SOFU, GA July 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

100 Issues! Thanks #SOFU!

Wow, wow and wow!! July is the 100th issue of SoFu Lifestyle Magazine. When I first bought the magazine in March of 2015, one issue had been printed. Everyone thought I was crazy: “Do people still read magazines?” “Are you going to make any money?” “Businesses in South Fulton won’t buy advertising.” Sigh.

Welp! Eight years and 99 issues later, WE’RE STILL HERE. I don’t believe anyone was being intentionally negative, but it is a nice feeling to be able to say we are still around. If COVID couldn’t kill us, I think we can go at least another 100!

I have to thank the SoFu community for all of your support. Weekly and sometimes daily, we get messages about how this magazine has helped shape our community. To our advertisers, THANK YOU for trusting your brands to us. Our goal is to put you in front of SoFu’s most discerning buyers and decision makers, and clearly they do business with you. Some of you have been with us since the very beginning, and I personally can’t thank you enough for hanging in there with me. It hasn’t always been a cakewalk, but your commitment means the world.

Thank you to all eight cities in SoFu. As municipalities, you keep us engaged with what’s happening so that we can get the info out to your citizens.

I’ve saved the best for last: Erikka Searles Mitchell, my editor. You’ve been with me since the beginning. Thank you for putting up with me all these years and being a pivotal part of our growth. This 100th issue is dedicated to you. And thank you to our staff of writers, photographers, contributors, and everyone who makes this possible every month.

Please join me in a toast to us all! Here’s to believing when no one else believes, dreaming when no one dreams with you and executing God’s vision for your life. Talk soon!

MICHELLE TAYLOR WILLIS, PUBLISHER @SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE

Well done! Thank you for the positive, uplifting messages about the vibrant lifestyle in South Fulton! – Anna Roach

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kyra Hatter | Kshatter@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jada Garner, Stevie Peterson, Shandra Hill Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Becca McCoy, Kim Evans

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Photography: Becca McCoy

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

The High Museum of Art announced artist Ebony G. Patterson as the 2023 recipient of the David C. Driskell Prize.

1: Alex Delotch Davis, gallerist September Gray and Lauren Tate Baeza (Fred and Rita Richman Curator of African Art) 2: Rand Suffolk (Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr., Director of the High Museum of Art) and 2023 recipient Ebony G. Patterson 3: Alex Delotch Davis in red, Host Committee Member Zak Wallace (blue), MacArthur Fellow Amanda Williams 4: Derek Watkins, MC of the 18th Annual David C. Driskell Prize Gala 5: Board Member Wade Rakes, Board Member and Gala Host Committee Member Louise Sams and Board Member Lisa Cannon Taylor

6: Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter and 2023 Driskell Prize Gala Co-chair Brenda Thompson 7: Stan Clemons and Camille Russell Love (Executive Director, Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs) Photography by Kim Evans

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @southfultonlifestyle

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

“The Wiz” Through July 2 at True Colors

True Colors Theatre Company will present “The Wiz” at the Southwest Arts Center. Director Brian Jordan Jr., who stars in Tyler Perry’s “Sistas” on BET, has chosen Atlanta native and former True Colors monologue competition winner Taloria Merricks to play Dorothy.

“The Wiz” was a staple of True Colors’ early years, when Artistic Director Emeritus and Co-Founder Kenny Leon directed it for 4 consecutive years, from 2004 to 2007.

Union City Partners With Amazon and STE(A)M Truck

Union City is partnering with Amazon and STE(A)M Truck to bring innovative STEAM engagements to Kids to Parks event. Elected officials and representatives from Amazon and STE(A)M  spoke.

Group picture (L-R): Dr. Marsha Francis (Executive Director of STE(A)M Truck), Vince R. Williams (Mayor of Union City), Kenny Burns (Entrepreneur, Producer, and Author), Terreta Rodgers (Amazon’s Head of Community Affairs, Atlanta Region), and Angelette Mealing (Councilmember for Union City).

“Sesame Street” Episode Features Kendall Rae Johnson

Kendall Rae Johnson is in an episode entitled “G is for Garden” in the 53rd season of “Sesame Street.” The episode is streaming on MAX. For more on Kendall, visit AGrowKulture.com. #kendallraejohnson

#theyoungestcertifiedfarmer

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.

MCCOY

Don’t let the summer season get away from you before school and cooler temperatures return. Grab your crew and tackle our recommendations to check off before one of our favorite seasons comes to an end.  Whether your idea of summer fun is to amp up or slow down, South Fulton’s got you covered!

Our Picks for Your Summer Bucket List

NOUVEAU: SUMMER VIBES

In the heart of historic College Park. The flagship location features rooftop dining and Sunday Mimosa Jams!

SIX FLAGS WHITE WATER: SUMMER THRILLS

Cool off!  The South’s most thrilling water park, featuring the new Caribbean Cove.

THIRD FRIDAYS ON MAIN STREET: SUMMER TUNES

Frankie Arnold Stage & Courtyard hosts Third Friday free concerts! July 21 at 6 p.m.

COCHRAN MILL PARK: SUMMER RECREATION

Twenty miles of multi-use trails on 800 acres.  Hike, bike, or horseback ride to ancient mill ruins.

SOUTH FULTON SCENIC BYWAY: SUMMER CRUISING

A 29-mile driving loop through this pastoral and picturesque corner of South Fulton's rolling hills.

Becca McCoy is Co-Founder and CEO of Leafmore Studios, LLC, a fine art creative business she shares with her partner, artist Justin Groom. She is the Creative Director here at #SofuLifestyle.

Six Flags White Water

BECCA

2023 Grads!

CHRISTOPHER J. McCRARY

Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the School of Design in May. While at Georgia Tech, Chris was involved in a variety of activities including the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Student Recruitment, and Georgia Tech Student Ambassadors. Chris is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., initiated into the Nu Mu Chapter. Chris served as a resident advisor and as a counselor for the Challenge Summer Program helping minority students transition to the institution. Chris’s career goal is to become a licensed architect. Chris made history as a member of the Drew Charter School Golf Team in 2019, the first all Black golf team to win a state championship in Georgia.

WILLIAM MACK

William Mack, a Westlake Alum ’19, just graduated Cum Laude from NC A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Now that he has finished, he will start his career at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where he will be working in their weapons division. William is also a member of the Alpha Nu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

KENNEDY LAUREN BELL

Kennedy Lauren Bell will graduate with the highest honors from the STEM Magnet Program at Westlake High School.  She is the daughter of Derrick and Kim Bell.

At Westlake, Kennedy is a Principal’s Scholar with an over 4.0 GPA and ranks in the top 25 of her class of 700.  She serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society and is a member of the Beta Club, Science National Honor Society, Future

Healthcare Leaders, Sports Medicine Club, and is an athletic trainer assistant. Kennedy was captain of the Westlake Varsity Tennis Team and, in 2022, was named MVP.  She also interns at ATL Orthopedics under the direction of owner and board-certified orthopedic surgeon Alonzo Sexton, MD.  Kennedy will attend the University of Southern California as a Presidential Scholar majoring in Health and Human Sciences/ pre-Med with aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

CAMILLE BLUE

Camille Blue is a graduate of Westlake High School. She was in the Magnet Program for 4 years while taking AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) and Honors classes.  She was a member of the National Honor Society, BETA Club and the Junior Reserves Officer Training Corp programJROTC.  Camille has the distinct honor of being the Executive Officer or Battalion Commander of the mighty Westlake Lions JROTC program.  She commands and leads the entire JROTC program at Westlake where she commanded a staff of over 240 cadets. She plans to continue her academic pursuits at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, on an ROTC scholarship where she will major in psychology.  Her future plans include Officer Training in the U.S. military after college.

STORM MADDISON CHAVIS

Storm Maddison Chavis is a graduate with honors at Hapeville Charter Career Academy. Candice Chavis is her mother and Jeffery Jermaine Hill is her father. Storm’s other family includes Norman and Barbara Chavis, Grandparents and Shaunya ChavisRucker, Aunt. Storm was active at her school and was a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, Student Government Association, the Math and Yearbook Clubs, and the Soccer team manager. Storm is a 5 Strong Scholar and a recipient of a full 4-year tuition-free scholarship to the historic Fort Valley State University. She plans on becoming a registered nurse and will be a part of the university’s inaugural nursing school program. Storm was recently presented as a Debutante in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter’s Jabberwock Cotillion, where she earned multiple financial scholarships as its Miss Jabberwock 1st Runner-up.

ARTICLE COMPILED BY APRIL ROGERSON AND ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL

Alana Gulley

Christopher McCrary

William Mack

Kennedy Bell

Storm Chavis

Camille Blue

Shu’aib Foster

SHU’AIB FOSTER

Shu’aib Foster, son of Raushanah El-AminFoster and Jamaal Foster, is a Westlake High School graduate.  He will be attending Albany State University in Albany, Georgia. He will be majoring in Kinesiology/Physical Therapy.

ALANA GULLEY

Alana Gulley is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Candidate at Westlake High School (Magnet Program). The daughter of Ehize Lee and Edward Lee, Alana is a high performing scholar and talented musician recognized academically in the top 5 % of high school seniors in the state of Georgia. She has a 4.0 GPA while balancing a rigorous academic course load (Advanced and IB courses), Westlake Marching Band practices/ performances, serving the community, and part-time work as a service agent at a local grocery store. Alana has received recognition as Westlake High School Top 25, Georgia Merit Scholar, Principal’s Honor List, Star Student, National Honor Society, Beta Club and President of the Science National Honor Society. In Fall 2023, Alana plans to attend Howard University with a major in Psychology and a commitment to providing mentorship and rehabilitation to adolescents and young adults in the justice system.

MICHAEL T. HAYES

Michael T. Hayes is a senior at Langston Hughes High School. He will be matriculating at Fort Valley State University in the fall majoring in Criminal Justice. Michael was raised by his father, Richard M. Loveland, Jr. and Batecia Loveland. His father is a longtime South Fulton resident and local residential and commercial real estate agent. Michael is an honors graduate, avid drawer, fan of anime, astronomy enthusiast, member of the Langston Hughes cross country, track & field teams, and the yearbook staff photographer. He is a HOPE Scholar and 5 Strong scholarship recipient. His future plans include a career in law enforcement as an air marshal. In his spare time, he likes watching professional wrestling, playing video games, making comic books and experimenting with watercolor and charcoal painting.

Maliyah Henderson is a Creekside High School graduate and 2023 Order of the Arrow recipient. With many acceptances to universities and over $250,000 in scholarships, Henderson plans to take her education further into Georgia University. Majoring in business management, she plans to build her own vet clinic, own a car wash, and own different properties.

KAMPBELL ELYSE MACK

Kampbell Elyse Mack is a 2023 graduate of Sandy Creek High School. She is the daughter of proud parents Elroy and Sherri Mack.  While at Sandy Creek, Kampbell played volleyball all 4 years, and she and her Varsity teammates were the Region 3A State Champion 2nd place team in 2023 and made it to the Final 4 each of her 4 years.  Kampbell also was a Football and Basketball cheerleader her Freshman year and served as the girl’s varsity Basketball Manager and has become a high jumper in this her Senior year. Kampbell has also participated in DECA, FCA, Yearbook, BETA Club, and was the Tailgate Leader for Varsity football and basketball games.  Kampbell is a mental health advocate and is committed to making teens comfortable in sharing their stories to encourage others.  Her plans include attending Florida A&M University and pursuing a career in Sports Marketing and Management.

MALIYAH HENDERSON

Michael Hayes

MORGAN ROGERS

Morgan Rogers, daughter of Dr. Anthony and Victoria Rogers, is a 2023 graduate of Landmark Christian School in Fairburn. She is the captain of the varsity cheer team, a wrestling manager, throws for the track team, and serves as a prefect, hosting the show, “Morgan & Morgan in the Morning.” Morgan is also a fourth year Film Academy student and will soon release her Senior Capstone project called “Miracle.” Morgan has volunteered continuously throughout her high school years, mostly giving of her time in church, at local elementary school, a local thrift store, and campus activities.  Morgan is East Tennessee State University bound. Her future major is Kinesiology where she seeks to become an Athletic Trainer. Morgan chose this career path because she loves sports, believes in healthy recovery and loves to help people.

KAHYAH SHABAZZ

Kahyah Shabazz is a graduate of Hapeville Charter Career Academy who has achieved outstanding academic success as a Salutatorian. She is the daughter of  Dorothy Cullins and Reginald Parson. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Student Government Association. Beyond her academic accomplishments, Kahyah has shown her

dedication to serving her community as a Fulton County Youth Commissioner and by helping with school programs and events. Kahyah has also participated in the Pink Cultured Pearls Cotillion as a debutante, exhibiting her confidence and poise. She plans to study pre-law and communication at the University of Alabama.

CARSON M. WILLIAMS

Carson M. Williams is the daughter of Michael and Erica Williams and a 2023 New Manchester High School Honor Graduate. She will be attending Southern University A & M College in the fall of 2023 and majoring in Criminal Justice. Carson’s future plan is to become an attorney specializing in Sports Management. While in high school, Carson was in the Fine Arts Magnet Program (FAME) where she majored in Dance, a JV and Varsity Cheerleader, an officer in Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a member of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Culture 365. Carson received numerous honors and awards while at New Manchester: she was inducted into the National Honor Society, the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, MVP JV Cheer, MVP Varsity Cheer, Best in Dance Sophomore, a Junior Teaching Apprentice for Dance and won the People’s Choice Award for NMHS Dancing with the Stars.

Kahyah Shabazz

Maliyah Henderson

Morgan Rogers

Kampbell Mack

Carson Williams

Top Five Cool Things to Do in ATL This Summer!

#SOFU MOM AND SON TRY OUT SOME FUN EXPERIENCES ALL OVER THE CITY

ARTICLE BY A. J. MITCHELL AND ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL

Keeping cool this summer is a high priority! Between trips to pools and waterparks, the Mitchells are making the most of summertime in the city! Whether you live locally or are just visiting, you’ll find lots of air-conditioned fun activities!

1. NEW LEGO DISCOVERY CENTER, PHIPPS PLAZA

The grand opening of LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta gives guests the opportunity to experience the $5 million-dollar renovation with new and reimagined popular features, including the state-of-the-art LEGO® Space digital experience, Minifigure Creator and DUPLO® Park.

The new immersive experience provides more family learning-through-play activities and includes a new team of specialist Playmakers and Master Model Builders who will inspire guests through fun, interactive LEGO Creative Workshops.

Follow LEGO® Discovery Center Atlanta, the first of the next generation of LEGO Discovery Centers in North America, on Facebook and Instagram at @ LEGOdiscoverycenter.ATL for up-to-date news. Find tickets online at LegoDiscoveryCenter.com/Atlanta.

AJ’s Take: I loved building my own spaceship and seeing it fly across the screen. I made a mini figure that looked just like me!

Mom’s Take: The reno was amazing! They kept and updated the Atlanta-specific parts that I loved and added so many cool new aspects. The food was affordable and tasty so you could make a day of it!

2. IMMERSIVE DISNEY ANIMATION ATLANTA, 159 ARMOUR DRIVE, ATLANTA

Developed as a collaboration between Lighthouse Immersive,  the team behind the popular “Immersive Van Gogh” exhibition that recently swept across North

Lego Lego

Immersive Disney

Immersive Disney

America, and Walt Disney Animation Studios, this mesmerizing experience allows audiences to step directly into the films they love.

Purchase tickets through September 30 at LighthouseImmersive.com/Disney/Atlanta.

AJ’s Take: It was cool and interactive!

Mom’s Take: The best of its type. Good for all ages and nostalgic! And bubbles!

3. SLOOMOO INSTITUTE ATLANTA, 3637 PEACHTREE ROAD NE, SUITE D, ATLANTA

Visit Sloomoo Institute , Atlanta’s new all-ages destination for multisensory play through handcrafted, artisanal slime and #satisfying experiences.

The NYC-born immersive attraction features fantastical, interactive experiences to delight the senses, including a DIY bar where participants can make more than 4 million slime creations using 40 colors, 150 charms and 60 scents. Enjoy dozens of slime vats for interactive play; “Sloomoo Falls,” where visitors can stand under a waterfall of slime; “Lake Sloomoo,” which provides 350 gallons of slime to walk on after sanitizing feet; a Yayoi Kusama Obliteration Room-inspired “Slime Wall”; Kinetic Sand® “Doons”; ASMR experiences; soundscapes; scent exploration; immersive videos; AR surprises and more.

Visit Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. sloomooinstitute.com

AJ’s Take: Making my own slime was fun!

Mom’s Take: Not as messy as I expected!

4. DISNEY THE LITTLE MERMAID X CAMP EXPERIENCE, 4500 OLDE PERIMETER WAY, DUNWOODY

CAMP, The Family Experience Company, invites guests to its newest experience. In Atlanta for a limited time, this immersive, musical experience opens at CAMP’s newest location to celebrate the film’s release.

Step through CAMP’s signature Magic Door to explore a 5,300-square-foot undersea world created in collaboration with Disney. With live music, puppetry, and magic, there’s something for everyone. Sing and dance with live musicians playing your favorite songs from the movie, take a seat on King Triton’s throne, embark on a scavenger hunt for gadgets and gizmos a-plenty and slide through Ursula’s dark lair and watch a magic show. Find exclusive apparel and accessories in the Beachside Market.

Limited tickets are available at Camp.com/Disneythe-Little-Mermaid . Follow @campstores and #campatl #disneythelittlemermaidxcamp for the latest news. Camp.com

AJ’s Take: The singing and dancing were great! Tilt table was fun!

Mom’s Take: Dressing up with the mermaid jewels was my favorite part! Great for kids under 10 and anyone who loves the films! The photo keychain/magnet set were affordable souvenirs. We stayed for about 45 magical minutes!

Sloomoo

Sloomoo

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

5. FOWLING WAREHOUSE ATLANTA, 1356 ENGLISH STREET NORTHWEST, ATLANTA

The Fоwling Warehouse Atlanta is the only place in Georgia to play the original football bowling pin game, Fоwling. This unique game combines elements of football, bowling and horseshoes. Two teams alternate throwing a football, aiming to knock down 10 pins before their opponent. The first team to clear the board wins.

An entertainment destination, the 25,000-square-foot Fоwling Warehouse houses 20 Fоwling lanes, 40-plus TVs, a 70-foot full bar, including a $2 Mystery Beer Machine™ and a cozy sunken game lounge.

AJ’s Take: This was a creative idea! It could be really fun with a group of friends. Best for older kids, athletic kids and grownups. The food was really good!

Mom’s Take: Fun date night or team-building activity. They have a full bar. I would take AJ and some friends here to hang out!

Bonus: Museum of Illusions Atlanta, 264 19th Street Northwest

Museum of Illusions offers unique, mind-bending experiences. Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta in Atlantic Station, Museum of Illusions takes visitors on an interactive, immersive journey through the world of optical illusions and mystifying puzzles. With over 80 exhibits, guests can expect to be mesmerized by fascinating illusions, holograms and gravity-defying spaces with educational opportunities at their fingertips.

Tickets are $24 (5-12), $29 (13+), $26 (60+) and $26 military. Children under 4 are free. Purchase tickets early as they often sell out. moiatlanta.com

Mom’s Take: This experience is lots of fun for all ages! Plenty of photo opportunities! Plan to stay an hour or so. I can’t wait to take AJ!

Harlem Zen SoFu (near Campcreek Pkwy) works with natural ground breaking products and laser technology to get you results you desire.

Museum of Illusions

Fowling Warehouse

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.

Whether you are new to Fulton County, an existing business, or a minority business enterprise, the DAFC delivers diverse targeted economic development services.

Let’s work together to continue to foster solid economies and create even stronger communities that the residents and businesses of Fulton County deserve!

Experienced

& Knowledgeable Team Ready to Serve

Founded in 1973.

Enhanced MFBE Program

Recommended percentage levels beyond an undefined best efforts standard.

Countywide reach & competence

FOR DEVELOPERS, MBEs, VISIONARIES, STARTUPS, BUSINESSES & OF COURSE YOU.

From Hobbies to Careers

Flying High With Feet Firmly on the Ground

ARTICLE BY STEVIE PETERSON

That drone you gifted your daughter might just become a lucrative career. Certified drone pilots can earn over $50,000 annually, and the Federal Aviation Administration certifies drone pilots that meet the requirements as young as 16 years old. Roxane Romulus, founder of Black Girl Drone World, wants young Black girls to explore the world

of drones. Her goal is to educate and prepare young girls for the FAA examination. There are two paths to take in the drone world: (1) recreation (TRUST) or (2) career (PART 107). Romulus offers workshops that help attendees think of drones as viable business and career opportunities rather than just as hobbies or toys.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING USES FOR DRONES:

• Real Estate: Take aerial photos highlighting the landscape, progress of a build, or virtual walk arounds of a property.

• Professional Photography: Film an opening movie scene, the overhead photo that captures the moment.

• Health Care: Transport a lifesaving organ or much needed blood in a rural area.

• Shipping and Logistics: Think Amazon and pizza; help a business deliver goods to customers faster.

• Public Safety: Find survivors after a major storm or earthquake—a drone could navigate the area, sending back images faster.

• Racing: Feel the need for speed? Join a drone racing club!

• National Defense: Drones can sometimes enter spaces without regard to infrastructure; this is ideal when dealing with espionage.

Romulus admits that oftentimes in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) a specific niche is saturated by the time Blacks want to enter the market and entering the market late impacts revenue. For example, cybersecurity professionals could easily command top dollar a few short years ago, but online certifications, web conferences, seminars, and the like have made it a more competitive field.

While drones are not new, the business opportunities that can be launched are still a great option for Black girls; of the over 200,000 FAA certifications earned, less than 5% are to people of color. Opportunities are limitless, and the market is still emerging. Now—right now —is the best time for young Black girls to fly without ever leaving the ground.

Romulus partners with educators to encourage students to seek careers in the STEAM field. High school students in the SOFU community can enroll in a course offered at the Fulton College and Career Academy during the school year. The facility boasts state-of-the-art flight simulation and different sized drones for students to experience.

Those interested in learning more about drones and the possibilities flying a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can bring can attend Romulus’ workshops at the Aviation Community Cultural Center in July and August. Her fun and informative workshops provide attendees with instructions about flying drones as well as business insight. Attendees will experience creating business plans, marketing, and, of course, flying drones. Attendees may also have the pleasure of meeting Romulus’ daughter, who has 4 years of experience at the ripe age of 8.

Interested in racing? Look for the launch of Romulus’ drone racing club soon; be one of the first to join her team.

Ready to soar to higher heights?

Visit BlackGirlDroneworld.com

Note: All drones over 0.55 pounds must be  registered  with the FAA, but only those used for commercial activities need to be operated by a licensed pilot (Flying.com).

ARTICLE BY SHANDRA HILL SMITH

Getting in shape may not be what you had in mind when planning a visit to the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. But you’ll definitely find you’re in for a workout during your stay at this one-of-a-kind property that features roughly 2,888 guest rooms plus close to 200 suites, including five presidential suites. Plenty of walking to take in the many offerings of what reportedly is the nation’s largest non-gaming resort—thanks to the connected convention center—awaits you.

Between a menu of dining options, family activities—including an indoor water attraction, an indoor pool and an arcade—shopping and the opportunity to treat yourself to a spa visit, you won’t see a need to leave Gaylord while spending your home away from home there.

And, yes, if walking isn’t enough to help with your exercise, there’s an on-site fitness center.

If you’re like my family, the most work you’ll do when it comes to deciding on something to eat will come through choosing to have Mexican, American, Southern or something else. You’ll even have choices for getting that morning coffee or light breakfast and picking up snacks and desserts.

Make time for play at the on-site arcade or SoundWaves water attraction—4 acres that include waterslides, lazy and rapid rivers and more. Looking for some relaxation? Singles, couples or mom-daughter duos—as with me and my 14-year-old—can check that off the list at Relâche Spa. As mom took in a much-needed massage, Braxton relaxed while getting a pedicure.

Relaxation didn’t end at the spa. From our patio, we were able to take in the sights, such as music décor, including lifesize guitars hanging from the ceilings, and string lights. The property, which opened in 1977,  features acres of beautiful indoor gardens and cascading waterfalls. Take a ride along the indoor river via a Delta Riverboat cruise, as a guide shares some history and facts about Gaylord Opryland.

Not ready to hit the streets for the live music Nashville has to offer from one downtown establishment to another? No need to worry. You can take in the sounds of music from local artists while grabbing a bite at one of the dining spots. Bottom line: There’s no need to leave unless you want, and with all that’s within reach, you’re sure to get it all and then some under one glass roof.

Memberships

ARTICLE BY ERIC WIMBUSH PHOTOGRAPHY BY BAHSIL FRANKLIN AND PROVIDED

COLLEGE SAVINGS OPTIONS

This time of year brings about the often tough discussions regarding funding education for recent graduates and their families. Most households do not think about setting aside money until their loved one is close to having to pay for education. Families can minimize this concern and be more proactive. They can use a 529 College Savings Plan, a Roth IRA, a Traditional IRA or an Education IRA, to name a few. Families need to be aware that there are pros and cons of each option.

The 529 College Savings Plan is the traditional method used for educational savings, state-sponsored plans that allow for tax-free growth of invested funds. Each state, except Wyoming, has a specific plan and each plan has different features and benefits. While they are tax efficient because you can withdraw funds from the plan for qualified educational expenses on a taxfree basis, they do have limitations as well. The eligible items that qualify for the beneficial tax treatment are well-defined.

Using an IRA (any of the various types) is also a viable option for families. Because IRAs are tax-advantaged “retirement” accounts, the discussion needs to be more detailed about the benefits and limitations. Traditional and Roth IRAs are primarily retirement vehicles that have the flexibility to pay for qualified educational expenses under certain conditions. The main concern is that these are retirement vehicles and drawing from them can impact a household’s retirement outlook. Educational IRAs have a similar profile as the others, but they are exclusively designed for education.

Several options should be considered when planning for education expenses. Each needs to be considered in the full context of the total financial needs of a household. Contact your financial advisor for more details on how to determine the best course of action.

Photo by Bahsil Franklin

Daya Brown and Elom & Co.

ARTICLE BY JADA GARNER

Daya Brown’s name is becoming well-known as a result of her intelligence, work ethic, and the fact that she was admitted to 54 colleges and awarded $1.3 million in scholarship offers!

Brown, the daughter of Farrah Brown and Olujimi Brown, is an Atlanta native attending Duke University in the fall. The cofounder of The Scholar Social, a nonprofit organization and podcast that bridges the social and intellectual worlds, Brown is a proud alumna of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, where she advanced to the octa-finals after debating

competitors from around the world. Also an award-winning teen journalist for VOX ATL, she focuses on racial injustices, politics, and articles about Black women. In addition, she is an influential spoken-word artist, writer, and film director.

“My goal in life is to impact people with one word, one sentence, one feeling,” says Brown. She combines her love of filmmaking and poetic language to create one-of-a-kind spoken-word videos. In recent years, she has collaborated on the show Butter + Brown with the former lead producer of “HLN Morning Express” and the senior vice president of UP TV Entertainment. Her lively, strong-willed, and ambitious personality can truly transform an environment.

Brown launched Elom & Co. Productions, an Atlanta-based production company, in September 2021, aiming to catalyze emerging creators and promote poetry, artwork, music, and film produced by young adults and teens. Elom & Co. Productions seeks to change the minds and hearts of humanity through the lens of creativity. Brown and Director of Operations Jaylin Ellison both believe that creativity has the power to strengthen society. Elom & Co. Productions encourages artistic endeavors in teenagers and young adults.

“The mission that drives my creative journey: In order to transform the masses, one has to have the ability to change the masses just by one word,” says Brown, noting that regardless of one’s background, thinking outside the box has the power to shape and bond the soul while inspiring and creating harmony. Such is the purpose of Elom & Co., which uses creative imagery to power the company’s vision.

“Today, we are asking all around us to support Elom & Co.’s goal and ambition for future generations to come,” notes Brown.