BY DONNELL SUGGS
Mohamed “Momo” Conte moves across the main stage inside The Fox Theatre with the ease of an athlete and an artist. It’s only a rehearsal, but Conte prepares for his works as a hoop diver and acro-table acrobat for Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before… the way a defender for Atlanta United or receiver for the Atlanta Falcons may go through repetitions during their respective practices.
One of the routines that Conte and his fellow acrobats were rehearsing on a weekday morning consisted of multiple hoop divers stacking on top of each other shoulders and then, one after the other, jumping off into a roll. On the base of that human totem pole was Conte. Dressed in a white t-shirt and grey athletic shorts, he resembles a free safety with his broad shoulders, muscular calves, and thighs. The costumed rehearsals will occur closer to opening night, so on this day, multiple jumps flips, rolls, back flips, and front flips could be seen as just practice. Conte says he always dreamed of being on stage inside one of the most iconic theaters in the South, preparing to do what you love in front of sellout crowds.
“I’m living my dream,” Conte, 26, said. “It feels great.”
Born and raised in Guinea Conakry, the capital city of Guinea in West Africa, Conte now lives in Montreal, Canada, but will be performing in Atlanta for the first time on Friday, Nov. 29. That’s when Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before … opens for a two week tour for the holidays. He has been performing with Cirque Du Soleil for the past three years.
Conte said his love affair with acrobatics began when he was seven and idolized his uncle, an acrobat back home in Africa. “I was always hanging out with him, and then I asked him to train me,” Conte remembered.
Conte said the training began with standard acrobatic moves like backflips before becoming more complex. “I didn’t know where it was going to take me.” He explained that because of where he is from in Africa, it is very difficult to become a professional acrobat or anything else for that matter.
At 12 years old, he decided to drop out of school and dedicate all his time to acrobatics. “I was just doing it because I love it,” Conte said. “I used to see Cirque Du Soleil on TV and saw it in my dreams. I imagined that one day I would be on stage too.”
Today, he is surrounded by performers living out their dreams. Conte can be seen and heard encouraging his fellow acrobats during the run-throughs.
“A lot of my friends are acrobats,” said Conte, while a broad smile made its way across his face during a break in rehearsal. Fluent in multiple languages, including his native Sousou and French, Conte used the latter often while communicating with his fellow hoop divers and acro-table acrobats. The relationship between him and his fellow acrobats has to be nearly symbiotic to complete the physical exchanges they go through show after show. And it needs to be because ‘Twas the Night Before … is like no other Cirque Du Soleil show, according to James Hadley, the writer of ‘Twas the Night Before
“This show is a little bit different from a lot of our shows,” Hadley explained during rehearsal. “This show was created with a theater in mind.”
Cirque Du Soleil performances traditionally occur under
tents, similar to a circus. ‘Twas the Night Before … is a theater show and thus will include a six-person dance team, which rarely takes place, if ever, for the brand’s traveling show. Hadley said the dancers will help tell the story alongside Conte and the acrobats. “It was fun putting this show together,” said Conte, who has been with Cirque Du Soleil since 2005. “This is the first Christmas show for Cirque, so we wanted it to be new and fresh.”
On Conte closing out the show with his multi-hoop routine, Hadley said that Conte was an “incredible acrobat” but also “a great performer.”
“He’s fantastic,” Hadley said. “He just stands out.”
See CONTE on page 7
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, the community, and City partners hosted a grand opening ceremony for 729 Bonaventure on Tuesday, Dec. 3. This milestone in the Housing Office’s Rapid Housing Initiative is pivotal.
Like The Melody, 729 Bonaventure will consist of 23 housing units, 100% of which will be housing for our chronically unsheltered community. Residents will receive critical wraparound support like case management and mental health services.
Dickens said lives can change in the blink of an eye, and when it happens, he believes it’s a responsibility to help neighbors get back on their feet.
“In September, we, along with the Atlanta city council, passed the single largest investment in addressing homelessness in Atlanta's history through a $50 million homeless opportunity bond, and today is one of the first of many deliveries on that commitment,” he said. “I'm so excited to be cutting the ribbon on our newest permanent supportive housing project here at 729 Bonaventure.”
Last year, Dickens announced the goal of building 500 units of “quick delivery, high quality, rapid housing for the unsheltered
Like The Melody, 729 Bonaventure (above) will consist of 23 housing units, 100% of which will be housing for our chronically unsheltered community. Residents will receive critical wraparound support like case management and mental health services.
population.” By the end of 2025, Dickens and his administration will have 500, and they have now added 23 more units towards this ambitious promise.
“100% of these units will be housed for
our chronically unsheltered community,” he said. “Those earning less than 30% of the area median income, less than 30% residents will receive critical wraparound services like case management and mental health services.”
Dickens also said the studio units, including refrigerators, cooktops, and washer and dryer combos, come fully furnished. The location is also only two blocks away from Ponce City Market and the east side trail of the Beltline.
Additionally, Dickens said they expect to welcome their new residents into the building by Christmas.
“When they arrive, they will have access to all the services, all the support and neighborhood amenities they would need to thrive,” he said. “Our team is taking every available opportunity to create affordable housing in any corner of this city that we can find and make happen, especially for our most vulnerable residents.”
Dickens says they’re just getting started, as he has plans to host two more groundbreakings this month.
CEO of Partners for Home Cathryn Vassell said nothing is more gratifying than offering a housing solution to someone coming out of homelessness.
“We firmly stand on the belief that homelessness is a housing problem, but it's incredibly exciting to be here today in front of these 23 units,” she said. “I am confident every one of us would love to live in and love to call home.”
— Kenyan Proverb
BY ASWAD WALKER
The time for weeping and gnashing of teeth is over. Yes, we’ve been p-slapped into reality and awakened from our foolish, delusional, Charlie Brown-Lucy-with-the-football-esque belief that white women would ride to our rescue, realizing their lives were at stake in this past election.
We blindly thought that Trump’s and MAGA’s full-blown anti-immigrant stance and decade-long demonization of our Brown brothers and sisters would have them standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Black women and 80% of Black men who voted for humanity and against giving the nuclear codes and all military power to a person and movement that worships the myth of white supremacy.
Maybe it’s because we’ve seen this movie nonstop for at least 400s that we forgot just how seductive the promise of white acceptance and approval still is to so many. We ignorantly thought a truly “rainbow coalition” of folk was ready to champion the cause of humanity over white nationalism and the buddy passes they offered those who are so hellbent on being white-identifying. Man, were we wrong. And that has thrown us into the throes of sadness, grief, and depression. But now, it’s time to dry your eyes, wipe away those tears, and dust off your sackcloth and ashes. We’ve got work to do. Because absolutely no one is coming to save us but us.
We’ve got networks to build. With cops having a freer hand than they already enjoyed, to go upside our heads at their pleasure, we’ve got to build survival networks.
All those church and neighborhood urban gardens have got to form working networks to make sure our people eat. We foolishly thought Roe V Wade and Affirmative Action were permanent. They’re gone–just like democracy. So, why the hell do we think our ability to access food from the nearest grocery store will always exist? These food networks, co-ops, gardens, delivery systems, etc. have got to ramp up their game. Or we don’t eat.
America is so America that America flipped out and moved to whitewash an already lilywhite American miseducation system. And now, it stands to get even whiter. But that’s not all. With control of education going back to the states, and most states being led by Republican governors who are pro-vouchers, public schools may soon be a thing of the past. It’s not inconceivable to think that education will only be available for the haves and not the have-nots. That means we need to be creating our own educational networks today, or better yet, yesterday
SECURITY
When Blackfolk in these never-United States were ravaged by white domestic terrorism in the form of lynching, Ida B. Wells Barnett pushed for the NAACP to make anti-lynching measures their top priority. The group who founded the NAACP, an almost all-white gathering, deemed Wells Barnett’s plan too radical. Instead, they consigned themselves to write about the horrors of lynching and denounce it as evil. And the lynchings continued.
Whether we will have a revisitation of that level of white domestic terrorism or not, we’d do well to take Wells-Barnett’s approach and plan and secure ourselves for that eventuality. Because history shows, when we’re not wanted in their neighborhoods, businesses and schools, and we create our own networks, they don’t like that either… especially when those networks shine like Black Wall Street. So, security is vital
Speaking of security, we’d do well to take a different approach to going out. Traveling in pairs or as a crew, choosing more gatherings at the crib, may be things we should consider. And taking advantage of gun laws that allow us to secure weapons for defense is a no-brainer. Hurling MLK quotes at hate-filled attackers won’t hold them off.
My position is not for us to live in fear, but to create networks where our humanity is valued, and where we are willing to uplift, support, work with and defend each other.
FOUNDED May 11, 1966 FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton Immortalis Memoria
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
J. Lowell Ware Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware.
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BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON The Atlanta Voice
Iwish I could remember where I heard this. But it is worth repeating for those who know what real pain feels like. A television minister or evangelist whose name I can’t remember now reminded me of the real nature of hearing powerful words that strike at your very heart. If faith comes by hearing, then listen to this. He said for someone to hurt you, he or she has to be close enough to you to kiss you. Whoa! This immediately made me sit up and notice, as you should have. Beyond the biblical reference to Judas and Jesus, this dynamic point is what people of faith should be conscious of. The real pain comes from people, circumstances, and issues we care about. Life does not always encourage you to live with your guard down. But, if we’re honest, we have done so when we feel safe with those around us. It is that vulnerability that gives the
A closed heart can neither give nor receive, including love from the love of the Lord.
kiss of death the power to crush your very being. There’s no pain like unexpected pain deliberately aimed at you.
It is ironic that, as Christians, we are supposed to reveal to the external world our internal souls. Those who see us should indeed see who we are and who we are. It’s a very public declaration, and then by how we live our lives, the world should know we belong to God. Irony might not be the best word to describe my example, but remember, the ultimate kiss was the kiss of betrayal. However, the difference between you, me, and Christ was that Christ knew the kiss was coming. As a matter of fact, not only did He know it was
coming, Christ needed it to fulfill His divine mission. It was a kiss that was part of a plan to save the world. We are the ones who are blindsided by kisses we wish we could have seen coming. Think back for a minute about the devastating kiss in your life, and I’ll bet you today that it gives you a reason to have a particular insight into your testimony. It does me. Maybe your kiss was part of a plan intended to save you. I know this may be difficult to hear through the pain it caused, but if we can somehow reconcile the effect it had on us with the life God has planned for us, then perhaps the best is yet to come for you and me. I don’t know about you,
but because of past betrayal, I’ve learned that I cannot live a guarded life and expect God to heal my heart. A closed heart can neither give nor receive, including love from the love of the Lord. I think I can see Judas coming these days and, as Christ did, accept this effort as a failed attempt to destroy my joy. Well, the good news of today is there. Bless that. Those closest to me today know this and that my heart is open to them and you. Everybody else can keep their lips to themselves.
May God bless and keep you always.
This column is from James Washington’s Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
Continued from page 2
That final rehearsal routine of the morning was a run-through of the show’s final act. Conte was the first Cirque Du Soleil acrobat to dive through six hoops. The video went viral on social media. From being a little boy practicing flips on a beach in West Africa to starring on stage in Atlanta, “Momo” has come a long way.
He has performed all over the world, including in Andorra and Scotland. These coming weeks are the first time Conte will perform in Atlanta. “I think it is going to be great,” he said.
When asked what else he would like to accomplish during his career, Conte said he dreams of pulling the strings one day.
“I want to one day create my own show, be a stage director, and be able to help people back home,” he said. “I want to help other people to have a chance to work with the biggest circus in the world.”
The biggest circus in the world is here in Atlanta, and Mohamed “Momo” Conte is front and center in living his dream.
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
“Why can't we impact the infrastructure? Why can't we own everything? Because at the end of the day, the moment we say something about it, that's when it takes off,” said William “Bam” Sparks, 40, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Culture Wireless, reflecting on Black culture’s innovation and potential.
Internet connectivity has become essential to education, professional advancement, and daily life in recent years. However, specific communities, particularly those near Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), are often excluded from reliable, high-speed internet access. Sparks, Culture Wireless’s CMO, has been working to address this issue. Based in Atlanta, Culture Wireless was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic to close the digital divide in underserved communities, particularly around Atlanta University Center and its surrounding areas.
Sparks attended Albany State University to study chemical engineering before transferring to Georgia Tech to complete his degree. Upon graduation, a different path unfolded. At Georgia Tech, his cousin, Douglas Peterson, a friend of Atlanta rapper T.I, introduced him to the en-
tertainment world. When T.I. sought to establish a sports agency called Grand Hustle Sports, Sparks became one of the first people contacted. He pivoted to sports management, putting his chemical engineering background on hold to pursue this new career. His networking skills and business acumen quickly earned him a reputation, leading to success in the entertainment and sports management sectors.
Sparks, a “Grady baby” from Collier Heights, first encountered the internet access issue at the AUC in 2020. There, he noticed a significant gap in connectivity between different Atlanta communities. “We went to the AUC to discuss E-Sports,” Sparks recalls. Surprisingly, he found that while the area had high bandwidth capabilities, affordable internet options were lacking due to high costs from providers like AT&T and other ISPs. This inspired Sparks to create Culture Wireless, recognizing that existing networks often overlooked underserved communities. He observed that fiber internet costs were simply unaffordable for many residents; thus, Culture Wireless emerged, aimed at affordable internet access.
In collaboration with various providers and local organizations, Sparks implemented a
small data center and established a “mesh network” that connected nodes to provide internet access to the AUC area. This network proved essential after COVID-19, particularly as students struggled to complete assignments due to limited connectivity. The initial project was a pilot for Culture Wireless’s broader mission to bridge the digital divide.
As a Black-owned Internet Service Provider (ISP), Culture Wireless faces the challenge of bringing affordable connectivity to underserved areas. Sparks highlights the Biden Administration's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which initially subsidized internet costs but was exhausted by early 2024. According to Sparks, his vision extends beyond Atlanta. “80% of HBCUs are in internet deserts,” he explained, referring to the limited infrastructure at many of these institutions. Culture Wireless aims to provide broadband access to HBCUs nationwide, creating a foundation of connectivity that fosters educational and economic opportunities. Despite their progress, Culture Wireless has faced obstacles. As venture capital (VC) funding for Black businesses reportedly declined by 60% in 2024, Culture Wireless felt the impact. “It’s a struggle. I feel like our issue has been finding
people who invest in what we do,” Sparks said, referring to investors' focus on trendy industries over internet equity. Nevertheless, Sparks believes that his team at Culture Wireless has the expertise and dedication to effect real change. With his team—CEO Al Adjahoe, COO and co-founder Jerome Howard, Chief Brand Officer Marcus Stevens, and Chief Strategy Officer Pete Johnson—Sparks is confident in Culture Wireless’s potential to scale. Currently serving the AUC area and surrounding neighborhoods, including Vine City, The Bluff, and Clayton County, Sparks reflected, “After COVID, I saw that our kids didn’t have internet access. And I'm like, wow, this is crazy. Kids are literally going to the library to do their homework, but the fiber is right here. So why can't I help provide it?” Sparks is steadfast in his belief that internet access is a fundamental right. As he and his team press on, their mission centers on ensuring underserved populations are connected. “We, Black people—we are the culture, but we don’t own any of the infrastructure,” Sparks stated. Culture Wireless’s long-term goal is to equip the culture with the tools to keep innovating and pushing forward. “Why don’t we continue to change the narrative?”
BY LAURA NWOGU
Agorgeous patio plopped out of a European courtyard is what your eyes first settle on as you enter Pom Court on a fall day. The urge to eat, mingle and sip on a hot drink or cocktail while taking in the setting is immediate.
The Southern fusion Spanish tapas restaurant is Hotel Grenada's newest restaurant offering. The Atlanta Voice visited the Midtown restaurant on a Saturday morning to try its new weekend brunch menu which leans more into its Southern cuisine offerings with items such as fried catfish and grits and biscuits and gravy.
Our spread included Pom Court’s breakfast pastas bravas, blue cornbread, smash burger, chef April’s french toast and chicken sausage. The highlight of the morning was the smash burger, topped with jalapeño ranch, fried green tomato, an over-easy egg and onion straws. It’s the perfect brunch item made even better by the crispy fries and comeback sauce we asked for on the side. The Anson Mill’s cornbread was also a nice, delicious surprise. Baked with blue cornmeal, the southern staple could easily be mistaken as a brownie at first glance, but the first bite into the warm and fluffy bread dispelled that notion and the slightly sweet flavor was enhanced by butter and the housemade preserve.
The patatas bravas is a great meal for those looking for a hefty vegetarian option. For us, it could’ve benefited from a meat protein or more of the sauce that was drizzled on the mix of cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, roast peppers and scrambled eggs, but that was fixed with a side order of chicken sausage. The french toast flavors rotate daily, and banana pudding was the flavor that day. While we aren’t big fans of banana pudding, it’s the perfect breakfast item for those with a sweet tooth.
Overall, Pom Court’s brunch is a nice addition to the hotel’s offerings, providing a calm and cozy brunch experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of brunch in Atlanta.
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
They say that the Christmas season is a time of giving—and Atlanta Falcons linebacker Matthew Judon is supporting this mission.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Judon hosted the “Skate for a Cause” event at The Roof at Ponce City Market in Atlanta. The evening invited local residents to bring a coat to donate to Atlanta Mission, an organization dedicated to aiding homeless youth and families in the area . As a gesture of gratitude, Judon covered skating tickets for up to 50 attendees who participated in the coat drive.
For Judon, the event is deeply personal. Growing up in Michigan, he often relied on the generosity of others during challenging times. “I remember people who had more than me just giving a helping hand,” Judon shared. This memory inspired his commitment to giving back and supporting communities in need, particularly during the holiday season.
nership came together when Judon and his team reached out to collaborate. “Matthew’s heart to give back is inspiring,” Barks said. “With over 800 men, women, and children across our four campuses, this event makes a tangible difference,” said Barks. The coat donations are especially vital during the winter months and helps individuals facing homelessness navigate the cold weather with dignity and care, Marks said.
Judon’s partnership with Atlanta Mission is about a broader vision of community unity, a value the organization holds dear. “Our vision is a community united to end homelessness, one person at a time,” Barks explained. “This event is a great example of that, with the Falcons stepping up to make a local impact.”
Reflecting on his childhood, Judon reminisced about growing up in Michigan’s cold winters, where he often played hockey on frozen ponds with friends. “It just brought me back to my old days,” he said, describ -
Fifteen percent of all food and drink proceeds were donated to Atlanta Mission. Attendees were also surprised by an appearance from Freddie the Falcon, adding to the festive atmosphere.
ing the joy of skating and the sense of community it fosters. He hopes events like this encourage people to unite, support one another, and remember that seeking or offering help is a shared human experience.
According to Phil Barks, Director of Volunteer Services for the organization, the part-
Judon also expressed hope for what attendees would take away from the evening.
“As a community, we’re all just people,” he said. “You’re never too good to help, and you’re never too bad to ask for help.”
For those inspired by Judon’s efforts, Atlanta Mission continues to welcome donations and support. Visit atlantamission.org
A peek into a different kind of diamond engagement ring campaign, celebrating the authenticity of natural diamonds with an ad featuring real world couples.
De Beers Group and Signet Jewelers, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, just unveiled their new 2024 campaign entitled “Worth the Wait” – eschewing the expected traditional fantasy narrative for diverse, real-world couples. Designed to draw parallels between the transformative journey of natural diamonds and the dynamic evolution of contemporary relationships, the advertising demonstrates how just as diamonds undergo a transformative process to become polished gems, couples undergo their own transformations as they solidify their bonds.
Designed to reflect the beauty and resilience of natural diamonds, these commercials draw insight from the lengths young adults now go to in order to find the right long-term partner, taking into account the rising age of couples getting married and the growing focus on individual mental and emotional health before finding life partners. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are delaying (or putting off altogether) getting married for longer than ever before. In 2023, the median average age of men marrying for the first time rose to 30 years of age, while the median average age of first marriage for women rose to 28 years old. This is in stark contrast to the 1950s, when the median age for men to marry was 22, and the median age for women was 20 years old.
Still, for all the hopeless romantics out there, there is hope. Marriage rates are expected to rise in the US over the next few years, driven primarily by the Black, Hispanic and non-white communities, according
to U.S. Census data. Through the “Worth the Wait” campaign, De Beers Group and Signet celebrate the unique paths that couples are now following before saying “I do,” and letting them know their needs and aspirations are being seen and understood.
The evolving focus on developing as an individual before taking the big step of getting married is being noticed across the country by individuals and experts alike. “I think everyone my age feels that it’s most important to feel secure within yourself in order to feel secure in your relationship. My generation seeks relationships where each partner has their own independence and internal strength,” noted Sophia Pasquale, a 22-year-old based in Chicago, IL.
“This generation is a little bit more open to having really meaningful conversations. Even just the way that we view therapy these days versus back then is different,” states Elisa Del Castillo, a New York City-based matchmaker and dating coach. “I know, with Latinos, I can say from my own experience, you don’t go to therapy, or you don’t really talk about it. And now it’s something that people encourage…. People are a lot more open to really diving deeper and diving into the hard stuff.”
And where once marriage vows primarily focused on honoring and obeying, vows now reflect a more nuanced insight into relationships with a focus on truth, communication, and growth – both individually and together. Mark Corser of Washington, DC, included in his own vows this year: “I promise to live in truth with you always, and to communicate without fear or judgment” – as did his wife.
This sentiment has also been reflected in religious faiths, where many couples have traditionally gone to seek marriage counsel as well as spiritual counsel. “If you want somebody to make the commitment for the long term, then you have to commit to working on you and they have to commit to working on themselves,” says Chicago-based pastor and relationship coach Jermone Glenn. “If I don’t see you putting in your
individual work even after we’re married, then I don’t have any hope that our work [together] is getting better. Keep working on yourself, so you can be a better self for your partner.”
The “Worth The Wait” campaign, which celebrates the hard work couples are doing in the hopes of having successful, lasting marriages, will run nationally across various platforms, including social media and online, and will be further supported by brand partners Zales, KAY Jewelers, and Jared Jewelers. As part of their commitment to ethical practices, Signet and De Beers Group emphasize transparency and responsible sourcing. “Across Signet’s banners, we are working to educate customers on their choices and provide transparency as an industry leader in responsible sourcing efforts,” said Jamie Singleton, Signet Jewelers Group President and Chief Consumer Officer.
CEO of De Beers Brands, Sandrine Conseiller, expressed excitement about the campaign’s modern approach: “We’re excited to launch this campaign as part of our refreshed approach to natural diamond category marketing to connect a new generation of consumers to the wonder of natural diamonds. While the campaign draws on our track record of iconic natural diamond advertising, it brings an entirely fresh approach grounded in deep insights about the relationships of today’s diverse couples.”
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Colorectal cancer (most commonly known as colon cancer) is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States.
More than 106,000 Americans, male and female, will be diagnosed with new cases this year, according to data from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
That means screenings for colorectal cancer are not only important but can save a life.
Grammy-award-winning rapper/producer Lil Jon, who is famous for getting the nation’s attention with his music, has teamed up with Exact Sciences, a Wisconsin-based molecular diagnostics company, to give a new spin on his iconic hit “Get Low” as the soundtrack to the first step in non-invasive colon cancer screening. The new movement is being called “Get Low #2”.
Getting low, in this case, means less about dancing “from the window to the wall” and more about educating the public about non-invasive colon cancer screenings. Lil John, 52, said that his health has become even more important to him as he gets older, and he wants to spread the importance of getting screened for colon cancer.
“Health, mental health, and physical health are all of optimal importance to me these days,” Lil John said. “Black people, people of color, we don’t go to the doctor until something is wrong.”
Lil Jon mentioned the recent death of DJ Clark Kent, who passed away at the age of 58 after a battle with colon cancer. “I want to spread the word that people need to make sure they go to the doctor, get your check-up, especially for colon cancer because it is killing a high number of African Americans.”
Colorectal cancer diagnoses in the United States are the highest among Black men, according to ACS data. There is a nearly 13% higher rate of colorectal cancer cases for Black men per 100,000 men than any other race of males in this country, according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Lil Jon said he also wanted to be in alignment with what is being called the “Get Low #2” movement because discussions and information sessions about colon cancer screening shouldn’t be taboo.
“When Exact Sciences came to me with this campaign, I was totally down because I wanted to encourage people to get screened. It’s easy; you can do it at home and send your test.”
One of the companies that offers at-
home colorectal screenings is Cologuard, which had a table outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the Atlanta Falcons game on Sunday. Both Cologuard and Exact Sciences had representatives there to distribute information pamphlets about their services.
Most people will not have a family history of colorectal cancer, yet they should still get screened if they are over the age of 45.
“We have a fear of going to the doctor, so this is something you can do at home, and it could potentially help you find out what’s going on with your body,” Lil Jon said. “A lot of these times, some of these deaths could be prevented.”
When caught in early stages, colorectal cancer is more treatable in about 90%, according to several cancer research organizations, including the ACS. “It is important to let people know these tools are available to us, it’s not expensive, and it could save your life,” Lil Jon said.
BY RENATA SAGO
If you’ve ever flipped through the pages of a dictionary, you’ve seen the thousands of words at the core of daily human expression. Lexicographers estimate the English language alone contains more than a million words, a perfect foundation for games and puzzles.
Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that experts say playing with words — in games and puzzles, alone or with friends — is a great way to support a healthy and active mind, according to AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH).
Played alone, experts say, word games prompt reading and creativity, helping slow or prevent declines in cognitive health. Played in a group, word games encourage camaraderie, build trust, and help form social connections, one of the six pillars of brain health.
“The more that we’re intellectually engaged, socially engaged, physically engaged, the healthier our brain is,” says Dr. Yaakov Stern, professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University. “Mental engagement, cognitive engagement doesn’t have to be sitting in front of the computer and doing some kind of a training task. It could be fun.”
Research shows the brain is capable of retaining a wide range of words, around 20,000
to 30,000 on average over a lifetime. As our brains age, however, retrieving the right words in such a vast vocabulary becomes more of a challenge, like finding a specific piece of paper in an overstuffed file cabinet.
Those changes can result in a common but frustrating occurrence scientifically known as a “tip of the tongue,” or TOT state: an inability to grasp a word that seems so close and familiar yet so far away in your brain. It’s common even in healthy seniors.
That’s where word games come in. Stern
and other experts say activities that require recalling words or letter sequences, like Wordle, help exercise your working memory. Games that incorporate reading or word definitions, such as a newspaper crossword puzzle or hidden-word game, help the brain exercise its visuospatial skills.
Healthy-brain word games run the gamut, from Scrabble to TV game shows to the generic crossword puzzles near the checkout counter at the grocery store.
While regularly playing just about any
word-related brain teasers can help, Stern recommends taking on activities that are slightly challenging.
For example, if you are used to doing word games alone, it might be beneficial to join a puzzle club. This will introduce you to new perspectives from other people and different abilities to process information as well as a chance to socialize, an important pillar of brain health.
If you are used to being in groups, on the other hand, then it could be helpful to explore solo word games to test your mental acuity without any help. (Think word searches and other puzzles that might even include numbers, symbols, and sounds.)
“The truth is that the more we do something, the better we get at it,” says Stern. “So people who learn to do calculations a lot learn how to do it in a more rapid way; they don’t have to think about it as hard.”
But if imaginative challenges are your thing, then you might even consider creating a game. There are several resources online to generate Word Searches and crossword puzzles for the purpose of learning and entertainment.
Brain Health is a unique series focused on how to help you age well. These stories have been created in cooperation with AARP and Word In Black.
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BY NOAH WASHINGTON
The Secret Walls live art battle, “The Art Of Competition” tour, is the culmination of Atlanta’s Outerspace Project—chaotic, unbound, and thrilling all in the best ways possible, hosted in Atlanta’s ABV art gallery. You could not move in the 8,500-square-foot gallery space as people were packed shoulder to shoulder.
The Art Of Competition- originated in the United Kingdom and is the brainchild of Secret Walls founder Terry Guy. The week-long Outerspace Project features a series of mural installations throughout Atlanta, culminating in the high-energy showdown. Nate Frost, Gallery Director at ABV Gallery and an event organizer, described the experience as “a sporting event for the arts.” The competition tasked eight artists, divided into two teams, to create large-scale murals using only black ink on white canvases—without pre-sketching or erasing. “The energy is incredible,” Frost said. “It’s inspiring to see artists from diverse backgrounds collaborate to create something cohesive.”
Host Ché Anderson, a long-time Secret Walls veteran, brought energy to the event. Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, Anderson has been part of the Secret Walls family for over a decade. “Whether you’re an artist or just a fan, tonight is about bringing everyone together,” Anderson said. He emphasized the event’s ability to connect individuals, foster community, and inspire creativity.
The lineup of artists included Atlanta locals such as George F. Baker III, FRKO, and Drew Borders, attended by other talents like Hiero Vega. A muralist for Monster Energy, Vega described Atlanta’s art scene as “beautiful, diverse, and welcoming.” Known for his monochromatic fluorescent style, Vega believes in the togetherness that events like Secret Walls bring, “We’re making connections, learning from each other, and creating a space for everyone to appreciate
creativity,” he said. Vega also acknowledged the significance of introducing new audiences to art. “It’s about making new fans of art and showing people how it can connect us.”
For 90 minutes, the artists transformed blank canvases into striking visuals, captivating the audience with their talent and teamwork. Judges used a decibel meter to gauge audience reactions and determine the winning team, ensuring fans played an active role in the event. Participants and spectators mingled freely, creating a welcoming atmosphere
and encouraging collaboration and dialogue.
Greg Mike, the ABV owner, spoke to The Atlanta Voice during the opening of the gallery in September of 2024 spoke about the goal of ABV, “I’ve always been big on community. That’s why we do tons of murals all over the city and invest money into art in our city,” said Greg.
As the night ended, the energy remained electric, “This is what art is all about,” Vega remarked. “Bringing people together and creating something meaningful.”
BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN
Tuesday saw the runoff elections for many local races around the Metro Atlanta area. Surprisingly, Eshé Collins was not declared of the vacant citywide seat in the Atlanta City Council, defeating Nicole Evans Jones. Consequently, Collins is carrying 60% of the vote with 96% of the precincts reporting. Previously, Nicole Evans Jones led November’s race with 40% of the vote and Eshé Collins with 25%, respectively.
Collins is a current member of the Atlanta School Board. She was elected to the Atlanta Board of Education in 2013 and reelected in 2017 and 2021.
Consequently, Jones took to social media to voice her thoughts:
“ATLANTA STRONGER is…the power of the vote,” Evans Jones said. “What a wonderful journey the last 9 months have been. I am eternally grateful and unbelievably exhausted. Thank you Atlanta.”
The Atlanta School Board held an election on Nov. 4, 2025, for Districts 2, 4, 6, and Seat 8 At-Large. Meanwhile, Collins will have to run again if she wants to remain on the Atlanta City Council. All seats are up for election on Nov. 4, 2025.
Dr. LaDena Bolton won the Super District 7 Special Election with 9,628 votes, or 70.3%. Joining Bolton was DeKalb County CEO-elect Lorraine Cochran-Johnson at her victory party. Emphatically, Cochran-Johnson expressed optimism for the future and gratitude for the community’s support, which they believe has chosen the right candidate for the job.
“The people of DeKalb got it right,” exclaimed Cochran-Johnson. “I have a Board of Commissioners who care more about people and politics. We can finally get things done, because the people of DeKalb are expecting us to turn the corner.”
Particularly, Bolton acknowledges the role of branding in her success, noting her campaign’s ability to push her to the forefront within DeKalb County. recognizability and consistency, and expresses appreciation for the contributions that led to their victory.
“I do want to acknowledge the whole organization,” said Bolton. “It’s not really an individual, it’s the brand that puts us over the top. We were recognizable and consistent.”
Bolton will replace former Super District 7 Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who won the DeKalb County CEO’s race in June.
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Both teams came into the game looking to better their playoff hopes. Los Angeles was in second place in the AFC West, while Atlanta remained in first place in the NFC South.
The Falcons came into Sunday's game against Los Angeles on a two-game losing streak. Losses on the road to New Orleans (20-17) and Denver (38-6) put an end to a two-game winning streak. The last time the Falcons played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was during a 27-21 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
The first offensive possession of the game for Atlanta ended with a missed 45-yard field goal by kicker Youngoe Koo. The first defensive possession for the Falcons ended with a fumble recovery by cornerback Cklark Phillips III deep in Chargers territory. That turnover led to Atlanta's first successful offensive drive, a 29-yard, five-play possession that ended in a short touchdown run from Bijan Robinson and a 7-0 advantage. Cornerback A.J. Terrell, Jr. forced another Chargers fumble on the next possession that was recorded by Los Angeles.
The Chargers scored their first points of the game a few plays later on a 45-yard field goal from Cameron Dicker. They pulled to within a point early in the second quarter with another Dicker field goal, this time from 51 yards.
Inside the Game: Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins achieved another 3,000 yards passing season during the game. He has sev-
en 4,000-plus yard passing seasons to his credit and eight seasons of over 3,000 yards to date. The last Falcons quarterback to pass for more than 3,000 yards was Matt Ryan (3,968) during the 2021 season. The Falcons finished that season 7-10 and missed the playoffs.
The Falcons defense came into the game with a total of 10 sacks. They sacked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert twice during the first half on Sunday.
What's Next: The Falcons (4-1 in the NFC South) travel to Minnesota to face Cousin's former team on Sunday, Dec. 8 before playing their second Monday Night Football game of the season in Las Vegas against the Raiders on Dec. 16.
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Atlanta United's 2024 season finally ended following a 1-0 loss in Orlando on Sunday. That loss put a close to an epic playoff run that included knocking Supporter's Shield winner Inter Miami CF out of the playoffs.
Now that the season is over, the rebuilding of the 2025 roster will begin. A number of key players whose contracts end on New Year’s Eve 2024 are players who came up big when the roster turnover took place towards the end of the regular season. Players like Ajanie Fortune, Tyler Wolff, Daniel Rios, Ronald Hernandez, and Efrain Morales all showed up when asked to come in and contribute as Atlanta United fought for a playoff spot.
Goal-scorer Jamal Thiare (eight goals in 25 games) will also be a free agent at the end of the year. Thiare's two goals at Inter Miami during game three of that series were the difference in that matchup. At 31 years old Thiare' will be
pursued by many suitors this off-season. The contract for 40-year-old goalkeeper Brad Guzan was going to end this year as well. Arguably the most important player on the roster the past five weeks, Guzan plans to retire in Atlanta after spending most of his MLS career there, including during the title season. His contract was picked up for the 2025 season.
The same could not be said for interim manager Rob Valentino. Both Valentino and the team posted “Thank You” social media posts on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Valentino’s post read: “Atlanta, Thanks for everything! What an incredible ride it’s been. Memories to last a lifetime! Valentinos out!”
Right-back Brooks Lennon, winger Xande Silva, center-back Derrick Williams, and center-back Luis Abram all have contracts that end following the 2025 season. The Major League Soccer (MLS) Superdraft will occur on December 20.
Boomi Integration Engineer (IT Manager) (Atlanta, GA) Provide integration solutions for apps across Cloud, On-Premises, & Hybrid scenarios using Dell Boomi. Reqs: Bach in Comp Sci, IT, Mech Engrg, Elec Engrg, Instr Engrg, or rel tech field. 7 yrs integration exp. 5 yrs exp in Boomi. Any exp w/: diff kinds of shapes usage & implementing them in a process; Boomi Connector WS, SFTP, Database, Disk, HTTPS, SAP, & Salesforce; integrating w/ SAP EEC or S/4 HANA; working w/ & manipulating XML/JSON, REST/SOAP WS, & API implementation; mapping, creating, & transforming IDOCs, cXML, XML, CSV, flat files, & data schemas for diff systems; real time, batch, & ETL integrations; EDI standards & integrations; cloud architecture & DEVOPS; understanding reqs & designing, dvlping, & implementing enterprise-lvl integrations independently; diff integration patterns; onboarding new trading partners; dvlping & implementing web services & data mapping; & managing mult projects simultaneously involving key stakeholders across a complex org. Must have legal authority to work in U.S. EEOE. Apply to: https://careers.graphicpkg.com/. Select opening for Boomi Integration Engr (IT Mgr), Req ID: 7527
Sealed bids for 24ITB110124C-MHC-MH - Janitorial Services for (Group E, F, G, H & I) for the Fulton County Real Estate and Asset Management 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 Friday, December 20, 2024. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date.
Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via Zoom.
Bid Bond: N/A
Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) To provide general cleaning for selected Fulton County Facilities (E, F, G, H & I). The successful bidder(s) shall furnish all janitorial services and the labor, materials, cleaning supplies, restroom supplies (including feminine products, soap, toilet seat covers, toilet tissue, paper towers, and other required supplies) and equipment necessary to provide the highest quality of janitorial services at the selected facilities listed in the solicitation document. The detailed scope of work and technical specifications are outlined in the Scope of Work of the bid document.
In order to obtain complete information about this solicitation, please go to 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-Bid Conference, will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., local time, to provide bidders with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xNJdM-Z2RRq2THqi11siqQ Webinar ID: 973 2380 8985 Join by Phone:
+14703812552, 97323808985# US (Atlanta) +14702509358, 97323808985# US (Atlanta)
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 bids and to waive technicalities.
THE SCAD BEE SHARPS PRESENT
FEATURING
Performing the hit song "Let It Go"
SCADshow | Atlanta
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7 p.m.
Scan for tickets