SOFU, GA June 2024

MAYOR Maynard Jackson

LOCAL SERVICES

VISIONARY THAT HELPED MAKE ATLANTA'S AIRPORT DREAM A REALITY

Celebration Time! Come on!

Hey Y'all!

June is all about Grads and Dads! We are celebrating guys in this issue and we have some wonderful profiles to share. First, we pay tribute to Atlanta’s first Black Mayor Maynard Jackson and delve into the rich history that resulted in our local gem: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. There is a feature on one of our favorite dads saxophonist Jeff Sparks and a spotlight on our SoFu Lifestyle Social Media Manager, the incomparable Darren Cobb. I’d be remiss if I didn’t pause here to remind you to follow us on social media (@southfultonlifestyle on IG). Lots of followers make Darren’s day! We have lots of great info on our social media pages, plus giveaways and opportunities including how to be featured in the magazine! That’s how we got our grads!

Are you partnering with us yet? Being an advertiser in SoFu Lifestyle is a great way to support this community and the great things it has to offer. In addition to advertising and placing your services directly in front of your target audience, you’ll get the opportunity to share uplifting stories in our pages and invites to exclusive networking events. Contact Publisher Michelle Taylor Willis (michelle. taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com) if you are interested!

In this season of celebration, I hope you enjoy the end of the school year, the kickoff of summer in SoFu, the guys in your life, and especially all the dads! Happy Father’s Day, #SoFu gents! You can always reach out to me with story ideas at emitchell@citylifestyle.com. It’s been my pleasure for the last 9 years to bring you positive vibes from our beautiful neck of the woods. Be well, SoFu!

ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Curtis Bunn, Gabrielle Latimore, Juju Ramos

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

GREEN4LIFE

Presents GROWS FARMERS MARKET

Old National Marketplace 6385 Old National Hwy. South Fulton, GA 30349 May - October 2024 1st & 3rd Saturdays 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

inside the issue

Discover Union City, GeorgiaWhere Business Meets Ambiance

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

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

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

EVENT STARTS AT 6:30PM

business monthly

Alliance 56th Season Includes Plays by Cleage and Katori Hall

In the fall, the Alliance will produce Pearl Cleage's "Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard," written for the 50th anniversary of the landmark election of Maynard Jackson as Atlanta’s first Black mayor.  Limited engagement will run on the Hertz Stage, August 2-11.

Alliance will also produce “The Mountaintop,” a reimagining of events the night before the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall.

2024 Grads!

It is our pleasure here at SoFu Lifestyle to showcase some of the local high school grads in our community!

Asiah Carrol

As an outstanding student with a 3.9 GPA, Asiah Carroll, daughter of Donald and Tekeba Carroll, excels at the top of her class. She is actively involved in multiple organizations at school, such as Varsity Cheer, Student Government Association, HOSA, and Beta Club. Beyond her academic achievements, Asiah demonstrates a commitment to community service through organizations like Junior Civitan and Upward Bound. As a dual-enrollment student, Asiah has strengthened her communication and leadership skills through her participation in a range of high school activities. She plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology to study psychology.

Hapeville Charter

London Gaston

London Olivia Sydney Gaston, the daughter of Howard Gaston, Jr. and Shondria Covington, is a Magnet/IB Program student at Westlake High School in Atlanta. London is a 3-year veteran of the Westlake Blue Reign Danceline, the award-winning Westlake Dance Ensemble, and a company dancer at SkyDance Academy. She also serves her community through organizations like the Westlake Mighty Marching Lions and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where she served as the Teen President of her chapter. Her honors and accomplishments include Top 25 in the class, Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient, National African American Recognition Award recipient, Principal’s Scholar, National Honor Society, and Miss 12th Grade. London has been accepted to over 50 schools with almost $2 million in scholarships. She will study Biology Pre-Med at Alabama A&M and aspires to become a surgeon.

Westlake High School

Kori Hill

Kori Hill, the daughter of Kipp Hill and Chelsea Walker, is an exceptional student who ranks top in her class with a 3.8 GPA. She is a hardworking and dedicated individual who is affiliated with several organizations, including the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Varsity Cheer, and the Student Ambassadors. Kori’s commitment to giving back to her community is outstanding, as she actively participates in school activities and fundraising events, volunteers at most, if not all, school functions, and holds the position of Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassador. Kori has also served as a mentor. In addition to her community involvement, Kori has displayed her creativity and teamwork skills through extracurricular activities, and she made history in her school by being the first to receive a pathway certificate for graphic design. She plans to attend Kennesaw State University.

Hapeville Charter

Klarke Jackson

Klarke Reese Jackson is the daughter of Anthony and Dacia Jackson. She has maintained a 4.0 during her high school career and is a member of the National Honor Society, National BETA Club, and HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America). She is corded in Spanish and Art. She is a 4-year varsity lettered cheerleader, a 2022 and 2023 All Region Cheerleader, 2023 UCA All American Cheerleader, 2023-24 Miss Varsity Cheerleader, and CEE Foundation Queen of the Ball. Klarke has been accepted into over 20 schools and has received several academic scholarships. Upon graduating from high school, Klarke plans to attend North Carolina A&T and major in Nursing. She aspires to be a labor and delivery nurse.

Westlake High School

JaiMorgan Jasper

As one of the top students in her graduating class with a 3.8 GPA, JaiMorgan Jasper is an exceptional student who has excelled academically. The daughter of Anthony and Jori Inweh, she is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Student Government Association, Beta Club, and National Honor Society. In addition to her scholastic achievements, JaiMorgan has demonstrated her commitment to the community by volunteering for school events and programs and acting as a Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassador. As a member of Varsity Cheer and a dual-enrollment student, she has embraced rigorous challenges and honed her leadership skills. She intends to attend Tuskegee University to study marketing and business.

Hapeville Charter

Kennedy Johnson

Kennedy Lauren Johnson is the daughter of Kevin and Erica Johnson, both from South Fulton. She has served as a volleyball team member, varsity cheerleader, track and field team member, National Honor Society member, BETA Club member, and vice president of the Black Student Union. The Marietta Roswell Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. presented Kennedy as a debutante in 2022. She enjoys listening to music, reading, and spending time with friends and family. A member of Word of Faith Family Church, she served for many years in Voices of Light. After graduating with honors from Riverwood International Charter School, Kennedy plans to pursue health science at Spelman College and aspires to pursue a career in the medical profession.

Riverwood International Charter School

Autumn Knox

Autumn Knox, the daughter of Aranya and Mario Knox, is a shining star with a 3.8 GPA, in the Top 25 of her graduating class. While participating in dual enrollment, she is actively engaged in esteemed organizations, including the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, Student Government Association, and Future Health Occupations of America. She is on the Varsity Cheer Team and Varsity Soccer Team. Autumn’s dedication to community service is evident through her involvement in Junior Civitan and SGA, as well as in her unwavering commitment to various school initiatives and events. Autumn envisions a future with promise and purpose. With a passion for dentistry, she will study Biology Pre-Dentistry studies. She will attend the real “HU,” Howard University.

Hapeville Charter

Ronin McRae

Ronin McRae is the son of Melford and Dj McRae. He was a member of the Westlake HS Golf Team in 2022 and participated in JROTC for 3 years. Ronin has been active in Cascade Business Merchants Association as a volunteer for over 8 years. He works at Chick-Fil-A on Cascade Road. His future plans include attending Full Sail University with a scholarship in Winter Garden, Florida. Ronin will be studying Film, specifically Editing.

Westlake High School

Torrean Danielle Mozley

Torrean Danielle Mozley, the daughter of Torres and Tiffany Mozley, has demonstrated a commitment to excellence throughout her 4 years at Westlake. Torrean has actively engaged in the Magnet Program, tackling the challenges of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Honors Classes with enthusiasm. Her academic pursuits exemplify her unwavering dedication to excellence, reflecting a comprehensive and well-rounded education. Torrean ranks among the Top 25 students in her class of 571, boasting a GPA of over 4.0. Additionally, she is a valued member of organizations, including the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, Science National Society, 21st Century Leaders, Chickfil-A Leadership Academy, and WHS Student Government Association. Torrean’s exceptional talents led to her accumulating more than $1 million in scholarships. Torrean will embark on her academic journey at Tuskegee University, where she will pursue a major in Computer Science.

Westlake High School

Mia Raymond

Mia Raymond, the daughter of Desiree and Ron Raymond, is a driven student who excels in dual enrollment, taking college and AP courses. With a 3.9 GPA, she demonstrates academic excellence. While serving as varsity cheer captain, Mia ignites school spirit and fosters a culture of teamwork among her peers. Mia holds the esteemed position of Treasurer within the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), a role that underscores her commitment to advancing healthcare excellence and equity. Mia plans on attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she will major in nursing. Her goal is to confront racial disparities in maternal healthcare, working to reduce mortality rates among Black women with dedication and compassion.

Hapeville Charter

Justin Riddick

Justin Raleigh Riddick is the son of Carlton and LaKisha Riddick and lives in the City of South Fulton. Justin is a senior at Fulton Leadership Academy, has a 4.0 GPA, and is the Class Salutatorian and Senior Class Vice President. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was Vice President of the National Beta Club. Justin is a scholar athlete who plays junior varsity basketball and football, track and field, and shotput and discus. He loves drawing, video gaming, and serving his community through road cleanups and clothing/food/toy drives with OPL Alpha Academy (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.), Mirror 100 (100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta, Inc.), and Blessing All Neighborhood Kids (B.A.N.K.) Foundation. He has chosen to attend Talladega College on a full scholarship, majoring in Visual Arts. His goal is to become an architect and comic book illustrator.

Fulton Leadership Academy

Paige Rowell

Paige Rowell, the daughter of Catherine and Eugene Rowell, is a member of the National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, and The Honor Society. Paige has served as the Treasurer and Secretary of the Technology Student Association, in addition to serving as a Basketball Manager for the Boys Basketball team. Scholastic achievement has always been a goal for Paige, as evidenced by her 56 college acceptances and over $1.3 million in university-based scholarship offers. She will attend Kennesaw State University and major in Business with a concentration in Marketing with a minor in Architecture. While working on her degree, she plans to obtain her Real Estate license.

Westlake High School

Kalen Catherine-Joy Toney

Kalen Catherine-Joy Toney, the daughter of Bishop William Toney, III and Sabrina Stroud Toney, has decided to merge her purpose with her passion and major in Music Education. Kalen has been accepted to 35 schools and plans to attend Tennessee State University. Her journey through high school has been a series of ebbs and flows with a pattern of swift transitions that culminate in what she calls, Omne trium perfectum . The trio of Latin words convey a simple overarching philosophy: “everything that comes in threes is perfect.” By the time things settled and returned to a new normal from the pandemic, Kalen was in her senior year. An unexpected surgery briefly sidelined her, but Kalen said that the power of self-belief, self-assurance, self-confidence, and picking yourself up when you struggle is the ultimate source of making what seems unattainable attainable.

Westlake High School

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MAYNARD JACKSON

ATLANTA’S ARCHITECT OF DREAMS

ARTICLE BY JUJU RAMOS

In the heart of Atlanta beats the drum of a man whose vision transformed not just the city’s skyline, but its very essence. Mayor Maynard Jackson, all things hope and progress, dared to dream of an Atlanta where everyone had a seat at the table, where love and inclusion flourished, and where barriers were dismantled with courage and conviction.

Valerie Jackson, the former mayor’s widow, shares tender recollections that paint a vivid portrait of a man who loved Atlanta with every fiber of his being. She reminisces of weekends spent exploring the city’s nooks and crannies, accompanied by the melodic strains of “Take Six” and the laughter of their daughters. But amidst the beauty, Maynard’s keen eye sought out imperfections, not out of disdain but rather an unyielding desire to make Atlanta better.

Through Jackson’s endless prose for a love deeply rooted in her husband, we catch a glimpse of Maynard’s boundless

compassion and his unwavering commitment to justice. His vision for Atlanta was not just about buildings and highways; it was about people—Black and White, rich and poor—coming together in unity and understanding. He envisioned a city where the politics of inclusion reigned supreme, where every voice was heard, and every dream had the chance to flourish.

And then there was THE airport— Maynard’s crowning achievement, his monument to progress. With tenacity and resolve, he overcame obstacles that others deemed insurmountable, constructing alliances and blazing trails to make his vision a reality. His insistence on having his name grace the airport wasn’t vanity; it was a testament to his belief that representation matters, that every child who passed through those gates would know the name of a leader who dared to dream BIG.

Maynard’s legacy transcends concrete and steel; it lives on in the hearts of every

Atlantan who walks a little taller because of his vision. It’s in the single mother who finds a job at the airport, in the child who dreams of soaring to new heights, and in the community that rallies together to overcome adversity.

“Maynard quoted Hartsfield’s motto, ‘Atlanta is a city too busy to hate.’ That may have been true,” Valerie Jackson said. “But Maynard questioned whether we were a city ‘too busy to love,’” she continued. “He felt love, among other things, was fair housing for all, good education for our children, and equal access to economic opportunities for minorities and women.”

Most poignantly, she said, “Maynard would be proud to see that Atlanta has prospered well acting on the politics of inclusion.”

As we gaze upon the skyline he helped shape, let us not just see buildings and highways, but the embodiment of a dream—a dream of a better, brighter Atlanta, where all are welcome, and all are loved. In the words of Maynard Jackson’s beloved wife, let us honor his memory by striving to make his dreams our reality, one step, one heart, at a time.

ARTICLE BY CURTIS BUNN

Take Over Reading

PILOT PROGRAM LAUNCHED BY OMICRON PHI LAMBDA CHAPTER OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. AT ASA HILLIARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN EAST POINT

Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha had fun with Asa Hilliard 2019 Teacher of the Year Anita Whyte- Otu.

The Omicron Phi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., which serves South Fulton near Atlanta, executed its pilot program, Reading Take Over, when the fraternity brothers took the lead in all 23 classes at Asa Hilliard Elementary School in East Point.

The brothers read Keep Dreaming Black Child by Nyasha Williams to pre-K through third graders as well as a variety of other inspiring, self-affirming books to fourth and fifth graders.

“This was an important opportunity for us to impact the lives of our precious commodity—young kids,” said OPL President Pierre Gaither. “We know the power of reading and how it builds literacy and how that translates into being creative people, critical thinkers, and successful later in life.”

Teachers, administrators, and Principal Tiambi Walker welcomed the Alpha men with smiles; they understood the value of having the presence of Black men in their school. And so did the brothers.

The experience was the Alpha brothers’ first time reading to kids. They left feeling it would not be their last.

Asa Hilliard’s Principal Tiambi L. Walker thanked the men of Omicron Phi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for supporting the school.

Jeff Ferguson had a “great time” reading and engaging an enthusiastic group of first graders during the Alphas’ Reading Take Over Day.

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GET TO KNOW AN INSTAGRAM LEGEND!

Darren Cobb

“Darren Cobb is the social media manager at SoFu Lifestyle magazine.

Darren Cobb, Jr. is considered Atlanta’s top social media manager. Over the past 3 years, Cobb’s resume has consisted of some of Atlanta’s most elite influencers and businesses. Through his amazing strategies, Cobb assists in helping companies and individuals organically grow their following and credentials online. Because of his success on Instagram, he’s been able to work with everyone from LaTavia Roberson of Destiny’s Child, Scrapp DeLeon, Stylist Ryan Christopher, and more.

In 2017, Cobb created an urban outlet known as Urban’s Vintage (currently @talk2thesrreetz), which gained an astounding following of 200,000 (including everyone from John Singleton, Erica Campbell, Will Packer, and more) in just one year. Because of the success of Urban’s Vintage, Cobb holds the title as being the first Black journalist to garner so many followers within that timeframe and he is known as the Trendsetter for Nostalgia. Urban’s Vintage was sold in 2020.

Aside from being an Instagram influencer, Cobb is also a former model and actor, appearing in projects such as TV One’s “The Miki Howard Story” and John Legend’s WGN hit “Underground.” Cobb is also a proud alumnus of the illustrious HBCU by the sea, Savannah State University, where he majored in journalism. Cobb plans to make a continuous impact in the world of social media through his popular social media agency in Atlanta via upcoming projects including films and classes.

Providing on-call and

Jeff Sparks

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE LATIMORE

The Smooth Saxophonist

Although New Orleans is credited as the birthplace of jazz, Chicago is often considered the place where jazz evolved from adolescence to full-grown. Growing up in the musical backdrop of Chicago, smooth jazz saxophonist Jeff Sparks quickly discovered the blue note that would journey him through the world of music. Jeff’s love for music began around age 10 when he fatefully picked up the saxophone from an array of instruments across a table in his music class. From that day forward, Jeff has not put the saxophone down.

Jeff’s soulful path and lifelong dedication to music began early; however, as many up-and-coming artists experience, he began to face the trials of being a fulltime musician. As the responsibilities of life and fatherhood continued to crescendo, Jeff embraced a career as a broadcast audio engineer for over 30 years. Yet, with musical influences from jazz legends like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Donald Harrison, and Walter Beasley, the music has never ceased to leave Jeff.

Making a point not to call performing his “side gig,” Jeff regularly immerses himself in his music. Whether performing with his dynamic five-piece band, in an intimate trio, or as a solo act, Jeff continues to bring others together through his melodies. For Jeff, connecting with others takes center stage during his performances, striking the perfect chord in his heart. The shared experience and connection with his audience is the driving motivation, fueling his passion with every note he plays.

This year looks to be an exciting one for Jeff as he plans to expand his musical horizons with upcoming launches. Jeff is releasing his single, “Wave at Me,” the title inspired by the end credits of the classic sitcom, “The Beverly Hillbillies,” where the family stands and waves at the audience. The single will be available on all streaming platforms. Beyond his live performances, Jeff also plans to launch a social media channel and website this year where he will continue to connect with others through his music.

Changing the World