SOFU, GA April 2024

What Matters MostInvesting in our SoFu Community

Investment by definition is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long-term financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and ourselves and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.

While investing in ourselves, relationships, and community can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share about some of the ways that we can invest in our community with those that we love.

In this issue, turn the pages to learn more about the ways business owners are investing in the beautiful SoFu area! From the development of Aerotropolis to the small business acumen of two Morehouse guys at Eastside Golf, you will be inspired! And there are some great tips on protecting your biggest investment, your home!

Enjoy!

ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR

@SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE

Photo Caption: My sister and I visited the Balloon Museum at Pullman Yards. Go see it before it rolls out of town on April 14.

business monthly

Entire Union City Elected Leadership Joins National League of Cities for Unprecedented National Service

In an unprecedented milestone for the state of Georgia, all elected officials of Union City have been appointed to key positions within the National League of Cities (NLC). The collective appointment of Union City's leadership to NLC is the first of its kind in the state, showcasing the city's commitment to national service and community advancement. Mayor Pro Tem Brian K. Jones continues his Vice-Chair of the Energy Environment National Resources (EENR) role.

SAVE THE DATE

JOIN US ON TUESDAY, APRIL 16 FOR OUR ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS!

BENJAMIN BANNEKER HIGH SCHOOL 6015 FELDWOOD ROAD | ATLANTA, GA 30349

EVENT STARTS AT 6:30PM

Discover Union City, GeorgiaWhere Business Meets Ambiance

Designated as the fastest-growing City in Georgia, Union City combines the charm of an intimate community with the cultural, residential, and economic prowess of a large metropolis.

Nestled just minutes from the world's busiest airport, Union City stands proud as a renowned residence of influential brands like Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, ASOS, Amazon, Mercedes-Benz, Walmart E-Commerce, Atlanta Metro Studios, and many others.

Experience the fusion of business and lifestyle - Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine your future in Union City.

MURAL MURAL UNVEILING UNVEILING

We're excited to celebrate this vibrant addition to our community while commemorating the unveiling of the Artzebella Mural on Virginia Ave, beneath the MARTA Bridge, in collaboration with the City of College Park, College Park Main Street, and Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

The

of Arts & Culture will use the award to help fund services provided by nonprofit organizations, including an additional $2.25 million in funding for arts programming. This year’s investment includes funding for the following: $1.7 million will be added to the base amount of $1.3 million for the Contracts for Services (CFS) program,  and $75,000 in support of the SoFu Festival, along with $250,000 in support of Fulton Films.

B E A PARTOFTHE

GUMBOCOALIT

I O N

ARTICLE BY JUJU RAMOS

MARC MORIAL’S NEW LEADERSHIP BOOK AND DOCUMENTARY

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” For Marc Morial, this adage is not merely a slogan, it’s the guiding principle that has shaped his life’s journey. Raised by remarkable parents—a dedicated schoolteacher and a passionate civil rights lawyer—Morial’s formative years were steeped in activism, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. From an early age, he absorbed the values of hard work, social responsibility, and the importance of education, all while witnessing the stark realities of segregation in the South.

In his pursuit of social change, Morial conceptualized the innovative “Gumbo Coalition”—a visionary initiative that mirrored the diverse blend of ingredients found in the iconic New Orleans dish. Through this metaphorical framework, Morial galvanized individuals from all backgrounds—African Americans, Whites, Latinos, Asians, business leaders, grassroots activists, and clergy—to address pressing issues such as crime reduction and urban revitalization. The Gumbo Coalition became a symbol of solidarity, demonstrating the transformative power of collaboration in effecting positive change.

Morial’s journey is also intertwined with the legacy of his father, who made history as the first African American mayor of New Orleans. Following in his father’s footsteps, Morial ascended to the mayoral office himself, marking a historic moment of generational succession in leadership. Together, father and son left an indelible mark on the city, embodying the spirit of progress and resilience.

Today, as the president of the National Urban League, Morial continues to champion the rights of marginalized communities and fight for social justice. Through his dynamic leadership and unwavering dedication, Morial inspires others to embrace diversity, challenge the status quo, and strive for a more inclusive and equitable world—reflecting the timeless imperative to “be the change.”

Morial’s insights and experiences are captured in his acclaimed book, The Gumbo Coalition: 10 Leadership Lessons That Help You Inspire, Unite, and Achieve. In this book, Morial delves deeper into his journey, offering invaluable lessons on leadership, unity, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving social progress. From poignant anecdotes to practical advice, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on effecting meaningful change in their own lives and communities.

“The Gumbo Coalition: 10 Leadership Lessons That Help You Inspire, Unite, and Achieve “ is available at your favorite local bookstore and on Amazon.com. Don’t miss the documentary film by the same name, “Gumbo Coalition,” now streaming on HBO Max.

About the Author: Juju Ramos is a dedicated “Mompreneur” and passionate writer who empowers women through her work. Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, she champions women’s narratives and advocates for their advancement. With unwavering commitment, Juju intertwines entrepreneurship and advocacy, embodying resilience and dedication to empowerment and inclusivity.

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE LATIMORE

Queens! Caviar

MEET THE BLACK WOMEN TRANSFORMING LUXURY, ONE CAVIAR EXPERIENCE AT A TIME

MRAA Caviar

Two trailblazing Black women, KeShaundra Malone and Susan Smallwood, are bringing the luxury experience through each of their caviar businesses.

SUSAN SMALLWOOD:

Susan’s journey is that of resilience, with the power of manifestation and positivity as her guiding source. Hosting her first caviar event in March 2020, Susan noticed a significant gap in representation when searching for marketing materials—there were no images of Black people or people of color.

“It was at that time that I decided to change the complexion,” she says. Susan ventured deeper into the caviar business and turned her dreams into reality by launching La Grande Caviar in June 2022.

KESHAUNDRA MALONE:

KeShaundra’s journey into the world of caviar began at a local champagne bar in Atlanta where she attended a caviar tasting. While sparking up a conversation with the gentleman who hosted the event, KeShaundra’s passion to venture into her own caviar business was ignited. Similar to Susan, what struck her the most was the lack of diversity in the industry and more specifically, the absence of Black women.

Motivated by her desire to share experiences with others and the lack of diversity in the caviar industry, KeShaundra founded MRAA Caviar with a mission to bring the joy of caviar to others.

To truly experience caviar the right way, Susan and KeShaundra have got you covered. Attend signature events or bring luxury right into your home by ordering caviar from LaGrandeCaviar.com or MRAACaviar.com

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Gabrielle Latimore is a writer, a TV and film fanatic, a Capricorn, and a Black culture enthusiast. She recently published a children’s book, When Gabby Finds Her Song, available at Amazon.com

La Grande Caviar

Susan Smallwood

KeShaundra Malone

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE LATIMORE

LEADING WITH THE HEART

Mike Gainor of Carolina Handling

“For Mike, being a leader is not about titles or authority; it’s about caring for people.

It is easy to spot an organizational leader who only gives back to their community to check off another box on their corporate agenda. After chatting with Mike Gainor, Executive Vice President of Sales at Carolina Handling, it was abundantly clear that he is quite the opposite. Mike’s unwavering dedication to his people and community forms the pillar of his leadership philosophy. He is one of those rare and genuine people-first leaders.

With a successful career in sales spanning over 30 years, Mike found his niche in the handling industry 13 years ago at Carolina Handling. But beyond the sales numbers and executive title, Mike’s true passion lies in the people. Mike’s definition of leadership is less about climbing the corporate ladder and more about fostering talent and uplifting others along the way. Throughout his leadership experience, Mike proudly shared that he has seen six of his sales managers go on to become national vice presidents at Fortune 500 companies including Toyota.

“Sales numbers are one thing,” he says, “but investing and seeing the success go to people that you care about is why you move into leadership.”

Through his role at Carolina Handling, Mike has also been able to make an impact in the Metro Atlanta community through a series of initiatives. Whether it’s working with the Chamber, attending after-hours

networking events, or introducing students from the Fulton County Career Academy to new career paths and opportunities, Mike’s commitment to people transcends the walls of his office. Recalling a favorite project, Mike noted that he participated in the REDFEST Pies for a Purpose Fundraiser in April 2023 where associates purchased more than 2,500 whipped cream pies to throw at their managers (including Mike). The company matched the purchases with more than $25,000 divided between six Ronald McDonald Houses in the company’s five-state footprint.

Mike is also especially proud of Carolina Handling’s annual giving fund, where associates can make donations at Christmas that are used throughout the year to support colleagues in need. Creating a positive work environment where every individual feels supported and cared for is what Mike aims to achieve.

For Mike, being a leader is not about titles or authority; it’s about caring for people.

“I don’t want somebody to look at me as a boss, I want them to look at me as someone who cares about them as a friend and a mentor.” Mike serves as a reminder that true success is not simply measured in numbers or profits, but more importantly, in the lives we enrich and the communities we uplift.

“At the end of the day, if I’ve done that, then I think I’ve been successful.”

INVEST IN YOUNG LEADERS

Support True Blue 1881 and “Philanthropy Done Differently!”

ARTICLE BY JUJU RAMOS

Navigating the path of higher education, especially for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), can often be fraught with obstacles. Amidst these challenges, True Blue 1881, Inc., a 501(c)3 corporation, shines as a guiding light. Originally formed from the shared vision of two Spelman alumnae, Tiombe Nucklos O’Rourke and Joy Smith Johnson, to

Their legacy of service and impact will undoubtedly persist, shaping a brighter future for HBCU students everywhere.

assist college students in the Atlanta University Center, this organization has since grown into a bastion of support dedicated to removing barriers that impede the graduation of all HBCU students.

Living up to its name, True Blue 1881, Inc. personifies a deep sense of loyalty and a commitment to giving back. The founders, Tiombe and Joy, along with board members and fellow Spelman Alumnae Kenya Thacker Pierre, Kimberly Bryant, and Kanika Sloan Williams, leverage their common experiences and values to drive practical initiatives aimed at uplifting current HBCU students. United, they infuse life into their slogan: “Philanthropy Done Differently.”

True Blue 1881 Inc. is deeply committed to combating student food insecurity across all 107 HBCUs. Through the organization of fundraisers and food drives, they have provided meals to over 600 students, ensuring that hunger does not become a barrier to their academic success. They’ve also awarded scholarships to students at 24 HBCUs, contributed over $250,000 in direct aid, and assisted over 60

students in graduating from their respective HBCUs by settling their outstanding tuition balances.

Consistent with their unwavering dedication, True Blue 1881, Inc. is in the planning stages for their upcoming annual fundraising event, Save our Seniors Soiree on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This year’s theme is “Talk Derby to Me.” The funds raised at the event will be directly used to settle balances for graduating seniors who require assistance, bypassing any administrative red tape. Such openness and steadfast commitment highlight the organization’s integrity and their sincere desire to bring about tangible change in students’ lives.

True Blue 1881, Inc. stands as a beacon of alumni-led transformation within the HBCU community. Their steadfast commitment to removing obstacles, combined with their focus on proactive measures, distinguishes them as true agents of success. Their legacy of service and impact will undoubtedly persist, shaping a brighter future for HBCU students everywhere.

For more, visit TrueBlue1881.org

Changing the World

One Black Girl at a Time

Our mission at The Empress and Pearls is to aid in cultivating the minds of girls of color through motherly guidance, mentorship and education. We highlight the symbolism of the pearl, a popular gem, rich in character and powerful in impact. Serving

ARTICLE BY DAVID SMITH OF LEGEND ROOFING

Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s your sanctuary and one of your most significant investments.

African American homeowners in Atlanta’s high-risk hail areas should know that safeguarding our homes is

4. Repair Promptly

Address any damage promptly to prevent further issues.

5. Use Quality Materials

Invest in durable materials resistant to hail and weather conditions.

YOUR ROOF PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN PROTECTING YOUR HOME, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR INVESTMENT.

crucial. And when it comes to protection, your roof is paramount.

WHY YOUR ROOF MATTERS

1. Defense From the Elements

Your roof shields your home from hail, rain, and wind.

2. Structural Integrity

The roof prevents leaks and water damage, saving you from costly repairs.

3. Energy Efficiency

Proper insulation reduces energy bills and keeps your home comfortable.

4. Curb Appeal

A well-maintained roof enhances your home’s appearance and resale value.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

Schedule annual checks with a professional roofer at Legend Roofing.

2. Maintain Gutters

Cleaning gutters regularly prevents water buildup.

3. Trim Trees

Prevent damage during storms by trimming overhanging branches.

As proud members of the Atlanta community, Legend Roofing is committed to helping fellow homeowners protect their investments and ensure the safety and longevity of their roofs. If you’re concerned about the condition of your roof or would like to schedule a professional inspection, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We offer reliable roofing services tailored to meet your unique needs. Together, let’s safeguard your home and secure your peace of mind for years to come.

Your roof plays a vital role in protecting your home, your family, and your investment. By prioritizing regular maintenance and enlisting the help of professionals when needed, you can ensure that your roof remains in top condition, providing safety, security, and peace of mind for years to come. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action today to protect your most valuable asset.

For more information on protecting your investment, visit LegendRoofing.com or call 404.308.4694 or email  info@legendroofing.com.

Eastside Story

ARTICLE BY GLEN COX PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY EASTSIDE GOLF

Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper on a Mission to Change the Face of Golf and Invest in the Community

Morehouse alums aim to make golf more accessible for everyone with their disruptive lifestyle brand Eastside Golf

Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper are on a mission to change the face of golf by making it more accessible for everyone. The two charismatic founders of disruptive lifestyle brand Eastside Golf, who grew up playing golf on local city courses (Ajanaku in East Atlanta and Cooper in Wilmington, Delaware), met while students at Morehouse College where they played on the school’s golf team and won a national championship in 2010.

After graduating, Cooper returned to Delaware where he became a nationally ranked golf instructor, and his elite club’s first-ever African American golf pro. Ajanaku meanwhile followed his dream, playing competitive golf on the mini-tours that for a select few can lead to a career on the PGA Tour. He played well enough to win multiple tournaments, but he was unable to secure sponsorship to help defray the high costs of touring and was forced to abandon his dream after just 2 years.

Crestfallen, he moved to Detroit where he worked for a commercial finance company for 6 years, all the while hoping to one day return to professional golf. When, in 2019, he was offered a senior leadership position with a company in California that would have taken his career further away from golf, he weighed his options and decided the time had come to give the sport one more go.

Understanding too well the challenges of funding a career in competitive golf, Ajanaku came up with a less-than-conventional plan: Rather than relying on the largesse of a sponsor, he would start his own brand and sponsor himself. He sketched a logo depicting a Black man swinging a golf club wearing blue jeans and a sweatshirt wearing a thick gold chain around his neck. Cooper encouraged him to put it on a T-shirt, which he did, and the first time he wore it around his neighborhood, he was stopped by literally dozens of people who wanted

Eastside Golf, a disruptive lifestyle brand that would bring together the traditionally conservative (and predominantly White) world of golf with hip hop and street culture, was born.

to know where he had gotten it and how they could get one. Recognizing that he was on to something, he passed on the California job and set up shop in his apartment. Eastside Golf, a disruptive lifestyle brand that would bring together the traditionally conservative (and predominantly White) world of golf with hip hop and street culture, was born. The company’s name is a nod to Ajanaku’s Atlanta roots.

Cooper soon left his own job to join Ajanaku in building the business, which began selling sweatshirts, hats, socks—anything they could apply the distinctive “Swingman” logo to and sell online. The company grew steadily, and in 2020, lightning struck when NBA star Chris Paul wore an Eastside Golf sweatshirt on national TV.

“That exposure just launched us into a whole different stratosphere,” says Cooper. Sales skyrocketed overnight and the brand was quickly adopted by other celebrities, including musician DJ Khaled, baseball player CC Sabathia (now an

investor), and former President Barack Obama, among others.

Next, the company was discovered by Michael Jordan who proposed a Jordan x Eastside Golf collaboration. It was Jordan’s first-ever golf shoe collaboration, which proved a huge success and helped cement Eastside’s reputation as a brand to be respected. To date, they have collaborated on nine shoes and an apparel collection with Jordan Brand which are sold online and in select boutique retailers in the U.S. and Japan.

In 2022, the streaming service, Hulu, released a sixpart docuseries called “Grails: When Sneakers Change the Game,” which tracks Ajanaku and Cooper’s unlikely journey. Strategic partnerships with the NBA, Apple, and Mercedes-Benz USA soon followed.

Over the next few years, Ajanaku and Cooper hope to cement their connection to Atlanta and invest in the SoFu community, expanding their reach as a brand while nurturing the next generation of golfers who might not otherwise find a path in the game.

“Our goal in creating Eastside Golf is to show people that you can be yourself and you don’t need to look a certain way to play the game,” says Cooper. “We’re changing the game forever!”

“Our goal in creating Eastside Golf is to show people that you can be yourself and you don’t need to look a certain way to play the game.”

EMPOWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

When you live in GreyStone Power’s service area, you’ll catch the cooperative making life better for the community.

Its employees are the kind of neighbors you value. They volunteer to help others in a variety of ways.

GreyStone empowers the next generation through the Washington Youth Tour, as well as scholarships for local students.

greystonepower.com

School presentations and events emphasize electrical safety.

GreyStone Power.

Empowering your community.

Making Life Better

GreyStone Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer

2023

From our associates to our customers to our community, Carolina Handling puts people first.

Make a career with one of the Southeast’s leading material handling integrators and a company where service and caring are core values. Scan the QR code to apply.

Fulton Schools College & CareerAcademyTour

Aerotropolis Atlanta Blueprint 2.0

SHANNON JAMES SHARES MORE ABOUT THE MAJOR PROJECT

ARTICLE BY DAWN THORNTON

“In the east, it’s very popular. Japan built an airport and built an infrastructure around it. Those areas are bustling and booming and it’s not like that here.”

— SHANNON JAMES

In its 10th year, the nonprofit organization, Aerotropolis Atlanta, deserves to be celebrated. President and CEO Shannon James is excited about the decade of growth, partnership, and most of all, the future of this enormous initiative, while wrapping up “Blueprint 2.0.”

Regional economic competitiveness, rather, the ability of a region to compete but also prosper in the global economy, is the goal of Aerotropolis and they’re leveraging Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as its anchor. They’ll accomplish this with a focus on developing the workforce, community, and economy surrounding the busiest airport in the world.

Aerotropolis Atlanta has forged relationships with Beijing and Paris to learn best practices and are now customizing it for the Atlanta area’s “built” environment. The defined area is south of Interstate 20 and extends as far south as Lovejoy. With that, the jurisdictions it encompasses are represented by the mayors of the cities, Development Authority chairs, Board of Commissioner chairs and other important leaders on the Board of Directors. In addition, many of the areas’ corporations such as Delta Airlines, Chic-Fil-A, ProLogis, Georgia Power, Porsche, and other heavy hitters are also invested in the success of Aerotropolis.

“For each of these jurisdictions, we’re working with economic development directors to host bus tours, brokers receptions, and lots of other activities to

promote the region so more of these catalytic sites are exposed and activated for economic investment and job creation to push the area forward,” Shannon explains.

This is Blueprint 2.0. Shannon and his team have spent hundreds of hours consulting with partners such as Clayton State University to compile data, real-time, to help understand the gaps and needs of the area.

Aerotropolis recently hosted its 4th Annual Career College and Resource Expo with over 400 high school juniors and seniors from Fulton and Clayton Counties to introduce them to their Workforce Development initiative. “Our Atlanta airport plays a huge role in this conference, along with Chick-Fil-A, who will feed every single person that attends and participates,” Shannon says. Considering almost 80% of employees commute into the area, less than 20% of the residents benefit from the jobs in their own backyard.

Their community development focus will target housing needs, transportation, and arts and culture. The subcommittee’s current project consists of a mural unveiling on Main Street in College Park, created by artist Ashley Bella, who serves as the Co-Chair of the Arts and Cultural Subcommittee.

Aerotropolis Atlanta is making huge strides for the area it’s serving as well as the entire state of Georgia. Birthed by the Atlanta Regional Commission, it’s the force needed to fuel the region to become a key player in the aerotropolis space.

INVEST IN YOURSELF!

This is your year to find balance and prioritize healthy living!

ARTICLE BY ALLILIA PRICE WITH COGITOWELL

Think of self-care as synonymous with wellness and finding balance. Wellness is the goal that strengthens the whole person and makes all other goals more attainable. Finding balance is the plan that brings solutions. Balancing wellness through mental health includes physical, emotional and mental wellness investments. But let’s break down what it means to have wellness and balance in selfcare. Just like a three-legged stool, there are three parts of wellness that require one another to work together as one, and the “whole” is only as strong as the weakest leg. The strength of these “legs” is paramount to the support that the stool provides to the “seat.” Think of the seat as comprising all of your personal priorities—your family, your health, your profession, your faith. Here, the legs represent three pillars of self-care: physical, emotional and mental.

3 PILLARS OF SELF-CARE

Physical wellness comprises fitness, stillness and meditation and cultivating relationships.

Emotional wellness is the resilience needed to express ourselves clearly despite circumstances.

Mental wellness is the ability to embrace change by adapting to new strategies and health practices.

HOW I APPROACH SELF-CARE

• Confer with yourself. In the U.S., adults feel relaxed only 40 minutes or less out of a 24-hour period.

• Hydrate the body from within!

• Find stillness.  Take a deep breath to reset thoughts.

• Go for a walk or hike. Nature is a natural healer.

• Show gratitude! Happy hormones like dopamine are naturally elevated when we extend positivity to others.

• Seek healthy boundaries to protect your peace, mind and energy.

• Declutter active spaces in your home or office

WHEN TO INVEST IN SELF-CARE

• Start Now

• Follow the rhythmic circadian to watch the sunrise or to follow the sunset. Start today.

• Look away from electronic devices for 25 minutes 4-8 times per day. Try looking away now.

• Practice Prioritization. Use a calendar to curate healthy boundaries by removing activities that are less important.

Aristotle notes that “we are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Therefore, investing in self-care is a necessary habit. The three-legged stool requires that all three legs are strengthened in order to thrive: Physical, Emotional and Mental. Being intentional with your mental health, removing distractions and prioritizing personal wellness are the keys to cultivating the three pillars of self-care.

Dr. Allilia Price is a health and wellness consultant and adjunct professor of Philosophy at Spelman College.  She focuses on driving intentionality with healthy practices, fitness, wellness, self-care, othering and belonging and analytic philosophy. Allilia is passionate about service and acts as a community leader and nonprofit board director.