Theodore Britton, Jr. (above) is what some might
he nears
Britton, Jr.’s story of Montford Point
One of the first Black U.S. Marines celebrates 100 Years of Life
By TABIUS MCCOy Report for America Corp
Seated in a meeting room at the Montford Convention, his back sinks into the chair like an emperor settling onto his throne. No cane or no walker in sight for walking assistance, the man’s calm expression says more than words ever could. Before he even has a chance to introduce himself, the sergeant speaks for him. The weight of history seems to hover around him, a presence that makes a formal introduction almost unnecessary.
“Meet General Britton,” the sergeant says, and Britton’s smile matches the warmth of the greeting. Theodore Britton Jr., 99, is what some might call a pioneer, a harbinger, a vanguard, a man who has shaken hands with presidents and politicians, and acknowledged by Queen Elizabeth. Yet despite all that, Britton carries himself with humility. He downplays accomplishments that others would broadcast, though his intelligence is impossible to hide. Over lunch, he might casually order a tuna sandwich while giving an intellectual breakdown of a polymath, or mention a book you’ve never heard of but immediately want to Google.
Some might claim to be the first. But Britton—he truly was one of the first. Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, before Black and white Americans could sit together on the same bus, Britton had already etched his name into history as one of the first Black United States Marines. For him and thousands of other Black Marines in the 1940s, Montford Point was where their Marine story began—a chapter that, decades later, would earn him the nation’s Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of that service.
As he nears his centennial, his story of Montford Point is only a fraction of the accomplishments and lives he has touched in more than 36,000 days of living.
Life in Blue Heaven
The middle child of parents, Bessie Britton, and property manager, Theodore R. Britton Sr., Britton spent his earliest years in a small community just outside North Augusta, South Carolina. “We called it Blue Heaven because it was composed of something like eight or ten houses, and they were all painted blue,” said Mr. Britton.
For a young boy growing up in the separated South, separation from white neighbors never felt like a burden. “The fact that I was living in a separate area didn’t bother me. I never assumed it meant anything was wrong or that I was inferior,” he said. Blue Heaven shaped his childhood—from walking to the corner store with his sisters for peanut butter
“There can’t be a secret because each person is unique, so what helps me might not help someone else,” Britton (above) said of the secret to living to be
or fresh sugar water, to discovering the joy of learning in the classroom. It was there he met a teacher named Ms. Lina Key, despite juggling four different grade levels, made a lasting impression with her dedication and care. Teachers gravitated toward him, drawn to his curiosity and erudition. Even as a child, his head was rarely out of a book. “‘I’ve read over a thousand books,’” he said, glancing at the shelves surrounding his Atlanta apartment today.
At ten, his father moved the family to New York City, as he found a job building the subway systems. They first settled in Harlem, but after his father lost his job during the Great Depression, they relocated to downtown Manhattan. The move opened young Britton’s
eyes to a new world. The North was no utopia, but its racial lines were often more complex than those of the South.
He recalls seeing a white man in a restaurant collecting scraps of food, a sight that challenged the racial assumptions he’d grown up with. “It made me think that maybe equality or inequality has more to do with circumstances than just race,” he reflected. School introduced him to new experiences, including choir, which led to the glee club, and an early understanding of stocks, which would prove useful later in life. He attended the New York School of Commerce, one of the country’s first trade-focused high schools, planning a future in bookkeeping.
Pioneer Spirit to Pioneer By 18, the world demanded adult responsibilities of him. In January 1944, Britton, his parents only son, was drafted into the military during World War II. Britton reflects that his parents didn’t think much of it at the time.
Like many Black draftees, he was initially offered only the Navy or the Army, options he declined. “I just rejected the fact that I was only given two choices. Maybe it was part of my heritage. My father left South Carolina to go north into the unknown for his family. Maybe that pioneer spirit runs in me,” he said. Unbeknownst to him, Britton was about to make a choice that would etch his name
nearly 100 years old. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Mayor Dickens joins Atlanta leaders to discuss investing in the next generation
By LAURA NWOGU
The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens teamed up to host a fireside chat on investing in Atlanta’s next generation on Thursday. Hosted at the flagship location of the Gathering Spot, the evening was filled with discussions on how to close the wealth gap created by excessive college loan debt.
The fireside chat featured Dickens, Nancy Flake Johnson, the president and CEO of The Urban League Greater Atlanta, and Keith Shoates, president and CEO of the Student Freedom Initiative. They dived into the mayor’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, a sweeping initiative to make significant investments in historically underserved communities. According to the mayor, this initiative has resulted in a 44% reduction in homicides and the construction of nearly 12,000 units of affordable housing, with many more units currently under construction.
The event follows the 2024 Year of the Youth, a program launched in 2023 to provide
resources and support to the city’s youth. Since the program’s launch, the city has seen a 56% reduction in youth crime, attributed mainly to initiatives such as the Summer Youth Employment program.
“That’s what the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative is all about. It’s taking the whole of government, taking our non profit partners and civic partners, as well as our business partners, and saying in these areas, we’re going to have investments in people and places in a meaningful way that’s going to drive economic enhancements, affordability, as well as youth development, childcare centers, and grocery stores,” Dickens said. “All of the above is how we’re going to invest in and we’re going to bring energy to these spaces, and we’re going to do this development without displacing the current residents. They’re going to see the benefit of these new amenities and activities.”
Two of those partners are the SFI and the Urban League Greater Atlanta. The mission of the SFI is to empower students at participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and MSis with programs that drive
persistence toward graduation, creating pathways to economic opportunity without the burden of excessive debt. That mission began with a speech from philanthropist Robert F. Smith at Morehouse College’s 2019 graduation, where he paid off the student loan debt for the entire class.
The change that moment sparked is the core principle of what both organizations hope to accomplish for today’s youth: creating resources and a plan to invest in the youth and the communities they live in.
“Yes, there is $1.7 trillion worth of student loan debt. Yes, there are 43 million borrowers. Yes, they even average around $39,000 each, but the problem is that it delays fully funding retirement plans by 71% of those people. 45% of those people also delay buying their first
home, starting a family, and having children. It’s the wealth problem. It’s not the student debt problem,” Shoates said. “So our approach was, how do we address this thing we call the wealth gap, and do it from what we call the lens of education?”
Essentially, the three keynote speakers referred to the mission as a “group project,” emphasizing that they couldn’t sustain transformational change without the help of one another. The event concluded with a call to action by Courtney English, the newly appointed chief of staff for the City of Atlanta, making the case for continued investment into communities and specific zip codes, such as the 30318, to decrease the wealth gap and life expectancy gap.
The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens teamed up to host a fireside chat on investing in Atlanta’s next generation on Thursday. Photo by Laura Nwogu/ The Atlanta Voice
Do Pro-Lifers Care About the Welfare of Children?
By LAURA ONyENEHO
Pro-lifers have long positioned themselves as a defender of life, particularly when it comes to protecting unborn children. But for those observing from the outside, it’s hard not to wonder: Does this commitment to life extend beyond birth? Do pro-lifers care about the welfare of children once they are born, especially when so many of the policies they support fail to uplift struggling families?
This isn’t an attack but a necessary question. If the goal is to protect life, shouldn’t that care extend to ensuring children grow up in safe, healthy environments?
When we talk about pro-lifers, the conversation tends to focus almost exclusively on stopping abortions. Pro-life advocates work tirelessly to defund organizations like Planned Parenthood, block access to abortion services, and overturn landmark rulings like Roe v. Wade For many, it’s all about saving the life of the unborn child.
“If the goal is to protect life, shouldn’t that care extend to ensuring children grow up in safe, healthy environments?”
Laura Onyeneho Houston Defender
But the reality is once that child is born, many of those same advocates are quiet about the struggles of the families raising them. This ignores the reality that raising a child, especially in today’s economy, requires more than bringing them into the world. Do these children have access to healthcare? Can their parents afford childcare or take time off after giving birth?
“If the goal is to protect life, shouldn’t that care extend to ensuring children grow up in safe, healthy environments?” asks Houston Defender’s Laura Onyeneho. Photo Credit: iStock.com/wildpixel
The U.S. has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates among developed nations, according to the Commonwealth Fund, and many pro-life advocates oppose healthcare policies that could improve these statistics.
In the Black community, these issues are even more serious. We face higher rates of infant mortalityand less access to quality healthcare and are often left out of economic conversations that focus on “trickle-down” policies.
If pro-lifers are truly concerned about the lives of children, we should expect them to support measures like universal healthcare,
affordable childcare, paid family leave, and mental health services. These programs directly impact the well-being of both children and their parents. Take paid maternity leave, for example. The U.S. is one of the few developed nations that doesn’t guarantee paid family leave, leaving new mothers scrambling to return to work too soon after giving birth. This impacts not only the health of the mother but also the newborn’s development. A mother’s physical recovery and a baby’s early bonding experiences are crucial during the first few months of life.
Affordable childcare is another
critical issue. For single mothers, particularly in Black and low-income communities, the cost of childcare can take up a huge portion of their income. In 2024, 47% of parents paid more than $1,500 a month for child care, or more than $18,000 a year, according to a Cost of Care Report. These costs include nannies, daycare centers, babysitting, and sending their child to one of these facilities.
I can go on and on, but hopefully, you understand where I’m coming from. I don’t blame anyone for being at a crossroads with starting a family these days. Saving a life doesn’t end at childbirth!
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GENERAL BRITTON
Continued from page 2
into history. In 1941, after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt created the Fair Employment Practices Commission, Black men were allowed to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. But like most progress of that era, it came with its conditions. They couldn’t train at Parris Island with their white counterparts. Instead, they were sent to a place carved out just for them, a new camp in North Carolina called Montford Point. From 1942 to 1949, every man who passed through those gates carried more than a rifle; he carried the weight of being among the first. They were the Montford Point Marines— the first Black Marines to wear and embrace the uniform, their footsteps marking the start of something larger than themselves.
Arriving at Montford Point in January 1944, Britton, standing 5’8”, brought a keen intellect that served him well. While Marine boot camp today lasts 13 weeks, he spent five months in training. Some of the first graduates returned as instructors, and Britton recalls, “The Black trainers were convinced we should be better, and they trained us harder.” Montford Point was meant as an experiment. “They expected us to fail. If we failed, the Marines could remain all white. Knowing that pushed us to work even harder.” The Marines who trained there didn’t just meet expectations—they surpassed new standards that reshaped the Corps to this day. After graduation, Britton boarded a ship in Norfolk, Virginia, on a 33-day voyage into the Pacific. The first place he docked was Guadalcanal, a place he later reflected on as one that broadened his horizons. Britton worked as a clerk, keeping count of the enlisted soldiers overseas. By April 1945, just months before the
bombing of Hiroshima, he and other Marines were sent to Hawaii.
However, despite the respect and emerging recognition the Montford Point Marines receive today, the regard they earned from their white counterparts back home was nearly nonexistent during the time. “The ones overseas learned to appreciate us, but the ones back home didn’t even know we existed because they had never heard of Montford Point,” Britton said. Many Marines overseas became aware of the accomplishments of Montford Point graduates—sometimes called “Black Angels,” as some described them- as they would serve as backup countless times in WWII and during the Korean War. Despite their omission from many history books, Montford Point graduates stood in the same trenches as the white Marines remembered in history. Some 2,000 Black Marines took part in the bloodiest battles of World War II, including Okinawa.
In the spring of 1946, Britton returned to the United States with his mind, unsurprisingly, set on educational advancement. After completing his remaining high school credits, he enrolled at one of the country’s highest-ranking schools, on 4th Street in New York City: New York University. He chose to major in banking and finance, which might surprise those aware of his immense vocabulary. Why not English? “I wanted to do something that would be related to diplomacy,” he said. “I first thought about accounting, then I got interested in international trade and foreign exchange, and that’s what drew me to study finance.”
One year into his studies at NYU, in 1948, he was called to active duty as tensions rose in Korea. During this time, he continued with part of his coursework at NYU. He left the Marines in 1951, a year into the Korean War, after being denied a commission due to his prior opposition to the Marine Corps’ segregation policy—a policy rarely mentioned in history. While Montford Point allowed Black recruits to serve, access to military jobs and resources remained far from equal compared with their white counterparts.
Around 1948–49, the Marine Corps proposed an all-Black volunteer trucking unit in Harlem. Britton opposed it, arguing that Black recruits deserved access to regular units, not segregation. Although his strong sentiment would later be used against him, it may have sparked
a significant change in the racial construct of the Marines. With support from Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., the objection reached the Secretary of Defense, prompting Major General O.P. Smith to declare that all Marine units would be open regardless of race. The decision marked a small but significant step toward integration.
Made His Parents Proud
After leaving the Marines, Britton obtained his degree from NYU, becoming the first in his family—siblings and parents included—to achieve higher education. “There were no two people more proud of that graduate than my parents,” he recalled. “On the day when 12,000 students graduated from NYU, their son was among them.”
Despite the rigor of NYU, Britton never felt the challenge was insurmountable. “Keep in mind that I had gone through so many difficult experiences before, so I only felt that I could do well, if not better,” he said.
After graduating, he worked as a mortgage officer at the Covington Savings and Loan Association in Harlem. Later, his reach expanded into housing development when he served as
Arthur M. Blank Foundation invests
$50M
in Atlanta University Center
By DONNELL SUGGS
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (AMBFF) is committing $50 million to four Atlanta University Center member institutions. The scholarship investment will be for 10 years, beginning in 2026, and will be awarded to Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College.
The $50 million is projected to assist close to 10,000 students at the institutions. The funding is from Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s Founder Initiative portfolio.
The AMBFF was founded in 1995 by Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank. Since then, the foundation has gifted more than $1.5 billion to universities, charities, and local organizations and non-profits.
Some of that charitable giving has gone
to HBCU’s, including $10 million to Spelman College’s Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, $6 million for improvements of athletic fields at Clark Atlanta, Albany State University, Miles College, and Savannah State University, $3 million to Morris Brown to digitize a one-year hospitality credential, and $400,000 to the Morehouse College golf program and new football helmets for the Clark Atlanta and Morehouse football programs.
Deputy Assistant Secretary at HUD.
In 1974, President Gerald R. Ford nominated Theodore Britton Jr. to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and Grenada. The position gave him the chance to further broaden the list of countries he had visited. “I’ve probably been close to 170 countries at this point,” he said.
Nearing 36,525 Days
Now closing in on 100 years old, Britton shows no signs of slowing down.
“Nearing 100, and I am on the go,” Britton texted me from his Forida beach house. Time and again, people ask him the same question: “What’s the secret?” And his answer, surprisingly simple, reflects the wisdom of a man whose knowledge could fill several dissertations.
“There can’t be a secret because each person is unique, so what helps me might not help someone else,” Britton said.
As for turning 100 being a milestone—not for him. “I’ve had a lot of birthdays, so it doesn’t mean much.”
When asked what piece of wisdom everyone should carry with them, he offered this: “It is a small, small planet that we live on, and we can be of help to each other.”
The Arthur M. Blank Foundation (AMBF) is committing $50 million to four Atlanta University Center member institutions.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
The middle child of parents Bessie Britton and property manager Theodore R. Britton Sr., Britton spent his earliest years in a small community just outside North Augusta, South Carolina. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Sight For Kids program aids Georgia students’ vision
By ISAIAH SINGLETON
Fred A. Toomer Elementary School is the newest Atlanta Public School to have its students in the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation 2025 comprehensive eye health care mobile clinic program.
The program is geared to address the growing need for vision care services for children in some of the most populated counties in Georgia, made possible through the Sight For Kids program, co-founded by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Johnson & Johnson.
In coordination with the current Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation’s school-based screening programming, the Sight For Kids program serves Fulton, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties, aiming to provide vision screenings to 10,000 students in more than 50 schools over the course of our two-year partnership, which began in 2024.
Georgia is one of three states in North America where Sight For Kids has expanded to address the growing need for vision care services. Through this initiative, the organizations will ensure Georgia youth have access to vital vision exams. Many children need corrective lenses, such as glasses, for sharp vision.
In fact, in Georgia, 30-40 percent of elementary-age school children experience unaddressed vision needs.
Additionally, 52 Georgia counties currently have limited or no access to eye care, and 30% of Georgia counties lack access to eye
care services. Sufficient vision is critical for students in preventing emotional, social, and psychological issues, as well as educational problems.
The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation provides vision services through education, detection, prevention, and treatment, and works with organizations across Georgia to transform comprehensive vision care for children.
The Executive Director of Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Beth Ehrhardt, said the elementary school has 60% or more free and reduced lunches, and that is their focus this year.
“We’re also serving all the students, and this school has over 400 students that will screen today,” she said. “We are looking forward to having the children be able to get their exams, and, glasses. It’s exciting to be able to see how students can go from barely being able to see the board in the front of the classroom or read a book and realizing they really do need help because children never know what they don’t know.”
Ehrhardt also said doing this work and giving back to students is very crucial to their education.
“Georgia has a very high incidence or low incidents in terms of literacy and we’re finding that because children can’t see, they can’t read, so we want to increase that literacy rate by increasing the vision,” she said.
Former president of Lions Clubs International Jim Ervin said it’s a team effort with Johnson & Johnson.
her son goes to kindergarten at the school, so being a community hub is crucial for their school.
“We have tried hard in the last 10 years or so to make this one community and be able to be a resource for anything a parent needs, whether it’s academic-related or not, we want to be able to help provide services that will help our students be their best every day,” she said.
Clark also said they are grateful and honored to be able to do this program with Lions House and Johnson & Johnson so they can remove barriers for learning.
“Our main job is to remove any barriers that might keep a kid from being their absolute best every day and vision is one that many, especially our younger kids and parents, don’t even realize those are barriers to learning,” she said.
“We’re all here as a team to be able to give these kids the opportunity for better vision,” he said. “We want to screen those kids, and if they have any challenges or any needs, we take them in for further examination.”
Ervin also says they provide eyeglasses for the students because it’s important for them to be successful in life.
“They have to be able to see so they can read, write, and function in their own way,” he said.
“We’re very proud to be a part of that.”
School Business Manager at Fred A. Toomer Elementary School Katie Clark said she’s been a teacher and instructional coach in the past,
Twanna House, student health & wellness coordinator for Atlanta Public Schools, said this program is a great opportunity for their students to receive vision screenings and the support they need.
“This partnership with the Georgia Alliance has been very impactful because these days, students spend so much time on technology and on the Chromebooks, on cellphones, and it’s messing with their vision,” she said.
House says she has two daughters in middle school and they both wear glasses as well.
“We’re finding that up to 40% of the students need glasses, so I enjoy being a part of this partnership to be able to witness this and provide support to our families and our students,” she said.
Dunbar Elementary’s repurpose plan sparks parental concerns
By ISAIAH SINGLETON
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) announced they would be holding school community meetings to garner feedback from staff, parents, and community members about the latest APS Forward 2040 refined scenarios.
Families in Atlanta’s Mechanicsville neighborhood, Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School is more than classrooms. Parents described the school as a lifeline, offering after-school programs and resources they rely on to maintain a work and family life.
During the meeting, parents voiced their concerns and chanted “No Dunbar, No Peace”. The concerns skyrocketed after a repurpose proposal surfaced about turning Dunbar into an early childhood center, which would mean current students would have to attend another school.
Parent Janet Barnett, who works more than 40 hours a week said the change would become very disruptive.
“Truthfully, I’d have to wake up twice as early to make my child move twice as fast,” she said. “It’s just a lot of going on.”
Barnett said her child’s after-school programs make it possible for her to keep working
to provide for her family, and she is concerned those efforts would vanish if the school is repurposed.
APS said the change is still only a proposal, which is part of its APS Forward 2040 plan. Additionally, APS released a series of “refined scenarios” for its long-range plan, APS Forward 2040.
These refined scenarios are the “product of data, analysis, and thousands of voices from our community,” according to APS. The refined scenarios reflect the district’s ongoing effort to balance enrollment, expand access to academic programs, and reinvest in schools that have historically been overlooked.
APS officials said “nothing is final” as they continue to collect public feedback.
Another parent, Yasmine Garner said she’s devasted because the elementary school has done so much for the community.
“It’s very unfortunate if this comes to fruition because this school has done so much for our community that it would be sad to see it go away,” she said.
Scenarios will continue to change and evolve as APS listens to families and communities before making any recommendations to the Board of Education as a first read in November.
Additionally, APS said it has received over
6,500 survey responses, collected hours of community feedback, and received comments through the website.
Refined scenarios included as of Wednesday, Oct. 8:
• Repurpose Dunbar for community good
• Repurpose Toomer Annex and redistribute 3 Georgia Pre-K classes
• Realign boundaries for Benteen, BAMO, Dunbar, and Parkside
• Jackson HS addition – Timeline: Fall 2029
• King Middle School Addition
The benefits, according to APS, include:
• Possible professional learning space/admin, Early Childhood Education, Sheltering Arms
• More efficient enrollment leads to deeper program offerings
• Investment at Jackson High School: $70-90 million (ESPLOST dependent); boundary remains same
• Investment at King Middle School: $15 million (ESPLOST dependent); boundary remains the same
Furthermore, one of the biggest concerns for parents is transportation to other schools, with 86% of Dunbar students having to walk to get to school or to attend the after-school care
program next door at The Dunbar Center.
The school stated that it already offers an early childhood education program. One of the biggest concerns for parents is transportation to other schools. According to APS officials, they will provide transportation to other schools, however, parents still question what would happen if their child missed the bus and the parent didn’t have a car.
Additionally, APS stated some of its buildings, including Dunbar, are underutilized, with not enough students to fill them. Dunbar currently has a capacity of 450 students and only around 300 students are enrolled for this school year.
However, President of the Mechanicsville Civic Association David Holder expects enrollment to increase.
“We’re looking at probably 400 new single-family market-rate homes in the neighborhood, and not telling how many families that’s going to bring into the neighborhood,” Holder said.
The plan is not final and the school board will take up the first reading of the plan next month. If approved, it’ll be implemented in 2027.
To review the refined scenarios, visit https:// www.atlantapublicschools.us/aps2040
Fred A. Toomer Elementary School is the newest Atlanta Public School to participate in the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation’s 2025 comprehensive eye health care mobile clinic program. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/ The Atlanta Voice
Elevation Kitchen & Cocktails: Jamaican roots meet Atlanta flair
By ISAIAH SINGLETON
Restaurateur and venture capitalist Shane Corrodus is not playing around when it comes to his new restaurant, Elevation Kitchen & Cocktails, located in Conyers at 1180 Stigman Rd. NE.
Everything is about elevating. In fact, the name itself perfectly encapsulates the aesthetically pleasing venue, accentuated by classy art, expertly prepared dishes, a gorgeous patio, and a member’s cigar lounge that speaks to business deals and an elevated dining experience.
Inspired by Jamaican roots seamlessly fused with Atlanta flair, Elevation Kitchen & Cocktails boasts a delicious and versatile menu that already has visitors talking.
Popular items include seared jerk lamb chops, chicken and waffles, escovitch snapper, steak and cheese eggrolls, and flavorful steaks that can compete with the best chophouses. Smash burgers, pizza, and pasta are also on the menu, complementing an array of curated cocktails.
“With everything we do, we expect to climb higher and higher, and do it with a certain level of excellence,” Corrodus said. “This is not just about opening a restaurant, it’s about legacy. We are building to expand, to make an impact. To do that, you need to function at an elevated level, have great customer service, make people feel valued, and bring the right network of people in the same space so it helps others to grow and build together.”
Travel
Aside from blessing palates, Corrodus has created Elevation as a hub for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers who come together for networking and collaboration, aiming to foster connections that move the community forward.
People come to eat, but they end up with more than full bellies. They leave feeling empowered from conversations with others that help them feel personally, professionally, and spiritually fed.
“This is much more than a passion project,” Corrodus said. “We want to dominate on the business side. We want to help people become the best versions of themselves. We want to shake things up by doing good
business, bringing old school customer service back, and giving people an experience that expands their palates, their mindsets, and their lives.”
Guests can look forward to brunch every day from noon to 4 p.m., Wine down Wednesdays featuring live music and poetry, Ladies Night on Thursdays, and Status Sundays during football season for fans to come and watch their favorite football teams.
Elevation will be introducing Winning Wednesday Poker and Spades tournaments for cigar club members (no money will be exchanged). There is so much to look out for as the restaurant continues to solidify its presence in Conyers and attract customers from
across the Atlanta metro area.
Additionally, Corrodus says what makes Elevation different from other restaurants is its emphasis on old-school customer service.
“Our customers say our aesthetics of the restaurant, the way it looks outside and inside, and parking sets us apart from other restaurants,” he said. “We say we emphasize our old school customer service because we really care about our patrons. Everyone’s royalty here, and we’re working aggressively on building our customer service.”
One of the hardest parts about being a restaurant owner, he says, is the labor of dealing with people who have different things going on in their lives.
“Regardless of what we may have going on personally, we are here for our customers, and when you have so many moving parts for this location and the business, personalities can cross,” he said.
In the next five years, Corrodus says he sees Elevation having between 10-15 locations on the low end and between 25-50 locations on the high end.
“It’s going to be a consistent elevated experience where we’re going to be known just for that,” he said. “We want great customer service and great food elevation.”
As a restaurant owner, Corrodus says to other aspiring restaurateurs to make sure they really want to do it.
“Knowing how to cook is a fraction of what the business is about; it’s a business, so you have to run it like one,” he said.
Augusta Showcases Bourbon Craft and Small-Town History
By NOAH WASHINGTON
The town of Augusta is a riverside enclave along the Ohio River known for its scenic charm, deep bourbon ties, and Hollywood legacy.
The day opened at Benchmark Coffee, a newer downtown café rapidly becoming a local favorite. From there, Augusta Tourism Director Janet Hunt led a walking tour of the town’s historic core and waterfront, which once played a significant role in river trade and settlement in Bracken County. Augusta, with a population of just over 1,000, was founded in 1786 and incorporated in 1850.
“You might argue with your buddy one day, but by the next, you’re friends again. If anything happened in your family, the town came together,” Hunt said, describing Augusta’s welcoming spirit.
Mid-morning, the group headed to Augusta Distillery for the “River Proof Barrel Experience.” Founded in 2018, Augusta Distillery evolved from independent bottling into full-scale distilling, and today emphasizes small-batch bourbon and an immersive guest experience. Under the
guidance of Tracie Inskeep, visitors sampled from three barrels, “popping the bung,” pouring with a thief, and hand-labeling a bottle to take home. The distillery touts its position on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and highlights the Ohio River’s influence in shaping Kentucky’s bourbon industry.
Over lunch at TableTop Traditions, guests fueled up before the afternoon visit to the Rosemary Clooney House. Clooney, the beloved singer and actress, as well as aunt to actor George Clooney, lived at 106 East Riverside Drive in Augusta for more than 20 years, making the home a treasured museum of her life and career. The museum’s collections include memorabilia from White Christmas and other performances and personal artifacts that reflect Clooney’s long ties to the region. After Clooney’s death in 2002, the home was purchased by Augusta native Heather French Henry and her husband, former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, and was opened as a museum in 2005.
Augusta also offered a look toward its future. Nicole and Kenny Gahn, weekend residents of the town, purchased a vintage 1917 Ford dealership building with intentions to convert it into a
classic car museum. Nicole Gahn explained the move came from a wish to deepen their roots in Augusta. “We’ve had a weekend place here for 14 years, and when this building became available, we thought, why not bring the cars here and open a little museum?” Gahn said.
Later in the afternoon, the tour continued north to Newport. The evening ended across the river in Covington with dinner at Pompilio’s, a local Italian restaurant established in 1933 and best known as a filming location for Rain Man (1988). Afterward, attendees braved the USS Nightmare, a massive steamboat turned haunted attraction docked on the Ohio River, where winding corridors and ghostly theatrics lived up to its ominous name.
With three days complete, the Kentucky media tour had already traced a broad arc of the state’s identity: exotic animals and bourbon fireside tales in Lawrenceburg, haunted opera houses and small-batch whiskey in Cynthiana, and now Augusta’s blend of river heritage, Hollywood nostalgia, and ghostly thrills along the riverbed. From small towns to storied distilleries, Kentucky revealed itself as a place where its love of horror, history, and imagination meet.
Restaurateur and venture capitalist Shane Corrodus (above) inside his new restaurant, Elevation Kitchen & Cocktails in Conyers. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Kamala Harris returns to Atlanta to talk “107 Days”
By DONNELL SUGGS
Former United States Vice President Kamala Harris was back in Atlanta on Wednesday night. Harris, who also served as the former Attorney General of California and United States Senator, was on her tour for her latest book, “107 Days.” The book is a diary-like rehashing of her historical presidential run that ended with a loss to the current President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
The line outside the Tabernacle was reminiscent of the lines outside the many arenas, stadiums, and event spaces in Georgia that Harris spoke at during her campaign. The line stretched down Luckie Street and around the corner. It was clear that Harris remained popular in Atlanta.
Upon taking the stage, Harris, in one of her signature looks, a pant suit, said, “It’s good to be back in the ATL.
Harris had always paid homage to the city’s Civil Rights era roots, and she did again on Wednesday night.
“Every time I come back to Atlanta, it’s very much like being back in the womb,” Harris said.
The evening’s moderator was social media influencer and Spelman College alumna, Lynae Vanee.
Harris’s 107-day campaign was self-described as “American history.” By the looks and sounds of the capacity crowd in attendance, it has left an indelible mark on Georgians. Between applause and laughter from the crowd, Harris retold stories from her book and acknowledged that she had her toughest day at the end of the campaign on Election Day.
“It took a lot of time for me to think, reflect,
and feel,” said Harris of her new post-election reality. “Writing this book was part of what helped me do that.”
On more than one occasion, Trump was mentioned by name and in jest. On one more serious note, Harris said of the current administration’s actions towards immigrants, for example, “I predicted all of this.”
That comment was followed by loud applause.
“When this is over, meaning his presidency, there will be a lot of debris,” she added.
During the conversation, Harris discussed portions of the book, including the pages in which she invited Megan Thee Stallion to perform at a campaign event at the Georgia State University Convocation Center. Harris got pushback from people who supported her and Megan,
but thought the rapper wasn’t a good look, Harris recalled.
“I did ask her to come, and I was happy to have her because she is very talented,” said Harris of the Houston-born rapper. “It wasn’t traditional, and it didn’t comport with what people thought was the norm.”
Nothing about Harris’s campaign was normal, and she would have Hip-Hop performers, actors, actresses, and the like make appearances on her campaign throughout the 107 days. Many of these moments are in her book. Other moments described in “107 Days” include former running mate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the vetting of a potential running mate, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, her relationship with her family, and her relationship with other
Chigozie Obioma’s new novel explores Biafra War
By LAURA NWOGU
Chigozie Obioma is an award-winning novelist whose novels “The Fishermen” (2015) and “An Orchestra of Minorities” (2019) were finalists for The Booker Prize and have been translated into 30 languages. His third and latest novel, “The Road to the Country,” takes readers on a journey of love, guilt, brotherhood, courage, and fate against the backdrop of the Biafra War. This civil war, which occurred in Nigeria from 1967 to 1970, pitted the federal government of Nigeria against the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state, leading to the death of over one million Igbo people and other Easterners, as well as long-term intergenerational impacts.
In Obioma’s third book, readers follow Kunle, a university student in Lagos, who sets out to find his missing brother but is instead caught in the midst of the war.
The Atlanta Voice talked with Obioma about balancing history with fiction, the impacts of the Biafra War, and what it means to embrace the past to examine the present and protect the future.
The Atlanta Voice: If someone asked you to write a book on how your love of writing began, how would that book start?
Chigozie Obioma: “I grew up in the 90s in Akure, Nigeria, in the west of Nigeria. I wanted to be a footballer — soccer. I would play soccer in the swampy areas, even though our kind of neighborhood was somewhat middle-class. I was always taking ill, and I would end up in hospitals with typhoid, malaria, and sometimes injuries. So it was during this season that I began to encounter stories. I would go on what Nigerians call admission, and my parents would tell me stories, and that just opened up my mind to a sort of imaginative landscape within. After two spells at the hospital, I just realized that I didn’t want to play football anymore. All I wanted to do was read. That was how my life changed.”
AV: And now you’ve written your third book, “The Road to the Country.” It’s set against the backdrop of the Biafra War. What was your motivation behind writing a story set against the backdrop of the Nigerian Civil War?
CO: “So I’ve always known that I would write this novel. The question was, when and in what form. In the past, I dabbled with various forms. There’s a poem actually published in the Virginia Quarterly Review, which is one of the big literary magazines for writers. The war has also made cameo appearances in my first and second novels.
people in the White House.
With 91 days till Election Day, Harris shared the sights and sounds of the first time she and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, took the stage in Philadelphia. “The roar that met us when we walked out onstage was so deafening we could barely hear ourselves,” Harris recalled (page 100).
In the book, Harris reveals behind-the-scenes moments from the campaign and her relationship with former United States President Joseph R. Biden, her running mate and friend. One revelation that will get readers’ attention is the lack of support for her campaign by members of Biden’s camp (pages 40-41), and her suspicion that former First Lady Jill Biden hadn’t gotten over some of the barbs Harris and Biden exchanged during the 2019 presidential primary (page 39).
The former vice president was reflective during her time on stage.
“During the 107 days I did not allow myself, nor was there any room for reflection,” Harris said of the whirlwind that was her life last year. Harris also added that losing that election brought on emotions that she hadn’t felt since she lost her mother.
“I was grieving for our country, because I knew what was going to happen,” she said.
There was no grieving this evening, however. Harris was showered with applause from the start to the finish of her time on stage.
“This is true talk right here,” she said. “It may get worse before it gets better. But we cannot afford to put the blanket over our head and say, ‘Wake me up when it’s over.’ If we give up, then all is lost. We cannot let our spirits be defeated by one election.”
But the genesis, if I were to trace it, would be an encounter I had in ‘93. I grew up in the West, but I’m Igbo, so I’m from the Southeast of Nigeria. I’d never been to the East until 1993, when Nigeria descended into chaos, a sort of constitutional crisis in the aftermath of the annulment of the 1993 election, which was won by somebody from the West, Moshood Abiola.
“Nigeria was volatile. The war had just ended in 1970, so it was still very fresh. Whenever the country shook up, everybody would run back to the east. We drove all night. The following morning, we woke up and I noticed something was quite different with the community people who were coming to welcome us. Many of them had deformities. There was a man with no limbs in a wheelchair. Another person had one hand. There was a woman — I’ll never forget — she had a fraction of her face eaten up by some weird thing. I was a very curious and precocious kid, and I just asked my mom, ‘Well, why are these people like this?’ And the answer she gave me is the type of answer that sears itself in your consciousness for life. She just said to me, ‘It was the war.’
“I just became devoured by curiosity. What is this war that this woman would not say anything about, but has left his landmark everywhere on
Chigozie Obioma, author of the novels “The Fishermen” (2015) and “An Orchestra of Minorities” (2019), talked to The Atlanta Voice about his third and latest novel, “The Road to the Country,” Photo by
the bodies of these people? There was no year that I wasn’t reading something about Biafra. I just really wanted to know what it was all about. By 2015, when I was finishing my first novel, I was already thinking very strongly about Biafra, about this novel, but then I didn’t write it because it’s not an easy book to write.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Full version is available online.
Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Former United States Vice President Kamala Harris on stage at the Tabernacle on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Statements debuts at High Museum
By NOAH WASHINGTON
This fall, the High Museum of Art is turning fashion into fine art with the U.S. debut of “Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Statements,” a bold and imaginative exhibition featuring more than 100 avant-garde designs by the Dutch couture duo. Opening Oct. 10, 2025, and running through Feb. 8, 2026, the show transforms the museum’s galleries into a runway of surrealism, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
For Atlanta tastemakers and art lovers alike, the exhibition is a true spectacle. The show highlights three decades of work by Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, featuring everything from their sculptural gowns to theatrical installations that blur the line between fashion and fantasy.
During Thursday’s media preview, local influencer and longtime High Museum collaborator Berto Horne said the exhibition stands out among the museum’s most impressive showcases: “This is going to be one of the most impressive exhibitions that we’ve had here,” Horne said. Horne, who has partnered with the High since 2017, said he values how exhibitions like Fashion Statements bring people together while expanding Atlanta’s creative dialogue. “I’ve worked at the High as an influencer since 2017,” he said. “They’ve been great partners of mine, and I love coming out to these media tours so that we can connect with the people, but also learn about what’s going on in the art space. I just enjoy learning each time I come here.”
Among those taking in the couture spectacle was Gibron Whitney Shepard, a Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) MFA student and designer recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and known for his costume work on Beyoncé’s “Mood Forever” music video, “I’ve been following Viktor and Rolf for a very long time, and it’s incredible to see it up close and
personal and not just through a screen,” Shepard said. “It’s one of those things you really want to touch, and you have to control yourself not to touch the things, because it’s very surreal. Some of the pieces are incredibly surreal.”
When asked how the exhibition inspired his own creative work, Shepard said it reminded him of the importance of pursuing artistic obsession.“I think how it inspires me is just the idea to pursue the thing that drives you crazy, the thing that drives you mad,” he said. “I think Viktor and Rolf do an incredible job, even as many times as the feminine form has been re-imagined, they do an amazing job at kind of pushing that even further. So it really challenges you to think beyond what you know is possible.”
Exhibition curator Thierry-Maxime Loriot, who previously organized major fashion retrospectives on Jean Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler, said the show’s message transcends geography. “Beyond the Atlanta culture, I think it’s a global message,” Loriot said. “The exhibition, it’s about humanity, about a strong social message, about humor, diversity, irony, creativity. And I think it’s very important for the young generation to understand that you don’t have to follow the trends, you can initiate them. You can think outside of the box. Even if you’re not coming from a glamorous background, you can do anything if you just dream about it and work hard to do it.”
He added that Atlanta’s growing appreciation for art and style makes it an ideal home for the exhibition, “I’ve seen that there’s a lot of elegant people who really enjoy dressing up,” Loriot said. “There’s a real sense of elegance and pride, which I think is quite important.”
The exhibition will run through Feb. 8, 2026, at the High Museum of Art’s Wieland Pavilion.
“It’s definitely whimsical, it’s imaginative, and it’s real,” Horne said. “It’s wearable art that makes you believe again.”
This fall, the High Museum of Art is turning fashion into fine art with the U.S. debut of “Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Statements,” Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Falcons will need repeat performance from secondary to beat Niners
By DONNELL SUGGS
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Buffalo Bills, 24-14, on Monday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in front of more than 70,000 fans. Atlanta last hosted Buffalo on October 1, 2017, and the Falcons lost that game. After Monday’s game, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris called the victory “a big-time team win” and was “well-fought by the guys.”
Currently on a two-game win streak, the Falcons will have to travel to the West Coast in order to extend that streak of success. Up next: the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers are tied at the top spot in the NFC West at 4-2, tied with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, who each have the same overall record. The Falcons and 49ers have something in common: they both have lost to Tampa Bay. The 49ers are coming into the Sunday Night Football matchup with the Falcons following a 30-19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During the first half of the victory over Buffalo, the Falcons’ defense sacked Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen twice. The Falcons’ front four kept pressure on Allen the entire game, and several of his pass attempts were thrown under duress. Falcons defensive back Dee Alford intercepted an Allen pass, one of the quarterback’s two interceptions.
The Falcons’ defensive front line gets all the praise a day after the smoke has cleared. Still, the secondary’s play allowed Ruke Orhorhoro, David Onyemata, and James Pearce, Jr. to help hold Allen to just
of penalties down the field, but those things will happen when you’re fighting throughout the play.”
Morris said, along with Terrell and Alford, veteran corner Mike Hughes was among the players who made “big plays” during the game.
“I really like how those guys went out there and fought. I think they all made big plays at different times throughout the game against one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League, if not the best,” Morris said.
up for the challenge,” said Penix (20-32 for 250 yards and a touchdown). “They played great football and allowed our defensive line to get sacks and stuff like that because Josh [Allen] had to hold the ball whenever people weren’t open down the field.”
“We definitely couldn’t have won that game without what they did on that side of the ball,” Penix said.
42 rushing yards to go along with his underwhelming passing night (15-26 for 180 yards and two touchdowns). According to Morris, the return of veteran corner A.J. Terrell, Jr. was also an assist.
“AJ coming back this week was awesome,” Morris said after the game. “He’s one of our leaders in the back end. “We had a couple
High School Games of the Week
By DONNELL SUGGS
Week eight of the high school football season will have programs playing for postseason position, and more importantly, region titles. This week, there are undefeated teams facing off in Powder Springs, and two legendary South Georgia AAAA programs playing one of their biggest games of the season.
Flowery Branch Falcons (5-2) at Walnut Grove Warriors (5-2), 7:30 p.m.
The drive to Walnut Grove might be worth seeing the Falcons’ 6-2 receiver Tre Shields play.
Jonesboro Cardinals (4-3) vs Griffin Bears (5-2), 7:30 p.m.
Huge region AAAA-3 matchup between two of the premier programs in the state. If nothing else, the Jonesboro Cardinals band is most definitely worth the price of admission.
Marist War Eagles (6-1) vs Clarkston Angoras (0-7), 7:30 p.m.
The War Eagles look to remain undefeated in region play this season. This week’s game is a warm-up for the October 24 game when Marist hosts the Lithonia Bulldogs (6-1).
McEachern Indians (7-0) at Hillgrove Hawks (7-0), 7:30 p.m.
One: Two of the biggest and best high school football programs in the state.
Two: They are both 7-0.
Three: There’s a national ranking on the line.
Nuff said.
Peach County Trojans (7-0) vs Bainbridge Bearcats (0-7), 7:30 p.m.
The Trojans look to remain undefeated with just three weeks remaining in the regular season.
Falcons quarterback Michael Penix, Jr., now nine starts into his NFL career, said he wanted to credit the defense for securing the victory. When asked about the play of the secondary, Penix, Jr. said the play was “really good!”
“Midway through the week, I heard [coach] say the defense was going to play a lot of man, and they did that, and those guys were
49ers quarterback Mac Jones was intercepted twice during his team’s loss to Tampa last week. The Falcons’ secondary has intercepted passes during all of their victories this season.
Atlanta will need Penix, Robinson, the defensive line, and smart coaching decisions to win the game at San Francisco on Sunday night. They will also need the secondary to be as stellar, if not better, than it was on Monday night against the Bills.
“It was a big-time team win,” Morris said.
Week eight of the high school
will have programs playing for postseason position, and more importantly, region
The Atlanta Falcons are 3-2 and headed to San Francisco for a Sunday Night Football prime time matchup with the 49ers. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (above) had over 200 yards from the line of scrimmage, including 170 yards rushing.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
football season
titles. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Chase Your Dream First-Time Homebuyer Seminar Held At RICE Center
By TABIUS McCOy Report for America Corp
Real estate agent Jimmy Jones partnered with Chase Bank to host the “Chase Your Dream First-Time Homebuyer Seminar” at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
“Investors look like y’all — they look like everyday people,” said Jones as he opened the seminar. The East Atlanta native was motivated to start the seminar after being a realtor for 13 years, after graduating from Florida A&M University (FAMU). He noticed that most of the people buying homes were first-time buyers.
“We don’t want people out here with misinformation,” he said. “So we wanted to provide a chance for people to build their resources and a team to help them buy their first home.”
Attendees were educated on the steps they could take to own their first home with the income they currently have. The first purchase doesn’t have to be expensive, explained closing partner attorney Karem Maddison of Lueder, Larkin & Hunter.
“You don’t have to buy a house in the middle of the city of Atlanta. There are places an hour away from Atlanta, and there are places 45 minutes away that are affordable,” said Maddison. “You can change your entire next generation if you start by figuring out how to purchase a home. That’s why we’re here — because the tools they’re teaching in there will help people get a piece of something every American has a right to own. And if they do that, they can move themselves from one class to another within a few years.”
Bryant Thomas, a community leader for Chase Bank, concluded the workshop by informing attendees about how to build credit and what lenders look for when approving a mortgage. “The higher the credit score, the greater the chance you get,” said Thomas. He emphasized how even small, consistent payments on monthly credit card statements build a good rapport — not just for your credit score, but also by showing underwriters that you’re reliable when it comes to lending.
The event was an opportunity for future homebuyers like Shantelle Williams to understand what steps to take next. “I think the workshop just added on to the dream I already had of owning a home,” said Williams, who moved to Atlanta four years ago for a fresh start. She said the seminar served as a catalyst to “execute” the goal of homeownership she had already written down.
Jones said he plans to host similar community education events each quarter in the near future.
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the Fulton County Library System and will be accepted by the Department of Purchasing and Contract Compliance electronically through BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty on Tuesday, November 04, 2025. All proposals submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date.
Proposal(s) shall be publicly viewed via BidNet Direct web, only the names of the Proposers shall be disclosed at the opening.
Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) The Fulton County Library System is requesting proposals for Shelf-Ready Books for Adults, Teens and Children and Lease Books for Adults. The objective of this solicitation is to obtain the services of a qualified individual or firm to provide shelf-ready books for adults, teens and children and high demand/bestselling books for adults on a lease plan
In order to obtain complete information about this solicitation, please go to the link below where this document and supporting documents can be downloaded, https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/ fultoncounty
Fee: There are no fees associated with this proposal. Proposal Bond: No Proposal Bond is required with this proposal.
Term of Contract: The initial term of this contract will be for 1 year with 2 one-year renewal options.
A Pre-Proposal Conference: will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 10:00
A.M., at the following link to provide proponents with information regarding this project and to address any questions.
Zoom Meeting Link: https://zoom.us/s/94885774908 Phone one-tap: +14702509358,,94885774908#,,,,*958056# US (Atlanta) +14703812552,,94885774908#,,,,*958056# US (Atlanta)
If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Elsa D. Castro, Chief Assistant Purchasing Agent, Elsa.Castro@FultonCountyGa.gov or phone 404-612-4216
Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
Real estate agent Jimmy Jones partnered with Chase Bank to host the “Chase your Dream First-Time Homebuyer Seminar” at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice