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25 years of Coasting, Community and Culture at Cascade

By LAURA NWOGU

Gliding across the roller rink of Cascade at least once has become a rite of passage of living in Atlanta. What was once just four acres of land on Martin Luther King Drive has now become a cultural landmark treasured by locals and tourists alike. From family birthday parties and weekly skate nights to celebrity sightings and the primary location in a cult classic, people knew that when the famous neon sign lit up across the lot, there was magic behind those doors.

For 25 years, people across different generations have made Cascade one of the most successful skating rinks in the country and a community hub center that has seen people fall, get up, spin, and fly. Founder and owner Greg Alexander credits the “serendipity of God” for this success story.

Serendipity, Skates, and Success

The middle child of 17 kids, Alexander grew up in a Caribbean household in Manhattan. When his siblings would leave the house to go to the skating rink, Alexander used that as a moment of peace to get lost in the world of different books. By 16, he’d advanced so much that he spent his last year of high school at NYU studying architectural drawing. That was the beginning of his serendipitous journey which led him from NYU to the Air Force to climbing up the job ladder at the Eastman Kodak Company and doing construction work on the side. When Kodak offered him a position as a manager, he began to evaluate what he truly wanted in life — to own his own company.

With the help of his aunt in Decatur, the discussion of Atlanta as a possible business location, and his brother’s idea to open a skating rink, the seeds of Cascade began to bloom.

In the early 90s, the metro Atlanta area had three major rinks: Sparkles in Riverdale, Golden Glide on Wesley Chapel, and All American in Stone Mountain. Alexander visited Golden Glide a few times and discovered how run-down it was. He met the owner, Joe Baker, and a few offers later, Alexander and his aunt bought Golden Glide, the land, and its contents for $800,000 on February 5, 1992.

“I remember that better than I remember the birth of some of my children. That day is forever imprinted,” Alexander said. “After we closed on that rink, we were in the car going home, and we were both quiet. And I said, ‘Auntie Mary, you okay?’ She’s like, ‘What the hell did we just do?’ And I said, ‘Auntie Mary, don’t worry, we’re gonna make it work.’”

At the time, Alexander said Golden Glide wasn’t even making $400,000 in gross sales, and with no experience in running a company and little clue of what he was doing, it seemed

Cascade founder and owner Greg Alexander (above) credits the “serendipity of God” for the success story. “I’m not a skater, but it doesn’t mean I can’t have the best rink in the world,” Alexander said.

like a huge feat. But one thing about Alexander: he was a sore loser.

“I don’t like to lose… I always had this desire to always be number one or the best at whatever I was doing.”

After renovations, more offerings such as birthday party packages, and the addition of a full kitchen, they made almost $500,000 the first year. Four years later, Golden Glide broke a million dollars in sales. Within five years, they’d surpassed the sales of Sparkles, the rink he’d envisioned as the “900-pound gorilla” they had to defeat.

That success led to building what he called the “ultimate rink.” In 2000, Cascade, a rink he designed thanks to the NYU architectural drawing class he took at 16, was born with a 15,000 square-foot maple wood skating floor, a second-floor lounge, a kitchen, and a top-ofthe-line sound and lighting system.

“I’m not a skater, but it doesn’t mean I can’t have the best rink in the world. I first wanted the best rink in Georgia. I first wanted the best rink in Decatur, then the best rink in Georgia, then the best rink in the United States, and now I got the best rink in the world, number one.”

Cascade is now Atlanta history. But for Alexander, it was never about the recognition. At one point, he’d preferred to be referenced as a manager and terminated people who revealed he was the owner due to his love of privacy. But he shared the story of a young Black skater who refused to believe Alexander could be the owner of Cascade because he was Black, which changed his entire perspective. “I was like, oh my God. I’m messing up. He’s saying, ‘I can’t do it either.’ They [his staff] convinced me to do a video to tell a little bit of history about the rink, and now that video is shown on the TV when you’re coming in the lobby, and it’s on our website.”

“When I look at what I’ve accomplished without God, I never would be where I am. Number one, He’s everything. And number

two, yes, it’s hard work, but I believe that anybody willing to do what I’ve done can achieve what I’ve achieved. So that’s nothing special. That’s my belief, and that keeps me grounded and humble because I’m really nobody. I just did some things that other people didn’t do.”

Cascade’s Imprint in Popular Culture

A roller-skating rink born from a kid who grew up in Grenada and Manhattan and had no desire to learn to skate has become an imprint in popular culture and a leader in the growth of skating culture in Atlanta. It became a hub for Atlanta’s growing hip-hop and R&B music scene and soared in popularity after parties such as Beyonce’s 21st birthday in 2002 and events hosted by Magic Johnson and P-Diddy.

But many may remember it best for its feature in Chris Robinson’s film ATL, which starred Atlanta natives T.I. and Big Boi. Alexander shared that the famous Cascade sign and the red and black colors were remnants of the film; the logo before filming was a circle, and the colors were blue, red, and grey.

“What those people did for my building has changed it forever and all the time.”

It’s not uncommon to spot Cascade in a music video or spot a celebrity like Usher casually participating in a skating session unbothered. Prominent skaters have gotten their start at Cascade, taking their talents from the rink to the stage of the Superbowl Halftime Show or the runways of fashion week.

As much as it has been a place for popular culture, it has also been a place for activism, community outreach, and fundraising. For 25 years, Cascade has cultivated talent, created memories, and has been a safe space for countless people.

Above all, Alexander said the opportunity to be a spot of sunshine in a kid’s childhood, including his own, drives his passion.

“Everything I do, whatever business I have, It’s about creating memories for kids because I don’t want any child anywhere to grow up and not have memories.”

Skating Lives on in Atlanta

The skating culture in Atlanta’s Black community has continued to grow in popularity and vibrancy, creating a lasting legacy that is embedded across different generations. What has died down in many big cities has been nurtured in the city’s rinks, and Atlanta has served as a beacon of expression and tradition. Heather King, an avid skater since childhood, moved to Atlanta from Indianapolis in 2000 because of the numerous skating rinks in the city.

She saw firsthand how Cascade built this multi-generational community of people who came together to skate, have fun, and be free. She said she would skate every day if possible, and you can regularly find her at one of Cascade’s skate nights. She’s passed down that passion to her kids and grandkid, who started learning to skate at Cascade when she was three and is now ten.

“To me and my family, skating has always been our passion. It’s just what my kids did growing up. It’s what my granddaughter does now, and it’s what I still do. I will skate until I leave here. I’ve even told my children to cremate me and put my ashes at Cascade in the back of Wednesday so I can hear the music,” King joked. “Cascade is a sanctuary, and I always say the doors of the rink are open; won’t you come and lay your burdens down? When you leave, you feel restored.”

Photo by Kerri Phox/ The Atlanta Voice

The skating culture in Atlanta’s Black community has continued to grow in popularity and vibrancy, creating a lasting legacy that is embedded across different generations. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice

Make A Run For It: Peachtree Road Race registration is now open

By DONNELL SUGGS

Atradition like no other is back again.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race takes place on Independence Day every year and has done so for the past 55 years, but the first competition starts online.

Registration for the 56th annual Peachtree Road Race (PTRR) opened yesterday, April 1, and will run through April 30. Runners, walkers, first-timers, and longtime veterans of the country’s most popular 10K have the opportunity to secure one of the 55,000 spots. There are two ways to register for the race: one will guarantee a spot, the other offers a chance to run.

Members of the Atlanta Track Club will receive guaranteed entry to the race. Registrants have the opportunity to join online to lock their spot in the race. The other option, the race lottery system is what it says it is: you never know if your number is called.

More than 48 million Americans participate in the sport of running, according to data from Statista, a digital data website.

The annual Peachtree Health & Fitness, which takes place around the race, is moving closer to the PTRR starting line at Lenox Square for the first time. From July 2 at noon to July 4 at 11 a.m., Peachtree Road from Lenox Pkwy. to Lenox Road will be closed to better create a festival/block party atmosphere for race weekend.

“We want to make it accessible to as many people as possible,” Atlanta Track Club CEO and PTRR Race Director Rich Kenah said about bringing the expo to the starting line.

There are plans to erect circus-like tents on the grounds of Lenox Square. With 6,000 parking spaces onsite, it will make picking up race bibs, for example, a lot easier than it has been in the past, especially for people unfamiliar with traveling through Downtown in a car.

“We’re trying to mimic what you see in Boston and London,”

Kenah said during an interview with The Atlanta Voice. Kenah also spoke about the updates to the race

experience, including a new postrace celebration in Piedmont Park.

“This is the world’s largest 10K,

but more importantly, this is how Atlanta celebrates the Fourth of July,” Kenah said.

Registration for the 2025 AJC Peachtree Road Race is open through April 30. There are 55,000 spots up for grabs. Photo provided by Atlanta Track Club

Black Women, It’s Time to Wake Up to Our Economic Power

By RESHONDA TATE

Shortly after the 2024 presidential election, 92% of us—Black women—said we were checking out and resting. And rightfully so. We were exhausted. We had carried elections on our backs and kept our communities afloat while holding together families, businesses and movements. We had done the work. But now, as we watch the world unravel, we must ask ourselves: Did our rest turn into retreat?

This is not to say we didn’t deserve our rest. We did, and we still do. But the forces working against us—the book bans, the attacks on DEI, the erosion of voting rights, the gutting of reproductive freedoms—haven’t taken a break. If anything, they’ve doubled down. And if we stay on the sidelines too long, we risk losing everything we fought for.

The Urgency of Now

We are watching hard-won progress roll back in real-time. Black history is being erased from classrooms. Corporations are abandoning their promises to support diversity and inclusion. Courts are stripping away our rights, and politicians are making it harder for us to vote, protest and simply exist in spaces where we belong.

Sisters, we have to get back to work—not in a way that drains us but that sustains our power

and our peace. We need a new strategy—one that lets us fight without exhaustion.

How

We Fight Without Burning Out

1. Engage Politically—On Our Terms

The fatigue is real, but we can’t afford to sit out elections, even local ones. The policies that impact our daily lives are decided in city halls and state legislatures, not just in D.C. If you’re too tired to knock on doors, support grassroots organizations doing the work. If you’re overwhelmed by politics, focus on one issue— whether it’s education, healthcare, or criminal justice—and stay informed. Vote, and encourage others to do the same.

2. Support Black Businesses and Build Economic Power

Boycotts can be powerful, but they must be strategic. Instead of just withholding our dollars, we should redirect them. Spend intentionally at Black-owned businesses. Invest in our own ventures. Demand accountability from corporations who scale back their DEI efforts. The goal is not just resistance but reinvestment in our own communities.

3. Protect Our Stories and Our Voices

Books by Black authors are being banned, and entire histories are being erased. We must fight back by amplifying our voices. Buy

banned books and donate them to libraries. Support independent Black media. Challenge school boards and policymakers who want to silence our stories.

4. Take Up Space—Loudly and Unapologetically

From corporate offices to creative industries, we must continue showing up, advocating for ourselves, and refusing to shrink in rooms where decisions are made. If we are shut out, we must build our own tables.

5. Rest, but Don’t Retreat

Rest is still essential. The difference is that we must use it as a tool, not an escape. Rest should refuel us, not disengage us. Self-care and community care go hand in hand. We don’t have to do everything, but we must do something. Find your lane, stay in it and bring others along.

The Work Continues

This is not a call to martyr ourselves. This is a call to move with strategy, wisdom,and purpose. Rest time is over, but exhaustion is not an option. We are the backbone of this country, and when we stop, everything crumbles.

So, sisters, let’s rise—together. Let’s push forward in a way that honors our worth, protects our joy, and continues our legacy of making history. Because if we don’t, who will?

FOUNDED

May 11, 1966

FOUNDER/EDITOR

Ed Clayton

Immortalis Memoria

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

J. Lowell Ware

Immortalis Memoria

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

PUBLISHER

Janis Ware

PRESIDENT/

GENERAL MANAGER

James A. Washington 2018-2024

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER

Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com

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ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION

ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR

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CONTACT INFORMATION

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Despite our frustration, Black women must continue to stay engaged, but with boundaries. Photo Credit: iStock.com/Halfpoint

Spiritually Speaking: Take The Field

BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON The Atlanta

Most of us would agree that life is truly a journey, and traveling its pathways in tributaries as a confessed Christian must be akin to scaling the Himalayas Mountains. Choosing the path that Jesus walked is not easy. Publicly professing your faith in this regard is tantamount to putting a bull’s eye on your back. That makes it easier for Satan to spot you in a crowd, on a bus, in a marriage, or on the job and then put you and your so-called faith to the test.

I’ve begrudgingly come to know that as long as you’re not doing anything to get Satan’s attention, more than likely, you won’t. If you adhere to the premise that life is a series of random events and challenges, how you live your life is insignificant in the cosmos. If there are no real consequences to your actions, then Satan is quite pleased with the prospect of seeing you dead in Hell. You’ve heard about the movie Dead Man Walking? The title seems to make my point better than I can. But the moment

Choosing the path that Jesus walked is not easy

you begin to pay attention to God, listen to Jesus, and attempt to practice the principles outlined in the bible, please understand you’ve just given the devil license to wreak havoc on your world. Just like the Lord, in many ways, Satan is playing for keeps, and most of us don’t understand that because in life, in the physical realm, playing for keeps is not a consideration. Do you remember when you were a kid, and maybe the first time you really played for keeps was in marbles, and you lost? It may have been the first time you played cards for money or bet on a sports event, and you lost. If we’re honest, that sinking feeling was enough for us to avoid playing for keeps in life as adults. In love? Ain’t happening! You see, the devil only knows one way to play and has only one reason for

“YOUR VOICE”

playing. He wants your very soul and will destroy you and anybody who looks like you to win his Super Bowl. That’s what makes God’s mercy so incredible: you can always expect to play the game again despite what you or I think is a lost cause. In God’s game, it’s never over until the last, and I do mean the last breath is out of you. Until then, He is waiting on who got next. God is the originator of this game. He knows its rules inside and out, and He wants each and every one of us to become so proficient at playing that he has made the playbook accessible to everyone simply for the asking. Somewhere in the playbook, most of us have missed a very important point: you can’t foul out of this game as long as you’re playing. You win as long as you’re moving through, playing with an eye on

Christ, an ear to the Word, and a heart stuck on others. As long as the devil convinces you this game is no fun, has no winners, and you can’t spend the winning prize, then he’s likely to achieve his goal of you simply deciding not to play. Not playing God’s game is playing Satan’s. Playing Satan’sgame is like expecting to win in Vegas. Never bet against the House. You might win a hand or two, a roll or two. But in the long run, you’ll get on a plane to Hell and wonder where the good times went. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather dance with the one that ‘brung’ me.

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.

How well do you think Trump’s tariffs are working so far?

SIMON ROBINSON East Point

“How I feel about the tariffs is that they are a tax and that the public, the people that live in this country and in the other country that are living with the tariffs are going to pay the tax. Right now it’s kind of up and down, on again, off again with pricing of goods. and our leader of this country indicated that he was going to lower prices and lower taxes, but right now, that’s not happening. And right now I don’t think that it will within the next year to year and a half. That’s just how I feel about it right now. But we just have to wait and see.”

“I will say that I’ve tried to keep my head out of the news for the past couple of weeks, making sure to not be too into the details. So I’ll say I’m not too educated on what exactly is going on right now. But I have heard a lot, and I do know that these tariffs are just making everything more expensive. Making it more expensive to run a business, to run a household, to have children. I myself am Indian, and I eat a lot of rice. And so do a lot of Asians. And I heard that that’s going to be more expensive. It was just the eggs at first, and now it’s everything else from outside of the states. That sucks; that feels isolating. You know, it just feels like the start of... somebody trying to take over. But I sure hope it’s just the four years.”

“I feel like as consumers, we’re experiencing a lot of delays, especially coming from China or other countries on goods and things that we usually would receive. In three days, I am seeing that now I receive in like 14 days. I’ve also known that China has made comments and remarks that they will no longer be exporting or importing, I guess trading with us in general. So I feel that the tariffs in general are just not really the best way to go, especially with our economy. Right now, everything is going up, up, up because the supply and demand ratio isn’t really being able to be met as it was before with the tariffs on everything.”

“Honestly, I don’t know right now how they’re doing because I don’ know what he’s put tariffs on. But obviously with tariffs, the price of things is gonna go up or some things are gonna become obsolete since we’re not gonna get them in general. In general, I think tariffs do work. Again, if you restrict a product that the United States wants or needs and it’s coming from another country, then you’re not going to get that part or that part is going to become obsolete. So somebody else is going have to step up in the United States or another country to make whatever it is that we need.”

Voice

POOJA GADÉ Dunwoody

KANIA SMITH Decatur

JUSTIN HOWARD Atlanta

Compiled by Vincent Christie

Health

HHS Staff Cuts Mean Uneasy Breathing in Black Communities

By JENNIFER PORTER GORE Word In Black

Sweeping staff cuts announced last week at the federal Department of Health and Human Services has respiratory-health organizations sounding the alarm, warning of fewer resources to treat asthma, fight Big Tobacco and help smokers quit — health issues that disproportionately affect the Black community.

The cuts, part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s pledge to slash 10,000 employees from the department’s full-time workforce, will gut government programs that address asthma rates, smoking and health, global tuberculosis rates and control of tobacco products.They also threaten to undo the decades-long work of reducing smoking rates and helping clean the air for asthma sufferers.

Experts say they expect to see a rise in preventable lung-related illnesses, from asthma and allergy sufferers incapacitated by poor air quality to a growing number of smokers fighting related illnesses like heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and lung cancer.

State

Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said the day those staff reductions happened was “a good day for Big Tobacco and a bad day for anyone with lungs.” Kennedy and the Trump administration he said, “have completely eliminated lifesaving programs” that are “critical to the health of the children and adults across the nation.”

That includes the CDC’s National Asthma Control Program, its Office of Smoking and Health and its Global Tuberculosis Program as well as large parts of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, he said.

Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, an advocacy nonprofit, said the White House has given the tobacco industry a green light to target young people.

“While the U.S. has made enormous progress, tobacco use still kills nearly half a million Americans and costs the nation $241 billion in health care expenses each year,” the organization said in a statement. “Tobacco companies never let up in finding new ways to addict kids and keep current customers hooked.”

Since the 1990s, efforts to limit tobacco advertising and engage in more research about the effects of

Staff Cuts at Health and Human Services threaten anti-smoking and asthma programs that benefit Black Americans. Photo credit: iStock.com/SeventyFour

tobacco use have helped decrease smoking rates. Fewer people are dying from tobacco-related lung cancer, and the federal government also funded programs that helped smokers quit.

Nevertheless, the layoffs gutted the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products, which handles restrictions on tobacco marketing. That includes the center’s director, Brian King, who was placed on leave.

The CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, which led the investigation into a deadly wave of lung injuries linked to contaminated vaping devices in 2019, was slashed.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which supports allergy and asthma sufferers, said in a statement that the reductions

in force “threaten essential services for millions of people with asthma and allergies, worsening health outcomes and limiting efforts to address environmental and occupational health risks.”

Nearly 28 million Americans have asthma and about 10 people still die every day from the disease, according to the AAFA.

Black Americans are five times more likely to visit emergency rooms for asthma and three times more likely to die from it, according to AAFA. This is due to pollen, a major asthma trigger, becoming more potent and widespread from longer growing seasons and rising temperatures, which are disproportionately affecting communities in urban and underserved areas.

The CDC’s National Asthma Control Program works with state health departments to create community-based care models. The NACP has helped reduce the number of deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits by roughly 45% between 1999 and 2018. The program also has cut the annual cost of treating asthma is $82 billion, but for every $1 spent, the program saves an average of $71 dollars.

“Eliminating the staff responsible

for this program will leave state and local health departments without adequate support to address asthma,” AAFA said.

The CDC’s Climate and Health Program was zeroed out. This initiative helped state and local health departments prepare for climate-related health threats such as extreme weather and heat, worsening air quality, and increased pollen levels.

All of these factors can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. The program also helped identify associated health risks, as well as the most vulnerable populations in local communities.

A 2023 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that communities of color are more likely to live in areas with high allergen exposure but have less access to healthcare, allergy specialists, and environmental protections. Structural racism, including redlining and underinvestment in urban green spaces, contributes to these disparities.

Experts urge for targeted interventions, including improved air quality monitoring in marginalized neighborhoods, equitable access to allergy treatments, and climate resilience planning.

2025 Georgia Legislative Session Wrap-Up

By ITORO N. UMONTUEN

The Gold Dome Report is a compilation of key issues and moments that take place inside the Georgia State Capitol. As the curtain comes down on the 2025 Legislative Session, Republicans are pushed to accomplish Governor Brian Kemp’s agenda. Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats were playing defense as they desire to keep bad bills from becoming law. Here’s a review on key legislation that passed or was punted toward 2026.

House fails to take up Anti-DEI legislation

House Bill 127 originally was a bill designed to address teachers’ sick leave. Senate Republicans amended the legislation and made it an anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bill. While the debate took place during the 11th hour on Day 39, Democrats argued the bill reverses civil rights gains. Senate Democrats attached 20 amendments, each aimed to address slavery’s role in the Civil War and other historical facts. For example, one of the amendments sought to acknowledge the idea the Confederate States of America was a rebellion set of states.

“This caucus was prepared to fight for the next five, six hours, whatever it was going to take to either defeat this bill or make it better,”

said Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II.

“We were going to make sure that took place. We’re not going to be afraid of that fight. We were ready, and yet that was taken from us.”

The Republicans refused to debate each amendment and ultimately passed the bill. When the legislation reached the House, it failed to receive final debate.

Previously, the Senate tried to pass an anti-DEI bill before Crossover Day. But, Georgia Republicans, with a 33-23 majority in the Senate, did not debate the measure.

Religious Freedom Bill Passes

On Day 39, Senate Bill 36 also known as the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA),

was vigorously debated. The bill was signed by every Republican in the Senate. The GOP argued that the bill would protect religious liberty by requiring the government to use the least restrictive means to burden religious practices.

Democrats argued it could enable discrimination. They cited examples from other states where similar laws led to economic losses and increased discrimination against marginalized communities. The bill passed despite concerns about its potential to undermine anti-discrimination protections and its compatibility with existing civil rights laws.

Cell Phones could be banned in public schools

House Bill 340 is titled the “Distraction-Free Education Act.” According to the bill, the following electronic devices would be banned for students in grades K-8: smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and headphones. Exceptions are made for students with disabilities or a medical need would be allowed to access their devices.

Even though the bill overwhelmingly passed, there is trepidation for parents who have already given phones to their children. Also, in light of the school shooting at Apalachee High School, the lines of communication are extremely important.

“It terrified me,” said Georgia State Rep. Imani Barnes, a Democrat from Tucker. “He sent the information firsthand, quickly, from his phone. I don’t want him on his phone while he’s in class, but what are your suggestions in those situations?”

The bill is on Governor Kemp’s desk. If it becomes law, Individual school districts have until January to draft policies and procedures for locking up kids’ phones.

Sine Die is a Star-Studded Affair

The final day of the legislative session fell on April 4th, which is known as ‘404 Day.’ The event celebrated the 404 Day initiative, which has raised over $200,000 in scholarships and supported financial literacy. Everyone in attendance highlighted the need for continued community collaboration and advocacy for justice and progress. The gathering also honored the founders of 404 Day and their impact on Atlanta’s identity and future.

Alegbra Blessett, Killer Mike, Ray Murray of Organized Noize, producer Mr. Hanky, Tiwa Williams of the Atlanta Greek Picnic, Brandon Butler of Butter.ATL, Bem Joiner of Atlanta Influences Everything, and Jose Guapo were among the honorees.

A general view of the Georgia State Capitol from Liberty Plaza on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

Ossoff campaign raises $11M in first quarter

By DONNELL SUGGS

Bolstered by huge turnouts at campaign rallies and support from Georgia voters, United States Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) has also seen similar financial support.

The Ossoff campaign recently reported $11 Million in campaign donations during the first quarter of 2025. According to a release from the campaign, Ossoff’s campaign received donations from 156 of the state’s 159 counties.

The average donation was as small as $32, which can be seen as a sign that small-dollar donors, the everyday voter in Georgia, are engaged in the upcoming Senate race. Election Day for the Senate seat is on November 3, 2026.

The $11M is the highest ever raised for an incumbent Senator for the first quarter of a non-election year. A popular politician, Ossoff’s overall likeability throughout Georgia will be tested if politicians like United States Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) intend to challenge him for his Senate seat next year.

Ossoff defeated former Republican Senator David Perdue in a runoff in 2020.

Last month, the “Rally for Our Republic” took place at The Eastern, a live music venue in Reynoldstown, on Saturday, Mar. 22. During the rally, Ossoff 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.

The strong quarter of campaign donations comes on the heels of Democratic and Republican members of Congress and the Senate holding town halls across the country. Some town halls have resulted in viral moments between constituents and elected officials on social media platforms.

In a statement from the campaign, Ossof said of the financial support, “I’m grateful to the hundreds of thousands of record-shattering supporters who have already joined what will be the biggest and most relentless turnout effort in Georgia history.”

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 Coffee, Jeff Davis, Lowndes, Richmond, Screven, Telfair and Toombs counties.

Center for Rural Entrepreneurship:

208 E. 1st St., Vidalia, GA 30474

Jeff Davis Rec Dept: 83 Buford Rd., Hazlehurst, GA 31539

McDuffie Woods CC: 3431 Old McDuffie Rd., Augusta, GA 30906

Satilla Library:

200 S. Madison Ave., Douglas, GA 31533

Screven County Library: 106 South Community Dr., Sylvania, GA 30467

Telfair CSC:

91 Telfair Ave., #D, McRae-Helena, GA 31055

VSU Foundation: 901 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601

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.

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Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff (above) has received strong financial support during the first quarter of 2025. The $11M is the most by an incumbent Senator in a first quarter of a non-election year.

Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice

Black Scientists Launch HIV Prevention Research Agenda

By ISAIAH

Over a year ago, the first-ever national, Black-focused HIV Prevention Research Agenda was created.

This included strategies to identify Black researchers, research networks, and federal entities for engagement with creating equitable PrEP access for the Black community through HIV participation in HIV prevention research.

Advancing the Movement: HIV Prevention Research for Black Communities

In recognition of National Minority Health Month, this first-ever team comprised of 100 Black researchers, scientists, and stakeholders from across America joined PrEP in Black America (PIBA) and officially launched the findings of the National Black HIV Prevention Research Agenda at a researcher-focused, invite-only convening at Ebenezer Baptist Church that precedes the 2025 Biomedical HIV Prevention Summit.

“Advancing the movement” is more than a report, it’s a call to action, a cultural archive, and a love letter to Black communities across the nation, according to the Black Public Health Academy BPHA)

“This report is birthed from the belief that centering Black culture is not optional, but essential. At this moment in history, when new HIV diagnoses continue to disproportionately impact our people, we need a research agenda that does not just include us, but is led by us, focused on us, and centered in our cultural truths,” according to the excerpt in the publication by BPHA.

Through various nationwide engagement efforts that included Black researchers, faith leaders, healthcare providers, advocates,

people living with HIV, people on PrEP, and more, the Black P.O.W.E.R. (Pipeline, Ongoing Funding, Widespread Education, Empowerment, and Reform) Framework was created.

Actions for researchers and institutions include reform grants, foster authentic partnerships, invest in Black talent, and advocate for system change. Actions for black communities include claiming your power, having peer-led platforms, nurture new leadership, and demand accountability.

CEO of Black Public Health Academy Leisha McKinley-Beach says the unveiling of the Black HIV research agenda is looking at what their collective strategies are and creating a blueprint to get to the end of new HIV diagnosis in Black communities across the country.

“We’re really excited to finally be able to bring this report to fruition and talk about what implantation looks like across the United States,” she said.

She also said the significance of the agenda is they’re looking at similar strategies to maximize impact in the work and efforts to end the HIV epidemic, particularly in Black communities who are disproportionately affected.

“We know within Black communities across the U.S. that you’re going to see some unique perspectives, but the framing of the foundation of how we’re implementing these prevention strategies will be very similar,” she said.

“We have Black researchers who have come and convened in Atlanta at the country’s freedom church, Ebenezer Baptist Church, to talk about how we implement that. Today is a celebration, but tomorrow, we get to work.”

John Meade, senior program manager for policy from the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), said they are all convened at a time of both “reckoning and resistance”.

“While the science has never been clearer, the political climate has never been more volatile. Across the country, we are witnessing gross threats to public health infrastructure, to LGBTQ+ rights, to bodily autonomy against

our own community, and yes, to the integrity and funding of HIV research itself,” he said.

Meade said these attacks do not occur in isolation but are a part of a broader movement to undermine evidence-based interventions and erase the very communities that are most impacted by HIV, like the black community.

“As researchers, we cannot afford to be neutral in the face of such erosion. The stakes are too high, and silence is not an option. This agenda was not written in isolation. It was built community by community, for community,” Meade said.

The process, he said, to shape community began a year ago at the biomedical HIV prevention summit in Seattle, Washington which marked a pivotal turning point that created a space where researchers, advocates, and community leaders came together to envision a research black-focused agenda.

He also said PIBA is grounded in an intersectional framework rooted in the historical context of racial oppression as the structural driver of the HIV epidemic in black communities. PIBA, he says, challenges them to name anti-Blackness as a public health crisis and to center their research and resources accordingly.

“Unapologetically Black is a bold and visionary coalition and has been at the forefront of this work ensuring that biomedical prevention tools like PrEP are not only accessible, but acceptable, affirming, and aligned with the lived realities of black people,” he said.

Furthermore, this agenda is crucial, he said, because black communities continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic, and it’s not due to a lack of resilience or responsibility, but to the lack of resources, representation, and respect in systems that were never fully designed with Black people in mind to begin with.

Danielle Campbell, faculty at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine iStrive Research Lab, said this agenda will inform the

development of culturally tailored prevention strategies, informed policy decisions, and ultimately help them build a future where black lives are not defined by health disparities, but by opportunity and health equity.

“The National Black HIV prevention research agenda rejects the status quo, and we will no longer sit idly by. The research agenda reimagines how research for black people is conceptualized, funded, conducted, applied, operationalized, and all the like in black communities,” she said.

The agenda, she says, calls for a shift in power, a shift in resources, and decision-making authority from traditional research institutions to Black-led organizations that understand the communities they serve, who are not just subjects of a research study but partners in creating solutions.

The agenda also is described as both visionary and pragmatic, which acknowledges funding uncertainties but refuses to accept them as a reason for delay.

Also, during the press conference, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) also made virtual appearances via video messages.

Furthermore, as a comment from Beach herself, and not on behalf of any organization, she said the infrastructure of public health does not serve Black communities well.

“It was never designed for us, and I speak as someone who has worked in health departments the majority of my public health career, it’s never designed to get us to wellness, but in many ways designed to keep us ill because that’s where the profit comes from,” she said. “So, now here we are at a crossroads where it has been dismantled.”

She says the beauty of what happens when things get destroyed is the opportunity to rebuild something beautiful and looks like “us” and to not depend on federal funding.

SINGLETON

John Meade, senior program manager for policy from the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC), said they are all convened at a time of both “reckoning and resistance”.

Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

CEO of Black Public Health Academy Leisha McKinley-Beach alongside researcher at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine iStrive Research lab Danielle Campbell discussing the importance of the agenda. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

In recognition of National Minority Health Month, this first-ever team comprised of 100 Black researchers, scientists and stakeholder from across America joined PrEP in Black America (PIBA) and officially launched the findings of the National Black HIV Prevention Research Agenda. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/ The Atlanta Voice

It’s too early to panic, Braves fans

The Atlanta Voice is debuting “The Good, The Bad & The Braves”. Atlanta Braves coverage is important to our readers and we are going to cover the team for our weekly print edition in more of a roundup style and less of the traditional game story style.

By DONNELL SUGGS

As it stands on Friday, April 11, 2025, the Atlanta Braves are in last place in the National League East. The Braves have managed to lose series to the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers and split a pair of games with the Miami Marlins. On Wednesday night against Philadelphia, Atlanta had several opportunities to go ahead with the bases either loaded or with two runners on and failed to score. All that aside, there’s no reason for Braves Country to panic. Here’s why:

The Good: The Atlanta Braves have only played 12 games. That’s 12 out of 162 games to me even more precise. Atlanta may be 0-7 on the road this season, but following a 4-3 loss to the Phillies on Wednesday they are 2-2 at home, so there’s that.

The Braves haven’t gotten great series from either Michael Harris II or Ozzie Albies yet, and both players are going to be crucial to the team’s success this season.

New starter Grant Holmes looked his best on Wednesday night after going four innings without giving up a run and striking out a season-high six Phillies. He’s a bright spot in a rotation that hasn’t looked very good this season. Out of the bullpen, both Aaron Bummer and Pierce Johnson have pitched well considering how the team is playing at the moment. Bullpen woes have cost this franchise a couple of games in the past and this looks like a year where that might not be an issue.

Shortstop Orlando Arcia, hitting under .200, is having a tough start to the season, but did manage to drive in his first run of the season on Wednesday night.

More Good: There were 35,323 people at the game on Wednesday night. Braves baseball remains extremely popular despite the tough start to the season. On my way into the game on Wednesday night, I saw kids rock climbing in the play area and playing catch on the kids diamond near the third base entrance. Going to a Braves game at Truist Park/ The Battery is going to be a part of plenty of

summer nights this year. Add on the fact that the Major League Baseball All-Star Game will take place at Truist Park, and 2025 is a banner year for the club whether the team is playing well early on or not.

The Bad: Starting a season 1-8 is bad. In fact, it’s very bad. It’s even worse when the rest of the National League East is playing well. Even the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, regular cellar-dwellers, are close to .500 through the first weeks of the season.

The Braves: Atlanta is in Tampa Bay this weekend, but will be back home for a sixgame homestand from April 18-23. Those matchups with the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals bring two teams that have been struggling into town. What better way for the Braves to get back on track than against two teams not paying well on the road this season.

Earlier this week Harris II and his wife Esther Harris kicked off the Collab Collection series. The new apparel is located at the Braves Clubhouse store at The Battery. The Harrises were on hand to take photos with customers, according to a release from the team.

The Braves may be in last place in the National League East at the moment, but fans (above) should know good things are happening around the club, too. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

The Atlanta Braves hosted the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this week and will travel to Tampa Bay for a weekend series. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

New Era, Familiar Fight: Black Press Prepares for Tariff Impacts

By TANNISTHA SINHA

Black media outlets across the country are preparing for what could be a new era of financial and editorial strain that will put survival to the test in the upcoming years.

With an ideological backlash against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that help fund advertising in Black media, publishers are now anticipating a new landscape ahead.

President Donald Trump is implementing a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China aimed at “halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl” from entering the country. For the Black Press, which imports newsprint and paper, these tariffs could exacerbate the challenges newspapers have faced for years.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing more than 230 regional and local Black newspapers, expressed his opposition to the tariffs.

“The tariffs will have a very negative impact on Black-owned newspapers and other Black-owned businesses,” he said. “They will make it very expensive for our newspapers to stay in business.”

Will writing the truth come at a price?

Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of the 60 year Washington Informer, expressed concern about the proposed tariffs’ ripple effects.

“We’re waiting to hear now whether the cost of newsprint is going to increase,” she said. “what we’ve been told is that our printer has an ample supply of newsprints,…but they’re preparing us for an increase that may come down the road.”

Tariffs on Canada, which provides an estimated 80% of American newsprint, can lead to a sharp increase in costs, which in turn can cause community newspapers to reduce print frequency or shrink page counts.

Barnes said the Informer has not yet made any operational changes, but acknowledged that if costs spike, hard decisions will follow.

“We’re in a wait-and-see mode, we’re in constant conversation with our printers,” she said. “No real red flags have been waved yet, but we know at some point that may be a consideration.”

From an editorial standpoint, Barnes said the newspaper will focus on reporting on how the tariffs will impact communities, including the rising cost of cars and groceries.

Tariffs, DEI and the shrinking ad dollar

Barnes said Trump’s stance on DEI will also impact the Black newspaper industry, as funds from advertisements will stall.

“The tariffs will have a very negative impact on Black-owned newspapers and other Black-owned businesses. They will make it very expensive for our newspapers to stay in business.”

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

“People don’t realize that the advertising dollars that corporations spend with us come out of a DEI budget,” she said. “They’re pulling back on what they used to do in spending in our publications…folks are nervous about how they’re spending their ad dollars and that entrenchment does impact us.”

However, the economic pressure is only part of the story. Janis Ware, publisher of The Atlanta Voice, one of the longest-running Black newspapers in the South, anticipates adjusting the paper’s overall operational costs to afford printing and distributing costs or

slashing the number of pages.

Simultaneously, Ware is considering elevating The Voice’s digital presence on social media and newsletter, which also comes with a hefty price tag. Older generations, who do not turn to digital media for news, may find it difficult to adapt to this transformation.

Have we been here before?

To Chavis, the proposed tariffs, Trump’s DEI rollback and broader anti-“woke” rhetoric are interconnected.

“All these are code words, but give a green light to the rise of white supremacy and fascism,” Chavis said. “Those of us who are Black are relatively clear about what we are facing, so we can navigate and move forward even in a more hostile business environment.”

Ideological changes across the U.S. are also impacting editorial decisions in newsrooms. Chavis added that newspapers are grappling with “increasing anxieties.”

But the Black Press is no stranger to political headwinds. The first Black newspaper in America, Freedom’s Journal, was founded in 1827. Now, 198 years later, Black media continues to adapt to its immediate climate and inform communities.

“The Black Press is resilient…We don’t retreat, we keep moving forward despite the obstacles that may be put in our path,” Chavis said. “Our mission doesn’t change because of who’s in the White House.

“The mission of the Black Press is to print the facts, the truth, but also be an advocate for freedom, justice and equality. We’re going to keep pressing forward and do what the Black Press does best and represent the interest and

the voice of Black America.”

A call for community support

Despite financial pressures and political threats, Ware says the community’s support is more important than ever.

“We reach out to the community and say, ‘We need you now more than we ever needed.’ We go to the ministers who we’ve been disseminating their messages for years and say, ‘We need you as well,’” she said.

Barnes said Black publishers must continue to document historical moments.

“A hundred years from now, when people look back at this moment in time, they’re gonna wanna know how the Black Press dealt with it, how the Black community dealt with it, how white folks dealt with us,” she said. “It’s a period that’s rich in news.”

Sonny Messian Jiles, publisher of the Houston Defender Network, believes the resilience of the Black Press will withstand the test of time and agrees that the tariff story must be told from a Black perspective, which is often overlooked.

“The importance of telling the tariff impact story goes beyond the economic and cultural implications on the Black Press. In our fight as a people, the importance of sharing strategic information or the basic facts the Black Press provides is necessary to create the collective voice that makes the difference in rallying our forces to create change,” said Messian Jiles.

“The Black Press has been and continues to be an important ingredient in our progressive struggle for equity. Ultimately, It is the power of our people and our institutions that will make the difference.”

As tariffs loom and DEI support fades, Black media braces for challenges ahead. Photo Credit: Olga yefimova

Giving Atlantans a Second Chance at Opportunity

Nicole Carr Forges New Generation of Social Justice Journalists

By FREDDRELL GREEN, AV INTERN

Shaping the next generation of Black journalists is arguably the most arduous yet necessary task in this generation. Numerous executive orders, attacks on the free press, and the ever-growing media landscape have warranted a change in how the next generation is developed. Professor Nicole Carr is implementing just that.

Carr, who has been teaching her social justice journalism course since 2021, took an atypical approach this academic year, transforming her class into a newsroom. Students in the class report on stories,

produce podcasts and actively develop websites to archive their work. Sophomore journalism major Elijah Qualls wrote a

story about the potential threat of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents entering Morehouse.

“Very early on, it was left up to the individuals in the class to decide how we wanted the class to be structured,” Qualls said.

A testament to Carr’s teachings, Qualls’ story has already been widely discussed in Black Enterprise and ABC News coverage of the topic.

Throughout the reporting process, Qualls’ has come to understand the federal government’s reach on a microscopic level.

“I was very rarely thinking about ‘What are the presidential implications on a community such as the West End or Fulton

How Department of Education Cuts Affect Unhoused Students and Educators

By DR. TERENCE

Recently, I was at Finch Elementary School, a Title I school in Atlanta, where Love Beyond Walls is building Zion’s Closet—converting a classroom into a resource center in partnership with the school to provide essentials like uniforms, a washer and dryer, refrigeration and healthy foods, undergarments, and hygiene items to support students and families facing poverty or homelessness. These items aren’t luxuries; they meet the real, everyday needs of students who often come to school wearing clothes that don’t fit, shoes that are worn out, or lacking basic necessities that, as Dr. Spencer, the principal, said, ‘we take for granted.’ Being there reminded me that this support is not just crucial for students’ education but also for their dignity and focus. During my visit, an educator shared stories of students whose living circumstances range from stable housing to impoverished and transient conditions—situations that are no fault of their own—and emphasized the crucial role that stability, especially in education, plays in their lives. And while being in this setting, I was excited and grieved at the same time. I am excited that this will become another support resource for students but I also grieved at the potential impact of the recent executive order signed by the sitting president, which was crafted to dismantle the Department of Education as much as legally possible.

While this policy decision will have significant ripple effects that we have yet to see in full, it made me think of a policy that was signed into law to protect the very students I was there to support—those who face homelessness and poverty. This executive order could very well weaken support under the McKinney-Vento Act,

established in 1987, which ensures educational stability for unhoused students by providing transportation, access to school supplies, and the opportunity to remain in their school of origin. According to the National Center for Homeless Education, over 1.2 million students in the U.S. are currently identified as homeless. The McKinney-Vento Act has been pivotal in protecting the rights of these students, providing not only essential academic resources but also a stable educational environment.

While the Trump administration suggests that this is a way to empower states to oversee their own public education, this decision might result in deeper disparities that disproportionately affect poorer states—which, in turn, impact students from vulnerable populations, including those supported by the McKinney-Vento Act who are unhoused or facing extreme poverty. Without federal oversight, the enforcement of educational equity and civil rights standards could diminish, further disadvantaging historically marginalized students and those from low-income families.

In Georgia, this impact would be especially felt. Federal funding plays a major role in sustaining vital education programs. In the current fiscal year, the state received over $380 million through IDEA to support students with disabilities and an additional $3 million to assist unhoused students under the McKinney-Vento program. In metro Atlanta alone, over 10,000 unhoused students were enrolled in public schools during the 2022–2023 school year. If the Department of Education is dismantled, these critical resources could be lost—resources that directly support students who rely on stability, transportation, and access to essential educational services.

However, it is important to note that the consequences of these federal cuts don’t stop at the

student level. They extend deeply to the educators themselves. Many teachers, whose salaries are supplemented by federal funding, may find their positions in jeopardy. This doesn’t reflect a lack of commitment or ability on their part—it points to the threatened foundation of the Department of Education that has long held schools together that are located in economically challenged areas. The potential loss of passionate, experienced educators—or those just starting out—and the ripple effects of decreased educational support can lead to harmful consequences for students, especially those who already face significant barriers outside the classroom.

Imagine a child sitting in a classroom, already burdened with worries about where they will sleep each night or when they’ll have their next meal. Emotional and social support are just as critical as academic instruction. For unhoused students, school is often the only consistent part of their day.

Too often, our mental image of homelessness stops at what we see on sidewalks and under bridges. When conversations around homelessness surface, students are often left out of the frame. The dominant image tends to focus on adults experiencing visible chronic homelessness, while the quiet struggles of young people—who wake up in shelters with their families, cars, motels, or temporary housing and still show up to school—go largely unseen. And for many students who are unhoused, education is the one consistent place that offers them hope and a pathway out of generational poverty.

What I saw in that school—the care, the creativity, the urgency—is exactly what’s at risk.

For many students and educators, losing educational support and facing budget cuts means losing the only consistent place where students feel seen—and where educators have the

County?’” Qualls said. “This article shows how there was this constant battle mentally between the different people I interviewed about ‘Well, we are a private institution, but to what extent can we really carry out our views?’”

Other students in the class, like sophomore Isaiah DuBose, feel a great sense of freedom in the classroom. While he has no plans of becoming a journalist, he intends to apply the communication and research skills that he is learning from Carr to the legal field as an entertainment lawyer.

“It’s teaching me very much how to have a voice and how to use my voice in a social justice-minded way,” DuBose said.

Submitted

opportunity to stand in solidarity with them. This policy decision presents a new challenge in education, but it also serves as an invitation for us all to deepen our empathy and commitment to unhoused students and the educators who work in schools with higher concentrations of families experiencing poverty—not just in Atlanta but across the nation. It’s a call to collective reflection and a commitment to stand in solidarity with our young scholars and the educators who guide them on their educational journeys.

Dr. Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author. He is the founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about poverty and homelessness through community mobilization. He also serves as the director of public policy and social change and as a professor at Simmons College of Kentucky, an HBCU. Lester is the author of I See You, When We Stand, All God’s Children, the children’s book Zion Learns to See, and From Dropout to Doctorate: Breaking the Chains of Educational Injustice. He and his family live in Atlanta.

Nicole Carr (above) has been teaching her social justice journalism course at Morehouse College since 2021. Photo By Freddrell Green/The Atlanta Voice

LESTER

Dr. Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author. He is the founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls. Photo

J. Cole ends Dreamville Fest: A new era begins

By LAURA NWOGU

Over 50,000 people attended what is said to be the fifth and final Dreamville Fest in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday and Sunday. Under the blaring sun and heat at a sold-out Dorothea Dix Park, fans enjoyed pop-ups, took photo opportunities, ate from different food and drink vendors, and vibed to a lineup of artists at the two-day music festival curated by J. Cole and his team.

Artists who performed on the Rise and Shine stages included Erykah Badu, Tems, Glorilla, Wale, 21 Savage, Keyshia Cole, Coco Jones, PartyNextDoor, and a host of others. Lil Wayne headlined on Saturday, along with the Hot Boys and Big Tymers.

Amid the enjoyment was the knowledge that what had become an anticipated event for Raleigh and North Carolina, J. Cole’s home state, was ending. But during his set on the final day of the festival. J.Cole cleared up the “fifth and final” description that has been used since tickets went on sale and made a promise to the thousands that had come to love the festival since 2019.

“Our plan is this festival will still exist,” the Grammy award-winning rapper revealed. “It might not have a Dreamville Festival name on it, but we will be back with this feeling when y’all are out here. I don’t know if y’all feel it, but to me,

this sh*t feel like a cookout, a family reunion.”

While a festival of the sorts will still be hosted in Raleigh under the direction of the city, the time of Dreamville Fest under J.Cole’s label seems to have come to an end, with a hint that Sunday’s performance would be his last

at Dorothea Dix Park. With a stage design that resembled the home of his former landlord, Mohammad, who allowed him to live rentfree while he pursued his music career, J. Cole took fans through his successful journey. From recording in his bedroom trying

to make it into the music industry to being signed to Jay-Z, opening for Wale on tour, achieving his first commercial hit with “Work Out,” and reaching soaring success to starting a family, J.Cole performed for his Day 1 and his “Day 2, 3, 4, 5” fans.

“As you can see, we’re on a whole journey,” he said. He performed songs such as “Lights Please,” “No Role Modelz,” “Lost Ones,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Kevin’s Heart,” and brought out Erykah Badu to perform their song “Too Deep for the Intro,” for the first time. The hourand-thirty-minute concert came after a “onenight-only” event at Madison Square Garden in December to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his third studio album “2014 Forest Hills Drive.”

As a mass of fans shuffled out of the park, a fireworks display lit up the sky, and J. Cole performed “Farewell” after thanking his fans, the artists, and the team behind the scenes who made Dreamville Fes happen.

“Our plan is this festival will still exist. It might not have a Dreamville Festival name on it, but we will be back with this feeling when y’all are out here. I don’t know if y’all feel it, but to me, this sh*t feel like a cookout, a family reunion.”

J. Cole

Walt Disney World announces new experiences coming this summer

By ISAIAH SINGLETON

During the Disney Dreamers Academy event, the media were presented with a Summer Showcase of what’s new and coming to Walt Disney World this summer.

Two new shows and a nighttime parade were announced for Summer 2025, which include:

Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away

Discover the perfect spot beneath the stars to experience Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a dazzling processional inspired by the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade. This celestial celebration of Disney dreams comes to life through the enchantment of the Blue Fairy. Guests will be immersed in magical moments from iconic Disney and Pixar stories like Moana, Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, Pinocchio, and more. The unforgettable journey unfolds along the parade route from Frontierland to Main Street. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will debut in the Summer of 2025 at Magic Kingdom.

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After –

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Mischievous or Misunderstood? Step into a fiendishly fun and fantastical stage show

starring iconic Disney villains who believe they’ve been wronged. Enter the enchanted world of the Magic Mirror, where these infamous characters are trapped, each eager for the Mirror to reveal the truth: Who has been treated the most unfairly of them all?

Watch Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent take the stage, using wicked wit and clever charm to present their cases. Will you be charmed by their mischievous antics and compelling arguments? This spellbinding show features captivating music and an unforgettable finale, where you’ll have the chance to decide who deserves the title of the most unfairly treated villain. Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Sunset Boulevard on May 27, 2025.

The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure – Hollywood Studios

Experience the magic of Ariel’s captivating journey in A Mermaid Fairy Tale, a dazzling theatrical production inspired by the beloved animated classic The Little Mermaid. Watch as Ariel follows her dreams to be part of the human world in this enchanting story filled with familiar moments—like encounters with King Triton, Ursula, and unforgettable scenes from the iconic film. As Ariel navigates her adventure, she is swept away by timeless musical

numbers such as “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Kiss the Girl,” and more. This fin-tastic tale is brought to life with stunning sets and cutting-edge effects that beautifully capture Ariel’s imagination and emotions.

Sr. Audio Systems Designer Clint Clarke shares that Disney aims to create lasting memories. “We want to evoke the next core memory, lasting 20 to 30 years. You’ll be able to say, ‘I remember on May 27, 2025, when I sat in the theater and heard from Maleficent and heard her side of the story.’ It’s all about elevating the Disney experience,” he explained. In spotlighting Disney villains, Clarke

emphasized the importance of allowing everyone to share their story. Referencing retellings like Cruella, he noted, “It’s crucial to hear the villains’ perspectives to understand them truly. Why not give them a shot? For so long, they’ve been labeled as villains. If I were Maleficent or any of them, I’d be upset, too, for being left out of the party. It’s about giving them a chance to be on the frontlines.”

The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure will debut on May 27, 2025, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Animation Courtyard. Starting May 27, Disney is offering a 50% discount on children’s tickets and a special three-day, three-park ticket offer.

Over 50,000 people attended what is said to be the fifth and final Dreamville Fest in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice

Mischievous or Just Misunderstood: Behold a fiendishly funny and fantastical stage show starring iconic Disney villains who are feeling unfairly treated. Enter the realm of the Magic Mirror, where dozens of villains are trapped. Coming May 27, 2025. Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Epic Universe: Universal’s latest theme park attraction

By DONNELL SUGGS

ORLANDO, FL. - There are many planets yet to be discovered in our universe, but at the soonto-be-open Universal Epic Universe, there are five worlds ready for guests to arrive.

The new park opens on Thursday, May 22, and The Atlanta Voice was among the first visitors to see what all the fuss was about. There is something for Harry Potter fans and rollercoaster junkies alike. Fans of classic monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein and “How to Train Your Dragon” will each have a world to spend time in at Epic Universe

The opening to the Epic Universe looks like a portal to another universe. There are several portals around the park, each with a quote above it. At the beginning of the journey through the worlds of the Epic Universe, it reads: “Beyond this gate, find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams.”

Now, to the worlds of Epic Universe, the first one is Darkmoor. If monsters are your thing, then Darkmoor is for you. From casually seeing the Invisible Man walking around to making your way past Dracula’s tomb, Darkmoor offers monster fans a good time.

The stars of Darkmoor are the rides, however. The Curse of the Werewolf and Monsters Unchained are both well worth waiting until next month.

For the people who dress up as students from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Halloween (and on other days), the Ministry of Magic ride is a wonderful experience. The ride takes guests from a jury box at a trial to fighting evil alongside Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley.

On the Isle of Berk, where dragons are a part of life, “How to Train Your Dragon” fans will get a kick out of a pair of rides that allow flight and fun.

Hiccup’s Wing Glider and the Dragon Racers Rally will quickly jump to the front of the line for thrillseekers and rollercoaster junkies.

For the kids, there is an opportunity to take a photo with Toothless the Dragon and attend Viking Training Camp. The camp is for kids 40 inches tall and under, while the rides call for kids to be 48 inches taller to enter.

The Fyre Drill, a seated water ride, is something adults and kids can tackle together on the Isle of Berk.

As far as rollercoasters are concerned, the Stardust Racers will grade high in their books. Not only was it fast, but there were moments of suspended reality when the coaster would stop mid-track and be upside down.

Among the restaurants at Epic Universe

are the Oak and Star Tavern, which will give guests a classic tavern, wood-laden vibe, and Pizza Moon. The number of dining options should allow for shorter lines. And if the waits are too long, there are two Starbucks locations for the caffeine-deprived park-hoppers in all of us.

A New Place to Stay

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, the latest and 11th hotel in the Orlando portfolio, is scheduled to open on Thursday, May 22.

The Atlanta Voice was part of a media tour that was allowed access to Universal Helios Grand Hotel grounds on Friday, April 4. Universal describes the 500-room hotel in press releases as a Mediterranean-inspired escape. The hotel is named after the Greek god of the sun and offers a view of a large statue of Helios that is perfect for vacation selfies and photo opportunities. It is one of the many impressive views available for Universal Helios Grand Hotel guests.

“We knew it was going to be amazing, and we got excited when we saw it coming to life,” Universal Creative Senior Vice President, Resort Development Russ Dagon said while addressing the media moments before the tour began. “This is a true collaboration by everyone at Universal Creative.”

Dennis Quinn, Senior Vice President of Hotel Commercial Strategy, also addressed the media and discussed how easily Universal Helios Grand Hotel guests can move between the hotel and the Universal Studios

theme park. Quinn used the phrase “roll out of bed” to describe the ease of transitioning from enjoying breakfast toast to saving the world alongside the Transformers.

“This is a shining gateway into the Universal Epic Universe,” Quinn said of the new theme park also scheduled to open at Universal Studios on May 22.

Loews Hotels Universal Orlando Senior Vice President Dave Bartek was also in attendance.

The Lotus Lagoon, the hotel’s outdoor poolside grotto/cabana, offers 400 lounge chairs and 18 cabanas with room for six guests. Three of the cabanas are grand cabanas with “waterfront access.” The restaurant at the Lotus Lagoon offers a full menu, 25 tables, and 29 bar seats. Food can also be served in lounge chairs and cabanas.

Bar Helios, the rooftop bar/restaurant, is located on the 10th floor of Universal Helios Grand Hotel. The restaurant seats 90 guests inside and another 55-60 on the terrace. There are also 30 seats at the bar, which is positioned in the restaurant’s center. The menu is tapas-style, and the bar menu includes 17 crafted cocktails. According to the restaurant managers, guests at Bar Helios do not have to have a reservation at Universal Helios Grand Hotel to enjoy the restaurant.

The tour included looking into rooms on

the hotel’s sixth floor. The poolside rooms offer great views, while the other side of the hotel offers guests a view of the theme park. Flower Taverna and Aurora Market offer dining options in the hotel lobby.

Universal Epic Universe opens on Thursday, May 22, 2025. The Atlanta Voice spent an entire Saturday at the park as part of a media preview on April 5, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a 500room establishment named after the Greek god of the sun. It offers a Mediterraneaninspired escape with a view of a large statue of Helios. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

A look inside the Ministry of Magic attraction at Epic Universe. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

SENIOR (62+)

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FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed Bids for 25ITB1319064C-GS Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) System Maintenance Services for the Department of Real Estate & Asset Management 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 Tuesday, May 06, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.. All Bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated due date, see Zoom Link below.

Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98636488547

Meeting ID: 986 3648 8547

Bid Bond: N/A

Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia “County” is seeking bids from qualified bidders to provide Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) System Maintenance Services.

The detailed scope of work and technical specifications is outlined in the Scope of Work, Section 4 of this bid document.

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: 1 Year with 2 Renewal Options Pre-Bid Conference, will be held online electronically via a Zoom Conference on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 10:00 A.M., to provide bidder(s) with information regarding this project and to address any questions.

Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k2K-obt5R2-2DDSQL5jkIg

If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Gertis Strozier, APA via Phone: (404) 612-7916 or E-mail at gertis.strozier@fultoncountyga.gov.

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

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A New Place to Stay

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FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS