The Art of Starting Over
Retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Cedric King has run more than 25 marathons since losing his lower legs following an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2012. Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice
Five Points MARTA Station: A hub of transformation
Cedric King is moving forward 26.2 miles at a time
BY ISAIAH SINGLETON
As humans, we take simple things like walking for granted. Imagine one day your life changes forever and you have a choice to make: To stay down or to build yourself back brick by brick, one step at a time.
This is the story of retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Cedric King.
The Day Everything Changed…
On July 25, 2012, during his third deployment, King’s platoon conducted a reconnaissance of a possible explosives distributor in an Afghan village. As they approached the target, they fell under machine gun fire.
Once the firefight ended, King proceeded forward, only to step on a pressure plate improvised explosive device (IED). The blast lifted him from his feet. At that moment, King wondered if he would ever see his wife and two daughters again.
He awoke eight days later back in the United States to find his mother and wife at his bedside. He had sustained disfigurement on his right hand and both of his legs were amputated. He said the news of his legs being blown off didn’t feel real.
“What do you mean my legs got blown off my body a week ago? I’ve been in a coma, and now you’re telling me I’m going to live the rest of my life as a double amputee. It doesn’t even come up on your radar that’s even a possibility for your life,” he said.
Once he began recovering, he said it was like starting all over and relearning how to walk.
“You got to start all over as if you were a toddler. It’s not because you don’t have the muscle, it’s just you’re using your new equipment and I was using my old mentality with the new equipment and that doesn’t work,” he said. “I was holding onto these canes and bars taking these steps feeling like, ‘if it’s hard now, imagine how running might be.’”
Not only did he have to relearn how to walk, but he also talked about how hard it was to overcome how bad the pain was with every step.
“The gate to getting back to something isn’t a clear path, it’s you going through the pain of learning to adapt. You must accept you’re going to fall four or five times a day,” he said.
Rising from the ashes: Marathon Runner
King said he needed a team when he became a double amputee, which were his wife, two daughters, and family as a support system. The three key things to his recovery, King says, were a military mindset, his upbringing and faith, and his family.
“My family was my way of finding out who I was again,” he said.
Ironically, King's mother challenged him to run a 5K when he recovered and he took the challenge, starting a 12-year journey. While recovering, Cedric completed his college degree and, 21 months after the accident, ran his first Boston Marathon.
He began running while in the Army, but said it was because he had to, not because he wanted to. He runs now because it fulfills him.
“Back then I was doing it because I was being told to, but since I started doing marathons, it’s been because I enjoy doing it and want to push myself,” he said.
After 26 marathons, King says he loves running so much because it’s him going against a voice on the inside that says, ‘Let’s take a break’ or ‘Let’s train’, and not using excuses to not finish.
“I have every excuse not to finish, but I’m going to keep going and it
“My
makes it easier in my life. When life gets tough, I go back to those times when I was on mile 22 or 23 and had to keep going,” he said.
Additionally, King says running mainly is about mental toughness more than actual brute strength and that’s where the real battle begins. He said your legs are the most powerful part of the swimming process, but since he doesn’t have that, he must find other means to compensate.
“It’s scary sometimes because
when you’re in a triathlon, it’s like you’re in a bar fight having 100 people swimming and you getting punched or they swim over you, and it’s nothing personal,” he said. “You gotta just keep going and that’s part of the experience.”
For his training, it’s physical, but also mental as well. The way he does this is by making one small decision in the morning, which is making it to the trailhead. This turns into another decision by making sure he has everything he needs and then starting slow.
“Start easy and by doing those three simple things, it takes out all of the anxiety, frustration, and intimidation,” he said. “Normally once I do those things by the time I get to mile 10, everything is taken care of, I’m already in my groove.”
As far as nutrition, King says he ensures he takes his food gels in the next five miles. With this, King says it helps to understand life; if he can get to mile five, that means he can also get to mile six, seven, etc.
All he could think about while recovering is being able to run, even without the prosthetics, King said once he got them, he was out of there. However, he realized he needed to be held back a little so he could “stoke the fire” and become
more energized.
King said he received many opportunities and resources from Running Team Abbott and Achilles International, who provide guide runners that run alongside King, carrying his nutrition and spare parts for his prosthetics. However, what kept him pushing was before all those opportunities came about, which was that he could put one foot in front of the other.
“All I knew was I didn’t want to go back to that hospital bed and that was enough to help me push past the pain,” he said. "I hope that people will understand that to keep moving, you don't need a coach, you don't need money, you just gotta decide."
King recently ran his 26th marathon in Tokyo with a time of 6:01, and joined 115 Team Abbott runners in the marathon.
The Art of Starting Over
Since his injury, King has earned numerous medals and awards, ran 26 marathons, and climbed mountains. He and his family are enjoying the stability that the custom features in their specially adapted smart home provide.
King says he’s been sharing his story of resilience and recovery for years and says it’s important for veterans and their families to understand they are not alone.
Outside of running, King is both a motivational speaker and author.
His first book, “The Making Point”, was published in 2019 and is a chronicle from the moment he stepped on the bomb and all the listens he’s learned since. Lessons include learning how to swim without legs, lessons of walking and falling, and how it became a metaphor for living life.
“If you’re going to learn how to walk again, you have to be okay with making mistakes,” he said.
He just finished his new book two nights ago and has a working title of “Conquer You”, but nothing is set in stone yet.
“A lot of people say, I'll give God an expectation if I give God a chance, but it's got to be like this, this, this, no, give God a chance with no expectations on what the next day or two or year will be,” he said.
As far as what’s next for King, he says he plans to compete in his first 100-mile race in Georgia in July.
King, wearing his 2025 Tokyo Marathon shirt, says King says he loves running so much because it’s him going against a voice in his head that says, ‘Let’s take a break’ or ‘Let’s train’, and not using excuses to not finish. Photo
by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
family was my way of finding out who I was again,” said King of his inspiration to keep moving forward following a life-altering incident while overseas at war. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Stacey Abrams delivers passionate speech at CAU
BY LAURA NWOGU
Georgia voting rights activist
Stacey Abrams visited Clark Atlanta University on Tuesday for the second annual Black Women Public Policy in the South symposium. In a room of scholars, students, policymakers, and community leaders, Abrams discussed the importance of finding ways to drive actionable policy solutions for Black women.
Nykia Greene-Young, the domestic policy coordinator for the W.E.B. Dubois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy, was the brainchild behind the event and knew that in its second year and following former Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2024 presidential election, she wanted to bring Black women and girls together to discuss how they can continue to fight.
“We know that Black women and Black girls are the most marginalized in the community, and if we bring policy that helps Black women and girls, then we help everyone,” Greene-Young said. “When Black women enter, the whole race comes behind it. So, it's a pivotal time. While we have to take care of ourselves, we know that we have to work too because what's going on right now — we have a fight, and it's a fight for survival. And so I knew that we had to talk about it, and we had to get motivated.”
That motivation came, in part, from Stacey Abrams. Greene-Young said that when she called Abrams' office to request that she speak at the symposium, she knew Abrams would deliver a message that would resonate. In a 20-minute speech that reminded those in the audience why she was such a persuasive force in turning Georgia blue during the 2020 presidential election, she discussed the critical need for policies addressing poverty, environmental justice, affordable housing, and healthcare.
A Spelman College alumna, she recounted her experiences as a student organizer with fellow students in the AUC, leading protests and correcting media misinformation during AUC protests, which led to the creation of the Office of Youth Services by former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson.
“We live in a moment where we are told that we are not enough. That we are insufficient for this moment, and that’s not true. In this moment, we are exactly where we need to be at the exact moment we need to be here, because now is the time for our voices to be the loudest, and as Black women in particular, we are the canaries in the coal mine. There is no pathology, there is no harm that does not visit us first and stay with us longer.
“And therefore, in this moment, we cannot be quelled into silence because we think we are insufficient for the moment. That is our first responsibility.”
Abrams urged people to do what’s right in a moment of crisis and work to build a better system for their communities.
“We have the opportunity today, in this year, in this administration, to imagine more for who we are and who we want to be.”
The symposium marked the official launch of the Labor Institute for Advancing Black Strategists, the first of its kind at an HBCU in the South. Developed in partnership with Jobs With Justice, the Institute will serve as a hub for Black labor leadership, worker organizing, and economic justice strategies in the South.
The symposium was also hosted in partnership with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Working Families Party and Working Families Power, Georgia Stand Up, ACLU of Georgia, Morehouse School of Medicine Center, the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health, and SisterSong.
Georgia voting rights activist Stacey Abrams (above) visited Clark Atlanta University on Tuesday, Mar. 25. 2025 for the second annual Black Women Public Policy in the South symposium. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
“And therefore, in this moment, we cannot be quelled into silence because we think we are insufficient for the moment. That is our first responsibility,” said Abrams (center), a alumna of Spelman College. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
“Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.”— Michael Jordan
Black Civics Lesson: Hard Head Makes Soft Behind
BY ASWAD WALKER
Nearly all members of the Blackworld have heard the saying: “A hard head makes for a soft behind.”
Translation: “When you don’t listen and learn, reality will eventually whip your a$$.”
That’s what’s happening to Blackfolk (and others) right now. We’re learning political lessons the hard way. Here are three we’d do well to finally internalize.
One: Voting Matters
The late Houston city councilmember and activist Ada Edwards was fond of saying, “The world is run by those who show up.” In other words, it’s not run by the smartest or most morally decent; simply those who take the time to exercise their civic duties.
How do we know this?
Though over 90% of Black women and 80% of Black men voted against the current fascist-leaning White House administration, those numbers just reflect the Blackfolk who showed up at the polls. But when you compare our 2024 voting numbers to those during the 2020 presidential election (that went down during a whole-a$$ pandemic), Black voters declined by the millions.That meant white people who voted in record numbers… white people who have for decades always voted overwhelmingly against whatever candidate Blackfolk supported, had their way. Sadly, had we voted in numbers similar to 2020, Trump and all his anti-Black executive orders would not exist. The thousands of
folk losing their jobs, SNAP benefits, healthcare, etc., would still have it. So, yes, voting matters.
Two: Voting at the Federal Level Impacts our Local Reality Bigtime
One of the most common beliefs running through Black communities was/is the idea that voting on the federal level doesn’t matter as much as voting on the local level. This is the line used by voting advocates to convince folk who, during any given presidential election, aren’t thrilled with either candidate or who operate under the belief that both parties are the same (we’ll get to that in a second).
The logic goes as follows: voting locally matters more because local judges, city council folk, DAs, etc., have a more direct, immediate and consistent (daily) impact on your life compared to elected officials who spend their time in D.C. (specifically, the president). And it’s true that those local officials impact our daily lives.
But to think that the person who sits in the Oval Office doesn’t affect our daily lives is idiotic and wrong. Presidents own the “bully pulpit,” the apparatus to sway every level of society and decision-makers toward their way of thinking.
It’s no coincidence that hate crimes and hate speech against Black people, Latinos, Asians, Muslims and LTBGQ-folk skyrocketed during Trump’s first term in office. His anti-Black, Latino, Asian, Muslim and LGBTQ rhetoric gave people license to express the same, and to go even further by acting on their prejudices violently.
The White House occupant’s worldview and policy agenda also directly impact how state and local leaders move. We’re seeing this in real
time with local officials and businesses adopting Trump’s anti-DEI stance.
Three: Both Parties Aren’t the Same
Yes, the Democrats are weak as wet toilet paper when compared to the level of iron-fisted fight Republicans bring to issues. Yes, the Dems take their most loyal constituents (Blackfolk) for granted. But when you run down the list of issues most important to us, the Dems have fought on our side and won battles on numerous occasions.
The other party consists of members who are so anti-Black, anti-Latino that they are endorsed by the KKK, neo nazis and a gazillion other white domestic terrorist groups. They’re so anti-democracy that they’re endorsed by Putin and every autocratic fascist on the planet.
GOP members supported George Zimmerman and demonized Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice, Freddy Gray, Sandra Bland, George Floyd, etc. GOP members are against women having agency over their own bodies, with many Republicans pushing for ending women’s right to vote altogether. Every program that supports Blackfolks’ access to healthcare, educational opportunities, criminal justice system fairness, etc., the Dems are for and the Republicans are against.
Republicans voted against confirming the over-qualified Ketanji Brown Jackson as a Supreme Court Justice and voted to confirm the supremely under-qualified Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Dems are for environmental justice and protection. Republicans are for giving corporations the ability to pollute the planet.
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Black people are finding out that past political “truths” are false, and are doing us more harm than good.
Spiritually Speaking: Captain or Crew
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON The Atlanta Voice
I’ve got a question. I suppose the struggle to find salvation is a lifelong one filled with pitfalls and potholes strategically placed to damn one’s soul to hell. If this is true, how are you supposed to live once you’ve given your life to Christ? I mean, you’re not supposed to be able to earn your way into God’s presence. Jesus secured that for the faithful when He died on the cross for our sins.
Everyone knows I’m still claiming Baby Christian status, and therefore, I feel it still appropriate to ask questions mature Christians deem elementary. So, since faith without works is supposed to be bogus and simple faith alone won’t get you into the kingdom, how should you approach living your life? I’ve said this in this column because I believe that my answer to this question at this stage of my Christian development is to simply live a life that hopefully honors God, a life that by example can be seen from afar as one that emulates the Christ Jesus.“Each one should use his gifts to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace
“Each one should use his gifts to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10. It sounds simple enough, but no one ever said it would be easy. I’m finding out this the hard way. I liken it to owning a home versus renting an apartment. Regardless of what anyone tells you, people take care of something they own a lot differently than something they will return or leave to pass along to someone else. Hence, taking ownership of one’s own soul dictates a different approach to life than someone who mindlessly abdicates any responsibility for where he or she will spend eternity. Until you realize that throughout history, men of God have been persecuted and murdered, you don’t understand how dangerous it is to commit your life to mercy, love, charity, and justice.“He showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act
“YOUR VOICE”
justly, love mercy, and talk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.This walk, although rewarding, is still treacherous, fraught with perils unimaginable to the innocent eye. Who would question what God says: “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just ask God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32. Is this really living dangerously, or is it so radical a concept that we ignore, preferring a life of gossip, revenge, bitterness, and pride? So, at the risk of ridicule and criticism, a life built around a belief in God should be the goal. It should be okay to turn the other cheek, give the benefit of the doubt, and respect another’s right to be different. God’s purpose, although difficult at times,
is easily understood.“Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.
Do be careful, however, of the renters. They have a marvelous way of convincing you that taking care of your soul is unimportant. Building maintenance will come and clean it up. I’m trying to acknowledge that you’re your landlord, and it’s your responsibility to keep your house in order. Only in that way can you receive guests at any time and feel comfortable that they’ll go away, knowing that an honest attempt is being made to be truthful to the salvation of your very soul.
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.
In light of the Trump Administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, does higher education still hold the significance it did a generation ago?
Atlanta
“Is college as important today as it was back in the day? Yes, it is. The main thing is what you get your degree and what you plan on doing with that degree. Maybe that's the factor that will determine whether it's worth it or not. But yes, it is important. I can't tell people what to get one in. It's whatever you follow, your passion, and what will drive you. Some people want a degree in medicine. Some people want a law degree or a teaching degree. Those you have to have degrees for. You can't, you know, take the bar and pass, and you just can't go and start operating on people. That's what the degree states you've been trained successfully.”
JOSUÉ LASSIN
Lawrenceville
“I feel like getting a college degree is important today because if you're applying for a job and you have a college degree and the other person applying doesn't, you automatically get put in front of the line. You look at someone being smarter with more discipline and more skin in the game. So, although I don't have a college degree, I got it to where I could hire myself. I got my own semi-truck and contracts, making six figures that way. But if I could do it again, I would go to college and get a degree.”
Locust Grove
“Is a college education important? I say yes because that gives you a platform outside your high school diplomacy to decide where you want to go. Critical thinking skills are developed in college, and even if you don't feel that college is for you in a four-year fashion, it at least points you in the right direction as to where you need to go.”
Atlanta
“I believe that college is very important. It was also super important 20 years ago, 30 years ago, because, for some of us, we were the first people in our families to go to college, and we led the way. So, I saw the benefit of having that higher education. But as a mother of a soon-to-be graduate joining the Navy, unfortunately, I also see the benefits of building our skills. So, college is not for everybody at 18. I was a professor, and I stand by that. But you must help our youth find things they're passionate about and lead them in that direction. So, some education after high school was imperative. If it's college, it's college. But college can come to anybody at any age. So yes, know what you're passionate about and why you're studying.”
Compiled by Vincent Christie
JAMES HALE
TONY SHAKIR
DOROTHY VICTORIA BELL
Election Central
‘Georgia will bow to no king,’ says Ossoff during rally
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff started his rally speech with a compliment, "You look good, Atlanta," and then got down to business.
"These are serious times, Atlanta. This is not a drill. This is not a bad dream. Atlanta, are you ready to fight," he said. Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock are often seen together. The pair will forever be linked due to their barrier-breaking elections as the state's first Jewish and Black senators in the state's history. On Saturday afternoon the Ebony-and-Ivory of the United States Senate were back together again. This time Ossoff took the driver's seat to both talk up his campaign for re-election in 2026 and talk down the current Presidential administration.
"Do you all remember how it felt to fight and to win?" Ossoff asked the crowd of over 2,000 supporters assembled six rows deep in front of him.
The "Rally for Our Republic," which took place at The Eastern, a live music venue located in Reynoldstown, on Saturday, Mar. 22, addressed concerns over how Republican President of the United States Donald Trump is running the country in his second term as commander in chief. Both Ossoff and Warnock were vocal opponents of Trump during former United States Vice President Kamala Harris's run for the Oval Office.
Ossoff, who defeated former Republican Senator David Perdue in a runoff in 2020, had already begun his re-election campaign earlier this year with videos on his Facebook page, for example. But very few things can reach potential voters and supporters like a rally and that seems to be trending of late. Democratic and Republican members of Congress and the Senate have been holding town Halls across the country. Some of those town halls have resulted in viral moments between constituents and elected officials on social media platforms. That level of protest also includes boycotts of commercial brands like Target.
Ossoff asked several other questions to the crowd, including if their family's lives will improve if billionaires continue getting tax cuts.
"They are literally the elites they pretend to hate," Ossoff said of Trump, Elon Musk, and their contemporaries. "The system is rigged, but Trump is not un-rigging it, he's rigging it for himself."
"Georgia will bow to no king'," Ossoff said. Warnock, who took the stage before Ossoff, was greeted with applause. He took a moment to joke about being nervous because it felt like it was time for him to run for office again.
"It feels like a year. Folks in this room know
it's been a scary couple of months," Warnock said of the second Trump administration.
During his time on stage, Warnock spoke about the importance of re-electing Ossoff and the recent attacks on social security, Medicaid benefits, healthcare, and the loss of thousands of federal jobs.
"This isn't the change people wanted," he said. "This is painful for a lot of families. This is not a game. They are busy attacking ordinary people."
Warnock, who took several shots at Musk, told the capacity crowd that they have more power than they think they have.
"If you fight in the streets, we'll fight in the suites," he said regarding assembling to display voting power. "We must not give in to those who try to weaponize despair. When we fight, we win."
During the rally, non-political speakers also took the stage in support of Ossoff and in opposition to the Trump administration.
The list included Chris Purdy, an Iraq War veteran and Atlanta resident; Dr. Kathleen Ethier, a now-retired 25-year veteran of the CDC and Atlanta resident; and Dr. Shawna S. Moore, a maternal and reproductive health expert and professor.
Purdy, a United States Army veteran, mentioned that Trump and Elon Musk lack courage and are not serving this country.
"I don't see politics, I see betrayal. We need to elect leaders who give a damn," Purdy said.
Moore said she was at the rally to share the "real fears" she and other Black women and mothers have now that Trump is in the Oval Office. Those concerns include abortion bans and the lack of medical care for women in rural areas."
During her time on stage, Moore shared a personal story of a traumatic birthing experience when she had her son.
"We must raise our voices, Georgians, we
are strong, we can come together, and we can create a powerful path forward," Moore said.
Even though we are in March of a non-election year, voting in November 2026 came up several times during the speeches.
"November 2026 seems like a long way off, but I encourage you all to be here," Ethier said. Thank you all for the support you are showing, Senator Ossoff."
Another attendee during the rally, Faye Coffield, wore a green T-shirt that read, "Stop Waiting for Things to Happen" and held a "Rally for Our Republic" sign. Coffield, the executive director of the Evelyn Stokes Foundation and an admitted Democratic voter, was there to "hear what Ossoff's got to say."
"I've seen him before, but right now, we are in a test to see who has courage, integrity, and who can stand up for the people," she said.
Coffield said she was done with the Democratic Party but attended the rally because it is important to hear and see elected officials and future candidates in person.
"I have a mind of my own and I want to hold him accountable," Coffield said.
Debra Wilkins was waiting for her husband to bring her a folding chair when she shared why she was in attendance.
"I'm just not happy with what's going on with this current presidential administration," she said.
Spelman College alumna and politically native Delores Turner said she never thought the country would be moving backward in active Atlanta recognizing Black American contributions and accolades.
"I've seen this before. I lived this before," Turner said. "We have overcome this, and I never thought we'd be going back. We have to re-elect Senators Ossoff and Warnock."
Georgia Senators Rev. Raphael Warnock (left) and Jon Ossoff share the stage during the “Rally for Our Republic” on Saturday, Mar. 22, 2025, at The Eastern in Reynoldstown. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
The “Rally for Our Republic” took place at The Eastern in Reynolds town. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
Faye Coffield, an Atlanta resident and voter, is politically active and she wanted to attend the rally to hear what Ossoff had to say. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Malaika Cheney-Coker explores family, grief, and forgiveness in debut novel
U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams hosts town hall on Medicare cuts
BY ITORO N. UMONTUEN
Tuesday night, U.S. Representative Nikema Williams hosted a town hall at the Teamsters Union Hall at the Polar Rock neighborhood in southeast Atlanta. The town hall went as you would expect in this climent: citizens voiced their frustrations about the proposed cuts to Medicare. Attendees while sharply criticized President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They also voiced concern about the possibility of free and fair elections going forward. And of course, what can the Democrats do about all of it right now?
One of the attendees, his name was Robert, let Representative Williams know he makes too much money to qualify for Medicare.
“I’m tired, I’m very tired,” Robert explained. “My medicine costs $1,000, and my second prescription is over $300. I don’t have that type of money.” Expressing frustration with the government, he added, “I don’t trust the government anymore. And with all due respect, ‘Why should I?'”
It was at this moment, and throughout the gathering, Williams was empathetic. She provided solace while offering solutions. She instructed her office to open a case and investigate Robert’s dilemma.
“I know this is personal for you at this point,” Williams said. “I’m not going to tell you that you should trust our government with everything that is happening right now.”
U.S. Representative Nikema Williams, D-Georgia, hosts a town hall at the Teamsters Local Union 728 on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo By Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice
Currently, Georgia has PeachCare, its version of Medicaid. Half of the children in Georgia are covered under this program. On the state level, Democrats have been pounding the drum for expanded Medicaid.
“Georgia is one of the 11 states that never expanded Medicaid,” Williams said. “We have leaders in this country, leaders in the Republican Party, who refuse to expand Medicaid and now are putting even more people’s benefits on the chopping block.”
Some Democrats are failing to read the room
It’s no secret: The Democratic Party in Congress is currently experiencing a monumental crisis. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer failed to back his contemporaries in the House during budget negotiations. As a result, ten Dem-
ocrats backed President Donald Trump’s budget proposals. Additionally, the Democratic base is accusing their prominent members of consistently failing to read the room.
Currently, some Democratic House members are hosting town halls in Republican districts due to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s edict pausing such gatherings. Although Williams encourages the public to attend Saturday’s rally hosted by Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, Williams will fight to secure the funds that were appropriated to projects located in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District.
“My husband reminds me all the time that the Congress is Article One, Section One, and we have to control that power of the purse,” Williams said.
“That is what a lot of my Republican colleagues are getting upset about, because I have a chart up here with all of the community project grants that we were able to secure just for this district. Each member of Congress had the opportunity to get community project grants to fund things in our district. Not democratic members. Not independent members, Democrats, Republicans and independents, every member of Congress.”
Williams wants more citizens to get involved She repeatedly instructed the attendees to send letters, call the office in Atlanta and share their concerns and fears. She also offers methods for increased community involvement.
Williams says she’s created a youth advisory council (called “Generation Good Trouble”). She says it will create engagement opportunities for Generation Alpha and Generation Z. Williams has also created a seniors advisory council and a veterans advisory council.
“Because you will hear about things before I hear about them, because they impact you,” Williams explained. “And so we need you to sign up for these advisory councils as we’re planning what the next steps are and what the next policy is. It lets us know what letters we need to write and send to agencies, and where we need to show up. We’re hearing it from the people that are directly impacted right here in the district.”
Williams’s overall message is that community involvement happens at multiple levels – from personal conversations with neighbors to formal advisory councils. The Congresswoman emphasized that everyone has a role to play in creating change. And grassroots organizing starts with individual engagement and spreading information within the immediate communities.
As one activist bluntly said, “put your boots on the ground and your feet to the streets. Let them see who you are.”
“You have people in our government fighting for you because everybody does not feel the way that Elon Musk and Donald Trump feels,” Williams said. “I will never stop fighting on your behalf in the United States Congress.”
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
Community
Spiritually Speaking: Substance Before Style
Café Momentum serves justice-involved youth through fine dining internship program
BY LAURA NWOGU
After a series of pop-ups that began in 2024, Café Momentum, an award-winning nonprofit restaurant, is finally opening the doors of its first Atlanta location on Thursday, March 27. With a mission to transform the lives of justice-involved youth, the restaurant is tackling juvenile incarceration intervention in a new way, blending rehabilitation and development with fine dining.
What started in 2015 in Dallas by founder and CEO Chad Houser has grown into a system of support for over 1,200 justice-involved youth through its paid 12-month internship program. The goal was to build a better system of creating pathways out of incarceration through community, support and positive change for youth. In an experimental take on social change, teens aged 15-19 are exposed to opportunities to gain social, financial, and academic life skills by navigating the demands of the restaurant industry. After graduation from the program, they are placed in jobs with community partners.
Support from the Atlanta community, corporations, foundations, and volunteers such as the Stand Together Foundation led to the city being selected as the next location to advance its mission, with 25 interns currently in the program. Nyaboke Machini, director of de-
velopment, said Café Momentum wants to be part of the village to help the youth “do more and be more.”
“We want people to have delicious food while taking off the stigma of juvenile justice,” Machini said. “To come have fine dining, and you're served by a 17-year-old who's confident about what they're doing and how they're doing it? I think that's really great.”
Café Momentum goes beyond helping its interns within the restaurant, implementing wrap-around services such as group therapy, parenting classes, and house check-ups. The staff, who range from therapists, educators, and case managers to restaurant leaders, are all trained and experienced in trauma-informed practices.
Kenzo Sohoue, a Café Momentum ambassador, joined the intern program at age
19. Sohoue shared that he was incarcerated when he was chosen to participate in a popup dinner in Los Angeles. From there, he said knew he had the opportunity to build community and family.
“I couldn't just let go of that opportunity. And to trust me in the kitchen, to trust me outside of my current circumstance? I know I had way more potential.”
At 25, Sohoue is now a case manager and policy advocate for youth in L.A. As an ambassador, he has been instrumental in spreading the café’s mission in other cities as it moves to expand. Through mentorship and guidance, he has learned life skills such as cooking, networking, and building community and advised other youth who are involved in the justice system not to hold back.
“You won't know what is good for you until it's gone. And just realize that they have the opportunity to actually grow within something and not feel stagnant and feel like they're only getting the same results all the time, which I can relate to. You have no limits. You are a king or a queen,” Sohoue said. “Now that I've emancipated from my challenges and still growing, I can now be a role model and have an impact without even saying anything because I'm a walking testimony.”
Café Momentum is located at 200 Peachtree St NW Suite L02. It will be open Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
“The food sells itself. The method sells itself. Just come and eat or tell our story,” Machini said.
Café Momentum, an award-winning nonprofit restaurant, is finally opening the doors of its first Atlanta location on Thursday, March 27. Above: Staff at the new Atlanta location. Photos by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Three Tips for Metro Atlanta Business Owners in 2025
Airbnb partners with AMBSE to maximize economic benefits
BY DONNELL SUGGS
National short-term and long-term homestay company Airbnb and Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), the brand behind all of the sports and entertainment events that take place inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, announced a unique partnership on Tuesday, Mar. 18.
Airbnb and AMBSE representatives wanted to express their interest in maximizing the economic benefits of the major events coming to Atlanta, particularly this year and next. Along with the Atlanta Falcons games and Atlanta United matches that take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium week after week, some of the biggest events in the world will be in that building. That list includes Beyonce's Cowboy Carter tour, which is expected to bring thousands to the city for four dates in July, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, and the FIFA World Cup dates for summer 2026.
AMBSE CEO Nana-Yaw Asamoah believes the partnership will help share the action with everyone, including local homeowners looking to take advantage of the reach of Airbnb.
"It's a great synergy that makes a lot of sense for both of our companies," Asamoah told The Atlanta Voice after the press conference. "
Asamoah said Airbnb has made a commitment to the community and small business owners, which made the partnership even more sense to AMBSE.
"Empowering everyday people to be business owners is something we really support and believe in," Asamoah added.
Airbnb and AMBSE also debuted “Atlanta Unlocked,” which aims to educate residents about how to utilize Airbnb during the many events that will take place. The partnership also includes Showcase Atlanta, a local company that focuses on helping maximize the economic benefits of large-scale events for local small businesses and Operation HOPE.
According to AMBSE, 23% of the people who visited Mercedes-Benz Stadium for events like college football games and concerts were from outside of Atlanta and Georgia.
"This is a great opportunity with experiences that are authentic to Atlanta through Airbnb," Asamoah said.
Airbnb Director of Community Partner Programs & Engagement Janaye Ingram
spoke about how this partnership was new for Airbnb, but the company's commitment to the communities of Atlanta was nothing new.
Lance Triggs, Executive VP, Operation HOPE, Noreli Garcia Valentin, CEO, Showcase Atlanta, and Kim Addie, VP of Strategy & Impact for Kindred Futures attended the press briefing.
Addie, who accepted a $50,000 check from Airbnb during the briefing, said partnering with Airbnb was "essential" to the work Kindred Futures is doing.
"We believe in a thriving and inclusive Atlanta," Addie said.
Airbnb and AMBSE also debuted “Atlanta Unlocked”, which aims to educate local residents about how to utilize Airbnb during the many events that will take place.
(left to right) Lance Triggs, Executive VP, Operation HOPE, Noreli Garcia Valentin, CEO, Showcase Atlanta, Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs & Engagement, Airbnb, Kim Addie, VP of Strategy & Impact, Kindred Futures, and AMBSE CEO Nana-Yaw Asamoah pose for a photo following a press conference inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Airbnb Director of Community Partner Programs & Engagement Janaye Ingram (right) and Kim Addie, VP of Strategy & Impact for Kindred Futures during a check presentation, Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Arts
Southwest is getting rid of its most recognizable perk
Castleberry Hill Art Stroll Returns to Atlanta’s Historic Arts District
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
After a six-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll has returned to Atlanta's historic arts district.
"Art connects us all. It's a bridge," said Plushette Ellis, Chief Operating Officer at Walker and Peters Project and recently appointed Economic Development Business Chair for Castleberry Hill.
The popular neighborhood event, which ceased operations in 2018, has now held about five strolls since its revival in late 2024.
The Walker and Peters Project, a key participant in the revived Art Stroll, comprises three galleries strategically located near the intersection of Walker Street and Peters Street in Castleberry Hill: Nina Baldwin Gallery (309 Peters St.), Old Rabbit Gallery (309A Peters St.) and Peters Street Station (333 Peters St.).
Among the current exhibitions is "Revelations" at City of Ink, celebrating the tattoo shop and gallery's 18th anniversary. The exhibition, which opened on February 28th will run through April 9th, featuring works from over 180 artists. Founded by CEO Miya Bailey, the exhibition explores "divine guidance or inspiration, the supernatural disclosure to humans of something related to our existence or the world," according to promotional materials.
Ellis spearheaded the Art Stroll resurrection effort after approaching the Castleberry Hill executive committee in August 2024.
"I'm motivated to bring it back through my role here as Chief Operating Officer at Walker's and Peters Project, and I really take it seriously for the community," Ellis said. "To see it grow and flourish just in several months is great."
Attendees have responded enthusiastically to the event's return. Simone Cutler, a fashion designer who moved to Atlanta in 2016 to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, was among those appreciating the revival.
"I appreciate that the artists were doing something to celebrate, and I loved that it was accessible and walkable," said Cutler, whose own work focuses on showing the beauty in difference" through fashion design.
"It felt like a true community effort— something everyone contributed to—while also giving artists exposure they might not have otherwise received,” Cutler continued.
The Castleberry Hill executive committee, which Ellis describes as "governance of the Castleberry Hill" composed of residents who have lived in the district for over 20 years, voted her in as Economic Development Busi-
ness Chair in December 2024.
Ellis emphasized her mission extends beyond simply reviving a community event.
"When we say that we're in the historical art district, we have to really prove that," Ellis said. "We have so many beautiful galler-
ies that can't be sustainable because people won't invest in Castleberry."
She pointed to nearby developments, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium and upcoming World Cup events, as reasons to invest in neighborhood improvement.
For newcomers to Castleberry Hill, Ellis hopes the Art Stroll demonstrates Atlanta's longstanding support for galleries, particularly Black-owned ones.
"I'm here to change the landscape of art in Atlanta, and that is to make sure that every artist can take care of themselves, every artist is supported by a community," Ellis said. "Castleberry has been like that for over 20 years."
With the Art Stroll's successful return, Ellis sees evidence that "people are really paying attention to the landscape of Atlanta art and taking it seriously. We can't do this without community."
Art Stroll, which returned on Friday, March 14, featured multiple galleries in the Castleberry Hill area. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Inside of the Nina Baldwin Gallery, which opened on Sept. 6, 2024. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Plushette Ellis, Chief Operating Officer at Walker and Peters Project. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Issa Rae’s “Seen & Heard” premieried at South by Southwest
BY JULIA BEVERLY
“Seen
& Heard”
Readers in the Atlanta area have likely seen signage for Tyler Perry’s massive film studio in East Point, but it’s rare that a visitor is granted access to tour his replica of the White House. Unless, of course, it’s Issa Rae calling to film an HBO documentary. Her documentary “Seen and Heard” tells the importance of African-American representation in film and television through the stories of high-profile figures such as Tyler Perry.
Poignant moments include Shonda Rhimes recalling her demand for diverse casting when selecting roles for Grey’s Anatomy and Oprah describing an epiphany early in her career in which she decided not to allow negativity to gain exposure on her platform. Larry Wilmore recalls how he helped protect Issa’s vision for their hit show Insecure. Issa also highlights collaborators like Syreeta Singleton, who shares a heartbreaking loss she suffered while serving as showrunner on HBO’s Rap Shit. Genuine, intimate moments are captured with a beautiful aesthetic, making this documentary a mustsee.
Health
Other highlights of this year’s SXSW film festival:
“Remaining Native”
A SXSW Special Jury Award was given to “Remaining Native,” a documentary, which follows Ku Stevens, a 17-year-old Native American track-and-field runner. By achieving a blistering run pace of a sub-4.5 minute mile, he lands an offer to run track at his dream school, the University of Oregon. But Ku is most interested in honoring the legacy of his Paiute Indian ancestors like his grandfather, who repeatedly ran away from abuse at the Stewart Indian boarding school in rural Nevada. Director Paige Bethmann uses a trove of archival photos to help expose the horror of this shameful era in American history. Ku leads a 50-mile Remembrance Run through the Nevada desert to remember his grandfather’s journey, reflecting in a way that seems wise beyond his years.
“Shuffle”
“Shuffle,” winner of the SXSW Documentary Feature Competition, follows drug addicts through a cycle of detox, recovery, and relapse. Sadly, some don’t make it through the film alive. While director Benjamin Fla-
Stressing About Stress Is Too Stressful
BY ASWAD WALKER
Stress is one of the deadliest killers around, and it’s having a field day with Black people.
“The stress of being a Black man is killing Black men. And it is killing me,” said healthcare executive and mental health advocate Kevin Dedner, who started seriously thinking about this issue after the murder of George Floyd. “The verdict made me physically ill. I was paralyzed with sadness. Numb.”
Blackfolk lead in all the wrong ways regarding stress-related illnesses and deaths. In other words, we’re on top of nearly all the wrong lists.
An article on healthline.com, “How stress affects Black women and tips for how to manage,” by Andrea King Collier and Delores Smith-Johnson, said this: “For Black women already living with chronic health conditions, stress can worsen those conditions. And when stress is not managed well, its effects on the body increase. Black women are 50% more likely to receive a high blood pressure diagnosis than white women.”
What are some of those stresses that are triggering negative health outcomes for Black people? The stresses that come with poverty, living paycheck-to-paycheck (which is a reality for many regardless of income), micro-aggressions
at the job, health-related issues (including lack of access to healthcare), institutional racism on the macro level and the personal level, societal gaslighting (denying racist policies, intentions, outcomes, etc. and saying Black people are imagining things), etc.
And it’s not just Black adults who are stressing out. Black children are suffering from high rates of stress-related issues.
And that has produced an unacceptable reality – Black children committing suicide at rates growing faster than any other demographic. What can we do about it?
Here’s what.
Proactive Ways to Manage Stress
Make proactively managing stress a priority. This can be done by adopting routines and habits that provide a sense of calm and wellness. Here are a few things you can do.
Prioritize Sleep: Regularly getting a healthy amount of quality sleep allows your body and mind to get the rest and recovery it needs from the stresses of driving, eating, walking, studying, Air BNBing, etc. while Black.
Eat right: What we put into our bodies either helps or harms our physical, mental and
“Creede U.S.A.”
The tiny rural community of Creede, Colorado, is best known for the Creede Repertory Theatre and the colorful characters it attracts. The most interesting moments capture conservative vs. progressive debates during the local school board meetings, in which both sides make valid points.
“Arrest
the Midwife”
herty’s visual style of extreme close-ups can be disconcerting, the story it tells is disturbing and fascinating. Flaherty exposes an underground economy in Florida, where hundreds of rehab facilities pay kickbacks to unethical middlemen thriving off insurance payouts for daily urine screenings and dozens of other questionable medical treatments. In this environment, addicts are rewarded, even with cash bonuses, for relapse and subsequent detox, which effectively traps them in a self-destructive cycle for years or even decades.
Although this film focuses on the plight of Amish and Mennonite women in upstate New York, it also draws parallels to skyrocketing maternal mortality crises in the African-American community in New York City and other urban city centers. By imposing increasingly difficult educational requirements for birth attendants, New York state officials have targeted midwives who have served these isolated communities for decades. In this film, we witness the absurd and unjust prosecution of three beloved midwives with decades of experience who no longer meet the medical requirements imposed by the state. It’s encouraging to see this community come together to push for legislative action, but as of the film’s conclusion, the Midwifery bill still languishes in the New York State Senate.
Stress affects Black communities significantly. Proactive management can improve well-being and reduce harm. iStock.com/ draganna991
emotional well-being. The more junk you put in, the more junk (i.e. stress, health-related issues) you’ll get out. Things to reduce: processed foods, caffeine and sugar. All these have been found to exacerbate stress.
Exercise: Regular physical activity (walking, swimming, jogging, etc) releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-reducing impacts.
Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, positive affirmations and activities that speak to your passions (art, gardening, listening to music) can help calm your nervous system and promote relaxation.
Chill in nature: The great outdoors can have a great impact on your overall well-being. Just being in nature has been found to have a calming
effect on people, thereby reducing stress levels. Get in community: Western society, which is overly committed to individualism, regularly ignores what scientists and ancient African spiritualists have known for eons – because human beings were created for connection, we do better mentally and emotionally when we are in a supportive, uplifting community. Can you be in a community with a crew that brings you down? Yes. Does quiet, alone time have its stress-reducing benefits? Absolutely. But don’t get it twisted – every aspect of our biology, physiology, psychology, etc. is made better when we “find our people,” our tribe, our community. And stress reduction is just one of the benefits.
Limit Screen Time: It has been found that excessive screen time can contribute to stress. It’s also been found that watching (and even talking about) the non-stop videos of the Black death at the hands of police or others negatively impacts our mental and emotional well-being. Add to this, Western society’s longstanding tradition of anti-Blackness (via TV shows, movies and especially news broadcasts), and you can see why limiting screen time can be stress-reducing.
Counseling: Talking to someone, be it a friend or a professional, can offer you a path to relieve and reduce stress.
Issa Rae’s new documentary “Seen and Heard” tells the importance of African-American representation in film and television through the stories of high-profile figures.
Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
A theater experience tells unhoused stories in living rooms
Armani Exchange reopens at Lenox Square
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
On Thursday, March 20, Armani Exchange officially reopened its Lenox Square location in Atlanta, marking a new chapter for the brand with a refined aesthetic and elevated retail experience. To celebrate the occasion the store hosted a private cocktail event, bringing together influencers, fashion enthusiasts, and industry insiders.
Featuring a music lineup from DJs Ash Lauryn and DJ Dirty Live, setting the tone for the night. The newly redesigned store, located at Lenox Mall in Atlanta's Buckhead district, showcased the brand’s refreshed vision, integrating elements that embody the essence of Armani's luxury lifestyle.
As part of the brand's repositioning, Armani Exchange is infusing more of the Armani money lifestyle into its entire world. The revamped store features high-end design elements made in Milan, including custom floors and walls that inspire both new and returning clients. This fresh concept also extends to the product selection, with pieces that reflect Giorgio Armani’s style and vision.
Among the attendees was Sarai Blissett, a hairstylist and content creator who has been active in the influencer space since 2019, dedicating herself fully to it over the past two years. Blissett expressed excitement about the event, highlighting the opportunity to
The store is located at Lenox Square in Buckhead and showcases the brand’s refreshed vision, integrating elements that embody the essence of
luxury lifestyle. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
connect with fellow creatives and engage with her community in person.
"Meeting people I follow and engage with daily at events like this, especially in Atlanta, is really, really cool," Blissett shared.
A longtime fan of Armani Exchange since her high school and college years, Blissett was particularly captivated by a yellow purse she spotted in the store. "It's definitely spring”.
The event also featured Reginald Hamp -
ton, also known as DJ Dirty Live, who provided the evening’s soundtrack. Speaking about the experience, he expressed his deep connection to the brand.
"I wear it every day. I'm one of the best clients they have. I claim that myself," Hampton said. "I come here a lot. I know all of the staff. I know the VPs. We have a great time. So it's a great thing to have a grand reopening like this. It's beautiful." Describing the
energy at the event, Hampton highlighted the lively atmosphere. "Oh, man, the energy in the room is amazing. People are having a great time. They're having champagne. They're shopping, enjoying themselves, networking, and a lot of them are wearing the brand already. It’s a beautiful thing."
Jeffrey Alford, a telecommunications technician and member of the Black biking community in metro Atlanta attended the event to support DJ Dirty, whom he considers his go-to DJ.
"He's my DJ. I'm just out here supporting," Alford said, "In this climate, you have to take care of those who take care of you. And DJ Dirty, he takes care of us, so I'm here supporting him."
Alford, dressed in Armani Exchange from head to toe, shared his appreciation for the brand. "What I like about the brand is the good quality," he said.
As for the latest collections, Hanson expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming SS25 collection. "I love it. As you see in the windows, there are a lot of great colors put together. I like the black and the white exchanges. It's really, really nice, really nice."
When asked about his experience attending the re-launch Alford stated, "This is all new, and it's like, there's no script for this. And I'm loving it. I'm here on the ground level of the whole thing. We're making history right now, and I'm just glad to be a part of it."
Street Lines - 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited
The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited takes a bold leap forward in the world of small electric SUVs with its design, efficiency, and overall value. Coming in three trims— SE, SEL, and Limited—the latter is the top of the line with more tech features, the most responsive engine, longest driving range, and the most driver-assistance features.
My review model sported their signature “Mirage Green” exterior paired with a sophisticated sage green interior. Further boosting the cool factor, the Kona’s exterior also flaunts roof rails; 17-inch “Smart Aero” wheels for optimal aerodynamics; and an active grille that opens and closes to control wind drag and control the internal temperature.
Entering the car using the proximity key, the sage green interior keeps the earth-tone theme power roof gives the cabin an airier feel. The front gets a lot of attention with heated and ventilated front seats lines in H-Tex leatherette material; a heated steering wheel; and lumbar support for maximum comfort during long drives. The cockpit boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround view monitor, Apple/ Android Auto CarPlay connectivity, a wireless phone charger, and BOSE sound system. There is respectable space and features for the rear as well, including another USB port, while
the 60/40 split-folding rear seatback that reclines and handsfree smart liftgate make loading cargo virtually effortless.
Under the hood, the Kona’s powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery system, delivering Limited’s driving range of 261 miles on a full charge. The front-loading charging port is hassle-free, taking approximately 6.7 hours on a 240V outlet.
With an impressive fuel economy rating of 129 MPGe city and 103 MPGe highway, this electric SUV is both economical and eco-friendly. Additionally, the paddle shifters allow drivers to control regenerative braking, which gives efficiency and driving dynamics a boost.
Hyundai takes safety to the next level with a plethora of advanced driver-assistance applications, such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping and lane following assist; blind-spot view monitor; ear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist; and driver attention warning to name a few. Combine those mind easers with the always heralded 10-Year/100,000Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty and Hyundai’s complimentary maintenance being standard, there should be a lot more consideration to drive the Kona Limited off the lot.
With a starting price of $41K, plus the long list of advanced safety features, premium comfort, and cutting-edge technology that is user friendly, the 2024 Kona Electric Limited is a star in the electric SUV sector.
Fuel Economy MPGe: 129 city/103 highway/116 combined
Price: The 2024 Kona Electric Limited is $41,046 MSRP, and $42,630 with all the mentioned options and fees. For more information, visit Hyundaiusa.com.
Armani’s
Photos courtesy of Hyundai
APARTMENTS
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
A bowl of birria ramen at JINYA Ramen Bar. The birria ramen, which is part of the new chef’s menu, is available until May 31. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Hawks beat the Golden State Warriors 124-115
Apple TV+ 'MLS 360' host Kevin Egan talks Atlanta United/NYCFC
BY DONNELL SUGGS
Atlanta United return home on Saturday night to host NYCFC, the former club of current Atlanta manager Ronny Deila. The match comes on the heels of a 2-2 draw at Cincinnati that leaves Atlanta 1-2-2 in five games, one of the worst five-game starts in franchise history.
That said, there were several positive moments during the match that bode well for Atlanta United as the club heads into a three-match home stand at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Striker Emmanuel Latte Lath scored his fourth goal of the season and Atlanta United 2 regular midfielder Will Reilly played 90 minutes on Saturday and more than held his own during his first career start.
"MLS 360" lead host Kevin Egan took time to talk to The Atlanta Voice for a preview of the match against NYCFC. Airing on Apple TV+ and MLS Season Pass, "MLS 360" (and also the "Wrap Up" evening Sunday show) offers subscribers a look into all of the MLS matches of the weekend.
The Atlanta Voice: Will Atlanta United ever win another match?
Kevin Egan: Of course they will, Atlanta United will be a really good team this year. Right now what they are in the midst of is the figuring out process, a teething phase of a brand new coach,
with a new technical director, and a new team with new superstars.
AV: What does a match against his former club mean to Ronny Deila in his first season as Atlanta United manager or is it just another match?
KE: It means something. Ronny Deila may be the first one to say that it doesn't and it's just another match. But who can forget the incredible scenes with Ronny Deila stripping down to just his boxer shorts after [winning] MLS Cup in 2021, in Portland. They struck gold at the right time of the year and became a good solid time. They weren't a great team all year, but NYCFC found form at the right time. Ronny Deila enjoyed an incredible time in New York City, so no doubt it's a special game for him.
AV: With the amount of money the front office has spent on Miguel Almiron and Emmanuel Latte Lath this past offseason, will a loss to NYCFC at home on Sunday be time to panic?
KE: Atlanta has a $15-million-dollar attack and this team is incredibly methodical in how they go about recruiting players. So I have no doubt it will be a success this season, but it may just take a few games to figure it out.
AV: Will there be a benefit to getting a NYCFC team that is coming off of a consecutive road match? Atlanta United hasn't particularly been a
world-beater at home this season.
KE: I don't think there's any benefit to playing NYCFC right now. NYCFC has already gone on the road to Miami and picked up a point. They have gone on the road to Columbus and picked up a point. They have had a really difficult journey so far this season and this side has grown in confidence on the road, and they have become not only solid defensively, under [manager] Pascal Jansen, but also the counterattack with Alonso Martinez, Julian Fernandez, Hannes Wolf is a serious threat for Atlanta United next week.
AV: Alexey Miranchuk has been the topic of conversation in Atlanta soccer circles and unfortunately not for the best reasons. How much will Atlanta need him to start playing well in order to pick up three points against NYCFC on Saturday night or at any other repoint during the threegame homestand?
KE: I think Alexey Miranchuk is going to be the player in Major League Soccer who is going to produce a lot of receipts for a lot of folks who are criticizing him at the end of the year. He is a magician on the ball, but it just needs to work around him. So the runners need to stay out of his space and if possible, he needs to form that telepathic relationship with them. And that will happen. Alexey Miranchuk will become the creator for At-
lanta United that the team needs. He's too good of a player for it not to work here in Major League Soccer.
AV: Lastly, tell me if I'm wrong, but I believe three points on Saturday night could turn this season around. I know it's only match six of the season, but I think it can be a transformative moment. Thoughts?
KE: I tend to agree here. I do think the team could go on a run if they get a win against New York City. The fact that they haven't won since opening day is not that concerning, but it will start to creep into the group if they don't start to feel a victory again soon. When you go four games in a row without winning and you just pick up two points, that certainly starts to set in with the players more than anything.
No, listen, Atlanta United against Cincinnati were without 10 players, so bringing back key players and getting Mateusz Klich fully fit and firing for this team is going to be absolutely crucial. I do think Atlanta will be a really good team come the end of the season, but right now, four games without a win for this group with that attack isn't good enough. But I know things will change soon. A victory on Saturday night against New York City could propel this team forward onto a lovely winning run.
Clark Atlanta and Morehouse College reignite baseball rivalry
BY ELIJAH BRADLEY
The rivalry between Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University extends beyond their shared campus, the football field, and the basketball court. The rivalry is also on the baseball diamond, where each matchup between these two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) displays skill, strategy, and school pride. The latest three-game series between these two teams over the weekend was won by Clark Atlanta.
Game 1: Clark Atlanta’s Offensive Showcase
The Clark Atlanta Panthers came out swinging in the series opener, putting on an impressive offensive display. They took control early, scoring in the first inning thanks to a leadoff double by sophomore outfielder and pitcher Jason Jones, followed by an RBI single from redshirt sophomore infielder and pitcher Tucker Love. The Panthers continued to apply pressure, adding runs in the second and third innings through disciplined at-bats and aggressive baserunning.
Morehouse struggled to contain Clark’s bats, with errors in the field adding to their mistakes. However, Sophomore catcher and first base Robert Robinson gave the Maroon Tigers a spark in the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field, cutting into the deficit. Despite Morehouse’s efforts to respond, Clark Atlanta’s
pitching staff remained solid, striking out key batters to end any potential rally.
Clark Atlanta sealed the game with a dominant seventh inning, pushing across three more runs to put the game out of reach. Their balanced attack and strong bullpen performance led them to a commanding 10-4 victory to start the series strong.
Game 2: A Nail-Biting Finish
Game 2 was an instant classic, filled with back-and-forth action and momentum swings. Clark Atlanta again took an early lead, capitalizing on defensive miscues and timely hits. A two-run double by Love advanced them to a 4-0 lead in the first inning.
Morehouse quickly responded in the second, narrowing the gap to 5-3 with a two-run single by freshman outfielder Calvin Butts and a sacrifice fly from junior shortstop Elijah Pinckney. The game saw multiple lead changes, with Morehouse’s offense heating up in the middle innings. Senior third baseman Darrien Chapman’s three-run homer in the fifth inning fired up the Morehouse dugout and gave them an 8-6 lead.
Clark Atlanta refused to back down, launching a comeback in the sixth inning. A bases-loaded double from Jones cleared the bags and gave Clark Atlanta an 11-8 lead. Morehouse attempted to rally in the bottom of the seventh,
scoring two runs off a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly, but Clark’s closer shut the door with a crucial strikeout, sealing an 11-10 victory.
Game 3: Morehouse’s Explosive Comeback
Determined to avoid a sweep, Morehouse unleashed their full offensive potential in the final game. Clark Atlanta struck first with a sacrifice fly by Jones, but Morehouse quickly responded in the second inning. A deep triple by Pinckney drove in two runs, taking advantage of a misplayed ball in the outfield.
The game remained close through the early innings, with Clark briefly reclaiming the lead in the fourth after an RBI single from Love. However, Morehouse erupted in the fifth inning, scoring six runs in a two-out rally. Butts and Chapman combined for multiple RBIs, and a costly throwing error by Clark extended the inning, allowing Morehouse to pull ahead.
Morehouse continued to pile on runs in the later innings, taking full control of the game. A three-run double by Chapman in the seventh put the game out of reach as Morehouse extended their lead to 17-7. Clark Atlanta struggled to generate offense late, as Morehouse’s bullpen shut them down with efficient pitching and solid defense.
Pinckney commented after the game on what it meant to get a win against rival Clark Atlanta to avoid a sweep in the last game of the series.
“We just came out here to play, you know, play how we always play, swing the bat, throw the ball around, make our plays in the field, and just come out here and play good Morehouse baseball.”
Pinckney also mentioned how the win versus Clark will carry Morehouse forward for the rest of the season.
“Today's win gives us the momentum we need to keep pushing forward, especially as we face tougher teams in the coming weeks," Pinckney said. "Going on to the rest of the season, it’s definitely gonna get hard from here, you know, for our next few series, we have Benedict [College], and then I believe Albany State after, so we’ve got the tougher teams in the conference to take on.”
Once again, the Morehouse-Clark Atlanta baseball rivalry proved why it remains one of the most exciting matchups in HBCU sports. Each game showcased resilience, timely hitting, and strategic execution. Clark Atlanta’s early dominance and Morehouse’s response in Game 3 made for an unforgettable series.
As both teams continue their seasons, this intense matchup will fuel their drive for future success. Fans can already mark their calendars for the next chapter in this historic rivalry, as Morehouse and Clark Atlanta will surely deliver another thrilling showdown on the diamond.
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Term of Contract: One (1) Year with two (2) Renewal options. Pre-Bid Conference, will be held online electronically via a Zoom Conference on Tuesday, April 8th 2025 @ 10:00 A.M., to provide bidders with information regarding this project and to address any questions.
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