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Xernona Clayton: Queen of the Civil Rights Movement

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March 2022 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

In the Presence of Royalty

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

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Kristen Wright Matthews, Stevie Peterson CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Matthew Murphy, Donald Bermudez

Hey Y’all, Happy Women’s History Month! Imagine my surprise when a letter from the incomparable Xernona Clayton made its way to my email inbox in March 2019. She is tiny but she is a powerhouse. She is a legend in Atlanta. Dr. King used to say she could literally do anything! And she is an avid reader and a fan of this magazine. I was flattered and humbled. And just like that, I felt recommitted to bringing each of you good news about #SoFu in a glossy, classy package. It was such an honor to interview Ms. Clayton! This month you will find our conversation inside. You will find a couple of options for a Spring Break road trip to Tennessee or South Carolina. Learn all about South Fulton’s own Chef Courtney and feast your eyes on her recipes as she goes head to head with chefs on Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef. There’s so much good stuff inside this issue! You should be advertising with us! Reach out to my publisher Michelle Taylor Willis at michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com if you want to see your business in our pages. It's been a pleasure to bring you good news for the last 7 years! Here’s to the next 7!

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 SOFU Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SOFU Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

10 Jewels from Xernona Clayton’s Signature Tiara:

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Local Limelight

Back Stage

Road Trip

Culinary Creations

Financial Buzz

Must See

Events

Life Lessons from a Queen of the Civil Rights Movement and Founder of Trumpet Awards

16 From American Idol to Eddie Kendrick Jalen Harris Stars in Broadway in Atlanta’s "Ain’t Too Proud"

20 On the Road for Spring Break Let's Get Outside with these Fun Road Trips

LI FE + C U LT U R E

ENT ERTA I NMENT

T R AV EL FO O D + B E V E R AG E

FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

S HO PPI NG

26 SoFu's Own Chef Courtney

Watch as She Takes on Chef Gordon Ramsay on “Next Level Chef”

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Donald Bermudez, Provided by Xernona Clayton The Queen of the Civil Rights Movement, and the Founder and CEO of the Trumpet Awards, sits down with SoFu Lifestyle. All hail the Queen Xernona Clayton.

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MARCH 2022

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Announces $50,000 Grant from NEA

COSF and Mayor Pro Tem Helen Willis Provide 2000 Masks and $1000 in Gift Cards

Cascade Business and Merchants Association Joins Adopt-A-Road Program

The $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will be used to support the second year of the historic Atlanta theater company’s “The Drinking Gourd: Black Writers at Work,” a program that focuses resources on the development and production of work by Black playwrights. For more information on True Colors Theatre Company please visit: TrueColorsTheatre.org. For more information on other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit Arts.gov/news.

The partnership with Dr. Ronald H. Tolbert of the Red Oak Animal Clinic; Kimberly Dove, District 6 Fulton County School Board VicePresident; and Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern, addressed the pressing need for PPE and food insecurity. Kimberly Dove, and Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern buoyed those efforts with their time and resources. Shoppers at the Roosevelt Highway Wayfield Foods reacted with excitement and gratitude as they were gifted with $50 gift cards. facebook. com/cosfdistrict3

Adopting a road is important to the Cascade Business and Merchants Association as they look to introduce a culture of cleanliness.The City of South Fulton erected signs for the new wave of participants in the Adopt-A-Road program this past weekend. But the Cascade BMA continued something it has done for the past five years without ever seeking recognition or praise for their efforts. Cascade BMA has partnered with District 1 Councilwoman Dr. Catherine F. Rowell.

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ARTICLE BY ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL

JEWELS FROM XERNONA CLAYTON’S SIGNATURE TIARA: LIFE LESSONS FROM A QUEEN OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND FOUNDER OF THE TRUMPET AWARDS

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

Xernona Clayton received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Tennessee State University and received a scholarship from the University of Chicago for graduate studies. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Clayton moved to Atlanta in 1965 where she accepted a position with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked closely with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Clayton also traveled extensively with Coretta Scott King on her nationwide concert tours, raising funds to support various causes.

XERNONA CL AY TON

Clayton began her television career in 1967 and became the south’s first Black person to have her own television show. The “Xernona Clayton Show” was a regular feature on WAGA-TV, CBS affiliate in Atlanta. She was employed at Turner Broadcasting for nearly 30 years where she served as a corporate executive. Xernona Clayton is the Founder, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. and Creator and Executive Producer of the Foundation’s Trumpet Awards. The Trumpet Awards is a prestigious event highlighting African American accomplishments and contributions, initiated in 1993 by Turner Broadcasting. The Trumpet Awards has been televised annually and distributed internationally to over 185 countries around the world. Clayton was honored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Southeast Emmy Chapter Gold Circle reserved for those who have dedicated 50 or more years pioneering, advancing, and serving the industry and public. Her autobiography I’ve been Marching All the Time was published in 1991. The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists named its scholarship in her honor and annually presents the Xernona Clayton Scholarship to a student pursuing a career in communications. Ed Dwight is designing an 8 ft. bronze sculpture of Clayton that will be erected soon at Xernona Clayton Plaza. This honor will make Clayton the first Black woman to have a statue erected in downtown Atlanta. She is the first Black woman here to have a street named in her honor. SoFu Lifestyle’s conversation with Ms. Clayton started with her recalling the lessons that she learned from her parents and along the way. We asked what advice she has for the new leaders of the movements for social change. Each of the gems that she dropped was a life lesson all on its own. I will be honored to pass them on to my son, my young cousins, and my mentees.

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“IN 1966, SHE COORDINATED THE ACTIVITIES OF ATLANTA’S BLACK DOCTORS IN A PROJECT CALLED DOCTORS’ COMMITTEE FOR IMPLEMENTATION, WHICH RESULTED IN THE DESEGREGATION OF ALL HOSPITAL FACILITIES IN ATLANTA.”

1. WHEN YOU ARE BLESSED ABUNDANTLY, BE SURE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS. Little Xernona was a twin and she was blessed with a rich aunt in Oklahoma. She and her sister always had several dresses for Easter and they would have trouble picking their outfits for the annual Easter parade. Her father pointed out that some of her friends were not so lucky. From a young age, Xernona learned to share cheerfully with friends and strangers alike. She also told me about a time when she loaned a dress to a woman so that she could attend the Trumpet Awards. Xernona insisted that the lady keep the dress and even gave her a second dress so that she would have a choice of dresses to wear. 2. ALWAYS, ALWAYS BE ON TIME. This was another lesson that she learned early and from her father. Getting to a meeting, even a casual meet-up with friends, is a sign of respect. And much to my chagrin, she specifically said that Atlanta traffic is no excuse. As a result of this lesson, she now has an impressive collection of clocks. 3. MAYBE YOU CAN’T DO EVERYTHING. BUT EVERYONE CAN DO SOMETHING. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. used to say, “Xernona could do anything!” There are many different aspects to every movement. Clayton explained that everyone does not have to march in the streets. There will be a need for lawyers, people to transport others to the hospital, fundraisers to collect the money to get people out of jail that have been arrested for protesting, and someone to document and tell the story. In the modern day, this includes both journalists and social media influencers to get the word out. 4. PEOPLE WILL HATE YOU WITHOUT EVEN GETTING TO KNOW YOU. LOVE THEM ANYWAY. When Clayton got to Atlanta, she found that she was one of a few women with a degree that was working with the SCLC. In fact, she had two. The ladies had decided that they wouldn’t like her for that reason. Instead of reacting to the unfairness

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

of this, she rallied them around redecorating the offices. She is a savvy shopper and managed to acquire some quality finds on a tiny budget. By the end of that project, all the ladies got along fine. 5. DON’T JUDGE PEOPLE BY THEIR OUTSIDE APPEARANCE. One of Clayton’s great accomplishments in the Civil Rights Movement was working to desegregate the hospitals in the South. “In 1966, she coordinated the activities of Atlanta’s Black doctors in a project called Doctors’ Committee for Implementation, which resulted in the desegregation of all hospital facilities in Atlanta. This project served as a model and a pilot for other states throughout the country and received national honor from the National Medical Association for its impact.” There was a distinct difference in the way they treated the injured protestors, who were intentionally wearing their suits and Sunday best, as opposed to how they treated the local people, farmers and regular citizens. The inequity was obvious in this case. 6. THERE ARE NO BOUNDARIES IN DOING GOOD. Clayton did so much good here locally that it almost gets lost in the story that she founded a school on the continent of Africa. In fact, due to Clayton’s desire for her students to have access to running water, the entire village now has clean water. 7. SOMETIMES IT’S UP TO YOU TO SPREAD GOOD NEWS. SO TRUMPET IT AND SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS! When asked about how she got the idea to start the Trumpet Awards, she told me that Dr. King said that racists are often acting out of ignorance, meaning that they really don’t know any of the people they are prejudiced against. They are often acting on what someone else taught them. So Clayton made it her mission to tell about the good things people were doing in the African American community. Clayton actually received feedback from both Black and White viewers.

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From American Idol to Eddie Kendrick

JALEN HARRIS STARS ON BROADWAY IN ATLANTA’S "AIN’T TOO PROUD"

B ACK STAGE | EN TERTA INME NT

Jalen Harris grew up singing in the church in Memphis, C.O.G. I. C. His grandfather was a pastor. He excelled in middle school theater (from a prince in “Into the Woods” to “Fiddler on the Roof” to “Godspell” and “Hairspray”) before auditioning for “American Idol” season 10. That’s when everything changed. He went back to high school to finish but then he got an agent and a star was born. His first audition was in Atlanta, where dreams come true. Harris got the job in the ensemble of “The Lion King,” as an understudy for Simba. He found himself at 19 visiting New York for the first time. He had to sing, act, dance, and do stunts. Harris said it was amazing to be a part of history in the longest running show at 27 years. “You have to be ready to go in at any moment,” said Harris of being an understudy. There were four Simbas in all, he says, waiting to go in at a moment’s notice. “I have so much respect for the swing players in this show,” he says of “Ain’t Too Proud,” the current show where Harris plays crooner Eddie Kendrick. He has always loved and studied the classic tenors who have great falsettos. After four auditions

before the pandemic, he got the part! He saw many parallels in his life to that of Eddie’s: both had bands and were all about the group over the individual. Both of them were concerned that the business of making music didn’t affect the sound. Harris loves the Tony Award-winning choreography and the quick changes in the show. In the dramatization of the Temptations, lives written by Dominique Morrisseau, his favorite songs to perform are “Since I Lost My Baby” and then “Superstar” after Kendrick goes solo. His favorite part of being in the show was getting the chance to talk to the real Otis Williams, who’s 97 and still performing. This is his 60th year in the industry. Harris was inspired. “He is the blueprint and the foundation.” Harris commented to say that their schedule is crazy and that being on the road can be really fast paced. “You really have to focus to keep your energy level up. Sometimes it’s two shows on Sunday and then you pack right up and leave.” Harris has family here in Atlanta and he used to live right on Moreland in East Atlanta. We can’t wait to welcome him and the rest of the Temptations, Supremes, and ensemble to Atlanta!

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LET'S GET OUTSIDE WITH THESE FUN ROAD TRIPS

Nashville

R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

ON THE ROAD FOR SPRING BREAK Are you looking forward to getting out of the house for Spring Break but not quite sure where to go this year? Not quite ready to board a plane, train, or cruise ship? Road trips are one of the biggest travel trends in 2022, for obvious reasons, and that’s one of the great things about living in Georgia. You can pile your family in the car and drive to premier destinations within hours. Whether you’re looking for something with educational value, an outdoor adventure, or a relaxing beach trip, there’s something for everyone in bordering states, Tennessee on the north and South Carolina on the east. Hopefully, by the time you get to the end of this article, you’ll be ready to pack your bags, climb in the car, and be prepared for your family’s big Spring Break adventure.

TENNESSEE

Tennessee is best known for country music, but there is a rich history and many other sightseeing opportunities. Nashville has tons of outdoor parks, museums, and theaters that offer fun activities for the whole family, such as the National Museum of African American Music, The Nashville Zoo, and Adventure Science Center. There is excellent shopping at Opry Mills Mall with 200+ stores and themed restaurants like Rainforest Cafe, Aquarium Restaurant, and Claim Jumper Steakhouse. The best time to visit Nashville is from April to October when the warm weather brings this musical city to life. Memphis, the birthplace of Rock & Roll, is also a great Spring Break destination for families. Once the epicenter of the Civil Rights movement, Memphis presents an excellent opportunity to soak in some American history at the National Civil

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN WRIGHT MATTHEWS

Rights Museum, Stax Studios Museum, or even just hanging out on the infamous Beale Street, iconic for its role in the country’s Blues scene. If your family is more into adventure and outdoor experiences, check out Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. Fabulous neighboring little mountain towns include Dollywood and family friendly attractions, such as Anakeesta, an outdoor adventure hub offering zip lining, gondola rides, a treetop play area and more; The Titanic Museum, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, plus dinner theater shows.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Located on the Atlantic Coast, South Carolina offers beaches, cultural festivals, and historical landmarks. Charleston is known for its unique culinary delicacies, beautiful marshlands, colorful streets, and enchanting personality of locals. Charleston is packed with beautiful beaches, historical sites, and fun activities for the entire family. A Lowcountry family vacation has something for everyone to enjoy! Even Oprah vacations in Charleston! The stunning barrier islands offer miles of pristine beaches with unique charm. Charleston is most beautiful during the spring as flowers start to bloom and decorate the city’s streets. March to May is ideal when the weather is mild and not stifling hot. Peak tourist season begins around the end of April, so be sure to book in advance to avoid high hotel rates. The Festival of Houses and Gardens is a perfect opportunity to visit the inside of Charleston’s iconic properties that is otherwise only seen in movies. Myrtle Beach is fun and affordable with a great mix of entertainment for travelers of all ages.

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Charleston

Charleston Angel Oak

With over 60 miles of beautiful beaches, there is no shortage of water or fun. Learn to surf, try paddleboarding, or search for marine life while snorkeling; non-ocean swimmers will have no trouble finding a heated pool or waterslide for the kids. Those preferring to avoid the water altogether will enjoy dinner shows like Medieval Times and Pirate’s Voyage, as well as mini-golf parks and pop-up amusement parks on just about every corner. The hardest part is deciding where to go. Whether you opt for a historical tour or a sunny beach getaway, I hope it’s everything you imagine. After the past two years, we deserve some excitement and fun away from home. Kristen Wright Matthews is a wife, mom of C. J. (14) and Kollin (5), an entrepreneur, and an author who enjoys writing, reading, and road-tripping with her family. A native of Los Angeles, she resides in Atlanta.

Charleston

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Cooking up Success with Chef Courtney Brown ARTICLE BY STEVIE PETERSON

CHEF COURTNEY Takes on Chef Gordon Ramsay on “Next Level Chef ”

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

Dining out and enjoying a great meal a few times a week eventually adds up. A family friend asked Chef Courtney Brown if she would consider cooking meals for them as a personal chef, after realizing how much they were spending in restaurants. Chef Courtney accepted and the family thoroughly enjoyed the meals. Chef Courtney became a coveted personal chef offering a wide array of meal selections. Numerous clients, including a member of the NBA—her big break—sought out Chef Courtney, and with her increasing popularity and additional clients added to her roster, a business was born. Chef Courtney demonstrates her skills as a show contestant on “Next Level Chef.” During one episode Chef Ramsay gave her a compliment that brought her to tears: “You’re getting better and better with everything you cook.” What’s cooking on the back burner? Chef Courtney is cooking up a few more business opportunities, including her own spice line—a curry trio set will be launching in 2022 featuring just what you need to make the most memorable curry dish you have ever prepared. Chef Courtney also operates an online cookie bakery. Customers in all states and Puerto Rico can order artisan cookies in flavors like carrot cake or triple chocolate chip. Want to try a dish? You are in luck! Chef Courtney shared a recipe with South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine.

Chef Courtney

Don’t miss Chef Courtney on “Next Level Chef,” Wednesdays on Fox. To purchase cookies and spices and to learn more about donating high quality meals to first responders, visit ChefCourtneyBrown.com. Follow her on IG: chefcourt1 Eggplant Chickpea Curry

Eggplant Chickpea Curry INGREDIENTS • Two medium sized eggplants with no bruises cut into medium/large cubes • 1 large onion diced small • 1 large red bell pepper diced small • 1 can chickpeas drained 13.5 oz • 1 can unsalted diced tomatoes 14.5 oz • 1 can coconut milk 13.5 oz

• • • •

1 Tb fresh or minced garlic 1 Tb fresh ginger ½ c finely chopped parsley ½ c finely chopped cilantro (use stems too) • Olive Oil • Sea Salt/Pepper

DIRECTIONS Chef Courtney Indian Curry Seasoning

Rinse, then slice the eggplant into medium to large cubes. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and Indian Curry. Bake in preheated 400-degree oven for 35-40 minutes. Preheat a large skillet then add 2 Tb olive oil, onions, and peppers. Stir for three to four minutes then add the garlic and ginger and stir until blended. Stir in 3 Tb Chef Courtney’s Indian Curry, add the canned tomatoes, chickpeas (drain first) and a can of coconut milk. Stir until blended, turn to low heat and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes. If you prefer a hot (spicy) curry, add 1-2 Ts cayenne pepper. Remove from heat, stir in the eggplant, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Serve with basmati rice and your choice of Indian bread. Sprinkle the parsley/cilantro on top of your serving.

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Meet Alexander Ming! DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FOR THE FIRMS WITH THE SERAPHIM GROUP

Alexander F. Ming JP.BFC.CPA, possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management with minors in Finance and Administration from The University of New Haven, Certifications of Specialty in Administration and Management from Cornell University, and an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool. For a number of years Alexander worked in the hotel industry in Bermuda and the United States where he occupied senior positions in Food and Beverage Management, prior to being recruited by Coopers and Lybrand. Following a few years of employment with Coopers, Alexander worked in the private sector for such firms as The Meyer Group of Companies; The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Sons Limited, Douglas Hillen/Mazars Neville Russel Chartered Accountants, The Ministry of Works and Engineering and Housing, and finally AIG Cat Excess Insurance Company Limited. During this period, he continually occupied Senior Management and Executive Management positions in Accounting, Audit, Finance, and Administration. Alexander Ming JP.BFC.CPA. serves as Director of Finance for the Firms with the Seraphim Group which include Seraphim Wealth Advisors Inc; Seraphim Wealth Family Office Inc; and Seraphim Wealth Education Institute Inc. In this role he provides an array of services to high net worth clients and companies aimed at assisting them achieve their monetary, financial, operational and strategic goals. 400 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 30339. seraphimwealth.com

F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FIN ANCE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

Amazon's Black Business Accelerator Sustainable. Successful. Supportive. That’s how Amazon describes its Black Business Accelerator, designed to build equity and support growth among Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers in Amazon’s online store. Launched in June 2021, this program offers access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, as well as marketing and promotional support to all those enrolled. Black business owners are able to sign up for free, and gain access to tools and resources to grow their enterprise and expand their customer base. We know that customers value the wide selection and diversity of products offered by these businesses, and we are excited to see the offerings these new sellers bring. Metro Atlanta is a melting pot of Black business owners. Amazon invites Black entrepreneurs to visit Amazon.com/BBA to sign up for this equity-building opportunity.

M UST SE E | SHOPPING

N EW YEAR, N EW SKI N CARE REGI MEN Begin your new year with a commitment to healthy radiant skin. Define Skin Clinical Skincare System promises results. Providing essentials for all skin types, Define skin utilizes clinical grade actives and potent botanicals researched and backed by leading dermatologist. Our products work synergistically, penetrating deep, without causing irritation, protecting the skin from free radical damage and ultimately changing the skin’s reponse to factors that cause fine lines, wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentaation, reversing signs of aging and restores your confidence and natural glow.

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Please Join Us virtual webinars and lunch and learns! Annual Gala June 18, 2022 Visit southfultonchamber.com to register

Call 770.964.1984

or visit SouthFultonChamber.com MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

MARCH 2022

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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Exhibit at Southwest Arts Center

SOUTHWEST ARTS CEN TER 91 5 NE W H O P E R D S W, S O UT H F ULTO N, GA 30 331 | 9 :0 0 A M The City of South Fulton Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs department presents “Clothes Story” through March 5. The exhibit highlights African American women's stories and clothing from 1890-1963. For more information, visit ClothesStoryExhibit.com .

Atlanta Fair Returns to Turner Field

O L D TURN ER FIELD – G R EY LOT, 6 8 8 C E NT R A L AV E S W., AT L A NTA , GA 30 31 5 | 1 1 :0 0 A M The Atlanta Fair is cruising into town once again across from the Old Turner Field at Central Ave SW & Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Fairgoers will be able to kick off the warm weather months with classic carnival games, mouth-watering fair food, rip-roaring thrill rides and gentler attractions for the youngest members of the family. More info at atlantafair.net .

Makers and Crafters Offer Hands-On Workshops at Pinners Conference

COBB GALLER IA CEN TRE PARK C O NV E NT I O N C E NT E R 2 GA L L E R I A P K WY S E , AT L A N TA , GA 3 0339 | 10:00 AM Two-Day Event When the Georgia Pinners Conference returns to the Cobb Galleria Centre, it will bring social media-worthy inspiration to life for two days. Combining hundreds of Pinterest-based, hands-on classes with 200+ shopping booths, the event gives attendees the opportunity to learn new skills, shop the latest trends, create finished projects and have lots of fun. ga.pinnersconference.com/Classes-and-Presenters

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