The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 120823

December 8-14, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 31 • FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

How Fathers Shape Healthy Habits in Children

PAGE 14

AROUND TOWN

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Map Quest

Concerned citizens point out their districts in the Metro Atlanta portion of the proposed U.S. Congressional maps put forth by Georgia Senate Republicans inside the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, December 4, 2023. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Page 2 • December 8-14, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

State

ONLINE

Georgia ranks first for business growth in consulting firm analysis

‘It’s almost a slap in the face’, says map opponents

BY DONNELL SUGGS

T

he start of the week at the Georgia State Capitol brings many Georgians downtown for various reasons.

On Monday, Dec. 4, a group of middle school students were on a tour while supporters of House Bill 161, which is also known as the "Pediatric Health Safe Storage Act”, handed out fact sheets while stationed near the ground floor security entrance. Upstairs on the fourth floor in room 450 there was a group of people gathered and information exchanged.

Octavia Coleman and her fiveyear-old daughter Zora were also inside the Gold Dome Monday.

They were there on a business trip, according to Coleman, who is running for a seat in District 13, which is currently represented by longtime United States Representative David Scott.

“She wouldn’t let me leave the house,” Coleman joked about her daughter and not going to school that morning. “She said she was coming with me today.” Zora’s presence would come in handy, however, as she filmed her mother talking to the committee with her cell phone.

Days earlier the Georgia General Assembly, which has a Republican majority, released a first draft of the Congressional map that has not been universally supported due to how some districts with majority Black voters are being represented. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones asked that there not be new majority Black districts be created at the expense of other majority Black districts.

The Georgia Senate Redistricting Committee held a hearing in response to the backlash from both politicians and grassroots organizations. Following the hearing, there were public comments made and there were a number of people that stepped up to speak their minds while representing organizations, and in the case of Coleman, her home.

In an interview with The Atlanta Voice following the public comment phase of the hearing,

Octavia Coleman, an advocate for the Central Georgia Democracy Center, speaks out against the proposed Congressional maps inside the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, December 4, 2023.

Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Georgia State Senator Ed Harbison, D-Macon, attends the Senate Committee meeting on redistricting and reapportionment on Monday, December 4, 2023 at the Georgia State Capitol. (Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/ The Atlanta Voice

Coleman expressed that District 13 is an agricultural district and shouldn’t be split up in any way.

“It’s almost a slap in the face,” she

said. “It doesn’t make sense, it feels like there’s a hidden agenda.”

Coleman didn’t get into what that hidden agenda was but hard-

ly had to explain herself. The committee voted minutes earlier and voted 7-4 to leave the map as is.

Only State Senators Tonya Anderson, Gloria Butler, Harold Jones II, and Ed Harbison voted in favor of redrawing the map. All four representatives are Black.

Rashidah Hassan, representing the League of Women Voters of Georgia said, “We have several concerns on the proposed Congressional maps,” during her opportunity to speak to the committee. Hassan, a member of the organization’s DeKalb County chapter, added, “Throughout the inception of this process we have consistently sought and continue to request; number one, changes to the map be limited to this required to address the remedy ordered by the court; number two, the committee should reject any and all attempts by members of either party to incorporate other changes for partisan and political purposes.”

Some of the majority Black districts that were up for discussion

that morning were districts 4, 5, 6, and 13.

“When reviewing this map it is clear it does not comply with the judge's order,” Hassan said.

Stephanie Ali, Policy Director with the New Georgia Project, said it would be important for the committee to “think about if we don’t want to spend more taxpayer money in court,” or have the map redrawn by a Special Master, and that is what will happen if the Friday, Dec. 8 deadline isn’t met.

“I think this map is not going to pass muster and I hope that our committee can and will do better.

We still have time to make these adjustments.”

Common Cause Georgia Executive Director Aunna Dennis also made an appearance and said there can be a middle ground met in this process. “We definitely do believe we can come together as advocates, community, and electives, we can definitely get redistricting right and make it look a little different here in Georgia,” Dennis said.

Dennis said there has been a disregard of what Judge Jones has asked the committee to do. Then added that splitting Gwinnett County in four ways would negatively impact voters of color. “We are really urging the committee to re-look at these maps and let’s try to get this right and then as we move forward in the future, let’s work on independent redistricting commissions all together.”

Along with Ali, Coleman, Dennis, and Hassan, John Moyer, senior director of policy at the Urban League, Cindy Battles with Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, and Fair Districts Georgia Chairman of the Board Ken Lawler were also given the opportunity to speak to the committee.

“On the racial demographic test we believe this map fails the test,” Lawler said. He stated that Districts 5 and 6 were already majority Black districts and didn't need to be redrawn. “By losing District 7 as a minority district, we believe it does not pass muster, it does not meet the requirements of the court order,” he said.

theatlantavoice.com • December 8-14, 2023 • Page 3

State

Senate Committee passes Congressional map along party lines

BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN

T

he Republican-dominated Georgia Senate Committee on redistricting passed their proposed Congressional Map along party lines 7-4 Monday morning. The vote did not occur without controversy because the Republicans created a new majority-Black district west of metro Atlanta, Georgia’s new Sixth Congressional District. The Republicans’ map would keep their majority in Congress with nine members while the Democrats have five.

However, the Republicans submitted a map that slices Gwinnett County into four separate districts

which dilutes the voting strength of Georgia’s most ethnically diverse county.

“After drawing the new majority Black district required by the court order, we then followed our existing traditional redistricting principles to work on the remaining districts,” said State Senator Shelly Echols, a Republican from Gainesville. “Those principles include maintaining district populations, so they are exactly the same plus or minus one person, which is higher than what is allowed on legislative plans.”

Echols said during her opening statement, “The Voting Rights Act protects distinct minority groups, not coalitions.” Plus she added the

Republicans submitted a map that slices Gwinnett County into four separate districts which dilutes the voting strength of Georgia’s most ethnically diverse county.

2021 congressional plan complied with the Voting Rights Act. The Republicans are currently pursuing an appeal of Judge Steven Jones’s order.

Echols added this configuration also keeps Conyers, Snellville, and Lilburn whole, all of which are suburban cities with significant shared interests given their proximity to Atlanta. She said Georgia’s 13th Congressional District is majority Black with a voting population of 51.45%.

Additionally, the new district draws out Rep. Lucy McBath from Georgia’s current Seventh Congressional District. The proposed district would be tilted in favor of the Republicans because the Seventh Congressional District would

stretch into Rabun County and the north Georgia mountains.

“We have eliminated a minority-opportunity district, which goes completely against the judge’s order,” Senate Minority Whip Harold Jones, a Democrat from Augusta, told committee members shortly before Monday’s vote.

State Senator Harold Jones also chided the Republicans because they labeled the plaintiffs as “Democrat-led” groups with an activist agenda.

“I do want us to be careful in our language as far as saying different groups are bringing this suit.

It’s not my fraternity, but Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated is an African-American fraternity. It was the

first African-American fraternity founded in the United States. They are one of the plaintiffs in this particular case. They’re nonpartisan.

They do tremendous work in the African-American community and basically for the whole community. And I do want to be a little bit careful with our language to say that Democratic groups brought these particular cases and things of that nature, when you realize who some of these groups actually are, and the benefit that they’ve given to not only African Americans, but to society in general.”

The map hit the Senate floor Tuesday and was ultimately approved.

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Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.”

— Janelle Monae, Singer, Rapper, and Actress

T H E AT L A N TA

VOICE 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.

Mary-Pat Hector, CEO of student and youth activist organization RISE says we must “raise our voices for ownership of our civic life.”. Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for People’s Rally to Cancel Student Debt

Dear Voters: Keep Raising Your Voices

F

BY MARY-PAT HECTOR

rom the time I could talk, I was loud and opinionated, especially about the rights of those disenfranchised and pushed to the margins of society.

Though not calling it democracy back then, I believed being heard by the powers-thatbe would make a difference. My adamant pitch and passion was always met by opponents bent on silencing and shutting me down.

One hurdle after another, this Black girl-child coming of age in the deep South eventually realized going it alone to get results was an impossible feat.

I found my tribe — a chorus of like-minded voices — all screaming synchronously at the top of our lungs. Together, we unharnessed the secret to being heard, fighting back, and making an impact.

In this “off-year” election, the primal scream of voters reverberated. The message is simple.

They’ve had enough of being dismissed, denied, and deceived.

The stunning wins for the abortion rights movement in ruby-red Ohio, deep-purple Virginia, and light-blue Pennsylvania were not about party or candidate victories. It was a full-throttle response to disinformation maneu-

vers by extremists who are clueless about how democracy works or that it can work.

This victory can’t be claimed by one state or coalition alone. It is part of a still roaring scream, pushing to the tipping point a changing landscape to exact a people’s victory that proclaims democracy is us. Grassroots organizers, nonprofit advocacy groups, and institutions committed to public interest are the small “d” democrats who are saving the day.

From Vermont to Virginia, Kansas to Kentucky, Montana to Maine, the call is loud and crystallizing. Politicians should read the edict from voters, not the latest polling data.

Just as abortion rights in the post-Dobbs era have triggered unstoppable pushback and movements in ballot campaigns, constitutional amendments, and legislatures across the country, groundswells of voices for change are surging and coming to their feet around gun safety and climate change; saying NO to book banning and assaults on LGBTQ rights; demanding clean water in Jackson and Flint; and justice for workerson picket lines at work sites nationwide.

There is a well-paved path of civic engagement animated by people devoted to action and advocacy. Together, we are the connective tissue of democracy. You don’t need an advanced

degree to read the message plainly spelled out on November 7.

Without abstractions or caveats, the voters are collectively embracing authentic solutions.

Across generational, demographic, and geographic divides, we are responding to issues that hit hard where we live, impacting real-life choices and everyday circumstances.

What’s motivating us with each new ballot initiative is our demand to raise our voices for ownership of our civic life. We can secure common sense solutions that speak to an elevated form of basic brilliance.

We know the role of government is to help, not hinder, obstruct, or enter the corridors of our personal lives. Rights denied, reversed, or taken away will ultimately spur movements.

My call to action to anyone unsure they hold power in their voice: join a group that shares your values. Get involved. Speak, meet, organize, and act. Become the movement to plow the ground and plant the fertile seeds of change.

Mary-Pat Hector is CEO of Rise, a student/ youth activist and action organization. The Atlanta native is an author, playwright, and organizer whose democracy journey began at 9; at 19, she was the youngest woman to seek political office in Georgia, losing by a mere 22 votes.

PUBLISHER Janis Ware jlware@theatlantavoice.com PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER James A. Washington jaws@theatlantavoice.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Janelle Ward jward@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR AT LARGE Stan Washington swashington@theatlantavoice.com MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com

ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR Chia Suggs advertising@theatlantavoice.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Terry Milliner SALES R.D.W. Jackson rdwadman@gmail.com SUBMISSIONS editor@theatlantavoice.com DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com

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

theatlantavoice.com • December 8-14, 2023 • Page 5

Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

Playing the spiritual game on His terms

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

Forgive my sports analogy, but I have often found myself wrestling with the concepts and realities of good and evil.

It stands to reason that if you believe in God and His goodness, power and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, then you must also believe in Satan and his earthbound inherent ‘evilness.’

So that I don’t become too esoteric, allow me to explain. It is the height of hypocrisy or wanton ignorance that we as human beings follow a course of action consistent with one belief and act at the same time totally contrary to that same belief. We concede to the reality that evil exists.

Our laws, legal system and subsequent penalties are there to protect us against criminal, abhorrent and yes, evil behavior. The recognition then, is, or should be, that there must be a counterbalance of behaviors or at least professed beliefs that confirm the existence of good, the God stuff.

Unfortunately, it seems that evil demands action while goodness gets a whole lot of lip service.

I believe this is true because we humans, with all of our flaws and faults

“He who believes in me… will never die.” John 11:25-26 (or should I say sinfulness), have gotten used to functioning in a world controlled in large part by the evil one.

Christians do recognize that the devil does have power in this world, however limited. The Bible confirms this.

Thanks to him many of us have become somewhat numb to this brand of living.

We see this 24/7 on the news.

Fortunately, when it comes to Christ, we are able to put some perspective on all of this and the evil/sin that exists in our own lives. That’s when we finally get it. By putting ourselves in line with the righteousness of Christ, it becomes clear to us where we fit in this struggle between good and evil. We then recognize we are the prize in this game.

To the victor goes us. That’s right. In this game between good and evil, we (that means you) are the prize.

Again, fortunately for us, we have

some say in whose clubhouse the celebration takes place. Once you accept the concept of good and evil in the context of God and the devil, the rules of engagement are clear. In this game, the ball (us) has a say in who gets the victory.

Can you imagine any athletic event where the ball actually participates in the game? We are that ball in this high stakes game for our very souls. Imagine that. We can stack the deck. But it can’t be by happenstance. It must be deliberate and we must be constant in making sure the ball takes favorable bounces throughout the game.

With this in mind, Christ has given all of us the game plan we need to insure ultimate victory.

“He who believes in me… will never die.” John 11:25-26. That’s it. It’s all about belief. When Jesus says in John

16:8-9, “When He (the Counselor/Holy Spirit) comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin because men do not believe in me…,” He is telling us that the biggest threat to our own salvation is disbelief.

You see, belief in Christ brings about the condemnation of Satan. It must.

It’s a game changer. The knowledge of good concedes nothing to evil. Now we are armed and ready for the struggle.

We are on guard against the evil that is intended to destroy us. We now have a point of reference for all of our current and future behaviors. That doesn’t guarantee success all the time. But it does let us understand the stakes.

We know the difference between good and evil and we recognize our weaknesses in relation to evil and our strengths in relation to good. No contest is without its risks and rewards but for now, Game on!

May God forgive your fumbles and bless your recoveries in the name of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

May He bless and keep you always.

“YOUR VOICE”

In the wake of the #MeToo movement and the recent sexual assault allegations against Sean Combs, what is the state of Black Women in Hip Hop culture today?

DEMOND TIMBERLAKE Atlanta

MONIQUE THOMPSON Atlanta

JOHN CROOMS East Point

RASHAWN HYNES Atlanta

“I just think the state of Hip Hop regarding women is that it's the women's time to take over. Historically, Hip Hop has been a form of music that has been built off the struggle to produce creative expression so they can talk about the realities they deal with regarding their treatment by men in power and they expose them. It is what it is. So, I look forward to continuing to hear their creativity and the honesty and the true brew; like the brutal honesty that we really need in the industry. Truly keeping them honest to hold the folks accountable. But also, just being the birth of the creation and having the creativity come back from that perspective.”

“My opinion about the women in this culture is these days I feel like now they're speaking up and bringing it to light may be beneficial because in our reality, all these women probably have been suffering for a long time, but they're realizing that they're speaking out. It's opening a lot more doors for the truth and the power that they really do have. So, I feel like they're speaking up now, it's all of our time and there's no such thing as too small, too late. At the end of the day, women really need to understand that they are the new Earth. And we're about to take our matriarch back and back to show you guys why we brought you in the first place.”

“The state of women in hip hop today. I don't know. It's kind of interesting. What's being pushed out there, of course, is definitely the former stripper, sex worker, model type thing.

You know, where are these girls out here talking about all sorts of raunchy subject matter. I feel the balance is missing. And there are a couple of people out there balance-wise that are small independent artists and they're doing some great, great, great, great things. But everybody else is just like, it's kind of like stripper fight music. I mean, I guess it's cool, you know, when you go to strip clubs and stuff to hear that. But when you see them and they're out there and you know, it's like, now what? I mean, it started with Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, I guess, and every so many years they pop a new one out. Yeah, but do they own a label? Do they own their own publishing? What are they doing?”

“In the wake of everything is going on with Hip Hop and the #MeToo thing, I honestly feel like the women are taking power and recognize the strength they have in this world. And I think it's a beautiful thing because these women are dope and powerful and we should be looking to them for guidance because we need it as a human race. Honestly, because women are the root of everything. And, when it comes to Hip Hop, these women are dominating.

They are taking sexuality, everything back, and they are holding these men accountable for what they've done in it. So, I definitely feel like these women are being stronger and really dominating this Hip Hop world.”

Compiled by Vincent Christie

Page 6 • December 8-14, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Business

ONLINE

50 years ago Maynard Jackson was elected Atlanta’s first Black mayor.

Purchase this limited edition commemorative shirt today! www.theatlantavoice.com

TeamSmile and CareSource partner to promote oral health

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

T

eamSmile, a Kansas City-based advocacy group that partners oral health professionals with professional athletic organizations and CareSource, a national public healthcare provider teamed up with the Atlanta Falcons this holiday season to provide local elementary and middle school students free dental care and tips on how to properly care for their oral health.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, dozens of kids from several local schools saw dentists for the very first time. For many, going to the dentist can be a frightening experience, which is why the program took place in a fun environment like the Mercedes Benz Stadium.

Dental Director at CareSource, Dr. Judy Greenlea Taylor said kids were able to get their teeth cleaned as well.

“We really wanted to give the students some experience in dental care and teach them early on how to take care of their dental hygiene. For some, it’s their first time seeing a dentist, so we really wanted to help get the kids the care they need and get rid of the tooth decay in Atlanta,” she said. “Regardless of their insurance, kids are able to get free care during this event.”

Volunteer Lori Paschal said she decided to volunteer because she wanted to give back during the holiday season.

“What better way to start off the holiday season right than to give back to the community in Atlanta and service the young folks to get free dental care and expose them to better hygiene as they get older,” she said.

John McCarthy, executive director of TeamSmile, said they chose to service elementary and middle school students because “they need help” and want to get them started on dental practice and health early on.

“We’re genuinely serving children who genuinely have a need for free dental care.

We don’t check insurance nor immigration status. We’re a nonprofit and we’re here to help them, if they need a root canal, cavity fillings, their teeth pulled, or an extraction, we got them covered and do it all right here today.

For more information, visit https:// teamsmile.org.

ABOVE: Volunteers at the TeamSmile and CareSource provided free dental care and tips on how to protect their teeth during the free event.

Photo by Isaiah Singleton/ The Atlanta Voice

LEFT: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, dozens of kids from several local schools saw dentists, in some cases for the very first time.

Photo by Isaiah Singleton/ The Atlanta Voice

theatlantavoice.com • December 8-14, 2023 • Page 7

Business

Atlanta rental market offers benefits to stand out

A

BY JANELLE WARD s the greater Atlanta area’s rental market continues to prosper in the aftermath of the pandemic, property managers are extending benefits to renters in attempts to set their apartment communities apart from those of competitors.

In a November research report from Zillow, Atlanta was listed as the metro area offering the 10th largest share of rental concessions to prospective tenants, joining similarly expanding cities Phoenix, Nashville and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Rental concessions can appeal to target demographics by offering monetary or service-based privileges when leasing with a specific company, including, but not limited to, complimentary utilities, discounts on rent and free or discounted access to various on-site

555 Hank, which is located across the street from where the Atlanta Braves once called home on Hank Aaron Drive. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

or off-site amenities.

Per Zillow data, 43.5% of the metro area’s rental properties offer concessions to potential rent-

ers, a statistic that has increased by 15.2 percentage points since 12 months prior. To compare, around 30% of Zillow’s national database

of rental listings was advertised to offer concessions to renters this past October.

Anushna Prakash, an economic research data scientist at Zillow, said in the report that an increase in available supply sparked by a surge in multifamily property construction gives renters more leverage in the market, encouraging property managers to grant renters additional benefits to gain their tenancy.

“The pandemic era’s increase in concessions was a direct response to decreased renter demand. Currently, we’re witnessing a different scenario where the demand for rental housing is high, but there’s been a notable rise in supply,” Prakash said. “To differentiate themselves from newer, potentially more amenity-rich apartment buildings, property managers are stepping up their game, offering more incentives to attract poten-

tial renters with a broader range of choices.”

This correlation is especially evident in Atlanta. According to a mid-year construction update from private student lender Sallie Mae, Atlanta saw approximately 35,000 rental units completed in the years 2022 and 2023 combined.

An additional 14,573 units are slated for completion in 2024 and another 2,851 units are on deck for thereafter.

This study, featuring data from Dodge Data & Analytics, predicts that Atlanta will house more than 52,000 additional rental units delivered since 2022.

Per this metric, the metro area also ranks sixth overall for multifamily rental construction progress in the nation, falling only behind New York City, Washington, D.C. and three of Texas’ hottest housing markets: Houston, Austin and Dallas.

Page 8 • December 8-14, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Metro

STAY UP TO DATE WITH OUR EVENTS CALENDAR theatlantavoice.com/events

Hawks, State Farm, MOWA host first ‘Bingo, Beats & Brunch’ for seniors

BY DONNELL SUGGS

T

he tables had beautiful floral centerpieces on them and were covered in red tablecloth.

There were name cards strategically placed on the tables for the guests of the hour when they arrived.

The holiday season schedule is traditionally packed with parties and get-togethers for many of us, but for many seniors within our community, there aren’t always opportunities to get together.

The Atlanta Hawks, national insurance provider State Farm, and Meals on Wheels Atlanta (MOWA) did something about that Wednesday, December 6, collaborating on the first ever ‘Bingo, Beats and Brunch’, an event that allowed local seniors to have fun during the holiday season, while also being given groceries.

Food insecurity is one of the issues that all three organizations attempt to battle year-round, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Manager Tonya James said. “This is just another example of how we can work together and impact our community. It’s an opportunity for us to provide nourishment, a sense of community, and connection to our seniors.”

The brunch menu included beef ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans, and pies for dessert.

Before ‘Bingo, Beats and Brunch’ began a dozen volunteers helped pack bags full of breakfast foods and drinks for the seniors to take home later that afternoon. The bags contained juice, milk, cereal, granola bars, oatmeal, and fruit. All of the items come courtesy of the Hawks and State Farms Good Neighbor Food Pantry.

Atlanta Hawks Vice President of Basketball Development Jon Babul was on hand and said these events are a way for the franchise to build a sense of community outside of the basketball games and camps they host.

“This is the power of our community partnerships and the ability to come together and fight food insecurity,” Babul said as he looked around the room as it filled with people, including DJ Jazzy T, who has worked with MOWA for the past two years as the organization’s defacto DJ, played holiday classics throughout the event. “The ability to collabo-

See BRUNCH on page 9

DJ Jazzy T, a proud graduate of “The Tennessee State University”, provided the holiday sounds Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Reverend Ronald Brown, Sr. (far left, white shirt) and two members of the congregation at New Bethel Baptist Church prepare for brunch during the inaugural Brunch, Beats & Bingo Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

The food bags that were packed for the seniors Wednesday, Dec. 6, include healthy snacks such as granola bars, oatmeal and cereal.

Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

theatlantavoice.com • December 8-14, 2023 • Page 9

Metro Brunch, Beats & Bingo volunteers pose for a group photo before the event. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

BRUNCH Continued from page 8

Meals on Wheels CEO Charlene Crusoe-Ingram (above) greeted the seniors once they were seated. “Having this connection with two of our key partners, State Farm and the Atlanta Hawks, it all works when you can do that together,” she said. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

rate and bring some stars together for the holidays is always a good thing too,” he said.

The event took place downtown inside the Meals on Wheels Atlanta headquarters and the entertainment for the day along with DJ Jazzy T was a three-song performance by Que Parker of 112 fame. He sang a number of holiday classics.

More than two dozen seniors were invited to take part in a brunch, in-

cluding Reverend Ronald Brown, Sr. A transplant from Maryland six years ago, Brown moved to Atlanta and immediately joined the congregation at New Bethel Baptist Church.

He said he decided to bring along two members of his church family to the brunch because “I always like to have some of my fellow seniors participate in events,” Brown said.

Meals on Wheels CEO Charlene Crusoe-Ingram greeted the seniors, who were surprised with cheers from a pair of Atlanta Hawks cheer squad members. Some of the seniors made their way to the tables with canes,

walkers, and walking sticks, but all were driven to the MOWA headquarters in a chartered van.

“We have to feed our seniors and we can’t do that without the help of all of these partnerships,” Crusoe-Ingram told The Atlanta Voice. “Having this connection with two of our key partners, State Farm and the Atlanta Hawks, it all works when you can do that together.”

Asked if there is going to be another Bingo, Beats & Brunch in the future, Babul said he didn't see why not. “This is going to be a huge success. We can’t fail. It's the holidays.”

MARTA Festibus cruises through town with free rides until Dec. 31

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

I

Friday, Dec. 8 @ 12-3pm Friday, Dec. 15 @ 12-3pm

n honor of the holiday season, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Festibus is cruising through town with free rides until Dec. 31.

MARTA says to keep an eye out for the holiday-wrapped buses in your neighborhood as the routes will change to spread the love.

For more information, visit https://www. itsmarta.com.

Alongside the Festibus, MARTA also will have the following for the rest of the month: Holiday Carolers – Dec. 5-21 The Tinseltones will be making spirits bright as these carolers serenade us throughout December.

College Park – Tuesday, Dec. 5 @ 3:306:30pm Doraville – Wednesday, Dec. 6 @ 3:306:30pm Lindbergh –Thursday, Dec. 7 @ 12-3pm Clayton County Transit Hub – Tuesday, Dec. 12 @ 2:30-5:30pm HE Holmes – Wednesday, Dec. 13 @ 3:306:30pm Medical Center – Thursday, Dec. 14 @ 3:30-6:30pm

Get Dancy – Dec. 13 Dancer the reindeer isn’t the only one who can bust a move. Full Radius Dance Company, featuring dancers with and without physical disabilities, will delight us with a show celebrating inclusivity.

Five Points – Wednesday, Dec. 13 @ 4-6pm Customer Holiday Appreciation Event – Thursday, Dec. 14 @ 3:30-6:30 pm Five Points Station Pop-up Shop: Purchase your MARTA branded “ugly” holiday sweater & socks Santa: Ho, ho, ho! The big man in the red suit will make a special appearance Performance: Ballethnic Dance Company will perform scenes from Urban Nutcracker Music: DJ Sed the Saint will play some tunes to get us in the holiday spirit In honor of the holiday season, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Festibus (not shown) is cruising through town with free rides until Dec. 31. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Kensington – Tuesday, Dec. 19 @ 3:306:30pm Airport – Thursday, Dec. 21 @ 3:30-6:30pm

Streetcar Performances – Dec. 8 & 15 Come get cozy on the Atlanta Streetcar and enjoy some live holiday music.

Surprise Ride – Dec. 19-21 MARTA’s merry elves will jingle all the way around the city, surprising riders with limited edition holiday themed Breeze cards.

Tuesday, Dec. 19 @ 10am-1pm Wednesday, Dec. 20 @ 7am-10am Thursday, Dec. 21 @ 4pm-7pm

Page 10 • December 8-14, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

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Mercedes-Benz and Shoes That Fit donate 650 sneakers to students

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

T

he screaming and shouting of children filled the air as Mercedes-Benz USA and Shoes That Fit, a California-based non-profit organization specializing in securing footwear for impoverished youth, hosted the 'Holiday Love Celebration' giving program at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

Coming together for the second consecutive year, the two organizations collaborated to give over 650 pairs of sneakers to students from pre-K to eighth grade.

Hosted in the center's gym, the winter wonderland-themed celebration featured a photo booth, holiday cookies, a live DJ, a snow machine, and an appearance by Atlanta Falcons mascot Freddie the Falcon.

Lauren Alford, senior manager of strategic partnerships at Mercedes-Benz USA, expressed the company's commitment to supporting local communities. “We are committed to our local communities,” Alford said. “When we look for a nonprofit that can help us really have the bandwidth across the country, Shoes that Fit is such a great partner because they are able to focus on our local communities.”

Shoes That Fit Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships Janet Lang spoke to The Atlanta Voice about the struggles that parents at home might be facing in affording shoes for their kids.

"Shoes are one of the most expensive

Mercedes-Benz USA and Shoes That Fit joined forces to put on the ‘Holiday Love Celebration’ giving program at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

things a parent could purchase,” she said.

According to a 2017 done by the U.S. Department of Education on why students don't attend school, 30% of the given reasons were identified as the lack of clothing and supplies as a challenge faced by youth.

"Shoes rank among the most expensive items our family has to purchase,” Jand reiterated. “When faced with the decision be-

tween paying rent, buying food, or covering bills, shoes tend to be prioritized at the bottom of the list.”

Lang further emphasized the impact of providing a pair of shoes transcends mere footwear; it extends to nurturing the entire child holistically. Collaborating closely with teachers, Shoes That Fit acknowledges the multifaceted benefits, enhancing students'

self-esteem, self-confidence, school attendance, and even their physical activity levels.

On the ground handling the event coordination between the companies and school was Shaunya Reeves, site coordinator of Communities in Schools of Atlanta at Hollis Innovation Academy. Reeves explained the extensive process of measuring each student's feet, gathering sizes, and ensuring preferences were considered.

Contacted in September, Reeves went from class to class to get the exact measurements of each student. The excitement among the children was apparent to Reeves, with daily inquiries about the upcoming event, with the most common question being, "What type of shoes are we getting?".

Students were counting down the days until they could walk away with their new, carefully measured pairs Reeves recalled.

“It was really nice to see them get excited about the shoes. I was just downstairs and a whole class put their shoes on the walk to the bathroom.”

Reeves further emphasized the importance of instilling gratitude in the students, stating that appreciating what they have, regardless of preferences is essential. “I feel as if you look better, you do better,” she said.

“For some of our students, these shoes really are going to help them succeed when they're in class because they're not worried about what they don't have.”

Change Church to host ‘Change R Us’ toy drive

BY JANELLE WARD

C

hange Church is bringing its ‘Change R Us’ holiday toy giveaway back to Gwinnett County for its second consecutive year.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, the church will host its annual toy drive at its campus in Duluth, where organizers will distribute toys, bikes, gaming consoles, and other electronics to children and families in need this Christmas season.

“Change R Us is an annual event hosted by Change Church to bless families in our communities who may otherwise do without at Christmas time,” said founder and senior pastor of Change Church, Dharius Daniels. “Change R Us is our way of relieving pressure for parents and providing joy to children.”

Change Church in Duluth is one of three campuses in the country and is the only location in the state of Georgia. The

church’s other two campuses, both of which are located in New Jersey, began hosting the ‘Change R Us’ toy giveaway five years ago as a way to positively impact families living in the surrounding Ewing and Westampton communities. The church mobilized the Duluth campus to participate in 2022.

According to a press release, Change Church aims to assist more than 8,000 families across its three giveaways this Christmas season. The event is free and open to the community, but families are asked to RSVP beforehand by visiting the church’s website.

The giveaway will start at 10 a.m. and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Representatives from the church recommend guests arrive early on the morning of the event.

Change Church is located at 3080 Premiere Parkway, near the intersection of Sugarloaf Parkway and I-85.

Change Church will host its second-annual ‘Change R Us’ Christmas toy drive at its Duluth campus on Saturday, Dec. 16, distributing free toys, gaming consoles and more to children and families in the surrounding community. Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

theatlantavoice.com • December 8-14, 2023 • Page 11

Entertainment

Official poster for Renaissance: A film by Beyoncé Photo courtesy of AMC Theatres Website

Renaissance: A nod to queer ballroom culture

A

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON “Renaissance” as Queen Beyoncé said herself, is a rebirth and a new beginning.

Beyoncé has always been known for showcasing her artistry different from her peers between surprise drops, phenomenal tours, and highlighting Black culture.

This time around she dedicated her latest album, Renaissance, to her late Uncle Johnny who she refers to as her godmother and the first person to expose her to a lot of the music and culture that served as inspiration for the album.

The world tour/film has been four years in the making, according to Beyoncé. The Renaissance film gave viewers an in-depth look into the world of Beyoncé’s creation: The Renaissance World Tour. She wanted to create a safe place, a place without judgment.

A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking, a place to scream, release, and feel free.

Written and directed by the superstar, the film stands as a testament to the recent achievements of Beyoncé. Existing as part concert film and part tour documentary, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé focuses on the last year of her life, as she relishes the freedom being a 42-year-old woman brings.

As an audience member, we see clips from across the US and Europe and it focuses specifically on her hometown show in Houston, tracing the journey from backyard performances to stadiums.

We also see the reason she felt the need to highlight queer ballroom culture on the album. After watching the film (because I was unable to attend the tour), I found a new love and respect for Beyoncé. The woman is an innovative genius, and you get to see how her mind works and how much input she has in producing this show and tour.

The work that goes into the entire production, the care she gives to her craft and performances, and

her work ethic are all showcased in the film.

She is truly one of the best performers of our generation. I attended the 10:30 p.m. late show at AMC 24 Theatre Saturday night and even though the theatre wasn’t packed, it was still a good time. Watchers were dancing in their seats, cheering on Beyoncé, and Blue Ivy, and singing all the songs.

She even dropped a new song called “My House” for the film and it’s a banger. Also, I must say Beyoncé’s vocals are outstanding and ethereal. I love the film because it shows the audience how much hard work and balance it takes to do something to this magnitude.

Since I went to the late show, there weren’t many people dressed up in their best shiny silver attire, however one lady in particular, dressed in all black with silver boots in honor of the Queen Bee herself.

Gabrielle Thompson said she has been looking forward to the

Beyoncé fan Gabrielle Thompson (above) stuns in her best silver look for the film Saturday night. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

film since it was announced.

“It’s Beyoncé. I have been a fan since Destiny’s Child and still rocking with her to this day. Renaissance has been such an iconic moment and it’s brought so many of us together after everything that has happened in the world the last few years. I’m so excited to see this film because I did go to the concert, but to see her on the big screen, it was an absolute must,” she said.

Another Beyoncé fan, James Stanley said he didn't go to the tour, but wanted to still feel what it was like.

"I wasn't able to attend the tour, but after watching the film, I truly wish I had," he said. "The film is almost three hours,, but you

are fully engulfed into this world that she created. I truly appreciate and respect the fact she gave the Queer Ballroom culture a moment and highlight. It's refreshing to see someone like Beyoncé really understand and stand up for people like us. People can truly just be themselves."

All in all, Beyoncé has done it again and as she says in the film, she has nothing left to prove.

She brought people together, made them feel safe, accepted, and most importantly, loved. I encourage everyone to go see this film while it lasts, especially if they haven’t been to the tour.

Renaissance, the album, is out on all streaming platforms and the film is in theatres now.

Page 12 • December 8-14, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Arts

ONLINE

Refuse to Lose: CAU Panthers hoops remains undefeated

It Girl: ‘Feels Like Glitter’ exhibit opens at UTA space

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

A

rtist Ariel Dannielle’S solo exhibition, "Feels Like Glitter," is now open at the UTA Artist Space. The show runs from December 1 through the new year, January 13, 2024.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Dannielle, grew up with a penchant for sketching. Her foray into art took a turn during her college years. Initially drawn towards illustration, she discovered her love for acrylic painting while taking her foundation classes at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton.

"Feels Like Glitter" draws inspiration from musician and artist Tyler the Creator's song of the same name from his album "Flower Boy”. When creating the pieces, Dannielle said she aimed to evoke feelings of joy, fun, and togetherness. “I love when people are like, ‘This just made me feel so good’. I just want my work to make people feel joyous. I just want people to leave feeling with good vibes, happy, and fun,” Dannielle told The Atlanta Voice.

The exhibit employs elements of glitter, rhinestones, and acrylic paint. "I started last December and finished this November. So, 10 paintings in a year. I'm not a fast painter," Dannielle said. The exhibit further draws influence from the works of artist Kerry James Marshall. "When I first saw his work, it just transformed the way I thought about paintings,” she said. “He had these giant unstretched paintings using mixed media and I hadn't seen that before. I didn't learn about him until after I graduated college. I just

“It Girl”, a rendition of a magazine cover, is a glitter and acrylic piece that also includes paint on canvas.

Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

stumbled upon his work at a museum and I have been obsessed ever since.”

Many of the paintings are self-portraits with Dannielle putting herself as the muse and subject of her paintings wanting to add an element of photography to the pieces, such as in her Atlanta Magazine-inspired piece, “It Girl”.

Dannielle is not the only subject however, her two younger sisters; Kennedy Smith, 26 and Kim Smith, 25, make appearances in pieces as well.

“It feels kind of surreal,” Kim said. “Seeing myself in a painting on Instagram is different from me seeing it in a gallery with like, 50 other people. I’m very honored to be in this gallery,” she said.

Kennedy said all three sisters grew up art-minded. “I grew up wanting to be a fashion designer, but I decided to do art history because I felt more focused and that I could have more control over that,” Kennedy said.

Kim took heavy influence from her art-minded older sisters. “I'm the youngest, so when I saw my older sisters doing art, I was kind of influenced by that a little bit to do something more creative. I went into writing and then I went into journalism, she said.

In addition to the paintings, Dannielle introduces a photo booth to complement the exhibit where viewers can go get their picture taken. “This show was inspired by photos and I thought wouldn’t it be cool to have a photo booth in the show,” Dannielle said.

The exhibition will be on view through January 13 at UTA Artist Space, which is located at 1401 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA.

“3...2...1,” is an acrylic and glitter canvas self-portrait of Danielle on display in the exhibition.

Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

theatlantavoice.com • December 8-14, 2023 • Page 13

Sports

ONLINE

SEC Championship: The Tide sinks the ‘Dawgs

2023 Celebration Bowl is set: Howard v FAMU

BY DONNELL SUGGS

T

he invitations for the 2023 Celebration Bowl are set. The annual HBCU championship game brings the conference champions from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) to Atlanta every year, and this year’s edition will have Howard University and Florida A&M University play for ultimate HBCU bragging rights.

The 2024 Celebration Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon.

Florida A&M (FAMU) makes its way to Atlanta after defeating Prairie View A&M 35-14 in the SWAC title game, Saturday, Dec. 2. At 11-1 overall, the Rattlers only loss came nearly three months ago during a 3824 loss to the University of South Florida in Tampa, Sept. 9. The championship is the first for FAMU since they moved to the SWAC two seasons ago after decades in the MEAC. Howard finished its regular season with a 6-5 overall record but was 4-1 in MEAC play. The only conference loss came to

Fans from across the country, representing a number of HBCUs enjoy the Celebration Bowl every year. Photo by: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

South Carolina State University, the 2021 Celebration Bowl champions, 27-24 on Nov. 4. One of those regular season victories for the Bison came against Morehouse College in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 9.

Last year’s Celebration Bowl between North Carolina Central and Jackson State University brought thousands of fans to downtown Atlanta for the game. The Celebration Bowl has occurred in Atlanta since 2015, first inside the Georgia Dome and now in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

North Carolina A&T won four of the first five championships, with Grambling State University winning the first and only title for the SWAC in 2016. South Carolina State (2021) and North Carolina Central (2022) have won the past two games, with 2020 being canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The North Carolina Central Eagles won the 2022 game over the Jackson State University Tigers in overtime 41-34 in front of a new Celebration Bowl record 49,670 fans. The year before the Tigers lost to South Carolina State University in front of a then-record 48,653 fans.

CAU welcomes new football coach Teddy Keaton

O

BY MENRA MAPFUMO

n Thursday, Nov. 30, Clark Atlanta University held a press conference at L.S. Epps Gymnasium to introduce its new head football coach Teddy Keaton.

Keaton succeeds previous Panthers head football coach Willie Slater, who had been hired two seasons ago, and interim head coach Richard Moncrief. Since his first job as an assistant coach at his alma mater Stillman College, Keaton, a 26-year veteran of the coaching profession, had held several jobs including as the head coach for two teams in the American Indoor Football Alliance.

Keaton is also no stranger to the SIAC. Before arriving at Allen University in 2018, he served as the running back coach for Miles College in 2017. Between 2018 and 2023, while at Allen University his teams recorded 18 wins and 28 losses. Their best season came this past season when he led the Yellow Jackets to a 7-3 record. One of those victories was a 35-27 score against CAU on Saturday, Oct. 7 in South Carolina.

During the press conference, Keaton reflected on that game against the Panthers, saying, “I thought they played with a lot of

On Thursday, November 30, Clark Atlanta University held a press conference on their campus at L.S. Epps Gymnasium to introduce their new head football coach Teddy Keaton (center).

Photo by Menra Mapfumo/The Atlanta Voice

competitive spirit. They came and gave us a fight,” he said. “I had to make some adjustments because they came out with a whole different game plan than we had ever seen on film.” He also made mention of the performances of Panthers players during the game such as defensive back Cameron Ivey, running back Daquon Kincey, and running back Jeremiah Gibbs.

Keaton added, “When I see that kind of fight in a team, that means they want to win.”

During his introductory comments, Keaton emphasized winning as his priority.

“Winning does not look easy at first. It is going to get messy, and you have to fall in love with the process first,” he said. “We are going to work every day to be a champion.”

Expectations are high for CAU football, according to Keaton. “Any expectations that you guys may have for this program, trust me my expectations exceed them.”

One statement Keaton wants Panthers students, fans and alumni to understand is, “This day will be the day that we turn Clark Atlanta football back into a winner,” he said.

The Panthers finished the 2023 season 0-10 and have won a combined five games during the past 3 seasons.

Page 14 • December 8-14, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Health

ONLINE

Cobb and Douglas Public Health host World AIDS Day event

Playtime with Dad: How Fathers Shape Healthy Habits in Children.

Parents play a huge role in the growth of children. The values and characteristics of moms and dads are significant in who their children become. One transfer that is not discussed enough but is big enough to make a difference is the healthy behaviors of the father Credit: istock/ProStudio

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE

P

arents play a huge role in the growth of children. The values and characteristics of moms and dads are significant in who their children become. One transfer that is not discussed enough but is big enough to make a difference is the healthy behaviors of the father. How healthy a dad and his habits are does play a role in how healthy his children become. Dr. James Muchira is an assistant professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee. He studies how cardiovascular disease is transmitted from parents to their children. In his experience, the most significant factor in outcomes is the health of the father and the habits he instills in the kids. He explains how Dads becoming active with their children today will lead to strong, healthy adults tomorrow.

“Fathers will do anything possible to ensure their kids do well financially and academically. It's also important for fathers to ensure their kids are healthy so they can enjoy the benefits of success in those spheres.

We cannot leave this to the mothers or other caregivers. Fathers must step up and play their role effectively,” said Dr. Muchira.

The American Heart Association released a report about the importance of fathers in children’s health. The report states most of the risk of chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, is not genetic; the risk comes from socioeconomic factors like where a child grows up and what they are eating, along with education. How children pick up habits is complex, but the more positive examples children see, the better habits they form into adulthood. Dr. Murchira’s research shows how parents' lifestyle choices translate to their children. He shares how fathers taking their young children out for walks will develop the joy of walking in the kids. If children see their fathers eating healthy, it will become easier for them to eat healthy.

“Model behavior has to be reinforced through reciprocity. If the father is not doing good health practices themselves, the kids will probably won't either because they will easily see what their father is doing,” said Dr. Muchira.

Dr. Muchira’s research also revealed that the offspring of fathers with bad cardiovascular health are at a higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Those children have a nine percent higher chance of getting a stroke or heart disease compared to children of a healthy father.

Fathers developing a solid bond with their children makes it easier to follow positive behaviors. According to Dr. Muchira, when a father doesn't have a strong bond with his children, they will not take him seriously when advised to exercise and eat healthily.

Informing children why they need to eat healthy and exercise will assist in fathers shaping good behaviors. Dr. Muchira explains in the report that children need to know why they are doing what they're doing. Parents who do things without the kids learning will not see the point. Fathers sharing their numbers regarding BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol with their children can illustrate why.

With the holidays quickly approaching, fathers can use this season to make active plans with their children to connect and build holiday memories. Dr. Muchira shares that kids

face environmental stressors around them, such as bullies and challenging school assignments. Exercise can be a buffer against that. Dads can turn the holiday chorus into a game or Geocaching. These activities can sometimes be more memorable than the gifts.

“We don't want to dissuade people from buying gifts. Those are important to show kids they are appreciated. In this environment, It's important to spend quality time with kids. Children are exposed to many things we don't know and will never tell us.

As an alternative to buying gifts, take them on a trip. That will help bring down their environmental stress,” said Dr. Muchira.

Above all, Fathers need to try. The report states there is no perfect parenting, but holding impossible standards and guilt regarding this matter doesn't help anyone.

"We want them to be able to enjoy life longer. It may not be possible to prevent a child from ever having heart disease, but instilling healthy values can lengthen the time they live without it,” said Dr. Muchira.

theatlantavoice.com • December 8-14, 2023 • Page 15

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