By ISAIAH SINGLETON AND NOAH WASHINGTON
It’s Time!!! Christmas time is here, and The Atlanta Voice has curated a list of Black-owned businesses to shop at this holiday season.
Shop Kawawe and Kirange Gold
With many journeys to Nairobi, Kenya, husband and wife James and Kris Kamawe shared a love of the native jewelry of his home country.
Their jewelry business, Shop Kawawe, is an exquisite example of a little piece of the motherland in your collection.
Every item is born from love and skill. Handmade by Kenyan artisans and brought to you by Shop Kamawe, these beautiful accessories will be the small piece of the Motherland that your heart desires. The Kawawe’s said people will be amazed at their beauty and charm.
“The jewelry business is from my dad’s side, and it’s all handmade custom pieces straight from Kenya,” he said.
Shop Kawawe became active on Instagram passively in 2017.
“I would say I’ve been working on it the longest, but I really was able to launch this year fully, and we have our FDA certification. We had to get our export licenses as well,” he said.
Additionally, on the website, guests can book a trip to Kenya.
In 2020, James and his wife also introduced another piece of the motherland to
their roster: a coffee business called Kirenge Gold, where their family’s fourth generation grows coffee in Kenya.
In the heart of Kenya, during the
transformative 1950s, a story of resilience and honor began to take root. Amid the Mau Mau uprisings, the British colonial government imposed restrictive land reforms limiting Kenyan coffee farmers to grow only 100 bushes each. This strict system ensured specialty Kenyan coffee remained under colonial control, symbolizing the challenges of the time. It was during this era that the Kirenge Farm was set up, embodying the spirit of integrity and perseverance. According to their website, there’s a legend about the founder who discovered he was given an erroneous amount of 105 coffee bushes instead of the allowed 100. He faced a moral decision, and instead of exploiting the mistake, he chose to uproot the five extra bushes, an act of honesty that would shape their farm’s legacy for generations to come.
Kirenge Gold is more than a family-owned coffee estate, James said.
“It is a celebration of tradition, a commitment to quality, and a promise of authenticity. Today, as an Atlanta coffee roaster, we bring our heritage to the USA, delivering authentic Kenyan Coffee that’s freshly roasted to order and shipped nationwide. From our family farm to your cup, we invite you to taste the richness of our heritage and the boldness of our values,” he said.
By DONNELL SUGGS
COLLEGE PARK, GA. - College
Park Mayor Pro-Tem Dr. Jamelle E. McKenzie did a quick left-to-right stretching motion and found a spot in front of the new fire engine outside of Fire Station 2 on Sullivan Rd. Along with College Park Fire Chief Sterling Jones, College Park Deputy Chief Randall Slaughter, and other members of the station, they all pushed the brand new fire truck into the station’s bay.
“I have been working out in anticipation of this moment,” Mayor ProTem McKenzie joked.
The new fire truck and new EMT response vehicle are ready to get to work in College Park.
The push-in ceremony, a time-honored tradition within the fire service profession, celebrated the official rollout of the station’s new vehicles.
The $1-million fire truck, for example, has all of the equipment necessary to
fight fires, according to Chief Jones. That technology includes Wi-Fi, which Jones said helps with the navigation and logistical process of fighting fires and providing emergency medical services.
“It’s night and day from the trucks we had back in the day,” Jones said. Both he and Slaughter worked for the Atlanta Fire Department for decades before coming over to College Park.
He added that both vehicles greatly enhance the emergency response capabilities for residents and businesses in the Sullivan Road area and surrounding communities. Fire Station 2 is surrounded by industrial properties, office parks, and warehouses.
Members of the fire station have already gone through the inspection process required to begin using the vehicles. It can take more than a year from ordering a new truck to receiving it at a station, said Slaughter, who has been in the
Along with College Park Fire Chief Sterling Jones (center, white
Slaughter (to the right of
and other
into the station’s bay. Photo by Donnell
business for 35-plus years.
“I’m excited,” he said of having the new truck.
According to the U.S. Fire Admin
fires and medical emergency rates tend to rise during the Christmas holiday season.
“This says that we’re committed to
technology here in Clayton County,” said McKenzie moments before beginning the push-in. “They are keeping us safe, so we have to keep them
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By KEITH B. SHOATES
In higher education, a strong endowment is often seen as the ultimate marker of stability. It allows institutions to plan confidently for the future, attract top talent, and weather economic storms. But for the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), endowment disparities remain a stark reminder of how centuries of inequity continue to shape the present.
The top 10 largest endowments from Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and top 10 HBCUs in 2024 were $336 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively, representing a drastic 129-to-1 endowment ratio. While the endowments at 226 PWIs exceed $1 billion, Howard University became the first HBCU to achieve this milestone last year, and only eight HBCUs have endowments over $1 million.
HBCUs Produce Extraordinary Results
For generations, HBCUs have delivered extraordinary results with far fewer resources. Though they represent only about 3% of U.S. colleges and universities, they produce nearly 20% of Black college graduates, including 40% of Black engineers and members of Congress, 70% of Black doctors, and 50% of Black teachers. However, the average endowment at an HBCU remains a fraction of that at predominantly white institutions.
This gap is not the result of a lack of institutional will or alumni loyalty. It’s rooted in structural inequities. The white-Black wealth gap, which currently stands at 6-to-1, means Black alumni have historically had less to give, while state and federal funding formulas have often left HBCUs shortchanged. As a result, many schools operate with limited financial cushions, making it harder to invest in infrastructure, innovate for the future, respond to crises, or meet the financial needs of their students.
Endowments play a critical role in changing that trajectory. They are restricted funds, designed to be invested so that only a portion of the returns are used each year. The principal stays intact, creating a permanent source of income to support scholarships, faculty development, and long-term initiatives. Growing these funds is essential for increased HBCU competitiveness and resilience. Thankfully, we’re starting to see momentum. In recent years, several major efforts have recognized that strengthening HBCU endowments is an investment in the nation’s economic future. Earlier this year, MacKenzie Scott contributed $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to bolster its Members Pooled Endowment Fund, designed to strengthen the long-term financial health of UNCF’s member institutions. Another example is the partnership between Base10 Partners, a venture capital firm, and Student Freedom Initiative, the organization I lead. Together, we’ve expanded the investment options available to HBCU endowments by lowering barriers to entry, fees, and holding periods.
These efforts are transformative. They help institutions build financial foundations that can support generations of students. However, as we celebrate these wins, it’s important to recognize what endowments cannot do in the short term.
Because endowments are restricted, they don’t offer immediate flexibility. They can’t easily be tapped to address urgent needs like modernizing campus cybersecurity, replacing outdated labs, reducing student loan debt, or closing the digital divide that still leaves too many students behind. For that, HBCUs need something just as powerful – unrestricted and flexible funds that can be deployed quickly, strategically, and with impact.
To help fill this gap, MacKenzie Scott provided $560 million in 2020 and $700 million in 2025 in unrestricted funds to HBCUs to address HBCU-identified priorities. This is also where Student Freedom Initiative and its entire slate of wraparound services come in.
SFI was created to complement efforts to strengthen HBCUs financially by providing the kinds of support that build institutional capacity and expand student opportunity today. Our mission is to remove financial, technological, and structural barriers that limit student and institutional freedom.
We accomplish this through programs designed in partnership with HBCUs. Our Student Freedom Loan Agreement offers an affordable alternative to high-interest private and Parent PLUS loans. internXL connects students to paid internships and career pathways in fields where they’ve been historically underrepresented. Our cybersecurity programhas fortified campus systems, helping to safeguard over $1.5 billion in federal funding.
We’re also investing in career pathways, affordable campus and community housing, and broadband expansion, all critical infrastructure that strengthens schools themselves. And, we provide microgrants that help students overcome emergencies that might otherwise derail
their education.
These investments complement the endowment-building work already underway by giving schools and students the flexibility to innovate and compete. They make the process of growing endowments more effective because institutions supported today will be stronger, more stable, and more competitive tomorrow.
If we want HBCUs to endure and expand their impact, we need to grow the endowments and invest in flexibility. One builds the foundation, while the other builds scaffolding that allows the foundation to remain strong under pressure.
The recent surge in HBCU philanthropy is encouraging, but there’s more to do. Every donor, corporate partner, and policymaker who believes in the transformative power of these institutions should think not just about the size of their gift, but about its structure. Endowments fuel the future. Unrestricted funds power the present.
Invest in the Long-Term Freedom of HBCUs
At Student Freedom Initiative, we believe the path to equity requires both. Our programs are designed to complement efforts to grow HBCU endowments. Together, they create a financial ecosystem that’s sustainable, responsive, and capable of supporting students and institutions for generations to come.
If we want HBCUs to thrive rather than just survive, now is the time to act. This Giving Tuesday, I invite you to look beyond the traditional notion of giving as charity and see it as a transformational investment in equity, innovation, and freedom. When you support institutions like Student Freedom Initiative, you help expand opportunity for students and strengthen the capacity of the schools that serve them. Your support translates directly into affordable financing options, cutting-edge campus infrastructure, and the tools students need to compete in today’s economy.
We’ve seen what’s possible when philanthropy aligns with purpose. Let’s continue that momentum this Giving Tuesday. When HBCUs have the freedom to flourish, they don’t just change individual lives – they change the entire nation.
Keith B. Shoates is president and CEO of Student Freedom Initiative
FOUNDED May 11, 1966
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Ed Clayton Immortalis Memoria
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J. Lowell Ware
Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware.
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James A. Washington 2018-2024
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By TABIUS MCCOy Report for America Corp
With holiday shopping underway and online spending expected to surge, Chase and CareerRise partnered this week to help Atlanta residents protect themselves from scams. The two organizations hosted a free fraud prevention workshop on Nov. 20 at CareerRise’s center on Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, offering practical tools for community members and job seekers ahead of the busy season.
The event was part of Chase’s national effort for International Fraud Awareness Week,
Continued from page 2
Village Books Offers Holiday Warmth in South Downtown
Village Books, located at 213 Mitchell Street in South Downtown Atlanta, is a new independent bookstore offering a thoughtfully curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, local authors, and culturally grounded titles. Opened in the second week of October, the shop was founded by Village Market and Village Retail creator Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, who said she wanted to build a space that “edifies the mind,” fosters community, and honors the historic vibrancy of Mitchell Street. The store also carries journals, literary gifts, and artful goods, making it a timely stop for holiday shoppers searching for meaningful, book-centered presents.
Since opening, Village Books has aimed to become a cozy destination for readers and creatives drawn to its warm, intentional atmosphere. As customers seek seasonal recommendations, Hallmon’s recommendations included Michael Harriot’s Black AF: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America, the novel A Sky Full of Elephants, and one of her personal favorites, Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life, a biography she says is perfect for anyone wanting to go deeper into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s story. Looking ahead, she hopes the shop will expand its offerings and host major author events while continuing to serve as a comforting neighborhood refuge. As Hallmon put it, “We need to continue to create and invest in spaces that grow the community.”
As the holiday season brings a wave of gatherings, gift exchanges, and formal events, Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery has become a top destination for Atlantans seeking meaningful, long-lasting presents. The West Midtown atelier is known for its bespoke winter suiting, offering fabrics such as camel hair, flannels, and worsted wools explicitly selected for the colder months.
where the bank held similar scam prevention sessions across the country. Mathilda Lambert, a Chase community manager and financial wellness expert, said the goal was to prepare residents for a time of year when scammers tend to be most active.
“Everyone is at risk,” Lambert said. “People might be taking time off during the holidays, but scammers are not. This is their busy season. Our mission is to raise awareness and make sure people have the tools and resources to protect themselves.”
Fraud continues to grow as a threat. The National Retail Federation expects Americans to spend nearly $900 per person this holiday season, with more than half of those
purchases projected to happen online. In 2024, consumers lost more than 12.5 billion dollars to scams, and Georgia ranked 11th in the nation for cybercrime complaints.
CareerRise, a workforce development organization, noted that job seekers are especially at risk. Scammers often target people searching for employment with fake job listings, fraudulent offers, and phishing emails disguised as legitimate opportunities.
Lambert outlined several red flags discussed during the workshop, including fake package delivery texts, suspicious retailer links, messages that demand quick action, and scams that use AI-generated voices and images.
“Slow down,” she said. “If something feels off, do not act quickly. Go to the official website. Call the number on the back of your card. Verify everything.”
She also encouraged residents to keep important documents secure and review account alerts regularly so they can respond quickly if fraud occurs.
Chase and CareerRise announced that they plan to continue collaborating on educational programming focused on financial wellness and economic stability. Their shared priority is helping Atlanta residents protect the financial progress they are working to build, especially during a season when scammers are working the hardest.
Owner & lead designer Jay De-Robinson said the shop’s mission extends beyond tailoring alone. “You’re not just going to purchase the suit,” he said. “You’re also going to be getting free tuition,” emphasizing the haberdashery’s focus on guiding clients through the nuances of proper seasonal dressing. Each consultation educates customers on fabric weight, texture, and functionality, ensuring every garment is not only stylish but aligned with winter’s demands.
For those considering gifting suits this season, Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery offers a level of craftsmanship and personalization that sets it apart from traditional retail options. Every piece is intentionally built, shaped by the wearer’s lifestyle, and tailored to elevate presence at holiday celebrations. Robinson believes a well-crafted suit has the power to make an immediate impact, noting, “Before people hear you, they must see you,” a reminder of how much first impressions depend on visual presentation. The haberdashery’s winter-focused selections embody that principle, giving holiday shoppers the opportunity to gift something both functional and transformative.
As bespoke gifting grows in popularity, Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery stands out for offering garments that last far beyond the season, pieces that reflect expertise, confidence, and classic southern style.
This holiday season, choosing to shop Black and local strengthens the very communities that make Atlanta thrive.
To continue that mission, The Atlanta
Voice proudly introduces In The Black, our newest vertical dedicated to uplifting and amplifying Black-owned businesses. If you’re a Black entrepreneur looking to expand your reach, now is the time to join us. Sign up today at https://theatlantavoice.com/in-the-black-businesslistings/ and make sure Atlanta can find you this season, and all year long.
By NOAH WASHINGTON
NEW YORK — Earlier this month, The Root unveiled its 2025 Root 100 list, honoring Black Americans whose influence spans culture, politics, entertainment, business, activism and social impact. The annual gala returned Dec. 3 at Gotham Hall in Manhattan, marking the publication’s first celebration under new owner Ashley Allison and Watering Hole Media.
This year’s roster includes Vice President Kamala Harris, Denzel Washington, Doechii, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, A’ja Wilson, Ryan Coogler, Robin Roberts, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, Michael B. Jordan to name a few shaping the national landscape.
Founded in 2008 by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and former Washington Post Co. chairman Donald Graham, The Root was established as a digital platform for Black news and commentary. Its 2025 acquisition by Watering Hole Media marks the brand’s first return to Black ownership, a milestone widely viewed as pivotal for the future of Black media.
Taking the stage for her first Root 100 Gala as owner, Allison delivered an address centered on community, legacy and responsibility.
“Your support in my inaugural group 100 truly means more than you will ever know,” she told the audience, thanking teams at The Root and Watering Hole Media for their “passion, creativity and grit.”
Allison reflected on her background as a high school special education teacher in Brooklyn, noting how her students, often underestimated, rose to every assignment given to them. She drew a direct line between those students and the 2025 honorees.
“There are 100 bold, brilliant, bodacious, bright, brave, boundless, blazing, Black beacons of justice, truth, courage and strength that not only took their assignments seriously, they aced the test,” she said. “They curated cultural moments that will not be forgotten. They stood in the gap between right and wrong to get us a step closer to freedom.”
Allison told the room that despite setbacks, each honoree “kept on going,” answering a calling larger than themselves. “You have gone above and beyond. You have done the extra credit,” she said.
For Danielle Belton, current editor-in-chief of HuffPost and former editor-in-chief of The Root, Allison’s ownership is transformative.
“It’s so important that The Root is Blackowned. This is the first Black owner of The Root. It’s never been owned by a Black person before,” Belton said. “To have Ashley become the owner and be part of that pantheon is amazing.”
Belton said the shift continues The Root’s legacy of Black female leadership and strengthens its mission of truthful, culturally grounded storytelling.
“Black storytelling is everything. We need to hear our stories, we need to see ourselves,” she said, recalling the influence of former Essence editor Susan Taylor on her own career.
The 2025 honorees include public figures whose voices shape national narratives. Among them: veteran journalist Don Lemon, now a power player in independent journalism, spoke to the consequences when Black communities lack ownership of their own media institutions.
“If we want our stories told correctly, then we are the ones who should be writing that first draft of history,” Lemon said. “Either our stories don’t get told, or when they do get told, they’re often told wrong.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Black-owned media remains essential to challenging stereotypes and misinformation.
“When it comes down to telling our stories and telling them accurately, we can rely on Black media to do that,” Crockett said. “If there’s anybody that is going to try to beat back the stereotypes and inject a little Black boy joy, it’s going to be Black media.”
She added that Black journalism reflects the true lived experience “There’s a unique lens in which we tell our stories because it comes through our experiences. You limit the barriers when it is Black people telling Black people’s stories.”
As The Root enters a new era under Allison’s leadership, the publication’s commitment to elevating Black voices and preserving the integrity of Black storytelling remains at the heart of its mission.
As The Root enters a new era under Allison’s leadership, the publication’s commitment to elevating Black voices and preserving the integrity of Black storytelling remains at the heart of its mission. Or, as Danielle Belton put it, “Black storytelling is everything. We need to hear our stories, we need to see ourselves.”
By CLAyTON GUTZMORE
Discovering you have HIV can be one of the most devastating pieces of news a person can receive. For Bianca Carolina, it was crushing — but she refused to remain in shambles. Today, Carolina is an HIV advocate, a wife, an expecting mother of two, and an inspiration to many people living with HIV. She uses her story to illuminate that life isn’t over after a diagnosis. Through education and social media content, she shows that life, love, and long-held aspirations are still possible.
“The message I would love to give out is you can still find love, you can still build a family, and your life still has value and purpose. It is no longer what it once was, but HIV is no longer a death sentence — so we should not treat it that way,” said Carolina.
Carolina learned she was HIV-positive in 2019 while in a relationship with the man who infected her. When she received the diagnosis, her heart sank. When she shared the news with her then-partner, his calm, unsurprised reaction alarmed her. The situation worsened when she discovered he had been infecting other women as well. Her former partner was a public figure, and in 2019, while he was hospitalized, a social media post about his condition drew comments from people alleging he had knowingly exposed several women to HIV. That is where Carolina learned she was not the only one.
“Up until that moment, I thought I was the only person he had intentionally infected. I didn’t know there were others. I guess I was still in denial. I didn’t know the extent of this person’s willingness to hurt people,” she said.
The revelation was devastating, but Carolina chose not to let her diagnosis define her. She began by educating herself and researching HIV. However, she quickly noticed that most of the material she found catered to gay men or white women. Carolina explained that HIV disproportionately affects the Black community, yet she struggled to find heterosexual Black women publicly sharing their status or stories. Because of this, she didn’t see herself reflected in the advocacy space.
On July 12, 2024, she posted a YouTube video about how she learned she was HIV-positive. It has since garnered over a million views and has inspired many others to share their own truths.
“The most impactful thing that has come out of me sharing my story is people being able to share theirs. Oftentimes, I am the only person some people have ever disclosed to, and they’ve been living with HIV for decades,” Carolina said.
Carolina documents her ongoing journey on Instagram, where her handle, @bianca.
Bianca Carolina, HIV advocate and expecting mother, shares her journey to dispel stigma surrounding HIV. Her story inspires others to disclose their status, proving life, love, and family are still possible after diagnosis.
Courtesy of Bianca Carolina
carolina, currently has nearly 30,000 followers. Her page features videos of her daily life, educational content about HIV, and updates on her pregnancy with her second child. Recently, she shared that her doctors approved her to breastfeed — something she described as both empowering and deeply meaningful.
Determined to show that life continues after diagnosis, Carolina spoke to a room full of journalists in August at the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention in Cleveland, Ohio. She sat on a panel organized by ViiV Healthcare alongside music artist Tamar Braxton. Together, they emphasized that HIV can affect anyone and urged people to educate themselves and others.
“I hope that God opens more doors for me to educate, advocate, and put a face to HIV,” Carolina said. “I think oftentimes people assume those with HIV look a certain way, and it’s unfortunate because that’s based on our biases. People say, ‘That could never happen to me because I’m not XYZ.’”
Carolina’s mission is to end HIV-related stigma. Through her content, she aims to show that an HIV diagnosis is not the final chapter of anyone’s life. Sharing her truth has brought her community and support, and she wants the same for others who may be suffering in silence.
“Speak to a therapist or seek community — it is crucial. At least disclose to one person who loves you that you’re HIV-positive. When the thoughts of disgust and shame come, that’s when support steps in. You cannot live with this alone. It will eat you alive,” she said.
By ISAIAH SINGLETON & DONNELL SUGGS
The Atlanta Voice visited NY Deli to try some of the sandwiches on the menu at what is being called Atlanta’s first authentic New York-style bodega.
Isaiah’s review:
Stepping foot into a bodega for the very first time can be a little daunting with so many options in your face; however, the smell of chopped cheese and other food items immediately makes your stomach rumble.
I had the Protein Blast, which comes with almond milk and offers your choice of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry protein flavor. I got the banana and vanilla flavor, and it is so good, and perfect for an after-gym protein shake or just a pick-me-up for the day.
I also ordered the Chelsea sandwich, which features roast beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo.
Let me tell you, and I’m not exaggerating. This is good food. I was thoroughly impressed by how fresh everything tasted and how good it looked. It has just enough spice to it where it’s not too spicy but not too bland either. 10/10.
For a first-time trip to a bodega, this is a convenient place to go to pick up good, quick food with great quality and service. The atmosphere is amazing, spacious, and friendly. I recommend NY Deli & Juice Bar to anyone looking for good, authentic NYstyle bodega food.
Donnell’s review:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, the bodega was a staple in my life. When I heard about NY Deli on Memorial Drive on the Stone Mountain side of I-285, I knew I had to check it out. The business is being billed as the “Home of the Halal Chopped Cheese,” and I wanted to grab a chopped cheese and see if it tasted like the chopped cheese sandwiches I used to get from the bodegas back home.
Walking into NY Deli on a cool Friday morning, it felt more like a diner than a bodega. The restaurant was clean, spacious, and featured booths along the windows,
By DENNIS MALCOLM ByRON AKA ALE SHARPTON
The last review of the Nissan Kicks was earlier this year here, and the 2026 version continues to be a standout in the compact SUV segment. With three trims—S, SV and SR—and I had the pleasure of reviewing the latter, topof-the line version.
The stylish exterior thankfully remains intact, boasting a more muscular frame, just enough curvature, and what this Nissan purposely embraces—inspirations from a football helmet and sneaker culture. Regarding both of those latter design elements, I am evidently a part of the market they were aiming for because I was won over, let alone hipsters, sports fans, and advocates of trendsetting footwear. The multi-lined LED lighting package effectively honored the demand for a futuristic appearance whether day or night.
Inside, the new Kicks boasts a tech-forward cabin. Not only did the three 2026 versions come with a sleek 12.3-inch infotainment display, a user-friendly interface, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android accessibility. The SR trim adds ambient LED lighting to set the mood, four USB-C ports, plus a touch-sensitive climate control panel to justify its premium claim. Admittedly, I looked for the signature speakers in the headrests, which grabbed my attention when this SUV was introduced to the market years ago. Not only were they still present, but the entire sound system also treated my ears with the premium BOSE personal audio version.
Of course, practicality should come into play, and Kicks has the best-in-class rear cargo capacity (up to 60 cubic feet is available when seats are folded). Also, note that SV and SR models have an optional Cold Weather
with easily visible menus overhead. The bodegas of my youth were not always welllit, never clean, usually had a cat running around, and did not offer as many sandwich options as NY Deli does. There is also a salad section and a natural juice section, where customers can order drinks.
Now, for the reason I jumped on I-285 in the first place, the chopped cheese. Served on a soft hero bread, the chopped cheese was a 10/10. The beef was expertly seasoned and combined with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. I’m definitely going back to pick up another one sometime next week. I highly recommend it for New Yorkers looking for an authentic chopped cheese.
Non-food takeaway:
On Friday morning, just before noon, the bodega was packed with people from New York, and that made me happy.
For my juice selection, I tried the mango sunrise, which is made primarily of mango juice and was very good. It’s $9.99 for a small, and even though I enjoyed the drink, I don’t think it’s worth the price.
NY Deli is worth a visit for those interested in trying their first chopped cheese or some of the other sandwiches on the menu, including “The Chelsea”, “The California”, which is grilled chicken with mozzarella cheese, roasted peppers, and ranch dressing, or “The Harelm”, which is chicken, American cheese, bacon, spinach, and mayo.
Package, complete with heated seats, mirrors, and rear floor vents to make any adventure doable without hesitation.
Tech shows safety love as well, with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite which includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert all coming standard.
ProPILOT Assist provides assisted steering and speed control ideally for those long highway excursions, plus the intelligent around view is an undeniable feature that makes anything from parking to simply avoiding any up-close obstacles a breeze. The driving experience continues to be more than adequate, featuring Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a drive mode selector to
choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport. So whether you’re a first-time buyer, heading to college, starting a family, or simply looking for a car that won’t break the bank starting at $22,430 for the S version, the Kicks needs some serious consideration. The SR AWD I reviewed was still under $30k and is the best pick if you virtually want nothing left to be desired in the subcompact segment.
Fuel Economy: As reviewed, the Kicks SR with AWD is 27 city/34 highway with allwheel drive
Price: The Kicks S starts at $22,430 and Kicks SR AWD starts at $28,160 as reviewed.
For more information, visit Nissanusa.com.
By ISAIAH SINGLETON
Christmas has come early for the students at Brockett Elementary School.
In an inspiring show of community support, Thomas’ Breads of Atlanta joined forces with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit that provides brand-new coats and shoes to children in need.
Together, they distributed 420 new coats to the students of Brockett Elementary in Tucker, ensuring that every child at the school is prepared for the winter months ahead.
Thomas’ Bread’s employee volunteers visited Brockett Elementary to provide hundreds of brand-new coats to every child in the school through its partnership with Operation Warm. This heartfelt initiative is part of Thomas’ Breads commitment to easing the financial strain on local families, guaranteeing their children stay safe and active.
Operation Warm’s mission has always been focused on the whole child. Their tagline, “more than a coat” means their coats don’t just provide physical warmth, but also emotional warmth, the confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future.
The gift of a brand-new coat or pair of shoes has become a bridge between
Operation Warm’s partners and families to access critical resources.
For the last 27 years, Operation Warm has served over 5,000,000 children in 2,100 communities across North America.
Through this partnership, Thomas’ aims to reach thousands of students, offering not just coats, but a confident start to the season.
Principal of Brockett Elementary Antoinette Seabrook said she feels blessed to see the students receive new coats for the winter.
“Our kids come to school every day and do such a good job. They listen to their teachers; they do anything we ask and anything that we can do to give back to them. I’m so overjoyed,” she said.
Seabrook also says the partnership with Thomas’ Breads and Operation Warm is new and they didn’t know about it until they reached out to the school.
“I hope this is a lasting partnership and I hope that there’s ways that we can also give back and help them do other initiatives,” she said.
Collaboration efforts like these, she says, shows community and the ability for everybody to get together and work together.
“It truly shows the community that we all come together to support and uplift these kids who really need to know we are all there for them,” she said. “I think it’s important for kids to see what others do for them, so they know they can do it for others.”
Additionally, Seabrook said to be kind and take care of one another this holiday season.
Sr. Director of Sales at Bimbo Bakeries USA Catalina Giraldo said seeing the kids light up and smile big brings her joy.
“When I see these kids get their coats, it’s beautiful and amazing to witness. It’s truly rewarding seeing their reactions and excitement,” she said.
Additionally, she said the company tries to do events like these for the community once a year.
“This is the third time we’ve had an event like this in Atlanta. The first two times involved giving students shoes and this time it’s coats. We like to give back to the community,
especially kids and make sure they have a coat to get warm or shoes to wear,” she said. She also said it’s important to give back to the community because as a company, they have an obligation to give back to their community.
“We have an obligation to these students, to our community not just with coats, but also with our time and willing to be out here a part of the community.
Representative of Operation Warm, Nia Means says their mission is to provide warmth and competence to under-resourced kids in the community and ensure all their partners can make lasting relationships even after these types of events.
Means also says collaborating with schools like Brockett Elementary is important because the school falls into Thomas’ Bread’s area of responsibility.
“We always think it’s really important to branch out because with making lasting connections, we also want them to grow,” she said. “So, partnering with Brockett Elementary was another way of introducing them to a whole new part of the community, so we don’t get stuck in a little bubble.”
She also said the best part about the collaboration and giving back is seeing the students’ faces light up and understanding what it means for them.
“It’s a shopping experience for them and they really get the chance to choose what they like and what feels right for them,” she said. “We have quite a few kids who say, ‘Hey, I got a little brother at home. I have a sister at home, please make sure to take one to them’. You really see that the kids know, ‘Hey, this is for us, and these people are here to help us’, and they’re really open to it. I love to see how open and receptive they are.”
By NOAH WASHINGTON
“This is the future of fitness,” said The Union Fit Hub founder Ty McMath as he reflected on the expansion from his original BeltLine-based wellness gym to a growing network of “micro gyms” and concierge-style services designed to bring health and movement directly to residents where they live and work.
The expansion comes two years after McMath opened the Union’s flagship 10,000-square-foot location inside the historic Telephone Factory Lofts. What began as a hybrid fitness space, complete with a full gym, photography studio, podcast studio, juice bar, and IV room, has now evolved into a multi-location wellness ecosystem.
McMath said the broader vision has always been bigger than a single gym.
“We always thought we would do more than just the gym,” he told The Atlanta Voice. “We wanted to build other verticals and this concierge wellness program, from media pop-ups to partnerships, and create micro gyms in different pockets of the city.”
A New Flagship Partnership in West Midtown
The newest expansion sits inside Stella at Star Metals, a mixed-use West Midtown development where Union Fit Hub now operates its
on-site fitness center and wellness services.
The opportunity formed through several connections: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, a Union Fit Hub member, invited McMath to the project’s ribbon cutting; McMath later met the Bell family, the development’s owners; and property manager Marla Moore previously worked at a community served by The Union.
“These were three touch points that all mentioned Stella,” McMath said. “We were hungry in this area. We knew West Midtown was growing like crazy.”
At Stella, The Union Fit Hub provides more than 350 residents with personal training, Pilates, group classes, IV therapy, recovery services like cold plunges and sauna sessions, and daily community engagement.
This model, McMath said, is meant to eliminate the obstacles that often keep Atlantans from prioritizing their wellness.
“Wellness is difficult to get to, the traffic, parking, dropping off kids, going to work,” he said. “What we want to do is bring wellness to you. We want to be the next Uber for fitness.”
Each micro gym is equipped with a smart fitness screen, “a Peloton for communities,” McMath said, where residents can access recorded Pilates, HIIT, yoga, cycling and boot camp classes taught by Union instructors.
Stella residents receive three complimentary classes per week, with additional sessions available at competitive rates.
The Union Fit Hub now operates five micro gyms across Atlanta. In addition to its flagship BeltLine location, the company has established a growing network inside residential and mixed-use communities, including Stella at Star Metals, The Juniper, The Upton, Society Atlanta, and Collective Westside.
The Union also provides wellness programming and on-site services at partner properties such as such as the Luminarium, with more locations planned as McMath continues activating underutilized spaces across the metro.
“There are a lot of spaces in Atlanta that are under-activated,” he said. “Our services can come in, bring fitness professionals, run
classes, do one-on-one sessions, or just bring a good vibe, a healthy alternative to just going to the bar.”
The Union Fit Hub’s expansion comes at a moment of explosive growth and massive investment in West Midtown, a shift that significantly broadens the opportunity for wellness-focused businesses.
Take Star Metals District, one of West Midtown’s marquee developments: the overall project represents roughly $1.5 billion in mixed-use investment.
That kind of scale has helped transform West Midtown from former industrial and warehouse zones into a dense hub of luxury residences, office towers, retail, dining, and nightlife, populating the streets with more people who live, work and socialize nearby. McMath said that growth made West Midtown a natural fit for expansion.
“West Midtown is growing like crazy,” McMath said. “We knew this was an area hungry for wellness services and personal-training access.”
As the New Year approaches, McMath hopes Atlantans embrace a more localized, accessible approach to their health.
“For 2026, we want to make fitness something that happens in your front yard, your front door,” he said. “We want it to feel like part of your DNA.”
The Union Fit Hub’s original facility remains open at 828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Suite W4, Atlanta, GA 30306.
By DONNELL SUGGS
The music was loud as hundreds of soccer fans, general sports fans, and the curious crowded around a stage a few feet away from the Buckhead Library branch and Fado’s Irish Pub. If you are familiar with the setting, a Saturday afternoon, for example, can bring dozens of shoppers and diners into the area. On Friday afternoon, the FIFA World Cup Final Draw was scheduled to take place, and the energy on that street felt like Buckhead of old.
The next FIFA World Cup doesn’t commence until June 11, 2026, but the final draw for where the participating countries and their national teams will play and which groups they will be in took place on Friday.
The Final Draw for the World Cup took place in Washington, D.C., at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, but a watch party was held in Buckhead Village.
People wore jerseys from their favorite national teams, while others wore Atlanta United gear and brought flags to wave. A pair of smiling women showed everyone their French soccer flag. It was a party in Atlanta, and everyone was invited.
“My Life couldn’t get any better than I have been able to see the first Olympic Games here in Atlanta and the World Cup here in Atlanta,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “It doesn’t get much better than that as a native.”
Dickens and former Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who was also one of the event hosts alongside radio personality and Atlanta United play-by-play announcer Mike Cinti, spoke to the media before the draw began.
As for the groups stages taking place in Atlanta, groups A, C, H, and K all include nationalities that are present in large factions in the city.
Group A will include Mexico, Korea, South Africa, and a playoff winner. Group C will include Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Group is made up of Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Cabo Verde. Group has Portugal, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and a playoff winner in it.
The way the games in Atlanta will break down over the course of the tournament is as follows:
Group Stages:
Monday, June 15: Spain vs Cabo Verde (noon)
Thursday, June 18: South Africa
vs playoff winner between DEN/ MKD/CZE/Ireland (noon)
Sunday, June 21: Spain vs Saudi Arabia (noon)
Wednesday, June 24: Morocco vs Haiti (6 pm)
Saturday, June 27: Uzbekistan vs playoff winner between COD/Jamaica/NCL (7:30 pm)
Round of 32:
Wednesday, July 1: Match 80 (noon)
Round of 16:
Tuesday, July 7: Match 95 (noon)
Semi-Finals:
Wednesday, July 15: Match 102 (3 pm)
Atlanta will be one of the 16 North American host cities, and on the 30th anniversary of hosting the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, will be one of the host cities for the tournament’s semifinals. The city has quickly become one of the country’s soccer hubs. A NWSL franchise was recently announced for Atlanta and
will be owned by Arthur M. Blank, who also owns Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons.
With everything going on around
him, Guzan was all smiles as he answered questions about the impact of global soccer on Atlanta’s already strong reputation as an American
soccer stronghold. Asked if Atlanta is the best soccer city in America, the Illinois native and former United States men’s National Team goalkeeper said, “Absolutely.”
“The city of Atlanta is now the soccer capital of the United States,” Guzan said. “We’ve got everything going. The fact that we’re hosting eight games during the World Cup next summer is going to be amazing.”
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a busy couple of weekends on tap. The Southeastern Conference football championship game, featuring the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the rival University of Alabama Crimson Tide, is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The Atlanta Falcons will be hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon. The following weekend, the annual Cricket Celebration Bowl, the HBCU college football championship, will take place on Saturday, December 13, for all intents and purposes.
According to data from Airbnb, Atlanta is expected to experience an economic impact of $70 million during the summer of 2026. Across the 16 host cities, Airbnb stays are expected to contribute nearly $4 billion to the economies of those cities, which, along with Atlanta, include Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Dickens spoke to the economic impact the World Cup is going to have on the small businesses in Atlanta as well.
“The economic impact is going to be huge,” he said. “We are ready to welcome the world to Atlanta.”
Spacious 1-Bedroom Affordable! Rent Based on Annual Income Amenities, Great Location, and Convenient to Marta Please call for detailed information (404) 586-9098
FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP
RFP Solicitation for 25RFP1552437C-JH Pickup & Removal of Deceased Remains for the Department of the Medical Examiner’s Office will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance online via BidNet Direct at https://www. bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11:15 A.M..
All Bids submitted will be read no later than 11:15 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated due date via a virtual zoom meeting. Link to join webinar: https://zoom.us/j/99407726904
Bid Bond: N/A
Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia “County” is seeking bids from qualified bidders s for the pick-up and removal of decedents at any location within the borders of Fulton County and deliver them to the office of the Medical Examiner. The detailed scope of work and technical specifications are outlined in the Scope of Work of the bid document.
The detailed scope of work and technical specifications is outlined in the Scope of Work, Section 4 of this bid document.
General instructions, specifications and/or plans for this project can be Downloaded Free of charge at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/Georgia/ fultoncounty under “Bid Opportunities”.
Fee: N/A
Term of Contract: 1 Year with 2 Renewal Options. Pre-Bid Conference, will be held online electronically via a Zoom Conference on Tuesday,December 16, 2025 00 A.M., to provide bidders with information regarding this project and to address any questions. Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97351151843
If you have any questions regarding this project please contact: Joanna, Hernandez, APA, via Phone: (404) 612-6127 or E-mail joanna. hernandez@fultoncountyga.gov.
Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
