The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has appointed two new chefs, Chef Berymson Dorvil (left) and Chef Keith Hyche to the helm of its culinary experience. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Clayton County, Southside still without a major bookseller
Atlanta chefs Bermyson Dorvil and Keith Hyche are taking over The Waldorf Astoria
BY LAURA NWOGU
The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has appointed two new chefs to the helm of its culinary experience. Chef Berymson Dorvil, former chef de cuisine at the St. Regis Atlanta, has been appointed executive chef. Chef Keith Hyche, former sous chef at Michelin-starred Atlanta restaurant Atlas, serves as chef de cuisine of Brassica, The Waldorf’s signature brassiere-style restaurant.
Although The Waldorf Astoria announced their leadership in September, the seeds of their partnership were planted years ago.
Dorvil and Hyche said they always knew they wanted to work side by side. The two regularly crossed paths over the years with their roles at the St. Regis Atlanta. As Dorvil jokingly put it, the pair frequently ran out of or were missing some ingredient or tool and would regularly go to each other’s restaurants for help. That constant back-and-forth built mutual respect, a push for excellence, and a sense of family that has carried on to their new roles at the Waldorf.
“It was just like second nature. When two people meet and align, and you have a common goal to do great things, it’s like night and day. It's just easy,” Hyche said.
When it comes to the Waldorf, that common goal is to elevate the dining experience and culture of the luxury property. From changing the menu format to how dishes are plated, the chefs knew they wanted to create refined meals packed with flavor and style. In Brassica’s intimate setting that melds French cuisine with a Southern twist, the chefs are serving up meals such as mushroom stuffed chicken breast with a collard green croquette and a dish dubbed the “Mardi Gras Squab” with sous-vide chicken and red raspberry sauce plated with colorful cauliflower. For Dorvil and Hyche, their love of food, like almost all things, began with family. While other high schoolers might’ve spent their summers outside or at camps, Dorvil was in the bustling kitchen of his uncle and acclaimed chef Ivan Dorvil’s restaurant. When Dorvil told his uncle that he loved helping him in the kitchen, his uncle didn’t hesitate to send him to culinary school at Johnson & Wales. In a kitchen in a small town in Alabama, Hyche watched as the matriarchs in his family whipped up meals for different occasions where food became fellowship around the dining table.
If you happen to hear singing amidst a chant of “yes chefs” and “corner,” it’s likely Hyche belting a tune while he cooks and revisits his childhood.
“We’re
“That’s some of the happiest moments in my life,” Hyche said. “I like to bring that feeling to everyone. I like it to be contagious and hope it rubs off on all the cooks, even the chef; I make him sing in the kitchen, too. Yeah, I know we look crazy, but the food's good. It's all the love and passion.”
The chefs use that love and passion to find new ways to fuse French and Southern cuisine that tells a story. That story begins in their birthplaces of Cap-Haitian, Haiti (Dorvil), and Lithonia, Georgia (Hyche). Haitian food is a creole cuisine that blends Caribbean, Spanish, Arab, African, and French
flavors. Dorvil said when he thinks of Creole cuisine food, it’s all about bold flavors and lots of spice, and he’s infused that style of cooking with dishes on the menu.
“When I first arrived, we had a snapper on the menu, but it was just a bland snapper. It was just fried, and there was no flavor to it. But now, when I can come as a Caribbean guy, I can marinate it with a nice little Haitian marinade and then still give it that nice flavor,” Dorvil said. “Even though we're still building French menus from French, you still need flavors.”
Hyche said he feels a sense of pride when
he thinks of being a Georgia native and strives to show the nuances of Southern cuisine and its ability to incorporate flavors worldwide.
“From the Paschals to The Busy Bees, the foundations of Atlanta cooking, Southern cooking, I always just try to show that in every dish,” Hyche said.”Atlanta has so many exceptional places to go, and now that we've gone to the Michelin mode, and all of these highend places are just coming out, I want to make sure that Waldorf has something to say.”
The culinary journey for Black chefs is one riddled with ups and downs. Still, Black chefs in the South continue to make a name for themselves by creating seats at the table and building that table themselves as they win James Beard Foundation Awards and take their place as head chefs at praised restaurants. Dorvil noted that it speaks volumes to the growth of the Waldorf Astoria and the city to appoint two young, Black chefs to lead the dining experience for the luxury hotel.
“It is hard for young, Black chefs. It is hard for us to get the role and make sure that we pursue excellence. It's hard for us to get our feet in the door, but when we do get our feet in the door, everyone sees what we bring to the table. Everyone sees how we can change a whole culture, how we can shift a whole culture. Everyone sees a certain quality that we also bring, a certain attitude that we bring.”
The story of young, Black chefs pursuing excellence continues for Dorvil and Hyche. Dorvil said that when people talk of luxury, storytelling is a big piece, and their stories are no different.
“When I look at someone like Chef Keith, you have a guy that's been in the industry for over nine years, started in the stewarding department, and now is the chef of cuisine for The Waldorf. What bigger story is there? You have a guy who basically came from Haiti, came to America, pursued a career in the industry, and became an executive chef for The Waldorf. What better story is that?”
As they take Atlanta’s Waldorf Astoria’s culinary offerings in a new direction, Dorvil and Hyche want people to know two things: they deserve it, and they’re taking over.
“Nothing's going to stop us. We visit obstacles and hurdles every day, but this is just another pedestal to say: look what we did and what we're going to continue to do. This is our home, and we're going to make this the best meal you've had in the city,” Hyche said.
“We're here to stay. Whatever was said before, it's a new culture now. It's a new leadership. It's a new vibe. It's a new everything. We're coming,” Dorvil said.
here to stay. Whatever was said before, it’s a new culture now. It’s a new leadership. It’s a new vibe. It’s a new everything. We’re coming,” Dorvil said. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Hyche said he feels a sense of pride when he thinks of being a Georgia native and strives to show the nuances of Southern cuisine and the ability to incorporate flavors worldwide. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
“Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power.”— Barbara Jordan
Concerned About Democracy in 2024? Your School Board Could Hold the Key
BY ETHAN ASHLEY
Education has always been a contentious issue, but as we approach the 2024 elections, it’s become ground zero for broader cultural and political clashes. Book bans targeting diverse and inclusive materials are on the rise, and restrictive gag orders are silencing classroom discussions on critical topics like race, gender, and American history.
With the conservative agenda of Project 2025 gaining traction, the threat to both democracy and public education has never been more urgent. In times like these, it’s easy to feel powerless—but, as citizens, we can’t afford to disengage. The fight for our country’s future begins at the local level, particularly with our school boards.
Though often overlooked, school boards are the backbone of our democratic process, influencing the education of nearly 90% of America’s children who attend public schools. Their decisions determine everything from which books make it into classrooms to the curriculum that teaches civics and voter education. They are the gatekeepers of academic freedom and have a crucial role in shaping young people’s understanding of democracy. School boards are responsible for dismantling the remnants of systemic racism in education and laying the foundation for future citizens who will either uphold or dismantle democratic values.
That’s why who sits on our school boards is so critical. Diverse representation on these boards ensures a variety of perspectives, particularly when it comes to identifying inequities and implementing inclusive policies.
However, school boards in the U.S. were designed in a different era, for a different demographic.
Historically led by white, male landowners, school boards have not evolved to reflect the diversity of the communities they now serve. Today, although public school students are more than 55% students of color, a 2022 survey by School Board Partners found that 64% of school board members are
white, highlighting a significant gap in representation.
This May the nation celebrated the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the decision that outlawed segregation based on race in public schools. At the time of the ruling, roughly 90% of students were white. Since then, public school demographics in America have continued to morph into being more racially and ethnically diverse: less than half of students are white, meaning that about 55% of public school students identify as minority populations, with more than a quarter being Hispanic, and nearly 15% being Black. These numbers don’t even
account for non-English native language speakers, students with disabilities, students identifying as part of the LGBTQ community, or students in varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
Across the country this fall, people will go to the polls and cast votes that will have a major impact on the future of our country. With over 21,000 seats up for election this year, School Board Partners is among the groups working to ensure voters realize the importance of school board elections specifically.
The reality is that the tensions we’re witnessing around education will continue to compound — but we have the collective power to choose a better future by elect-
ing a more diverse candidate pool who will advocate for policies and procedures that meet the needs of students, no matter their background. By nature and design, school boards were established by the people, for the people. It’s time to bring our school boards into the present and deliver on that founding promise. The future of democracy depends on it.
Ethan Ashley is the Co-CEO & Cofounder of School Board Partners, an organization that connects emerging, inspired elected community leaders serving on local school boards with the training, support, and mentorship needed to successfully push for high quality school systems.
FOUNDED May 11, 1966 FOUNDER/EDITOR
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The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware.
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Over 21,000 school board seats are up for election this year — and the fight for our country’s future begins with them. Photo Credit: iStock
Spiritually Speaking: In Living Color
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON
The Atlanta Voice
I’m not sure whether or not I’ve talked about my faith walk from the point of view of those individuals who have tracked my progress from the beginning until now. They seem to have fallen into two quite different categories. The first group that I noticed included those Christians around me, who, like me, rejoiced in my rebirth. Many of the columns I’ve written were about those who prayed, rejoiced, and breathed a sigh of relief at the mere thought of a new beginning for me. Discovery would be an appropriate word to use here. As a result, I’ve discovered more about people I thought I knew after being saved than I ever thought possible before I was saved. My analogy is that I saw the world and my friends as old black-and-white movies. Now, they come across in Technicolor and Surround Sound. Being kindred spirits in Christ, we have it like that now. The second group included those individuals who couldn’t and still can’t relate to me. There were and are so-called friends of mine in this group, too. It’s hard to explain, but bible study, tithing, regular church attendance, prayer, praise,
The Atlanta Voice named Press Forward grant recipient
The Atlanta Voice has been honored as a recipient of the Press Forward grant. This recognition marks a significant step toward addressing critical information gaps and better serving our communities. We are proud to be part of a historic group of over 200 local newsrooms across the country, and your support is essential for us to continue this important work. Our peers include newer nonprofit outlets established in response to the emerging needs during the pandemic, as well as established for-profit organizations that have been adapting and innovating for over a century. Some newsrooms are dedicated to covering stories from rural America, often serving as the sole news source for communities spread across vast distances.
Others focus on stories relevant to people of color and linguistically diverse
What does eternity have to do with right here, right now?
and an honest attempt at wholesome living can bring out an unusual reaction in some folk. I know because I used to avoid anyone and anything that invited God into my life. I wasn’t malicious or anything. It just wasn’t part of my program. So, I understood the reaction I was getting from those in this group. Some thought it was a phase, others an addiction, and still others felt I was on some kind of moral guilt trip that I’d just get over. Many couldn’t see the serious nature of my transformation because they, too, saw me only in terms of black and white. Others just refused to accept God as the reason my behavior changed. There just had to be another reason. I must have a hidden agenda. Salvation and eternity are vague concepts. What does eternity have to do with right here, right now? What is so easy to acknowledge in church and bible study is, at times, impossible, difficult at best, to communicate elsewhere
to people who knew you when and did all those things with you that you don’t do anymore. It can be tough. If it were not for those Christians who can and do relate to this, those who know where they are today compared to where they were yesterday, I might still see the world as only black and white, filled with a bunch of gray people. Believe me, Technicolor is better. That’s why it is so easy for me to talk about Paul. You want to talk about a transformation! It’s a wonder Paul lived to tell anyone about Jesus. His life before the road to Damascus enlightenment is a testament to what I’m talking about.
Why should anyone believe anything that came from Paul’s murderous mouth? I suppose the answer, in hindsight, is a pretty good one. The words that came out of Paul’s mouth were put there by Jesus, the same Christ who knocked me down and picked me up as He did Paul. I’ve
changed because I had no choice in this matter. And if you’re saved, you don’t either. But don’t worry about it. This is a new me and a new you with a new life and new responsibilities. Our willing obligation is to give the Lord at least our best shot. As the commercial goes, ‘Just do it.’ I think you’ll find, as Paul did, that the point is who you have become and not how others view you. Sooner or later, they’ll understand the change is real and just have to adjust to you or disappear. If they don’t, you will. It’s not easy, but nobody has said it would be.
May God bless and keep you always.
This column is from James Washington’s Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
communities that traditional media often overlook.
Through its first open call, Press Forward is providing funding to twice as many news organizations as initially planned. A review panel consisting of national foundation and journalism leaders recognized the impact our reporting is making in our local community.
Since 1966, The Atlanta Voice has aimed to shape the narrative surrounding the African American diaspora. We accomplish this by producing and distributing engaging, informative, and educational content across multiple platforms, highlighting what it truly means to be Black in America. We are not afraid to address sensitive issues and take bold stances on matters that affect our audience, whether positively or negatively. Our community relies on us for journalistic leadership, and we are confident in our ability to deliver it.
This column is from James Washington’s Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
Health
When “Free” Healthcare Services Cost Patients Millions of Dollars
Connected Minds Expands with New Marietta Location
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
On Monday, Oct. 7th, Connected Minds, a mental health and wellness services clinic, celebrated the grand opening of its first physical office in Marietta. Founded by Dr. Je Ajayi ,35, a Morehouse School of Medicine graduate, the practice has operated virtually since 2020.
"This is my very first physical space. I've been virtual for four years," Ajayi said.
Connected Minds was initially born from a dream Ajayi's had in September of 2019. Envisioning the practice's logo, a puzzle depicting two minds coming together is now prominently displayed at the facility’s entrance, and patients and visitors greet them as they enter.
Ajayi, originally from Albany, Ga., earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Georgia and later completed his residency at Morehouse School of Medicine.
"I graduated with COVID. That shaped how I practiced medicine and the importance of flexibility in mental health care,” Ajayi said.
As a licensed psychiatrist, Ajayi brings a comprehensive understanding of both neurological and psychiatric conditions to his practice. “I’m a medical physician. I’m an M.D., so I can treat anything I want,” said Ajayi. “In medical school, I did stem cell research for Parkinson’s disease. I love neuro, and to be a neurologist means you have to become an internal medicine physician. But psychiatry allows you to be boarded in both psychiatry and neurology.”
His decision to specialize in psychiatry came from a desire to blend his passion for neurology with behavioral health, giving him the ability to diagnose and treat both strokes and mental health conditions like depression.
The Marietta office has state-of-the-art technology, including advanced treatments such as the MagVenture Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells deep in the brain, offering another option to patients who haven’t responded to traditional therapies. During a tour of the facility, Ajayi demonstrated how the technology works.
"This machine is FDA-approved for longer protocols," he explained, referring to the MagVenture device used at the clinic. As Ajayi described, the process involves adjusting the frequencies to match a patient’s unique response. “Once I see your
thumb twitching, I know I have a high enough frequency for your brain,” he explained.
The device is moved from the motor cortex to the depression cortex, where the treatment begins. The course usually requires about 24 to 30 sessions, with insurance covering most treatments.
The clinic also provides Ketamine therapy, a rapid-acting solution for those suffering from severe depression, PTSD, or chronic pain. “Ketamine has shown significant success for patients where other treatments have failed,” Ajayi explained.
Understanding the connection between mental and physical well-being, Connected Minds offers fitness and health coaching beyond psychiatric treatment. These services help patients reach their wellness goals through personalized exercise plans, nutritional advice, and lifestyle coaching. “We strive to offer personalized services that support our clients in all aspects of their lives,” Ajayi said.
His decision to open a physical location represents a new chapter in his career. “Having this space allows me to extend the care I’ve been offering virtually,” he said. "I can build deeper relationships with my patients in person.”
Currently, Connected Minds employs 18 staff members, including fitness professionals, therapists, administrative personnel, and licensed psychiatrists, who collaborate to offer holistic mental health and wellness solutions.
In addition to its treatments, the clinic continues to provide services like medication management, individual and group therapy, addiction treatment, cannabis and disability evaluations, DUI classes, and anger management programs.
For more information about Connected Minds and its services, visit www.connectedmindsllc.com.
TOP: On Monday, Oct. 7th, Connected Minds, a mental health and wellness services clinic, celebrated the grand opening of its first physical office in Marietta. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
BELOW: Connected Minds (above) was founded by Dr. Je Ajayi,35 (not shown), a Morehouse School of Medicine graduate. The practice has operated virtually since 2020.
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Judge rules Kemp doesn’t have to investigate State Election Board members
Movement School set to open in Southwest Atlanta
BY LENTHEUS CHANEY
Movement School, a network of free public charter schools, recently gained state approval to operate in Georgia. With schools already open in North Carolina and South Carolina, Movement School CEO Kerri-Ann Thomas chose Southwest Atlanta to introduce their brand to the local school system.
According to Thomas, Movement School's journey to opening in Georgia was challenging. Despite numerous setbacks, including initial denials at local and state levels, the school persevered.
"We've been trying to enter the Georgia region for over two years. Our determination to the families and community outweighed the challenges," Thomas said.
Movement School currently serves pre-K through fifth grade. Thomas highlighted the school's focus on early childhood education and its comprehensive multi-county transportation service as standout features.
“There are lots of [charter] schools that don't have the ability to provide transportation for students. The fact that we are a charter school approved by the state allows us to accept students from multiple counties," Thomas said. "We go after the pre-K experience because the achievement gap actually starts at age three. Our goal is to become experts in that area."
Movement School is also connected to Movement Mortgage. In partnership with the school, Movement Mortgage offers down payment assistance to eligible parents and staff to promote home ownership to close the wealth gap.
“The mortgage company has a philanthropic spirit, donating to the school because closing the achievement gap is a great cause,” Thomas said.
Thomas, a Spelman College graduate and a small business owner in Castleberry Hill, said she was drawn to Movement School because it values community partnerships.
"Lots of schools use [corporations] for lunch services. At Movement, we partner with a local restaurant that reflects the population we serve," Thomas said. “This approach enriches the students’ experience and supports local businesses, creating a positive economic impact.”
Regarding inclusivity, Thomas explained that Movement School honors its commitment to every student by delivering a robust special education program.
"At all Movement Schools, we accept all students, and 'all' truly means all. Even within our first opening year, we have a special education coordinator," Thomas said. "So, we provide resources, even at a more senior leadership level in that department. That's
additional funding going toward that population of students."
Thomas said Movement School shows resilience in navigating political challenges, particularly around curriculum content. She shared their strategy to ensure the school delivers an inclusive and accurate education.
“We believe our children deserve to see books reflecting their experiences. Thomas said the texts and books placed before them are vetted [for] accuracy, especially with history. “There should be a diversity of books, ideas, and accuracy of information. [In] the written document of how our charter will be run, we spell out the curriculum we use.”
Looking ahead, Movement School is set to open at 1950 Sullivan Rd. in August 2025—a milestone that Thomas said her team eagerly anticipates—with a mission to provide high-quality education, foster community partnerships, and promote inclusivity.
“We provide that partnership element, and what that then does is create a tide of success within that overall community, Thomas said. “We're not becoming like this conglomerate trying to take over and do everything. Instead, we're partnering."
Movement School, a network of free public charter schools, recently gained state approval to operate in Georgia. Rendering submitted
Movement School CEO Kerri-Ann Thomas. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Raising Canes opens new location in Snellville, Georgia
BY LAURA NWOGU
Raising Canes, the popular fastfood chain known for its crispy chicken tender meals opened a new location on Scenic Highway in Snellville on Tuesday, October 8.
“We're expanding here in Gwinnett County, and Snellville is just one of the communities that's continuing to grow. With the partnership that we’ve had between Dacula and Buford, we thought it was a great opportunity to continue to expand that throughout the county,” said Jeremy Sheffield, the regional vice president of restaurants for Raising Cane’s. “We're here for a great relationship with our community, and we know that the people of Snellville value great quality food. We thought it would be a perfect fit for our next location here in the Peach State.”
The team presented a check to Exceptional Futures, a nonprofit organization that empowers programs for adults with special needs while supporting parents in their caregiving journey.
It’ll mark the fifth Georgia location for the chain, which operates on the slogan
“One Love.” The menu combines what it does best: chicken tenders with fries, toast, coleslaw, and its secret sauce, Cane’s sauce. The simplicity of the menu and its marketing have drawn a loyal group of customers, clearly seen from the line of cars that snake the roads of its Athens location during game days and on a regular weekend.
As for opening a location in the heart of Atlanta, Sheffield said those waiting for the chain to open a restaurant within the city limits will be awarded as they’re currently looking at two sites in Midtown and Buckhead. The Georgia expansion continues with locations planned for McDonough, Conyers, and Duluth.
With a new location comes a new community of customers, and Sheffield said first-timers can expect quality food delivered with speed and emphasized by a great culture.
“We have a great culture here, and I think our crew members’ connection with our customers is second to none. We're just excited to be here in Snellville.”
The restaurant will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Sundays-Thursdays and 10-1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Raising Canes, the popular fast-food chain known for its crispy chicken tender meals, is opening a new location on Scenic Highway in Snellville on Tuesday, October 8. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
Kamala Harris Has a Plan for Black Men. Trump Never Did
Atlanta Business League celebrates Black female business owners with Super Tuesday conference
BY LAURA NWOGU
The Atlanta Business League hosted its 40th annual Super Tuesday conference on Oct. 15, with a lineup of panels, seminars, fellowship, and networking opportunities celebrating Black female business owners across the metro Atlanta area. This year’s conference theme was “One Great Day: The Ballot, The Book and The Buck,” a phrase that examines the intersections between civic engagement, education, and economic empowerment.
The Atlanta Voice publisher Janis Ware was among the panelists who gave her insight into the importance of building a legacy and generational wealth. In a packed conference room, Ware was joined by Andrella Kenner, founder and CEO of CI² Aviation
Inc., and Jason Halliburton, senior vice president of The Halliburton Group, to discuss building and maintaining financial security.
A quote by radio personality and finance expert Dave Ramsey seemed to be the sentiment that carried the room: “If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.”
Naima Judge, the managing director and private bank market leader at Bank of America, moderated the panel.
The panelists provided valuable insights on building wealth as business owners. They highlighted several important actions, such as letting go of liabilities, avoiding procrastination with trust and estate planning regardless of your financial situation, vetting financial advisors through referrals and reputable firms, and ensuring the next
generation is cared for. Jason Halliburton said, "I believe true wealth means having enough for multiple generations—not just for yourself or your children, but also for your grandchildren."
Halliburton, Kenner, and Ware shared cautionary tales and personal anecdotes that shaped their lives. They highlighted issues such as assets being seized in probate court due to a lack of a will or trust and the importance of developing programs that benefit employees in the future.
Andrella Kenner emphasized the significance of having a will and trust, stating, "You don't need to have a lot of assets to put these measures in place. While you can hire an attorney to help with the process, it's the most important thing you can do. I would never want my family to face that situation."
Among the various tips and tools that successful business owners provided on how to develop financial literacy, Ware specifically emphasized the role of sacrifice as a business owner but also the great need for balance.
“We have to decide what's going to be important to us, how we intend to live our lives, and if there's something to leave to the next generation,” Ware said. “I think you ought to have balance in your life. I think it's important for you to have a work environment, but you've got to live. And unfortunately, sometimes we give up our lives to run a business, or we give up ourselves to have a family, and then we get to be 70, and you try to figure out what happened and what did I do? So enjoy whatever part of life you do have.
“But I still say manage your finances,” she ended with laughter from the crowd.
Moderator Naima Judge, Managing Director and Market Investment Executive with the Bank of America Private Bank, Andrella Kenner, founder and CEO of CI² Aviation Inc., Jason Halliburton, senior vice president of The Halliburton Group, and The Atlanta Voice publisher Janis Ware were among the panelists who gave her insight into the importance of building a legacy and generational wealth. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice
Community
More drivers than ever are making $1,000+ auto loan payments
Atlanta Pride parade welcomes Libertarian presidential candidate Chase Oliver
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
Libertarian Chase Oliver, 39, came home to Atlanta Pride, but this time as a presidential candidate. Atlanta streets were filled with bright, vibrant colors and smiling faces as everyone got ready to walk the annual parade route.
Before the parade started, Oliver said he felt great about being involved and back home in Atlanta.
“The weather’s beautiful, and we’re having a great turnout of libertarians who had voted in from out of state to come to support this campaign, even so having people driving hundreds of miles to come and be with us today,” he said. “I just love Atlanta Pride every year.”
Oliver said he first discovered the Libertarian Party at Atlanta Pride in 2010, when John Monds, who was running for Governor, talked to him. At the time, Oliver was a politically displaced pacifist who was frustrated that neither Republicans nor Democrats fought for peace.
He’s been home in the party ever since, running for Congress in 2020 and then the U.S. Senate in 2022. He debated incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker’s empty podium. Oliver was widely credited with causing the runoff election between Warnock and Walker.
When Oliver ran for Senate in 2022, he said they got a ton of attention when they forced the runoff, and libertarians across the country asked if he ever considered running for president.
“I thought they were crazy at first, but we explored the idea and got the support we needed. I’m doing this because I want to make sure there’s a better future for not just myself but for my nephews and nieces,” he said.
Additionally, Oliver became the first openly LGBTQ candidate to be nominated by a political party, which is a full-circle moment.
“I’m excited to be the first presidential candidate to ever march in the Atlanta Pride Parade,” he said. “I think it is important that we recognize the LGBTQ community and
our inherent right to live as free individuals. As the first LGBTQ candidate for president nationwide, I’m proud to represent Atlanta and our community on the national stage.”
If elected, Oliver says he would get our economy under control by “balancing our federal budget.”
“I would address the immigration crisis we see at our southern border by implementing the 21st-century Ellis Island. I would also defend each person’s liberty to live as they see fit, so long as you’re not harming another person,” he said. “If you’re living your life in peace, your life’s your life, your body’s your body, and your business is your business, it’s not mine, nor the government’s.”
Oliver also says a couple of things make him the best candidate for the next president, including being the first millennial candidate to run for president.
“I have a generational perspective and am an average working person. I’ve worked 40 hours a week. I see the pinch of inflation because I do the grocery shopping in my fami-
ly,” he said. For me, I’m seeing the effects of our economy in real-time, and we need to have somebody with that perspective in the White House.”
Oliver says the upcoming election is the most important election of our lifetime. He also says this election could be a real-time history-making moment, and he’s glad to be a part of it.
“Every election cycle is important, but I think this has been the most unique election cycle of our lifetime,” he said. “We’ve seen candidates stepping down. We’ve seen all sorts of awful things happening in terms of violence.
Furthermore, Oliver urges voters to check out his platform and to vote as early as possible.
“Do a blind taste test, so to speak, with myself and the other candidates and see who you think is going to be the best voice for you,” he said. “I encourage you to get out and vote, and also, let’s change the way we vote to things like ranked choice voting, so we have more options on the ballot, more choices, and more voices.”
Election Central
“Voteless People are a Powerless People”
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
With mere weeks left until the 2024 election, Bradley Tusk, philanthropist, author, and founder of the Mobile Voting Project, and civil rights advocate Martin Luther King III held a keynote conversation on Sept. 26 to discuss the fight for voting rights in 2024 and how mobile voting can remove barriers to the ballot box.
The conversation comes as an informative and prompt analysis of America’s voting system, introducing citizens to the history, opposition, and potential of voting from smartphone devices.
Martin Luther King III wrote a guest essay in Tusk’s new book, Vote with Your Phone: Why Mobile Voting is Our Final Shot at Saving Democracy (Sourcebooks, September 17, 2024).
In the book, Tusk outlines how mobile voting can dramatically increase voter turnout and fix our politics. In his essay, King strongly endorses mobile voting in his quest for civil rights and voting rights nationwide, writing:
“Few efforts hold the potential to impact voter participation like mobile voting. Far too many voters are left out of the voting booth by existing voting options—from our military service members to voters with disabilities and even our youth,” he said. “Mobile voting would empower all voters to exercise their most fundamental democratic right using the same technology they use in their everyday lives.”
How could Mobile Voting save democracy?
Tusk said he drafted the book because, as a society, “we need to build awareness and a movement of people who will demand the right to be able to vote on their phone.” He said that voting on your phone is so important because you live in a world where “because of gerrymandering, the only election that typically matters is the primary.”
Tusk also said primary turnout in the U.S. is typically between 10-15%, which he says is controlled by extremes, whether far right, far left, or special interest that know how to move money and votes in low turnout primaries. It not only dictates who serves in office, he said, but also what people do once they’re in office.
He said he started the mobile voting project to take the device we already have in our pockets and turn it into a ballot box so primary turnout can increase.
“If you change the underlying inputs and a lot more people participate, then our politicians will take notice, and instead of trying to represent the extremes, they’ll represent everyone,” he said. “They want you to have to wait in long lines in person to try and discourage you and have an excuse to turn you away.”
With the book, Tusk says he wants people to see there is a solution to fixing the government, and trust in the government and other institutions is “incredibly low.”
“Right now, things feel hopeless, and people have lost trust in the government and other institutions, whether it’s church, higher education, media, or businesses, and that’s because things feel rigged and dysfunctional,” he said.
King says he endorses the mobile voting project because, in his personal view, everything we do in our society is technology-based with smartphones, so why not add the step to be able to vote on that same device?
“Bradley and his team are testing to ensure security with smartphone voting,” he said. “If I can pay bills and do business on my phone, we should be able to vote on them as well. My father used to say that voteless people are powerless people, and one of the most important steps we can take is that short step to the ballot box.
Also, Tusk said we can move politics back to the middle and start getting things done again if enough people participate in elections. However, he also says he does not expect people to automatically start showing up on a random Tuesday and being late to work or taking their kids to school to vote in the city council primary.
“I ran a lot of the campaigns around the U.S. to legalize Uber and ride-sharing, and millions of people advocated for us politically because they could do it from their phone, directly from the app,” he said. “We connected them to their local elected officials, and they told those elected officials, ‘Hey, I like this thing, don’t take it away from me.’
His hope is that people reading the book will see that it could work and want to get involved.
“That is the will of the people, and that is the will of the mainstream,” he said. “A bad and corrupt democracy tries to suppress the vote in every way they can, and no other state has faced more of these issues than Georgia over the last couple of years.”
Furthermore, Tusk says we’re seeing a “false narrative” to try to act like the process is insecure and corrupt. He said Georgia has had to watch, watch, hand count ballots, and turn people away, which he says is untrue, and we must fight back.
“The Heritage Foundation did a report and found that 00000.6% of votes are fraudulently cast, so basically zero, and there’s not an actual problem of voter fraud in this country, but a problem of one guy, Donald Trump, incapable of accepting that he might lose and claiming he was cheated rather than accepting reality.”
King says he hopes people vote “all the
way down the ballot” instead of only focusing on the presidential ballot.
“We are at a critical juncture in this nation and the presidential race is crucial, but we have a candidate running for office who said he wants to be a dictator, and that certainly is not what our system of democracy has been,” he said.
Using a Dr. Maya Angelou quote, “If somebody tells you who they are, listen to them,” King said Donald Trump has told us who he is, and it’s dangerous.
“Vice President Harris has talked about leadership that’s working to improve the quality of life for all people. Trump said he wants to give a tax break to the rich. It’s clear to me who we should be looking at,” he said.
Additionally, King said people who are still unsure or unwilling to participate in the Nov. 5 elections should ask themselves whether they want to be involved in what is happening around them and what will affect them.
“When you look at the Supreme Court removing the right of choice from women, and even them telling us they want to get rid of civil rights and everything that helps a lot of people, you have to ask yourself if you want to be involved with what’s going to happen in our lives,” he said.
Furthermore, he said we all pay taxes, so we’re all involved, and the only way to take part is to vote in all ballot categories.
“People vote for amendments; all of that is important. It’s critical for the public to be involved and do their civic duty, and that’s to be engaged so that they can have the right kind of laws in place that support all our communities,” King said.
Tusk said he hopes people left the conversation seeing there are opportunities and ways to fix the voting process,
“I hope they decide to join Martin and I’s fight to make mobile voting an option for people,” he said. “We’re not proposing to replace any form of voting; we just want to give others another option.”
The book is the first phase of the mobile voting project, and Tusk hopes to pass legislation in half a dozen cities around the country next year to allow people to start voting in local elections on their phones.
“Let’s see how it goes, and if it works, we can expand to state and maybe one-day federal elections,” Tusk said. “We’ll make adjustments as we go along.”
According to Tusk, the Mobile Voting Project is still in the works and will not be implemented during this election season. However, he says the fundamental premise stays the same: a good democracy makes it as easy as possible for as many people to vote.
For more information about mobile voting, visit https://mobilevoting.org.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
High profile surrogates campaigns in battleground states as early voting begins
BY CARLA PEAY AND DONNELL SUGGS
With less than a month until Election Day, the Trump and Harris campaigns are pulling out all the stops, including enlisting high-profile politicians and celebrities to join them on the stump in key battleground states.
Early voting began in Georgia on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and in North Carolina on Thursday, Oct. 17. According to political calculations and predictions, both states are crucial to winning this election, and both Harris and Trump had plans to return to Atlanta this week.
On Sunday, October 13, former United States President Bill Clinton made several stops on a two-day tour through Southeast and Middle Georgia while stumping for Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Clinton visited Albany, Columbus, and Fort Valley. During his visit to Fort Valley, an intimate crowd of several dozen supporters attended a fish fry and rally at the Agricultural Technology Conference Center on Camp John Hope Rd. Clinton, who garnered enormous support from Georgia Democrats during his days as the Governor of Arkansas running for the White House, thanked the local elected officials who came out to support him then and now, people like Georgia Congressman Sanford Bishop (2nd District) and two-time Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
Clinton remains popular with Georgia voters, and he used his popularity and rare appearances to speak about what he thinks this election and the competing campaigns should be about.
“Politics should be about you, not the politicians,” Clinton, who wore a camouflage Harris-Walz cap and cowboy boots, said. He added that he believes Harris will be a “great president.”
The 42nd President of the United States admitted that he was once good friends with Trump but said Trump, the 45th President of the United States, is good at dividing and promoting. That might be good for a campaign, but it’s not good for a country.
“The voters' job is to figure it out and act on it,” Clinton said. “You don’t get anything done if all you do is try to keep people divided.”
Clinton spent 40 minutes talking to the crowd of mostly Black supporters (Fort Valley, the largest city in Peach County, is nearly 70% Black) about the importance of voting, Harris’ economic plan, Harris’ goal of providing more affordable housing, and about the cost of gas and food.
“Kamala Harris is the only person running for office who says there’s a simple solution to this,” Clinton explained. He used the example of coming up with a federal price gouging law that could help American consumers in moments like these in the aftermath of a pair of huge hurricanes.
Though Abrams didn’t speak at the rally, she did command a large group of supporters who wanted to get their picture taken with her after Clinton had finished speaking and the rally was over.
High-profile faces and names attract voters and maybe even influence those who have yet to decide. Such was the case on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 10, when retired professional race car driver Danica Patrick introduced Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance Patrick served as special guest moderator as Vance took questions from a crowd of about 2,500 supporters.
Patrick took the stage to a standing ovation before introducing Vance.
“I love my country,” Patrick said. “I want to fly an American flag. I want to help create unity, not division. That’s the kind of country I want to live in.” During the Q&A that followed, Patrick, 42, admitted that she has never voted before but plans to do so this year.
Her first question to Vance was regarding his upbringing. Vance responded with a story about his grandmother and the lessons he learned from her.
“To me, part of the American dream was to become a good husband and father,” Vance said. “One of the most important things she taught me was that no matter your circumstances, you cannot let yourself become a victim.”
On that same day, award-winning actress and Georgia native Julia Roberts was stumping for the Harris-Walz campaign in several Georgia counties, including
DeKalb, the
fourth-largest county in the state.
Former United States President Obama also took the stage in support of Harris and Walz in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Oct. 10, and Atlanta-based Hip-Hop mogul Jermaine Dupri hosted “Brothas and Brews” at The Gathering Spot on Friday, Oct. 11.
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, said of current United States Vice President Kamala Harris, “I believe she’ll be a great president.” Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
Stacey Abrams was in Fort Valley supporting former U.S. President Bill Clinton during a Harris-Walz rally on Sunday.
Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
Danica Patrick (right) and JD Vance in North Carolina earlier this week. Photo by Carla Peay/The Atlanta Voice
Mental health jobs will grow three times the rate of all US jobs over the next decade
Atlanta Park Jam celebrates the art of Hip Hop in Atlanta
BY RADHIYA ALSTON
Creativity and Black joy was all around at the 2nd Atlanta Park Jam. The event took place on Sunday, Oct. 13 and was located at Adair Park on the westside trail of the Beltline.
ATL Park Jam Hip Hop Culture Festival was presented by Rapport, Soul Food Cypher, and Atlanta Beltline Art. This event had a little something for everyone of all ages, geared to show all the different elements of Hip Hop and culture. There was a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, live graffiti art, open skate session, DJ battle, Black owned food vendors and so much more.
Alex Acosta, the Executive Director of Soul Food Cypher, and the curator of ATL Park Jam, spoke about what this event means to him. Acosta said that it was important to have this event because it is a way to "showcase Black joy and creativity in Black spaces."
Through the event, Acosta wanted to show what Hip Hop has done for the culture, and the many layers that it has. "Hip Hop started in the community, it is a communal art form, so being able to partner with the Atlanta Beltline was the perfect opportunity,” Acosta said.
It is Acosta's hope that ATL Park Jam will continue to grow every year. Acosta
Entertainment
said he envisions a future where he will be able to expand the Park Jam brand to other cities that celebrate the art of Hip Hop.
ONE Musicfest 15th anniversary lineup announced
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
ONE Musicfest (OMF), presented by Procter and Gamble in collaboration with Live Nation Urban (LNU), announced its eagerly awaited lineup for its 15th anniversary of music, culture, and celebration.
The annual two-day festival, founded by Jason “J” Carter, will be held at Central Park in Atlanta on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27.
OMF has always catered equally to both R&B and Hip-Hop lovers, and this year is no different. For those who enjoy soulful tunes, you can expect to sing along to new hits and timeless classics from artists like headliners Jill Scott, Victoria Monét, and Earth, Wind & Fire, with other performances by Dru Hill, Friday, Destin Conrad, Fantasia, Jeremih, Gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne and more.
Rap fans are in for a treat as well, with performances from headliners Cardi B and Gunna, along with performances by Sexyy Red,
Atlanta transplant, DJ Mars,
a set of thrilling performances to keep the crowd moving.
For the eclectic ears, new wave country artist and recent LVRN Records signee Tanner Adell will likewise grace the stage at OMF, her first Black festival performance. This year’s lineup was selected especially with the fan first in mind, offering everything from a meet-and-greet experience with Method Man to surprise pop-out performances from special guests.
Nicknamed the greatest homecoming on earth, festivalgoers will enjoy a smooth entry process and various stages showcasing continuous music. The festival is celebrating bigger than ever with exciting new activations, partnerships, and energetic performances. Fans can expect special social media experiences, never-before-featured health and fitness initiatives, and pop-ups curated by Atlanta creatives.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://onemusicfest.com.
The event closed with an HBCU-style drumline performance and a return of last year’s highlight event, the freestyle rap session with Soul Food Cypher. For more information on this event, you can find them on Instagram @atlparkjam
Glorilla, Nelly, BigXthaPlug, Young Nudy, T.I., Bossman Dlow, Method Man & Redman, and both DJ Mustard and DJ Drama, who
will be bringing along a few of their friends. Usher’s longtime DJ and well-respected
will also curate
The annual two-day festival, founded by Jason “J” Carter, is set for Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, at Central Park in Atlanta. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
The 2nd annual Atlanta Park Jam occurred in Adair Park on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. Photo by Radhiya Alston/The Atlanta Voice
Street Lines: 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i
BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON
BMW keeps things fresh in 2024 with the redesign of its second-generation X2 xDrive 28i. If the luxury subcompact crossover segment is in your sights, this may be the one to consider thanks to its muscular, head-turning looks; more spacious cabin; muscle-flexing powertrain; allwheel drive becoming standard; implementation of the new iDrive 9 operating system; and addition of numerous packages to pamper passengers to the fullest. Our review car thankfully had it all.
Dressed in the optional Storm Bay Metallic—an attractive blue-grey fusion—the exterior is also adorned with the highly recommended M Sport Package, adding 19inch, double-spoke bi-color wheels, caliper brakes, and extended “Shadowline” exterior trim.
The numerous package enhancements continue under the hood and throughout the cabin as well.
Inside, the X2 delivers a refined cabin
filled with high-quality appointments, such as SensaTec dashboard, M Sport seats (Mocha Perforated Veganza), and Aluminum Hexa trim with ambient lighting to create an upscale atmosphere. The steering wheel and front seats are also heated to ensure comfort, while the Premium Package adds power-folding mirrors, acoustic glass, interior
camera, BMW digital key, wireless charging, a panoramic sky roof, and BMW Digital Key Plus which allows for easy access and remote engine start.
Technology continues to get a lot of attention with BMW’s Live Cockpit Pro, which delivers a head-up display (HUD), plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to help oper-
File No. 2024-183
Surrogate’s Court
State of New York - County of Schenectady
Supplemental Citation
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
By the Grace of God Free and Independent.
TO: Prince Jackson, 1107 Sumner Avenue, Sch’dy, NY, 12309
Reese Jackson, 1107 Sumner Avenue, Sch’dy, NY 12309
Lakeia Bowman, 1912 Kensington Court, Niskayuna, NY, 12309
Barbara Jackson, as Administratrix of the Estate of Darryl T. Jackson, 309 Chiswell Rd, Sch’dy, NY, 12304
Light’s Funeral Home (Scott & Barbieri), 1428 State St., Sch’dy, NY, 12304
Karyn Kaiya Dowtin, whereabouts unknown, last known address 1230 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309
Nicole Netterford, whereabouts unknown, last known address 4321 Ritter Rd., Walterboro, SC, 29488
Marlena Jackson, whereabouts unknown, last known address 4967 Darien Lake, Liverpool, NY, 13088
Carlos Jackson, Jr., whereabouts unknown, last known address 1687 VanVranken Ave., Sch’dy, NY, 12308
Devon King, whereabouts unknown, last known address 1237 Duben Ave., Anchorage, AK 99504
Unknown heirs at law, next of kin and distributees of Joseph David Jackson, deceased, if living and if any of them be dead, to their heirs at law, next of kin and distributees whose names and places of residence are unknown and especially to the unknown heirs at law, next of kin and administrators, assignees and
ate the premium Harman/Kardon premium sound system, making every trip a live concert. The vibrant 10.7-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch touchscreen set in a curved display are easier to operate as well thanks to the implementation of the user-friendly iDrive 9 infotainment system, complete with an intelligent personal assistant to further ease the driving experience. Safety features are also generous, including Traffic Jam Assistant, Active Lane Assist with Side Collision Avoidance, and Active Park Distance Control.
Ultimately, the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive 28i blends sporty dynamics, luxury, and cutting-edge technology into a standout compact SUV boasting fantastic value starting at $42K. Now that’s hard to beat in this segment.
Fuel Economy: 24 city/33 highway/28 combined
Price: The 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i starts at $42,000 MSRP, and reviewed at $52,745 including the optional packages (Driving Assistance, M Sport, Premium), handling, processing, and delivery as reviewed.
For more information, visit Bmwusa.com.
successors in interest whose names are unknown and cannot be ascertained after due diligence.
Angela R. Tylock, Esq, as Guardian ad Litem, 10 Utica Avenue, Latham, NY, 12110 NYS Attorney General, the Capitol, Albany, NY, 12224
A Petition having been duly filed by Patricia D. Langston, who is domiciled at 21 Morrison Crossing, Dallas, GA, 30157
YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Schenectady County, at Schenectady, New York on November 20, 2024 at 10 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why a decree should not be made in the Estate of Joseph David Jackson, lately domiciled at 810 Hampton Avenue, Schenectady, NY, 12309 in the County of Schenectady, New York, granting Letters of Administration upon the estate of the decedent to Patricia D. Langston or to such other person as may be entitled there to.
(State any further relief requested)
Dated, Attested and Sealed: September 17, 2024 Honorable Vincent W. Versaci, Surrogate
/s/ Laurie L Casey
Laurie L. Casey, Deputy Chief Clerk
Attorney for Petitioner: Litz and Litz, Esqs, Kenneth P. Litz, Esq. Telephone: 518-372-3329
Address of Attorney: 143 Clinton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
Note: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear, it will be assumed you do not object to the relief requested. You have the right to have an attorney-at-law appear for you.
Photo courtesy of BMW
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