 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

Sunday. Photo by One Circle Entertainment/The Atlanta Voice

were the honorary captains of the game. The team was in attendance and received a standing ovation late in the first quarter following an interception by safety Justin Simmons in the end zone.

Team owner and philanthropist Arthur Blank, Roddy White and Warrick Dunn were among a number of Falcons that were inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor on Sunday night.

This was Atlanta's only Sunday Night Football game of the season. There will be a Thursday Night Football game against rival Tampa Bay in Atlanta on Oct. 3 and a Monday Night Football game in Las Vegas against the Raiders late

Subcontracting Opportunity:

Proposal for Operation & Maintenance Services - Tom Lowe Atlanta-Fulton County Water Treatment Plant –Atlanta-Fulton County Water Resources Commission, GA Veolia, North America’s leading O&M services contractor, is seeking firms for a subcontractor opportunity on our team in area of SCADA, instrumentation and control systems support.

For additional information on the specifications for this role, and to submit a statement of interest, contact: frank.crehan@veolia.com (Telephone: 813/983-2815).

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins attempts a pass during a 22-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. The Falcons will host the New Orleans Saints this