city
The above photo is from the Old Wheat Street encampment, where Cornelius Taylor was killed in an accident. Photo by Dyana Bagby/The Atlanta Voice
Our Voice, Our Legacy: 60 Years of Truth, Power, and Purpose
By JANIS WARE Publisher, The Atlanta Voice
Sixty years ago, The Atlanta Voice was founded on a simple yet powerful truth: “A people without a voice cannot be heard.”
When my father, J. Lowell Ware, co-founded this paper in 1966, he held a firm belief—that every voice matters, especially those long ignored or silenced. He launched this publication during a pivotal moment in history—not just to deliver news, but to deliver truth, empower Black communities, and hold systems accountable.
Today, that mission endures with pride, purpose, and renewed passion. As we celebrate this historic milestone, I am filled with gratitude—for every reader, journalist, community partner, and supporter who has joined us on this journey. You’ve helped transform The Atlanta Voice into more than a newspaper—it’s become a pillar of trust, advocacy, and cultural leadership in Atlanta and beyond.
Through generations of change— from the Civil Rights Movement to present-day struggles for justice—we’ve reported with integrity, adapted to shifting media landscapes, and continued to uplift the stories that matter most to our community. While platforms have evolved, our commitment to amplifying Black voices has remained constant.
Looking ahead, we’re not only reflecting— we’re reimagining. With your continued support, The Atlanta Voice will expand its digital reach, invest in the next generation of storytellers, and deepen its coverage of the issues that shape our lives. Our mission stands strong, and our
vision for the future is bold.
Thank you for standing with us, believing in our purpose, and contributing to this enduring legacy. Here’s to the journey ahead—telling our stories, our way, with courage, clarity, and conviction.
We invite you to be part of what comes next— by reading, sharing, and raising your voice with ours.
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
EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTERS
Isaiah Singleton isingleton@theatlantavoice.com
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EDITOR AT LARGE Stan Washington swashington@theatlantavoice.com
MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL Itoro Umontuen iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com
ADVERTISING, SALES & CIRCULATION
ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR Chia Suggs advertising@theatlantavoice.com
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Terry Milliner
SALES
R.D.W. Jackson rdwadman@gmail.com
SUBMISSIONS editor@theatlantavoice.com
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com
CONTACT INFORMATION
633 Pryor Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30312 Office: 404-524-6426 info@theatlantavoice.com
Janis Ware, Publisher, The Atlanta Voice Torrence Studios
Study: Poverty Raises Suicide Risks for LGBTQ+ Youth
By JENNIFER PORTER GORE
Word In Black
Homelessness, hunger, and other issues tied to poverty are fueling a dangerously entrenched mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ teens and young adults in the U.S., including increased anxiety and suicide attempts within the demographic. And roughly one out of every 10 young gay or queer people experiencing homelessness is Black.
That’s the conclusion of a new report from The Trevor Project released Wednesday that examined personal economic stability and mental health among LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults.
“What stood out is that with those who had a history of houselessness their rates of attempting suicide were just were so much higher,” Dr. Derrick Matthews, the Trevor Project’s director of research science, told Word In Black.
“That just shows that there’s really something kind of important happening here around economic security, or lack thereof: folks’ ability to have good mental health and our ability to prevent suicide.”
Yet even as The Trevor Project
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survey establishes links between gay youth, poverty, and suicidal ideation, the federal government is set to end funding to a crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ young people — a decision experts say will put lives at risk.
When Basic Needs Go Unmet
“I worry deeply that we will see more LGBTQ young people reach a crisis state and not have anyone there to help them through that,” says Janson Wu, director of advocacy and government affairs at The Trevor Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people.
Even before factoring in poverty-related issues, data shows the mental health of gay and lesbian adolescents and young adults isn’t in a good place. A joint survey by the University of Connecticut and the nonprofit Human Rights Campaign found that more than half of the roughly 13,000 LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 18 who responded showed clinical signs of depression.
According to the Trevor Project, food insecurity, homelessness, and being financially unable to meet one’s basic needs — including clothing, water, security, and human interaction — were all
providers, grassroots organizations and clergy. Ellison’s presentation last week was a preliminary report that says the city’s current homelessness strategy “lacks holistic oversight and coordination.”
Current shelter and emergency temporary housing options are inadequate, she said, and there are insufficient resources throughout the ecosystem as a whole.
Recommendations for safety on the day an encampment is cleared is to have outreach representatives and police officers go to every structure to make sure they are empty. A sign-off sheet to check off that everybody has been moved from the site is also recommended, she said. There is also discussion with the city fire department to have fire recruits come in with thermal sensors to ensure nobody is in a tent, Ellison said.
Minimizing the use of heavy machinery during a clearing is also recommended. Smaller construction vehicles could be used to pick up materials and put them into piles to be picked up later by larger vehicles.
A final task force report is expected in June. Taylor’s death sparked outrage among housing activists including the Housing Justice League. At a Monday press conference
independently associated with LGBTQ+ young people having an increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.
Hunger, for example, was associated with almost a 70% increase in rates of depression and a 68% higher likelihood of facing anxiety.
Of all youths who have experienced homelessness, 1 in 4 either considered or attempted suicide, compared with 9% of those whose housing is secure. Moreover, teens and young adults who weren’t able to meet their basic needs — finding food or shelter — had 52% higher odds of attempting suicide.
The situation isn’t much better for transgender, non-binary young people: they had greater odds of experiencing food insecurity (77%) and periods of homelessness. Also, 67% showed greater odds of being unable to meet their basic needs, compared to cisgender lesbian, gay, or bisexual young people.
Roughly 7% of Black youth reported being homeless, and the same amount reported being unable to feed or house themselves.
The geographic region with the worst outcomes was the South, where all of the economic insecurity measures affected more than
30% of youth.
Direct Cash Assistance
Major systemic changes may be the answer, experts say, including cash assistance in the form of a guaranteed basic income.
Several U.S. localities have run pilot programs that seek to balance racial and income inequality. The idea isn’t new; In the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. argued that guaranteed income would ensure each American had enough money to meet basic needs each year.
Advocates believe increased funding for LGBTQ+-inclusive shelters, as well as making mental health services more accessible, would also help. But those are unlikely in the near future; in fact, Trevor Project reports that the federal government wants to eliminate all funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services.
If it happens, federal emergency crisis support to LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide would end on October 1.
Cutting a Lifeline
The Trevor Project is among the handful of organizations that make up the LGBTQ+ Youth Subnetwork;
its hotline responds to about half of 988’s calls and texts from queer youth. This year, the subnetwork received an estimated $50 million in federal funding.
Jaymes Black, the organization’s CEO, says the Trump administration’s decision to stop funding the hotline shows the White House doesn’t understand that suicide prevention is about risk, not identity.
“Ending the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialized services will not just strip away access from millions of LGBTQ+ kids and teens,” Black says. “It will put their lives at risk. To end suicide, “we need more resources — not fewer,” he says. “We urge the Administration to maintain its long-standing commitment to ending suicide among high-risk populations, especially our nation’s young people. We urge Congress to defend its establishment of this data-based, bipartisan program to allow its life-saving services to continue for generations to come.”
Preventing youth suicide, Black says, should not be a partisan issue. “We do not have to agree on every policy issue to agree,” he says, “that every young life is worth saving.”
at Old Wheat Street, activists denounced the city for restarting encampment sweeps. They are demanding the city permanently stop clearing out camps that destroy what little property people have.
Instead, they said, the city should concentrate on housing first policies that provide immediate housing without barriers, such as having a job or being sober. Once a person is stabilized in housing, wraparound services
for substance abuse or mental health issues can be offered.
Atlanta, like most cities across the country, is grappling with an affordable housing crisis that has resulted in a rise in people experiencing homelessness. In 2024, nearly 3,000 people were considered homeless, a seven percent increase from 2023.
The stigma of being unhoused is also a burden. In 2023, the Republican-led
Georgia General Assembly passed a bill that mandates local governments enforce ordinances prohibiting unauthorized public camping and sleeping on sidewalks and other public spaces.
Dickens has made housing a priority for his administration. The city has committed $60 million to address homelessness, including rapid housing projects like The Melody in South Downtown.
This picture taken through a fence off Pryor Street, shows a group of men sitting with suitcases filled with their belongings during Monday’s sweep of the area’s unhoused encampment. Photo by Dyana Bagby/The Atlanta Voice
Talley & Twine: The Black-owned watch brand that’s making waves
By NOAH WASHINGTON
From iced-out chains to custom kicks, hip-hop has always had a hand in shaping what’s hot. However, one of the genre’s most enduring contributions to pop culture is how it made luxury watches more than just timepieces.
When Eric Heyward’s college roommate
Randy Williams from Albany State University couldn’t find a watch that reflected his identity, the seed for Talley & Twine was planted. Now over a decade later, the Black-owned watch company has grown from a grassroots Kickstarter campaign into a thriving brand with over 100,000 customers across the country and a message that resonates far beyond fashion.
Founded in 2014 by Williams, Talley & Twine began as a response to the lack of representation in traditional watch marketing. “We realized our community wasn’t being spoken to,” said Heyward, who serves as the company’s Chief Operating Officer and a co-owner when he joined formally in 2019, “We make watches dope through our culture—music, movies, fashion—but we were missing from the narrative.”
That narrative is exactly what Talley & Twine set out to disrupt. From the beginning, the company emphasized authenticity and storytelling in its designs. Signature
Street Lines: 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ‘41 4xe
By DENNIS MALCOM ByRON AKA ALE SHARPTON
I have always was captivated by Jeeps dating back to war movies, the show M.A.S.H., how they were flaunted especially during the golden era of hip hop in the ’90s, and their overall capability to take on any terrain while looking, well, cool. Recently, I took the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ‘41 4xe on the road to Charleston from Atlanta and the brand maintains its revered reputation—rugged heritage meets modern innovation utilizing electrification (PHEV) coupled with a traditional gas engine this year. The real twist with the Willys edition was Jeep paying homage to its World War II origins (hence the ’41 label), including the seven horizontal slits in the grille, doorless option, plus the decals and signature olive green the US Army brandished. Under the hood, the Willys ‘41 4xe is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC turbocharged I-4 engine paired with two electric motors. An integrated transmission-mounted motor delivers 134 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the front eTorque generator contributes 44 hp and 39 lb-ft. Combined, the system tops out at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, reportedly making this the most
“We realized our community wasn’t being spoken to— We make watches dope through our culture—music, movies, fashion— but we were missing from the narrative.”
Eric Heyward
Chief Operating Officer
and a co-owner of Talley &Twine
elements like the number seven—used on every watch—serve as reminders to “finish what you start,” while the brand’s name, Talley & Twine, originates from a once-neglected neighborhood in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Rollies that don’t just tick-tock
The first watch, a silver case with a white dial and bracelet, is no longer in
regular circulation but occasionally returns for special releases. Since then, the company has evolved its catalog to include standout pieces like the Tuskegee Airmen watch—a tribute to the legendary group of African-American military pilots. Designed in collaboration with the Tuskegee Airmen Institute, a portion of the watch’s proceeds supports the organization’s work. “It’s a super dope watch,” Heyward said. “It honors legacy, perseverance, and Black excellence.”
Talley & Twine operates primarily in the fashion watch space, competing with brands like Fossil and Michael Kors. Still, its next move is bold: entering the automatic watch market with a Swiss-made timepiece. Designed with a Selita SW550 movement and crafted from titanium, the watch is slated for release in late 2025 with a projected price point of $2,500–$3,500.
“We’ve always been bootstrapped,” said Heyward. “The growth has been slower, but it’s made us more resilient. Now, we’re looking to be more aggressive—lean, nimble, and ready to seize opportunities.”
Looking ahead, Talley & Twine is not just focused on expansion, but on impact. “We want to continue doing things other brands can’t,” said Heyward. “From Juneteenth-inspired designs to telling our origin story—our goal is to be unapologetically us.”
powerful Willys Wrangler to date. I concur; it was more than adequate power for both the streets and highways during the South Carolina excursion.
Addressing the electric input, power is supported by a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers 21 miles of electric-only driving—which works for quiet trail cruising or quick errand commutes. Jeep’s Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system and a two-speed transfer case with 2.72:1 low range maintain Wrangler’s celebrated rep for off-road capability and boosting the confidence to take on virtually any terrain. The ride is enhanced by front and rear solid axles with link coil suspension, stabilizer bars, and numerous other accompaniments complemented but what immediately caught my eye— massive LT285/70R17C off-road tires encompassing 17-inch body-colored rims to further carry the Army theme.
Inside, the black and “Heritage Tan” interior is directed to the adventurous and holding back all the fluff, which Jeep enthusiasts would expect. This tester included over $13,000 in additional packages like the Army décor, Trailer Tow and Aux Switch Group, and Active Safety Group, totaling $73,095.
You’ll get modern touches like a high-res touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and auxiliary switches for custom gear you can explore on their website below. I commend the user-friendly knobs and fully retractable roof with a flick of a switch to fully experience the open air.
The fuel economy is rated at 49 MPGe combined when using electric power and 20 MPG when running as a gas hybrid, which I’d say is a fair trade for its capability and power.
If you’re looking for a Wrangler that is a blast from the past, while “charging” into the future, the Willys 41 4xe delivers. Whether it’s off-grid adventures or turning heads at an inner-city event, consider this Jeep edition. Fuel Economy: 49 city/20 highway (MPGe combined), and 21 miles of electric range Price: Starting at $50,656, and reviewed with all the packages and options totaling $73,095.
For more information, visit Jeep.com
2025 Jeep® Wrangler Willys ‘41 4xe special edition Photo courtesy of JEEP
Talley & Twine, a Black-owned watch company, has grown from a grassroots Kickstarter campaign into a thriving brand with over 100,000 customers nationwide. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Charlie Bailey is elected new Chair of Democratic Party of Georgia
By ITORO N. UMONTUEN
Charlie Bailey will become the new Chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, after winning Saturday’s elections. The former candidate for Georgia Lieutenant Governor and assistant Fulton County District Attorney beat out five candidates for the position. Ultimately, Bailey beat out Rome City Commissioner Wendy Davis in the runoff.
Bailey was endorsed by U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff during the campaign period. Saturday, Bailey also had the backing of U.S. Representative Lucy McBath, who campaigned for Bailey during Saturday’s meeting.
Davis stressed in the meeting that her more than 30 years of service to DPG was more than commensurate for the role. However, Bailey pledged during a recent town hall in Albany that the methods of the past are not enough to meet the present needs of the party.
“You know, I love all those old stories of New Deal politics and civil terror and the 1968 campaign. Everytime you talk to a young person about that, you’re totally telling them about ancient Egypt,” Bailey said April 22nd. “We have got to have a plan and a message that talks in plain language about their livelihoods.”
Saturday, Bailey promised to raise money and spend it “directly, strategically and efficiently”.
How did they get here?
The Democratic Party of Georgia elections are usually an internal affair. After the stinging defeats in the 2024 Presidential Elections, DPG’s disagreements spilled into the public square. There were letters calling for the resignations of party leadership, including U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams. Those individuals that signed their names to the
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conflict in Palestine. Several protestors stood up and yelled “Free Palestine” and “You’re a war criminal” at Warnock and asked him about what he is doing to stop the conflict.
“As someone who comes from the activist community, I understand that you have come here to make your point,” he said.
Warnock added that it is good to have a discussion about the conflict, but not like this.
“I have heard you and I hear you,” Warnock said after a man stood up in protest of the conflict in Palestine.
What’s Next:
Warnock will remain busy this month with a pair of commencement speeches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
petitions believed the DPG chair should no longer be a volunteer role and transformed into a full-time position.
Organizations like the Young Democrats of Georgia, and others, felt like DPG was not meeting the current moment. They believed Williams could not serve as party chair and be a member of Congress at the same time. Also, a number of candidates for legislative seats and sitting members of the Georgia General Assembly, issued statements suggesting they weren’t supported in a requisite way during the 2024 elections.
Williams stood down on March 31st after the party decided to make the party chair’s role a compensated and full-time position. Williams cannot accept a salary by DPG due to ethics rules while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
What’s next?
Georgia Democrats have hosted town halls throughout the state in the last few weeks ahead of Saturday’s election. Constituents are expressing anger, fear and discontent with Democrats while pushing for swift and decisive action. While State level legislators spell out the ways they’re acting on behalf of Georgians, the base is primed to push forward.
“Republicans have controlled this state for 22 years, and in that time, 12 rural hospitals have closed and 18 more are at risk of closing because they refuse to expand Medicaid, and Democrats, Republicans and Independents have full cause to be angry about it,” said Bailey. “We’ll make sure all voters know that electing more Republicans in Georgia means more billionaire tax cuts, corporate giveaways, and a host of other distractions that will not reduce prices for Georgians, and we’re going to hold them accountable, re-elect Senator Jon Ossoff, and elect more Democrats up and down the ballot this year and beyond.”
coming up. On the weekend of May 10-11, Warnock, a graduate of Morehouse College, will give the commencement speeches at Virginia Union University in Richmond and Paine College in Augusta, Georgia.
Notice of Public Hearings
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
Proposed Changes: All MARTA Bus Routes, Except Routes: 191, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, and 800 – Effective December 2025.
Monday, May 12 In-Person
CLAYTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOARD ROOM
112 Smith Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236
10:30 AM: Community Exchange
12 PM: PUBLIC HEARING
Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 193 (Smith Street).
SOUTH FULTON SERVICE CENTER
5600 Stonewall Tell Rd, College Park, GA, 30349
5:30 PM: Community Exchange
7 PM: PUBLIC HEARING
Riding MARTA: Bus Routes180.
Wednesday, May 14
In-Person only
NORTH FULTON SERVICE CENTER
7741 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
10:30 AM: Community Exchange 12 PM: PUBLIC HEARING
Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 87.
Thu, May 15 In-Person THE EXCHANGE REC CENTER
2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034
10:30 AM: Community Exchange 12 PM: PUBLIC HEARING
Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 114.
In-Person and globe Virtual MARTA HEADQUARTERS 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
5:30 PM: Community Exchange
7 PM: PUBLIC HEARING
Riding MARTA: Red/Gold Line to Lindbergh Station – North Exit. Bus Routes 5, 6, 30, 39, 809.
Sat, May 17 In-Person
CHAMBLEE CITY HALL
3518 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341
10:30 AM: Community Exchange 12 PM: PUBLIC HEARING
Riding MARTA: Bus Routes 132.
Community Review
An overview of the proposed Operating and Capital Budgets will be available for community review on MARTA’s website at itsmarta.com. To learn more, visit itsmarta.com or call 404-848-5000.
Copies of the proposed bus service modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Mon-Fri-8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
For accessible formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (404) 848-5665.
In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at the hearing. If you want to provide comments you may: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Office of External Affairs, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30324- 3330; (3) complete an online Comment Card at itsmarta.com; (4) or email to: custserv@itsmarta.com no later than May 20, 2025.
All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at the hearing are hereby notified and invited to appear at said time and place and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require.
Collie Greenwood, General Manager/CEO
Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock (above) answered more than 10 questions from the attendees at the town hall, which took place at Zion Hill Baptist Church on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Photo by Julia Beverly/The Atlanta Voice
Community
Rocket Foundation honors mothers who’ve lost children to gun violence
By LAURA NWOGU
In a sea of white outfits and fascinators tucked onto their heads, mothers from across the country gathered in Atlanta on Sunday to celebrate, grieve and remember the children they’d lost for Bereaved Mother’s Day. The inaugural Kentucky Derby-inspired brunch event was hosted by The Rocket Foundation, an organization founded by rapper Quavo to end gun violence and honor the life of his nephew Takeoff, the youngest member of their Grammy-nominated rap group Migos who was murdered in Houston on Nov. 1, 2022.
With sunglasses on and a bright red lip, Edna Mattox, Takeoff’s grandmother, walked the halls of the Waldorf Astoria Buckhead toward the cocktail hour of the event. Held close to her hip was a Chanel purse in the shape of a rocket. “I always keep my baby with me,” she said. Takeoff’s mother Titiana Davenport, his younger sister Heaven and Quavo were also in attendance. They joined tens of women as they hoped to form a community of healing and honor in order to alleviate the isolation that comes with losing a child and support mothers affected by gun violence.
“It’s three times a year that’s really hard. This is one of the major ones. Takeoff made me a mama,” Davenport said. “I pray that mothers will have a place, like a refuge, where they can get finances to help them grow. They may need spiritual help. They may need mental help. Because it’s all hard, and it’s all combined into one. So I pray that this day will allow them to feel that they can continue to go on and grow.”
In the event hall, dotted by pastel flower arrangements provided by Fenty Beauty, a remembrance display was erected with the
words “We remember all those lost. Their light lives on in us.”
Lexi Rubio, Michael Smith, Apollo Rucker Rodriquez, Toirei Sanford, Tess Mata, Auriel Callaway, Jackie Cazares, Brice Chambers, Jai’Vanni McDavid, LeKendric Hunter — the names of sons and daughters who had lost their lives and whose pictures were framed on the display.
Tearful mothers gathered around the pictures to take photos with their loved ones. Some held up printed pictures, proud to continue the work of honoring their child.
Zanetia Henry smiled as she held up a selfie of her and her son Dre with a pin on her shirt that read “Team Dre.” He was murdered in
Waynesboro, Mississippi, in 2019. May 4, the day of the brunch, was Dre’s birthday.
“The favorite memory I have on him today is how much he loved life and how much he lived every single moment to the fullest, and that gives me strength to continue to press forward every day,” Henry said. “When I got the invitation, it was like, Oh, wow. He is telling me, ‘Mom, get up. Don’t lay on the couch and cry today, but go join in with so many other mothers and enjoy life just like I did.’ He would have been 29 years old today, but he’s my forever 22.”
The brunch also included a panel featuring Oresa Napper-Williams, founder of Not Another Child, Inc.; Kimberly Mata-Rubio,
president of Lives Robbed; and Jordan Murphy, founder and executive director of Girassol Wellness. The women, who personally experienced loss due to gun violence, discussed the community work they’ve been doing to enact change, combat gun violence, and keep the memories of their loved ones alive.
Gregory Jackson Jr., the former Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, was recently announced as the first president of the Rocket Foundation. A survivor of gun violence himself, he said he plans to continue the work of investing in community and highlighting solutions that are working and shining a light on the people who are saving lives everyday.
“What they’re going through, while it’s painful, there’s a whole community here that has their back and has been through similar trials, and we’re just stronger together than we are apart. Maybe just every once in a while there’s a sad night, they’ll remember that there’s so many other people there to support them, even if they aren’t physically there with them. And frankly, we want to inspire them to continue to be courageous in speaking out on this issue, pushing for change, because that’s how we fix this,” Jackson said.
The foundation plans to host its second Rocket Foundation summit with Congress members and activists this summer and is currenly building a Culture Coalition, which are influential leaders from across the country that can speak to their local community. His hope is that mother’s left the event with a sense of community, hope and inspiration.
“It’s not a sprint to the finish line, it’s a walk. Sometimes it’s a crawl, and sometimes someone has to pick you up and put you on their shoulders,” Davenport said. “I just pray that this will help mothers be stronger.”
The Atlanta Voice, Love Beyond Walls Unite to Elevate Unhoused Voices
By STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Voice is proud to announce an official partnership with Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness through education, community engagement, and creative solutions.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Atlanta Voice released The Peachtree and Pine series—a four-part exploration into the state of the unhoused community in Atlanta. The series examined the shrinking number of homeless shelters, the unique culture of unhoused communities, the pandemic’s impact on this population, the role of grassroots organizations, and the effects of hostile public policy and architecture designed to exclude those without
housing. Since then, our newsroom has remained committed to deepening our coverage and advocacy for Atlanta’s unhoused community.
Founded on the belief that no one should ever feel invisible, Love Beyond Walls has emerged as a national leader in humanizing and amplifying the voices of the unhoused. Through its innovative programming and creative storytelling, the organization brings dignity, awareness, and practical support to some of the most overlooked members of society.
Together, The Atlanta Voice and Love Beyond Walls will launch a multi-platform initiative to spotlight the complexities of homelessness in Atlanta. Through investigative journalism, community forums, feature stories, and creative content, this collaboration
will elevate the lived experiences of unhoused individuals, uncover systemic barriers, and celebrate the people and programs working toward sustainable change.
About The Atlanta Voice
Founded in 1966, The Atlanta Voice is one of the city’s longest-standing Black-owned media institutions, dedicated to providing trusted news and empowering stories that uplift the African American community across Metro Atlanta and beyond.
About Love Beyond Walls
Love Beyond Walls is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that exists to serve and support the unhoused and vulnerable through storytelling, service, and systemic change. Learn more at www.lovebeyondwalls.org.
The Atlanta Voice Publisher Janis Ware and Dr. Terence Lester of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit supporting the homeless through education and advocacy.
Bereaved Mother’s Day, the inaugural Kentucky Derby-inspired brunch event, was hosted by The Rocket Foundation on Sunday, May 3, 2025. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
Celebrating My Mother’s 70th Birthday: A Journey of Love, Resilience, and Paradise
By AyANA CRISTAL
Every trip tells a story, but this one was different. This one was a testament. Since childhood and even now at 41, there have been moments I wasn’t sure my mother, Benita Cristal, would still be here. Living with Lupus, an incurable autoimmune disease, has meant decades of unpredictability, pain, and resilience. As she’s aged, her health challenges have deepened, and her mobility has become more limited. And for me, caregiving began unexpectedly and all at once. No one prepares you to parent your parent. It is hard. It is exhausting. And it is sacred.
Before her health declined, traveling was our ritual. Each year, we’d escape somewhere, just the two of us making memories on beaches, in new cities, immersed in different cultures. But since our last trip to Jamaica in 2019, our travels became extended hospital stays and doctor’s appointments. Life became about survival, not celebration. So when she turned 70, there was no question—we had to celebrate not just the
milestone, but the miracle.
“A mother who radiates self-love and acceptance actually vaccinates her daughter against low self-esteem.” — Naomi Wolf
The Journey to 70
Like many single mothers, my mom worked tirelessly and sacrificed often. She pushed me to chase dreams beyond the boundaries of our circumstances, believing in me before I knew how to believe in myself. Every milestone I’ve reached traces back to her strength.
When I was eight, shortly after my parents divorced, she was diagnosed with Lupus. I was too young to understand, but everything changed when I was 13 and she suffered a massive stroke that left her paralyzed. As a freshman in high school, having just skipped the 8th grade and juggling the International Baccalaureate program and varsity sports, I suddenly became her voice, advocate, and caregiver.
There were countless nights in hospital rooms, moments when doctors doubted she’d
live to see me graduate from high school. But she did. Because she is a fighter. And because love kept us going
The past five years tested us even more. In 2020, during the pandemic, a botched colonoscopy left her hospitalized for four months. No visitors were allowed. I sat in the parking lot just to be close, FaceTiming and praying. Earlier that year, my engagement ended. My life was crumbling. But my mother needed me, and I showed up. Reaching the 70 milestone, I knew I had to make it special. We’ve been through so much, and I thank
God she’s still here with me every day.
Mother-Daughter Moments in Paradise
My mother wanted something simple and stress-free. We booked a direct flight from Atlanta to Cancun, Mexico. Our destination: the SLS Hotel in Playa Mujeres—a calm, accessible, all-inclusive resort perfect for her limited mobility.
Three and a half hours later our Mother-Daughter Trip officially began: Clear skies, white sand, turquoise waters, and unlimited food. We were in paradise. But the real luxury was time—precious, healing, uninterrupted time together.
From the moment our feet hit the sand, it felt like a cleansing. A reset. We’d survived the storm. Our happy place has always been the ocean, and now we are here together, at peace. We bonded over eating way too much food. When it’s all you can eat, I always have at least three plates because I get so greedy. But the real indulgence was the conversation, finally having the space to reflect on how far we’ve come. The journey. The fight. The love that held us together.
Aiyanna Cristal and her mother, Benita Cristal (left), on a beach in Cancun, Mexico.
Photo provided by Aiyanna Cristal
SENIORS OPPORTUNITIES
SENIOR (62+)
Spacious 1-Bedroom Affordable! Rent Based on Annual Income Amenities, Great Location, and Convenient to Marta Please call for detailed information (404) 586-9098
MEDICAL PHYSICIST
Piedmont Hospital, Inc. has opening for Medical Physicist in Atlanta, GA. Plan radiation treatments, ensure medical equipment used for radiation therapy & diagnostic are safe, support other staff w/ safe handling of radiation. Must have Mast. in Medical Physics/rltd. or equiv.; 24-mnth CAMPEP-accredited residency; & Board Cert. from ABR/ABMP/CCPM/similar or eligible. Send CV to Piedmont Hospital, Inc., Human Resources, Attn: Lance Anders, 1968 Peachtree Rd. NW, Bldg 2004, Atlanta, GA 30309. Must ref job title & code: ME-KS.
DIRECTOR, DATA SCIENCE & RISK
Aaron’s LLC seeks Director, Data Science & Risk for Atlanta, GA office. Req. Master’s in computer engineering, sftwre engineering, computer science, or closely rel field & 5 yrs wrk exp involving management of risk or data science team. Duties incl dvlp framework for model dvlpmnt, validation, testing & optimization. May telecommute from anywhere in U.S. Email resume w/ cvr ltr to [sschumanresources@aarons.com] ref Job ID DDSR001.
