By ISAIAH SINGLETON
The Fourth of July is almost here, and Atlanta is buzzing with celebrations! The Atlanta Voice has rounded up some fantastic events happening this long weekend, guaranteeing something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to show your patriotic spirit and make some unforgettable memories!
AJC Peachtree Road Race
When: July 4, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cheer on 60,000 participants in the country’s largest road race, or be one of the 150,000 spectators lining the 10-kilometer route from Peachtree Road at Lenox Square Mall to Piedmont Park. The energy is electric, and it’s a truly iconic Atlanta experience!
Stone Mountain Park’s Fantastic Fourth Celebration
When: July 1-7 Stone Mountain Park transforms into the ultimate Independence Day destination! Expect thrilling attractions, lively entertainment, and a breathtaking fireworks and drone show that will light up the night sky. It’s a full week of patriotic fun for the whole family.
Stockbridge’s 4th of July Extravaganza
Featuring Jagged Edge
When: July 4, Gates Open: 5:00 PM | Show Starts: 7:00 PM Where: VyStar Amphitheater at the Bridge, 4650 N. Henry Blvd., Stockbridge Head to Stockbridge for a free, family-friendly event featuring a high-energy night of music, culture, and community. Grammy-nominated R&B legends Jagged Edge will headline, with iconic Atlanta radio personality Greg Street of V-103 hosting.
Don’t miss live performances by rising star Juiicy2x and emerging talent Austin Rogers, bringing a dynamic blend of R&B, soul, and youthful energy to the stage.
City of East Point 4th of July Celebration
When: July 4, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Where: East Point Commons, 2727 East Point Street, East Point The City of East Point and the East Point Main Street Association are hosting their annual Salute to the Red, White & Blue! This free, family-friendly Independence Day celebration will feature live music, a local vendor market, kids’ games and entertainment, and the largest fireworks display in
South Fulton County. Hosted by Sinnamen Success and DJ Fie, the event will also include performances from a diverse lineup of Georgia-based artists: Dri Jack, Amaye, Tony Evans Jr., and RAHBI
Peach State Block Party
When: July 4, 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. Where: Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St, Atlanta Looking for a vibrant way to celebrate with friends and family? The Peach State Block Party at Underground Atlanta is the place to be! Enjoy live music, delicious bites from local food trucks, and fun games. You can dance the evening away, challenge your
friends to Connect Four or Jenga, and cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the Atlanta skyline.
Fourth of July Adult Field Day
When: July 5, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Where: D.H. Stanton Park, 213 Haygood Avenue Southeast, Atlanta Unleash your inner child at the Fourth of July Adult Field Day! Get ready for a fun-filled evening of games, good vibes, and, of course, a dazzling fireworks show to end the night. It’s the perfect way to extend your Independence Day celebrations. No matter how you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!
By ISAIAH SINGLETON
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) hosted elected officials from the 11-county Atlanta region for the inaugural Regional Assembly of Public Officials, held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Cobb County.
The event brought together mayors, city council members, and county commissioners from 76 cities and 11 counties in metro Atlanta for a day of collaboration, learning, and regional problem-solving.
The ARC board is composed of 41 members, which include 11 county commission chairs, 12 mayors, the mayor of the City of Atlanta, a member of the Atlanta City Council, 15 citizen members, and a representative from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
ARC’s 11-county region includes Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 75 other cities.
The day-long agenda includes a deep dive into data that shows where our region is today, and where we are headed, and break-out sessions that will offer insights into housing affordability, freight & planning, and resilience to extreme weather events.
Mayor Andre Dickens, who is also the ARC Chairman, said the Regional Assembly offers a unique opportunity for elected officials in the region to build connections with their peers, exchange best practices, and explore solutions to shared challenges.
“Metro Atlanta is such a dynamic and diverse region. I cannot wait to see the innovations and ideas unleashed when this group of public officials comes together,” he said.
Anna Roach, executive director & CEO of the ARC, said the Regional Assembly provides an important venue for officials to consider issues from a regional perspective.
“Many of the biggest challenges we face are regional in scope. Things like traffic, housing costs, and air quality don’t stop at the city or county line. They affect all of us,” she said.
Roach also said two factors led to the metropolitan planning commission’s decision to hold the event, which she realized were “very connected” to the representatives of the region who sit on their board.
“The piece we felt was missing was a connection to other elected officials in the region. We didn’t know to what degree they were aware of the resources that exist at the ARC,” she said.
Roach said the second reason was when she learned other regions had successfully convened all their elected leaders, including the
The event brought together mayors, city council members, and county commissioners from 76 cities and 11 counties in metro Atlanta for a day of collaboration, learning, and regional problem-solving.
Southern California Association of Governments. Michigan also holds a similar event, the Mackinac Policy Conference.
One of the big reasons for holding the regional assembly is to give elected officials a better understanding of all the resources ARC can provide to local governments, Roach says.
“There’s going to be an exhibit hall of sorts featuring the different ARC programs,” Roach said.
Also, Roach said the regional assembly will likely happen every other year during the second year of the ARC Chair’s two-year term moving forward.
This is the second year of Dickens’ term as chair. Nominations for ARC chair will be made in either October or early November.
It is unknown whether Dickens, who is running for his second term as mayor, will be running for re-election to be the chair of the ARC for another two years.
The exhibits included:
• About ARC
• Aging and Independence Services
• Mobility Services
• Protecting Our Resources
• Bike-Ped, Trails, & Safety
• Transportation Innovation
• Climate & Resilience
• Transportation Investments
• Community Development
• Workforce Development
• Data Centers
• Research & Analytics
• Economic Development, Leadership & Outreach
Additionally, the keynote address was delivered by former State Rep. Calvin Smyre, who served in the Georgia General Assembly for 48 years.
“He has the ability to bring people together from different areas,” Roach said.
Known as the “Dean of the House,” Smyre was widely respected by members of both sides of the aisle and was instrumental in forging the final passage of landmark transportation legislation and transit legislation.
“Our job is to create a great quality of life for our residents,” he said. “I also believe in effective communication and not sacrificing my principle, but at the same time, I think we get in the situation where we’re intolerant of other people’s opinions, and I think
we have to be able to accept others opinions and try your best to negotiate, but not negotiate your principles away.”
Smyre also shares a bit of advice to the audience by saying it’s not about the day you were born or the day you pass away, but it’s about the dash on the tombstone and what you did in between.
“Keep developing your dash and one day, you’ll look back and say, ‘this is what my dash stands for,’” he said.
By CHARLENE CROWELL
Each year approximately 7 million college students benefit from Pell Grants, a 50-year old needs-based program that can be used to cover costs for tuition, fees, living costs and room and board. Additionally, these funds have been available at both 4-year and two-year institutions.
For students of color and others who are the first in their family to attend college, Pell Grants have been an important part of financial aid packages for an estimated 80 million low-income families with little or no wealth.
But the federal Education budget for FY 2026, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, would cut Pell Grant funding by $9 billion to $22.5 billion, compared to 2024’s $31.5 billion. If approved, this significant cut will mean that next year a vital program will serve fewer students with smaller grants, changed student eligibility, and fewer institutions that would be allowed to administer the program.
Currently, the maximum Pell Grant award for the 2025–26 academic year is $7,395 and can be used by both full and part-time students.
If the Senate agrees to the House-passed budget, a maximum Pell award would drop to $5,710 for the 2026-27 academic year and be limited to only students completing 30 academic credit hours, or 12 to 15 credits per semester. Students completing at least 12 academic hours but fewer than full-time, would receive smaller, pro-rated grants.
Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours would no longer be eligible for Pell Grants. Both community colleges and the adult students they serve would be affected by this specific change. Adult students are often employed and have dependent children with responsibilities that do not allow for heavy class loads. Even so, these students choose to return to academic studies to enhance their skills, credentials, and earnings.
At a recent hearing by the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee a prominent HBCU president called against enacting these steep cuts.
“Today, PELL Grants provide up to $7,395 annually to more than seven million low- and moderate- income students,” testified Tuskegee University President Mark A. Brown. “For context, a single parent with two children earning up to $51,818 adjusted gross income (225 percent of the federal poverty guideline) can qualify for the maximum award.”
“However, this maximum amount covers only 31 percent of tuition, fees, room and meals at the average public four-year college, compared to 79 percent in 1975,” he continued. “Cuts to the program would put college out of reach for many more low-income students, while increased would represent a true federal investment in education, reduce dependence on loans, and help address workforce skill deficits.”
Nor is Tuskegee alone in attacking proposed cuts. Other education stakeholders have also weighed in.
“To reduce the maximum Pell Grant when we should be doubling it, reduce the number of students eligible for Pell Grants, increase the number of credit hours necessary for Pell without consideration for students who work their way through college, and to impose risk sharing on colleges who cannot force students to make student loan payments in an increasingly uneasy economy just seems as if those who wrote this bill are out of touch with reality,” said Lodriguez V. Murray, the United Negro College Fund’s senior vice president for public policy and government affairs.
For Katherine Meyer, a fellow in the Brown Center on Education Policy at Brookings, the proposed Pell cuts are a part of a broader retreat from a federal role in higher education.
“Between the ongoing budget reconciliation process and President Trump’s FY 2026 budget
request, federal financial aid is at risk,” wrote Meyer in a recent post. “Provisions in the reconciliation bill would eliminate Pell grant eligibility for millions of students, and the budget proposes eliminating or dramatically reducing Pell and other federal grant aid. Without robust federal funding for financial aid, states and students will scramble to fill in the gaps, with the end result being fewer opportunities to pursue higher education for the lowest income students.”
On May 21, Education Secretary Linda McMahon testified before the subcommittee of House Appropriations to defend the agency’s FY 2026 budget request.
“President Trump’s vision is to make American education freer, fairer, and more competitive globally by eliminating Federal bureaucracy and empowering states, parents, and educators,” testified McMahon. “Our FY 2026 budget request delivers on this promise by reducing spending for ineffective programs and prioritizing effective ones, while fully enforcing Federal law and giving power back to states, parents, and educators.”
The nation’s broad disagreement on these and other changes to the Education Department were perhaps best summarized in another testimony at the HELP committee hearing. According to Mark Pierce, Executive Director of the Student Borrower Protection Center:
“Americans deserve more than a higher education system that acts as a finishing school for the children of millionaires and billionaires while systematically denying economic and educational opportunities to the rest of us. Our government should be relentlessly focused on making markers of middle-class American life— including education—cheaper for working families, not more expensive.”
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.
FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
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Immortalis Memoria
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Immortalis Memoria
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BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON
The Atlanta Voice
Today is truly a day that the Lord has made, and the more complicated the world gets, the simpler the Word of God is to understand. Often, and I do mean often, I get reminded of the power of the ego, pride, and the need to control, or should I say the need to be in control? Letting go and letting God is a simple concept to say. Dare I say, most people believe it is an easy concept to understand? Yet it is so hard to do. We all know people who can quote scripture backwards and forwards, yet have no faith. We know Christian control freaks who must have the last say and who must be right all of the time. I know I get caught up in constantly trying to rationalize circumstances to explain the events of the day, any day, as if by some miracle of intelligence, I am the authority.
It is more often than not, at these times, that if I’m blessed and open to receiving the Holy Spirit, I get a chance to see the miracles, nuances, and essence of life. I am not in control, never have been, and it’s okay. Giving your life to
Intent should always be uppermost in your mind.
Christ requires a constant vigil against taking credit or assessing blame. When you focus on service in the name of the Lord, you get to see things from a different perspective. You see, the service I’m referring to is the selfless kind that neither seeks nor expects reward. The mere act speaks for itself. How much simpler does it have to be? Christ even suggests that God can see into your heart and know your intention. Love God and love your neighbor as you love yourself. It’s so simple, it’s incredible. It’s so simple that you’ll miss it altogether if you’re not careful. Now, on this day, any day that God has made, let’s apply the simple concept in a very complex world. Behavior should then have parameters. Actions should have a purpose. Intent should always be uppermost in your mind. Now, for a moment, let’s look back over yesterday.
You see how easy it is from when you get up until you lie down, to succumb to jealousy, pettiness, cruelty, envy, and the like? It takes work to be humble, loving, giving, and a source of truth every day. It takes will power, and you know the will I’m talking about. I believe the calling of every Christian is to try. It’s the effort that God expects. It’s the intent He wants. If you’re first seeking the kingdom of heaven, then that question should directly affect what you do today, how you perform, what you say, and certainly with whom you hang out. I’m fortunate to have known people I believe were truly angels walking. I think there are saints among us, and we ignore them all the time because we’re too busy pursuing the world rather than pursuing God. However, I’ve learned from these living, breathing angels that the battle is not over until you win. The
quest is not over until you are born, born again, die, and ultimately live forever. A line in a movie says that what we do in life echoes in eternity. It’s nice to know that Jesus already cared for that part of eternity. All I have to do is get through this life thing. I think I’ve got the easy part. It may not make sense on the surface, but it is simple when you stop and think about it. See me. See God. I can do this. I’ve just got to let go, one day at a time, one hour at a time, one person at a time.
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.
“YOUR
What was your initial reaction to the Trump Administration’s bombing of Iran?
Atlanta
“So, my initial reaction to the bombing is that, as a young black man in America, I’m so desensitized to everything that’s going on. The bombing is the least of my concerns. I have four kids to care for, and rent is still due. No matter the bombs falling, we still have bills to pay. I mean, we have to worry about the food that’s being poisoned. We have to worry about the fluoride in our waters. We have to carry on with that loss because we’re tiny compared to these people. It doesn’t even matter because God gets the last word at the end, so it doesn’t even matter. Live y’all life and love each other.”
“My biggest concern is the retaliation and how it will affect us and our families here in America. I think it will be a negative response because they retaliate against us. We may get bombed, and a lot of families may lose lives and resources.”
“It’s not a surprise. Anytime we are in an economic deficit, we find ourselves at war... surprisingly, not surprisingly. The fact that this is what it takes, and there’s not just honesty around why we’re at war instead of just pretending like we’re always good and doing things for good. We are in a war because our economy’s down, and that’s like the brass tacks of it.”
“Concerning the issue of Iran, I am not naive to the situation. I’m not a political head. However, there will be consequences and repercussions as far as a domino effect. So, I hope Agent Orange knows what he’s doing.”
“For us to have as many homegrown issues and problems, we sure do love to be in somebody else’s business all the time, consistently, while not minding our backyard, which is why we got half the problems we got now. I guess it’s easier to go to war than to feed the homeless, properly compensate teachers, or support the healthcare system. What do I know? I just pay the taxes for this...”
“My initial response to the bombing was disappointment, disgrace, it was disgusting. I am extremely worried about where we stand as a country, civilians, and citizens. Every day of going after entrepreneurship, striving to create stability, but having to pivot, worry, and wonder due to something out of my hands, I can’t believe it, and I’m very disappointed. I’m highly disappointed, sad about it, extremely sad, extremely disappointed where we are.”
By STAN WASHINGTON
The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) took another step to becoming the most complete place in the country for the growth of entrepreneurs with the opening of the Wells Fargo Learning Lab on June 20.
A $1.5 million grant to RICE made the state-of-the-art center possible. It will expand resources for Atlanta’s booming entrepreneur community.
The unveiling was attended by U.S. Rep Nikema Williams (5th-D), Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitt, Michael Russell of the Russell Companies, several elected officials, and business and community leaders.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities—creating jobs, building generational wealth, and driving opportunity where it’s needed most. When Black businesses succeed, all businesses succeed, and our communities thrive. I commend Wells Fargo for investing in that vision, and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs for continuing to be the model for how we uplift and scale Black entrepreneurship,” said Rep. Williams.
RICE is a model that should be used in other major cities, Williams added.
RICE President/CEO Jay Bailey noted that Wells Fargo was one of the first corporations to donate to RICE before its headquarters were even completed.
“This collaboration with Wells Fargo moves beyond philanthropy—it’s a strategic
investment in the people building Atlanta’s future. The Learning Lab is where ideas turn into enterprises and potential becomes progress.” Bailey said. “This is Atlanta building its future from the ground up, and RICE is proud to be the foundation.”
Bailey said that currently, RICE is assisting 64 small businesses (known as stakeholders) in the metro Atlanta area.
“The launch of the learning lab is another example of how Wells Fargo is making a meaningful impact on small business growth across the country,” said Tai Roberson, Community Relations Senior Manager for the Southeast at Wells Fargo. “Helping
Atlanta entrepreneurs succeed strengthens the community and contributes to a thriving economy.”
She added that twenty million dollars in Wells Fargo small business grants were awarded last year in metro Atlanta.
The lab is part of a multimillion-dollar
renovation and expansion RICE has been undergoing this year. As the world’s largest institution of its type, RICE supports small black and minority businesses. The lab is located in the former headquarters of the Herman J. Russell Companies, located south of Downtown Atlanta on Northside Drive.
By LAURA NWOGU
Have you ever wondered how exactly your Amazon packages get to your door, sometimes even on the same day? Well, it’s a complex system that relies on efficiency, and Amazon has expanded its free Amazon tours program to Georgia to give customers a glimpse behind the scenes. The tours are available to schedule online for Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Ahead of Amazon Prime Day on July 8-11, The Atlanta Voice scheduled a tour of the ATL 2 fulfillment center at 2255 West Park Place Boulevard in Stone Mountain during the program’s first month to learn more about the state-of-the-art robotics facility and what happens when you click buy. The facility, which opened in October 2020, has become a top ten shipping building in the world due to its geographic location in Atlanta.
During the tour, associates and managers will give you an inside look at how everything operates, taking you safely around the facility while explaining the ins and outs.
The 640,000 square feet building has four floors. Workers receive sort, pack, and label items on the first floor. A mix of AI, robotics, and the human workforce operates on the second through fourth floors. Workers are split up into pick and stow stations. Pick stations receive orders when they arrive, pick the products, and place them into yellow bins. This is done with the help of many robots that roam around in a sequence, bringing products to the associate. At stow
stations, products are then placed in coded bins and entered into the inventory so they can be located when needed. The use of advanced technology helps workers identify whether the items packed are what they received and even how much
tape to put on a box. The tour lead also emphasized how warehouses like ATL2 help small businesses, as they don’t have to worry about the logistics of packaging, storing, tracking, and delivering.
During the Amazon Prime Day event, site lead Tony Vozzolo shared that they’re allowed to pick up additional shifts to handle the load of orders coming in. They usually get inventory in advance thanks to the use of AI and various technologies that know where things are going to be bought, what sells, its velocity, and what’s trending. These buying patterns feed into a large algorithm that helps them place items throughout the country.
“The best way to make it faster and cheaper is to put the item in the right location. So Oklahoma City Thunder hats probably need to be in the Oklahoma area and probably not near the LA Lakers. That’s a very simple example, but that’s what we look at at very large scale,” Vozzolo said. “We’re constantly looking at how many of X items do we have in any location, and if there’s enough inventory to meet speed, customer demand, etc, because that will all at the end of the day reduce the cost for the customer.”
So, the next time you receive an Amazon order at your doorstep, know it takes a village.
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By CLAyTON GUTZMORE
Magic City is a popular strip club that attracts many tourists to Atlanta. Beyond being a place for adult entertainment, Magic City is where rappers broke records and other cultural events in Hip-Hop were born. Magic City: An American Fantasy is a new docuseries sharing those moments and the people involved. The series was created by Cole Brown and executive-produced by Jermaine Dupri. Both were at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to preview the first episode. The duo wanted the audience to see this one establishment’s contributions to hip-hop.
“I want people to be intrigued by the fact that you can tell the story of the black Mecca that is Atlanta and the cultural impact that it has had through this one club. If you are interested in hip-hop culture, Southern culture, or an incredible story of a man achieving the American dream. This project speaks to all those things,” said Cole Brown, creator and executive producer of Magic City: An American Fantasy.
The Magic City: An American Fantasy Screening took place on Friday, June 13, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Florida. ABFF is the largest gathering of Black filmmakers in the industry. Festival attendees watched the premier episode of the docuseries, followed by a panel discussion with Cole and Dupri. Journalist Jemele Hill moderated the panel. Magic City:
“People get to see how Magic City has been around for 40 years and how it’s connected to the city,” said Jermaine Dupree, Executive Producer of Magic City: An American Fantasy. Photo Credit Kelvin Bulluck
An American Fantasy premieres August 15 on Starz. The series is about creating and developing the strip club into a cultural staple. The club was founded in 1985 by Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney. 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the strip club, and the team behind the docuseries is ready to share the club’s story.
“It’s past due. I think that in hip-hop, every genre has had the opportunity to show us what life is like in their respective cities. New York showed us Brooklyn, and we learned about rapping and breaking. L.A. showed us Compton, and we learned about khakis and low riders. We only had one movie come out
of Atlanta, ATL, which showed you skate culture. It’s big, but Strip Clubs are prominent in Atlanta. People get to see how Magic City has been around for 40 years and how it’s connected to the city,” said Dupri, Executive Producer of Magic City: An American Fantasy.
The docuseries will feature interviews with T.I., Big Boi, Dupri, 2 Chainz, and other celebrities sharing their experiences with the club. Magic City: An American Fantasy will also profile the dancers from the club’s past and present. These women were crucial to the Magic City’s mystique.
“These are some of the most accomplished, entrepreneurial, strongest women I’ve ever encountered. I think there are so many stereotypes and assumptions about who these women are. We spent a lot of time with these dancers, and that is something that people get wrong,” said Brown.
Dupri wants this project to change people’s opinions on strip clubs. The So So Def CEO shared that he goes there casually and not just for the naked women. What reinforces his point is that in the teaser trailer for Magic City, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal shared that he signed his $121 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers inside Magic City in July 1996.
“The idea of strip clubs to people is wrong. We’re not going for the same reason that many people think of strip clubs. We do six to seven other things besides going and being like, oh, let’s see these girls. I go to Magic
City weekly to listen to the music, talk to my friends, and kick it,” said Dupri.
Brown, Dupri, and the team behind the series will illustrate how Magic City has impacted global culture. The strip club was the hangout for BMF in the 1990s. In 2020, Magic City was where former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams made her “get-out-and-vote” announcement. Magic City DJs were the first to premiere national hit records.
Brown explains how the classic song “Whoomp (There It Is)” by Tag Team was initially titled “Whoomp Magic City.” Dupri is releasing new music that is inspired by the Magic City documentary. His single, “Turn Around,” is out now, featuring T.I., 2 Chainz, and Young Dro. An album is scheduled for release in August as part of the series.
Magic City: An American Fantasy project will reveal why it’s more than just a strip club. The docuseries shows how people from sports, music, and politics can converge on 241 Forsyth Street. Brown, Dupri, and the team assembled the right material and people to share Barney’s story and spotlight Atlanta’s most famous strip club.
“If you’re from the south, you should see it because we have to put spotlights on the things that we do. People think this is a documentary about strippers. It’s about the culture and how intertwined it is to this one club in Atlanta,” said Dupri.
By DONNELL SUGGS
Once again, The Atlanta Voice returned home from the annual National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Messenger Awards with multiple citations for excellence in reporting. The Atlanta Voice won third place awards in the categories of Entertainment, the Armstrong Ellington award; Fashion, the Ada S. Franklin award; and Sports, the Don King award.
The Atlanta Voice was also awarded a third place award for overall newspaper excellence, the John H. Sengstacke award. The Philadelphia Tribune was first, followed by the Baltimore Afro-American.
This year’s Messenger Awards took place in Savannah and was hosted by The Savannah Tribune. Along with the awards, the convention took place from June 25-28, at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant District Hotel on River Street. This year’s theme was “Engaging Black America: Empowerment. Justice, and Prosperity.
This year’s program included messages from local pastors, local educators, and panels on everything from how to better engage Generations Z and Alpha, expanding reporting on Project 2025, the need for
Black-owned banks and businesses, and harmful federal policies that may impact the Black press.
During the final morning of the convention, Pastor Jamal Bryant spoke to attendees about the importance of the Black press.
“I hope you realize what you do as publishers is a revolutionary act,” Bryant said.
Bryant told a story about his late
By QUINTESSA WILLIAMS
Word In Black
For generations, Black families and their children have viewed a college degree as the ticket to upward mobility, financial security, and success. Then the pandemic happened, and Black college enrollment slumped, before slightly rebounding in recent years.
However, a growing number of Black high-school graduates — alarmed by skyrocketing college costs, stagnant wages for degree-holders, and the Trump administration’s crackdowns on student debt — are seeing trade-school education as a better investment than a four-year bachelor’s degree. Recent data from the National Clearinghouse indicate that Black student enrollment at trade schools has increased overall, particularly among Black men.
“What I actually hear Black students saying right now is, ‘I want to have autonomy. I want to have a choice,” Dr. Alaina Harper, executive director of the nonprofit OneGoal, tells Word In Black. “And I want every option after high school to be available to me.”
Is a College Degree Still Worth It?
Although Black undergraduate enrollment declined sharply over the last decade, new reports show a slight uptick, with enrollment at four-year schools rising more than 10% since spring 2024.
Recent economic reports also suggest that college degrees still offer significant financial benefits. A 2024 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that, on average, earning a college degree boosts a person’s annual income by about 12.5% compared to someone without one. Additionally, researchers noted that college graduates tend to earn higher median salaries compared to those with only a high school diploma.
In recent years, however, the value of a college degree has come under scrutiny.
Tuition alone can reach six figures, even for state schools, with no guarantee of a job after graduation. Trump-era cutbacks on federal financial aid — and reports of degree-holders sinking under the weight of student loan debt — has some students thinking college is out of reach.
On the other hand, trade schools and community college certificate programs typically cost far less than an undergraduate degree, most take just a few years to complete, and jobs are plentiful in high-demand fields, such as dental hygiene and computer technology.
It’s no surprise, then, that National Clearinghouse data shows trade school enrollment jumped 20% since 2020 — the largest spike in a decade. At North American Trade
“What I actually hear Black students saying right now is, ‘I want to have autonomy. I want to have a choice, and I want every option after high school to be available to me.’”
Dr. Alaina Harper Executive director of OneGoal
Schools in Baltimore, Maryland, for example, 74% of the students are Black — with Black men making up more than 70%.
Harper says the decision to pursue college should align with a student’s individual goals and visions for the future: “I truly do believe that a four-year college pathway is the most reliable opportunity for some Black students in some careers,” she says. “But I also think there are lots of other options like trade or credentialing programs — and lots
of two-year schools where you can pair those two things together.”
Schoolers
As more Black high school students opt out of the traditional college track, Harper cautions that counselors should spend more time with students to understand their goals, so that they do not feel forced into one pathway because another feels out of reach.
“Students need to know they’re not giving something up by choosing a trade,” she says. “But we have to make sure they are actually choosing.”
For Harper, that also includes addressing the financial realities Black students often face. According to a 2023 Federal Reserve Board of Governors report, white families on average hold 6.2 times more wealth than Black families. That typically means Black families are less able to afford resources to help their children get into college, such as admissions test preparation courses and private tutors.
While Harper urges that postsecondary decisions should be rooted in aspiration and not just affordability — until systems catch up — the cost of college could quietly narrow Black students’ choices, especially those balancing school and other financial responsibilities.
“When we think about how to support academic achievement for Black students,
it’s not just about test scores,” Harper adds. “It’s about helping students make informed decisions about their future. That clarity and sense of purpose can be the difference between disengagement and motivation in high school.”
Every Single Pathway is a Career Pathway
Harper says the solution lies in redefining what counts as a “successful” outcome for Black students — and ensuring that all pathways are treated with dignity, investment, and opportunity.
“We have to normalize that every single student is on a career pathway,” she says. “College is one of them. Trade is another. Apprenticeship is another. What matters is that we support them all the way through.”
That means schools and policymakers, Harper says, must stop treating college and career readiness as mutually exclusive. Adding that students should be exposed to both, with real-world mentorship, data-driven advising, and culturally relevant guidance that centers their lives and goals.
“If a student chooses college, we should champion them. If they choose trade, we should champion them. And if they’re not sure yet, we need to give them time, space, and tools to figure it out. The future our students want isn’t either/or. It’s both/and. Our job is to make sure no door is closed to them.”
By NOAH WASHINGTON
For some visitors, Faith Ringgold’s newest exhibition at the High Museum will transport them back decades. For others, it will capture them in their present moment. Regardless of their stage in life, the show aims to reconnect viewers with their childhood through the illustrations of the late artist’s beloved children’s book.
Andrew Westover first encountered Faith Ringgold’s children’s book art while working on Ringgold’s retrospective at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York around 2021-22, where he helped create a reading room featuring her literary works.
When Westover joined the High Museum of Art in 2022 as deputy director of learning and civic engagement, he knew exactly which artist he wanted to feature in the museum’s children’s book exhibition series.
“I immediately thought of Faith Ringgold, because I think her work is incredible, and there really has not been any exhibition of this scale for her children’s picture books,” said Westover, a former middle school teacher from Glendale, Arizona, who taught at Melvin E. Sine Elementary School before transitioning to museum work.
The result is “Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children,” which runs from Friday, June 27, through Oct. 12. It features more than 100 original paintings and drawings from the late artist’s beloved children’s books, including never-before-exhibited works from titles such as “Tar Beach” and “We Came to America.”
Westover emphasized that visitors will see Ringgold’s original illustrations, the actual artworks she created before they were digitized and compiled into books. The exhibition marks the eighth in the High’s popular children’s book art series.
Ringgold, who died in 2024 at age 94, was widely celebrated for her paintings and narrative quilts but received less recognition for her award-winning children’s books.
“Faith Ringgold started her career as a teacher and believed that all children are artists and should seriously consume art,” Westover said. “Often a child will first encounter visual art on the pages of picture books, and they can help children feel valued and empowered.”
The exhibition planning process extended over several years, continuing even after Ringgold’s death. “Exhibition making is a long process,” Westover explained. “It starts with an idea, and then it goes to research, and then it goes to conversations, and then at some point, a contract comes along, and then it’s actually building the role.”
While the museum didn’t work directly with Ringgold extensively, Westover praised
“Faith Ringgold: Seeing Children” (above) runs from June 27 through Oct. 12 and features more than 100 original paintings and drawings from the late artist’s beloved children’s books. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
her family’s efforts to preserve her legacy. “She has an incredible family that has done so much to preserve and protect her legacy and her work,” he said.
The exhibition features original artwork from a dozen of Ringgold’s books, including “If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks” (1999), “Dinner at Aunt Connie’s House” (1993) and “Tar Beach” (1991), which tells the story of Cassie, a Black child in 1930s Harlem who imagines a future where she can go anywhere from her apartment rooftop. Also featured are complete works from “The Invisible Princess” (1999) and “We Came to America” (2016), which examines immigration history in America.
Organized into three sections, American Histories, Stories We Tell and American People, the exhibition explores what Westover calls three key themes: adults’ capacity to see children, children’s ability to see themselves and their world, and children’s ability to imagine possibilities beyond adult perspectives.
When asked about his hopes for young visitors, Westover said: “When they walk in, I want them to be curious. I want them to look at everything. I hope that they’ve come with a loved one who they can have conversations with about the work.”
He wants children to leave feeling “inspired” and “affirmed,” hoping they’ll be “pushed to ask questions or learned a new story or understood a little bit more about the past.”
For adult visitors, Westover has similar goals: “I want them to connect. I want them to experience the works of art. I want them to connect with the people they came with and hopefully have opportunities for self reflection on how does this reflect with what I know of America, of faith, Ringgold, of
“Faith Ringgold started her career as a teacher and believed that all children are artists and should seriously consume art. Often a child will first encounter visual art on the pages of picture books, and they can help children feel valued and empowered.”
— Andrew Westover Deputy Director of Learning and Civic Engagement High Museum of Art
history, of the present, and how might this shift my thinking, especially if I think a bit more as a child might.”
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Alliance Theatre will present “Rhythm & Thread” (June-August 2025), a theatrical show for young audiences inspired by
Ringgold’s quilts. The production, created by Andrea Washington and featuring artistry by Marquetta Johnson and an original jazz score by Eugene H. Russell IV, is designed for children under 5 and their caregivers as part of the Alliance’s Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young series.
The exhibition will be presented in the Special Exhibition Galleries on the second level of the High’s Stent Family Wing.
By JENNIFER PORTER GORE
Word In Black
Pointing to a link between personal-care products and reproductive health issues in Black and Latino women, a congress member from Ohio has introduced a bill that would fund research to help make those products safer.
“All women deserve products that are safe — period,” Rep. Shontel Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said in a statement announcing the Health & Endocrine Research on Personal Care Products for Women, or HER Act, on June 5.
The proposal, she said, calls for investigating the use of “endocrine-disrupting” chemicals in beauty and hygiene products marketed to women of color.
Hazardous Ingredients
Besides promoting consumer safety, the bill “bolsters public health efforts, and addresses serious racial disparities that are making too many Black and Hispanic women sick,” she said. “There is a clear nexus between unsafe
products that are disproportionately used by Black and Hispanic women and the higher incidence of reproductive health issues that we experience.”
Decades of research has found that personal care products marketed to Black women have disproportionately higher health risks because they tend to contain more potentially harmful ingredients than products geared towards white women. There’s also considerable research into the connection between hair-straightening products Black women use and incidences of uterine cancer.
The HER Act would create a new federal grant program to research personal care products that contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can interfere with the body’s endocrine system. Scientists believe the substances can interrupt puberty in girls, and have linked them to uterine fibroids, infertility, and other reproductive health conditions.
Laura Vandenberg, a spokesperson for the nonprofit Endocrine
Society, applauded Brown’s bill, noting it can improve women’s health in several areas.
“We know millions of women are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products,” she said in a statement. “These chemicals make us more susceptible to reproductive disorders, cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other serious health conditions.”
The bill, Vandenberg said,
“would raise awareness of research into these chemicals and help consumers understand which products are safe to use.”
Dr. Eileen Barrett, president of the American Medical Women’s Association, concurred. The HER Act, she says, “would prioritize essential research into the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on women’s reproductive health.”
The HER Act would create a new federal grant program to research
personal care products that contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
A two-term congress member representing a portion of Cleveland, Brown is part of an informal caucus leading the charge for the Food and Drug Administration to ban hair relaxers and chemical straighteners that contain formaldehyde.
In April, Brown, along with fellow Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Nydia Velázquez of New York, sent a letter to the FDA demanding answers for the delay first called for in 2023.
“Too many people in Washington do not realize or do not care that most women use dozens of personal care products a day – and that these products come with very little oversight or consumer protection,” said Brown.
“The HER Act jumpstarts research and public awareness efforts that are sorely needed and I will continue to make sure that Black, Hispanic, and all women are heard from,” Rep. Brown added.
By ITORO N. UMONTUEN
U.S. Representative Nikema Williams and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark addressed the devastating impacts of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”. During the press conference, the highlighted that the bill would leave nearly 16 million people without health insurance, including over 125,000 in Williams’ district, Georgia’s 5th Congressional District.
They emphasized the critical role of Medicaid, which covers 45% of Georgia’s births and 51% of its children. Each emphasized potential tax cuts for the wealthy would contrast sharply with the severe healthcare and economic hardships it would impose on working families and rural communities.
“While mamas across the country are making tough decisions in the grocery line, patients are worrying whether they can afford the care that they need,” Williams said. “Workers are heading to their jobs wondering if their labor will bring them closer to the promise of America. The top 0.1% will be receiving an average annual tax cut of $255,670
right here in this district. So where do you think this bill will be felt more? In the wallet of a billionaire or in the wallet of a parent delaying their own health care appointment just to get by with a nurse facing job loss due to Medicaid cuts?”
The visit was part of a week in which Democrats pledged to save hospitals. Even though the conversations surround the patients and consumers of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, healthcare facilities receive payments from the government for patient care. For example, Medicaid covers skilled nursing costs for room, board, and all necessary medical and non-medical goods and services. Also, Medicaid pays for 45% of Georgia’s births and covers 51% of Georgia’s children.
“We know if the Republicans’ big ugly bill passes into law, it is going to be devastating,” Clark added. “As the congresswoman laid out, 16 million Americans will lose coverage under this bill. 42 million people will
go hungry. Medicare will be gutted by half a trillion dollars.”
Republicans are planning to cut Social Security benefits by raising the retirement age for Americans 59 and younger. During a recent town hall, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenepromised permanent tax cuts while protecting Social Security and Medicare. She also pledged to reduce the tax burden on working families.
“Guess what? No one is taking away anyone’s Medicare,” Greene said April 15th.
“That’s a lie that is being held by the Democrats, and unfortunately, the media is helping them tell it. No one is losing Medicare. No one is losing Social Security and no one’s benefits are being taken away. And I can tell you for a fact, no one has lost their Social Security.”
The Ramifications of Healthcare Cuts
Dr. Maddie Wolf, a pediatrician, underscored the dire consequences of Medicaid cuts on neonatal care. While providing critical care to premature babies, she discussed
the potential increased financial burden on their families.
“One of the major drivers of infant mortality is premature birth,” Wolf explained. “That is directly influenced by maternal access to health care. And so women who are sick without appropriate access to health care, drive infant mortality in one of the most, the largest ways.”
There are at least 60 counties in Georgia that do not have a hospital or have strained resources. Helen Butler, the Executive Director with the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, calls for the reimagining of Medicaid to ensure coverage for everyone. Also, she criticizes the bill’s proposed cuts.“So to me, I say, if you truly believe, as a Christian, that we should take care of the least of these,” Butler said. “We have to do away with this bill. We have to reimagine what it means and to give coverage to everyone without your health, there is not much you can do. There is no making things great. There is no way to survive if you’re unhealthy. So Medicaid is critical to all of the Georgians.”
By LAURA NWOGU
Popular Austin, Texas-based restaurant
Mission Burger Co., celebrated the grand opening of its first Atlanta eatery on Thursday with a ribbon cutting and free bites of its vegan classics. Located at 2065 Defoors Ferry Rd NW, co-founder Isaac Mogannam said he’s determined to bring a diner vibe to the plant-based dining scene in Atlanta.
“We’ve had Atlanta on the horizon for quite some time. It’s notorious for having a very plant-based, friendly community. Obviously Slutty Vegan and many others started here, and so it’s always been on our peripheral,” Mogannam said.
Mission Burger was founded in 2023 by Mogannam and Michael Limongelli with the goal of serving 100% plant-based comfort food.
When Mogannam met his wife Dina Marto, a music executive based in Atlanta, in 2024, he called it divine intervention. A year later, the business duo expanded to Atlanta.
The menu takes classics such as burgers, crunch wraps, turkey sandwiches, and Reubens and gives them a vegan twist. It also features a variety of other sandwiches, Atlanta-inspired entrees such as wet lemon pepper chicken
nuggets, desserts such as cake and cookies, and sides including mac and cheese and loaded fries. Mogannam called it “vegan food for meat lovers.”
“We want them to be able to have a nostalgic connection with the food. We basically take American comfort food classics that we grew up with, and we make them plant-based in a way such that they don’t look, feel, taste, or smell plant-based,” Mogannam said. “So we really want them having that aha moment where they’re like, Wow, I can’t believe this is vegan. I can’t believe this is made from plants. When people say that to us, I feel like that’s the highest honor, and I think that’s when we
kind of hit the mark.”
Friends, family, associates, and local business owners celebrated
By RASHONDA TATE
When the conversation turns to freedom, it often stops at civil rights and voting power. However, true freedom includes financial liberation — the ability to make choices without being burdened by debt, paycheck-to-paycheck cycles, or generational disadvantage. For Black families, the wealth gap remains a significant barrier. According to the Federal Reserve, the median wealth of Black households is $24,000, compared with $188,000 for white households.
That story does not have to be the final chapter.
Financial freedom is not about luck. It is about intention, strategy and education. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to advance, here are 10 steps to take control of your money, reclaim your power and build lasting wealth.
Know Your Numbers: You cannot change
what you do not measure. Start by listing your income, monthly expenses, debts and savings. Use tools like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget) or an Excel sheet to get the full picture. Do not be afraid of what you find — clarity is power.
“When I finally wrote everything down, I realized I was not broke — I was just unorganized,” said Houston entrepreneur Tiffany Jackson.
Create a Budget That Respects Your Life: Budgeting does not mean deprivation — it means direction. Set a monthly budget that includes necessities, savings, debt repayment and joy. The 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/debt) is a good start, but customize it for your situation.
Build an Emergency Fund: Life happens. A blown tire, medical bill, or job loss should not wipe you out. Aim to save three to six months of expenses, starting with a goal of $500 and building from there. Automate your savings so
the grand opening. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens attended the ribbon cutting and made a few remarks,
you do not have to think about it. Eliminate High-Interest Debt: Credit card debt is a wealth killer. Use the snowball method (pay off smallest debts first) or the avalanche method (tackle highest interest rates first). Whichever you choose, be consistent. Every dollar you pay off is a dollar you reclaim.
Protect Your Credit Score: Your credit score affects everything from home loans to insurance rates. Pay bills on time, keep credit utilization under 30% and do not open too many new accounts. Apps like Credit Karma or Experian Boost can help you monitor your progress.
Learn to Invest (Yes, You Can): Black families have historically been left out of investment opportunities. It is time to change that. Start with a Roth IRA, 401(k), or index funds. You do not need to be rich to invest— just consistent. Compound interest is the real benefit.
Buy (or Keep) Property if You Can: Homeownership is still a major wealth builder, especially when property values increase. Programs like NACA, FHA loans and local grants can help first-time buyers. However, ownership also includes protecting inherited property and avoiding land loss.
“Too many Black families lose the home grandma worked for because the paperwork
sharing that he’d lived right down the street from the location of the new Mission Burger restaurant for 18 years.
“it does my heart good to see another wonderful establishment, to start here and to thrive here. And it’s being done by my friends, great people that contribute to the city of Atlanta in meaningful ways,” Dickens said. “I’ve got a firm belief that this isn’t going to be the last Mission Burger opening here in Atlanta. This is a great example of eco-conscious business, to have this plant-based food that’s here that really keeps us healthy, but also continues to support all different types of diets and palates.”
was not right,” said real estate attorney Kristie King. “Make sure the deed is clear and the heirs understand the value.”
Teach the Next Generation: Financial literacy is not just for adults. Talk to your children and teenagers about saving, budgeting and ownership. Open custodial savings accounts, introduce them to investing early and model the habits you want them to repeat.
Find a Financial Accountability Partner: You do not have to go it alone. Whether it is a trusted friend, family member or financial coach, share your goals and check in monthly. Black wealth is community wealth — do not be afraid to lean on your village. Leave a Legacy, Not Just Money: Wealth is more than a dollar amount. It is insurance. It is estate planning. It is a will that protects your children. Meet with a Black estate attorney or planner and ensure your assets are clearly designated. Do not let probate courts decide your family’s future.
Financial freedom is not a destination — it is a practice. Start where you are. Build as you go. And remember: We are not just consumers. We are creators, builders and owners.
“Black wealth is a revolutionary act,” said financial educator Dominique Broadway. “And it is one we can achieve — one step at a time.”
By NOAH WASHINGTON
As temperatures soar past 90 degrees and humidity blankets Georgia’s capital, local fashion designers are helping residents stay cool while stylish.
Andy Metayer’s Old Hard Drive brand combines his film background with fashion design. The New York native turned to clothing after noticing other music directors like himself had products to sell.
“I told myself I needed something to sell, and I didn’t want to be like everybody else,” he said.
The brand features graphics of real hip-hop artists Metayer has filmed, with QR codes on the tags that link to the original music videos in which the images are depicted. Having worked with Atlanta artists like 2 Chainz, Quavo, and Young Thug, his designs represent the city’s music scene.
For summer, Metayer is moving beyond black and gray into forest greens and earth tones. His pieces are oversized, vintage acid-washed 100% cotton T-shirts.
“Summertime is all about graphic tees,” he said, highlighting upcoming designs featuring Quavo, the late Rich Homie Quan, and Young Thug.
The 250-gram cotton construction provides comfort in Atlanta heat while maintaining the baggy aesthetic popular in current fashion. Metayer’s styling advice is simple: “You don’t necessarily have to match everything.”
His target audience includes “young kids of the culture” who appreciate hip-hop, regardless of background. The brand fits Atlanta’s current preference for oversized graphic T-shirts, and ‘80s-’90s revival styles.
Atlanta’s fashion scene cannot be separated from its musical heritage. The city’s hip-hop influence appears in everything from oversized silhouettes reminiscent of ‘90s rap videos to graphic designs featuring local artists.
“My brand represents all videographers that have the chance to film the city’s hottest artists,” Metayer said. “It represents the hip-hop culture as a whole.”
Harrison White launched Partial Golf Club in fall 2024 after growing frustrated with golf fashion’s exclusivity.
“The price for clothing has been so unattainable for some casual golfers,” White said. “I thought there had to be a better brand that could bridge the gap in price and approachability.”
His target customer is refreshingly honest: “Partial Golf Club is for anyone who plays golf for the company. They haven’t gotten better, but it doesn’t matter. They are outside, and that alone makes the day better.”
The brand distinguishes itself through minimalist color palettes and versatile pieces that work both on and off the course. White’s first design, a seemingly simple hat, went through five iterations and four fabric changes before meeting his quality standards.
“I want people to feel content,” White said of his brand’s mission. “Happiness comes and goes, but being truly content is a blessing. I want this clothing to be a go-to that makes
everyone savor every moment.”
While T-shirts dominate summer street style, designers like Jai Lyle are elevating summer classics through his brand Jai Lyle MCMLXXXII. His Ascension polo collection features vibrant colorways like mint and mango, crafted with the same attention to detail that defines his heritage-inspired designs, from tailored cuffs that retain their shape to carefully considered fabric weights.
“These pieces represent a summertime, energetic vibrant feel,” Lyle said. “It has a nice breathable feel, but enough weight where you feel like this is a quality garment.”
This balance reflects his broader design philosophy of honoring timeless craftsmanship while embracing modern sensibilities, influenced by his family’s legacy and his mother Doris’ guidance in fashion.
The Black Nose Lab Guide to Warm Weather Fragrance
As Atlanta’s summer heat intensifies, no one wants to be caught outside with heat-induced sweat odor. Chris Davis, founder of offers expert guidance for navigating warm-weather scenting.
“Overspraying is for the goofy,” Davis said. “When people feel like they can almost taste the fragrance you’re wearing, it screams desperation and insecurity.”
This principle becomes crucial during Georgia’s sweltering months, where certain fragrances in high heat can create a cloying effect. Davis recommends that sweeter fragrances be applied lightly, as the skin’s natural warmth will keep the scent active throughout the day.
For spring and summer, Davis recommends specific fragrances from Savoir Faire that don’t require heavy application but deliver impressive longevity of six to 10 hours, depending on body chemistry. His curated selection includes Soul Cafe, with its intriguing blend of bergamot, blood orange, and Arabic coffee; the sophisticated Signature featuring tomato leaf and leather; and the ethereal Ascension combining blue lotus and fresh earth notes.
Located at the Black Nose Lab, which houses more than 20 Black-owned fragrance brands, these artisanal scents represent Davis’s vision of approachable luxury.
The Black Nose Lab is located at 644 Antone St. N.W. Suite 1, Atlanta, GA 30318. Showroom hours vary.
Atlanta’s summer fashion landscape reflects both the city’s sweltering climate and evolving consumer habits. As temperatures soar, local retailers are adapting their strategies to meet changing demands while maintaining luxury standards.
The summer season significantly affects buying patterns in Atlanta’s fashion market. Local retailer Nino Ross of ELUXEIT, located in Perimeter Mall, said customers tend to spend less during summer months, influencing inventory decisions.
“Customers would rather be cool in these hot Georgia summer months,” he said. “From a styling perspective, lighter fabrics and colors come into play.”
This spending shift has created opportunities for strategic luxury shopping. ELUXEIT serves as a marketplace for high-quality fashion items, catering to buyers who seek to invest more money in products with higher quality fabrics and materials. The investment approach becomes even more crucial during summer when comfort and style must coexist.
This seasonal shift has pushed designers toward more versatile pieces that justify their price points through multiple styling options. Smart summer shoppers are now seeking breathable linens, lightweight silks, and premium cotton blends in cooling palettes — pieces that transition effortlessly from air-conditioned offices to outdoor events.
The key lies in choosing fewer, better pieces that deliver maximum impact while keeping wearers comfortable in Georgia’s demanding summer heat. Brands available in the store include Brain Love and Jai Lyle.
By DONNELL SUGGS
The Atlanta Braves lost 2-1 to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Michael Harris II watched the entire game from the Braves’ dugout. Harris had the day off, in fact, he had the last two days off.
Michael Harris II was hitless in his last 19 at-bats following the Braves’ 13-0 loss to National League East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, on Friday, June 27. Harris didn’t start on Saturday and was out of the lineup when the two teams met on Sunday afternoon. There’s a case for having Michael Harris in the Braves’ lineup every day, but Braves manager Brian Snitker said he wanted to give Harris some time off.
“That was the plan, to give him these two, tomorrow, and he’ll be back there on Tuesday,” Snitker said.
And he was. Harris went 1-4 with a triple in the fifth inning during a 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, July 1.
Eli White, who replaced Harris in centerfield last Sunday, finished the game 0-3 with a walk.
Harris II’s batting average hasn’t dipped below .200, but it’s getting close. He’s hitting .212 on the season with 43 RBI, six home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 18 runs scored. To go along with that 0-19 from the plate, Harris has only produced a single RBI during that span. Batting everywhere between the seventh and ninth spots in the lineup, Harris has
had plenty of opportunities to drive in runs, and early on, he briefly led the team in RBI. The recent tear that first baseman Matt Olson has been on has put him firmly in the team lead with 52.
The case for Harris II can be made because he is one of the top defensive players in Major League Baseball. The defense for keeping him out of the lineup was made stronger
when Braves centerfielder Eli White, at least on Sunday, tracked down a deep fly ball to center field by his counterpart, Brandon Marsh. There weren’t any Phillies on base when Marsh hit the ball, but the top of the lineup was following Marsh to the plate. White’s catch ended the inning. Harris’s defense has saved the Braves several runs this season, too. But it has been his lack of hitting
that seems to have him out of the lineup for the first time in his young career. Several times during the broadcast of Sunday’s game, the camera panned to Harris II sitting in the dugout. It was hard to tell what Harris’s emotions were through his sunglasses.
An Alex Bohm double to center field could arguably be considered a routine play for Harris. Instead, White misjudged the ball as it careened off the wall. Philadelphia, already ahead 2-1 in the eighth inning, did not score during the inning, so no harm was done. For now.
Harris signed an 8-year, $72 million contract extension in 2022, just months into his professional career. The contact made sense at the time. Harris was a bright star, quickly finding his footing in the Majors. Harris is picking up spot appearances as a defensive replacement three years later, like he did Saturday night.
In Harris’s absence on Sunday, the bottom third of the Braves lineup went 0-9, including a pinch-hitting at-bat and strikeout by Drake Baldwin, who was hitting for shortstop Nick Allen, who finished the game 0-1 with two walks. It’s hard to argue that Harris II could not have made similar, if not better, contributions during this game.
On Tuesday, the bottom third of the Braves lineup was 2-11 with Harris’ triple and a single from Allen. Braves catcher Sean Murphy pinchhit for Allen in the ninth inning and struck out on a Kenley Jansen fastball to end the game.
By DONNELL SUGGS
The Atlanta Hawks’ first-round selection, Asa Newell, was introduced to the press on Friday morning. The introductory press conference occurred at the Hawks’ practice facility at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in Brookhaven.
Moments before Newell took his place next to Atlanta Hawks General Manager, Onsi Saleh, and the team’s longtime television voice Bob Rathbun on stage, Hawks all-star guard Trae Young took his seat in the front row. The two would exchange a greeting moments later, following the completion of the press conference.
“I feel like I’m in a Disney movie,” Newell said while on stage, describing what it felt like to be drafted by his hometown team. Newell said he was thankful and ready to work.
Newell, a 6-11 forward, started all 33 games for the Bulldogs last season. The metro Atlanta native and Montverde Academy alum averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and a block per
game during his only college basketball season. He signed with Georgia to be able to come back home and today he was definitely back home as his parents and siblings looked on.
“He brings everything that we’re looking for,” Saleh said of Newell. Saleh also called the addition of Newell a “culture add” to the franchise.
Asked who his player comparisons are, Newell said, “A lot of people tell me I play like Chris Bosh.”
Newell listed Memphis Grizzlies all-star Jaren Jackson, Jr., and Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon as players he believes his game most resembles. Gordon was a linchpin in the Nuggets’ 2022-23 NBA championship run. Jackson averaged 22 points, nearly six rebounds, and over one block per game. Not bad comparisons.
The never-ending Georgia Bulldogs/Atlanta Hawks stories have already begun, but when asked what he knows about Atlanta Hawks legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, Newell, 19, said he had his jersey at home.
By ISAIAH SINGLETON
Gregory “Gee” Smalls, alongside his husband Juan, are the co-owners of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar, an upscale eatery focusing on Gullah Geechee cuisine, the oldest Black culture in America.
The Atlanta resident, 48, is not only a father, activist, and husband, but he’s also in tune with many of his talents, including philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and writing.
Smalls, 48, was born and raised on James Island, north of Charleston, and many of the dishes listed on the menu are based on recipes handed down from family members still living on the island.
The restaurant is named for Smalls’ late father and features a mural of its namesake created by local Atlanta artist C. Flux Sing.
Their first location opened on Main Street in College Park in the summer of 2019. It serves soul food inspired by Gullah Geechee cuisine, including crab rice, red rice, and shrimp and crab gravy.
Since opening in 2019 in College Park, they now have since opened locations in both West Midtown and Conyers, with low country offerings like Smotha’d Poke Chops (two fried pork chops, smothered in gravy over jasmine rice with a choice of vegetable), Slammin’ Sammen (blackened salmon with jasmine rice, Geechee fried corn and crab cream sauce, garnished with a fried oyster & shrimp) and Motha’s Spaghetti (spaghetti served with ground turkey, chicken or pork sausage and garlic toast) that celebrate the Geechee dialect and his father’s infectious catchphrases.
“Virgil’s wasn’t only about strengthening a legacy that started in honor of my father, but it is also helping to spread awareness about the oldest Black culture in America,” Smalls said. “As Gullah Geechee people, we were not always celebrated in the way that we are starting to see it hit mainstream right now. In fact, it was quite the opposite. So, to even be a small part of preserving such a rich and unique culture is beyond an honor for both of us.”
Additionally, in 2021, the Smalls, along with Atlanta restaurateur Lorenzo Wyche, opened brunch restaurant the Breakfast Boys in the former Kafenio space on Main Street. Wyche first met the Smalls when he consulted on the opening of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen.
However, in October 2024, there was a grease fire at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar’s original location. Smalls says they are currently rebuilding and hope to have that location reopened by the end of this summer.
In the next five to ten years, Smalls says he sees Virgil’s as a more established brand.
“Although it’s established over the past six years, I expect Virgil’s to be more established through more retail products,” he said. “There are different products we want to put out that are on our menu right now, so we want to expand it in that way, along with some new locations, like the airport.”
Smalls is also an author. His 2019 memoir, “Black Enough, Man Enough: Embracing My Mixed Race and Sexual Fluidity,” has recently been re-released. This version is more for the general public, according to Smalls, who said he found it necessary to release a PG-13 version of his memoir because a lot of people, including older people and more conservative individuals, didn’t like to read the language of the explicit sexual scenes.
“Even people with children, they would tell me, ‘Oh, I wish I could get my son or daughter to read this book, but it’s explicit and too adult for them’,” he said.
What’s Next for Smalls
Smalls is also co-creator of “The Gentlemen’s Ball,” an annual black tie fundraising gala which celebrates the accomplishments of Black LGBTQ people and benefits “The Gentlemen’s Foundation,” promoting holistic development of Black men in the LGBTQ community through scholarships, mentorships, and health and wellness outreach.
Described as a “second chance” prom for the LGBTQ+ community, in 2011, the Smalls thought it necessary to have a space to celebrate their community because many black-tie events and awards dinners at the GLAAD Awards and HRC, Smalls said, was not to celebrate or honor Black LGBTQ+ individuals at all.
“We needed to be able to see these images of men other than what was already out there because images were out there, but we didn’t have this elevated image,” he said. “So, we decided we were going to do a second chance prom, because chances are we didn’t go to prom what we really wanted to go with, and this was our second chance to go to prom.”
Furthermore, Smalls says they will be relaunching this year and years to come. There’s not an official announcement yet, but Smalls says there will be a Black pride event coming to Atlanta to raise money and keep sponsorships. They hope to bring the Gentleman’s Ball back Fall 2026.
For advice, Smalls says to surround yourself with love and support because a lot of times, people can make someone feel they are born into this world not being enough.
“People make us feel inferior, but we are enough,” he said. “Also, loving yourself is about being transparent, vulnerable, and aware of who you are.”
Additionally, Smalls says he’s uncertain about authoring any more books, but currently, the Smalls are working on a seven-episode podcast about their 17-year love story and a talk show on YouTube, releasing later this summer.
He also said they are about to launch one
of their menu items from Virgil’s for retail, their Bussin’ Corn Muffins.
Smalls says his favorite part about working alongside Juan in the business is getting to spend a lot of time together.
“Our lives are so intertwined in so many ways that we really get each other,” he said. “We can have conversations with one another that each other can relate to because we do the same line of work, so it brings us closer.”
Outside of business ventures, Smalls says he loves to travel as much as possible and going to the beach. One of his favorite places to visit is Brazil, as he is there a few times a year. He also loves Mexico and Miami.
Through his entire journey up until now, Smalls says he now understands the work is in embracing who he is instead of trying to measure up to what others think is enough.
“You are enough too, just the way you are. I invite you to own that and set yourself free,” he said.
By DENNIS MALCOLM ByRON AKA ALE SHARPTON
Going back a year, I had the pleasure of reviewing the 2024 Nissan Z Performance M/T, and the Z lineage continues to step its game up in 2025 with the NISMO. Nissan goes the extra mile at a lightning pace with this version’s fusion of race-inspired engineering, upgraded technology, and head-turning body appointments that emphasize it’s a high-performance machine.
When this stunner pulls up, the striking two-tone white with a black roof, and numerous NISMO-themed appointments including a front and rear fascias; side sills; dual exhaust; and rear spoiler make this Z a conversation starter in any environment. To honor the legendary sports car’s roots, Nissan boasts their “katana blade roof accent” and C-pillar emblem
prominently. Adding to the eye candy, the RAYS lightweight 19” wheels—also a NISMO signature— are wrapped in high-performance Dunlop SP Sport MAXX GT600 tires to hug the road tighter than a grandmother’s embrace.
The Z NISMO flexes with a twin-turbo V6 powertrain pumping out 420 horsepower orchestrated by a nine-speed transmission. The NISMO-exclusive Sport+ drive mode and launch control system elevates the acceleration, while the NISMO-tuned suspension—complete with aluminum double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setups—ensures exceptional grip and handling for the genuine track feel. Ideally, braking is an obvious priority thanks to NISMO-exclusive front brake rotors and calipers, paired with four-wheel power-assisted vented discs. Steering precision is enhanced by a twopoint front strut tower brace and
NISMO-tuned power steering, giving the driver complete control. Safety gets more-than-adequate attention with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic alert to name a few appreciated applications. Inside, the cabin does a solid balancing act of sport and pampering. The RECARO seats with NISMO embroidery, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, and aluminum
performance pedals reinforce the car’s racing theme. The NISMO-specific red ignition button, dual-zone automatic climate control, and BOSE eight-speaker system enhance the cockpit experience. Other desirables are met with the 12.3-inch digital TFT instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity; a WiFi hotspot; and Alexa integration for the personal assistant feel. With a base price of $65,750 and
this NISMO version going around $70K, this latest iteration of the iconic Z lineage delivers more than just aggressive styling—it kicks in the door with a true track-capable experience as soon as you drive it off the lot. And I am all for it.
Fuel Economy: 17 city/24 highway/19 combined
Price: The 2025 Nissan Z NISMO as reviewed is $70,210.
For more information, visit Nissan.com
Spacious 1-Bedroom Affordable! Rent Based on Annual Income Amenities, Great Location, and Convenient to Marta Please call for detailed information (404) 586-9098
Cooper Lighting, LLC seeks SW Dvlpmnt Engineer (Atlanta, GA) to dsgn, code, & implmnt, comp prgms & apps for Lghing apps. Bach dgr in CS, Comp Eng, Elctrcl Eng, Info Sys, or rltd (or forgn equiv) & 5 yrs exp or, alt a mster’s dgr & 2 yrs exp. Experience mst invl 2 yrs w: SW Dsgn Prncpls to dsgn, dvlp & dbg; OO dsgn prncpls; Mobile app dev usng Obj-J/Swift/Android Java; Frnt end tech incl Javascript & HTML/CSS; Frnt end frmwrk incl Angular; Debggng tools incl adb; & Bluetooth frmwrk for Mobile App. Apply online at www. careers.signify.com & search for req #359528.
Shallowford Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA seeks Church Organist/ Associate Director of Music: Play organ/piano for Sun. AM serv.; Lead & direct all handbell choirs; Lead & direct daytime adult choir; Play for all Youth & Adult Choir rehearsals (accom. & conduct sect. reh.); Play for special serv., mus. Prog./concerts, funerals/weddings (right of 1st refusal); Handle maint. needs of organs & pianos; Trav. w/var. mus. groups as a dir. or accom.; Assist in worship plan.; Aid & support the Dir. of Music in decisions & artistic trajectory. Req: Bach. Deg. in Music & 5 years of rel. exp. Also req. demonstrated expert. on organ & piano via a playing test. Some trav. to concert locations may be req. incl. summer choir tour trips in the U.S. & potentially abroad. Any suitable combo of edu., training, or exp. acceptable. To apply, submit your res. & video recordings of yourself playing a piece of organ repertoire appro. for a church prelude or postlude & playing several verses of one hymn to musicsearch@shallowford.org.
Manager, Business Systems/ Transformation; RTX Corporation (Atlanta, GA). Hybrid: work Atlanta, GA 3 days/week. Less than 10% nat’l & int’l travel. Design & develop Digital Tech projects & perform rqmts gathering, analysis, design, & development of data integrations, applications. Must have bach degree or equiv in Info Tech or rltd field & at least 8 yrs of progressive exp as a Mgr, HR/Payroll Digital Services or related role (OR master’s or equiv & 5 yrs of exp). Must have 5 yrs exp w/: Architecture Design; Payroll Applications w/data mapping/conversion/transformation/integration activities/integrating legacy apps/tools w/ vendor tools including Workday & ADP products like EV5, auto-time, Global View & iPay; HR Applications; designing, developing, testing, & implementing complex database programs; RSA ARCHER tool & SQL Server admin & Integration Services. Apply at careers.rtx.com, Keyword/ Job ID: 01773840.
