The Atlanta Voice E-Edition 062323

June 23-June 29, 2023 • Vol. 58 Issue 7 • FREE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Fiserv Loves Atlanta.

Financial Services Giant Continues Its Commitment To Atlanta’s Black Businesses

Page 9

AROUND TOWN

Watch our Instagram stories @theatlantavoice

A food desert gets a supermarket The new Publix in Summerhill, which opened June 21, will employ 125-150 associates of all levels. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Page 2 • June 23-June 29, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Metro

ONLINE

Metro Atlanta man sentenced for money laundering conspiracy involving COVID fraud proceeds.

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com.

Publix opens in Summerhill

BY DONNELL SUGGS

A

s a crowd gathered outside of the new Publix supermarket in the Summerhill section of downtown, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stood in front of the doors and greeted them. A native of nearby Mechanicsville, Dickens knows full well what a major supermarket chain opening its doors in Summerhill means for Atlanta's growth, and more specifically the neighborhood's growth.

"I know when we cut the ribbon and open this store we are going to support this grocery store," said Dickens. "Thank you Publix for investing in this community."

Publix has 150 metro Atlanta locations.

The 48,000-square-foot store is the first major supermarket chain to come to Summerhill in generations. The Publix will employ 125-150 associates of all levels, according to Publix media relations manager Nicole Krauss, who was on hand for the grand opening along with other Publix staff, including Brenda Reid, the company's community relations manager for the Atlanta Division.

Reid, an Atlanta native, also recognizes that this is more than just a supermarket coming to an Atlanta neighborhood.

"The community has been evolving for decades now and the opportunity for us to place a store here is important," said Reid, who has opened 200 stores in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee during her career with Publix. "So much didn't happen here in Summerhill."

Along with a pharmacy, the project will also include a Piedmont Urgent Care on the grounds. There will also be jobs as the store will have between 125-150 associates working at various positions.

"For Publix in Atlanta, we seek to be a reflection of the community that we serve," said Krauss. "Summerhill just made sense."

The once all-Black neighborhood of Summerhill fit the description of a food desert after not having a major supermarket within its limits for decades. The Publix is being welcomed as an end to what was and an introduction to an entirely new version of Summerhill.

“Many of us lived years without any grocery stores within miles of our homes,” said Organized Neighbors of Summerhill President John Helton, who attended the ribbon cutting Wednesday morning. “As a 22-year resident of Summerhill, I know my neighbors are as excited as I am for the new Publix to open in our neighborhood.”

Below: The pharmacy inside the new Publix in Summerhill. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

Located in the heart of downtown, only blocks from the Georgia State Capital, Summerhill has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. New multifamily residential projects like 565 Hank by Windsor, a sprawling apartment project that sits just across Hank Aaron Drive from where the Atlanta Braves once played and won the 1995 World Series title, allow residents to live, work and play downtown.

Construction is currently underway on townhomes nearby and there have been several restaurants, bakeries and small businesses that have opened during the past few years.

“When the MARTA RAPID BRT is complete, this location will provide easy access to the entire south downtown Hank Aaron corridor,” Helton said.

The supermarket will include a lounge on the mezzanine level and free WiFi throughout. There are also elevators to and from the underground parking.

The Publix is located at 672 Hank Aaron Drive, SE. Two sides of Summerhill The Summerhill section was one of the first in the city made available for freed slaves to begin working on building a new

See SUMMERHILL on page 3

theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023 • Page 3

Metro

Above: A lounge in the mezzanine of the Publix. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

life following the end of the Civil War. In a state with the racist reputation of Georgia, having a neighborhood sectioned off for Blacks was both necessary and a blessing. There are still buildings, not many, that were standing during the 1960’s and 70’s around the neighborood.

From that point forward Summerhill was for Black Atlanta what parts of Marietta, For-

syth, Cumming and Sandy Springs became for white Atlantans. A safe haven to plant roots and grow families, businesses and futures. The embodiment of America, or at least a safe space for generations to survive and thrive.

With change sometimes comes adjustments to a way of life. For example, a one-bedroom 475-sq. ft. studio apartment in

the Broadstone Summerhill, an apartment building at 100 Fulton Street, SW, is going for $1,530-$1,680 per month according to an apartmentguide.com search.

A two-bedroom apartment in a building at 29 Little Street is a bit more affordable at $1,145 a month.

For the people I saw eating breakfast at the many trendy restaurants on Capitol Avenue

or standing outside of Publix Wednesday morning, those prices may not be a problem.

It is safe to say Summerhill’s old guard isn’t rushing over to get pre-approved for one of the new apartments or condos going on the market.

The Publix is a sign of growth in Summerhill, and growth is always a good thing. Who benefits from that growth is a question that will have to be answered over time.

Page 4 • June 23-June 29, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Voices

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“ It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”

–Mae Jemison

Reflecting on the Anniversary of Gun Violence: Pain, Tragedy, and the Continued Trauma

A

BY GEORGIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE KIM SCHOFIELD

s this is the season for graduations, weddings, family reunions and more we find ourselves saddened and caring daily grief of these lost lives. As another somber anniversary of gun violence passes, our nation finds itself mired in the pain and tragedy caused by this ongoing epidemic. Families torn apart, communities still shattered, and lives forever changed by acts of senseless violence. Despite the growing demand for action, it is disheartening to witness the Republican Party’s refusal to pass common-sense gun reforms that could save lives. Nowhere is this call for action more urgent than in the state of Georgia, where residents are demanding a change.

The Lingering Pain: The pain inflicted by gun violence is not confined to the moment of the attack; it ripples through time, leaving indelible marks on survivors, families, and communities. With each passing year, we are reminded that the wounds do not heal easily. As legislators, we are reminded of our constituents that we have lost. We must not allow ourselves to become desensitized or complacent in the face of these tragedies. It is incumbent upon our elected officials to address this issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.

A Call for Common-Sense Gun Reform: Common-sense gun reform is not about infringing upon the rights of responsible gun own-

T H E AT L A N TA

VOICE FOUNDED May 11, 1966

FOUNDER/EDITOR Ed Clayton

Immortalis Memoria

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

J. Lowell Ware Immortalis Memoria The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware.

Photo Credit: iStock/FireatDusk

ers; it is about implementing measures that can help prevent tragedies from occurring in the first place. Universal background checks, closing loopholes, and banning military-style assault weapons are just a few of the measures that could make a significant difference. These are not radical ideas; they are practical steps that have been proven effective in other countries and even in some states within our own nation.

The GOP’s Resistance: Sadly, despite the mounting evidence and the pleas of countless Americans, the Republican Party continues to resist meaningful gun reform. Their allegiance to partisan ideology and special interests has prevented progress on this critical issue. It is disheartening and disgust-

ing to witness elected officials prioritizing political games over the safety and well-being of their constituents.

Georgians Demand Action: Georgia has been particularly hard hit by gun violence, with tragic events like the recent shooting in at a Northside Hospital facility in Midtown, the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings serving as painful reminders of the urgent need for action. The citizens of Georgia are not content to sit idly by as their communities suffer. They are demanding change, and their voices cannot be ignored. It is time for all lawmakers to listen to their constituents and act in their best interests.

Conclusion: As we reflect on yet another anniversary of

gun violence, the pain, tragedy, and trauma persist. The GOP’s refusal to pass common-sense gun reform is a grave disservice to the American people. The demand for change is palpable, and nowhere is it more evident than in Georgia. No more excuses! We must come together, across party lines, to prioritize the safety and well-being of our communities.

It is time for action, for empathy, and for the realization that the lives lost to gun violence are not statistics but loved ones who deserve and demand a better future.

Georgia State Representative Kim Schofield is a Democrat from Atlanta, representing the 63rd District. The views and opinions expressed

by Georgia State Representative Schofield are her own.

PUBLISHER Janis Ware jlware@theatlantavoice.com PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER James A. Washington jaws@theatlantavoice.com EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Janelle Ward jward@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Noah Washington nwashington@theatlantavoice.com MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com

ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR Chia Suggs advertising@theatlantavoice.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Terry Milliner SALES R.D.W. Jackson rdwadman@gmail.com SUBMISSIONS editor@theatlantavoice.com

CONTACT INFORMATION 633 Pryor Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30312 Office: 404-524-6426 info@theatlantavoice.com

theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023 • Page 5

Voices SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

‘Remember and believe this: your fight is fixed’

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON

The Atlanta Voice

Some of you may remember this phrase coming from me but I think it is appropriate at this time to re-emphasize it.

I wish it was original, but it is not.

It comes straight from the pulpit and not from me. Circumstances in my life and maybe yours had me drifting, if you will, into a perspective no Christian should indulge.

Whatever you’re going through, however insurmountable the odds appear to be, if the deck is stacked against you in your eyes, remember, “This fight is fixed.” All the evil that comes at you in this world is intended to confuse you into thinking otherwise.

Then, in a state of confusion, you act (negatively I might add) as if somehow you’re in charge.

If only you were more in control, had more money, or more willpower, then maybe you could change things—change jobs, change mates, change the past—alter the future or erase your addictions.

For some reason, we want to take way too much credit for our lives or,

“Because He won, we won. Let me put it to you this way, whatever you’re going through, YOUR FIGHT IS FIXED! You’ve already won.”

out of a state of confusion, take little to no responsibility for them. Blame becomes a way of thinking or even a lifestyle for many of us who claim Jesus.

I’m here to suggest to you that just like so-called professional wrestling, the outcome for whatever you’re going through, has been predetermined. The fight is fixed.

Jesus took the heavy blows, endured the emergency trip to the ER and survived the intensive care unit on Calvary. What we tend to forget is His fight was THE fight and His victory was and continues to be our victory. Because He won, we won.

Let me put it to you this way, whatever you’re going through, YOUR FIGHT IS FIXED! You’ve already won.

“Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we

were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms of Jesus Christ in order that in the coming ages, He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ.” –Ephesians 2:6-8.

Does that not mean you win?

Hence, there is real meaning in the refrain, “The fight is fixed.”

Practically speaking, take another look at your situation with the fundamental truth that you’ve already won and then go forward.

See, you gotta understand and act deliberately and consciously upon the truth that Christ is in your corner. From there, faith will never allow you to ever again enter the ring and your opponent not know who yo Daddy is.

Mess with me at your own risk.

You see I’m figuring out that all the mess I’m going through or someone is trying to put me through, is but an opportunity to run home and get my Big Brother J.C. Our challenge is not to try to win this fight alone. We cannot. We will surely fail.

My witness is to always let my opponent know exactly what I’m fighting with. It ain’t gone, be fair. I’m not playing by their rules and if only they knew like I do that I’m going to win, they would just leave me alone.

I have not met the man or woman yet who can beat Satan at his own game. I tried and without Jesus, I failed miserably. That should not surprise any of you and especially those trying to go it alone right now.

Satan has a big advantage in this world, but I don’t worry about that anymore.

My knowledge of the outcome lets me handle the tricks of the enemy. I know the fight is fxixed. I win.

And guess what? You do, too. See. We got it like that.

May God bless and keep you always.

“YOUR VOICE”

What do you have to say about Georgia being the first state to allow its estimated 700 independent pharmacies to sell medical cannabis?

PAMELA PARKES Morrow

COURTNEY P. East Point

NILES CURRY Atlanta

JOSH HOLLAND Atlanta

“I think it’s a good idea because it is a drug and drugstores sell drugs, right. So what’s the difference between having [traditional] drugs versus having cannabis?”

“I think our focus should be on the people that are already in jail for selling cannabis. I mean what are we going to do about those people when we are selling cannabis freely now?

I don’t think it really matters [if we put it in the drugstores] because we’re going to get it however we get it anyway. It will make it more accessible and I am not really sure how I feel about that because I’m not really pro-cannabis use but I’m not really anti-cannabis use either so…”

“I think it’s a step in the right direction. I feel like it allows people to have access to something they may need medically at different stages in their life that they may not have had access to before… We are still dealing with a lot of illegal things that are associated with [cannabis], whereas it’s legal in other countries. With this now being medically legal here, I think it will help a lot of people… young and old, athletic and non-athletic. So I feel like it could be very beneficial.”

“I think it’s dope that Georgia’s the first state to do it. I do think it is a step in the right direction. You know the West Coast has recreational use [of cannabis.] If we can get this right, maybe a few years down the line we’ll have recreational use as well along with the dispensaries.”

Compiled by Vincent Christie

Page 6 • June 23-June 29, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

State

ONLINE

60 years after Medgar Evers’ murder, his widow continues a civil rights legacy.

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com.

The State of Georgia will NOT take over the Fulton County election board

BY ITORO UMONTUEN Tuesday afternoon, the Georgia State Election Board ruled against taking over the Fulton County Board of Elections. In a letter to the Georgia General Assembly, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said in part: “Georgia’s election system is secure. It’s been battle-tested through two general elections, subjected to repeated audits and intense public scrutiny, and come through with flying colors. Georgia’s election officials are proceeding judiciously and responsibly to ensure that our elections are secure, accurate and accessible to the voters. Every single piece of voting equipment across Georgia will undergo security health checks ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, including verification no software has been tampered with.

In August 2021, Georgia’s Republican lawmakers used a provision of Senate Bill 202 that did create a runway for the State to take over elections in Fulton County. The controversial takeover provision in the 2021 election law permits state lawmakers that represent a county to request a review of local election officials and their practices. The State Election Board must then appoint a review panel that is required to issue a report after a thorough investigation.

At that time, Governor Brian Kemp voiced his support of the panel.

“Fulton County has a long history of mismanagement, incompetence, and a lack of transparency when it comes to running elections – including during 2020. I fully support this review,” he tweeted.

Fulton County is the home of 11% of Georgia’s population and is a Democratic stronghold. Many Democratic operatives believed the Georgia GOP would influence how elections were run in Democratic-controlled counties.

Former President Donald J. Trump focused on Fulton County after he lost Georgia by 11,779 votes in the November 2020 general election. In phone calls to state election officials and in public comments, Trump made unfounded claims of widespread election fraud in Fulton County. Then, on January 2, 2021, the former president made the infamous phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger: “All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, because we won the state,” Trump stated at one point. “Flipping the state is a great testament to our country.

A photo of the Georgia State Capitol at night on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

It’s a testament that they can admit to a mistake. A lot of people think it wasn’t a mistake, it was much more criminal than that. But it’s a big problem in Georgia, and it’s not a problem that’s going away.”

Eight months later, the State Election Board filed a report that said that in previous years, Fulton County’s elections have been plagued by “disorganization and a lack of a sense of urgency in resolving issues.” But it also noted that the county showed “significant improvement” from 2020 to 2022, that old staff members have left and “new staff can bring new energy and renewed commit-

ment.”

“I’m proud of the work of Fulton County and what we’ve achieved in the last few years and feel fully confident moving into the future that we’ll be setting the standard for how elections need to be run here and across the country,” said Cathy Woolard, the outgoing chairwoman of the Fulton County election board.

Additionally, the Georgia State Election Board ruled the “stop the steal” claims made and promulgated by former President Trump were “false and unsubstantiated.”

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the FBI and Georgia Secretary of State’s office

found that a person had created a fake social media account and attributed statements to one of the poll workers, Ruby Freeman. The report states: “Lastly, the FBI identified and interviewed the true creator of the Instagram account that reportedly contained a post

by Freeman admitting she conspired to adversely affect the November 2020 election. The account creator admitted he created the fake account and confirmed the content that was posted on the account was fake.”

The full investigative report can be found https://sos.ga.gov/media/8053.

theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023 • Page 7

Local

ONLINE

Thinking Sharp: Neuropsychologist Dr. Kareem Edwards Reveals Tips to Keep the Brain Healthy at Any Age.

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Youth water polo clinic taking place in Clayton County

BY DONNELL SUGGS

J

onesboro, Ga. - Former Division I water polo standout Fana Fuqua looked around the pool area inside the Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center and wondered what the staff was going to do with the water polo equipment that was piled in a corner. Fuqua, the director of athletics and outdoor education at The Hamlin School, an all-girls school in San Francisco, was visiting Clayton County the summer of 2021. With her inquiry, she started something that continues today.

The youth water polo clinic at the aquatic center is back for the summer with two free sessions scheduled to take place Saturday, June 24 and Saturday, August 5. The clinics will take place from 1-3pm on both days and will include instruction from the aquatics center staff.

The clinics are for youth ages 10-16 years old.

"We are looking to try to build up the sport

Vincent McPherson, the aquatics manager at the Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center in Clayton County, is expecting a lot of youth athletes to join the water polo clinics in order to build a bridge between sports. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

of water polo and give kids another outlet and activity in the pool," said Vincent McPherson, the center's aquatic manager.

Just over 60% of Black children (under the age of 18) cannot swim, according to data from USA Swimming, the sports national

governing body. Water polo can not only introduce Black youth to water sports, but help interest them in learning to swim. Clayton County is 73.4% Black, according to United States Census data.

"We had a good small group of kids and

we're looking to have some more this time," said McPherson, who added that local youth sports coaches have inquired about bringing their athletes to the clinic in order to keep them busy and fit during their off-seasons.

These clinics are officially sponsored by the USA Water Polo, the country's governing body. The first clinic under the USA Water Polo sponsorship took place in February and McPherson told The Atlanta Voice he expects even more kids to get involved this weekend and beyond.

"It's definitely a good bridge for different sports communities," added McPherson.

The Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center is located at 9045 Tara Blvd. in Jonesboro. Clayton County has a number of aquatic centers, including the South Clayton Recreation Center in Hampton, Lake Spivey Recreation Center in Jonesboro, the Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center and in Riverdale at the Virginia Burton Gray Recreation Center.

Page 8 • June 23-June 29, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

ONLINE

Business

‘Black Planters’ hosts the first in-person meetup in Cumberland.

Read full article online at www. theatlantavoice.com

MARTA, City of Atlanta celebrates groundbreaking of region’s first bus rapid transit line

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

T

he Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and City of Atlanta celebrated a groundbreaking for the region’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) line, newly named MARTA Rapid. Construction on the line will begin immediately with service scheduled for Summer 2025.

MARTA Rapid will be the name for the overall BRT system in metro Atlanta, with individual lines denoted by color, like the rail system. For example, MARTA Rapid Silver or MARTA Rapid Purple. The color of the Summerhill BRT line is still being determined.

MARTA has BRT lines planned for Clayton Southlake, SR54/Jonesboro Road, Campbellton Road, Clifton Corridor and on GA 400.

The five-mile BRT line will connect downtown Atlanta to Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Beltline, with connections to MARTA’s heavy rail system at Five Points, Georgia State, and Garnett Stations. The high-capacity transit line will have new electric buses and operate in 85% dedicated lanes with transit signal priority and provide frequent service every 10-12 minutes in dedicated lanes through this vital Fourteen BRT stations along the route will feature off-board fare collection so you can pay before you board, real-time service information, and level boarding, along with other amenities consistent with rail stations.

“We are excited to celebrate this milestone in the More MARTA Atlanta Program and get started building the region’s first BRT line in this vital city corridor,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “This line will provide an efficient connection between historic city neighborhoods, job centers, Georgia State, and our rail system, and

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (not pictured) said investments in transit are really investments in our people, communities, and future. Photo

by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

will be the benchmark for future BRT lines in metro Atlanta.”

“Investments in transit are really investments in our people, communities and future,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “I

came into office with a long-term vision to assure that all our residents would share in Atlanta’s growth and prosperity, and transit equity is a huge part of that charge.”

The BRT line is funded through a federal TIGER

Grant and the More MARTA Atlanta half-penny sales tax. The system costs about $86.3 million, according to MARTA. For additional information, visit itsmarta.com or to see the BRT in action, visit MARTA (itsmarta.com).

Shapellx opens first physical store in North Druid Hills

BY JANELLE WARD Women’s shapewear brand Shapellx opened its inaugural storefront in North Druid Hills last month, adding to the neighborhood’s diverse offering of restaurants, clothing stores and boutiques.

Taking up ground-floor retail space inside the Emory Point apartment community near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the store sells a selection of Shapellx’s stock of merchandise available in full online, further expanding

the brand’s direct-to-consumer business model.

April Taylor, who has helped operate the store since its opening, said the location officially opened to the public at the end of last month and has since received support from shoppers in the community and neighboring establishments.

“The owner had a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Taylor said. “People were outside because we couldn’t fit everybody inside. It was great.”

Founded in 2019, Shapellx specializes in various styles of shapewear catering to women of diverse preferences and body types.

The brand also merchandises activewear, swimwear and lingerie. According to its website, the brand prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity in its business practices, offering clothing sizes ranging from extra small to 6X. Ebony Ndiaye, owner of the storefront, said working with a brand that prioritizes inclusivity and celebrates all body types is

important, especially when integrating into a market as physically diverse as Atlanta.

“Atlanta is a city where we try to celebrate and include everyone,” Ndiaye said. “Atlanta just has a ton of different types of people and we want to be welcoming to all of them.”

Located inside Unit C-135 at 855 Emory Point Drive, Shapellx opens seven days a week, operating from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023 • Page 9

Sponsored Content

Financial Services Giant Continues Its Commitment To Atlanta’s Black Businesses

BY STAN WASHINGTON

F

iserv, Inc., (NYSE: FI) the international financial tech service company not only loves but believes in Atlanta. Based in a Milwaukee suburb, the company is putting its money where its mouth is.

In addition to the funds already invested into businesses in the metro Atlanta area, Fiserv is bringing its Back2Business program back to Atlanta and expanding its commitment to supporting black and minority-owned businesses.

The Back2Business program is a $50 million fund to support minority-owned small businesses through grants, coaching and access to technology and networking opportunities. An additional $1 million in grants will be awarded to qualifying businesses in metro counties: Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Cherokee, Douglas, Gwinnett, Henry and Fayette. The businesses will be able to apply for grants up to $10,000.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and providing resources through programs like Back2Business helps ensure their success in today’s economy, “ said Neil Wilcox, Fiserv’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Increasing our investment in Atlanta will strengthen our local community, contributing to an ecosystem in which small business owners can thrive.”

Grants will be administered in partnership with the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), a leading national voice for underserved entrepreneurs. Small businesses can find out more about the grant and apply at aeoworks.org/Fiserv. Applications will be accepted until all grant money is awarded.

AEO is one of the leading voices of innovation for microfinance and microbusiness.

It states their mission is to create economic opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs throughout the United States.

Joining Fiserv at the event were organizations that support the growth of small businesses in metro Atlanta, small business owners and three Atlanta entrepreneurs who have received assistance from the financial giant and the Russell Center.

Testifying that Fiserv does practice what it preaches were Tiffany Moore of Chef Tiffany Moore Gourmet Foods, Kris Hale Dope Pieces Puzzle Company and Kerri-Ann Thomas of Brooklyn Tea. Hale told the packed room that the grant and the support was pivotal in the success of her business. “I used the grant to solidify the business portion of my plan, getting my trademarks and copyrights complete,” she said.

Thomas shared how the grant received

by Brooklyn Tea helped keep the business going, paving the path for expansion, while Moore noted the ability to grow her brand.

“The Back2Business grant that Brooklyn

Fiserv, Inc. the international financial services giant recently announced that the portal is now open for small black and minority businesses in metro Atlanta to apply for grants through its Back2Business program. The announcement was made at an event hosted by the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta. During the event, three Atlanta entrepreneurs told the audience how a Fiserv grant and their support had a tremendous impact on their businesses. (Left-right) Neil Wilcox, Fiserv’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility; Tiffany Moore of Chef Tiffany Moore Gourmet Foods, Kerri-Ann Thomas of Brooklyn Tea, Kris Hale, founder of Dope Pieces Puzzle Company and Leslie Pearce, SVP, Head of Operations, Global Business Solutions, Fiserv. Photo By Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice

Tea founders Jamila and Ali Wright received in 2020 helped to keep their doors open during the height of the pandemic,” Thomas said. “Because of the support they received through such financial turmoil, they were able to keep their company afloat, paving the way for partners such as myself to join the Brooklyn Tea movement and open a store in Atlanta.”

“The Back2Business grant helped me start thinking globally about my brand,” said Moore, a native of Atlanta. “Having the support of a company like Fiserv was the additional push I needed to execute plans I thought I would have to wait on longer.”“ Hale also spoke about how the support of Fiserv and RICE have helped her business grow.

“The Fiserv Back2Business program has been paramount to the growth of my business,” said Hale. “The continued support and opportunities to work with organiza-

tions like RICE keeps us going and shows a deep level of buy-in and dedication to truly helping small businesses scale and grow.”

All three of the entrepreneurs strongly encouraged the use of the Fiserv Clover system.

According to Fiserv, Back2Business has contributed more than $1.5 million into Atlanta’s small business ecosystem, including 139 grants to small business owners.

After giving a brief history of the namesake of the center - the late builder Herman J. Russell, Bailey told the audience, many of whom were visiting the center for the first time, that RICE is a special place for entrepreneurs and they won’t find another place like it anywhere in Georgia.

“At RICE, we are boldly disrupting barriers to economic wealth that many Black businesses face in today’s society,” said Jay Bailey, President and CEO of RICE. “We are taking expedient action with community-minded organizations, like Fiserv, to do

more to lift equality for those who need it most.”

As a global leader in payments and financial technology, Fiserv helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover cloudbased point-of-sale and business management platform.

For more information visit: Fiserv - www.fiserv.com Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs - www.russellcenter.org Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) - aeoworks.org.

(This is sponsored content provided through a grant from The Russell Center written by The Atlanta Voice.)

®

Page 10 • June 23-June 29, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Business

Georgia Beer Garden to close after this weekend, teases future plans

BY JANELLE WARD

G

eorgia Beer Garden, a popular attraction in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood, announced on social media Tuesday that it will shutter its Edgewood Avenue location to the general public following the end of this week.

The indoor-outdoor bar will serve its customers for the final time on Sunday, June 18.

In its Instagram post announcing the closure, the beer garden cited changes to Edgewood Avenue’s landscape as a motivator for the shutdown.

“The truth is GBG no longer fits this street even though we do truly love Edgewood,” the Instagram post reads. “Which means this space needs to evolve and become something else.”

Despite the shuttering, the beer garden

will still be available to host private events.

Georgia Beer Garden also stated that its sister bars, Joystick Gamebar and Mambo Zombi, will not be affected by this decision.

According to the post, Georgia Beer Garden doesn’t intend to leave Edgewood Avenue for good. The beer garden’s owners also own the property, which the establishment says “gives [them] room to play” around with ideas for future opportunities.

“We had a lot of fun here and got to take part in a lot of amazing things. More importantly, we were lucky enough to work with fantastic people,” the post reads. “They, and the wonderful folks who patronized GBG, will always be family. Thank you for many years of warmth, kindness and companionship.”

Georgia Beer Garden will offer 20% off all tabs on its final day of operation.

Converted flexible-stay WaterWalk hotel opens in Sandy Springs

BY JANELLE WARD WaterWalk leadership and local figures came together Monday morning for the grand opening of WaterWalk Atlanta on Barfield Road in Sandy Springs, an extended-stay hotel located within metro Atlanta’s Perimeter Center.

The 128-unit property is the first in the WaterWalk brand to debut in the state, expected to join other properties opening in the Southeast later this year in Jacksonville, Florida and Huntsville, Alabama.

“The opening of this property is monumental for WaterWalk as our first conversion,” said Jim Korroch, president of WaterWalk. “As the corporate and leisure travel industries continue to evolve, we are proud to innovate new ways to meet the needs of travelers looking for accommodations without sacrificing convenience and quality with the essential things that they need.”

Officially adapting the revised extended-stay model this year, WaterWalk Atlanta – Perimeter Center serves as the company’s third converted “Gen 2.0” property to open to the public, following builds in Phoenix, Arizona and Boise, Idaho.

WaterWalk’s CEO Mimi Oliver said in opening remarks that the revitalization of the company’s hospitality strategy serves as a continuation of the model established by her grandfather, Jack DeBoer, founder of the WaterWalk brand, as well as several other extended-stay namesakes.

“Jack was the inventor of the extended-stay segment when he created Residence Inn back in the 1980s. He went on to start four other successful and trailblazing brands, including Summerfield Suites, Candlewood Suites, Woodspring [Suites], and now WaterWalk,” Oliver said. “We’re really proud of that legacy of trust in the hotel space, and [are] thrilled to bring it to the Atlanta community.”

WaterWalk’s leadership focuses on revitalizing already existing multifamily properties through the culmination of its second generation of extended-stay communities.

The Atlanta hotel experienced a complete

The 128-unit property is the first in the WaterWalk brand to debut in the state, expected to join other properties opening in the Southeast later this year in Jacksonville, Florida and Huntsville, Alabama. Photos by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

WaterWalk’s CEO, president and other local figures gathered in Sandy Springs Monday morning for the grand opening of the company’s newest extended-stay property on Barfield Road.

Photo by Janelle Ward/The Atlanta Voice

restoration, transforming the former Wyndham-managed Hawthorn Suites into another asset in the company’s conceptual evolution.

“This location in Sandy Springs under-

went extensive interior and exterior modernizations to generate upscale amenities of our Generation 2 model, the first of which we opened in Phoenix not long ago,” Korroch said. “As our first of many planned conver-

sion properties, this location allowed us to minimize construction time and costs in a fluctuating economic landscape, while providing us with location flexibility in a city that has little white space left for development.”

WaterWalk Atlanta comes equipped with furnished studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units spread across multiple buildings surrounded by parking and green space. The property also offers unfurnished one- and two-bedroom suites for long-term stays.

All units feature a full kitchen, an in-unit washer and dryer and a flat-screen television in common living areas. Shared public amenities include an outdoor pool, grilling area and fitness center.

Residents staying long-term are granted access to all utilities and amenities – including cable, internet, lawn and trash services and pest control – through the contribution of one monthly payment throughout the course of their stay.

Oliver said the company’s new generation of flexible-stay properties differs from models past, in the way it offers guests a living experience similar to that of a hotel rather than an apartment complex. Short- and longterm guests are integrated in this updated concept, and the company scrapped their three-bedroom floor plans in exchange for a studio layout. Oliver said the new design better accommodates the brand’s target demographic: those who frequently travel for work or prefer living arrangements free from the often inconvenient structure of a traditional rental lease.

“People are living with us, as well as staying with us,” Oliver said. “[Our target demographic is] anyone that’s looking for a true home away from home for an extended period of time.”

Oliver also said that the company hopes to expand its presence in metro Atlanta even further in the coming years.

“Atlanta is a very large market, so we’d love to get five or six more WaterWalks here over time,” she said.

theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023 • Page 11

Education

ONLINE

Fortas Homes Revolutionizes Affordable Housing in Atlanta Communities. full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

Local nonprofit grants $100K to 10 APS public, charter schools

BY JANELLE WARD Public education nonprofit RedefinED Atlanta announced yesterday that it will award 10 public and charter schools serving the Atlanta Public Schools district $10,000 each in preparation for the 2023-24 academic year, donations made possible by the group’s Family and Community Engagement fund.

The funds, totaling $100,000 this year, are organized to benefit the lives of APS students both inside and outside the classroom by improving involvement efforts between students’ families and the communities that support them.

“Each year, we continue to learn about the challenges schools face getting more families and community members engaged in children’s education,” said Denesha Thompson Pressey, RedefinED Atlanta’s director of public engagement and advocacy. “With school budgets allocated heavily towards academic recovery efforts, we know additional funds will allow schools to activate families and community members by bringing them into schools and informing them of ways to get involved in supporting students and schools.”

According to its website, engaging community is one of RedefinED Atlanta's three areas

Public education nonprofit redefinED Atlanta will distribute $100,000 worth of grant funding to 10 APS public and charter schools to better serve their students and families for the 202324 school year. Photo courtesy of redefinED Atlanta

of focus. Founded in 2016, the nonprofit works to enhance the public school experience for Atlanta’s disadvantaged students and families.

The organization established its FACE grants initiative in 2022, beginning as a micro-grant opportunity in support of the 2018-19 school year. Formerly allocating up to $1,000 to each selected school, RedefinED Atlanta will increase its funding tenfold this year to

benefit the nonprofit’s next round of grantees.

The ten schools selected for the upcoming academic year are: Atlanta SMART Academy Barack and Michelle Obama Academy Beecher Hill Elementary School Benjamin E. Mays High School Centennial Academy Charter School Ethos Classical Charter School

Hutchinson Elementary School John Lewis Academy Kimberly Elementary School M. Agnes Jones Elementary School Chosen schools are allowed to use the awarded money however needed. Dennis-Anthony Dent, RedefinED Atlanta’s communications director, said some of this year’s grant recipients intend to use the funding to improve students’ access to transportation and meals during school days.

“School leaders and teachers understand the unique needs of their students and communities and work best when given the trust, freedom, flexibility and resources to make the changes they feel are necessary for their students,” said executive director of RedefinED Atlanta, Ed Chang. “The unrestricted FACE grant funds are a way for educators to reimagine what great public education looks like for their students through school innovation.”

Qualifying schools can apply to receive funding from the nonprofit each year. Schools must participate in the federal Title I program and serve APS students in order to be deemed eligible to apply.

KEY

I

FRIDAY CLASSES HELD

9:00AM - 5:00PM

REGISTRATION FEE

$25

YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND @ WWW.SUMMECHCDC.ORG

August 18, 2023 September 15, 2023 October 20, 2023 November 17, 2023

ARTICIPANTS WILL BE ELGIBLE FOR A (HUD APPROVED) CERTIFICATE TOPICS INCLUDE: FINANCIAL PLANNING UNDERSTANDING CREDIT

THE BUYING PROCESS DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 404..5,27..5465 120 GEORGIA RELAY' 7-1-1 DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

WWW.SUMMECHCDC.ORG EOlJAl MOUSING

IIDIVIDUILS WHO REQUIRE SPECIIL ICCOMMODIHOIS TO PIRHC/PITE SHOULD CALL THE OFFICE

■

FAMILY NIGHT PRICING SAVE UP TO 30% ON 6PM SHOWS SEPTEMBER 8–10 · PAWPATROLLIVE.COM A VSTAR ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION

© 2023 & TM Spin Master Ltd, All rights reserved.

Page 12 • June 23-June 29, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Education

Student loan forgiveness may prove life-changing for borrowers of color, per legal expert

BY JANELLE WARD

M

illions of borrowers across the country await the Supreme Court’s decision on President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan.

Though, for many in this group, especially borrowers of color, defaulting on payments and filing for personal bankruptcy appear to be the only vehicles to obtaining financial security in the future.

The program has faced backlash from politicians and taxpayers alike since its inception, with Republican members of the House of Representatives going as far as instituting a Congressional Review Act in May to overturn the president’s plan — a resolution that the Senate passed at the beginning of this month.

Jonathan Petts, co-founder and CEO of national bankruptcy nonprofit Upsolve, said many of his organization’s clients would benefit immensely from the student loan forgiveness plan surviving the Supreme Court, and its failure could lead to countless others resorting to filing for bankruptcy. “$10,000 to $20,000 is a really significant amount of money that will put a big dent in many people’s student loan debt,” Petts said.

Upsolve helps low-income individuals

start afresh in their financial journeys by filing for personal bankruptcy, a process that either absolves filers of existing debt or offers multi-year plans for borrowers to repay debts owed at a more manageable rate.

Petts said many of Upsolve’s clients go into debt pursuing higher education in the first place expecting to land a stable job with a promising salary and healthcare benefits.

However, a rocky employment market and fluctuating economy have made this goal less attainable for recent college graduates.

As a result, low-income borrowers connect with organizations like Upsolve with skyrocketing medical bills, credit card fees and student loan debt.

“We as a society have really stigmatized individuals who this happens to, and oftentimes through no fault of their own,” Petts said. “We have many users who have $40,000 in medical debt from an accident that could happen to anyone. That’s something that’s unique to the United States.”

Filing for personal bankruptcy commonly occurs in two forms: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. The types of assets and debt accumulated should determine the type of bankruptcy pursued by the borrower.

Student loan debt has historically posed a challenge to be eliminated via bankruptcy

filings, but guideline changes instilled by the U.S. departments of Justice and Education last year have simplified the process for borrowers who need it. Petts said absolving student loan debt by means of personal bankruptcy formerly involved hiring a lawyer charging up to $40,000 for services, making it a resource that a majority of borrowers in need couldn’t afford.

“It’s an enormous change, opening up an avenue for borrowers that didn’t exist in years past," Petts said.

The announcement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision draws closer as the lifting of the student loan payment pause also approaches, with more than 40 million borrowers slated to resume monthly payments starting this fall.

Petts said the pause on mandatory loan payments first issued at the start of the pandemic offered relief to millions of borrowers also burdened by rising costs of living and employment uncertainty at the start of the decade. The reinstatement of payments could financially burden borrowers even further, depleting workers of wages and tax credit refunds and increasing the number of personal bankruptcy cases filed across the country. “[The pause] has given people breath-

ing space to navigate the pandemic and to come out the other side and in the place they are,” Petts said. “It’s a scary moment for many people, and it’s sadly going to result in bankruptcy being the only option for many low-income borrowers.”

Though Supreme Court disapproval seems inevitable, Petts said student debt forgiveness for borrowers isn’t completely out of reach. The court has surprised the public with its decisions on controversial cases in the past, notably with its ruling in favor of DACA recipients over the Trump administration’s attempted termination of the policy in 2020, and recently with its 5-4 decision in Allen v. Milligan, where justices ruled the redistricting of Alabama’s 2022 election map unconstitutional, solidifying a win for Black voters in the state.

The court is expected to release its decision by the end of this month and as soon as Friday.

“There’s a whole community of student loan borrowers who think that their life is over, that there’s no way they can dig out of this debt,” Petts said. “If the Biden plan goes forward, it shows there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it creates hope for people that have lost it.”

Health

Black Men and Isolation is the silent issue we all need to catch

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE

LUIS HINES, CEO OF LUIS HUNES AND ASSOCIATES

Black Men and Isolation is an issue that’s not getting enough attention.

Experts call it a silent epidemic as men who isolate themselves develop terrible health conditions that could ultimately lead to death. There is a way to prevent that outcome. Licensed mental health counselor Dr. Luis Hines explains this topic, what to look for, and how serious this matter is.

“It gets pretty serious in a subtle way.

Social isolation leads to loneliness, and loneliness can lead to mental health conditions, including depression. If your depression is serious enough, it can lead to Suicide,” Said Luis Hines, CEO of Luis Hunes and Associates.

Black Men and Isolation is a problem that affects more people than we realize. Studies have shown that people are social beings who need others around each other. Unfortunately, men tend to be more lonely than women. Psychology Today suggests that women are more comfortable being vulnerable to expressing loneliness than men.

Men sometimes process vulnerability

as weakness and usually hide those feelings. Dr. Hines’ expertise matches that detail as he explains that Men hold feelings and thoughts to the extent that they can be detrimental.

“Men keep a lot of stuff in their heads. They don’t like to talk, they don’t like to express themselves, and they believe they have to do things by themselves. They don’t like to be vulnerable with their emotions. These are all signs that can lead to loneliness and, perhaps, some mental defects,” said Dr. Hines.

Men can go into isolation for various reasons. Usually, it’s from a life-changing event that disrupts the social connection. Men who retire can fall into loneliness. Men who are single, divorced, or lost their partner can fall into loneliness. Signs people can look out for regarding this issue are changes in routine. Isolation can affect your sleeping and eating habits. Suppose the isolated individuals are more iterable and have a noticeable difference in their behavior.

In that case, that is a sign to acknowledge. A more significant sign is men who isolate close friends and family.

Men who keep to themselves isolate

the close people they usually don’t want to be away from.

Connection puts life into people. Being alone for long periods is not healthy for individuals. Dr. Hines explains that isolation was a tool used for punishment and discipline during wars in world history. He further elaborates that prisoners then lost their minds to psychosis because of extended isolation. Today, solitary confinement, placed in a small isolated space, is a consequence for incarcerated people.

Solutions suggested by Dr. Hines that you can apply if you are dealing with isolation and loneliness are learning to be vulnerable. Talk about your thoughts and feelings. Next is to go outside for some sunshine and exercise. Be conscious of what you eat. Dr. Hines advises not to consume too much sugar, alcohol, or drugs. The doctor also recommends contacting people, lining up plans, or calling to check-in. Those small steps can lead to huge strides in resolving the problem. For those who see their male loved ones become isolated or socially withdrawn, Dr. Hines encourages Persistentantly checking in on them. Deliberately give words of

encouragement, talk to them, and invite them to plans so they can come out of the metaphoric cave.

“Family and friends should definitely reach out to guys, especially if you find someone not reaching out to you. As men age, we tend to want to be by ourselves, creating a cave-like mentality. When things bother us, we return to the cave and isolate ourselves in the dark, gloomy places. Sometimes men never come out of their caves,” said Dr. Hines.

If the previous steps fail, the last option Dr. Hines proposes is Therapy. According to the National Institute of Health, men are less likely to seek mental health services than women. This problem perpetuates feelings of down and loneliness among men. Therapy is a no-shame step that can solve the issue of isolation. Dr. Hines encourages and applauds those who need it and seek it.

“It’s a big leap to commit in your head to go get help. I’ve seen a lot more men come forward seeking mental health services. I applaud them all the time.

They are taking steps to fight depression and remove the stigma behind mental health,” said Dr. Hines

theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023 • Page 13

Community

WATCH AND SUBSCRIBE @AtlantaVoice

Second Chances: 2C Workforce Solutions supports jobs for formerly incarcerated people

BY ISAIAH SINGLETON

2C Workforce Solutions, an Atlanta-based commercial staffing agency, recently announced its official launch to support meaningful job opportunities for the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, and to bridge the gap between employers and talented individuals who deserve a fresh start. Photos courtesy of 2C Workforce Solutions

2

C Workforce Solutions, an Atlanta-based commercial staffing agency, recently announced its official launch to support meaningful job opportunities for the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated, and to bridge the gap between employers and talented individuals who deserve a fresh start.

2C Workforce Solutions is designed to focus on connecting talent to employers across a wide spectrum of industries including manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce, IT, and administrative business. The program will also connect businesses with job seekers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels, including formerly incarcerated individuals pursuing second chance employment opportunities.

With a wide-ranging suite of services including second chance hiring, mental health, and education and training resources, 2C Workforce Solutions will build a stronger, more inclusive community while transforming lives through meaningful opportunities.

Tem Morgan, senior vice president of 2C Workforce Solutions, will lead the organization’s executive leadership team in Atlanta.

Morgan said he started in the Atlanta market back in 2005 and began growing across the southeast. During that time and through 2019, Morgan said he encountered many individuals returning home from incarceration.

“Whether it was their own mentality or was employers that were resistant to hiring these individuals, I was frustrated about it.

It’s always been something in the back of my mind, even after we sold in 2019, I wanted to help and we produced this vision of 2C Workforce Solutions and second chances,” he said.

Morgan also said he wants to help “those 687,000 individuals returning from incarceration in a year and there’s a huge labor shortage in the market.”

“Thinking about how can we kill two birds with one stone, we came up with this solution to say, ‘Hey, we can provide a great strong and working resource for our employer partners and also provide jobs for those individuals returning home because they want to work, they have skill sets, they have pre-employment training, and they will work hard’, they just need a second chance, hence the word and title, second chance,” he said.

Morgan said the importance of second chances is extremely important and their approach to it is “holistic”.

“We all fall short, and we all need a second chance. We’ve all done things that we aren’t proud of. I call it the individuals that society has forgotten because in society, for some individuals, if you make a mistake, they imprison them, we don’t rehabilitate them, and no one gives them a second chance,” he said. “It’s easy to place that moniker on them that they’re a bad person, but our focus is to change that paradigm with partners in the community, and the community at-large.”

“You are not a felon, you made a mistake, you served your time. We want to get you a job right now so you can take care of yourself,” he said. “We also want to work on your career path, and you might have the skill set of customer service, forklift, or what have you, but what do you want to eventually do?

What’s your five-to-10-year plan? You might want to be a coder, so let’s work with organizations to help you become educated or certified.”

Additionally, Morgan said 2C Workforce Solutions hopes to bridge the gap between employers and talented individuals who deserve a fresh start.

“In any situation, we must talk and create an environment where employers are free to voice their concerns, and we want to find these individuals and change their paradigm that society hasn’t given up on you,” he said.

“We want to support you and there’s companies and great employers in the Atlanta area that want to support you and learn about what we’re doing.”

Also, Morgan said they are doing “a lot of educating on both sides”.

“If you look at the form of incarcerated, we’re educating them saying, ‘Hey, we’re going to get you great jobs, and you’re not going to be plucking chickens on the side of the rides or picking up trash’,” he said. “We’re going to get you something that is at or above the standard cost of living. We need to help them understand that you do get a second chance here and with the employers, we’re educating them about what ‘returning citizens’ means because when you hear it, you automatically think negatively”.

2C Workforce Solutions said they will be driven by a mission of fighting injustices in the temporary staffing industry and changing lives through meaningful partnerships.

The firm will partner with companies across multiple business verticals to facilitate local

training, transitional housing training, and both pre- and post-release opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

To seek a second chance, Morgan said 2C Workforce Solutions posts jobs on their website or you can find them on Indeed. Additionally, he said in the current climate, they know they need to find people “where they are”.

“We work with client partners that want to hire these citizens and we’re going to do many job fairs and get into communities. We are reaching out to them, so they can come to our website, call our phone number, or we can find them where they are, whether it’s working with Metro Reentry or with transitional housing,” he said. “It’s a dual-faceted approach where we’re inviting individuals through Public Relations and through our own strategies to see us, but in this climate, we also know we need to find people where they are. We’ll go to them”.

Furthermore, since the program is new, Morgan said in five years, he sees the 2C Workforce Solutions “We want to expand across Georgia and the southeast, but Atlanta is home, so we are focused on Atlanta and its impact in the area,” he said. “In five years, we want to have several locations across the city of Atlanta where we have great partnerships and provide that holistic service to eager employees.

We also want brand recognition, we want employers to come to us, and hopefully in five years, we’re doing less educating and having several branches and strong governmental partnerships.”

Lastly, Morgan said they are in it for the long haul.

“We endeavor to put people in a job, and they get paid weekly. That’s number one and how we make a change in an individual's lives,” he said. “We want to be that employer of choice. We have passionate employers, communities, and others who want to make a change. We must fight and see this through.”

For more information, visit 2ccareers.com.

Page 14 • June 23-June 29, 2023 • theatlantavoice.com

Arts

ONLINE

Major Nonprofit to Aid Women Entrepreneurs Opens Atlanta Office.

Read full article online at www.theatlantavoice.com

BET+ series “Average Joe” reveals a more serious side of Network and comedian Deon Cole

BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE "I wanted to escape the silliness. There would be a balance, but I wanted to be more dramatic in this role. It was very hard to do that as a comedian. I did not perform standup during the time I was shooting," said Deon Cole.

Comedian and actor Deon Cole explains his intention for his latest project Average Joe. The series is a comedy-drama for BET+, where he is the lead. Fans can expect a different side of Cole as he will do a serious performance along with jokes in Average Joe. Cole elaborates on how this role is testing his skills as an actor. On days he was done shooting, he would still carry the emotional weight of his character.

"It's hard to be serious, but I can handle it now. About a month into it, you start seeing all of us change, and everybody around me sees it. Imagine going to work every day, fighting, shooting, and stealing from people every day for six months. I remember on the last day when I got home, I felt so relieved," said Cole “Average Joe” premiers on BET+ on Monday, June 26. A screening of the first episode of the season was held at the American Black Film Festival on Friday, June 16, in Miami Beach, Florida. Robb Cullen created the series, which stars Cole, Ashani Roberts, and

Actor and comedian Deon Cole. Photo Credit: BET

Tammy Towsend. “Average Joe” is about a plumber named Joe Washington who discovered his recently past father stole 10 million dollars from the Russian Mob. The series follows Joe going to extreme lengths to find the money and protect his family. “Average Joe” is based on a true story. BET says this series is going in a direction they have never gone before.

"We are going more graphic and a little bit gory. We are going where we haven't gone be-

fore. It's a luxury that we have BET Plus to do that. We never want to do a show that exploits those things. We want to do shows that tell great stories," said Rose Catherine Pinkney, Senior Vice President at BET. The script is what brought Cole on board for this project. According to the comedian, the script possessed moments in the story where the lead character had to be vulnerable, charismatic, serious, and funny. Cole saw this role as a challenge. He is already an estab-

lished talent in comedy from his stand-up act, television commercials, and his performance as Charlie on the TV series “Blackish”.

"Robb Cullen is a great writer, and his script had everything in it and then some. I took it as a challenge to portray being vulnerable, charismatic, gangster, funny, and serious. I am attracted to the character Joe Washington because of his loyalty to his family. You see him go to any means to protect his wife and daughter," said Cole.

Cole, Pinkney, and the rest of the team involved with “Average Joe” are very optimistic about this series because many firsts are being taken with this project. This is Cole's first role as a lead in a television series, and this is BET's first time doing a gritty, comedic drama. The final product reveals the gambles paid off, and this is a series that will keep viewers until the end. Pinkney shares a story about shooting Cole for the first time on set.

"I was sitting with the producers and writers when I realized we haven't seen Deon do this before,” said Pinkney. “Everything is on his shoulders. We were holding our breath when the camera started rolling. He turned out great.”

She added, “When you watch the show, the character starts one way but goes on a journey. Deon becomes a different actor on that character journey.”

NBAF CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF HIP-HOP

BY NOAH WASHINGTON

H

ip-Hop was the point of focus Saturday, June 10 as the National Black Arts Festival hosted the "50 Years of Hip-Hop".

The one-night celebratory event took place at Westside Paper, in West Midtown. Visitors entered an immersive gallery that unveiled a journey through the evolution and enduring impact of hip-hop. Stepping into the gallery, people were transported through time, as multiple installations stood as testaments to the rich tapestry of hip-hop's story. Leading the curation of the festival was Oronike Odeleye, an arts consultant and activist.

"We've been working on this since the beginning of the year, really trying to figure out how we could authentically celebrate hip-hop in an innovative way that the city hadn't seen before. We didn't want to just host a concert,” Odeleye told The Atlanta Voice. “We wanted

The National Black Arts Festival hosted the “50 Years of Hip-Hop” in a one-night only celebratory event Saturday, June 10 at Westside Paper in Midtown. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

to explore all the influences in hip-hop, including fashion, dance, art, and literature. We were trying to figure out a way to do that".

Each installation represented a specific era within the genre, creating a unique representation of its time. Guests were provided with

a pair of headphones, each with a channel assigned to a specific era of hip-hop, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the essence of rap music from its earliest inception to its contemporary times. Through this silent disco experience, attendees had the op-

portunity to curate their own auditory voyage through the various installations.

One installation paid homage to the pioneers who ignited the flame of this cultural phenomenon. A multimedia display illuminated the legendary figures of DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash and others, showcasing their contributions to the birth of hip-hop.

Included in the event was a marketplace where visitors could purchase merchandise and other apparel tied to hip-hop history, "We're incredibly excited because this is our second large-scale immersive event this year. With Oronike joining us as artistic director, we have a grand vision of returning to the festival's roots. These larger events are part of that process. Tonight is a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop, and we have an array of amazing things happening," shared Stephanie Owens, the executive director of the National Black Arts Festival told The Atlanta Voice.

theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023 • Page 15

Lifestyle

2023 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium MT

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON

A

n affordable head turner geared towards sports car enthusiasts who yearn for optimal control via a stick shift, the 2023 Toyota Supra should be strongly considered. With the base price for this two-door demon going for under $44K, the reviewed 3.0 Premium MT version for about $10K more still doesn’t break the bank considering everything it has to offer.

Boasting a turbocharged, 3.0-liter six-cylinder heart pumping out 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, drivers will truly get to optimally experience the output with Supra’s debut of what “MT” stands for: Manual Transmission. Toyota finally answered the high demand for the stick option, and it did not disappoint; the 0-60 mph thrust takes 4.2 seconds, and the rear sport differential, adaptive suspension, and responsive handling for even the tightest corners collectively enhance the thrill.

The exterior of this two-seater is equally

Photos courtesy of Toyota

stunning, with Brembo brakes (red brake calipers in the front and rear), and 19-inch aluminum “Frozen Gunmetal Gray” wheels encased

www.theatlantavoice.com • June 23-June 29, 2023

in road-gripping Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires made this model’s “Nitro Yellow” pop even more.

CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE

NOTICE Mason Proclamation

I HARDEE BEY whose address is 2527 Paul Avenue Atlanta Georgia proclaim my free national name as MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA according to the rules and usage of such MOORISH SCIENCE TEMPLE OF AMERICA. The Moorish Science Temple Of America deriving its power and authority from the Great Koran of Mahammed to propagate the faith and extend the learning and truth of the Great Prophet of Alli in America. To anoint, appoint, and consecrate missionaries of the prophet and to establish the faith of Mohammed in America.

Software Engineer

Atlanta, GA. Seeking BS in Comp. Sci. or related field. 6 mos. software dev./engg. exp. req’d. Position reports to development office in Atlanta, GA; may telecommute. Mail CV to Attn: HR/Job #0530, BetterCloud Inc., 330 7th Avenue, Fl. 4, New York, NY 10001.

SENIOR (62+) Spacious 1-Bedroom Affordable!

SCAN TO DONATE Rent Based on Annual Incometheatlantavoice.com/donate Amenities, Great Location, and Convenient to Marta Please call for detailed information

Support local journalism.

(404) 586-9098

SCAN TO DONATE

Inside amenities include an 8.8-inch touchscreen; full-color head up display (which is perfect to keep an eye on speed); Supra Connect technology; Hill Start Assist Control; Apple CarPlay compatibility; wireless charging; leather interior; sport pedals; leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel; and a head-nod inducing 12-speaker JBL sound system to keep the party going in the cockpit. The optional carbon fiber mirror caps ($925), and Driver Assist Package (cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, and parking sensors totaling $1,195) come highly recommended.

All in all, the fifth generation of the Supra flawlessly maintains the brand’s luster and gets the most bang for the buck, with the manual transmission providing even more enticement for thrill seekers in 2023.

Fuel Economy: 19 city/27 highway/21 combined.

Price: Base price is $55.650; $58,865 as reviewed plus delivery, handling, and processing.

For more information, visit Toyota.com.

FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Sealed bids for 23ITBC060923A-KM - Uniforms and Accessories for the Fulton County Public Works Department, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance electronically through BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty, on Friday, July 14, 2023. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date.

Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98506839790?pwd=SFNPdXpWTHlLc2lXMzUrZjJBNVBoQT09 Meeting ID: 985 0683 9790 Passcode: 253080

Be seen.

Be heard.

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY! advertising@theatlantavoice.com

Be seen.

One tap mobile +14702509358,,98506839790#,*253 080# US (Atlanta) +14703812552,,98506839790#,*253 080# US (Atlanta) Dial by your location +1 470 250 9358 US (Atlanta) +1 470 381 2552 US (Atlanta) +1 651 372 8299 US (Minnesota) +1 786 635 1003 US (Miami) +1 267 831 0333 US (Philadelphia) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 971 247 1195 US (Portland) +1 206 337 9723 US (Seattle) +1 213 338 8477 US (Los Angeles) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 602 753 0140 US (Phoenix) +1 669 219 2599 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 720 928 9299 US (Denver) Meeting ID: 985 0683 9790 Passcode: 253080

Bid Bond: N/A Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) is soliciting Bids for the procurement of uniforms and accessories for the Department of Public Works.

In order to obtain complete information about this solicitation, please click the link below where this document and supporting documents can be downloaded, https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty.

Fee: N/A Term of Contract: One (1) year with two (2) renewal options.

Pre-Bid Conference: N/A If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Keisha Massey, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: keisha. massey@fultoncountyga.gov or (404) 612-1010.

Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.

Support local journalism.

SCAN TO DONATE theatlantavoice.com/donate

B

RE AD