South Fulton, GA January 2021

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JANUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis | michelle.willis@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Photo by Darnel Williams

Be Gentle with Yourself, #SoFu!

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@lifestylepubs.com SALES SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Tiffany Cherry | tiffany@gagnantmedia.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe

I JUST REALIZED THAT 2020 WAS THE LONGEST DECADE EVER AND IT WAS ONLY ONE YEAR. But it was an extraordinary year in the most abnormal sense. We spent March to September inside and wore our masks religiously in South Fulton.

We survived holidays that were modified to the point of being unrecognizable. You either gained a few like me or lost 40 pounds, like my sister. (This is very abnormal.)

She is preparing for a milestone birthday but I heard that others were able to focus and use the time we usually spend in traffic gridlock to better themselves. I’ll be the first to offer you congratulations!

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristen Wright-Matthews, Robyn Stokes, Anthony McKissic, Sr., J.L. Wyatt-Keyton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan Dumlao, Marcus Redd, Lou Rocco, Darnel Williams

In the meanwhile, #SoFu please try to give yourself grace. Some of our kids are just now going back to school. Savor the moments if you have any energy left. Protect your mental health. My life coach and organizer Jamie Bennett (@thelifestylestrategist) shared an app called Shine with me that is curated by women of color and helps me find inner peace. I definitely recommend it for each of you.

In our first issue with our brand new name SoFu Lifestyle, you will find a guide to exercising at home with your family and a portrait of Philip Lewis, the Smoothie King owner that wants you to try a healthier kind of fast food. There are several feel good

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Giving Back stories to inspire you from The Giving Bowl to coverage of the Pink

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Frog Gala to support breast cancer patients and the “We Made the Choice” Virtual

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Fundraiser that benefitted current Spelman students that was hosted by Sunny

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Hostin. I was amazed to see how obstacles became opportunities last year. But I’m

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

looking forward to something like normalcy creeping back in this year!

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Cheers, #SoFu and Happy New Year!

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Erikka Mitchell, Editor EMitchell@LifestylePubs.com ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Smoothies are a great, healthier option while you satisfy your sweet tooth, SoFu!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN DUMLAO 4

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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

Information in SoFu Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2021

FEATURES 12 Smoothie King Franchisee Offers Healthy Grab and Go Options Philip Lewis' Tips to Help Busy People Create Healthy Eating Habits in the New Year!

16 At Home Workouts from Coach McKissick Fitness for the Whole Family

20 Warrick Dunn Inspires Young People to Give Back His Foundation Helps Single-Parent Families Thrive

20 12

26 Danny B. Campbell A Second Chance to Create

16

26

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Locally Owned

16 DIY 26 Artist’s Palette 30 Local Limelight 32 Giving Back 34 Inspired By

GOOD TIMES

East Point Mural Honors Life of Tyrell Sims East Point Parks & Recreation Department partnered with artist Arelious Cooper of Art in the Paint Corporation to paint a mural on the court at Brookdale Park. The mural promotes peace and power. They honored the life of 11-year-old Tyrell Sims by incorporating his jersey number in the basketball court mural. Sims wore #12 in basketball, baseball and football programs.

Happy New Year from Atlanta Family Foot Care!

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• Ankle Sprains 8

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

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AROUND TOWN students exercise skills taught in P.E. For example, they did jumping jacks in the exercise.

Tashanda Howard is a P.E. educator at Conley ES. Howard was accompanied by his then fiancé, now wife WNBA LA Sparks player Te’a Cooper.

Howard is a graduate of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy.

In attendance were Dr. Tamara Candis, Zone 2 Superintendent; Tashanda Howard, Howard’s sister and Conley Hills P.E. Para; NBA Champion Dwight Howard; Dr. Darren Clay, Conley Hills Principal, and Nicholas Myers, P.E. Teacher.

AFRICAN AMERICAN-LED OWNERSHIP GROUP TO COMPETE IN ROAD TO INDY

UNEXPECTED ATLANTA'S FEMINIST FOODIE GIFT BOX The Feminist Foodie Box includes exclusive gifts like Stacey Abrams and Kamala Harris

African American business leader and former

chocolates and a signed copy of A Culinary

team manager Rod Reid has announced the for-

History of Atlanta. Every box includes a donation

mation of Force Indy, a race team set to compete

to Fair Fight Action and supports 10 Atlanta wom-

in the 2021 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

en-owned businesses. 2020 is the 100th anniver-

For 30 years, USF2000 has been the formative step

sary of the suffrage movement and the election

of the popular Road to Indy Presented by Cooper

of America’s first female vice-president, due in

Tires ladder system, which culminates in schol-

large part to the efforts of Atlanta’s own Stacey

arship opportunities in the NTT Indycar Series.

Abrams. Each Feminist Foodie Gift Box costs

This program has grown into a proven pipeline

$149.99 and is valued at $199.99. The Feminist

for open-wheel racing’s future stars. Force Indy

Foodie Treat Box includes Bella Cucina's arti-

Team Principal Reid brings years of karting and

choke lemon pesto, Georgia Jams' vidalia onion

auto racing experience and a recently expanded

spread, Bella's dipping crackers, Choquette's

relationship with NXG Youth Motorsports Inc.,

Empowerment

which has introduced more than 2,300 students

Abrams and Kamala Harris), Perky Moose's

from underrepresented communities, ages 11 to

Christmas cocoa, Malvi Honey marshmallows,

15, to the educational benefits of the sport. Force

Lemon Zesty's RBG Trailblazer face mask, Things

Indy’s race team will focus on hiring and develop-

UnCommon Empowering Women kitchen towel,

ing Black American men and women mechanics,

Indulge peppermint bark popcorn, Beautiful

engineers, staffers and drivers.

Briny Sea Santa Salt, RBG stickers in the ugly

chocolates

(featuring

Stacey

“I started a race team in 1984, and I have always

sweater kit, donation to Fair Fight Action, a vir-

had a desire to have a team of talented individu-

tual book talk with the author, a $15 gift card to a

als who look like me in the professional ranks of

future Unexpected Virtual Tour, and free shipping

the sport,” Reid said. Force Indy will be based in

nationwide. UnexpectedAtlanta.com.

Concord, North Carolina, as it receives guidance from Team Penske’s key personnel.

BASKETBALL STAR DWIGHT HOWARD VISITS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL South Fulton’s own NBA Champion Dwight

10

Howard, a member of the LA Lakers, dropped

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

by Conley Hills Elementary School in Fulton

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

County to encourage students. Howard and his

SoFu using the Get In Touch link and let us know

sister Tashanda created dance steps to help

what you think.

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

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F R E S H F O O D FA S T: SMOOT H I E K I NG F R A NCH ISEE OF F ER S H E A LT H Y O P T I O N S

TIPS TO HELP BUSY PEOPLE CREATE HEALTHY EATING HABITS IN THE NEW YEAR! ARTICLE KRISTEN WRIGHT-MATTHEWS

12

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

PHILIP JONES KEEPS A FULL SCHEDULE AS THE OWNER

planning for the week, which will not only help you be more

OF FOUR SMOOTHIE KING LOCATIONS SITUATED

health conscious about your food choices, but it will help you

AROUND ATLANTA, INCLUDING ONE IN HAPEVILLE

avoid tempting “junk food” options.

NEAR HARTSFIELD-JACKSON AIRPORT AND ONE ON OLD NATIONAL HIGHWAY. But that didn’t stop the ambitious

2) EAT SMALLER PORTIONS MORE FREQUENTLY

entrepreneur from opening Grub Fresh Bowls and Wraps,

After indulging during the holiday months, I am intentional

offering healthy grab and go meals adjacent to his Smoothie

about reducing my consumption. I try my best to eat a small

King location on Virginia Avenue in Hapeville. Grub offers high

meal or a healthy snack every two hours. You will see a differ-

quality, delicious and fresh fast food. The quick-serve restau-

ence in your hunger and weight, and because your body is not

rant was created for healthy, active, busy people like Jones who

working overtime to digest your meals, you will feel lighter with

seek convenient yet nutritious food on-the-go.

more energy throughout the day.

Jones saw the need for additional healthy food options in Hapeville in addition to his established Smoothie King, and the Grub concept grew out of his frustration of spending so much time looking for something quick and healthy to eat on the south side.

“The lack of options made it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working such a busy schedule,” said Jones.

3) INCORPORATE GREENS INTO YOUR DIET I mainly do this with smoothies, blending spinach and kale with my favorite fruit. If you have a hectic schedule, this is a great way to increase your green vegetable intake and make eating them more enjoyable.

Grub offers seasonal nontraditional bowl and wrap options

If you’re not great at making smoothies, or would just rather buy

and makes all food in-house from scratch using fresh ingre-

one, Smoothie King’s Clean Blends™ commits to blending a more

dients. Guests can choose jasmine rice, brown rice, and/or a

nutritious Smoothie, from the bottom of the cup up. With over five

flatbread wrap to accompany any menu item. View their menu

years and 15,000 hours of research and development to make over

online at GrubBowls.com. Grub accommodates all customer

150 recipe changes for Clean Blends™ promise, you can feel con-

dietary needs and recipes can be tweaked for vegetarians by

fident about not putting the wrong things in your body.

omitting one or two items and substituting more vegetable options; a vegan menu is coming soon.

Now Jones provides the best of both worlds, healthy food and clean, nutritious smoothies under basically one roof.

THE PROMISE: + No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives + Whole, non-GMO fruits + Organic veggies

For more information, GrubBowls.com or @GrubBowls on

+ No added sugar in many blends

Facebook and Instagram.

+ Absolutely no syrups, including high fructose corn syrup + No hydronated oils or trans fats

PHILLIP JONES’ TIPS FOR CREATING HEALTHY

+ All smoothies are gluten- and soy-free

HABITS IN THE NEW YEAR Visit SmoothieKing.com and view the “No-No List,” which 1) PLAN YOUR MEALS Since I’m always on the go, I find it easier to eat healthy if I plan my meals for the day. If you find enough time, I suggest

is regularly updated to add more ingredients that you will never find in Smoothie King smoothies. You can also use this as a guide when blending smoothies at home.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

13

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can be done at home, during quarantine or virtually anytime, using household items. This is a fun multistep workout for the whole family!

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Anthony McKissic, Sr. is the head boys basketball and cross country coach and a health and physical education instructor at Creekside

Proverbs 18:16

High School in South Fulton. He is also the Pastor of Be the Ram Global Fellowship. He earned his educational specialist degree in physical education from Jacksonville State University.

ARTICLE PASTOR & COACH ANTHONY MCKISSIC, SR.

16

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

1

Find a wall and squat down with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Keep your back flat, arms out, and core

2

tight. Hold this for 60-99 seconds for 3-5 repetitions.

UPPER BODY “CHOIR CLAPS”

S T E P

S T E P

CORE WALL SQUATS

seconds clap above your head and return to the horizontal position without lowering your arms past your shoulders. Do this for 5 minutes.

CARDIO “AMAZON RUN” Find one of those many Amazon boxes laying around the house to jump on softly. Put your toe on the box with opposite arm in running position.

Jump and alternate arms and legs. Do this for 60 seconds. You should be light on your feet and try not to break the box.

S T E P

4

S T E P

3

Hold your arms out for 60-90 seconds. Every 5

PLANKS Use the same Amazon box and do a plank. Hold the plank position as long as you can without falling.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

17

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WARR ICK DU N N CHARITIES AND HOMES F O R T H E H O L I D AY S ARTICLE KRISTEN WRIGHT-MATTHEWS

20

IN WARRICK DUNN’S ROOKIE YEAR IN THE NFL,

its flagship program, Homes for the Holidays (HFTH).

HE AND HIS TEAMMATES WERE CHALLENGED BY

The organization focuses on providing a hand-up—not

HISTORIC SUPER BOWL-WINNING HEAD COACH

a handout—in the form of home furnishings and down

TONY DUNGY TO HELP THE COMMUNITY IN

payment assistance to single parents who are actively

WHICH THEY PLAYED. Dunn accepted the challenge

employed and supporting themselves and their children.

and kept running. To date, Warrick Dunn Charities

Dunn, who played 12 seasons in the NFL as a running

has helped 185 single-parent families in 24 markets to

back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons,

realize their dreams of becoming homeowners through

made an impact on the field, but his legacy for giving back

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

to the communities where he’s lived is far more incredible. Raised

them the foundational tools and resources necessary to transform

by a single mother who was a police officer and was fatally injured

entire communities for generations to come.”

while working a second job, Dunn turned his trials into triumph and

Not only does he walk the walk, Dunn finds it essential to pass

made it his life’s purpose to aid families like his achieve their dreams.

the ball to young people, empowering them to make a positive

The work of Dunn and his team doesn’t end at homeownership,

impact in the world.

however. The organization offers programming, including financial

Founder Dunn takes the role of investing in youth and giving back

literacy, nutrition and wellness, and scholarships to reward youth

seriously and shared that “we [all] have to do more to build empathy

who serve their communities in times like these, when the world

in children, so they have a hard time mistreating one another. It all

needs kindness more than ever.

starts with kids, so we all have to care about kids, especially kids at

“Warrick Dunn Charities is committed to breaking the cycle of

risk for never learning how to socially and emotionally relate.”

generational poverty,” says Whitney A. Jackson, MSW, Executive Director of Warrick Dunn Charities. “But we can only do that by

For more information about Warrick Dunn Charities and its programs,

teaching others to fish, not feeding them just for a day. Our programs

visit WDC.org. The website is an arsenal of information and resources

not only reward families and individuals who have started on the

for overall wellness, from mental health to nutrition, financial educa-

path toward creating a better quality of life for themselves but gives

tion, homeownership, and beyond.

Warrick Dunn and Whitney A. Jackson, Executive Director of Warrick Dunn Charities

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

21

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SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

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23

ARTICLE J. L. WYATT-KEYTON, PHD

Cov id-19 and College FOR MANY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES, NAVIGATING GRADUATION THIS PAST MAY WAS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE DUE TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IMPLEMENTED IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. Many families have had to re-think their college plans, considering factors such as safety, cost, and learning; and in response to Covid-19, many colleges and universities have restructured class sizes, increased online course offerings, and prohibited student social functions. As we work to support the college dreams of our sons and daughters, let’s explore alternatives for safe learning that are as bright as their futures.

One such alternative is to consider enrolling at a local institution during this time. These colleges typically have lower tuition costs and offer more value in comparison to large universities with reduced on-campus services due to Covid-19. Local colleges also provide a pathway to larger schools by way of transfer credits. Local colleges tend to have smaller class sizes, which may be a huge safety factor for families helping students who are concerned about social distancing practices to decide where to start or complete their college journey.

We all know that the transition to college can be challenging for many students. Now, imagine adding the uncertainty of Covid-19 to the freshman year. Students typically find it easier to connect with faculty and peers on a smaller campus; and while the size differs from that of a university, the amount of support services do not. For example, Atlanta Metropolitan State College issued an additional $200 grant to all new freshman this fall using funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Also, College 1101 (www.shopcollege1101.com) offers affordable, customized college care packages that are delivered monthly to your student and include hand sanitizer and face masks in each box.

Kudos to those of you who have turned your kitchen table into a desk or home office into a classroom. Having discussions with the college-aged student in your family about the college environment during Covid-19 and the pathway that makes sense for their goals are important. So, take a moment and explore your local options.

24

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

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25

ARTIST’S PALETTE

a second chance to create: danny b. campbell DANNY B. CAMPBELL, A RECYCLED MATERIALS,

MIXED-MEDIA,

AND

INSTALLATION ARTIST, OPERATES A HOME-BASED STUDIO IN THE CITY OF SOUTH FULTON. Campbell, a mid-career artist and educator, holds a master’s degree in Education from Charleston Southern University, a Master of Fine Arts from Howard University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

He has exhibited in more than 150 art exhibits in the past 30 years.

Campbell is an educator and artist who transforms found automobile tire treads, automotive parts, and various materials into vibrant and colorful sculptures. While most people see a pile of debris, twisted metal, and scraps as a nuisance on the roadside, Campbell sees beautiful works of art with a Southern flair. His work invokes feelings of whimsy, imagination, and nostalgia.

26

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

Campbell experienced an event that changed his life and work when a flying tire tread from an 18-wheeler struck his vehicle. Campbell suffered no injuries but the moment made a lasting impact.

“I am very grateful for a second chance in life,” said Campbell. “I want to be able to use roadside debris and other recycled materials to create a greener and safer future for our community and to save the lives of others.”

Campbell’s works are in more than 100 private, public, and corporate collections across the country. Campbell is married to his college sweetheart, and they have two children. His work can be viewed on Instagram

@dannybcampbell

and

pur-

chased directly from the artist. Contact him at dannycampbellartist@yahoo.com.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

27

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Life is short. Love what you do.

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SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

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CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

29

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

BL ANKIES 4 MY BU DDIES HOSTS THE GIVING BOWL

PHOTOGRAPHY MARCUS REDD 30

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

S

INCE 2017, 13-YEAR-OLD CJ MATTHEWS, FOUNDER OF

BLANKIES 4 MY BUDDIES, LLC, HAS HOSTED HIS ANNUAL, CHARITABLE FLAG FOOTBALL GAME, THE GIVING BOWL, WHERE KIDS PLAY A GAME THEY LOVE WHILE HELPING OTHERS. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 Giving Bowl looked different.

There was no game, but CJ’s passion for helping others remained.

jersey representing their favorite team from any sport.

Youth of all ages were encouraged to volunteer.

“The Giving Bowl has always been more about the giving than the football,” says CJ. Each year, CJ teams up with H2H, Inc., a 501 (c)3 nonprofit corporation for The Giving Bowl and

“A lot of things have been canceled this year but being kind can’t

other projects. For the past three years, H2H, Inc.

stop. Kindness has not been canceled, and neither has The Giving

has almost independently taken on the food give-

Bowl,” says CJ.

away’s responsibility. This year, Feeding GA Families

The 2020 Giving Bowl drive-through blanket drive and food give-

will provide 250 produce boxes, which will include

away took place at Burdette Gym. Attendees were asked to drop off

fruit and vegetables, dairy products and meat. This

new children’s-themed blankets, donate a nonperishable food item,

year, CJ was also proud to welcome to the team

and register to vote if needed.

City of South Fulton’s District 5 Councilman Corey

“I love sports, but I also enjoy doing my part to empower my commu-

A. Reeves, who makes youth empowerment a pri-

nity and kids around the world,” said CJ. To keep the spirit of the game

ority. Councilman Reeves fell in love with the con-

alive at the event, he asks staff, volunteers, and even attendees to wear a

cept when he attended the 2019 Giving Bowl and committed to helping to build the event in District 5, where CJ currently resides.

“I was inspired to see a young man in his early youth who saw a need and filled it while doing something he loved as simple as playing football,” says Councilman Reeves. “I encourage all young people to get involved in their communities,” he says. “It starts with you. Find what your passion is, something you’d do for free, and just do it!” exclaims Councilman Reeves.

Councilman Reeves also made it easy for those who needed to register in time for the runoff elections with onsite voter registration.

Other sponsors included WellCare, Macaroni Kid, College Park East Point Morrow, Atlanta Youth Rugby, C-Matt Sports Performance Training, I’m A Father F1rst, Forever ATL, Community Teen Coalition, Inc., Art in the Paint, and South Fulton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, who has sponsored the venue for the event since its inception in 2017. There were special guest appearances by Atlanta Falcons’ mascots, Freddie Falcon and Lil Fred.

In July, CJ was recognized for his charitable work throughout COVID-19 by Baskin Robbins as a PintSized Hero. He received free ice cream for a year, a trophy, and a $5,000 donation to his favorite charity, which was H2H, Inc. Members of the Dunkin’ Donuts Atlanta corporate team will be volunteering at The Giving Bowl as well as bringing donuts and coffee for the volunteers.

Blankies 4 My Buddies distributes blankets to sick, displaced, or otherwise traumatized children. To learn more about CJ and Blankies 4 My Buddies, visit Linktr.ee/Blankies4MyBuddies.com or email Blankies4MyBuddies@gmail.com.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

31

GIVING BACK NATIONAL ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION OF SPELMAN COLLEGE, INC. ATLANTA CHAPTER HOSTS VIRTUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

unconventional approach, extraordinary results ARTICLE ROBYN C. STOKES | PHOTOGRAPHY LOU ROCCO AND PROVIDED

Special Guest Sunny Hostin, Photo by Lou Rocco and Courtesy of ABC

THIS YEAR HAS REQUIRED AN UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACH, IN BOTH GREAT AND SMALL WAYS. Since 1977, the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, Inc. (NAASC)-Atlanta Chapter has hosted a Scholarship Brunch with a twofold purpose: raising money for the chapter scholarship fund and celebrating the achievements of local alumnae.

With two deserving Spelman scholars counting on

Honoree Danny Flanagan

the success of this event, canceling was not an option.

Similarly, under the backdrop of the pandemic, neither was a traditional, in-person event. Enter the “We Made the Choice” Virtual Scholarship Fundraiser.

The chapter, led by President Adrienne Lance Lucas, set out with a single-minded determination of raising $50,000 for scholarships—a tall order in an ordinary fundraising environment and, arguably, uncharted territory in a virtual one.

In front of an audience of 300+ online attendees, the scholarship fundraiser took place November 7.

The virtual event beautifully transported viewers through 139 years of what the decision by generations of black women to choose Spelman has meant for our community and world. Program hosts Diamond Lewis (DCTV) and Fred Blankenship (WSB) engaged the audience and celebrated honorees Tayari Jones (award-winning author), Robert “Danny” Flanigan (CIO, Spelman College), and Helen Smith Price (retired President, Coca-Cola Foundation).

Participants experienced history together, receiving the breaking news that Kamala Harris would be the first woman, African American, and HBCU graduate as the Vice President-Elect. Further punctuating the signifi-

Honoree Tayari Jones

cance of this announcement, Spelman President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell interviewed featured guest, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-host of ABC’s “The View,”

About NAASC

Sunny Hostin and discussed these unfolding events.

The National Alumnae Association

Thanks to generous donations and sponsorships,

of Spelman College, Inc. (NAASC)

the Atlanta chapter not only met but exceeded

is a 501(c)(3) organization that sup-

its fundraising goal, solidifying its commitment to

ports Spelman College, a historically

making way for more women to choose Spelman.

black college for women, through

There’s still time to contribute to the scholar-

financial gifts, student recruitment,

ship fund at WeMadeTheChoice.com. For more,

community service, and recognition

visit NAASCAtlanta.org.

of Spelman women.

32

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

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33

INSPIRED BY

David Walker and High Praise

Jonathan Slocumb

The Pink Frog Affair: An Evening of Poetry, Music and Dance DUE TO COVID-19, THE PINK FROG FOUNDATION HAD TO PIVOT AND PRESENT ITS NINTH ANNUAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS AND FUNDRAISING EVENT “THE PINK FROG AFFAIR: AN EVENING OF POETRY, MUSIC AND DANCE” VIRTUALLY. Streamed live in October, The Pink Frog Affair featured virtual performances by a variety of artists, including award-winning gospel artist Jekalyn Carr, comedian and actor Jonathan Slocumb, and the highly acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem. Breast cancer survivors shared their personal testimonies, and the Pink Frog Legacy Award was presented to veteran journalist Monica Kaufman Pearson for her tireless advocacy for breast cancer awareness. The event raised nearly $90,000 to help provide maid service, nutrition support, and transportation to individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment in metro Atlanta.

34

SoFu Lifestyle | January 2021

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