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ATL Plus Magazine Mar-April 2023 "Spring Into Action"

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Photography by Kevin Goolsby Makeup by Sheldon Horton Hair by Alima Albari Wardrobe by @theATOMlCSTARZ Clothing Designer is FarrierBelI @farrierbell Eyeglasses Designer is @miicongenteel Model: Argentine @argentinedee

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THE WHO Mr. Hanky, Corey Dennard, is the producer behind several club single hits for Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti and Young Dolph. His music became radio mainstays from two breezy, laidback singles--“California” performed by Colonel Loud featuring Young Dolph, Rico Barrino and T.I. and the RIAA Gold Certified Smash “On the Way” featuring DJ Luke Nasty, “Smile (Living My Best Life)” by Lil Duval ft. Snoop Dogg and Ball Greezy. Which was also on RIAA Gold Certified and #1 Billboard on Urban Radio For 6 Weeks, on R&B Charts for 12 weeks and #4 on Rhythmic Radio. His most recent hit, he collaborated with 2 Chainz featuring Lil Wayne and The Human Jukebox, Southern University’s Marching Band, on the latest track “Money Maker.” Mr. Hanky has created unique gems in a field saturated with unoriginality and repetition.

How did you get the name “Mr. Hanky”? Mr. Hanky recalled getting the name in college from a character on South Park. He went on to say, the character, Mr Hanky ” on South Park is literally “a pile of bleep” wearing glasses. He stated “ I wore big glasses and have radiant dark skin,” some of the members of the band coined the nickname thinking it was a funny comparison. He stated they didn’t realize the nickname 20

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“Mr. Hanky,” would become his personal brand and a household name in the music industry.

While in band during his college years, he began working as a DJ, selling mix tapes, and promoting parties at local clubs. Mr. Hanky said most people only knew him by his band nickname, so he began to use nickname as his personal brand. Therefore, “Mr Hanky,” became the brand on his mixtapes, his DJ name and promoter name.

“Everyone knew if Mr. Hanky was involved, it was going to be the “shit.” Which Song are you proud of the most? In response, he admitted that he’s proud of all his work but picking the one song that stands out depends on the time and the mood that he is in.


What Gives Mr. Hanky Inspiration? Mr. Hanky replied that there are multiple factors that affect and influence his creative process. He also emphasized that depending on the company he has when making music makes a huge difference. Mr. Hanky made a comparison between producing music when women are around and vs when “goons” are around. It was a funny comparison but unsurprisingly, it made his point clear.

“If there are a bunch of “goons” around, you’re not gonna be in the right atmosphere to create a love-making song” In the same context, Mr. Hanky explained that his music also depends on the general mood of society. He stated that in a time of protests and widespread anger, it becomes creatively difficult for musicians to focus on uplifting or “booty-shaking” music as he called it. Mr. Hanky replied this music would not be embraced by people who are heading to the streets to protest. When asked if there is any specific sitmulus i.e., drink, act or trigger that prompts him to make music, “it just happens” and it’s not dependent on anything.” For instance, Mr. Hanky said that while he was at a cookout, he came up with the California record. He credits the knowledge he gained from his years as a DJ helped him make hits that would make people dance and the ladies “booty-shake.”

as traditional education. According to my interviewee, traditional schooling would teach students to operate the equipment, however creativity can not be taught. In coclusion, Mr. Hanky said that school can be helpful to groom skills and learn the basics, however he didn’t consider it necessary. Going back to his time in school, Mr Hanky recalls wanting to be a band director but instead, found his passion as a DJ. He confirmed that he made it as an artist while still attending school both artistically and financially which supports his idea that traditional schoolling is not necessary to be sucessful in the music industry. Mr. Hanky admitted that he learned to make money in leau of graduating from college. He highlighted that one of the important perks of attending college is that it helped him establish a solid network of contacts that he can still use until this day.

When asked wheather or not he accepts impromtu aritist sharing new beats or lyrics? Mr. Hanky, replied adamantly, “absolutely not! It’s actually wrong to go to someone and offer music beat ideas or rap lyrics.” Mr. Hanky stressed, “he is not that guy and that most people in the music industry are not interested in impulsive imprompt.”

What Does It Take to Become a Successful Artist or Producer? “Artists should put in real work to get noticed and become successful.” When asked what he meant exactly by “put in the real work,” he replied “putting in real-deal business.” He explained that any potential artist should do their research about the music industry. “If the artist has not invested in his work, why should I or any other music executive invest in them?” He states they should find an entertainment attorney, basically establish a team, and invest some serious money into their talents and career. He took the examples of McDonald’s and Coca Cola stating that even though most people all over the world. know their brands, they still spend billions of dollars advertising like nobody knows them. He carried on with the importance of investing in one’s self as an artist, in equipment, and in establishing a brand for themselves as artists.

Do You feel traditional education is necessary to be successful in today’s music industry? In this context, I asked Mr. Hanky about his opinion on going to a traditional school to learn music-making skills or if choosing the self-taught method, was a better alternative to acquiring the necessary knowledge to be a successful producer. Mr. Hanky, stated that music-making is not similar in any way to traditional professions. He thought school was important because it requires discipline and establishes consistency in learning. However, he didn’t consider it to be completely necessary because most schools don’t offer music and entertainment training due to the constant technological developments and ongoing changes in the artistic fields. “Mr. Hanky stated that trends can come and go every 3 months.” New applications can change the way music is produced and completely change the music industry in the blink of an eye. He mentioned the example of the pandemic. He stated the pandemic required everyone to readapt normal day to day practices and routines. He stated strategies were created to promote social distancing, and minimize risk of contamination in studios. I think the music executives have had some form of traditional education, however life experiences are just as profound SAMPLE ISSUE

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What Instruments do you play? He said that he grew up in a house where his mother played the piano and the organ, so he and his sister grew up playing the piano. He also started taking trumpet lessons at the age of 7 and played different instruments in school. He concluded that he can’t count the instruments he knows how to play because “they are all the same”.

How helpful was your musical background to your current success in the music industry? Mr. Hanky, credits his musical background as helping him throughout his entire production career. He stated, there are producers that pay musicians to take care of the composition which is not the case for him. Instead, Mr. Hanky was thrilled that he doesn’t have to split his earnings with anybody. He stated, unlike most producers, he can play most instruments well enough to produce melodies. Most producers need to bring in musicians to play the hook to develop a certain beat. He clarified that he doesn’t think it’s wrong to hire someone to play a melody for a hook, even if the producer can actually play the instrument. However, it is always a benefit if you already know a little about a particular instrument to give guidance on what you need from the musician. Mr. Hanky considers artists and producers who do all the work by themselves to be powerful. “Producers that have a musical background can often build and create all parts of their work more smoothly and faster.” How do you feel about collaborations with other artists and producers? Mr. Hanky said that he’s always appreciative and willing to collaborate with other artists.

“

“Nowadays, I ain’t trying to be funny, but some producers got 8 producers and 20+ songwriters. What are you going to buy after the money is split? A hotel room for the weekend? It just doesn’t leave that much money.”

If you’re not investing in yourself, how do you expect anybody else to invest in you?

“

Futhermore, Mr. Hanky prefers working alone because it allows him more space and freedom to implement his ideas and put his complete vision to work. He also highlighted in the past, a lot of legal disputes stemming from collaborations. For example, an individual who was in the studio and didn’t contribute ended up suing a label and the other artists for his split. I know it sounds crazy but it has happened. So sometimes it is just easier to work independently.

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What is next for you in the future? “I am working on some independent personal projects. Most people do not know that I can rap and hold a tune. I can actually sing, compose and rap. So you might see my personal album drop soon,” he said jokingly. We told him the ladies in the back wanted to hear him sing. He stated “they could hear him sing in one-on-one personal sessions, ans he jokingly declined.” “I also see myself collaborating with more artists locally and internationally.”

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Most people do not know that I can rap and hold a tune. I can actually sing, compose and rap. So you might see my personal album drop soon.”

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Photography by Kevin Goolsby

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Photography by Kevin Goolsby Makeup by Sheldon Horton Hair by Alima Albari Wardrobe by @theATOMlCSTARZ Clothing Designer is FarrierBelI @farrierbell Eyeglasses Designer is @miicongenteel Model: Argentine @argentinedee

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Photography by Kevin Goolsby Makeup by Sheldon Horton Hair by Alima Albari Wardrobe by @theATOMlCSTARZ Clothing Designer is FarrierBelI @farrierbell Eyeglasses Designer is @miicongenteel Model: Argentine @argentinedee

Bold & Beautiful Treat yourselves to some fall makeup essentials,

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Photography by Kevin Goolsby Makeup by Sheldon Horton Hair by Alima Albari Wardrobe by @theATOMlCSTARZ Clothing Designer is FarrierBelI @farrierbell Eyeglasses Designer is @miicongenteel Model: Argentine @argentinedee

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Photography by Kevin Goolsby Makeup by Sheldon Horton Hair by Alima Albari Wardrobe by @theATOMlCSTARZ Clothing Designer is FarrierBelI @farrierbell Eyeglasses Designer is @miicongenteel Model: Argentine @argentinedee

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The Legacy of John Lewis The name John Lewis will remain embedded in the memories of Americans as a champion for racial equality. From a tender age, John Lewis participated in peaceful campaigns that culminated in the emancipation of African Americans from the oppressive injustices of White Americans. During his funeral, Former U.S. President, Barack Obama, eulogized him as someone with a ‘storied, remarkable career.’ In addition, former President Bill Clinton averred that, if he had the ability, he would inject every American with the passion that John Lewis possessed. John Lewis, a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia, has been eulogized far and wide and continues to be eulogized.

Biography and Political History John Robert Lewis hailed from the outskirts of Troy, Alabama. He was born on February 21,1940. He was the third born child of Willie Mae and Eddie Lewis. His parents did not have a formal job or education, hence, they worked as sharecroppers. As a young boy, he would help his parents on the farm while attending to classwork. As a very young man, he observed with a keen eye how AfricanAmericans were discriminated against by White Americans. Lewis was also enamored by the instances of bus boycotts, and he viewed them as a means of expressing displeasure due to racial segregation. He developed interest in preaching while listening to the sermons of the Reverend Martin Luther King Junior on the radio. He dreamed that one day he would meet this eloquent speaker that was so passionate about the plight of African Americans during the Civil Rights ERA. Though Lewis used to imitate preachers, he gave a moving trial sermon at the age of fifteen that became so popular that it later gave him the reputation as”boy preacher.” Later on, he met influential Civil Rights Activists such as; Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Junior. In 1957, Lewis departed Alabama and headed for Nashville, Tennessee. He had secured a position to study theology at the American Baptist Theology Seminary. It is at this institution where he learned one of his most influential traits in the fight for racial equality; peace.

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He graduated from the school of theology and was ordained a Baptist preacher. Immediately after this juncture, he joined Fisk University, earning a degree in Philosophy and Religion. Lewis became active in the civil rights movement while attending Fisk. He is on the record as part of the organizers of the famous “Nashville Sit-In Movement.” This movement consisted of Black students sitting in places forbidden by White Americans. The movement was an attempt to desegregate the state. He continued to fight for racial equality as a student by organizing bus boycotts. He attended workshops focused on nonviolent protest. It was at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church when Rev. James Lawson and Rev. Kelly Miller Smith instilled in Lewis and other students that there were peaceful and effective ways of expression to protest. Lewis adopted his long-life phrase; “Good trouble, necessary trouble.” As a result, he used non-violence as a means of expression. In 1961, he voluntarily took part in the ‘freedom ride’ that was destined for New Orleans from Washington D.C. The demonstrative activity involved six African American people and seven White Amercians (or allies) who were fed up with the Jim Crow rules that thrived in the South bus terminus. They would simply sit on seats reserved for White Amerian people. This daring activity did not sit well with White American commuters, and Lewis was subjected to mob justice and was severally arrested. “Good trouble, necessary trouble.” As a result, he used non-violence as a means of expression.


By 1963, Lewis’ presence was starting to have an impact on the African-American community. He took up leadership of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee from 1963 to 1966. During his reign, the movement was involved in activities that sought to advance the quality of life for the status of African Americans and also fight for desegregation in the South. The movement opened Freedom Schools and came up with Freedom Summer. Freedom Summer was an attempt to get African Americans registered to vote. He encouraged college students to travel to the South to assist African Americans in attempting to register to vote. This experience would give students a true picture of segregation in the south. Lewis composed a speech in readiness for the March on Washington. He was one of the six key organizers of the March on Washington for the march alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Just before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his legendary speech, ‘I have Have a Dream,’ Lewis had the opportunity of a lifetime. He delivered a moving speech with the same audience that the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. enjoyed. Together with Hosea Williams, Lewis rallied an estimated six hundred peaceful protestors on the great Selma to Montgomery Marches on 7th March 1965. The intent of the march was to advocate for voting rights for African Amercian people in the state. However, the peaceful protestors under the stewardship of Hosea Williams and Lewis were confronted by Alabama State Troopers and beaten mercilessly. This confrontation is dubbed; ‘Bloody Sunday.’ Lewis suffered a fracture on the skull and barely escaped with his life. Till his death, he had a scar on his head that reminded him vividly of ‘Bloody Sunday.’ Nevertheless, the brutality meted on Lewis did not stop him from championing for desegregation of the South. In 1966, he became the Director of VEP (Voter Education Program). While working in this sector, he made a big impact on politics, adding an estimated four million minority races to the voter register.

John Lewis was a Liberal Democrat who did not fear to air his opinion on both social and political matters. In one instance, he strongly opposed the Gulf War in 1991. In 2000, he differed with a trade agreement between the U.S. and China. Never has Lewis criticized a Presidential Candidate or a President-elect. He withdrew his support for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 elections in favor of former President, Barack Obama.He refused to attend George Bush’s Presidential Inauguration and disagreed that Bush was the rightfully elected candidate. He was also entangled in a battle of words with former President, Donald Trump. He, therefore, refused to attend Trump’s Inauguration. John Lewis has received multiple honorary awards and recognitions. He used nonviolent means to fight for better treatment of African Americans. His legacy will forever be celebrated not only in Atlanta, but thoughout the entitre world. Atlanta has not only lost a representative but an icon. “Good trouble, Necessary trouble,” lives on.

President Jimmy Carter acknowledged the work of Lewis, and he appointed him to be the Director for volunteers’ action. In 1981, Lewis clinched the seat for the Atlanta City Council. His determination led him to become the U.S. Representative of Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District from 1986 till his demise on July 17th, 2020. By the time he died, Lewis had made a great impact in the political arena in American politics. He served for seventeen consecutive terms. He had several leadership positions in Congress. On top of representing his people’s constituents, he served as the Dean of the Georgia Congressional Delegation. He also led the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives of the U.S. In 1991; acting as the Chief Deputy Whip.

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THE WHO

Andre Dickens sworn in as Atlanta’s 61st mayor

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Meet Andre Dickens Atlanta’s New Mayor

First One Hundred Days

Atlanta has a new mayor. Andre Dickens, age 48, is the latest and current city leader who took office in January 2022. He was elected with 64% of the vote. Let’s see who he is.

•

History Dickens was born and raised in Atlanta by his mother and stepfather. Inspired by his stepfather, an airplane engineer, Dickens graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in chemical engineering, and followed that with a master’s degree in public administration and economic development from Georgia State University. Before entering politics, Dickens had a successful business career. At age 28, Dickens co-founded City Living Home Furnishings and grew the business into a successful retail business. He managed the company’s daily operations until 2011. It is estimated that his unconfirmed net worth exceeded $14 million. Following his time in private business, Dickens was Chief Development Officer for TechBridge, a nonprofit organization bringing technology and expertise to other nonprofits. In 2018, he co-founded the Technology Career Program, another nonprofit, to prepare the unemployed for jobs in the growing technology market. After building his successful business and dedicating his time to community development, Dickens ran for City Counsel and was elected an at-large member. He served there from 2014 to 2021, when he ran for Mayor. As a City Councilman, he led legislative initiatives for public safety, affordable housing, transportation, workforce development, affordable housing, and education. As chairman of the Transportation Committee, he had oversight of streets and bridge maintenance and the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Campaign Promises In 2021, Dickens entered the race for Atlanta Mayor and won a runoff election in November. While mayoral elections are nonpartisan, Dickens identifies himself as a Democrat. The key planks in his campaign platform were • • • • •

Andre Dickens was sworn in as Mayor in January, 2022. He continues to pursue the promises he made as a candidate. Dickens seems to convey calmness and humility amid the hype in the news media. The mayor is dedicated to working with state officials and the Legislature. Early on, he projected a cooperative attitude and desire to build a solid working relationship. He is a considered detailed and decisive, typical of most engineers, making decisions only after studying the issues thoroughly. Just days after taking office, the Mayor announced Atlanta’s first Peace Week to take place in the Spring to “rebuild and strengthen the social fabric of Atlanta as cities across the country grapple with violence.” The city has been grappling with a recent crime wave. Murders had increased by 60% in the preceding two years, while aggregated assaults were up 25%. Dickens set out to correct it. Some of his early achievements as Mayor include the following

• • • • • • •

Created a coalition to oppose a de-annexation effort. The coalition thwarted the Buckhead City initiative and established a New precinct in BuckheadVillage. Created the Affordable Housing Strike Force to make 20,000 units of affordable housing available. Launched Operation Clean Sweep to keep Atlanta clean and green everywhere from the Northside to the Southside. Provided grants totaling $2.3 million to fund capital improvements to parks, with nearly 60% going to low-income communities. Reinstated the $10 million Resurgence Grant Fundto assist small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID financially. Started the Repeat Offenders Unit with FultonCounty, Atlanta Police Foundation. Committed $5 million toward a $20 million goal for investment in childhood education. Reconstituted the Pothole Posse to speed up response to residents’ 311 reports.

Fighting crime was a principal focus of the Dickens campaign. One of the Mayor’s campaign promises was to put Police Chief Rodney Bryant on 100-day probation. Dickens is still weighing the statistics. Compared to the same point a year ago, homicides are up - 52 vs. 37 in 2021. Robberies and vehicle thefts are down. The rate of assaults have virtually unchanged. However, Dickens acknowledges that Bryant’s department is making improvements to officer morale and recruitment. It appears the city will meet the mayor’s promise to hire 250 new officers within his first year in office. Officer Kevin Knapp, president of the police union, observed that morale is slowly improving. He credits Mayor Dickens with more hands-on attention to the matter, which far exceeds the personal participation of the Mayor’s predecessor. So far, Mayor Dickens has started on the right foot. But it’s still too early to judge after only 100 days of improvements. His term ends in 2026, and much can happen before then.

SAFE Streets plan. He promised to hire 250 new officers as well as other measures. Focus on his city council legislative achievements, including a $15 per hour minimum wage for city employees and affordable housing measures. Eradication of corruption in contracting. Streamline the procurement process by eliminating roadblocks to fixing the City’s crumbling infrastructure. Release of his tax returns.

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RUBIN JENNINGS Real Estate Agent eXp Realty

516-582-4765 rubin.jennings@exprealty.com exprealty.com

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Should

Buckhead

?

Separate from Atlanta as its own City There are an estimated 500,000 people that live in the Atlanta, GA. Around 100,000 of those people live in the wealthy suburb known as Buckhead. The residents of this city are not happy with recent changes, and there’s an ongoing secession effort, as they feel government officials have neglected them and the resident’s needs. Life in Buckhead is a bit more serene than in other suburban areas of Atlanta. It’s the wealthiest suburb, and many come here for the five-star restaurants and luxurious shopping options. The posh, tree-lined suburb is known to attract the affluent and up-andcoming. Recent crime-related incidents have caused a stir about the safety of the city. The Formation of the Buckhead Exploratory Committee The recent uptick in crime has left them reeling for answers. Council Member Mary Norwood is over District 7 and is behind this push to separate from Atlanta and become its own entity. She started a campaign in 2021 called the Buckhead Exploratory Committee, and it’s gaining momentum. Norwood states that time is of the essence when it comes to Buckhead becoming independent. She cites reasons like overwhelming traffic and congestion, poor infrastructure prone to flooding, deteriorating neighborhoods, and alarming crime rates. Many people are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta proper and look to suburbs like this one to raise their families. New Residents Require Enhanced Preservation Efforts Many people are attracted to Buckhead because of its aesthetic beauty and better quality of life. However, since there’s been a flood of new residents, it’s caused some massive issues. Norwood states that a disproportionate amount of people is moving to the area, and Atlanta hasn’t put forth any effort to keep this city safe and preserved. When more people move in, you need better police and fire protection, among other things. Norwood isn’t taking a backseat regarding her campaign, as she feels it’s her civic duty to push for change. She believes Atlanta’s government is not paying enough attention to the growing suburb, and they’re not getting what they need and deserve to thrive.

Atlanta Wants to Work with Buckhead Time is of the essence in these matters, and the Atlanta city government must stand up and do something about these growing issues. CEO Lisa Gordon states that she has responded to Norwood’s concerns. She wrote a five-page response addressing her claims. Additionally, the pair met in person to discuss these concerns and to try to find resolve. Mayor Dickens took office in January of 2022, making Buckhead a priority. However, he doesn’t see things the same as Norwood when it comes to Buckhead separating from Atlanta, as he feels remaining one city is essential. Mayor Dicken’s is not entertaining any ideas to de-annex this region. In these trying times, getting into a war with Atlanta sends the wrong message, and he feels they should be united in their efforts to make changes in Buckhead. Crime Is At The Crux of the Issue Howard Shook is another council member for Buckhead that works closely and supports Norwood’s move to separate. Though there’s been a decrease in the crime rates, the mere ten percent reduction is not enough to make residents feel safe. He states that although there is a drop in numbers which is a move in the right direction, the public’s psyche hasn’t altered from recent events. The effort to divorce Atlanta gained momentum after June 4, 2021. A 41-year-old man was walking through his neighborhood exercising before work. At 8:35 am, Gaelen Newsom shot the man twice. There was no reason for the crime; it was just a random act of violence. The silver Hyundai Newsom drove soon crashed into another man who was taking out his garbage. Though the father was shot twice in the leg, his injuries weren’t life-threatening. Newsom was promptly taken into custody. On June 5th, there was a domestic dispute that police were called to investigate at the Intercontinental Hotel. Once again, another man was shot. These high-profile crimes make residents uneasy, and there’s growing restlessness and concern among the citizens for their safety. Many celebrities have homes in and around Buckhead. SAMPLE ISSUE

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A Cut Above From the Front Porch to the Studio

Humble Beginnings At the early age of 14, Mr. Tony Roberts began to cut hair. His career as a master barber didn’t evolve out of passion; but out of necessity. Coming from humble beginnings, his parents could not regularly afford to take him for haircuts. Therefore, Roberts did what he had to do, and while making the best of his situation, he began cutting his hair. It didn’t matter whether it was in the bathroom or on his mother’s front porch, he found as many extension cords that he could in order to make it happen. Beginning to get a “feel” for his craft, he asked his best friend if he could cut his hair. Reluctantly, and acquiescing to the fear of allowing Tony to cut his hair, he agreed and wouldn’t you know it~ voila`! Tony Roberts was cutting the majority of children’s hair in his neighborhood. In an exclusive interview with ATL Plus Magazine, Tony Roberts, Master Barber and Senior Pastor of Victory Worship Center, gave his testimony of success: At 20, Tony Roberts found himself managing a barber shop. Even with it being commissioned based, he realized that he was still making the same amount of money as the other barbers. Disgusted, Roberts expressed his desire for more money to the owner. In response, he was advised that he should probably start working on Sundays. Appalled, and disappointed by the owner’s response, it was at that very moment that Roberts recalls that it was time to leave and start his own business. As destiny would have it, Tony Roberts would go from opening his first barber shop, and being the first African American barber shop in the Healey Building; located, in the heart of the historic Fairlie-Poplar District in Downtown Atlanta. Not too shabby for a first wouldn’t you say? Here’s a little-known fact for those who may not know: The Healey Building is a 16-story high-rise located on Forsyth Street. It was built in 1913 as Atlanta’s last major construction project prior to World War I. Little did Tony Roberts know that he would be making history as well.

Professionally Groomed for Success Roberts’ business acumen has afforded him many notable firsts and recognitions as an African American. He was the first African American barber to open a studio on Peachtree St. and Buckhead across from Piedmont hospital. In addition, he was the first African American barber in Colony Square. Added to his repertoire, he is the first African American and barber in Atlantic Station, and now with a second location, you can find the Master Barber in Buckhead on Lavista Walk and Cheshire Bridge.

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Shop Talk When asked about the “shop talk” that takes place in his barber shop- Roberts describes the environment as being a “typical day.” As we all have our idea of what takes place and what is often the topic(s) of discussion in a barber shop full of men, it has now evolved into a more transformative haven wherein both men and women can express themselves without the “edgy-ness” of feeling uncomfortable based upon gender. Evolution has taken precedence. The norm of seeing only men as barbers have become prehistoric. Tony’s Barber Studios are equipped with grooming professionals men and women. Each master barber has years of experience to offer while providing you with quality service. Your choice of male or female. The diversity and world-class experience embody sophistication, conversation, and even counseling should you need it. The counseling compartment comes from the ministerial needs provided by the Senior Pastor, Mr. Roberts. Not only does Tony Roberts provide services in the personal care industry, but he also provides spiritual care to accommodate the personal and mental care of others as well. When speaking with our youth, he describes it as “a conversation- not a class.” The Georgia native attended Morris Brown and Carter Theological Institute as an alchemy that created who he is today.

Purpose Driven In September of this year, Roberts’ vitality was compromised by pericardial effusion. This condition exists when there is a buildup of too much fluid in the double-layered, saclike structure around the heart. In actuality, Roberts had 2-Liters of fluid around his heart and some in the back of his heart. Having gone to the doctor a year prior because he had irregular heartbeats, he failed his EKG but was told by the technician that it was probably because he had on too much lotion. A year later, with the irregular heartbeats increasing, he returned to the doctor. After being given a CT scan, his doctor called him back the same day and ordered an emergency procedure. Knowing that medically that he’s not supposed to be alive, Roberts praises God for blessing him with life, acknowledging that there’s more work that God has for him to do. Roberts is committed to being the change agent that the community needs. His aspirations are to create an atmosphere where his clients receive the utmost personal and quality care. Not only does he want his clients to enjoy the “experience,” but it’s paramount that they leave feeling that their time and monies have far exceeded their expectations. Being in the industry as long as he has, Roberts’ clientele consists of many celebrities, although


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ATL+ CONTENTS he doesn’t see himself as a celebrity barber. In addition, he has clients that he’s serviced for more than 30 years. Regarding future aspects, Roberts would like to open up more barber studios and produce his line of hair and skin products nationally. Combined with his faith and dedication, we look forward to seeing this happen for Mr. Tony Roberts. You can follow Tony Roberts on Instagram @iamtonydroberts @atlanticstationbarbers and www.tbarberstudio.com

“Tony Roberts is one of the best barbershops out there in Atlanta, great atmosphere, professionals, you get there for a haircut you get out as a Royalty. Prices are

.”

very reasonable for a luxurious service

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Kevin Goolsby P h o t o g r a p h y www.kevingoolsby.com

Photography / Video Production Phone (404) 921-4881

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