The Atlanta Voice - 2023 A Year in Review

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VOICE

Year in Review

We’re thrilled to present our 2023 Year in Review, featuring local and global stories and highlighting our digital progress. Check it out!

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2023 Year in Review

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Chick-fil-A closes its first location at Greenbriar Mall

BY STAN WASHINGTON

March 3 - 9, 2023 • Vol. 57 Issue 43 • FREE

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Heart Health

Art Imitating Life

The best way to fight heart disease in the Black community is to successfully treat risk factors and provide education.

PAGE 11

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Creative Soul Photography is a photography studio based in Atlanta that has gained national recognition for its unique blend of Black youth and positively empowering imagery. The owners of the studio had a passion for capturing kids through their lenses and noticed a gap in the market for more natural looks for Black children, who were often directed not to appear too natural during photo shoots. Creative Soul Photography became the go-to place for models and clients to be captured as they believed they are meant to be seen.

ART

Imitating Life Creative Soul Photography, an Atlanta-based photography studio, has made a name for themselves with a unique mixture of Black youth and powerfully positive imagery.

Photo provided by Creative Soul Photography

April 7 - 13, 2023 • Vol. 57 Issue 48 • FREE

BUSINESS

Connecting roots: Sophia Danner-Okotie

After 56 years, Chick-fil-A will cease operations at Greenbriar Mall in southwest Atlanta.

The closing at the city’s first shopping mall and Chick-fil-A’s first location, doesn’t necessarily mean the declining mall is about to close. It’s more of a corporate strategy to move out declining malls across the country.

With the growth of shopping malls starting in the late 1960s through the mid-90s, Chick-fil-A, who pioneered the fast food restaurant in malls, experienced tremendous growth during those years and became a household name in the southeast.

When the restaurant opened its first store in 1967 at Greenbriar Mall the Ben Hill community was still predominantly white and was just at the beginning of the white flight to the suburbs.

In less than a decade the demographics has changed over to mostly middle class blacks, that did not affect the sales of the store. The store continued to have respectful sales to this day.

Seeing the slowing growth of shopping malls during the decade of the 1980s, the company opened its first stand-alone store in 1986 on North Druid Hills in Atlanta. The advantages were immediate.

Having free standing stores meant

After 56 years, Chick-fil-A will cease operations at Greenbriar Mall in southwest Atlanta. Photo by Stan Washington/ The Atlanta Voice

the company had more control over its hours. Most malls opened by 10 a.m. and closed by 9 p.m. except during the Christmas shopping season. Now the stores could open earlier for breakfast, stay open until 10 p.m. and they could add a drive-thru like their burger competitors - McDonald’s and Burger King.

Greenbriar had shortened its hours after the pandemic to 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Two weeks ago the store posted a sign letting customers know that after

Saturday, May 20 the curtain comes down on this historic location. It asks its customers to either go to the location at Camp Creek Marketplace or on Cascade Road.

The closing of the restaurant follows the closing of another long standing restaurant in Captain D’s which had a stand-alone store out front of the mall.

The closure of the Greenbriar location will be followed with the opening of a new location at the busy intersec-

tion of Boulevard and Ponce de Leon Avenue, next door to the Popeye’s Chicken.

Chick-fil-A Milestones (Source: Chick-fil-A) 1946 - Truett Cathy opens his original diner, the Dwarf Grill, in the Atlanta suburb of Hapeville (later renamed Dwarf House®) 1964 - After testing out hundreds of recipes, Truett Cathy created the recipe for the original chicken sandwich

with two pickles on a toasted butter bun in 1964.

1967 - Truett Cathy pioneers in-mall dining with the opening of the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Greenbriar Mall.

1973 - Truett Cathy establishes the Team member Scholarship program to encourage employees to further their education.

1977 - Chick-filA introduces freshly squeezed lemonade.

1982 - Chick-fil-A becomes the first restaurant chain to sell chicken nuggets nationally.

1985 - Waffle Potato Fries are introduced.

1986 - The first stand-alone restaurant opens on North Druid Hills Road in Atlanta.

The first breakfast item is introduced, the Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit.

1989 - Chargrilled chicken sandwich is introduced.

1995 - Chick-n-strips are introduced.

1996 - Chick-fil-A begins its longtime sponsorship of the Peach Bowl.

2006 - Handspun milkshakes and the spicy chicken sandwich are introduced.

2006 - System wide sales surpasses $2 billion.

2014 - Founder Truett Cathy passes away at the age of 93.

MARTA holds in-person public exchange, discussion

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON The Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors held an in-person public hearing and community exchange Tuesday at the DeKalb County Public Library to consider the proposed fiscal year 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets.

During the public hearing, citizens voiced their concerns to the MARTA board regarding the proposed budget and any other MARTA-related comments.

Proud MARTA user Apostle Lazarus said although he appreciates MARTA and all their hard work, he wishes he had a greater chance to review the budget outside of the meeting.

“I came tonight thinking I’d have a greater chance to review the budget,

but I wish there were more available documents that we could take with us such as highlights of the budget and the presentation,” he said. “I think the time frame works well, I am going to trust the process, but just make things more available. I appreciate the sign language person here, but a lot of us are visually impaired, so large print material would help.”

Additionally, Lazarus said MARTA should focus more on providing excellence to services such as customer service, delivering capital programs, and strengthening the MARTA brand.

“In the budget, it says $93.5 million is going to the capital and $2.6 million for station cleaning. We really need to look at this, our stations are deplorable. I’ve told Collie Greenwood

and others that trash at the stations is deplorable,” he said. “There’s a motto going around saying, ‘Keep MARTA clean’, we must get it clean first.

We can divert some of those monies from all the Lindbergh staff into really keeping our stations, buses, and trains clean.”

Budgetarily, Lazarus said, there needs to be more money for the MARTA police.

“I was surprised to see there were over 400 officers because I use it every day, but not a day goes by where I see more than five, and many days during the pandemic, I didn’t see any, so where are they and what are they doing,” he said. “I looked at the strategic priorities, and I agree, you are demonstrating fiscal responsibility.

You are paid to do that, or we would send you to get orange jackets and what not. I do trust that this is happening from the board and staff.”

Member of the Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses Delton Hansberry said he wants improvements made soon regarding MARTA after incidents of being denied access to the handicap access disability entrance.

“As you can see, I am disabled, so I am forced to represent a certain segment of our community that appears to not be given proper services,” he said. “Sometimes we have been accused of not being involved in the community. I’ve said over the years, they need more diversity with MARTA Mobility. People of Caucasian descent, Asian descent, and other de-

scents so that there’s a diversity in the level of services. I believe there needs to be more of a compliance of constitutional freedom and amenities.”

Hansberry also said he believes the expansion of projects and access to stations in Clayton and Fulton County needs to be improved.

“It’s a shame that Fulton County experienced no service for a couple of years, so I hope they pursue these things soon," he said.

Proposed MARTA 2024 Operating and Capital Budgets: • Operating Revenues: $632.4 million • Total Sales Tax: $347.6 million • Title Ad Valorem Tax: $34.5 million

See MARTA on page 11

Chick-fil-A closes its first location at Greenbriar Mall Chick-fil-A, which opened its doors at the Greenbriar Mall in Southwest Atlanta 56 years ago, announced that it was shutting down its operations at the location. The fast-food chain's first-ever store was opened in 1967 at the same mall. The Ben Hill community, where the mall is situated, was predominantly white at the time of its opening. However, the demographics shifted to mostly middle-class blacks in less than a decade, which did not affect the store's sales. Despite the changing demographics, the store continued to generate respectable sales until its recent closure in May.

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Groundbreaker

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GROUNDBREAKER Jonesboro elects first Black mayor

theatlantavoice.com • May 5 - 11, 2023 • Page 3

Metro

Midtown mass shooting suspect caught in Cobb after killing 1, injuring 4

BY DONNELL SUGGS

In the 164-year history of Jonesboro, there has never been a Black leader at City Hall. Although there have been Black police chiefs and Black city council members, the position of mayor has never been held by a Black person. This has changed now, as Dr. Donya L. Sartor has become the first Black mayor of Jonesboro.

Midtown Atlanta was under siege Wednesday afternoon following a mass shooting at Northside Family Medicine and Urgent Care (1110 W Peachtree St NW Suite 200) where one woman was killed and four others were injured. Deion Patterson, a 24-year-old Black male, was the shooter.

Patterson was captured around 8 p.m. in an apartment complex in Cobb County not far from The Battery. The shooting took place at 12:08 p.m., according to Atlanta Police Department (APD) representatives.

During a press conference at APD headquarters, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens thanked the citizens of Fulton and Cobb counties for “keeping calm” and “providing information to law enforcement.”

Midtown Atlanta was immediately placed under lockdown, including Midtown High School, which is less than two miles from the location of the shooting. All five shooting victims were female, including the 39-year-old who was killed.

The other victims, whose names were not released at the time of this story, are 25, 39, 56 and 71 years of age.

INSIDE THE ISSUE:

Consumer Alerts

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

Be sure to check out this Month Consumers Alert

AROUND TOWN

Dr. Donya L. Sartor made history last month as the first Black mayor of the city of Jonesboro. “I’m proud of how we won,” she said. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

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Law and Order

Law & Order Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis indicted 19 people on 41 felony counts related to the attempt to overturn the results in Georgia during the 2020 presidential election.

Former United States President Donald J. Trump, former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani, Mark Meadows, Trump-appointed lawyers, and everyone else listed in the indictment were charged under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (center) addresses the media close to midnight, Monday, August 14, following the filing of indictments against 19 people, including the former President of the United States Donald J. Trump. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

A mass shooting took place in Midtown at Northside Family Medicine and Urgent Care Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Deion Patterson, a 24-year-old Black male is the suspect. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta Airport service workers demands Delta, City of Atlanta for higher wages to at least $15/hr

August 18 - August 24, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 15 • FREE

PAGE 7

Hours before Dickens met with the media near the site of the shooting to update the public on the status of the victims and Patterson, who remains at large. Dickens asked the public to "Please do not approach [Patterson], but do call 911" if they see him.

"We are working together with several law enforcement agencies from across the state," Dickens said. Along with the APD, MARTA Police, Fulton County Police, Fulton County Sheriff's Department, Georgia State Patrol and Cobb County Police Department are involved in the search.

Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum also spoke to the media about the continued efforts to find and arrest Patterson.

"This is an urban environment so it does present challenges," Schierbaum said of the difficulty of finding a suspect in a busy part of the city.

Traffic in Midtown along Spring and West Peachtree streets was blocked off for hours.

Patterson has a prior criminal record. He was charged with drug offenses in Henry County in 2015 and probation violations in 2017.

Service workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport rallied on Monday to demand an increase in living wages for the very workers who help keep the nation’s busiest airport safe, clean, and running.

In honor of May Day, a national celebration of labor rights, service workers are calling directly on Delta Air Lines and the City of Atlanta to address high staff turnover at the airport and stabilize the majority Black airport service workforce.

Airport service workers organized with the SEIU Workers United Southern Region, nonunion workers, and other union leaders to voice their demands for at least $15/hr.

ATL is the second largest employer in the South and is a major travel hub for Delta, which effectively sets the rates of pay for airport service workers. Last year, Delta effectively raised ATL service workers’ wages to just $12/hr while raking in $50.6 billion in 2022.

Fed up with the status quo fueled by corporate greed, ATL service workers are rising to reject business as usual and ensure they are respected, protected, and paid.

SEIU Workers United Florida Georgia Di-

Yvonne Bryant recently took the workers’ demands to Capitol Hill, joining Senator Ed Markey and Representative Jesús “Chuy” García to announce the reintroduction of the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

rector Mark Wilkerson said although they fought to increase wages to $12 last year, it simply isn’t enough.

“Enough of exploiting these workers like they’re nothing,” Wilkerson said. “It’s time for us to sit at a table and try to get something done for these folks. We’re trying to bring attention to this. Atlantans need to be upset about this. The people of Atlanta should not sit back and allow this type of thing to happen.”

Wilkerson also said they hope to gain support from the community through the rally.

“At the end of the day, we just want what’s best for these airport workers and that’s for them to get a wage increase for the next two to three years,” he said. “We aren’t telling the community to boycott anything, but the community can help by calling the city council in Atlanta, reach out to the Mayor of Atlanta, and let them know you are watching this and are concerned.”

Monday’s rally comes as airport service workers nationwide have been raising their voices, demanding unions for all and federal wage and benefit standards. ATL service workers Yvonne Bryant and Rio Bryant recently took their demands to Capitol Hill,

joining Senator Ed Markey and Representative Jesús “Chuy” García to announce the reintroduction of the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act. The legislation would help stabilize the air travel industry by ensuring airport service jobs are good jobs that put workers on a path to a livable wage with benefits like affordable healthcare and paid sick leave. From coast to coast, airport service workers are urging Congress to act and pass the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act wage and benefit standards as part of the FAA Reauthorization.

“I love helping people and the people I work with at the airport, they need more money for the jobs that they do because this airport and the company they work for put more work on them and they’re not getting their wages for the work that they are doing,” Yvonne said.

“They’re also not getting treated fairly, some of the supervisors don’t respect the workers, will talk to you in any kind of way, just so disrespectful a lot of times. We’re having a hard time feeding our families.”

Yvonne also said the importance of the rally is to make people aware of what’s going on.

“Hopefully this gets people to support and stand behind us,” she said.

Mass Shooting The Atlanta Voice was on scene during the manhunt of a mass shooter at Northside Family Medicine and Urgent Care in Midtown Atlanta. The suspect was eventually caught in north Atlanta later that night.

theatlantavoice.com • December 29, 2023-January 4, 2024 • Page 7

2023 Year in Review www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 57 Issue 40 • FREE

THE ATLANTA June 9-15, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 5 • FREE

FEBRUARY 10, 2023

INSIDE

Homeownership Supplement - The Keys to Owning Your Own Home PAGE 7

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Cop City 11, The People 4

| Page 2

Hundreds of people protest during an Atlanta City Council meeting regarding whether to approve public funding for the construction of a proposed police and firefighter training center on Monday, June 5, 2023. Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice

Kamala Talks Climate

Kamala Harris visits Atlanta to

TALK CLIMATE Clean water is a right, not a privilege: VP Harris has climate issues top of mind

Cop City On June 5, 2023, a large number of protesters gathered during an Atlanta City Council meeting to express their opposition to the approval of public funding for the construction of a proposed police and firefighter training center. The public comment session lasted for almost 15 hours, and the vote took place at 5:30 am.

Finally, the Atlanta City Council voted 11-4 in favor of allocating $30 million in city funds to complete the construction of the new public safety center.

www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 57 Issue 35 • FREE

THE ATLANTA

JANUARY 6, 2023

METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice

Coffee.

Black.

A day after standing behind the president as he gave the annual State of the Union address, United States Vice President Kamala Harris was front and center in Atlanta to moderate a conversation on the Biden Administration’s historic investments towards the ongoing climate crisis and the creation of jobs and opportunities in that space.

| Page 2

Harris, the first Black and female Vice President in United States history, spoke of climate issues and how the government is working to solve those issues while creating jobs in that space. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice

www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 57 Issue 41 • FREE

THE ATLANTA

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| Page 2

Representation matters in the classroom. The Atlanta Voice spoke with a couple of Black male educators for this special report who feel it is missing the most from a lack of Black men in the school systems in Georgia and around the country. According to the United States Department of Education, only 7% of teachers are Black, while only 2% are Black men.

Black male educators are one of the very few professional positions that are not growing in both number of participants and salary. Less than 2% of Black educators in the United States are Black men. Photo: iStock

The best Black-owned coffee shops in Atlanta | Page 8-9

July 28-August 3, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 17 • FREE

INSIDE THE ISSUE:

IMAN Atlanta fights for full restoration of voting rights to Georgia’s formerly incarcerated people PAGE 9

AROUND TOWN

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The coffee industry is popular in major cities all over the country and that includes in Atlanta where a number of Black-owned coffee shops like Gilly Brew Bar (above) serve a thirsty public. Photo by King Williams/The Atlanta Voice

Firm Foundation

Coffee. Black The coffee scene in Metro Atlanta is rapidly expanding with new coffee ventures from Black entrepreneurs who are breaking new ground in a predominantly white space. The new Black Atlanta coffee scene is a fusion of tradition and modernism, with a mix of traditional East African venues and bespoke and experimental shops that challenge the norms set by national coffee chains. If Atlanta is a trendsetter in everything, then coffee should be added to that list. In this list, we will highlight the top five coffee shops in the metro area, as well as the key players to watch out for in the Black Atlanta coffee scene.

For the past 52 years Thomas, Kennedy, Sampson & Tompkins (TKST), the longest-running Black-owned law firm in Georgia, has defended individual citizens and local businesses in cases both big and small. The mission has always been to “represent our people.” .”

Firm Foundation Caption: Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins is the oldest and longest running Black-owned law form in the state of Georgia. Pictured (left to right) are the partners: Thomas G. Sampson II, Thomas G. Sampson, Sr. and Jeffrey E. Tompkins. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

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2023 Year in Review

Page 8 • May 26-June 1, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

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Georgia Legislative Black Caucus renews fight to bring much-needed support for Black farmers

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 15

Maynard Jackson Elected Mayor 50 Years Ago - 1973

BY ITORO UMONTUEN

Remembering Maynard

BY VALERIE RICHARDSON JACKSON

I Georgia’s Largest Circulated Black Newspaper October 20, 1973

25 Cents

Photo provided by the Jackson family.

Excerpts from the March 17, 1973 and March 24, 1973 edition of The Atlanta Voice two part series titled “If I Were Mayor”, an exclusive interview with then Vice Mayor Maynard Jackson.

Reported by Bill Cutler and photographed

By Edmnd Marshal.

https.com/image/519919222 ://www.news papers .com/image/519919222 .news papers

n 1968, Maynard Jackson wedged his fourteen and a half size shoe into the door of politics and dared to challenge Herman Talmadge for the U.S. Senate seat.

Although he lost the state, he did carry Atlanta and discovered his most important purpose in life. On October 16,1973 Maynard became the first black mayor of Atlanta.

In his first inaugural address Maynard spoke of Atlanta under new leadership.

He emphasized all Atlanta, black and white, rich and poor, could and must work together in a new union. Full citizen participation would be the reality of his administration. He quoted Mayor Hartsfield “Atlanta is a city too busy to hate“, but he questioned whether we were a city “too busy to love”. Too busy to act on complicated issues; just talking the talk, not walking the walk. Maynard did more than talk. His mentor, Benjamin E. Mays said, “If you believe in something, you must act on it; if you don’t act on it, it’s not a belief, it’s just an opinion”. In that first inaugural speech, Maynard defined love as “action”. He believed love should include "the Book, the Ballot and the Buck"; education, voting, and access to economic opportunities. He proved it could be done and the city could still be successful. Actually, he proved that it had to be done if we were to be successful. Facing exaggerated fears of whites and exaggerated expectations of blacks, he knew we needed a different model to serve our city based on a new political vision, the politics of inclusion. Not to diminish white Atlanta, but to take Atlanta to a position of racial and economic fairness.

Most of what Maynard "believed" came to pass. Before he took office, in a city that was 51% black, less than one half of one percent of city contracts went to minorities. Before he left, it was over 35%, creating an airport that became the nation’s model for cities, states and federal government for minorities and women in business. He had laid the groundwork for a great international city that would host the '96 Olympics. Other impactful initiatives included Neighborhood Planning Units, allowing them a voice in their future, and the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, providing food for the soul, like the Atlanta Jazz festival, one of the country's largest, free music festivals.

Mayor Maynard Jackson and wife Valerie Richardson Jackson.

Several years after Maynard passed, an elderly man ran up to me in the airport, gushing with praise for Maynard enabling small black businesses at the airport. "Before your husband became mayor, I was just a "shoeshine boy" but he made it possible for me to become a "businessman". Not only was this man able to compete for the shoeshine business, his dignity and self respect were enhanced.

In Maynard's first term, he would hold "People's Day", a day citizens were invited to visit the mayor, without appointment, to share their concerns

The Atlanta Voice Georgia) · Sat, Mar ·17, 1973 Page The (Atlanta, Atlanta Voice (Atlanta, Georgia) Sat, Mar ·17, 19732 · Page 2

Tuesday night in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Biltmore Hotel, Maynard Jackson stands victorious at being elected Mayor of the City of Atlanta. With him is his wife, Bonnie. Mayor Jackson has the distinction of being the first Black elected Mayor of a major Southern City. Photo by Ron Loving

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

Downloaded Oct 9, 2023 Downloaded on Oct 9, on 2023

theatlantavoice.com • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • Page 17

Paul A. Copeland of Living Waters Farms speaks during a property tour on Monday, May 15, 2023 in Mancherster, Georgia.

Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

M

Page 16 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

THE ATLANTA

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or questions. Once an elderly woman waited patiently for her turn to enter Maynard's office. Once inside, Maynard asked her "What can I do for you today, ma'am?" After a moment, she said "Nothing". "I just wanted to see how it looked to have a black mayor in that seat". Maynard laughed and asked, "Well, how do I look?" She answered, "Fine. You look just fine".

Maynard and I met midway through his first term. Because of my community work in Richmond, Va. and my corporate marketing experience in New York, he often asked my advice

Photo provided by the Jackson family.

on issues, like the sanitation workers strike and whether to run in '76 for Andrew Young's seat in Congress (after he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.). I advised "No" on running for Congress, saying he had made a commitment to Atlanta and needed to fulfill it as long as possible, given how hard he and his supporters had worked for him to be elected. After we were married, I became an informal "Advisor to the Mayor's office of Economic Development", once obtaining a commitment from the Minister of Industries in Lagos, Nigeria for a trade delegation between the two sister cities.

Our pillow talk often consisted of politics. I believe Maynard's purpose in life was to be a "Statesman", a skilled, experienced, and respected politician.

I believe much of my purpose was to help enable him to be so.

Atlanta, inevitably, was destined for a black mayor. Thank goodness the first one was a profound model of integrity, vision, brilliance and determination. One who set a high bar for all future mayors; one who was eulogized by U.S. Presidents Carter and Clinton. Maynard was a man of dignity, full of humor, joy, love and romance....which is what I personally miss most about him.

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

Page 18 • October 13 - October 19, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Below are excerpts from the March 17, 1973 and March 24, 1973 edition of The Atlanta Voice two part series titled “If I Were Mayor”, an exclusive interview with then Vice Mayor Maynard Jackson. Reported by Bill Cutler and photographed by Edmund Marshall.

Mayor Maynard Jackson and Arthur Ashe, 1974. Photo provided by the Jackson family. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

onday morning, members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) toured three Black-family owned farms in and around middle Georgia. In addition to the tours, the GLBC conducted roundtable discussion along with the Agriculture Department at Fort Valley State University, a land grant HBCU which was founded in 1895. Among those on the tour are farmers that currently raise cattle and produce hemp.

The goal of the tour was not solely about learning the economics of farming, but the role Black-owned farms play in creating jobs while simultaneously protecting the legacies of Black-family owned farms and ensuring their long-term futures.

Currently, one out of seven Georgians right now work in the agriculture industry. The farm-totable movement has taken hold among Georgia’s consumers. How so? The agriculture industry contributes approximately $69.4 billion annually to Georgia’s economy, according to the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development. Additionally, the total farm gate value was $14.69 billion in 2021 according to a report compiled by UGA. And yet, Black farmers in Georgia continue to fight an uphill battle for equity, quality investment, and market share in a state where entrepreneurship is not only praised but often highly encouraged.

The first farm on the tour was the Bugg Family Farm. With more than 230 acres, Addis Bugg Jr told everyone the farm has been in the family for five generations since 1879. The farm raises cattle while growing muscadines, berries, apples, kale, sweet onions and even watermelons. During the tour, Bugg Jr explained how his father, Cornelius Bugg, had difficulties in getting loans and the impacts it currently has with his stewardship

of the farm.

“I can tell you a lot of stories growing up where my dad did go into town to try to apply for loans,” Bugg Jr said. “He was denied and denied and denied. There’s not one time that I went into town and got a loan for anything to advance the farm. I rather slow-walk it. So that’s why I say we could be much further. I don’t know if the farm is producing enough to even justify going to get a $300,000 loan and advance ourselves with new equipment. We are just slow-walking it right now.”

Bugg Jr said he would love to build a meat processing center in order to not only sell his cattle, but also be able to sell the meat to prospective buyers while creating a farm-to-table model that would better sustain his farm and allow the family to invest for much-needed resources.

Handy Kennedy Jr of AgriUnity speaks during a tour of the Bugg Family Farm on Monday, May 15, 2023 at Pine Mountain, Georgia. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Black farm ownership has dropped 90% in the 20th Century due to discriminatory lending practices from governmental agencies that have denied struggling

farmers access to low-interest loans and grants. In 2022, farmers of color were half as likely as white farmers to have subsidized loan applications approved.

“These farmers are often denied for having low or no credit score, despite the USDA being considered the “lender of last resort” for producers who cannot get credit elsewhere,” said Georgia State Representative Carl Gilliard, in a statement. “The limited options for building credit puts Black family farms at severe risk of foreclosure, threatening a key economic engine that keeps rural communities of color afloat.”

The second farm the GLBC visited was the Living Waters Farms in Manchester. The farm is owned and managed by Jo and Paul Copeland and has more than 300 acres spread out over two properties.

Copeland raises select angus and sim-angus cattle. He’s also harvesting hay and growing different kinds of grass. Paul Copeland told

See FARMERS on page 9

Black Farmers The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) recently conducted a tour of three farms owned by Black families in and around middle Georgia. Along with the tours, the GLBC held roundtable discussions with the Agriculture Department at Fort Valley State University, which is a land grant HBCU established in 1895. Farmers raising cattle and producing hemp were among those who participated in the tour. The primary goal of the tour was not just to learn about the economics of farming but also to emphasize the vital role played

by Black-owned farms in creating job opportunities while safeguarding the legacies of Black-family-owned farms and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

March 31 - April 6, 2023 • Vol. 57 Issue 47 • FREE

EDUCATION

Disney Dreamers Academy celebrates its 16th year!

PAGE 8

ABOVE: This article is an exerpt from the July 19, 2003, edition of The Atlanta Voice

AROUND TOWN

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Mayor Maynard Jackson, 1979.

Photo provided by the Jackson family.

Mayor Maynard Jackson, Atlanta City Hall, 1976. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

Mayor Maynard Jackson and Jon Ossoff, 1989. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

Fifty years ago, on October 16, 1973, Maynard Jackson was elected the first African-American mayor of the City of Atlanta. The Atlanta Voice is proud to present in pictures and dialog with Jackson leading up to and following this historical event in Atlanta. Accessing our archives through Newspapers.com lets us share our history in real-time. The Atlanta Voice continues to chronicle our community’s challenges, achievements, and everyday life. It is our DNA to do.

Your loyal support has enabled us to do so for 58 years and counting. As a non-profit newsroom, we could not exist without you. Thanks, and with your continued support, we will be here for 58 years. The Atlanta Voice serves the African-American community, giving voice to the voiceless without fear or favor, with honesty, integrity, and truth.

This article is an exerpt from the October 24, 1998, edition of The Atlanta Voice Maynard Jackson awarded Best Individual Oral Argument at the National Moot Court Competition, 1963. Photo provided by the Jackson family.

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

‘THIS IS INTENTIONAL’

SPECIAL SECTION CELEBRATING ATLANTA’S FIRST BLACK MAYOR

Mayor’s 40-member task force looks like Atlanta and that was the plan

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivers the State of the City address on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Dickens recently announced the 40-member task for the South River Forest and Public Safety Training Center Community Task Force. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

An Atlanta Legend Copyright © 2023 News papers .com. All Rights Res erved.

2023 News papers .com. All Rights Res erved.

October 16, 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the election of Maynard H. Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor. We commemorated this time in history with coverage in our paper, on our social media platforms, and on our website, we also collaborated with Grady Baby Co. in creating a limited-edition t-shirt of the front page of The Atlanta Voice announcing his victory. This shirt is available to purchase on our website.

June 30-July 6, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 8 • FREE

INSIDE THE ISSUE Verizon Surprises Blackowned Doll Company with $10K Grant PAGE 7

AROUND TOWN

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Child Murders Between 1979-1981, 30 young victims were slain in what is now known as the “Atlanta Child Murders”. To honor them, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, then-Mayor Kiesha Lance Bottoms, victims’ families, and other vital people dedicated a memorial to those who were lost.

Gone But Not Forgotten Atlanta Mayors Keisha Lance Bottoms (left) and Andre Dickens stand vigil at the new memorial for Atlanta’s missing and murdered children Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

This is intentional The task force, established by Dickens, is composed of 40 members who represent the diverse population of the city. The team was created to gather input on how to use almost 400 acres of land in DeKalb County. Of these, only 85 acres will be allocated to a law enforcement training facility, as stated in documents shared by the City of Atlanta with The Atlanta Voice. The remaining land will be utilized to benefit the citizens of Fulton County. The initial purpose of the task force was to address the need for additional law enforcement training following the tragic death of Rayshard Brooks at the hands of Atlanta Police Department officers. However, the project has become a point of contention for protesters, including many who do not reside in Atlanta.

The task force is now made up of community members from various backgrounds, including clergy, local business owners, activists, environmentalists, college and university professors, as well as individuals from the LGBTQ+ and different racial and age groups.

theatlantavoice.com • December 29, 2023-January 4, 2024 • Page 9

2023 Year in Review

National July 14-, July 20 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 10 • FREE

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Watch our Instagram stories @theatlantavoice

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PAGE 7

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www.theatlantavoice.com

January 13 - 19, 2023

7

GEORGIA BULLDOGS 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

GO

S G W DA Photo by Itoro Umontuen/ The Atlanta Voice

Black Mayors Tackle Local Issues Page 6

Alphonso David, President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, is joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Cleveland (Ohio) Mayor Justin M. Bibb, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, The Reverend Al Sharpton and Chair of the National Urban League, Marc H. Morial, at the Global Black Economic Forum on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Black Mayors America’s leading Black mayors from cities across the country participated in discussions on the biggest issues in each city and the political effects from their decisions at the Global Black Economic Forum at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Georgia Bulldogs Georgia has won the national championship in college football for the second consecutive year. They defeated Texas Christian University (TCU) by a score of 65-7 during the game held in Los Angeles. Despite the game being played outside of their home stadium, the Bulldogs played with the same intensity as a regular season game and secured another championship title.

Page 8 • September 1-7, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

National

ONLINE

Congressional Black Caucus confronts ongoing assault on Black Rights.

Read online at www.theatlantavoice.com

60 years later the March on Washington continues

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took on a new theme this year, its 60th anniversary. This year’s march was about continuing the mission of the original march that took place Aug. 28, 1963. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

BY DONNELL SUGGS WASHINGTON, D.C.-The 60th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom took place two days before the actual anniversary which was August 28, 1963.

This year's march was always going to be a bit different anyway with all of the social media, print, digital and television media on hand, and diversity of speakers set to be a part of the annual affair. In 1963 there was only one female speaker, this year the female speakers outnumbered their male counterparts.

From Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) to Planned Parenthood President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson to singer/actress Melba Moore, who used her time in front of thousands gathered on the National Mall to sing a melody of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and Swing Low Sweet Chariot," the female voice of the march was heard loud and clear.

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) President Shavon Arline-Bradley talked about being able to speak for the Black women that did not get the opportunity to do so at the first march. "60 years later we now have women in-

volved," said Arline-Bradley, who added that the issues Black people were fighting for 60 years ago are still up for debate.

People from all over the county journeyed to D.C. to take part in the march.

Lajuane Pleasant, 62, came from Phoenix, Arizona to “see and feel the vibe,” she said. Dressed in a black National Action Network t-shirt, white shorts and sunglasses, Pleasant added, “I want to feel the energy and experience the love.”

Wanda Farmer, in town for the march from nearby Baltimore, Maryland, waved a pair of signs that read, "Hatred Must Die, Kill It Now" and "Last Drop. Stop. Stop." The later sign was about gun violence. Farmer said she didn't think she had enough hands to hold the amount of signs she really wanted to bring with her to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. She also added that she came to the March on Washington to "obliterate hatred.

Attorney J. Wyndal Gordon, the vice president of the National Bar Association (right) brought his eight-year-old son Jansen to the march. Having woke up at 4 a.m. for the 40plus mile drive south on Interstate 95, Jansen was still sleepy

around 8 a.m. when the invited speakers started making their way to the podium. asked why he brought Jansen to the march Gordon said, "we're here because it's represents what took place in 1963 and to re-energize our base because not much has changed since then."

Another father brought his daughter and granddaughter with him to commemorate the event. William “Bill” High, 87, came from Las Vegas and met his adult daughter, Nora Wright, and granddaughter, Chantel Wright, in Washington earlier that day. High, then only in his second year as a member of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), was part of a security detail stationed on the steps of the LIncoln Memorial. “I was a young man back then,” said High with a laugh. “There were a lot more people here than there are today. This march should motivate us.” The author of a book on his career with the FDNY, “My Real Black Fire,” High remembers the immediate aftermath following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's speech.

“It was a beam to where we needed to go,” he said.

See MARCH on page 9

March on Washington The 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, with this year's theme being "Not a Commemoration, but a Continuation" represents a continued commitment to the original mission of the historic event that took place on August 28th, 1963.

Congressional Black Caucus At the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, the Congressional Black Caucus's 52nd Annual Legislative Conference saw thought leaders tackle critical issues facing Black Americans. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock referred to this year's conference as a "family reunion" and "a call to action fortified by thought-provoking discussion.”.

Page 10 • December 29, 2023-January 4, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

2023 Year in Review

International Cali, Colombia

I

saiah Singleton, a general assignment reporter for The Atlanta Voice, accompanied the Russell Innovative Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) on their inaugural trade mission. The mission connected Afro-American entrepreneurs from Atlanta with Afro-Colombian businesses and leaders. The week-long mission took 20 Black metro Atlanta entrepreneurs to Cali, Colombia from Aug. 13 to Aug. 20. The mission was a collaboration between the Atlanta Black Chambers, City of Atlanta, and ProColombia. It aimed to boost economic development, foster relationships, and provide global opportunities for international investment in Colombia.

Page 10 • September 1-7, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

International

WATCH AND SUBSCRIBE @AtlantaVoice

Atlanta to Colombia: Afro business communities unite in Colombia

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

CALI, Colombia - The Russell Innovative Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) embarked on the first ever trade mission that connected Afro-American entrepreneurs from Atlanta with Afro-Colombian businesses and leaders.

RICE took 20 Black metro Atlanta entrepreneurs to Cali, Colombia to participate in a monumental mission for one week on Aug. 13 through Aug. 20.

In collaboration with the Atlanta Black Chambers, City of Atlanta and ProColombia, the mission was created to enhance economic development, relationships, and global opportunities for international investment into Colombia.

"Embracing the spirit of Atlanta's resilient Black businesses, we venture beyond borders to Colombia, driven by a shared vision of access, opportunity, and advancing business acumen, " said Jay Bailey, president & CEO of RICE. “Just as our roots grow deep in the rich Southern soil, so shall our collaborations flourish on international grounds. Through this journey, we transcend barriers, turning cultural diversity into a wellspring of innovation, forging connections that enrich both sides of the equator.”

Also, ProColombia, according to the organization’s President Carmen Caballero, works thoroughly to show the beauty of Colombia and their territories internationally.

“We were pleased to welcome this trade mission in Cali and the Pacific region to show the participants our diversified exports and our unmatched investment opportunities,” Caballero said. “Colombia is the third most populous country in Latin America and has a dynamic internal market, making it the region's fourth-largest economy. Undoubtedly, this trip has been a milestone in our relations with the United States”.

Additionally, The Atlanta Voice was invited on the trade mission to get an in-person look at how RICE wants to expand, Afro-Colombian culture, and more.

Why Cali?

Santiago de Cali is the capital city of Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region. Its population totals around 2.4 million citizens, making Cali the third-largest city in the nation. It is the only region in the country with a network of seven intermediate cities with populations between 150,000 - 400,000 inhabitants.

Thanks to its strategic position within Co-

On Aug. 16, the Colombia Pacific Experience Center received the Trade Show of different entrepreneurs from Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño and a commission of businessmen from the Atlanta Black Chambers, in an event led by ProColombia in support with RAP Pacífico, Valle del Cauca Government, Cali Mayor’s Office, Cali Chamber of Commerce, ValleINN Fund, ICESI University, and ProPacífico. Photos by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice lombia, Valle del Cauca is the best location to serve the Colombian ‘Golden Triangle’ market (area between Medellín, Bogotá and Cali), which represents 67% of the GDP and 61% of the population.

Valle del Cauca is one of the most industrialized regions in the country, including over 180 foreign companies from diverse sectors are established in the region. They contribute nearly 37% of the region's exports and 12% of its domestic GDP. There are also more than 430 local companies, and hundreds of other small–to medium-size enterprises. It sustains the nation’s most diversified export basket, exporting 12.2% of the country’s non-mining goods.

“Cali was selected as a hub for this initiative due to its vibrant Afro culture, rich biodiversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Its unique blend of heritage and innovation aligns harmoniously with Atlanta's values, making it an ideal partner for this historic venture,” said Colom-

bia’s Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable Ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo.

The significance of the Colombia trade mission is to develop and foster relationships that position Atlanta as a global hub for commerce, innovation, culture and diplomacy.

Why is this a monumental trade mission?

According to Murillo, the trade mission to Cali and Colombia’s Pacific region originated from recognizing remarkable parallels between two geographically distant, yet culturally akin regions: The Pacific region and Atlanta.

“This is indeed a monumental effort by public and private business organizations both in Colombia and in the United States,” said Murillo. “The shared values of innovation, diversity, and resilience served as the catalyst for this endeavor. This mission is crucial to harness the strengths of both regions, foster collaboration beyond trade, and emphasize our collective commitment to growth and development.”

Expanding Cali’s Afro culture, communities, and businesses to the U.S. and reciprocally, Murillo said, holds “profound significance”.

“It enriches both sides culturally, economically, and socially. This exchange promotes cross-cultural understanding, empowers our communities, and facilitates economic progress through diverse perspectives and innovative collaborations,” he said.

Additionally, Murillo said the event is described as “monumental” because this event is historic due to its unprecedented nature.

“It brings together Cali and Colombia's vast pacific region with Atlanta. These regions are seemingly distant but deeply connected by SCAN TO DONATE shared values and aspirations.

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HWPL brings the world to Seoul for peace talks, plans MEET OUR STAFF

N

oah Washington, a freelance reporter for The Atlanta Voice, recently traveled to Seoul, South Korea to attend the World Peace Summit. The summit, which was hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and its chairman Lee Man Hee, brought together various organizations, religious leaders, and journalists from around the world. One of the events at the summit was the Atlanta Conflict Resolution Roundtable discussion, which was hosted by the International Law Department of HWPL in Georgia. Elizabeth Doyne, the General Director of International Law at the HWPL Atlanta branch, moderated the roundtable, where participants discussed various aspects of conflict resolution and the promotion of peace in the state. The discussion focused on peace education and the role of the media.

SCAN TO VIEW

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

S

EOUL, South Korea - HWPL’s World Peace Summit had a particular local focus when the Atlanta Conflict Resolution Roundtable discussion took place earlier this week. The roundtable discussion was hosted by the International Law Department of HWPL which is located in Georgia. The discussion was moderated by General Director of International Law of the HWPL Atlanta branch, Elizabeth Doyne. Participants gathered to explore the multifaceted aspects of conflict resolution and the promotion of peace in the state, primarily through peace education and the role of the media.

The roundtable discussion invited several representatives from the Atlanta and metro Atlanta areas to take part in the discussion, including Victoria X. Vasquez, General director of HWPL peace education, Dr. Roger Harris, former superintendent of Dekalb County Schools and current co-chair of the education committee for the Dekalb County Chapter of 100 Black Men, Phillip G. Finch, former board member of the education committee in the Dekalb County chapter of 100 Black Men and Shuna Malcolm, founder of "Enough is Enough," a youth program aimed at ending gun violence among youth.

Each participant brought a unique perspective to the discussion with different prompts to help guide the session, demonstrating the diverse ways in which individuals can contribute to peacebuilding efforts with their own shared goals and strategies. Harris cited his own personal experience as an educator and former Vietnam War veteran in his quest for peace in his own community.

“As a young man, I was a soldier, I was a marine in the Vietnam War, and experienced the atrocities of war, “ Harris said. “While I was there, I made a promise that if I lived, I would dedicate my life to working with children so they wouldn't have to experience what I did. I spent 42 years after coming back from the war in education.”

Harris cited violence prevention in schools and communities and his desire to influence policy changes that could positively impact the public school curriculum.

“For me, I was losing many, many students from gun violence. What I realized is that, just like soldiers adapt to war and see the atrocities of war, it becomes so commonplace that you think that the abnormal is normal,” said Harris.

A study done by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network cites that more than 80% of inner-city youth report experiencing

https://theatlantavoice. com/peachtree-and-pine/

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) and chairman Lee Man Hee hosted a number of organizations, religious leaders, and journalists for its annual World Peace Summit in Seoul, South Korea last week. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

one or more traumatic events. And 1 out of 10 children under the age of 6 living in a major U.S. city reports witnessing a shooting or stabbing.

“What I witnessed was that students are doing the same thing in neighborhoods. In fact, one particular gang member and his boys told me after they had killed a nine-year-old and an 11-year-old when I confronted them, that their explanation as to why they were warring with this other gang. They said, ‘this is the ghetto. This is what we do,’” Harris continued.

Shuna Malcolm expressed her dedication to ending gun violence among youth and her collaboration with the Atlanta Public School system, emphasizing the need for education on gun safety and emotional intelligence.

“One way to disrupt the peace in our community is not only by physical trauma but by emotional trauma as well, which can cause fear and anxiety inside our youth, making them afraid to go to school or even venture outside of the home,” said Malcolm. “It can also disrupt their daily lives, challenging them. It can make it seem like violence is an everyday norm.”

The participants of the discussion emphasized the urgent need for policy changes related to gun control and the prevention of violence, underscoring the importance of both behavioral and policy approaches to address the issue effectively.

“It can also take away their hope, which is very important, which can lead to children not being able to envision a better future for themselves and can have a profound impact on their mental health, leading to mental

conditions such as PTSD and depression,” Malcolm continued.

The collective group summarized that the way forward is through educators teaching peace education and conflict resolution in the everyday curriculum.

A 2022 UNESCO study reveals that 80% of respondents in the global survey believe it is their responsibility to ensure that students feel safe.

"If you're discussing the incorporation of peace education as a distinct discipline within public schools, similar to subjects like English and math, they have their own curriculum or can be seamlessly integrated into the existing curriculum," Harris said.

But, in the pursuit of advancing peace education, Finch underscored the pivotal role of data and evidence in order to get local and state politicians involved. Stating that starting with data and facts serves as a compelling foundation for initiating change at various levels. For instance, Finch cited that providing statistics revealing the alarming frequency of shootings among young people between ages 10 and 18 would provide a stark reality that cannot be ignored.

Finch also highlighted the importance of evidence-based impact assessment, citing the work of advocates who measure the effectiveness of their initiatives in reducing violence. Data and statistics, according to Finch, possess the power to persuade government officials to allocate resources for peace education, as these concrete figures provide a common ground for discussion and transcend emotional appeals.

A DOCUMENTARY BY THE ATLANTA VOICE

Peachtree “You've got to have those kinds of statistics.

Statistics that you can present to a govern& Pine ment official and say, ‘This is what's happenTHE ATLANTA ing in our community,’ “ said Finch.

SHELTERLESS PROJECT

Chia Suggs

Pray and Peace: Faith leaders discuss SALES/ADMIN efforts to find peace among their flocks HWPL chairman Lee Man Hee remembers with vivid precision the time he prayed on the battlefield.

"I can see the cannons coming from the enemy side. I can see them coming from our side," HWPL chairman Lee Man Hee said while recounting his experience during the Korean War. This was the life-altering moment Hee realized that his mission was to bring peace to the world. Hee spoke about this experience during the 6th Annual Religions Leader’s conference during the 2023 World Peace Summit.

Dedicated to creating dialogue between various faiths and religions, including Islam, Catholicism, and Hinduism, various religious leaders took to the podium to discuss their ongoing faith-based conflicts and their appreciation for HWPL. This included Iman Ibrahima Doumbia, who spoke about his appreciation for HWPL’s The World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) office, which was established as a platform for interfaith reconciliation and was featured with an announcement.

The office also offers testament breakdowns so that religious leaders, as well as other interested parties, can better understand different faiths with the idea that misunderstanding leads to religious-based conflict.

Doumbia even cited that knowledge is the opposite of ignorance.

"I choose to do my part by having other religious leaders attend my faith-based occasions," Doumbia said.

Another highlight of the summit was the 9th anniversary of the reconciliation of faith taking place in Mindanao, an island in the Philippines. The island had been the scene of an ongoing war for the previous 40 years as a result of the conflict between the Catholic population of Mindanao and the island’s Islamic inhabitants. The conflict ended on January 24, 2014, after a civilian agreement was signed by the Philippine government and Moro groups. The negotiations were hosted

by HWPL and organized by the IWPG and the IPYG. "These ongoing dialogue meetings are opening the global doors for solidarity," said The Most Rev. Antonio J. Ledesma, the current chairman of the Episcopal Commission of Interreligious Dialogue.

"

At The Atlanta Voice we are telling the stories of the community. Our voices matter. Our community matters.

Facts matter. Producing journalism that impacts our readers is what we do best and have done for the past 55 years, and in order to keep doing that at this level we need all the financial assistance we can get.

Janis Ware PUBLISHER

www.TheAtlanta

theatlantavoice.com • December 29, 2023-January 4, 2024 • Page 11

2023 Year in Review

Digital

O

ur social media presence has been growing significantly. On Twitter we reached 2,155,800 for the year with an average of 180,000 per month.

Our TheAtlantaVoice.com, has been a huge success, with 521,000 unique visitors for an average of 45,000 visitors per month with over 700,000 pageviews.

Our YouTube channel has also been successful, with over 48,000 views and 231 new subscribers in the past year, bringing our total subscribers to 2,489.

On Facebook, we've reached over 3.5 million people and have 22,658 followers.

Finally, our Instagram page has almost 321,138 people reached and 16,095 followers.

We're grateful for all the support and can't wait to see what the future holds!

Page 12 • December 29, 2023-January 4, 2024 • theatlantavoice.com

2023 Year in Review

In Memoriam Maceo A. Brown | 67 Maceo A. Brown started one of Georgia's largest Black-owned security and alarm monitoring companies 33 years ago. Photo Courtesy of family

Thomas W. Dortch | 72

Boyd Lewis | 77 Boyd Lewis (right) was recruited by The Atlanta Voice as a photographer in 1969, three after the newspaper’s inception. A graduate of Memphis State University, Lewis’ photography graced the pages of not only The Voice, but other Atlanta publications for decades. Photo provided by The Atlanta Voice

James Franklin “Jim” Maddox, Sr. | 88 Jim Maddox was elected in 1977 to represent Atlanta City Council District 11, and he has been the longest-serving member of the Atlanta City Council. Photo courtesy of the family.

Marvin Arrington, Sr. | 82 Marvin Arrington, Sr hails from Atlanta and is renowned for shattering the color barrier by being among the first two Black students to be admitted into Emory University Law School in 1965. He also served on the city's Board of Alderman, which was the city's representative body before it was converted to City Council. Later on, he was appointed to the Fulton County Superior Court.

Photo by Boyd Lewis/The Atlanta Voice

Tommie Dortch was a remarkable individual who made significant contributions as a civil servant, businessman, philanthropist, pioneer, and activist in the Black community. His impact was not limited to the City of Atlanta and its metropolitan area, but it was felt throughout the nation. Photo courtesy of the family.

Maynard Eaton | 73

Maynard Eaton was a highly accomplished and esteemed journalist who had a significant impact in his field throughout his career that lasted for over five decades. His profound reporting had a lasting influence on social change and left an indelible mark on the world of journalism. Eaton worked as a columnist and reporter for The Atlanta Voice and WXIA-TV in Atlanta, and his in-depth coverage of important issues was highly regarded. In addition to his career in journalism, Eaton served as an endowed professor at the prestigious Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University, where he mentored and inspired countless students. His legacy of excellence in reporting and his unwavering commitment to the highest standards of journalism will continue to inspire generations to come. Photo courtesy of the family.

Radcliffe Bailey | 54 Radcliffe Bailey was a highly acclaimed and celebrated artist, originally from Atlanta, whose exceptional talent lay in creating exquisite paintings, collages, and assemblages that beautifully captured the essence of cultural history and the modern Black experience. His works were widely recognized and much-admired by both locals and visitors in Atlanta. One of his most iconic and famous works is the mural titled "Saints," which was specially commissioned for Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport as part of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

The mural continues to inspire and delight viewers, and it is still displayed in Terminal E. Bailey was also one of the 54 artists who were carefully selected to create artwork for Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He created an awe-inspiring 84-foot installation, called "Conduits of Contact," which was brilliantly displayed along the walls of the stadium's 100-level concourse. This work was especially significant, featuring images of sports teams from Atlanta's historically Black colleges and universities, and it continues to be greatly admired by visitors and fans alike.