Noah Washington, Author at The Atlanta Voice https://theatlantavoice.com Your Atlanta GA News Source Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:23:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://theatlantavoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-Brand-Icon-32x32.png Noah Washington, Author at The Atlanta Voice https://theatlantavoice.com 32 32 200573006 Smith & Young Talent hosted a sock drive for city’s less fortunate https://theatlantavoice.com/smith-young-talent-hosted-a-sock-drive-for-citys-less-fortunate/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:49:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=152775

In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and mission, on January 15th, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, both clients and employees of Smith & Young Talent came together at the Alpha Bonding parking lot to distribute goods to the less fortunate.

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In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and mission, on January 15th, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, both clients and employees of Smith & Young Talent came together at the Alpha Bonding parking lot to distribute goods to the less fortunate.

The agency distributed yogurt packs, socks, and an assortment of goods. Established in 2017, Smith & Young Talent, an Atlanta-based agency, initiated the project as a philanthropic mission in collaboration with New York Times bestselling author of “I’m not Dying With You Tonight,” and Community Activist Kimberly Latrice Jones, along with Smith & Young co-founder Chris Young. The intention was to give back to a community that had given so much to them, said Jones. “God’s given me so much and he requires so much for what he’s given me,” she said. “I’ve done so much as a creative writer and now what am I doing for my people.’

Jones, a writer signed to Smith Young Talent, revealed the idea of the MLK Sock Drive was born during discussions with her agent, Chris Young. “If we couldn’t provide shoes, the least that we felt like we could do is run out and find providers of socks or just simply purchase them ourselves,” Young said. Recognizing the need for more community engagement, the pair brainstormed ideas for impactful projects. Jones drew inspiration from a conversation with a family friend, an emergency room doctor at Grady Memorial Hospital, who shed light on the critical need for socks among the less fortunate. “People don’t realize the significance of having dry feet,” Jones explained. “Without proper footwear, individuals are susceptible to infections that can affect their overall health.” This led to the inception of the MLK Sock Drive, a project aimed at providing a basic yet often overlooked necessity to those in need.

Individuals facing homelessness frequently navigate the streets for extended durations, at times wearing ill-fitting shoes and worn-out socks. Dr. Hwang cited in a 2015 report written by Homeless Hub highlighted that foot-related disorders, including onychomycosis, tinea pedis, corns, callouses, and immersion foot, often stem from inadequate footwear, prolonged exposure to moisture, extensive walking and standing, and repetitive minor trauma. Moreover, Dr. Hwang’s research also states that those living on the streets are particularly susceptible to skin diseases such as cellulitis, impetigo, venous stasis disease, scabies, and body lice. The challenges of limited access to showers and maintaining proper hygiene further compound existing health issues in this vulnerable population.

Growing up in Chicago, Jones attributes much of her inspiration to the legacy of the Black Panther Party, which she believed went unnoticed for the community development work that they provided to the community, such as their breakfast program, housing initiatives, and efforts in providing for the community’s basic needs. “One of the things that people don’t talk about enough, or they do talk about it but not sufficiently, was all of their community engagement,” Jones told The Atlanta Voice.

Accompanying Young and Jones were several of their neighbors, family members, and community members. This includes Kenneth Reddick II and his son 6-year-old Kenneth Reddick III, along with his daughter Cameron Reddick, who is a graduate of Hampton University and member of A.K.A. “Part of my organization is sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Service is very important to me. It’s not just something that I’m required to do,” Cameron Reddick said of why she chose to volunteer. “It’s something I enjoy doing. So I just wanted to make sure that on today, Founders Day, as well as MLK Day, I was able to recognize that.”

The volunteers walked around the downtown area, meeting individuals living in encampments under the expressway, as well as on the streets.

John Elvis Tindall, also known as “Hustle,” an Atlanta resident of sixteen years, and a recipient of the drive has seen MLK Day evolve for the better. Born in South Carolina, Tindall moved to Atlanta to pursue a career in the emerging film and television industry. A resident of the Welcome House near Memorial Avenue, Tindall praises the evolution of community efforts since being in Atlanta. “People are coming out here giving out stuff to people. They are helping out the elderly, helping older people, and giving them clothes. I think it’s great. It’s lovely,” Tindall told The Atlanta Voice.

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Cam Kirk hosts downtown Atlanta cleanup, ‘Spin The Block’ https://theatlantavoice.com/cam-kirk-hosts-downtown-atlanta-cleanup-spin-the-block/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:48:17 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=152219

Equipped with gloves and masks, volunteers gathered on Sunday, January 14, 2024, to participate in the "Spin The Block'' event. A community service project aimed at cleaning the streets of downtown beginning at the Forsyth and Brotherton intersection, “Spin the Block,” began that morning. 

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Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Equipped with gloves and masks, volunteers gathered on Sunday, January 14, 2024, to participate in the “Spin The Block” event. A community service project aimed at cleaning the streets of downtown beginning at the Forsyth and Brotherton intersection, “Spin the Block,” began that morning. 

“Before I had the studio, I was just a photographer,” said founder and owner of Cam Kirk Studios,  Cam Kirk. “But when I opened up the studio six and a half years ago, I just met so many young creators, I met so many real people from the city, and it just inspired me to want to build a community around our business.”

“Spin the Block” serves as a predecessor to the studio’s “Yesterday’s Tomorrow” conference on MLK Day, which has featured comedian D.C Youngfly, Ryan Wilson, CEO & Co-Founder of The Gathering Spot, and artist-musician J.I.D. Entry to the conference is now facilitated through community cleanup participation. 

Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Spin The Block first came into action in 2019 and has been a regularly recurring event happening every quarter since, with Cam Kirk adopting Forsyth and Brotherton streets. “All the blue and black trash cans and recycling bins, we put those out there. We put 25 different recycling bins and trash cans. The first recycling to exist on the street, just encouraging people to know the difference between trash and going green,” said Kirk.

Volunteers, including Ebony Watson from Stone Mountain, a psych coordinator from the Sync Community Learning Center in Decatur, who decided to volunteer after seeing Shelly Nicole Andrews’ Instagram post, the president of the Cam Kirk Foundation. “I love cleaning up our community, cleaning up trash. People live on the streets and if we make it cleaner for them, it’ll do something to make the world a better place,” said Watson.

Larger groups, such as the “New Look” Leadership Academy, Usher’s youth-oriented leadership organization, also engaged with the community. DeniséAnn Malcolm, assistant program coordinator for the New Look Foundation, emphasized the importance of disconnecting from technology and fostering a sense of ownership in the city through activities like cleaning up trash. Malcolm praised Cam Kirk’s unique impact on the community, stating, “There’s something special about Cam Kirk, something special about what he’s doing in the city. That’s why we chose this particular event to come to.”

Reflecting on the significance of community leaders giving back, Malcolm expressed appreciation for Kirk’s humility and involvement, “It’s great to see when people like Cam Kirk are doing something positive in the community. He’s super connected with the community. He’s super humble, really big about connecting and making sure that people get opportunities,” said Malcolm. 

The event, sponsored by Athlete’s Foot, was attended by executive Darius Billings, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement, who spoke about the company’s commitment to community involvement. “Athletes Foot is all about being a part of something bigger than sneakers, participating in initiatives like ‘Spin The Block,’ and keeping our communities clean aligns with our values,” said Billings. He continued by stating what sets Athlete’s Foot apart from other corporations is their tangible commitment to action and emphasizing that community care goes beyond mere sponsorship, “People think philanthropy, you have to be rich, right? It’s not about that. It’s about time, it’s just as important as money. So for these young people to be out here and donating their time, all the while, wanting to do better in the community and wanting to do things,” said Billings.

Billings, accompanied by his 8-year-old son, Baker, expressed the desire to set an example, “I want my son to see everything I do because that’s how we develop young men,” Billings told The Atlanta Voice.

Speaking on the importance of taking ownership in the community, Kirk further stated, “This is our community. This is our home. It’s important for me to ensure when people come here and when they create at our studio, that they feel welcomed by the environment, the atmosphere, and they feel warm. I can’t wait for anybody else to do it. It’s our community, we get together and we do it ourselves,” Kirk told The Atlanta Voice.

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Five Decades at the Wheel: Coy Dumas, Jr. retires from MARTA https://theatlantavoice.com/five-decades-at-the-wheel-coy-dumas-jr-retires-from-marta/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:38:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=146952

Joining MARTA in 1972, Dumas witnessed the evolution of Atlanta through the windows of an old 400 series bus to the modern 1886 BRT 30-footer models that are being used to take thousands of Atlantans to and from work every day today.

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Coy Dumas, Jr. (right) and his wife of 46 years Theresa at their home, January 4, 2023. All photos by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Playing in the background of the Dumas’s MARTA memorabilia-filled living room is the Andy Griffith Show, a program whose time off the air eclipses the 51 years that Coy Dumas, Jr. served as an employee of The Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Authority (MARTA).

Joining MARTA in 1972, Dumas witnessed the evolution of Atlanta through the windows of an old 400 series bus to the modern 1886 BRT 30-footer models that are being used to take thousands of Atlantans to and from work every day today.

Having been trained by the first five Black transit workers of local 732, Dumas dealt in decoding route sheets, ensuring the seamless operation of public transportation, and driving several routes throughout his career ranging from the West End of Atlanta (his favorite area, he says) to Buckhead.  His expertise earned him the role of a trainer, a position he plans to continue doing even in retirement. 

During Dumas’ career, he has trained MARTA employees, stopped armed robberies, and driven through fluctuating weather conditions. In 2020, Dumas, Jr. started contemplating the thought of retirement, and in 2023, he exchanged the familiar routine of decoding route sheets to give way to a new chapter that commenced with early morning dog walks at 2 AM. Post-retirement, Dumas now adheres to a schedule that involves morning walks, bed-making, shared coffee moments with his wife Theresa (who Dumas will refer to as “Mama” when addressing in conversation), and engaging in the day’s errands. 

Before retirement, Dumas would wake at 2 AM with his wife and begin their shared ritual and routine, which they have maintained throughout their time together. Mrs. Dumas would begin her day preparing either coffee or tea based on her preferences, for Dumas and then oversee Dumas’ lunch and breakfast preparations, which he then would carry with him to work.

The role changes brought about by Dumas’ retirement have been transformative, said Theresa Dumas. “I’m enjoying him being around,” she said. “It’s been a shift in my shift, where breakfast may now be for him at nine or 10 in the morning,” said Dumas.

The Dumas’ found contentment in ticking off items from their bucket list, including extensive travel to locations such as Hawaii, and Mexico, and a planned trip to Ireland.

Reflecting on their marriage of 46 years as of January 1st, the couple has managed to find joy in the shared moments post-retirement. Dumas takes on the responsibility of running errands, before picking up his wife in the evenings from work at Macy’s in Kennesaw, a 30-minute drive from their home. Bus not included. 

Dumas’s other love lies in his furry friends. The couple is currently contemplating adopting a white German Shepherd. The couple currently are the owners of two dogs, Cam, a Shih Tzu, and Hannah, a Sheltie that they adopted after the death of their oldest child, Coy “Demetrius” Dumas, who passed from liver failure approximately two weeks before his 30th birthday in April of 2013. Demetrius was the second in the Dumas family to have an untimely passing. Their oldest child, Coy Dumas III passed away from a car accident while traveling back from New Orleans at the age of 24, in 2002. The couple have two other children, Takeisha Farmer and Chase Decoy Dumas, and 9 grandchildren in total.

Over the years, Dumas, Jr.’s commitment and service at MARTA did not go unnoticed. He received commendations and awards from various authorities, including Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and a proclamation from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The awards are prominently displayed around the couple’s living room.

“With the love and respect that MARTA has shown me, not just closing my 50 years, but throughout my tenure, it’s been a blessing for me to work for them,” Dumas said. “Everybody at MARTA knows how strong I am about family, and MARTA is my second family.”

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‘Shades of Purple’ exhibition explores classic film, book https://theatlantavoice.com/shades-of-purple-exhibition-explores-classic-film-book/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=143451

In celebration of the 2023 remake of "The Color Purple," the Buckhead Art Company is now featuring its latest exhibition, “Shades of Purple”. Inspired by the 1985 film and 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, “Shades of Purple” brought mixed media and traditional pieces of art to Atlanta for a limited time. 

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“God is Trying To Tell You Something” by Dean Beresford. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

If it’s not the eyes of the young men with the crowns on their heads that get your attention as soon as you walk in the door at Buckhead Art Company, then maybe it’s the familiar face of award-winning actress and talk show host Whoopi Goldgerg.

In celebration of the 2023 remake of “The Color Purple,” the Buckhead Art Company is now featuring its latest exhibition, “Shades of Purple”. Inspired by the 1985 film and 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker, “Shades of Purple” brought mixed media and traditional pieces of art to Atlanta for a limited time. 

The “Shades of Purple” exhibit will be on display through January 2 and is free to enter. 

The exhibit was curated by LaMont Zeno Russell, the gallery’s events and marketing manager, in collaboration with the gallery curator Talyn Hohneke. “We wanted to do something in conjunction with the release of the musical, so we decided to highlight purple pieces from our represented artists with specific depictions from the 1985 movie,” said Russell. 

“Crowned” by Jerrell Gantt. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Originally from Chicago, Russell cites the film as having had a profound and personal impact on his life. “The gallery owner S. Karimah McFarlane made the suggestion and I was all on board because “The Color Purple” is a movie deeply rooted in my family,” Russell explained.

A call was then sent to the approximately 25 artists for pieces to be submitted based on themes of strength, power, and royalty. The color purple is universally associated with royalty, wealth, power, and nobility. 

Some of the pieces within the exhibit depict positive images of young Black men with crowns, women surrounded by the color purple, characters from “The Color Purple”, and of course the late musician and global icon Prince. 

“Purple One” by Jerrell Gantt depicts Prince with white doves to his left and right, with a deep purple background. The mixed media piece gives off a 3-D appearance and includes a bejeweled purple ring on Prince’s left ring finger. 

On either side of “Purple One” are nods to Black excellence and youth. “Boy and the Beast” by Gantt combines an image of a young Black man with a gold crown on his head and a white tiger cub in his hands. The 48 x 36 inch mixed media piece also includes the image of a purple sun and in the background. “Crowned,” also by Gantt, combines another young Black man with a crown being placed upon his head, an African safari as the backdrop. Purple stones are embedded into the crown and around the lower half of the piece. 

“Boy and the Beast” by Jerrell Gantt. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Another contributing artist to the exhibition is Dean Beresford, a musician and artist from Hayfield, GA. “One of the pictures I have is the moment when Celie and Nettie were embracing each other right before they separated. That piece, “Us Never Part” is made up of  a combination of charcoal and colored pencil to bring to life one of the film’s impactful moments. The piece is stationed near the front door of the gallery and drew a small crowd the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 23.

 “I felt a certain way because that’s one point in my life. I have two brothers. I was living in LA, one was living in New York, and one was still living in Atlanta and I was separated from them,” he said. Beresford further cited how he wanted to make his work stand out, adding details such as quotes from the movie into his work. 

“Smile” by Brittany Barr. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Raised in a middle-class family, Beresford discovered his passion for art as a means of obtaining things he couldn’t have growing up. “Drawing was a way for me to have those things,” Beresford explained. “I would draw the watches, I would draw the shoes, and I would draw the toys. I would draw everything.” 

Though Beresford has a number of pieces in the exhibit, “God Is Trying To Tell You Something” does the best job of combining multiple parts of the film into one full-functioning piece. He used charcoal, colored pencil, and pink silk flowers to portray Celie with an unbothered look on her face.

Brittany Barr’s painting, “Smile”, depicts Goldberg’s character and one of film’s heroines, Celie, surrounded by splotches of purple, red, white and blue. In the painting Celie rests her chin in her hands and grins. 

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State Farm, OTE partner to renovate Grove Park gym https://theatlantavoice.com/state-farm-ote-partner-to-renovate-grove-park-gym/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:31:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=143100

State Farm and the Overtime Elite (OTE) basketball league partnered to celebrate the unveiling of renovations of the gym inside the Grove Park Community Center on Wednesday, Dec 20.

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State Farm and the Overtime Elite (OTE) basketball league partnered to celebrate the unveiling of renovations of the gym inside the Grove Park Community Center on Wednesday, Dec 20.

City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation Commissioner Justin Cutler expressed his enthusiasm about the renovation, especially during Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ “Year of The Youth.” Cutler stated that providing kids with a positive experience helps deter them from dangerous situations. “One thing we know is that when young people are out of school or during the summertime, they have the opportunity to make bad choices. This is an opportunity for us to provide a positive experience where young people can come and play, be part of our community, be part of our recreation center,” Cutler said.

In a report by MST services, there’s a 35% increase in juvenile crimes during the summer. This can be attributed to factors such as extended daylight hours and a lack of recreational choices.

Keisha Mitchell, the current community facility manager, said she initially had reservations about the renovation. However, her skepticism transformed into excitement as the project progressed. Having actively participated in recreation programs while growing up in the Atlanta metro area, Mitchell cited bringing a personal connection to her role. “Kids come from different walks of life, they are all unique, and we just want to teach them something that they can take along later in life,” Mitchell said.

Will Dean, Fan Experience and Community Engagement Manager at OTE, was the original person to reach out to Mitchell. “When we first arrived, we thought we were going to make some minor adjustments,” Dean said. “When we saw the need that existed here and the support that State Farm was showing to us, it really just kind of grew, and I couldn’t be happier with how much we were able to transform this space.”

With anticipation growing from the children who frequented the center, Mitchell would often shut the lights off when work was not actively being done to keep the final presentation a secret from the kids. “There’s a lot more young people than I even expected,” he said. “Every day I was hearing, ‘When is this court going to be done?’ I was coming in this afternoon. And they’re like, ‘Oh, is this really going to happen?’ ” Dean recalled.

Cutler further emphasized fulfillment in giving back to the community and the collaborative efforts of State Farm, Overtime Elite, and various vendors played a pivotal role in making the project a reality. Cutler praised the city’s forward-thinking vision, further emphasizing initiatives to enhance and expand recreation programs, specifically targeting teen programs and after-school activities. “The commitment to youth development is evident in the increased number of vendors providing diverse opportunities, including STEM, music education, arts and crafts, and more,” Cutler said.

Dean further addressed that the work was still not quite done yet at the center, stating, “I’ll be back as a regular. There’s still more things we want to add. It’s not like we’re just finishing today with the ribbon-cutting. This is a partnership that will continue to grow in the years to come. And I’m very excited for what lies ahead.”

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Atlanta Hawks celebrate holiday season with Boyce L. Ansley School students https://theatlantavoice.com/atlanta-hawks-celebrate-holiday-season-with-boyce-l-ansley-school-students/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=141790

The Atlanta Hawks and Lady Hawks collaborated to provide a festive day for 60 students at the Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free private institution catering to children experiencing homelessness, with activities including arts and crafts, a photo booth, and personalized holiday gifts.

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Boyce L. Ansley School students took part in arts and crafts with Hawk volunteer staff. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

This holiday season the Atlanta Hawks, in collaboration with the Lady Hawks, orchestrated a festive day for over 60 students at the Boyce L. Ansley School, a tuition-free private institution catering to children experiencing homelessness in Atlanta.

The Lady Hawks, a collective of wives, significant others, and mothers of Hawks players and staff, actively engaged in the festivities alongside volunteers from the Hawks organization. The day’s activities included arts and crafts sessions and a photo booth for the students’ enjoyment.

In preparation for the event, students were entrusted with creating wish lists, which were later displayed on a tree at the Hawks’ corporate office with the organization ensuring each student received a personalized holiday gift from their lists.

Johnny Ray James, a seasoned educator with 15 years of experience and the current Head of School, expressed his gratitude for the Hawks’ support of the school and students. “I understand the Hawks’ slogan is ‘True to The A,’ but the A, whether in terms of Ansley or Atlanta, truly resonates because they brought in a substantial number of people, including staff and volunteers,” James said. “The kids can genuinely feel the joy.” 

James, an alumnus of Teach for America with an MBA in education from LSU, stressed the importance of exposing students, not just to players but to everyone behind the scenes who came and volunteered. “I’m glad that the students were able to see the operation team of the Hawks to see truly what makes the engine go because a lot of kids only see the dreams that we give them, and this has given them some new dreams,” James said.

Alexis Roe, Atlanta Hawks Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Strategic Initiatives (center, in yellow) talks to students and volunteers during the event. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Further elaborating on the significance of the Hawks’ involvement during the holiday season, James empathized with the challenges faced by the students. “Our kiddos, unfortunately, have nightmares both day and night. By seeing that they were brought so many gifts from their wish lists, the Hawks are making literal Christmas dreams come true,” James told The Atlanta Voice.

In addressing the critical need for comprehensive education support, James emphasized the approach that the institution takes compared to many public schools—highlighting the challenge faced by public schools attempting to provide wraparound services, often falling short due to overwhelming student versus staff numbers. The Boyce L. Ansley School maintains low class sizes, capped at around 15 students, enabling a more personalized and effective approach.

James further cited that while public schools might have a social worker catering to about 300 students, The Boyce L. Ansley School’s two social workers on staff maintain a ratio of one to 32, ensuring more individualized attention and care. The inclusion of licensed therapists further enhances the support system, offering therapeutic sessions for students and one-to-one assistance for their families, “We provide holistic support to make sure that we can provide an outlet to economic mobility,” James told The Atlanta Voice.

Alexis Roe, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Strategic Initiatives, now in her third season with the Hawks, shared her commitment to helping the students of Boyce L. Ansley School. Born in the Lone Star state of Texas, but raised in Decatur, Georgia, Roe cites her passion for positive change stemming from her upbringing, while attending the Dekalb School of the Arts in DeKalb County. “I grew up knowing that I was going to change what Atlanta looked like in terms of decreasing barriers, tearing down barriers, making more access for people. At my core, that’s who I am,” said Roe.

With a diverse professional background, including teaching in China and marketing for Home Depot, Roe’s journey led her to her current role with the Hawks. In her position, Roe cites striving to make individuals “feel seen, heard, valued, supported, and respected,” while emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on the Hawks’ engagement with The Boyce L. Ansley School, Roe emphasized, “The Ansley school is such an amazing school that’s six minutes from State Farm Arena. When we look at our city and see different challenges, we recognize that as an organization, we want to help lift our community. We are true to Atlanta and a civic asset to the community,” Roe told The Atlanta Voice.

A poignant moment during the event included students taking the stage to declare their aspirations, as recounted by Morgan Walsh, a Lady Hawk of 15 years. Describing seeing the excitement of a young girl in a Hawks jersey, Walsh said, “It almost brought tears to a lot of people’s eyes because she just came out running and screaming.”

Walsh, married to Hawks director of team operations Zac Walsh for nearly 15 years, highlighted the organization’s positive impact on mental health. “This organization has been great for the city of Atlanta for doing activities, but also just for the mental health of the wives, girlfriends of the coaches and players,” Walsh said.

Charting the evolution of the Lady Hawks, Walsh credited the guidance of Jami Gertz (co-owner of the Hawks along with her husband businessman Tony Ressler) citing that the organization has grown substantially, actively participating in numerous service activities throughout the year.

Originally from South Carolina, Walsh, an Emory graduate in Political Science, now works in the clerk’s office at the Georgia State Capitol. Reflecting on the joy of giving back during the holiday season, she described the experience as invigorating. “I just want to say how thankful that we are that we’re able to help out an amazing organization and these kids. We’re decorating cards and ornaments right now, and it reminds you of the epitome of Christmas – that you’re around people and seeing the kids’ faces, smiling and their eyes shining. That’s what’s important,” said Walsh.

This article is one of a series of articles produced by The Atlanta Voice through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to Word In Black, a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.

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Mercedes-Benz and Shoes That Fit team up to give students new shoes  https://theatlantavoice.com/mercedes-benz-and-shoes-that-fit-team-up-to-give-students-new-shoes/ Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:07:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=140031

Mercedes-Benz USA and Shoes That Fit collaborated to give over 650 pairs of sneakers to students from pre-K to eighth grade at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in a winter wonderland-themed celebration.

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The 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. 

The two organizations collaborated to give over 650 pairs of sneakers to students from pre-K to eighth grade. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

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 Falcon’s 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 things a parent could purchase,” she said.  

According to a 2017 survey 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 between 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.

Shaunya Reeves (above), the site coordinator of Communities in Schools of Atlanta at Hollis Innovation Academy. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

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.”

This article is one of a series of articles produced by The Atlanta Voice through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to Word In Black, a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.

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Atlanta’s 44th & 3rd Bookseller: a family-run store honoring Barack Obama https://theatlantavoice.com/44th-3rd-bookseller-atlanta-university-center/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=138504

In the heart of the Atlanta University Center is 44th & 3rd Bookseller, a family-run bookstore owned by Cheryl Lee, 65, her husband Warren Lee, 68, and their daughter, Allyce Lee, 29.

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44th & 3rd Bookseller co-owner Cheryl Lee (right) and student part-time employee Sydney Coggins-Prioleau inside the store, Wednesday, Nov. 29,, 2023. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

In the heart of the Atlanta University Center is 44th & 3rd Bookseller, a family-run bookstore owned by Cheryl Lee, 65, her husband Warren Lee, 68, and their daughter, Allyce Lee, 29.

Contrary to the assumption that the store’s name hints at a street in a metropolis like Chicago or New York, for example, the name has an entirely different meaning, according to the Lees.

The combination of the numbers 44 and 3 pays homage to the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, according to Warren Lee. During a visit to a Chicago bookstore, Warren Lee noticed the absence of Obama’s books in the store’s Black book section. This inspired Lee to make sure there would be a dedicated section in their own store. ”We were looking for the Black section, and at what was featured when I looked at it, there was something I didn’t see,” Warren said. “I called the manager and asked him to look at this section and tell me what was missing.” Before the manager could answer Lee, he added, “I said, you know, what’s missing is that you don’t have a book written by Barack Obama. And he’s the president, and this is his hometown.”

The “3rd” in the store’s name represents the themes it embodies—life, literature, and legacy—symbolized by numbers hanging above the cashier’s counter. The Lees take pride in the books they sell focusing on African-American authors and those from the African diaspora, featuring designated sections for self-help and international authors. The sections were curated and designed by Cheryl Lee’s niece, Rachel Brown, an Assistant Art Director at Spelman College.

Each member of the Lee family has a role in the bookstore; Allyce serves as the store’s head of marketing and public relations. After graduating from Howard University, like her father Warren,  Allyce joined the business. Her PR plan is centered around social media and email-based strategies, says Allyce. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have news/media outlets reach out to us with interest in our story and offerings,” she said.

Cheryl Lee. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Cheryl Lee, who is originally from Flint, Michigan, moved to Atlanta during her college years and said she had been contemplating the idea of a bookstore for years with her husband. During an interview with The Atlanta Voice, she shed light on the journey that led to the establishment of the 44th & 3rd Bookseller. Cheryl retired from her job at Coca-Cola as a financial manager in 2018 and started working on her long-time dream. “It’s been a lifelong dream,” Cheryl said. “I was in graduate school at Mercer and I wrote a thesis on independent bookstores, and what was the state of independent bookstores at that time.”

Before meeting his wife, Warren didn’t envision himself owning a bookstore. 

“My interest was in things that Black people needed, items that could be sold to or products made in Black communities internationally, which could be sold in the US markets,” he explained. Warren is a tax attorney by trade and majored in finance during his undergraduate studies at Howard University. 

“One time I was looking at coffee, and another time I was exploring spices because these were commodity-type items that could be sourced from African countries, and I considered reselling them here due to their practical use. I did have that interest for a while, but not books,” Warren said.

The business encountered the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the closure of a storefront location in Little Five Points in April 2020. However, the Lees adapted by transitioning to online sales a month later. That adjustment resulted in a remarkable 150% increase in business, according to Allyce. 

“The evolution of technology and social media over the past few years has been insane- so many people say that they find us on TikTok or Instagram and they travel from near and far to see us,” Allyce said. “On our end, it’s really fun for us to put forth content that appeals to our younger audiences and causes them to want to purchase or visit us at the store. Overall, it’s been fun and it’s amazing to see the success that digital and social marketing has made for our business.”

Following their pandemic boom, the Lees would receive an offer from Morehouse School of Medicine President Valerie Montgomery Rice to open near the AUC campus in 2021. 

Successes aside, Cheryl considers 44th & 3rd Bookseller a small business, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by small enterprises. Addressing the hurdles of operating a small business, Cheryl highlights the importance of staying relevant, understanding the audience, and fostering relationships with major publishers. 

“Definitely do your research,” she explained. “Work with the American Booksellers Association. They are a wealth of knowledge, and they are so helpful.”

The 44th & 3rd bookstore has also taken on five students as part-time employees. Senior psychology major Sydney Coggins-Prioleau, 22, said of her time at 44th & 3rd, “I know I really love books, and I really love Black people,” said Coggins-Prioleau.

Another of the student employees is currently a senior psychology major with a political science minor on the pre-law track at Spelman College

In reflecting on the journey of the bookstore, from its roots in Little Five Points to their current place within the Atlanta University Center, Cheryl emphasized the importance of community support and fostering relationships with publishers.

“Our success is intertwined with the vibrant tapestry of the Atlanta University Center and the literary community at large,” said Cheryl.

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Atlanta Community Food Bank hosts Thanksgiving Media Dish https://theatlantavoice.com/atlanta-community-food-bank-hosts-thanksgiving-media-dish/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:56:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=133809

The Atlanta Community Food Bank gathered for its 25th anniversary by hosting the 2023 Thanksgiving Media Dish. 

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Sharon Heard with her daughter checking out their goods at the food center. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

The Atlanta Community Food Bank gathered for its 25th anniversary by hosting the 2023 Thanksgiving Media Dish. 

On Monday, Nov, 13th, the food bank hosted several media outlets as they handed out meals in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The food distribution took place in its newest food distribution center in Marietta, Ga. 

Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, shared insights into the organization’s 25-year journey. Waide, who has dedicated 11 years to the food bank, expressed a personal desire to connect with families facing adversity, citing growing up in Mississippi, Wade thinks of the families he is serving in the community not dissimilar from the ones he grew up with, “I was a public school kid and went to school alongside teammates and friends who were facing poverty and food insecurity. What I’ve tried to do in my professional life has been to devote my time to helping folks out like the kids that I grew up with,’ Waide said.

The food bank serves over 200,000 households and distributes approximately 10 million pounds of food monthly across North Georgia, primarily African-American families Waide cites. 

 Sarah Heard, an Atlanta native, was visiting the community food bank in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. Heard cited the importance of the food bank in supporting families like hers. With a family of four, she emphasized the critical role that the food bank plays in providing essential resources, “It means a lot, it’s a great opportunity to have good food that is needed for my family to help on this Thanksgiving season. So it’s really a blessing to be here,” Heard told The Atlanta Voice.

Lesley Mercedes, the operations manager at the Community Food Center in Marietta, shared her experience and insights into the ongoing Thanksgiving drive and how she sees her work,  “I used to work for a non-profit organization. But I didn’t feel like there was much worth in my work,” Mercedes, who joined the food bank in April of the current year, shortly before the opening of the newest facility in July, “I wanted to do something that I knew I would go home and say I made a difference in someone’s life today,” Mercedes told The Atlanta Voice

The prices of holiday items have increased this year as a result of inflation. According to a 2023 Thanksgiving report by Wells Fargo, canned cranberries are up 60%, while sweet potatoes are up 4%, and canned green beans are up 9%.

Maurice Johnson, who is from Rochester, New York, visited the food bank to prepare for his holiday season with his sister, grandmother, and extended family after moving to Georgia six years ago at his sister’s suggestion. Johnson cites finding a welcoming community in Marietta. “They are very helpful,” she said. “Very, very helpful, and it’s a blessing that these guys do this. So I really appreciate that.”

Discussing his Thanksgiving plans, Johnson mentioned his initial plan for his mother to join him but explained her unexpected illness. He still plans to prepare Thanksgiving dinner with his family and extended family. “I’ll normally cook like the meat and the greens and my sisters, my grandmother, my nephews, nieces, they’ll come down and we’ll just celebrate Thanksgiving,” Johnson told The Atlanta Voice.

The media dish is also in service of media outlets coming and seeing what the Atlanta Community Food Bank does for the greater community.

Ed Westreiche, director of marketing & communications at the Atlanta Community Food Bank

Coming has been with the Atlanta Community Food Bank for the past five years, but worked in corporate America for over two decades. Reflecting on his career shift, he shared, “I wanted to do something in my second career that was in the Atlanta economy and helping folks.” Formerly involved in various roles, including finance, executive assistance, and leadership training for a North American sales team, Westreiche says he found his way to a more meaningful and impactful career. Citing that he spent years driving through the Atlanta community, he now has an opportunity to be a part of it.

In discussing his current role, Westreiche expressed the satisfaction of being closer to the end of the supply chain, directly impacting those in need. He emphasized the immediacy and significance of the work, noting the stories and faces encountered daily. The media dish is also in service of media outlets coming and seeing what the Atlanta Community Food Bank does for the greater community, “What we’ve been doing is engaging media partners, getting them out from behind the anchor desks, the Nielsen ratings, competition, getting them all in a room and, and just giving him an opportunity hands-on to do a little service,” Westreiche continued.

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Veterans Day Spotlight: Carl Walker https://theatlantavoice.com/veterans-day-spotlight-carl-walker/ Sat, 11 Nov 2023 13:05:55 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/?p=133531

In June 1951 at the age of 20, Walker would be drafted into the Army at the height of the Korean War. Looking back 70 years later Walker has earned one Purple Heart and several other accommodations and honors, as well as years serving as the chaplain at his local Purple Heart Association for the past 14 years. 

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Carl Walker has a story to tell. 

The 93-year old United States Army veteran has seen his fair share of action. Born in West Virginia to E. Harrison Walker and Virginia Dare Walker, Walker’s early years were entwined with the coal mining industry. Walker faced the challenges of a childhood marked by economic struggles and the demanding life of a coal miner’s family. The conditions of living in a mining town in the 1940’s and 50’s often meant limited opportunities and financial hardship, according Walker. 

In June 1951 at the age of 20, Walker would be drafted into the Army at the height of the Korean War. Looking back 70 years later Walker has earned one Purple Heart and several other accommodations and honors, as well as years serving as the chaplain at his local Purple Heart Association for the past 14 years. 

During his tour in the Korean War, Walker operated in the artillery operations working closely with the calculations required to ensure precision in hitting targets. He vividly remembers the commands, such as “deflected 2147, quadrant 684,” which determined the artillery settings. 

From the outset, Walker’s military experience defied the racial norms of the time. Assigned to a racially mixed unit during basic training, he was part of a new wave challenging the entrenched segregation within the armed forces. His initiation into a culturally diverse training environment laid the foundation for his role as an unwitting pioneer in racial integration. 

A defining moment occurred when Walker, displaying his musical talents, sought a place in the 1/73 Army band at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Breaking the racial boundaries, he negotiated his way into the band despite its segregated nature. This early incident set the tone for Walker’s future experiences. 

Initially deployed to Korea as a musician in the 25th Infantry Division band, Walker encountered a twist of fate. The North Korean military threat prompted a reassignment, pulling him from the band and placing him in the 9th Field Artillery Battalion.

Walker emphasized the camaraderie among soldiers and the impact of war on the human psyche. “My time in the military during the Korean War was a defining chapter that shaped my perspective on duty and sacrifice,” Walker told The Atlanta Voice. “The Korean War wasn’t just a battle, it was a crucible that forged bonds and revealed the strength of the human spirit.”

Among the many chapters in Walker’s life, one stands out – the story of how he earned the Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War. 

The circumstances leading to Walker’s Purple Heart unfolded during a heated encounter with North Korean forces. Serving in the 9th Field Artillery Battalion, Walker found himself in the midst of a fierce exchange with enemy troops. As the artillery unit faced intense fire, Walker played a role in the operations of the cannon as a cannoneer.

During one engagement, the intensity of the battle reached a crescendo and in the chaos of the firefight, fate dealt Walker a life-altering blow. As he moved to retrieve ammunition for the cannon, a shell struck dangerously close, detonating with a force that left Walker injured.

“It was Mother’s Day in 1952,” he remembered. “The firing was so heavy on us that they hit an ammunition truck, and it blew up and lit up the sky. It was at night, and they lit up the sky so that encouraged them to pour it on even harder, and one shell came in, but it just burned in the ground. It was a dud; it did not go off.”

He continued, “Then there was another shell that landed right behind it. When it exploded, three pieces of the tail hit me, slashed my upper thigh on the left side, and missed my abdomen.”

Having come face to face with racial animosity during his time in the military, it was an unexpected ally that would come to Walker’s aid. A white soldier from Alabama, who had been purposely shunning Walker during their time in South Korea helped him. “When I was knocked down, he came and picked me up and put me on the shoulder and carried me to an ambulance to come and get me out,” Walker said.

Integration of the U.S military had taken place as a result of President Harry S.Trueman’s executive order 9981 on July 26th, 1948. But, Walker described full integration as being accepted fully only in two institutions, the military and professional sports such as baseball. Walker suggested that integration, from his perspective, was not aided when individuals had a choice in the matter, only in forced circumstances were individuals able to see past the color barrier. 

“Integration means having interchangeable people without being alarmed over the fact that, ‘“Oh, there is a black person.”” That’s what integration meant to me,” Walker told The Atlanta Voice.

Walker remembers his military service becoming a transformative chapter for him. Through the crucible of conflict, Walker forged deep bonds with his fellow soldiers, experiencing the highs and lows amid the challenges of war. “The military instilled in me a sense of discipline and resilience that stayed with me throughout my life,” he said. 

Those lessons and experiences accompanied Walker back home in the United States. After completing his military service as a sergeant in May of 1953, Walker faced uncertainties about pursuing higher education. Having been out of high school for five years, Walker opted for a small, lesser-known college, West Virginia State, to test his academic abilities. He would excel and emerged with the highest average in his freshman class. Eventually transferring over to Ohio University where he would earn a bachelors in Education. Despite the challenges, Walker reflects on his service, stating, “Sometimes it was fun, sometimes it was hell, but here I am.”

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