Atlanta rappers Killer Mike (left) and Big Boi perform their verses from the song, “Kill Jill, during the Dungeon Family reunion show at One Music Fest on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
One Music Fest 2025: Dungeon Family Keeps the Legacy Alive
By DONNELL SUGGS
The Dungeon Family took to the P&G stage on Saturday, Oct. 25, the first day of the annual two-day musical smorgasbord, One Music Fest. Atlanta’s premier concert brings artists from across all platforms and genres to the center of the city. But on many occasions, it also features the artists who made Atlanta one of America’s musical foundations.
Enter: The Dungeon Family, a name synonymous with hip-hop in Atlanta.
The Dungeon Family consists of artists that have sold millions of records during their careers. From the Goodie Mob, to OutKast, to Killer Mike, poet Big Rube, to the music collective’s founders: the late Rico Wade, Ray Muray, and singer/songwriter Sleepy Brown, the trio that made up Organized Noize.
Even for a fan of their music, one can be surprised by how much music that has come from the Dungeon Family. The collective has played a major part in how the world saw and continues to see Atlanta’s music.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens started the festivities by introducing the Dungeon Family to a standing-room-only crowd that continued to grow as song after song blasted from the speakers on stage and the others positioned around the grounds.
“I looked up to these guys when I was in high school,” Dickens said.
Big Rube started the show with a poem, the same way he often started Dungeon Family projects. To Dungeon Family fans, his voice is as familiar as any member of the crew, including international superstars like Big Boi, Andre 3000, and CeeLo Green.
The musical selections began with Cool Breeze, one of the more unheralded members of the crew, rapping his verse off “Dirty South.”
The song was one of the many hits off of Goodie Mob’s debut album, “Soul Food.”
Both Witch Doctor and Backbone, neither of which is a household name, also performed verses from their archives, and it was well received.
Big Gipp and CeeLo Green made appearances next, and performed their verses from the Goodie Mob sing, “They Don’t Dance No Mo.” CeeLo Green would spend a lot of time on stage on this night, having contributed to nearly all of the biggest and most popular songs. From “Git Up, Git Out” to “Cell Therapy”, CeeLo’s fingerprints are all over the music.
Sleepy Brown sang both verses of the song, “I Can’t Wait” and that performance was accompanied by Big Boi, who had a rap verse on the song. Andre 3000 has a verse on the song as well, but alas, he wasn’t there.
3000’s absence was palpable, but it did not ruin what was a perfect performance if there is such a thing. Killer Mike, a local businessman and social activist, has played a major part in some big hits in his own right. His verse on Big Boi’s “Kill Jill” got everyone on their feet and his verse on Bone Crusher’s “Never Scared” might have stolen the show if not for Goodie Mob performing “Soul Food” and CeeLo’s performance of “Crazy.”
Shante’ Byron came to the park on day one with plans to enjoy as many performances as she could, but she did have a game plan for the two days.
“I want to see all of the shows, but Jazmine Sullivan is my highlight,” she said.
Byron was wearing a black “Cowboy Carter” tour hoodie.
“I also want to see Future, Wale, Ludacris, and OutKast. Everybody else is a plus,” she said.
The weekend also included performances by Future, one of Atlanta’s most popular artists, and Ludacris, but the concert belonged to the first family of Atlanta Hip-Hop, the Dungeon Family.
Goodie Mob members Khujo (center, on bike) and CeeLo Green (far right) break down their verses from the song “Watch For the Hook.”
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
One half of the group OutKast, Big Boi, was part of the Dungeon Family performance at One Music Fest on Saturday night. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Sleepy Brown (above) is one of the founding members of Organized Noize, the foundation of the Dungeon Family. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Big Gipp (above) rapped his verse from “Black Ice” early in the Dungeon Family performance. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Poised Peaches of AKA host Atlanta elections candidates’ forum
By LAURA NWOGU
The Poised Peaches, an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (AKA), held a candidates’ forum for the City of Atlanta elections at The Cascade United Methodist Church in Midtown on Monday. The forum featured candidates confirmed for Atlanta Board of Education District 8 At-Large, Atlanta City Hall Council President, Atlanta City Hall Post 1 At-Large, and Atlanta City Hall District 2.
The forum took place during the last week of early voting for the general municipal election, with the final day being Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 4, and some of the races are predicted to go to a runoff election, which is scheduled for Dec. 2.
Atlanta City Hall District 2 candidates in attendance included Kelsea Bond, Alex Bevel Jones, and Courtney Smith. Michael Julian Bond and Matthew Rinker were the Atlanta City Hall Post 1 At-Large candidates in attendance. The forum’s APS School Board candidates included Kaycee Brock, Royce Mann, and Aisha Stith. The forum ended with a discussion with Atlanta City Hall council president candidates Rohit Malhotra and Marci Collier Overstreet.
The forum began with a question to
District 2 candidates on the unhoused community in Atlanta, specifically the encampments on Freedom Parkway and the Downtown Connector. Candidates touched on the impact of the incoming World Cup games and incidents surrounding people such as
Cornelius Taylor, who was killed after a city front loader ran over his tent while clearing out a homeless encampment.
“Prioritize people first, over the tourism
right now, many of our shelters are highly restrictive. They’re concentrated in specific geographic regions. We need a more compassionate approach,” Kelsea Bond said. “We need wrap-around services that work for people, not profit.”
Several candidates said their main committee focus was transportation and emphasized the importance of more reliable public transportation, including bike lanes, bus access, rapid bus lines, and addressing potholes. Candidates across all four panels also touched on policies needed to achieve making Atlanta the No. 1 place to raise a child, climate resilience, energy costs and housing affordability, as well as extending the tax allocation district, addressing childcare costs, students with special needs, accountability, and public policy to maintain diversity in the city.
I would like to see something around literacy that includes more than just anyone who has a child in APS schools,” Kaycee Brock said. “We do need community right now around the students.”
The night ended with a call to action for Atlanta residents to go out and vote, noting that only 15% of the community voted in the last general election. To learn more about the
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The Poised Peaches, an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (AKA), held a candidates’ forum for the City of Atlanta elections at The Cascade United Methodist Church in Midtown on Monday. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Voices
Black Joy Is Our Secret Weapon, Use It
By ASWAD WALKER
When the world insists on weighing us down, when the headlines scream of rights under attack and communities under siege, Black people have a way of flipping the script.
We laugh. We dance. We paint, we sing, we cook, we love—and somehow, in the face of what feels unbearable, we create joy.
And not the kind of joy that denies reality. No, this joy is sharp, rooted and deeply aware. It is joy that knows what it costs to be alive and Black in America—and still chooses to shine anyway.
That’s what makes Black joy radical. For too long, our worth has been measured by our suffering. Society expects us to perform resilience as if pain is our only register. But joy is a refusal. Joy says, “I am more than what you try to reduce me to.” Joy is a survival strategy, a cultural inheritance and fuel for the fight ahead.
Joy Is Resistance
Think of the way gospel choirs turn sorrow into hallelujahs. How a grandmother’s laughter can dissolve the weight of a hard week. How a young poet on a Houston stage bends words into new worlds. Or how Beyoncé drops a joyful anthem and suddenly the whole diaspora is moving, smiling and remembering who we are. These moments are not frivolous. They are acts of defiance in a society that profits from our pain. Joy interrupts the script that says we must always be burdened, always broken, always
struggling. To laugh, to love, to create beauty even on hostile soil—this is resistance.
Joy Strengthens
Us
Black joy is also medicine. The constant stress of racism, injustice and political attacks can leave scars on our bodies and our spirits. Studies show that chronic stress shortens lifespans and weakens health, particularly in Black communities. But joy—through laughter, art, music, community gatherings—literally heals. It lowers stress hormones, builds bonds of trust and protects mental health.
In other words, joy is not just about feeling good in the moment. It’s about equipping ourselves to keep going, to keep fighting, to keep building the world we deserve.
Joy Is Communal
Black joy is rarely solitary. It’s a cookout, a step team, a block party, a Juneteenth parade, a baby shower, a church potluck. It’s the inside jokes passed down in families, the side-eyes and nods of recognition between strangers who share the same struggle. Joy weaves community tighter. And community, in turn, keeps joy alive. When we gather to celebrate our culture and affirm our worth, we remind each other that we’re not in this alone. When we invest in Black creatives—painters, dancers, comedians, writers and musicians—we amplify joy for the whole community. Our culture has always been our lifeline.
Reclaiming Joy
In times like these, joy can feel almost guilty. With rights being stripped away, policies rolling back progress and violence still haunting our neighborhoods, is it okay to laugh, to dance, to celebrate? The answer is yes—and not only okay, but necessary.
Joy doesn’t erase struggle. It gives us the energy to face it. Think of joy as fuel in the tank, fire in the belly, light on the path. Without it, the fight drains us dry. With it, we can last.
So, the next time you find yourself smiling at a Black child twirling in the sun, laughing at a TikTok skit, vibing to new music by your favorite artist, or losing yourself in a mural that speaks to your soul—know that it’s bigger than a fleeting moment. It’s survival. It’s a strategy. It’s resistance.
And it’s ours.
What You Can Do
• Celebrate culture daily: Don’t wait for big festivals. Honor the small moments of joy in music, food and connection.
• Support Black creatives: Buy the book, attend the play, share the art, tip the musician.
• Build communal joy: Host gatherings, block parties or community art events. Joy multiplies when shared.
• Protect mental health: Laugh, rest and lean on joy as a tool for resilience.
• Reclaim joy unapologetically: Remember— joy is not trivial. It is resistance.
FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton
Immortalis Memoria
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
J. Lowell Ware
Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware.
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PRESIDENT/
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James A. Washington 2018-2024
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To laugh, to love, to create beauty even on hostile soil—this is resistance.
Photo Credit: iStock.com/Julia Amaral
Atlantic Station celebrates 20 years
By ISAIAH SINGLETON
Aformer steel mill-turned landmark Midtown destination, Atlantic Station, marks its 20th anniversary this October with a season of celebration, headlined by signature events that highlight the community’s vibrant energy.
The festivities shine brightest with the Diwali Festival, transforming Atlantic Green with colorful décor, traditional art, live performances, and authentic bites. The month culminates in a landmark 20th anniversary finale, where a Roaring ’20s–inspired celebration brings Atlantic Station’s two decades to life with live entertainment and festive flair for all ages.
This milestone event transforms Atlantic Green into a dazzling tribute to the Roaring ’20s, complete with vintage-inspired décor, immersive activities, and electrifying live entertainment by Jules & the Gents. Under the glow of the skyline, guests will be transported to an era of elegance and energy to celebrate this landmark moment for one of Atlanta’s most beloved destinations.
Since opening its doors on Oct. 21, 2005, Atlantic Station has become a vibrant symbol of innovation and reinvention at the heart of Atlanta. Serving as a testament to Atlanta’s spirit of reinvention, the city within a city continues to evolve as a community-focused development connecting residents, guests, and businesses.
Once the site of the Atlantic Steel Mill, a cornerstone of the city’s industrial boom for close to a century, the Mill proudly served as a symbol of grit and work ethic as it helped power Atlanta’s thriving economy.
After shuttering in 1990 and sitting dormant for over a decade, an ambitious vision in the early 2000s paved the way for one of the country’s first large-scale brownfield redevelopments.
Today, Atlantic Station’s LEED-certified
buildings, walkability and connectivity serve as a nationally recognized model for sustainable urban design, earning praise from city planners across the globe.
“Atlantic Station represents a transformative chapter in Atlanta’s modern resurgence, living up to the city’s motto of ‘Resurgens’,” Vikram Mehra, Senior Managing Director at Hines said. “Over the past 20 years, it has grown from a visionary redevelopment into a vibrant, mixed-use district and a center of economic and cultural vitality. Atlantic Station has created thousands of jobs and helped establish Midtown as a thriving hub for retail, residential, and business.”
Since its debut in 2005, Atlantic Station has grown into a 138-acre mixed-use neighborhood that blends business, lifestyle, and entertainment.
The thoughtfully designed destination features communal green spaces, a dog park, a children’s playground, a bicycle training area, a historic walking path, and a free shuttle. Of the more than eight million square feet of residential, retail, hotel, and office space, more than two million square feet house recognizable brands such as Microsoft, Piedmont Healthcare, and Wells Fargo.
The development’s transformation from steel to skyline has become a key part of the city’s economic engine.
“Atlantic Station has attracted billions in investment, created thousands of jobs, and helped establish Midtown as a thriving hub for
retail, residential, and business,” Vikram said.
“At Hines, we’re proud to have played a role in shaping this neighborhood that continues to drive meaningful impact for Atlanta.”
Mayor Andre Dickens displayed a message on the big screen stating that Atlantic Station is a place that represents the power, progress, and momentum that move the city forward every day.
“Congratulations to everyone who helped make Atlantic Station a
for
he said. “Happy 20th anniversary to such a legendary landmark like Atlantic Station.”
Atlantic Station’s thriving ecosystem is formed of more than 6,000 residents, 11 million annual visitors and one of Atlanta’s most active event calendars, hosting approximately 250 annual festivals, dining, and cultural experiences. Once viewed primarily as a shopping and entertainment complex, today the urban neighborhood serves as an inclusive gathering place for people from all occupations.
landmark
Atlanta,”
A Roaring 20s celebration took place in honor of Atlantic Station’s 20th anniversary. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Atlantic Station (above), marks its 20th anniversary this October with a season of celebration, headlined by signature events that highlight the community’s vibrant energy.
Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Since its debut in 2005, Atlantic Station has grown into a 138-acre mixed-use neighborhood that blends business, lifestyle, and entertainment. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice
Lidl Opens New West Midtown Store
By NOAH WASHINGTON
The line outside Lidl’s newest U.S. store stretched down Northside Drive early Wednesday morning, matched only by the excitement of shoppers eager to step inside. With croissants and coffee in hand, local residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the European grocer’s latest location at 1090 Northside Drive NW.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony began shortly after sunrise and drew a crowd that included local residents, Georgia Tech students, and city officials. Among those present were Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and City Councilmember Dustin Hillis, who both emphasized the store’s significance for the surrounding community.
“I’m glad that Lidl chose West Midtown for us to have fresh food accessible to so many people and at great prices,” Dickens said. “We have an amazing staff. I’m excited to work with them and excited for this community.”
The new store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and marks Lidl’s continued expansion across the Atlanta metro area, offering a curated mix of private-label goods, imported European specialties, and everyday household items. Known for its efficient store layouts and rotating weekly deals, Lidl brings a model of affordability and freshness that has made it one of Europe’s most popular supermarket chains.
For store manager Shatara Jackson, the morning was a new milestone in her career.
After five and a half years with Lidl, this was her first grand opening as a store manager.
“It’s amazing,” Jackson said. “Just to see everybody stand outside so early in the morning waiting to see what the store has to offer is everything.”
Jackson, who previously managed locations on Memorial Drive and Covington Highway, said she arrived at 4 a.m. to ensure the store was ready for customers. “We get trucks every single day with fresh produce and baked goods,” she said. “I’m just making sure that the focus is on the price points and the freshness of the store.”
Atlanta City Councilmember Dustin Hillis, who represents District 9, said the opening marks an important addition to a rapidly growing corridor.
“Having neighborhood grocery stores is very important, especially to this area with so much mixed-use development,” Hillis said. “We have students from Georgia Tech nearby, and now people can not just drive to the grocery store, but they can walk or ride their bikes. As we focus on bringing more complete streets to the city and connecting neighborhoods to their commercial centers, people can put fresh food and produce on their tables.”
For Christian Readus, a Ph.D. student in chemistry at Georgia Tech, the new Lidl represents better alternatives that were not previously available. “I’m glad to see different students are taking advantage of how walking distance it is,” Readus said, “It’s really
The new store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and marks Lidl’s continued expansion across the Atlanta metro area, offering a curated mix of private-label goods, imported European specialties, and everyday household items.
hard to get healthy options close by. We have Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s, but nobody wants to get that every day. So it’s good to go get some stuff and cook at home.”
Readus emphasized that convenience was the main draw. “I’m just excited that we have a grocery store so close that I can walk to,” Readus said. “Before, I had to go all the way to Kroger or Publix. Now I can meal prep and eat healthier, it’s very advantageous for my fitness goals.”
Inside, customers explored aisles filled
with freshly baked bread, imported cheeses, and other affordable favorites.
As Mayor Dickens cut the ribbon and before the crowd subsequently poured in, he spoke to the gathered community outside.
“Thank you all for choosing this area, and I’m excited to see all these customers,” Dickens said. “Let’s continue to really support this grocery store so they can be as successful as possible, so the community can be served.”
The new Lidl is located in West Midtown at 1090 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Mayor Andre Dickens and City Councilmember Dustin Hillis are standing inside the new store with Lidl employees. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Women in R&B take center stage at One Musicfest 2025
By LAURA NWOGU
The landscape of R&B music is constantly changing, from the singing-in-the-rain type yearning to self-assured women owning their femininity. There’s a debate on whether real R&B is dead and gone, but as long as there is love, the genre will never cease to exist, even if it sounds a little different. R&B is in good hands, and the women at Saturday’s One Musicfest showcased that.
The day started with UK girl group FLO, who, as a trio, have been bringing back the essence and power of girl groups. Renée, Jorja and Stella can easily be compared to girl groups of the past, such as Destiny’s Child, and the influences are certainly there, but the girls have blended their own form of fun and sensual music. They commanded the stage with silky, cohesive harmonies and a synergy only seen from a group that had been friends first. They ran through hits from their EPs and debut studio album, such as “Immature,” Fly Girl,” “Walk Like This,” and
their breakout debut single “Cardboard Box.” Atlanta native Jai’Len Josey has been steadily building a name for herself in the city that she calls home, and it’s not hard with a voice as soulful as hers. With a unique texture and grit to her voice, she serenades whether it’s an intimate crowd like her set at OMF’s Toyota Stage or a concert venue. Josey opened up with a cover of “Need U Bad” by Jazmine Sullivan, her inflections mirroring those of the powerhouse songstress. Backed by Vibe Ktrl, Poetry on Peter’s resident band, she moved into her own songs, “Southern Delicacy,” “New Girl,” and “Willie’s Interlude,” the latter a dedication to her late grandfather.
Kehlani rounded out the new age R&B acts for the night. Her confident persona on stage was a testament to her longevity in the music industry, with over a decade of hits complemented by smooth vocals, effortless dance breaks, and a boldness that can’t be taught. Kehlani’s set was one filled with gratitude. The singer-songwriter acknowledged how,
even a decade later, her career continues to grow in ways she never imagined, evident by her latest song “Folded,” which has taken over the charts and snared the hearts of listeners and R&B legends such as Brandy, Toni Braxton and Tank. She began her set with a teaser of the song before moving into hits such as “The Way” featuring Chance the Rapper, “I Hate the Club,” “Can I,” “Nights Like This,” and “After Hours.” She ended the set with “Folded,” but it was more of a collaborative effort. The audience swayed, hugged, and waved their hands as they sang along to every word.
If you accepted or processed Discover credit cards between 2007–2023, you could be eligible to get a payment from a class action settlement.
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A proposed class action settlement has been reached in three related lawsuits. The lawsuits allege that, beginning in 2007, Discover misclassified certain Discover-issued consumer credit cards as commercial credit cards, which in turn caused merchants and others to incur excessive interchange fees. The misclassification did not impact cardholders. Discover denies the claims in the lawsuits, and the Court has not decided who is right or wrong. Instead, the proposed settlement, if approved, will resolve the lawsuits and provide benefits to Settlement Class Members.
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Kehlani on night one of One Music Fest 2025 at Piedmont Park. Photo by Tabius McCoy/ The Atlanta Voice
British girl group FLO (above) during day one of One Music Fest 2025. Photo by Tabius McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Family-friendly fun and relaxation await at The Shelby in Myrtle Beach
By JAZMINE BRAZIER
The Shelby Hotel at Myrtle Beach is just a five-hour scenic drive from Metro Atlanta. This beauty boutique-style hotel ended up being the perfect getaway for this family of four. Greeted by these adorable Art Deco Miami vibes, we felt right on the beach. It’s the absolute perfect distance from a list of attractions, including the boardwalk area with a number of sites for all the family to enjoy.
Our room was welcoming and provided plenty of storage for the family. Traveling with two boys (5 and 8), we needed proper storage for toys and Beyblades. Our view from the room was stunning, with a quaint little sitting area with unobstructed views of the lazy river, pool, and, of course, the sunset on the beach. My oldest enjoyed some early morning gaming right on the deck.
It’s nestled right on the beach, just steps away from the sand, providing an easy opportunity to play in the water, catch a nice tan, and collect unique seashells. Of course, we took a bag of seashells home from our visit.
After enjoying the beach, the hotel offers the ultimate relaxation attraction: the lazy river beachside pool. The views of the beach continue all around the pool area, with plush day beds and poolside recliners. Don’t worry about packing pool towels; the hotel provides them.
The onsite restaurant, Palm and Pebble, offers bountiful breakfast and dinner options. Their signature Cinnamon Rolls were unavailable, so make sure you get there early. Honestly, this was the best breakfast we had on the trip. The menu hosts all the fan favorites of breakfast items. The French toast was flavorful and done to perfection, while my oldest enjoyed the hearty breakfast sandwiches with turkey sausage. There was no slight on the meal, leaving us stuffed and satisfied. The hotel even has special programming like music trivia on select dates to engage and entertain guests.
The fun did not end there. We spent hours at Ripley’s Aquarium, touching jellyfish, walking under shark tanks, and enjoying plenty of other interactive activities for everyone. Not to mention, we had a blast playing Cray Golf at Ripley’s Crazy Golf, Mirror Maze, and Illusions Lab. Unbeknownst to me, the illusion lab was a cool combination of science, fun, and interactive exhibits.
All of these attractions were minutes away from the hotel and in a prime area for other activities, such as restaurants, bars, and arcades.
We ended the day at the SkyView Wheel, 187 feet of stunning views of Myrtle Beach and the endless ocean. For a family-friendly trip full of fun, relaxation, and good food, visiting Myrtle Beach at The Shelby is the place to go.
The Shelby is a beachside resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a five-hour drive from metro Atlanta. Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice
The Shelby Hotel at Myrtle Beach is just a five-hour scenic drive from Metro Atlanta. Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice
Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice
Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice
Allen Iverson talks ‘Misunderstood’ Memoir
By DONNELL SUGGS
The interior of the Buckhead Theatre was plastered with photos of former All-NBA guard Allen Iverson’s face on Sunday, Oct. 19. There were photos from his playing career, Reebok endorsement days, and from the many magazine shoots he took part in. Iverson was scheduled to be in town for business on Sunday night, and fans were there to greet him.
Iverson, a Naismith Hall of Famer and 11time NBA All-Star, is currently on tour with his new memoir, “Misunderstood.” The book is a collaboration with lawyer and West Philadelphia native Ray Beauchamp. The tour has already made stops in New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans.
“I never won a championship, but I’m the people’s champ,” said Iverson, who is currently Reebok’s President of Basketball, after greeting the event host, rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris.
When he looked out into the crowd, Iverson had to feel like the people’s choice. Men, women, and children wore jerseys from his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Georgetown University Hoyas, while one man wore one from Iverson’s All-American career at Bethel High School.
Before Iverson and Harris took the stage, the music was blasting and the VIP section was filling up. Copies of “Misunderstood”
were being sold by Black woman-owned bookstore, Brave + Kind, and people stopped by the step-and-repeat to take selfies.
On the reason why he decided to write a memoir, Iverson said he had things on his mind that he wanted to get off. His post-career life has been interesting, good, and bad, according to his words.
“I didn’t cut no corners. I’m an open book,” Iverson said.
Iverson used “turbulent” when describing his journey from his native Virginia to the National Basketball League to the stage he sat on in Atlanta on Sunday night.
“One of the reasons was it was more confirmation that the devil is a sucker,” Iverson said on why he decided to put the book out. “I believe in God, and I just wanted to give the world a gift from me.”
During their time on stage, Harris praised Iverson as a cultural icon on and off the court.
“On the outside looking in, we observe our favorite people go through things, but this book is a deeper look,” Harris said about “Misunderstood”.
Iverson said he hopes his story helps someone. During his career and on this current book tour, he has heard from people that his style of play has helped motivate them.
“If I can help one person in life, I did my job,” Iverson said. “This book is just a confession of me being just like everybody in this room.”
Copies of “Misunderstood” were on sale at a table being manned by Black female-owned bookstore, Brave + Kind. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Allen Iverson (right), a Naismith Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA All-Star, is currently on tour with his new memoir, “Misunderstood.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
NeuroArts Coalition : Bridging arts and neuroscience for health
By NOAH WASHINGTON
You may have heard that phrase growing up, a call to nurture our intellect, creativity, and potential. Coined in 1972 by the United Negro College Fund, the slogan became a national reminder of the power of education. On Monday evening, that message took on new life as the Woodruff Arts Center launched Georgia’s NeuroArts Coalition, an initiative exploring how art and neuroscience intersect to improve health, learning, and community connection.
Held at Atlanta Symphony Hall, the event drew more than 500 artists, scientists, educators, and civic leaders for the debut of The Arts + Health Laboratory, Georgia’s branch of the national NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative.
The Blueprint, a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University’s International Arts + Mind Lab and the Aspen Institute, leads the Global Community NeuroArts Coalitions Network, a framework uniting cities worldwide to use arts-based approaches for health and well-being.
“This is a cultural shift,” said Susan Magsamen, co-founder and co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative and author of “Your Brain on Art.
“We’re standing on the verge of a new era where the arts can deliver potent, accessible, and proven health and well-being solutions to billions of people.”
Magsamen explained that the NeuroArts Coalition model helps communities identify measurable outcomes and strengthen collaboration between science and the arts, an approach endorsed by the National Endowment for the Arts, which has emphasized that artists and researchers learn best by working together. “When we experience art together, our neurons literally start to fire together,” she said. “We become more open and empathetic to each other. That’s what music can do for us.”
Each Community NeuroArts Coalition (CNC) is designed to reflect the diversity of its community while linking researchers, artists, educators, and public health leaders to co-create evidence-based programs. Using local asset mapping and community-based participatory research, CNCs develop interventions tailored to regional needs, from improving maternal health to reducing social isolation through the arts.
Georgia’s Arts + Health Laboratory will connect the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art, and academic partners such as Georgia Tech, Emory University, and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
“The arts are not an accessory, they’re essential to how we live, learn, and heal,” Magsamen said.
The evening featured a piano performance by Dr. Adrian Tyndall, Dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine, followed by remarks from Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera and two panel discussions exploring how the arts can both nurture developing brains and repair degenerating ones.
During the planned programming, Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, artistic director of the Alliance Theatre, introduced a performance from Milo Imagines the World, a new musical about empathy and imagination.
“When young people see someone close to their age on stage creating something brave and true, it expands how they see themselves,” she said. “Imagination is our birthright; it’s how we find resilience, identity, and belonging.”
In an interview with The Atlanta Voice after the program, Kajese-Bolden reflected on the Alliance Theatre’s “Babies Can Read” program, which integrates theater with early literacy for children ages zero to five. “It’s not about creating more actors or musicians,” she said. “It’s about creating a generation with more curiosity, more hope, and the ability to imagine a world where they’re not just surviving, but thriving.”
Georgia’s NeuroArts Coalition was launched at the Woodruff Arts Center, bringing together artists, scientists, educators, and civic leaders to explore the intersection of art and neuroscience to improve health, learning, and community connection. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Tinashe Kajese-Bolden (above), the artistic director of the Alliance Theatre during the show on Tuesday, October 13, 2025. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
‘We need to focus on 2026’: Atlanta United is looking ahead
By DONNELL SUGGS
Atlanta United and Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson held the endof-season press conference at the team’s practice facility on Wednesday, Oct. 29.
In his first season with the team, Henderson, a veteran MLS executive, admitted that this season was a disappointment.
“We need to focus on 2026 and what’s ahead of us,” Henderson said. “We have to learn from what happened this season.”
Henderson said that, in 30 Major League Soccer seasons, this past season has been his most difficult.
“The best teams I’ve been part of as a player, coach, or as management have been teams that have had strong bonds,” he said. With free agency, the MLS Draft, and trade opportunities possible after the MLS Cup, Henderson said, “There are a lot of opportunities to improve our team.”
Henderson spoke about the team’s Designated Players, Miguel Almiron, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Alexy Miranchuk, all being on the squad next season. He said they would have to be better if the playoffs are in this franchise’s future.
“Some of the players had good beginnings and faded,” Henderson said. “It’s important to take the lessons we learned this year. Some of that is how do we get our players to adjust who come from Europe.”
Complementary to both Almiron and Miranchuk, both of whom had strong individual seasons considering the overall team performance, Henderson said, “We need more of those moments from all three of them.”
For example, Latte Lath started his career with The Five Stripe strongly, scoring a pair of goals in the season-opening win over CF Montreal. He tailed off after that, only managing a few more goals during the rest of the season.
Atlanta United, 5-13-16, finished the 2025 season second to last in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of D.C. United, which had 28 points.
Henderson said the young talent on this squad will continue to be utilized next season, particularly players like Luke Brennan, Ajani Fortune, Matt Edwards, and goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert.
On Hibbert, who manned the starting position between the pipes towards the end of club legend Brad Guzan’s career, he said, “He is maturing every day” and will be in conversations about the 2026 season and beyond.
“We’re happy with the progress Jayden has made,” said Henderson.
“I like to have a team that has something to prove,” Henderson said. “This club has something to prove after what we went through in 2025.”
Asked if he could talk directly to the Five Stripes fans, arguably the most loyal in Major League Soccer, Henderson said, “We are going to do everything that we can in this offseason to bring a contender to Atlanta, because that’s what the fans deserve.”
Falcons’ playoff hopes dim after loss to Miami
By DONNELL SUGGS
The Atlanta defense has been the most consistent part of this season thus far. The Falcons, now 3-4 overall, had allowed an opponent to score more than 28 points only once this season (30-0 at Carolina) before Sunday’s 3410 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
That string of play ended when the Dolphins scored their 30th point of the game on a pass from Tua Tagovailoa to running back Ollie Gordion II early in the fourth quarter. Gordon II had been sharing carries with Achane throughout the game and remained a threat to score.
The defense will have to be who saves this season from going in the wrong direction. Because it doesn’t look like offense, whether Michael Penix is under center or his backup Kirk Cousins is starting again next week.
Atlanta has had difficulty scoring touchdowns this season. The Falcons have managed to score more than 25 points once in seven games, including on Sunday. That 34-point game came against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 28. It remains the best overall co-performance from the Falcons’ defense and offense. In his second year with the franchise, offensive coordinator Zach Robinson doesn’t seem to have created an offensive identity for the Falcons’ offense.
Enter Kirk Cousins, who hasn’t started a game since Dec. 12, 2024, when the Falcons defeated the Las Vegas Raiders on the road, 15-9. In that game, Cousins was 11-17 for 112 yards with a touchdown
and an interception. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier had a combined 34 carries during that game for a combined 168 yards. On Sunday, the Falcons had a combined 45 rushing yards.
Robinson, top five in the National Football League in rushing prior to Sunday’s game, had 25 yards on nine carries. Despite only having had two 100-yard games this season, Robinson, with 549 yards on 106 carries in seven games, is still on pace for another 1,000-yard season.
After the game, Cousins was asked how it felt to be back out there as a starter. He told The Atlanta Voice, “Anytime you don’t have a win, it’s a tough day, but certainly the first time being back out there in 10 months, playing live football, it’s always good to get that experience.”
During the second half of the game, the Falcons’ offense had some motion before Robinson fumbled deep in Dolphins territory. The fumble was recovered by Miami cornerback Tyrel Dodson on the Dolphins’ 16-yard line. There was little, if any, consistency with the Falcons’ offense. Prior to the fumble, Cousins found Robinson on a screen play for 17 yards. During the game there were multiple opportunities to find Robinson, but he ended the game with just three catches for 23 yards.
The Falcons played their last home game for the next two weeks. They will be in New England next Sunday, and in Germany to face the Indianapolis Colts, one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season, the following Sunday, Nov. 9. Atlanta will return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 16 against the Carolina Panthers.
“Tough day at the office,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris (above) said. “It was a tough day all around.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins (above) was 21-31 for 173 yards on Sunday. It was his first start in nearly a year.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Atlanta United and Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson (above) held the end-of-season press conference at the team’s practice facility on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
JINYA Ramen Bar brings bold flavors to Roswell
By JAZMINE BRAZIER
JINYA Ramen Bar has officially opened its doors in Roswell, marking the brand’s eighth Atlanta-area location and its ninth in Georgia. Located at 1013 Alpharetta Street, this expansion brings the popular ramen destination closer to the heart of North Fulton— just minutes away from Historic Downtown Roswell and the Chattahoochee River.
I recently had the chance to visit JINYA for lunch, and I have to say—the ramen lived up to every bit of the hype. The broth was rich and savory, simmered to perfection, and the noodles had that perfect bite that makes a bowl of ramen truly memorable. It was the kind of meal that leaves you both satisfied and already thinking about your next visit.
The new restaurant offers not only its signature slow-simmered ramen but also a variety
of Japanese small plates, making it an ideal spot for a cozy lunch, a casual night out, or a gathering with friends.
“Bringing JINYA to Roswell marks an exciting step in our journey as we expand throughout Georgia,” said Tomo Takahashi, Founder and CEO of JINYA Ramen Bar. “We’re thrilled to welcome the Roswell community and share our passion for authentic Japanese ramen.”
The Roswell location features a warm, inviting atmosphere that fits right into the neighborhood’s vibrant dining scene. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the JINYA experience, it’s an elevated take on ramen that’s well worth the trip.
Guests can enjoy JINYA Ramen Bar in Roswell Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For more on JINYA’s menu and locations, visit jinyaramenbar.com.
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JINyA Ramen Bar has officially opened its doors in Roswell, marking the brand’s eighth Atlanta-area location and its ninth in Georgia. Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice