December is Universal Human Rights Month The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don’t agree with. – Congresswoman Eleanor Norton Holmes Powered by Real Times Media
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
December 4-10, 2014
Volume 87 • Issue 17
Atlanta: Where the Ferguson Healing Begins
“I call for all those who seek to lend their voices to important causes and discussions, and who seek to elevate these vital conversations, to do so in ways that respect the gravity of their subject matter.” - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
| Page 2
Photo by Calvin Lionel Photography
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
COVER STORY
Eric Holder Talks Racial Profiling and Police Killings in Historic Meeting at Atlanta Landmark
December 4-10, 2014
Atlanta Daily World
By Terry Shropshire
Founded August 5 1928; Became Daily, March 12, 1932
It was apropos that President Obama dispatched his leader of the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General Eric Holder, to Atlanta in order to commence substantive dialogue about how to improve relations between the nation’s local police departments and the minority communities they are empowered to protect and enforce laws against. In recent months, with the shooting deaths of 18-year-old Mike Brown of Ferguson, Mo.; and the shooting death of the mentally handicapped 24-yearold Ezell Ford in South Los Angeles, tensions are running high in urban and black communities nationwide. Add the police killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland; the subway station shooting death of Oscar Grant in Oakland, Calif., on New Year’s Eve (the inspiration for the Fruitvale Station movie), and the choke-hold death of Eric Garner in the Staten Island borough of New York City, and it’s clear the African American community feels law enforcement is simply against them. Worst yet these acts lend credence to the growing sentiment that officers of the law are empowered to kill with little to no provocation without ramification. In fact according to statistics compiled by Holder’s Justice Department (more specifically the Federal Bureau of Investigation), an average of two black men are shot and killed by police every week in America. Many of these black men are unarmed and pose no danger to the quick-triggered police. Atlanta was the first stop on the Eric Holder racial profiling banishment tour. The city known as the ‘Capital of the South,’ gave birth to the modern civil rights movement (via Martin Luther King Jr.) and has traditionally been considered the epicenter of level-headed activism. Black political and civic power and black wealth in America are well represented in the metropolitan area.
W.A. Scott, II, Founder/Publisher August 5, 1928 to February 7, 1934
Holder said in a speech Monday, Dec. 1 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta — where Martin Luther King, Jr. and Sr. were pastors — that he will unveil details of the plan soon. “In the coming days, I will announce updated Justice Department guidance regarding profiling by federal law enforcement. This will institute rigorous new standards and robust safeguards to help end racial profiling, once and for all,” Holder said. “This new guidance will codify our commitment to the very highest standards of fair and effective policing.” Civil Rights organizations in Atlanta and around the nation have urged the Justice Department to clar-
ADW | 2
Published weekly at 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta Mailing Offices. Publication Number 017255 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Atlanta Daily World, 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354
ify federal profiling guidelines to eliminate loopholes created by post-9/11 national security provisions. The Justice Department is working to finalize scheduling details, but the announcement will likely happen by Friday, Dec. 5, officials said. President Obama instructed Holder to hold regional meetings on building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve after the conflicts in Ferguson. The Monday, Dec. 1 meeting in Atlanta was the first. As Holder, approached the podium to begin his speech he was met with a standing ovation, but was subsequently interrupted by a dozen or so protesters holding signs and chanting “No justice, no peace.” Holder let them continue for about two minutes before they were escorted out by security. “Let me make one thing clear, I ain’t mad at cha,” Holder said referencing the song by the late rapper Tupac Shakur. “It is through that level of involvement, that level of concern, and I hope a level of perseverance and commitment, that change ultimately will come,” Holder said of the protesters. Earlier in the day, President Obama also held substantive talks at the White House on the same subject that Holder spoke about in Atlanta. He asked the federal officials for concrete recommendations to ensure the U.S. isn’t building a “militarized culture” within police departments. Obama also said he supports the use of body cameras by police in the wake of the shooting of Michael Brwon, the unarmed black teen in Ferguson, Missouri. During his speech, and earlier in the day in a closed meeting with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and members of the law enforcement, legislative and civil rights communities, Holder outlined his plan to obliterate the deplorable practice of racial profiling. Specifically, Holder is calling for more police body cameras. He spoke passionately to the crowd inside the Ebenezer Baptist Church sanctuary, many of them pleased to hear that the Justice Department’s investigation into what happened in Ferguson, Missouri is ongoing. Holder came to Atlanta to kick off meetings scheduled throughout the country to talk about trust between law enforcement and local communities. He said the nation needs to face realities too- long ignored. “We ignore hard truths. Now is not the time to do that,” Holder said. Holder spoke directly about the investigation into the events surrounding the shooting death of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown by officer Darren
Wilson on Aug. 9. The event sparked outrage, rallies and contentious protests from coast to coast. “Our investigation into allegations of unconstitutional policing patterns or practices by the Ferguson Police Department remains ongoing and remains active,” Holder said. The selection of King’s church as the site for the meeting was significant. The most successful and enduring movements for change adhere to the principles of non-aggression and nonviolence —tenets that King preached. “As this congregation knows better than most, peaceful protest has long been a hallmark and a legacy of past struggles for progress. This is what Dr. King taught us half a century ago, in his eloquent words from the Ebenezer pulpit and in the vision he shared from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial,” said Holder. As is plainly obvious from the reports of demonstrations in most major metropolises after the Ferguson protests, the problem of police shooting unarmed black men is becoming an epidemic. “But the problems we must confront are not only found in Ferguson. The issues raised in Missouri are not unique to that state or that small city. We are dealing with concerns that are truly national in scope and that threaten the entire nation,” Holder said. “Broadly speaking, without mutual understanding between citizens whose rights must be respected and law enforcement officers who make tremendous and often-unheralded personal sacrifices every day to preserve public safety — there can be no meaningful progress. Our police officers cannot be seen as an occupying force disconnected from the communities they serve. Bonds that have been broken must be restored. Bonds that never existed must now be created.” Holder, is scheduled to retire from Obama’s cabinet and the Department of the Justice as the nation’s top cop as soon as the replacement is approved by Congress. “So this evening, I renew [Dr. King’s] call for all those who seek to lend their voices to important causes and discussions, and who seek to elevate these vital conversations, to do so in ways that respect the gravity of their subject matter,” concluded the U.S. Attorney General. To read this article in its entirety visit atlantadailyworld.com Photos by Calvin Lionel Photography
Subscriptions: One Year: $52 Two Years: $85 Forms of Payment: Check, Money Order, VISA American Express, MasterCard MEMBER: Associated Press Atlanta Business League Central Atlanta Progress Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce National Newspaper Publishers Website: www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com Roz Edward
Managing Editor / Interim Advertising Director redward@realtimesmedia
Terry Shropshire
Web Editor tshropshire@reatimesmedia
Juan Sifuentes
Graphic Designer jsifuentes@realtimesmedia.com
Atlanta Daily World is powered by Real Times Media The Atlanta Daily World is not responsible for unsolicited photos, manuscripts, etc., unless return is requested with postage. Address all correspondence to and make checks payable to Atlanta Daily World, rather than to individuals.
Follow Us On Facebook.com/ADWnews Follow us @ADWnews
NEWS
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
December 4-10, 2014
Congressional Black Caucus ‘Hands Up’ Gestures Criticized By Terry Shropshire Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus flashed the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” gesture during remarks Monday on the House Floor in a show solidarity with protesters in Ferguson, Mo., and the St. Louis Rams players. Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) and Al Green (D-Tex.), referred to the gesture that has come to symbolize the outrage over the death of Brown, the African American teen shot dead by police officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9 “ ‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ is a rallying cry of people all across America who are fed up with police violence in … communities all across America,” Jeffries said. Two of the members of Congress, Reps. Lee and Green, also offered their praise for the five St. Louis Rams who gave the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” signal on the field during a game Sunday night. “I saw this clip where the Rams players came into the arena: ‘Hands up; don’t shoot’ … this has become the new symbol, a new
MARTA: Ridership Up, Crime Rate Down MARTA racked up a string of successes during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2015 with notable increases in ridership and passenger revenue and encouraging declines in fare evasion and crime reports. The latest statistics reflect ongoing efforts by the transit system to become more effective, cost-efficient and customer-focused. “Our financial performance and operational improvements are a clear indication of the positive direction this agency is headed in,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “These key wins help motivate us to keep doing all we can to get better every single day.” The Authority experienced a steady uptick in ridership, which increased eight percent over the prior year, with early numbers showing the trend is likely to continue. The first quarter gain in ridership – which was up during 14 of the last 18 months, excluding the early 2014 winter storms – can be attributed to high-profile events and the advent of more frequent bus and rail service in May. The recently opened Buckhead Station pedestrian bridge also attracted a significant amount of new customers. Since the span was debuted in June, the Buckhead station has seen a 27.3 percent increase in customer entries. Revenues are up over projected expenses with the Authority closing the first quarter at a net profit of $9.5 million. Another success story is MARTA’s fare evasion program, launched this summer, which requires bus Operators to be physically present when customers board. Revenues and ridership are both up due to the implementation of this fare evasion initiative. This seemingly small change in operations is projected to increase revenues by $2.25 million. Equally important, surveys show customers and bus Operators overwhelmingly approve of this approach to making sure all customers pay their
statement,” Green said. “I want to make sure that those who participated on the Rams team, that their names are chronicled in history … I want Kenny Britt to be recognized, Tavon Austin to be recognized, Stedman Bailey to be recognized, Jared Cook, Chris Givens, and Tre Mason.” Not everybody stood behind the congressmen and women. The move prompted criticism from at least one pundit on Tuesday, with MSNBC host Joe Scarborough calling it a disgrace. “It’s a lie,” Scarborough angrily said on “Morning Joe” in reference to witness statements that Michael Brown didn’t have his hands up in the air when he was shot dead. “What is wrong with this country? What is wrong with these people? What’s wrong with these elected officials, they know it’s a lie. They know the cops didn’t shoot him with his hands in the air. They know it’s a lie and they’re doing this on that Capitol floor?” “Unbelievable … boy that would really be moving if that were the truth,” he added.
Atlanta Parking Mogul Jailed for Rape in Massachusetts By Terry Shropshire
fair share. In another promising development, the agency’s overall crime rate is down five percent compared to year-to-date numbers. MARTA is committed to crime reduction and prevention to ensure this downward trend continues. With the increased transit service frequency, MARTA has added officers to patrol trains and buses. The Authority has also invested in cutting-edge behavioral recognition software and is installing cameras on all MARTA trains and rail stations; the bus fleet has already been equipped with video surveillance technology. A year after its launch, the Ride With Respect campaign has been a tremendous tool in making the overall customer experience more pleasant and peaceful.
Publishes Every Thursday
An Atlanta businessman and former chairman of the city’s tourism bureau has been indicted on two counts of rape in Massachusetts, according to the local police Michael Robison, a founder and former chairman of Lanier Parking Solutions, one of Atlanta’s largest parking companies has been charged with three counts of rape of an individual over 14 in the Nantucket District Court. The documents allege RoMichael Robison bison had intent to commit rape, and committed rape, upon one victim. “The outrageous and false accusations against Mr. Robison by a 46-year-old long-term friend of both he and his wife arise out of a late-night interaction between two consenting adults, in the privacy of the Robisons’ Nantucket home. A regrettable event for all concerned, but certainly not a crime,” said Robison’s attorney James Merberg, according to the AJC. “I look forward to clearing Mr. Robison’s good name in a court of law.” Robison, a retired businessman, once served as chairman of the board of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Robison founded Lanier Parking in 1989 as a Georgia Tech student and built the firm into a national and international parking management giant. The company manages lots and decks at high-profile office towers, shopping malls and arenas, and also managed parking during the 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games and several PGA championship golf tournaments.
3 | ADW
BUSINESS WorldPay Bringing 1200 Jobs Comcast Issues Grants to to Atlanta Georgia Schools and Support Organizations
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
The Comcast Foundation announced today it has made multiple financial grants totaling more than $110,000 to a variety of schools and organizations that support the underserved throughout Georgia. “Comcast is proud to support our community partners across Georgia,” said Andy Macke, VP of External Affairs for Comcast. “These grants further our efforts from our very successful Comcast Cares Day in April 2014 to be a key partner to those in need.” The Atlanta Partnership of Business and Education, Inc. received $25,000.00 and the
December 4-10, 2014
United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta received a $12,880 award. Other grant beneficiaries include: 100 Black Men of Atlanta, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America Council, Boys and Girls Clubs, Central State University, East Lake Foundation, Latin American Association, the Ron Clark Academy and the United Way. Comcast has been committed to serving local communities since its founding more than 50 years ago. For more information on Comcast’s volunteer and community investment initiatives, visit www.comcast.com/ community.
Chicago’s Garrett Popcorn Shops® Opens in Lenox Mall
By Terry Shropshire A major payment processing company is relocating its world headquarters back to the suburban Atlanta and bringing more than 1,200 high-paying jobs along with it. Sandy Springs, Ga.-based WorldPay is moving to Atlanta after the city council approved $1.5 million from the InvestAtlanta Economic Opportunity Fund for the company to relocate back to the region where it began. WorldPay will invest $9.6 million in the relocation with positions that, on average,
will pay upwards of $73,317. WorldPay will generate an estimated $3.4 million annually in new tax income with a total economic impact of $424.6 million, Mayor Kasim Reed’s office stated. As it stands now, financial company revenues in Georgia are already in access of $34 billion annually, the best in the nation behind only California and New York State.
Vivica A. Fox Debuts Wig Line in Atlanta
Garrett Popcorn Shops®, “A Chicago Tradition Since 1949,” announced their first-ever Georgia location in Atlanta’s premier shopping destination – Lenox Square Mall. In addition, Garrett is excited to announce that comedian, actor and talk show host, Steve Harvey, and his wife Marjorie, have become part of the Garrett Popcorn Shops family in Atlanta, endorsing one of his favorite snacks. For more than six decades, Garrett Popcorn has handcrafted small batch, gourmet Popcorn for millions of loyal fans, and this new location will now allow Atlantans to “pop while they shop” just in time for the holiday shopping season. “The decision to bring Garrett Popcorn Shops to Atlanta was primarily based on requests from our loyal fans, and we’ve been looking forward to opening at Lenox Square Mall in time for our Handcrafted Happiness™ to brighten their spirits this holiday season,” said Scott Schroeder, Chief Brand Officer, Garrett Popcorn Shops. “We are delighted to finally serve the Signature Flavors of Garrett
ADW | 4
Popcorn Shops in Atlanta and to deliciously contribute to the season’s holiday cheer.” “Garrett Popcorn and the famous Garrett Mix have always been a must-buy for my family and me. My wife makes sure we keep a Tin in our home in Chicago!” said Harvey. “I [am happy to] celebrate this Chicago tradition coming to the great state of Georgia and the people of Atlanta.” The new Garrett Popcorn Shop will continue the 65 year tradition of hot air popping its Signature Blend of non-GMO kernels and handcrafting small batches of gourmet Popcorn throughout the day in old-fashioned copper kettles using only the highest quality ingredients. Customers are able to choose from many flavor offerings including Garrett Mix®, which combines the sophisticated sweetness of CaramelCrisp® and the savory goodness of CheeseCorn. The menu also includes CaramelCrisp®, CheeseCorn, Buttery, Plain, Almond CaramelCrisp®, Pecan CaramelCrisp® and Cashew CaramelCrisp®.
By Terry Shropshire Vivica A. Fox dropped in on Atlanta to host the opening of Ultimate Beauty Supply. The new luxury beauty supply store dedicated a separate 400 sq.ft wig room dedicated to the Vivica Fox Hair Collection. The event broadcasted live from Streetz 94.5 with special guest on air personality Jazzy McBee. Customers and special invited guests were welcomed into the new 6,000 sq. ft. location complete with a luxurious aesthetic and appeal within the interior design. Guests were treated with edible arrange-
ments, dessert bites and cocktails sponsored by Tiny’s Tequila. “We want to give our guests the ultimate experience and feel special every time they walk through our doors, which is why we’ve invested so much in the space,” said Christian Lewis, store owner, about giving the beauty supply industry a face lift. “We will also continue to strive to bring the best products, services, and overall customer service experience that has ever been seen by a beauty supply chain as we pride ourselves on leaving a lasting impression on our patrons,” Lewis added.
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
COMMUNITY
December 4-10, 2014
Atlanta Falcons’ Devin Hester Grants Boys & Girls Club Holiday Wishes In celebration of #GivingTuesday, Atlanta Falcon Devin Hester teamed up with JCPenney to surprise the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta with a Holiday shopping spree. Two busloads of kids from the Boys & Girls Club anxiously poured into the store in the hopes of getting a Christmas surprise. They weren’t disappointed when Atlanta Falcon wide receiver Devin Hester happily greeted them upon arrival— snapping selfies, signing autographs and most importantly, helping the kids check items off their holiday wish lists. Hester helped the kids select toys, shoes and clothes and even hopped behind the register to help wrap the gifts. The hometown hero enjoys a special connection with at-risk youth. Before he became a teenager, his mother was severely injured in a car accident, and his father died of cancer two years later. His step-father, Derrick Brown, and brother, Lenorris, Jr., helped Hester escape his depression and rebuild his life by introducing him to football. He soon returned to his normal life and began to excel in sports and academics. Devin Hester holiday shopping with Boys & Girls Club kids
5 | ADW
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
ENTERTAINMENT
December 4-10, 2014
Marry Us for Christmas Premiers on UP Network The family friendly cable network, UP, presents the original movie Marry US for Christmas, a romantic, ‘tis-the-seasonto-get-married, mother-daughter comedy starring Malinda Williams (Soul Food,” “exhale”), Karon Riley (UP’s Where’s the Love?, 35 and Ticking), Victoria Rowell (What Love Will Make You Do, “The Young and the Restless”) and Marques Houston (UP’s The Love Letter, “Sister, Sister”). A sequel to last year’s popular Marry Me For Christmas, the film also reunites Rowell with her long-time “Young and the Restless” co-star Kristoff St. John (20 Ft Below: The Darkness Descending, “Family Time”). The UP Original Movie Marry US for Christmas will make its world television premiere on UP on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7:00 p.m. EST. In the sequel to last year’s popular UP Original Movie Marry Me for Christmas, it’s a year after Marci Jewel (Malinda Williams) and Blair Kirkland (Karon Riley) declared their love for each other and decided to tie the knot. But as the big day approaches, Marci is so consumed with work that she’s had no time to plan her wedding. To make matters worse, she
may have to team up with former assistant/fake fiancé Adam to win a project she’s been vying for – a little tidbit Marci has held back from Blair. But Blair, as it turns out, has a secret of his own. Thanks to years of doing pro bono work for financially-strapped clients, he quickly is running out of cash and might have to accept an offer to work for his longtime nemesis, Marci’s manipulative cousin Preston (Carl Payne). Meanwhile, Marci’s mother Stephanie Chandler Jewel (Victoria Rowell) is making some rather bold moves of her own with her sexy salsa teacher, Antonio Simpson (Marques Houston), who is more than a little smitten with her — and about 20 years her junior. Will there be a wedding for Christmas? Better yet — whose wedding will it be? “What’s more exciting than Christmas – getting married at Christmas, of course,” said Sophia Kelley, SVP, programming, UP. “We are thrilled to continue the high-spirted holiday adventures of Marci and her mother Stephanie, in this year’s romantic, fun-filled sequel Marry US for Christmas. This Noel,
the question is -- who will make it down aisle first?” UP is the television network dedicated to uplifting viewers every day with original and acquired movies, reality and dramatic series, comedies and music specials. One of the most trusted family-friendly networks on cable, UP can be seen in 67 million homes on cable systems and satellite providers across the United States in both standard and high definition. Based in Atlanta, UP is a division of UP Entertainment, LLC, and also provides sales and operations services to the ASPiRE network.
Chris Brown, Pharrell Williams and Beyonce Win Big at Soul Train Awards 2014 The Soul Train Awards 2014 celebrated and honored soul music’s brightest new stars as well as R&B’s greatest legends during the star-studded show, which aired on CENTRIC and BET on November 30, 2014. Chris Brown was the big winner of the night, walking away with three awards, while Pharrell Williams and Beyoncé both took home two. Soul Train Awards 2014 was hosted by talk show queen Wendy Williams and featured show-stopping performances by Chris Brown, Jodeci, Nico & Vinz, Tinashe, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott and Da Brat, and also honored funk music icons Kool & The Gang with the Legend Award.
ADW | 6
Soul Train Awards 2014 kicked off with Chris Brown performing a medley of his hits, including “Yo (Excuse Me Miss),” “New Flame,” and “Loyal,” bringing the crowd to their feet. Moments later, Wendy Williams lit up the stage with a glitzy toast to Las Vegas as she waltzed alongside Boris Kodjoe in the opening number. Breakout performers Nico & Vinz took the stage next and belted out their smash hit “Am I Wrong” before wowing the crowd with their new single, “In Your Arms.” Following the Nico & Vinz performance, audience members joined We Are Toonz and their
troop of dancers in a lively rendition of this year’s dance craze, the Nae Nae. Later in the show, Jodeci reunited onstage to perform classic fan favorites “Freek’n You,” “Come and Talk to Me,” “Stay” and “Forever My Lady,” in addition to debuting their new single, “Nobody Wins.” To close out the show, a group of artists honored Kool & The Gang by performing some of the group’s greatest hits; artists included Tamar Braxton, MC Lyte, Ma$e, Doug E. Fresh, and hip hop emcees Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott and Da Brat, who reunited and closed out the night with a crowd-pleasing performance of their 1996
platinum single “Not Tonight” (a remix of Kool & The Gang’s hit “Ladies Night”). Soul Train Awards 2014 honored artists in 12 different categories. Winners included Nico & Vinz (Best New Artist), Beyoncé (Best R&B/Soul Female Artist), Trey Songz (Best R&B/Soul Male Artist), “Beyoncé” by Beyoncé (Album of the Year), and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams (Song of the Year).
ENTERTAINMENT ‘Young and the Restless’ Star Gabrielle Union Gets Inspiration From Kardashians and Kristoff St. John’s Son Braxtons for New Gig Commits Suicide
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
By Ruth Manuel-Logan Emmy-winning and longtime star of the popular soap the “Young And The Restless,” Kristoff St. John’s and his wife Mia, announced via Twitter that their “beautiful” 24-year-old son, Julian committed suicide, thereby ending his lifelong battle with mental illness. Julian, whom his parents say was a gifted artist, suffered from serious bouts of depression. Julian’s emotional toils caused him to become homeless, grapple with drug addiction and have run-ins with the authorities, according to his mother. He dealt with depression since childhood and was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 18 Julian has had his paintings and drawings compared to another young black artist who also battled emotional demons, Jean-Michel
December 4-10, 2014
Basquiat. Mia took to Twitter to tell the world about her son: “On November 23rd Kristoff St. John and I lost our beautiful son, Julian St. John. Our son was the light of our lives, an artist with a beautiful mind and spirit. He fought long and hard against an illness for which there is no cure. Unfortunately the pain became too great for him, and I dare not say he lost the battle — he simply chose to set himself free. My fight for mental health will continue. They may not find a cure in my lifetime, but we can try and prevent the loss of another beautiful soul.” Julian would have turned 25 on Dec. 5, which has now become the day of his burial.
By Sonya Eskridge
Gabrielle Union revealed that it was pretty easy to prep for her upcoming movie “Top Five,” where she plays an image-obsessed reality star. She just watched “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” For Gabby, that meant binge watching the Kardashians and the Braxtons to create Erica, who literally lives for the cameras. The actress combined characteristics from both of these families so well that she can’t really tell if she takes after one clan more than the other, so she just calls Erica a “Braxstashian.” If the Braxtashians were a thing, we’d imagine that they’d be a branding powerhouse with some discernible talent and an endless supply of spinoffs. In other Gabrielle news, BET has just released a new trailer for season 2 of “Being Mary Jane.” The new teaser features Mary Jane walking through a hall of mirrors, where her loved ones see themselves how they truly are and what they hope to become. Surprisingly, only one person in Mary Jane’s circle is happy just the way they are.
Whitney’ Biopic Set to Premier on Lifetime
Our Lifestyles. Our Opinions. Our News.
The Lifetime cable network recently announced an official premiere date for its Whitney Houston biopic. Simply titled Whitney, the film is all set to debut on Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. EST. It’s a perfect option for a night in for those determined not to brave the weather for anything short of a real emergency. Viewers should expect a somewhat messy time to be had by all that tune in. The movie will follow Whitney (to be played by YaYa DaCosta) as she juggles her spectacular career and a tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown. It will track their troubled romance from the first time they met through to the dissolution of the marriage. Missing from the film will be Whitney’s music. Her family was not feeling the idea
of an unauthorized biopic, so they blocked access to her music. Lifetime found a way around that by having Deborah Cox supply the vocals to be featured in clips where Whitney is supposed to be singing live. There are so many other parts of Whitney’s life that Lifetime could have focused on, but industry insiders have noticed that the network likes to touch on the controversy in a celebrity’s legacy. The production already had a huge leg up by casting Yaya — that’s already leaps and bounds ahead of where the Aaliyah biopic started. But, with Angela Bassett at the directorial helm, the project can’t go too wrong, but it’s probably best to reserve judgment until after the movie fades to black.
7 | ADW
HEALTH Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Human Trials of Experimental Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Ebola Vaccine Showing Donates to HIV/AIDS Center Promise
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
December 4-10, 2014
L to R Ms. Bishop (Living Room housing coordinator), Millicent McCaskill, Andrea Morgan (co-chair), Crystal Davis, Mr. Willis, Gen Hunter, Mary Neal, and Bobbie West. In honor of World AIDS Day, Delta Sigma Theta Atlanta Alumnae Chapter Second Vice President Crystal Davis and members of its International Awareness & Involvement committee spent the morning delivering baskets of toiletries, donated by chapter members to the Living Room. The Living Room is a housing information, placement and financial assistance agency for low-income people who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless due to HIV/AIDS and assists this vulnerable population with identifying, obtaining and maintaining affordable housing. There are 35 million people living with HIV in the world. 19 million are unaware of their HIV status.
Living Room was founded in 1995 as a program of Trinity Community Ministries. Over the next four years, the program grew and in 1999, with the blessing of the TCM Board of Directors, Living Room became an independent non-profit organization. Since its inception, Living Room has served more than 23,000 households in Atlanta. With the increasing impact of HIV on low-income and minority populations, the organization anticipates an ever-growing need for programs and services to assist individuals and communities in need.
By Evan Thomas (Via Newsy) – Initial human trials of an experimental ebola vaccine show promise, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health. A recent study exposed 20 healthy adults to the prototype drug, which was supposed to trigger an immune system response to Ebola. According to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine Wednesday, each patient showed antibody response “in the range reported to be associated with vaccine-induced protective immunity…” In other words, it appears to have worked. The NIH worked with pharmaceutical
company GlaxoSmithKline to accelerate the potential vaccine through to human testing phases. “We’re hoping to start this much, much larger efficacy trial in. first Liberia, to determine if it actually works,” said NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci. If development yields a usable vaccine, health care workers are expected to get the first doses. The latest numbers from the World Health Organization show 337 workers have died since the outbreak. Worldwide WHO attributes 5,459 deaths to the latest strain of ebola.
Important Facts to Know If You’re Going to Go Raw Praised as the most nutrient-rich diet for humans, rawism or raw foodism is a lifestyle that scores of Atlantans are adopting in the constant quest for fitness. Unprocessed foods and uncooked fruits and vegetables make up 75 percent of the eating trend, and while this is clearly nutritious, the big questions is, does it taste good? So before you power off your oven for good, ask yourself this question: Should I go raw or nah? You May Lose Weight (As In Too Much Weight) If you go raw, you will lose weight. However the raw food diet is not intended for weight loss. In fact some people lose too much weight and end up becoming underweight–and just like being overweight, being underweight can increase your risk for certain health problems (read: malnutrition).
ADW | 8
Your Digestive System Will Be On Point However your diges-
tive system will appreciate all the raw goodness you’ll be feeding it. This is actually the No. 1 promise of this diet. Raw foodies promote the idea that raw foods contain natural enzymes and many other nutrients that otherwise break down during cooking. And since these enzymes improve digestion the body will absorb other beneficial nutrients in turn. The Bacteria Can Be Bad Not heating things up in the kitchen may not be so hot for your health though beauties. Since dehydrating, excessive chopping, and air exposed foods are the norm in this diet the nutrient levels can suffer when exposed to these conditions. So make cleaning your produce super well a priority if you’re going to dine sans heat. Some Foods Like It Hot Speaking of bringing the heat, cooking makes the nutrients in some foods such as eggs and tomatoes, more bioavailable. Straight up – some foods like it hot. Therefore not heating them properly can lead to the proliferation of foodborne bacteria. This applies especially for
the raw eggs, raw fish, and raw chicken that some raw foodists choose to consume. And we all know how dangerous things can be when you don’t heat your meat right? You Better Have Time To (Not) Cook Last point on not cooking your grub – you think you don’t have time to cook now, if you stop cooking you better have even more time. Maintaining a raw diet is incredibly time consuming and may even eliminate you from some of your favorite events like girls nights out (no alcohol allowed) or coffee/tea time (sorry no caffeine). Find The Balance There’s clearly loads of research proving that eating large amounts of fruits and vegetables is highly beneficial – so I say going raw from time to time is cool. But I will always believe that the best diet is a well rounded one. Lightly cooked foods, healthy fats, lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and organic fruits and vegetables sounds like a legit remix to me.
FAITH Friends of Disabled Adults Setting the Scene for and Children Receives AIB Christmas Spirit Award
December 4-10, 2014
By Franchelle Jackson
Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to change the ambiance by resetting the tablescapes, lighting the twinkling trees and decorating the fireplace mantel full of holiday glee. Setting the atmosphere in our homes during this season is the most exciting time of the year to make guests feel warm and welcome.
1. Determine your style and ambiance The first decision is to determine the atmosphere you want to convey. Is your style elegant and sophisticated, glitzy and glamorous, jolly and holly, or warm and rustic? Pull from your own personality to create the mood and to make the decision easier. Then, select your color choices to complement your theme. Choose rich reds and gold to romantic silver and cream. Now that you have selected your color and style, it’s time to create the look.
2. Ambiance throughout your home It should transcend throughout your entire home from the front door holiday wreath, tablescape design, fireplace mantel and of course the Christmas tree. Add small touches to the kitchen and powder room. It is easy to do by bringing a little holiday holly or festive hand towels to those rooms. Carry the Christmas joy to your sofa by enhancing it with holiday pillows and warm cozy throws. Also, lite the fireplace to warm your guests after coming out the cold weather. And don’t forget to hang the classic mistletoe to spark a little love and conversation.
3. The Holiday Table Now, it is time to change your dining room
tablescape design to a delightful and wonderful Christmas affair. Spread your Christmas style by adding sparkling and white dinnerware, crystal wine glasses and your exquisite silverware. Keep in mind there is more to setting a table than knowing where to place the centerpiece. It is very important to have good symmetry, scale and function, which are key components to a successful tablescape.
4. The Centerpiece Remember, your centerpiece should not be a distraction or interfere with your guest interaction to ensure everyone can enjoy each other’s company. When selecting your centerpiece keep in mind the maximum height should be no taller than 12 inches. Very tall centerpieces should be placed on buffets or sideboards. You also can adorn your table with mercury glass hurricanes or lanterns filled with ornaments or dried pecans and walnuts. Stay away from scented candles at the dining table and allow your dinner to fragrant the air. There’s a wide selection of unscented and LED battery operated pillar candles that give off a beautiful flickering light much like a real candle if you want to bring the mood of a candle to the table. Your guest will never know the difference. Finally, while your centerpiece and table will set the tone, remember to include a music selection to complete the ambiance to create the mood.
Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters Recognizes Organization for Contributions to Georgia Disabled Community Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, a non-profit organization providing over $10 million annually in durable medical equipment and supplies to the disabled community, was selected by Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters to receive an AIB Spirit Award, recognizing the organization for its support of the mobility-impaired community. The award was presented to FODAC president and CEO Chris Brand on Friday, 17 October at FODAC headquarters in Stone Mountain by AIB Chairman of the Board John B. McIntyre. “The AIB Spirit Award is given to a person or organization that exemplifies the spirit of caring, sharing and lifting up others,” stated McIntyre. “Over the past twenty-plus years, FODAC has provided help to thousands of persons with mobility impairments, many of whom had no other resource for the equipment they needed to maintain a quality of life. AIB is proud to recognize Chris Brand and
FODAC for their dedication to helping those with physical disabilities engage more fully with their friends and family, their community and their lives.” The award recognizes and honors individuals and organizations that are touching lives and making a difference throughout AIB’s metro Atlanta viewing community. Nominees are submitted by an AIB staff or board member, and the board votes on recipients. Once a year in March, AIB sponsors the Allen Awards Luncheon; attendees include the past year’s Spirit Award recipients. At this luncheon, AIB bestows a humanitarian award, a community service award and a program of the year award. “We are always grateful to be recognized for the work we do to support the disabled community,” said Brand. “The AIB Spirit Award is particularly meaningful to us because it also recognizes the spiritual benefit of helping these folks regain independence and a quality of life. We are honored to accept this award.”
5. The Mantel Finally, the mantel is where you should place your scented candles to fill your home with the aromas of Christmas from holiday forest, to sugared cinnamon and peppermint patties to rich vanilla crème. Decorate the mantel with fresh or artificial garland, shimmering lights, silk and organza ribbon and beautiful bows. Add acorn and ornaments to give your mantel an elegant glow and flair. Now your home exudes Christmas everywhere! Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to change the ambiance by resetting the tablescapes, lighting the twinkling trees and decorating the fireplace mantel full of holiday glee. Setting the atmosphere in our homes during this season is the most exciting time of the year to make guests feel warm and welcome.
9 | ADW
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
CLASSIFIEDS
December 4-10, 2014
ATLANTA DAILY WORLD – Pick Up Locations
Digital Daily
It pays to advertise in the Atlanta Daily World.
Auburn Avenue Library - 101 Auburn Avenue The Apex Museum - 135 Auburn Avenue Silver Moon Barber - 202 Auburn Avenue Sweet Auburn Grocery - 210 Auburn Avenue Rib Shack - 302 Auburn Avenue SCLC - 328 Auburn Avenue Auburn Cleaners - 388 Auburn Avenue McGhee Tennis Center - 820 Beecher Street Big Daddy - 3085 Campbellton Avenue Nail Spot - 589 Cascade Road Kroger - 590 Cascade Road Stylistic Hair Salon - 590 Cascade Road Shear Barber Shop - 590 Cascade Road Cascade Nail - 590 Cascade Road Spark Unisex - 591 Cascade Road Ethnic Braid - 593 Cascade Road China Cafereria - 609 Cascade Road Cascade Grill - 1053 Cascade Road CVS - 2237 Cascade Road Big Daddy - 2284 Cascade Road Frills Hair Salon - 2290 Cascade Road Dream Wings - 2292 Cascade Road Louisana Seafood - 2298 Cascade Road Health Essential - 2329 Cascade Road Hans Express - 2345 Cascade Road J R Cricket - 2348 Cascade Road Kroger - 3425 Cascade Road Papa John’s - 3425 Cascade Road Atlanta Fulton Library - 3665 Cascade Road PUBLIX - 3695 Cascade Road Pak Mail Center - 3695 Cascade Road Tire Plus - 3735 Cascade Road Kaiser Permante - 1175 Cascade Parkway Dixie News - 13 Decatur Street Chanterelles - 646 Evans Street Baltimore Crab - 1075 Fairburn Road Trends Barber Shop - 1075 Fairburn Road LT’S - 1270 Fairburn Road Mr Abdullai - 2377 Fairburn Road Ben Hill Rec Center - 2405 Fairburn Road The Barber Shop - 2841 Greenbrair Pkwy The Herb Shop - 2841 Greenbrair Pkwy Le Nails - 2841 Greenbrair Pkwy Salon Culture - 2841 Greenbrair Pkwy Medu Book Store 2841 Greenbrair Pkwy Citgo Service Station - 2995 Headline Drive Master Beauty Supply - 3031 Headline Driver Mr Everything - 870 Martin L King Dr
Citizen Trust Bank - 965 Martin L King Dr Atlanta Library - 1116 Martin L King Dr Shell Service Station - 1720 Martin L King Dr M L K Coin Laundry - 2860 Martin L King Dr African Braid - 3050 Martin L King Dr Adamville Rec Center - 3201 Martin L King Dr Adamville Library - 3424 Martin L King Dr Shummy - 3550 Martin L King Dr Linda’s Cleaners - 3565 Martin L King Dr Yasin - 3641 Martin L King Dr Washington Park - 101 Ollie Street Washington Tennis Center - 102 Ollie Street 100 Black Men of Atlanta - 241 Peachtree Street Kanley Restaurant - 75 Piedmont Road Citizen Trust Bank - 75 Piedmont Road Post Office - 576 Piedmont Road PUBLIX - 595 Piedmont Road Playmaker Barber - 270 Ponce De Leon Eats - 600 Ponce De Leon Borders - 650 Ponce De Leon Kroger - 725 Ponce De Leon Dugus - 777 Ponce De Leon PUBLIX - 1007 Ponce De Leon Merkerson’s Fish Market - 740 Ralph D Albernathy Blvd SW Scott Library - 1917 Candler Road CVS - 2458 Candler Road Gene Package - 2538 Candler Road Gene Laundrymat - 2538 Candler Road Big Men Package - 2594 Candler Road Kelly Express - 2701 Candler Road Dramatic Design - 2701 Candler Road Music Media - 2701 Candler Road Amber Bristo - 3910 Flat Shoel Parkway Master Barber - 3910 Flat Shoel Parkway Dollar Insurance - 3806 Flat Shoel Parkway T Nails - 3665 Flat Shoel Parkway Kroger - 2875 N Decatur Road PUBLIX - 2155 N Decatur Road Kroger - 3108 Briar Hill Road Post Office - 3104 Briar Hill Road Up Sweep Beauty Salon - 3649 Flakes Mills Road PUBLIX - 3655 Flakes Mills Road Mo Better Restaurant - 3927 Flat Shoals Parkway Barber Shop - 3929 Flat Shoals Parkway PUBLIX - 3870 N Druid Hills Road Helen S. Mills Multi Purpose Facility - 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. SE Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
How to place a Classified Ad ONLINE: www.atlantadailyworld.com
Contact ADW sales representative at
678-515-2053 or redward@realtimesmedia.com
MAIL: ATLANTA DAILY WORLD 100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, GA 30354
RATES: Mail Subscription Rates (circle one) 1 Year for $52 2 Years for $85
EMAIL: mhelvey@realtimesmedia.com
PAYMENT: Check, Money Order, American Express, MasterCard or VISA Credit Card#: Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Email:
TELEPHONE: 678-515-2053 PAYMENT: Cash, check, or credit card DEADLINE: Every Tuesday, 12:00 pm (noon)
Publishes Every Thursday ADW | 10
SUBSCRIBE FOR 2 YEARS AND SAVE!
RATES: Open Classified Advertising Rates $25.00 for four lines . Additional lines $5.50 each. A line consist of 26 characters including spaces and punctuation. All rates listed above apply to line ads. DISPLAY ADS: Contact 678-515-2053 or redward@realtimesmedia.com
CLIP AND MAIL: ATLANTA DAILY WORLD
100 Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Suite 500 Atlanta, Georgia 30354
VIEWPOINTS
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
December 4-10, 2014
GUEST COMMENTARY
GUEST COMMENTARY
by Derrell Bradford
by Arley Johnson
NYCAN’s Derrell Bradford Promotes Educational Choices for Minority Children When I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in the mid 90’s, I moved to New York City. And I did what most young folks did then: found the cheapest apartment I could afford in the nicest neighborhood possible. That place was a first-floor front studio near Central Park. The block was lovely, but I lived in the worst building on it. Sanitation workers used to wake me up when they threw the cans against my outside windows. In the winter, I heated the place with my open stove. And if anything broke, it took forever to get it fixed. I paid about three-fourths of what I made to live in that apartment, and my landlord knew that. And because of this, our relationship was uneasy. I only pushed so hard to get things fixed because I couldn’t afford to move. She only did enough to make it barely livable. And we both knew there were hundreds of kids, just like me, ready to take my spot if I decided to head back home. It was all win for her and, because I could not move, all lose me. My relationship with my old landlord is the same relationship most parents and children of color, particularly in cities, have with their neighborhood schools and school districts. The quality of instruction is poor and, according to the Office of Civil Rights, students are far more likely to be taught by a teacher who is out of subject specialization than elsewhere. There are 90 schools in New York City, for instance, where not one minority child passed the recent round of state tests. These kids and families are stuck with their schools just like my old landlord and
I were; the school only giving what it must, and the family desperate to get more for their child’s education. Eventually I got lucky, got a new job, and moved to a better apartment. For most folks, however, moving to a better “building,” or a school or school district in this case, just isn’t an option. If you have money or influence in America, you don’t even blink when your local school doesn’t deliver. You know you can “move” to a private school or another school district, and the local school does too. So if that power is good enough for the wealthiest and most influential, why shouldn’t we give low-income families in southwest Baltimore where I’m from, or Newark, or New York the same options? As a child I got a scholarship to an excellent school and that changed my life, forever, and there is no day I don’t wake up and know how blessed I am because of it. “Parent Choice” in education is the one thing that can help families, just like mine, and help them today. Take a lesson from my old landlord. Your zip code and your income might dictate where you live … but they shouldn’t determine your child’s future. Derrell Bradford is the executive director of The New York Campaign for Achievement NowNYCAN’s Derrell Bradford Promotes Educational Choices for Minority Children
Solar Policies Come at the Expense of Communities Least Able to Afford Them In the drive to develop certain sectors in our nation’s economy, we have all too often seen policies born of good intentions produce damaging consequences, particularly for people on the economic margins.
aren’t growing, and funding ordinarily used to assist low-income individuals – for things like direct financial assistance, rate relief, or housing vouchers – end up competing with solar subsidies for the well off.
Yet policymakers continue to make this mistake again and again -- most recently in a relatively obscure area: the solar industry. With the laudable intention of promoting more solar panels on consumer rooftops, many states have created subsidies and other incentives. But this approach has, in many cases, delivered concentrated benefits to solar panel owners (who are usually high income earners) at the expense of working class families and individuals on fixed incomes.
This is not to say that solar energy is a bad thing. While promoting greater use of renewable energies is laudable, solar subsidies should be implemented in a way that creates benefits for society as a whole. But as these subsidies are currently structured, a narrow portion of society gains at the expense of others, including those least able to pick up the tab.
Here’s how: Under an approach known as net metering, homeowners who can afford to install solar panels are given the right to sell back any excess electricity they generate to utility companies at the full ‘retail rate’. While this full rate is good for solar panel users, utility companies that are forced to buy back the excess energy either absorb the costs or, worse, pass them on to traditional consumers, including working families on tight budgets and the poor. In effect, traditional consumers are forced to underwrite expensive home improvements – in this case, solar panel systems - that affluent homeowners decide to undertake on their own. Consider this: A recent analysis found that a majority of people taking advantage of solar rebate programs in Austin, Texas, lived in some of the city’s wealthiest zip codes. The local newspaper in Austin summed up the situation best, saying: “Residents of wealthier neighborhoods are more likely to be able to afford the upfront capital costs associated with adding solar panels to their roofs - a cost the city helps defray through one of its major rebate programs.” The concept of ‘homeowners’ in its own right fails to account for those living in or near poverty who do not own their own homes and are more likely to rent. For these individuals, solar subsidies have little to no benefit, and may in fact become detrimental. Budgets
In an effort to ensure that such benefits are more equally distributed, consumer advocates across the country strongly recommend programs designed for a broader demographic, such as large scale solar projects or overall conservation goals for a community. As our states continue to set goals in energy affordability and conservation, we must keep in our hearts and minds those of modest means in our communities. We cannot further burden individuals living paycheck to paycheck with inequitable policies that accelerate upward distribution of income. We know that it is often “expensive to be poor.” A car repair can contribute to crippling debt and lost time at work. It is heartening to see that this issue is drawing growing attention from advocates for the poor, most notably the National Policy Alliance, an organization that is devoted to highlighting public policies that pose adverse consequences to individuals who struggle the most in our economy. And so the message and solution is becoming increasingly clear: we must rethink our unbalanced solar policies and take the right steps to providing affordable energy options for all in our communities. Arley Johnson, a former West Virginia state legislator, is the former executive director of Advocates for the Other America, a Washington-based lobbying and advocacy group.
Atlanta Daily World for the advertisment results you are looking for.
Contact ADW sales representative at 678-515-2053 or redward@realtimesmedia.com
11 | ADW
www.AtlantaDailyWorld.com
ATLANTA DAILY WORLD
P U B L I X
G I F T
December 4-10, 2014
C A R D S
The perfect gift is perfectly easy. ADW | 12