IT'S GO TIME! - The Atlanta Voice
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www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 56 Issue 44 • FREE
THE ATLANTA MARCH 11, 2022
METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
Democrat Stacey Abrams
filed her paperwork Tues-
day to run for governor of
Georgia. (Itoro Umon-
teun/The Atlanta Voice)
IT'S GO TIME! | Page 2
2 March 11 - 17, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
METRO
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around Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
left: Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams signs the paperwork needed to get on the ballot for November’s election. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta
Voice) right: Caption:Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams walks into the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Abrams signed the paperwork needed to get
on the ballot for November’s election. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice)
IT’S QUALIFYING WEEK
for candidates seeking public office
BY ITORO UMONTUEN
The Atlanta Voice “When I ran for governor in 2018, I ran on a Abrams was joined by State Rep. Al Wil- received 50% of the vote, Perdue received 39%
platform of opportunity for wanting to ensure liams, D-Midway, State Senate Minority Lead- of the vote, and 10% of voters are “unsure” or
Four years ago, Stacey Abrams arrived at the that we expand Medicaid, that we fully and er Elena Parent, D-Decatur, campaign manag- would consider voting for another conserva-
Georgia State Capitol as the House Minority permanently fund education, that we build er Lauren Groh-Wargo, her family members tive.
Leader and looked to make a substantive run economic development plans that work for and about forty supporters. According to the January 31st campaign fi-
for the Governor’s Mansion. On March 6, 2018, every Georgian,” Abrams explained. “Sadly, Tuesday’s announcement was not lost on nance report filing, Perdue reported raising
Abrams ran for governor, saw her star shine those are still the issues we need to focus on. the minds of her potential Republican chal- about $1.2 million, about half of the $2.5 mil-
brighter after suspending her campaign (she The last four years of inaction and ineptitude lengers. lion Kemp reported raising in the same two-
never conceded defeat to Georgia Gov. Brian by the current governor means that I’m sim- “We hope Stacey Abrams has her concession month period. And Perdue reported far less
Kemp), launched Fair Fight (an organization ply trying again, to do what’s right for Georgia. speech more readily available this go around, cash on hand — just under $900,000 — than
dedicated to fighting voter suppression), and And I believe this time that we’ll get it done.” she’ll need it once and for all,” said Republican either Kemp ($12.7 million) or Abrams ($7.7
was given her flowers after helping register Abrams emphasized her belief in healthcare National Committee Garrison Douglas. million.)
800,000 voters before the 2020 Presidential access for all. Former Republican U.S. Senator David Per- While the Republicans are preparing for bat-
Election. “I believe that expanding Medicaid serves due qualified the next day. When he declared tle leading up to the May 24 primary, Abrams
Abrams announced her intentions to run for us all,” Abrams said. “Defending our right to his intentions to run for governor in Decem- is moving full speed ahead. Abrams was asked
governor on December 1. On Tuesday, March vote serves us all. Ensuring access to educa- ber, Perdue went on FOX News with one agen- about the bitter redistricting fights currently
8, 2022, surrounded by a bevy of news cameras tion, whether you live in rural communities da: stopping Stacey Abrams. taking place and she was disgusted.
and reporters, Abrams put pen to paper and or in the city serves us all. We need a governor “I got in [the race] very simply to stop Stacey “We know that in pockets of our country, in-
successfully submitted her paperwork to run who believes in all of Georgia.” Abrams and save our state,” said Perdue. “It is cluding the State of Georgia, there have been
for governor later this year. She says her plat- Abrams has no opposition on the Democrat- a sad state of affairs that our current governor aggressive attacks on communities of color
form has remained largely unchanged in the ic side as she is Georgia’s de facto leader and has lost the confidence of many Republicans.”
past four years. torch bearer. According to a recent FOX News poll, Kemp See RACE on page 15
www.theatlantavoice.com March 11 - 17, 2022 3
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
ANDREW
YO U N G
- From The Atlanta Voice
Celebrating 90 years!
Olympic Park with elected officials, digni- and Benjamin C. Adams and the Millenni- this 90th birthday celebration and fund-
Courtesy of The Andrew J. taries and celebrities with opening remarks um Candler Peace Prize Winner Dr. Shin raising event is an incredibly special time
Young Foundation from Ambassador Young. It will conclude Dae-yong. Following the VIP opening, the for individuals to reflect and celebrate the
In honor of Ambassador Andrew Young’s at the Rodney Cook Sr. Peace Park in Vine exhibit will be open to the public beginning legacy and impact of Ambassador Andrew
90th birthday, The Andrew J. Young Foun- City. It is Young’s hope that people come Saturday March 12th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. In- Young and his efforts in making Atlanta,
dation is hosting a 4-day celebration that walk with the purpose of reconciling with formation about limited-time tickets will be America, and the world a better place.
begins March 9th, 2022 and will conclude each other and sending a message about available via the Andrew Young 90th birth- About the Andrew J. Young Foundation
March 12th with a grand birthday dinner the importance of peace and friendship. day celebration website. Andrew J. Young Foundation is a commu-
gala. Organizations and individuals can register On Saturday March 12th the celebration nity based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
This celebration is about honoring the to participate in the walk which is anticipat- will conclude with the actual 90th birthday that has been built upon Civil Rights leader
man who has lived many lives and has done ed to draw thousands. Registration will be gala at The World Congress Center which Andrew Young’s philosophy of non-violent
so with grace, accomplishment, and leader- available at www.andrewyoung90.com. will raise funds to further the mission of his change and a belief that unto whom much
ship. Ambassador Andrew Young has cho- On Friday, March 11th the exhibit “The foundation. This fundraising dinner will is given, much is required. Ambassador
sen the theme, “Peace and Reconciliation” Many Lives of Andrew Young” will open give guests and sponsors the opportunity Young is a prominent speaker on the civil
for his 90th birthday. According to the at the Millennium Gate Museum and will to thank Ambassador Young for his efforts rights movement, diplomacy, peacekeeping
ambassador, “there has never been a time highlight the different eras of Ambassador in peacemaking and social change. The eve- and reconciliation, and is called on a daily
when our world needed to embrace peace Young’s incredible life and many accom- ning will feature tributes from individuals, basis by organizations around the world to
and reconciliation more than today”. plishments in different decades. During this to be announced, along with an amazing share his thoughts on overcoming division
Starting at 12:00 p.m. on March 9th, the VIP opening reception an accompanying array of talent in music and song. The pub- in our society on the basis of respect, inclu-
90 Minutes of Global Prayer for World Peace coffee table book published by NewSouth lic can go to www.andrewyoung90.com for sion and empowerment. Foundation Presi-
will take place. The prayer service will fea- Books will be released. This magnificent tickets and sponsorship information. dent, Gaurav Kumar, says “we are driven by
ture the Trey Clegg singers and additional book written by Ernie Suggs with an intro- Ambassador Andrew Young is a beacon the philosophy to feed the hungry, heal the
choirs from other churches in the Atlanta duction from President Carter will feature of leadership and has served the public sick, clothe and house the poor and set at
area. In addition to the opening prayer by Ambassador’s’ stores in his own words with for decades. Through serving as a student, liberty those who are oppressed. Besides ac-
Reverend Dwight Andrews, other spiritu- hundreds of photos and images of memora- preacher, civil rights activist, Congress- tively working on Civil and Human Rights,
al leaders from around the world will be bilia. Following the exhibit opening a spe- man, United Nations Ambassador, Mayor Education and empowerment, the founda-
featured through videos. The highlight of cial dinner will incorporate the Millennium of Atlanta, co-chair of the 1996 Olympics tion incubates social innovations with an
the service will be the “Peace and Recon- Candler Peace & Justice Prize Ceremony. and more, Ambassador Young has contin- intent to solve the basic needs of people liv-
ciliation” sermon by Ambassador Andrew This extravagant occasion is produced by ued to build communities and inspire unity ing in poverty in America, Africa and across
J. Young. The event will be livestreamed the National Monuments Foundation un- amongst people across the globe. the globe. The foundation is currently fo-
around the world to spread the message of der the direction of its President, Rodney Ambassador Andrew Young has pushed cused upon finding sustainable solutions
peace. Cook Jr. Funds received at the dinner and boundaries and has created a seat at the ta- for food security and fighting malnutrition,
On Thursday, March 10th at 10:00 a.m. auction that night will benefit the work of ble for all people regardless of race. Ambas- job creation, and economic development.
the second day of the celebration will fea- the foundation. This year’s honorees will be sador Young has shown today’s youth that These solutions are poised to empower un-
ture a 90-minute walk for Peace and Recon- Millennium Candler Justice Prize Winners opportunities are limitless when you focus derserved populations and uplift the quali-
ciliation. The event will begin at Centennial Clark Durant, Joe Lonsdale V, Dan T. Cathy on them. According to the planning board, ty of life in the society worldwide.
4 March 11 - 17, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton
Immortalis Memoria
VOICES I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this
PUBLISHER/EDITOR diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear."
J. Lowell Ware — ROSA PARKS
Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors
How to Raise the Next
the life of J. Lowell Ware.
PUBLISHER
Generation of Black Scientists
Janis Ware
jlware@theatlantavoice.com
PRESIDENT/
GENERAL MANAGER
James A. Washington
A
jaws@theatlantavoice.com
s we approach
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
TO PUBLISHER year three of
Chia Suggs the COVID-19
csuggs@theatlantavoice.com pandemic
CHIEF BRAND OFFICER and celebrate
Dawn Montgomery Black History Month, we are
dmontgomery@theatlantavoice.com
reminded that today’s Black
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS scientists are performing crit-
Martel Sharpe ical roles in advancing the
msharpe@theatlantavoice.com
BY DERANTE DAVIS health and wellness of Amer-
REPORT FOR AMERICA CORPS The Atlanta Voice icans. Fittingly, Black health
MEMBER, EDUCATION REPORTER
and wellness are the themes
Madeline Thigpen
mthigpen@theatlantavoice.com of this month. Black scientists
and medical professionals are
GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER
Bria Suggs performing critical roles in ad-
bsuggs@theatlantavoice.com vancing America’s health and
MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL
wellness–even as the pandem-
Itoro Umontuen ic has reinforced the disparity
iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com in healthcare access for Black iStock/Wavebreakmedia
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA Americans.
Alexis Grace The truth is, despite unac- CUs), the list would be much great value to me both person- are still too few pathways to
agrace@theatlantavoice.com ceptable obstacles to receiving shorter. Historically Black col- ally and professionally. a STEM education for Black
DIRECTOR OF VISUALS an education in science, Black leges and universities were es- Growing up in Columbus, Americans. This presents a
Trarell Torrence Americans have been making tablished during a time when Georgia, I was always a science challenge, and an opportunity.
t.torrence@theatlantavoice.com our lives better by using sci- Black Americans were denied kid. I just loved figuring out HBCUs have a crucial role to
ence for a long time. access to institutions of high- how to do things, and then do- play, and we must also invest
ADVERTISING, SALES More than a few STEM pi- er education across the coun- ing them. In the labs at Albany in the future of Black children
& CIRCULATION oneers come to mind. Many try. Necessity is the mother State University, I was able to who love science, fostering an
ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR of us are familiar with inven- of invention. Because of the pursue that passion and learn environment in which they
Chia Suggs tor and agricultural scientist need – and desire – for Black through experience. It was can succeed. As more path-
advertising@theatlantavoice.com George Washington Carver students to get an education, fascinating. It still is. Today ways are created and dispar-
CIRCULATION MANAGER who invented hundreds of uses these incredible institutions I am a serology supervisor at ities are diminished, more
Terry Milliner for peanuts, and mathemati- were created. BioLife Plasma Services, part Black kids will pursue their
SALES cian Katherine Johnson who is Today, one in four African of Takeda, where in pursuit of dreams as America seeks to
R.D.W. Jackson lauded for her major contribu- Americans with a STEM de- realizing my potential, I have fulfill its promise.
rdwadman@gmail.com
tions to NASA. But, what about gree earned that degree at an been promoted three times We must continue to en-
SUBMISSIONS
chemist and researcher Marie HBCU, even though HBCUs now. Our team, in its inclusive, courage Black kids in the U.S.
newsroom@theatlantavoice.com
Maynard Daly, the nation’s make up only 3 percent of col- stimulating environment, to follow their passion for sci-
first African American woman leges and universities in the plays a critical role in the de- ence. Like myself and those
CONTACT INFORMATION to earn a PhD in chemistry, or U.S. velopment of therapies for before me, it’s time for their
633 Pryor Street, S.W. scientist and inventor Walter I am a proud graduate of people with a variety of rare potential to be realized.
Atlanta, GA 30312 Lincoln Hawkins whose plas- Albany State University, an and complex chronic diseases Derante Davis is Serology
Office: 404-524-6426 tic coating invention helped HBCU, whose motto is ‘Poten- including immune deficien- Supervisor in the Serology de-
Fax: 404-527-5464 make telephone service across tial. Realized.’ As I earned my cies, impacting thousands partment at BioLife Plasma
the world possible? degree in biology, I became the of Americans. We know that Services, part of Takeda. Bio-
The list of Black scientists – first member of my family to #ScienceWorks. We help save Life is dedicated to collecting
of today and yesterday – and attend and graduate college. people’s lives with science. plasma to offer life-sustaining
all that they have contributed While at Albany State, I joined Looking ahead just a few and life-saving medicines to
to our world is long. It is also the fraternity Omega Psi Phi, years, it is forecasted that over hundreds of thousands of peo-
too short. Were it not for our which was founded by a Black 2 million STEM jobs in the U.S. ple worldwide who live with
nation’s historically Black scientist named Ernest Ever- will go unfilled due to a lack rare and complex chronic dis-
colleges and universities (HB- ett Just. This connection is of of skilled applicants. Yet there eases.
www.theatlantavoice.com March 11 - 17, 2022 5
MONEY
JPMorgan Chase invests $12 milion to boost
homeownership for Black and Hispanic communities
KEY POINTS:
• JPMorgan Chase is investing $12 million
with five nonprofit organizations in Atlanta and
other cities to boost homeownership opportu-
nities for Black, Hispanic and Latino communi-
ties.
• Atlanta Neighborhood Development Part-
nership (ANDP) is receiving $2.5 million of
the investment. The nonprofit plans to use the
money to invest in risk-based partnerships with
mostly Black-owned local, small builders to de-
velop roughly 500 affordable for-sale homes in
neighborhoods that have experienced decades
of disinvestment. About half of the homes would
be in the city of Atlanta.
• JPMorgan Chase’s investment is part of its
$30 billion pledge made in 2020 to address sys-
temic racism in banking, such as discriminatory
lending practices. $400 million is set aside for
affordable housing initiatives for Black, Hispanic
and Latino communities.
• JPMorgan Chase itself has paid out more
than $13 billion in recent years to settle feder-
al lawsuits over predatory mortgages, charging
Black and Hispanic people higher rates and
fees on mortgage loans than white customers,
and racist treatment of African American em-
ployees. https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/
media/doc/2019.12.19%20-%20Letter%20
to%20JPMC.pdf
Brigitte Killings of JPChase moderates a discussion between Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and JPChase CEO Jamie Dimon at the
Russell Center. (Itoro Umonteun/The Atlanta Voice.)
BY DYANA BAGBY
B
anking giant JPMorgan Chase is for Entrepreneurs on March 1 to announce to have a CEO of a bank this large that gets and low-income borrowers; and supporting
investing $12 million in Atlan- ANDP’s funding. it. You honestly get it,” Dickens told Dimon. federal housing policies that advance fair
ta and numerous other cities to Dimon said the one-two punch of the “When you saw what we were facing with housing and mitigate bias in the home val-
boost homeownership oppor- Covid-19 pandemic and the killing of George Covid and when injustice occurred across uation process.
tunities for Black, Hispanic and Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer spot- the nation … and too many Black people had “We’ve got to help the federal govern-
Latino communities to try to bridge the lighted the country’s racial wealth gap in a died at the hands of excessive use of force … ment,” Dimon said. “They make it harder for
country’s vast housing and racial wealth gap. way he had not seen before. you didn't put your head in the sand,” Dick- affordable housing, they make it harder for
Atlanta Neighborhood Development Part- “And the only good thing that came out of ens said. mortgages. They make it harder for educa-
nership (ANDP), a 31-year-old nonprofit, is that is you saw a lot of white people around “You came up and you did something tion, healthcare.”
receiving $2.5 million from the bank. The the country, a lot of CEOs around the world, about it. You did it with a big number,” Dick- Dickens said businesses have the luxury
money will be invested in risk-based part- saying, ‘We’ve got to do more,’” Dimon said. ens added. “This is not just charity. This is of moving faster with its plans because it
nerships with mostly Black-owned local, In 2020, JPMorgan Chase announced it about you making sure you invest in the fu- doesn’t have the red tape and bureaucracy
small builders to develop roughly 500 af- was committing $30 billion toward fixing ture of all Americans.” of government.
fordable for-sale single homes in neighbor- banking’s “systemic racism.” The money is Dimon: ‘I think all companies should get “Now as mayor, I'm trying to optimize our
hoods where low-income residents face dis- going toward funding 40,000 mortgages for involved in public policy’ systems and improve our delivery so that we
placement. About half the homes will be in Black and Latino households, constructing The banking company is also pushing for move at the speed of business,” Dickens said.
the city of Atlanta. 100,000 affordable rental units and opening policy changes it says would increase the “But government has a mission, and that
“These funds will also support direct more bank branches in historically margin- availability of and equitable access to afford- mission is solely for the people,” he said.
lending to community-based homebuilders, alized communities. able housing for renters and homeowners. “Corporations’ number one thing is that it
help develop single-family homes for rent, “We [at JPMorgan Chase] want to set the They include implementing rental as- gives shareholder value to make sure that
and support our down payment assistance tone for financial companies to do some- sistance to households and landlords most the stakeholders are taken care of.”
program,” said ANDP President and CEO thing different,” Dimon said. economically impacted by the pandemic But when the public and private sectors
John Callaghan. Dickens said JPMorgan Chase’s $30 bil- recession; establishing a national eviction come together with a shared vision on how
‘We want to set the tone’ lion “commitment for racial equity shook tracking database; promoting reforms to to invest in Black businesses and provide
Jamie Dimon, the billionaire CEO of JP- the world and shook the city of Atlanta for increase mortgage market liquidity and more affordable housing, for example, they
Morgan Chase, was joined by Mayor Andre sure.” improve access to affordable, sustainable speak a language that includes finance, busi-
Dickens at the Russell Innovation Center “You are consistent, and that's refreshing mortgages that better serve people of color ness as well as community, Dickens said.
6 March 11 - 17, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
EDUCATION
SMASH to Expand Morehouse STEM Program to Spelman
BY MADELINE THIGPEN undergraduates studying STEM attend an
Report for America
A
HBCU and one-third of all black students who
four-year STEM program for high earn a post-doctoral degree in STEM attended
school students called SMASH an HBCU for undergrad.
is expanding to Spelman College Each school’s SMASH program is a little dif-
this fall. ferent to cater to the strengths of the host school.
SMASH is a youth education At Spelman, Rose said, the program will have
nonprofit focused on diversifying the field of a large computer science component as well as a
STEM, whose CEO Danielle Rose is a Spelman curriculum that looks at how technology can be
alum. used to bring about social change.
Founded on the campus of the University They will also collaborate with the AUC’s Data
of California Berkeley in 2004, the program Science Initiative and participate in ‘The Future
expanded to include other California schools is Intersectional’ series at Spelman where Black
such as Stanford, UCLA and USC. Then in 2017 women interrogate and discuss the utilization
SMASH launched their first program at a school of technology in society.
outside California at Morehouse College and When SMASH was chartered at Morehouse,
continued to grow across the nation. Spelman Rose said part of the charter was to create a tal-
will be SMASH’s second program at an HBCU. ent pipeline and provide early exposure to high
Rose told The Atlanta Voice that they have schoolers on what it means to be a ‘Morehouse
been in contact with Spelman preparing to Man.’
launch the program for over a year. “We understand that many of our young peo-
“We know that HBCUs have been and will ple are not receiving an equitable, just or prop-
continue to play a critical role in building Black erly resourced education,” Rose said. “We have
excellence,” Rose said. a role in supporting them.”
The three-year long program is for 9th grade She continued that this program can exem-
girls in a 50 mile radius of Spelman who have a plify what it looks like when you prioritize iden-
GPA of 3.0 or higher. The application is open to tity. Emphasizing that many young people are
all students attending a public school or a pri- not lacking talent or motivation to succeed but
vate school with financial assistance. the opportunity.
According to Rose, one-quarter of all black SMASH x Morehouse inaugural cohort in 2017. Photo Courtesy of SMASH
EDUCATION
Meet the 2022 Disney Dreamers from Georgia
BY ALEXIS GRACE
walk in the authority in just know-
The Atlanta Voice
ing what you can command, de-
Each year 100 students are select- clare, and what you can take control
ed for Disney Dreamers from thou- of,” Sheard said.
sands of applicants. This year, there Sheard referenced the Acade-
were 9 students selected to repre- my Award-Winning Walt Disney
sent the state of Georgia. Studios motion picture, The Black
With interest ranging from me- Panther when speaking with The
dia to chemical engineering, these Atlanta Voice about encouraging
scholars were shown the benefits of the Dreamers to show the world the
going above and beyond through- true version of themselves.
out their time in Orlando. “When Angela Bassett yelled
Tracey Powell, Vice President of at T’Challa ‘show them who you
Pricing & Revenue Management of are!’, so you may be in a fight…but
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and remember who you are,” she ex-
Disney Dreamers Executive Cham- claimed.
pion said she was very excited to see The Disney Dreamers Academy is
what the kids took away from this known for providing exclusive op-
opportunity. portunities to Black Students in un-
“This is a once in a lifetime ex- derrepresented parts of the country.
perience and I really want them to Branden Thompson, a Prairie
be able to experience that,” Powell Atlanta-area students (L-R) Azriel Melvin, Cedaisia Talton, Nathanael Occilien-Similien, Amia Georges, Jordyn View A&M alumnus spoke to the
said. Spencer, Ilarose Robinson (not pictured), MiCai Haywood (not pictured) and Ryann Richards (not pictured), arrive Dreamers about the importance of
The Dreamers participated in a at Magic Kingdom to celebrate the landmark 15th year of Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort their own voice.
in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Disney Dreamers Academy, taking place March 3-6, 2022 is a mentorship event
series of workshops to help devel- “It is about diversity and inclu-
hosted annually by Walt Disney World Resort that fosters the dreams of Black students and teens from underrep-
op their career interest. They heard sion,” Thompson said. “Everybody
resented communities.
from a variety of panelists who are has value, a story, gifts and talents
successful in their different fields and Founder of the Back at Zero to move forward despite the ob- do not last forever and that is what so it is just about connecting those
including: Gospel Artist Kierra Foundation, Branden Thompson. stacles. Bouncing off of one of her she wanted the students to under- dots and letting people’s voices be
Sheard, 2021 Scripps National Spell- Kierra Sheard was very passion- songs “Something Has To Break”, stand. heard because everybody can in-
ing Bee champion Zaila Avant-Gard, ate about encouraging the dreamers the artist explained that bad times “If you are a dreamer, you have to spire somebody.”
www.theatlantavoice.com March 11 - 17, 2022 7
BUSINESS
Morehouse graduates bring CBD delivery to Atlanta
BY BRIA SUGGS
pecially when it comes to sleeping that although CBD is legal, it is not delivery fee, but to them, it’s worth it give our buds a way to experience the
The Atlanta Voice
M
and things like that,” Gaffney said. always easily accessible for everyone. because it makes the products more platform, and give valuable feedback
orehouse College “My mother, she got in a really bad According to WABE, 14,511 people in accessible to those in need. for how we can improve it to then add
graduates Mat- car accident when I was younger … Georgia have permission to possess “In a world where you can get ev- it into our mobile app, which we're re-
thew Gaffney, And she's been able to turn to some low THC oil for medicinal purposes. erything delivered to you whether leasing now.”
Victor Nwadike CBD products as alternatives for pain “There are a lot of people that use it's your food that you want to eat The pandemic also set back the
and Kevin Tolliver tolerance.” CBD products that may have physical that night, groceries, even mine wine release date for the mobile app. The
co-founded an app called CannaGo To Gaffney it’s also important to limitations,” Gaffney said. with apps like Drizzly, furniture, you co-founders went from frequently
that delivers cannabidiol (CBD) prod- him to try to destigmatize CBD, which Gaffney and his fellow co-found- can get practically anything off of meeting at each other's homes to
ucts to metro Atlanta. The three met for some has a negative connotation. ers consider these people to be an Amazon … you're starting to see that having to work remotely. Despite the
on Morehouse campus while attend- CBD is federally legal through “underserved market”. even with physical medicine delivery, hardships, the business continues to
ing school. the Agriculture Improvement Act “So with this kind of limit of ac- that's even become more accessible, grow, and so do the amount of Canna-
Gaffney acts as the head of market- of 2018. The bill removed hemp and cess for people, if you can't get into but as legalization is still kind of roll- Go users around metro Atlanta, nick-
ing, Nwadike is the head of product its derivatives with no more than a the sort of physical buys, you would ing around for cannabis, we’re seeing named “buds” by the founders.
and Tolliver is head of engineering. 0.3% concentration of tetrahydro- have to order it online,” Gaffney said. how we can change people's lives,” In the future, CannaGo will be look-
Founder Nwadike became a self- cannabinol (THC) from the defini- “More times than not if you need it Gaffney said. ing to hire additional drivers to meet
taught app developer at the age of 15, tion of marijuana in the Controlled immediately, or in a certain amount The beta version of CannaGo was the demand and allow the founders,
and by the time he was 17, two of his Substances Act. It also legalized the of time. If you can't wait multiple launched in 2019 as a web app, allow- who make deliveries as well, more
apps were ranked in the top 300 of industrial farming of hemp, so long days, for example, with standard ing people to use it on their phones free time to focus on other aspects of
Apple’s app store. Gaffney launched as it contains a low amount of THC as shipping, which you are going to pay and computers to place orders for the company.
his own marketing business when regulated by the Food and Drug Ad- about $10 for, you have to pay about next-day deliveries. The ultimate “One thing that we really priori-
he was 18. Tolliver created his first ministration. $25 and get it overnight, so it’s incred- goal was to create a mobile app, how- tize is paying people a livable wage,”
computer game when he was nine, CBD can be found in both mari- ibly too costly.” ever the CannaGo team wasn’t able to Gaffney said. “So, compared to a lot
and later developed a web page for juana and hemp, however, only CBD CannaGo was designed to be the launch as soon as they had hoped due of ride sharing apps for people [and]
his high school district that is still up derived from hemp is legal to pur- solution with a $5 same-day deliv- to unforeseen obstacles. other food delivery platforms, [the
today. chase, sell and consume. CBD is not ery fee. CannaGo works with local “Until the end of last summer, Ap- drivers are] getting like five dollars
Together, they combined their psychoactive like THC and does not brick and mortar CBD stores around ple didn't even allow cannabis apps an hour and mainly rely on tips. One
skills to create CannaGo after real- deliver the characteristic “high” of metro Atlanta to be able to make de- on their platform,” Gaffney said. “So, thing that we really prioritize is pay-
izing how much CBD has impacted marijauna. liveries within a 30-mile radius from we had already had an app developed ing an hourly rate that's above min-
their personal lives. Since launching CannaGo, one each shop. CannaGo has to “eat a lot or in the development process, we imum wage, that's almost twice the
“I use [CBD] for certain things, es- thing that Gaffney has learned is of costs” in order to offer a flat-rate released the web app as a way to still minimum wage .”
EDUCATION
Georgia Legislature Debates Bills Banning CRT
He continued to say that the debate sur-
rounding CRT is only working to further polar-
ize people while distracting from what he says
BY MADELINE THIGPEN are more pressing issues affecting Georgia’s
Report for America represent Atlanta on the committee, Donzella holocaust.” students.
James (D-35), Sonya Halpern (D-39) and Elena Rabbi Medwin continued to say that the “We should be focusing on teacher retention
The debate over Critical Race Theory (CRT) Parent (D-42). motivation behind trying to suppress the story and inequality. We need to be matching public
has dominated the national conversation Although CRT is not mentioned by name, of Black America is the same motivation that education with the future needs of our society,”
about education since the wave of social unrest each of these bills is sponsored by a legislator seeks to suppress the Jewish story. which Pierce said includes creating opportuni-
brought about by the murder of George Floyd who has condemned a ‘divisive ideology,’ one Gov. Brian Kemp has been an outspoken crit- ties for STEM and vocational education.
by Minneapolis police officers in May 2020. representative calling it ‘Anti-American.’ ic of CRT as well as both Republican candidates While the Governor and his political allies
In the following months America was forced Faith in Public Life, a nonprofit, organized an running for state superintendent. have made it clear that banning CRT is a polit-
to acknowledge its racist past in a new way. event to bring together Black and Jewish clergy In June of 2021 the State Board of Educa- ical priority, early this year he also announced
While many people and institutions began from the Atlanta area. The religious leaders that tion, who is appointed by the governor, passed an additional $47 million in relief funding for
the process of accepting this history, just as spoke included Bishop Jackson is the Presid- a resolution against lessons that would make K-12 and higher education across the state.
many have been at work in municipal buildings ing Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the students feel “discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any Though these types of legislation gain more
and state legislatures across the country. Georgia AME Church and Rabbi Lydia Medwin other form of psychological distress on account bipartisan support they have not been the focus
By the start of the current legislative period of the Temple Atlanta. of his or her race or sex.” of the state Republican party who have cen-
there were three senate bills that sought to pre- “The genuine teaching of history must in- In early February, Kemp’s floor leaders Sen. tered the party’s platform on more politicized
vent schools from teaching the darker aspects clude all history. The good, the bad, the proud Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett) and Rep. Josh Bonner issues like CRT and mask mandates.
of American history. and the shameful; above all the truth,” Jackson (R-Fayetteville) both introduced legislation that
On March 4, the Georgia State House voted in said. would provide parents with more control over PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The Atlanta Voice is
favor of HB 1084 and HB 1178. Bill 1084 is aimed While Jackson and many critics of the bills what their children are being taught in school. re-publishing this story about critical race
at preventing schools from teaching ‘certain currently in the legislature highlight the fact In a statement, Sen. Dixon said the legisla- theory because a previous incomplete ver-
concepts’ while HB 1178 gives parents the right that CRT is a graduate level theory not being tion would ensure that students’ and parents’ sion was published in error in our March 4,
to ‘direct the upbringing and education of their taught in K-12 schools, it does little to assuage rights were being protected by the state. 2022 issue.
minor children.’ those who want to ban it. Critics of these types of bills like Raymond
A motion to reconsider HB 1084 was made “History cannot be taught without including Pierce, President and CEO of the Southern Edu- If you are a
March 4 and on March 8 the bill was voted racism, the civil war, discrimination, segrega- cation Foundation say they are an unnecessary parent willing
down 71-92. This means the bill will have to be tion, jim crow… all of our history,” he continued. distraction. to share
your opinion
up for discussion once again and amendments Medwin echoed Jackson’s sentiment about “This is a solution in search of a problem,”
with us on
can be added. teaching all history, even the bad parts, in Geor- Pierce told The Atlanta Voice. this topic
HB 1178 however was transmitted to the gia’s schools. Pierce added that while slavery, Jim Crow PLEASE
Senate where it was read on the floor and then “We need all these stories and their complex and segregation are not something to be proud SCAN THE
passed to the Senate committee on Education truths,” Medwin said. “My children must learn of, he believes they should be taught as part of QR CODE!
and Youth. There are three state senators who about racism just as they must learn about the American history.
8 March 11 - 17, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
HERSTORY
Alice Dunnigan:
First Black Woman
Accredited to Many
Press Corps
She represented the Black press at the highest levels and paved
the way for scores of journalists who still follow today.
BY DEBORAH BAILEY (1948) she is the first Black woman to ac-
M
Special to The AFRO company a president on an official trip,”
ore than half a century journalist Carol Booker said speaking at Alice Dunnigan was the first Black woman accredited to the House and Senate Press
before Yamiche Alcin- a C-Span book panel. Booker edited Dun- Galleries, White House, Supreme Court, State Department and first Black woman to
dor covered the White nigan’s autobiography. accompany a U.S. president on an official trip. (Courtesy Photo)
House for the PBS New- Born in 1906 to a sharecropper’s family
sHour and before April in a rural community outside of Russell- while continuing with the ANP, where she work with the Johnson administration.
Ryan’s White House coverage for Urban ville, Ky., Dunnigan learned to read by eventually secured a press pass. She retired in 1970 and wrote her autobi-
Radio Networks, there was Alice Dun- 4-years-old and after completing the 10th Dunnigan covered the campaign of ography “A Black Woman’s Experience:
nigan. grade in Russellville Schools (the high- Harry S. Truman and continued to cov- From Schoolhouse to White House,” pub-
Dunnigan represented the Black press est level of completion for Blacks at that er the White House until 1960, when she lished in 1974. The edited version of Dun-
at the highest levels and paved the way time in Kentucky) attended Kentucky A&I joined the Lyndon B. Johnson campaign, nigan’s autobiography by Carole Booker
for scores of journalists who still follow School (currently Kentucky State Univer- for the then Democratic presidential can- is titled “Alone Atop the Hill: The Autobi-
today. sity). didate. Dunnigan continued with John- ography of Alice Dunnigan, Pioneer of the
“She was the first Black woman accred- In 1936, Dunnigan freelanced for the son and joined the Vice Presidential Staff National Black Press.”
ited to the House and Senate Press Galler- American Negro Press Association (ANP) after the Kennedy or Johnson campaign The post Alice Dunnigan: First Black
ies; first Black woman accredited to the while taking night courses at Howard Uni- won the bid for the White House in 1960. woman accredited to many press corps
White House, to the Supreme Court, to versity. She started writing for the Chica- Dunnigan continued in federal service appeared first on AFRO American News-
the State Department. And then in a year, go Defender/Louisville Defender in 1946 with the Department of Labor after her papers.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Tackling Health Disparities During Women’s History Month
BY DEBRA TYLER HORTON,
State Director, AARP Georgia vided with meaningful access to Research from the last decade the Tom Joyner morning show.
the services and opportunities also suggests that there contin- We’ll tackle some hard conversa-
March is Women’s History that allow them to thrive. ues to be disparities in healthcare tions with expert panelists from
Month – a time to honor and cel- But to achieve that vision, we spending, with African Americans the American Heart Association,
ebrate the contributions of wom- must address the issue of dispar- accounting for a lower percentage Black Voters Matter and the Afri-
an across time, geography and ities. We must acknowledge that of healthcare spending (11%) rel- can American Network Against
culture. Inspired by our woman racial and ethnic disparities ex- ative to their population percent- Alzheimer’s.
founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, ist across sectors and we must age (12%). Meanwhile, healthcare AARP Georgia invites you to at-
AARP has sought to tackle some endeavor to spark conversations spending for non-Hispanic white tend this free virtual event. To reg-
of the most pressing social issues and solutions that help to reduce Americans (72%) was significantly ister, visit aarp.org/GA
facing people over the age of 50 for or eliminate the barriers and cir- higher than their population per- In the words of Dr. Andrus, “If
the past 60-plus years. cumstances that create these dis- centage (61%). That same study we are not content with things as
Dr. Andrus was a visionary and parities. found that African Americans they are, we must concern our-
an advocate for social change. Af- Lack of access to healthcare accounted for 26% less spending selves with things as they might
ter discovering a friend and for- coverage, the very issue upon on outpatient care but 12% more become.” AARP Georgia looks for-
mer teacher living in a chicken which AARP was founded, still spending on emergency depart- ward to connecting with you on
coop with no home and no health- exists today. Recent research ment care than average, a finding March 24th.
DEBRA TYLER HORTON,
care, Dr. Andrus began a crusade conducted by the Yale School of State Director, AARP Georgia that reinforces unequal access to
for social change from which Public Health found that health primary care.
AARP was born. insurance coverage for African to nearly 99%. Racial and ethnic On March 24th at 7:00pm, AARP
Today, we continue to strive Americans rose from 86% to near- disparities were not eliminated will host “Cultural Conversations:
toward a vision where people at ly 96% at age 65 – the age at which by Medicare, supporting the view Sistas Having Their Say” – a dis-
every life stage can maximize the most people can access Medicare. that other social determinants of cussion on disparities in wom-
opportunity of a longer life with For Whites, coverage increased by health that give rise to disparities en’s heart health co-moderated
purpose and dignity and are pro- a smaller percentage – from 92% persist for older adults. by Sybil Wilkes and Myra J from
www.theatlantavoice.com March 11 - 17, 2022 9
ECONOMY
Kemp and Warnock push for halt to gas taxes as prices rise
BY JEFF AMY weekend. Warnock said Feb. 22 at a gas station in the
Kemp's office said the administration was Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs that people
ATLANTA (AP) - Republican Georgia Gov. still developing details and could not say how ``are felling the pinch'' from rising prices.
Brian Kemp said Tuesday he wants to suspend he would replace the revenue used to build ``Gas prices are significantly higher than
collections of state motor fuel taxes amid ris- and maintain roads and other transportation they were just a few months ago,`` he said
ing pump prices, on the same day Democratic infrastructure. It's also unclear if the governor then. ``And I think it is important to empha-
President Joe Biden announced a ban on U.S. would seek to suspend local levies. size that while they are seeing record prices, oil
imports of Russian oil, a move likely to contin- Last year, Kemp temporarily suspended and gas companies are seeing record profits. So
ue the upward pressure on prices. state fuel taxes when a cyberattack shut down it's really important that we hold these oil and
Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock of a key pipeline that delivers gas and diesel to gas companies accountable.''
Georgia has already been advocating for the much of the state. But Republicans attack Warnock, saying he
federal government to suspend collection of Warnock on Tuesday said cutting off oil im- backed Biden's plans to cancel a pipeline from
its gas tax, responding to discontent over rising A gallon of unleaded in Georgia was aver- ports from Russia is ``the right move for the Canada and suspending leasing and drilling
fuel prices, a marker of inflation. aging $4.29 a gallon on Thursday. (Photo: United States,`` but renewed his call for feder- permits on federal lands.
Georgia's gasoline price includes a federal Stan Washington) al relief at the pump. Stephen Lawson, spokesperson for the
tax of 18.4 cents per gallon and a state tax of 29.1 ``We must continue to meet Russia's un- 34N22 political action committee, which is
cents per gallon. A number of cities and coun- ``Because of our strong, fiscally conserva- provoked war in Ukraine with swift and severe supporting Republican senate candidate Her-
ties also charge taxes. Federal taxes on diesel tive budgeting, I'm confident we will be able to consequences,'' Warnock said in a statement. schel Walker, said in February that Warnock's
fuel are 24.4 cents per gallon, while Georgia's provide relief to hardworking Georgians _ both Warnock is co-sponsoring a bill, along with record ``is causing Georgia's gas prices to
tax on diesel is 32.6 cents per gallon. in the form of a tax refund and lower gas taxes,'' five other Democratic senators, to suspend spike and our country to lose its energy inde-
Both Warnock and Kemp are seeking reelec- Kemp tweeted. federal gas tax collections until Jan. 1. It's part pendence.''
tion this year. Georgia collected $157 million in motor fuel of a broader push by Warnock on trying to lim- Many experts say the cancellation of the
Kemp did not say how long he would want to taxes in February and $1.78 billion in the bud- it price increases as inflation has risen and be- Keystone XL pipeline, which was not yet
suspend taxes for or how much it would cost, get year that ended June 30. come a drag on Democrats' political prospects. operating, has had no effect on current gas
pending a bill likely to be introduced Wednes- According to AAA, Georgia consumers were In Georgia and Washington, Republicans have prices. Instead, they point to rebounded de-
day in the General Assembly. Kemp did say the paying $4.06 per gallon of gas Tuesday includ- been attacking Democrats as too hostile to fos- mand after the shutdowns at the beginning
plan would not imperil his proposal to give $1.6 ing taxes, compared to a national average of sil fuel development. Kemp, for example, said of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the Rus-
billion in state income tax refunds out of a state $4.17. Some Georgia gas stations raised their he was acting ``due to a total failure of leader- sia-Ukraine war.
budget surplus. prices by as much as 50 cents a gallon over the ship in Washington.''
IN MEMORIAM
Valerie Boyd: Zora Neale Hurston Biographer Dies
BY NSENGA K. BURTON
Prize-winning author Alice Walker Quest: The Publication of Black the Arts and Humanities from Gov-
Valerie Boyd, world-renowned at UGA’s Wilson Center for the Hu- Wellness in 1993. She also launched ernor Nathan Deal and First Lady
author of the definitive biography manities and Arts. EightRock, a journal that focused Sandra Deal. The award recognizes
of Zora Neale Hurston, Wrapped in At the time of Boyd’s passing, on African American arts and cul- outstanding individuals and orga-
Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale the author had recently completed ture. nizations that have made signifi-
Hurston, died February 12, 2022, work on Gathering Blossoms Under A founding officer of the Al- cant contributions to Georgia’s eco-
after a long battle with pancreat- Fire: The Journals of Alice Walker. ice Walker Literary Society and a nomic, civic, and cultural vitality.
ic cancer. A native Atlantan, Val- Hand-picked by Walker to work on member of the National Book Crit- Boyd will be posthumously induct-
erie Jean Boyd was born on Dec. the project, Boyd spent seven years ics Circle, Boyd earned a degree ed in the 2022 Georgia Writers Hall
11, 1963, to Roger and Laura Jean researching and editing the project in journalism from Northwestern of Fame where she will join fellow
(Burns) Boyd. Her mother was a which will be released by Simon & University and a Master of Fine illustrious writers Tayari Jones,
homemaker, and her father owned Schuster in April 2022. Arts degree in creative nonfiction Toni Cade Bambara, Clarence Ma-
a gas station and later a tire shop in “Valerie Boyd was one of the best writing from Goucher College. jor, Jericho Brown, W.E.B. DuBois,
the Bankhead area of the city where people ever to live,” Walker said via Boyd’s most recent journalism Pearl Cleage, Clarence Major, John
she grew up. a statement from Simon & Schuster. project HealthPlus, a digital-first Lewis, James Alan McPherson, Dr.
Boyd was the Charlayne Hunt- “Even though illness was stalking publication for The Atlanta Voice, Martin Luther King, Jr., Alice Walk-
er-Gault Distinguished Writer in her the past several years, she ac- focuses on African American er, and Kevin Young among others.
Residence and Associate Profes- companied me in gathering, tran- Valerie Boyd, world-renowned Health. Boyd served as consulting A foodie and lover of culture, Boyd
sor of Journalism at the Univer- scribing, and editing my journals author of the definitive biography editor on the project which launch- served as a board member for the
sity of Georgia’s Grady College of Gathering Blossoms Under Fire, of Zora Neale Hurston, Wrapped in es in March 2022. Southern Foodways Alliance and
Journalism and Mass Media. Boyd and stood with me until the end. Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Boyd is best known for her de- was known to curate food experi-
co-founded and directed the dis- Hurston, died February 12, 2022,
This was a major feat, a huge act of tailed and illuminating work on ences for friends and family.
after a long battle with pancreatic
tinguished low-residency MFA Pro- love and solidarity, of sisterhood, of Harlem Renaissance writer and Boyd was preceded in death by
cancer.
gram in Narrative Nonfiction at the soul generosity and shared joy, for icon Zora Neale Hurston. The her parents Roger and Laura Boyd.
college. Boyd was known for work- which she will be remembered.” gies including In the Tradition: An Southern Book Critics Circle chose Her older brother Michael Boyd
ing with the community, mentor- In addition to her work at UGA, Anthology of Young Black Writers Wrapped in Rainbows for the 2003 passed away February 18, 2022,
ing her students, and connecting Boyd had a storied career as an arts (1992), edited by Kevin Powell and Southern Book Award for best non- from cancer. She is survived by her
students with faculty and industry editor at the Atlanta Journal & Con- Ras Baraka. Part of the new wave fiction book of the year. The Amer- younger brother Timothy, niece
leaders to enhance their academic stitution, Senior Editor for The Bit- of Black writers in the 1990s shap- ican Library Association selected Kaylisha, and life partner of 23
training. In 2015, Boyd organized ter Southerner, editor-at-large for ing culture and the craft in major her biography of Hurston for a years Veta Goler.
an intimate session to introduce UGA Press and as a contributor to Black cities, Boyd co-founded and 2004 Notable Book Award. In 2017, A private service was held for
12 high school students to Pulitzer the Oxford American and antholo- launched the magazine Health- she received a Governor’s Award for Boyd on Saturday, March 5, 2022.
10 March 11 - 17, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
BLOODY SUNDAY
‘Bloody Sunday’: 57 year anniversary
BY BRIA SUGGS the demonstrators present on Bloody person could pay it, so the community
M
The Atlanta Voice Sunday. would scrape together money for one
onday, Mar. 7 “We could hear the screams,” Cum- person to be able to register to vote.
marked the 57th mings said. “And so we came out, and This is what was done for one of
anniversary of the we could look and see the tear gas. It Cummings’ neighbors.
march from Selma looked to us like smoke; we thought “When they gave her the literacy
to Montgomery something was on fire.” test, she made 100 on it [and] they
that later earned the name “Bloody Her brother came home that night accused her of cheating,” Cummings
Sunday”. On that day in 1965, a Civil bruised, cut and covered in tear gas. said. “She had to come in and take
Rights demonstration began peaceful- Unfortunately, that was not the first another test. [On] the second test that
ly but ended in violence. time Cummings was exposed to bru- they gave her had questions on it like
Over 600 people met that day to tality in Selma. ‘Name all the 67 counties in Alabama
honor the fight for Blacks to vote and The first time she encountered the and their seats, and tell us how many
the recent fatal police shooting of KKK, she was a toddler. As a child one beans are in a bushel’, and other ques-
26-year-old Jimmie Lee Jackson, a In this March 7, 1965, file photo, civil rights demonstrators struggle on the day, Cummings was picking berries tions that they know nobody could an-
church deacon. The group of demon- ground as state troopers break up a march in Selma, Ala. The world knows with her sister near train tracks when swer. And then they will tell you that
strators, led by John Lewis of the Stu- the names of John Lewis and a few more of the voting rights demonstra- suddenly she was told to run. you didn't pass the test. Of course, we
tors who walked across Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 only to
dent Nonviolent Coordinating Com- “There was a train right up on us,” didn't pass that test.”
be attacked by Alabama state troopers on a day that came to be called
mittee (SNCC) and Hosea Williams Cummings said. “He never bothered Cummings believes that even to-
“Bloody Sunday.” A new project aims to identify more of the hundreds of
of the Southern Christian Leadership to blow his horn to let us know that he day, it’s still hard for minorities to be
people who were involved in the protest. (AP Photo/File)
Conference (SCLC), planned to march was there. And I guess his intent was able to vote fairly and that society con-
the 54 miles from Selma, Alabama, to Klux Klan (KKK) member, who also Television cameras caught the en- to just get rid of all those. So that's the tinues to exclude them. That’s why she
the state capital. served as a U.S. senator. tire assault and footage of the event kind of thing we kind of grew up with, believes strongly in the right to vote.
The protestors made it through At the base of the bridge was a wall was flown that night from Alabama knowing that we weren't really safe.” “My husband says all the time. ‘If
downtown Selma peacefully and un- of state troopers with helmets and billy to media headquarters in New York. 57 years later, Cummings doesn’t you're not at the table, you're on the
disturbed. Alabama Governor George clubs and deputies on horseback. The ABC newscaster Frank Reynolds inter- feel like much has changed in Selma, menu,’” Cummings said. “So, you
Wallace had ordered state troopers to protesters walked down the bridge on rupted the premiere of a star-studded or in the country as a whole. need to be in a position where you can
use “whatever measures necessary” to the sidewalk until they stopped about movie to air the footage of Bloody Sun- Cummings remembers how dif- exercise your right to vote in order to
prevent the march from happening. 50 feet from local authorities. day to over 50 million Americans. ficult it was for Black people to vote be able to choose who's going to be
Lewis and Williams found said Marchers were bludgeoned, Ruth Cummings was born in Sel- during her childhood. One of the ob- over you, who's going to be sitting next
measures waiting for them at the end whipped, tear-gassed and chased back ma in 1952 and her family lived just a stacles they faced at the time was the to you, who you're going to work for,
of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, named across the bridge. Although attacked, mile away from the Edmund Pettus poll tax. Cummings described the poll where you're able to live.”
after a Confederate general and Klu they did not fight back. bridge. Her brother Hosea was one of tax as being so high, no average Black
REAL ESTATE
Atlanta label LVRN buys Castleberry Hill property for new studio
STAFF REPORT
Studios, which is now located
With the rise of artists like Sum- at 887 West Marietta Street, the
mer Walker and 6lack, a local re- plan is for LVRN to transform the
cord label is taking a chance on a 7,703-square-foot space into what
new headquarters more worthy of label heads are calling a “state-of-
its artistic brand of music. Of all the-art creative space” complete
the neighborhoods in Atlanta none with six studios and office space.
may speak to the artist's lifestyle The office space will be for
and inspiration like downtown’s Being located so close to Mer-
Castleberry Hill. cedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm
Love Renaissance (LVRN), a Arena, and the Atlanta University
10-year-old Atlanta-based record Center (AUC), Castleberry Hill has
label, purchased the property at experienced a ton of construction
229 Bradley Street in the heart of and renovation activity in both
the Castleberry Hill area. The plan the residential and office sectors.
is to renovate what was once a pop- Whatever is next for The Gulch, a
ular recording studio and bring it massive underground collection
back to life again, according to la- of train tracks that will one day be
bel heads. Centennial Yards, is also a reason
LVRN paid $3.1 million for the why LVRN leadership chose Castle-
two-story building, according to berry Hill for its new headquarters.
Fulton County property deeds. LVRN co-founders (left to right) Tunde Balogun, Amber Grimes, Justice Baiden, Carlon Ramong, Junia Abaidoo, The studio, though under ren-
The deal closed October 2021. The Sean "Famoso" McNichol. Photo by Zhamak Fullad. ovation, is already open for busi-
97-year-old building is one of many ness, according to Balogun. “We’re
within a neighborhood that is on is a dream come true for us and fits part of town which makes it even ta, the label is expected to spend $1 working on renovations so our
the National Register of Historic our needs in every single way,” said better.” million on renovations for the less artists are already recording at our
Places list. label co-founder Tunde Balogun. According to Balogun, who was than half-acre space. headquarters,” he told The Atlanta
“Honestly, because this building “It just happens to be in a historic born in Detroit but raised in Atlan- Formerly the home of FUGO Voice.You can also read
