December 1-December 6, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 30 • FREE
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Small Business. Big Dreams. 44th & 3rd Bookseller, a book store owned by family members Cheryl Lee (above) and her husband Warren Lee and daughter Allyce Lee, is located on Lee Street, near the Atlanta University Center. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Page 2 • December 1-December 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com
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Small Business. Big Dreams. BY NOAH WASHINGTON
I
n the heart of the Atlanta University Center is 44th & 3rd Bookseller, a family-run bookstore owned by Cheryl Lee, her husband Warren Lee, and their daughter, Allyce Lee. Contrary to the assumption that the store's name hints at a street in a metropolis like Chicago or New York, for example, the name has an entirely different meaning, according to the Lees. The combination of the numbers 44 and 3 pays homage to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, according to Warren Lee. During a visit to a Chicago bookstore, Warren Lee noticed the absence of Obama's books in the store’s Black book section. This inspired Lee to make sure there would be a dedicated section in their own store. ”We were looking for the Black section, and at what was featured when I looked at it, there was something I didn't see,” Warren said. “I called the manager and asked him to look at this section and tell me what was missing.” Before the manager could answer Lee, he added, “I said, you know, what's missing is that you don't have a book written by Barack Obama. And he's the president, and this is his hometown.” The "3rd" in the store's name represents the themes it embodies—life, literature, and legacy—symbolized by numbers hanging above the cashier's counter. The Lees take pride in the books they sell focusing on African-American authors and those from the African diaspora, featuring designated sections for selfhelp and international authors. The sections were curated and designed by Cheryl Lee's niece, Rachel Brown, an Assistant Art Director at Spelman College. Each member of the Lee family has a role in the bookstore; Allyce serves as the store's head of marketing and public relations. After graduating from Howard University, like her father Warren, Allyce joined the business. Her PR plan is centered around social media and email-based strategies, says Allyce. "We've been fortunate enough to have news/media outlets reach out to us with interest in our story and offerings,” she said. Cheryl Lee, who is originally from Flint, Michigan, moved to Atlanta during her college years and said she had been contemplating the idea of a bookstore for years with her husband. During an interview with The Atlanta Voice, she shed light on the journey that led to the establishment of the 44th & 3rd Bookseller. Cheryl retired from her job at Coca-Cola as a financial manager in 2018 and started working on her long-time dream. “It's been a lifelong dream,” Cheryl said. “I was in graduate school
44th & 3rd Bookseller is located on Lee Street in the heart of the Atlanta University Center. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
at Mercer and I wrote a thesis on independent bookstores, and what was the state of independent bookstores at that time.” Before meeting his wife, Warren didn’t envision himself owning a bookstore. “My interest was in things that Black people needed, items that could be sold to or products made in Black communities internationally, which could be sold in the US markets,” he explained. Warren is a tax attorney by trade and majored in finance during his undergraduate studies at Howard University. "One time I was looking at coffee, and another time I was exploring spices because these were commodity-type items that could be sourced from African countries, and I considered reselling them here due to their practical use. I did have that interest for a while, but not books,” Warren said. The business encountered the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the closure of a storefront location in Little Five Points in April 2020. However, the Lees adapted by transitioning to online sales a month lat-
er. That adjustment resulted in a remarkable 150% increase in business, according to Allyce. “The evolution of technology and social media over the past few years has been insane- so many people say that they find us on TikTok or Instagram and they travel from near and far to see us,” Allyce said. “On our end, it's really fun for us to put forth content that appeals to our younger audiences and causes them to want to purchase or visit us at the store. Overall, it's been fun and it's amazing to see the success that digital and social marketing has made for our business.” Following their pandemic boom, the Lees would receive an offer from Morehouse School of Medicine President Valerie Montgomery Rice to open near the AUC campus in 2021. Successes aside, Cheryl considers 44th & 3rd Bookseller a small business, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by small enterprises. Addressing the hurdles of operating a small business, Cheryl highlights the importance of staying relevant, understanding the audience, and fostering relationships
with major publishers. "Definitely do your research,” she explained. “Work with the American Booksellers Association. They are a wealth of knowledge, and they are so helpful.” The 44th & 3rd bookstore has also taken on five students as part-time employees. Senior psychology major Sydney Coggins-Prioleau, 22, said of her time at 44th & 3rd, “I know I really love books, and I really love Black people,” said Coggins-Prioleau. Another of the student employees is currently a senior psychology major with a political science minor on the pre-law track at Spelman College In reflecting on the journey of the bookstore, from its roots in Little Five Points to their current place within the Atlanta University Center, Cheryl emphasized the importance of community support and fostering relationships with publishers. "Our success is intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of the Atlanta University Center and the literary community at large,” said Cheryl.
theatlantavoice.com • December 1-December 6, 2023 • Page 3
Metro
Where to shop Black on Small Business Saturday By Isaiah Singleton
I
n honor of Small Business Saturday, The Atlanta Voice has made a list of 10 small Black businesses to shop at on Saturday, Dec. 2. There are several Black-owned businesses in Atlanta and the Atlanta Voice chose 10 of them to highlight where to shop: 1. Happy Mango: Happy Mango is an eco-friendly baby, pregnancy, and kids' boutique in Kirkwood with strollers, car seats, clothing, toys and more owned by Phnewfula Frederiksen. It was started by Phnewfula in 2009 under a different name and she wanted to create
a space where all levels of green were welcomed. 2. The Swag Shop: The Swag Shop isn’t just an ordinary barbershop. Owner Mike Render said he always wanted to open a barbershop because he always had great barbershop experiences. Render also said he wanted to bring back the old tradition of a place to go to for a proper shave, wash, and groom. 3. 44th and 3rd Bookseller: 44th & 3rd Bookseller is a family-owned, multi-cultural book and culture brand in the heart of Atlanta. It's founders, Warren, Cher-
yl, and Allyce Lee, established the brand in 2017 and the concept for bookselling was born out of a master's thesis by Cheryl Lee on the plight of independent bookstores and a strategy for success. The mission is to continue to be a source of unbiased literature that is true to the rich culture of excellence experienced and expressed in the Black community world-wide. 4. Yacht Club Access: Yacht Club Access, created by Natasha Simmons, is a swimwear and luxury wear brand founded on the principle of elevating fashion to an art form. Each piece in Yacht Club's exclusive collections embrace a di-
verse range of designs, from timeless classics that exude effortless elegance to bold and avant-garde creations that push the boundaries of swimwear fashion. 5. DBS Sounds: DBS Sounds was founded by Tobago Benito in 1994. While times have changed and the “Dirty South” has taken over the radio, television, and every other outlet in the music industry, there remains one constant: DBS Sounds. Music lovers could spend hours looking through the incredible selection of music, vinyl, books, and other miscellaneous things, at DBS Sounds.
MARTA Artbound to host special holiday performances BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
T
he Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and its Art in Transit program, Artbound, invites guests to enjoy live performances from partners such as Alliance Theater, Ballethnic Dance Company, and Full Radius Dance Company as guests travel through MARTALand this holiday season. MARTAland Holiday Season Performances: • Nov. 29: A Christmas Carol comes to MARTA New this holiday season, a special partnership with Alliance Theater. Beginning at 4 p.m., ride with the cast of A Christmas Carol as they take the train from North Springs Station to Arts Center Station while singing songs from the show. This unique collaboration promises a fully immersive holiday experience! To purchase tickets to the stage production of A Christmas Carol, visit https://www.alliancetheatre.org/production/2023-24/a-christmas-carol. • Dec. 8 & 15: Songs on the Streetcar Noon - 3pm - Hop on the Atlanta Streetcar and listen to holiday music performed by Alex Gordan as you ride through Downtown Atlanta. MARTAland Holiday Customer Appreciation Events: • Wednesday, Dec. 13 Join MARTA at Five Points Station from 4pm to 6pm, for a performance from the Full Radius Dance Company. Full Radius Dance Company is a professional modern dance company featuring dancers with and without physical disabilities, making this event a celebration of inclusivity and artistic excellence. • Thursday, Dec.14 Ballethnic Dance Company will perform scenes from their signature production, the Urban Nutcracker at Five Points Station beginning at 3 p.m. Ballethnic Dance Company is a professional ballet company that creates visibility for Black and Brown dancers who put on performances that mix ballet with Af-
MARTA Dunwoody Station and MARTA Artbound unveiled a new mural, Flora Chroma, by world renowned artist, DAAS, this summer. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice Credit:Isaiah Singleton / The Atlanta Voice rican dance concepts. Caroling events: MARTA’s favorite carolers, the Tinseltones will perform from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) throughout the month of December at the following locations: • Tuesday, Dec. 5
College Park Station • Wednesday, Dec. 6 Doraville Station • Thursday, Dec. 7 Lindbergh Center Station (noon - 3 p.m.) • Tuesday, Dec. 12 Clayton County Transit Hub (2:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Dec. 13 Five Points Station • Thursday, Dec. 14 Medical Center Station • Tuesday, Dec. 19 Kensington Station • Thursday, Dec. 21 Airport Station
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Voices
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Belief in oneself and knowing who you are—I mean, that’s the foundation for everything great.” — Jay-Z
Saving Money While Saving the Environment: A Deal Just for Atlanta Residents
VOICE FOUNDED May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
BY ADRIENNE L. RICE
A
fter the brutal heat wave that enveloped Georgia this summer, many of us looked forward to the reprieve of lower temperatures, and corresponding lower utility bills. But unfortunately, nearly a month into autumn, some of us aren’t breathing the sigh of relief we anticipated — and the reason might be different than what you’d initially think. All through the metro area, Atlantans are suffering from skyhigh electric bills -- especially in the more rural outlying areas, which face a high energy burden. The reason is often mischaracterized solely as rising temperatures, when it’s actually energy-inefficient technologies so common in minority low- to middle-income households that are just as much a factor. This issue is the product of decades of redlining and housing insecurity directed at communities of color. Discriminatory housing policies have hindered access to the resources these residents need to secure and maintain home ownership – and, combined with rising energy costs, have increased the energy burden to alarming levels. This takes a toll on monthly bills, but can also have life-threatening impacts. In fact, Black Americans are actually 40% more likely to live in areas with the highest projected increases in deaths from extreme temperatures. But there is hope, in the form of a potentially life-changing campaign coming to the Atlanta area. Soon our community members might finally be able to experience real — and lasting — relief. The WeatheRISE ATL campaign offers select residents in parts of Fulton County the chance to make a significant transition to cleaner and more affordable energy generation in their homes. While offering the opportunity for those residents to help reduce carbon emissions and see im-
T H E AT L A N TA
Ed Clayton
Immortalis Memoria
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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
The WeatheRISE ATL campaign offers select residents in parts of Fulton County the chance to make a significant transition to cleaner and more affordable energy generation in their homes. proved health outcomes, the campaign will provide the resources for those in the targeted communities to save almost $600 per year on their household utility bills — all at no cost to them. Here’s how it works: Through a partnership with the City of Atlanta, participating residents will receive a certified home energy audit to evaluate energy-efficiency improvements best tailored to their household needs. From there, the City of Atlanta will provide the funding and resources to ensure the installation of these improvements. From installing smart thermostats to high-efficiency air con-
ditioning and more, these simple changes will save these Atlantans money while combating climate change and years of environmental injustice. Campaigns like this one are already being implemented on a national scale, and are having positive ripple effects all over the country – including elsewhere in Georgia. The Tillman family in Athens, as just one example, was able to use funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program to cut their electric and water bills by more than half. Just think about how many sto-
ries we could have just like that, right here in our own backyard. Our neighbors deserve to see relief from the almost century-long impacts of environmental injustice, while also saving money on their electric bills and being empowered to take charge of their energy use. To learn more about the WeatheRISE ATL Campaign and see if you qualify, visit https://www.100atl.com/weatherise-atlor https://sustainablegafutures. org/weatherise-atl-campaign/. Adrienne L. Rice is an Atlanta resident and the Founder and Executive Director of Sustainable Georgia Futures.
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 • December 1-December 6, 2023 • Page 5
Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
Take Care of Your Own House
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON
The Atlanta Voice
I’ve got a question maybe some of you have thought about. If vwe live a life filled with the devil’s attempt to have our souls reside with him, once you claim your salvation, how should you live your life? Once you’ve given your life to Christ, then really, how should you live it? I mean we’re not supposed to be able to earn our way into God’s presence on our own. His grace and Christ’s death basically took care of that for us. Now whether you consider yourself a Baby Christian or one of the mature kind, asking questions about faith and salvation, to me, are very necessary to living the “High Life.” So since faith without works is supposed to be bogus, and simple faith won’t get you into the kingdom, then how should you approach this daily living thing? Now at this stage of my life, I believe every Christian comes to understand that he or she should ultimately live a life that honors God, whatever that means to them. You can use Jesus’ life as a kind of guide,
“Each one should use whatever gift he has to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 as impossible as that might seem. However, “Each one should use whatever gift he has to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10. You mean to tell me that I can “administer God’s grace” based on the gift given to me by Him? Now that’s an awesome thought; one that requires you to take ownership of your faith, your actions and indeed your soul. They say a person treats better something he owns versus something he rents. Hence, to take ownership of one’s salvation requires a different approach to life than, say someone, who goes through the motions of life abdicating any responsibility for where he or she will spend eternity. That’s just being reckless. Christians throughout history have been persecuted for living lives
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committed to love, mercy and a quest for justice. You wouldn’t think that to be the case. But it is. “He showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8. Okay so here is the answer to my question. God says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32. It sounds simple but we all know it’s not quite that easy. But it is clear. At times it can be downright dangerous to publicly claim and then live your faith. However, we don’t have the excuse to dismiss this and instead, live a
life of gossip, revenge, pride, worry and selfishness. It just doesn’t work that way for us. It should be okay to turn the other cheek, give the benefit of the doubt and respect another human being’s right to be different. Apparently that’s part of God’s purpose for all of us. “Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. That’s the goal. That’s how you live your life. But allow me to caution you about the renters. They have a marvelous way of convincing you that taking care of your own soul is unimportant. Building maintenance, the janitor will come along later and clean up the mess. The truth is you’re your own land lord and it’s your house. Keep it in order. Then you can receive guests at any time knowing that by being true to yourself, you can be true to them. It’s God 's gift to you. May He bless and keep you always.
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he woman wiped tears from her eyes and hugged her two children as Warrick Dunn Charities Founder Warrick Dunn welcomed them to their new home on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 21. Despite a steady rain and cool temperatures, more than 40 people and assorted media gathered outside of a two-story home in the Sylvan Hills neighborhood to greet the family and capture the moment. A single mother, she moved to Atlanta in 2006 and works full-time for an insurance company. Having a forever home for her children was a goal, she said. During the welcome home ceremony, she said a few words and thanked Dunn and the other representatives from Habitat for Humanity, Aarons, and others for their help in making this possible. A combined effort from Warrick Dunn Charities and Habitat for Humanity made the home possible for the family. Through the program, Homes for the Holidays, homes are earned by the families, but receive the benefits of charitable donations from various organizations. The event marked the 220th home celebration for the charity, according to Dunn, who brought his 86-year-old grandmother from her native Baton Rouge, Louisiana and his 15-year-old nephew with him for the occasion. "This is her porch for now," Warrick joked about his grandmother who sat in a chair nearby. The patio furniture and all of the furnishings in the home were provided by Aarons , according to Kendall Jacobs, senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Aarons and a Warrick Dunn Charities board member. The major appliances inside the home -refrigerator, washer/dryer, and stove, were also courtesy of Aarons. "It's beautiful because Warrick always says we're giving people a hand up, not a handout," Jacobs said. "To see them walk through a house that's fully furnished makes you feel good." The donation is worth $10,000, according to a release. Along with Dunn, a former star running back at Florida State University and NFL star during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who represents the 5th district, which encompasses the Sylvan Hills neighborhood, was on hand. Having grown
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Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice up in a small house without indoor plumbing, Williams spoke of how good it can be for the development and mental health of young children to have a safe and secure home to call their own. "I know the importance of a safe place to call home," Williams said. "Thank you for al-
lowing us to be a part of this blessing in your life." Warrick Dunn Charities also handed the family a check for a $5,000 down payment towards the home. The kitchen was also stocked with food and kitchen appliances (microwave, toaster, for example). Having
done charity work throughout the state, Tuesday's 'Homes for the Holidays' celebration was the 62nd in metro Atlanta, according to the organization. "Today is a special day," Dunn said. "We couldn't do it without a great team of individuals." Editor's Note: We do not use the name of the new homeowner and any family or the address of the home in our stories on Habitat for Humanity and Warrick Dunn Charities for safety reasons.
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theatlantavoice.com • December 1-December 6, 2023 • Page 7
Health
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HouseATL issues strategic recommendations to advance housing affordability in Atlanta
New Data Released to Minimize Sudden Cardiac Death Threat BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE
C
ollegiate athletes are some of the healthiest people around. Being a college student and excelling in a sport at a level that rivals professionals would make anyone feel invincible. Among all the challenges they face, one threat to take caution with is Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Kim Harmon is a professor at the University of Washington. She and her colleagues have done research on this subject for 20 years. According to Prof Harmon, the odds for this incident are 300 to 1, but with the proper preparation from new data released, everyone can play a part in minimizing this threat. “Sudden Cardiac Death is the leading cause of non-accidental death in young people. It happens more often than death from heat illness, death from head injuries, and
death from sickle cell trait. This is something that we can potentially prevent,” said Harmon. The American Heart Association released a report on Sudden Cardiac Death on November 13. The information features data collected by Harmon and other experts. According to the report, SCD happens when an electrical malfunction causes a rapid, irregular heart rhythm that stops the heart. The first cause that led to Harmon and a team of experts starting a 20-year study on this matter was in July 2002. Kayla Bert was a University of Washington women's basketball team player. On New Year's Eve, hanging with her friends, Kayla collapsed because her heart stopped beating from a cardiac arrest, according to The New Yorker. She needed medical attention, and one of her friends performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. The professionals were able to
Come experience the holidays at the Alliance Theatre! Black male basketball players are three times more likely to experience SCD than white basketball players. Photo Credit: iStock/Rawpixel
World Premiere Musical
OCT 14–DEC 23 Journey down the rabbit hole for a delightful musical adventure inspired by the classic Beatrix Potter tales. Written & Directed by MARK VALDEZ Inspired by the stories of BEATRIX POTTER
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NOV 11–DEC 24 One of Atlanta’s most treasured holiday traditions. By CHARLES DICKENS Adapted by DAVID H. BELL Directed by CAITLIN HARGRAVES Based on the Original Direction by LEORA MORRIS
Tickets and memberships at alliancetheatre.org
revive her, but the result of that incident led to Kayla getting an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. “I had two questions. One is, what did I miss? And how often does this happen? I started looking into it more seriously at that point. In the United States, there's no mandatory reporting for sudden cardiac death or arrest of an athlete. We picked the NCAA population one because of the population of interest to me. Still, also they're high profile athletes for the most part, and we have several different sources where we can find cases,” said Harmon. The report reveals college male basketball players had the highest incidence rate of SCD. Black male basketball players are three times more likely to experience SCD than white basketball players. Men, in general, are at risk four times higher than women. Dr. Shelley Miyamoto is a director of the Cardiomyopathy Program at Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora. She says some disparities need further study, and genetic testing should be pursued to get the results. “Genetic testing may potentially provide some answers for why an athlete died suddenly, and it may also provide some insight into whether other family members could be at risk. If we can't understand the cause of the sudden cardiac death, it is going to be difficult for people to accept and understand
how to prevent it in the future." Dr. Miyamoto said in the report. The positive news from the study was that the numbers of SCD are down. Over the 20 years, Harmon and her team looked at 1102 autopsy reports and medical histories of NCAA athletes. Only 143 cases were caused by sudden cardiac death. Harmon credits people being trained in CPR and the ability to recognize cardiac arrest for the drop in numbers. “The new thing in this study is that the rate has decreased over the last ten years. We don't think that's because this doesn't occur frequently. We think that it's probably gone down because we're better at treating, recognizing, and sudden cardiac death in athletes,” said Harmon. There are a few signs of a cardiac arrest Harmon recommends to look out for. If an athlete feels chest pains, making them stop exercising is one sign. Another sign is if they faint while exercising. Harmon also encourages getting an expert if an athlete has weird heartbeats that cause them to stop exercising or have them lightheaded. Another preventive step for parents is having their athlete screened with an electric cardiogram (EKG) machine. Most universities have EKG machines to screen their athletes. More information about SCD and other related topics can be found at https://orccastudy.org/
Page 8 • December 1-December 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com
Education
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Tupac Shakur could win his first Grammy almost 30 years after his death
Future AUC students win Sallie Mae scholarship BY ISAIAH SINGLETON Eight Atlanta students were among 27 nationwide recipients of the Sallie Mae’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship for high school seniors. Of the eight Atlanta winners, two students decided to attend local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Dominic Lee chose Clark Atlanta University and Alexander Young chose Morehouse College. Other winners chose to attend North Carolina A&T, Howard University, Jackson State, Savannah State, Fort Valley State, and Tuskegee University. In Georgia, students owe an average of $22,310 in student loans, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. With the rising cost of higher education, taking advantage of scholarships is more important than ever. For the third consecutive year, Sallie Mae and Thurgood Marshall College Fund have provided scholarships to deserving students of up to $10,000 each to expand opportunities and help access higher education. The students were selected from over 1,100 applicants based on their academic performance and moral character inside and outside the classroom. Meet Dominic Lee (Clark Atlanta University) Dominic Lee is a business administration major with a concentration in international business and says winning the scholarship gives him a bit of relief. “I'm glad and thankful for Sallie Mae and the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. I will be able to relax and sit back a little because of my busy schedule, so it's helped me out a lot,” he said. Lee also said he chose Clark Atlanta because it was close to home and because he has a single mother, he wouldn’t want to be too far away from her. “Clark Atlanta has opportunity here and one thing I love about the business department is that they're really hands-on and I've even tried starting my own business, and they've been helping me along the way to achieve my goals,” he said. As for a career, Lee said he wants to be a lawyer and go into civil activism. He is currently on Clark Atlanta’s baseball team. Due to his busy schedule and playing baseball at CAU, Lee said he doesn’t have much time to think about any clubs but is a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. “I choose international business because it all ties in together and I want to be able to not just help people here in the States, but I
Dominic Lee, freshman at Clark Atlanta University, plays baseball at the school and was selected from over 1,100 applicants. Photo Courtesy of Dominic Lee want to be able to reach and help people in other countries because we're not the only ones in the world,” he said. Being selected from over 1,100 applicants and being two out of eight people in Atlanta to win the scholarship, Lee said the opportunity means a lot to him. “The scholarship world is really rigorous. I can apply to 15 and only get two or nine at that. So, being able to have this opportunity out of 1,100 people, that's amazing and it goes to show how hard I've worked. I'm glad someone else sees how hard I've been working,” he said. The importance of attending an HBCU, Lee said, pertains to himself. “I'm not just learning business, but I'm learning how to do business as a Black man at an HBCU, and a predominantly White Institution (PWI) won't give me that type of education that I can get at an HBCU,” he said. “Specifically with Clark Atlanta University, my first-year seminar teacher, Dr. Kimbrough has taught me so much. It has put me so far past anything I could have learned anywhere else and it's connecting me with people who I would never be able to do on my own.” As a freshman in college, Lee said he wants to make a name for himself while at CAU and be able to use the resources he’s been given. “For $40,000 in tuition, if you're not using all the resources given to you, you're not using your money wisely,” he said. Lee also said he doesn’t have any fears starting the college journey and he’s more excited about what the future will bring. Transitioning from high school to college can be quite daunting. The transition from
high school to college was hard and is still having a hard time adjusting, Lee said. “I'm still having a hard time transitioning because my schedule is so rigorous,” he said. “I wake up, my days start at 6am and I go to our first practice, go to class, and then after class is done, I have to go back to training again and in between that, I study. So, it's been a hard transition because I went from someone who used to be in the community all the time to trying to worry about myself all the time.” Lee said his biggest advice would be to find a good friend group. “They don't usually talk about this too much in high school when it comes to moving to college and moving away from your home friends, but once you move away from the people you've known for years and have to meet new people, the people who you hang around and surround yourself with make you who you are,” he said. “I've definitely been able to surround myself with great people on the baseball team and the people in my classes who are just as ambitious as I am.” Meet Alexander Young (Morehouse College) Alexander Young said he wants to major in cyber security, but due to Morehouse not offering the specific major, he is majoring in computer science. Young said he feels great after being a winner of the Bridging the Dream scholarship. “I think I had applied to tons of scholarships, and I got several,” he said. “However, getting this scholarship meant a lot, especially with it being geared towards HBCUs and the HBCU experience was like a dream come true and it helped me pay for my tuition at Morehouse, and I am appreciative of that.” Young said in life, he wants to own his own cyber company and help people, specifically older people who may be more susceptible to malware issues, ransomware, and preventing them from getting scammed. “Kids and older adults are more vulnerable to scams,” he said. Young said the opportunity of being selected from over 1,100 applicants and being one of eight in Georgia to win means a lot “It shows a lot of my work and my parents’ work has paid off. My parents pushed me and made sure I didn't give up in school,” he said. Young said he chose Morehouse College because it felt like a “brotherhood”. “Originally, I wanted to go to Georgia Tech, however, my dad told me I would experience the world soon, so why shouldn't I just go to
Alexander Young, (center), a freshman at Morehouse College, with loved ones celebrating his next chapter in life. Young is one of 8 winners from Georgia. Photo courtesy by Alexander Young Morehouse and have my experience with my community,” he said. The importance of attending an HBCU, Young said, is seeing people who look like you striving to be successful. “It gives you more inspiration to be around people like you and I don’t think us as Black people see that a lot outside of an HBCU,” he said. “Going to an HBCU can help you become successful and show that not everything in our community is reality TV and the stereotypical view, but there are Black doctors, lawyers, and actors who are millionaires and making it in life.” Additionally, Young said he is in a business club and in the Student Government Association (SGA). His dreams, he said, are to graduate and become successful in life. The transition from high school to college, Young said, was scary at first, but by September, he had gotten used to being a student. As for advice, Young said most coming to college are scared a little bit because it’s something new and unfamiliar. “You're grown now to a certain extent and on your own, and in some cases, you don’t have your parents there with you, so I would tell other students it’s going to be okay and to take it day-by-day. Go with the flow and everything will work out,” he said. Lee and Young have incredible talent and are looking to use the scholarship to further their education opportunities and achieve new heights. Both students hope to carry on the legacy of HBCUs and continue to showcase a pathway for the Black community to achieve success through education. For more information on the scholarship, visit https://www.salliemae.com.
theatlantavoice.com • December 1-December 6, 2023 • Page 9
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Wells Fargo Makes $1.5 Million Investment in RICE BY STAN WASHINGTON Five metro Atlanta entrepreneurs were just a little more thankful Thanksgiving week as they were surprised with a special donation from Wells Fargo Bank. The surprised donations were a part of the bank’s $1.5 million investment into the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) for the new Wells Fargo Learning Center for entrepreneurs. The presentation was made during the center’s pop-up holiday market. “On behalf of the 3,000- plus employees in the Atlanta region, we are really proud to be a supporter of the Russell Innovation Center For Entrepreneurs. We were an inaugural supporter,” said Michael Donnelly, Wells Fargo North Georgia Regional President in announcing the next level donation.The bank shares in its mission to empower black entrepreneurs.” According to Wells Fargo executive Tai Roberson, senior VP, Philanthropy and Community Impact, the grant will provide minigrants to RICE stakeholders (members and allow RICE to spread its reach beyond Atlanta and Georgia to assist over 10,000 entrepreneurs of color across the United States. The investment will help to fund 50 small business micro grants for RICE stakeholders. These grants, ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, will help eliminate significant barriers that hinder access to funds for these businesses, Roberson said. Wells Fargo asked management at RICE to select five of its entrepreneurs stakeholders to receive a surprise donation at the presentation. The stakeholders receiving the special donations were: - KaCey Venning, co-founder of HEY! Helping Empowered Youth which provides academic and educational services to Black youth in Atlanta. (helpingempoweryouth. org) - Marsha Francis, founder of STE(A)M Truck is an innovative educational nonprofit that is helping to eliminate educational disparities with access to hands-on STEAM learning in local systems. (steamtruck.org) - Evana & Zoe Oli, co-founders of Beautiful Curly Me is a brand that encourages young girls to love and be confident in who they are with dolls, books, and accessories. For every doll purchased, one is given to an underserved girl. (beautifulcurlyme.com) - Louis Deas, CEO of Try Deas and Other Treats produces a variety of pecan and other nut treats. (trydeas.com) - Tony Cruver, CEO of Cruvie Clothing
Wells Fargo North Georgia Regional President Michael Donnally (third from right) is surrounded by Wells Fargo employees and Russell Innovation Center stakeholders, after announcing a $1.5 million grant to the center. The stakeholders holding the photo frames were awarded a special donation by the bank during a holiday pop-up market. Photo By Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Wells Fargo Bank North Georgia Regional President Michael Donnelly and Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs Jay Bailey listening to the grant announcement. Photo By Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice
An artist rendering of the Wells Fargo Learning Lab at RICE.
ST(E)M Truck CEO Marsha Francis happily accepts a surprise donation from Wells Fargo executive Tai Robeson. Photo By Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice Company which provides custom order embroidering on clothing. (cruvie.com) “As a RICE Stakeholder, I’ve had the privilege of scaling my business in ways that I couldn’t imagine when we started,” shared Louis Deas, CEO of Try Deas & Other Treats. “Month after month, I’ve been able to access invaluable resources that have propelled my business forward and I’m excited for the opportunities that will come as a result of this investment.” The other stakeholder businesses participating in the holiday pop-up market also received a surprise purchase of their products by the bank which had 25 members of its staff attending.
Roberson thanked the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta for being good partners in Wells Fargo’s mission to advance and aid small businesses. The RICE grant is part of Wells Fargo’s $420 million Open For Business Fund which was started after the first two years of the pandemic. Some of it were funds received back from the federal government for COVID-19. The bank decided to take those funds and reinvest them into small businesses across the country. According to Donnelly, some of the successes from that OPEN FOR BUSINESS FUND, it has supported over 203 thousand small businesses to help create or preserve
over over 254 thousand jobs. Of those businesses 73 percent were owned by racially or ethnically diverse individuals, 72 percent were low to moderate income. “The donation is consistent with our unwavering commitment to advance economic equity, to create more opportunities for small businesses and to be more clear to drive positive change. That is what we want to do and what we want to be known for,” Donnelly said. “As I look at the rendering for the new Wells Fargo Learning Lab, I know that there is a black architect that designed it, there’s going to be a black general contractor that builds it, there’s going to be a black contractor that will manage the program and a black technician that will install all of the equipment,” said RICE CEO Jay Bailey. “This is our space - unapologetically guys. The one place where we can come and have our conversations. Everything you see in this building is provided by black entrepreneurs,” he added. The Russell Innovation Center of Entrepreneurs (RICE) is located in the old headquarters of the Herman J. Russell Company located at 504 Fair Street, Atlanta, GA 30313. (russell center.org.)
theatlantavoice.com • December 1-December 6, 2023 • Page 11
Business
Hawks and YMCA agree on jersey patch deal BY DONNELL SUGGS
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urner Broadcasting and NBA on TNT legend Ernie Johnson, Jr. asked two groups of children sitting on a basketball court at The Villages of Carver Family YMCA who the Hawks were representing when they play? Johnson was there as the moderator for a press conference to publicly announce a jersey patch partnership between the Atlanta Hawks and YMCA. Johnson answered his own question, which was part rhetorical, part supportive. "You, you, and you, you and you too," said Johnson, who pointed at the children lined up on either side of the basket. "Everybody has a YMCA story somewhere in their past." Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Hawks principal owner and governor Tony Ressler, Hawks and State Farm Arena CEO Steve Koonin, former Hawks star Kevin Willis and YMCA of Metro Atlanta CEO and President Lauren Koontz were among the people on hand for the press conference. Speaking on the partnership, Koontz said the YMCA and Hawks past relationship was, "a successful partnership" and that this new deal would help "introduce the YMCA to the next generation. It allows the YMCA to con-
The Atlanta Hawks and YMCA have partnered on a jersey patch deal. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice tinue to have a positive impact on youth development." The "Y' logo will rest on the upper right of both the Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks jerseys. Mannequins for both teams' jerseys were on display Monday afternoon, along with appearances by Hawks
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mascot Harry the Hawk, Colli Hawk, the Skyhawks' mascot and Hawks in-game arena announcer Big Tigger. The terms of the jersey patch deal were undisclosed. The team's previous jersey patch deal was with Sharecare. The city of Atlanta, the YMCA and the
game of basketball have a long history. Koontz mentioned that there was a "basketball demonstration" for the first time in Atlanta at the YMCA located between Pryor and Wheat streets on March 24, 1893. Hawks players Trae Young, who has a YMCA branch with his name on it in Norman, Oklahoma, rookie guard Kobe Bufkin, and Hawks General Manager Landry Fields took turns telling their own YMCA stories. All three agreed that their time at the YMCA was an important piece of their respective basketball stories. "With my dad playing at the YMCA, that was kind of an introduction to the game for me," Fields said. "It was just a place for me that inspired me to build my own YMCA," said Young. "It's a place that started my basketball career." Video of Young playing bitty-ball at a YMCA in his native Norman went viral on X this morning. Bufkin, who is out of the lineup with a broken thumb on his shooting hand, said of his YMCA experience as a youth, "I couldn't imagine myself without it." Atlanta hosts Indiana Tuesday and Brooklyn Wednesday. The team will return for action after Thanksgiving Saturday in Washington and Sunday in Boston.
Page 12 • December 1-December 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com
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5 Books By Black Women to Put on Your Gift List BY LIZ COURQUET-LESAULNIER
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he holiday season is officially here, which means it’s time to make gift lists and start shopping for friends and family. But listen, do folks really need another scented candle, pair of socks, or pricey electronic gadget? Perhaps it’s time to consider a more radical act of giving: books by Black women. Why Black women specifically? Well, consider all the ways racism and sexism make being a published author more difficult. In the literary world, Black representation among publishing staff and literary agents is notably sparse, especially in roles with decision-making power. A recent survey by Lee & Low found that publishing as a whole is 76% white, and marketing departments in the industry are, on average, 74% white. That means although Black women authors release plenty of excellent books every year, they may not get the marketing budget their white peers do. As Cherise Fisher, a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates, told the New York Times in 2021, “There is an engine in publishing houses. Not every book gets the same amount of gas. Some books get premium. Some get regular.” And at a time when book bans are yanking the poetry of Amanda Gorman and novels by Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker out of libraries, giving the gift of a book written by a Black woman is akin to gifting revolution. So wrap up Jesmyn Ward’s latest for mom or dad, hand your siblings a juicy Beverly Jenkins or Jasmine Guillory romance, and gift Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” to folks so they can read it and see the film on Christmas Day. Oh, and somebody you know is going to like Viola Davis’ memoir (and Jada Pinkett Smith’s), too. Need more book ideas? Here are five recommendations from Team Word In Black: 1. “Ghost Summer: Stories” by Tananarive Due Published in 2015, Tananarive Due’s debut collection of short stories was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and named one of the Best Books of 2015 by the Los Angeles Times. As digital editor Nadira Jamerson explains, the tales included “made me fall in love with Black horror. If you’re looking for a thrilling read that mixes Black history with horror and fantasy, you’ll love this collection.” 2. “My Sister, The Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite
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RESERVE Y AD SPACE 4. “Kindred” by Octavia Butler If you don’t have this 1979 science fiction masterpiece on your bookshelf, buy one for yourself and one for a friend. Health reporter Alexa Spencer says “plot will keep any thrill-seeking reader on their toes: Jumping back and forth between 1970s Los Angeles and the Antebellum South with the main character, Dana. ‘Kindred’ is the perfect mix of history and compelling fiction.” 5. “One Blood” by Denene Millner Give me a novel about identity, family secrets, and personal discovery, and I’m hooked. Published in September, “One Blood” is the latest from Millner, a six-time New York Times bestselling author. The book takes us through the stories of three advertising@theatlantavoice.com generations of Black women, the challenges of motherhood, and the intergenerational traumas that break us and bind us together.
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SCAN TO DONATE This 2019 page-turner is a Booker Prize 3. “Black Women Will Save the World,” nominee and was also named the best by April Ryan mystery/thriller by the Los Angeles Times. “The trailblazing White House corresponHealth data reporter Anissa Durham says dent narrated the power and impact Black this “thriller novel tells the tale of an older women continue to carry across generationsister who cleans up after her younger, beaual lines,” education reporter Aziah Siid says tiful sister who continues to ‘dispose’ of her about Ryan’s 2022 book. “She explores the boyfriends. But, when her younger sister adversities Black women endure and the A 501.3C NONstarts dating the doctor where she works as a ways they’ve turned pain into progress — all PROFIT NEWS nurse, does she continue to stand by her siswhile chronicling her own personal journey. ORGANIZATION ter or warn the doctor she’swww.TheAtlantaVoice.com/Donate had eyes on for The book is a reminder of why the slogan, years?” Black Girl Magic, is perfectly put.
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theatlantavoice.com • December 1-December 6, 2023 • Page 13
Life
What We Think: Andre 3000’s ‘New Blue Sun’ BY NOAH WASHINGTON
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n his first solo album after a 17-year hiatus from music, Andre Benjamin, more commonly known as “Andre 3000,” one-half of the Atlanta-based super-group Outkast, has unveiled “New Blue Sun.” Accompanied by a wooden double flute recently Benjamin’s woodwind skills were featured in the film “Everything Everywhere All At Once” (2022), the former Tri-Cities High School student member embraces a new musical genre that he is not commonly known for. Co-produced by Andre 3000 and multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño and released by Sony Music’s Epic Records, this unexpected turn in Benjamin’s career signifies a musical leap for him, but also invites conversation if this is what was expected with the announcement of a new album. The Atlanta Voice interviewed various Atlanta residents to get their take on the release. Malcham Seals, 25 a Decatur native, and music enthusiast, shares his connection with OutKast and the impact of “New Blue Sun” on his meditative experiences. Reflecting on Andre 3000’s shift from traditional rap, Seals draws parallels to jazz legends John Coltrane and Miles Davis, appreciating the artist’s authenticity in this new endeavor. "Andre is putting this album out to encourage people to slow down and expect the unexpected,” Seals said. Seals commends the meditative qualities of the album, noting the absence of lyrics and the inclusion of various wind instruments. He describes the album as a “trip” and emphasizes its impact on fostering a slower, more contemplative mindset. "Andre isn't just a rapper; he's an artist at the end of the day,” Seals told The Atlanta Voice. On the contrary, Joseph Lockett, 33 from Atlanta, expresses initial skepticism about the album’s departure from traditional rap. Despite reservations, Lockett, an admitted lifelong Outkast fan, appreciates Andre 3000’s innovative spirit and willingness to explore new musical avenues. "When I saw that, 'Oh, it's gonna be a different album. Like, it's not me rapping,' I was like, 'Huh,'" Lockett told. Lockett was born and raised in Atlanta and has lived in the city for 33 years. OutKast, for him, represents more than just music. "’So Fresh, So Clean' is like my theme song," Lockett said. Despite initial doubts, Lockett trusts Andre 3000's creative instincts, stating, "But you know what Andre has always been like, innovative, like trying new things, thinking outside of the box. He's been a pioneer in music.” In the midst of a bustling Friday, Brittany Croone’s, 32, inbox buzzed as a close friend sent an NPR article her way. Clicking on the link, she was greeted with unexpected news – Andre 3000 was releasing his new album
Malcham Seals, 25. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
William Blount, 26. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice "New Blue Sun". “When I first heard about it, I was like, 'I think this is a joke.' Like, 'Is this a joke?,” she said. Croone, initially skeptical like Lockett, embraces the album’s uniqueness after a listening experience that caught her off guard. She acknowledges its meditative qualities and applauds Andre 3000 for taking a different musical path. Yet, as the realization sank in that Andre 3000 was indeed charting a different course, her trust in his innovative spirit kicked in. "But you know what Andre has always been like, innovative, like trying new things, thinking outside of the box. He's been a pioneer in music. So I just appreciated that he was doing something different," she reflects, embracing the unconventional journey her musical icon was embarking upon, “So it did catch me kinda off guard. But when I was listening to it, I was like, 'Oh, this is super meditative,'" Croone told The Atlanta Voice. William Blount, 26 born in Atlanta and raised in the Atlanta metro area, is excited no matter what Andre does. “Andre is Atlan-
Joseph Lockett, 33. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice ta. He and Big Boi helped solidify this city as a mecca and whatever he puts out, I am 100% with”. Having grown up listening to Andre 3000 via his cartoon series, “Class of 3000,” Blount cited that there wasn’t anything that Benjamin couldn’t achieve. “Going from an image as an Atlanta-based hip-hop star and converting that into something beneficial and relatable for me growing up was inspiring,” Blount said. “He didn’t have to do that. He was giving back to us. I see this album as him giving back again, but this time in a spiritual way," she said. Having grown up spiritually and attending the Olivet Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ga., Blount cited that musicians evolve as any other person does and that naturally their music should as well. “What you like today may not be what you like tomorrow and vice-versa. The same thing applies to music. What worked for Andre yesterday may not work for him tomorrow,” Blount told The Atlanta Voice. Dwight James III, 25 a writer and visual artist from Jacksonville, Florida, sees the album as an extension of Andre 3000’s refusal to conform. Reflecting on his own connection with OutKast, James recognizes the album’s meditative nature and its potential as a soundtrack for moments of reflection. James cites that he always knew that this album wasn’t out of Andre’s range. "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” that song took me to a whole new world,” said James. “It wasn't a typical hip-hop record," he added, citing that the eccentricity of OutKast's sound also came through in songs like "Hey Ya.” But beyond the music James found kinship with Andre 3000's refusal to conform. "I always saw myself as a version of Andre 3000. He leans into who he is and doesn't feel the need to adjust for the world," he shares, emphasizing the importance of em-
Brittany Croone, 32. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Dwight James. Photo by Noah Washington/ The Atlanta Voice bracing one's unique identity in the artistic journey. As whispers of the new album floated in the air, James' instincts came to terms that Andre 3000 wouldn't be “spitting bars”. "There's no way he's gonna rap," James said, recognizing the shift in the artist's energy, "There's no way he's gonna rap." Immersed in Benjamin’s NPR interview, James sensed the impending meditative nature of "New Blue Sun," "It's an hour and some change long. You have to be in stillness to appreciate it," James reflects. The album, characterized by live instrumentation, becomes a soundtrack for moments of reflection and peace he further cites. Having listened once James recognizes the record's unique role. "It's not an album you play over and over again. It's for when you're trying to have peace of mind," James told The Atlanta Voice as he emphasized the album's potential to serve as a mental reset.
Page 14 • December 1-December 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com
Entertainment Atlanta Falcons hosted Hip Hop 50 celebration for the ages BY DONNELL SUGGS
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here have been quarterback changes (Ridder to Heinicke back to Ridder), late-game losses (31-28 to Vikings in Atlanta), comeback wins (16-13 at Tampa), really bad losses on the road (28-23 at Tennessee), difficult losses at home (24-16 to Washington) this season. But there are always two dates on the schedule that always seem to have a make-it-or-break-it feel to the Atlanta Falcons season: Saints weeks. This year’s game was made all that more special because of the relationship between hip-hop and Atlanta. A celebration of 50 years of hip-hop took place Sunday afternoon bringing more than 60 Atlanta-based artists, including Big Boi, T.I., Jeezy, Ceelo Green, Killer Mike, DJ Toomp, Young Dro, and Jermaine Durpi, to name just a few, to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to physically represent the city’s impact on the art form. The artist, all of whom wore black Falcons jerseys with the number 50 on the back, made their way to midfield before being announced over the stadium p.a. system. The sight of some of the city’s trailblazing artists like Kilo Ali, Dallas Austin, and TLC, who performed an abbreviated version of their classic “Waterfalls” in between the first and second quarters. A break in the action before halftime had Bonecrusher serenade the fans with “I Ain’t Never Scared”, which brought the crowd to its feet more than any other performance to that point. The halftime performance featured melodies from Big Boi, Dupri, Jeezy, and Quavo, each artist having a few minutes to perform from different areas of the stadium. Dupri opened his performance on a stage at the 50yard line with the lead verse from “Welcome to Atlanta’. Quavo was next, rapping from the rafters of the stadium surrounded by Falcons cheerleaders. A tribute to late Migos bandmate and nephew Take Off, with the words “Still Wit Me” displayed on the big screens during his performance. Big Boi was joined by fellow Organized Noize affiliate Sleepy Brown as he replaced Dupri on stage to rap a verse from his hit “I Like the Way You Move”. Jeezy would close the halftime performances from the stadium’s skybridge overlooking the field. Dressed in all white, he rapped verses from “Way Too Gone” and his verse on the forever popular tune, “Dey Know” remix. The sound of people chanting “We ready, we ready” helped usher in Pastor Troy, a regular at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Atlanta United matches during their season, for an
Jermaine Dupri performs a verse from “Welcome to Atlanta” on the 50-yard line at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by: Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Atlanta artist T.I. makes his way onto the field before the Falcons/Saints game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice
Big Boi (left) and Sleepy Brown were two of the more than 5 dozen artists that made appearances Sunday. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice end-of-quarter performance following the third quarter. Then it happened. Rapper, actor and Atlanta native Ludacris came repelling from the roof on a harness to thunderous ap-
plause. The “Fast and Furious” film series star performed his verse off of DJ Khlaid’s “All I Do is Win” remix and his own 2001 classic “Move B**ch”. Hip-hop and Atlanta will forever be linked
and Sunday’s performances and non-performances (TLC, Ceelo Green, T.I. did not get an opportunity to perform due to microphone issues) will remain proof of that fact. The Falcons (5-6 overall, 4-3 at home) moving into first place in the NFC South following a 24-15 victory was just gravy on top of the Thanksgiving leftovers. Atlanta travels east to New Jersey to play the New York Jets on Sunday, Dec. 3.
theatlantavoice.com • December 1-December 6, 2023 • Page 15
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CAU hires Teddy Keaton as new head football coach
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A former quarterbacks coach at Allen University, Keaton’s teams led the conference in passing yards per game (322 yards) this past season. Redshirt sophomore quarterback David Wright passed for 3,183 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions last season. Wright passed for 370 yards in two separate games against Erskine College and Central State University, respectively. Clark Atlanta used three quarterbacks during the season and all combined for just over half of Wright’s passing yards (1,689) and less than half of his touchdown passes (7).
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three years. The Panthers were winless during the 2023 season, which included a 35-21 loss to rival Morehouse College to end the season with a 0-10 overall record (0-4 at home). Keaton spent the past five seasons as the head football coach at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. During his time there his teams won 70 games and lost 51, which includes a 7-3 overall record during the 2023 campaign. One of those victories came against Clark Atlanta University on Oct. 7, when the Yellowjackets defeated the Panthers 35-27 at home. “We are thrilled to have coach Teddy Keaton join Clark Atlanta University as the
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he Clark Atlanta Panthers are once again hiring a new head football coach. Teddy Keaton will be the fourth man to run the football program in the last
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Keaton (not pictured) will inherit a Panthers squad that failed to win a game last season (0-10). Photo by Menra Mapfumo/The Atlanta Voice new head coach of the Panthers football
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experience and success in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference makes him an ideal fit for our university.”
New digs Keaton will feel a bit more at home this season as he will get to coach his team during games and practices at Panthers Stadium. Allen University played its home games at Westwood High School in Blythewood, South Carolina last season.
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Page 16 • December 1-December 6, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com
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