SOFU, GA October 2023

Trap Music Museum is an interactive experience that uses art to showcase the rich culture of trap music, one of the most popular genres of music today.

“TRAP MUSIC MUSEUM ISN’T JUST ABOUT MUSIC BUT ALSO ABOUT THE CULTURE THAT INSPIRES.”

404-367-0860 | TRAPMUSICMUSEUM.US 630 TRAVIS STREET, NO RTHWEST ATLANTA

HOURS : MONDAY - WENDESDAY: CLOSED

THURSDAY: 4:00PM - 10:00PM (SIP AND TRAP HAPPY HOUR)

FRIDAY: 4:00PM - 12:00AM | SATURDAY: 12:00PM - 12:00AM

SUNDAY: 12:00PM - 10:00PM

CHECK OUT OUR ESCAPE ROOM | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Welcome Autumn!

This is my favorite season! With the change in temperatures comes a change in what we are craving! That often means comfort food! October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. We had the pleasure of sitting down at Gocha’s new #SoFu Tapas restaurant and learned about what their fall menu will be boasting. Get your tastebuds ready! You are in for a treat!

If I feel up for a bit of a drive from our lovely neighborhood, I’ll go up I-285 to Perimeter area to visit Lazy Dog with my pup Astro. It’s still the perfect patio weather and I heard they have a special Beer Club! Comfort food is their specialty, and they even offer a take-home TV dinner option that is packed with nostalgia.

There is definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes warm memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

As always, thanks for reading! We’ll see you around #SoFu!

P.S. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month when we remember those we have lost, survivors and those who are currently fighting. The Pink Frog Affair takes place on October 6 at Morehouse College and features Yolanda Adams. Tickets at ThePinkFrogFoundation.org . Proceeds go to support breast cancer patients.

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kelli Pittman | kelli@mtwofficial.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stevie Peterson, Andrea Janise, Justice Frederick, Patrick T. Cooper

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daniel G. Morris, Mathew Murphy, Praim

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Michelle Taylor-Willis Guest Host

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @southfultonlifestyle

2023 BronzeLens Awards winners include Best of Festival “Song of the Rifles.”

1: 2023 BronzeLens Awards Founder Kathleen Bertrand Photography by Daniel G. Morris

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Mayor Vince Williams Awarded the Inaugural Brian Poe Humanitarian Award

Mayor Vince Williams was awarded the inaugural Brian Poe Humanitarian Award created by Music Greeks, Inc. at City Hall in Union City. MUSIC GREEKΣ, Inc. is an award-winning, metro Atlanta-based organization founded by Jeremiah Johnson, Sr. and created to commemorate and promote the existence of the seven national music organizations.

Pictured are Lisa Battise (GIA Brand Ambassador), Jeremiah Johnson, Sr., Mayor Vince Williams, Attorney Brian Poe (GIA Chairman), and James Witherspoon, Jr.

The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. Rebirths A Hush Affair

After 4 years, they will merge the annual unCork & unWine with A Hush Affair  to bolster an unforgettable, fundraising experience. The evening will consist of wine and bourbon tastings, hors d’oeuvres, hosted cigar lounge, live entertainment, auction, and fundraising! Sponsorship opportunities available. Funds raised will benefit The Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. We will have mocktail options available! Wear your masks and bring your Mardi Gras umbrellas! Attire is formal masquerade. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Lazy Dog Beer Club’s 5th  Anniversary Contest

In celebration of Lazy Dog Beer Club’s 5th anniversary in October, we’re giving away 5 quarts of Lazy Dog Beer Club to 5 members. Guests must be an active member by October 31, 2023, to be eligible. Guests in Georgia can sign up for a membership in restaurants at the locations in Peachtree Corners, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta. There’s a limit of one entry per person and they must be 21+ to enter.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SOFU

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

BECCA MCCOY

SoFu’s world-class dining scene is ready for you to make memories and try something new! Our community is brimming with incredible food and drinks to indulge in and we’ve selected some of our picks that you must experience for yourself. Bon appetit and cheers!

Our Picks for Foods to Feast

On

MILK AND HONEY RESTAURANTS: Breakfast- Milk & Honey THE premiere SoFu brunch destination. Try twists on Southern staples, crab hash and award-winning shrimp and grits. 5495 Cascade Rd, Atlanta, GA

CASABLANCA BURGER CO.: Lunch- Casablanca Burger Co. An institution in Historic Downtown Fairburn, with the finest cuts of meat and traditional handcrafted burgers. 7 SW Broad St., Fairburn, GA

BELLA: Dinner- Latest addition to the Baltimore Seafood & Crab Company, urban-inspired dishes one-of-a-kind craft cocktails in a friendly environment. 3220 Butner Rd #250, Atlanta, GA

STANLEY'S CIGAR LOUNGE: Cocktails- Stanley’s Cigar Lounge Upscale spot for cigars and incredible specials and events. Come after dinner or enjoy their extensive menu. 3220 Butner Rd, Atlanta, GA

RESTAURANT 356: Extra Special Occasion- Restaurant 356 Located in the Porsche Experience Center, this luxury dining experience crafts a refined menu from simple ingredients and innovative techniques. One Porsche Dr., Atlanta, GA

MEET

Becca McCoy is the Creative Director at SoFu Lifestyle and recently wrote and starred in “The Year of Extraordinary Travel.”

THIS MONTH’S CURATOR Becca McCoy

Stanley’s Cigar Lounge Scan

EXPLORING GOCHA'S TAPAS BAR

A Flavorful Journey in Southwest Atlanta

If you’re in the mood for delectable cuisine and creative drinks with a twist, Gocha’s Tapas Bar is the place to be.

Nestled in the heart of southwest Atlanta’s Sandtown, Fulton County’s oldest community, Gocha’s Tapas Bar is not your average restaurant. With themed specials including Taco Tuesday, Ladies Night Wednesdays, and weekend brunches with the latest music, this is a place where you can find a different experience with every visit. One of the things that sets Gocha’s apart is the atmosphere. With karaoke competitions, Friday night turn-ups, and weekend brunches, it’s the ideal location for a gathering with friends or a date night.

The menu is seafood forward with appetizers like the shrimp and crab dip, salmon sliders, shrimp bruschetta, and fried green tomatoes topped with crab, while entrees include crab cakes, lobster rolls and the popular seafood tower. If you’re in the mood for something other than seafood, don’t miss the savory lamb chops with mashed potatoes drizzled with mushroom cream sauce, the crispy chicken wings tossed in peach habanero sauce, or the grilled steak skewers with chimichurri sauce. And for vegetarians, the roasted Brussels sprouts, tempura fried green beans, and sauteed mushrooms in white wine sauce are highly recommended.

Gocha’s Tapas Bar is all about sharing as well. It’s a great place to meet up with friends and family; everyone can order a few small dishes and indulge in a spread of flavors making it the choice spot for those who love to try out several dishes in one visit.

But the real adventure begins when you explore their signature drinks. The “Cotton Candy Sweet as Gold” is made with Tito’s Vodka, pineapple juice and Malibu Rum, and the “South Beach Mimosa” is made with sparkling wine, apple cider and Nyak VS Cognac.

Gocha’s also shines with their creative margarita and martini concoctions like the Caramel Apple or the Lemon Drop Martini, while the adventurous can opt for the Strawberry Hennessy Margarita or Blue Volcano Margarita made with gold tequila, vodka, Dekuyper Triple-Sec and Rose’s lime juice.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a special night out, Gocha’s Tapas Bar is the destination to indulge in a variety of flavors and inventive libations to create unforgettable memories, offering a culinary experience that will have you coming back for more.

Gocha’s Tapas Bar is located at 5829 Campbellton Rd SW (in the brand new Publix Shopping Center at Sandtown Crossing). The tapas restaurant and bar’s interior space is over 1,500 square feet with a 2,100-square-feet patio space.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 11 p.m. EST. For more information, please visit gochastapasbar.com

Gocha Hawkins

THE 100 BLACK MEN OF ATLANTA, INC. PRESENTS COMMUNITY HEALTH FORUM

HEALTH SERVICES AND INFORMATION

The Community Health Forum offered a range of free services and information to the public, aiming to create awareness and empower individuals to take charge of their health. Notable organizations, such as Morehouse School of Medicine, West Cascade Medical Center, Grady Hospital, Pain 2 Wellness Chiropractic Center, and Alive and Well, were present to provide free screenings and share valuable insights.

KEY PRESENTERS AND TOPICS

TACKLING CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND TYPE II DIABETES: COMMUNITY HEALTH FORUM PROMOTES HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. Health and Wellness Committee organized a remarkable Community Health Forum on August 12 at The Best Academy and Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy. This event aimed to address the pressing issues of childhood obesity and Type II diabetes within the community. With an array of free health screenings and physicals, engaging presentations, and valuable information, the event proved to be informative, fun, and beneficial for all attendees.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

The event commenced with an energetic atmosphere, thanks to DJ Tay, an Emerging 100 member, who set the tone for the day. Pastor Demetrius McCoy from Word of Life Church delivered an inspiring prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Sid Barron, the Chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta and an executive at Asbury Automotive.

The event featured esteemed presenters who shared their expertise and experiences relating to health and wellness. Dr. Gia Grant-Rutledge from the CDC highlighted diabetes programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Justin Blalock, openly discussing his personal struggles with childhood obesity, shed light on the challenges of managing weight and dealing with complications from diabetes. Dr. Olufade Emory of Sport Physicians, renowned for treating professional athletes, emphasized the importance of exercise as medicine and healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Winston Carhee, Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee, reviewed the teachings of The Obesity Code and The Diabetes Code, emphasizing the significance of preventing and eliminating diabetes naturally through lifestyle changes.

INTERMITTENT FASTING AND HEALTHY DIET

Dr. Carhee recommended intermittent fasting as a key approach to preventing and reversing obesity and Type II diabetes naturally. Citing scientific evidence from The Obesity Code and The Diabetes Code, he explained the benefits of a low carbohydrate and healthy fat diet in reducing hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. However, he emphasized the importance of seeking guidance from knowledgeable health care professionals before adopting any dietary changes.

Dr. Gia Grant-Rutledge from the CDC

PROMOTING HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

Lee Haney, an eight-time Mr. Olympia, addressed the lack of healthy food options in the community. He championed the use of the Yuka app, which rates the healthiness of food on a scale of 0 to 100. Haney stressed the importance of being vigilant about one’s and their family’s health by making informed choices.

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES AND GIVEAWAYS

The event offered more than just informative sessions. Attendees had the opportunity to win exciting prizes, including an Atlanta Falcons rookie Bijan Robinson jersey and two tickets to the Falcons’ home opener. Just Jerk food truck served delicious mixed fruit and baked jerk chicken, while the G-Code gaming truck provided entertainment for both kids and adults.

SUPPORTING SPORTS PARTICIPATION

As part of their commitment to promoting health and wellness, the Health & Wellness Committee provided over 50 pre-participation sports physicals on-site, ensuring that young athletes are ready for their respective sports seasons. The Community Health Forum organized by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. Health and Wellness Committee was a resounding success. With its emphasis on tackling childhood obesity and Type II diabetes, the event provided the community with valuable resources, engaging presentations, and practical information. This event exemplified the commitment of the 100 Black Men organization to the well-being of the community.

For more information about future Health and Wellness Committee events, please contact Dr. Cathee Winston at Winston@Carhee.com . To support the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., visit 100atlHealth.com

Note: The information provided in this article is a summary of the event and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult health care professionals for personalized guidance.

Justin Blalock, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons

We are a premiere Wellness and Medspa in the South Fulton.

Our primary goal is to care for our Patients from the inside out to achieve optimal wellness. We offer an array of customized services via a team of Industry experts dedicated to Patient satisfaction and well-being.

Warm up Your Home for Autumn

WITH NATASHA BROWN OF DESIGN DUOS INTERIORS!

Natasha Brown is the owner and principal designer of Design Duo Interiors, a full service interior design, home renovations, and staging firm.  “My love and passion for interior design is deeply embedded in me. My mom was always decorating her home with the finest furnishings, draperies, and she never left an empty space on the wall,” she says.  Her mother sold home interiors and helped many families in Mobile, Alabama decorate their homes.

Natasha has been designing spaces for her family and friends since college. She spent the first 25 years of her career in corporate health care, always maintaining her love for design. She made the pivot into full-time interior design in 2022. Curating detailed designs and stylish spaces allows her to be creative so clients can FALL in love with their homes. “Clients dream and I design!” she says.

As we approach the holiday season, Natasha offers few tips to consider incorporating for the fall and winter seasons:

1. Warm your room with a deep paint color for an accent wall. This strikes a refined note to any space.

2. My favorite thing about fall is watching the leaves change. Bring the rich shades of gold and auburn into your home with vases of fall foliage.

3. Never underestimate the versatility of candles. Whether it’s a signature fragrance of pumpkin spice or decorative candles in stylish shapes, candles are a perfect accessory.

4. Introduce texture and color to your space by adding pillows. Pillows are a piece of art and can add another layer of personality to any room.

5. Dress your dining table. Decor on your dining table will definitely give your space a sophisticated feel. From fresh florals, different-sized vases, and candles, your dressed dining table will elevate your dining experience.

Overwhelmed with incorporating these design tips into space? Allow Design Duo Interiors to design it for you! They love meeting new spaces and welcome new clients!

For more, contact Natasha Brown

404-716-4699

Designduointeriors.com @designduointeriors

“My love and passion for interior design is deeply embedded in me.”

Credit Repair

TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY?

ARTICLE BY ERIC WIMBUSH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESOLA LANRE OLOGUN

Have you ever wondered whether you should hire a company to fix issues with your credit? The answer is complex. It depends on the level of personal discipline of the individual. Poor credit is typically the result of an unforeseen financial event, a lack of knowledge about how credit scores work, or poor financial discipline. Depending on the source, YOU have the ability to fix your own credit if you understand your financial resources.

If the cause is an unforeseen circumstance, the individual typically needs time to recover as they are not financially unsound. You can work directly with a creditor to set up a payment plan that keeps an unsatisfactory payment history off your credit profile. Most creditors will work with an individual to put a plan in place that allows for resolution. They may reduce the debt, waive late payment fees, or forgo charging interest.

Some people simply don’t know how credit works. There are a number of free resources available that an individual can use to understand how credit works and the basics of good credit. All three credit score providers (Equifax, Experian, and Transunion) have educational resources that are readily available. Most banks or credit unions also provide resources for consumer education. The key is making sure that the source of information is reliable and credible.

The last reason is more concerning and might lead a person to choose a credit repair company. If you have bad financial habits, a company can provide structure and guidance to the process. Even with the help of a company, these individuals face more challenges repairing their credit as changes are required regarding spending habits. The likelihood of success is higher with an outside company that can help with financial accountability in these instances. Please consider all the factors when deciding your best course of action, but don’t ignore credit issues.

ARTICLE BY PATRICK T. COOPER

Five Stops to ADVENTURE IN HOOD RIVER, Oregon

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, “Travel is the best education for the curious spirit!”

Have you heard of Hood River, Oregon? I admit I had not. While I’ve visited Portland on several occasions, I consider myself a global liaison for travel and was unaware of this quaint city. So, given the opportunity to visit during the city’s inaugural celebration, I pounced with PRIDE. Nothing moves me more than an outward celebration of diversity, inclusion, and love. Furthermore, I  pride myself on taking the opportunity to discover the unknown! Discovering the unknown during solo travel forces one to meet new experiences and people with an open heart of discovery and intrigue.

My curiosity and zest for travel pointed me westward from my home base to Portland International Airport. Just shy of an hour away in Columbia River Gorge, you will inhale the majestic greenery upon arriving in this boutique community. Volcanoes, trees and waterfalls will wrap you in a melody of nature. Called the windsurfing capital of the world, Hood River is located at the panoramic crossroads of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range. While I am always eager for adventure, windsurfing isn’t my forte. Given my clumsy nature, I opted instead for hiking to capture the most beautiful scenery and selfie, drink wine, and dine at some of the hippest places. The aforementioned coupled with a few stops for vintage frocks make for the perfect visit to Hood River, Oregon!

Here are your five Stops to Adventure in Hood River, Oregon.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE HOOD

The historic Hood River Hotel is your command central. A community staple since 1912 and centrally located, this hotel sits on the city’s main drag with bountiful options within walking distance. From the oversized lobby fireplace, the hotel welcomes guests with a cozy feel.  On the National Register of Historic Places, the vintage yet hip hotel offers oversized room stays with a turntable to spark musical joy. You can opt to relax on the hotel’s period style furnishings to enjoy an afternoon siesta or peaceful nights’ rest.

BREAKFAST IN THE HOOD

Breakfast at Broder Øst (East) is the way to go especially if you follow my lead with hotel accommodations. Just beyond the hotel check-in of the Hood River Hotel is a side entrance to the yummiest morning experience. Copied verbatim from the menu I strongly suggest:

• Baked Egg Skillet with ham, smoked Gouda, caramelized onions and tarragon cream

• Danish Pancakes (AEBLESKIVER) served with lingonberry jam, house lemon curd with pure maple syrup

• Sautéed spinach and Applewood smoked bacon

FINDING A FROCK IN THE HOOD

Obviously, one must find a healthy way to spend time while visiting a cool new spot. Sourcing the community for a cool resale and vintage shop is never boring. Most recently I have been craving the idea of replicating Diane Keaton’s effortless and timeless looks with distressed oversized jeans. Specifically, I have been on the hunt for classic Levi 501’s. Thanks to Precious Drab Vintage I’ve quenched my thirst for this wardrobe fundamental! A brand-new store that is elegantly appointed for the avid shopper, this place is great. I left with 2 pairs of jeans that can tell a short story of their own.

LUNCH IN THE HOOD

Fifteen years and running Ground Expresso Bar and Café’s owner Carin Agren radiates a sweet and down to heart presence that makes you want to return to her establishments, in downtown Hood River, to simply talk. Carin, a native of Sweden, is a former flight attendant turned barista at the community’s best coffee shop.  Hard work and customer-focused attention are contributing factors for Carin’s second community hotspot Doppio in Hood River. Do yourself a favor and order the ham and cheese sandwich which includes housemade aioli mustard, Swiss cheese, and tomatoes pressed to perfection like a panini!

DINNER IN THE HOOD

Celilo Restaurant and Bar with its industrial exposed ceiling and wood railing reeks of warmth and charm. Be sure to reserve your seating to enjoy the fresh air with the restaurant’s unique ambiance. Ending my day with the restaurant’s menu starters was splendid. I strongly suggest trying these:

• Homemade pickles

• Cauliflower croquettes with romesco and creamy cauliflower sauce

• Beef skewers with scallion ginger dipping sauce

SIPPING IN THE HOOD

You can sip all day in Hood River! There are dozens of wineries! Upsidedown Wine made the tasting journey flirty, fun, and filled with floral flavors paired with their stylishly minimalist sipping room. Be sure to sip the 2021 Konnowac Viognier. The taste is simply divine!

UNDAUNTED FRUITS OF LABOR

D’Angela Proctor is a fearless powerhouse whose imagination and tenacity help her achieve success in all she does. Boasting an impressive resume and commendable work experience, Proctor shares some insights into her career journey.

In 1998, while working as an attorney, Proctor admitted she was not enjoying her work. Using her legal prowess, she struck out to do something different. Relocating to Atlanta—home of the illustrious Spelman College and dubbed the “Hollywood of the South”—she planned to get in on the action. She landed an internship with LaFace Records in the Marketing Department before stepping out on her own after gaining experience from interning. That led to a discussion with a friend about co-founding a media company to create music videos for new artists.

Act 1: ATL

Enter Strange Fruit. Their company produced videos for NAS, Three 6 Mafia, and OutKast, to name a few. The success of producing music videos piqued her interest in movies; after receiving a script and raising $250K, their company set out to do just that. Producing movies proved promising until the demise of Blockbuster, as people began streaming from home, forgoing long lines and late fees of the declining movie rental business model.

Of course, Proctor did not surrender. She ventured into television, executive producing shows like “The Family Crews” and the Image® award-winning “Sunday Best” for Black Entertainment Television (BET). Three years later, Proctor decided to branch out on her own. She gave herself a challenging deadline of one year to decide if she would remain in the entertainment industry or become a Texas realtor.

Act II: DC

Proctor pressed forward and landed a deal with Oprah Winfrey’s OWN® and TV One. Her expertise in helping BET bring production in-house opened the door to her serving as the interim creative executive, a 6-month position that grew into a 5-year stint thanks to her professionalism and accomplishments.

Proctor’s 5 years with TV One also meant movies—lots of movies—over 30! Though she was physically in DC, her thoughts and sights were in Atlanta. A few television shows and movies were filmed in the city, such as “Atlanta Homicide,” “The Trumpet Awards,” “R &B Divas: Atlanta,” and “Born Again Virgin.” With so much filming in Atlanta, training and job opportunities were plentiful for roles for film crew members interested in working behind the scenes.

Act III: L.A.

Proctor says FOMO (fear of missing out) sparked her decision to leave TV One and jet set to Los Angeles, where she became the Head of Production and Business Development of Codeblack Films, a subsidiary of Lionsgate. Her goal was to assist Lionsgate with making original movies, however, a change in leadership led to further change.

ARTICLE BY ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL WITH STEVIE PETERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIANNA DORSEY

Proctor always lands on her feet. Although the opportunity at Codeblack was short lived, a new opportunity emerged at Ava DuVernay’s Forward Movement. Forward Movement had

PRODUCER AND SHOWRUNNER D'ANGELA PROCTOR HAS ATLANTA ROOTS

Photo by Gianna Dorsey @giannasnapped

secured a deal with Warner Brothers for television and needed someone with Proctor’s experience to hire, plan and design, and put together a pitch deck. Proctor had her sights set on the sweet life in the C-Suite and moved on after 8 months.

Proctor’s C-Suite dreams became a reality when she landed the role of CEO with Wayfarer, a social impact production company. When COVID hit 6 months later, Proctor found herself having to make a game-changing decision—she would pursue her long-time goal of working for herself.

New Scene

Undaunted became her focus. Executive producing “Eggs over Easy,” and “Line Sisters” and directing “The Keyshia Cole Movie,” Proctor has two projects in the works with Netflix and is seeking to fundraise for more production opportunities.

When asked what advice she would give someone looking to work for themselves, Proctor says, “You get up to look for a job to work for someone else. Put in that time for yourself. No excuses,” she adds. She emphasizes that no one should solely focus on social media personas created online, as people often only share the highlights. She notes that the internet can be a resource used to gain insight and education to learn. There are guides, guidelines, instructions, forms, and more at your fingertips to do whatever you want to do.

Those interested in being a part of making her production dreams come true can donate to Undaunted at undauntedco.com to assist Proctor make more impactful, entertaining films.

althy sense of well-being. mental focus and clarity. ion with improved libido. inst heart disease and stroke. pause, andropause and PMS symptoms. steoporosis, senility and Alzheimer’s disease.

Photo by Gianna Dorsey @giannasnapped

ZURI NOELLE FORD

ARTICLE BY JUSTICE FREDERICK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATHEW MURPHY AND PROVIDED

ATLANTA AREA STAR SWINGS INTO “MJ THE MUSICAL”

In just six minutes at 7 years old, Zuri Noelle Ford established her natural gift of dance. She reminisced over an old home video her parents still had of her, dancing the Macarena, straight-faced and moving to the lyrics on each turn and hand movement. She recalls her parents saying, “This is the moment we knew you were gonna be doing this for real.”

While living in Lithonia amongst both a supportive and talented family of creatives, Ford attended the DeKalb School of the Arts from Kindergarten to her senior year, building more than a decade’s worth of experience for her portfolio in preparation for her studies at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. “Learning dance at a collegiate level is very different… College made me grow as an artist, and understand that being a dancer is a lot more than what I thought it was.”

When asked about inspirations, Ford gushed over her childhood obsession with Michael Jackson, specifically the iconic choreography in his “Remember the Time” music video. “He’s not just like a pop singer that can dance… this is low-key giving dancer first,” she complimented between laughs.

While Ford initially set her sights on joining a dance company, she had not yet dreamed she’d be involved in musical theatre. As a swing dancer in an ensemble cast, Ford must always be ready to step in for any performance at a moment’s notice. She has diligently memorized three distinct choreographed routines as a member of the ensemble cast for their upcoming tour. “I’m always thinking about the show… and I’ve had to work harder than I ever have in my entire life.”

Ford has already begun the first national tour for “MJ the Musical” at the start of August. The tour will be making a stop in Atlanta in October at the Fox Theatre.