The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 111023

November 10-November 16, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 27 • FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

Zucot Gallery presents ‘The Gift’ hip-hop exhibit.

PAGE 14

AROUND TOWN

Watch our Instagram stories @theatlantavoice

Tis the season for jobs Page 13

Unemployment in metro Atlanta dipped slightly this past September amid price increases and stagnating weekly earnings, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Page 2 • November 10-November 16, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Metro

ONLINE

One Music Fest Hip-Hop stars paid tribute to the fallen stars of the art form Read more at www.theatlantavoice.com

Local elections matter: Black women win, lose and break new ground

BY DONNELL SUGGS AND JANELLE WARD

J

ONESBORO, Ga. -- Dr. Donya L. Sartor was re-elected as City of Jonesboro’s mayor Tuesday night.

As of 11 p.m. Sartor had gotten 233 total votes with Pat Sebo-Hand finishing second with 169 total votes and Arlene Charles finishing third with 81 votes. Sebo-Hand received the most votes on Election Day, 71, while Sartor received the most votes during the early voting period, 163.

Moments after the votes were tallied Sartor told The Atlanta Voice about earning a full term. “Now I can settle in and get comfortable,” she said. “There’s work to be done and I’m excited about it.”

A new Jonesboro City Councilmember earned one of the three seats up for grabs this election, Asjah Miller finished third behind incumbents Alfred Dixon (279 votes) and Tracey Messick (245). This election was the first time Miller ran for public office, according to her.

Earlier in the day Miller explained why she was running for a council seat. Jonesboro’s city council only has one Black member, Dixon, and now has a Black female member.

“I’m running because the City of Jonesboro needs adequate representation,” she said. “I’m concerned about whether the people running the city care about everybody.”

Hitting the ground running Mr. Willie got out of the car and made his way over to the polling station. He was picked up by a friend that had already voted and dropped off at the Jonesboro City Center around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning so he could make sure his vote was counted. Willie has a prosthetic right leg and doesn't drive too often.

Upon leaving the polling station with his Georgia Voter sticker in hand he said, "Y'all are lucky, because I was fixin' to go fishing."

Every vote counts on an Election Day that proceeded a record number of early voters in one of Clayton County's oldest cities, Jonesboro. Along with three city council seats, there is a run for the mayoral seat, which happens to be occupied at the moment by the city's first Black mayor, Dr. Donya Lyn Sartor.

The mayor stood shoulder to shoulder with campaign volunteers and Asjah Miller, a firsttime candidate for city council and public school teacher in the county, across the street from city center Tuesday morning. Despite

City of Jonesboro Mayor Donya L. Sartor (far right) and Jonesboro City Council candidate Asjah Miller (center) campaign outside of the Jonesboro City Center on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Photo By Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice a record 308 early votes having been casted already, Sartor was outside since early that morning making sure voters knew there was plenty of time and opportunity to vote before the polls closed at 7 p.m.

There was a previous record 251 early votes casted last March (only 186 votes were casted on Election Day) during the emergency election for mayor that Sartor, who previously served on the city council, won. She knows an election can be swung with only a handful of votes in Jonesboro.

"We are not taking anything for granted," Sartor said. She wore a neon green "Sartor for Mayor" t-shirt beneath her coat. "That was our plan, we wanted to get people to the polls

early."

There are three women running for mayor this time around and one of those candidates, Pat Sebo-Hand, a member of Jonesboro City Council for 13 years, was holding her own grassroots voter drive up the street from where Sartor stood. Sebo-Hand is also optimistic about the voter engagement this year.

"I think we're going to have more voters this time, people seem to be much more engaged politically," Sebo-Hand said. "Our municipal elections are usually less attended."

Arlene Charles, the third candidate for mayor, drove by both women in a pickup truck with a large red, white and blue "Arlene Charles for Mayor" sign on the bed.

Former Mayor of Jonesboro Joy Day came from her home in Canton to show support for Tracey Messick, an incumbent and one of the five other people vying for the city council seats alongside Miller, Penny Fauscett, Charles L. Forsyth, Jr, Cameron Dixon, and another incumbent Alfred Dixon.

Day waved a sign and said hello to passersby. Messick remembers Day as one of the first people to recommend that she run for city council. "Having her support touches my heart," said Messick, also an educator. "It means a lot to me and means a lot that she came down for this."

See ELECTION on page 3

theatlantavoice.com • November 10-November 16, 2023 • Page 3

Metro

ELECTION Continued from page 2 Brookhaven mayoral candidate Hilerie Lind remained “optimistic”

BY JANELLE WARD BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - Brookhaven mayoral candidate Hilerie Lind hosted an election night watch party open to the public at the Continent Restaurant and Cigar Lounge in northeast Atlanta on Tuesday evening.

In a relaxed get-together surrounded by family and friends, Lind watched the municipal election results roll in in real time, though a winner in her race still waits to be confirmed.

“I’m still pretty optimistic,” Lind said, in reference to the mayor’s race, the ballots for which are still being counted, as of 9:45 p.m. on election night. “Especially given the fact that the amount of people that I’ve spoken to who have supported what I’m doing, I still feel pretty good about (the race).”

An accountant and mother of two with career ties to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lind launched her campaign for mayor of Brookhaven in August aiming to improve the allocation of resources to residents and increase transparency between city government and the public.

Lind is one of four candidates vying for the mayorship of the City of Brookhaven.

Former Brookhaven councilman John Park led the race from the start of tabulations, picking up 1,120 votes from mail-in absentee ballots and votes cast during the state’s three-week-long early voting period, according to unofficial data from the DeKalb County government website.

The mayoral race may lead to a runoff, given no candidate is confirmed to have received at least 50% of the total votes cast.

Lind said that entering the race later than her challengers left her with less time to fundraise and spread word of her campaign across the community.

“I got a late start,” Lind said. “People didn’t know me, so I didn’t have signs like everybody else. I’ve really run this campaign with me and my fiancé and a few of the people that we know here and there.”

Regardless, Lind said that the votes counted so far only represent a fraction of Brookhaven’s collective of registered voters, many of whom waited until today to cast their ballots. She said more than 30,000 residents voted before the polls closed at 7 p.m.

At 11 p.m. with just over 14% of the votes counted Lind was last amongst the four candidates.

“About 2,400 votes have been counted, and that’s from early voting,” Lind said.

“Considering the population (of Brookhaven) is almost 70,000 and only 2,400 votes have been counted, I’m still pretty optimistic.”

Lind’s campaign also advocates for expanded affordable housing options for Brookhaven’s legacy residents.

During a Election Night watch party, Brookhaven mayoral candidate Hilerie Lind (left) remained optimistic about the outcome of the municipal election. The Brookhaven mayoral race will now be settled in a runoff between two other candidates. Photo by Janelle Ward/ The Atlanta Voice

A sign outside of a library branch in Jonesboro, Georgia. Election Day took place Tuesday, November 7. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

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Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I want to stop transforming and just start being.”

— Ursula Burns

The fight against Fearless Fund is a fight against Black economic advancement

T H E AT L A N TA

VOICE FOUNDED May 11, 1966

FOUNDER/EDITOR

BY KERRY MITCHELL BROWN, PH.D.

E

dward Blum, the conservative lawyer who led the fight to overturn affirmative action, has a new target in his quest to dismantle civil rights advancements: The Fearless Fund, a venture capitalist (VC) fund dedicated to leveling the playing field for Black women and women of color.

Blum’s organization, American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), filed a lawsuit against The Fearless Fund’s Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, which planned to award four $20k grants to WOC-led businesses. The lawsuit claimed the grant violated the Civil Rights Act of 1866, prohibiting racial discrimination in contracts. The conservative 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled in favor of Blum and placed a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking Fearless Fund’s grant contest.

The grant provides $80k of funding, a microscopic percentage of the $240 billion dollars of VC funding in 2022. Why target such a small grant for WOC entrepreneurs? Because they want to halt Black advancement. Lawsuits against The Fearless Fund, and other educational and economic diversity initiatives, aim to repress Black economic advancement and maintain white hegemonic power structures.

A major critique of the Fearless Fund, and other similar diversity initiative, rallies around false claims of favoritism for diverse candidates. However, the objective realities facing Black women in the corporate sector deviate from favoritism.

Approximately 17% of Black women start a new business, compared to 10% of white women and 15% of white men. However, only 3% of black women run mature businesses. A lack of access to capital largely accounts for the

Approximately 17% of Black women start a new business, compared to 10% of white women and 15% of white men. Photo Credit: iStock/jacoblund discrepancy. Statistics back that up. Between 2009 and 2017, Black women founders received .0006% of VC funding, and in 2022 less than 1% of funding.

A conservative retort is that traditional firms do not offer funding for white men. They may not explicitly say that – but their actions show a different story. In 2022, 93% of VC funding went to businesses owned by white men.

If favoritism was a true concern, where are the efforts to address the disproportionate VC funding granted to white men?

Increasing Black women’s access to capital is not favoritism, but rather course correction, addressing years of systemic exclusion to financial services. The Fearless Fund offers Black women an avenue of funding that is not offered by most VC firms. Destabilizing diversity organizations, while simultaneously not actively trying to make traditional venture capital firms more inclusive isn’t removing racial bias – it’s perpetuating it. Closing one door of funding, without attempts to open another, keeps Black women permanently locked out.

Conservative organizations are targeting The Fearless Fund because it’s a model of a small Black owned company making gigantic waves in a field stacked

against them. Bigger companies, like Goldman Sachs have made initiatives to help Black woman entrepreneurs, yet they are not the ire of these lawsuits. And we have to know whether they are living up to their promise. Organizations like The Fearless Fund started on a much smaller scale meaning their model and actions are able to be replicated and tracked. Efforts to block the Fearless Fund and other initiatives that are responsive to the needs of Black female founders and the Black community overall, are designed to ensure Black economic advancement does not persist.

The Fearless Fund launched in 2019 yet has already invested nearly $27 million in 40 WOCowned businesses along with awarding almost $4 million in grants. They represent companies making huge strides. For example, Fearless Fund led a $3 million funding roundand inked a major partnership deal between Thirteen Lune, a beauty e-commerce platform, and retail giant JC Penney, which has a large customer base of POC. Fearless Fund shows the magic Black female entrepreneurs can create when given unfiltered access to opportunities. Empowering Black women in corporate spaces is a great thing for the

ever diversifying global and local economy. It’s estimated that racism has cost the U.S. $16 trillion.

By investing in initiatives that foster racial equity, businesses can also benefit from increased customer loyalty, and higher profit margins, and make a positive impact on society. Blum and other anti-diversity crusaders understand that if not restricted, more funding avenues means that Black women entrepreneurs will continue to thrive and take up more space in the corporate sector and global markets.

Another insidious aspect of these lawsuits is they force companies to engage in litigation.

Forcing them to shuttle resources like time, attention, and money from their mission to fighting lawsuits. This could potentially leave organizations with less resources to further their mission, diminishing impact, and supporting Black entrepreneurs. This can also invoke fear in other organizations, that if they try and help Black entrepreneurs they will be at risk for expensive litigation. If more organizations hesitate to fight for economic equity, that will translate to less work being done to increase access for Black entrepreneurs which will reverse much Black economic progress.

Blum and company know the power of Black community, and collaboration, and creating our own proverbial tables to achieving equity. That’s why the Fearless Fund is under attack. It’s important that we stay alert. But we also must not turn all our attention and resources to just being on the defense against anti-equity lawsuits. We must remain focused on our message. We must maintain our commitment to helping increase access to capital for Black entrepreneurs and levy the playing field.

Kerry Mitchell Brown, Ph.D., MBA Equity Strategist & Principal, KMB

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 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 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com

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

theatlantavoice.com • November 10-November 16, 2023 • Page 5

Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

‘God’s law says you can’t go free on a technicality’

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

Have you ever wondered how a lawyer feels, who knows his or her client is guilty of a crime but is able to get that person off based on a legal technicality?

According to our legal system, the person is innocent. But actually, morally, that person is as guilty as, shall we say, sin.

I’ve come to believe this must have been one of the most important issues being debated by the traditional Jew of Christ’s time and those early Christians who chose to follow Him. I think this is probably the focal point of what got Him crucified and the focal point of many a debate today.

You see, when Jesus was trying to get the Pharisees and the Sadducees to understand that the will of God was more important than the strict traditional interpretation of the Laws of Moses, they were more interested in being right than being moral.

Thus, you nullify the Word of God for the sake of your tradition.

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:

‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”

‘These people honor me with their fulfill our purpose here on earth. lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.” (Matthew 15:6-9) Over and over again throughout the New Testament Jesus tells us He is the fulfillment of the Law. He is the embodiment of God’s Word.

He is the point, not the rule.

The point of law is to protect the innocent, punish the guilty and thereby preserve the social and political order of man. Technicality or not, the law was never intended to let a murderer go free.

The point of God’s Word is that Christ is indeed His Son, risen from the dead, who died for our original sin and through whom we have obtained everlasting life. Out of love and compassion for our fellow man, out of service in God’s name, out of honoring Him will we, too,

Law or no law, the Word of God was never intended to punish the pure of heart when acting on behalf of the Almighty. So, Jesus was constantly at odds with the religious scholars of His times (you know, church folk) about the literal interpretation of the Law of Moses versus the holy activities of serving the Lord.

Hence his parables were constantly illustrating to those who would listen that, yes, you might be right, but according to the will of God, what’s your point?

Have you ever been around people who just had to be right all the time?

Regardless of the situation or the circumstances, their need to be right and have you acknowledge their “rightness” supersedes all logic, all common sense or sense of

purpose.

Can’t you hear Jesus imploring the traditionalists with, “Okay! You’re right. Technically I shouldn’t be healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding the hungry and teaching the gospel on the Sabbath. But what are you arguing about? Why are you so angry?

I’m merely doing my Daddy’s will.

It seems you’re more interested in being politically correct than you are in bringing the righteous closer to God. So what you gon’ do, crucify me?” “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40) It sounds simple enough. But watch your back if you choose to live this creed. Play by the rules.

But remember, don't ever forget the point.

May God bless and keep you always.

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.

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Local

ONLINE

Judges say Georgia’s child welfare leader asked them to illegally detain children in juvenile jails Read more at www.theatlantavoice.com

“Cop City” and “RICO 61” rallies take place downtown

BY DONNELL SUGGS

B

y lunchtime Monday afternoon people were leaving the Fulton County Justice Center with their white "juror" stickers on their sweaters and jackets. Others were making their way up Central Avenue and into the nearby parking decks located across the street on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The music they heard was coming from a shaded spot on the corner where a few "Stop Copy City'' protestors were situated.

The signs the protests held read everything from "Let the people decide" to "Good guys protect trees, bad guys kill innocents". Some of the protesters were familiar faces and had been at rallies earlier this year and last year during the height of the "Stop Cop City" protests and rallies. Monday's rally consisted of a peaceful gathering in front of the Fulton County Justice Center where 61 people were in court answering Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges

“Stop Cop City” protestors were stationed outside of the Fulton County Justice Center Monday morning. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

stemming from earlier protests where there were interactions with Atlanta Police followed by arrests.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr handed down the indictments in September. The 109-page indictment accuses 61 members of a grassroots organization, Defend the Atlanta Forest, of multiple violent acts from 2020 to early this year. Some of the defendants, the majority of which are not Georgia residents, let alone Atlanta/Fulton County residents, are also facing multiple felony charges, including domestic terrorism and attempted arson.

By 1pm the protest consisted of only 1012 people, two of which holding a sign that read "Free Palestine". Cars that drove by and honked their horns were cheered. Earlier that morning there was a spirited planned protest that included dozens of people and public speakers addressing the RICO charges.

One of the people attending the rally held a sign, “Drop the Charges. Drop the Project”, while he paced up and down the street.

‘Lawman: Bass Reeves,’ screened at Midtown Art Cinema

BY MENRA MAPFUMO Paramount has released their new show “Lawman: Bass Reeves,” on their streaming service, Paramount+. The show is based on a true story that follows the life and journey of Reeves, a former slave turned Deputy U.S. Marshall in Mississippi during the Jim Crow Era. Reeves is played by “Selma,” actor David Oyelowo, who also serves as the Executive Producer.

On Monday, Nov. 6, the Peachtree Village International Film Festival held a private screening of the show’s first episode at Landmark’s Midtown Art Cinema. In attendance was one of the directors of the series, Damian Marcano. After the screening, Marcano sat down for an interview with WCLK radio host Ray Cornelius and Clark Atlanta University student producer Ella Star.

Marcano was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the United States when he was 12 years old. During his professional career, Marcano directed episodes for shows like “Snowfall,” “Winning Time,” and “American Gigolo”.

Marcano’s Director of Photography shared the script for the series and the director admitted, “I did not have all the research. Bass Reeves was not a person I heard of. We do not have this history where I come from,” he said. “I just related to something in the script. A man made me feel like he was

WCLK Radio Host Ray Cornelius (left), “Bass Reeves” director Damian Marcano (center) and CAUTV Student Producer Ella Star. Photo by Menra Mapfumo/The Atlanta Voice purpose driven as I am,” he added. “I never heard anything triumphant come out of that period for people of color.”

When describing the stories and the history of the characters in the show and specifically the Black women who played a role in Bass’ life, he expressed, “Let’s just not have a show where we say, ‘que the beating,’ or ‘bring the slave in.’ Let’s have a show where

we wonder who this man is and who his family is and who is everything to him.”

“Lawman: Bass Reeves,” was filmed in Texas, but was not filmed on a set. Marcano emphasized, “We built the location. These places did not exist,” he continued, “As a director or even as actors in this business, we do not get to go a lot of places and shoot 360 degrees.”

Pride is what Marcano wants Black people to take away from the show and he describes the show as, “A representation of greatness.”

“Lawman: Bass Reeves,” is eight episodes long. Marcano directed episodes 4-6. Episodes 1-3 and 7-8 are directed by Christiana Alexandra Voros. The first two episodes are currently streaming on Paramount+ with new episodes released every Sunday.

theatlantavoice.com • November 10-November 16, 2023 • Page 7

Local

Local Entrepreneurs given the opportunity to pitch their business ideas STAFF REPORT The Atlanta Hawks announced that they are giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to ‘Pull Up & Pitch’ their business ideas from 10 AM until 1 PM on Saturday, November 11th at State Farm Arena. The ‘Pull Up & Pitch’ program is presented by The Black Girl Ventures Foundation (BGV) and the NBA Foundation and is open to all US-based registered Black & Brown Founders, small business owners and entrepreneurs. The mission of Black Girl Ventures Foundation is to provide Black/Brown woman-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity building in order to meet business milestones that lead to economic advancement through entrepreneurship.

More than 100 entrepreneurs will be given the chance to pitch their business in a fastpaced, question-and-answer competition.

As part of this event, the participants will have 60 seconds to deliver an elevator pitch to access grants that will help grow their

The Atlanta Hawks announced that they are giving local entrepreneurs the opportunity to ‘Pull Up & Pitch’ their business ideas from 10 AM until 1 PM on Saturday, November 11th at State Farm Arena. businesses on the spot.

“We are excited to continue using our platform to support Atlanta’s minority-owned businesses and allow them to ‘shoot their shot’ to grow their business immediately,” said Hawks Vice President of Marketing Nar-

cis Alikhani. “We feel that teaming up with The Black Girl Ventures Foundation and the NBA Foundation for this one-day competition will be a fun way to inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and founders.”

The first round of competition will feature Hawks Ventures Vice President Felipe Arias and Camye Mackey and, EVP and Chief People, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena as panelists.

In their role, they will be integral to selecting who goes on to make it to the second and final round of competition. The finalists will pitch their ideas to The Black Girl Ventures Foundation CEO Omi Bell and Hawks and State Farm Arena Chief Culinary Officer Chef G. Garvin. The top three entrepreneurs will win money and official Hawks merchandise courtesy of the Hawks Shop.

“The purpose of ‘Pull Up & Pitch’ is to normalize business pitching for all entrepreneurs/business owners/creatives by lowering the barrier for feedback and access to capital,” said Bell. “We are excited to collaborate with the Atlanta Hawks and the NBA Foundation to create authentic community engagement that supports the innovations being created by Atlanta residents.”

Real Estate

129-unit affordable housing complex renovated, reopened

BY JANELLE WARD

A

tlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta City Councilwoman Andrea Boone and representatives from various local housing organizations came together Monday afternoon to celebrate the reopening of a newly renovated affordable housing complex located on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

James Allen Jr. Place, originally known as the Hightower Manor Apartments, was remodeled by the Atlanta-based Columbia Residential, a real estate development and management company that specializes in delivering affordable multifamily housing options to seniors and middle- and low-income families.

The building is named after the late James Allen, Jr., a beloved and respected member of the community and a former employee and board commissioner at Atlanta Housing for more than 40 years.

“Mr. Allen passed away before he could see the beautiful results we have here today,” said Carmen Chubb, president of Columbia Residential, in opening remarks. “But this community is named in his honor to recognize his lasting impact and his work.”

The refurbished James Allen Jr. Place consists of 129 one-bedroom apartment units designed to accommodate seniors aged 55 and older, as well as disabled tenants with no age restrictions.

Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens and other local leaders gathered for the ribbon-cutting and opening of James Allen Jr. Place, a newly refurbished 129-unit affordable housing complex for the city’s senior and disabled populations. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice The renovation added a movie theater, package room and arts and crafts room to the property’s list of existing amenities, which include an updated community room, laundry room, computer room and fitness center.

Developers also added a primary health care clinic to the complex’s lower level, which will exclusively serve the residents of the build-

ing. Preventive care provider Matter Health will staff and operate the clinic.

The preservation of the James Allen Jr. Place community brings the mayor another 129 units closer to his goal for affordable housing in the city, which is to build or preserve a total of 20,000 affordable housing units within a span of eight years.

Mayor Dickens said that construction projects like James Allen Jr. Place are made possible through collaborations between city leadership and local organizations willing to invest in the future of Atlanta’s housing.

“No government can solve housing on its own,” Dickens said. “This is indeed a group project and it requires us to have significant partnerships and strong partners. And in Atlanta, we have mastered that part of it to be able to do things together.”

Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Housing and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs each allocated funding for the redevelopment, which cost approximately $36 million altogether. Wells Fargo handled the equity and financing for construction.

“Thanks to the efforts and commitment of multiple organizations, this nearly 40-year-old building has undergone massive renovation so that 129 units can serve as home,” said Boone, who represents the city’s tenth district. “Home is where memories are made. Home is where you rest.

Home is special.”

James Allen Jr. Place is currently accepting new tenants, prioritizing former residents of Hightower Manor who were relocated to renovate the property. Chubb said that 31 residents have already moved into the community and that James Allen Jr. Place is expected to reach full capacity by the end of this year.

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Amira Unplugged empowers deaf community Peachtree

"

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON AT&T created the first ever 5G-connected football helmet that cements a groundbreaking moment in sports history for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. The 5G-football helmet will allow coaches to send plays to athletes who are hard-of-hearing through a visual display in their visor rather than through audio.

With the initiative, AT&T joined forces with 26-year-old Atlanta-native and up and coming UnitedMasters artist, Amira Unplugged, to record a rendition of the 1964 classic, “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel.

The song was produced by Samuel Barnes of the multi-platinum, Grammy winning Trackmasters, along with choir arrangements led by WRLDFMS Tony Williams of the Sunday Service Choir.

Amira’s Voice Growing up with limited resources as a partially deaf child, Amira’s voice tells a story within itself, showcasing how powerful the product is and the ways the helmet is being used to create greater opportunities for an often-overlooked community.

Amira said the collaboration came to be after her coordinator at UnitedMasters, Zach Slater, told her about the 5G football helmets and what it means for deaf and hard of hearing athletes.

“He [Slater] is incredible and has been instrumental in working with me and brands.

He told me AT&T was creating these helmets to help deaf and hard of hearing football players and wanted to score the film they were creating with ‘The Sound of Silence’ by Simon and Garfunkel, which tricked me out because that’s my grandmother’s favorite song,” she said.

Also, Amira said she was already working on a rendition of the song for her grandmother with her sister before being aware of the opportunity.

“Being hard of hearing myself, this just felt like a perfect storm, and I wanted to put my all into it,” she said.

The collaboration and song, Amira said, means the world to her and she cried a few times when she saw the film before, she recorded the song for it.

“Starting with the players and the opportunity that is being presented, I've teared up. I remember being a kid and dreaming of what I'd be when I got older and just thinking I want to do this, but it's something that might be a challenge for me as a hard

Peachtree & Pine The Atlanta Shelterless Project

& Pine

We are making a digital transfor into a multi media news compan the help of our donors and spon

lip read, you're still communicating, it's just

THE ATLANTA SHELTERLESS inPROJECT a different way,” she said. https://theatlantavoice.com/peachtree-and-pine/

Jim Washington PRESIDENT

Amira Unplugged: Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, Innovator www.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate When asked what inspires her as a singer, MEET OUR STAFF songwriter, and rapper, Amira said she grew SCAN TO VIEW A DOCUMENTARY BY up in a musical household where her mom THE ATLANTA VOICE and dad would go upstairs and listen to muAt The Atlanta Voice we telling the stories sic from everywhere. are of the community. Our Peachtree voices matter. Our “Every day my mom, communityshe's matters. a painter, & Pine Facts matter. Producing would listen to Erykah Baduthatand the music journalism impacts our readers is what we do and have done for stayed with me. Evenbest when they found out THE ATLANTA the past 55 years, and in https://theatlantavoice.

SHELTERLESS order to keep doing that that I was hard of hearing, they didn't want com/peachtree-and-pine/ at this level we need all Janis W PROJECT the financial assistance Chia Suggs to take me out of my we classes can get. and things like PUBLISHER SALES/ADMIN that,” she said. “Music was the way that I was able to communicate with folks, so I took violin because you can feel the vibrations when you're playing it, and I was playing the clarinet for the same reason.”

As an artist, Amira said, she is inspired to drive things forward for communities like the deaf community, Muslim community, and anyone who feels on the outside by taking the love of music and love of people and infusing passion in every project.

Some of Amira’s musical influences are Earth, Wind, Fire, Michael Jackson, and AC/ DC. “When I was a kid, I memorized their entire concert every day. My sister and I would watch that tape during summer and we knew the moves and everything. I really am inspired by artists who move their genre or move music in general forward like Erykah Growing up with limited resources as a partially deaf child, Amira’s voice tells a story within Badu, Prince, and Tears for Fears, people itself, showcasing how powerful the product is and the ways the helmet is being used to who were kind of fearless in their creation,” create greater opportunities for an often-overlooked community. Photo contributed she said.

As an Atlanta-native, Amira said she pulls inspiration from the city. of hearing person,” she said. “To know that every choice more intentional because you “I’m currently working on a demo for a someone was thinking in an innovative way want to understand what's appropriate for song that's kind of a blend of hip-hop, counto push things forward for other people was the kind of music you're singing right now try, and a little bit of like D.C. flavor and really incredible to me.” and I will say that Tony was very encouragthe rapping is very OutKast inspired. I love Amira, a Muslim artist, describes her ing,” she said. “My dad was right there with to put in the sounds of an HBCU band besound as “genre-bending”. me and he's very supportive. He's been my cause when I was growing up, you would ride “That's how I describe myself. They both manager, my vocal coach, everything, so through the streets and hear the rehearsals come from more of an R&B and hip-hop it was special to be in the booth and studio going on, so I’m a die hard for my city no realm and so kind of sinking into that and that I could have never dreamed of being in matter where I may go, and I carry a different really going in more of a gospel hip hop, soul at this point in my career, sharing music that part of the culture on my back.” kind of direction, I think really bridged a lot I know my family will love.”

Amira also gives advice to anyone who of gaps, which is what I'm all about. So that Her favorite part about recording the song, may feel like an outcast. made me even more passionate about it,” she Amira said, was understanding the lyrics on “I think that if everybody, like what I'm trysaid. a deeper level. ing to do in my community building, makes “The part that I picked when I was recordpeople who feel like an outcast find other During the recording process, Amira said she ing, like even my demo, was the ‘the people folks and come together to create a larger felt a little nervous but overall excited, espetalking without speaking, people hearing, community,” she said. “You don't have to be cially since she was stepping outside of her without listening’ lyrics, that made me cry. traditional sound.

It resonated with me because that's what you See AMIRA on page 9 “That made it more interesting and made do when you do sign [language] or when you

"

theatlantavoice.com • November 10-November 16, 2023 • Page 9

Community

AMIRA Continued from page 8 Black, Muslim, or a woman. Hearing a pair of anything to feel like you belong in the kind of unplugged space that I'm making. Truly understand from your own experience how someone else even different from you could be feeling and join them in community.”

Amira also tells the Atlanta Voice she is currently working on a lot of projects for the upcoming year.

“I’m really focusing the rest of this year on making sure that this project is successful and getting people aware of the work AT&T is doing, but in my own time, I’m working on some crazy music I’m excited for as an independent artist still getting her name out there. My visuals make people really understand my point of view and the kind of musical world I’m trying to create,” she said.

Although Amira has had a passion for singing and creating all her life, she started singing full-time about two and a half years ago when the pandemic happened to cheer people up.

“I decided I didn’t want to go to law school, especially online, so I decided to lean in to sing to cheer people up during a dark time in the world. It took off quickly, like at an alarming rate and I ended up being called to get on American Idol, an MTV show, and all these other things, it was wild,” she said.

Amira also encourages anyone who is an up-and-coming artist to celebrate themselves and the progress they have made.

With the initiative, AT&T joined forces with 26-year-old Atlanta-native and up and coming UnitedMasters artist, Amira Unplugged, to record a rendition of the 1964 classic, “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel.

“It is a journey, right? Everyone goes on TikTok or Instagram and they see someone who it seems like they blew up virtually overnight, but that’s not the case right now.

I'm at a stage where I think it's the tipping point where something can really move forward, but it takes a lot of work every single day,” she said. “I essentially was in university again. I was studying all the time, and I still am and trying to understand how to navigate this business.”

Amira said although it may not seem like you’re moving forward at an accelerated rate doesn’t mean you’re going to fail.

“I made a video for my followers earlier, who are a lot of independent artists, and share some wins from this week because we don't really sit down and celebrate ourselves and celebrate like the progress that we have made,” she said.

Furthermore, Amira said she wants to give a special shoutout to Gallaudet University, to AT&T as creators, and to UnitedMasters and Translation.

“They all came together to intentionally pull people in from the community and make something happen that could change the face of sports, change the face of opportunities for deaf and hard hearing people and I really appreciate that,” she said.

To listen to the song, visit https://unitedmasters.com/m/thesoundofsilence.

It’s available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal.

To keep up with Amira and her journey, type “Amira Unplugged” on all platforms.

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Page 10 • November 10-November 16, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Education

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Schools Aren’t Prepared to Handle Racist Bullying

BY MAYA POTTIGER

B

reana Calloway stood in front of the Illinois State Senate in March to testify in favor of the Racism Free Schools Act. It passed the Senate unanimously, passed through the House, and was signed into law in August.

Calloway, a principal-in-training in Chicago and a former Teach Plus Fellow, worked with her cohort to pass the act, which she says “puts something on the books to protect staff and students from racial harassment.”

The goal was to distinguish racial harassment from bullying, because bullying is something that persists, whereas racial harassment can happen once and still cause the same amount of harm. And it aims to provide training for teachers, because so many “are not prepared to deal with it,” Calloway says.

Growing up in predominantly white spaces, this was personal to Calloway. She wanted to make sure that not only was her story being told, but so were the stories of thousands of students who experience this daily.

Now they’re figuring out how to implement it, hold people accountable, and even take it national.

“This is something we want to expand upon,” Calloway says. “This is something that is super monumental for us here in Illinois, and we’re definitely looking forward to expanding.”

Racist Bullying Isn’t Going Anywhere Bullying isn’t going away. If anything, it’s evolving and becoming more targeted, says Tyler Cook, a second-year eighth-grade math teacher in Philadelphia.

“Bullying has become much more intersecting,” he says. “As we’ve adopted more inclusive language and different ways of recognizing the intersections in the world, that also has created more room for violence and harm.”

Cook, a Black and queer educator, is open with his students about how he identifies.

Fed up with the offensive vernacular he’s heard students use, Cook leads Safe Zone workshops, teaching his students how to address different identities, and be open and mindful of others’ identities.

But it only sticks situationally. Even though Cook knows his students respect him, he’s found they are no longer thinking about his identity when they leave his classroom. He’s overheard students say, “This person is a f*****, but I’m not talking about Mr. Cook.”

en years as a teacher in Chicago, recall any specific training on handling racial harassment or racist bullying.

And yet the responsibility of navigating racial harassment and racist bullying incidents are often assigned to Black teachers.

“It’s given to you to figure it out,” Calloway says.

But it’s not just the students. It also comes from the teachers, Calloway says. As a Black teacher, Calloway explains, the environment can become hostile when you try to speak up.

“The burnout, for me, I experienced because I’m constantly speaking out for Black children, their experiences, trying to make it better. And I’m not shielded from that,” Calloway says. “So I’m shielding myself from these experiences, from an administration and other teachers, but also trying to shield the students from that, as well.”

Despite making up only 15% of the public school population, Black students were 35% of those who reported being bullied because of their race. Photo credit: LumiNola via Getty Images.

Cook wants students to understand that there aren’t exceptions to derogatory terms.

“You’re talking about a community that I am accepted into, a community that I feel a part of,” Cook says. “When you say that to one person, you’re saying that to all.”

Despite making up only 15% of the public school population, Black students were 35% of those who reported being bullied because of their race, according to a 2018 reportby the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection. Race-based bullying accounted for nearly a quarter of all bullying reported in the analysis, and it was the top reason Black students were bullied.

Cyberbullying is also a huge problem among teens, with 46% of teens ages 13-17 reporting any type of cyberbullying, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center report. Black students, at 40%, were the least likely to report cyberbullying, and 29% said they experienced offensive name-calling.

However, data from Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development shows that searches for both school bullying and cyberbullying dropped between 30% to 40% during virtual learning in spring 2020. The drop continued through the fall and winter of the 2020-2021 school

year, but increased back to pre-pandemic levels, and students returned to in-person schooling.

Part of the problem, Cook says, is that the education system “is not quite all the way there” to support educators, students, and families as they navigate these new spaces.

“I don’t see bullying going away anytime soon,” Cook says. “The moral code is played out. We need to update it just like we need to update our laws, our policies.”

The Burden Falls on Black Teachers Neither Cook nor Calloway, who spent sev-

Progressive Movements Don’t Help the Cause While the Black Lives Matter Movement dominated the news cycle and Gen Z is talked about as being a progressive generation, neither have done much to help eliminate racial harassment or racist bullying.

Instead, Cook thinks the movement unintentionally contributed to racism in the classroom. He says focusing attention on any specific identity, social group, or type of oppression definitely brings in allies and advocates, but it also amplifies the voices of the opposition, who say, “I don’t believe in this thing, and I don’t accept it.”

“How do you level out ‘we are trying to open these young minds, and we’re trying to adopt this new transformative way of thinking,’” Cook says, “but we still have generations of people who are in these positions of power, who haven’t adopted their mindset?”

Racist bullying or racial harassment are an everyday thing for many students.

If anything, the bullying gets more discreet and becomes more of a microaggression, Calloway says. Racism doesn’t go away because we say it doesn’t exist, she says.

“A lot of times, when people say that, you’re minimizing the everyday experiences of Black and brown children, specifically in schools that are already harmful to them because they have different ways of teaching,” Calloway says. “If racism was going away, we wouldn’t need something like the Racism Free Schools Act to protect students from racial harassment and racial bullying.”

theatlantavoice.com • November 10-November 16, 2023 • Page 11

Sports

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United We Stand: Atlanta forces a winner-take-all match

BY DONNELL SUGGS Pack your bags, we’re headed to Columbus, Ohio.

All of the pieces were in place for a do-ordie match on election night. Atlanta United hosted the Columbus Crew in front of 41,850 screaming fans and now live to fight another day of Major League Soccer playoff soccer.

United’s 4-2 victory assured them an opportunity to play Columbus for a third time in two weeks. Game three of the series will take place Sunday, Nov. 12.

Even though Atanta managed to score four goals and dominate this match, particularly during the second half, Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda believes how they play this weekend will ultimately tell the tale.

“The goals and connections with the fans, all that is good, but if we don’t win on Sunday it’s nothing,” Pineda said during the postgame press conference. “So we need to make sure we know that and show on Sunday what we are capable of.”

Atlanta United came into Tuesday’s match against the Columbus Crew with their backs against a hypothetical wall following a 2-0 loss in the first of what they hoped would be a best-of-three first round playoff series. On Top of that, United had an all-time record of 5-7-3 against Columbus with just two of those matches having been won in Atlanta. The last time the teams met at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Oct. 7, the match resulted in a 1-1 draw.

If the home team were to extend its 2023 season and force a third game at Lower.com Field on Sunday, Nov. 12, they would have to win. A draw wouldn’t cut it tonight.

One of the differences between the first two matches would be one of the league’s favorites for this season's Most Valuable Player award, Thiago Almada, was on the pitch. He didn’t play in game one due to a red card he sustained in the previous match, but he was on the pitch Tuesday night.

There’s also the added bonus of having Major League Soccer’s 2023 Newcomer of the Year Giorgos Giakoumakis on the pitch for United. With a team-high 17 goals, the 28-year-old Greek forward had a coupe of opportunities to add to that total early in the match, but only managed to earn a yellow in the 18th minute after delaying the match.

It took 38 minutes for Giakoumakis to find the back of the net, heading in a pass from Brooks Lennon (his 11th assists of the season) that gave United a 1-0 advantage. Then the floodgates opened just before halftime.

Columbus’ Colombian striker Cucho Hernandez would even things up with a strike in the 45th minute, slipping a ball under

Despite making up only 15% of the public school population, Black students were 35% of Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during a Major League Soccer playoff match against the Columbus Crew on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice.

Atlanta United Striker Giorgios Giakoumakis attempts to control the ball during the first half of a Major League Soccer playoff match against the Columbus Crew on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda appears before a Major League Soccer playoff match against the Columbus Crew on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice the outstretched arms of United goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Then United forward Xande Silva would give Atlanta the lead back on a goal off of a Giakoumakis assist. The play doesn’t happen without a bit of brilliance from Saba Lobjanidze, who corralled a long pass, turned his defender and found Giakoumakis who found Silva.

After the match Pineda commented on the

play that seemed to shift the momentum of the match.

“That was a very good goal for many different reasons,” Pineda said. “In those quick moments of break, we talk about changing the pace and making good passes and having good combinations.”

Silva nearly scored his second goal of the match in the 61st minute before missing a

point blank shot in front of the Columbus net. Giakoumakis quickly ran over to Silva, who had his hands over his head in bewilderment, and ushered him back away from the goal. While they ran back to the center of the pitch Giakoumakis urged the crowd to cheer on Silva in support.

Edwin Mosquera would bring the crowd to its feet with a goal that not only put United ahead 3-1, but also secured the victory in the 83rd minute. Minutes later Almada would officially seal the deal with his 12th goal of the season on a run in the 88th minute.

Page 12 • November 10-November 16, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Business

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Yacht Club Access dropping new 2024 collections

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

N

atasha Simmons, founder of Yacht Club Access, held an exclusive preview to her new upcoming Yacht Club Access Spring/Summer 2024 collection on Oct. 19.

Founded on the principle of elevating fashion to an art form, Yacht Club Access isn’t just a luxury, sustainable swimwear resort brand, it's a lifestyle. Each piece in Yacht Club's exclusive collections embrace a diverse range of designs, from timeless classics that exude effortless elegance to bold and avant-garde creations that push the boundaries of swimwear fashion.

Simmons was also a part of the Columbia Trade Mission trip where the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs took 20 Black metro Atlanta entrepreneurs to Cali, Columbia to enhance economic development, relationships, and global opportunities for international investment into Colombia.

Simmons also sat down during the exclusive preview to speak with The Atlanta Voice to talk about the upcoming collection, being an entrepreneur, advice, and more.

The Atlanta Voice: Yacht Club Access has had a very busy year, and now you’re planning to launch a brand-new collection at the top of next year. What was the inspiration behind the new Spring/Summer 2024 collection?

Natasha Simmons: The Yacht Club Access Spring/Summer 2024 collection was inspired last year when I went to Belize for my birthday, and the resort that I chose to stay at literally was in the middle of the jungle. I was surrounded around so much beautiful and colorful nature, like the hibiscus flowers, the leaves, etc. It was insane. Not only Babar was the new dog on boats, as they say, but just being there, waking up every day, and being engulfed into that nature and the vibrant colors and things like that. I wanted to incorporate those vibrant colors into my collection so people can feel how I feel when you're engulfed with those colors.

AV: How are you feeling about the exclusive preview and receiving love and support from peers who are special to you?

NS: I was static. At first, I was nervous because I'm like, okay, is this enough, is this what people expect from me? Is this meeting the expectation of the Yacht Club? And I even was playing “the devil's advocate”, like you're not doing enough. You should do more. You should do more. I'm like, no, I think this is good and then I was like, you know what? How about I take out all the

CEO of Yacht Club Access Natasha Simmons posing with her models during an exclusive preview of a new collection dropping March 2024. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice guesswork and do a private preview of the collection and ask my peers how they feel about the collection. And so, the response was amazing. It was great and I feel good. I've taken a peek at some of the survey sheets, and the response is really good. So, I'm very happy and I'm excited.

AV: What inspired you to create Yacht Club Access?

NS: I have a four-year stint of modeling and acting, and at the time of when I started into the swimwear industry in 2016, the company was called Commitment Couture, and then COVID hit. So, I had time to sit and reevaluate my business. I'm like, okay, why is this not taking off? I know this is great, I have a strategy, a great business and niche and I realized people couldn't pronounce the name.

So, I said, okay, well, how can I now incorporate the business and then include myself and my lifestyle? By the time 2020 came around, I was on my second day of dating a guy that owned an actual yacht. I was already a part of the yacht club life. I said to myself, let's do a little research and see how I can play around.

Like, is this really available? Did the research submit it for the trademark? Got it, but Yacht Club, that's a saturated two words. How can I add on another where it's a real hone-in what I'm trying to do here? So, I added the word “access” because at the end of the day, when people approach me and they see Yacht Club on my chest, I get to see their faces light up and then it immediately dims because they feel like they can't afford it, or they can't have access to that lifestyle. It's my job to make

sure, yes you can have access to the lifestyle.

AV: You were on the trip with other Black entrepreneurs in Cali, Columbia for a historical trade mission, first of its kind, what did you take away from that trip and how did you apply it to your own business?

NS: What I've learned is that taking that trip over to Columbia, it's a different culture, totally different way they do business and with me learning their style of business, what I took from that is bits and pieces that I can incorporate in how I do business. So, I've always been the person when I go to a meeting. I need to be ready and prepared to answer whatever questions they have, make sure I have my stuff together, make sure I look the part and that's totally the wrong thing to do. According to their culture, they are more about relationship building, getting to know you and building upon what it is of the common denominator of what you are, the real reason why the relationship building even starts. You can be a multi-millionaire this and that, but there they really don't care. They're more concerned with who you are, where you are from, what values you have, and what key things that you hold dear to your heart. When I learned that, it made me feel great because that let me know with the advice that I would give someone who's gearing up to go on an entrepreneurial journey. Being focused and really doing a self-evaluation tells me that it's right on target.

AV: What are your business goals for the remainder of the year and beyond?

NS: It's funny because I've already accom-

plished all my goals for the year. So, it's really like I get to enjoy the holiday this year. So, moving forward for 2024, it’s just capitalizing off of my efforts and my hard work and really honing-in on the sales, channels, and platforms that I've been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of and partnership.

AV: What do you think is the hardest part about being a business owner?

NS: The hardest part is it takes forever. I, by nature, am a worker. I don't mind working, strapping up my boots, and hitting the pavement. However, after you've spent many hours and days engulfed in something and then by two or three months later, you're like, okay, but where's the results? And there's no results. That's when the questioning yourself comes in and that's when the doubts set in.

It's really the process of it. It's a blessing and a curse within itself. Also, it’s what’s been of great value from what I've been learning and my process that has been coming to the forefront of my brain more recently is timing and a lot of what's happening right now. I was prepared for it years ago and now it's happening, which only tells me instead of saying, Dang, I could have done this two years ago and this could have happened three years ago. Instead of looking at it that way, I now can look at it and say, yes, it's my time now. My time is now.

I need to now be able to take that big sigh and enjoy being at the level that I am.

AV: What kind of advice do you have to other business owners and people that maybe want to start a business that they don't know how to do or they're struggling or any type of way? What kind of advice do you have?

NS: The advice that I would give is take a real hard look at yourself and identify your strengths and weaknesses, because both of those will be tested in an entrepreneurial journey. If you identify that you have more weaknesses than strengths, then you might want to reconsider, but I honestly feel since I've become this successful is because I'm constantly doing self-evaluation. I'm constantly checking myself; I'm constantly making sure I am operating from a positive spirit, and a positive atmosphere. Creating a positive atmosphere for people is really everything else, the universe will work out for you.

AV: Anything else to add?

NS: Make sure you guys stay tuned. Yacht Club access is a luxury, sustainable swimwear resort brand. It's more than just fashion, I promise you. It's a lifestyle.

To purchase and be on the lookout for the official drop on March 7, 2024, visit https:// www.yachtclubaccess.com.

theatlantavoice.com • November 10-November 16, 2023 • Page 13

Business

Metro Atlanta sees increase in unemployment rates

BY JANELLE WARD

U

nemployment in metro Atlanta dipped slightly this past September amid price increases and stagnating weekly earnings.

According to recently updated data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, September’s unemployment rate for Atlanta and surrounding cities dropped from a year high of 3.7% in August to 3.4%, as total unemployment in the metropolitan statistical area decreased by nearly 10,000 employees.

Though this appears positive when compared to the nation’s unemployment rate of 3.6% this September and October, greater Atlanta has seen its unemployment rate increase almost a full percentage point over the past 12 months, rising from 2.7% as reported in September of 2022.

Unemployment rates in the metro area’s four main counties increased by similar margins year-over-year, with DeKalb County rising from 2.9% to 3.7%, Cobb County climbing from 2.4% to 3.1%, Fulton from 3% to 3.8% and Gwinnett from 2.5% to 3.1%.

The bureau released its set of national employment data for the month of October last week. According to that report, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the country came to 3.9%, a tenth of a percentage point increase from September.

Food costs have increased 5.2% yearover-year in the city and by an average of 4.3% nationwide, as measured this past Au-

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the country came to 3.9%, a tenth of a percentage point increase from September.

Photo By Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice gust. Prices for goods overall witnessed an increase of 3.7% nationally and 4.4% across the Atlanta area.

Meanwhile, average weekly wages in the

Atlanta MSA have increased somewhat since August but have yet to reach 2023’s peak of $1,185.55, which was established in January. For comparison, average weekly

wages nationwide increased to $1,162.08 in September and again to $1,185.70 in October, setting a new annual high for 2023.

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Page 14 • November 10-November 16, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Arts

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Zucot Gallery presents ‘The Gift’ hip-hop exhibit

BY DONNELL SUGGS

T

he Black man in the painting is holding the two fingers on his right hand down in the sign of an “A”. Nowhere in the world is that physical gesture more recognized than in Atlanta. Behind him is the outstretched arm of a white man, his hand is facing upwards and is in the form of a oftused white power symbol. The dichotomy of the men in the painting, “The photobombing of Mr. Juicyhand”, is what the message the artist, Alfred Conteh, is trying to send to whoever sees the painting: Hip-Hop culture is more than just about the music. Much more.

Zucot Gallery in Castleberry Hill is the southeast’s largest Black-owned gallery and the only Black-owned art gallery in Atlanta proper, and thus has the responsibility to display the kind of art that "The Gift", a 39-piece collection has on display, according Onaje Henderson, managing partner, who along with Omari Henderson, partner, and founding partner and owner Troy Taylor run the gallery.

"This exhibit was designed to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, but it's also a gift," said Henderson.

"The Gift" opened to the public at the end of September and will run through the end of November. Taking up both floors of the gallery, the art reflects both on hip-hop's past and present. Pieces from 11 artist, some from Atlanta such as Horace Imhotep, a Morehouse College alum, and Michael Reese, who is currently a resident artist at Jardin Rouge in Marrakech, Morocco. Reese's pieces (see what I did there?) in the exhibit are nods to hip-hop's past that include blueprints of a turntable ("Oratonical Triple Feature") and a boom box ("Myth Seeking Man of the Universe"). Both pieces include archival ink paint, gesso, watercolor paper, pen and ink.

"We wanted everybody to have a voice in it," said Henderson about the collection of artists that are involved in "The Gift," which also has a virtual gallery available for viewing. Henderson wants visitors to the gallery to know that hip-hop involves images much more complex and introspective of what some might see on television and on social media.

"What you don't see here [in the exhibit] is anybody bussin' it open," he joked. Henderson's t-shirt said "Hip Hop is Black Art".

Pieces like "The Hackers" with it's bright red backdrop and yellow robot being ridden by a pair of Black kids and "Olukun's Bap-

“Olukun’s Baptism” by Horace Imhotep.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

“ATLiens” is a collaborative piece between artists Charley Palmer and Paper Frank.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Onaje Henderson (above), who along with his partners Omari Henderson and Troy Taylor (not shown) own and operate Zucot Gallery, which is the only fine art gallery in Atlanta.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice tism", which depicts an image of a Black kid wearing a white and red "Crack Era" t-shirt immediately grab one's attention. Imhotep has a room in the exhibit for even more pieces, including "The Proverbial Blossom", a 13.25 x 13.25 in. mixed material piece that is hanging next to another of Imhotep's pieces, "Tribe." Both pieces combine flowers and the faces of Black children.

Imagery isn't everything, but it is import-

ant. "The Gift '' includes many images that may inform, uplift, or upset some, but there will be thought involved in a walk throughout the gallery. "ATLiens' ' is a collaborative piece between artists Charley Palmer and Paper Frank and features a Black boy in an Outkast baseball cap with matching baseball jersey.

He looks like he's both in style and preparing to play a Little League game at Gresham Park.

It's hip-hop in its purest form.

“The Proverbial Blossom” (right) and “Tribe” by Horace Imhotep. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

theatlantavoice.com • November 10-November 16, 2023 • Page 15

Money

Comcast announces $110,000 grant for digital equity

BY STAFF REPORT Comcast announced that it will provide $110,000 in grants to two Atlanta nonprofits – Raising Expectations and Inspiredu – to support the launch of Connect 404, a Digital Navigator program.

Through Connect 404, the organizations are partnering to hire trusted community members (known as digital navigators) to help residents get connected to the internet and access digital skills training programs to advance digital equity for Georgians.

“It is clear that the workforce in Atlanta and across the state relies heavily on digital adoption and skills training,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation and President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.

“Comcast is proud to partner with Raising Expectations and Inspiredu to launch the Connect 404 Digital Navigator program, and better ensure that underserved communities will be able to acquire the tools and training that will accelerate economic mobility and competition in the workforce of today and tomorrow.”

A recent research report by the National Skills Coalition, titled Closing the Digital Skills Divide, analyzed 43 million online job ads and found virtually all of today’s jobs require digital skills including those roles seeking limited education or work experience.

The report showed that those who qualify for jobs that require even one digital skill can earn an average of 23 percent more than those

Comcast, Inspiredu, Raising Expectations team members join Atlanta City Councilman Jason Dozier and Digital Navigators in celebrating the launch of the Connect 404 Digital Navigator program. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Comcast working in jobs requiring no digital skills — an increase of $8,000 per year for an individual full-time worker.

The findings also pointed to four key industries in Georgia that are seeking employees with the following digital skills: • Finance and insurance: Mobile banking; information security; structured query language; nationwide mortgage licensing system • Healthcare: Electronic medical records; radiologic technology • Manufacturing: Enterprise resource planning software; robotics; computer numerical control; programmable logic controller • Retail: Sales after service retail analytics and consumer goods software; robotics; credit card applications

“We are incredibly grateful to Comcast for their generous donation to our Connect 404 Digital Navigators program,” said Richard Hicks, CEO of Inspiredu. “Comcast has been a great partner in helping to bridge the digital divide here in Atlanta, and we are proud to support their mission.”

In addition to receiving digital navigation services, Atlanta residents who qualify may apply for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides families with a $30 per month benefit ($75 per month on Tribal lands) toward their Internet bill. Comcast is making ACP credits available for all of the company’s Xfinity Internet speed tiers, including Internet Essentials.

Comcast continues to invest heavily in

Georgia and expand into new communities by building out its advanced, fiber-rich broadband network. These investments come as Georgia is getting ready to implement the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD). Launched last year, the BEAD Program allocated $42.45 billion to build out the infrastructure to connect all Americans to the internet.

“I applaud Comcast’s commitment to creating stronger digital equity and broadband adoption across greater Atlanta in partnership with Raising Expectations and Inspiredu,” said Atlanta City Councilman Jason Dozier.

“Efforts that pair broadband adoption with access to training programs that teach skills necessary to thrive in today’s workforce are requisite to closing the digital divide. This timely investment will help provide more Atlantans with the tools and digital skills they will need to be successful, wherever their journeys take them.”

Today’s announcement is part of Project UP, Comcast’s company-wide initiative to advance digital equity and build a future of unlimited possibilities by connecting people to the Internet and opening doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and storytellers.

For more information about Project UP and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate. comcast.com/impact/project-up. To apply for ACP or Internet Essentials visit www.Xfinity. com/free or www.internetessentials.com or

Racial Healing

The Library Club Helping Teens Reflect, Read, and Heal

BY JOSEPH WILLIAMS

I

t’s easy to imagine that, for a Black teenager navigating a turbulent life — in juvenile detention, say, or attending a school for students with discipline, learning, or behavior issues — racial healing might be the next to last thing on their mind.

It’s easier still to think that the very last thing on their mind would be sitting in a circle with other students inside a library, sharing thoughts and feelings about a book they just read.

Yet the Great Stories Club, a long-running program sponsored by the American Library Association, has met both goals, and then some. For nearly two decades, the GSC, as it’s known, has enticed troubled young people to put their noses in books that can help them see themselves in the pages, make sense of their lives, and tell their own stories.

“The goal here is to reach populations that are not typically reached by the library — or, if they are already being reached, to be able to engage them in a deeper way that’s beyond a classroom,” says Brian Rus-

sell, project director for the ALA’s public programs office. The group discussions, he says, can “really give them a sense of community.”

Launched in 2006, the program “gives underserved youth the opportunity to read, reflect, and share ideas on topics that resonate with them,” according to the ALA’s website.

Funded by public and private grants, the site says, the ALA “has made 1,400 Great Stories Club grants to libraries, reaching more than 42,000 young adults in 49 states and 2 U.S. territories.”

Under the program, libraries at juvenile detention centers or alternative schools that win GSC grants receive young-adult books and literature as well as promotional material linked to a broader theme, such as “Finding Your Voice,” or “Deeper than Our Skins,” Russell says. Librarians hand out the books to interested readers, he says, then facilitate group discussions on the theme.

“All of the themes have always been about the kind of issues pertinent to teens’ realities,” including racism, poverty, suicide, parental conflicts, peer pressure, or unstable households, Russell says. The books, he says,

“have to be gifted to the teen readers — they can’t remain in the (library’s) collection.

Sometimes, this is the first book that a lot of these teens have ever owned on their own.”

Besides encouraging teens to read and build relationships with a library, the discussions can be powerful, centered on ideas and themes like universal humanity, according to the ALA website. The prompts can also provide important steps towards racial healing: suggested discussion points can help young people reflect on past actions and present circumstances, reduce feelings of isolation and depression, and inspire changes in behavior.

In-depth discussions on works like “Between the World and Me,” by Ta-Nehisi Coates and “Mother of the Sea,” by Zetta Elliott encourage young readers to “consider ‘big questions’ about the world around them and their place in it, according to the website. Besides “affecting how they view themselves as thinkers and creators,” according to the website, the group discussions can “facilitate reflection and discussion of past actions and future opportunities for positive change” inspired by the literature.

Russell says it’s not a coincidence that the list of authors includes Black, Asian, Latino, and Native American writers.

“Teens can see themselves reflected in these stories — someone who lives a life that looks like their life, and who looks like them,” Russell says. “You read a story about someone whose life is similar to yours, and then you’re in this space where you feel safe and comfortable with the other people there.

And then you can tell your story.”

That experience can be transformative, Russell says, and not just for the Great Stories Club participants.

‘I think there is healing. A lot of learning comes from that too, especially in groups,” Russell says. “It’s powerful for me on a personal level. You know, teenagers are a really tricky demographic. But some of the librarians have already been posting that their titles have been so relevant, they can’t believe how engaged the teens have been.”

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Sealed proposals for 23RFP100401C-MH - Financial Advisory Services for the Fulton County Finance 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 Tuesday, November 28, 2023. All proposals submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Proposers names will be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom. Virtual via Zoom: https://zoom. us/j/98724564580 Proposal Bond: N/A Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) is seeking assistance from professional financial advisors for the County’s financing plan for a new jail detention facility and related facilities. The detailed scope of work and technical specifications are outlined in the Scope of Work, Section 4 of this request for proposal document. 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: Term beginning with the date contract is approved through the final financing plan. There are no renewals. A Pre-Proposal Conference, will be held via Zoom Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., local time, to provide proposers with information regarding the project and to address any questions.

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Sealed proposals for 23RFP06272023A-JWT - Sage Accounting Software 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 Tuesday, December 5, 2023, no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Proposers’ names will be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via Zoom. Proposal Bond: N/A Scope of Work: Fulton County Government (“County”) Juvenile Court has requested the assistance to implement Sage 100cloud Advanced Essentials Bundle, and create import(s) for daily cash receipts from their Case Management System (Jcats). 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: One (1) year with two (2) renewal options. A Pre-Proposal Conference, will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., local time, to provide proposers with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Web Conference Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/94883367774 Meeting ID: 948 8336 7774 One tap mobile +14702509358,,94883367774# US (Atlanta) +14703812552,,94883367774# US (Atlanta) If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Janelle Tanner, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: janelle.tanner fultoncountyga.gov or 404-612-7969 Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technicalities.

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Sealed proposals for 23RFP100523C-MH - Financial Advisory Services Sales Tax/Jail for the Fulton County Finance Department, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance, electronically through Bidnet Direct at https://www. bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. All proposals submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Proposers names will be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom Virtual via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/98470521876 Proposal Bond: N/A Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) is seeking financial advisory services providing independent advice in the planning, structuring, viability and applicability of a proposed sales tax specific to providing resources for the jail/detention facilities The detailed scope of work and technical specifications are outlined in the Scope of Work, Section 4 of this request for proposal document. 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: 1 Year with 2 renewal options. A Pre-Proposal Conference, will be held via Zoom Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 11:00 p.m., local time, to provide proposers with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Virtual via Zoom: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_DGuPm9CIRTmCrESBiMffog If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Mark Hawks, Chief Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: mark.hawks@fultoncountyga.gov.Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technicalities.

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