The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 101323 by theatlantavoice633

October 13-October 19, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 23 • FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

Financial Literacy Supplement and Celebrating Atlanta’s First Black Mayor PAGE 9 & 15

AROUND TOWN

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Faces of Survival

Angie O’Neal, 55, lives in Atlanta with her husband of 29 years, Kenny. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor and experienced runner. The Faces of Survival series will feature four metro Atlantans that have not only survived breast cancer, but have thrived. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voic

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Carver wins $40M tax credit award to spur economic developments Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Faces of Survival: Angie O’Neal From broken to beautiful BY DONNELL SUGGS

ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is the first episode of a four-story series on breast cancer survivors from metro Atlanta. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. Nearly 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to data provided by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in both Black and White people, after heart disease and though less people are dying from breast cancer than ever before, there are very few people whose lives haven’t been affected by the deadly disease in some way. With this series, Faces of Survival, The Atlanta Voice will introduce four people that have looked at breast cancer in the face and lived to tell their stories. There are millions of cancer success stories to tell. Angie O’Neal has vivid memories of the time she found a lump on her right breast. The year was 2006 and she was doing what she loved, making jewelry, when she dropped a bead down her shirt. Laughing at herself for being so clumsy, she went to retrieve it when found something else entirely. O’Neal, 55, and in her late 30’s at the time, found a lump. Thinking back to that day, O'Neal, a native of Washington, D.C. and longtime Atlanta resident, remembers how she made sure to finish the jewelry order she was working on. It was for an upcoming wedding and the work had to be done in a timely manner. “My first reaction was whoa what is this?,” she remembered. “When I realized that it was out of the ordinary it scared me that breast cancer came to mind. But there was nothing I could do about it at that point so I had to get the order done.” She continued, “At this moment I thought I had to get this done and get on with my life,” she said. “I was going to figure that stuff out in the morning. I refused to allow it to consume me.” Her way of thinking might have saved her life. O’Neal, a database specialist with the Morehouse School of Medicine, has been married to her husband Kenny O’Neal for nearly 30 years and the couple have three daughters, Joa, 30, Nika, 27 and Taryn 23.

See SURVIVAL on page 3

Angie O’Neal in front of her home, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

A table full of jewelry that O’Neal made and sometimes sells at local races. She has been making jewelry for years and says it’s one of the hobbies that helped motivate her during both of her breast cancer battles. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 3

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SURVIVAL Continued from page 2 She credits that mental toughness to her father and stepmother and the strength of her support system that also includes close friends. Kenny remembered waiting for his wife outside the hospital the day their worst fears were realized. He described the look on her face when he saw her walk out of the doors towards the parking lot where he waited. “The minute I saw her face I knew,” Kenny said. “My initial reaction was fear.” There were kids to take to school, meals to cook, but Kenny said he too was focussed on what the job at hand was to panic. “I was scared but I had to step it up.” O’Neal said she couldn’t tell the kids so she counted on Kenny to do that the first time. Joa was barely a teenager and Nika and Taryn were just 10 and 6, respectively. The second time around might have been more difficult for the girls because they were much older than during the first diagnosis. One Tuesday evening after work she was asked what motivates and brings her peace in the aftermath of having survived breast cancer twice. O'Neal, accompanied by her daughter’s grayish pitbull Cash, looked up and said, “A beautiful day like today.” She also enjoys running, which she got into in a big way after the initial diagnosis. Since then O’Neal has participated in an unknown number of 5K and 10K races, 25 half-marathons and five marathons to date. “Running makes me happy,” she said. “It really got me through the second time around.” Kenny and the girls completely understand how much running means to O’Neal. With 11 Peachtree Road Races under her belt, O’Neal expects to run many more. She even convinced Joa to run with her one Independence Day. Her doctors advised her to keep doing the things that she loved. “To see how she runs, she is so passionate about life,” Kenny said. O’Neal’s motto is simple: Keep moving. A legend in the making A gold “legend” pendant is one of O’Neal’s favorite pieces of jewelry. A friend she made within the running community, Janie Douglas, made it for her and a few other runners. O’Neal keeps that necklace and pendant close because of what it meant to her to have Douglas give it as a gift. “Because she thought that of me, I think I should wear it everyday,” she said. “To get that from her really means something.” O’Neal also makes jewelry and often doubles as a merchant and runner at local races. From doctors to family members to support groups, which she also credits for building that crucial support, O’Neal wants other Breast cancer patients, survivors and their families to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel. “What helped me was to hold on to my support system,” she said. “Grab on to those people that you know are there for you. Try

O’Neal with her husband Kenny on the deck above their backyard in southwest Atlanta, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

O’Neal, an avid runner, has participated in 11 Peachtree Road Races and more than 30 half and full marathons. Photo contributed by O’Neal family

not to take all of this on by yourself. Give it to God.” Marks made to last a lifetime O'Neal had to face the fact that breast cancer was back in 2016, a decade after her first diagnosis. The return of breast cancer, in the same breast, after a decade was hard to swallow, but she was better prepared, she

said. She would make the decision to undergo a mastectomy of her right breast, forgoing a double mastectomy because as she put it, “that breast wasn’t sick so I didn’t see the point in removing it.” A tattoo of a lotus flower remains in place of the breast. The only flower that rises from the ground without a stain, the lotus is a universal symbol of crossing cultures.

The tattoo of a lotus flower that covers the scars where O’Neal’s right breast was removed. “To me it’s a symbol of what it really is, something that was taken from broken to beautiful,” she said of the tattoo’s significance. Photo by JouJouArt/provided by O’Neal family

O’Neal believes it much more than that to her and others that survive breast cancer. “To me it’s a symbol of what it really is, something that was taken from broken to beautiful,” she said. That’s Angie O’Neal: broken to beautiful to broken and back again. “She's awesome,” says Kenny.

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Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” — MIchael Jordan

Electing the First Black Speaker of the House Depends on You

T H E AT L A N TA

VOICE FOUNDED May 11, 1966

FOUNDER/EDITOR BY DONALD M. SUGGS

he significance of each congressional seat has been brought into sharp focus after an unprecedented vote on Tuesday, Oct. 3 saw California Republican Kevin McCarthy removed from the top leadership post as Speaker of the House. Against this backdrop, the possibility of the Democrats gaining control of the House introduces the prospect of a historic shift: If we take action on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, we will have, almost certainly, the first Black Speaker of the House in United States history. Why a Black Speaker Matters The Speaker of the House — the presiding officer of the House — is elected by whichever party has the most voting members, and it’s a powerful role. After the vice-president, the speaker is second in line for the presidential succession. The speaker manages all business in the House of Representatives, including appointing committee members. You likely know who Nancy Pelosi is because she was Speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. How powerful was Pelosi? Without her, the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, likely would not have become law. Hakeem Jeffries, who represents the diverse Eighth Congressional District in New York, an area that includes most of the larger parts of Brooklyn, is serving his sixth term in Congress. Jeffries is the current leader of the Democratic Caucus and therefore is likely to become the Speaker if Democrats gain control of the House. The current narrow margins in several swing districts that hold the balance of power in federal elections means the level of Black voter participation has even more impact. This should be a huge in-

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

centive for all of Black America to mobilize for massive voter participation. The Cost of Voter Apathy The devastating costs of voter apathy for African Americans are even more alarming when you realize that, according to the Cook’s Political Report’s Davis Waserman, only 82 of the 435 members of the House of Representatives’ races every two years are competitive across the country between Democrats and Republicans. That is just half of the swing districts in 1999. That has led to a vast majority of primaries placing an outsize influence on any group of highly engaged and more-intense people who show up and vote. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center less than 1 in 5 eligible voters cast their ballots in party primaries. It means that a relatively small group of voters that do show up have a disproportionate impact on who goes to the influential U.S. Congress. There is the issue of party registration in the 30 states where only registered party voters can vote in primaries. Alaska, California, Louisiana and Washington either don’t have primary elections in federal elections or changed them into non-partisan contests in which the top finishers make it

to the November ballot. In any case, Black voter indifference means a huge missed opportunity to affect primary election outcomes. We need to understand better how electoral policies actually work and take more responsibility to learn how to better use the system to protect our interests and advance concerns. We must become smarter, more active voters. We must become more willing and able to recognize that many strategies and aspects of our lives and well-being are dependent on public policies that are influenced by how we strongly make our voices heard at the ballot box. Countering Voter Suppression We know that voter suppression and gerrymandering maps that dilute the power of Black voters are used to undermine our political influence. New York Times columnist Jamelle Boule reminds us that “various efforts to invalidate elections and create durable systems of minority rule in the states are possible only because of a constitutional structure that gives a considerable amount of power and sovereignty to subnational units of political authority.” But despite those challenges, we must not be discouraged and take greater measures to incentivize our voters to get to the polls. They need to understand that their votes, in many situations, do count — especially if they participate — because the margins that determine who will be in control are often very close. Moreover, there has also been a significant shift of Black voters from inner cities to the suburbs where they often hold the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans. This increasingly significant Black suburban vote helped several Democratic candidates win, including the presidency because of the results in several states including Arizona,

Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania where the margins of victory were razor thin. Biden won the popular vote by six million, but he would have lost if not for narrow victories in a small number of swing states. The Consequences of Not Showing Up at the Polls Thirteen months from now, Americans will go to the polls to elect the next president of the United States. Some of us will also vote in Senate races. And no matter where you live, you’ll vote for who will represent you for two years in Congress. A negative outcome of the upcoming national elections in 2024 goes beyond a Black man — Hakeem Jeffries — not becoming Speaker of the House. Not turning out the vote could lead to immense harm for you, your family, and your community. If the next president is Donald J. Trump and Republicans gain control of the House and Senate, we would likely see the country move down a perilous path that would create tremendous danger for Black people. The vote was gained for Black people only after much pain, suffering and sacrifice by our forebears and sympathetic non-Black people. Our vote is still continually being compromised as shown in the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision by a 5 to 4 count (Justice Clarence Thomas cast the decisive concurring vote) that reversed the most aggressive and effective rule for federal protection of voting rights since Reconstruction. We must organize to protect against any further diminution of our vital right to vote. It is a sacred duty and obligation. We must mobilize to turn out in record numbers and use this hard-won right by showing up at the polls. Donald M Suggs is the publisher and owner of The St. Louis American.

Ed Clayton

Immortalis Memoria

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

J. Lowell Ware Immortalis Memoria The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware. PUBLISHER Janis Ware jlware@theatlantavoice.com PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER James A. Washington jaws@theatlantavoice.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Janelle Ward jward@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR AT LARGE Stan Washington swashington@theatlantavoice.com MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com

ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR Chia Suggs advertising@theatlantavoice.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Terry Milliner SALES R.D.W. Jackson rdwadman@gmail.com SUBMISSIONS editor@theatlantavoice.com

CONTACT INFORMATION 633 Pryor Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30312 Office: 404-524-6426 info@theatlantavoice.com

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 5

Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

A good thank you will provide less confusion in your life

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

I don’t know about you, but every now and then I get stuck in prayer. I mean sometimes I’m actually embarrassed to ask God for anything. When in truth, I’m very blessed to just be here. When I look around, my problems are minuscule compared to many others whom I come into contact with each and every day. All one has to do is look at the news and the world’s current state of affairs. After doing that, I must admit that I truly have nothing to complain about. It is at these times that my prayers are offered up on behalf of others rather than myself. And then there are those times, when while on my face, I can’t seem to focus on the matter at hand, prayer. Now for those of you who possess the gift of concentration and meditation, I applaud you. I’m still working very hard to master the ability to

“God thank you for letting me, water. I’m thankful for life, healthy getting up this morning, allowing me, giving me the privilege of children, the ability to help someone, my wife, my business, the opportunity knowing you.” to write this column and so much empty myself and entertain the notion of inviting the Holy Spirit to fill me up. But I admit I’m not there yet and sometimes it’s just hard to clear my mind and intently pray. What I’ve come up with as a potential solution to what I deem a problem, might interest some of you. When I recognize I’m at a mental and spiritual impasse, I start thanking God for the blessing of just knowing Him. I give thanks for the privilege of making His acquaintance before I die and leave this earth. I mean I could easily, given my past and my stiff neck died and never really known Jesus or the Lord. That prospect is both chilling and

unnerving to me now. It is at this point in prayer that praying becomes simple and clear. That point brings about much clarity of thought and spiritual calm. Everything about a given day or experience, good or bad, gets put into what I think is absolute perspective. “God thank you for letting me, allowing me, giving me the privilege of knowing you.” Now automatically and almost instantaneously, things become crystal clear. I’m blessed, period. If you know Jesus and have accepted Him as Lord, then you are too. And because I’m blessed my prayer can then become focused and targeted. ‘Thank you’ pours out of me like

more. But most importantly, I’m just glad I know the Lord. It didn’t have to be this way. I could be ignorant of Jesus. I could be conformed to this world and never have attempted to be conformed to Christ. Did I say then, in prayer, I can feel the Holy Spirit? I can then openly offer myself. I can honestly ask to be guided by God’s will for me. I guess what I’m really trying to say is what the Lord’s Prayer says so perfectly. It’s all about the Lord. It’s all about Him. Thank you and in Jesus’ name please walk with me on this day. In your prayer life remember this and may God bless and keep you always.

Voices

What’s Special About Me? BY KAYLA SHERIFFE Freshman, English major, University of South Carolina-Beaufort

hat’s special about me? What’s special about me is my hair. My hair holds stories and secrets. It tells the tale of how I was once insecure about the curls that flowed from my head. It tells the tale of how I began to embrace what was given, what I was born with. It holds the secrets of my wash days and how to be patient with myself because my curls are a blessing, not a curse. Every curl on my head represents me, the old and the new. It represents my growth. What’s special about me? What’s special about me is my mind. The potential it has, the memories it holds. Not only is my mind a powerful tool for learning, but it is also a tool for remembering. Remembering where I came from, remembering who I came from. I come from a single-mother household. I remember my mother doing everything she could to provide for me by herself. I remember her telling me about the struggles I would face as a young Black woman. I remember her telling me that as a young Black woman, I have the strength to overcome these struggles. What’s special about me?

Kayla Sheriffe is a freshman at University of South Carolina Beaufort, majoring in English with a minor in African American studies.

What’s special about me are my eyes. My dark brown eyes can see good in the world. My eyes have seen plenty: seen the dehumanization of minorities in America, witnessed the inequality of women, and noticed my rights slowly being stripped away. My eyes have also seen the strength of my generation, the power of myself. When I look at myself in the mirror, I see ambitiousness. I see a girl who never gives up on her dreams. Who is determined to make a change in the world, no matter how big or small.

What’s special about me? What’s special about me is my mouth. The way it assists me in finding the courage to voice my opinion, even when my mind is whispering no. My lips put on the brightest smile, even on my darkest days, because I know the sun will rise again. My mouth helps others through tough times, and my advice hopefully becomes someone’s solitude. My mouth naturally tells people, “I love you,” because it fears the day I will potentially have to say “goodbye.” What’s special about me? What’s special about me are my hands and legs. The hands that keep up with the pace of my mind to write my emotions on paper. My hands offer a hand to hold on to during tough times. Some days were more challenging than others, and my legs picked me up out of bed to get me to the next day. The legs that did toe touches for cheer and jumps for ballet. The legs that pace back and forth as I paint on my canvas. What’s special about me? What’s special about me is my heart. A heart that holds no hate even though it has been broken. A heart that remains pure in such a dirty world. A heart that chooses to kill with kindness instead of seeking revenge. A heart that is healing and growing. Yes, in medical terms, my heart is simply

a muscle. In Kayla’s terms, my heart is my motivation. My motivation is to stay kind and pure. My reminder that just because something is broken does not mean it cannot be fixed. I follow my heart. What’s special about me? What’s special about me is my skin. I am Black, a Black female. My melanin holds stories of thousands of years. It tells the story of bravery and strength; it tells the story of pain and sorrow. Simply put, it tells the story of history. Although I am one of millions, this Black girl is making history. I am making history because I am going to college. Shocking to say because it wasn’t until 1837 that African Americans could attend universities. What’s special about me? What’s special about me is that I am a storybook. I am a storybook filled with different genres, tones, and themes. My story is a continuation. My story is history. I hold the tales of my ancestors, I hold the tales of my mother, I hold the tales of my grandmother, I hold the tales of African Americans, and I hold the tales of myself. I will write my own story but never forget the sequels before me. I am Kayla Sheriffe, a Black female prepared to write and tell her story to the rest of the world.

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Local

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Signia by Hilton to host career fairs, fill hundreds of positions

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Krispy Kreme on Ponce is back BY JANELLE WARD

he twice-torched Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon Avenue, the 4,000-square-foot building donning the company’s signature green and white colors, opened its doors to the public Tuesday morning. Employees handed out free, warm donuts to guests in line and served an array of classic and limited edition flavors from the drive-thru and indoors, catering to a steady flow of customers both young and old. The re-opened Ponce location employs more than 70 staff members, none of whom Devin Stephens, the franchise’s general manager, said were working at the previous store at the time of its burning down. Stephens said he’s worked for Krispy Kreme since 2016, beginning as a shift super-

Kayla Sheriffe is a freshman at University of South Carolina Beaufort, majoring in English with a minor in African American studies.

visor and advancing to a high-ranking leadership position over the years. Stephens also said he’s most excited to serve customers after Krispy Kreme’s two-year hiatus in the Midtown neighborhood. “I just look forward to seeing all the smiles

and bringing joy to the community,” Stephens said. Fans of the donut chain even crossed city lines to check out the new store. Renita Murchison and her granddaughter took advantage of a school break to drive

from McDonough, hoping to get a glimpse of the franchise’s celebrity owner, Shaquille O’Neal. “We love Krispy Kreme,” Murchison said, carrying a bag of donuts to take home on her way out of the store. “My son just said, ‘Bring me back some (donuts).’” Shaq was absent for the shop’s opening due to scheduling conflicts. Krispy Kreme’s iconic Hot Light will turn on twice daily to serve Atlanta’s Midtown community, from 7-9 a.m. and again from 5-7 p.m. The store will operate from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Customers will be able to purchase donuts in-store, via the drive-thru, or order ahead online or using the Krispy Kreme mobile app.

Fearless Fund: “The Journey Continues” BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

n September 30, the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on a 2-1 vote agreed with a request to temporarily block the Fearless Fund from considering applications for grants only from Black women-owned businesses. This was a victory for Edward Blum’s organization, the American Alliance for Equal Rights, in the effort to strike down all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In response, legal counsel for the Fearless Fund made clear they will seek “further appellate review,” which could mean the case could go all the way to the United States Supreme Court. In a more succinct statement, Fearless Fund co-founder Arian Simone wrote on Instagram, ‘The journey continues.’ The ruling halts the grant process. After that, a separate panel of judges will decide whether the Strivers Grant can be deployed while the suit is played out in district courts. There is no date on when that panel of judges will convene. The American Alliance for Equal Rights filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the program in August, claiming it violates the Reconstruction-era Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits racial discrimination in contracts. Blum’s lawsuit focuses on Fearless Fund’s Fearless Strivers Grant Contest. It’s a competition that awards Black women

Ayana K. Parsons of The Fearless Fund speaks during a town hall at the Congressional Black Caucus’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Thursday, September 21, 2023 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

who own small businesses $20,000 in grants and digital tools to help them grow their businesses and mentorship opportunities. The Fearless Fund argues that the grants are awards and not contracts and are protected by the First Amendment. “This isn’t about money,” explained Fearless Fund co-founder Ayana K. Parsons during a panel discussion at the 52nd Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. “This is about wealth creation. This is about

the American dream, and quite frankly, Edward Blum, who has sued the Fearless Fund, is trying to dismantle our economic freedom and our ability to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, and experience that which is the American dream. So this is so much bigger than us.” On September 26th, U.S. District Judge Thomas Thrash’s decision greenlit the Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant application process.

Seven of the twelve judges currently serving on the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals are Republicans. Six of the seven were named by former President Donald J. Trump. The Fearless Fund is a venture capital firm that invests in women of color-led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level or series A financing. Their mission is to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for women of color founders building scalable, growth aggressive companies. According to a 2021 report by Goldman Sachs, single Black women are 24 times less likely to be business owners than white men. Additionally, the dollar amount of funding to Black founders is up, but still represents just 1.2 percent of the record $147 billion in venture capital invested in U.S. startups in 2021. In a statement to the Associated Press, the Fearless Fund disagreed with the ruling. “We strongly disagree with the decision and remain resolute in our mission and commitment to address the unacceptable disparities that exist for Black women and other women of color in the venture capital space,” the Fearless Fund said in a statement. The bottom line is Edward Blum and others on the far-right are determined to tear down any edict, initiative, law, or program designed to help minorities while instilling fear in the process. Why? These programs are antithetical to their beliefs, which are fundamentally racist.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 7

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Education

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Atlanta Hawks Lady Ballers clinic kicks off fall breakl Read full article online at www. theatlantavoice.com

HBCU Foundation hosts 2023 college fair BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

n honor of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week, the HBCU Week Foundation hosted an HBCU College Fair, sponsored by The Sallie Mae Fund. With over a reported 6,000 students at this year’s fair in Atlanta, the purpose of the college fair is to meet representatives from HBCUs, have the chance to win scholarships, and receive on-the-spot acceptances to college. Students were also able to learn about and access free resources that help make college more affordable, including Scholly, Sallie Mae’s free scholarship search tool that has helped students from across the country access millions of dollars in scholarships. They’re also contributing $200,000 to HBCU Week Foundation to support access to HBCUs. “We are always thrilled to present HBCU Week to students to give them a snapshot of the HBCU experience while connecting them to resources from our partners like Sallie Mae,” said Ashley Christopher, Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation. “HBCU Week is the week that changes lives – it provides opportunities for thousands of students, promotes a sense of belonging, and highlights the limitless possibilities of attending an HBCU. There were dozens of HBCUs in attendance such as Tougaloo University (Jackson, Mississippi), Claflin University (Orangeburg, South Carolina), Langston University (Langston, Oklahoma), Dillard University (New Orleans, Louisiana), Clark Atlanta University, Savannah State University, Howard University, Livingston College (Salisbury North Carolina), Morgan State University, and many more. Additionally, The Atlanta Voice spoke to a few representatives from the out-of-state HBCUs to ask why they decided to come to Atlanta for the college fair. Jocha Gorden, director of admission recruitment and outreach at Langston University, said they came to Atlanta because Langston University is the only HBCU in the state of Oklahoma. “I’ve actually done this fair before with another institution and I saw we had a lot of students who are interested in HBCUs, so I said now that I’m in my new university, I definitely want to put Langston University on the map in Atlanta and try to bring students out to Langston because we are one of the few schools that offer a full-ride scholar-

In honor of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week, the HBCU Week Foundation hosted an HBCU College Fair, sponsored by The Sallie Mae Fund. Photos by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

ship,” Gorden said. Dillard University Admissions Representative Terence Blanchard II said they came to Atlanta for the fair because he loves Atlanta and the students here.

“I love Atlanta, lived out here for three years and every time I come to Atlanta, I get quality students,” he said. “I have built a deeper connection with the students here and the thing I love about Atlanta, the stu-

dents seem to be really engaged, interested, and my favorite part is talking to a student who don’t know anything about Dillard and watching their face light up when they find out all we have to offer them.” Claflin University sophomore marketing student Kamille Wahaley said she came to participate in recruiting students because as a student, she wants to share her experiences to Atlanta students. “We came to Atlanta for recruitment and to share Claflin’s story and everything about the university,” she said. For more information on Sallie Mae’s free tools, resources, and scholarship programs, visit www.salliemae.com.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 9

FINANCIAL LITERACY SUPPLEMENT 2023

T H E AT L A N TA

KEY TO VOICE FINANCIAL WELLNESS

PRESENTED BY:

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Financial Literacy

Working Together To Make The Vision Of Homeownership A Reality

BY EWUNIKE BRADY Wells Fargo

Owning a home is an exciting journey. One filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It’s a place for families to gather, celebrations to be had, hard times to be weathered, where memories abound. At Wells Fargo we are proud of the exciting work we are leading to create greater opportunities for a more equitable housing system. When our industry comes together, we have the power to create and deploy products and programs to create legacies and build wealth that will span generations. In my role as the Head of the African American Segment with Wells Fargo’s Home Lending Diverse Segments team, I am responsible for creating and implementing strategy in support of addressing the disparity in wealth and homeownership that we face as a nation, with a specific focus on advancing Black homeownership. We are deeply committed to working

Photo Credit: iStock/Ridofranz

hard to close the gap and create a more inclusive housing system. That work requires partnerships across the industry, boots on the ground, housing advocacy, policy changes, product development, and so on. For me it also resonates on a personal level. With 20 years in the business, the power and beauty of homeownership took on new meaning when I became a mother. Did you know that Black Americans will pos-

sess $2 trillion dollars in spending power by the end of next year, with Black women accounting for 52% of the black population in America? Black, head of household women have incredible impacts across all industries, not just mortgage. It’s extremely important to me that my amazing seven-year-old daughter will encounter a housing system designed to envelop her with wealth-building opportunities.

While I work to build equity now so that I can pass on generational wealth, I look forward to seeing her adorable #BlackGirlMagic aspire without pause as she grows, hones her passions, and becomes a homeowner and an investor in her community. Together, the work we do plants seeds – seeds of access, of education, accountability, stability, and more. In today’s market, doubt and concern are palpable. In the face of that, there is hope that you can still start to build equity today. Owning a home is possible. You can build a plan to make that vision a reality. Talk with our Home Mortgage Consultants and begin the incredible journey to homeownership.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 11

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The First Step to Homeownership is Financial Literacy

S BY BEAU WHITE

Regional Mortgage Executive, SVP, Southern First Bank

outhern First’s mission is to impact lives in the communities we serve, and one of the most impactful events in a person’s life is becoming a homeowner. Homeownership is the largest source of wealth among families, according to the Federal Reserve, and with incredibly rapid price appreciation in the last five years, gains in home equity have been even more significant. For example, a homeowner who purchased a typical existing single-family home in Atlanta, GA five years ago has accumulated approximately $182,500 in home equity, of which $167,500 is from price appreciation, or 91% of total home equity gains.* However, for many members of our communities, the path to homeownership can be daunting. Barriers that prevent minority families from becoming homeowners include lack of access to lenders and credit, lack of capital for a down payment, and lack of understanding and information about the homebuying process. Purchasing a home takes financial literacy and preparation, and at Southern First, our team is committed to making the mortgage process easier by guiding you through each step of the way. Here are a few steps you can take now to prepare to purchase a home. Pay Down Your Debt One important factor that lenders use in determining how much house you can afford is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This is calculated by dividing your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income, helping your lender ensure you’ll have enough income to cover both your mortgage payment and existing debts. Working to pay down your debts before purchasing a home can help get you more favorable mortgage terms and gives you more room in your budget for your mortgage payment and other home expenses. Improve Your Credit Another important factor in determining your loan’s rate and terms is your credit score, which shows lenders your ability or inability to repay the loan. Having good credit helps you qualify for lower rates and monthly payments. Start by checking your credit reports and take steps to fix any inaccuracies. Your credit score is comprised of payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. To improve or maintain your credit score, be sure to pay all bills on time, pay

Photo Credit: IStock

down your existing debts, and avoid applying for new accounts or adding significantly to your debt.

need may be very different. It’s never too early to reach out to a lender to understand your options. You may be able to buy sooner than you think, or if you need time to prepare, an experienced lender can provide strat-

Budget for Homeownership There is a lot more to becoming a homeowner than just making a down payment and monthly mortgage payments. In the short-term, your budget should allow for new-home expenses like closing costs, moving, furniture, and renovations, and in the Take your next step to home sweet long-term, it should alhome. Our team works by your side low for regular maintethroughout the process, making it nance tasks like gutter easier and helping turn your dreams cleaning, unexpected into realities. repairs, and fees such as homeowner’s association dues. Avoid putting all or most of your savings towards a down payment as you’ll need to reserve enough cash for these one-time expenses and new, recurring bills. Work with your lender to see what low or no down payment options may work for you.

Mortgages made simple.

Reach Out to a Lender Now Many people think they don’t have what is needed to purchase a home, but what you think you need and what you actually

egies to help you plan for a future purchase. At Southern First, our team is passionate about helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. Our mortgage experts are committed to building long-term relationships and providing you with access to information and loan programs to fit your needs. We offer competitive rates and a variety of products including low down payment options such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, and our Southern First Dream Mortgage offers up to 100% financing with no down payment or mortgage insurance required.** Reach out today to get started at 877-679-9646 or www.southernfirst.com/mortgage. We would be honored to help you get into your next home. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. // *Source: NAR calculations. Principal repayment is based on a 30-year fixed rate 10% down payment mortgage. The annual percent change is a compounded annual growth rate. These can be considered as typical gains. // **Loan originations are subject to underwriting and credit approval. Other terms, conditions and certain fees may apply.

Page 12 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

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Synovus recently partnered with pro golfer and instructor Edgar Evans, Jr. to host an event introducing young adults from across metro Atlanta to the fundamentals of both golf and financial literacy.

Local students learn how to ‘handle the green’ Getting an early start on saving for the future and managing money is important, but many young people don’t learn these skills in school. That’s one reason Synovus recently partnered with pro golfer and instructor Edgar Evans, Jr., creator of the Saturday Foursome television show and podcast, to host an event introducing young adults from across metro Atlanta to the fundamentals of both golf and financial literacy. “Golf and finances go hand in hand in the business world, and we want to make sure these kids can benefit from both,” said Evans. “Our goal is to share knowledge and give the participants exposure to a sport that can benefit them mentally, relationally and financially for a lifetime.” Students were treated to in-person golf lessons by Evans, as well as sessions with Synovus bankers on setting financial goals and paying yourself first. Setting financial goals This is the first step to creating and sticking

to a personal spending plan. Knowing what you want to do with your money in the future will help you stay on track in the present. Whatever your financial goals might be, they should: Be realistic. Keep your lifestyle, earnings and timeline in perspective. Be specific. Figure out the exact amount you want to save. Have a timeframe. Each goal should have a deadline. State actionable steps. Identify steps you can take to achieve each goal. Include milestones. Set checkpoints to track progress and stay motivated. For example, if your goal is to save $5,000 in 12 months, start by analyzing your spending habits and estimating your monthly income. Next, see where you can cut costs and look for ways to earn more, such as a part-time job or possibly a side business. You can also search for apps and other tools to help you manage your money and track your progress.

Paying yourself first Paying yourself first makes your financial wellbeing the focus and ensures you’re actively saving and investing for your future. Start by setting aside a portion of your income each month and placing it in a savings or investment account. You should consider this money "off limits" and avoid withdrawing it for everyday expenses. This simple habit can help build wealth over time as the interest earned on the money you set compounds and increases. Fulfilling the next generation’s potential Students came away from the Synovus and Saturday Foursome event with a better understanding of the array of options they could use to save toward their futures, as well as how a popular form of recreation can double as a valuable way to network and reach their financial goals. By taking the time to invest in themselves, they are now able to make more informed financial decisions. Said Evans, speaking from firsthand experience,

“Developing discipline in golf and finances will change your life for the better.” Presented by Synovus. Important Disclosure Information This content is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 13

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Exploring How Special Purchase Credit Programs Help Advance Homeownership

BY CHUCK BISHOP

Head of Diverse Segments for Home Lending for Wells Fargo

Safe, affordable housing is a key pillar of the American Dream. It’s a pathway to financial success for our customers, and a source of stability in our communities. Owning a home is also one of the most important pathways to wealth creation, providing families with a foundation for improving their financial position across generations. Wells Fargo continues to play a leading role in the crucial, industry‑wide effort to increase racial equity in homeownership through close partnership with stakeholders across the housing sector as well as special programs and targeted investments in communities of color. Below, Chuck Bishop, Head of Diverse Segments for Home Lending for Wells Fargo explains what a Special Purpose Credit Program (or SPCP) is, and how Wells Fargo’s program aims to advance homeownership for minority customers and align with their Home Lending strategy announced earlier this year. What is a Special Purpose Credit Program? In 1976, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) authorized the creation of an SPCP to allow lenders to create a loan program that considers protected bases, such as race or ethnicity, to meet special social needs or help economically disadvantaged populations. Although SPCPs have been around for decades they may not have been widely implemented, in part, because of a need for greater clarity in creating a compliant program. In February 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Board (CFPB) acknowledged the need for further guidance on how to develop SPCPs to be consistent with the ECOA and joined seven other federal agencies in issuing a statement encouraging lenders to explore opportunities available to increase credit access through Special Purpose Credit Programs. Is it discriminatory to have a lending program that focuses on a specific racial or ethnic group? Under Federal law, lenders are permitted to design and implement Special Purpose Credit Programs to increase access to credit to better serve historically disadvantaged individuals and communities. An SPCP allows lenders to consider factors including race and ethnicity, national origin, and gender to meet special social needs. SPCPs can play an important role in promoting equity and inclusion, building wealth, and removing barriers that have contributed to financial inequities, housing

Photo Credit: iStock

instability, and residential segregation. How do Wells Fargo’s Special Purpose Credit Programs work? Wells Fargo launched our first SPCP in 2022. Through the program, more than 4,100 existing Black Wells Fargo customers who may not have taken advantage of low mortgage interest rates prior to when the market rate surged have been able to lower their rate and their monthly payments without extending their loan term. This year, we announced an expansion of our SPCP efforts to include purchase loans. The new eligib Homebuyer AccessSM grant, developed under a Special Purpose Credit Program, provides downpayment assistance and is available to eligible homebuyers who are purchasing homes in or who currently live in select areas in eight Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) to start: • Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington, MN-WI • Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington, PA-NJ-MD-DE • Dallas–Ft. Worth–Arlington, TX

• Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV • Baltimore–Columbia–Towson, MD • Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta, GA • Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia, NCSC • New York–Newark–Jersey City, NYNJ- PA This program can be combined with many other programs for which they may qualify including the Dream. Plan. HomeSM closing cost credit, the Employee Mortgage Program, Corporate Relocation, and more. What advice do you have for homebuyers? Potential homebuyers looking to purchase a home in any of the eight metropolitan areas and those who currently live in those areas can find out more about the Special Purpose Credit Program by visiting wellsfargo.com/homegrant, calling 866-327-6414, or contacting a Wells Fargo Home Lending office in their area. Other programs are available in ad-

dition to the SPCP. Everyone’s financial situation is unique to them and it’s important to speak with a mortgage professional or HUD-approved housing counseling agency to begin the homeownership journey. Ask questions like what types of loans are available; if there are programs to assist with downpayment or even closing costs; what the requirements are for loan approval. Aspiring homeowners should understand as much as they can about the homeownership journey before beginning. It could make a difference in the kind of experience you have. Also, don’t assume that myths about purchasing a home are true. You don’t necessarily need a high downpayment or perfect credit to make your homeownership dreams a reality. Many lenders have programs that are aimed at assisting low- and moderate-income buyers. Educate yourself and ask questions to explore your options.

Page 14 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

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Paying Down Debt Doesn’t Have to Overwhelm You BY WORD IN BLACK STAFF IN COLLABORATION WITH WELLS FARGO

hy is it so easy to get into debt and so hard to find your way out? And why does trying to manage debt often feel so over-

whelming? A growing number of consumers are facing this challenge. American household debt increased by $34 billion last year, with 18.3 million borrowers falling behind on a credit card, according to the quarterly report on household debt and credit by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Wells Fargo Bank is helping customers lessen stress and learn to manage their credit and debt effectively. “We have many options and connect with customers using a personalized approach that’s tailored to their needs,” said Darlene Smith-Daniels, Wells Fargo branch manager in New York City. “We are very hands-on, letting them know we’re here to help them establish credit or manage their debt.” Smith-Daniels, who joined Wells Fargo in 2003 as a teller and worked her way up to branch manager, relates to her customers

and values the bank’s commitment to assisting customers in this area. “Growing up, I wasn’t taught a lot about credit,” Smith-Daniels reflects. “It gives me a good feeling to help them with our debt management tools.” Helping customers gain financial literacy is a high priority for Wells Fargo. That includes helping them see the big picture to understand the relationship between credit and debt. “Managing debt can become overwhelming,” Smith-Daniels said. “We work to find ways for them to tackle it, because that debt is not going to disappear. We help them to not pick up more credit and pay down debt, which gives them more options.” “We explain that we cannot provide a quick solution, and we counsel them on the need to have patience,” she said. “We show them two approaches: the snowball method — paying off the smallest debt first—and the avalanche method of paying off the highest interest account first. And we work together to find the best method for them.” Another tool is the Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Calculator to show how debt impacts borrowing power. “It’s vital to understand

this equation,” Smith-Daniels said, “because many customers make the mistake of wanting to wipe out all their debt.” “Many customers don’t know until they’re speaking to us that this ratio affects them if they want to borrow again. It’s best to have a mix of credit and some debt, as long as it’s in line with a healthy debt-to-income ratio. It’s all about management. You must have some debt to show that you can repay it. If you have no repayment history, then lenders may have difficulty lending to you.” Along with the tools, Wells Fargo offers staff with the skill sets to guide customers through the maze of credit and debt management. She sometimes uses an analogy to help customers understand the need for regular financial check-ups and maintenance. “I remind them that they see their doctor regularly to make sure everything is working,” she said. “I encourage them to look at their finances that way, to make sure that they sit down with their banker for a review at least once a year and go over their finances. “They say, ‘You’re right. I do need to have that financial check-up to make sure everything is all right, and I don’t get over-

whelmed with my debt.’” The results have been encouraging. “We’ve had great outcomes,” Smith-Daniels said. “Some customers come back and say, ‘Now I want to apply for a loan or a mortgage because now I have everything under control, and I can manage my debt much more effectively and efficiently.’ It gives me a good feeling to know we’re helping customers.” The bank’s approach is designed for the long term. “If someone is starting off trying to establish credit, we give them the tools, ask if we can follow up with them in a month or two, see how it goes. Then once they get the credit, we work with them on how to maintain it without becoming overwhelmed. If they’re in trouble, we work with them by scheduling a follow-up meeting whenever it’s best for them. “While getting into debt will always be easier than getting out, Wells Fargo is deeply committed to helping customers reach their goals and gain financial stability. “It does take time — you have to be patient,” Smith-Daniels said, “but we can definitely help you get on the right track.”

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 15

Maynard Jackson Elected Mayor 50 Years Ago - 1973

THE ATLANTA

Georgia’s Largest Circulated Black Newspaper VOL. 8 NO. 42

October 20, 1973

25 Cents

Photo provided by the Jackson family.

Excerpts from the March 17, 1973 and March 24, 1973 edition of The Atlanta Voice two part series titled “If I Were Mayor”, an exclusive interview with then Vice Mayor Maynard Jackson. Reported by Bill Cutler and photographed By Edmnd Marshal.

Tuesday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Biltmore Hotel, Maynard Jackson stands victorious at being elected Mayor of the City of Atlanta. With him is his wife, Bonnie. Mayor Jackson has the distinction of being the first Black elected Mayor of a major Southern City. Photo by Ron Loving

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

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Remembering Maynard BY VALERIE RICHARDSON JACKSON

n 1968, Maynard Jackson wedged his fourteen and a half size shoe into the door of politics and dared to challenge Herman Talmadge for the U.S. Senate seat. Although he lost the state, he did carry Atlanta and discovered his most important purpose in life. On October 16,1973 Maynard became the first black mayor of Atlanta. In his first inaugural address Maynard spoke of Atlanta under new leadership. He emphasized all Atlanta, black and white, rich and poor, could and must work together in a new union. Full citizen participation would be the reality of his administration. He quoted Mayor Hartsfield “Atlanta is a city too busy to hate“, but he questioned whether we were a city “too busy to love”. Too busy to act on complicated issues; just talking the talk, not walking the walk. Maynard did more than talk. His mentor, Benjamin E. Mays said, “If you believe in something, you must act on it; if you don’t act on it, it’s not a belief, it’s just an opinion”. In that first inaugural speech, Maynard defined love as “action”. He believed love should include "the Book, the Ballot and the Buck"; education, voting, and access to economic opportunities. He proved it could be done and the city could still be successful. Actually, he proved that it had to be done if we were to be successful. Facing exaggerated fears of whites and exaggerated expectations of blacks, he knew we needed a different model to serve our city based on a new political vision, the politics of inclusion. Not to diminish white Atlanta, but to take Atlanta to a position of racial and economic fairness. Most of what Maynard "believed" came to pass. Before he took office, in a city that was 51% black, less than one half of one percent of city contracts went to minorities. Before he left, it was over 35%, creating an airport that became the nation’s model for cities, states and federal government for minorities and women in business. He had laid the groundwork for a great international city that would host the '96 Olympics. Other impactful initiatives included Neighborhood Planning Units, allowing them a voice in their future, and the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, providing food for the soul, like the Atlanta Jazz festival, one of the country's largest, free music festivals.

Mayor Maynard Jackson and wife Valerie Richardson Jackson.

Several years after Maynard passed, an elderly man ran up to me in the airport, gushing with praise for Maynard enabling small black businesses at the airport. "Before your husband became mayor, I was just a "shoeshine boy" but he made it possible for me to become a "businessman". Not only was this man able to compete for the shoeshine business, his dignity and self respect were enhanced. In Maynard's first term, he would hold "People's Day", a day citizens were invited to visit the mayor, without appointment, to share their concerns

or questions. Once an elderly woman waited patiently for her turn to enter Maynard's office. Once inside, Maynard asked her "What can I do for you today, ma'am?" After a moment, she said "Nothing". "I just wanted to see how it looked to have a black mayor in that seat". Maynard laughed and asked, "Well, how do I look?" She answered, "Fine. You look just fine". Maynard and I met midway through his first term. Because of my community work in Richmond, Va. and my corporate marketing experience in New York, he often asked my advice

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

Photo provided by the Jackson family.

on issues, like the sanitation workers strike and whether to run in '76 for Andrew Young's seat in Congress (after he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.). I advised "No" on running for Congress, saying he had made a commitment to Atlanta and needed to fulfill it as long as possible, given how hard he and his supporters had worked for him to be elected. After we were married, I became an informal "Advisor to the Mayor's office of Economic Development", once obtaining a commitment from the Minister of Industries in Lagos, Nigeria for a trade delegation between the two sister cities. Our pillow talk often consisted of politics. I believe Maynard's purpose in life was to be a "Statesman", a skilled, experienced, and respected politician. I believe much of my purpose was to help enable him to be so. Atlanta, inevitably, was destined for a black mayor. Thank goodness the first one was a profound model of integrity, vision, brilliance and determination. One who set a high bar for all future mayors; one who was eulogized by U.S. Presidents Carter and Clinton. Maynard was a man of dignity, full of humor, joy, love and romance....which is what I personally miss most about him.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 17

Below are excerpts from the March 17, 1973 and March 24, 1973 edition of The Atlanta Voice two part series titled “If I Were Mayor”, an exclusive interview with then Vice Mayor Maynard Jackson. Reported by Bill Cutler and photographed by Edmund Marshall.

This article is an exerpt from the October 24, 1998, edition of The Atlanta Voice Maynard Jackson awarded Best Individual Oral Argument at the National Moot Court Competition, 1963. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

Page 18 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Mayor Maynard Jackson and Arthur Ashe, 1974. Photo provided by the Jackson family. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

ABOVE: This article is an exerpt from the July 19, 2003, edition of The Atlanta Voice Mayor Maynard Jackson, 1979. Photo provided by the Jackson family. Mayor Maynard Jackson, Atlanta City Hall, 1976. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

Mayor Maynard Jackson and Jon Ossoff, 1989. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

Fifty years ago, on October 16, 1973, Maynard Jackson was elected the first African-American mayor of the City of Atlanta. The Atlanta Voice is proud to present in pictures and dialog with Jackson leading up to and following this historical event in Atlanta. Accessing our archives through Newspapers.com lets us share our history in real-time. The Atlanta Voice continues to chronicle our community’s challenges, achievements, and everyday life. It is our DNA to do. Your loyal support has enabled us to do so for 58 years and counting. As a non-profit newsroom, we could not exist without you. Thanks, and with your continued support, we will be here for 58 years. The Atlanta Voice serves the African-American community, giving voice to the voiceless without fear or favor, with honesty, integrity, and truth.

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 19

Strength in Working Together The Black homeownership rate has seen the largest percentage point increase of any racial or ethnic group since the end of 2019, moving from 42.7% to 45.2% in the third quarter of 20221. As the leading large bank lender to African Americans Wells Fargo understands that our strength comes from working together across the country to achieve racial equity in homeownership.

Our close collaboration with prominent African American civil rights organizations, real estate trade groups, and housing counseling agencies helps bring home buying information and resources to more communities. At Wells Fargo we also continue to optimize our teams to better serve you and help you create a home buying journey that is right for you and your family.

Scan to learn more about our Home Lending Priorities

1 Wells Fargo Economics team Special Commentary: Gaining Economic & Financial Ground in the Black Community Since COVID Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2023 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801 AS5759580 Expires 04/2024

Page 20 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy isn’t just for adults BY DONNELL SUGGS

inancial literacy isn’t just for adults, according to author Chelsea Addison. Her book “Savannah’s Savings Jar” tells the fictional story of a 10-year-old that learns an important lesson about how and why it’s important to save money. Addison learned these lessons as a youngster and felt the need to share them in the form of an easy to read children’s book. “Growing up, my mom talked to my sister and I about stocks, bonds, saving, and spending wisely,” Addison said. “These conversations and experiences have had a lasting impact on my financial habits as an adult. It is my hope that through this book, students will be inspired to take control of their financial futures and develop the necessary skills to build strong financial foundations much like the one my mom helped me build. “Savannah’s Savings jar” is illustrated by Laura Daogaru and is available anywhere books are sold. The Atlanta Voice: What led you to writing this book? Any personal experience you’d like to share? Chelsea “SARAE” ADDISON: As a former second-grade teacher in St. Louis Public Schools, I was inspired to write Savannah’s

Savings Jar by my desire to equip my students with the tools to use money effectively, beyond just counting it. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to teach financial literacy to young students in a fun and relatable way. AV: Having not read the book yet, what would I, a father of an 8-year-old son, be buying this book for? Meaning, what would my son potentially learn from this story? CA: As a teacher, I created Savannah’s Savings Jar to be a valuable tool for parents to help teach their children about financial literacy. Throughout the story, I have integrated comprehension questions that are designed to gauge your child’s understanding of the story and financial concepts presented, such as budgeting, entrepreneurship, and the importance of saving and spending money wisely. By understanding how financial decisions made today can impact future financial plans and goals, children can learn valuable lessons that will help them throughout their lives. To make things even easier, the story includes bolded terms that are defined in the glossary at the back of the book. Parents can use this glossary to help explain financial concepts to their children as they read together. My hope is that this book will not only be an enjoyable read for children, but

“Savannah’s Savings Jar” tells the fictional story of a 10-year-old that learns an important lesson about how and why it’s important to save money. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

also a valuable tool for parents to help teach their children about financial literacy. AV: In your opinion why is learning financial literacy early in life important, particularly for Black children? CA: As a researcher in the field of financial literacy and a former elementary school

teacher, I strongly believe that teaching financial literacy early in life is crucial for all children, but especially for Black children. My ongoing PhD research focuses on building financial capability in elementary school students, which refers to the practical application of financial knowledge.

MAKING HERSTORY Did you know that The Atlanta Voice is a 501(c)3 Nonproﬁt Organization? We strive to provide quality journalism to our community every day. Today, I am asking for your support.

SCAN NOW TO DONATE

Our Money

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Scan the code to learn more. The Citizens Trust Bank Our Money Matters (OMM) financial literacy program addresses the widening racial wealth gap. We invite you to take advantage of these free, personalized financial tools education and, services available to our communities’ citizens and businesses.

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theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 21

Sponsored Content

How the 100 Black Men of America Empowers Youths by Investing in Their Future BY MELISSA MURRAY, JENNIFER BLOCK MARTIN, AND ERIC BEST For 14 weeks, students across the country took part of Wells Fargo Junior Investment program, a simulation game that teaches young people how to invest. Student teams are given a virtual $100,000 to invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds using the SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game. They learn the value of capital markets as they work together to maximize the return of their portfolios with the help of mentors from their local 100 Black Men of America chapter. The competition recently culminated in Las Vegas where five finalist teams competed at the 100 Black Men of America’s annual conference. Making generational change Now in its fourth year, the Wells Fargo Junior Investment program is delivered to students by mentors like Moses Harris, a senior Black and African American Segment leader for Wells Fargo who’s been a member of the Los Angeles chapter of 100 Black Men for eight years. Harris covers stock market fundamentals and its risks with young people each Saturday morning as part of the program. “Early on, our students are a little timid on what they should do and how many shares they should buy,” Harris said. “We like to give our students the education, and with education comes confidence. When you’re confident, you’re able to perform and participate.” The 100 Black Men of America and programs like the Junior Investment program aim to not only help kids learn to create longterm wealth, but also foster mentor relationships between generations. “We see the parents are very engaged and interested,” said Bonnie Wallace, head of Financial Health Philanthropy for Wells Fargo. “So, it’s really extending the learning not only with the youth, but with the older generation as well.” Participant Jada Rabun shares, “Just being in [the competition] after four years, and going on to my fifth year, I really see the benefits of it,” Jada said. “I would have never imagined in eighth grade for me to be at a national conference.” Jada is the third generation in her family to be involved with the 100 Black Men, which has mentored young Black people to prepare them to be future leaders since 1963. Her father, John Rabun, was brought to the group’s Los Angeles chapter by his own father as a high school student. “Generation to generation, it means a lot,” John said. “[The organization] has had a profound impact on me and my family, and so I wanted to introduce [it to] my daughters.” Carrying financial lessons through life The 100 Black Men of America and Wells

Wells Fargo Junior Investment program group photo

Participant Jada Rabun

Fargo have worked together for 34 years, from sponsorships to supporting programs like Pathways for Success, which provides workforce readiness to mentees across the nation. This collaboration is part of Wells Fargo's broader commitment to increase pathways to economic opportunity for historically marginalized communities. “Generational wealth gives you the oppor-

tunity to have a better life. Not only for you, but for your kids,” said Lester Owens, Operating Committee Member for Wells Fargo. “The more that we can give somebody the opportunity to be successful, the more they can carry that with them for generations for others to be successful as well.” Owens is also a member of the 100 Black Men of America. Jada is beginning to see doors that the Ju-

nior Investment Competition and the 100 Black Men could open. She’s already looking at colleges, including some historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “[The 100 Black Men] has really helped spark my interest in the business field,” she said. “I’m going to continue the program probably for life.”

Page 22 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

5 Tips to Get Ahead of Holiday Debt

he holiday season is fast approaching, and most people find themselves spending a little – or a lot – more than usual during these festive final months of the year. Americans spend more than $1,450 each year on holiday-related purchases – from gifts and travel to decorations and entertainment. These costs layered into your monthly expenses can significantly strain your budget. You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the season. Smart planning can get you ahead of the holidays and leave you with funds for merrymaking the way you want. Consider these five tips to minimize holiday debt. Save, save, save While solid advice for any time of year, it can take on more importance during the holidays. One way to save is to set up a separate savings account for holiday expenses. Start saving at the beginning of the year, and vow not to withdraw any money

until it’s time for holiday shopping. Make your holiday plans now Set guidelines for your holiday spending. Make a list of your expected holiday expenses and estimate the costs to see if they fit into your overall budget. Adjust your list as needed.

Build a holiday budget—then stick to it Once you’ve made your list, commit to staying within your budget. With so much pressure surrounding gift-giving, it's easy to spend more than you planned. Shop online to ensure you’re getting the best deal, or search for coupons and deals to help lower costs. Get family and friends on board with your plans by suggesting a gift swap instead of buying gifts for everyone; opt for handmade gifts or even pitch in for a group gift. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, shop in bulk for food items. Scope out major deal days In addition to the deal-hunting tips

above, take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Look up retailers’ deals ahead of time to see if you find goods and services you planned to purchase anyway at lower prices. Many retailers start big holiday sales as soon as Nov. 1, so do some homework now on the gifts you have your eye on so you can spot and take advantage of online and in-person deals before the holiday rush. Pick up a short-term gig Even the best-laid budget plans can still fall short of your available funds. If your schedule allows it, take on a temporary job to bring in some extra income. Many retail or dining establishments need additional workers to handle the holiday rush, and demand often increases for ride-booking and delivery services as well. Or take up a side hustle selling crafts for example. These are just a few ways to help you get a handle on holiday debt, but there’s so much more that savvy consumers can do to save. See if your credit cards have special offers at your favorite stores or for your fa-

vorite purchases, and look for special cash back deals. Be flexible and keep an open mind in general – if you can't get a good deal on the gifts you originally planned to buy, see if any of the special offers you qualify for might be good substitutes. The bottom line Putting financial parameters in place can help you feel more confident and less stressed about your holiday spending. Have fun with your planning, saving and budgeting – it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit early. To learn more about budgeting, visit chase.com/financialgoals or visit one of our more than 95 Atlanta-area branches. To find the branch closest to you, visit chase.com/branch. Sponsored content by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 23

Financial Literacy

TIAA’s Legacy Makers Sought to ‘Retire Inequality’ BY ITORO UMONTUEN During the 2023 Essence Festival, TIAA, a Fortune 100 provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions, partnered with the Global Black Economic Forum to #RetireInequality. There is a 30% gender retirement gap between men and women. However, 54% of Black Americans do not have the retirement funds to maintain their standard of living. Everyone has heard that financial literacy includes creating a budget, planning for retirement, managing debt, and tracking personal spending. However, what does retirement literacy mean? “I think the one key thing and the key message we need to get across is to save something, save something, invest that something, and allow that income to grow for you,” said Kourtney Gibson, Chief Institutional Client Officer with TIAA. “So that you have income in retirement, allow that investment you’re making in yourself to grow so you can have a steady paycheck? Well after you’re done working. That’s what we mean when we talk about lifetime income at TIAA. It’s what we’re focused on. The income gap between African Americans

Kourtney Gibson, Chief Institutional Officer with TIAA, moderates a panel with Sean Bankhead, Fe Noel, and Wyclef Jean during Day Two of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™. Photo By Itoro Umontuen/ The Atlanta Voice

and whites versus Hispanics is tremendous when discussing retirement and equality. Between women and men, it’s huge. It is now time to focus on retiring those inequalities to ensure everyone has a successful and secure future.”

Strength in Working Together As the leading large bank lender to African Americans Wells Fargo understands that our strength comes from working together across the country to achieve racial equity in homeownership. Our close collaboration with prominent African American civil rights organizations, real estate trade groups, and housing counseling agencies helps bring home buying information and resources to more communities. At Wells Fargo we also continue to optimize our teams to better serve you and help you create a home buying journey that is right for you and your family. Scan to learn more about our Home Lending Priorities Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2023 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801 AS5759580 Expires 04/2024

On average, Black families have 85% less accumulated wealth than White families. The Great Recession exacerbated the BlackWhite wealth gap and left Black households more susceptible to the COVID-19 recession. White households are also 2.8 times

more likely to receive an inheritance than Black households, according to a 2021 study conducted by the Wharton School of Business. In addition, Black Americans are less likely to be homeowners, exposing them to rent increases, having more student debt, making it harder to save for retirement, and not having access to retirement plans. “Define what you want your future to look like,” Gibson exclaimed. “Dream. Dream big. Think about what I want when I decide to stop having income and how I want to live and work backward. Set your own wealth goals. Then work with someone: whether that person is on a computer, an online tool, or whether it’s an actual human from a financial advice perspective to help you define how you reach that goal.” “Forget the big words, compound interest, asset allocation, all those things are important,” Gibson said regarding getting into the investment world. “But the bottom line is, how much money do I need to save today? At what rate? Do I need it to grow, and for how long? And then what will that give me as it relates to income? When did I decide to stop working? What does that look like? That’s where it starts.”

Page 24 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Make homeownership your path to personal and intergenerational wealth When Black homeownership rates increase, more Black households gain access to a proven way to build personal and intergenerational wealth.

Our mortgage affordability calculator1 on wellsfargo.com helps you determine which mortgage options best align with your financial goals.

Markets change but that does not mean buying a home is out of reach. At Wells Fargo we can help you navigate the home buying journey during all types of economic cycles.

When you are ready to talk, our Home Mortgage Consultants are here to help you create a plan to optimize the benefits of homeownership now and over time.

The Black homeownership rate rose throughout 2022 even in the face of rising mortgage rates, hitting 45.2% in the third quarter - up from 42.7% in 2019. This is the largest point increase of any racial or ethnic group.

1. How Much House Can I Afford Calculator | Wells Fargo 2. Wells Fargo - Gaining Economic & Financial Ground in the Black Community Since COVID (bluematrix.com) Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2023 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801 AS5759580 Expires 04/2024

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 25

Sponsored Content

Harnessing the Power of Stories That Heal BY JOSEPH WILLIAMS Fanshen Cox has long been a racial equity leader in Hollywood. Now she’s raising the call for “truth and racial healing” in Tinseltown. On paper, Fanshen Cox wears many professional hats. An actor, essayist, award-winning playwright, and film producer, she’s also an activist and consultant for racial equity in Hollywood and beyond. After all, Cox wrote the so-called “inclusion rider” that legendary actor Frances McDormand spoke of during her Oscar acceptance speech on live television in 2018. Talk to Cox, however, and she is passionate about her role as a storyteller: someone who understands that a powerful narrative can influence, inform and even heal as well as entertain. She believes the stories we tell, and are told — about ourselves as well as one another — can stymie racial progress as much as promote it. “I’ve come to realize that my strength in pushing towards truth and racial healing is in storytelling,” says Cox, president of TruJuLo Productions. The company’s name is a portmanteau of the words truth, justice, and love. “I realized that what is so important in healing is to speak the truth,” she says. “And that truth has to be both our personal narratives connected to the context of our systemic history” and powerful institutions that perpetuate imbalances of power.

Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier via Fanshen Cox

Cox says she came to understand her true storytelling superpower while working with her childhood friends, A-list actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon — they grew up together in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The trio worked at their production company Pearl Street Films and collaborated on “One Drop of Love,” her acclaimed, one-woman show about race and being biracial in America. An exploration of race as a construct, the 2013 show begins with Cox as a census worker asking the audience if they fit into one of four strict categories, including “free white man” and “slave” — before the storytelling begins. Though she cycles through a cast of characters and situations, Cox grounds the show in her quest for identity as the light-skinned,

blonde daughter of a Black activist father and socially conscious white mother. “The more I do this show, the more I realize that the most important thing I can do is have a critical lens on what it means to be mixed,” Cox said in a 2015 interview. “Race was created to maintain the ideology of white supremacy. I’ve had to reflect on what it means to have a mixed identity, and how exploring this identity perpetuates this ideology. The play, and her work with Affleck and Damon’s production company, led to Cox co-writing the inclusion rider — language inserted in a performer’s contract that mandates on-set diversity behind the camera. Word about the rider reached McDormand, who received a standing ovation when she mentioned it during her Oscar speech. Racial equity “was really at the root of creating the inclusion writer with the two other women,” Cox says. “Thinking through, how to give (Hollywood power players) tools to make their commitments clear and to hold themselves accountable and their productions accountable.” Now, Cox is furthering her work, and promoting healing, through TruJuLo, her Los Angeles-based production company. The goal, she says, is to “nurture storytellers, to create film, TV, and media that looks at this process of truth and racial healing in various different ways.” For example, “we have like a short film that

we executive produced about a Jamaican immigrant who tries to integrate a white church in the 1970s,” she says. Other topics explore the meaning of gender identity and class, as well as race, with the goal of getting to the truth. Even Cox is still working on what her identity means, and how racial healing can occur. “I’m grappling with how much space to take up in these movements as a woman who has some white privilege, right, or some white-adjacency privilege,” she says. “I strongly and proudly identify as Black, but at the same time, I can see the ways that my work and my voice are frequently centered.” Still, “I think that’s, on one hand, important, because I’m carrying a different perspective,” Cox says. “And at the same time, it sometimes perpetuates the very thing that I’m hoping I can help to dismantle.” Ultimately, “I’m pushing to get at the truth and racial healing in all of the projects that we produce,” she says. “And that includes speaking and consulting, and then producing these projects and continuing to push for the use of the inclusion rider.” Given her name — it’s Chinese and means, “to turn over” or “reveal” — Cox seems predestined to do the work. “I don’t think I have any choice,” she says. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” This story was produced in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Lifestyle

Street Lines: 2023 BMW XM BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

he all-new 2023 BMW XM is not just a head-turning luxury hybrid SUV, it’s a technological advancement that redefines their driving experience inside and out. BMW enthusiasts will recognize that this is the first XM in the unveiling of the M-only model since the M1 sports car that launched four decades ago, exclaiming that a new day is here for this automaker. The entire exterior dressed in BMW’s signature Cape York Green Metallic is space-age level, from the sleek front with illuminated “kidney grille” to the three-dimensional tail lights, carbon fiber trim, 23-inch alloy wheels, four-tailpipe exhaust system, and iconic M Sport embellishments. Addressing muscle, BMW takes this SUV to the next level. The XM’s main engine is supported by an electric motor collectively flexing a powerful 4.4 L M twinpower turbo V8 32-valve engine and is accompanied by an electric motor that can collectively flex 644 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, plus variable

Credit: Photos courtesy of BMW

valve control, an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, and launch control for a rocket-type launch from a standing start. The feel is summarized as a stable, yet very responsive attack on the road tamed by the always welcomed M sport brakes with black calipers for a controlled ride. When the doors open, luxury does not take the backseat. Eyes are welcomed to the captivating fiber-optic lighting with 100 LEDs illuminating the three-dimensional, prism-tex-

tured Alcantara resulting in a cozy, intimate feel. The interior’s cockpit is decorated with a Deep Lagoon/Vantage Coffee Leather pairing, multi-function sport seats with lumbar support, and a massage option to make every excursion a whoosah moment. BMW’s newest iDrive system, the Live Cockpit Pro package, a vibrant 14.9-inch infotainment screen, Apple and Android connectivity, and voice-activated virtual assistant deliver the necessary technology to make the conductor secure with any situation that surfaces. The diamond-quilted backseat aka M Lounge gets a spacious row complete with ambient lighting, custom pillows, and temperature controls to combat inclement weather. All ears get treated to the optional, state-of-the-art Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System serving as a personal concert for any song played ($3,400). Note that there is a Harman Kardon sound system that comes “standard” which provides stellar sound, as well. While luxury, comfort and entertainment are obvious standouts, the XM shows the environment some love, too. As a plug-in hybrid, it delivers an impressive 46 MPG fuel

economy, making it an eco-friendly choice without compromising performance. In terms of convenience and safety, the XM offers adaptive LED headlights, Active Driving Assistant Professional, rain-sensing windshield wipers, active blindspot detection, lane departure warning, surround view cameras with 3D, and numerous other applications which come standard. Plus, with a fast charger and flexible charging options thanks to a front-fender charging point, you can hit the road swiftly without worrying about running out of power. BMW does a decent job combatting buyer’s remorse as well, with their Ultimate Care 3-year/36,000 miles maintenance program. Overall, if the price range is up your alley, the 2023 BMW XM’s mission to set new standards in the world of hybrid vehicles is off to a remarkable start. Fuel Economy: 46 MPGe combined electric + gasoline. Price: $159,000 MSRP ($168,396 as reviewed with M Driver’s Package, Bowers & Wilkins Sound System, and optional color schemes For more information, visit Bmwusa.com.

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Health

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Atlanta community advocate selected as Grand Marshal for upcoming Atlanta Pride Festival

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Delayed care drives prostate cancer rates among Black men BY AARON ALLEN - SEATTLE MEDIUM

ninsurance rates and health care system inequities are among the factors that harm the health of the Black community. But there’s a bigger cost to society. Even as we witness broad strides in medical science, prostate cancer continues to be a significant adversary to public health, particularly for the Black community. Black men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer and are diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age than their white counterparts. Black men with prostate cancer often have less access to treatment, experience bigger gaps between diagnosis and treatment, and have higher mortality rates. In fact, Black men are nearly two and a half times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men, according to data from the American Cancer Society’s “Facts and Figures for African-Americans” report. According to the authors of an article that was published in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society, poor communication between physicians and patients, fear of diagnosis, and lack of information on disease progression and treatment options, are among the cultural factors contributing to these prostate cancer racial disparities. At least one study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to decreases or delays in cancer screening, which may have exacerbated disparities in cancer screenings. Early cancer screening can help alleviate the inequities in both treatment and mortality rates, yet Black men are screened for prostate cancer at a lower rate than other ethnic and racial groups, according to KFF. As a result, Black men often receive late-stage cancer diagnoses which can significantly limit their treatment options. According to Dr. Ben Johnson, a clinical psychologist in Seattle, there are many factors that play a role in shaping the health of the Black community, including healthcare costs, unemployment, incarceration, and lack of quality of care—all of which may contribute to delayed medical assistance when needed. “The real risk factors of [Black] men’s health and Black health in general, have a financial component to it as well,” said Dr. Ben Johnson. “High unemployment means you're not covered by a job health plan.” Another challenge, according to analysis by Deloitte, is a lack of trust in the overall health care system. The reasons for disparities in the burden of cancer among Black men and Black peo-

Uninsurance rates and health care system inequities are among the factors that harm the health of the Black community. But there’s a bigger cost to society. Photo Credit:iStock/Prostock-Studio

ple are complex. Research has shown that biological factors such as ancestry-related genetic differences—as well as socioeconomic factors such as systemic racism, uninsurance rates and the rising cost of health care, and lack of access to screening tools and the best available treatment options—may all contribute to the disparity in prostate cancer mortality among Black men. “That socioeconomic factors like lack of insurance and cultural factors such as embarrassment, result in men enduring symptoms without seeking help,” says Johnson. “Certain spiritual beliefs may also contribute to the poor health care outcomes for Black men.” Health care inequities threaten everyone’s well-being The reality is that systemic racism contributes to certain demographics carrying the burden of health inequities, which can affect the entire system. Discrimination, both actual and perceived, also continues to play a role in the health of the US Black population. An article Deloitte published in June 2022 titled, “US health care can’t afford health inequities,” states that, “if the United States reaches a certain threshold, we could see a direct impact on affordability, quality, and access to care beyond the challenges that already exist. ”Deloitte researchers projected that the rise in healthcare spending could

The reality is that systemic racism contributes to certain demographics carrying the burden of health inequities, which can affect the entire system. Photo Credit: iStock/Andrey Popov

triple annual costs for the average American—at least $3,000 annually, up from $1,000 per year—and disproportionately affect underserved populations. This avoidable expense requires systemic solutions to help sever the vicious cycle of inequity to eliminate disparities in health outcomes. Health care industry leaders should make conscious efforts to eradicate systemic racism, provide affordability, build equity-based systems, and promote health

as a universal right. "Disparities in outcomes should not, and do not have to, be driven by racism and bias,” according to the authors of Deloitte’s Activating health equity. This article, inspired by Deloitte research, is part of a series in which five Black-owned publications around the United States explore how health inequities impact racial and ethnic minority groups.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 27

Arts

AUC Art Walk shares the city’s history, culture BY NOAH WASHINGTON

n celebration of Atlanta Art Week, The Art History & Curatorial Studies Collective at The Atlanta University Center (AUC) hosted a walking tour of the AUC in dedication of their rich art history and art education. Leading this cultural exploration was Dr. Cheryl Finley, the director of the Art History & Curatorial Studies Collective. Her invitation to helm this program came directly from Spelman College President Mary Schmidt Campbell, herself a distinguished figure in the art world with a master's degree in art history from Syracuse University. Joining Dr. Finley in guiding the tour was Tenesha Carter-Johnson, a senior at Spelman College majoring in art history and minoring in curatorial studies. Together, they lead the tour through the AUC, not only shedding light on its historical beginnings but also highlighting its rich artistic heritage, including its impressive collection of statues and designs. "Atlanta Art Week provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the vibrant art history and education that are integral to the AUC's identity," Dr. Finley remarked when asked

about the significance of the AUC's involvement in Atlanta Art Week. "Our mission is to connect people with the rich cultural heritage of the AUC and inspire a new generation of artists, curators, and scholars," she continued. A diverse array of participants, including students and art enthusiasts, joined the tour in pursuit of a deeper understanding of art history and insight into the Atlanta-based educational institutions. Among them was Kyrie Blackman, who had been part of the art collective during his time as a student at Morehouse College, where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in sociology. "I enjoy witnessing people's reactions and observing how they internalize and respond to these artistic pieces. For me, the satisfaction comes from seeing how people absorb information," Blackman shared. Participants spanned various points in the AUC's history, with Abigail Woodward, a former GED teacher with 30 years of experience working with adolescents under state supervision. Woodard recalled taking her students to the AUC recollecting her history with the institution by taking her students to see the

Artist Sam D, Burston displays his work to Abigail Woordward. Photo by Noah Washington/ The Atlanta Voice

AIDS Memorial Quilt in November of 1985. "Whenever I'm in Atlanta, I make it a point to explore the art, concepts, and expressions. This tour made it easier for me to do what I've always wanted," Woodward expressed to The Atlanta Voice. The journey commenced at the Spelman

Museum of Art, where Finley delved into the early days of Spelman College, founded in 1881 as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary. The tour continued through the Clark Atlanta University campus and the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, culminating at The Clark Atlanta University Art Museum.

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Page 28 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Business

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Florida Isn’t the Only State Banning Books

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Atlanta studio partners with Billionaire Boys Club BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

illionaire Boys Club (BBC), a luxury streetwear brand founded by Pharrell Williams and NIGO, unveiled the Creator’s Lab for a partnership with Cam Kirk Studios, an Atlanta-based studio. BBC’s Creator’s Lab, located in the heart of Atlanta, will provide technology resources and learning experiences to the Atlanta creative community. Additionally, the lab will be a beacon for the community equipped with state-of-the-art Microsoft Surface devices, cutting-edge Adobe design suites, 3D machinery, gaming and streaming room, and more. Founded by Atlanta-based photographer and entrepreneur Cam Kirk, Cam Kirk Studios is a place for photographers and creatives alike to create projects and sharpen their creative skills. Also, celebrating its six-year anniversary, Cam Kirk Studios continues to see Atlanta’s creative community create in their space, as well as work with the biggest brands in the world. Creatives and aspiring artists can anticipate a myriad of events and immersive experiences at Billionaire Boys Club Creator’s Lab at Cam Kirk Studios, all curated to inspire, educate, and elevate creativity in Atlanta. Experiences include Club Talks highlighting Atlanta-based creatives, monthly night school weekend classes from beginner to advanced courses, ESports and gaming competitions, networking mixers, and more. The very first experience will be the Pinterest Creator Residency from Oct. 1113. Creators can begin booking space and scheduling time at the lab beginning Oct. 2. Billionaire Boys Club Creator’s Lab at Cam Kirk Studios will be open to the public for use beginning Oct.14. The Atlanta Voice spoke to Kirk to discuss the partnership with BBC, Cam Kirk Studios, advice, and more. For more information, visit https://www. bbcicecream.com and www.camkirkstudios. com The Atlanta Voice: Tell me a little bit about how this partnership with the Billionaire Boys Club and how it got started. Cam Kirk: This partnership is a combination of a lot of different things. One, me as a photographer for the last 10-11 years have been creating within culture and within this intersection of fashion and music. So, I've had a relationship with the BBC program for quite some time. I've shot a couple of campaigns for them in the past, but this particular situation is my company, Camp Kirk Stu-

Billionaire Boys Club Creator’s Lab located in Cam Kirk Studios in the heart of Atlanta will provide technology resources and learning experiences to the Atlanta creative community. Photo courtesy of Cam Kirk Studios

dios, a creative space. I launched it in Atlanta six years ago. This was an opportunity for us to collaborate in a very unique and different way than we have in the past and actually be able to build something foundational for creatives to enjoy for years and years to come and to help provide more resources. Similar to what I've been doing in Atlanta for the last five or six years to my creative space. So, this honestly just came with two brands with similar ideology. We reconnected again and wanted to create something that will have a more lasting impression on Atlanta than just a photoshoot. AV: What is the purpose of the partnership and the Creator’s Lab in Atlanta? CK: Our main purpose of the lab is to continue to break down barriers that keep creators from being able to create. I know a lot of creators may not have the money to afford certain resources or have access to certain resources they need to continue to do what they do. Photoshop can cost you a lot of money when you want to download or have a great working computer or just having a space that just feels inviting or inspiring, if you don't have an office or a studio at home. So, the purpose of this partnership is just to continue to add more resources well into a creative community, to really be able to continue to do what they do and to take their stuff to a higher level. It’s a physical space

that you can live within to interact with and create within. It’s also going to be accompanied with year-round programing, one-onone workshops, fireside chats, artist talks, and a lot of stuff to our high school program that's going to not only give you the resources to create, but also teach you how to actually use the tools to create. So, the purpose of it is just to continue to empower Atlanta's creative community. AV: Talk to me a little bit about the Creator’s Lab. CK: I first introduced this concept of The Creative Lab back in 2020. We've had a creative lab inside of our studio for quite some time, but to be honest, a lot of the creative lab research we have, we're riding on my back and my resources. So, this is a reintroduction of sorts of the creative lab and as a new level of spice and pizzazz and just inspiration to it. Being able to work with such an iconic brand like BBC and Pharrell. So, we've had it before and it's something that we've been doing, but I'm grateful now to actually have a partner to join me on this mission. AV: Now they're celebrating the sixth anniversary of Cam Kirk Studios. How does it feel to be where you are now compared to where you were then? CK: It's an amazing feeling. When we started the studio, it was just a dream that we would make it to this point or do what we're

Founder of Cam Kirk Studios, Cam Kirk opened the studio six years ago to create a place for photographers and creatives alike to create projects and sharpen their creative skills. Photo courtesy of Cam Kirk Studios

doing now and to be able to have the infrastructure in the community that we've built over the past six years, it means the world to me. Then to be able to continue to elevate and bring new things to continue to refresh the vibe and the energy makes it even that much cooler. So, I still look at us as a baby

See BILLIONAIRE on page 29

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 29

Business

Atlanta Business League honors DA Fani Willis BY JANELLE WARD

he Atlanta Business League presented this year’s Lottie H. Watkins Female First Award to District Attorney Fani Willis on Tuesday afternoon, an award named after the trailblazing real estate icon known for becoming the first Black woman to earn and hold a broker license in the city. Members of the organization convened inside the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in downtown to host their 39th Annual Super Tuesday Conference, a day-long event featuring informational panels and networking opportunities for Black business owners and company leadership. Nine female business leaders were also recognized for their entrepreneurial accolades at this year’s luncheon, among whom Heather Fatzinger was named Woman of the Year — founder, president and CEO of Full Circle Communications. Willis, who propelled to international renown following her grand jury indictment of former President Donald Trump and 18 others for attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, said she was honored to be selected as this year’s award recipient and credited Lottie H. Watkins for helping pave the way for Black women like her to take on leadership roles in the city. “(Watkins is) really the only reason that I get to sit here today, and that’s not lost on me. Not just being African American, but

BILLIONAIRE Continued from page 28 company. We're in the heart of Atlanta where I'm inspired by certain brands that have been around 10, 20, 30 years and continue to push forward in Atlanta. Six years is a big milestone for us. We're over the five-year hump, but we're really just looking forward to creating more but it's definitely a dream come true to see where we're at now, to now be able to reach and work with like iconic brands and to get this type of attention is definitely an inspiration for me and keeps me going. AV: What do you hope for the future as far as Cam Kirk Studios? CK: Our big goal for Camp Kirk Studios is to bottle up the energy that we've created within Atlanta and created with Atlanta's creative community and start spreading into the world. We know there are a lot of other cities and communities that can use a lot of resources, a lot of attention, and a lot of the TLC that we provide. So, our goal for the next couple of years is to continue to use Atlanta as our foundational blueprint and as our home base, but to actually start to expand the brand on a more national and global level. So that's our big 2024 goals and partnerships like with BBC gets us closer to that point. They provide a lot of visibility to what it is we're doing locally here in Atlanta, and they provide visibility on a global scale and

The Atlanta Business League presented Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis with its Lottie H. Watkins Female First Award at its 39th annual Super Tuesday Conference. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

being a woman in what’s been, for so long, a male-dominated field,” Willis said. “I always say that’s just my extra blessing, getting to be an African American woman to sit in this seat." Willis is the first African American and the first woman elected to serve as Fulton County’s district attorney.

on a national scale. Some of the comments since we've dropped on social media have been met with ‘I wish we had this in my city, and I wish this was there’. So that's what it's all about. Our next mission is to really start to bottle out what we do here, the energy and take it globally. AV: What does having spaces like Cam Kirk Studios and the creative lab in a creative and vibrant environment like Atlanta mean to you? CK: For me, it's justification of all the hard work I've done, and it confirms a lot of dreams can become a reality. It means everything to me. Atlanta has given me so much; it gave me a second life. I moved here when I was 18 years old. So, Atlanta has been my entire adulthood. It's been almost like a rebirth for me. So, to be able to have a space that's embraced by Atlanta, celebrated by Atlanta, and then to be able to continue to give back to Atlanta through our space means the world to me. I'm thankful that the creative lab is another pillar for what we've been able to build here at Camp Kirk Studios. I'm really excited to see what magic is creating out of this space and just to see where it all goes. AV: Talk to me a little about what’s in the Creator’s Lab. CK: In our lab right now, we have several direct resources. So, in the lab we have two really large Microsoft Surface studios that are state-of-the-art equipment that allows you to

In remarks, Willis credited her work ethic and interest in law to her father, who gained custody and raised her as a child following her parents’ divorce. She said she aimed to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a defense attorney but found a pathway to prosecution that ultimately led to her securing a win in Fulton County’s district attorney

The Creator’s Lab is said to be a beacon for the community equipped with state-of-theart Microsoft Surface devices, cutting-edge Adobe design suites, 3D machinery, gaming, and streaming room, and more. Photo courtesy of Cam Kirk Studios

edit photos, videos, even rendered things in 3D if you wanted to, at a really high fast pace. We also have an esports kind of video gaming stream being set up in there for individuals that want to get more into gaming or streaming. We've seen a surge with Twitch and taken all these platforms. So, we have a platform where you can practice. You can learn how to use some of the software that's needed to do that. It has a podcast mix, books, and other sources of inspiration. It can also be used if someone wants to go in and catch a vibe or read up on the latest magazine or the latest

runoff in 2020. “From the time I was eight, I knew I wanted to be an attorney and was raised to be a leader,” Willis said. “So, those things naturally come together.” News of the indictment has placed more eyes on Willis’s career and personal life than ever before, a change that she said has been difficult to adjust to. Despite her and members of her family facing criticism and racial epithets from opposing parties, Willis said she intends to follow standard legal procedure and see the case through until its end. “We made our decision based on the statutes and based on what the facts are, so there’s been no stress doing that,” Willis said. “I’m going to follow that course of just continuing to make decisions based on the facts and the law.” Willis also credits her faith in her rise to becoming the county’s highest-ranking prosecutor, saying the district attorney position is a calling that will only be fulfilled so long as she maintains fairness and morality in her decisions. When asked about her legacy, Willis said she wants to be remembered as a district attorney who stood for integrity. “The first time (constituents) need to see us is when we’re out in the community doing service so that they know that we care,” Willis said. “It doesn’t matter for me if you’re in South Fulton in poverty, or in North Fulton and rich, or the opposite. We’ve got to make sure that everyone is treated with dignity.”

coffee table book. We have that area in there, and then we're also building out and working to include 3D machinery in there for those that like to do 3D printing. So, it's a number of those elements and it's also just an open and inviting space for you to bring your own equipment, bring your own laptop if you want and make it a home for you for the day. AV: What kind of advice do you have for aspiring Atlanta creatives and creatives in general and also business owners? CK: My biggest advice, and it sounds really cliche, but just do it. If you can identify what you’re passionate about, what you’re good at, and where your talents lie, I'll take that as your jumpstart and your sign to try to pursue as much as you can and try to dream as big as you can in those particular areas. It took me learning about myself personally and showing talents innately in me that allow me to find my path in photography. One could even say, my name is Cam, that's my government name. I was almost named after a camera in a certain sense. So, it's been around me and in front of me under my nose this whole time. And over ten years ago, when I started establishing, I wanted to make a career out of this. I never looked back. I would say the biggest advice is to try and look within yourself, figure out what you're good at, what you're passionate about and try to be consistent and find a way to make your dreams come true through those passions.

Page 30 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Sports

ONLINE

Georgia will take new applications for housing subsidy vouchers in 149 counties Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Atlanta United draws closer to playoffs, Almada for MVP? BY DONNELL SUGGS

tlanta United midfielder Thiago Alamada has got to be the Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player this season. I'm not sure what else the second-year star Argentinian can do to further make his case. Alamada has set a franchise record with 16 assists through 29 matches this season. He has also scored 11 goals this season and is the preeminent free kick artist in the league. There have been several big moments this season where his play has not only kept United in crucial matches, but has won matches. During Saturday's match against Columbus, a 1-1 draw, the regular season finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Almada had a quiet first half, but would secure his 17th assist of the season. Almada had scored goals in the previous two matches; a loss at Philadelphia and a victory against Montreal. Late in the match against Columbus with United down 1-0 on what was more than likely their final possession of the match, Almada's free kick found Miles Robinson for the tying goal. After the match Robinson complimented

been duplicated before or since. Playoff prep: During the postgame press conference United manager Gonzalo Pineda said his team can play against the best in this league and the past two games were examples of that. The past two matches against Philadelphia, Saturday night against Columbus and in a couple weeks in Cincinnati can be seen as playoff prep. Pineda agreed. "That's exactly the point of all of this," he said. "I think we can match the intensity and football of the best teams in the league. We can use this to really compete against the best. teams in the league." Atlanta closes the 2023 regular season at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati against the Eastern Conference's overall number one seed Cincinnati FC, Saturday, Oct. 21. Atlanta United is now the fastest Major League Soccer franchise to pass the 5 million fans mark. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Almada's free kick and said of his goal, his second this season, "I had an opportunity to put it in." Almada would be the second United player to be awarded the top individual award

alongside former teammate and current Inter Miami forward Josef Martinez, who won the award in 2018. That season Martinez won the MLS Cup MVP, All Star Game MVP and regular season MVP. That feat has not

5 Million and counting Atlanta surpassed the 5 million fan mark Saturday night, making the 6-year-old franchise the fastest in MLS history to do so. Saturday's attendance was 42,684 with the Atlanta Braves playing a playoff game up I-75 at the same time.

Community

Decatur community welcomes Little Amal BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

ittle Amal arrived Tuesday evening in Atlanta to continue her journey across America called “The Walk” and the Decatur community showed their love and affection in waves. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) public art program Artbound welcomed “Little Amal” in partnership with Flux Projects, Center for Puppetry Arts, and Decatur Arts Alliance. “Little Amal” is a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child who has become an international symbol of human rights and delivers a message of hope for displaced people. Between Sept. 7 until Nov. 26, Amal is journeying 11,000 miles across the United States and Mexico in one of the largest free public festivals ever created. 40 towns and cities from Boston to San Diego and six cities from

Little Amal arrived in Atlanta to continue her journey across America called “The Walk” and the Decatur community showed their love and affection in waves. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Tijuana to Tapachula will create 100+ free public events to welcome her. “We are thrilled to welcome Little Amal at our Decatur station,” said Art in Transit Director Katherine Dirga. “At Artbound,

community is at the heart of what we do. Art has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people in profound ways. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the transformative power of art, reminding us all that together, we can create a more compassionate and connected world.” Along with Little Amal’s arrival, she was also looking for stuffed animals to keep her company during her journey. The event felt like a full community coming together to celebrate what Amal stands for and means. From the crowds following Little Amal on a brief stroll around the MARTA Decatur station, to children laughing and shouting, “I love you Amal”, the event was a success. Parents also brought their children to the immersive experience to greet Little Amal and bring their own favorite stuffed animals. Stuffed animals have become steadfast companions to refugee children, offering emotional support, companionship, and a

tangible reminder of happier times. Decatur resident, Bernice Jackson brought her two children with her to enjoy Little Amal. “I am a firm believer in Human Rights and I have followed Little Amal for quite some time. My two daughters, Kya and Nicole, love Amal. They were excited to come out today and see her in-person,” she said. Another resident, Bethany Pyra said she has kept up with Amal’s journey so far and loves what she symbolizes. “Amal is so much more than a doll, she’s a statement, a symbol, and in this current climate, a symbol for human rights and hope for people is needed. I’m truly happy she came to Atlanta,” Pyra said. Participants were able to be part of an incredible journey that showcases the profound impact of art that unites communities and nurtures compassion in our collective human experience.

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 31

www.theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023

CLASSIFIEDS OPPORTUNITIES

SENIORS FULTON COUNTY

SENIOR (62+)

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HD Supply, Inc. seeks Lead Application Engineer for Atlanta, GA office. Bachelor’s or equiv in Comp Sci, Comp Engineering, Mgmnt Info Systems or closely rel field + 5 yrs wrk exp in offered or similar position involving SAP financial modules. Duties incl leading functional projects & dvlp technical design specs. For complete reqs & to apply visit http://hdsupply.jobs/ Job ID R23004478.

Sealed bids for 23ITB092023K-JA - Restroom Renovations for Fulton County Juvenile Justice Center for the Fulton County Juvenile Court Department, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance electronically through BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty, on Thursday, November 2, 2023. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via Zoom. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92572771130. Meeting ID: 925 7277 1130. One tap mobile +14702509358,,92572771130# US (Atlanta)

IT TECHNICAL ENG

Signify North America Corp. is seeking an IT Technical Eng (Peachtree City, GA) to spprt & enhnc Flash & othr imprtnt sftwr apps. Reqs a Bach deg in Comp Sci or rltd fld & 10 yrs of exp in IT ops, systms/sftwr dvlpmnt, database archtctr, & infrstrctr. Mst have the fllwng exp: utlzng advncd database concpts, incl stored prcdrs, scrty, prfrmnc stndrds, bckp, & rcvry; systms anlyss, dsgn, & dvlpmnt; prgrmmng langs incl C#, .NET Core, PL/SQL, Angular JS, WEB API, WCF Srvcs, Dart, & Flutter; anlyzng & debggng cmplx sftwr prgrms; SSAS; relational database modlng & dsgn; & wndws & Linux srvrs. Email resume to: taamericas@signify.com & ref job title & job code 25-GA.

+14703812552,,92572771130# US (Atlanta). Bid Bond: Yes, 5% Bid Bond. Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County) is soliciting bids from qualified bidders to provide renovations to restrooms located at the Juvenile Justice Center. The restrooms are common banks of toilets with 2 banks per floor on 4 floors of the Juvenile Justice Center. Work is to be completed in phases so that restrooms are available for public use at all times, either on the same floor or no more than 1 floor up or down. Excessively noisy operations must be completed after normal Center working hours. 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 contractor shall commence the work within ten calendar days after receipt of the

FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSAL Sealed proposals for 23RFP081423A-KM - External Grant Writing & Support Services for the Fulton County External Affairs Department, 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 Wednesday, November 15, 2023. All proposals submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Proposers names will

Notice to Proceed and shall finally complete the work within one hundred eighty (180) calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held in person on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with a site visit immediately to follow. While attendance is strongly encouraged, the pre-bid conference and site visit are optional. The address of the pre-bid conference is: Fulton County Juvenile Justice Center Room 2145. 395 Pryor Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30312. Site Visit: This will follow the Pre-Bid Conference held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Janett L. Adams, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: janett.adams@fultoncountyga.gov or (404) 612-7967. Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities

be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via Zoom. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/93890563259?pwd=SXozRVpweVUwWjlpMksrcytBYmVkQT09. Meeting ID: 938 9056 3259 Passcode: 681958 One tap mobile +14703812552,9 3890563259#,*681958# US (Atlanta) +147025093 58,93890563259#,*681958# US (Atlanta) Proposal Bond: N/A. Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) is soliciting proposals from qualified professional external grant writing consultants who are proficient in writing complex federal and large grant proposals. 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/ATerm of Contract: One (1)

year with two (2) renewal options. A Pre-Proposal Conference, will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., local time, via Zoom to provide proposers with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/91754388373?pwd=TlI1Wk5zNmtpd0JmMFNqUEdLV05aZz09. Meeting ID: 917 5438 8373 Passcode: 944690. One tap mobile +1470381255 2,91754388373#,944690# US (Atlanta) +1470250 9358,91754388373#,944690# US (Atlanta). If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Keisha Massey, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: keisha.massey@fultoncountyga.gov or (404) 612-1010. Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technicalities.

Your Voice “YOUR VOICE”

With the recent impeachment inquiry into President Biden by the House of Representatives, how corrupt do you think Joe Biden is in comparison to Donald Trump?

Jamal Moon Atlanta

Keith Wilson Ellenwood

Richard Woumn Snellville

Costello Knight Lithia Springs

“In comparison to Trump? That’s an interesting question. But my first thought would be more. I would say he has the potential to be more corrupt over the course of his entire career in politics when you compare Trump’s career in politics, even though as a private sector person, he was involved, but not directly. You got this Vice President who was a senator for, I don’t know, maybe for 40 years or something, you know, two or three runs for president throughout the course of that career. I find it hard to believe, personally, that he would be less corrupt than a person who would really just enter politics, seriously, over the last ten years.”

“I don’t think Biden is as corrupt as Trump. I think it’s just a better human being in general. I think Trump, he really doesn’t care as much about the lower class as Biden does. And I think when you have that kind of character and you want to get ahead and be on top, you’ve got to be more corrupt than this government to get there. And I don’t think Biden is willing to go as far as Trump is to get what he wants.”

“I do not think Biden is corrupt, not as corrupt as Donald J. Trump, only because Biden is never in the news as much as Trump is. Trump has done everything and nothing ever happens to him. Biden has done this one thing, and I’m not really sure what it is. So no is my answer.”

“To me, there’s no comparison at all. We got evidence that Trump did what he’s done. And I think that the impeachment inquiry, they didn’t do it on the president. I think it’s just a witch hunt. And I think they did doing tit for tat between the Republicans and the Democrats. But we got evidence on what Trump has done. So I don’t think there’s any comparison.”

Compiled by Vincent Christie

Page 32 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

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