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Rise of Downtown

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (left) and Brian P. McGowan of the Centennial Yards Group, look at the construction taking place across the downtown Atlanta skyline on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

‘It will surprise the world’: The return of Downtown Atlanta

By DONNELL SUGGS

There’s a lot going on downtown these days.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stepped out onto a balcony at The Mitchell, one of the newest downtown apartment buildings and took a look around all that has taken place and continues to take place. Located across Centennial Olympic Park Drive from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Mitchell can be used as the perfect example of what should be expected from downtown living going forward. Only a few feet away, Hotel Phoenix, is still undergoing renovations, and just a few more feet away is COSM, a mixed-use entertainment venue located within Centennial Yards, which is also getting the construction treatment.

Dickens, currently two weeks away from a second election night and potential second term as his hometown city’s mayor, likes what he sees. The growth of the city of Atlanta can directly be connected

to what its downtown looks and feels like, says the mayor.

“I’m excited about downtown.

Full stop,” said Dickens. “I want to see downtown come back and be better than ever before. I want to have people living here, working here, and entertained here. Just gathering downtown.”

One of the latest additions to the downtown scenery, The Mitchell, is a 304-unit, 300,000-square-foot, 19-story residential project. The building is part of the billion-dollar revitalization of what was once called ‘The Gulch,” and is now part of one of the country’s most ambitious urban renewal projects. With

less than a year before thousands of visitors come to downtown Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguably the most popular sporting event on the planet, everything looks a lot different from the last time there was a global sporting event in downtown Atlanta.

“Cities across America have been struggling because downtowns are struggling, and Atlanta has been finding a way to bring back downtown,” Dickens said. “We’re doing it with Centennial Yards, South Downtown, and the area around Underground and Five Points. Over

the next two years, you’re going to see it all come together.”

The landscape of downtown Atlanta looks nothing like it did several decades ago, or even last year. On MLK, Jr. Drive, which was once full of Baptist and A.M.E. churches, now has towering apartment buildings popping out of the ground. The man behind the rooftops on The Mitchell and COSM, Evolve Contractors, a Black-owned commercial roofing and construction company, is Channing Baker, and he believes the timing couldn’t be better for all involved in the return of downtown.

“It feels incredible. It’s the best timing because of the opportunities that Atlanta has provided,” Baker, owner of Evolve Contractors, said. “So far, the feedback has been that we have outperformed expectations.”

Baker told The Atlanta Voice that the rooftop on COSM is “about 90% completed.”

And that’s good because, along with the FIFA World Cup, next year will be the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, which took place in Atlanta and several metro Atlanta counties, including Clayton, Hall, and Rockdale counties. The world came to see Atlanta as much more than a sleepy southern city, and the World Cup will further elevate the city’s international reputation alongside the busiest airport in the country, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

On “Downtown Day”, Wednesday, Oct. 22, Dickens toured several sites, including Atlanta Fire Department

A view of some of the construction in downtown Atlanta on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice See ATLANTA on page 6

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (above) poses for a photo on one of the outdoor spaces at The Mitchell, one of downtown Atlanta’s newest apartment buildings. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta’s Winnwood: New hope for supportive housing

By LAURA NWOGU

The City of Atlanta and residents celebrated the opening of The Winnwood, a 48-unit development of permanent supportive housing (PSH), on Monday with a ribbon cutting. The Winnwood is the latest and fifth PSH delivered through the City of Atlanta’s rapid housing initiative, joining developments The Melody, Bonaventure and Ralph David House, with 200 units underway at Waterworks and Cooper Street Site in Mechanicsville as the city fights to tackle homelessness.

The Winnwood sits in the middle of Midtown, near The Whole Foods and steps from the MARTA Arts Center Station. The historic building has been renovated to showcase a modern and sleek design fully furnished with full-sized appliances, reflective of the interiors of many of Atlanta’s upscale apartments. Within the goal to provide 500 PSH units, organizations such as Partners for HOME and the developer Atlantica Properties aim to produce high quality homes in thriving neighborhoods that bring comfort, privacy and independence.

access to a safe, stable home is how we build stronger communities, lifting up our neighbors in need, and in turn, lifting up the entire city of Atlanta.”

The Winnwood is the first site of the rapid housing initiative in which residents were already living in the units during the grand opening celebration. A few of the residents attended the ribbon cutting, cheering as speakers at the podium talked about the heart and hard work that went into developing The Winnwood.

One of the residents, Darryl Wilkins, proudly held up his key to The Winnwood as he shared his story of how bad decisions led him to turn to a life of drugs that ultimately ended with him in prison. He thanked the audience and Dickens for pushing him to to turn his life around and for a second chance to make better decisions.

“Housing, to me, is a human right, and

“Walking through those communities, I’ve seen people who now have a key in their hand, a door that locks behind them, and a life that feels steady once again,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said at the ribbon cutting. “That is what this work is all about, giving people the foundation to rebuild their lives and the strength to move forward. Here at Winnwood, residents will have supportive services, case management, behavioral health care, employment assistance and benefits that support them through our Partners for Home and also Hope Atlanta.

“I just needed somebody to push me. And the person that pushed me was one of you all. I don’t know who or what your title was, but somebody finally believed in me. And sometimes that’s all you need — somebody pushing. And you can do some miraculous things.”

Morehouse College celebrates Atlanta Student Movement

By ISAIAH SINGLETON

Morehouse College hosted the Sale Hall Annex Historical Marker Dedication Ceremony to honor the building as the site of the first meeting of students to organize a movement demanding an end to segregation in Atlanta.

That pivotal meeting took place on Feb. 5, 1960, inside Sale Hall Annex, just four days after the Greensboro, North Carolina, sit-in.

Inspired by that act of courage, Morehouse students met to discuss how they, too, could challenge segregation in their city. Within weeks, hundreds of Atlanta University Center students joined what became known as the Atlanta Student Movement, led by men of Morehouse in partnership with student leaders from Spelman College, Clark College, Morris Brown College, Atlanta University, and the Interdenominational Theological Center.

Their coordinated activism transformed Atlanta’s civic landscape, helping to desegregate public buildings, lunch counters, restaurants, and theaters, and reverberated across the nation. The movement’s momentum also helped shift the Black vote nationally toward John F. Kennedy in the 1960 U.S. presidential election, influencing both local and national history.

Morehouse College faculty, students, alumni, and community leaders will gather to honor this legacy of student-led activism that reshaped Atlanta and inspired generations of changemakers. The dedication recognized Sale Hall Annex as a historic site of courage and conviction, where students transformed ideas into

was chosen for this position, we put together a commission to honor the student movement to tell this story, and we erected 15 markers around the city categorizing the places.”

He also says there were almost 4,000 students at a time participating in the marches and they were no older than some of the students on campus today.

“These were 16–19-year-olds or younger, putting their bodies on the line for desegregation and freedom in America. The manifesto they adopted and the appeal on human rights, was carried all over the world,” he said. “That manifesto became the model for other student organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and other student initiatives.”

Bond also says they want to be able to tell their authentic story for generations to come, and as his father said to him often, “this was the first successful slavery revoked since the end of the chattel slavery in 1865.

“We are rooted firmly and proudly because of those people who sacrificed and fought 65 years ago,” he said. “We honor the appeal for human rights, and the manifesto that boldly called out the injustices of segregation and discrimination through written decades ago. They are words that still echo in our present struggles, reminding us that the fight for equality is not just for history. Atlanta changed because of America.”

He says the historical marker isn’t simply a symbol of what was, but of what must continue as a permanent testament to dedication and sacrifice.

Atlanta Student Movement Veteran Rev. Amos Brown said we must remember what happened and remember those people who sacrificed and fought.

a movement that changed the course of civil rights in America.

Founder of the Atlanta Student Movement Trail and Councilman Michael Bond said former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen once said there were two things that caused Atlanta to rise to greatness, which was the advent of air conditioners that allowed businesses from the north to relocate to Atlanta and set up shop, with the other being the Atlanta Student Movement.

“The Atlanta Student Movement is the nickname Atlanta has that’s mostly been identified for the last 60 years,” he said. “In 2010, when I

“This marker unveiling serves as an inspiration to the students here in the Atlanta University Center, but particularly those at Morehouse College that the three students from Morehouse scholars were the catalyst that ignited this movement,” he said. “Someone else may try to erase our history, but it is up to us every day, every night to educate ourselves and our people about our history. The challenge is yours.”

Vice President for Student Services and Dean of the College Kevin Booker said during the ceremony they were standing on sacred ground made not by the soil beneath them, but by the courage of those who stood, sat, marched, and sacrificed over 65 years ago.

“We must remember what these people did to fight for a better future, but we cannot rest on that. We don’t realize it, but we’re at an extremely critical inflection point in our world in this country,” he said. “We got a crazy man in the White House who intends to put you back in slavery, and if you don’t believe it, just listen to what he’s saying and watch what he’s doing.”

He also says people need to go out and vote, and if you don’t vote, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Atlanta Student Movement Veteran Dr. Georgianna Thomas said the movement can never be erased, only amplified.

“As we unveil this mark before Sale Hall, let’s remember the movement wasn’t only about marches and sit-ins, it’s about young minds in the classroom, our parents sent us here to go to school,” she said. “We can’t let it be erased.”

Darryl Wilkins (pictured above) displays his key outside The Winnwood. Wilkins resides in Winnwood, a new supportive housing project in Atlanta. Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice

Voices

HBCUs Are America’s Hidden Engines, and Now They’re Under Fire

By TRAMELLE HOWARD

When people talk about the future of higher education, the conversation often circles around accreditation, diversity mandates, or budget cuts. Too often missing from that debate is one of the most vital players: Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These schools are not just part of America’s history. They remain essential to our present and future.

For students, especially here in Louisiana, they represent opportunity, culture, innovation, and economic growth. Yet right now, they face serious threats that demand urgent attention.

Across the country, HBCUs make up about 3% of all higher education institutions, but they enroll roughly 10% of all Black college students and produce nearly 20% of Black college graduates.

They are disproportionately responsible for educating Black engineers, teachers, doctors, and public servants. They enroll many students who are first in their families to attend college, many from low-income backgrounds, and many who would not have gotten an opportunity at other schools. Every dollar invested in HBCUs fuels not just individual success, but ripples through families, neighborhoods, and entire states.

The most recent UNCF economic impact report makes this clear. HBCUs generate about $16.5 billion per year in economic activity, create more than 136,000 jobs, and contribute significantly through the lifetime earnings of their graduates. Louisiana’s HBCUs — Southern University, Grambling State, Xavier, and Dillard — are part of this story. They uplift communities, support local businesses, and contribute to state innovation, often while operating with far fewer resources than they deserve.

The Consequences of Underfunding HBCUs

The consequences of underfunding are everywhere. Dormitories fall into disrepair. Heating and cooling systems break down. Outdated laboratories lag far behind scientific advances. These issues go well beyond appearances. They affect safety, recruitment, student learning, and competitiveness. Students in STEM

fields often struggle with inadequate labs and outdated technology, which means they are less able to enter high-demand fields where we desperately need them. Faculty recruitment and retention also suffer when resources are so limited.

The threats to HBCUs are felt in all aspects of the institutions. Federal programs that HBCUs rely on, such as Strengthening Institutions grants, are under threat of significant cuts. These funds support research, faculty hiring, campus improvements, and student services.

Civil rights offices that protect students with disabilities and English learners from discrimination face reductions, eroding safeguards that are already fragile.

Safety concerns have also grown. HBCUs, including several here in Louisiana, have been subjected to terroristic threats and lockdowns in recent years. The danger is not just about money, but about security, belonging, and the mental well-being of students.

A System Stretched Thin

For decades, HBCUs have done more with less, but the COVID-19 pandemic exposed just how fragile the system has become. Financial instability, inflation, and enrollment uncertainty piled new burdens onto institutions that were already stretched thin. While many

survived, the cumulative harm is undeniable.

The reason this matters to everyone is simple. HBCUs are proven engines of social mobility. Graduates earn substantially more over their lifetimes than they would without a degree, especially those from the lowest-income backgrounds. These institutions stabilize local economies, not only by producing talent but also by driving jobs, patronizing local businesses, and generating service demand. Innovation and research often emerge from underfunded or overlooked spaces, and when HBCUs are given the chance to modernize their labs and strengthen their faculty, society benefits in areas as far-reaching as health, technology, and the environment.

The Stakes in Louisiana

Here in Louisiana, the stakes are especially personal. Our state’s HBCUs have shaped generations of scholars, leaders, and community builders. Yet they continue to operate under constant strains. Students who could excel in cutting-edge research labs instead contend with outdated equipment. Dorms go unrepaired for months at a time. Programs that could expand to meet workforce needs are held back by a lack of consistent funding. Each time the state or federal government

trims grants or reduces oversight, these schools and their students are the first to feel the blow.

We are at a crossroads. How we act now will determine whether HBCUs remain pillars of opportunity or whether we allow one of America’s strongest assets to erode.

The Public Must Demand Action

The path forward is clear. State and federal lawmakers must increase funding targeted to infrastructure, student support, research, STEM, and maintenance. Donors, alumni, and community leaders need to commit to sustained investment so that HBCUs can modernize and grow. Policymakers must preserve civil rights protections and oversight that ensure fairness and equity for every student. And the public must demand action. Voters, parents, and students should insist that elected leaders treat HBCUs as essential, because that is what they are.

Every Louisianan, and every American, gains when HBCUs are strong. These institutions are more than a tradition. They are our future. It is time to ensure they are not just surviving, but thriving.

Tramelle Howard is the Louisiana state director for The Education Trust, where he works to advance educational equity and opportunity for students.

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Tramelle Howard, Louisiana state director for The Education Trust, says HBCU survival depends on urgent action now. Photo Credit: iStock.com/Unai Huizi

State Rep Ruwa Romman Wants to be Georgia’s Next Governor

By DONNELL SUGGS

The first Muslim and Palestinian woman to ever be elected to Georgia’s House of Representatives, Ruwa Romman, believes she is the candidate voters will need to elect as the state’s next governor. In the midst of a career of civic engagement and representation, Romman, 32, is looking to take a step toward not only representing her people and the people of the state’s 97th District, but all Georgians as a gubernatorial candidate.

“I think our jobs right now are to be moral leaders, and what I mean by that is that we should not be leading based on what’s trending and what’s popular. We should be leading based on what’s right,” Romman said.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Romman, who moved with her family to the United States from Jordan when she was seven, visited The Atlanta Voice to discuss her campaign and what she wants most for Georgia.

“Even in a moment when people are at first mad at you, if you’re willing to lead with morality, they do come around,” Romman said.

The Atlanta Voice: Rep. Romman, thank you for dropping by to chat. My first question of all of the candidates in this race is always the same: Why do you believe you are the best candidate for Georgia governor?

Rep. Ruwa Romman: I want to be governor of Georgia so that we can raise the minimum wage, feed hungry kids, reopen hospitals, invest in small businesses, and take homes back from corporations.

AV: That’s going to take a lot of work.

RR: I know. I think anyone who is running for this position had better be ready to work.

AV: On your campaign website, it says in part, “After 20 years of Republican rule, Georgians are worse off. We can’t build the Georgia we deserve with Republicans in charge.” Could you elaborate?

RR: If you listen to what I call Republican propaganda, because that is what it’s become, you will hear them talk about we are the number one place to do business. My immediate question is, ‘For whom?” To be clear, it’s not even the best place for small businesses, because we are one of the worst states for small businesses. Twenty-five percent of small businesses fail within the first year in Georgia. This is a very difficult place for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Romman also listed the state minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, two dollars under the federal minimum wage. “The fact that we haven’t even had a conversation about it since I was four years old is an absurdity to me,” said Romman. “That shows how completely upside down Republican priorities

have been. We need to start owning that, saying that, and being very plain about it.”

AV: Do you believe you’re ready for what’s to come?

RR: Absolutely. If I didn’t think I was prepared for it, I wouldn’t be doing it. The reality of the situation is that, growing up in Georgia, I’ve had a lot of life experiences that have really prepared me, whether it is growing up in Forsyth County before it became as diverse as it is today. Whether it is having to experience multiple unprecedented times for our generation. Way too many for any generation to experience.

There’s so much in my life that has brought me to this moment that has really called me to this moment.

AV: What, if anything, concerns you about the last woman who ran for the office of governor, who was equally as educated, energetic, and good at organizing people, and how those particular campaigns ended?

RR: It’s actually not a concern; it’s inspiration. I deeply believe that campaigns are building blocks and that even in the losses, if we nurture what we build, it can move us forward. I’m assuming you are referring to

Stacey Abrams.

AV: I am.

RR: In 2018, she was the one who got the closest of any candidate that has ever run for governor. It’s deeply important to remember that. On her second turn, it was a year when the governor was an incumbent. If you look around the country, she lost by the smallest margin. Again, a loss is a loss, and I don’t only believe in moral victories, but the reality of the situation is that it’s a mixture of timing, context, and where people are.

Romman credits Abrams’ two campaigns as inspirations to her political career, saying, “I ended up going to grad school [at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy] because of that campaign and doing work on voting rights.”

AV: You co-founded Georgia Volunteer Hub in 2020, which helped train thousands of volunteers for the Georgia Senate runoff that year. Flash forward to this year, how has that kind of work prepared you for what’s next as a candidate for governor?

RR: That work is going to influence my entire ethos. We are already going to start door-knocking on Saturday, Oct. 25. We will

be launching in Norcross, and we will begin there and work our way out. Our goal is to recruit 5,000 volunteers by the end of the primary.

Romman told The Atlanta Voice that there have already been 300 volunteers signed up from dozens of counties.

AV: We are in the early stages of the gubernatorial race with the primaries still more than seven months away. Where have you held campaign rallies, and why did you choose those cities and counties?

RR: We haven’t done a campaign rally because of logistics and cost, but we just were in Savannah for “No Kings” last night [Monday, Oct. 20], we were in Athens, and we expected 10-15 to show up. We had over 40 people show up. Our goal is to be everywhere as much as possible.

AV: I saw that you spoke at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah last Saturday. I covered the rally here in Atlanta. What are your thoughts on how Americans expressed themselves last weekend? Do rallies like that really help change things?

RR: There is a starting point for everybody. I believe that. We never know what someone’s starting point is going to be. For example, I started out doing interfaith work and volunteering with those of other faiths, learning about the importance and the beauty of different people coming together towards a common and shared goal. We never know what an entryway for somebody is and where it can lead. To me, that’s what I see in these protests.

It’s a reminder that there are way more of us than them.

AV: What should potential voters know about you that they might not know if they don’t know you personally, have heard you speak, or don’t live in your district?

RR: I hope they come to learn that I am somebody who will never back down from a fight. Somebody who will always have their back, and someone who, regardless of what negotiating room I’m in, will put them before any special interests or corporation. That’s been a deep belief of mine for as long as I can remember, and one that I intend to take into that Governor’s Mansion. Romman said that people who will be seeing her in person for the first time while campaigning might immediately see her Hijab, “At the end of the day, this to me is no different than wearing a cross or any other sign of faith,” Romman said. “I hope that they recognize it for what it is, which is a grounding thing in my life that has been very consistent in my life. This head scarf reminds me that there is something bigger than us. It is a reminder that we need to be our best selves in every place that we go.

Politics

‘I Want to Do Right By the City’: Kalema Jackson wants to be the next Mayor of Atlanta

By DONNELL SUGGS

Former Atlanta Police Department officer Kalema Jackson wants to be the next mayor of Atlanta, and he is not allowing the fact that he doesn’t know how to do that to stop him.

Jackson is one of three men running against the current Atlanta Mayor, Andre Dickens. Last week, he participated in the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young debate series. The debates, which were not televised live but aired on YouTube and WABE, were Jackson’s first opportunity to speak to Fulton County voters. He was nervous and hesitated to listen to or watch a replay. His mother texted him and let him know he did well.

“That’s when I decided to take a look, and I gave myself a B-,” Jackson said with a laugh.

Jackson has not allowed his lack of political experience to keep him from believing he can run the city. He believes his time on the street as a police officer helped him understand what the people of Atlanta need from its leaders. Jackson served the city for 13 years, most in Zone 3, and wants to return to continue his service, this time from City Hall, he said.

“I want to do right by the city,” said Jackson, 50, who is unmarried and without children. “I am proud of my career as a police officer. I wanted to make a contribution to this community, and I want to do it again.”

Jackson was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama, and moved to Atlanta in 1996 to attend college. He recalled that the city he encountered when he arrived had changed

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Station 1, which serves downtown, including Castleberry Hill, and local businesses such as Wild Leap, a restaurant located underneath the Steele Bridge. There, Dickens shook hands and held conversations with patrons. There are so many things to do downtown, including grabbing a meal before the Atlanta Hawks season opener against the visiting Toronto Raptors across the street at State Farm Arena.

Fire Station 1 is centrally located in the midst of all the change taking place downtown. Atlanta Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief for Station 1, Dwayne Johnson, said the growth means a lot to the city and its citizens, but it also means there is more of downtown to serve.

“There’s growth everywhere, and from a fire department perspective, that means we have our job cut out

for better and worse. After graduating from art school, Jackson saw an Atlanta Police Department recruitment advertisement in the newspaper and decided to see what it

for us,” Johnson said. “With growth comes growth.”

Dickens welcomes the growth.

“I want this downtown to be one of the marquee downtowns in our nation,” said Dickens, who attended the Hawks game and received a loud ovation from the capacity crowd when he was shown on the big overhead screen. “I want it to be one of the top 10 downtowns in America that you can come to and get everything you need from a great home to a fantastic night on the town, and you can also work down here with the jobs, technology companies, and small businesses. So, I want it to work for everybody.”

Asked how far away this ambitious goal for downtown was from happening, Dickens said, “We are probably seven months from when people really see it, and about 24 months from when it’s like when everything will be done. I think we’re right on time with the revitalization.”

was about.

In 2002, Jackson completed his Atlanta Police Department academy training and joined the force. For the next 13 years, he

patrolled the streets and cemented relationships, not with major players in the halls of City Hall, but with people who live, work, and play within the communities of Atlanta.

When asked if he misses working as a police officer, Jackson, who retired in 2015, said, “Kind of.”

“I am proud that the community would call on me, and I’m proud that I had that type of impact,” Jackson said. “I took every case and call seriously.”

Voting turnout for the mayoral elections in Fulton County has routinely been low. Just under 50% of the nearly 900,000 registered voters participated in the 2024 general election, so turnout was low among Atlantans, too. Jackson believes voters want a candidate whom they can be excited about.

“I have been watching the progress of the current administration, and I think I can do a better job,” said Jackson. “I feel I have a lot to offer.”

Jackson told The Atlanta Voice that he wants to bring more development to the city’s southside and provide more job fairs for residents.

“Have companies there that are actually hiring,” Jackson said of the job fairs.

The underdog mayoral candidate has done little campaigning, with only three weeks until Election Day, November 4. Asked what his campaign plans are, Jackson said it was to get out amongst the people more.

“I’d like to get a little more exposure, get more support, because I want to just do right for the people,” he said.

Former Atlanta Police Department officer Kalema Jackson (above, outside The Atlanta Voice building on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025) wants to be the next mayor of Atlanta. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta Fire Department Station 1 Assistant Fire Chief Dwayne Johnson (left) gives Dickens a tour of the station. Fire Station 1 is centrally located in the midst of all the change taking place downtown. Photo by Tabius McCoy/ The Atlanta Voice

Greetings From Wells Fargo Home Lending

BY SERHAT OZTOP CEO of Home Lending

As the new leader of Home Lending at Wells Fargo, I’m really excited to jump in. I’ve got a clear idea of where we’re headed, with a focus on making things simpler and better for our customers. With a strong background in financial services and a passion for expanding access to homeownership, I step into this

role at a time when our commitment to serving low-to-moderate income communities is more important than ever.

Financial Literacy

Wells Fargo remains focused on helping address the homeownership gap in a sustainable and impactful way. This includes not only our internal efforts but also close collaboration with industry partners, government agencies, and local stakeholders in markets across the country. Our goal is to create lasting pathways to homeownership that reflect the diverse needs of the communities we aim to empower.

One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is the Homebuyer Access grant we launched in July 2023. This grant provides $10,000 in down payment assistance

for eligible homebuyers in selected areas and has now expanded to 23 markets. Since its inception, the grant has helped over 700 homebuyers achieve their homeownership goals.

Potential homebuyers looking to purchase a home in any of the eligible areas and those who currently live in those areas can find out more about the program, including how to contact a local Wells Fargo Home Lending office, at https://wellsfargo.com/homegrant.

We continue to build on this momentum, ensuring that our products and services are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of our customers. Our focus on community impact will help shape the future of Home Lending at Wells Fargo and reinforce

our role as a trusted partner in the journey to homeownership.

I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this program. The Homebuyer Access Grant isn’t just financial assistance, it’s a launchpad for generational progress. Hearing directly from individuals who’ve unlocked homeownership through this initiative is a powerful reminder: a single, well-placed opportunity can turn long-held aspirations into lasting realities.

Championing Homeownership: A Q&A with Ewunike N. Brady, VP, Customer Growth Segments, Wells Fargo Home Lending

SUBMITTED BY WELLS FARGO Home Lending

Ewunike N. Brady is a leader whose work is reshaping the future of homeownership. With over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to homeownership for multicultural communities. As Vice President of Customer Growth Segments at Wells Fargo Home Lending, Ewunike brings to her work passion, purpose, and a deep understanding of the systemic challenges that have historically limited homeownership opportunities. In this Q&A, Ewunike shares her insights, values, and the driving force behind her commitment to helping families build generational wealth through homeownership.

Q: What inspires your work in homeownership?

Ewunike: My favorite part of the job is being part of the change. I have two quotes on my office wall that guide me: “Be the change you wish to see” and “Create the things you wish existed.” These are daily reminders that the work I do matters.

We’re at a pivotal moment in the mortgage and finance industry. The work we’re doing now

is laying the foundation for a future where equitable access to housing is not just a goal, it’s a standard. Being able to contribute to increasing homeownership rates in the local communities is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s more than just helping individuals buy homes; it’s about empowering communities to thrive.

Q: What values guide your approach to this work?

Ewunike: Authenticity and connection are everything. I believe in showing up as my full self and building genuine relationships with the people I work with and serve. When you connect with people on a personal level, the work becomes more meaningful. It’s no longer just about metrics it’s about accountability to real lives and real communities.

Q: What advice would you give to others who want to make an impact in this space?

Ewunike: Own your narrative. Share your story and your aspirations. People want to support you, but they need to know what you’re working toward. Be intentional about your goals and vocal about your purpose. That’s how you build momentum and attract allies who can help you move forward.

Q: “What are the foundational drivers of success in the housing industry today?”

Ewunike: Success in the housing industry today demands that organizations lead with purpose and integrity. When values are deeply embedded in how a company operates, they

shape everything—from the products we deliver to the way we communicate and the impact we create. It’s not enough to make statements; we must live our principles through consistent, intentional action. This commitment must be active and visible in every decision, every interaction, and every outcome we pursue.

Q: What advice would you give to someone navigating the workplace while building toward long-term goals like homeownership?

Ewunike: Start by cultivating healthy habits early and practicing them consistently. That means prioritizing your physical and mental well-being, recognizing your value, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Whether it’s affirmations, scripture, or quiet reflection, find what keeps you grounded. Protect your peace so you can show up fully ready to lead with clarity and strength. And remember, just like homeownership, career growth is a journey. Stay intentional, build equity in your relationships and reputation, and invest in yourself every step of the way.

Q: What’s the best guidance you’ve received?

Ewunike: It wasn’t advice in words—it was a visual. A mentor once shared an image of a dove sitting calmly in the middle of a chaotic storm. That image stuck with me. It reminded me that no matter what’s happening around you, you must stay grounded and present. Whether you’re facing challenges or celebrating wins, being centered is key to leading effectively.

Q: Who inspires you most in your journey?

Ewunike: My daughter. At just nine years old, she’s, my hero. Her joy, innocence, and perspective remind me why this work is so important. I want her experience with homeownership to be empowering, not burdened by the inequities that shaped her parents’ and grandparents’ experiences. She’s my motivation to keep pushing for change.

Q: How do you support fellow women in your field?

Ewunike: I support women by being real and present. I take time to connect beyond work to understand their stories, celebrate their wins, and offer encouragement. When we find common ground and build trust, we can do powerful work together. It’s also important to make space for empathy and humanity. That’s how we build lasting relationships and meaningful impact.

Q: How do you ensure your work aligns with your values?

Ewunike: Whether I’m in a formal leadership role or not, I lead by example. My values show up in how I engage with others, how I present my work, and how I build partnerships. Alignment isn’t just about titles, it’s about how you show up every day. Your actions reflect your core values, and they should be visible in everything you do.

SERHAT OZTOP

Financial Literacy

Black Americans Face New Hardships Under Trump’s Social Security Overhaul

By STACy M. BROWN NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Major changes to Social Security set to take effect this fall and into 2026 could drastically reshape the nation’s retirement safety net — and experts warn that African Americans and other historically marginalized groups stand to suffer the most.

Some of the Trump administration’s changes affect the working-class, women, minorities and seniors. Reforms include raising the full retirement age to 67 for those born in 1960 or later, eliminating paper checks for benefit payments, tightening eligibility for disability coverage, and altering how benefits are taxed.

Analysts and civil rights scholars say the changes compound decades of systemic inequities built into America’s “crown jewel” welfare program.

In “The Color of Social Security: Race and Unequal Protection in the Crown Jewel of the American Welfare State,” Rutgers Law School professor Jon C. Dubin traces how the 1935 Social Security Act excluded large swaths of Black Americans through occupational barriers.

“The original Act’s complete exclusion of disproportionately Black agricultural and domestic workers from old age insurance programs was grounded in the badges and incidents of slavery and a desire to preserve the plantation-sharecropping economy,” he wrote.

Dubin noted that these exclusions had “lingering present-day consequences,” including diminished wealth, shorter life expectancy and smaller accrued benefits among African Americans.

“Future proposals to raise the full retirement age to 70 will have a foreseeable racially disparate impact on Black workers due to shorter Black life expectancy and resulting shorter temporal benefit-receipt windows,” he warned.

Beginning in 2026, anyone born in 1960 or later will see their full retirement age (FRA) increase from 66 and 10 months to 67, the final phase of a shift that began in the 1980s. Workers who claim benefits before FRA will face permanent reductions, while those who delay up to age 70 can receive up to 24% more monthly income.

Financial analysts told 24/7 Wall St. that claiming benefits early could reduce lifetime income by as much as 30%, with the burden falling hardest on communities with lower life expectancy and physically demanding jobs — conditions disproportionately affecting Black and Latino workers.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) reported that the Trump administration is advancing what could be the largest

cut to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in history, reducing the share of applicants who qualify by as much as 20%. The proposed rule would make it harder for older workers to qualify by “discounting the barriers they face due to their age,” according to CBPP senior analyst Kathleen Romig.

Nearly 80% of SSDI beneficiaries are age 50 or older, and many live in Southern and Appalachian states where Black workers, older laborers, and those with lower education levels are concentrated.

“Rejecting more older applicants will cause more hardship for people who would be eligible for benefits under the existing rules,” Romig wrote.

Such cuts, she added, would “threaten retirement security, access to health care, and other supports” by forcing many to deplete savings early and claim smaller retirement benefits sooner.

More Changes Affecting Equity for Retirees of Color

The Treasury Department also announced that as of Sept. 30, it will stop issuing paper checks for Social Security payments, part of a modernization order under the Trump administration.

According to PennLive, more than five million Americans — many of them elderly, disabled or unbanked — still rely on physical checks.

“Some people are just not going to be able to manage the steps,” Romig told The Washington Post, noting that those without internet access or bank accounts will struggle to transition to electronic systems.

Advocates fear that the change could temporarily cut off vulnerable groups from essential income. Waivers for those with “mental impairments or remote living arrangements” will be granted only in “rare circumstances,” officials said.

A 2024 study from the Center for Retirement Research found that Black retirees receive 19% less in Social Security benefits than white retirees, even though the program’s formula is designed to favor lower earners.

The gap stems from lower lifetime earnings, poorer health, and the burden of caregiving responsibilities.

“Changing Social Security alone seems unlikely to narrow existing racial and ethnic gaps substantially,” the researchers concluded. “Achieving equity for Black and Hispanic retirees would have to start with expanding opportunity for workers and increasing pay equity.”

With rising retirement ages, stricter disability standards, and electronic-only payments, many fear that Social Security — the program that has lifted more Americans out of poverty than any other — may deepen the very inequalities it once sought to correct.

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Financial Literacy

The 2025 Atlanta Housing Market What you need to know before buying

By STEPHEN MORRIS (NMLS ID 459546), United Bankshares Senior Vice President, Director, Community Lending

Temperatures are rising this summer, and so are housing options in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Whether you are in search of increased job opportunities, a rich cultural hub, great dining options, vibrant nightlife, or more affordable living, the Atlanta area has something for everyone. If you are looking to put down roots and considering home ownership, now is the perfect time to begin the process, and United Bankshares is here to help you get started. Below is a list of top tips for anyone considering buying a home in the Atlanta metro area.

Be prepared

While the market may have significantly slowed down, it is still competitive. Often, first-time homebuyers’ lack of preparedness prior to putting in an offer can adversely affect them. Therefore, it is best to have everything in order so you can strike first and fast. A good way to ensure you are prepared to make an offer is to meet with a real estate professional or lender to assess your options early in the process. These trusted professionals can help you manage your expectations and efforts by explaining what you qualify for, what grants or other lending options may be available to you, and if there are certain property types that may qualify for additional lending assistance. They can also help you prepare the documents you will need to show sellers you are serious about homebuying. If you are considering buying a home, plan to begin these conversations six months to a year in advance, just to get your ducks in a row.

Be honest

Everyone is entitled to their privacy, but when considering a home loan, your lender will quickly find out everything, including

debt you didn’t think was important, and a credit history you don’t want to talk about. Your financial history and status will be part of the application process and are a big part of qualifying for a loan. It is best to be upfront and honest about the state of your finances so your lender can help you. Curveballs and surprises will only hurt you in the long run.

Be patient

We are currently experiencing a buyer’s market in Atlanta, meaning prices tend to be lower and homes stay on the market longer. For potential homebuyers, this can be a great thing. An abundance of home options means there is a higher chance of finding your dream home and even getting a good deal. However, this also means that rush judgments and hasty decisions are not always the best approach when considering a potential home. If you are not the only buyer considering a particular home (meaning there’s competition), there is no need to panic. Competition is to be expected. Even if you miss out on one deal, there are other home options that might be just as good or an even better home for your specific needs. Preparedness and

speed will always help you stand out to a seller, but it’s important to keep a level head and find the home that is right for you, because whether you’re looking for a starter home or the home you plan to spend the rest of your life in, a home is a big purchase. Make sure to do your research and stay patient as you find the home that is right for you.

Be empowered

As you dive into the Atlanta housing market, feel empowered to take the next step knowing many loan and assistance options are available. Check out loan programs with 100% financing, like the United Bank Gateway Home Loan, to help ease the financial burden of your purchase. These programs are often combined with down payment assistance or grant programs to help make homeownership more attainable. Our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way, and ensuring you feel supported and informed while you make your dream of homeownership a reality in the Gateway City. At United Bankshares, we strive to make the mortgage process as simple and straightforward as possible. It all starts

with reaching out to a member of our mortgage team or filling out our easy online application. From there, one of our knowledgeable mortgage loan officers can help you find the best loan option for your needs, then continue to work with you every step of the way on your home-buying journey—through closing day and beyond.

United Bank DBA United Bankshares | NMLS ID 522399 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | BankWithUnited.com

ADVERTISING NOTICE — NOT A COMMITMENT TO LEND – SUBJECT TO PROGRAM AVAILABILITY. This is not a commitment lend. All loan applications are subject to credit and property approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR), programs, rates, fees, closing costs, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice and may vary depending upon credit history and transaction specifics. Other closing costs may be necessary. Flood and/or property hazard insurance may be required. To be eligible, buyer must meet minimum down payment, underwriting, and program guidelines.

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Helping you get home.

Financial Literacy

Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud: Advice from the Experts

SPONSORED CONTENT PROVIDED BY JPMORGANCHASE

At the beginning of a JPMorganChase-sponsored panel during the 2025 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary asked participants to raise their hands if they’d ever received a suspicious text message about a job offer.

About half the room lifted their hands. Then she kept going.

“If you’ve gotten one of those ‘you owe a toll’ texts but you don’t even have a car? What about crypto? What if you’ve gotten something from Zelle from your bank and you don’t even have a bank? What about a bill? A package coming from Federal Express?”

By the time she finished the list, every hand was in the air.

On Aug. 7, Singletary joined other experts from the financial and security sectors for the NABJ luncheon panel discussion, Safeguarding Consumers Against Fraud and Scams in the Digital Age, in Cleveland, Ohio. The panel was organized to help educate journalists from across the U.S. about the evolving landscape of fraud and scams so they can in turn raise awareness among their viewers, listeners and readers.

In 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission received complaints totaling $12.5 billion lost to scams or fraud. Globally, $485.6 billion was lost to scams or fraud, according to Nasdaq. A Bankrate.com study also reported that one in three Americans faced a scam during the last 12 months, and an FBI cybercrime report recorded $16 billion lost to fraud or scams in 2024.

“This issue impacts all of us, whether you’ve been directly scammed or you know someone who has,” Singletary said. “This is the financial pandemic we’re dealing with today.”

Fraud vs. scam: What’s the difference?

Both frauds and scams are “terribly invasive,” said Diedra Porché, national head of community and business development at JPMorganChase. “You’ve lost money in some form or fashion.”

Even though both involve invasions of security and privacy, fraud and scams have some key differences. With fraud, someone illegally accesses your information or your account to move your money around. Scams take place when someone has duped, tricked or manipulated you into providing personal information so they can gain access to your funds.

Another key identifier of a scam is impersonation, noted Sheryl Harris, director of the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Department of Consumer Affairs. A scammer will often pretend

to be a representative of a bank, government agency, law enforcement unit or other outside party when they contact you by phone, text or email. They might tell you something bad is happening with your account or to a loved one and try to scare or coerce you into quickly giving them money to fix the “problem” or help your loved one. Once you’ve given them your funds, they’ll disappear – and you’ll learn there was never an issue at all.

Toni Pietrocola, president of AI cybersecurity company AgileBlue in Cleveland, warned attendees about the growth of AI scams as well. Scammers/fraudsters can gather information from social media profiles, including voices, and create a voice call, email or text from a loved one, boss or other associate asking for financial or other personal information. The information gleaned from social media might make the request feel more real, even though it too is a scam.

Ways to stay safe

Porché also emphasized how people of all ages can be victimized. Younger people might be targeted by scammers claiming to offer a job and asking for financial information to pay for a background check or work attire. Scammers might also reach out

to college students at the beginning of the year offering discounts on books if they send money to a certain account.

“Just be aware new scams are happening all the time, so always verify the source and reach out to someone trusted to make sure it’s valid,” Porché said.

Other tips from panelists included using two-factor identification to log into financial accounts, avoiding public WiFi where outsiders can access your account or other personal information and being careful about the information you share on social media.

f you have questions about a call or text supposedly from your bank, call the bank directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card, not the number on the text message, they said. Contact a law enforcement agency if you get a message or call about a loved one supposedly needing money to get out of jail or another dire situation.

Free guidance can be found on the FTC website, and many financial institutions, including JPMorganChase, provide free information online and in branches about protecting yourself from scams. All are welcome to pick up information or attend a workshop, even if they don’t have a Chase account.

“We’re keenly focused on raising awareness

to prevent scams and fraud, which is why we’re hosting workshops with partners across the industry, such as journalists, law enforcement, and government,” Porché said. “This issue is real, and it’s affecting everyone.”

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described on this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content.

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Financial Literacy

How to Get a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed

SUBMITTED BY WELLS FARGO

Home

Lending

If you’re self-employed or own a business, you may be wondering if it’s possible to get a mortgage. The short answer is yes, you can, but the process will look different. You’ll need to provide documentation verifying your employment, and lenders will be analyzing your financial situation and the financial situation of your business to see how likely you are to pay back your loans in a timely manner.To help you put your best foot forward, Wells Fargo is offering guidance on navigating the home loan process.

What does it mean to be self-employed?

Typically, lenders consider an applicant self-employed if they meet any of the following:

• They own at least 25% of a business

• The ownership of a business is their major source of income

• They complete a 1099 tax form during tax filing instead of a W-2

• They’re an entrepreneur or sole proprietor whose income is filed under Schedule C of their tax returns

• They’re an independent contractor or service provider If you fit into these categories, you’ll also need to show lenders verified employment records or proof of self-employment during the past two years. Lenders are ideally looking for your business to have been active for at least 12 consecutive months. They review the overall health of the business, looking at both net income and expenses.

What employment documentation is needed?

When lenders review your application, they’re analyzing items like how stable your income is, if your business has strong finances, and what the future may look like for you and your business. Any of the following forms of documentation can help you show lenders proof of your employment verification:

• Business licenses and/or DBA certificates

• Proof of correspondence with CPAs and/ or clients

• Proof of business insurance

• Profit/loss statements or balance sheets reflecting your business’s performance Lenders’ requirements vary. Check with yours for what will be required for your situation.

What tax return requirements are needed?

Personal tax returns under IRS Form

1040 include various schedules. Commonly used schedules are:

• Schedule B (Form 1040) – Interest and ordinary dividends

• Schedule C (Form 1040) – Profit or Loss from Business (Sole proprietorship)

• Schedule D (Form 1040) – Capital Gains and Losses

• Schedule E (Form 1040) – Supplemental Income and Loss

• Schedule F (Form 1040) – Profit or Loss from Farming For business tax returns, a business may choose to report taxable income either on a calendar year or fiscal year basis. Commonly used forms include:

• IRS Form 1065 – U.S. Return of Partnership Income

• IRS Form 1120S – U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation

• IRS Form 1120 – U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return

What factors show the strength of your borrowing ability?

Having a favorable debt-to-income ratio and credit score.

A strong credit history shows lenders your ability to repay debts and utilize credit responsibly.

Staying organized.

Keep expenses separate if you have multiple income sources, and separate business and personal accounts so that lenders can more easily tell which assets are which.

Having additional support, especially for closing.

Certain factors may lower your risk for lenders, like utilizing a co-signer or borrower or paying a higher-percentage down payment than what’s required.

What’s next?

If you are self-employed, there are methods available to help make your goal of homeownership a reality. For example, eligible self-employed borrowers with Wells Fargo may have access to a variety of loans, such as VA or FHA loans or Wells Fargo products like Dream. Plan. Home. and the Homebuyer Access grant. Information can be found online about the eligibility requirements and personal tax implications of these products. Talk to a home mortgage consultant to learn more about what your mortgage process may look like. Also, check out Wells Fargo’s home lending portal for helpful articles and personalized rate quote tools.

“While self-employment makes obtaining a mortgage a bit more complex, your lender will walk you through the process, step by step,” says Rulon Washington, mortgage sustainability, Wells Fargo.

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How Housing Counselors Help People Buy Homes

By CHUCK BISHOP

Business Growth Strategy Executive at Wells Fargo

Buying a home is one of the biggest steps a person can take. But for many people, it can feel confusing and even scary. There are so many things to think about: credit scores, saving money, choosing the right loan, and understanding how the entire process works. That’s why housing counselors are so important. They help people feel ready and confident to buy a home.

I recently talked with Barry Coleman, Vice President of Program Management & Education at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). We discussed how housing counselors can make a big difference for people who want to become homeowners. This conversation is part of NFCC’s national effort to help more people learn about homeownership and how to prepare for it. At Wells Fargo, we’re proud to support this work and help more families reach their dream of owning a home.

What Is a Housing Counseling Agency?

Coleman: HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies (HCAs) are nonprofit groups supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These agencies offer free or low-cost help to people who are buying a home, trying to avoid foreclosure, or just need advice about housing. Their goal is to make sure everyone has access to good information and support.

Why

Should

You Talk to a Housing Counselor?

Coleman: From a lender’s point of view, I see housing counselors as trusted guides. They are trained professionals who give honest, helpful advice based on your personal financial situation. And the best part? Their help is often free or very affordable. Counselors can help you understand your credit, improve your score, and even speak on your behalf when working with lenders. They’re like a coach in your corner.

What About Credit Counseling?

Coleman: Housing counselors and credit counselors often work together. Housing counselors help you get ready to buy a home, while credit counselors help you manage debt and fix credit problems. Together, they give you a full support system to help you feel financially strong and ready.

Who Can Use Housing Counseling?

Coleman: Some people think housing counseling is only for those with bad credit. That’s not true. Even people with good credit can benefit. Maybe you need help making a budget, understanding different types of loans, or figuring out how much house you can afford. First-time buyers, existing home homeowners facing foreclosure, or anyone who feels unsure about their finances can all benefit from talking to a counselor.

When

Should You Start?

Coleman: I recommend starting 6 to 12 months before you plan to buy a home. That gives you time to fix any credit issues, save for a down payment, and learn about the homebuying process. If you’re facing financial problems, it’s even better to start earlier. The sooner you begin, the more prepared you’ll be.

What Do Lenders Think About Counseling?

Coleman: As a lender, I can tell you that you should see housing counseling as a good thing. It shows that a person is serious about becoming a responsible homeowner. People who work with counselors often make better choices and are more likely to succeed with their loans.

Is Housing Counseling for Everyone?

Coleman: You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to ask for help. Housing counseling is for anyone who wants to make smart choices about where they live— whether they’re buying, renting, or just trying to manage their money better

Take the First Step Toward Your Dream Home

Coleman: If you’ve ever thought about buying a home but didn’t know where to start, now is the time. Housing counselors are here to help you every step of the way. They can answer your questions, help you make a plan, and give you the confidence to move forward.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you’re just starting to think about buying a home or you’re already looking at houses, a housing counselor can be your guide.

Visit https://www.nfcc.org to find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you. Or talk to your lender to learn how counseling can help you on your journey. Homeownership is possible, and with the right support, it’s closer than you think. We are proud to partner with HUD-approved agencies whose trusted expertise plays a vital role in helping individuals and families take meaningful steps toward homeownership. Through this collaboration, we’re able to support and empower customers with the resources, education, and guidance they need to navigate the path to owning a home with confidence.

Financial Literacy

Bridging the Funding Gap: A Look at Grants for Small Businesses

BY MEGAN SAYLES

When asking small business owners about their top challenges in operating and growing their enterprises, often the most common response is access to capital.

Industry experts affirm this struggle, citing a significant financing gap that small businesses face, especially those that are owned by Black and Brown entrepreneurs.

“There is an estimated $40 billion annual gap in unmet financing for BIPOC-owned businesses and $1 trillion nationally for small businesses overall,” said Carolyn Rodz, CEO and co-founder of Hello Alice. “This means there is a significant need and opportunity for grant programs across industry sectors and demographics, and we’re seeing more enterprises and financial institutions invest in these kinds of programs.”

Established in 2017, Hello Alice is a free online platform that was created to tackle the inequities and barriers that small business owners encounter, including a lack of capital. Hello Alice has a special focus on supporting what it calls the, “New Majority,” or women, people of color, LGTBQ+ individuals, veterans and people with disabilities.

The organization’s Funding Center connects entrepreneurs to grants and fair-market loans tailored to their business type, location and industry. Rodz noted that small business owners often face thousands of competitors when applying for grant programs. She emphasized that specificity is crucial in applications.

“Each program is different, but ultimately, you need to be clear about your vision, proof of concept and path toward growth,” said Rodz. “The more clarity and credibility you offer, the more your application will stand out. Know your business plan and numbers inside and out, and do your research on past award recipients to understand what that specific program is in search of.”

Below, the AFRO compiled a list of current grant programs open to small business owners who are seeking funding and support.

DoorDash Local Business Disaster Relief Fund

DoorDash is deploying grants that range from $5,000 to $15,000 for local small businesses that have been affected by natural disasters such as fires, floods and hurricanes. The grant is designed to help businesses, like restaurants, flower shops, liquor stores, convenience stores, pet stores and local grocery stores, recover. The funding can be used toward rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, payroll and other essential costs. The application is open and will close on Sept. 29, 2025.

Access to capital continues to be a significant obstacle to small businesses, especially those owned by Black, Brown and other marginalized entrepreneurs. To address funding challenges, a number of organizations have stepped up to support business owners with grants Photo: iStock. com/Oleg Zhukov

Wish Local Empowerment Program

Wish Local, a program connecting small businesses with customers from the Wish shopping app, will deliver funding ranging from $500 to $2,000 to Black-owned brickand-mortar stores across the U.S. The money comes from a $2 million fund that was created by Wish Local to support nearly 4,000 small business owners. There are now requirements on how recipients can spend the funds they receive. However, the organization recommends they use the money to maintain their workforce, pay rent or inventory costs, connect with new customers or benefit the community.

Hustler’s MicroGrant

Deja “Deja Vu” Parker, a nationally syndicated media personality, has teamed up with HerSuiteSpot, a digital platform created to advance women of color entrepreneurs, to create the Hustler’s MicroGrant. The program is designed to support U.S. small business owners, with a special focus on minority and women entrepreneurs. The $1,000 grants are awarded on a monthly basis. Applications are taken on a rolling basis.

Just Thrive Program

Justworks, a human resources and payroll platform for small businesses, has launched Just Thrive to support enterprises that are at least 50 percent owned by underrepresented founders and employ at least two W-2 team members. The company has partnered with The Well Work, an organization dedicated to empowering Black women and non-binary founders, for the program. The funding can be used toward payroll, human resources tasks, compliance and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Make homeownership your path to personal and intergenerational wealth

Homeownership allows more households to gain access to a proven way to build personal and intergenerational wealth.

Markets change but that does not mean buying a home is out of reach. At Wells Fargo, we can help you navigate the home buying journey during all types of economic cycles.

Go to wellsfargo.com/mortgage/calculators to find calculators that can help you determine which mortgage options best align with your financial goals.

When you are ready to talk, our Home Mortgage Consultants are here to help you create a plan to optimize the benefits of homeownership now and over time. Scan code with your mobile device camera to learn more about our Home Lending Priorities.

Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2025 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801. AP6371879 9/25/2026 IHA-8354602

Financial Literacy Supplement

Turn Over a New Financial Leaf this Fall: Strategies for Credit Score Success

SPONSORED BY JPMORGANCHASE

As the days grow shorter and autumn settles in, it’s a good time to shine a light on a topic that can feel mysterious: your credit score. For many, credit can feel confusing or even intimidating, but understanding how it works and why it matters can be an important step toward strengthening your financial health journey.

How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Journey

Your credit score is a three-digit number used by lenders, landlords, insurance companies, mobile phone providers, and financial institutions to assess your reliability. A higher score can help you qualify for lower interest rates and better loan terms, saving you money in interest and making it easier to achieve major financial goals such as buying a home or car.

Establishing good credit means building a record of responsible usage. Using your credit card and paying your bill on time demonstrates

financial responsibility to lenders. On the other hand, missing payment deadlines or not meeting the minimum amount due can negatively impact your score.

Understanding the Factors Behind Your Credit Score

Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850. The better your score, the more options you may have with lenders. Here’s what usually influences your score:

Payment History: Consistently paying bills on time has a positive impact, while late or missed payments can lower your score. Credit Utilization: Using a smaller portion of your total available credit is better for your score; high balances relative to your total credit limits can be a negative factor. Total Debt: Lower overall debt is viewed more favorably, while carrying high debt can reduce your score. Types of Credit Accounts: Having a mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, can strengthen your score. Length of Credit History: A longer track record of responsible credit use

contributes positively to your score. Recent Credit Applications: Applying for new credit can temporarily lower your score. Credit Inquiries. Soft inquiries, like checking your own credit or receiving pre-approved offers, don’t affect your score. Hard inquiries, such as applying for a loan or credit card, may lower your score slightly, but the impact fades over time and drops off your report after two years.

If your credit score is on the lower end, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to help improve it.

Credit Smart Habits

• Pay your bills on time. Payment history is an important factor when it comes to calculating your credit score. If you struggle with meeting payment deadlines, consider setting reminders or enrolling in autopay.

• Pay down your debt. Your credit utilization—meaning the size of your card balance—is the second biggest factor in most credit scoring models. Create a plan to pay down high-interest debt first.

• Monitor your credit with Chase Credit Journey®. Regularly checking your credit report can help you spot areas of improvement and fix errors. Chase Credit Journey is a free tool that lets you monitor your score without impacting it, and provides alerts if your personal information is exposed in a data breach. It’s free for everyone, no Chase account required.

Turning Credit Concerns into Financial Wins

Building credit doesn’t have to be spooky and mysterious. With patience and smart financial habits, you can improve your score and unlock financial opportunities. This fall, take steps to understand and strengthen your credit.

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Strength in working together

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Our close collaboration with prominent civil rights organizations, real estate trade groups, and housing counseling agencies helps bring homebuying information and resources to more communities.

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Dolo’s Pizza: The hidden gem of Atlanta’s pizza scene

By LAURA NWOGU

Underground Atlanta is experiencing a revitalization, and feeding that resurgence is Dolo’s Pizza, a hidden gem tucked away on the second floor of the historical landmark. Caribbean flavors meet NYC-style pizza in a dimly-lit pizzeria where creativity and experimentation flow freely. From ripe plantains and juicy jerk chicken topped on pizzas to charcoal pesto spread on dough and sprinkled with a bit of “magic,” co-founders Yusef Walker and Allyson Williams are creating a slice of pizza heaven.

The concept of Dolo’s began to form during the COVID-19 pandemic. Walker had been strolling around his downtown neighborhood when he came across a vacant pizzeria. The Queens, New York, native was no stranger to the delights of pizza and was certainly not new to the restaurant business; along with his brother, Walker opened Negril ATL and Ms. Icey’s Kitchen and Bar. However, the uncertainty of the restaurant industry during the pandemic helped the restaurateur and chef realize that he wanted to venture out and start his own project.

Walker knew he wanted to create a concept that was mainly takeout, and that vacant pizzeria sparked an idea within him. After receiving advice from his family, Walker didn’t have to search hard for a partner to tackle this new venture with. He instantly recognized Williams — who had been his neighbor, worked with Walker at Negril, and also had experience working in every part of a restaurant — as the best candidate.

As an Atlanta native, Williams knew the

city and its food scene in and out. Paired with what Walker called “unconventional ideas” when it came to a restaurant growth concept, the friends-turned-business partners began to do pop-ups around the city and metro area. When a vendor program for The Underground launched in 2022, offering six months of free rent, they decided to set up shop, which led to a permanent restaurant later that year. Nearly five years later, the friends-turned-business partners are slinging dough for all of Atlanta.

“Being from New York, pizzas were the thing that resonated, and I was inspired by the pizzerias there,” Walker said. “We didn’t necessarily know what we were doing, but we had an idea of what we wanted to do. We just shook hands and said we’re going to figure this out together. We’ve been figuring out how since then.”

Williams added that although there was a learning curve in starting a business, the journey has been a fun experience.

“Pizza is such a fun dish. Everybody loves pizza. You can get as creative as you want with it. I think that’s good for someone creative like Yusef, and you can expand on it. It’s yours; you can do whatever you want with it. We can decide to make taco pizzas tomorrow, so that’s the beauty of it,” Williams said. “It feels super accomplishing to see something come to fruition that started out of nothing. It’s super exciting.”

During the early stages of menu curation, Williams was the main taste tester of the recipes they’d cook up; Walker was a strict vegetarian. The first set of pizzas included a Chorizo creation, a garlic crema pizza with goat cheese and balsamic drizzle called Blanco, and the OG — a simple pie with marinara and mozzarella.

Initially, Walker had no intention of infusing his Caribbean culture into the food. But paying homage to his parents’ Jamaican roots was something that came naturally to him, and it quickly shone through with pizzas such as the Matey with jerk chicken and honey; the Hot & Sweet topped with plantains and jalapenos; and the Black Pizza, a black pesto creation which has a recipe breakdown printed on a t-shirt hanging from the ceiling. Through it all, customers are served a pizza dough that’s light, crispy, and the perfect carriage for their inspired recipes.

“I never really intended to put a Caribbean spin on it. I just think I can’t help it. But really, I wanted to recreate the New York essence of pizza. So in anything we make, we try to keep it pizza at its core,” Walker said. “I think some people try to do too much. I did want it to be structurally sound. I like technical things, so we have a very technical dough. That feeds that part of my soul where I get to interact with puzzles and figure things out and that.”

Everything about the way the pizzeria is set up is intentional, from the size of the pizzas and the limited seating to the fact that they don’t sell slices. They wanted to be able to continue doing popups and also make sure they had a business plan that was “pandemic-proof;” if anything significant were to happen in the

world today, they wanted to know they would still be able to sell takeout pizza.

“We don’t have huge ovens. As a traveling pizzeria, it’s extremely hard to travel with a huge oven. So, everything had to be personal. Everything about this pizza, and when people get it, is very personal. Everyone’s name goes on their box. I ask everyone how to spell their name, because this is a very personal pizza to you. It’s what you asked for. That’s very important to me, and I appreciate the personality and personal touch of the pizza. So, that has a lot to do with shaping the size and the menu,” Williams shared.

The duo said that, in the future, they hope to add a few more things to the menu and also expand above-ground into a larger and more exposed space that will give them greater visibility to customers. Walker and Williams have created a formula that’s unique to them, and despite the name of the restaurant, they’re doing it together. With every pie, they’re melding Caribbean, New York, and Atlanta culture into one.

“Dolo’s is special because of the creativity, the uniqueness, and its consistency. This pizza tastes like this every single day. It looks like this. I don’t know of any other places in Atlanta that are doing this with pizza,” Williams said. “It’s a New York-style pizza, but I like to say it’s like a New York, Atlanta-style pizza.”

Dolo’s Pizza owners yusef Walker (above) and Alyson Williams are reimagining NyC-style pizza in Atlanta. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

Underground Atlanta is experiencing a revitalization, and feeding that resurgence is Dolo’s Pizza (above), a hidden gem tucked away on the second floor of the historical landmark.

Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

Dolo’s Pizza (above) infuses Caribbean flavors into its recipes, creating unique pies. Photo by Tabius McCoy The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta’s ELEVATE festival celebrates ‘Rooted & Rising’

By NOAH WASHINGTON

From the hum of live drums on the Carrie Steele Bridge to the glow of murals and vendors, Atlanta’s streets are coming alive this weekend as ELEVATE 2025: Rooted & Rising kicked off its three-day run, transforming Atlanta neighborhoods into openair galleries.

The citywide public art festival, which kicked off on Friday, Oct. 10, will be celebrated across the city from the West End to Sweet Auburn, down to Castleberry Hill, and South Downtown. The festival aims to reimagine cultural preservation as a form of public health. Through music, visual art, storytelling, and fashion, this year’s theme, “Rooted & Rising,” honors Atlanta’s creative legacy while nurturing the next generation of artists.

“Rooted & Rising is both a love letter and a call to action,” said Adriane V. Jefferson, the City of Atlanta’s Director of Cultural Affairs. “We honor the roots that raised us while uplifting the next generation of cultural caretakers. This festival asks us to remember, reclaim, and reimagine together.”

Jefferson, now in her first year leading the department, said she wanted to refocus ELEVATE into a single weekend of deep

community engagement. “Let’s use ELEVATE as the bridge, the convener, to have conversations and build culture around what Atlanta is becoming,” she said.

The first night of festivities was curated by Atlanta visual artist Courtney Brooks, Friday’s “Steele Fresh” transformed the Carrie Steele Bridge, named for one of Atlanta’s earliest Black female philanthropists, into a celebration of “Black girl magic” and multidisciplinary creativity.

“When I found out I could do the event on the Carrie Steele Bridge, named after a Black woman, I knew I had to bring Black girl magic,” Brooks said. “I wanted to show all flavors of Atlanta art, from the music and spoken word to the fashion, live painting, and small businesses that keep the culture alive.”

The evening featured a lineup of Atlanta talent, including performances by Tiffany Goode & The Good Stuff Experience, vocalist Theresa the Songbird, and live painter Quake Solo.

Brooks said her vision was simple: pay artists what they’re worth and make the city’s investment reach the grassroots. “If I have funding from the city to do it, I’m going to pay the artists who are doing the work, the ones building from the ground up,” she said.

The Weekend Ahead

Saturday’s “Culture Comb Out,” curated by Melissa Alexander, is aiming to reclaim Underground Atlanta with wellness programming, games, and a throwback celebration of ‘90s style and storytelling. On Sunday, SLW & Steady Productions (Stephen Wilkinson and Jordan Neal) will host “Welcome to the West Side” in Westview, featuring a maker’s market, classes, live performances, and a documentary screening at the Pearl Cleage & Zaron Burnett Center for Culture and Creativity. “Westview gets overlooked; people often just drive through on the way to I-20,” Wilkinson said. “We want people to see how much artistry and history already live here.”

Neal said their goal is to build a connection. “We want people to walk away with a stronger sense of community,” he said. “Meet somebody new, have a conversation, and take that energy beyond the festival.”

Since its debut in 2011, ELEVATE has been recognized nationally by the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network as one of the country’s top 50 public art projects and a top 10 city livability initiative.

Jefferson hopes this year’s “Rooted & Rising” theme will remind Atlanta that its cultural history is not something to preserve behind glass, it’s something to live.

“Atlanta already has everything it needs to

thrive,” she said. “We just need to see it, unify it, and build from it. ELEVATE is our bridge to that future.”

ELEVATE 2025: Rooted & Rising kicked off its three-day run, transforming Atlanta neighborhoods into open-air galleries.

Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice

LGBTQ+ advocates unite on HRC’s American Dreams Tour

By ISAIAH SINGLETON

In response to the intense increase in anti-LBGTQ+ attacks on both a state and federal level, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) launched its American Dreams Tour: Equality Across America.

The American Dreams tour is a bold, nationwide initiative to spotlight LGBTQ+ resilience, resistance, and joy.

HRC President Kelley Robinson is collaborating with local LBGTQ+ leadership and advocates to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and raise the alarms for much needed organization and policy change in a wider effort to bring equality to every corner of the country.

Through coordinated initiatives, the American Dreams tour looks to push back against the unprecedented wave of attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, from bans on gender-affirming care and curriculum censorship to anti-trans legislation and HIV funding cuts.

The tour has made stops thus far in redstate cities where LGBTQ+ individuals are facing the most hostility, but where hope shines through the hate.

This included an Atlanta stop which coincidentally co-inside with the Atlanta Pride Festival weekend. Robinson joined alongside a pioneer in the Black Trans community, activist, and actress, TS Madison, sat down for an intimate kitchen table conversation about the importance of HIV prevention, care, and PrEP.

The kitchen table conversation was held at Ts Madison’s Starter House, a home for formerly incarcerated transgender women.

Robinson said as the fight for equality marches forward, the American Dreams Tour aims to up light the important message that there isn’t just one American dream, but there are many.

“The American dream has never belonged to just one kind of person. It has been built by people who dared to demand more, by women who marched, by workers who organized by Black folks who bled for Freedom, and by LGBTQ+ people who refused to disappear,” Robinson said. “Every time this country has tried to erase us, and we rebuilt something bigger with our stories, our truth, and our refusal to be silent.”

Ts Madison says you have been on the wrong side of history, encouraging the erasure of Trans women.

“Every time issues like this come up when you try to eliminate and erase people, they do it. They’re doing it to trans people now, they did it to people living with HIV and AIDS, they did it to gay people and black women,” she said. “We know we got on the right side, and that’s why what we do is important.”

Also, the Fiscal Year 2026 budget released by the Trump administration, which maintains funding for existing domestic HIV care, treatment, and PrEP programs, cuts HIV

prevention and surveillance at the CDC, housing, and other programs, amounting to cuts of over $1.5 billion.

Some of the conversation between Robinson and Ts Madison centered on the Trump administration’s policies targeting HIV funding, trans identity, and the broader implications for marginalized communities.

“They are only worried about power. They are not worried about anybody’s safety. They’re only worried about them being in power and their children’s children being in power,” TS Madison said.

The tour also coincides with the launch of HRC’s “One Million Voices for Equality,” a nationwide campaign to engage one million LGBTQ+ people and allies. Among the planned stops, each stop features training by HRC Foundation’s Voices for Equality storytelling program to help people harness their private experiences as tools for change.

Robinson reiterated that the Trump administration is taking the American people’s tax dollars and using them to bail out billionaires and the governments of other countries, taking away access to health care that people look for.

“$3 billion has been cut from HIV prevention care, from mental health services, from the 988 hotlines,” she said. “We’ve got to see what’s happening and know that it’s not just about policies and numbers. It’s about the impacts that we’re starting to see right now and today in our communities, from Atlanta to Chicago, and everywhere in between, the real enemy is our government.”

She also says the problem isn’t in your neighborhoods, and you can do something about the real problem by not putting certain people in power.

Additionally, Ts Madison says the starter house is extremely important because the girls who step inside the house must be themselves and love themselves.

“In this house, you must tell the girls that you are trans. We want you to live completely aloud because we want you to stand in resilience,” she said. “Do not fall into this place of you have to hide now, I need to be safe. You got to resist and the only way you’re going to get through anything is in numbers and resisting stuff by saying no, we’re not going to let that happen.”

With the current climate and the attempted erasure of black successful transgender people like Ts Madison, she says the Trump administration and anyone who opposes basic human rights are going to have a fight on their hands.

“They are going to have a fight on their hands because I am a girl who knows how to unify people, and I know how to unify by being real and by telling people to fight and not lay down because the only thing that’s laying down is the floor and you can walk all over the floor,” she said. “You got to be a thick wall.”

“It’s our job to protect our people. They’re coming after Black women, especially black Trans women, and we must see it for what it is. They are attacking our power and our community,” Robinson said. “There is a place for

healing and for accountability, but we must stand up and not allow the wrongdoings take place. We have a voice.”

Madison and Robinson criticize the administration’s tactics, suggesting they aim to distract and divide people of color by scapegoating trans individuals.

Also, Robinson emphasizes the importance of unity, resistance, and visibility for trans and Black individuals, advocating for active engagement and accountability from elected officials. The conversation concludes with a call to instill hope and strength in the community.

Overall, this conversation about the importance of fighting back for LGBTQ+ rights are instilled in the hope of people, Ts Madison says.

The importance of this conversation, she says, is for the LGBTQ+ community to fight back against hate and instill awareness that things and laws are changing.

“If you watch TV long enough, you will be extremely afraid. I remember when he first got in office, and I was so afraid at first thinking I needed to get an SRS surgery so I could blend, but then I shook it and told myself I am who I am,” Madison said. “You don’t need to chop it off to get through because they’ll get you with a hole. What we need to do is stand in who we are and rally the truth and line the hands up to build a forceful wall against them.”

She also says some people might be silent or “stealthy” but that might only be safe momentarily.

“Being open, loud, and in color, and being strong brings numbers, builds walls, keeps things right, and that’s what matters,” she said.

Ts Madison says she would like the Trans community to understand their importance and that their existence is a part of activism and ethics.

“Do not be afraid to exist. Don’t let what you see on TV make you fearful. Do not fear. If you want to live in stealth, that’s great, but the more we speak out about us being trans, there’s power in immunity,” she said. “Go after your dreams. You are a gift to your families, and a prayer was answered.”

In response to the intense increase in anti-LBGTQ+ attacks on both a state and federal level, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) launched its American Dreams Tour: Equality Across America. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

The Unsung Heroes Behind Georgia’s Crisis Hotline

By TABIUS McCOy Report for America Corp

September was National Suicide Awareness Month—a time when people across the country learn steps to prevent suicide, for themselves and those around them. But the conversation about mental health doesn’t start and stop with a calendar. It matters every day, at every hour.

Every day in the United States, more than 133 people die by suicide, and over 1.5 million attempts are made each year. It’s a topic many avoid because it’s heavy, emotional, and sometimes uncomfortable. But the more people understand it, the more lives can be saved. When someone is in crisis—whether it’s themselves or someone they care about— help is available. Dialing 988 connects a caller to a local trained crisis specialist who can guide them through that moment. At the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL), specialists receive between 600 and 900 calls a day, and as many as 5,700 calls a week—each one different, each one a chance to help. The work these specialists do is quietly heroic: a few words, a listening ear, or a steady presence on the phone can support a mother, a child, a sibling, or a friend in ways that are hard to measure.

The Atlanta Voice recently spoke with Lydia Damte, a crisis referral specialist, about what her work really looks like—the emotional weight, the preparation, and the moments of hope. Even in the most heart-wrenching situations, she finds ways to support, guide, and sometimes save lives.

What motivated you to become a Crisis Referral Specialist?

I’ve worked in healthcare pretty much my whole career. I started as a nursing assistant and later worked with nonprofits focused on mental health and unsheltered communities. I’ve always cared about public health and helping people reach their full potential. Seeing so many people fall through the cracks is what pushed me toward public health. I want to be that bridge—helping people feel seen, heard, and connected to the care they need.

What’s the hardest part about the job?

I think one of the hardest situations is when we get calls from parents or schools about a child who is hearing voices or expressing thoughts of harming themselves. That always shakes me up. It’s heartbreaking—hallucinations, delusions, paranoia are difficult for anyone, but for a child, it’s especially devastating. Even talking about it now makes me a little emotional.

When I work with these kids, I like to talk to them directly whenever possible. I ask if I can speak to them and gently ask questions to understand what they’re experiencing. Hearing their small, sweet voices describing something so serious—it’s hard. That kind of case is definitely the toughest.

When a teen or minor reaches out to themselves, we handle it with extra care. We always try to involve a parent or guardian while still addressing the child’s immediate needs. Safety and support are always the priority.

Do you have a personal anecdote that drove you to help people?

Yes, actually—it happened a long time ago. I had just turned 12. My family is from Ethiopia, and when I visited, I saw so many people living in really hard conditions. Some were traveling to other countries to work as servants just to support their families.

I remember asking my dad why these girls— some around my age—were working. He told me they were from rural areas, leaving home to work abroad. That moment really stayed with me. I remember thinking, how can people not find work in their own country and have to leave everything behind just to survive?

From that age, I realized how many people fall through the cracks—how unseen they are. These girls weren’t in school; they weren’t getting opportunities. Meanwhile, I was going to school, playing sports, and living comfortably. I still think about their faces to this day. That experience opened my eyes to inequality and made me want to help people live healthier, more stable lives.

What protocol do you all follow when receiving calls?

We have something we call the “Big Five,” and we screen every caller for suicidal ideations, homicidal ideations, psychosis, substance abuse, and interpersonal relationship violence.

How do you deal with high-risk calls?

First, I would say I feel like leadership has my back. I’m well-prepared, well-trained, so I don’t get flustered. Sometimes emotional, yes—people share really deep things, and my heart breaks. Sometimes it’s a tearjerker.

I always start my shift with a prayer. My faith is big, and I ask God for empathy, patience, and precision, because there’s so much going on behind the scenes. People might think I’m just answering a call, but I’m listening, taking notes, doing an assessment, screening for the Big Five, and identifying risk.

I also do self-care. I’m super active, I like to work out, and in between calls, I might

wash my face, go for a walk, or take a shower. Touching water, feeling cool—it helps me reset. Starting with prayer, leaning on leadership, and doing something active or grounding keeps me in a good place, in a good space.

Do you have your own personal approach to answering calls?

Honestly, my personal approach is—I just, I don’t know—I have a lot of confidence. I don’t feel anxious, I feel very well-prepared, and I just treat the person like a friend. Like, I’m just having a conversation. We have reviews, and I’ve had comments a couple of times saying, “You’re so chill.” I just treat them like a friend. This is a person who’s calling because they have nobody else to call—they’re in crisis, they need help. I don’t want to scare them or make things worse. I try to act cool and calm.

How do the hours work for the crisis line?

Anyone can call at any time, day or night, no matter the size of the crisis. Someone will answer.

How many calls do you get on average?

I know that in the month of August, I took about 592 calls.

What are some moments that really stuck with you?

Ironically, it’s not always the dramatic calls. Sometimes it’s someone calling to get back on their medications after four years, or looking for therapy. Just seeing someone advocate for themselves—it’s really powerful. That willingness to get help makes me proud.

What’s something about mental health people don’t often think about?

People often judge superficially. Like, someone might look like they’re “just abusing drugs,” but there’s usually more— childhood trauma, job loss, other struggles. Mental health is layered. Society can do better by being patient, avoiding judgment, and understanding the intersections of people’s experiences.

Pictured above Lydia Damte. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice

Atlanta Hawks lose home opener

By DONNELL SUGGS

The Atlanta Hawks opened the 2025-26 season like they closed the 2024-25 season, with a loss. The Hawks fell to the Toronto Raptors, 138-118, in front of a sellout crowd of 17,800 fans.

With five minutes remaining in the game and the Hawks behind by 25 points, that sellout crowd began to start heading towards the exit. The NBA season is a marathon and not a sprint, so Wednesday night’s loss shouldn’t be seen as a sign for the rest of the season. That said, it was as bad a start as one could imagine for a team projected to be better than last season.

The Hawks took a 2-0 lead and never led the game again. Toronto guard RJ Barrett (game-high 25 points) and forward Scottie Barnes (22 points, six rebounds, and nine assists), arguably the team’s best players, along with veteran forward Brandon Ingram (16 points, nine rebounds), took charge of the game from the beginning. Atlanta couldn’t do anything to stop them.

Sports

“It’s hard to win games like that,” Snyder said. “There are a lot of things we need to clean up, and that’s stating the obvious.”

Snyder, Hawks guard Trae Young (5-14 from the floor, 22 points), and forward Jalen Johnson (team-high eight assists, 20 points, and seven rebounds) all said the loss was just one of 82 games and shouldn’t be a sign of the times in Hawks land.

“Our team is going to be right, trust me,” Young said.

Johnson, back on the court after a season-ending injury last season, was more straightforward about the loss. “We just got to be better,” he said.

Johnson couldn’t have played much better. He ran the floor, led the team with seven rebounds, along with first-year Hawk Kristaps Porzingis (20 points), and did everything he could.

The Raptors outrebounded the Hawks by 20 (54-34) and scored 86 of their points in the paint. Toronto is a big team, but a 20-rebound advantage felt more like the Hawks’ lack of effort than the Raptors’ ability. After the game, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder said his team would have to do better going forward.

The two bench players brought in to help the Hawks’ depth, Nickeil Alexander-Walker (2-15 for 10 points) and Luke Kennard (1-5 from threepoint land), weren’t much help tonight, but will need to be better if Atlanta is going to make the postseason without the help of a play-in game for the first time in years.

Bright spot: Zaccharie Risacher scored 16 points and looked like he was comfortable being a part of the Hawks’ offense. During his rookie season last year, he tended to shy away from the ball. Risacher, the runner-up for Rookie of the Year, took 13 shots, six of which were from behind the three-point line.

“He’s finding a good balance. You saw him attack the rim in transition,” Snyder said of Risacher. “He’s shooting the ball with confidence, and we need him to keep doing that.”

What’s next: The Hawks will travel south to Orlando to play a much-improved Magic squad on Friday, before returning to State Farm Arena to host the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night.

Atlanta United closes the year with a draw and a lost season

By DONNELL SUGGS

The final match of the 2025 regular season took place on Saturday night. More specifically, it was the season’s final match for Atlanta United. This year will not end in an exciting playoff push or upset victory over Inter Miami and Leonel Messi. It will end in many “what ifs?” and coulda, woulda, shouldas.

The Five Stripes (5-12-16) came into Saturday’s match with D.C. United, the worst team in Major League Soccer according to its overall record (5-10-18), just two points ahead of the other United in the Eastern Conference standings. Both teams would leave Mercedes-Benz Stadium without a victory after a 1-1 draw.

The match, the final one of goalkeeper Brad Guzan’s career, could not have begun better. Five Stripes captain, and along with Guzan, one of the most familiar faces in franchise history, Miguel Almiron, scored a goal in the third minute. The fact that Almiron scored the match’s first goal could be a positive sign for the future. The former Newcastle United man will be the focal point of the 2026 season. On the unassisted goal. Almiron took a rebound of an errant pass and put a low shot past the D.C. goalkeeper. He nearly scored another in the 18th minute on a cross, but was called offside.

The goal was Almiron’s sixth of the season to go along with a team-high seven assists. A solid season for any player, but the expectations for Almiron were so high upon his return that there was no way he could meet them if this team wasn’t successful.

His energy throughout the match was reminiscent of the same energy level he had in the first match of the season. Almiron’s touch on his passes was quality from the beginning to the end of the game.

Many plays highlighted the victory over D.C. In the 26th minute, Bartosz Slisz blocked a potential D.C. shot that could have tied the game. Guzan saved a shot by D.C. striker Christian Benteke in the 41st minute and recorded another save in the 54th. Bouncing on his toes for the entire match, Guzan looked like he could play another couple of matches.

D.C. midfielder Gabriel Pirani scored an unassisted goal in the 66th minute to tie the game. Guzan saved another Benteke shot that bounced back to Pirani, who created a shot for himself.

In the final 20 minutes of the match, Alexey Miranchuk, arguably the team’s best allaround player this season, and Luke Brennan, a rising star, were substituted for Jamal Thiare and Saba Lobjanidze in the 74th minute.

Four minutes of stoppage time were added

the clock at the end of 90

Atlanta attempted a shot-on-goal during that time, which was saved like every other shot they

minutes.

took after the game’s first two minutes. Saturday’s attendance was announced as 44,098.

Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan #1, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and his family, before the match against D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Photo by Mitch Martin/Atlanta United

The Atlanta Hawks opened the 2025-26 season like they closed the 2024-25 season, with a loss. The Hawks fell to the Toronto Raptors, 138118, in front of a sellout crowd of 17,800 fans. Photo by Donnell Suggs/ The Atlanta Voice

Someone They Loved: Domestic Violence Isn’t Easing Up for Black Women

By JENNIFER PORTER GORE

Word In Black

The data is both grim and disturbing: Black women are being slain at rates nearly triple those of white women. The killers, data shows, are usually men with faces familiar to the victims — typically, husbands or romantic partners, armed with guns.

Those are the top lines from a new Violence Policy Center report on intimate partner violence released last week, timed to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Despite representing around 14% of the U.S. female population, “Black women have the highest rate of homicide victimization by males in our nation and are almost always killed by someone they know,” Kristen Rand, government affairs director for the Violence Policy Center, said in a prepared statement.

“This is an ongoing crisis that demands immediate public attention and increased resources in support of domestic violence prevention efforts,” she said.

The report found that 733 Black women and girls died at the hands of male perpetrators in single-victim, single-offender incidents

— nearly one-third of all female homicide victims in that category nationwide. What’s more, nine out of 10 Black women were intimate partners of the offender.

Guns and Arguments: A Deadly Mix

The VPC’s latest numbers highlight another disturbing fact: firearms, especially handguns, are overwhelmingly the weapon of choice in most of the homicides.

In cases where the weapon was identified, 3 out of 4 Black female victims were fatally shot; of those, 61.5% were killed with handguns. In 2011, around half of Black female IPV victims were killed by guns; by 2023, that number had skyrocketed to around 75%

Many of these homicides happened during an argument or conflict; only around 10% of the homicides were tied to other felonies, like rape or robbery.

The average age of victims is about 37 years old, but 7.5% were younger than 18 and 6.7% percent were older than 65.

Fewer Visible Means of Support

This year’s observance of Domestic Violence

Awareness Month takes place amid a sobering backdrop: the government shutdown. The Department of Justice offices that administer grants to domestic violence prevention services have been furloughed, upending funding pipelines at a moment when victims need support most.

“These are people who are doing God’s work, providing direct assistance to all kinds of victims of violent crime,” one former DOJ official told Politico.

Tonia Moultry-Pace, interim president and CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, warned that even temporarily halting funding puts lives at risk.

“Safety is urgent, every single day,” she said. “When funding stops or is delayed, programs face impossible choices: turning survivors away, reducing services, or closing shelter beds. Survivors and their children should never pay the price for a government shutdown.”.

Not Just Homicide

Harrowing as it is, the IPV report reveals only the tip of the iceberg.

According to the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, approximately 41% of women and 26% of men have experienced unwanted sexual contact, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. More than 61 million women and 53 million men have faced psychological abuse, such as stalking or verbal taunting.

The trend lines worry researchers. A midyear analysis of 42 U.S. cities found that, in the first half of 2025, domestic violence was the only category of violent crime to rise, by roughly 3 percent. Nearly all other categories of violent crime — aggravated assault, sexual assault, homicide — have declined.

Reported instances of domestic violence in those cities in 2025 were higher than during the same period in 2024.

“The critical issue of domestic violence is undeniably a profound community problem. The reality is that all of us know someone who has been or is currently experiencing abuse in their relationships,” says Moultry-Pace. “Standing with survivors and their children means raising awareness but also ensuring that lifesaving services are fully and reliably funded, so that help is there when survivors need it most.”

Zoom

https://zoom.us/j/96694259979?pwd=UjFlqLR1Cy6pg0GHaQh1PfTq1jBWZn.1 Meeting ID: 966 9425 9979 Password: 241510

Scope of Work

Fulton County, Georgia “County” Fulton County Juvenile Court invites qualified vendors to submit bids to provide community-based surveillance and monitoring officer services in support of the Court’s Accountability Court Programs, including the CHOICES Juvenile Drug Court Program and the HOPE Family Treatment Court Program. These services will support participants enrolled in Fulton County’s Juvenile Accountability Court initiatives.

Fee: N/A

Term of Contract: One (1) year with two (2) renewal options. A Pre-Bid Conference:A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via Zoom. Date: Wednesday, November 05, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM local time

Web Conference Link: https://zoom.us/j/93430903793?pwd=4Jiea6jdOujUXu279xBl AEwDlao1ka.1

Webinar ID: 934 3090 3793 Passcode: 835645

If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Keisha Massey, Assistant Purchasing Agent at (404) 612-1010 or by email at keisha.massey@ fultoncountyga.gov.

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