A CRY FOR HELP - The Atlanta Voice
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www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 56 Issue 46 • FREE
THE ATLANTA MARCH 25, 2022
METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
A CRY FOR HELP | Page 2
Suicides are threading
down overall but not for
minorities. Georgia has
taken a first step to deal
with mental illness in the
state. Photo Credit:iStock
2 March 25 - 31, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
METRO
TODAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
Source: accuweather.com
61º | 41º 64º | 36º 59º | 44º 67º | 52º 78º | 58º 78º | 61º 74º | 58º
Cooler; breezy in Mostly sunny Breezy in the Mostly sunny Partly sunny A couple of A couple of
the morning and windy morning; sunny and warmer thunderstorms thunderstorms
around Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
Spikes in Suicides Bolster Calls for Overdue Support
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, please contact the 24/7 National Sui-
cide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org. For
TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255. Starting on July 16, anyone can simply dial 988.
BY KATHERINE C. GILYARD tional Center of Health Statistics, who has
Howard University News Service
been working to bring awareness to the dis-
The year 2010 feels like a lifetime ago for parate increases for years.
33-year-old Carl Johnson, but the death of a “He wasn’t in school that semester, but we
close friend makes the year one he’ll never still saw each other all the time unless he was
forget. Fresh out of finals week, and a week down in his moments,” Johnson said. “Now,
before his 21st birthday, Johnson got the I think they were his attempt to detach him-
phone call. His friend of four years, 22-year- self – like his mind from his body. He would
old Jameel Smith, was found dead by sui- really push people away, like he was trying to
cide. separate everything before he actually did it.
The conversation with Jameel’s roommate I see that now though.”
left Johnson speechless. “I remember Julius Katherine C. Gilyard, whose goal is to be-
hysterical and crying on the phone, trying to come a physician and public health commu-
get it out: ‘He’s gone.’” nicator, specializes in covering health for
Looking back, Johnson recalls what might HUNewsService.com. Additional reporting
have been warning signs, but while in the from Stan Washington/The Atlanta Voice.
thick of finishing his senior year at More- See the full article at: theatlantavoice.com.
house College in Atlanta, the then 20-year- (OPTIONAL CUT HERE)
old was just trying to get through himself. Behind the Numbers
“It wasn’t necessarily that something The U.S. faced a steady increase in overall
was wrong with him and then it happened; deaths by suicide for over two decades until
he would, like, go down these rabbit holes 2018. Deaths by suicide increased 35% from
where he didn’t really want to talk to peo- 1999 to 2018 before finally showing a 2% de-
ple and just keep to himself,” Johnson said. cline in 2019, according to the 2021 Rapid
“Actually, around that time, I’d come over Release Report.
to Julius and Jameel’s apartment and asked House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) has successfully pushed through a bill to Since 2019, deaths by suicide fell 3% over-
about Jameel. He just said, ‘He’s just having overhaul the mental health care system in Georgia. (AP) all, but not for certain demographic groups.
one of his moments where he don't wanna In 2018, 78% of suicide deaths were males Ian Alexander Jr.The shock of the 26-year- In addition to the 3% increase among Black
talk to anybody.’” and 22% were females, reported the Georgia old musician’s death is an experience that males, provisional data for 2020 showed:
Smith’s death didn’t make any headlines Department of Public Health. more families and friends are encountering - A 5% increase in suicides among
in Atlanta, but the surprising death of Jeffrey Males had an age-adjusted suicide rate with an increase in suicides among certain Hispanic males overall, with spikes highest
Parker on January 14 of this year did. Parker, of 23.7 per 100,000 people compared to a segments of Black, Indigenous and Hispanic among the 25 to 34-year-old age group at a
56, was the CEO/General Manager of MAR- rate of 6.3 per 100,000 people for females. communities. the coronavirus pandemic as 16% increase.
TA, Atlanta’s public transportation system. Among all races/ethnicities and sexes, white well as news reports and social media posts - A 9% increase in suicides among Na-
He was struck by a train at the East Lake sta- males who are not Hispanic or Latino had about Alexander and others. tive American males overall, with consistent
tion around 10:30 p.m. the largest age-adjusted suicide death rate For example, Cheslie Kryst, TV correspon- increases among their three most impacted
MARTA has been the scene of several sui- (32.3 per 100,000 people) followed by black dent for “Extra” and 2019 Miss USA, died age groups (15 to 24, 45 to 54 and 55 to 64).
cides over the years where people decided to or African American males who are Hispanic after leaping off a building in Manhattan, Before COVID-19, suicide was the second
jump in front of a train. This is the first time or Latino (24.6 per 100,000 people). Though and Mayor Kevin “Scooter” Ward, 44, of Hy- leading cause of death among adults aged 25
that a MARTA executive did so. The reasons females had a lower ageadjusted suicide rate attsville, Maryland, just outside the nation’s to 34 and today remains one of the leading
behind Parker’s death are still shrouded in than males, white females who are not His- capital died a week later. causes of deaths in the United States.
mystery. panic or Latino had the largest rate at 9.6 per Suicides have increased by 3% among The pandemic has undoubtedly been a
Over the past decade, Georgia’s suicide 100,000 people followed by Asian females Black males of all ages. The spikes are high- cause for concern and a great exacerbator
rate has always been lower than the U.S. av- who are not Hispanic or Latino (5.0 per est among 15 to 24-year-olds at 16% and 25 to of pre-existing and new mental health con-
erage 14 % versus 13.6%). According to the 100,000 people). 34-year-olds at 12%. These spikes are occur- ditions, but experts say that the increase in
Georgia Department of Public Health, in Firearms were the primary choice for men ring despite an overall 3% decrease in deaths mental health numbers among Black and
2018, 1,565 preventable suicide deaths were and women committing suicide in Georgia. by suicide since 2019 across the United Brown communities isn’t recent.
recorded in the state which is an average of Until this current Georgia General Assem- States, according to the 2021 Rapid Release In a “Health E-Stats” report that examined
more than four deaths by suicide per day. bly session, the issue of mental health has Report from the National Vital Statistics Sys- suicide rates from 1999-2017, CDC statisti-
Suicide is currently the 10th leading cause never been a priority with state lawmakers. tem. cian Sally Curtin noted the steady rise even
of death in Georgia, and the 2nd for those Backed by House Speaker David Ralston, Conversely, Black women saw an overall then.
between the ages of 10-24. Suicide impacts with bi-partisan support (169-3 vote) the bill 3% decrease across their age groups. Howev- The increase in deaths by suicides among
every race, sex and age group in the state. to overhaul the state’s mental health care er, suicides 10 to 14-year-olds rose 5%, from males in Black, Indigenous and Hispanic
Deaths by suicides have a higher burden in system. The bill is now being reviewed by a 26% to 31%, between 2019 and 2020. communities has garnered growing concern
rual areas, andamong all males, Asian fe- senate committee. “The increases haven’t been just since the and even alarm among health professionals,
males who are not Hispanic or Latino, and Johnson is one of many people who have start pandemic or 2019; they were happening See the full article at:
black or African American males who are been reflecting on their own tragedies with before,” explains Sally Curtin, author of the
THEATLANTAVOICE.COM
Hispanic or Latino. the recent suicide death of Regina King’s son, report and a health statistician for the Na-
www.theatlantavoice.com March 25 - 31, 2022 3
STATE
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Georgia lawmakers are wrapping up this year's session under the golden dome. (SW/The
Atlanta Voice)
ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia lawmakers wad- FELONY BAIL: Senate Bill 504 would re-
ed through dozens of bills at a key deadline. quire cash bail for a judge to release from jail
On-site lab
Tuesday was crossover day in the General anyone charged with any felony.
Assembly, when bills and other measures are SENATE TERMS: Senate Resolution 623
required to pass in the House or Senate and would create four-year Senate terms begin-
move on to the other chamber. Lawmakers ning in 2024, instead of the current two-year
rejected legalizing horse racing. Some key terms, if voters approve the state constitu-
proposals had moved forward earlier, like tional amendment.
Specialist
a mental health reform measure. Measures MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Senate Bill 609 referrals
that had failed earlier included a proposal to and House Bill 1425 would change how li-
loosen the state's hands-free cellphone law censes are granted under the state's medical
for drivers. Because of legislative rules, it's marijuana program in an attempt to jump-
still possible for lawmakers to later resurrect start a licensing process tied into knots by
many proposals that don't pass on Tuesday. legal challenges.
ADVANCED INCOME TAX CUT: House Bill 1437 would Convenient
VOTING: House Bill 1464 would let people cut Georgia state income taxes by more than
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2021_CTW-100057_Print_Atlanta_Atlanta Voice_ENG_5.1875x13_3-25-22.indd 1 3/22/22 4:09 PM
4 March 25 - 31, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton
Immortalis Memoria
VOICES "Character, not circumstances, makes the man."
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
— BOOKER T. WASHINGTON
J. Lowell Ware
Immortalis Memoria
There’s No Such Thing as Black Hollywood
The Atlanta Voice honors
the life of J. Lowell Ware.
PUBLISHER
Janis Ware
Hollywood’s not a pretend secret club with gatekeepers who don’t want
jlware@theatlantavoice.com Black people in. It’s a REAL secret club that doesn’t want us in.
PRESIDENT/
GENERAL MANAGER
James A. Washington
jaws@theatlantavoice.com
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
TO PUBLISHER
Chia Suggs
csuggs@theatlantavoice.com
CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
Dawn Montgomery
dmontgomery@theatlantavoice.com
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS BY PATRICK
Martel Sharpe WASHINGTON
msharpe@theatlantavoice.com
Publisher, The
REPORT FOR AMERICA CORPS Dallas Weekly
MEMBER, EDUCATION REPORTER
Madeline Thigpen
mthigpen@theatlantavoice.com
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER
Bria Suggs
bsuggs@theatlantavoice.com
MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL
Itoro Umontuen
iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com Image by Demis Courquet-Lesaulnier, Wikimedia Commons, Flickr Creative Commons
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
Alexis Grace The Academy Awards air this At the ceremony in 2001, ing a Black woman being who presented the award to
agrace@theatlantavoice.com month, and four Black actors Denzel lost Best Actor to Rus- “loved” — if that’s what we’re Denzel, proclaimed, “About
DIRECTOR OF VISUALS are going into the ceremony sell Crowe for his performance calling it — by some white man. time!” as if to subtly let us in on
Trarell Torrence with nominations: Will Smith in 2000’s “Gladiator.” Denzel To be fair, the nominations the joke.
t.torrence@theatlantavoice.com for “King Richard” and Denzel had been nominated for the for films released in 2001 I remember sitting there
Washington “The Tragedy of lead role in “The Hurricane” — weren’t strong, and due to the watching the broadcast with
ADVERTISING, SALES Macbeth” for best actor. And and was pretty much expected Denzel snub for “The Hurri- my cousin and her friends. I’d
& CIRCULATION Ariana DeBose got nominated to win for his Oscar-bait-y bi- cane,” many folks were expect- accurately predicted out loud
ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR for best supporting actress for opic portrayal of Rubin “The ing a classic Hollywood over- the winners of most of the cate-
Chia Suggs “West Side Story,” as did Aun- Hurricane” Carter, a former compensation routine. gories, and when it came to the
advertising@theatlantavoice.com janue Ellis for “King Richard.” middleweight boxer who was Finally, Sidney Poitier was moment for Denzel and Halle,
CIRCULATION MANAGER But I won’t be watching the wrongly convicted for a triple honored with an honorary Os- I told everyone confidentially,
Terry Milliner broadcast. murder in a bar in Paterson, car, given by Denzel no less. “Oh, they will win, trust me…
SALES Some of you may remember New Jersey. OK, so why all this backsto- they don’t want that drama
R.D.W. Jackson the historic Academy Awards It was an adaptation — Oscar ry? again this year.”
rdwadman@gmail.com
night in 2002 when Denzel bait — about a real person — Those three Oscar wins that Moments later, they were all
SUBMISSIONS
Washington, Halle Berry, and Oscar bait — starring an Oscar night were in response to a year open-mouthed and amazed. I
newsroom@theatlantavoice.com
the late great Sidney Poitier winner — Oscar bait. AND it of pressure — reminders of the wasn’t. When Denzel won, he
received Oscars for their work had some white savior flavor mistake and the politics of the stated, “Two birds with one
CONTACT INFORMATION and legacy. in there. OSCAR BAAAAIT. Not industry — not the talent. Den- stone, eh?” The crowd lightly
633 Pryor Street, S.W. I wrote something at the to mention, Denzel Washing- zel won for playing a villain in chuckled, again letting us in on
Atlanta, GA 30312 time called “The Night the Os- ton had already won the 2000 “Training Day.” Halle won for the joke. I stopped watching the
Office: 404-524-6426 cars Went Black” as a knee-jerk Golden Globe for Best Actor, playing a broken Black woman Oscars after that.
Fax: 404-527-5464 response to an event I had pre- which is a good indicator of who has a questionable rela- So here you get the headline:
dicted months earlier. If you how the Oscars will go. tionship (if we can call it that) There is no Black Hollywood,
recall, there was more going Halle Berry was also nom- with a white man in “Monster’s and that moment made me un-
on this night than just the en- inated for her role in the film Ball.” Sidney Poitier “won” for derstand it.
tertainment industry honoring “Monster’s Ball.” I have to be basically being Sidney Poitier Black folks have long ma-
films made in 2001 and sobbing honest: I’ve never seen this for the last 50 years. That’s it. ligned the representation of
Halle Berry speeches. Let me movie all the way through. In In her announcement of the
set the stage… 2001, I was content not watch- winner, even Julia Roberts, See VOICES on page 14
www.theatlantavoice.com March 25 - 31, 2022 5
EDUCATION
CAU Announces Two New Trustees
BY MADELINE THIGPEN
Report for America “Since 1865, this institution has
developed a rich history of serving
Clark Atlanta University’s (CAU) Black Americans. I am grateful and
newest board of trustee members honored to have an opportunity to
are businessman William F. Pick- make a contribution and to maxi-
ard and entrepreneur John Hope mize the impact that the University
Bryant. has had in the community as well
Pickard is Chairman of Global as with the students,” Pickard told
Automotive Alliance, Co-Managing The Atlanta Voice.
Partner at MGM Grand Detroit and Pickard was named Honorary
CEO of Bearwood Management Consul in Detroit by the Govern-
Company. ment of the Bahamas in 2020. His
Bryant is Founder, Chairman duties in the role include promot-
and CEO of Operation HOPE Inc, ing business, tourism, education
Bryant Group Ventures and The and industry in an unofficial role.
Promise Homes Company. His business expertise is some-
In a statement, university Pres- thing Pickard is excited to share in
ident George T. French said, the his new role on the board of trust-
only way for CAU to prepare its stu- ees.
dents to be competitive and excel “I hope to guide the next genera-
The campus of Clark Atlanta University. (file)
the world is by ensuring that the tion of CAU students around some
school’s leadership has a vested “This past year has confronted the press. Abraham Lincoln in 1865 to aid the of the hurdles and through some of
interest in student development the world with an unprecedent- Bryant was also instrumental millions of newly freed slaves in the obstacles they will inevitably
and can provide students with op- ed set of challenges, and I look in former United States Secretary becoming financially literate and face. Business is cyclical and while
portunities that will open doors for forward to helping the University of the Treasury Jacob Lew’s 2016 secure. technology has changed the way
them. enter a new chapter with the ben- decision to rename the Treasury Earlier this year Pickard made a we do things, the values that form
Recently, the CAU School of efit of lessons learned— and with Annex Building to the Freedman’s $100,000 donation to the United the foundation of business remain
Business Administration named a commitment to making Clark Bank Building. The name honor’s Negro College Fund for students at the same: Excellence, Integrity and
Bryant their inaugural Entrepre- Atlanta University stronger than the Freedman’s Savings and Trust CAU, St. Augustine University and Commitment,” said Pickard.
neur Scholar in Residence. ever,” said Bryant in a statement to Company, chartered by President Philander Smith College.
NATIONAL
2020 Census Called ‘Worse Undercount’ in Decades as
Bureau Misses Millions of Blacks and Hispanics
BY STACY M. BROWN dreds of billions of dollars are at stake each time the census lic last year — are based on an examination of federal records
NNPA occurs. and an extensive survey in which the bureau interviewed
(Washington, D.C.) - According to many experts, the Robert L. Santos, the bureau’s director, displayed little re- residents in some 10,000 census blocks — the smallest unit
COVID-19 pandemic and an administration that displayed gard for the undercount of minorities. He said the 2020 re- used in census tabulations. Bureau experts then compared
a complete disregard for ensuring accuracy led to a conse- sults were consistent with recent censuses. their answers to the actual census results for those blocks.”
quential undercount in the number of Black, Hispanic, and “This is notable, given the unprecedented challenges of Officials claimed that the survey enabled the bureau to
Native American residents during the 2020 U.S. Census. 2020,” Santos said in a statement. “But the results also in- estimate how many residents it missed entirely in the 2020
Further, Census officials admit that they overcounted clude some limitations — the 2020 census undercounted count, how many people were counted twice, and how many
white and Asian residents. many of the same population groups we have historically people — such as deceased persons or short-term visitors to
The bureau reported the overall population as 323.2 mil- undercounted, and it overcounted others.” the United States — were counted mistakenly.
lion. “We remain proud of the job we accomplished in the face Officials began the count after the pandemic shut down
“The undercounting of Black, Latino, Indigenous and oth- of immense challenges,” Mr. Santos said. “And we are ready operations in April 2020. After other starts and stops, the
er communities of color rob us of the opportunity to be the to work with the stakeholders and the public to leverage this Trump administration pressured census takers by inexplica-
directors of our fate, reducing our representation and limit- enormously valuable resource fully.” bly moving up the deadline to finish the count.
ing our power while depriving policymakers of the informa- Terri Ann Lowenthal, a leading expert on the census and Trump also attempted to add a citizenship question to the
tion they need to make informed decisions about where the consultant to governments and others with a stake in the census, further muddying attempts at an accurate count.
next hospital will be built or where the next school should be count, told the New York Times that the results were “trou- Many experts complained that more time was required
located,” said Damon Hewitt, the president and executive di- bling but not entirely surprising.” and called the count unreliable. Some called on then-incom-
rector of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Overall, the results are less accurate than in 2010,” she ing President Joe Biden to order a recount.
“In addition, the undercount exacerbates underfunding of said. “This is the worse census undercount I’ve seen in my 30
our communities because Census data is used as the basis The bureau estimated that the 2020 census incorrect- years working on census issues,” Arturo Vargas, CEO of the
for hundreds of billions of dollars of federal, state, and local ly counted 18.8 million residents, double-counting some, National Association of Latino Elected Officials Education
appropriations each year,” Hewitt said. wrongly including others, and missing others entirely, even Fund, said during a news conference.
The Census population count determines how many rep- as it came extremely close to reaching an accurate count of “I can’t even find the right word. I’m just upset about the
resentatives each state has in Congress for the next decade. the overall population. extent of the undercount that has been confirmed by the
It also decides how much federal funding communities re- The Times reported that the “estimates released on Thurs- post-enumeration survey,” Vargas said.
ceive for roads, schools, housing, and social programs. Hun- day — in essence, a statistical adjustment of totals made pub- “This is a major step backward on this.”
6 March 25 - 31, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
SPORTS
The Matt Ryan era comes to a disappointing end in Atlanta
BY ITORO UMONTEUN
The Atlanta Voice and he’s been our quarterback
T
through the most successful era in
he Atlanta Falcons Falcons history. Matt led us to the
traded longtime playoffs six times, including two
starting quarterback NFC Championship games, and
Matt Ryan to the In- the first Super Bowl appearance
dianapolis Colts for under my stewardship of the fran-
a third round draft pick Mon- chise. He holds every significant
day afternoon. The move was passing record in club history,
brought about March 16 when is an All-Pro, an NFL MVP and is
Atlanta attempted to secure the without question one of the great-
former Houston Texans quarter- est players in Falcons history. He
back and Georgia native Deshaun will one day be added to our Ring
Watson. Watson considered waiv- of Honor, and it is my belief that a
ing his no-trade clause to join the bust in Canton will follow in short
Falcons. However, Watson later order.”
signed a five-year, $230 million Ryan will now suit up for the
fully-guarenteed contract with the Colts, which has sights on compet-
Cleveland Browns on March 18th. ing for a Super Bowl. Anchored by
“Matt Ryan has been the epit- running back Jonathan Taylor and
Matt Ryan Wednesday his first news conference as an Indianapolis Colt. (AP)
ome of a franchise quarterback wide receivers Mo-Alie Cox, Mi-
during his time here in Atlanta,” the past 14 years. It is difficult to according to Over The Cap.com. “From his first day in the build- chael Pittman, and Parris Camp-
Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank overstate what he has meant to me The trade saves the Falcons rough- ing, Matt has given his all in the bell, Ryan will have weapons at
said in a statement. “He has repre- personally, our organization, his ly $9 million in cap space, but also pursuit of winning a champion- his disposal. Additionally, Ryan
sented this organization with great teammates and our fans.” forces Atlanta to carry over $40 ship for Atlanta,” Blank contin- will have an offensive line that is
class, professionalism and leader- Before the Matt Ryan trade, the million in dead cap money for the ued. “His arrival in 2008 instantly
ship, both on and off the field, over Falcons had $71,282 in cap space, 2022 season. made us a contender in the NFC See FALCONS on page 12
LAWMAKERS See FALCONS on page 12
Continued from page 3
for people to have to apply for a permit and RIGHT TO FARM: House Bill 1150 would
pay a fee, usually about $75. enhance protections for farmers against
CRITICAL RACE THEORY: House Bill nuisance lawsuits by neighbors over prob-
1084 and Senate Bill 377 would ban the lems such as odors.
teaching of certain racial concepts that Re- _-
publicans say are divisive. Opponents say DIDN'T ADVANCE
the measure would frighten teachers away HORSE RACING: Senate Resolution 131
from an honest classroom discussion of race and Senate Bill 212 would allow up to five
in history and the present. horse racing tracks with gambling any-
TRANSGENDER ATHLETES: Transgen- where in the state, if voters approve.
der boys and girls would be banned from CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING: Senate Bill
playing on the school sports teams match- 580 would prohibit leadership campaign
ing their gender identity under Senate Bill committees that are affiliated with mem-
435. bers of the General Assembly from taking
PARENT BILL OF RIGHTS: House Bill contributions while lawmakers are in ses-
1178 and Senate Bill 449 put into one law a sion.
number of parental rights that already exist SCHOOL VOUCHERS: Senate Bill 601
including saying parents have the right to would have directed $6,000 to any student
review all classroom materials. whose parents withdrew them from pub-
SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATION: Senate lic school after at least six weeks in public
Bill 393 seeks to prohibit social media plat- school. The education savings accounts
forms from removing or censoring content. would have been usable for tuition at pri-
VACCINE MANDATES: Senate Bill 345 vate schools and other education expenses.
would prevent state agencies and local gov- HOMELESSNESS: Senate Bill 535, would
ernments from requiring COVID-19 vac- have made it a misdemeanor for anyone to
cines. set up camp on public property. It would
MASKS IN SCHOOLS: Senate Bill 514 have punished cities that didn't enforce the
would allow parents to exclude their chil- ban by denying money to local governments
dren from mask mandates. and nonprofits.
ABORTION: Senate Bill 456 would require DISTRACTED DRIVING: Senate Bill
a woman to get an in-person exam from a 203 would have let drivers use cellphones
physician before the doctor could prescribe mounted to their windshield or dashboard
her abortion pills and bar delivery by mail while at traffic lights and stop signs.
without such an exam.
www.theatlantavoice.com March 25 - 31, 2022 7
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new victims. The good news is that asking for this, but crooks will. If Atlanta Voice: What should bank will ever ask for your user-
there are simple ways for consum- you receive a call like this, hang up you do to stop scam artists? name, password, ATM pin, etc.
ers to stay safe and fight back. and call the phone number on your Laurie: There are steps you can when reaching out to you. Banks
Scammers are always coming up account statement, the back of your take to protect yourself. may ask for this information
with new ways to get you to part credit or debit card or bank website And while we’ve given this advice only when you call to discuss
with your money. In a recent Chase to verify the authenticity of the re- before in this newspaper, it is worth your account.
survey of 2,000 consumers, 84% quest. every cent to repeat in these pages. • Transfer money to someone
of survey respondents agreed that Imposter scams Here’s what we recommend you do claiming to be from your bank.
scams and scammers have become What they look like: Someone and don’t: Banks will never ask to send
more sophisticated in recent years. will call or email you claiming to be DO: money via wire, check or oth-
To spot fraud, it’s important to from an organization you trust, like • Educate yourself on the most er method to “stop or prevent
learn more about the most wide- the Internal Revenue Service. They common scams. Fraudsters will fraud.”
spread scams, how to prevent them may threaten you by saying that if use anything to their advantage • Pay someone using gift cards,
and what to do if you think you may Laurie Winters, Local Community you don’t pay taxes or fees owed, — claiming to be from the IRS, especially when they claim to
be a victim. Manager, Riverdale GA they’ll bring a lawsuit against you. pretending to offer tech support, need them to remove a virus
We sat down with Laurie Win- How to stop them: If you think baiting you with prizes or cash win- from your computer, stop fraud
ters, local Community Manager What shocks many of our cus- there’s truly a possibility that you nings — the sky’s the limit! on your account or to buy plane
from the Chase branch on Mer- tomers is how far scam artists are owe money, don’t pay it to someone • Monitor credit score for free tickets to come visit you.
chants Square in Riverdale, to willing to impersonate familiar fac- who initiates a call or email to you. with Chase Credit Journey — you Atlanta Voice: What more can
learn more. Laurie is an expert on es, whether that be close relatives Instead, hang up and call the orga- don’t even need to be a Chase cus- you do to protect yourself from
financial health topics – she works or community officials, and also be nization in question directly. tomer to sign up! It will notify you fraud and scams?
closely with local community orga- able to trick you so easily by using Grandparent scams if your data is compromised. Plus, Laurie: One of the most effective
nizations, churches and schools to your own smart phone against you. What they look like: You’ll get you’ll receive critical alerts that things you can do to prevent fraud
conduct financial health and well- So next time you receive a text mes- an email from a grandchild (or oth- help protect your credit and iden- is to regularly monitor your bank
ness seminars and education. She sage or email on your phone, think er relative) saying that they’re in tity. and credit card accounts so that
shared some insight into some of twice before you engage. trouble and need money fast. • Review your accounts closely you can be on the lookout for signs
the most common scams out there Here is what I mean: How to stop them: Call your if you believe you may have fallen of unusual activity.
and what steps you can take to help Fake bank fraud specialist relative directly. If you can’t reach for a scam. With Chase, you can also Your bank’s mobile app can give
protect your information and keep What they look like: Consum- them, contact another relative who set up account alerts so you can be you easy access to self-service =
your hard-earned money safe. ers receive a fraud alert via text tools that let you track your financ-
Atlanta Voice: How common message that appears to come from es 24/7. If you spot something suspi-
are fraud and scams ? their bank. The message asks them cious, immediately report any con-
Laurie: Fraud cases are unfortu- to validate whether they made a cerning activity to your bank.
nately becoming more prevalent, certain purchase or sent a certain Many banks, including Chase,
and more sophisticated. In fact, the amount of money. After saying also let you set up account alerts to
FTC revealed that 3.5 million peo- “no,” the recipient gets a call from help you detect unusual transac-
ple reported being a victim of fraud someone claiming to be from their tions to your bank or credit card by
or identity theft in 2020, an increase bank’s fraud team. The phone num- sending automatic notifications.
of more than 1.5 million from the ber may even appear to be a real If you’re not sure if your bank or
previous year. For Black communi- phone number from your bank. financial institution already offers
ties, the problem is even worse with They’ll ask for the customer’s these tools or services, be sure to
nearly half (40%) of Black adults be- banking username, password or a ask.
ing targeted by of online scams and one-time passcode. Alternatively, If you believe that you may have
fraud, according to AARP. they’ll sometimes ask the custom- been a victim of fraud or scams,
Atlanta Voice: What kind of er to send money to themselves or there’s no need to feel embarrassed
scams exist that we should be a third party to “stop” the fraud or or ashamed. It can happen to any-
aware of and know how to stop to get their money back. Once the one. What’s most important is to
them? scammer has gained access to a per- take immediate action.
While new scams are always pop- son’s account or convinced them to Sponsored content from
ping up, there are several common send money, they usually stop con- PHOTO CREDIT:GETTYIMAGES JPMorgan Chase & Co
approaches that keep resurfacing tact and the victim’s money is gone. To learn more about common
year after year. How to stop them: Unfortunate- scams and how to stop scammers in
Some of the more common scams ly, scammers target consumers from knows them and may know their notified of transactions on your ac- their tracks visit: www.chase.com/
we’ve encountered and helped our many banks and they are very good whereabouts and circumstances. count. security-tips. You can also learn tips
customers fight against may not at disguising themselves by “spoof- Whatever you do, don’t send mon- DON’T: to identify and avoid financial abuse
always seems so obvious at first if ing” or making their phone num- ey, purchase gift cards, or share • Click on suspicious links on by visiting: www.chase.com/finan-
you’ve been targeted. ber appear legitimate. Consumers any of your personal information, emails or texts unless you’re sure cialabuse.
8 March 25 - 31, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
HERSTORY Celebrating Women's History Month
Patricia Bath
P
WHO WAS PATRICIA BATH? a former Merchant Marine and an who were unable to afford treat- on her most well-known inven-
atricia Bath was the occasional newspaper columnist, ment. tion: the Laserphaco Probe (1986).
first African American taught Bath about the wonders of PIONEER IN Harnessing laser technology, the
to complete a residen- travel and the value of exploring device created a less painful and
OPHTHALMOLOGY
cy in ophthalmology in new cultures. Her mother piqued more precise treatment of cata-
1973. Two years later, the young girl's interest in science In 1973, Bath became the first racts. She received a patent for the
she became the first female facul- by buying her a chemistry set. African American to complete device in 1988, becoming the first
ty member in the Department of As a result, Bath worked hard a residency in ophthalmology. African American female doctor
Ophthalmology at UCLA's Jules on her intellectual pursuits and, at She moved to California the fol- to receive a patent for a medical
Stein Eye Institute. In 1976, Bath the age of 16, became one of only lowing year to work as an assis- purpose. She also holds patents in
co-founded the American Insti- a few students to attend a cancer tant professor of surgery at both Japan, Canada and Europe. With
tute for the Prevention of Blind- research workshop sponsored by Charles R. Drew University and her Laserphaco Probe, Bath was
ness, which established that "eye- the National Science Foundation. the University of California, Los able to help restore the sight of in-
sight is a basic human right." In The program head, Dr. Robert Angeles. In 1975, she became the dividuals who had been blind for
1986, Bath invented the Laserpha- Bernard, was so impressed with first female faculty member in the more than 30 years.
co Probe, improving treatment for Bath's discoveries during the Department of Ophthalmology at In 1993, Bath retired from her
cataract patients. She patented project that he incorporated her UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute. position at the UCLA Medical
the device in 1988, becoming the findings in a scientific paper he In 1976, Bath co-founded the Center and became an honor-
first African American female presented at a conference. The Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty American Institute for the Pre- ary member of its medical staff.
doctor to receive a medical patent. publicity surrounding her discov- Images vention of Blindness, which es- That same year, she was named a
eries earned Bath the Mademoi- ing year, she also began pursuing tablished that "eyesight is a basic "Howard University Pioneer in Ac-
EARLY LIFE selle magazine's Merit Award in a fellowship in ophthalmology at human right." By 1983, Bath had ademic Medicine."
Patricia Era Bath was born on 1960. Columbia University. Through her helped create the Ophthalmolo- Among her many roles in the
November 4, 1942, in New York After graduating from high studies there, she discovered that gy Residency Training program medical field, Bath was a strong
City's Harlem neighborhood to school in only two years, Bath African Americans were twice at UCLA-Drew, which she also advocate of telemedicine, which
Rupert Bath, the first Black motor- headed to Hunter College, where as likely to suffer from blindness chaired—becoming, in addition uses technology to provide medi-
man for the New York City subway she earned a bachelor's degree in than other patients to which she to her other firsts, the first woman cal services in remote areas.
system, and Gladys Bath, a house- 1964. She then attended Howard attended, and eight times more in the nation to hold such a posi-
wife and domestic worker who University to pursue a medical de- likely to develop glaucoma. Her tion. DEATH
used her salary to save money for gree. Bath graduated with honors research led to her development INVENTING THE Bath died on May 30, 2019, in
her children's education. Bath was from Howard in 1968, and accept- of a community ophthalmolo- San Francisco, California.
LASERPHACO PROBE
encouraged by her family to pur- ed an internship at Harlem Hospi- gy system, which increased the Courtesy: https://www.biogra-
sue academic interests. Her father, tal shortly afterward. The follow- amount of eye care given to those In 1981, Bath began working phy.com/scientist/patricia-bath
BUSINESS
Why brides-to-be choose the Laine London experience
BY BRIA SUGGS
The Atlanta Voice day with one less financial burden it or throwing it away, has been long including “Best Bridal Boutique” by new gowns as well if they don’t wish
while also diversifying the industry. overdue for disruption.” Jezebel Magazine. to rent. There is also a program avail-
Located in Chamblee, Laine Lon- “Around 70% of couples will take The first few years of operation for In 2021, Laine London was one of able for anyone unsure of whether or
don is a minority woman-owned on some form of debt when getting Laine London was primarily focused the recipients of a $5,000 grant from not they want to rent their gown.
bridal store that allows brides to married, and I’d like to believe Laine on finding their place in the brid- the Coalition to Back Black Business- “We have a unique program that al-
afford the wedding dress of their London has helped relieve some of al gown market, gaining customer es, which allowed the business to ex- lows brides to purchase a brand new
dreams through a rental program. that financial burden,” Carter, CEO of trust and finding the right suppliers pand faster than expected. dress and return it after their wedding
The store was founded in 2018 by Laine London said. “We're not look- to build relationships with. When Bridal packages start at $799 at for up to a 40% refund,” Carter said.
long-time friends Lundyn Carter and ing to be just another bridal shop. the pandemic hit in 2020, Carter and Laine London, which includes any “While we offer this program, it is ex-
Tiffany Gaines. We're aiming high and working to- Gaines had to adjust to “the new nor- dress, one accessory and alterations tremely rare that a customer decides
In 2017, Carter, who has her MBA wards transforming the way brides all mal” while staying true to their goal of as well. The rental process begins by to keep the dress. Why keep the dress
from Emory University, decided to over the U.S. say “Yes!” to their dream positively disrupting the industry. booking an appointment with a per- when you can use that money for a
pivot her career from working in cor- dress. All the largest bridal retailers in “Over the last 2 years, we’ve driven sonal stylist and then choosing the down payment on a home or the hon-
porate settings to becoming an entre- the US are named after men. We want our industry forward by introducing right dress for the client. eymoon!”
preneur. Carter and Gaines started to change that!” the sharing economy to bridal retail Clients then can pick up their dress Laine London has exclusive de-
Laine London not as experts in the To Carter, Laine London’s mission in a way that has never been done be- after alterations and schedule the signer partnerships and carries gowns
bridal industry, but rather as two is pretty simple. fore,” Carter said. “If the last couple of drop-off date and time for the gar- from popular brands Justin Alexan-
friends and brides-to-be that didn’t “[We want] to help all brides-to-be years showed us anything, it was the ment. After the wedding, the client der, Tarik Ediz, Oksana Mukha, Pol-
want to spend thousands on a dress say “I Do” in the dress of their dreams validity of our business model and returns the gown in the garment bag lardi Fashion Group and more, along
that would only be worn once. without breaking the bank,” Carter the need for change in an industry it came in and Laine London handles with Badgley Mischka heels and flats.
That journey then turned into cre- said. “The standard business mod- steeped in tradition.” all dry cleaning and minor stains or Carter would love for Laine Lon-
ating a unique experience for other el—purchasing an expensive dress, Their hard work has paid off, earn- rips. don to continue to grow to help brides
future brides to enjoy their wedding wear it once, then storing it, selling ing several awards for Laine London, Brides-to-be can purchase brand all over the country in the future.
www.theatlantavoice.com March 25 - 31, 2022 9
BUSINESS
Decatur native finds her Purpose to Be Heard
BY BRIA SUGGS
play at because to her, their stories are not so
The Atlanta Voice
different.
Born and raised in Decatur, Nia Symone has The platform will also include content that
been playing basketball since she was four. promotes mental health and overall wellness.
She continued to play on the collegiate level at To Symone, it’s just as important for athletes
Alabama State University, where she graduat- to not only train their bodies, but their minds
ed in 2019 with a degree in communications. as well.
Symone initially wanted to go into sports “If we take the time, 15 minutes out of our
broadcasting, but decided to deviate from a day, to do some guided meditation, some quiet
traditional post-playing career path and cre- time, some yoga, whatever works best for you
ate her own platform, Purpose to Be Heard or even talking to a therapist once or twice a
Productions LLC. week,” says Symone, “that's working out your
“People always say, ‘If you want to be in the mind.”
sports media room, you'll have to go the tra- Nia Symone, founder of Purpose to Be Heard Productions. Submitted by Nia Symone In March, Purpose to Be Heard will have a
ditional route- go be a sports reporter in the ine doing something [for] damn near half your 98% do? A lot of us don't know, a lot of us didn't community wellness and yoga session in At-
middle of nowhere Mississippi, and be there life. And one day you wake up, and you're no have time to get jobs or internships. Some of lanta. In the future, Symone hopes her compa-
for two years and climb your way up,’” Symone longer doing it anymore. No one's telling you us majored in stuff that we didn't care about ny will continue to expand to allow it to reach
said. “I quickly realized that's not what I want- where to go, how to do it, where to do it, when in order just to be eligible to play on the colle- athletes all over the world.
ed to do. And so I just kind of made a pivot. to do it.” giate level. There are no resources, absolutely “I can't Google right now and say, ‘Is there
And here I am now, I have not left Atlanta at all Knowing that the majority of athletes don’t not one resource or a safe space for athletes, to a mental health spotlight strictly for athletes
since I've graduated and my career has been make it to the professional leagues, one of the number one, connect, but number two, to get to call and talk to somebody?” Symone said.
off to a great start.” things Symone wanted to help people with non-athletes and society that understand that “Just shaking the table being a Black woman
Purpose to Be Heard is a digital storytelling is the transition of retiring athletes. She read we are humans, just like everybody else.” in this space, and creating these films, direct-
platform with the intent of creating a safe, once that an athlete dies twice, once in retire- Purpose to Be Heard will feature both short ing these films … I see this platform growing
community environment for former and cur- ment and then their actual death. She sees this and long-form content in the future. This dig- into being a multi-million dollar digital plat-
rent athletes. Symone decided to create her as a side of sports that isn’t always discussed ital platform allows Symone to have a chance form to just help curate content as well as also
own company because of the lack of resources and created Purpose to Be Heard to fill that to combine her love for sports and storytelling, making sure that we are taking care of our
available for athletes. gap. as she will be producing the documentaries. community around us and eventually expand
“I just saw the gap when it comes to resourc- “Fewer than 2% of us actually get on the pro- She plans to attempt to tell the stories of all into other parts of the country and then even-
es for athletes like me,” Symone said. “Imag- fessional athletes ... So what does that other athletes, regardless of sport of the level they tually globally.”
10 March 25 - 31, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
MEDIA
Ebony Magazine Publishing launches new
podcast network: Ebony Covering Black America
NNPA NEWSWIRE nance, wellness, and science. Marita Thomas, Trina Blair write:
Erica Cobb of the Comeback “Ebony has long had a history
America’s most recognizable Af- with Erica Cobb podcast, states, of telling our stories in rich and
rican American brand introduces “I’m beyond excited to partner my authentic ways, especially those of
a New Wave of Original Podcasts. podcast with a legacy media brand Black women.
The Ebony Covering Black Ameri- like Ebony that historically has “Through The Petty’ish Suite,
ca Podcast Network is inspired by meant so much to the culture. we are honored to continue the
the stunningly designed coffee ta- “As a Chicago native, Ebony legacy of bringing fresh Black voic-
ble book of the same name by La- symbolized Black excellence to es and perspectives to the broader
vaille Lavette, President and Pub- me. I see this as an opportunity conversation. As three Black wom-
lisher of Ebony Publishing and the to be a part of something new and en executives who are also close
Ebony Podcast Network. fresh and look forward to reaching friends, we look forward bringing
Much like the book, the Pod- new audiences together.” our honest, lively and engaging
cast Network covers all aspects of This sentiment is echoed by Ron chats to the EBONY Podcast Net-
Black culture, creating a collective Dawson: work.”
universe for authors and content “I feel honored to bring the Dun- “I am thrilled to present the Big
creators. geons and Durags Podcast to the Mahomes Show on the Ebony Cov-
The new wave of shows includes Ebony Covering Black America ering Black America podcast net-
a broad spectrum of podcasters Podcast Network. To be associated work, where I can contribute to the
from established figures such as with such an iconic brand is hum- Ebony brand legacy by featuring
civil rights leader Dr. Ben Chavis, bling. But for this particular pod- top figures in the world of sports to
Ebony has long had a history of telling our stories in rich and authentic
radio host and entrepreneur Ange- cast to be on Ebony, is also com- a new generation,” stated retired
ways, especially those of Black women.Photo Courtesy of BlackPressUsa.
la Yee and daytime talk show host ically ironic (you’ll understand major league baseball player, Pat
com
Erica Cobb, to new emerging voic- once you listen). I would be remiss Mahomes.
es, such as former Major League Thomas, Trina Blair, Tad Prescott work cover the areas of entertain- if I did not end by saying “Ya dig. For a complete list of podcasts,
baseball player Patrick Mahomes, and Elizabeth Leiba. ment, literature, sports, media, Sho ’nuff. And peace out.” please visit: https://ebonypodcast-
Ron Dawson, Carla Black, Marita Twenty plus shows on the net- politics, lifestyle, pop culture, fi- Media veterans Carla Black, network.com
MEDIA
'The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois' wins book critics award
BY HILLEL ITALIE
AP National Writer Leonard, a founding member of the NBCC
N
who died in 2008, was known for his support
EW YORK (AP) Honoree for emerging writers.
Fanonne Jeffers' ``The Love The inaugural Toni Morrison Achieve-
Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois,'' her ment Award, established last year in honor
epic novel about racism, resil- of the late Nobel laureate and presented to
ience and identity named for ``institutions that have made lasting and
the influential Black scholar and activist, has meaningful contributions to book culture,''
received the fiction prize from the National was given to the Cave Canem Foundation. A
Book Critics Circle. self-defined ``home for Black poetry'' start-
The critics circle praised Jeffers for ed in 1996 by Toi Derricotte and Cornelius
``weaving several centuries' worth of `songs' Eady, the foundation has helped support
from the ancestors into her narrative of the such prize winning poets as Claudia Rankine
coming of age and young adulthood of a bril- and Tracy K. Smith.
liant Atlanta scholar.'' Jeffers, a professor of Novelist Percival Everett, whose books
English at the University of Oklahoma and include such meta-fiction as ``Erasure''
author of five poetry collections, was among and ``A History of the African-American
the winners announced Thursday during a People,'' received the Ivan Sandrof Lifetime
ceremony held online because of the corona- Achievement Award, named for the critics
virus pandemic. circle's first president. The Nona Balakian
In the nonfiction category, the award Citation for Excellence in Reviewing, named
was given to Clint Smith's ``How the Word for the late critic and co-founder of the
NBCC Honoree Fanonne Jeffers
Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of NBCC, was given to New Yorker contributor
Slavery Across America.'' Rebecca Donner's ton Lin's ``Gay Bar: Why We Went Out'' was Antthony Veasna So, a highly regarded au- Merve Emre.
``All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days: named the best autobiography. The poetry thor who died suddenly in 2020 at age 28, re- The NBCC was founded in 1974 and in-
The True Story of the American Woman at prize was given to Diane Seuss' ``frank: son- ceived posthumous praise on Thursday. His cludes hundreds of ``critics, authors, liter-
the Heart of the German Resistance to Hit- nets,`` and the criticism award went to Me- story collection ``Afterparties'' was awarded ary bloggers, book publishing professionals,
ler'' won for biography, and Jeremy Ather- lissa Febos' ``Girlhood.'' the John Leonard Prize for best first book. student members, and friends.''www.theatlantavoice.com March 25 - 31, 2022 11
On the Scene
Andrew Young: Eighteen hundred people came out to wish former Ambassador Andrew Young a happy 90th birthday. On hand were Rev. Jesse Jackson;
Entertainment was provided by gospel singer BeBe Winans, The Whispers and Kathleen Bertrand) (Photos: Itoro Umonteun/The Atlanta Voice)
A special screening of the FX hit show ATLANTA was held in Atlanta. The show premieres Thursday night on FX. (Photos: Itoro Umonteun/ The Atlanta
Voice.)You can also read
