Above: Five Points MARTA station on Monday, March 17, 2025. The exterior of the station is often full of people standing and sitting around, while most of the stores within the station are closed. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
The enduring legacy and significance of the Black press
Five Points: Project 2026
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON AND DONNELL SUGGS
On a sunny and cool Monday morning outside the Five Points MARTA station, a dozen men and women congregated near the Alabama Street entrance.
A man with a white jacket and black jeans walked around trying to sell mini bottles of alcohol, while another man loudly explained his most recent court appearance while speaking on his cellular phone. Three other people sat quietly at the MARTA bus stop on the corner. Several buses pulled up to the curb and then pulled off moments later. They weren’t looking to get very far.
Five Points MARTA station, the central point for all lines north, south, east, and west, and the busiest station in the city, has been in stages of construction for years. The latest rehabilitation project (Editor’s Note: their words, not ours) has the north-south center platform closed till mid-April, according to the MARTA website.
Starting in 2022, all construction or rehabilitation, depending on how you look at it, will be finished in time for the multiple FIFA World Cup matches that will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2026, according to MARTA.
However, the rehab and construction sites won’t be finished in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in three months.
According to MARTA, there will be significant transformation to enhance transit connectivity, safety, and amenities. Starting in July, MARTA will begin deconstructing the station’s concrete canopy as the first phase of the project.
This rehabilitation project also includes a full renovation of both the east-west and north-south platform levels below the concourse level.
Service will continue throughout the project, although customers may see some areas and access points closed periodically. These impacts will be communicated to our customers through announcements, signage, and social media.
The transformation includes a new, lightfilled canopy, a centralized bus hub, and reconnecting Broad Street for pedestrians.
Others include:
• New ceiling and wall surfaces
• New LED lighting for a brighter, safer, and more energy-efficient station
• Improved platforms that are easier to maintain and longer-lasting
• New tile mosaics created by local artists
• Restoration and cleaning of the historic
Eiseman Façade, which was dismantled and rebuilt during the demolition of several downtown Victorian department stores that made way for the original Five Points station project.
• New signage to improve wayfinding and accessibility
Additional improvements will feature community spaces, public art, and urban agriculture.
The last update on the Five Point MARTA Station’s website was on July 3, 2024.
The people sitting at the bus stop, on the fencing, and leaning against the walls outside Five Points station probably don’t care or even know what the FIFA Club World Cup is. A question for many will be what will happen to them when other parts of the station’s exterior get the treatment a lot of the streets in nearby South Downtown have received and they will need to move on. The same could be asked about the next moves for the four businesses that are located within the bowels of Five Points station. Once bustling with activity, only the Paragon Salon and Suites was open during a recent reporting trip and the business couldn’t be accessed without being buzzed in. A video doorbell similar to the popular Ring systems that have become the norm,
displayed an image of whoever was ringing the bell.
What was once a large CVS location that jutted into Five Points station from off of Marietta Street is now closed. So are most of the restaurants that are above the train station.
On Tuesday, Mar. 18, a press briefing was held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a stone’s throw from Five Points station. Companies like Airbnb, Operation HOPE, Showcase Atlanta, and Kindred Futures are partnering in efforts to educate and empower local small businesses.
The focus of the briefing was the new business partnerships and economic growth initiatives surrounding the many major events scheduled to take place at the home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Besides the aforementioned global soccer events, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, and SZA will also make appearances in 2025 at the house that Arthur Blank built.
The Atlanta Voice contacted Tyrone Rollins, the former project manager for the Five Points MARTA station, for a comment. However, when reached by phone, Rollins declined to provide any input on the story. MARTA still lists Rollins as the project manager on its website, which includes his phone number and email as contact information.
Construction projects are taking place around Five Points MARTA station, including in nearby neighborhoods such as South Downtown. The FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup will be in Atlanta in summer 2025 and summer 2026. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Georgia Republicans continue to target Fulton County DA Fani Willis
Colorectal cancer: Early screening and prevention
BY CLAYTON GUTZMORE
Getting older comes with its own set of challenges. A new obstacle that is slowly growing into a problem is colorectal cancer. This issue deals with the colon or the rectum, both part of the large intestine. According to Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, Florida, more cases of colorectal cancer are coming up for people 50 and below. This matter is growing in severity to the point where medical professionals recommend people to get screened at 45. Dr. Steven Hochwald is the Chief of Surgical Oncology and leader of Mount Sinai Cancer Center. He shares the cause of this growing issue and what medical professionals in his line of work are doing in March for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
"We are increasing the awareness of the community and hosting educational events about colorectal cancer. One out of every 20 patients will get the disease and, if detected early, can be cured," said Dr. Hochwald.
Colorectal Cancer is a disease that starts within the colon or rectum. It develops small growths in the large intestine called polyps. Polyps can become cancerous over time if not removed. The procedure to remove polyps and explore the colon is called a colonoscopy. Some of the side effects of colorectal cancer are abdominal pain, bleeding from your rectum, or blood on your stool. Colorectal cancer is very preventable, but not enough people are doing early screenings when matters are small.
"It's a pity that people still die from colon cancer. There are several screening tests available that can detect it in
the early stages. Unfortunately, the number of patients being screened is not as high as it should be. At Mount Sinai, we have a really good test that can get rid of colon cancer, so fewer people need to die from this disease," said Dr. Hochwald.
The doctor discussed how a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet have been leading folks to get the disease. High-processed food lacks the proper nutrients for the body. That, combined with smoking and drinking, can lead to worse outcomes for individuals. Dr. Hochwald explains that the high-fat content in processed foods stimulates the polyps to appear earlier. The rising cases of people under 50 having polyps have pushed the recommended age to get a colonoscopy to 45.
One person's journey that is an example of taking this matter seriously is Rory Kenndy. He is a 36-year-old hus-
band and father who got colorectal cancer and is in the process of recovering from it.
"I had a small tumor inside my ascending colon near the cecum. That moment put my world upside down. I have a wife, and my son turned one that week," said Kennedy.
Kennedy is a healthy person who works out 5 days a week and has a balanced diet. There was no sign of him getting the disease. In 2022, he had abdominal pain and black tarry stools. Those issues subsided, but new ones arose in 2024. Kennedy was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He had 45 polyps inside of him, with eight being cancerous. He had surgery at Mount Sinai that removed part of his colon and small intestine. He has recovered, but the hardest part for him was the uncertainty at the beginning.
"The mind game of knowing what you have was difficult. Your mind goes into a lot of dark places in those first months of finding out that you have cancer. When they took out the tumor piece, they studied it and told me it had stage 3c, the last step before stage four cancer," said Kennedy.
Kennedy joined a Facebook group called Colon Town. It became another source of support. From there, he learned stories of people's journeys with the disease. There were sub groups within colon town that put people who were in different stages, ages and genders together. Kennedy was able to talk others who faced very similar challenges. Colon town was a big help during this taxing chapter of his life.
Dr. Hochwald and Kennedy encourages everyone to get screened for Colorectum cancer. Both of them know how devistaing this diease can be and know how much easier the situation could be if action is taken early.
HELP IS HERE
If you live in Georgia, you can still get help with recovery from Helene or Debby through housing assistance, loans, resources and more. Stay in touch and check your application for updates.
Ways FEMA Can Help
Housing: FEMA may call for more information from an unfamiliar number. Be sure to answer, as FEMA may be able to help with immediate housing, additional support and information on housing opportunities.
Home Inspection: Inspectors will make an appointment before they visit and will show your application number and their photo ID.
SBA Centers: FEMA staff is available to assist at Small Business Administration centers in Bulloch, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Lowndes, Richmond, Telfair and Toombs counties.
Statesboro Library:
124 S. Main St., Statesboro, GA 30458
Satilla Library:
200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533
Jeff Davis Rec Dept:
83 Buford Rd., Hazlehurst, GA 31539
VSU Foundation: 901 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601
Centro Cristiano Oasis VIP: 3265 Deans Bridge Rd., Augusta, GA 30906
Telfair CSC:
91 Telfair Ave., #D, McRae-Helena, GA 31055
Center for Rural Entrepreneurship:
208 E. 1st St., Vidalia, GA 30474
Keep Your Recovery On Track
Read your FEMA letter carefully. If you’ve applied for FEMA disaster assistance and were not approved, you may need to send additional documentation.
Scan the QR code or go to fema.gov/HelpIsHere and select “check your status” to upload documents, track your application, update contact information, get directions or get help.
Stay in Touch
ONLINE: fema.gov/HelpIsHere
DOWNLOAD: The FEMA App
CALL: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
fema.gov/HelpIsHere
Colorectal cancer is affecting more people under 50. Early screening and prevention are key. Learn about the causes and how to stay safe. Photo Credit: iStock
“If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.”— H.G. Wells
Why the Vision of Marcus Garvey Is Needed in the Era of Trump
BY ROGER HOUSE
Marcus Garvey ignited one of the most phenomenal social movements in modern history and was admired around the world, yet few today understand his quest to promote the economic and cultural advancement of Black people. As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are under attack, it is time for Black Americans to reconsider Garvey’s vision.
In January, former President Biden’s posthumous pardon of Garvey created a moment for the vision of the pan-African pioneer to resurface. President Trump’s efforts to dismantle inclusive policies in federal and corporate workplaces — and punish South Africa for reclaiming land stolen by white settlers — provides new urgency for applying Garvey’s cooperative strategies to the challenges of today.
Garvey came to the U.S. in 1916 during a period of reactionary politics in opposition to a growing Black urban migration. It was a time of mob lynching in the South, campaigns to deny housing and jobs in the North, and hooligan riots to eliminate Black settlements in cities across the country. President Woodrow Wilson took steps to resegregate the federal workplace and erode the Black civil service even as he called on Black men to enlist during World War I.
In the midst of despair, Garvey found a way to lift the spirits of urban folk by nurturing an affirming statement of Black pride and achievement. His organization, the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), advocated for Pan-African awareness and progress with the slogan “Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.”
UNIA was centered in Harlem, with branches across the country and overseas. By 1920, it had grown to become the largest Black organization ever developed. It was not a civil rights group seeking integration — members viewed that agenda as impractical and potentially fatal — but an omnibus syndicate for self-help in the urban community. A remnant of UNIA exists today but is no longer essential to achieving Garvey’s vision.
UNIA provided laborers, cooks, porters, messengers, and other common folk with an organization for cooperative action and the confidence of belonging to an association with a diasporic reach. Economically, Garvey’s program went beyond small community outlets and appealed to UNIA members and the Black community to collectively invest in larger ventures.
In 1920, he founded UNIA’s financial arm, the Negro Factories Corporation, to underwrite community enterprises. It was capitalized at $1 million through the sale of 200,000 shares of common stocks at $5 per share. Working-class people bought stock by combining savings, according to Juliet Walker’s book, “The History of Black Business in America.” It was a practice of cooperative enterprise that could still be effective today under conditions of organized Black communities and accountable practices.
The corporation invested in an array of companies to serve the needs of urban consumers, such as a textile factory in Harlem to make uniforms
Few today understand Marcus Garvey’s quest to promote the economic and cultural advancement of Black people. iStock.com/Peeterv
for UNIA members and dolls for Black children. It opened three grocery stores, two restaurants, a steam laundry, and a printing press for the weekly “Negro World” newspaper, which had a circulation of 200,000. UNIA owned modest clubhouses and encouraged branches to provide mutual aid to members in need, including small loans, death benefits, and employment assistance. The support was intended to counter the notion that people can only get by alone or with government assistance.
Culturally, Garvey was a master of the symbolic gesture and developed popular imagery, such as the red, black, and green Pan-African flag. He used parades and rallies to excite the imagination and attract thousands of dues-paying members. His cry of “Africa for the Africans at home and abroad” was a counter to the colonization by European powers.
He intended the “Back to Africa” strategy as a cultural and commercial act rather than a migration. In these times, it would mean a priority to learn about the continent, travel as tourists, buy imported products, and support favorable trade and immigration policies.
Established leaders dismissed Garvey’s ornate uniform and grandiose ambitions as preposterous.
What critics failed to appreciate was that he modeled the garb of the victorious 18th-century revolutionary leaders of Haiti. He adapted the military uniform of Jean Jacques Dessalines — the first leader of an independent Black republic — to create a spectacle of sovereignty. When UNIA anointed Garvey as the “Provincial President of Africa,” it was no more audacious than when the Belgium King Leopold II claimed to be the founder and owner of the Congo.
Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born in Jamaica in 1887, then still under British rule. He left Jamaica in 1910 to work on British-owned plantations and in London. According to the “Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey,” he was appalled at the abuse of Black workers, wondering, “Where is the Black man’s government? Where are his men of
big affairs? I could not find them, and I will help to make them.”
He was inspired by Booker T. Washington’s memoir “Up from Slavery,” his development of a program of industrial education at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and support of Black towns and businesses through the National Negro Business League. Garvey hoped to start a similar school in Jamaica and established UNIA as the management arm. He was invited to visit Tuskegee to learn the operation, but Washington died a few months before Garvey arrived in America.
During his visit, Garvey toured 38 states and was disenchanted with the racial conditions he saw — but found that people were receptive to appeals for collective action. He opened a UNIA chapter in Harlem as urban migration fostered a cosmopolitan community, then expanded to 30 other cities.
In 1920, he hosted an international conference that drew 25,000 members to Madison Square Garden. At the event, he issued the poignant “Declaration of Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World,” which demanded independence for Africa from European and Arab colonization and justice for Blacks of the diaspora. UNIA influenced the development of the African Orthodox Church, founded in 1921 to promote the reverence of Black deities.
UNIA’s rapid expansion exceeded its managerial expertise and aggravated financial missteps and poor business decisions. Such was the case with Garvey’s ill-fated idea to start the Black Star Steamship Line in 1922, a shipping company to carry goods to seaports in the Caribbean and travelers to Liberia, the first African republic and the adopted home of “Garveyites.” Today, Liberia remains a destination of historical importance for Black Americans and travelers can stay at a resort built by former Black Entertainment Television (BET) owner Robert Johnson.
In 1923, in a trial that supporters viewed as politically motivated, Garvey was convicted on a single charge of federal mail fraud involving a $25 contribution to the steamship line. In 1925, he was sentenced to the maximum term of five years; in 1927, President Calvin Coolidge commuted the sentence and deported him to Jamaica. As a convicted felon, he was prevented from returning to America. He died in 1940 in London at the age of 53, but his pan-African vision survived.
During an earlier period of reactionary politics in America, Garvey created a movement that enabled Black people to be proud of their cultural heritage, engage in meaningful cooperative economics, and embrace a common destiny for “Mother Africa.” As America rejects Black equality under Trump, his vision should be adapted to serve the diverse needs of the folk once again.
Roger House is professor emeritus of American studies at Emerson College and the author of “Blue Smoke: The Recorded Journey of Big Bill Broonzy” and “South End Shout: Boston’s Forgotten Music Scene in the Jazz Age.” His forthcoming book is “Five Hundred Years of Black Self-Governance: A Call to Conscience.” A version of the commentary was published in the Hill.
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Spiritually Speaking: Angels In Your Outfield
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON
The Atlanta Voice
There’s a passage in scripture that tells us to be careful how we entertain strangers because they may, in fact, be angels in disguise. I don’t know if you believe in angels, but I’ve often wondered what I would do if I had the opportunity to entertain God. What would you have done if God had come over for dinner? What would you do if you knew God was responding to your invitation to come and visit? I’ve thought about that often as it relates to prayer. After all, prayer is the official invitation for God to enter our lives and become a permanent part of our living, breathing, eternal existence. The question is, what would you do if His answer was yes? Guess who’s coming to dinner!
Serious contemplation of that convinces me that I’m not ready, but I will forever be extending the invitation to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. As with Enoch, the very thought of being able to walk with God is mind-boggling. The very thought of knowing that the invitation to be lead by the Holy Spirit has been accepted, would humble any man, or at least it should. As I pray and beseech the
The key is wanting to rather than having to
Lord to let me empty myself to those things that would stand in the way of the Holy Spirit taking hold of my life, I know if it actually happened I would be changed forever.Try to imagine a lifestyle predicated upon living for Christ.
You can understand the angst one might feel when you connect the dots of prayer, the words of faith, and the actions of life. Our actions directly link to whether or not we understand and accept what we’re praying for. Each day, I ask the Lord to allow me to do one thing that will be solely based on someone else’s ability to view me as a man of God. That may sound hollow to you, but I believe deeply that during the course of ao I come in contact with should respond to that contact with the day, someone whbelief that I’m a practicing believer. Please see Jesus in me today, somebody… anybody, stranger or angel. Many eve -
“YOUR VOICE”
ning prayers have me searching for that kind of thought, that selfless gesture that I do on that day simply because I love Jesus. Many an evening, after morning conviction, I come up wanting. It did not happen on that day. Not one thing did I do could I point to and know it wasn’t for me or because of me that I did it. It was achieved or accomplished because it was God’s will. There have been other days, of course, where there is tangible evidence of at least trying to be a blessing to someone else in either thought or deed… From witnessing to giving testimony, from helping to offering a listening ear, from taking time to giving time that you might not think you have, God was there in thought, word, and deed. That then becomes an awesome day.
The key is wanting to rather than having to. If you believe you have to do something, that becomes a some-
what whacked way of trying to keep your score. If you do that, you’ll lose every time. We know you can never do enough to earn God’s respect and get His attention, but Jesus took care of that for us. But you can become enough to earn God’s favor as Enoch did. The reward is God’s to give, not ours to expect. So the next time you pray, stop and think about what you’re praying for or why you’re praying. Then, consider your actions in relation to that prayerful moment. Hopefully, they add up to realizing that God might just take up upon your invitation. I can’t imagine the subsequent conversation, but I wish for it every single day of my life for me and you. 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.
What do the Democrats need to do to become more effective in their efforts against Trump and his Republicans?
JONES
Atlanta
“I think the main issue facing the Democrats is twofold. First, there is a lack of leadership that resonates with most Generation X and Millennial voters. The traditional approach, which emphasizes decorum and maintaining the appearance that our political system is functioning smoothly, is no longer sufficient in the face of the challenges we are up against. As a result, many voters have lost faith in how the Democrats operate. Second, the Democratic Party serves as a broad coalition, attempting to address a wide range of issues, including those affecting people of color and the LGBTQ community. In contrast, the Republican Party is more narrowly focused, primarily on nationalism. This clear and unified message makes them more effective at mobilizing support.
To address these issues, we need fresh leadership that younger voters can believe in—leaders who are articulate and not in their 70s or older. Additionally, we should streamline our agenda to focus on specific, achievable goals. This way, we can demonstrate to the public that the Democratic Party is making progress, rather than being perceived as stagnant. If we can achieve both clear leadership and a more focused agenda, I believe it will help resolve many of the problems we face.”
COREY WASHINGTON
Atlanta
“I think the Democrats need to reconstruct their strategy. We don't have a face.
We don't have an identity. Right now, it's the Democrats versus Trump, so to speak. We know who our opposition is. The Democrats are not unified. And if we're not unified, we don't have a leader. We don't know what's going on right now. We're just trying to make it from day to day. So, we need a little help identifying a leader, a younger leader, and everybody galvanizing behind them, figuring out our agenda and sticking to it. The first person that pops into my mind is Cory Booker from Jersey. After that, not really, because nobody's standing out. Everybody's just fighting each other instead of fighting for each other.”
JANAZYA THURMAND
Atlanta
“My thoughts on what Democrats should do to step up is to listen to the people in the communities that the policies are affecting. I think it's important. These are your working-class people, the people who are essentially paying taxes, sending their children to school, and running nonprofits. It's important to understand what's going on with the grassroots, essentially.”
‘DR.
X HUXTABLE’ Atlanta
“There's a few things I think Democrats could do. But first of all, I believe what can Democrats do? Maybe Democrats are not the issue about these people as a whole. It's a lot that's going on. We don't have too much of a say-so unless we say so. So if people speak up, make it more of a thing, and control our media, things that are not theirs, we might have somewhere to go. People can listen, give feedback, start a town hall meeting, or do something. But something has to start with speaking up and using our voices. Yeah.”
Compiled by Vincent Christie
XAVIER
Three Tips for Metro Atlanta Business Owners in 2025
SPONSORED BY JPMORGANCHASE
BY NICOLA O. ROBERTS
Senior Business Consultant | Chase for Business
The small business landscape is ever-changing, and Atlanta is no exception. Over the past year, businesses have faced economic challenges such as inflation and rising costs. However, according to JPMorganChase’s 2025 Business Leaders Outlook Survey, 60% of small business leaders are optimistic about the local economy. This, combined with [Atlanta]’s unique market dynamics, creates both opportunities and challenges for local business owners. Drawing from my work as a Senior Business Consultant with Chase, which allows me to work with entrepreneurs across industries, sharing three tips to help your business thrive.
Reconnecting with your Purpose
In recent conversations with entrepreneurs across industries, I’ve found that businesses with a clear sense of purpose navigate challenges effectively but also build stronger customer loyalty. Your purpose should help guide key financial decisions whether you’re sourcing new raw materials, spending funds, or investing.
For business owners, reassessing your purpose should be more than just an annual exercise – it should be viewed as a strategic necessity. Whether you’re a startup or a legacy business, revisiting your mission statement and recalibrating your offerings can reveal opportunities for growth and innovation. With 53% of businesses planning to launch new products or services in 2025, it’s essential to ensure these align with your core purpose.
Review your mission, vision, and purpose statements and don’t be hesitant to revise them, as they may have evolved from when you started your business to where you are today.
Mastering your Numbers
Oftentimes, business owners focus on driving sales or increasing clientele, but they often forget that receivable practices, invoicing on time and tracking payments can significantly impact your bottom line. Understanding your previous year’s financial performance will help provide financial clarity and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.
It’s recommended that Atlanta business owners focus on key metrics, such as profit and loss statements, cash flow and specific key performance indicators. As two thirds (67%) of midsized businesses anticipate
higher profits this year, financial planning is especially crucial. I would encourage businesses to start by tracking cash inflows and outflows. Tools like Chase’s Cash Flow Calculator can help you visualize your financial health and identify areas of improvement.
You don’t know your business if you don’t know your numbers. A business owner should be able to readily articulate their gross revenues and profitability for the current year and the previous two years, at a bare minimum. A business owner who’s in-tune with their numbers, even on a high level, is prepared for opportunities with a lender, a potential investor, or stakeholder. A lack of this basic knowledge may expose a weakness in financial systems and erode confidence in the owner’s business acumen.
Surrounding Yourself with Experts
Running a business in Atlanta requires a multidisciplinary approach. Bookkeepers, accountants, and legal advisors are not just consultants but critical partners in your growth. Each of these professionals bring a unique perspective to areas of your operations, from financial clarity to legal compliance.
Programs like Chase for Business Coaching for Impact provides entrepreneurs with access to expert guidance, helping you streamline operations, strategize your growth and navigate complex challenges such as inflation or labor shortages. According to the survey, 43% of midsize businesses plan to engage in strategic partnerships in 2025.Building a support network of trusted experts ensures you’re not leaving any stone unturned, help to set you up for long-term success.
By reconnecting with your purpose, understanding your numbers, and building a strong professional network, you'll be well-positioned to navigate challenges and embrace opportunity. Success in Atlanta’s dynamic business environment requires both a strong foundation and the agility to adapt. Chase for Business is committed to helping you achieve both.
Visit chase.com/coachingforimpact for more information and resources for personalized guidance on your business journey. The above information is for discussion purposes only. Participation in the Coaching for Impact Program is subject to availability. You should carefully consider your needs
and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s).
For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described on this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.
Deposit products provided JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.
© 2025 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Photos Submitted
Nicola O. Roberts, Senior Business Consultant at Chase for Business.
5 Reasons Why Renters Struggle to Transition to Homeownership
Side Hustles Become a Necessity for Millions as Costs Rise
BY STACY M. BROWN
Anew 2025 Side Hustle Survey from LendingTree reveals that nearly half of Americans, 44%, have a side hustle, with many relying on it as a financial lifeline rather than a discretionary income source. The findings show the financial strain many households face as wages stagnate and the cost of living rises.
Among those with a side hustle, 43% say they need the extra income to cover daily expenses, a sharp increase from previous years.
Seventy-one percent of side hustlers report earning less than $500 monthly, with nearly a quarter making less than $100 monthly.
“The median amount our side hustlers earned monthly was $400, but the average was $1,215,” Matt Schultz wrote for Lending Tree. Considering how tight many households’ budgets are, $1,215 is nothing short of a game-changing monthly amount. Men report earning more than double what women say
Nearly half of Americans have a side hustle to help cover daily expenses, with 71% earning less than $500 monthly, and most earning lower incomes due to rising inflation. iStock.com/shironsov
they earn — an average of $1,580 versus $749.
Earlier, the publication Secret DC reported that Washington, D.C., ranks among the most overworked cities in the nation, scoring 81.1 on its overwork index. The data showed that the average workweek for District residents is 39 hours, with a commute averaging 31 minutes. More than 61% of households have multiple jobs, 64% of employees work 50 or more weeks per year, and 23.4% of those 65 and older re-
main in the workforce. The report also found that 5.6% of employees have two jobs, and 3% have a side hustle.
By contrast, Las Vegas ranked as the least overworked city with a score of 18.7.
The LendingTree survey shows younger generations are more likely to take on additional work, with 60% of Gen Z respondents and 55% of millennials reporting that they have a side hustle. That compares to 39% of Gen X and 24% of baby boomers. While 18% of side hustlers earn at least $1,000 monthly, most remain in lower income brackets. The median income from side gigs has not increased meaningfully, and rising inflation continues to erode purchasing power, leaving many struggling to build financial security.
In October of last year, one social media took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his frustration with side hustle culture.
“I kinda hate the side hustle / second income culture,” social media user Mayowa wrote, garnering 62,000 likes, 16,000 reposts and more
than 300 comments. “Someone shouldn’t have to work so much just to be comfortable.”
Freelance and gig work remain an unpredictable source of income. While platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Etsy provide flexible opportunities, only 31% of side hustlers say they feel financially stable. Thirty-six percent worry that their side hustle income could disappear if demand drops, or economic conditions worsen. Nearly one-third, 32%, reported working at least 20 hours per week on their side hustle, effectively holding down a second job.
“Sure, many people have side hustling in their blood. They’re working these side gigs because they’re passionate about them, not just because of the money,” Schultz contended. “That’s not most people, though. Our survey revealed, not surprisingly, that many Americans take on side hustles to help them manage debt. They’ve cut their spending to the bone to try to free up money to put toward the debt before realizing they need to bring in more income to make a real dent in their problem.”
The Black Nose Lab is open for business
“Black Men Smile” Sees Surge in Support After Target Boycott
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
When Carlton Mackey, founder of the apparel brand Black Men Smile, decided to support a boycott against retail giant Target after the retailer announced rollbacks to its diversity initiatives, he wasn't sure what would follow.
"I don't want to be in a friends-with-benefits relationship with Target," Mackey said when declaring his stance on Target's diversity rollbacks during an interview with a local TV station.
Mackey's decision to support a boycott against the retail giant marked a pivotal moment for his apparel brand. It became a test of character that would define the next chapter of his business.
"This moment calls for definitive action," Mackey said during the interview that went viral on social media.
His stance came after Target announced it was scaling back commitments made following George Floyd's murder, including funds for Black-owned businesses, initiatives supporting Black employees' advancement, and research into enhancing the shopping experience for diverse communities.
"2024 marked our 10th anniversary," Mackey said, coinciding with their entry into Target.
The partnership had propelled Black Men Smile to new heights, with products sold in 1,900 stores nationwide and a national tour visiting Oakland, New York City, and Washington, D.C., alongside his business partner and director of narrative media, Jeremiah Griffin. When asked if his independent success has surpassed what he achieved with Target, Mackey offered a nuanced response.
"If you consider success building a community around ideals and principles that are core to your values and your brand, and having people in an unbelievable way show up and support your mission — 100%," he said. While acknowledging the financial numbers haven't quite matched Target's distribution power, he noted, "The trajectory that we're on, it can easily surpass it."
Mackey’s stance offers an alternative perspective to other Target patrons, such as Tabitha Brown, who encourage buyers to continue supporting Target as a way to uplift the brands that rely on the retailer for broader exposure.
"Tabitha Brown emphasized that boycotting could impact some of the brands involved if we boycott,” Mackey said.
Prior to the controversy, Black Men Smile had never independently released a Black History Month collection.
"After saying we weren't going to do anything else with Target, we decided that we were going to launch our own—for the first
time—Black History Month collection line independently," Mackey explained. "We don't have distribution from Target. They're rolling back their DEI. It's just us. We all we got," he added.
Mackey noted that this phrase became the name of their collection. Without a detailed marketing plan, the decision to move forward with their own designs and production unexpectedly positioned the brand for its current
wave of community support and success.
The turning point occurred during a Feb. 9 New Birth Missionary Baptist Church service.
Pastor Jamal Bryant unexpectedly spotlighted Mackey before thousands of congregants, emphasizing his previous presence in Target stores and encouraging church members to support the brand.
The congregation's response was overwhelming. Church members purchased Mack-
ey's inventory — approximately 100 T-shirts, 50 hoodies, and 40 joggers. Online orders flooded in from New Birth's global streaming audience.
"Nothing has been the same since that moment," Mackey said. "Our Instagram follower growth, our social media growth, our sales, our emails, our well-wishes — there is a before and an after New Birth."
The fallout from Target's diversity rollback has triggered significant financial consequences for the retail giant. Target's stock had fallen approximately $27.27 per share by the end of February, erasing about $12.4 billion in market value, according to BlackpressUSA. The decline coincided with a designated economic blackout day on Feb. 28 and growing calls for boycotts.
Pastor Bryant's call for a "40-Day Target Fast" highlighted the potential impact of Black consumer spending power, estimated at $12 million daily at Target alone.
For other Black-owned brands contemplating similar decisions, Mackey advised: "Make sure that whatever decision you make for your business and your brand, you are able to live with that decision and your conscience longer than the money will last."
Launched on January 21, 2024, the “Black Men Smile” clothing line featured nine new pieces at Target, including the “Black Joy Is Revolutionary” hoodie, children’s apparel, and a “Black Men Smile” logo bucket hat, which is the brand’s first-ever accessory item. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
“I don’t want to be in a friends-with-benefits relationship with Target,” Mackey said. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
MoMo Bros: Bringing a taste of New York to Atlanta’s food trucks
BY LAURA NWOGU
Bodegas and chopped cheese sandwiches are staples of many New York City neighborhoods and communities, and two AUC students are bringing a taste of those cultural icons to the streets of Atlanta with their food truck.
When Morehouse University student Ethan Drakes began selling cold-cut sandwiches out of his dorm his freshman year, it was out of necessity. Morehouse policy prohibits freshmen from having vehicles on campus, and the cafe closes at 9 p.m. on weekdays, leaving students to find alternatives when their late-night cravings hit. Back in Brooklyn, the 21-year-old’s hometown, a grumbling stomach could easily be satisfied by walking to a bodega, a small convenience store and community hub that seemingly dots every corner and operates until late at night.
“The bodega is really the lifeblood for a lot of New Yorkers. You go to the corner store about four or five times a week, even if you’re only giving them $1 a day. You go to the bodega for a lighter. You go to the bodega for Blistex. You go to the bodega for dinner and breakfast. A bodega is that comfort,” Ethan said.
Ethan aims to bring some of that NYC comfort to his fellow AUC students. What began as a hustle in the comfort of his dorm, making $150 a night, quickly transformed into a food truck business with his 19-year-old brother Aaron by his side. A Morris Brown College student, Aaron said his love of whipping up meals made it an easy decision to join his brother.
“He had the whole plan. For me, I just wanted to be a chef,” Aaron said. “I didn't know I really liked cooking until I noticed that whenever it was Mother's and Father’s Day, I would cook for my parents as a gift to show my love. I really love doing this. It just came hand in hand. I cook, he has ideas, and I just follow through for him. We just made it work, and now we’re here.”
Soon, MoMo Bros—a name that plays on the first two letters of their HBCUs—was born. Ethan said their business model was “selling New York,” and since they began in February 2024, they’ve become a registered vendor at Morehouse, serving hundreds of students. They shared that they’ve even received calls and emails from other AUC students asking the brothers to visit their campuses and that they’re working on getting registered at Morris Brown and Clark Atlanta.
“Spread love the Brooklyn way,” the famous Notorious B.I.G. lyric is displayed on the side of their truck amid a white outline sketch of the New York City skyline. Merchandise designed by Ethan, a t-shirt with the MoMos Bros logo and the same lyric-turned-motto on the back, is hanging from the serving window hatch. On a Saturday afternoon at a vendor event, customers come and go from the truck, ordering menu items curated by Aaron, such as oxtail mac and cheese, chicken over rice and churros.
But a common question they get, especially after one customer flips open their takeaway box to reveal their sandwich is, “What is that?” They’re referring to the fan-favorite chopped cheese, a combination of seasoned ground beef and onions topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a side of crispy fries drizzled with Aaron’s special “OG sauce.”
The question is a sign that their goal to bring a slice of Brooklyn to Atlanta is working.
Ethan takes orders and makes sure their merch is correctly displayed while Aaron chops up meat and veggies on the metal griddle and drops baskets of fries into the hot oil. Their father, Edwin Drakes, who’s never
too far, occasionally checks in to ensure they have everything they need. It’s an intimate dance within the confines of their truck that they make look easy. The brothers thank their ability to work together and their experience working in food service to their parents, who opened Brooklyn Beso, a Caribbean and Latin-inspired restaurant in Brooklyn in 2012.
Any questions they had about running a business, they could field to their parents, especially their mother, who constantly imbued them with words of encouragement and support, even helping them purchase the food truck.
The brothers shared that it’s hard to balance
school and the business, but they’ve learned from their mom the importance of delegating tasks. On days when they have to work an event, they usually spend eight to 12 hours vending. The night before, they’re busy prepping the food, and at the end of the event day, it’s task after task, from cleaning to closing down the truck.
“It's my business. It's more than just rent; it’s my legacy,” Ethan said. “Any advice I would give to people trying to be an entrepreneur like this is you need a support system. You need to regulate. It comes with time and practice. I'm still a kid. I'm only 21. It's not like I got everything figured out, but you know what’s important and you know it has to get done.”
That hard work is already laying down the building blocks for their legacy. Ethan and Aaron's next step is to expand their business to the West End, an area Ethan likened to Brooklyn before gentrification, with the opening of MoMo Bros Gourmet, a cafe-inspired expansion of their bodega food truck. The success of MoMo Bros has led the brothers to sign a lease on a brick-and-mortar located at 806 M.L.K. Jr Dr. S.W., with plans to open in 2026.
“In my mind, because I relate Brooklyn to the West End, I'm like, ‘Yo, we’re going to franchise. We’re going to have at least three MoMo Bros in the West End,’” Ethan said. “The whole plan was to keep it local to the AUC and, God willing, we're going to franchise. In my mind, I'm not doing anything new. I'm just coming from New York, and I'm bringing New York to Atlanta and doing it the Brooklyn way.
“It feels good. And a lot of people are starting to notice. Hopefully, this is the foundation for a lot more.”
Aaron (left) and Ethan Drake with their father in front of the MoMo Bros. food truck, March 2025. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
MoMo Bros—a name that plays on the first two letters of their HBCUs: Morris Brown College and Morehouse College. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
US Department of Education cuts nearly 50% of workforce
Clarkston Community Center celebrated International Women’s Day With Art
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
The Clarkston Community Center, a hub for cultural and artistic expression, is currently showcasing the work of an International Women’s Day exhibit, “Behind the Global Woman’s Gaze”. The exhibit, which coincides with Women’s History Month, provides a platform for female artists to share their stories and perspectives through their craft.
Gabrielle Morse is a documentary filmmaker and photographer from Atlanta. A graduate of Spelman College in 2022, Morse currently serves as the art program coordinator for Grady Hospital’s Ponce Leon Clinic, which serves people living with HIV and AIDS.
“I love anything that allows me to see different art scenes,” Morse said. “I love meeting new artists and supporting spaces that uplift women’s voices. Right now, I’m trying to get my name out there, so I’m applying to different galleries. This one stood out because of its community-centered mission and accessibility.”
Morse’s photography, which ranges from portraiture to documentary-style work, includes images taken at a unique event called Bands and Hands—a combination of fight night and heavy metal festival born in Atlanta.
“I went to support a friend who has been working on this event for years,” she explained. “It was sweaty, chaotic, and a great time—definitely a fun space to capture through photography.”
Her artistic journey was shaped by her experience at the 2022 Venice Biennale, an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice, Italy where she studied the work of sculptor and filmmaker Simone Leigh, the first Black woman to represent America in the festival’s history.
“As part of my studies at Spelman, I took a course on Simone Leigh and other artists who influenced her,” Morse shared. “That experience was incredibly formative for me. The conference ‘The Loophole of Retreat’—which is named after a formerly enslaved woman’s story of survival. My favorite photograph on display at this exhibit is of my friends recreating the logo from that conference on our last night in Venice.”
Julia Valdes, a professional artist of 10 years and a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, is displaying two pieces from her Birds of Paradise series. Originally a threepiece collection, one of the works has since been sold.
“These are colored pencil portraits with a gouache background,” Valdes explained. “The thesis behind this series really aligns with the theme of this exhibit, exploring the pressures women face to always be lively, exciting, and nurturing.”
For Valdes, participating in this exhibit during Women’s History Month carries special
meaning, particularly in today’s political and social climate.
“Women's history is history—just as Black history is history. It's American history. We should have always been dedicating space and time to these stories. In times of despair, art becomes even more important; when words fail, we turn to art to express what needs to be said. And in a time when the country seems determined to silence women's voices, it's more crucial than ever for everyday people to use whatever platform they have to be heard."
Each portrait in her Birds of Paradise features a female figure with an unyielding gaze—
either staring directly at the viewer or looking off into the distance. Valdes created these pieces during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of personal and societal turmoil.
“In times of turmoil, art is crucial,” Valdes said. “It gives us a way to process overwhelming realities and make sense of them. This exhibit is not just about art—it’s about making sure women’s experiences are seen and heard.”
One of the displayed portraits is a self-portrait, reflecting Valdes’ deeply personal connection to the project.
“I started with a random reference photo, but as I kept going, I realized how personal this
series had become,” she shared. “So, I decided to include myself in it.”
Mayor Beverly H. Burks of Clarkston also shared her thoughts on the importance of this exhibit in today’s sociopolitical climate, particularly in the wake of the historic 2025 election.
“Women are strong, resilient. They are the backbones of the family,” Burks stated. “Even through adversity, women always find a way to make it work. Celebrating International Women’s Day here at the Clarkston Community Center is a wonderful way to highlight women’s achievements and showcase how they use the arts to express their feelings and talents.”
Burks emphasized the role of art in education and community building. “Having performances and young artists showcase their work plants the seeds for them to understand how the arts enrich their lives. People forget that art connects to math, to science—it’s integral. Seeing the power that women have through their art, music, and creativity is what makes Clarkston unique.”
At a time of national division, Burks stressed the importance of celebrating differences, “When we come together from different nationalities to celebrate each other, we build a stronger community. It’s important to recognize those who make a difference—those who live boldly and creatively. In Clarkston, we understand that differences make us stronger, and investing in the arts helps unify and empower our community.”
My Loophole by Gabrielle Morse. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Gabrielle Morse in front of My Loophole. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Street Lines: 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC Sedan
BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON AKA ALE SHARPTON
If you want to go the luxury route while benefiting the environment and avoiding escalating fuel prices by going all-electric, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC sedan comes highly recommended. Combining cutting-edge technology, pampering comfort, and cloudlike feel on the road, I didn’t want to let this review car go.
Presented in nautical blue metallic, the body features curvaceous lines and an overall styling that is refined and sophisticated, without being ostentatious. The signature three-pointed star emblem crowns the clear black panel which encases the chrome grille and digital light LED headlamps. Owners will appreciate the 20-inch AMG five-spoke wheels complete with black accents, and sloping rear embracing the benefits of a hatchback for more impressive cargo space.
The EQS 450’s interior is what solidifies it as a stunner. Passengers are greeted by the supple Neva grey-sable brown leather upholstery; linden wood accents; 64 color variants of ambient lighting to set the mood; and powered panorama roof to accentuate the cabin’s airiness. The front seats are heated and ventilated, while both rows are powered. The cushiony head pillows with
contrast stitching confirm the automaker’s mission for ultimate comfort.
On the tech side, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) includes the Hyperscreen, which integrates three touchscreens—a 17.7-inch touch screen, a 12.3inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch digital screen set in front of the passenger—positioned in a single curved
glass panel delivering a cockpit feel. My demand for a theateresque listening experience is remedied by the 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system. There is a lengthy list of other amenities including wireless charging, augmented reality headup display, superior noise insulation, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration to name a few.
When going all-electric, comes efficiency and, in the 4MATIC case, power. This sedan impresses thrill seekers with 355 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. The estimated 92 MPGe combined and 367-mile driving range on a full charge will comfort the minds of drivers on long excursions. The overall charging time is approximately 12.75 hours using a 240V charger. Owners can save up to $5,000 in fuel costs over five years compared to a conventional gas-powered vehicle.
With a starting price of $107,400 and an as-tested price of $115,360, this luxury EV is a significant investment, but delivers an impressive combination of elegance, technology, and sustainability. The array of advanced driver-assistance features including Attention Assist, surround view system, and the automaker’s PRESAFE technology also need to be recognized, so be sure to visit the website for more information. Ultimately, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC stands out as a top choice in the segment for those that can afford it.
Fuel Economy MPGe: 91 city/93 highway/92 combined
Price: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC is $107,400 MSRP, and $115,360 with all the mentioned options and fees. For more information, visit Mbusa.com
Raising Cane’s expands in Atlanta area with new McDonough location
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
McDonough is ready to “Raise the bar!”Raising Cane’s opened its first Henry County Restaurant, marking its seventh restaurant in the Atlanta area.
Located at 1842 Jonesboro Road off I-75 in the Henry Town Center in McDonough, this isn’t just any restaurant, it’s a McDonough masterpiece, decked out with nods to local legends like musician Josh Kelley, pro wrestler Austin Theory, and the Atlanta Braves. Lines were wrapped around the building and cars were patiently waiting for doors to open. During the opening ribbon cutting, a team of enthusiastic crewmembers were locked and loaded, and ready to serve up Chicken Finger meals, buttery Cane’s Toast, premium crinkle-cut fries, and award-winning Cane’s Sauce to the McDonough Community. Throughout the event, you could hear the Raising Cane’s team cheering and celebrating this great moment.
Many Mcdonough residents participated
also in a variety of can’t-miss giveaways and celebrations including, a “Lucky 20” drawing to award 20 Customers (age 13 and older) free Cane’s for a Year, a commemorative hat and a free Box Combo card for the first 100 Customers who purchase a Combo, a DJ spinning hits all day, and a check presentation to the Shaquille O'Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County, supporting safe, inclusive spaces that empower young leaders to thrive.
“We’re eager to bring Raising Cane’s to McDonough and share our ONE LOVE® –craveable Chicken Finger meals, with this vibrant community,” Candace Lolcoma, Area Leader of Marketing said. “McDonough has a unique blend of small-town charm and big energy, making it the perfect place for our newest Restaurant. We can’t wait to welcome longtime fans and first-time visitors to experience our craveable Chicken Finger meals and unmatched Crew hospitality.”
The new Raising Cane's is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight with extended hours Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Photo Courtesy of Mercedes
A new Raising Cane’s chain opened in McDonough on Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025. Photo by Isaiah Sungleton/The Atlanta Voice
Education Hawks, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, and Vision to Learn provide free glasses to students
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
FOREST PARK - On Thursday, March 13, nearly 90 students at J.E. Edmonds Elementary School in Forest Park received free prescription eyeglasses and a book of their choice thanks to a partnership between the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, and Vision To Learn. The event, held in honor of National Reading Month, featured a graduation-style ceremony celebrating the young students and their new glasses.
The initiative is part of an ongoing effort to remove vision-related barriers to learning and promote literacy among elementary school students in the metro Atlanta area. Since 2017, the Hawks Foundation has collaborated with Vision To Learn to provide more than 48,000 free eye exams and over 39,000 prescription eyeglasses to students.
“We are partnering with the Atlanta Hawks and Vision To Learn to provide free eyeglasses to pre-K through fifth-grade students here,” said Marin Kraushaar, Executive Director of Georgia’s Own Foundation. “Vision To Learn" provided free eye exams to several hundred students, and those who needed glasses could choose their favorite colors. It’s been a few months in the making, but today we’re here, and I think there are a lot of happy kids inside.”
The event featured appearances by Hawks Entertainment, including mascot Harry the Hawk, the ATL Dancers, and the Flight Crew.
Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye was also in attendance, engaging with students and witnessing their excitement firsthand.
“It’s always great to help out the kids—I love them,” said Gueye. “They were amazed by my height and me being a Hawks player, but more importantly, seeing their joy when they received their glasses meant the world to me. I think vision is important, and these kids are the country's future. We have to do everything we can to help them.”
Gueye shared a message with the students as someone who wears glasses himself.
“Take advantage of it—getting new glasses is fun,” he said. “Pick different colors and just enjoy going to school.”
Ann Hollister, President of Vision To Learn, emphasized the importance of partnering with sports organizations to make an impact.
“We know that our sports partners are so important to the kids. We can tell kids to wear glasses, but if Mouhamed tells them to wear glasses, it means a lot more,” she said.
Hollister also praised the Hawks’ commitment to making the event a memorable experience.
“Nobody does events like the Hawks. They make them fun for the kids and a real celebration. It’s a really special thing to be a part of, thanks to the energy and resources they bring.”
The initiative selects a different school to participate each year, ensuring the impact reaches students across various districts. .
“We really look to the Hawks for guidance, and they’ve helped different school districts in the area,” Hollister said.
Reflecting on the students' excitement, Hollister noted the enthusiasm that Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk brings.
“Every kid loves Harry. He gets it going. It’s a special talent of mascots that I’m always in awe of.”
Hollister also stressed the long-term benefits of receiving the glasses.
“My hope is that the kids will wear their glasses and see the difference it makes in their schoolwork and life in general. And if they lose or break their glasses, we’re here to give them free replacements.”
Families are encouraged to prioritize regular vision check-ups.
“Everybody should have an annual exam. We’ll be back here at Edmonds in two years,
but we hope families will also seek out local providers for future exams.”
Vision To Learn has made the process simple for students needing replacement glasses.
“They can go to their teacher or counselor. Within a year, if they lose or break their glasses, they can reach out to us on our website. The school knows how to contact us, and we can pull up their order and send another pair.”
Nura Reeder, an art teacher at J.E. Edmonds Elementary, expressed her excitement about the event's impact on her students.
“I’m hoping that wearing their glasses will give them confidence and help them feel smarter,” she said. “Maybe just feeling smarter will encourage them to actually wear them.”
Reeder also highlighted the students’ excitement about meeting a real Hawks player.
“It gave them something to brag about— something special they can say happened to them.” She predicted an energetic atmosphere when the students returned to school. “I think they’re going to be showing off their glasses, comparing them, and just excited to share their experience.”
The collaboration between the Hawks, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, and Vision To Learn is rooted in a shared commitment to community engagement.
“This is the fourth year of this program, and it just keeps getting better,” Kraushaar said. “Empowering young students through vision and literacy is something we’re passionate about and will continue to support.”
Students received their glasses at a graduation ceremony. Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (second from left) and Hawks mascot Harry the Hawk. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Nura Reeder, art teacher at J.E. Edmonds Elementary School said, “I’m hoping that wearing their glasses will give them confidence and help them feel smarter.” Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
The glasses were delivered to J.E. Edmonds Elementary School in Forest Park via the Vision to Learn van. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Black Students Are the Future of Journalism
BY QUINTESSA WILLIAMS
For over a century, the Black press has been a force for change: Ida B. Wells investigated lynching for the Chicago Defender when no one else would, reporters at the Baltimore Afro documented the all-Black-women “Six Triple Eight” battalion during World War II, and the St. Louis American amplified protests after the killing of Michael Brown — all with a commitment to reporting stories about Black communities that white-owned media largely ignored.
“If we’re not in these newsrooms, nobody’s able to tell our stories,” says Phil Lewis, deputy editor at HuffPost. Lewis, who previously served as co-coordinator of the Urban Journalism Workshop in 2023 and 2024, remains involved in the Washington, D.C.-based program run through the Washington Association of Black Journalists, which teaches local high school students the fundamentals of reporting.
And then there are the Black journalists holding down the fort in mainstream newsrooms— often the only Black reporter or editor at their outlet, or one of a handful, doing their best to ensure an accurate coverage of Black America. However, according to a 2023 Pew Research Report, Black journalists comprise just 6% of the U.S. media workforce, and the
pipeline for the next generation of storytellers is shrinking due to limited opportunities.
“One of the most important things we can do as Black journalists isn’t just telling stories — it’s uplifting the next generation of storytellers,” he says.
Providing Access
A 2022 study from Baruch College revealed that 73% of public schools in New York City — the largest district in the nation — lack student newspapers or journalism programs. Only seven out of 100 high schools in NYC with predominantly low-income populations have a student newspaper. For young Black students, Lewis says, journalism isn’t on their radar, not because they lack interest but because they lack access.
“We work with students from ninth to 12th grade, and they’re giving up their Saturdays to learn journalism,” Lewis says. “That tells me the interest is still there — we just need to provide the right opportunities.”
The Urban Journalism Workshop, which has been running since 1986, offers students hands-on journalism training, field trips, and guest lectures from professional journalists.
“We cover everything from framing a story, pitching, editing, and even how to do things for TV,” Lewis says. “Not every student we
work with will be a journalist, and that’s OK, too. But no matter what, they will need to know how to read, write, and communicate. We’re giving them skills they’re not always getting in school, and that’s just as important.”
Their Voice Matters
While national statistics on the number of K-12 student newspapers are scarce, Larry Knight, a veteran educator and longtime advisor of The Devil’s Advocate, a student newspaper at Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, Florida, says that over the years, he’s seen too many student journalism programs disappear.
“When I first started, there were so many more schools with active student newspapers,” Knight recalls. “Over time, I watched those numbers dwindle, for some, possibly due to budget cuts and lack of school support. But it’s not that students aren’t interested — schools just aren’t prioritizing journalism anymore.”
Knight works to preserve The Devil’s Advocate by ensuring students maintain editorial control, choose their own stories, and tackle issues that matter to them.
“We have a diverse student body, and the stories we tell should reflect that,” he says. “They’ve covered the declining Black stu-
dent population at Stanton and the erasure of Black history from Florida’s curriculum. These are the stories I refuse to let them bury because their voice matters too much.”
Don’t Wait for Permission
Both Lewis and Knight agree that the survival of the Black press will require investment, access to resources, and commitment from educators, Black-led media, and communities.
However, Knight emphasizes that there are also creative ways K-12 public schools can keep student journalism alive.
“Even if a school can’t afford a print newspaper, they can launch a digital publication or partner with a local Black newsroom,” he says.
Beyond that, Lewis wants Black students to know that power isn’t dependent on permission. Storytelling has always been a form of resistance, and in an era when media is more accessible than ever, young Black journalists have the tools to shape their own narratives.
“There are more ways to tell stories now than ever before. You don’t have to wait for permission,” Lewis says. “Start a blog, write on Substack, document your community on social media. Journalism is about storytelling, and nobody can tell your story better than you.”
New Diamond Verification Device Introduced
Natural Vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Know What You’re Buying
One of the most common misconceptions in the ongoing debate between natural and non-natural diamonds is that it’s impossible to tell the difference between the two. Research shows that almost half of consumers are unaware that laboratory-grown diamonds (LGDs) can be detected from their natural counterparts. For consumers who are investing in diamonds and diamond jewelry, this means there is perhaps a lack of assurance that they are getting what they think they are paying for.
This spring, with the introduction of a new verification device, the DiamondProof, to retail stores for the first time, consumers will be able to make informed purchasing decisions and distinguish natural diamonds from non-natural diamonds, like LGDs and other diamond simulants, with a zero percent ‘false positive rate’.
Developed by De Beers Group, the DiamondProof technology is able to detect the distinct chemical compositions of natural diamonds, allowing for precise and rapid identification. Early adopters of the DiamondProof include some of the largest jewelry retailers in the U.S., and the device will also be available in a number of independent retail outlets to ensure that any diamond consumer is able to try out the
technology and gain assurance on their own jewelry, or diamonds they are planning to purchase.
The first DiamondProof prototype instrument was unveiled last June at the JCK show in Las Vegas, the premier jewelry expo for retail professionals. Many quickly jumped on board and ordered the device for their stores, noting the ability to rapidly and easily screen both loose diamonds as well as stones set in jewelry.
“Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are two fundamentally different products. Natural diamonds are rare, one-of-a-kind miracles of nature that come to us from the earth through heat, pressure and time.” notes CEO of De Beers Brands Sandrine Conseiller. “This incredible journey is what makes them the ultimate marker of life’s most profound emotional moments. Consumers should be able to have confidence in such a meaningful purchase, and DiamondProof allows retailers to offer them greater peace of mind. We are in a new era of transparency at retail, and customers deserve to know what they are buying.”
“By rapidly and reliably identifying whether a diamond is natural, DiamondProof is instrumental in enhancing consumer confidence in natural diamond
purchases. Consumers deserve clarity and having DiamondProof available in retail settings helps them make informed decisions, while appreciating the unique value and story behind each natural diamond. With decades of leadership in synthetic detection technology, we are committed to providing the level of transparency that consumers expect,” stated Sarandos Gouvelis, SVP, Pricing, Product and Technology Development at De Beers Group.
For anyone looking to evaluate and verify their own diamond jewelry, or looking for assurance in new diamond purchases, a major retailer near you will soon have a DiamondProof available.
A new device, the DiamondProof, can rapidly and reliably distinguish natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds and other diamond simulants
Karen Blanchard testing jewelry at the Bernard James Jewelry store in Brooklyn, NY. Image courtesy of Bernard James and Miller Lyle.
Sports
FIFA Club World Cup trophy visits Atlanta
Atlanta United will be shorthanded, but ready for Cincinnati on Saturday
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Adifferent-looking Atlanta United squad will travel to Cincinnati for an afternoon match (2:30 p.m. first kick) on Saturday, Mar. 22. The team will be without 10 players due to international duty, including starters Miguel Almiron, Ajani Fortune, Stan Gregersen, Saba Lobjanidze, and Alexey Miranchuk. Even reserves such as Noah Cobb and Luke Brennan won’t be available due to his responsibilities for the United States U-20 squad.
Fortune, who started one game this season, will be playing for Trinidad & Tobago in CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying. 17-year-old reserve defender Dominik Chong Qui was named to the United States Under-18 National Team and will be headed to training camp in Marbella, Spain, before playing matches against the U-18’s from Morocco and Norway.
That means key players like Emmanuel Latte Lath, Brad Guzan, Derrick Williams, and Brooks Lennon, for example, will be counted on to play major minutes in order to try to pick up points on the road.
Brooks, who played his 200th match on Sunday night, understands that this can be seen as something good and bad at the same time.
“Obviously, playing against a great Cincinnati team in Cincy, and we’re missing a lot of guys, is great but it’s also a curse,” he said. “We’re going to have to use our full roster and that’s why Garth [Lagerwey] and the front office have built such a great roster this year.”
Mateusz Klich, who participated in training this week, was listed as “questionable” before the match and did not play, should be available for Saturday’s match as well.
Last week, Atlanta United was also without striker Jamal Thiare and defender Ronald Hernandez for this match. Both were out with quad injuries.
Sunday Night Live
The official attendance for Sunday’s match against Inter Miami was 42,844. That total is the lowest of the three matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this season.
Guess Who's Back
Veteran right-back Brooks Lennon was back in the starting lineup for his first match of the season. Lennon had been at training the past couple of weeks and was cleared by the team's medical staff.
season against the New York Red Bulls.
Trophies in the House
first start of the
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 trophy
made an appearance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium last Sunday.
Former Argentina National Team star and Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo was there to greet fans alongside the trophy, which is a glimmering gold plate.
Asked why Atlanta has become such an important site for FIFA football, including multiple matches during the 2026 World Cup, Crespo, who played in Atlanta for the first time during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, said he didn't have an answer.
"Every great event is important to the fans," Crespo said. 'It's a great opportunity."
Sunday was Crespo's first time in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and he said he was impressed.
"It really surprised me, this stadium, " he said. "I'm happy to come back to Atlanta."
Leo Messi and Inter Miami CF, along with the Seattle Sounders, will be representing Major League Soccer in the 32-team tournament that includes teams from around the world and kicks off in 90 days.
Up Next:
Atlanta will close out the month of March with a home match against NYCFC on Saturday night, Mar. 29. Similar to last week against Inter Miami, there is a scheduled 7:30 p.m. first kick.
Tristan Muyumba was also back in the starting 11 for a consecutive week. Muyumba came off the bench against Charlotte a week before earning his
Miguel Almiron (left) fires a pass during the match between Atlanta United and Inter Miami CF on Sunday. Almiron will be on international duty this weekend. Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice
Atlanta United defender Brooks Lennon earned the assist on the goal from Emmanuel Latte Lath during the match against Inter Miami CF. Lennon will be available to play in Cincinnati on Saturday. Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta United
RFP for Hamilton Hills Phase II, located at 2576 MLK Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA BIDS DUE: March 20, 2025, at 2:00pm
PRE-BID MEETING will be held on site on March 11, 2025, at 12:00 pm
PLANS: Hard Copies of plans available upon request and at subcontractor’s expense from A1 BluePrint, (404) 524-8881 or a1blue.com OR for a link contact Linda at Lstache@gormanusa. com.
Contact Info: Linda Stache, Gorman & Company, Phone: 608-835-5177, Fax: 608-835-3667
CERTIFICATIONS: SBE / MBE / WBE / EBE / DBE / VBE
Please note: This is a prevailing wage rate project.
FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP
Sealed RFP Bids for 25RFP1366504A-JWT Consumer Directed Services – Fiscal Management for the Department of Senior Services, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance online through the Web Grants System via BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty on Friday, April 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM. All Bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated due date.
Bids will be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93151831789
Bid Bond: A Bid Bond is not required for this project.
Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia “County” is seeking proposals for the provision of Fiscal Management Agent services on behalf of the Department of Senior Services (DSS). The Fiscal Management Agent will administer a variety of fiscal tasks to ensure regulatory compliance and the successful operation of a Consumer Directed (Care) pilot program. Fee: N/A
General instructions, specifications and/or plans for this project can be Downloaded Free of charge at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/Georgia/fultoncounty under “Bid Opportunities”. Fee: N/A
Term of Contract: One (1) year.
Pre-Bid Conference: will be held virtually via a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, April 01, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. to provide proponent(s) with information regarding this project and to address any questions.
Join Zoom Meeting Link
https://zoom.us/j/94873467309
Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed Bids for 25ITB146749K-DB Abatement & Demolition Services for the Knights INN & Red Roof INN Hotels for the Department of Real Estate & Asset Management will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance, online via Bidnet Direct, https:// www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty. All Bids must be submitted no later than 11:00 a.m., local (Eastern) time on Wednesday, May 07, 2025.
Bids will be received and the firms name and total amount will be publicly read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via zoom. Please see ITB Solicitation for below Zoom link. https://zoom. us/meeting/register/VxX3G05JSySBPfgHEucEog Bid Bond: A 5% Bid Bond is required for this project.
Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) is seeking qualified firms to provide to provide complete demolition of all buildings and foundations; removal and dumping of all construction demolition debris for the Red Roof Inn Hotel located, at 4430 Frederick Drive SW, South Fulton, GA 30336 and Knights Inn Hotel, located at 4330 Fulton Industrial Boulevard, South Fulton, GA 30336. General instructions, specifications and/or plans for this project can be downloaded electronically free of charge at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty Fee: N/A
Term of Contract: Contractor shall commence the Work within ten calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed and shall substantially complete the Work within two hundred seventy (270) calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed and finally complete the Work within three hundred sixty-five calendar (365) days of issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
Pre-Bid Conference: will be held on Tuesday, April 15th, at 11:30 A.M., via Zoom, to provide bidder(s) with information regarding this project and to address any questions. Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1_0AMvR5RJ2ggVOH4JdHxg SITE EXAMINATIONS (MANDATORY)
There will be a MANDATORY site visit for this project. It will be held as indicated below. Bidders are required to attend and sign in. The locations, date, and time for the Mandatory Site Visits are: Wednesday, April 16th, at 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM Red Roof Inn Hotel located at 4430 Frederick Drive SW, South Fulton, GA 30336. Thursday, April 17th, at 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM Knights Inn Hotel, 4330 Fulton Industrial Boulevard, South Fulton, GA 30336.
If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Darlene A. Banks, CAPA at (404) 612-7879 or by e-mail at darlene.banks@fultoncountyga.gov Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
Anlyst 2, Ent Data Anlytcs –Comcast Cable Comm, LLC, Atlanta, GA. Contrib to teams resp for prov strat insgts & anlys to imprv cstmr & ee exp, drv prfrmnc, & redc cost; Reqs: Bach or forgn equiv in Biz Admin, Biz Mngmnt, Finance, Econ, or rltd quantv fld; 1 yr exp write cmplx SQL to query lrg data pltfrms. Apply to:
Job_Candidates@comcast.com Ref Job ID# 4136.
APARTMENTS
NEWLY RENOVATED
Near downtown Atlanta
On the busline
Close to Publix shopping plaza and restaurants
Located near Georgia State University Stadium
Equipped with stove and refrigerator
Total electric with central air
Rent includes, water, sewer & trash
No Pets
No Smoking
QUALIFICATIONS
$45 application fee (money order only)
Monthly income at least three times rental rate
Credit/Background Check required
Security deposit to be paid with first month's rent
