DEBLAIR TATE IS 'RESILIENT' - THE ATLANTA VOICE
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www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 57 Issue 56 • FREE
THE ATLANTA JUNE 3, 2022 INSIDE
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METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
Celebrity trainer and
U.S. Air Force member
publishes new book
DeBlair Tate is ‘Resilient’
| Page 2
2 June 3 - 9, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
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Tate wearing pieces from her 8figured brand. 8figured.com (photo by Nathan Pearcy).
DeBlair Tate demonstrates ‘Resiliency’
in overcoming racism and illness
BY CRAIG ALLEN BROWN The inspiration for writing her book came of things. As I got older, I started wanting homecoming queen and a “white” home-
MANAGING EDITOR/REPORT FOR from her fitness clients, who would often answers. He needed to tell me why he didn’t coming queen. There were “white” class
AMERICA CORPS MEMBER share their own woes with Tate to give in- want me, why he wasn't in my life.” reunions and “Black” class reunions. These
DeBlair Tate has a lengthy list of accom- sight into their own struggles. Tate has al- The difficult task of raising Tate fell square- segregated events happened during the ear-
plishments that attests to her determination ways been a private person, so she had not ly and solely on her mother’s shoulders. Tate ly 2000s, and to Tate’s knowledge, were still
and ambition. previously shared her struggles with anyone. regularly got in trouble, which amplified the ongoing in the 2010s.
She currently serves as a senior noncom- One day, one of her clients asked her,” difficulties her mother faced in raising her. According to Tate, the presence of the Ku
missioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. She What is your ‘why?’ What keeps you motivat- But struggles within Tate’s household would Klux Klan in Winona was commonplace. In
is a graduate of Mississippi State University. ed?” pale in comparison to difficulties she faced fact, local business owners and other prom-
She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta So- “I felt like it was time for me to just kin- outside of the home. inent people in the town often made no at-
rority, Inc. She’s enjoyed success as a fitness da open up and be vulnerable, and share my Although Tate’s hometown of Winona was tempt to hide their affiliation with the Klan.
competitor, trainer and coach. She also has story, because I needed to walk in my walk,” small, violence and racial disharmony were Tate states that the racism she experienced
a successful clothing line, 8figured, that is Tate said. omnipresent. Tate and her family members in her hometown was the norm; she did not
now expanding into fitness nutrition. One of the first major hurdles Tate had to often took a retaliatory approach when they understand how racist the town was until
And now, she can add published author to navigate was the absence of her father from felt threatened; as a result, her family was of- she relocated to Atlanta.
her list of achievements. Tate recently pub- her life, particularly at a time when his pres- ten involved in illegal activities that normal- Although Winona had its fair share of neg-
lished “Resilient as F*ck,” an autobiograph- ence was needed the most. Her father relo- ly ended in others being hurt. Tate’s actions ativity, Tate says that she did have a positive
ical look into the many obstacles she has cated to Alaska when Tate was a young child. sometimes resulted in restraining orders be- group of influencers who held her account-
overcome in her continuous pursuit of per- Communication between the two was almost ing placed against her. She remembers vivid- able, and attempted to steer her towards
sonal and professional excellence. nonexistent, so a relationship between the ly how the violence in the small, Mississippi a more positive path. This group included
Tate’s adversities in life are as numerous two did not materialize until she was much town resulted in the deaths of several close family, teachers, mentors and individuals
as her successes, many of which revolved older. For a long time, her father’s absence friends and family members. from her church congregation. She said that
around her childhood in Winona, Mississip- was a significant source of turmoil in her life. Racial discrimination was so prevalent this group saw potential in her that she did
pi (population of less than 5,000 people). “I didn’t know how to feel, or why he in Winona that the local high school had not immediately see in herself.
After a long time of keeping a troubled wasn’t in my life,” Tate said. “There was a segregated social events, sanctioned by the Tate understood early in life that she
past under wraps, Tate says she felt inclined lot of resentment, because I felt that I wasn’t school. Annually, there was a “white” prom
to finally share her story. wanted. It made me… defensive about a lot and a “Black” prom. There was a “Black” See TATE on page 7
www.theatlantavoice.com June 3 - 9, 2022 3
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FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton
Immortalis Memoria
VOICES "If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life.”
— MARCUS GARVEY
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
J. Lowell Ware
Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors
the life of J. Lowell Ware.
How to Cope With Trauma After a Mass Shooting
PUBLISHER Dr. Ezemenari Obasi, professor normal routine.
Janis Ware of psychological health, learning Children are impressionable,
jlware@theatlantavoice.com
sciences, and associate dean of re- and if the doors of communica-
PRESIDENT/
search at the University of Hous- tion are not properly opened, they
GENERAL MANAGER
James A. Washington ton, shares tips on how to man- will look at other means to seek in-
jaws@theatlantavoice.com age trauma after the recent mass formation that parents might not
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT shootings. approve of.
TO PUBLISHER BY LAURA ONYENEHO “It’s complicated when children
Chia Suggs The mass shooting at Robb El- get older and the begin to see the
csuggs@theatlantavoice.com
ementary School in Uvalde, Tex- nuances of how things play out by
CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
as and other high-profile school race and social class,” Obasi said.”
Dawn Montgomery
dmontgomery@theatlantavoice.com shootings across the country all “It’s critical to know your child.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS have had an impact on schools, Know what they are capable of
Martel Sharpe parents and children, even if they without underestimating their ca-
msharpe@theatlantavoice.com weren’t directly affected by the pacity.”
MANAGING EDITOR, PRINT horrific events. During traumatic events, bal-
Craig Allen Brown
The mere thought of one day ancing personal comfort with
cbrown@theatlantavoice.com
EDITOR AT LARGE taking your loved one to school what’s in the best interests of the
Stan Washington with hopes of them returning child has its challenges, but Oba-
swashington@theatlantavoice.com home safely, is no longer the case si recommends parents to not
REPORT FOR AMERICA CORPS for the families of 19 children and over-generalize the likelihood
MEMBER, EDUCATION REPORTER two adults. a mass shooting. For example,
Madeline Thigpen
Schools are supposed to be in- during the height of the COVID-19
mthigpen@theatlantavoice.com
stitutions that provide a safe space Photograph courtesy of Pixabay/Pexels. pandemic, parents felt the best
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER
Bria Suggs for students to learn; now families way to protect children from
bsuggs@theatlantavoice.com struggle to understand why such getting sick was to keep them at
MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL tragedies continue to happen and itself,” Obasi said. “So much has deal with stressors. Good sleep, home. Unfortunately, there are
Itoro Umontuen how they can be prevented. happened in such a short amount having a healthy diet and physical unintended consequences like
iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com
From a young age, American of time, there’s no more space to activity are necessities. These are lack of social interaction and de-
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
children practice active-shooter stuff more grief and loss down.” the basic blocks to help cope with velopmental skills.
Alexis Grace
agrace@theatlantavoice.com drills. No matter how prepared a Obasi offered five steps parents trauma. Engage in journaling, me- “Have conversations with the
DIRECTOR OF VISUALS school might think it is, an event and guardians take during these diation and prayer. schools [and ask] what is your pro-
Trarell Torrence like this can happen when you challenging times. Have a family plan tocol?” he said. “I don’t think iso-
t.torrence@theatlantavoice.com least expect it. Talk with family and friends We underestimate the resilien- lated incidences should be strong
Parents and schools are forced It’s really therapeutic to get cy of children. They have the ca- enough to keep your kid from go-
ADVERTISING, SALES to find ways to have a difficult stressful things off of your chest. pacity to experience things and ing to school long term, but you
& CIRCULATION conversation about violence. Oftentimes we bury things and talk about it in ways that can sur- might want to take some time off
ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR What should be done to reassure we push ourselves and eventually prise us if we are willing to listen in the short term instead because
Chia Suggs children about their safety while burn out. Give yourself some grace nonjudgmentally. how can you focus on school when
advertising@theatlantavoice.com
prioritizing their mental and emo- to not be okay, to be tired and be With my son, we talk about lives are lost?”
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Terry Milliner tional health? patient with your own recovery. keeping your cell phone on you, If none of the five recommen-
SALES The Defender Network spoke Engaging with others helps you knowing how to hide and not ap- dations works Obasi suggests the
R.D.W. Jackson with Dr. Ezemenari Obasi, profes- normalize the experience. You are proach the situation, making sure following:
rdwadman@gmail.com sor of psychological health and not alone in the struggle. we have a meet-up location, so Seek professional services
SUBMISSIONS learning sciences and associate Limit media coverage when an event happens, we al- There are people who are
newsroom@theatlantavoice.com dean of research at the University I think of the whole George Floyd ready know how to anticipate how trained and can provide a space
of Houston to share some tips on experience. How many times are to move through it. for you to navigate your feelings in
CONTACT INFORMATION how to manage trauma after the we going to watch his death being Avoid negative coping strate- a healthy way. We stigmatize men-
633 Pryor Street, S.W.
mass shooting. replayed on screen? It’s getting to gies tal health that you are considered
Atlanta, GA 30312
“Sometimes we live through the point where we can become When the stress levels get too to be weak to want help. It’s a sign
Office: 404-524-6426
Fax: 404-527-5464 things vicariously and when you numb. It’s best just to shut it down high, it’s easy to rely on things like of strength to know what your lim-
think of the media coverage, mass instead of retraumatizing yourself drugs and alcohol that get that im- itations are and to be open to talk
shooting, political talking points and your child(ren). mediate escape, or oversleeping about them.
and being exposed to the graph- Prioritizing self-care or isolating ourselves from others.
ic images, it can be traumatic in Your body needs the energy to That takes you away from your
www.theatlantavoice.com June 3 - 9, 2022 5
6 June 3 - 9, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
SPONSORED CONTENT
New Help for Georgia’s Family Caregivers
BY DEBRA TYLER HORTON,
was discharged. Despite the best efforts ed institutions or from going back into
AARP Georgia State Director
A
and intentions of these dedicated fam- the hospital. In 2021, more than half of
ll across Georgia, family ily caregivers, failure to perform these Georgia’s hospitals were penalized for
caregivers can breathe a tasks properly could result in their excessive patient readmissions. The
sigh of relief. On July 1, loved one being readmitted to a hospi- Georgia Caregivers Act could help pre-
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vulnerable residents and the family prevent this. The new law ensures three just as hard to make sure all Georgians
members who care for them. important things: know about this new law and how to
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Debra Tyler Horton
injections. Before now, Georgia care- AARP Georgia State Director The unpaid care provided by Geor-
givers were often left in the dark after gia’s family caregivers – valued at about
a loved one was admitted to a hospital how to perform the medical tasks they $13.2 billion per year – helps keep older
and were given little, if any, training on would need to provide once the patient Georgians out of costly, taxpayer-fund-
POLITICS
Black to the Future Fund focuses on Georgia voting in upcoming elections
BRIA SUGGS One of the resources Black to the Future
The Atlanta Voice
B
Action Fund created for the midterm elec-
lack to the Future Action Fund tion is the 2022 Roadmap, which took six
is a 501(c)(4) that hopes to trans- months of research and tens of thousands of
form Black communities by in- data points to create.
creasing Black political power in The 2022 Roadmap is based on the orga-
states across the country. Accord- nization’s bi-monthly polls and is a preview
ing to its website, the organization works to of the 2022 Black Agenda, which Black to the
“enact policy that improves the lives of Black Future Action Fund will release in August. As
people and to elect Black legislators with the writers of the 2022 Roadmap, Davis and
progressive values who move progressive Gregory found that there were three main
policies.” issues that the Black community were con-
“We do research within communities via cerned with.
polling that we've been doing, and also by The polls showed that Black voters want
crafting policy recommendations that spe- progress on voting rights, legislation that
cifically speak to the needs and desires of combats white supremacy and pandemic re-
Black communities across the nation,” said lief and economic funding.
Aisha Davis, Policy Director for Black to Keauna Gregory, Political Director for Black
Aisha Davis, policy director of Black to the “We chose those three topics to really flesh
the Future Action Fund. Photo: Black to the to the Future Action Fund. Photo: Black to
Future Action Fund. “This year, we've se- out and use this roadmap as a tool to not only
Future Action Fund the Future Action Fund
lected five priority states, including Georgia, talk to our communities across the country
but the other four are California, Louisiana, population. areas in Georgia, because the organization and within our priority states especially, but
North Carolina and Wisconsin.” “We did deep work during the 2020 elec- believes these two groups are often left out of also to speak to elected officials to get them
In these priority states, the organization tion,” Gregory said. “And then between elec- more traditional political organizing models. on board with what it is that we're trying to
plans to help Black communities guide the tion cycles, we really did what we could to “Our plan in Georgia is to run a 360 cam- do,” Davis said. “And also, this is a tool that
conversations and policies of their candi- sort of lay the groundwork, build up our vol- paign, from endorsements, to paid advertis- we plan on sharing with our candidates as
dates. Keauna Gregory is a Georgia native unteer base, do some grassroots organizing. ing, to door-knocking programs, to volunteer well, if they're interested.”
and is Black to the Future Action Fund’s po- This year, we really are going all in from an efforts,” Gregory said. “We want to be in all For voters, there are resources to educate
litical director. electoral standpoint. We are going to be en- the places that Georgia voters get their infor- themselves on via Black to the Future Action
Gregory has been working with the organi- dorsing up and down the ballot from the U.S. mation, from the mailbox, to their phones Fund’s website. In Georgia, the primary run-
zation for the past two years, and Georgia has Senate down to the state legislature.” with digital ads, to being at their front door.” off elections are scheduled for June 21, and
been a priority state the entire time. Georgia In regard to the upcoming midterm elec- Black to the Future Action Fund recently the midterm elections will happen on No-
has been one of the organization’s main areas tion, Black to the Future Action Fund has a endorsed Georgia state representatives Park vember 8.
of focus due to its politically engaged Black focus on Black men and people living in rural Cannon and Nikema Williams.
www.theatlantavoice.com June 3 - 9, 2022 7
TATE
Continued from page 2
wanted to leave Winona as soon as she could, Despite her illness, Tate still maintained a
but she wasn’t sure how. She contemplat- desire to change people’s lives for the better.
ed joining the Air Force, but her protective Once the time and energy demands of phys-
grandmother wanted her to attend college ical training began to be too much for her,
instead. She eventually enlisted, and to date, she pivoted to fitness fashion, and created
has served for more than 22 years. her brand: 8figured. 8figured started out as a
Tate happened upon a career as a per- clothing brand, but has since expanded. The
sonal trainer unintentionally. As a result of brand now includes health supplements,
Hurricane Ivan, she left Biloxi, Mississippi along with both men’s and women’s cloth-
and relocated to Atlanta. She was working ing. All of the clothing is designed by Tate;
at a smoothie bar when her personal trainer the idea is to create clothes that can be en-
asked her if she’d ever competed in fitness joyed by customers of all shapes and sizes.
competitions. She hadn’t, but soon became Tate hopes that readers will be able to
interested. After competing for some time, identify with the successes she has had in
Tate earned a fitness certification, and be- life, and use her conquests as motivation to
came a certified physical trainer. conquer their own goals.
Her life would change again when she no- “After reading my book, you should be em-
ticed she was consistently becoming sick in powered,” Tate said. “Nothing should be able
certain environments. Upon consulting her to stop you. You can do whatever you want
doctor, she was diagnosed with an autoim- to do.”
mune disorder. You can follow DeBlair Tate on Instagram
“I hid it [initially],” Tate said. “I tried to @iamdeblair, or view her website at 8figured.
make it as if it was nonexistent. To me, I was com.
a person that was strong, and I couldn’t be- Craig Allen Brown serves as managing
lieve that something was happening to ME. editor (print) and covers business for The
“I was embarrassed for a long time. Instead Atlanta Voice in partnership with Report for
of educating people on what’s going on, I still America. Follow him on Twitter at @CraigAl-
tried to keep it a secret. And I realized that len_21 or send him an email at cbrown@the-
wasn’t the route to go, because it was causing atlantavoice.com. You can support his work
me to struggle on the inside, having to suffer with a tax-deductible donation to Report for Tate wrote "Resilient as F*ck" as a means to not only empower others, but to allow herself
in silence. So I started opening up about it.” America. the freedom to "walk her walk." (photo by Nathan Pearcy).
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NATIONAL
'It was just madness inside.' Gunman kills 4 people at Tulsa hospital complex
Four people were killed in Tulsa on June 1 after a gunman -- who was later found dead -- opened fire on the second floor of a medical building, authorities in Oklahoma said. (photo by Michael
Noble Jr./Reuters).
BY ANDY ROSE, AMY SIMONSON AND Meulenberg said, and has not been publicly doctor's appointment when she saw multiple Shooting occurred at town 'sacred ground'
TRAVIS CALDWELL identified. officers race toward the complex. Saint Francis Health System, which runs
CNN Police suspect the gunman's fatal wounds "It's awful, it's sad. My daughter-in-law is the hospital, said in a statement that some
(CNN) -- Four people were killed in Tul- were self-inflicted, and two firearms -- de- from Buffalo, so now it's so close to home. It's offices will be closed for the remainder of the
sa on Wednesday after a gunman -- who was scribed by Meulenberg as a semiautomatic not even safe if you come outside anymore, week.
later found dead -- opened fire on the second rifle and a semiautomatic pistol -- believed to you know?" Nathan said. Oklahoma state Rep. Melissa Provenzano,
floor of a medical building, authorities in have been used in the shooting were found "I mean, you see it on TV," her daughter- whose district includes the hospital, told
Oklahoma said. next to him. Two of the deceased were found in-law said, "but you don't think it's actually CNN she was on campus the morning of the
"It was just madness inside, with hundreds in the same room as the gunman, the police going to happen right in front of your eyes, shooting and called it "the center of our com-
of rooms and hundreds of people trying to captain said. so this is a wakeup call for my kids, this can munity."
get out of the building," Tulsa police Capt. It was unclear whether the four people really happen anywhere and it's very scary." "This is just one of the hallmark locations
Richard Meulenberg told CNN. killed were medical staffers, patients or vis- "You can't even go to a store, you can't even in our town," she said, and credited hospital
The mass shooting is among the latest in- itors, said Dalgleish, who said the shooting go to school, now you can't go to the doctor?" staff there for saving her father's life when he
stances nationwide of first responders and took place at an orthopedic center in the Debra Proctor was in another building contracted Covid-19.
civilians coming face-to-face with the threat building. on the hospital campus for an appointment "This campus is sacred ground for our
of gun violence in public places. It comes In addition, fewer than 10 people suffered when she heard police sirens. community," said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum,
more than two weeks after a racist assault at non-life-threatening injuries, Meulenberg "Police were everywhere in the parking lot, who also expressed "profound gratitude" for
a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and a said. Authorities are trying to determine if up and down the surrounding blocks," said the first responders who "did not hesitate to-
bloody attack at a church in California; and they were wounded by gunfire or during the Proctor, a registered nurse for more than four day to respond to this act of violence."
eight days after a heartbreaking massacre at chaos of escaping the scene, he said. No offi- decades. "They were still arriving when I was "The men and women of the Tulsa Police
an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. cers were injured. leaving." Department did not hesitate," the mayor
Law enforcement received a call just be- Investigators are working to determine the Kalen Davis, a lifelong Tulsa resident, was said.
fore 5 p.m. Wednesday about a person with gunman's motive, although the shooting was waiting in traffic around 5 p.m. local time Provenzano also hailed the effective police
a firearm at the Natalie Medical Building, a not believed to be indiscriminate, Meulen- when she saw multiple police cars respond- response yet urged more proactive work is
physicians' office facility on the campus of berg told CNN's Don Lemon. ing to the scene. needed to curb similar shootings in the fu-
Saint Francis Hospital, Tulsa police Deputy "He very purposefully went to this loca- In a video she shared with CNN, authori- ture.
Chief Eric Dalgleish said at a news confer- tion, went to a very specific floor, and shot ties can be seen running toward a building "I just can't say enough good things about
ence. with very specific purpose," he said. "This with their guns drawn. Two officers are seen them," she said of the police, "but you know,
Responding officers who arrived within was not a random shooting by this individ- taking long guns out of their trunks as more why were they needed in the first place?"
minutes "were hearing shots in the building, ual." emergency vehicles race to the scene. Pointing to gun accessibility and the need
and that's what directed them to the second Witnesses describe frantic first moments "I just knew that it was a shooting situation for "red flag" laws, she added, "We can do so
floor," Dalgleish said. Lachelle Nathan told CNN affiliate KTUL because I saw police running with rifles," much more here in Oklahoma to make these
The gunman was found dead by police as that she had arrived in her vehicle with her Davis, 45, told CNN. "That's when I got emo- things preventable," she said.
they worked their way inside the building, daughter-in-law and grandchildren for a tional."
www.theatlantavoice.com June 3 - 9, 2022 9
Gun violence
is a public
health crisis.
A preventable one.
Every day in America, there is senseless gun violence. Shootings in our homes, places of
worship, schools and on our streets repeatedly threaten our health and safety. No one is
immune to the impact.
We, the physicians, care teams and staff of Kaiser Permanente, see firsthand the devastating
aftermath of gun violence and bear witness to the inter-generational trauma that has both
short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health.
Through the Kaiser Permanente Task Force on Firearm Injury Prevention we established in
2018, we are supporting research studies and testing firearm screening tools and counseling
interventions that focus on how physicians and clinicians can help prevent firearm injuries.
This is important work, and yet it is not enough.
Together with all health care organizations, we must do more to prevent gun violence and
educate on its health implications in our society.
The most recent tragedies in Uvalde, Buffalo and Laguna Woods compel us to take bold
action to reduce the tragic toll of gun violence in America, and treat it as the public health
crisis that it is.
In honor of all gun violence victims, Kaiser Permanente will establish a new Center for Gun
Violence Research and Education with a focus on gun violence prevention through care
innovation, research and education.
We pledge to lead and partner with other health systems, public health authorities,
community organizations and business leaders to address this public health crisis and
relentlessly pursue a healthier future.
The nation‘s leading integrated health care system.
10 June 3 - 9, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
ARTS
Consulate General of Nigeria in Atlanta hosts ‘Nigeria Speaks’ Exhibition
“
BY JALONDRA JACKSON
Nigeria Speaks,” an art exhibition
hosted by the Consulate General
of Nigeria in Atlanta, highlighted
the wide breadth and richness of
Nigerian culture, arts, creativity,
literature, language and other forms of
expression at the residence of the Consul
General of the Federal Republic of Nige-
ria.
The exhibition incorporated a fusion of
various artistic activities, including song,
dance and various works of art by Chief
(Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, the night’s fea-
tured artist. Atlanta mayor Andre Dick-
ens discussed the importance of African
art in his opening remarks. The More-
house College Glee Club also performed
during the event.
For the Consulate General of Nigeria in
Atlanta, the exhibition was designed to
generate momentum in unlocking art and
culture’s transformative potential, as well
as strengthening the cultural diplomacy
between Nigeria and the United States.
“Whether in art, music, poetry, spoken
word, drama, theatre of films, creativity
has increasingly become the most valued
tool for the expression of our identity as A small collection of Chief Nike Okundaye's vast collection was on display during the Consulate General of Nigeria in Atlanta's "Nigeria
Africans,” said Amina Amira Smaila, Ph. Speaks" event (photo by Jalondra Jackson/The Atlanta Voice).
D, Consul General of Nigeria, Atlanta.
The night began with a dance perfor-
mance by the Atlanta Igbo School. As
government representatives, artists and
international institutions congregated in
the residence of the Consulate General of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the cul-
ture of Nigeria remained prominent the
entire evening, both in conversation and
performance.
“‘Nigeria Speaks’ is central to sharing,
reshaping, retelling and projecting Nige-
rian and African art, in all of its diversity,
depth and beauty,” Smaila said.
The exhibition opening was in collabo-
ration with the Nike Art Gallery, located
in Lagos, Nigeria. As proprietress of the
gallery, and one of Africa’s most celebrat-
ed artists, Chief Nike Okundaye walked
around the residence in a large varicol-
ored gele, a Nigerian head wrap. “Nigeria
Speaks” highlighted Okundaye’s work as
a leading art expressionist and one of the
foremost personalities in the develop-
ment of African arts and crafts.
The exhibition featured a small frac-
tion of the gallery’s collection of over
8,000 pieces of art. The works on display
depicted the hopes and aspirations of the
African people, especially the womenfolk
who dealt with various daily challenges
concerning family, socio-economic de- Chief Nike Okundaye welcomed supporters during "Nigeria Speaks" (photo by Jalondra Jackson/The Atlanta Voice).
velopment, nation building and overall
outlook of human existence. tage, cannot be minimized. I am heart- impact, despite the many structural bar- Cobb Energy Center, in an effort to con-
“Now more than ever, we must begin to ened to see that Nigerian artists, and art- riers they face,” Smaila said. tinue promoting and celebrating Nige-
allow our humanity to express itself. The ists of African heritage are advancing the In September, the Consulate will host ria’s rich culture in the United States.
role of art, as the custodian of our heri- African narrative and having tremendous the 15 th annual Headies Awards at thewww.theatlantavoice.com June 3 - 9, 2022 11
NATIONAL
Oldest Buffalo massacre victim Ruth Whitfield honored at funeral service
BY NICQUEL TERRY ELLIS "It is White supremacy. It is hate. It is racism.
CNN It is bigotry," Whitfield said. "And we gotta call it
(CNN) -- The eldest victim of the Buffalo su- what it is and stop beating around the bush and
permarket massacre will be laid to rest Saturday. take it head on because it's proliferating. It's not
The family and friends of 86-year-old Ruth getting better."
E. Whitfield held visitation and funeral services Whitfield is survived by her husband of 68
at a Buffalo church two weeks after police say years, Garnell W. Whitfield Sr., her children and
a White supremacist killed Whitfield and nine numerous grandchildren. Her services come
other people. Authorities say the gunman tar- after funerals for other victims were held in the
geted the Tops Friendly Markets store because past week.
it was in a predominately Black neighborhood. Among them were Celestine Chaney, Roberta
Vice President Kamala Harris and her hus- Drury, Andre Mackniel, Katherine Massey, Mar-
band, Doug Emhoff, met with Whitfield's rel- gus Morrison and Heyward Patterson.
atives ahead of the services, according to the Chaney was buried Tuesday, and several fam-
White House, and she spoke at the funeral. Vice President Kamala Harris laid a bouquet of flowers at the makeshift memorial outside the ily members spoke at her funeral. According to
"I cannot even begin to express our collective Tops Grocery Store in Buffalo, NY. CNN affiliate WGRZ, Chaney, 65, had survived
pain as a nation for what you are feeling in such separate us or make us feel fear." eight years -- when she stopped at Tops for three aneurysms and breast cancer, which in-
an extreme way -- to not only lose someone that "I'm here to say that we are all in this togeth- groceries, her son Garnell Whitfield told CNN's spired people to wear pink in her honor.
you love, but through an act of extreme violence er -- no one should ever be made to fight alone," Omar Jimenez. "She was a very peaceful, sweet person and
and hate," Harris told mourners at Mt. Olive she said in closing. "We are stronger than those Garnell Whitfield said he had been trying to I feel like people should learn to be like that
Baptist Church. who would try to hurt us think that we are -- we call his mother after hearing about the shoot- themselves," Chaney's granddaughter, Kayla
Harris, who was invited to speak by the Rev. are strong. We are strong in our faith. We are ing but couldn't get in touch with her. He drove Jones, said at the funeral.
Al Sharpton, noted "a through-line" through strong in our belief about what is right and our by her house and then went to Tops where he President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden
mass shootings in Buffalo; Uvalde, Texas; At- determination to act to ensure that we protect found her car in the parking lot. Whitfield would visited the area in the first days after the shoot-
lanta, and Orlando, telling those gathered in all those who deserve to be protected, that we later learn that his mother was among the vic- ing happened, calling it an act of domestic ter-
Buffalo that today "is a moment that requires all see all those who deserve to be seen, that we tims. rorism and condemning the racist ideology of
good people, all God-loving people to stand up hear the voices of the people, and that we rise "Devastation, anger, hurt, disbelief, pain," the suspected shooter.
and say, 'We will not stand for this -- enough is up in solidarity to speak out against this, and to Whitfield said, describing his feelings that day. Vice President Harris and her husband met
enough, we will come together based on what speak to our better angels." "She was the glue that held our family together." with other families of the mass shooting vic-
we all know we have in common, and we will Whitfield had just left from visiting her hus- Whitfield said his family will not shy away tims Saturday along with Buffalo Mayor Byron
not let those people who are motivated by hate band at a nursing home -- a daily routine for from calling out the suspect's alleged motive. Brown.
JUNE 11
Friday Night Kick-of f Party 5K Race Registration
Friday, June 10, 6PM – 10PM Saturday, June 11, 8AM
@ John Howell Park, Near Barnett St. Start @ Lanier/Virginia Ave
SCAN ME PURCHASE TICKETS NOW! SCAN ME REGISTER: active.com
37 YEARS OF ART, MUSIC & FUN
vahisummerfest.org12 June 3 - 9, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
LOCAL
MomoCon returns to Atlanta after 2 year hiatus
BY TONI ODEJIMI AND CRAIG ALLEN with LED eyes.
BROWN
Along with Priest, there were many cos-
The Atlanta Voice
players that put an extreme amount of work
Anime fans from all over packed the World into the costumes they donned at the con-
Congress Center over the weekend for Mo- vention. Many guests looked for opportu-
moCon, a popular anime convention. After a nities to take photos of the many elaborate
two year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, costumes, a practice that is commonplace
the convention returned with an abundance during anime festivals.
of activities for an increasingly diverse audi- Also featured at MomoCon was an exhibit
ence, including cosplay (costume play) com- hall for artists and other small businesses to
petitions, gaming exhibitions, board games, sell their wares. Anime artists sold prints of
music and other forms of entertainment. their work, while others sold anime-themed
The convention, which began as a 700-per- clothing. Others, such as comic aficionado
son gathering on the campus of Georgia John Robinson, sold their stories.
Tech, has grown into one of the premier co- Robinson promoted his comic book “Scor-
splay events in the southeast. pio,” which he labels as an urban fantasy
Anime events such as MomoCon have be- comic. Based on the zodiac signs, “Scorpio”
MomoCon convention goers don superhero A woman shows off her costume during
come a significant source of entertainment is about the characters Danny and Naom,
costumes during the three-day event in At- MomoCon (photo courtesy of Martel Sharpe/
for many, particularly African Americans. who fight against intergalactic beings in an
lanta (photo courtesy of Martel Sharpe/The The Atlanta Voice).
Black fans showed up in droves, many who attempt to keep their world safe.
Atlanta Voice).
sported costumes designed after various an- “We belong here just as much as they do,” 2022 has been the first time in years that
ime characters. called “Being Black and into animation.” Hook said. business owners like Robinson have been
The convention featured several fan-host- Among other topics, the panel discussed MomoCon also gave an opportunity for able to share their products with MomoCon.
ed panels, where convention goers could navigating the anime community as African convention goers to don costumes in tribute Many business owners acknowledge that the
mingle and interact with other attendees. American fans. Hook and Henderson also to their favorite anime characters. Markus COVID pandemic was responsible for nega-
This year, a few Black panelists made sure talked about the importance of Black peo- Priest, a cosplayer, went as his own character. tively affecting their small businesses. These
to carve out a space for other Black people to ple in anime’s creative spaces, and why their Priest’s character, named Skull Thorn, business owners were understandably excit-
have discussions surrounding their partici- work should be appreciated and respected. donned in all-black costume with a skull- ed to see MomoCon return.
pation and existence within “nerd culture.” Ultimately, the panel presented an opportu- adorned chest plate made of resin. Priest de- “For indie creators, these kinds of conven-
Two convention goers, Harriyaha Hook nity for Black anime fans to discuss issues of signed every detail of his elaborate costume, tions are one of the best ways to make sales,”
and Caylia Henderson, facilitated a panel importance to them. from the knife holster to the spiked mask said Robinson.
ENTERTAINMENT
CNN to broadcast live Juneteenth concert featuring Jhené Aiko,
Questlove, Mickey Guyton and other Black artists
By Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN try and important to our audiences to shed
(CNN) -- A slate of Black artists and mu- light on the meaning and significance of
sicians are set to take the stage at the Holly- Juneteenth," Due said. "And not only as an
wood Bowl on June 19 for an inaugural June- historic event but really as a way to engage
teenth concert that will be broadcast live on and educate people about what still needs to
CNN. happen for all of us to achieve freedom and
The "Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for justice."
Freedom," produced by Black creators Shawn Due said organizers were intent on show-
Gee of Live Nation Urban and Jesse Collins casing Black excellence and including a mul-
Entertainment, will celebrate the 157th an- tigenerational list of performers who would
niversary of Juneteenth and highlight the be able to demonstrate their lived Black ex-
ongoing fight for equality in the Black com- periences. The concert will also honor previ-
munity. ous Juneteenth celebrations and build upon
Juneteenth, or June 19, commemorates the traditions to educate people around the
the emancipation of enslaved people in the world about the significance of the holiday,
US. Last year President Joe Biden signed a Due said.
A slate of Black artists and musicians are set to take the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on June
bill establishing it as a federal holiday. June- Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Ur-
19 for an inaugural Juneteenth concert that will be broadcast live on CNN (Getty Images)
teenth gained more recognition from law- ban, said the Juneteenth concert will be the
makers and corporations in 2020 when the Re-Collective Orchestra, a 68-piece all-Black While commemorating Juneteenth, it's "most important event we've ever produced
nation faced a reckoning on racism following symphony orchestra, will also perform. important to acknowledge that Black Amer- at Live Nation Urban."
the death of George Floyd. Academy-award winning director Quest- icans still face racism, said Johnita Due, se- "It's a moment to celebrate and reflect on
Concert performers will include Yolan- love and Adam Blackstone are serving as the nior vice president and chief diversity, equity Black independence and the Black experi-
da Adams, Anthony Hamilton, Billy Porter, musical directors of the event. and inclusion officer for CNN. ence," Gee said. "It's also a moment to raise
Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Earth, Wind CNN anchor Don Lemon will kick off live Data shows that Black Americans suffer in- awareness and shine light on the miles we
& Fire, Jhené Aiko, Killer Mike, Lucky Daye, coverage of the event and honor Black advo- equities in health care, education, housing, still need to travel to true equity. We hope to
Mary Mary, Michelle Williams, Mickey Guy- cates and trailblazers who are on the front wealth, voting rights and public safety. see you there."
ton, Robert Glasper, and The Roots. The lines of the fight for equality. "We knew it was important to our coun-www.theatlantavoice.com June 3 - 9, 2022 13
ON-THE-GO!
Arts & Entertainment Calendar
(Events may change without notice. Pro- theater, 2200 Encore Parkway Alpharetta, House Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Ma- Maze - July 9, 8 p.m. Cadence Bank Am-
moters are requiring health checks in order to GA 30009. 404-733-5013 bleton. 770-819-7765. phitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlanta.
attend. Check with the venue or Ticketmaster Indigo Girls - June 9, 8 p.m. Cadence Bank Patti LaBelle/Will Downing - June 25, Brian McKnight - July 9, 7 p.m. Mable
or Live Nation for updates. Health Check re- Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlanta. 8 p.m. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, House Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Ma-
quires proof of vaccination or recent COVID Coldplay/H.E.R. - June 11, 7 p.m. Mer- Newark, NJ. An Online Event. Sponsored by bleton. 770-819-7765.
test. See the full schedule at The Atlanta cedes Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlan- Music Festival Online. See Facebook events. Denise Williams/Ann Nesby/Milira -
Voice.com) ta. Mercedesbenzstadium.com Brian Culbertson - June 26, 7 p.m. Mable July 9, 8 p.m. Center Stage Theater, Atlanta
Manhattan Transfer - June 11, 7 p.m. Ri- House Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Ma- Josh Groban - July 16, 8 p.m. Cadence
PERFORMANCES alto Center. Atlanta. bleton. 770-819-7765. Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlan-
Bonnie Rait - June 3, 8 p.m. Cadence Bank Ledsi/Eric Roberson - June 11, 7 p.m. The Masked Singer - June 26, 7:30 p.m. ta.
Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlanta. Mable House Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., The Fabulous Fox Theatre,660 Peachtree St., Dwele - July 16, 8 p.m. Center Stage The-
Average White Band - June 3, 7:30 p.m. Mableton. 770-819-7765. Atlanta. ater, Atlanta
Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. Mable- Steely Dan/Steve Winwood/ Snarky Backstreet Boys - June 28, 7:30 p.m. Avant - July 16, 7 p.m. Mable House Am-
ton. Puppy - June 14, 7:30 p.m. Cadence Bank Ameris Bank Amphitheater, Alpharetta. phitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Mableton. 770-
Jana Kramer - June 3, 7:30 p.m. City Win- Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlanta. Chicago and Brian Wilson with Al Jar- 819-7765.
ery, Ponce City Market. Atlanta Kid Rock/Grand Funk Railroad - June dine and Blondie Chaplin - June 29, 7 p.m. Sheryl Crow - July 19, 8 p.m. Cadence
Launcey Foux - June 3, 9 p.m. The Loft. 15, 7 p.m. Lakewood Amphitheater. Atlanta Ameris Bank Amphitheater, Alpharetta. Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Atlan-
Atlanta Southern Soul Blues Festival - June Nothing But Soul Tour, July 1, 7 p.m. ta.
Avery Sunshine/Leela James - June 4, 18, 7 p.m. Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Mable House Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., WWE Friday Night Smackdown - July
7 p.m. Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. Chastain Park, Atlanta. Mableton. 770-819-7765. 29, 7:45 p.m. State Farm Arena. Atlanta
Mableton. Gregory Porter - June 18, 7 p.m. Mable KRS-One, July 2, 7 p.m. Mable House Kendrick Lamar - July 30, 7:30 p.m.State
BareNaked Ladies - June 4, 7 p.m.Ca- House Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Ma- Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Mableton. Farm Arena. Atlanta
dence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, bleton. 770-819-7765. 770-819-7765. Jeffery Osborne - July 30, 7 p.m. Mable
Atlanta. Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band, 8 New Kids on the Block/Salt-N-Pepa/ House Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Ma-
Kingdom Tour: Maverick City Music/ p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Rick Astley/En Vogue - July 7, 7:30 p.m. bleton. 770-819-7765.
Kirk Franklin/Jonathan McReynolds 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlan- Chris Rock - July 29, 8 p.m.(Sold out.) July
June 5, 6:45 p.m. Lakewood Amphithe- Trombone Shorty - June 22, 8 p.m. Ca- ta. Statefarmarena.com. Ticketmaster.com. 30, 8 p.m. Fox Theatre. Atlanta.
atre. Atlanta. dence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, Boney James - July 2, 7 p.m. Mable House
Doobie Brothers, 50th Anniversary Atlanta. Amphitheater, 5239 Floyd RD., Mableton. See the FULL SCHEDULE at
Tour - June 7, 7:30 p.m. Ameris Bank Amphi- Taylor Dane - June 25, 7 p.m. Mable 770-819-7765. https://theatlantavoice.com
A hilarious
world-
premiere
A DOCUMENTARY BY
THE ATLANTA VOICE
musical
inspired by the
Peachtree
beloved film.
& Pine
Book by
THOMAS
LENNON
Music & Lyrics by
The Atlanta Shelterless Project ALAN
ZACHARY
& MICHAEL
WEINER
SCAN TO VIEW Choreography by
FATIMA
ROBINSON
Directed by
KENNY LEON
MAY 25–JUN 26 on the COCA-COLA STAGE
Get tickets at alliancetheatre.org
https://theatlantavoice.com/peachtree-and-pine/
1 28 0 PE ACHTREE ST NE // ATL ANTA , G A 3 03 0 9
v14 June 3 - 9, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
COLUMN | SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
‘You cannot hate yourself, and love God at the same time’
T
he road to spiritual sal- The stories come from former drug
vation is sometimes so
obvious, so apparent,
God knew you before you knew you. And addicts, adulterers, petty gossips,
murderers and greedy, self-absorbed
that we just miss it. Like He loved you anyway in spite of what He takers in life, who wished they knew
most of Jesus’ message, how to have a healthy, respectful, lov-
it doesn’t seem possible that by sim- knew you were going to do. ing relationship with another human
ply changing one’s outlook, the King- being.
dom of heaven is yours. can do to abide in God’s will is to pos- for others, the contempt we feel for One by one, they/we line up and
When Jesus was asked which com- sess love in my heart for God and my people we don’t even know, mask an confess that once we’ve accepted that
BY JAMES A. mandment was the greatest, he re- fellow man. That’s it? Yeah. That’s it! underlying reality that won’t allow us God indeed loves us, then and only
WASHINGTON plied, “Love the Lord your God with If that’s as close to a guarantee as to love our neighbor. then are we able to love ourselves,
The Atlanta Voice all your heart and with all your soul we can get, why are many of us hell- In actuality, we hate ourselves. and subsequently love others just
and with all your mind. This is the bent on doing the things that will You see, the devil has tricked us like they are: all imperfect, all flawed
first and greatest commandment. ensure our place at the table in hell’s into hating the mirror image of us. children of God, all welcomed at His
And the second is just like it: Love kitchen? Deep down inside, we hate in others eternal table.
your neighbor as yourself. All the law I personally think the concept of that which we might become, be- At this point, one sees God in every
and the prophets hang on these two loving God is pretty easy to compre- cause we really don’t like what we man, every woman and every child,
commandments.” (Matthew 22:36- hend. Most of us, dare I say, are try- have become. because once you accept that God re-
40). ing to accomplish this in one way or The devil knows man is not per- sides in your own sinful soul, you can
It is not always through guile and another. fect, so he entices us into hating the see God in others.
deceit that the devil works his evil. It’s the “loving your neighbor as imperfection of others: their flaws God knew you before you knew
He can accomplish his goals if he yourself” that’s causing the problem. and faults, their weaknesses and you. And He loved you anyway in
can convince you that what is very The devil is having a field day with shortcomings. spite of what He knew you were going
important is of little matter and no this one. Count how many people you All the while, being imperfect our- to do.
consequence. can’t stand at this very moment. selves ensures that we cannot live up As incredible as that sounds, it’s
This love thing is pretty well doc- Take your shoes off, and use your to the greatest commandment of lov- true. It’s called love. God’s point is so
umented throughout the Bible, and toes to continue counting those peo- ing our neighbors as ourselves. simple. If He’s got it for you, the least
Christ certainly clarifies its impor- ple who, if they died tomorrow, would Isn’t it interesting that most people you can do is have it for others. Step
tance in the above passage. Remem- cause you to utter “good riddance.” who claim being saved tell you they back, Satan.
ber, these are the words of the Son of The devil has us so confused and first had to realize that God, through I love me, and I ain’t got nothing
God. dumbfounded on this issue that we Jesus’ sacrifice, loved them despite but love for you, too.
The single most important thing I can’t see that the hatred we harbor their imperfections? May God love and keep you always.
OPINION
Women Can Change the Nation and Our Communities With Their Vote
BY WENDY GLADNEY The faces in the hallowed halls of Congress are slowly
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Black women represent changing, and many of them are Black women.
7.8% of the population. Yet a Center for American Women in Black women are 4.5% of all members of Congress, 9% of
Politics study shows less than 5% of officeholders elected to all Democrats in Congress, 16.8% of all women in Congress,
statewide executive offices, Congress, and state legislatures and 39.3% of Black members of Congress.
are Black women. They are 5.5% of all members of the House, 20.2% of all
While Kamala Harris became the first Black woman vice women in the House, 41.4% of Black members of the House,
president, the fact is just 17 Black women have ever held and 10.9% of Democrats in the House. No Black women cur-
statewide elected executive offices, and no Black woman has rently serve in the U.S. Senate.
ever been elected governor. When Black women run for these offices, it is imperative
For years, Black women have had a powerful impact on the that we support them with our time, money, and votes. We no
American political system, especially in the Democratic par- longer can just sit on the sidelines and complain about what
ty. There is no question that President Biden sits in the oval is wrong with our neighborhood, city, state, and country. The
office today because of what Black women voters did for him upcoming crucial 2022 elections present the perfect opportu-
in the South Carolina Democratic Primary and what Black nity for us to get into the game and make a difference.
women voters did for him on November 3, 2020. The city of Los Angeles has a Black woman, Karen Bass,
To President Biden’s credit, he has been showing his ap- running for mayor, and if she wins, she will be the city’s first
preciation to Black women by selecting three Black women female mayor and the second Black mayor. St. Louis elected
to serve in his Cabinet. Former U.S. Representative Marcia its first Black woman mayor in April 2021.
Fudge serves as secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- If Bass is victorious, she will join eight other Black women
ment, Cecilia Rouse serves as the chair of the Council of Eco- as mayors of major American cities. I am excited that this is
nomic Advisors, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield serves as U.N. truly the time in history for Black women to take their well-
Ambassador. earned and deserved place in American politics.
Shalanda Young, who was confirmed as deputy director For generations, Black women have been at the heart of the
of the Office of Management and Budget, is serving concur- family and community and are reaching heights that previ-
rently as the acting director of the Office of Management and Photograph courtesy of August de Richelieu/Pexels. ous generations could not have imagined. Let’s never forget
Budget. the suffering and sacrifices of those who came before us that
Last week, Sandra L. Thompson was confirmed as director This represents the largest number of Black women serv- through their blood and tears, we have the right to vote.
of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). ing concurrently in any presidential cabinet.You can also read
