Rigorous curriculum created and designed by medical professionals that position kids for success after graduation.
Hands on learning
Career connected mentorship
Customized learning plans
Practice in professional medical simulation labs. Learn f rom working heal thcare professionals.
Gain hands-on experience in Atlanta’s top medical facilities
Gain clinic experience in high school
Paid internships and part-time positions available to students
Graduate with college credits and career certif ication.
Save thousands on college tuition
Enter the workforce earning $40,000+ immediately after graduation
Position yourself for career advancement
What Do You Get the Dad Who Has Everything?
Hey SoFu,
Have you ever paused to think about the impact fathers have on their homes and families? The truth is the role of a father is immeasurable. Fathers shape homes, nurture growth, and provide the foundation upon which children can thrive. And as a dad, the level of impact you choose to have is entirely in your hands.
A father’s gifts are unique and lasting—his strength, his words, his guidance—all create an impact that ripples through generations. Here are just a few of the ways fathers build up their homes:
• A father’s strength can be a steady anchor.
• His words can encourage and inspire.
• A dad’s hugs can provide comfort in difficult times.
• A smile from a dad can instill joy and confidence.
• Time spent with a dad is filled with both fun and productivity.
• A dad’s physicality can challenge and excite.
• His guidance can be life-changing.
• A father’s correction is sometimes life-saving.
• Adventures with a dad create unforgettable memories.
This month, let’s celebrate fathers everywhere. We celebrate our own Brian K. Jones and Dr. Winston Carhee, two great dads from this community. In these pages, we also showcase some great chefs and tastemakers who have served as mentors to our SoFu kids. If you have a father or father figure in your life, let them know how much they matter to you. There is a gift guide from our own Patrick T. Cooper to help you show your appreciation. If you are a dad yourself, thank you. You are an invaluable part of your family, our community, and the world.
Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads out there!
Oh and one more thing! Congrats to our SoFu grads! These young people are so dear to us at the magazine. They were underfoot at the sorority meeting just a minute ago!! Some of them I've know since they were babies at South Fulton Mocha Moms meeting or toddlers from Zion Hill church nursery. Now they want to head off on their own path to DC at the Mecca! They are my college classmates' kids that are headed off to matriculate at Spelman in our footsteps! And this is hard to believe but Adriana Verwayne was on the cover of our very first issue 11 years ago. Now she's headed off to continue her family's NC A&T legacy. Time really flies and we are so proud!
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com
Phase One Starts Now: Emergency Care, Closer to Home
With the opening of Grady South’s freestanding emergency department on June 2, 2026, life-saving care is now closer, faster, and right where it belongs, in the community.
Open 24/7 and built for the moments that matter, this first phase brings expert emergency care to your neighborhood. It’s also the beginning of something bigger. A growing medical campus that will continue to expand with a medical office building and a future hospital through 2031.
More access. More care. Right here at home.
business monthly
True Colors Theatre Company Announces Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”
The 1980s-inspired play will run from June 9-July 5 at Southwest Arts Center. Taking inspiration from the 1997 television event starring Brandy and the late Whitney Houston, the True Colors production keeps the heart of the classic story but tells it through a bold perspective shedding Cinderella's “damsel in distress” image and portraying her as a strong young woman. The play will be directed by Juel D. Lane with musical direction by Rahbi Hines. Tickets at Truecolorstheatre.org
Scan to read more
Career & Job Fair Results in On-the-Spot Hires
What began as an open invitation to explore career opportunities turned into a day of real results for hundreds of job seekers at the City of South Fulton Career & Job Fair, at Welcome All Park. By the end of the afternoon, many attendees walked away with job offers in hand.
Scan to read more
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Fox Theatre
Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, and Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced tickets are on sale for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The enchanting and timeless Broadway musical will begin performances in Atlanta at the Fox Theatre on Tuesday, May 26 for a limited one-week engagement through Sunday, May 31. Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre box office at 660 Peachtree Street NE and by visiting foxtheatre.org.
Scan to read more
Photo by Matthew Murphy
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
Inspiration for your best local life.
Exclusive giveaways.
gem alert!
Good news happening right in your neighborhood.
Hidden
SCAN TO CONNECT
SOUTH FULTON CITY LIFESTYLE ™
ARTICLE COMPILED BY
CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2026!
Matthew Bolston , Honor Graduate and son of Sabrina and Victor Bolston, will attend Kennesaw State University, where he plans to major in marketing and build a successful career in the business world. Throughout high school, Matthew demonstrated leadership, academic dedication, and strong involvement in his school community as an active member of Beta Club and the Student Government Association (SGA). He was also honored as the 11th Grade Prom Prince. Driven, resilient, and goal-oriented, he is focused on professional growth, expanding his knowledge, and building a financially stable, successful future. Matthew is proud of the person he has become and grateful for the excellence and opportunities provided by Hapeville Charter Career Academy.
ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL
Matthew Bolston
Taylor Clark Destiny Brown
Harrison Edwards
Moriah Freeman
Sarai Freeman
Destiny Brown is a senior and VPA Magnet Musical Theater student at Tri-Cities High School. An A/B Honor Roll student with a 3.6 GPA, Destiny is the daughter of Malandra Williams and Kervin Brown. She is an active volunteer for the Treasure Heart Girls organization and a youth assistant at her church. An Alliance Theater Advanced Musical Theatre Camp scholarship recipient, she received the 2026 Shuler Award for "Best Leading Actress" in Georgia. Upon graduation, Destiny will pursue a BFA in musical theater at a prestigious fine arts university and plans to become a world-renowned Broadway performer.
Taylor Clark is a senior at Riverwood International Charter School and the daughter of Charles and Tameka Clark. She will attend Spelman College in the fall as a proud member of the Honors Program, majoring in health sciences to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Taylor is a varsity volleyball player and competitor on a nationally recognized club team. She also serves as a junior coach, mentoring younger athletes. An active member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, BSU, Red Cross Club, GCAPP Youth Advisory Council, and HOSA, she also volunteers each summer at Grady Memorial Hospital (TELP). She interns with a local PT group and iSpeak Therapy to gain clinical experience. Taylor is an active member at Ben Hill UMC as an acolyte, former usher, and youth choir member.
Harrison Edwards , son of Antionette and Edson Edwards, is a student at Westlake High School. Harrison has completed both the engineering and Army JROTC pathways, preparing himself for a career in aerospace engineering. As the executive officer of his JROTC battalion, Harrison serves as second-in-command, overseeing operations, mentoring cadets, and helping to lead the largest Army JROTC battalion in Georgia. He has contributed over 200 hours of community service during his high school career and earned recognition as JROTC Cadet of the Year and is the recipient of the 2025-2026 Sons of the American Revolution award. He commanded the Sabre Guard Team, competed on the Raider Team, and served on the varsity rifle team, where he earned top shooter for 2025-2026. His technical interests are reflected in skills such as CAD design, drone operation, and programming, reinforcing his aspirations in aerospace engineering. As an aerospace engineering student at Fulton County College and Career Academy, he recently obtained FAA remote pilot certification. Harrison will be attending Georgia Military College in the fall and plans to continue to the U.S. Air Force Academy. His goal is to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force before pursuing a career in the aerospace industry.
Moriah Freeman , valedictorian at Hapeville Charter Career Academy, is the daughter of Ebony Freeman and Asbury Foster. Moriah will attend Kennesaw State University, where she will major in nursing as part of the Wellstar Tom and Betty Phillips Elite Honors Nursing Cohort. This prestigious program will prepare her to enter the Traditional BSN program at the Wellstar School of Nursing, where she plans to focus on psychiatric nursing. Throughout high school, Moriah served as a Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassador, Senate Page, Student Government Association President, Grade-Level President, and Hapeville Varsity Cheerleader. Her involvement includes the National Honor Society, AVID, HOSA, Upward Bound, BETA Club,
Women in MED, and Delta Gem. Moriah served as a Grady TELP Leader and participated in dual enrollment at Atlanta Technical College and Georgia Military College. Moriah received the Grady TELP Health Equity Research Project Award and the Upward Bound Summer Academic Achievement Award in 2023 and 2024.
Sarai Freeman , salutatorian at Hapeville Charter Career Academy, is the daughter of Ebony Freeman and Asbury Foster. She will attend Kennesaw State University in fall 2026, where she plans to major in criminal justice on the pre-law track and minor in political science. She will also be a member of the Honors College and participate in the Presidential Emerging Global Scholars program, a selective cohort focused on leadership development, community service, and global engagement through travel and study abroad. Throughout high school, Sarai has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership, serving as a Georgia Secretary of State Student Ambassador, Senate Page (2024), and Student Government Association Vice President for four consecutive years. Her involvement includes the National Honor Society, BETA Club, AVID, HOSA, Upward Bound, Women in MED, Delta Gem, and service as a Grady TELP Leader. Additionally, Sarai gained hands-on legal experience as an intern with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, further strengthening her commitment to law, justice, and public service.
Garrison Grimes , son of Kenneth and Pilar Grimes, is a graduating senior recognized for leadership, scholarship, and service. Garrison earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an honor earned by only about 4% of Scouts nationally and fewer than 1% of African American Scouts, and received an East Point mayoral proclamation for his community service and leadership. He serves as a Youth Ambassador with 21st Century Leaders, supporting more than 2,500 students across Georgia. He is also involved in the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, 100 Black Men of South Metro, and Kappa League. As captain of the Landmark Christian School cross country and track teams and a 4x800 relay record holder, he will attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Honors College to study electrical engineering.
Brian Jacobs is a senior at Westlake High School. He is the son of Darrion and Tanya Jacobs and a committed scholar in pursuit of academic excellence and has achieved Honor Roll recognition every semester. In addition to maintaining outstanding grades, Brian played trumpet in all three award-winning bands that Westlake offers: marching, symphonic, and jazz. Brian invests his time in building leadership skills and giving back to the community through Scouts of America. Community clean-ups, high adventure camping, and several troop leadership positions have helped to mold his strong and resilient character. After graduation, Brian plans on attending Alabama A&M University.
Alexander Lewis Johnson is a senior at Westlake High School and the son of Rev. Dr. Andrea Lewis and Rev. Torrey Johnson. An Honor Roll student, Alex is co-section leader of the Mighty Marching Lions' trumpet section and performs in the jazz, symphonic, pep, and pit bands. He plays trumpet at Holly Grove AME Church and participates in the Georgia State University Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra and Atlanta Youth Jazz Ensemble. He is a
member of the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Big Bethel AME Church. He serves as parliamentarian of the AME Sixth Episcopal District Young People's Division and will attend Morehouse College.
Celise Meadows is a senior at Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta with a 4.1 GPA. She is the oldest daughter of Chuck and Toshia Meadows. Celise excels in IB, AP, and honors coursework and attends Georgia State University as a dual-enrollment scholar, demonstrating strong academic discipline and college readiness. A dedicated leader, Celise serves as SGA senior class president, varsity cheer captain, and a varsity softball team member, balancing leadership, athletics, and service. In the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter, she has served as teen fundraising chair, historian, and corresponding secretary. Celise will attend Howard University, majoring in finance, pursuing her dream of becoming a chief financial officer and founding a nonprofit focused on financial literacy for women and children.
Londyn Paige Clark Miller is a graduating senior at D.M. Therrell High School and the daughter of Cherese Clark-Wilson and Evan Miller. Londyn is the captain of the Purrrfection Majorette Dance Team, rehearsal director of the Advanced Repertory Dance Company, member of the Academic Decathlon Team, and president of both National Honor Society and the Beta Club. Ranked at the top 10% of her class, Londyn will be attending Spelman College as an Honors student, majoring in political science (pre-law) and minoring in psychology. Thereafter, she will attend law school to pursue her Juris Doctorate degree.
Lloyd Perryman Jr. is an inspiring young leader with a bright future ahead. As co-president of his school’s DECA program and an active member of ROTC, he has demonstrated discipline, leadership, and commitment. Guided by the support of his mother, Elaine Perryman, and the lasting influence of his late father, Lloyd Perryman Sr., he continues to push forward with purpose. Lloyd plans to attend the University of Alabama, where he will major in aerospace engineering. His resilience, ambition, and strong values make him a powerful example of perseverance and determination.
Jaiden Quarles is the son of Quincy and Tawanda Quarles. He will be graduating from Landmark Christian School, where he was actively involved in baseball and a leadership program. Jaiden attends Arrow Youth Leadership International, serving as secretary. Through these experiences, he has developed strong leadership skills, discipline, and a consistent work ethic. He has received recognition from State Senator Lydia Glaize through his involvement in Arrows. He plans to attend Kennesaw State University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering.
Corbin Lela Raston, daughter of Latonya and Leon Raston, is a senior at West Orange High School in New Jersey. An accomplished student-athlete, Corbin holds a 4.0 GPA, is a member of three national honor societies, and is a double All-American track star. A leader in the Teen Auxiliary of the GMAC chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., she participates in community service with her school and her church, Elizabeth Baptist. Corbin will attend the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in political science and African American studies, with aspirations to pursue public service, policy work, and civic leadership.
Lloyd Perryman Jr.
Celise Meadows
Londyn Paige Clark Miller
Brian Jacobs
Garrison Grimes
Alexander Lewis Johnson
Lailani Smith , daughter of Jade Lambert-Smith and Cedric Smith, is graduating from Westlake High School as an IB Diploma Candidate and the school’s 2026 Fine Arts Student of the Year and World Languages Student of the Year. She is a member of the National Honor Society and ranks in the Top 25 of her senior class. Lailani serves as student director of the Westlake Chorale and student music director for the Thespian program and performs with the Westlake Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Orchestra. She will attend Berklee College of Music to study music theory and composition, with aspirations to create globally inspired music across cultures.
Adriana Verwayne is a graduating senior at Therrell High School and an Early College student at Georgia State University. She has maintained a 3.8 GPA while balancing excellence. She is the daughter of Adrian and Raushannah Verwayne. She serves as vice-president of her school’s HOSA chapter and is a three-year band Color Guard captain. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Adriana has participated in the Morehouse School of Medicine Surgery Reach Program, Grady Teen Experience Leadership Program, Future Docs Abroad to Tanzania, and Global Explorers Exchange Program to Spain. She plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University on the premed track to become a pediatrician.
Taylor Walton , daughter of Ebony Walton and DeCorey Walton, is a graduating senior at Westlake High School and a full International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate, magnet, and TAG student. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, she has earned honors including the Georgia Certificate of Merit, a Governor’s Honors Program nomination, Principal’s List, and recognition as a three-time DECA state competition winner. Taylor is actively involved in the Fulton County Youth Commission, Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Student Governance Council, DECA, Thespian Society, National Honor Society, Beta Club, SkillsUSA, and Generation 8 Choir at her church. She plans to attend Spelman College and pursue a career in journalism.
Ava Layne Warren is a senior at Westlake High School in Atlanta and the daughter of Desi and Franchesca Warren. Active in the community, Ava is an IB and Honors student and participates in several clubs and service organizations, including HOSA and BETA. She is an athletic student trainer, and a student volunteer in the Grady TELP Program. In addition, she is the teen recording secretary in the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. Ava will attend Tuskegee University, where she will major in health sciences with a minor in physical therapy to become a physical therapist.
Dustin Watson , the son of William Watson and Jennifer Sampson, is a graduating senior at North Atlanta High School and a dual-enrollment student at Georgia State University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He is an active member of FBLA and SkillsUSA and previously participated in JV football and wrestling. Dustin is also an entrepreneur and founder of a nonprofit focused on helping youth improve their health through nutrition and exercise. He works at Willy’s Mexicana Grill while contributing to his household. Dustin plans to attend Morehouse College on a full scholarship to study political science and pursue a career in commercial real estate law.
Corbin Lela Raston
Taylor Walton
Ava Layne Warren
Dustin Watson
Lailani Smith
Jaiden Quarles
Adriana Verwayne
BRIAN K. Jones
Union City Councilman Building a Legacy of Economic Development and Mentorship as President of South Metro Atlanta’s 100 Black Men Chapter
ARTICLE BY CURTIS BUNN
When he graduated from Westlake High School and enrolled at Morehouse College, Brian K. Jones intended to work in computer science after graduation. But six weeks into his freshman year, he found the major boring and switched to business with the idea of traveling the country as a consultant.
He ended up working in Public Safety for the Public Information Officer of the Fulton County Police Department and for the Chief of Police. In those roles, he was exposed to local laws that baffled him. Jones expressed his dismay to his mother, who told him, “Unless you’re in politics and can do something to change things, you have to live by the laws” on the books.
That is when the first notion of running for Union City’s City Council entered his mind. A short time later, he told his mother he would go for it. The problem was that qualifying was just two weeks away.
Undeterred, he pressed forward and was so effective that another council candidate, Vince Williams, reached out to him so they could essentially partner in their respective campaigns. Both won. That was 2007. Wiliams went on to become Union City Mayor in 2013.
For the past 19 years, Jones, 47, has been a leader of economic development for Union City. He was a young voice on the council with fresh ideas, like supporting the redevelopment of an old school with $5 million to repurpose it to The Gathering Place, a multi-use 25,000-square-foot indoor facility featuring a gym, theater, and multipurpose rooms.
“It is the central location to the park, with turf fields and trails,” Jones said. “It is the centerpiece for change and shows we are an active community.”
As president of the 100 Black Men, South Metro Atlanta Chapter, Jones finds himself active all the time—too active, in fact. When his presidential term ends in March 2027, he is excited to “spend time with my family,” he said. He’s been on leadership boards his daughter’s entire life. “It may be time to go to the beach without my laptop and just enjoy my family and the ocean.”
ARTICLE BY WINSTON CARHEE, DC
Leadership. Advocacy. Education. Wellness.
Advancing the Mission of
Chiropractic in Georgia
Chiropractic is a sovereign health and wellness profession rooted in restoring function and improving quality of life—without the use of drugs or surgery. As president of the Georgia Chiropractic Association (GCA), my focus remains clear: to promote, represent, educate, and protect the chiropractic profession across our state while advancing opportunities that change, save, and improve lives naturally.
A central pillar of my presidency is building a sustainable pipeline for the future of chiropractic. We are introducing the profession to primary school students through career day engagement, creating early awareness and inspiration. From
there, we are working to establish articulation agreements with local colleges and universities to support students pursuing a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Finally, we are developing structured mentorship programs that connect new doctors with seasoned chiropractors—ensuring long-term success, excellence, and continuity within our profession.
This year has already been marked by strong engagement and progress. Our Winter Conference united practitioners committed to growth and clinical excellence. GCA Day at the Capitol strengthened our advocacy and visibility among policymakers. District meetings have fostered collaboration statewide. Looking ahead, we are excited for our Spring Social at The Battery and our Summer Conference in Savannah as we continue building momentum and community.
We also invite anyone curious about chiropractic care or careers to take the first step. Visit a local chiropractor for a free 10-minute consultation and discover chiropractic firsthand.
For me, it has always been about the mission—not the position. It is truly an honor to serve. Together, we reaffirm a simple truth: Wellness is not an option—it is a lifestyle.
Winston Carhee, DC, proudly serves as the first African American male elected president of the Georgia Chiropractic Association, marking a historic milestone in leadership and a continued commitment to advancing diversity, representation, and excellence within the chiropractic profession.
THE GCA MISSION IN ACTION
• Promote the Chiropractic Profession
• Represent Doctors of Chiropractic
• Educate Communities & Future Leaders
• Protect Patient Access to Care
DISCOVER CHIROPRACTIC TODAY!
Curious about care or a career in chiropractic?
Schedule a FREE 10-Minute Consultation with a local provider and experience natural wellness solutions.
Winston Carhee, DC
President, Georgia Chiropractic Association
Founder, Pain 2 Wellness Chiropractic Center
“It’s all about the Mission, not the Position.”
Georgia Chiropractic Association President Winston Carhee, DC
POURED FORWARD
A Father's Day Tribute to the Men Feeding, Pouring, and Building the Future of Black Culinary Excellence in Atlanta
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB MACKEY
There are stories that belong to no single man, stories so deep, so old, so beautifully human that they can only be carried, never owned. The story of Black culinary excellence in Atlanta is one of them. It was written long ago in the kitchens of grandmothers who fed entire communities with nothing
“Legacy is built by moving forward and inspiring the next generation.”
but genius and love. What moves me most about Cal, Quentin, Gary, and Robert isn’t what they’ve accomplished, it’s what they do: investing in young people, honoring where they came from, and showing up for a community that is counting on them.
At the center of that belief stands the Navigate Foundation, a woman-founded, minority-owned organization built on one unshakeable conviction: that talent without access is a tragedy our community can no longer afford. Navigate serves students from high school through young adulthood, offering specialized culinary training, professional development, and direct pathways to sustainable careers. Its signature Passport Project sends the next generation of culinary talent abroad to study at world-class institutions, turning potential into purpose, one extraordinary life at a time. It was around the Navigate table that these four men first found one another. And what happened next is proof of
everything I have always believed: When we gather for goodness, greatness happens.
SOME BOTTLES HOLD MORE THAN SPIRITS; THEY HOLD A FAMILY’S ENTIRE STORY
Cal Wimberly is building legacy with both hands, one reaching back into family history and one extended forward to the community around him. His portfolio tells the whole story. Ma Fannie Vodka was named for his grandmother Fannie Pollard, a bootlegger and entrepreneur from Lee County, Alabama, who created an extraordinary opportunity from almost nothing. Papa Joe’s Single Malt is a tribute to the patriarch who carried a family name forward with quiet dignity. And Wimberly 116 Bourbon is the anchor of a legacy still being written. The Wimberley Collection is a conversation across generations. And, as Cal says himself: “Legacy is built by moving forward and inspiring the next generation.”
CONTINUED >
Photo provided
THERE ARE WINES THAT FILL A GLASS, AND THEN THERE ARE WINES THAT CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF A YOUNG LIFE
When I reached out to Quentin D. Wilson, he saw young people preparing to step into the world and said, without hesitation, “I want to be part of that moment.”
Q10, crafted in France’s Loire Valley using the same traditional method as Champagne, is approachable enough for a Tuesday and refined enough to honor life’s most significant milestones. Quentin is building a platform that opens genuine doors for minority winemakers long locked out of this industry. You cannot become what you cannot see; when a young student watches a man who looks like them command a world-class sparkling wine he built from the ground up, it is beyond inspirational. It is a mirror. It is permission. It is proof that any goal can be achieved.
SOME CHEFS FEED A CITY; THE RAREST ONES SHAPE A GENERATION
I first encountered Chef Gary Caldwell through Chef Simone Byron and the Navigate Foundation in a room of people gathering for goodness, producing something greater than any of us anticipated. As executive chef at Marcus Bar & Grille, he works with hyper-local farms, honoring recipes unearthed from family matriarchs and training his team of culinarians to understand why the story behind every ingredient matters. Every plate is an act of education as much as it is nourishment.
“Hospitality is something passed down, taught and emulated; it can’t be forced,” says Gary. The door is wide open and Gary is already inside, doing the work.
WHERE THE PAST FEEDS THE FUTURE
Auburn Angel occupies the very building on Auburn Avenue where civil rights leaders once gathered, strategized, and fed a movement. Chef Robert Butts didn’t just inherit that address. He accepted its full weight. His kitchen is a living archive — hoe cakes reimagined, braised traditions rescued from being forgotten, Black food stories told with technical brilliance that silences every critic. A fierce supporter of the Navigate Passport Project, Robert pours into young culinarians with the urgency of a man who built his path largely alone.
“I know for me starting in this industry, it wasn’t a lot of Black chefs you could look up to; that was just not right,” says Robert. Auburn Angel is more than a restaurant. It is a monument, a classroom, and a promise to Atlanta’s culinary history and future.
THE TORCH BEARERS
These are not simply four successful men. They are four fathers to a generation that needs them, and when Navigate gave us a reason to gather, what happened confirmed everything: When we gather for goodness, greatness happens.
This Father’s Day, Atlanta celebrates what these men refused to let die: the recipes that have not been forgotten, the traditions carried in the hands of grandmothers who fed communities with a genius no classroom could teach, and the spirits named for ancestors who made something from nothing. All of it is alive in these four men. And through them, it is being placed, with intention and love, into the hands of the generation that comes next.
The table is set. The glasses are raised. And the future of Black culinary excellence in Atlanta isn’t coming. It is already here.
GSFCC RESTAURANT CRAWL
GIFTS FOR THE GUY WHO HAS EVERYTHING
ARTICLE BY PATRICK T. COOPER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SOFU LIFESTYLE
Perhaps what you need isn’t more, it’s refinement. A reset. A return to intention, where every detail feels considered and every choice reflects a life well-curated. This month, I’m offering something different. Not trends, not noise, but a quiet, confident curation for the man who understands that style is not seasonal, it is a signature. After all, what do you offer the man who already has everything? You offer him coherence. You offer him distinction. You offer him a world where nothing feels seasonal, only essential.
Fresh
Box | www.freshboxcigars.com
There is something deeply personal about the ritual of a well-kept cigar. It is not just about preservation, it is about respect for the moment that follows.
Enter FreshBox® by CigarBros®, a study in precision and intention. Designed for those who understand that excellence lives in the details, it redefines what it means to care for your collection. With advanced humidity control, temperature isolation, and an ease that removes the guesswork, FreshBox® allows you to focus less on maintenance and more on experience.
Founded by Remon Mansour, CigarBros® approaches cigar culture with a rare balance of innovation and reverence. This is not about replacing tradition, it is about protecting it, refining it, and ensuring it is carried forward with integrity.
Because true luxury is not just in what you have, it is in how you preserve it.
Trunks
by PTC | www.trunksbyptc.com
Some pieces are worn. Others are experienced.
Trunks by PTC exist firmly in the latter. This latest drop, The Battling Flamingo, is not simply swimwear, it is a declaration. A bold interplay of color, movement, and artistic influence that refuses to go unnoticed, yet never feels forced.
Inspired by a life well-traveled, where street art, murals, and raw expression shape perspective, each piece carries the energy of discovery. There is a sense that these trunks have already lived a story before you ever step into them and now, they are ready to move with you.
This is for the man who understands that presence is an art form; that what you wear, even in your most relaxed moments, should still speak with intention.
So whether poolside or oceanside, consider this your invitation to step beyond the expected and live in color.
Barbecue starts with the best meat and that is why you simply go to Arnette’s Butcher Shop. Here, every cut is a reflection of quality and intention, from richly marbled ribeyes to expertly sourced USDA Prime selections designed to elevate any table or backyard gathering.
Hand selected by a culinary team that understands flavor at its highest level, Arnette’s brings the experience of a refined chop house into your own hands.
Because great moments are not just cooked, they are curated.
Cheeky Maiden Soap | www.cheekymaidensoap.com
All ATLiens like to stay so fresh and so clean, and Cheeky Maiden Soap makes that effortless. With all-natural essentials, from beard oils to skin care, each formula delivers hydration, strength, and a refined, invigorating finish designed to keep you confident and impeccably put together.
Enzo | www.enzo-itl.com
For those who live in motion, where every arrival is as intentional as every departure, ENZO Steakhouse & Bar now meets you at your gate. Touching down
inside the Delta Sky Clubs at Hartsfield-Jackson, this is a refined extension of the restaurant’s signature experience for the global citizen who understands that even in transit, standards never slip.
For anyone who hasn’t made it to ENZO at the Town at Trilith, consider this your introduction. Chef Andrea Montobbio delivers a thoughtful edit of ENZO Steakhouse & Bar, from deeply layered short rib to a tiramisu that feels both personal and precise. Whether you settle in or take it to go, the moment remains elevated.
No reservations, no compromises—just a seamless continuation of ENZO, wherever your next destination awaits.
Jittery Joe’s Coffee and ASW Distillery | www.jitteryjoes.com
When craftsmanship meets curiosity, the result speaks for itself.
This season, Jittery Joe’s Coffee and ASW Distillery reunite for the return of Fiddler Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee, a limited release where your beverage desires are fully met in a single, refined experience. Green beans from Nicaragua’s Selva Negra are rested in freshly emptied Fiddler bourbon barrels, drawing in quiet notes of oak, toffee, and warm spice before being roasted in Athens.
The result is a cup that lingers just long enough to remind you that some pairings are meant to be savored slowly, intentionally, and without compromise.
From first sip to final finish, satisfaction is not suggested, it is guaranteed.
Sweet Auburn BBQ Sauce | Available at www.sweetauburnbbq.com
Barbecue is never out of style, and Sweet Auburn Barbecue proves it belongs at every table, in every season. Bottling the signature balance of sweet, smoky, and boldly unexpected flavor, their housemade sauces bring a refined edge to everything they touch.
Rooted in Atlanta and layered with global influence, this is not just barbecue, it is a statement that great taste has no calendar.
