Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is the first Black woman to lead Dekalb County as CEO. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice.
Fulton County agrees to improve inhumane jail conditions
DeKalb County’s first Black woman CEO hosts panel with former CEOs
BY LAURA NWOGU
In one of her first events before she takes office as the sixth chief executive officer (CEO) of DeKalb County and the first African American woman to hold the position, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson hosted a panel with DeKalb’s living CEOs for “A Conversation on DeKalb: Past, Present and Future.” In the theater of the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur on Wednesday, Cochran-Johnson was joined by Liane Levetan, DeKalb’s first woman CEO, Vernon Jones, and Burrell Ellis. Michael Thurmond, the former CEO who held office from 2017-2024, was unable to attend. Jones, DeKalb’s first African American CEO, noted a time in the county when African Americans barely had access to anything. Today, DeKalb has one of the highest populations of Black residents in Georgia, and four of DeKalb’s six CEOs have been Black.
“Few people can understand the magnitude of what we've embarked upon. It's important for us to come together, not only as leaders, but as a community,” Cochran-Johnson said.
From bond referendums that helped build
parks, new roads, bike trails and revitalize South DeKalb through green space to new libraries and senior centers and projects such as Arabia Mountain, the CEOs of DeKalb’s past talked about their accomplishments and the legacy they leave as they hand the
baton to its next CEO.
“When you walk around and see these things in DeKalb County — like they used to say — if you see a turtle on the top of a fence post, it didn't get there by itself. Somebody had to put it up there,” Jones said.
A common sentiment throughout the panel was the reality that it takes a community to solve the problems of a county — not just one official. The CEOs emphasized that its residents also bear the responsibility of making sure DeKalb County lives up to its expectations.
“There is a thread between all of us, and the knot at the bottom is that we're here to make this county a better place. And the reason it's going to be a better place, to continue to be a better place, is because we've got citizens like you,” Levetan said as she held Johnson’s hand in sincerity.
As the panel concluded, Jones and Ellis also left Cochran-Johnson with encouragement as she prepares to command a role they all once led.
“Let's roll up our sleeves, and some I've told it's time to sharpen the pencil. But I look forward to taking the baton and finishing the race strong. And I want each one of you to know that I'm extremely committed to you because I understand that I, like Esther, was chosen for such a time as this,” Cochran-Johnson said.
Her oath of office ceremony will take place on Jan. 10.
DeKalb County’s first African American woman to hold the office of CEO, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (seated, second from left) hosted a panel with DeKalb’s living CEOs for “A Conversation on DeKalb: Past, Present and Future.” Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
A large crowd attended “A Conversation on DeKalb: Past, Present and Future” on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. DeKalb County, the state’s fourth largest county, has one of the highest populations of Black residents in Georgia, and four of DeKalb’s six CEOs have been Black. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
‘This chamber will be effective and impactful’, said House Speaker Burns
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-159) held a pre-session press conference outside of the House Chamber on Wednesday afternoon. Burns, who represents Newington, Rocky Ford, and parts of Statesboro and Springfield, maintained a positive outlook throughout the presser. “This chamber will be effective and impactful,” he said.
During his time behind the microphone, Burns spoke about why the Republican Party was able to maintain a majority in the House, the impact of working well with current Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican, and how among many things, education and healthcare will be priorities this session. “In Georgia, we’re making a difference around the state,” Burns said. “The members of the House have been working diligently.”
The Georgia General Assembly begins on Monday, Jan. 13 and will proceed for 40 days. Burns said he expects for the House to get laws passed that will benefit all Georgians. There are 20 new members of the House this year.
“We must move forward with the type of legislation we have had in the past,” he said. “We can make a difference and get some things right.”
The press conference touched on a range of topics, including the aforementioned education, which Burns spliced into a couple of segments. Making sure a secure learning environment was one, and that meant increasing school safety measures, he said. The school shooting at Apalachee High School, which took place on September 4, 2024 was not mentioned, but it didn’t have to be. The House Speaker added that school zone cameras, mental health, and literacy were also important issues that will be addressed this session. “We want to be proactive, not reactive,” he said.
Boys in girls sports, a topic that incoming President of the United States Donald J. Trump stood firmly on during his 2024 campaign, came up on Wednesday as well. “Some of us have been in guys' locker rooms and it’s not a place for girls,” Burns explained.
Healthcare, IVF, jobs, public safety, tort reform, and a Hurricane Helene recovery package also were topics of discussion. Along with “boys in girls sports”, the state’s economic development might have had the majority of Burns’ attention during the press conference.
“We will continue to make those strategic investments in Georgia,” Burns said. He immediately added that reducing taxes in the state will be at the top of the House to-do list. He also said the
state’s growth in jobs and development came from the economic responsibility of Kemp. Burns also credits Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue for his work in those departments.
“What we want to do in the House is help as many Georgians as we can,” Burns said. “We‘ll leave no stone unturned.” Burns opened the press conference by making available commemorative coins for the media covering the House and Senate this session. He thanked the media for informing the public of the moves being made in the House several times during the 30-minute press conference. Burns, who took time to introduce himself to media members that he hadn’t met yet during a reception earlier that day, also took questions from the assembled media after he was done speaking.
Other News:
A National Day of Mourning was held on Thursday, Jan. 9 in honor of late United States President and former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter.
Carter, a native of Plains, Georgia, passed away on Dec. 29, 2024. He was 100 years old. His portrait inside the Georgia State Capitol was partially covered in a black cloth to pay respects to his passing.
Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns speaks during a press conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice
The portrait of former United States President and former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter hangs with a black covering in the Georgia State Capitol in remembrance of his recent passing in late 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
“Think like a Queen. A Queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.”— Oprah
Return to Plains: A Reflection
BY STAN WASHINGTON
“We’re going to put you on ‘Jimmy Carter Watch.’ ”
“Jimmy Carter Watch” sounded like a pretty important assignment for a Newsweek magazine college intern in the summer of 1976. Then my second thought was: What does that mean?
I thought about those summer weekends when I drove back to Plains for the first time in 48 years on New Year’s Eve following the announcement of the death of former president James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. For some reason, I felt compelled to see his hometown where I spent my entire summer weekends that year.
There was never much to see in Plains to start. The city is only a mile wide in every direction and only has a population between 500+ and 700+, depending on what source you believe. The two most popular spots were the old train depot, which served as the campaign headquarters, and brother Billy Carter’s service station, which sold more souvenirs and the popular Billy Beer than it did gasoline.
Visitors also rode past the Carter compound, but because of the Secret Service’s protection, you were not allowed to stop and take photos. Those travelers who visited on a Sunday morning sought to get a seat at the service at Maranatha Baptist Church, where they hoped to get a glimpse of the Carter family.
I was fortunate to beat out, but I don’t know how many candidates for this one position in the southeast bureau of the prestigious Newsweek magazine, whose offices were in the Peachtree Center office complex in Atlanta. Its rival publication, Time magazine, was also located in the complex. I didn’t want to blow my first big assignment and embarrass my advisors at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University), who recommended me for the internship. I mean, this was “The” Jimmy Carter, the former governor of Georgia, whom I thought had a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the seat of the
presidency of the United States. With my reporter’s pad and pen, I listened intently to bureau chief Joe Cummings who broke down the particulars to me and put my panic at ease. Because this bureau was based in Georgia, the Carter campaign was its main priority.
Correspondent Eleanor Cliff followed and wrote about the campaign during the week. After Carter won, Clift became Newsweek’s White House correspondent, covering every presidential campaign. The other correspondent in the office was Vern Smith, who became
bureau chief after Cummings retired and started teaching journalism at West Georgia College.
No matter where he was in the country campaigning, 99.9 percent of the time, Carter made it
See VOICES on page 7
FOUNDED May 11, 1966 FOUNDER/EDITOR
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The former campaign headquarters of the late Presidnet of the United States and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter still stands in downtown Plains. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING: A Little Help Here
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON
The Atlanta Voice
For most of my life, I’ve been the kind of person who found it hard to ask anyone for anything. I mean, I grew up thinking that asking was tantamount to failure. So, I lived a life consumed with making it on my own. Like James Brown said, ‘Just open up the door, and I’ll get it myself.’ The problem, or joke on me, was that I had just enough success to believe that most of what I achieved in life was done independently. I've since learned that personal or professional success under these circumstances can be dangerous and, in some cases, even lethal.
In a world where you think you’ve got it going on, it gives God no credit for anything. Giving God any praise when you think it’s all about you contradicts the spotlight you’ve created for yourself. God becomes an intruder in the spoils of your paltry victories. After all, your guile and wily ways got you where you are today. Life becomes a game of ‘get over,’ ‘keep away,’ and ‘I’ve got mine, now get yours.’ People don’t state this publicly, but if you know anyone who operates in this style, you know over time how foolish
The ego is transformed into submission, and pride disappears altogether.
they eventually look, the shallower they sound, the emptier they are, and how hard they are about to fall. God gives each of us a chance. Free will allows us to choose right or wrong, good or bad, Him or the devil. In the long run, it’s up to us, but the Lord lets us know where we wind up and that the right choice is always Him. We are now- and always have been – God’s children. Have you ever noticed that the older you get, the smarter your parents become? By reaching middle age, your folks will be downright brilliant. If the truth be told, they don’t change. We do.
Like our parents, God is waiting for a change in us. Any turn towards Him is met with open arms and spiritual kisses. No matter how hard it was to admit, Mama and Daddy were right. Begrudgingly or maybe never, you finally succumbed to the reali-
zation that the only thing that kept you from listening to someone who tried to save you from yourself, kept you from taking advice from someone who only had your best interest at heart, was that you were determined to stay stuck on stupid. At that moment when it’s our parents, you don’t have to say much. All you have to do is show up. Mama knows. Big Mama knows. Aunt Mary knows, and they all agree on whether to tell Daddy or not. At that point, if you’re lucky, maybe you haven’t wrecked your life permanently. Even if you have, they still love you, which goes a long way toward your ultimate survival. At the moment that we let go and let God in, the same type of miracle happens. Arrogance gives way to humility. The ego is transformed into submission, and pride disappears altogether. Again, all we have to do is show up on
Daddy’s doorstep, and not only is everything forgiven, but He throws a party in our honor and invites all the neighbors. I believe that is why so many people who come to or return to the Lord cry when the party starts. The recognition is not yet there that He heard and accepted the“I’m sorry” before they ever said it. And when you recognize the magnitude of that fact, the reality that He forgave you before you asked Him to increases the emotional outpouring of knowing you’re home. It’s easier to accept this from parents because we take them for granted most of our lives. It’s difficult to accept this from God at first because we don’t understand the risk of taking Him for granted until it’s almost too late.
May God bless and keep you always. This column is from James Washington’s Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
Charles Person, youngest Freedom Rider, passes away
BY STAFF REPORT
We honor the life and legacy of Mr. Charles Person, who passed away on January 8. As the youngest of the original Freedom Riders, he played a pivotal role in challenging segregation and advancing civil rights. In a powerful interview with reporter Noah Washington, featured on the cover of The Atlanta Voice on September 27, Mr. Person shared his extraordinary journey and the enduring impact of his activism. His courage and commitment to justice will continue to inspire generations to come. May his memory serve as a beacon of hope and resilience in the ongoing fight for equality.
The Freedom Riders Training Academy
In recent years, Person co-founded the Freedom Riders Training Academy (FRTA) with Pete Conroy. The academy teaches the principles of nonviolent resistance, civic engagement, and the protection of constitutional rights, drawing on the teachings of the original Freedom Riders, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A pilot program in Hoover, Alabama, allowed 80 demonstrators arrested during civil unrest to complete the FRTA curriculum as part of an alternative sentencing program. Pro bono attorney Richard Rice, representing those arrested, reached this agreement with the Hoover Municipal Court officials. This initiative offered an alternative to traditional sentencing.
The program, led by Jose Vega, a 25-year NYPD veteran and FBI Academy graduate, teaches participants about nonviolent resistance, constitutional rights, and the power of peaceful protest. This innovative program helps reduce court caseloads and provides a meaningful opportunity for justice reform, serving as a model for communities nationwide.
The FRTA will officially launch in February 2025. It will
offer training for demonstrators, students, and law enforcement to promote peaceful protest, understanding, and reconciliation.
For more information about the Freedom Riders Training Academy, visit www.FRTAcademy.org on February 1, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support the development of the Freedom Riders Park and the Freedom Riders Training Academy, which will continue Charles’ mission. Donations can be made here: https://bit.ly/CharlesPerson.
Charles Person, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and the youngest of the original Freedom Riders, passed away peacefully at his home in Fayetteville, Georgia, at the age of 82. Credit: Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
ONLINE
Metro
Former Atlanta Motel is now a 56-unit studio apartment building
Feel the burn Atlanta
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
Cold temperatures and high winds did not halt Atlanteans from filling up the inside field at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a popular health and wellness program on Jan. 6-7.
The Home Depot Backyard (HDBY) kicked off its 2025 health and wellness programming with Fitness on the Field inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Guests were featured in six sessions across two days, which highlighted some of Atlanta’s top health and wellness experts.
The three sessions on Jan. 6 featured Enervibes Dance Fit led by Taneisha ‘Tani’ Gordon, which was a Zumba dance experience that mixed melodies of different sounds, including Soca, Hip Hop, Reggaeton, Latin Rhythms, and more.
Trap Boxing, led by Starr Boxing, is a high-energy group workout for all fitness levels that mixes unique rhythm-based boxing routines.
Maxx Out Fitness, led by Darrell “DP” Patterson, combined cardiovascular, strength, and endurance exercises to provide a fullbody workout experience.
On Jan. 7, a trio of 45-minute sessions, including Body Blast led by DJ Bostick, followed by Royal Physique Bootcamp, and Hip-Hop Yoga led by HDBY veteran instructors Lah King and Jaimee Ratliff, respectively.
Participants and friends Octavia Hall and Timiya Abram said they have been to the event every year since it started in 2020. They both said they felt pumped after the first session and were ready for the second.
“I’m glad I came, even though it’s cold outside, but it’s always a good time whenever I come, and the first class was a great start,” Hall said. It’s a lot better than last year because they made it more spacious, have better visuals, and it’s a little more organized, no shade.”
“I’m feeling good right now and having a ball,” Abram said. “If you want to start doing more stuff by yourself, this is an exciting place to come. Everyone is friendly, and there’s no judgment here, it’s a vibe.”
This year’s event featured a new partnership with Actively Black, a Black-owned athleisure wear brand that will continue to serve as a presenting partner for Fitness on the Field through 2026.
Founder of Actively Black Lanny Smith said it’s an incredible opportunity to partner for Fitness on the Field, especially in Atlanta, one of their top markets with a substantial percentage of supporters.
Actively Black’s purpose, he said, is to up -
lift and reinvest into the Black community.
“We had an incredible opportunity to be the sponsor of the Fitness on the Field event here at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as part of our mission to get the Black community more active,” he said. “It’s only right for us to be here activating in the city, getting people to come out, and being active, especially starting the new year.”
When Smith walked onto the field and saw the entire football field covered with people, he said it felt surreal. “To have this type of turnout, it’s beautiful to see whether they’re continuing their journey or starting,” he said.
Bianca Winslow, co-founder of Actively Black, said black communities are disproportionately affected by preventable health issues tied to nutrition and physical activity, Issues that stem from the lack of access to healthy food, safe green spaces, and athletic programs.
“As a former D1 basketball player, daily exercise has always been key to maintaining both my physical and mental well-being,” she said. “At Actively Black, our mission goes
beyond raising awareness; we are committed to actively empowering our communities by creating opportunities and providing resources that drive real change.”
Winslow said Atlanta is one of their biggest markets and home to some of their most loyal supporters.
“Partnering with The Home Depot Backyard to kick off 2025 with Fitness on the Field is a significant step toward our shared goal of building healthier, stronger Black communities globally,” she said.
Erika Arms, the Home Depot Backyard director, said the partnership reflects their shared missions to inspire and uplift people of all backgrounds through health and wellness.
“We are thrilled to partner with Actively Black, a brand that shares our dedication to promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and community,” Arms said. “We’re excited to showcase this unique collaboration during our signature Fitness on the Field event.”
Instructor at Starr Boxing Mike Starr said he was nervous about his trap boxing class, yet he was blessed, as this was his dream. Starr has also taught glow-in-the-dark trap
boxing classes for the last six years.
“It's a lot of things going on, emotionally, but this is my dream, and to do my class here at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a blessing,” he said. “They've been doing this for a couple of years, and I’ve always wanted to be one of the instructors, so this is a moment I prayed for, and I’m glad God gave me this opportunity.”
Additionally, he said he hopes participants are open about learning boxing.
“It’s an opening for most people who may think boxing is a little aggressive or intimidating, so this is an intro class that can make you take a real boxing class and learn the real techniques,” he said.
As for advice to anyone struggling to stay motivated for their fitness journey, Smith says not to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others you may see on social media and thinking those results come overnight.
“Know that it’s a journey and it’s about being fit,” Smith said. “Being in shape results from the small steps you take every day, so fall in love with the process, and the results will come.”
Trap Boxing led by Starr Boxing was a high-energy group workout for all fitness levels mixing unique rhythm-based boxing routines. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
VOICES
Continued from page 4
back to Plains in time for Sunday services at his church, where he often taught Sunday school even decades after leaving the White House. I would be back on the road to Atlanta on Sundays, and Carter would leave Sunday evening or Monday morning to get back on the campaign trail. Wherever his next destination was, Cliff would be there waiting.
“We want you to cover Carter when he returns to Georgia during the weekend in case some major news breaks out,” Cummings said.
So that’s what “Jimmy Carter Watch” was all about. I didn’t have to file any stories. I just had to keep an eye on the presidential candidate and family members in case anything major happened to them. I would stay in nearby Americus, drive over to Plains each day, and spend my days at the campaign headquarters located in the old train depot. If something big did break out, I was to call the bureau for backup.
I can do that, I thought. While working as the student news director at Clark’s radio station WCLK 91.9FM, I was the first journalist on the scene at the shooting death of Alberta King, the mother of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., at Ebenezer Baptist Church. I also covered the Atlanta Police Riot of 1974, where protesters were brutally beaten during a march in downtown Atlanta.
But those stories had happened in the comfortable surroundings of Black Atlanta. I was going to be headed to south Georgia, and I had no idea what kind of reception I would receive from my fellow white Georgians.
Fortunately, I didn’t receive one moment of racism that I was aware of. I don’t know whether it was because I was representing Newsweek magazine, or the racists were on their good behavior because of Carter’s run for the White House, or because some people thought I was CBS correspondent Ed Bradley. Bradley covered the campaign during the week so people would see his reports on the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite.
Bradley and I had three things in common - we were journalists, black males, and wore beards. Of course, he was a few years older and a few inches taller than me, but you couldn’t tell by looking at him on television. We were the only visible black journalists covering the campaign that I knew of.
Sometimes, all day or every weekend, elderly white women or young black kids would come up to me and say, “I saw you yesterday on the news.” The kids were really happy to see someone of their color who was not on TV being arrested.
Even when the visitors found out that I wasn’t Mr. Bradley, they still wanted to take a photo with me. The depot campaign manager, Maxine Reece, would break the bad news to the visitors that there were no Carters currently around. But, “We have
Mr. Washington here from Newsweek magazine.” “Newsweek magazine! Can you take a picture with us?” they would ask.
Some Saturdays, I would take photos from the time I arrived until the campaign headquarters closed. The intensity of people looking to take a photo with anyone named Carter was insane. I was the consolation prize.
When his mother, Lillian, and his mother-in-law, Allie Smith, visited the campaign headquarters, they were swamped by people wanting photos and to touch them. They often sat in the two rocking chairs and greeted visitors, VIPs, and media. Miss Lillian took the brunt of the adulation because she had done TV interviews about her famous sons. She even appeared as a guest on the popular The Tonight Show, starring Johnny Carson.
Miss Lillian and manager Reece were my two favorite people in Plains. They looked out for this young wannabe reporter. Reece always made sure I got some food when it was brought in. If there was something major happening with one of the Carters, she made sure I knew about it. Once, when I was about to help some campaign volunteers move a heavy podium for a speech later that day at the depot, Miss Lillian grabbed my arm and said softly, “Let them do it.”
Frankly, I was just looking for something to do. I was bored and didn’t mind helping out. Maybe she saw it differently from me since I was the only black male around at that time. These two women were your typical “No BS” Southern ladies who didn’t tolerate no mess off of anyone.
You don’t have to look any further than Miss Lillian to know why Mr. Carter became the type of president and man he was. She had a long history of community service. She served as a nurse in the Peace Corps in India. She instilled those values and morals in her son that so many people have talked about following death. She died in 1983 at the age of 85.
Even though Carter was a one-term president, he was the second most effective president in U.S. history behind Lyndon Baines Johnson. Carter passed a large number of significant legislation. He established the Department of Education and the Department of Energy. He normalized relations with China. His peace accords between Egypt and Israel still stand today. He deregulated the airline industry. He passed a $19 billion tax cut, and he freed the American hostages in Iran, which the Reagan administration took credit for. He crammed a lot of work in those four short years.
Mr. Carter set the standard of what an ex-presidency should be. It’s such a high standard that I doubt it will ever be matched.
When I was a young journalism intern in Plains, I couldn’t wait to hop on I-75 North and head back to exciting Atlanta. Now, as a semi-retired journalist, I can see myself sitting in Miss Lillian’s rocking chair, which is still at the depot, greeting visitors, telling my tales, and having my picture taken.
Life Time opens North Druid Hills location
Increases in food costs make an impact on metro Atlanta bodybuilders
BY MARTEL SHARPE
Asea of red and black machines dominates the view inside of Madhouse Gym. Located in Mableton, GA, over 540 different pieces of equipment are moving and clanking at any time of day in this 32,000-square-foot, 24-hour facility. It’s the home of many of metro Atlanta’s bodybuilders and fitness professionals.
The men and women who train at Madhouse Gym are dedicated fitness warriors. They push their limits daily, transforming their bodies through hard work and sweat.
“You walk in and smell the sweat in the air, and it makes you want to work. That’s what drew me to this gym, not just the equipment but the amount of work that’s being put in,” said Devon Lewis, a 37-year-old gladiator, who is at Madhouse every day at 4:00 AM, either working out or training clients.
“Why wouldn’t you want to come to a gym that has at least four Olympians in here? When you think about competition mindset, this is where you want to be.”
Madhouse Gym serves as both Lewis’ training ground and workplace. As a personal trainer and professional bodybuilder, he spends countless hours there training his clients and perfecting the body that he’s been working on for over a decade.
Earlier this year, he earned his IFBB (International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Card, a milestone in his career as a professional bodybuilder. It means that he’s won enough competitions to be recognized as an elite competitor, allowing him to participate in bigger competitions and be considered for better opportunities in the realm of fitness.
Calling Lewis a big guy is a severe understatement. He’s a 6’5, 258 lb muscular giant with only 10% body fat. His average-sized torso is attached to long arms and legs, compacted with lean muscle, and riddled with visible veins and muscle striations. Tattoos cover Lewis’ bulging arms, chiseled chest, and wide back.
He doesn’t have to flex to demonstrate his power, but it’s still impressive when he does.
“A bodybuilder looks like they’re building their body,” Lewis said. “You’re taking structures and putting them together. It’s like making a clay piece or design. You got to slap on a little more shoulders, slap a little more traps, a little more delts, a little more lats. The art of bodybuilding is different than an average guy who works out.”
Lewis refers to his current physique as his health maintenance phase, which means he’s currently not training for any particular competition. This is his off-season so his goal is to maintain what he has until it’s time for his next competition, for which he plans to step on stage with 263lb of muscle and 2% body fat.
“I just like to be the biggest baddest m-therf-cker. As long as I got my V-cut and my abs popping I’m good,” Lewis said. The average healthy adult man has a body fat percentage of 18-24% and 24-31% for adult women, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
His physique is a long way from the 320lb 26-year-old defensive end, set to play in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals, before losing it all to a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) just before going to training camp.
Lewis’ fitness journey came almost three years after tearing his PCL and ending his NFL career before it started. He became a personal trainer in 2012 and began competing as a bodybuilder two years later.
Lewis now looks like a Black superhero. He’s not scrawny like the Miles Morales version of Spider-Man. He might be similar in
height to Frozone from “The Incredibles,” but the two are definitely in different weight classes.
However, despite doing the job that he loves, being in the place that he loves, and competing in the sport that he loves, Lewis’ spirits are currently low. It’s also the holiday season, one of the slowest seasons for a fitness trainer, which means money is low.
Bodybuilding is a very expensive sport to participate in. Before a bodybuilder can ever step on stage to be judged, they must pay for registration, tanning, competition attire (posing trunks for men and bikinis for women), travel (flights and hotel) if the show is outside of their immediate area, training/coaching, supplements, and last but not least food.
Food is the fuel that drives all bodybuilders and is the most immediate and constant expense these competitors have to deal with.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adult men consume 2,000-3,000 calories per day and adult women consume 1,600-2,400 calories per day.
An example of a healthy 2,000-calorie day would look like oatmeal, a hard-boiled egg, and a cup of coffee for breakfast. Greek yogurt and a half cup of fruit as a late morning/early afternoon snack. For lunch, a chicken salad, and a snack of hummus and carrots for later. Dinner can consist of whole-wheat pasta and salmon, with some steamed veggies. And before bed, two cups of air-popped popcorn would close out the day.
However, the average bodybuilder eats approximately 3,0004,500 calories per day, a larger amount of food than a regular healthy person and more costly.
Between August and October of this year, the cost of food in
metro Atlanta increased by 1.1%, with meats, poultry, fish, and eggs (all protein) receiving a flat 1% increase, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Metro Atlantans saw a 5% increase in food prices in 2023, an 11.4% increase in 2022, and a 12% increase at the start of 2024.
Bodybuilders in metro Atlanta are impacted financially more than the average healthy person when it comes to the almost 30% increase in food costs over the last 3 years. Because they’re required to consume almost double, or more, calories than the average person their financial burden when it comes to food is both necessary and unavoidable.
Lewis consumes approximately 4,200-4,600 calories a day, which averages out to approximately 8 meals a day and $400$500 a month on groceries. When prepping for a competition his monthly grocery cost doubles to $800 a month. Luckily, for the last year, he’s had a meal prep sponsorship that provides all of his food for free for 3-4 months before a competition.
He admits that lately he’s been consuming around 3,800 calories a day.
“I struggle sometimes to eat with the economy and the gross increase in food. But it’s not an excuse because we chose to be bodybuilders,” Lewis said.
The previous day, Lewis ate a fast food cheeseburger to close his calorie deficit for the day. The high calories, protein, and fat, provided sufficient fuel, even though it wasn’t his preferred option.
A recent trip to the grocery store cost Lewis $154, and all he bought was bread, sandwich meat, cheese, cookies, a pack of chicken, and two more packs of meat. It was barely a week’s worth of food for a pro bodybuilder.
A few years ago, his monthly grocery expenses were $200 -$250 a month. Lewis could buy 5-6 packs of chicken for $27. Now he can only afford one pack of chicken with that same $27 “I would go to Sam’s Club and buy it in bulk. I can’t even go to Sam’s Club right now. That’s expensive. I walked in and walked right back out. I’m tempted to go to Aldi’s for food now,” Lewis said.
An average day of eating for Lewis consists of 1 cup of grits, 6 oz of egg whites (3 eggs), 4 cups of jasmine rice, and 20 oz of ground chicken or turkey. A recent trip to a local Publix grocery store reveals that a dozen large eggs are $3.21. Lewis buys carton egg whites which is $7 for 32oz. A 32 oz (4 cups) bag of jasmine rice is almost $4. A 16 oz package of ground turkey is almost $6. And a 24 oz container of old fashioned grits (3 cups) will run him $3.50.
This is roughly one day’s worth of eating for Lewis, off-season and without any of his usual supplements. For example, Lewis doesn’t regularly consume vegetables, he consumes green vegetable powder which works as a supplement to provide him with the nutrients he would normally get from fresh produce.
A rough calculation of Lewis’ daily off-season diet lands him at over $20 a day, almost $150 a week, and nearly $600 a month — if he only shopped at Publix. And that would almost double when training for a competition.
Cliff Boyce, a 64-year-old pro bodybuilder and celebrity personal trainer, also feels the impact of higher food costs. Not only has he had to cut back financially, but his clients have as well. The increase in food costs made some of his clients decide that his fitness training services were an expense that they either couldn’t afford or needed to curtail.
If Lewis is a Black superhero, Boyce, known for training
IFBB pro bodybuilder and personal trainer Devon Lewis training at Madhouse Gym in Mableton, GA. Photo By Martel
Sharpe/The Atlanta Voice
Continued from page 8
Usher, Fantasia, and Nicki Minaj, is a Black Greek god. He’s consistently presented an impressive muscular physique, with full muscles and insane definition, since the late 80s. He’s 5’7, 210lb (10% body fat), and old enough to be somebody’s daddy or even grandpa. He embodies the saying “age ain’t nothing’ but a number.”
There are countless photos, videos, magazine articles, and social media posts, that collectively document over 20 years of Boyce’s consistency. With numerous titles and competition wins under his belt, the IFBB Pro has mastered the art of easily maintaining a picture-perfect muscular physique during the off-season and taking himself beyond the next level when it’s time to compete.
Boyce, who’s been an athlete all his life and a bodybuilder since the 90s, is currently training to compete as a Mr. World Fitness Model; competing as one of five men for Team USA. He plans to be judged in swimwear, underwear, and activewear, at 180lb (4% body fat).
To reach his goal Boyce works out every day with 1 ½ hours of weight lifting and 1 hour of cardio. He also eats 5-6 meals per day, costing him $500-$600 a month on groceries for homemade healthy meals.
“On average, I get up in the morning, I
Cliff “Hollywood” Boyce, IBFF bodybuilder and celebrity personal trainer. Photo Credit: Derek Blanks/Courtesy of Cliff Boyce
have six egg whites and three to four turkey bacon. I’m eating meals every 2 ½ to 3 hours,” Boyce said. “I drink black coffee to give me some energy because I’m depleting carbs. I drink a 16 oz protein shake, come back and have more egg whites, and turkey sausage or
turkey bacon.”
His regular diet on and off-season consists of T-bone steak, ground turkey, salmon, seabass, chicken (only dark meat), asparagus, spinach, kale, and green beans.
“ When I get lunch I’m eating salmon with two cups of vegetables,” he said. “Then I’m drinking another 16 oz protein shake. Before I go to bed I eat nothing but vegetables and fish. I like to eat fish at night because it leans me out. I eat chicken during the day because it holds me and keeps me from being hungry all day. That repeats itself seven days a week.”
When he isn’t training for a competition, Boyce has no shame in admitting that he usually only spends about $100 a month on groceries. The remainder of the time he likes to eat out at fancy restaurants. The wine and dine type, he estimates that he may spend $800 on eating out when he isn’t training for a competition.
“I like to go to Chik-Fil-A and eat their french fries. I’m a french fry person. I have a sweet tooth so when I’m off my diet I have a crazy craving for sweets. I like cookies and Snickers bars, anything that has chocolate I love,” he said.
Since Boyce has been a competitor for decades, he’s managed to also become a pro at knowing how to cut down on his bodybuilding expenses. Unfortunately, he says that food is the one cost that he can’t get around.
A few years ago, he was able to prep for a
competition with only spending $150-$250 on food. His mastery over maintaining the perfect off-season physique allowed him to be almost carefree with his food spending when a competition wasn’t on the horizon.
However, Boyce now has to cut back on many other aspects of his normal lifestyle including shopping and traveling. He says that now every day seems like he’s sacrificing financially.
For Lewis, the increase in the cost of food caused him to cut a lot of his budget and lifestyle. He can’t go on dates, to the movies, or to any place that requires him to spend extra money. The only places he goes regularly are to the gym and home.
“Food is important. It’s number one and the only thing I care about. We have to suck it up and let it become the norm. Not forever I hope,” Lewis said.
A recent 3.8% drop in dairy products, followed by slight decreases in the cost of fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, gives hope that the staggering increases in food costs might be coming to an end. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that the cost of groceries will increase by 1.6% in 2025.
For bodybuilders like Lewis and Boyce, additional increases in food costs mean that they will continue to pay big prices for their big gains.
Art is Love. Atlanta is Art.
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan gets kicked out of the Republican Party
BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN
The Georgia Republican Party has expelled former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan from their membership ranks. The Georgia GOP cited ‘Duncan made campaign speeches and appearances for Kamala Harris. They claimed Duncan’s support of the Democratic National Committee, among other forms of disloyalty.
The resolution was unanimously approved by the Georgia Republican Party’s State Executive Committee.
Going forward, the Georgia GOP requested everyone refer to Duncan as “‘expelled Republican Geoff Duncan’. They also wish people refer to him ‘ousted Republican Geoff Duncan’ when he ‘trashes Donald Trump.’
Duncan notably supported Vice President Kamala Harris at a July 30, 2024 rally at Georgia State University. Before Harris entered the race, Duncan endorsed Joe Biden in his re-election efforts. Duncan was a vocal critic of President-elect Donald Trump.
“Hard to believe this is a good use of time for a party that’s only got a limited
Education
amount of time to figure out mass deportations, world peace and global tariffs. Learn how to take a victory lap not light another dumpster fire @JoshMcKoon,” Duncan wrote, calling out the Georgia GOP chair.
However, this was not new territory for Duncan, and by lesser extension, current Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
In 2020, Duncan and Kemp faced harsh criticism for refusing to back Trump as he denied that year’s election results. In 2022, Kemp defeated Trump-backed primary challenger, David Perdue and would ultimately win re-election. Meanwhile, Duncan chose to stand down while pledging to help the Democrats beat Trump in 2024.
“I can spend my time revving up this crowd, but I’m certain I don’t have to talk anybody out of voting for Donald Trump here,” Duncan said at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. “So I’m going to focus my attention on the millions of Republicans and independents at home that are sick and tired of making excuses for Donald Trump.”
As a result, the Georgia GOP accused Duncan of undermining Republican candidates and using his affiliation with the party for personal gain.
Learning a New Language: The Secret to a Brain Boost
BY TANNISTHA SINHA
Have you ever stared at the New Year’s resolution list with a sigh, wondering if this will finally be the year we can have a new language roll off our tongues and feel exotic in our mundane lives?
Yet, January ends and the Duolingo owl only gets more passive-aggressive by the day. No pressure but I just wanted to remind you why learning a new language is good for you—your brain will love it and you might enjoy the funny pronunciations in the beginning! But let’s face it…we do it for the bragging rights.
1. Learning a new language supercharges your brain (and kinda makes you cool at parties)
Your brain loves learning languages. A second or a third language helps improve memory, problem-solving, and multitasking skills. Studies also show it can delay cognitive decline as you age. While your friends struggle to remember their Netflix passwords, you’ll be flexing your brain muscles through neuroplasticity, or your brain’s abil-
ity to change and adapt in response to new experiences.
It can change your brain structure and increase gray matter density and the size of the auditory cortex. As someone who can speak multiple languages, I buckle under the weight of my hippocampus (a fancy word for a part of the brain that helps in learning, memory, and emotions), just kidding! It also forms new connections between neurons and involves more regions of your brain.
But honestly, just imagine this: Jenny casually brings up her trip to Paris, AGAIN *eye roll* and you effortlessly respond, “Oh, la vie est belle there, isn’t it?” Boom. Conversation owned. You – 1, Jenny – 0.
2. Travel becomes less stressful
Enough with your dependence on Google Translate! Okay, maybe it’s great for a sushi recommendation in a new city, but knowing the local language earns you street cred. And who doesn’t want to avoid the tourist traps?
Imagine asking for directions in flawless German on a Berlin subway or laughing with Italian shopkeepers at something funny they
said. Travel becomes more about experiencing. Also, you’ll come back with better stories and not just selfies.
3. You’ll level up in your career
Multilingual people are IN at the workplace, haven’t you heard the tea? This is the glow-up your resume needs. Employers, too, look for candidates who can speak with international teams or customers.
Languages open doors you never knew existed. Who knows if you’d be the perfect person for a project that just started in a city in Europe or Asia?
4. It boosts your confidence
Okay, you will feel GREAT while speaking in a new language. However, it is also my duty to give you the full picture—there might be embarrassing moments when you call someone’s aunt a “monster” instead of “beautiful” but I bet they’d understand and maybe even laugh. The point is…do your best and it’ll feel like your brain just did 100 pushups.
Wait. The moment when someone actu-
ally understands what you’re saying is also PURE MAGIC.
5. It brings people and cultures closer
Languages unlock cultures and help you experience the wholesomeness of humanity. It’s not just about learning the grammar but viewing a culture through a linguistic lens.
Binge-watching shows without subtitles, reading authors in their mother tongue, and dancing along to music with catchy lyrics can make you fall in love with art from across the globe.
Final
thought
In a year in which ‘Brain rot’ was named the Oxford Word of the Year, people might spend hours doomscrolling on social media apps. Let’s set aside some time to practice a new language for a few minutes.So, which language are you going to tackle in 2025? French? Spanish? Or something cool and unexpected, like Icelandic? Wherever you decide, I just want you to know that every “hello” (hallo, hola, bonjour) is an adventure you’d never regret being on!
Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan (above, center) speaks during the African-American History Month Reception on Monday, February 28, 2022 at City Hall in Atlanta. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice
Arts
The Power of Typography: Activism Meets Design at MODA
rEN Dillard’s “Letters to Deja”
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
rEN Dillard does not see himself as an artist but as an alchemist, turning nothing into something.
“All of this work started out as blank panels or blank canvas, and I had to work it all the way up to the point that you see it now,” Dillard stated.
In his solo exhibition, "Letters to Deja" at the Mason Fine Art Gallery, Dillard transforms materials into visual narratives that bridge familial separation, racial consciousness, and esoteric philosophy. The exhibition, which opened November 15th and runs through January 15th, 2025, is a visual correspondence to his estranged daughter, Deja, now in her 20s.
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Dillard's artistic journey took flight in Philadelphia around 2005 when he was 28. Initially drawn there for spoken word po -
etry, Dillard found his love for the visual arts in the city of brotherly love, inspired by Philadelphia’s known mural scene: “I bought cheap acrylic paints and created my first painting. A friend saw it and was amazed, asking where I bought it. That moment was a catalyst; I realized art was at its core.” His first breakthrough came through curator Lilliana DiDovic, who gave him six months to prepare for his first solo exhibition at Smile Gallery in Philadelphia. Dillard subsequently moved to Atlanta in 2012 to find a market that could support his ambitious artistic vision.
As stated, Dillard describes himself as an alchemist, transforming blank canvases into valuable artworks through “transmutation.” His use of materials like gold and silver leaf symbolizes this alchemical journey from base materials to precious art. Beyond mere visual
appeal, each piece carries deeper philosophical meanings, often drawing from hermetic principles and ancient wisdom.
Another notable work, Before I Let Go, evokes a grand, Gatsby-esque celebration. Set aboard an imagined mothership, it portrays Black joy as a revolutionary act Dillard describes, layering gold leaf and collage elements to create a vibrant, immersive scene, “Black joy is radical in today’s society,” he said. Similarly, another piece, The First Seven, draws on Hermetic philosophy, exploring the seven principles of existence
through layered copper, silver, and oil paint textures.
A deeply personal piece in the collection is a portrait of Dillard's daughter, created from an image on her Instagram page. All I Ask Of You, encases her likeness in a visual representation of gold and silver, “It’s like a fine arts vision board. I hope one day she’ll have this piece,” Dillard shared. The exhibit Letters to Deja is an ode to Dillard’s daughter, who he has not seen in over five years. The exhibition’s works reflect themes of black womanhood, embodying the guidance and conversations he wishes to share with her.
The artist will discuss his work in depth during an artist's talk on January 11th, 2025, at noon EST, moderated by artist Dr. Arturo Lindsay. The talk promises to delve into the multiple layers of meaning within Dillard’s work, from personal history to philosophical undertones.
Dillard aims for the viewers of his art to walk away from the exhibit and question more than what is seen on the surface. “I want people to just do that in general, in life. Not take the low-hanging fruit, really listen, actively listen to people and try to understand their stories."
rEN Dillard’s solo exhibition, “Letters to Deja” is currently on display at the Mason Fine Art Gallery, Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
From Plains to Atlanta to the World: Farewell President Carter Winter Style Guide 2025
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
Outside of Atlanta’s competing weather conditions, winter is the best time for you to stand out and show out. These are the hottest items to check out during these crisp, cold months. When looking for pieces that best express yourself, look no further than down below.
Homeroom Club
Founded by Kenneth Lewis, Homeroom was born after Lewis fell in love with Fashion while modeling for the Morehouse x Ralph Lauren collection.
“My involvement in the collaboration between Morehouse and Ralph Lauren reignited my passion for the fashion world,” Lewis shared. “Fashion and music are closely tied—imagery is everything. How you present yourself defines your brand, and that’s a principle I’ve always taken pride in.”
Homeroom derives its name from the educational space where learning begins. “For me, homeroom represents my roots, my first collection, The Cascades,” the founder explained. “The Cascades signify where home and class began for me. My grandmother lived there, my mother grew up there, and it’s where I learned about style and elegance. It’s about honoring those roots and building upon them.”
While the idea for Homeroom began to take shape in 2023, the brand officially launched on April 4, 2024—a date deliberately chosen to align with Atlanta’s annual 404 Day. “There was no better way to honor Atlanta than to launch on a day celebrating the city. It also marks the founding of Homeroom, making it a key milestone in my journey.”
Now approaching its first anniversary, Homeroom continues to celebrate a rich legacy of style, culture, and community.
Brain Love
Brain Love is a fashion brand merging mental health awareness with style. Founded by Archie Clay III, the brand emerged after a period of deep self-reflection and spiritual growth following the closure of his previous venture, Wearbrims. Brain Love represents a philosophy of self-empowerment and evolution, aligning with its Winter Season 1 collection, “The Foundation: Start Within.”
“At Brain Love, our focus is on promoting growth, evolution, and becoming the best version of yourself,” Clay explained. Winter is a metaphor for introspection and grounding—a time to reflect, reset, and build a strong internal foundation. This ethos is woven into Brain Love’s designs, emphasizing self-love as the starting point for achieving greatness. The collection features gender-inclusive
garments and commits 5% of annual sales to Silence The Shame, an Atlanta-based mental health charity. Brain Love also partners with schools and organizations to share its message of resilience and empowerment, inspiring individuals to embrace their journey and prepare for what lies ahead.
Jai Lyle MCMLXXXII
Growing up in Florida, winters were mild compared to other regions, but they still inspired a love for layered fashion. "As soon as the temperature dipped below 60 degrees, we’d jump at the chance to rock a layered look topped with our favorite coat or jacket,” Jai Lyle recalls with a smile. For him, winter represents an opportunity to showcase depth and nuance through layering, an aesthetic ideally suited to colder weather.
This sentiment is reflected in his Jai Lyle MCMLXXXII designs, particularly the Lineage Peacoat. Combining a cashmere-blend exterior with a plush faux fur shawl collar, the coat embodies the essence of winter sophistication, exuding warmth and presence. “It’s a piece that commands attention in any room,” Lyle says, tying it to his broader vision of blending heritage and modern style. Rooted in family and legacy, Lyle’s creative journey began with influences from his musically talented grandfather and fashion-forward mother, Doris. The brand celebrates timeless tailoring, cultural history, and personal storytelling. Signature designs, like the Hankins Park Sweater and the “Love Supreme” crewneck, honor these family connections while encouraging wearers to embrace their narratives.
Items from the Homeroom brand by the brand’s founder Kenneth Lewis. Photos by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice
Gocha Hawkins offers culinary delights in new cookbook
Atlanta's new southern comfort restaurant: Kitchen + Kocktails
BY LAURA NWOGU
Kitchen + Kocktails, a popular southern comfort restaurant, opened a new location in Atlanta in December. Located in the Perimeter Center at 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, suite 3030, the Atlanta location marks the fifth restaurant by owner and serial entrepreneur Kevin Kelley since its inception in May of 2020 in Dallas.
Known for its soul food and signature cocktails, I knew I was in for a night of rich flavors and a full stomach. But nothing could’ve prepared me for just how much I enjoyed Kitchen + Kocktails and would still be thinking about it weeks after. The restaurant features a full bar, a green grass wall, an LED hallway, seating for small and large groups, and multiple screens welcoming patrons to the Atlanta location. The restaurant's design is reminiscent of many of the city's favorite spots.
The menu is an extensive love letter to the South’s signature dishes, from collard greens and black-eyed peas to shrimp, grits, and honey-hot chicken. We were immediately recommended the trinity egg rolls, a limited edition dish that combines your
Fashion
FASHION
Continued from page 12
Mr.Classic’s Haberdashery
Thee Manor House is located at 760 10th St NW, Atlanta, Ga 30318
For those looking to step up their fashion game, Jay-De Robinson, a Jamaican-born entrepreneur, combines his British colonial heritage with modern tailoring to redefine men’s style. His early exposure to polished dressing came from his father, a pastor and New York City police officer, who emphasized the importance of crisp seams and impeccable grooming.
In December 2021, Robinson opened Thee Manor House of Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery in West Midtown, a destination for personal brand development and bespoke tailoring. Located on Howell Mill Road, The Manor offers tailored suits alongside dietary and fitness coaching, blending sartorial elegance with holistic lifestyle services.
Robinson’s winter approach to men’s style embodies layering, accessorizing, and a focus on luxurious materials like wool, cashmere, and tweeds. “Winter provides an opportunity for refinement,” Robinson explains. “It’s about textures and creativity—
Thanksgiving dinner spread into one crispy and flavorful bite. Stuffed with sweet candy yams, mac and cheese, and collard greens with smoked turkey, it was one of the night's highlights that immediately let us know we were in for a treat. Along with the egg rolls, we ordered dream eggs with blackened shrimp and fried salmon bites, which I finished way too quickly because my tastebuds couldn’t get enough.
The entree was a hard pick because of the many offerings, but I went with the surf and turf with three grilled jerk lamb chops and a fried lobster tail. A downside was that the entree didn’t come with any sides for its $56 price point, so we ordered a side of mac and cheese and cornbread. There’s a running list of places in the city with the best lamb chops, and Kitchen + Kocktails has slid its way right onto that list. The lamb chops were seasoned to perfection and tender with every bite. My dining partner loved the fried lobster tail and cornbread, but the mac and cheese was a bit of a letdown for both of us based on our preference for a more traditional pie. With what K+K has to offer, it's a great addition to the Atlanta dining scene and a place to celebrate the big and small moments with family, friends, and loved ones.
scarves, hats, and tailored outerwear that reflect personal aesthetics while maintaining practicality.” The Manor’s designs, inspired by British tailoring with touches of Italian flair, balanced structure, and comfort, are
ideal for Atlanta’s winter climate. Attention to detail is key. Robinson sources rare lapel pins, rings, and cufflinks, including a porcelain piece from Russia, to complete his clients’ looks. Inspired by Lon-
don’s Savile Row, the shop itself merges British sophistication with Robinson’s Jamaican roots.
Herbin Co.
Hats are more than just an accessory in winter—they balance fashion and function seamlessly. Fur-felt hats, particularly those made from beaver, excel in cold weather by offering warmth, water resistance, and unmatched durability. Beaver wide-brim hats, for instance, are designed to withstand winter’s challenges, such as rain and snow, while maintaining their shape and style.
As the season deepens, Herbin Co, located at Phipps Plaza, sees increased demand for headwear tailored to formal occasions like galas, holiday celebrations, and award shows.
Founder Herb Rhedrick III highlights standout options for winter, saying, “For this season, I’d recommend our Dark Before Dawn beaver hat; it’s a versatile and timeless option. Alternatively, a puffer or fur bucket hat offers a stylish and practical choice for the colder months.” These recommendations emphasize the dual role of hats, offering clients protection from the elements while elevating their overall look.
Jai Lyle’s pieces are on display at Herbin Co. in Phipps Plaza.
Photo By Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Kitchen + Kocktails, a popular southern comfort restaurant, opened a new location in the Perimeter Center at 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
Sports
Theresa Butler finds beauty in blending elegance with modern flair
Michael Penix, Jr. to Falcons fans: ‘Continue to Believe’
BY DONNELL SUGGS
The Atlanta Falcons did not qualify for the playoffs again this season. Despite the seven-year streak continuing, there are many things to feel good about this past season. One of those feel-good moments came from rookie quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., who played well during the season finale.
Penix passed for 312 yards with two touchdowns (both to receiver Drake London) and an interception during the 4438 loss to the Panthers on Sunday. The latter statistic came out of the hands of receiver Ray-Ray McCloud after Penix, Jr. found him for a first round. That play was similar to an interception Penix, Jr. was credited for when tight end Kyle Pitts caught then dropped a Penix, Jr. pass at the goal line a few weeks ago.
With Atlanta finishing the season 8-9 (a seventh consecutive season under .500), it is hard to find many bright spots, but after the game, Penix, Jr. said the fans should be optimistic about what is to come from this team. Asked what message he wants to pass along to the Falcons fan base, Penix was positive in his response.
“The message is to continue to believe,” Penix, Jr. said following the Falcons 44-38 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Jan. 5. “Man, we just got to believe.”
For the season, Penix, Jr., who started the season’s final three games following the benching of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, passed for 775 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Asked how he would grade his performance during his three starts, Penix, Jr. said there is a lot to work on during the offseason, “but I’m definitely going to look.
“There’s a lot to work on, there’s a lot to learn from, and a lot of things that I’m definitely going to go back over and look at throughout this offseason,” Penix said.
Penix, Jr., took time to credit London for the game he played on Sunday and for developing their connection. London finished the game with 10 receptions for 187 yards, passing the 100-reception mark for the season. For the season, Drake caught those 100 passes for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns.
Asked about the connection between Penix, Jr. and London, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told The Atlanta Voice he was pleased.
“It was absolutely outstanding watching those guys wheel and deal today,” Morris said. “If you’re a fan you have to
be excited.”
During the loss to Carolina, Penix, Jr., and London were hooked up for big plays several times. Their first touchdown connection came late in the first half and gave the Falcons a 24-17 lead right before halftime. The second Penix-to-London touchdown tied the game at 31. During several drives that ended in touchdowns by second-year running back Bijan Robinson (1,456 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns), Penix. Jr. found London for first downs and big gains deep in Carolina territory.
During his postgame press conference, Penix, Jr. said he was looking forward to the offseason to prepare for next season and strengthen his connections with London, Robinson, Pro Bowl receiver and special teams standout KhaDarel Hodge, and others.
“I’m going back to the drawing board to look and see what I can do better,” Penix Jr. said.
Penix, Jr. with Falcons receiver Drake London following a second-quarter touchdown during the 44-38 loss to Carolina on Jan. 5, 2024. Photo by One Circle Entertainment/The Atlanta Voice
Michael Penix, Jr. passed for 775 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions this season. Penix, Jr. started the final three regular season games for Atlanta. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. (9) wants the team’s fans to “continue to believe” in the franchise’s future. Photo by One Circle Entertainment/The Atlanta Voice
Dr. Maxine Owusu hopes to diversify medicine through creative toys
Autoimmune Disease Research Could Help Millions
BY JENNIFER PORTER GORE Word in Black
It’s an unheralded fact: of the 24 million to 50 million Americans with an autoimmune disease, like lupus or multiple sclerosis, 80% are women. And a disproportionate number of them are Black.
Now, scientists at Stanford University have found that a faulty genetic molecule could be responsible for the immune system misidentifying healthy tissue as a threat. The breakthrough study, published earlier this year, could lead to better treatments for the millions of men and women who battle these chronic diseases.
“Our study shows that you do not need female sex hormones. You don’t even need a second X-chromosome” to develop an autoimmune disease, says Howard Chang, a dermatologist and molecular geneticist at Stanford University School of Medicine in California. The molecule, called Xist, “could have a major role in developing some autoimmune diseases” by itself, he said.
However, researchers are also investigating how socioeconomic, environmental, and epigenetic factors may play a role in these diseases.
Disproportionate Impacts on Black Women
“The disproportionate rates at which some
autoimmune diseases strike African American women are among the most glaring disparities in medicine,’ says Paula S. Ramos, a geneticist and associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. “About 90% of people with lupus and 60% of those with scleroderma are women, and the majority identify as African American or Hispanic.”
“Many studies analyze biospecimens but not social factors, or they collect social data, but not biological samples,” Ramos says.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues and cells, mistaking them for harmful invaders. Severe cases, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes, can lead to chronic inflammation, pain, and damage to organs or systems.
While the exact causes remain unclear, autoimmune diseases are believed to arise from a mix of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune system dysregulation.
The research suggests women are affected more often because the Xist (pronounced ‘exist’) molecule fails to turn off critical functions in a woman’s two X chromosomes.
The Xist molecule can trigger an unwanted immune response. Since most autoimmune diseases are most often diagnosed in adults,
the sex hormones that show up after puberty — chiefly testosterone and estrogen — are believed to play roles. But some researchers suspect socioeconomic factors could also be a factor.
The breakthrough raises hope that better medicines could be developed to treat these diseases by targeting the specific molecule. Current treatments and medications affect the entire immune system, which causes an intense range of side effects.
Alarming Disparities
and Underrepresentation
Women are 10 times more likely to contract lupus than men and 20 times more likely to develop Sjögren’s syndrome, an illness that causes extreme dryness of glands in the eyes and mouth.
Although autoimmune diseases affect Black women at alarmingly disparate rates, and often advance more quickly than in patients from the overall population, very little research into these diseases includes Black people.
Ramos and Dr. Diane Kamen have researched the causes of stark inequities in these diseases and investigated how social factors might influence lupus in African American women.
African American women with lupus have more severe cases and worse outcomes than
women in other demographics. Lupus provides the perfect example of how all autoimmune diseases function.
A ‘Mother’ Disease
“It’s the mother of all autoimmune diseases,” Kamen says. “The basis of autoimmune disease is that the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, and many are focused on one area of the body.”
“For example, MS (multiple sclerosis) attacks the nervous system, and RA (rheumatoid arthritis) attacks the joints,” she says. “But antibodies from lupus attack many different types of cells in many different parts of the body. Patients can have multiple different organ systems affected at the same time.”
Ramos says each participant in her research will submit genetic data from blood samples “as well as social exposure data, including sociodemographic, behavioral, racial discrimination, and social support data.”
Ramos and Kamen believe understanding how social factors affect gene regulation and how the resulting gene expression patterns affect lupus, could lead to new methods for helping patients.
“We hope to see some positive effects of things like social support that may offset detriments like racial discrimination or low socio-economic status,” Ramos says.
RSV Vaccines: What older adults need to know
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Even though cooler days may seem far off, now is the best time to plan ahead for a healthy winter. One common respiratory illness, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be severe and even deadly for older people.
“As we grow older, our immune systems do not work as well and we are more likely to have chronic conditions, which means we are at increased risk of getting very sick from common viruses as we age,” said Alison Barkoff, who leads the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Getting vaccinated is the best protection against fall respiratory viruses like RSV. It can help keep symptoms mild and help keep people out of the hospital.”
Here’s what older Americans need to know about RSV and vaccines this fall, according to the Risk Less. Do More.Public Education Campaign.
Prevention is key. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 75 years and older get an RSV
Respiratory virus vaccines, including RSV vaccines, can help protect older adults from serious illness. Photo Credit: iStock.com/Jacob Wakerhausen
vaccine. Also, people between 60-74 should get vaccinated if they have conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, obesity or a weakened immune system. The vaccine cuts the risk of hospitalization from RSV by at least half.
People living in nursing homes, assisted living or other long-term care facilities are at even higher risk. There are many people living together in these facilities who have medical conditions that make them more likely to get very sick. While vac-
cines may not always stop infection, they can prevent severe illness. So, vaccination is very important for residents of long-term care facilities.
RSV vaccines are available. Three RSV vaccines have been approved for older adults by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You only need a single dose that you can get at any time of the year, but getting the vaccine in the early fall offers the best protection for the late fall and winter, when RSV usually peaks. Getting the vaccine early gives your immune system enough time to build up protection.
RSV vaccines are the best protection. The RSV vaccines have gone through extensive testing. Last year, more than 20 million older adults were vaccinated safely. Mild side effects, such as pain, redness or swelling at the injection site sometimes happen, but they usually go away on their own in a few days. Serious allergic reactions from RSV vaccines are rare.
Prevention is the best option. Respiratory virus vaccines, including RSV vaccines, can help protect older adults from serious illness. Talk to your doctor and visit cdc.gov/RSV to learn more.
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