Forks and Flavors is ATL's next big thing - The Atlanta Voice
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www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 57 Issue 57 • FREE
THE ATLANTA JUNE 10, 2022 INSIDE
Kendra
Robinson’s
legacy is bigger
than reality TV
Page 6
METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
Forks and Flavors gets
television makeover
Forks and Flavors is
ATL’s next big thing
| Page 2
2 June 10 - 16, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
METRO
TODAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
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A t-storm around Partly sunny and Humid with times Mostly sunny and Mostly cloudy and A t-storm around A couple of
in the p.m. humid of sun and clouds humid very warm in the p.m. showers
around Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
L-R: Darnell Morgan and David Wilmott, co-owners of Forks and Flavors. Photo credit: Forks and Flavors
Kennesaw’s Forks and Flavors
gets television makeover
BRIA SUGGS
The Atlanta Voice have time to dedicate to writing recipes; the kitchen from an all-electric kitchen to Despite his eight years of experience cook-
I don't have time to look for a building,’” add gas to the kitchen… The previous restau- ing professionally, Wilmott had never cooked
David Wilmott and Darnell Morgan are the Morgan said. “Which is real. And everybody rant that was here, their flooring got dam- in a restaurant setting before. Morgan, a Na-
co-owners of Forks and Flavors in Kennesaw, across the entire world was given something aged because of a flood, and there was mold tional Guard retiree, has a background in
located off of George Busbee Parkway. The that's the most valuable thing to everybody, and stuff. So they had to get rid of that part healthcare information technology, so being
married couple’s journey began with a cater- and that's their time. And we were given a lot of the flooring and cut off pieces of the wall. a restaurant owner was a complete career
ing business and a retail line of spices before of time to sit and think and plan and execute So we just had to replace that and replace the change.
venturing off into the restaurant business. opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant.” flooring, and we were ready to open.” Working together for the first time took
In June 2020, the pair decided to open For three months, Wilmott and Morgan Forks and Flavors opened for the first time some getting used to, but with time, Wilmott
their own restaurant. Despite the onset of spent their time looking for the right build- in November 2020. and Morgan have been able to find a rhythm
the pandemic in March 2020, Morgan de- ing for Forks and Flavors to call home, before The early days of owning and running a that works for them.
scribed the opportunity to open the restau- moving into their current space in Septem- restaurant were a bit of a learning curve for “We both know what our strengths and
rant as “the stars aligning very well” for him ber 2020. The couple was fortunate to find a Wilmott and Morgan. Wilmott, the executive weaknesses are in our personal relation-
and his husband. location that was already fully furnished and chef at Forks and Flavors, learned how to ship,” Morgan said. “Now in our professional
“The one thing a lot of people who want only needed a few repairs. cook from his family and didn’t attend a cu- relationship, he's the CEO and I'm the CEO…
to do this say: ‘I don't have time, I don't have “There were some slight renovations we linary arts school. He believes that cooking
time to dedicate to writing the menus, and had to do,” Morgan said. “We had to convert comes from the heart. See FORKS on page 29
www.theatlantavoice.com June 10 - 16, 2022
2022_CTW-30455_ROY_Print_Atlanta_Atlanta Voice_ENG_5.1875x13_06-10-22_F.pdf 1 6/7/22
3
11:06 AM
CRIME
Mayor, APD look to combat
crime through community effort
Choose a physician who really listens
Better health
begins with
caring
doctors
Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens is taking a multitiered approach in efforts to lower the homicide
rate (photo by Itoro Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice).
BY CHRISTINA NORRIS
eas and the people that are contributing to crime
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandem- in this city,” Schierbaum said during the confer-
C
ic, homicide rates throughout the United States ence.
have spiked significantly. According to Justin The ADP encourages citizens to not be afraid, M
Nix, an associate professor of criminology and but to be aware of the violent crimes current- Y
criminal justice at the University of Nebraska ly happening in the city. “It’s happening in our CM
Omaha, the increase of gun ownership, in- houses with families,” said Deputy Chief Tim- MY
creased pandemic stress and current climate othy D. Peek, in an interview with The Atlanta CY
regarding law enforcement have all contrib- Voice. “We need to be looking into our homes,
CMY
uted to the increase in homicides worldwide. looking into our families and see what's happen-
Atlanta has been notably affected by these ing.” K
Dr. TJ Yin, CenterWell Greenbriar
factors. In a recent University of South Flor- Peek also emphasized the importance of citi- • He completed his residency at Baptist Health Systems
ida report, Atlanta has experienced the third zens notifying the police when they witness vio-
• He is board certified in Internal Medicine
largest increase among U.S cities in homicide lent crimes.“‘See something, say something’ are
rates during COVID-19. not just fancy words,” he said. “We need eyes and • He listens to his senior patients and addresses their concerns
Because of these circumstances, Atlanta’s city ears to let us know what happens.”
leaders have made it a priority to reduce vio- Along with their efforts to reduce violent crime
lent crime. Mayor Andre Dickens, in particular, in the United States, the police department is Call now to schedule a tour
is working with the Atlanta Police Department
(APD) to develop or strengthen initiatives to
also looking to recruit new officers. The Police
Executive Research Form reported a 5% decrease
470-444-0654
combat crime in the city. in the overall hiring rate of police officers in the
SeniorFocusedAtlanta.com
Dickens recently gave an update on Atlanta’s years 2020-2021, along with a 18% resignation Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
“Light Up the Night” Initiative, which was imple- rate increase and a 45% retirement rate increase.
mented by former mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Another issue having a significant impact on
The goal of the initiative is to add 10,000 street- the police department’s ability to do its job is a
lights to the city of Atlanta to reduce crimes and lack of police cars, which was brought on by a
traffic accidents. In Mayor Andre Dickens’ 2022 global chip shortage that has negatively impact- Visit our Greenbriar center located at
State of the City Address, Dickens said, “Already, ed automobile manufacturing worldwide. The 3030 Headland Dr. SW, Suite 600,
nearly half of the 10,000 lights that are part of chip shortage has resulted in a shortage of avail- plus 5 other locations in Atlanta.
this effort have been installed. And thanks to our able police cars.
partners at Georgia Power, by the end of this proj- The APD has also invited the community to Plans accepted
ect, we will have 60,000 working lights across the join Connect Atlanta (not to be confused with
city. Additionally, I am excited to announce the Atlanta's 2008 transportation initiative), a pro-
We accept Aetna, Cigna, Humana and Wellcare
establishment of a Nightlife Division within the gram that will significantly increase the amount Medicare Advantage plans.
mayor’s office. This division will address estab- of surveillance footage available to the police
lishments that have a history of high crime in department. Business owners can provide this Follow us @CenterWellPrimaryCare to learn about
and around them.” additional footage by opting to register their sur- activities and events
On Tuesday, Dickens announced the appoint- veillance cameras with the APD.
ment of Darin Schierbaum as the city’s new in- “Connect Atlanta is a program where we are CenterWellTM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,
disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos
terim police chief. Schierbaum then introduced really and truly pioneering with our business
de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中
the APD’s summer plan for crime reduction. communities and residents,” Peek said. “We can
文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-2188 (TTY: 711). GCHLKSZEN
“As we have done so far this year, and what we use it to the extent of having proactive surveil-
will continue to do, is focusing smartly on the ar- lance.”
4 June 10 - 16, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton
Immortalis Memoria
VOICES The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.”
— - IDA B. WELLS
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
J. Lowell Ware
Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors
the life of J. Lowell Ware.
Black Boys and Men Deserve Mental Health Support Too
BY ALEXA SPENCER
B
PUBLISHER Only 26.4% of Black men, ages 18 to
Janis Ware lack men are just as 44, who experience daily feelings of
jlware@theatlantavoice.com
human as everyone anxiety or depression are likely to
PRESIDENT/
else. They feel a range have used mental health services,
GENERAL MANAGER
James A. Washington of emotions, dream of compared to 45.4% of white men;
jaws@theatlantavoice.com living a good life, and according to a 2015 report from the
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT experience ups and downs — yet, Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
TO PUBLISHER they’re not always supported in ex- vention.
Chia Suggs pressing their feelings. And now, as a Black man who
csuggs@theatlantavoice.com
Because society enforces the idea found success in therapy, he’s seek-
CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
that men must neglect their emo- ing to encourage Black inner-city
Dawn Montgomery
dmontgomery@theatlantavoice.com tional and mental well-being to be youth to seek support. Black men
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS considered “manly,” many Black are even coming up to Johnson
Martel Sharpe men suffer in silence. Or worse, while he’s out to share that his book
msharpe@theatlantavoice.com with Black men being four times helped them consider therapy.
MANAGING EDITOR, PRINT more likely to commit suicide than “I was in the club a couple of
Craig Allen Brown
Black women, they die without re- weeks ago, and this guy came to me
cbrown@theatlantavoice.com
EDITOR AT LARGE ceiving the care they deserve. in the club — and he was like ‘yo, I
Stan Washington “What ends up happening for saw an ad and I bought your book.’
swashington@theatlantavoice.com most Black males is that we start to And he was like, ‘Bro, I’m in therapy
REPORT FOR AMERICA CORPS internalize that pain,” says Brandon now because of your book,’” John-
MEMBER, EDUCATION REPORTER Jones, a psychotherapist who spe- son says.
Madeline Thigpen
cializes in intergenerational trauma Ultimately, as he speaks up about
mthigpen@theatlantavoice.com
and adverse childhood experiences. conditions like post-traumatic
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER
Bria Suggs Jones says Black males learn to stress disorder, he hopes to educate
bsuggs@theatlantavoice.com internalize their pain at a young the Black community on healthy
MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL age, “And that pain starts to man- ways to cope.
Itoro Umontuen ifest itself in anger or a drinking For the Black boy who is strug-
iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com
habit or drug habit or abusiveness gling with mental illness but isn’t
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
towards other people because we getting the care he needs, Jones
Alexis Grace
agrace@theatlantavoice.com haven’t figured out how to — in a Black Boys (Credit: Owonaro Preye / Pexels) says he would try to help him un-
DIRECTOR OF VISUALS healthy way or therapeutic way — derstand what grief and forgiveness
Trarell Torrence address some of that pain,” he says. ing me how to tie a tie. No one’s malized. In his recently released are, among other things.
t.torrence@theatlantavoice.com For Black boys, in particular, teaching me how to shave. No one’s memoir, “Double Crossed,” he Black boys need to learn “how
Jones says sports often become an teaching me what men should have, speaks about how basketball kept to strategize and have plans and a
ADVERTISING, SALES outlet for anger when there are no like a watch and a wallet.” him away from illegal activity, yet vision for the future,” Jones says,
& CIRCULATION healthy systems in place. When left untreated, these trau- his mental health was still affected “because one thing that trauma
ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR As a boy who was abused by his mas not only affect a boy’s develop- by his environment. does is it makes everything about
Chia Suggs stepfather and neglected by his bi- ment, they also affect how he lives He went to college to play bas- the moment. You’re not thinking
advertising@theatlantavoice.com
ological father, Jones says he used as an adult. ketball while other people he knew about what’s going to happen a year
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Terry Milliner football to cope. Like Jones, George Johnson, an went to prison. But after becom- from now. You’re just trying to sur-
SALES “I literally would try to hurt peo- entrepreneur, author, and star bas- ing a million-dollar entrepreneur vive what’s going on right in front
R.D.W. Jackson ple. Like, my goal was to send some- ketball player, had a breakdown as post-graduation, Johnson found of you.”
rdwadman@gmail.com body home in an ambulance every an adult before eventually going to himself in the middle of a federal in- And, adds Jones, “ the last thing I
SUBMISSIONS game. Now that’s kind of psychotic therapy to address his past traumas. vestigation with two of his brothers, would do is I would try to help him
newsroom@theatlantavoice.com when you think about it, but that It took going to the gym and be- who he says used him as a “crutch” define what are healthy relation-
was me on the peewee football lev- ing unable to lift a bench press bar to help themselves out. ships for him, so he can seek those
CONTACT INFORMATION el,” he says. for the lifelong athlete to realize he “I got so far away from just the out because trying to navigate this
633 Pryor Street, S.W.
As opposed to the biases about needed help. inner city or the hood, or where I’m by yourself at 12, 14-years-old is ex-
Atlanta, GA 30312
Black boys being angrier and less “I thought something physically from, I still ended up being caught tremely scary.”
Office: 404-524-6426
Fax: 404-527-5464 innocent than other children, Jones was wrong with me, but after going up in the same traps and loopholes To access mental health resourc-
notes that they actually have some- to the doctor and getting an assess- like my peers and my family back es for Black boys and men, visit
thing to be upset about. ment, I was depressed. And so my home,” Johnson says about spend- Therapy for Black Men, BEAM Or-
Like other fatherless males who body was breaking down internally, ing the last four years in a legal bat- ganization, AAKOMA Project, and
grew up with “father hunger,” he not physically,” he recalls. tle. Boris Lawrence Henson Founda-
says he was “pissed about every- Johnson grew up in Richmond, The ordeal with his family took a tion. The suicide prevention lifeline
thing because no one sees me. No Virginia, where poverty, violence, toll on his health, but Johnson beat is available 24 hours at 800-273-
one’s helping me. No one’s teach- and family dysfunction were nor- the odds by choosing to get help. 8255.
www.theatlantavoice.com June 10 - 16, 2022 5
EDUCATION
The vision of Clark Atlanta University president George T. French, Jr.
BY STAN WASHINGTON
term goals well ahead of schedule Clark. Truth of the matter is that adjustments based on the market-
Editor-at-large
G
and as I was determining whether or you don’t have to sell those schools. place. We have done well. We need
eorge T. French, Jr., not I was going to take on another 10 The question is, what kind of finan- to do better. At CAU, in the last two
Ph.D, became the years, because when I looked at new cial aid package can you offer the months, I’ve met with about 17 dif-
newest president of goals, it would have taken another best and the brightest. It’s not that ferent tech companies, and my ques-
Clark Atlanta Univer- eight to 10 years to complete. I de- they don’t want to come to CAU; it’s tion to them is not what resources or
sity (CAU) in Septem- cided I wanted a different challenge, how can we make it advantageous to internships can you provide to our
ber 2019, but due to the COVID-19 and the challenge of (administering) them financially. students now, but more important-
pandemic, he was not officially in- a larger university. We know we are in an environ- ly, what are the jobs that don’t exist
augurated as the institution’s fifth AV: So is it a challenge? ment where national debt is up and today that I need to be preparing my
president until this April. GF: (Laughs) Stan, I got every- student loan debt is increasing expo- students for. They have the informa-
The world may have shut down thing I’ve asked for. When I arrived nentially. But the fact of the matter is tion about what the marketplace is
during his first two years as presi- [at Clark Atlanta], COVID-19 hit. It that when you graduate from a top going to require much more so than
dent, but that doesn’t mean the work is indeed a challenge, but it’s such a tier HBCU like Clark Atlanta Univer- we. That’s why we meet with them
stopped. French focused on meeting huge opportunity. sity, you are going to see the natural on a regular basis: to prepare our
the needs of the students, establish- AV: What issues did the school’s return on your investment. We try students for jobs that don’t exist cur-
ing partnerships to provide free lap- board of trustees want you to focus to keep the dollars down as much as rently.
tops, paying down student debt and on during your first five years at Clark Atlanta University's fifth we can. We can’t lower tuition, so we Currently, CAU is keeping up
president, George T. French,
creating a platform so students’ con- CAU? have to increase aid to our students. very well with the marketplace in
Jr. (photo courtesy of Jolene
cerns could be immediately heard GF: The number one reason they That is the main challenge when it all aspects, whether its mass media
Butts-Freeman/Clark Atlanta
and addressed. invited me was for my fundraising comes to recruiting. arts from a journalistic perspective,
University)
After the inauguration ceremony, experience. They want a $100 million AV: How is the capital campaign whether it’s a digital approach, ex-
French took some time to be inter- capital campaign. But after doing an GF: We’re just at 4,000, which in- going? panding our scope in business to en-
viewed by The Atlanta Voice, to talk assessment, it was determined that cludes undergraduates and grad stu- GF: Right now, in our $250 million trepreneurship and innovation; so,
about his plans and vision for the that amount would not scratch the dents. Our physical capacity could campaign, we are just under $50 mil- we aren’t just training our students
institution, which was established in need. So, I increased it to a quarter handle 5,000, which I feel would be lion raised. We are doing very well. It to get a job. In education, we have the
1988 by the historic consolidation of of a billion dollar capital campaign. better for stability. is a 10 year campaign. latest teaching and learning mecha-
Atlanta University (1865) and Clark Number two was to be sure we stabi- AV: Considering the competitive- AV: I may need to start doing a re- nisms. We’ve done well. We can do
College (1869). lized our enrollment. And third was ness of colleges and universities curring gift. better in the STEM disciplines and in
The Atlanta Voice: Considering to increase our research capacity. We when it comes to recruitment, how GF: We don’t get those big million some of the hard research areas, and
that being a president of an HBCU is are one of the few Carnegie Research does CAU get the good students to dollar gifts from alumni, but those we will do better with more financial
one of the hardest jobs in the coun- Institutions among HBCUs (11 total). commit to the school? recurring and annual gifts really support from the federal govern-
try, why did you want to take the job We don’t have enough research ca- GF: Within the landscape of HB- make a difference. ment.
at Clark Atlanta? pacity for us to be considered a seri- CUs, we are not monolithic. We have AV: In your opinion are HBCUs (Washington is an alum of Clark
President George T. French, Jr.: ous contender within this space. different classes, different missions, changing fast enough to keep pace College (1976) and a former staffer
I was at Miles College as president AV: Where does CAU stand when we have different capacities. Your with a forever changing workplace? at Clark Atlanta University for nine
for 15 years. I had reached my long it comes to enrollment? choice was between Howard and GF: It is a challenge. We make years, from 1983-1991.)
EDUCATION
Jumpstart ATL, a nonprofit fighting for early childhood education in low-income communities
MADELINE THIGPEN, REPORT FOR AMERICA
National educational nonprofit tion early, they enter school prepared ta are Black, and they value the con-
Jumpstart is using its Georgia divi- and that sets them on a trajectory of nection between instructors and the
sion to address the need for language success,” said Collins. “But access to students who often come from the
and literacy support in Atlanta’s high quality early education is not same community.
low-income communities. equitable throughout our commu- “Essentially, it’s giving them that
Jumpstart Atlanta has, for the nities.” first taste in the classroom. Many
past 15 years, partnered with early Collins went on to say that Jump- teachers don’t get early opportuni-
childhood learning centers to place start includes the student’s families, ties to see what it’s like to engage
trained college students in preschool so that the child can continue learn- with students, build a curriculum
classrooms. ing even while they are outside the and make an impact,” said Jordan.
“That provides more of the direct classroom. In addition to the aca- Jumpstart states that over 60 per-
one-on-one contact with children demic program, Jumpstart includes cent of their corps members leave
that may be struggling in different social-emotional education as well. Jumpstart Corps Members (Photo Credit: Jumpstart) Jumpstart wanting to pursue a de-
areas,” said Eshé Collins, Senior Di- Embedded into the curriculum gree in education.
rector of Programs at Jumpstart. two years prior to the pandemic, Col- are very few options for summer the summer program addresses the “It’s just as important to build a
According to data provided by lins said that her team works with camp for kids 3-5 years old that are learning loss that many students ex- diverse popeline of educators who
Jumpstart, 97 percent of all their stu- students to understand emotions academically focused, and when perienced due to the pandemic. are high quality and who look like
dents come from low-income house- and how to communicate them ef- they do exist, the programs are very Candice Jordan, Jumpstart’s asso- the students they’re serving,” Jordan
holds. Collins said this is important, fectively to others. expensive. This is what Collins said ciate vice president of development, added.
because oftentimes, children from Jumpstart also has a summer pro- contributes to the gap between stu- said the organization works to make Members of Jumpstart ATL hail
affluent families enter kindergar- gram that Collins said is expecting to dents from low-income families ver- sure that the college students in the from local colleges and universities
ten at more advanced reading levels see a return to pre-pandemic num- sus higher-income families prior to classrooms reflect the communities such as Spelman College, More-
than their lower-income peers. bers as more parents become com- the start of kindergarten. they are serving. house College, Clark Atlanta Uni-
“What the research shows is that fortable with in-person learning. In addition to trying to prepare Jordan said 99 percent of the stu- versity, Georgia State University
when children actually start educa- She added that a lot of times, there students for the coming school year, dents they serve in Jumpstart Atlan- and Georgia Tech.
6 June 10 - 16, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
Kendra Robinson and her husband, Jasiel Robinson, better known as Grammy-nominated rapper Yung Joc (photo by Craig
Allen Brown/The Atlanta Voice).
ENTERTAINMENT
Kendra Robinson is excelling in law,
real estate and reality TV
BY CRAIG ALLEN BROWN
no surprise that Kendra Robinson better known as Grammy-nominat- just simply by trying to help some- hindrance when the camera stops
Managing Editor/
developed a passion for practicing ed rapper Yung Joc. body or trying to put somebody in rolling. She is committed to the
Report for America
A
law based, in part, on time spent Because she was already a law- a better position, whether it’s to get idea of not allowing the show, and
s is often the case in watching episodes of “Law & Or- yer, and now a certified real estate them out of a criminal situation, an its often-volatile situations, to have
the worlds of reality der” with her mother. But an even agent, she learned how to do real immigration situation, or helping a negative effect on her relation-
television and social bigger inspiration was her need to estate closings and title work. The them close on a house,” she con- ship with her huisband. This ap-
media, so much em- fight against the racial injustices additional income was important, tinued. “Providing them with that proach is a far cry from the feelings
phasis is often placed she witnessed growing up in South but she took on these new roles long term security of home own- of nausea she would often experi-
on the superficial: jewelry, hair, Carolina, as well as protecting the because she wanted more control ership, and the benefits that come ence when she first joined the cast.
clothes, etc. rights of people in her community. over outcomes surrounding home with that. Basically, changing peo- Kendra Robinson admits that
However, one would be doing Kendra Robinson currently ownership. In essence, she wanted ple around me for the better has she was a fan of the show before
himself or herself an injustice if serves as a real estate closing attor- to eliminate the middleman. been my highlight.” appearing on it. After successfully
they attempted to relegate Kend- ney and criminal defense attorney. Kendra Robinson’s work ethic When it comes to the wildly suc- completing multiple seasons of the
ra Robinson to being just a reality Given the level of career satisfac- has resulted in the formation of not cessful “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta,” show, she states that she now real-
television star. Doing so would only tion she is currently experiencing, one, but two successful businesses: Kendra Robinson was initially not ly enjoys it; it doesn’t even feel like
be scratching the surface. she is confident that she chose the SRS Title and Associates, and her interested in being on the show. work.
The Clinton, South Carolina-na- right calling. law firm: Kendra Robinson and As- Understandably, she was nervous “My absolute favorite moment
tive has committed to a level of per- “[It’s] one of the most rewarding sociates. about how she would be perceived. on set was when I got proposed to,”
sonal and professional excellence things I’ve done,” Kendra Robin- As successful as Kendra Robin- But after a long talk with Jasiel Kendra Robinson said. “I was so
that is almost unheard of in the son said about being a lawyer. “I’ve son has been during her relatively Robinson, she changed her mind. happy. I was shocked.”
world of entertainment. been able to advocate for people young career, she remains humble Kendra Robinson believes that Kendra Robinson has effectively
Kendra Robinson began her pro- who look like me, and people who and grounded. She asserts that God once you’re outside of your comfort created a blueprint for those who
fessional ascension by graduating don’t look like me. People who is her motivation, and it just would zone, you are now where success have aspirations beyond what they
from Kentucky State University need my voice, because they don’t not have happened without Him. tends happen. do well, or what they are comfort-
with a degree in pure mathematics. have a voice.” “I give all glory and credit to “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” has able with. She’s demonstrated that
She then completed her law degree Along with serving as an attor- God,” Kendra Robinson said. “I’m been a good experience overall for faith in God, support from our fam-
at the University of Louisville. ney, Kendra Robinson also chose to not self-made. I didn’t do it all by Kendra Robinson. She now feels ilies and a commitment to profes-
Her family’s support and influ- delve into real estate, at the behest myself. It was God. that she’s got the hang of starring sional excellence can make almost
ence has always played a significant of her then-boyfriend (and current “The best part is the impact that on reality television. That means any goal obtainable.
role in her upbringing. So, it was husband) Jasiel Robinson, who is I know that I’ve been able to make, not allowing the show to serve as a
www.theatlantavoice.com June 10 - 16, 2022 7
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TOBACCOFREEKIDS.ORG/STOPMENTHOL
Paid for by Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund
8 June 10 - 16, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com Slutty Vegan’s Angel Barnwell is striving for improved community mental health BY CHRISTINA NORRIS In 2007, Angel Barnwell, the current business Health and Human Services, only 1 in 3 Black manager at Slutty Vegan Atlanta, was strug- adults who need mental health care receive it. gling with severe depression. This depression The American Psychiatric Association also says led her to begin her journey with therapy. that African Americans are less likely to receive During one of her therapy sessions, she came guideline-consistent care, be included in men- up with the idea of “Smile Heaux,” a non-prof- tal health research or see mental health special- it foundation devoted to promoting mental ists. health awareness. Her idea has since come to There is also a scarcity of Black mental health fruition. professionals. According to the American Psy- Smile Heaux is a minority-led, Atlanta-based chiatric Association, only 2% of the estimated foundation that works to ensure anyone can re- 41,000 psychiatrists in the U.S. are Black, and ceive access to quality mental health care. just 4% of psychologists are Black. Additionally, “The therapy session had a lot to do with Black Americans are also often misdiagnosed some of the trauma I’ve been dealing with,” said by their white mental health professionals due Barnwell. “Then it hit me: I don’t look like what to implicit racial biases. I’ve gone through. I wanted to make something All of these factors lead to the stigmas around catchy for people to feel good about themselves. mental health in the Black community. Hav- We smile to get through it.” ing a mental health diagnosis is often seen as a According to Smile Heaux’s company bio, “weakness” or a “personal flaw.” Barnwell talks “The Smile Heaux Foundation’s vision is to about the stigmas she has faced during her own eradicate stigmas around mental health condi- mental health journey. Angel Barnwell shows off clothing from her “Smile Heaux” clothing line. (Photo by Devynne Starks) tions within the Black community.” “Just talking about having a therapist causes In the Black community, mental health is- people to give me a second look,” Barnwell said. people to therapy,” Barnwell said. “There are so of their background or tax bracket. We all deal sues are also compounded with the systematic “There is a purpose in therapy. It’s not just a many Black therapists and psychologists out with trauma, so come as you are,” she said. racism that Black people face. Because of this, white people thing.” there.” In the coming year, Barnwell plans to have Black adults are 20% more likely to report psy- Barnwell plans to expose the citizens of At- Despite aiming to eradicate stigmas in the Smile Heaux work with nonprofit organizations chological distress than white adults. lanta to Black therapists and psychologists, Black community, Smile Heaux is not only to offer its services to the city of Atlanta. She is Unfortunately, Black people are also less like- along with hosting several mental health work- available to Black people. Everyone is welcome also currently releasing a Smile Heaux clothing ly to receive treatment for their mental health shops in the coming year. to recieve help from the foundation. line to spread mental health awareness world- struggles. According to the U.S. Department of “I would love to have opportunities to expose “This foundation is for everyone, regardless wide. Local Green Atlanta opens Disney World Location MADELINE THIGPEN, REPORT FOR AMERICA ORLANDO, Fla. — Earlier this year, Zak and Robyn Wallace opened Local Green Or- lando, Walt Disney World’s first Black-owned food truck. The couple also owns and operates Local Green Atlanta, a fast-casual restaurant that provides healthy vegetarian and pescatarian food options in Vine City. “We wanted to come down here to Orlan- do, and make a footprint here at Disney, but really go into other communities that are comparable to a Vine City and be able to offer some of those same healthy options,” Robyn Wallace said. Robyn Wallace said that when she and her husband were first opening their Vine City location, they were told that people in that neighborhood were not interested in healthy food options. Zak and Robyn Wallace in front of their food truck at Disney Springs (Photo: Madeline Thigpen) One year before they opened the brick- With its heavily plant-based menu, Local age. In Atlanta, three out of four residents because I don’t believe that that is really go- and-mortar location in 2018, Zak Wallace Green offers a range of options that are not living in a food desert are Black. ing to change how people do things if they’re started the Local Green food truck. He want- often found in low-income communities. Local Green has also partnered with US not taught,” said Robyn Wallace. ed to serve healthy foods to people living in Food deserts and food insecurity have af- Foods to provide classes where they teach She continued to say providing the infor- Atlanta’s food deserts. fected rural and low-income communities people in the community how to make mation and the tools they need is what al- “When we were in the throes of COVID, for decades, with the pandemic only exacer- healthy snacks and smoothies at home. They lows people to change their eating habits. we were able to use our food truck to go ad- bating the issue. then provide the boxes of food and supplies “We’re hoping that once we get this fully minister food to the homeless community in According to data published by the USDA, so that people can also have healthy options up and running, that we can go into Orlando Vine City,” Robyn Wallace told The Atlanta non-Hispanic Black households experience in their homes. and do the same thing,” said Robyn Wallace. Voice. food insecurity at double the national aver- “We don’t believe in just giving food away,
www.theatlantavoice.com June 10 - 16, 2022 9
HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT 2022
THE KEYS TO
OWNING YOUR
OWN HOME
PRESENTED BY: TITLE SPONSORS:
10 June 10 - 16, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
A message from Chuck Bishop, head of Wells Fargo Home Lending Diverse Segments
T
he housing market has also developing a Special Purpose
shifted dramatically Credit Program to help eligible mi-
over the course of the norities whose loans are serviced
last year. Even as the by Wells Fargo to benefit from refi-
market evolves, the nancing and have announced $60
desire to own a home has remained million in “Wealth Opportunities
strong. In a survey conducted this Restored through Homeownership”
spring, 92% Black Americans agree (WORTH) grants projected to sup-
that owning a home is a great way port 40,000 homeowners of color.
to build family wealth, and 69% say These programs add to our on-
CHUCK they want to own their home even going commitment to advance
BISHOP, HEAD if it doesn’t increase a lot in value. homeownership. More broadly,
OF WELLS FARGO At Wells Fargo, we believe deeply we’re here to help all of our cus-
HOME LENDING in the benefits of homeownership tomers achieve their financial goals
DIVERSE – from building wealth across gen- through homeownership. We are
SEGMENTS erations to strengthening commu- passionate about our work because
nities. We also know that systemic we believe in the positive impact
inequities in the United States have homeownership can make for in-
prevented too many minority fami- dividuals, families, communities,
lies from achieving their homeown- and the nation at large.
ership and wealth building goals. Wherever you are in your finan-
As the largest bank home mortgage cial journey, Wells Fargo is here to
originator, and largest bank origi- help you reach your goals. We’re
nator of home loans to minorities ty in homeownership. Our efforts the Dream. Plan. Home. closing proud of the role we play and eager
over the last decade, we believe we include programs like the Dream. cost credit—currently available in to do all we can for our customers.
have a responsibility to develop Plan. Home.SM mortgage, which eight markets—which may provide
solutions that help close the gap. offers low- and moderate-income up to $5,000 towards non-recur-
In this homeownership supple- families a down payment as low as ring closing costs, making it eas-
ment, we share some of what we’re 3% and supports approval of those ier for low and moderate-income
doing to help advance racial equi- with non-traditional credit, and families to purchase a home. We’re
Increasing Black Homeownership
O
ver the past two well. For me, this is personal. As empower diverse communities. sideration of policy actions fo-
years, home has a Black woman and the Head of Housing stakeholders must cused on housing, such as first-
never been more Wells Fargo Home Lending, I am work together to close this gap, time homebuyer credits and
important. Safe, passionate about growing Black bringing unity to this urgent FHA reforms.
affordable hous- homeownership and providing moment, and I have seen first- Project REACh convenes
ing has long been one of the access for those shut out of the hand the great work underway stakeholders from government,
most common aspirations for American dream. not just by lenders, but also ad- financial institutions, non-
all Americans, and the principal I’m proud to have a leader- vocates, and policymakers. In profits and more to tackle the
way most families build wealth ship role at Wells Fargo as we addition to my role at Wells Far- structural barriers that have
in this country. Yet obtaining take action to increase Black go, I’m also the chairman of the contributed to the racial home-
BY KRISTY this goal remains more difficult homeownership. We’re doing Mortgage Bankers Association ownership gap. Removing these
FERCHO, CEO for people of color. this by incorporating low-down (MBA) board of directors and the barriers to financial inclusion
OF WELLS The racial homeownership payment financing options leader of the affordable home- will help millions of people, pre-
FARGO HOME gap is as large today as it was and closing cost credits avail- ownership working group for viously left out of the system,
LENDING AND during the days of segregation, able through offerings like our the Office of the Comptroller of gain access to more opportu-
CHAIRMAN OF with the white homeownership new Dream. Plan. Home.SM pro- the Currency’s Project REACh, nities for themselves and their
THE MORTGAGE rate roughly 30 points higher grams; diverse, in-market sales which promotes financial inclu- families.
BANKERS than Black households. Recent teams ready to provide access sion through greater access to We all have a role to play, and
ASSOCIATION Urban Institute analysis shows and support; collaboration with credit and capital. while none of us can break down
that the gap may continue to non-profits that understand lo- For the MBA, one of our goals these barriers alone, if we are
grow absent intentional action. cal markets and more. These ef- is to drastically increase afford- united in our pursuit, we can
This has lasting implications: forts are part of our $60 billion able homeownership in the next make a huge impact together.
when one generation misses the commitment to growing Black two years by working with mem- Read more at Wells Fargo
wealth-building opportunities homeownership. Wells Fargo is ber companies and Empowerful. (https://welcome.
of homeownership, successive also investing $50 million in Mi- policymakers to take action wf.com/empowerful/)
generations feel the impact as nority Depository Institutions to now. Our mission is to drive con-www.theatlantavoice.com June 10 - 16, 2022 11
Thinking of buying a home?
It’s an exciting and hopeful time, but you probably have questions too.
Our My First Home® website is a great place to start.
This site was designed with your home financing needs in mind: You can check your
credit score, find out your debt level, review your savings, and more with just a few
clicks. Knowing where you stand financially makes it easier to plan next steps. You
can also tackle any areas that might need improvement.
From start to finish, we’ll work with you. Because a home is more than just four walls.
It’s where the celebration of the present meets the promise of the future.
To learn more, go to https://myfirsthome.wf.com/.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.12 June 10 - 16, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
Black Homeownership Collaborative
Celebrates One Year Anniversary
STAFF REPORT
T
ta; Loretta Williamson, Truist
he Black Homeown- Bank and Ashani O’Mard, Atlan-
ership Collaborative ta Neighborhood Development
(BHC) will celebrate Partnership.
its one year anniver- This panel will focus on the
sary June 20, at At- perspectives of local stakeholders
lanta Metropolitan State College and explore how the city can lead
with a day-long event featuring by example in engaging Black
housing advocates, political and communities and offering sus-
banking industry leaders. tainable homeownership solu-
The Collaborative was formed tions for its residents, BHC stated.
in June 2020 in Cleveland, OH, A third panel titled “The Power
on the first federal Juneteenth of Collaboration: Innovative Part-
Holiday. The founding members nerships and National Initiatives
of BHC consist of Mortgage Bank- to Close the Racial Homeown-
ers Association, NAACP, National ership Gap” will present the re-
Association of Realtors ® , Na- search results from various mem-
tional Association of Real Estate bers of the Collaborative, discuss
Brokers, National Fair Housing what has been learned, what is
Alliance, National Housing Con- Photo Credit:iStock/Prostock-Studio needed to understand better,
ference, National Urban League, high-ranking elected officials, to lead the nation in promoting millennials in Atlanta. and how it can work together to
and Urban Institute. drafting collective sign-on letters, homeownership for Black fami- Key speakers at this year’s make progress towards their ulti-
At the first meeting the BHC set convening forums, or finding lies. Research from Freddie Mac event include Ginnie Mae Pres- mate goal of 3 million new home-
a goal of increasing Black home- ways to be involved in each oth- has shown that the region has ident Alanna McCargo; Atlanta owners. This panel will include:
ownership by 3 million by the er’s initiatives, the Collaborative one of the highest populations of Mayor Andre Dickens; National Cy Richardson, National Urban
year 2030. has served as a meeting place for mortgage-ready Black Americans Urban League President Marc League; Laurie Benner, Nation-
“Since its launch, collaborative bold and creative thinking on ad- in the country, making it an im- Morial and Mortgage Bankers al Fair Housing Alliance; Kristy
members have been convening vocacy,” according to a statement portant opportunity to help close Association Chairperson Kristy Fercho, Wells Fargo; and Bryan
strategic meetings and finding by the BHC. the racial homeownership gap.” Fercho. Greene, National Association of
creative ways to collaborate to- The Collaborative picked At- The event will offer strategies A panel focused specifically REALTORS ®.
ward moving us closer to our lanta for its one year anniversary and solutions for local housing on Atlanta housing issues will For more information go to the
collective goal. Whether that’s celebration because it feels “the leaders to offer advice to the feature Nancy Flake-Johnson, Black Homeownership Collabo-
taking meetings jointly with metro region has the potential 177,000 mortgage-ready Black Urban League of Greater Atlan- rative website at: www.3by30.org.
New markets tax credit brings 45 affordable
homes to Westside and Southwest Atlanta
BRIA SUGGS, Fund will rehabilitate 20 homes in at or below 80% of the median in- taxes for making equity investments CEO of ANDP, this development is
The Atlanta Voice
T
Vine City, English Avenue, Ashview come,”Meaghan Vlkovic, Enterprise in financial intermediaries known as an opportunity for people to create
hrough New Markets Heights and the Atlanta University vice president and Southeast market Community Development Entities wealth within their families as well.
Tax Credit financing, Center. leader, said. (CDEs).” “So, this is really a wealth creation
Enterprise Community In a statement the partnering com- “This is very important because The money is then invested in initiative that is particularly focused
Partners (Enterprise), panies described the goal of the new in this model, because of the new low-income urban and rural com- on developing wealth and among
Atlanta Neighborhood development as “helping to expand market tax credit investment, and munities. Racial equity is what families of color,” O’Callaghan said.
Development Partnership (ANDP) homeownership and wealth-build- the public private and philanthrop- Vlkovic described as the center of “And … there’s just a need across
and Westside Future Fund have ing opportunities in historically ic partnership, it is going to allow her work at Enterprise, and is what Atlanta for more homes and apart-
committed to building or rehabili- Black communities close to the city for the sale prices to be affordable to caught her interest on this project. ments that are affordable.”
tating 45 affordable homes for low center that have experienced de- families earning those incomes.” “The majority of the homes on the On average, families who have
to moderate income families in At- cades of disinvestment and gentri- The New Markets Tax Credit pro- Westside are not owner occupied- used ANDP’s homeownership pro-
lanta. fication and, more recently, dispro- gram was established by Congress they are investor owned and getting gram have accumulated $134,000
The project will have a focus in portionate harm from COVID-19.” in 2000. According to the United in now to secure homes for renova- in wealth from the value of their
the city’s Westside and Southwest “The homes are going to be afford- States Treasury, the program “per- tion or vacant land for new produc- homes. Construction on this project
neighborhoods. ANDP will cre- able to families earning up to 120% of mits individual and corporate tax- tion of affordable homes, it will help has been ongoing for about a year
ate 25 homes in the Campbellton the median income,with 20% of the payers to receive a non-refundable prevent displacement,” Vlkovic said. and is expected to be complete in
Road area, while Westside Future units set aside to families earning tax credit against federal income John O’Callaghan, president and 2023.www.theatlantavoice.com June 10 - 16, 2022 13
Ready for Homeownership?
754 Humphries Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
First Look through June for Legacy Residents of Pittsburgh and NPU-V | Coming to Market in July
Six New Construction Townhomes
Priced Affordably in Atlanta’s Historic
Pittsburgh Neighborhood!
6 New Townhomes | 3-Bed & 2.5 Baths | 1,350 Sq. Ft. Finished Space | $199,000 - $255,000 | DPA Available
Ready for homeownership? We can help! ANDP is a nonprofit organization
providing access to affordable housing since 1991. We’re pleased to be offering six
new townhomes for sale in Atlanta’s Historic Pittsburgh Neighborhood.
• New Construction Townhomes
• One mile from Atlanta BeltLine and Pittsburgh Yards
• Open Concept Floorplan, 1,350 SF Finished Space
• 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, Off Street Parking
• Well-Appointed Kitchens, Sustainable Features
• Down Payment Assistance available for eligible buyers.
Ready to take the next step? To ensure long-term affordability in the Pittsburgh Neighborhood, we are offering these homes through the
community land trust model. Visit atlantalandtrust.org for an overview of how CLTs work then register for their next information session to
start the homebuying process. Sales limited to qualifying homebuyers: Four units offered to buyers at or below 80% of area median income and
two offered to those at or below 120%.
Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc.
ANDP develops, finances, and advocates for affordable housing at scale that
promotes racial equity and healthy communities where families thrive.
229 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 705, Atlanta, GA 30303 | @andpinc | www.andpi.org | www.andphomes.org14 June 10 - 16, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
How Military Families Can Navigate Home
Buying In Uncertain Times
L
ike many Americans, available at er who understands the options person before buying, many start
the recent rise in inter- www.handsonbanking.com/mil- available to military families.” the hunt online, and now you have
est rates may have you itary to better understand baseline • Know your down payment better opportunities to do so.
wondering whether concepts on savings and credit. options: Not all financing options And once you’ve found a prop-
this is still a good time If you decide to move forward, require you to put 20 percent down. erty, lenders like Wells Fargo offer
to buy a home. This could be par- it’s important to be realistic about For military service members and time-tested digital tools allowing
ticularly true if you are a military what you can afford, and having a veterans, VA loans provide low- you to handle many aspects of the
service member who just received rainy day fund to fall back on is a and no-down payment options for loan process remotely, including
permanent change of station (PCS) good sign of your readiness. Don’t qualified borrowers, and do not re- signing disclosures, uploading doc-
GREG MURRAY, orders and will be relocating to a overextend yourself in buying. quire monthly mortgage insurance. uments and simply getting started.
VP OF MILITARY new area. Leave yourself with the ability to Other low down payment options So far in 2022, 68% of Wells Fargo’s
PROGRAMS FOR To get you started, Wells Fargo weather economic cycles and af- to explore include Wells Fargo’s VA applications came through the
WELLS FARGO Home Lending is providing these ford run-of-the-mill expenses for Dream. Plan. Home.SM, as well as online mortgage application. To
HOME LENDING insights: home repairs and updates. FHA and rural lending programs. contact a home mortgage consul-
• Assess your readiness: “The • Build your team: Enlist the However, understand that more tant, visit wellsfargo.com/military.
decision to buy is personal. Take help of a home mortgage consul- money down could reduce your To access free resources that can
into account your goals and finan- tant who can help you navigate the monthly payments and interest help you be a savvier home shop-
cial circumstances,” says Greg process, as well as discuss financ- paid over the life of the loan, and per, spend some time with Wells
Murray, VP of Military Program ing options that fit your needs. may also eliminate the need for pri- Fargo’s educational page, myfirsth-
for Wells Fargo who is also a vet- This is especially true for military vate mortgage insurance or reduce ome.wellsfargobank.com. For mili-
eran. “While interest rates have and veteran homebuyers. “A mili- your funding fee on a VA loan. tary personnel and veterans espe-
increased this year, if you feel fi- tary lending specialist can help you • Leverage digital tools: While a cially, rest easy in knowing that you
nancially ready, this is still a great make the most of the home loan recent realtor.com survey indicates have access to many resources that
time to look.” Take advantage of benefits you’ve earned,” says Mur- that 63.6% of consumers looking can make the home buying process
free on-line tools such as the one ray. “Consider working with a lend- for a home want to see a property in a smooth one.
Preparation is Key to Navigating a Tough Housing Market
I
t’s been quite a year for gate the challenges presented like a no-brainer in any mar- help you bring your goals clos- ownership and wealth building
families seeking to buy by today’s market. ket, the current environment is er to reality through goals.
a home. Interest rates First, take time to think so competitive that those with- programs that help address As the largest bank home
are up, available hous- about what you want – and out a strong understanding some of the factors that can mortgage originator, and larg-
ing supply is down, and what you need – out of a home, of their budget – and ideally make homeownership seem est bank originator of home
when it comes to finding the especially given how our indi- pre-approval from a mortgage less unattainable to some po- loans to minorities over the
perfect home, competition is vidual perceptions of “home” lender – may be at a disadvan- tential homebuyers. last decade, we at Wells Fargo
fierce. have evolved over the last two tage when bidding for their At Wells Fargo, for instance, believe we have a responsibil-
Factors like these can make years. In a market as compet- dream home. Home Mortgage Consultants ity to develop solutions that
BY EWUNIKE the process of buying a home itive as today’s, it’s important Homes for sale are often can provide information about help advance racial equity in
BRADY seem daunting in any market to know ahead of time where flooded with interest within programs like the Dream. Plan. homeownership. That’s why,
VP, WELLS FARGO – and those pressures can feel you’re willing to make trade- days of being listed, and it’s be- Home.SM mortgage, which in addition to programs like
HOME LENDING even more pronounced within offs and where you’re not. If coming increasingly common offers low- and moderate-in- Dream. Plan. Home., we’re
AFRICAN AMERICAN minority communities where you’re a remote worker, maybe to see all-cash buyers swoop in come families a down payment also launching a Special Pur-
SEGMENT STRATEGY systemic barriers have made space for a home office is more with an offer above the asking as low as 3% and supports ap- pose Credit Program intended
LEADER it more difficult to achieve and important than proximity to price. Taking the time now to proval of those with non-tra- to help eligible minority cus-
sustain homeownership. a corporate office. Maybe your establish your budget, deter- ditional credit. The Dream. tomers
But a tough housing market pandemic puppy is growing mine how much wiggle room Plan. Home. closing cost cred- whose mortgages are ser-
doesn’t mean the dream of and needs more space, so a you have, and begin the pro- it—currently available in eight viced by Wells Fargo to refi-
homeownership is out of reach nice yard takes precedence cess of securing pre-approval markets—may provide up to nance.
– or that the benefits of owning over walkable restaurants. can provide buyers a serious $5,000 towards non-recurring Wherever you are on your
a home are any less significant. Understanding the differ- head start when the perfect closing costs making it easier financial journey, it pays to be
When it comes to achieving ence between “nice to have” house comes along. for low- and moderate-income prepared. That goes double
your financial goals via home- and “need to have” has always Finally, as you work with a families to purchase a home. in today’s tight housing mar-
ownership in this housing mar- been important. In today’s lender to seek pre-approval, Programs like these can ket. If you’re ready to take the
ket, time spent planning and market, it’s essential to know make sure to ask lots of ques- make a real difference for el- next step, make sure to take
preparing can give potential where you stand before you tions and have a detailed dis- igible homebuyers. They can the time up front to determine
homebuyers a big leg up when look. cussion about your goals and also play a role in helping to your needs, establish your
the time comes to make an of- Next, it’s crucial to know your current financial situa- address some of the systemic budget, and understand the
fer on that perfect home. ahead of time what you can tion. Your mortgage lender inequities that have prevent- programs that could help make
A few simple steps can help afford and have a plan for fi- may be able to share informa- ed too many minority families the dream of homeownership
would-be homebuyers navi- nancing. While it may seem tion about programs that could from achieving their home- a reality for you.You can also read
