What about the gym on Mitchell Street? - The Atlanta Voice
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
www.theatlantavoice.com • Vol. 57 Issue 17 • FREE
THE ATLANTA SEPTEMBER 2, 2022 INSIDE
Where in
the World is
Officer Gray?
Page 8
METRO Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
Trash piles up outside
the John H. e L wis
Gymnasium where
a f ns once stood in
line a w iting to see
the Morris Brown
o C llege Wolverines play
a b sketball. Photos y b
o D nnell sSug /The
tA lanta o V ice
What about the gym
on Mitchell Street?
| Page 2
2 September 2 - 8, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
METRO
TODAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
Source: accuweather.com
87º | 71º 85º | 70º 79º | 71º 82º | 72º 84º | 71º 87º | 68º 83º | 68º
A t-storm around Humid; a stray A shower and Cloudy, a A shower and A t-storm around A p.m. t-storm
in the p.m. p.m. t-storm thunderstorm t-storm; humid t-storm; humid in the p.m. in spots
around Atlanta | Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest local news: @theatlantavoice
West Side development has yet to reach
the John H. Lewis Gymnasium
BY DONNELL SUGGS
T
ty records. With development taking place
hursday, August 25 was the fifth all over Metro Atlanta, downtown properties
anniversary of Mercedes-Benz in particular have changed hands at a record
Stadium. Nine years ago a deal pace for record-setting prices this year. Could
was made that helped get that the long-neglected John H Lewis Gymnasium
project off the ground at the be next?
corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and There is no indication that a sale of the
Northside Drive. It included a Baptist church property, similar to the deal Friendship Baptist
and some valuable land on nearby Mitchell Church agreed to in 2013 when the congrega-
Street. tion voted to sell its original church location on
There once were Division I basketball games Walnut Street to Arthur Blank and the Atlanta
played in the gym at 570 Mitchell Street, which Falcons for $19.5 million, is on the table.
is located on the edge of the Atlanta Universi- Founded as Atlanta’s first independent
ty Center. There were also Olympic handball Black Baptist congregation in 1866, Friendship
competitions watched by fans from all over the Baptist spent 130 years at its Mitchell Street ad-
world, professional indoor football and profes- dress. The church is now located in a beautiful
sional basketball. All of this took place on the building at 80 Walnut Street.
campus of Morris Brown College at the John The Atlanta University Center has under-
H. Lewis Gymnasium. gone construction of residential property
Today the doors to the building are board- closer to the Clark Atlanta University and
ed up, the windows blacked out and the walls Morehouse College campuses. The land that
covered with graffiti. There hasn’t been a ticket the gym sits on is more than big enough for an
purchased at the box office in close to 20 years. apartment tower or mixed-use development.
The building was once a state-of-the-art facil- The Atlanta Voice made several attempts to
ity, says Bishop John Lewis (no relation). He reach Friendship Baptist Church leadership
would like to see the property benefit residents and did not hear back from them prior to the
on the West Side, “rather than it just sitting publishing deadline for this story.
there,” he said. Better Days and Big-time Basketball
“I would love to see that building repur- Just steps from the front steps of Morris
posed as a place for the community,” Lewis, Brown College, which is newly accredited and
a chairman of the Vine City Civic Association preparing to bring bowling, golf and soccer
said during an interview with The Atlanta back to campus, the gym has seen better days.
Voice. “That building could be used as an au- The last Historically Black College and Uni-
ditorium for meetings, or a community center. versity (HBCU) Division I basketball program
We don’t have a community center on the West in Atlanta, the Morris Brown College Wolver-
Side.” ines would win their final home game of the
Lewis shared a story about the Vine City Civ- 2002-2003 season in the gym, a 72-71 victory
ic Association needing a venue to host a may- over the Texas-Rio Grande Valley University
oral election forum last year. There wasn’t a Vaqueros, in February 2003. It was the Wolver-
location on the West Side, other than churches ine’s eighth victory in 28 games that season,
and schools and both of those involve so much and it would be the program’s last at the Divi-
red tape in order to book time and space. “My sion I level.
whole thing is the preservation of our land- Once Upon A Time in the AUC
marks.” Once upon a time in the AUC there was
What if anything will become of the old gym a Division I men’s basketball program that
on Mitchell Street? “I don’t know, but we don’t dared to schedule any and everybody, both
need these landmarks reduced to markers and far and wide. Waiting on either the MEAC or
plaques,” said Lewis, who has been involved SWAC conference to grant entry, the Morris
with community activism for decades. Brown Wolverines and then head coach Derek
A Buyer’s Market Thompson were an independent without fear.
The 2.19-acre, 95,396-square-foot building, Asked what he remembered most about
once deemed good enough to welcome guests that one-point win, Thompson, during an in-
from across the globe, is owned by Friendship terview with The Atlanta Voice in March 2018
Baptist Church and is valued at just over $3 The John H. Lewis Gymnasium once was used to host the handball competition during the
million, according to Fulton County proper- 1996 Summer Olympic Games. See MITCHELL on page 10
www.theatlantavoice.com T:10.375" September 2 - 8, 2022 3
For time-strapped local journalists, it’s never been
more important — or more challenging — to deliver
the reporting their communities need
T:13"
That’s why we built Pinpoint, using Google’s best search,
artificial intelligence, and machine learning technology
to quickly search and analyze thousands of documents,
including text, images, audio, and even handwritten notes.
It’s also why we train thousands of local journalists on A24977x08F_B2H_Journalist_AtComputer_240News.tif
digital skills, resources, and tools that help them work more
efficiently, creatively, and securely.
Learn more at g.co/supportingnews/local
B24977_90a_Journalist_AtlantaVoice_10_375x13_240u.indd
4 September 2 - 8, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
FOUNDED
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton
VOICES "For I am my mother's daughter, and the drums of Africa still beat in my heart."
— MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE
Immortalis Memoria
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
J. Lowell Ware
Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors
Biden Deserves Credit Not Complacency
W
the life of J. Lowell Ware.
e all have building a more diverse work-
heard the force, and bolster our supply
PUBLISHER
popular chains.
Janis Ware expres- The fourth and final corner
jlware@theatlantavoice.com sion, “give of the Biden platform, the In-
PRESIDENT/ credit where credit is due.” Af- flation Reduction Act, passed
GENERAL MANAGER ter hearing numerous critics the Congress with every Dem-
James A. Washington
over the past 18 months, it is ocrat voting for it, and every
refreshing to see President Joe Republican voting against it.
jaws@theatlantavoice.com
BY CONGRESSMAN Biden finally getting the credit Under this new law, signed by
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT JAMES E. CLYBURN he deserves for what is one of President Biden on August 16,
TO PUBLISHER (D-SC), HOUSE the most productive starts to Medicare recipients will see
Chia Suggs MAJORITY WHIP a presidential term in recent their out-of-pocket prescrip-
csuggs@theatlantavoice.com history. tion drugs capped at $2,000
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Financial Times’ Asso- annually and their cost of in-
ciate Editor Ed Luce recently sulin capped at $35 monthly. It
Martel Sharpe
wrote an opinion piece en- Joe Biden was sworn in on signed into law the Infrastruc- reduces the cost of health care
msharpe@theatlantavoice.com titled, “The unexpected tri- January 20, 2021. On that day, ture Investment and Jobs Act. for 13 million Americans by
EDITOR AT LARGE umph of Joe Biden: Recent the country’s unemployment This legislation made historic extending the Affordable Care
Stan Washington legislative successes suggest a rate was 6.4 percent. COVID-19 investments in our crumbling Act subsidies for more than
swashington@theatlantavoice.com good political system in good was infecting 193,030 Amer- and outdated infrastructure. three years with an average
MANAGING EDITOR, DIGITAL
working order, but compla- icans a day and people were It invested in high-speed in- savings of $800 per year. The
cency is misplaced.” dying at a rate of 3,167 a day. ternet, clean drinking water, new law includes provisions
Itoro Umontuen
Mr. Luce made the case for From day one, Biden focused a resilient electric grid, re- to increase taxes on corpora-
iumontuen@theatlantavoice.com why President Biden’s star is on shoring up the shaky foun- placing lead pipes, making a tions, address climate change,
rising, but warned that despite dation left by the previous Ad- down payment on clean ener- and decrease the prices of pre-
ADVERTISING, SALES his impressive legislative re- ministration. gy transmission, and charging scription drugs.
& CIRCULATION cord, voters may not give him On March 11, 2021, less than stations for electric vehicles. The IRA will help cut cli-
the credit he deserves because two months after he took of- These infrastructure invest- mate pollution by 40 percent
ADVERTISING ADMINISTRATOR
too many people respond fice, President Biden signed ments are creating jobs and by 2030, while building a new,
Chia Suggs
more to style than substance. the American Rescue Plan strengthening critical links in clean energy economy and
advertising@theatlantavoice.com I agree with Mr. Luce’s assess- (ARP) into law. It accelerated our supply chain. creating nine million new
CIRCULATION MANAGER ment. Our media-driven cul- the American economic re- During all of this, President jobs. It invests in environmen-
Terry Milliner ture seems to rate words and covery by putting money in Biden nominated the first tal justice by cleaning up lega-
SALES deeds that generate headlines people’s pockets, getting chil- Black woman to the Unit- cy pollution most often found
R.D.W. Jackson
over those that make head- dren back in school and lift- ed States Supreme Court, a in communities of color and
way. Joe Biden, and those of ing nearly half of them out of Black woman to the DC Cir- provides tax credits to ensure
rdwadman@gmail.com
us who support him, prefer poverty. cuit Court of Appeals, and 26 nuclear energy producers can
SUBMISSIONS putting people over politics. The ARP also prevented other Black women to various continue to provide clean en-
editor@theatlantavoice.com When President Biden took evictions and foreclosures for federal courts, more than the ergy for consumers. The IRA
office, the country was in the millions of America’s families, combined total of all previous will require corporations to
grip of a global pandemic. kept hundreds of large busi- Presidents. pay a minimum tax of 15 per-
CONTACT INFORMATION Businesses were shuttering, nesses open and reopened President Biden continued cent and reduce the deficit by
schools were closing, and peo- thousands of small business- working, away from public $300 billion over the next de-
633 Pryor Street, S.W.
ple were dying. The country es. It helped stem the deadly view, to help get the final two cade.
Atlanta, GA 30312 needed leadership. Unfortu- rampage of COVID-19 by ex- corners of his foundation so- As Mr. Luce warns us, “com-
Office: 404-524-6426 nately, we had a showman at panding testing and access lidified, and on August 9, he placency is misplaced.” Voters
Fax: 404-527-5464 the helm when a statesman to vaccines. Republicans put signed the CHIPS and Science should see this “good politi-
was needed. Forty-five was their politics over people’s Act into law. This third corner cal system in good working
pre-occupied with scoring needs and voted unanimously of his platform restores Amer- order” as motivation to go to
political points and securing against this legislation. Demo- ica’s standing as a global sci- the polls to support more pos-
media hits. And when voters crats put people over politics ence and technology leader by itive progress. President Biden
were given a chance to express and started building a founda- providing the resources and is finally getting some of the
themselves, by a margin of tion for the country’s recovery. tools needed to make more credit he is due. And, he and
nearly seven million votes, The second corner of products like semiconductor my fellow Democrats will con-
they chose statesmanship Biden’s foundation came on chips here at home. It will cre- tinue putting the American
over showmanship. November 15, 2021, when he ate good-paying jobs, invest in people over partisan politics.
www.theatlantavoice.com September 2 - 8, 2022 5
LOCAL
City awards $8.2M to small businesses as part of Resurgence Grant Program
BY DONNELL SUGGS that will be immediately assist-
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dick- ed by the grant is The Beauti-
ens took the podium under an ful, which has been in business
extremely hot sun in the court- since 1979. The restaurant's
yard of The Beautiful restaurant. chief financial officer Lucy Sims,
He wasted no time getting to the was in attendance and was pre-
point of his appearance Tuesday sented with a check for an un-
afternoon. “Our adminiVstration disclosed sum. The money, she
working with Invest Atlanta has said, will be used to keep the
continuously explored ways that popular restaurant afloat. They
we can support the economic no longer see breakfast due to a
heartbeat of our community, so lack of staff. “I really miss break-
today we are announcing the bulk fast,” she said. “I’m still in a state
of the nearly $10 million we set of shock,” Sims said after being
aside for the small business com- called on stage to accept her
munity,” said Dickens. check. “We were all impacted by
$8.2 million in grants through 2020, we were closed for the first
the Resurgence Grant Fund will time for nine months.”
go directly to “hundreds of busi- Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was on hand at The Beautiful restaurant on Cascade Road Tuesday afternoon There were 2,470 applicants,
nesses and nonprofits to cover to present checks to local small business owners as part of the Resurgence Grant Program. Photo by Donnell three times as many as in 2020
the cost of Covid-related ex- Suggs/The Atlanta Voice during the first round of grants,
penses.” a good luck charm of sorts after Dickens who added the re- workforce at the businesses that according to Invest Atlanta. The
$600,000 of the $1 million having held campaign events sponse from applicants was will receive grants is between 4-5 City of Atlanta and Invest Atlan-
the city set aside for the Elevate there during his run for may- “overwhelming.” He added that employees. Of those businesses, ta also revealed that 20 indepen-
Grant Program for local artists or. He is quite familiar with the that level of response only high- 79% are Black-owned and 85% dent contractors were hired in
was also announced during the neighborhood having grown up lighted the need for grants like are minority-owned, according order to review the applications.
press conference. The remain- nearby. “I’m from the Westside this one. to data provided by the City of One of those contractors was on
ing $400,000 of the grant will be so we came here to put it down There are more than 400 Atlanta. hand for the press conference.
allocated this fall, according to first,” he joked. small businesses and nonprofits About those demographic “We are so grateful, there’s no
Dickens. “The Resurgence Grant Fund that will receive grants within specifics Dickens said, “Let's way I can express to you how
Prior to the check announce- is designed to be a lifeline for the coming days. The average give it up for the diversity in our this grant can help the restau-
ments and presentations, Dick- small business and the small amount of the grant is just over pool of applicants.” rant,” said Sims.
ens referred to The Beautiful as businesses community,” said $14,000. The average size of the One of the small businesses
LOCAL
Atlanta Housing, City Partners Break Ground on Juanita H. Gardner Village
STAFF REPORT
Atlanta — Atlanta Housing and bonds from Invest Atlanta as well helped build.”
its city partners broke ground as 4 percent Low Income Housing Formerly to be known as Har-
Tuesday on the Juanita H. Gard- Tax Credits from the Georgia De- mony at Bakers Ferry, the project
ner Village, a new construction partment of Community Affairs was renamed at the communi-
project that will create 108 inde- (DCA). The project is being built ty’s request after the longtime
pendent living senior units in a on a vacant site at 3650 Bakers community activist. The project
three-story elevator building in Ferry Road. To ensure long-term closed on its financing on June
the Adamsville neighborhood. affordability, AH purchased the 17, 2022 and is scheduled for a
Ms. Gardner, after whom the project site and is providing a 14-month construction period.
project is named, is a long-time long-term ground lease at a nomi- “The Board of Commissioners
neighborhood association leader. nal rate to the owner entity. would like to salute Juanita H.
“All 108 of these units are af- “Our Administration’s afford- Gardner for her outstanding com-
fordable, and we’re proud to be able housing efforts include a munity leadership over many de-
able to collaborate with Invest commitment to ensure affordabil- cades,” said Tené Traylor, inter-
Atlanta, the City of Atlanta and ity is attainable for our legacy res- im chair of the Atlanta Housing
the Georgia Department of Com- idents, and this new development Board of Commissioners. “This
munity Affairs in creating these does that,” said Mayor Andre project and others like it will help
vitally needed senior units,” said Dickens. “With the investments ensure that Atlanta is a city where
Eugene E. Jones, Jr., president and efforts from Atlanta Hous- economic opportunity is abun-
and CEO of Atlanta Housing. ing and Invest Atlanta, Juanita dant for everyone, a city where
The project is being financed H. Gardner Village provides leg- affordability isn’t a luxury, and a
through the AH-Invest Atlanta acy residents in Adamsville with city that is prepared to lead into
Co-Investment fund with an in- access to housing so they can the future.”
vestment by AH and tax-exempt remain in the community they
6 September 2 - 8, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
EDUCATION
Feeding our students
BY ANN HILL BOND
to $51,338. Sixty percent of Dekalb FINDFOOD / COMIDA to 888-976- 10:30am-12:00pm in the fridges and anyone can take
Metro Atlanta students have re- County Schools and all of Clayton 2232 •Trinity Table in Atlanta food out.
turned to school for the 2022-2023 County Public Schools students will Goodr: Email for more Hot meals on Sundays from 12:30pm- Must follow food donation
academic year. What's not new is receive universal no-cost meals be- information: Info@goodr.co 2:00pm guidelines
that most of the communities that cause of the high poverty rate within CHRIS 180 Fountain of Hope Locations:
the schools serve are not prepared for the counties that the school systems CHRIS 180 does food distribution 829 Hollywood | Atlanta, 2371 Hosea L Williams Dr SE bldg
the rising cost of food and housing. serve. The federal reimbursement from 3 different locations: Ga. 30318 2, Atlanta, GA 30317
Twenty Atlanta Public Schools (APS) food program provides these meals. CHRIS 180/At-Promise Cen- For more information, visit: 4170 E Ponce de Leon Ave NE,
located in the north and east parts of According to Atlanta Community ter West (Current APS Virtual h t t p : // f o h f o o d b a n k . o r g / Clarkston, GA 30021
the city are requesting that families Food Bank, nearly 1 in 8 Georgians, Learning Site) new-weekly-schedule/ 427 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
remember to put funds on their stu- including 1 in 6 children, live with 740 Cameron M. Alexander Urban Recipe 30312
dent's accounts. The universal free food insecurity. In its 29-county ser- Atlanta, GA. 30318 Food boxes available to co-op fam- 720 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA
food program established because of vice area, 1 in 9 people, including 1 in 470-346-2963 ily members. For more information 30316
the COVID- 19 pandemic has ended 7 children, are affected. Most fami- CHRIS 180 Pantry visit https://urbanrecipe.org/food- 1036 White St SW, Atlanta, GA
at these schools, according to APS. lies depend on the three meals a day 1976 Flat Shoals Rd co-ops/ 30310
Students must now buy breakfast provided by the school systems to Atlanta, GA 30016 Antioch Urban Ministries For more information visit https://
or lunch unless they qualify for no- ensure that their children eat. In re- CHRIS 180 Cure Violence Office Weekly food distribution and food free99fridge.com/index.php/loca-
cost meals. APS currently processes ality, many families are at a loss with 1700 Lakewood Ave bank. For more information visit tions/
applications daily to ensure that all the end of universal free meals. Com- Atlanta Ga 30316 http://www.antiochurban.org/ser- Urban Food Forest at
students receive an adequate meal. munity organizations are still ready Hope Atlanta vices/ Browns Mill
To qualify for a free meal, a fami- and willing to assist with a hot meal • Meals To-Go by calling Free99 Fridge Food distribution with priority to
ly of four’s annual income must be or a bag of groceries. 404-817-7070 Partnered with local businesses in participating neighbors. For more
$36,075 or less; to receive a reduced Atlanta Community Food •Women’s Community Kitchen Metro Atlanta to be location hosts, information visit https://www.aglan-
meal, a family of four can have an Bank: Located in the Fulton, Dekalb Pickup a hot meal Mon- Free99 provides 24/7 open access to ta.org/urban-food-forest-at-browns-
average household income of up areas. For more information text days, Wednesdays and Fridays free, fresh food. Anyone can put food mill-1
BUSINESS
Mzekewe & Associates fights for the Culture
BY ANN HILL BOND
said. “By the time I began practic- tively worked with Atlanta's Black
"Land is essential because it is ing, I was 32 years old. Mr. Downs residents to understand that even
critical to wealth," explains Nu- had already been practicing for 33 with the less access to funding and
biyan Mzekewe to a group of his years. His mentorship allowed me the growling process of ownership,
peers in a small coffee shop in the the opportunity to fine-tune my the key to understanding money,
middle of Glenwood Park. craft at his law firm. I am grateful transactions, and property would
Nubiyn Mzekewe moved to At- for his guidance." come down to partnerships.
lanta in 1991 to begin his career Mzekewe & Associates is a spe- Besides practicing law, Mze-
with the United States Navy. After cialized real estate, business, and kewe spends time with family and
three years, he enrolled in South- probate litigation law firm. Despite friends and combs the globe for
ern University in Baton Rouge. He his background in general prac- good food, festivals, and music. He
decided that he wouldn’t pursue tice, Mzekewe established a law loves to trek and travel with fam-
a Ph.D. in history like his fellow office to handle business and real ily and comrades. Coming from a
classmates; with a love for words estate needs. During his career he large family, he believes that keep-
and research Mzekewe would in- has helped many clients, winning ing the property in one's family
stead become an attorney. awards for damages, costs, and name is the key to furthering the
His first case he worked on as attorneys' fees; negotiating agree- narrative of a community.
a law clerk at Ed Downs and As- ments and settlements and satis- "Land in the family gives the
sociates was a foreclosure case. fying clients resolve problems that family the right of dominion to
"They're going to take my house," sometimes seemed insurmount- everything on, over, and above
was the first thing Mzekewe re- able. Mzekewe emphasizes maxi- the property,” Mzekewe. “That's
members how the client described mizing client interests and getting essential. When you own land
his case. Although the case didn't a fair deal at the negotiating table (the corner store), you get to
go the client’s way, it pushed Mze- or courtroom. create a community. What I of-
kewe to continue to practice, start- Mzekewe has been practicing for fer to my community is not just
ing his law firm in College Park the eight years averaging seventy-five great defense in the courtroom,
same day he passed the bar. cases per year. His clients are but I also get to fight for a piece
Mzekewe always carried with both seasoned or budding entre- of the culture for my clients.”
him a deep understanding from preneurs living locally or abroad. “It's a declining number of Black
his days as a history undergradu- Mzekewe aims to deliver good people that own land. I champion
ate student that land was the most representation and advice to the informing my neighbors about the
critical thing we (humans) have public to help combat the growing importance of owning and fighting
besides each other. need for affordable housing. Serv- for land for our culture."
"My mentor was Mr. Ed Downs of ing the Greater Mrtroplointain Nubiyn Mzekewe can be reach
Submitted Photo Ed Downs & Associates,” Mzekewe Atlanta region, Nubiyn has ac- via his website: mzekewe.legal
www.theatlantavoice.com September 2 - 8, 2022 7
SPONSORED CONTENT
Black Business Roadmap: Three Ways to Stay
Grounded While Cost of Doing Business Goes Up
BY MIKAL QUARLES
AND BYNA ELLIOTT,
JPMORGAN CHASE
E
ntrepreneurship is
booming in Black
neighborhoods
across the country.
2021 saw the high-
est number of Black businesses
created in more than two de-
cades and accounted for 25 per-
cent of all businesses founded
nationwide. Owning a business
is one of the fastest avenues to
creating wealth for U.S. Black
households. And while there are
challenges to getting any busi-
ness off the ground, especially
when confronted by today’s is-
sues like inflation, supply chains
and labor shortages, the benefits
of owning a business are numer-
ous.
What’s more, Black entre-
preneurs are more optimistic
about their company’s future
than any other small business pliers, changing the products or card to present gift cards to em- your bank. To celebrate the vast contribu-
group, according to the Chase services you offer, and getting ployees of the month or cash in For example, JPMorgan Chase tions of Black small businesses
Business Leader Outlook. funding to help with cash flow or on cash back to deliver surprise offers many helpful programs everywhere during Black Busi-
If you are a business owner or refinancing a debt on a business bonuses throughout the year. designed to empower Black en- ness Month, we have curated
thinking about starting a busi- loan. Make the most of down time trepreneurs, including through a list of businesses to consider
ness, one of the best things you When it comes to financing, (for personal development) our Advancing Black Path- shopping with this month and
can do as an entrepreneur is to always speak with a banker who As an entrepreneur, it’s some- ways initiative. We developed beyond including Lush Yum-
invest in yourself and your busi- can help you explore compet- mies pies and Emmerse soy can-
ness. As you hear more about itive or flexible rates for loans dles, bar soaps and body butters.
inflation and the economy in and understand options best This year, after a two-year
the news, now is a good time to suited for your business. pause, Chase Business Insight
check-up on the financial health Reap the rewards Seminar is providing growth
of your business health and set- Whether it is supplies, inven- strategies, networking oppor-
up a strong foundation for long- tory, utilities or payroll software, tunities, and business tools for
term success. Here are three these essentials are recurring owners across the country. In
suggestions to consider: operational expenses that come addition, entrepreneurs can now
Rise above the cost of doing with running a business. Rath- enroll in free three to six-month
business er than tapping into your work- one-on-one coaching and work
There are creative ways to ing capital to pay for them, you with a certified Chase senior
combat higher costs that can can consider using cash back business consultant to help
help mitigate impact to your rewards. Some cards allow you them get credit ready, improve
customers. For example, some to redeem for cash back in the business efficiency, obtain a free
business owners tend to opt for form of a statement credit to ap- MBE certification, and more.
a combination of cutting non- ply to your business credit card For more resources and tools
(L-R) Mikal Quarles, Managing Director, Head of Racial Equity Strat-
essential expenses, and raising balance. This can help maintain egies, Business Banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co. Byna Elliott, Head
on how to start, manage and
prices on only selected products your workflow even as costs go of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase & Co. grow your business – as well as
and services. You might also up. develop your business leadership
consider adopting other tactics, Your team is your greatest times easy to forget to invest in Advancing Black Entrepreneurs, skills, visit Chase Business Re-
such as purchasing smaller in- asset as a business owner. Con- your personal growth and focus an educational program that source Center. JPMorgan Chase
ventory orders or ordering in sider investing in not only their on the business at same time. offers practical advice and re- Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
bulk, investing in new technol- training and development but Luckily, there are a number of sources to help business owners Sponsored content from
ogy to streamline operations, also their happiness. Redeem re- resources to address both -- and navigate challenges and prepare JPMorgan Chase & Co.
diversifying or switching sup- wards from your business credit sometimes it can be through for long-term success.
8 September 2 - 8, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
COMMUNITY
Where in the World is Officer Gray?
A police officer was a pillar in the Bankhead and Grove Park communities until, one day, he vanished
BY ANN HILL-BOND
PHOTOS BY DUSTIN A Red Herring at the Beauty
CHAMBERS Shop
THE SECOND WEEK OF MY
A
IT WAS A SIMPLE QUESTION. SEARCH, I decided to do an open
t a Grove Park Neigh- records request with the APD. They
borhood Association asked for a date range, any informa-
meeting earlier this tion about the person—including
year, residents voiced the personnel department—maybe
their concerns about a case number, location. I spelled Of-
the turnover rate for the Atlanta Po- ficer Gray two different ways: “Gray”
lice Department (APD) officers in and “Grey.” I didn’t know his first
the area. Coupled with the concern name. I said he was located in Zone
that the APD has failed to provide 1 and wanted to check if he had been
the area with officers trained in com- transferred and had any correspond-
munity policing, other public safe- ing paperwork. They responded to
ty issues—a worrisome crime rate, my request about a month later with
speeders at North Avenue and Baker a generic message about the fee, say-
Road, two homicides after Christ- ing nothing had been found. I went
mas—were top of mind. down to the City’s Public Safety An-
“Do you have an objective way of nex building on Donald Lee Hollow-
measuring success for Zone 1?” asked ell Parkway, as directed by my long-
Leah LaRue, a Grove Park resident. time friend and Atlanta native Lance
Major Reginald Moorman, the Irvin. The building, a record-keeping
Zone 1 commander, responded. facility for the APD, did not yield any
“Overall reduced crime, people clues. Another roadblock. I spoke to
feeling safe, their community and a few more community members,
relationship with the police depart- spreading myself outside of the
ment has improved, we’re responsive Officer Gray on a residential street that used to be a part of his beat. Grove Park neighborhood into Ad-
to your needs, and [the police are] amsville. I ventured into a few bar-
patrolling your community like they Richard Dunn, a Westside resident, study community distrust of police. life, improved police services and bershops and beauty salons asking if
patrol the community where they lay said, “Yes, I know the name officer This was done partly in response to police legitimacy, through a pro- anyone knew of Officer Gray.
their head,” he said. Gray—I believe he’s retired or dead.” the race riots of the 1960s. The Com- active reliance on community re- Geralyne King, owner of GHK Sa-
I was listening to the meeting to My heart skipped a few beats. Was I mission suggested that police spend sources that seeks to change crime lon in Adamsville, said an officer
do research on another story, but the looking for a dead man? How would I more time in the community than in causing conditions. This assumes a with a first name of “LJ” fit the de-
grievances reminded me of similar report this heartbreak back to his be- their patrol cars; so began the first it- need for greater accountability of po- scription. She said if I waited a little
feelings voiced during discussions loved community? Has no one in this eration of “community policing.” lice, greater public share in decision while longer, he would be coming by.
with Bankhead and Grove Park’s eight miles of Donald Lee Hollowell Community policing commonly making, and greater concern for civil He did.
Community Editorial Board. (formerly Bankhead Highway), been appeared in legal documentation in rights and liberties.” LJ, a police officer who works as a
I kept hearing about a man named in contact with someone that so the early 1980s. The concept allows The model’s national introduction resource officer at a few churches in
Officer Gray—how he was a pillar in many consider a community main- officers to continuously operate in came as Atlanta endured one of its the area, was not Officer Gray. He was
the community, how everybody had stay? More questions, no answers—I the same area in order to create a darkest moments. The highs cele- Officer LJ Brown.
an endearing story about him, how knew I was in for a ride. stronger bond with citizens. This brated during the election of May- But Officer Brown did work with
he made everyone feel seen and re- Within the first week, my curiosity bond, in turn, allows law enforce- nard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black Officer Gray over 30 years ago, and
spected. From answering domestic drove me to call most of the people I ment officers to engage with local mayor, came with the lows of the vi- said that he was a fixture in the Bank-
calls to checking in on every busi- knew that had grown up on the West- residents and prevent crime from olent crime that rocked the commu- head community and patrolled along
ness on his route, Officer Gray lived side of Atlanta. Most remembered happening instead of having to re- nity, including the Atlanta child mur- the former Bankhead Highway.
to serve this sometimes overlooked the name but couldn’t give me a de- spond to incidents after they occur. ders and the Bowen Homes Daycare As I continued to cold call other of-
Westside community, until one day scription or his last known where- The idea of community policing explosion. ficers, some retired, some still active,
he seemed to have vanished alto- abouts. One police officer I spoke to appeared again in 1981 when the In November 2021, following na- many said they didn’t know anyone
gether. In his place, there has been a said that he had spent his early days National Police Foundation—began tional unrest tied to the deaths of by the name Officer Gray. However,
revolving door of police officers that on the force training with Officer experimenting with the concepts George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, they did speak of the department
have yet to live or walk in his giant Gray in Zone 1. He was unable to re- of community policing after their the Georgia Association of Chiefs of being underfunded, and how fund-
footsteps. I knew I had to find him. call his first name, but told me that he research showed a disconnect be- Police (GACP) adopted a resolution ing could have resulted in what the
But where to start? was absolutely sure that Officer Gray tween the community and law en- to formally accept, acknowledge, community deemed Officer Gray’s
The Search Begins had retired and that he was still alive. forcement. Community policing was support, and use Friedmann’s 1992 “abrupt leaving.”
TOWARD THE END OF 2021, the So, my search continued, and so did adopted nationally in a new strategy definition (with minor adjustments) It was about three weeks into my
week of my 37th birthday, I had final- my research on the past, present, and outlined by Georgia State University as the formal definition of commu- search, and the challenge of finding
ly been accepted into a journalism future of community policing in At- professor Robert R. Friedmann, who, nity policing in the State of Georgia. Officer Gray was beginning to look
fellowship and I was assigned my lanta. in his 1992 book, Community Polic- As I thought back to the way com- like Mission Impossible.
first story: finding a missing person. What Community Policing ing: Comparative Perspectives and munity members had described Offi- I felt as if all of my roads were lead-
I thought there must be someone Looks Like Prospects, described community cer Gray at the neighborhood meet- ing to dead ends and that I had no
within my community circle that had IN 1967, PRESIDENT LYNDON policing as, “a policy and a strategy ings I had attended, it became clear tangible evidence to prove that Offi-
heard of Officer Gray. I made a few B. JOHNSON established his Com- aimed at achieving more effective that he had embodied the spirit of cer Gray wasn’t just a figment of the
phone calls, the first of which led to mission on Law Enforcement and and efficient crime control, reduced community policing well before the community’s imagination. I found
a moment of pause when my friend the Administration of Justice to fear of crime, improved quality of statewide adoption. myself pulling into 2315 Donald Lee
www.theatlantavoice.com September 2 - 8, 2022 9 Officer Gray at the Zone 1 Precinct Hollowell Pkwy NW, the Zone 1 At- with a small build—Gray is probably police department decided to start for him (Sergeant Austin had passed “Which one of you are tough? Be- lanta Police precinct, just sitting in in his 70s by now,” Obie said. their own archives. We found an At- the message along). cause one of you will be headed to the parking lot, trying my best to “He loved working on the streets,” lanta Constitution article about the “Yes, I am looking for you because Zone 1, the war zone.” come up with new leads and ideas. she added. “If there was anyone that Atlanta child murders, dated Octo- there are neighbors in Grove Park The coverage area Officer Gray Did he walk past as I pumped my you needed to find in Zone 1, Offi- ber 21,1980, that mentions “Officer and Bankhead wondering where you reluctantly accepted became his gas at the Texaco on Hollowell? Was cer Gray could tell you where to find M. H. Gray.” went. Why did you leave?,” I asked second home. He enjoyed the ro- he in the parked car beside me at a them.” I took the clip and made one last him in my shy and shocked state. tating shift that came with the job stoplight as I turned on to Joseph E. Eventually, I went back to asking phone call to Officer John to ask “They told me that they haven’t been and found a family in the homes he Boone? Would I even know him if I everyone who would listen: “Do you where I could find an APD yearbook. able to replace you since you left the served and protected in Grove Park. saw him? know Officer Gray?” He finally responded, pointing me to community,” I said. “They miss you, He remembers young Bernard “Bub- I stepped away from finding Of- In mapping out my next steps, I Sergeant Tonya Austin from the At- so I was assigned the task of looking ba” Bunes, who would repeatedly tell ficer Gray for a few days. I thought decided to interview retired officers lanta Police Historical Society. for you.” him that he, too, would be a police of- about what my granny would say: and cast a wide net. I enlisted help I left her a message. A few hours We paused. The next sound Offi- ficer one day. Officer Gray’s presence “Once you stop looking for some- from the people I knew who might passed and my phone rang. I spoke cer Gray made was filled with weep- at the local NPU-J monthly meeting thing, it will eventually find you— have connections to APD officers. briefly with Sergeant Austin to ex- ing. He couldn’t believe they remem- was more than a community desire; because it’s looking for you, too.” So, I reached back out to Dunn, who plain my mission. She confirmed my bered him. With tears in my eyes, I it was a demand. I did just that. I stopped. gave me a number to Officer John, number and we hung up. said with the most comforting voice He laughs about one instance in A Yearbook and a Phone Call who is still working with the APD, Seven days had passed since I could muster up, “Yes, they remem- particular. SEVEN WEEKS HAD PASSED. and was on former Mayor Keisha our conversation, and it had been ber you.” “One day I was told by the new I enlisted the people I knew to Lance Bottoms’ detail. I kept calling 10 weeks since I started my search Officer Gray moved to Atlanta Major at Zone 1 not to report to the connect me with retired APD police him, but I knew he would be over me for Officer Gray. I was tired, over- and joined the APD in 1988. His first NPU meeting that was being held the officers. To my surprise, one of my at some point. whelmed, and feeling like I had hit assignment was working the Demo- next day,” he said. “As I was driving, Canopy co-fellows’ sisters is Thel- “You should look in the APD year- another dead end. I laid down on my cratic National Convention in down- patrolling my route, I heard a call ma Denise Obie, a retired civilian book,” Obie told me over the phone. sofa, ready for a nap and ready to ad- town Atlanta. come over the radio and I ignored it employee. To add a little sweetness “Every year, the department prints mit defeat. Before moving to Atlanta, he because I knew that my community to the pot, Obie knew Officer Gray. a yearbook. Look in the mid-to-late I was snuggling in for a snooze worked as a corrections officer at mothers were giving the new Ma- Officer Melvin Gray is the name she ‘80s. I started at the department in with the perfect background noise Rikers Island in New York City. With jor hell about why I wasn’t in atten- remembers from her 32 years with ‘85. Officer Gray either started before and positioning myself to wander off his wife’s desire to move to Atlanta, dance.” the department. Finally, we were go- me or around the same time.” to sleep when my phone rang. The Officer Gray found work with the Working on a schedule, Officer ing to be able to get to know Officer I went to the Atlanta History Cen- caller ID read “Melvin Gray.” APD. With only four days to spare Gray assured each of the residents Gray through someone that knew ter and had Serena McCracken, the The Man from Rikers Island before starting work, he spent two and businesses on his route that they him and worked with him during research manager for the Kenan Re- OFFICER GRAY HAS A WARM, days finding a place to live and figur- would see him at least twice a day. By his years of service. “He loved Zone search Center, pull every police de- fatherly tone to his voice—one that ing out how to get back and forth to the time he was “introduced” to the 1. I never remembered Officer Gray partment yearbook they had. They seems to favor redirection over dis- work from his new home in Lithonia. philosophy of community policing getting promoted. He wasn’t tall. He had every yearbook up until 1975. cipline. He immediately mentioned He recalled the commanding offi- had dark skin, salt and pepper hair, After that time, she explained, the that he heard that I had been looking cer asking the class of new recruits, See GRAY on page 10
10 September 2 - 8, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
MITCHELL
Continued from page 2
then he was an assistant coach on the men’s
staff at Alcorn State University said, “I remem-
ber the guys being really excited, we had guys
that, no matter who we played they competed.
The guys on that team really appreciated put-
ting on that uniform and representing Morris
Brown College.”
Thompson was the youngest Division I
men’s head coach in the country at the time
and with the late Russell Ellington, the long-
time Wolverines head basketball coach, giving
him his blessing a season and a half earlier he
would coach his alma mater all over the coun-
try for two and a half seasons.
The opportunity to become a head coach
kind of fell in his lap one afternoon.
“Coach Ellington just walked into the locker A new multi-investor development in Westside Village will take place where the former Paschal's Motor Hotel and Restaurant once stood.
room one day after practice and told us that he
was moving upstairs to be the athletic director “Because of the money we made from those college potentially losing its accreditation and on a proposal and I also remember paperwork
and that I was going to be the new head coach,” games we didn’t really have much control over along with that the basketball program and being worked in for the Mid-Eastern Athletic
Thompson said. “And that was that. We had to where we were going to be,” Thompson said. football programs, which played on the Divi- Conference (MEAC),” said Thompson. “The
learn and learn fast.” The experience of playing at Oregon (a 96-50 sion II level and managed to send a number of MEAC was looking to get into the Atlanta mar-
The 2001-2002 season began with the Wol- loss at McArthur Court on Dec. 27, 2001) or in players to the NFL during its illustrious tenure. ket.”
verines opening the season at a tournament Ames at Iowa State (a 69-45 loss on New Year’s Making It Do What It Do The loss of accreditation put all of those dis-
in the Virgin Islands against Clemson, LaSalle Eve 2001) was something kids from Atlanta The Wolverines basketball program had to cussions to a stop. Asked if he thought Morris
and Eastern Michigan. Morris Brown lost all would never forget. make do with what was thrown at them season Brown could have competed in either confer-
three games by an average of 15 points but the In some cases it would be experiences that after season. ence, Thompson answered, “I felt really good
experience for a group of players that were as- they would never have again. “I had guys on “Sometimes because of the accelerated class about where we were and where we were head-
sembled to compete at the Division II level in that team and the team after that one that had schedules some of our guys were taking we ed. I believe we would have. For the most part
the SIAC was something that Thompson con- never even been to an airport before,” Thomp- didn’t have enough guys to practice,” Thomp- the athletic department was in good shape.”
sidered to be a blessing. son proclaimed. son recalled. “We would leave for games with “After the 2002-2003 season, that would
“We played teams with open dates in their Players like Amien Hicks, Larry Washington, six or seven guys and meet up with the rest of have been my first full recruiting class as a Di-
schedules and could squeeze in a game,” he Joseph Dunn, the Wolverines leading scorer the team later.” vision I program,” said Thompson.
said of the hodgepodge schedule that would during the 2001-2002 season and Anthony As an alumnus of Morris Brown College Lewis believes the gymnasium has just as
have the Wolverines play their next game at Adams, the team’s leading scorer during the Thompson was more worried about getting his much historic value as actual monetary value.
home, their season opener against Lipscomb, final season, 2002-2003, with a 16.8 points per players diplomas than winning games but the “It is an affront to our history and all of our an-
a 71-70 victory, before heading back out on the game average.The 2002-2003 season began games mattered. They all mattered. “Original- cestors that laid out the plans for this campus,”
road to play at Tulsa, Mississippi and Boston with a game in Miami at Florida International ly we were approached by the Southwestern he said.
College in a week and half span. University (a 60-52 loss) and the specter of the Athletic Conference (SWAC) and had worked
GRAY primary focuses. The Foundation’s Securing
the Community initiative provides three pro-
ing at the academy. Launched in February
2022, the program, the first of its kind in the
joined the APD Reserves. He was assigned to
the City of Atlanta courthouse. He was back
Continued from page 9 grams for APD officers to live and work within nation according to City officials, immerses in the community, engaging in police officer
the communities they serve. recruits in the culture of the neighborhoods banter with his colleagues, and, most im-
by the Atlanta Police Department in the ‘90s, The Secure Neighborhoods Home Officers they are sworn to protect—a commitment to portantly, being able to protect and serve his
he had already developed his own under- program, for example, provides officers with the community engagement and citizenship neighbors.
standing of the model—he valued resident the opportunity to purchase a home in city the APD aspires to. Eight years later, Officer Gray decided to
voices, organizing and respecting each case neighborhoods at a reduced cost. In return, “I Remember You” retire. This time it was final. When he looks
and situation as its own. Where most officers officers agree to actively patrol their new SITTING ACROSS FROM OFFICER GRAY back, he’s reminded of the seeds planted
would rather not get called into domestic neighborhoods, participate in community as- on a gloomy day at Daily Dose Coffee in Mad- years ago on old Bankhead Highway in the
disputes, he saw them as family matters that sociations, and become stalwart members of ison Yards, I’m watching him smile as he Grove Park community. It makes him think of
could be resolved with de-escalation tactics. their new communities. talks about his 32 years with the APD. Fully another story.
“Going into homes, most people just want Another program called Secure Neighbor- embracing retirement, he stands about 5’6. He was working one of his last days at
to be heard,” he told me. “I would gather the hoods Certified consists of sworn officers He’s wearing a blue polo-style shirt. There’s a the courthouse and remembers hearing the
children in the house, play with them while who are provided incentives in the form of re- small handcuff charm hanging from his silver sound of a voice saying, “Officer Gray, do you
listening to the adults have the dispute. When duced rent to live in apartments in the city. In necklace. remember me?”
I got a basic understanding of what caused return, they perform community service and “I didn’t want to leave the force. I wasn’t Before Officer Gray stood a 20-something-
the call I would ask all parties to have a seat provide a police presence aimed at deterring ready to retire. I felt like I was letting my com- year-old man that he used to see on his daily
and talk with each of them, call in the family crime in apartment communities. With assis- munity, the people that I promised to serve route around Grove Park. “Yeah,” Officer Gray
support specialist that we would call into the tance from apartment developers, APF will and protect, behind,” he said, as tears filled replied, smiling, “I remember you.”
situation to assist in non-violent domestic place 150 certified Courtesy Officers in apart- his eyes. “I haven’t been back in Zone 1 since I This story was reported in partnership with
matters. Before long the children would be ments over the next three years. left in 2010, because of an income decrease. I Canopy Atlanta, a community-powered jour-
laughing and the adults would be calm.” The third housing incentive program is had already spent 32 years in the department nalism nonprofit and is part of its Bankhead
Community Policing in Atlanta called the Unity Place Recruit Housing. This to make a livable wage of $52,000 per year, Issue. This story was informed by feedback
IN TERMS OF MODELS for bridging gaps is general housing for recruits on a first-come only to be decreased to $42,000 per year. I from Bankhead and Grove Park community
between officers and the communities they basis featuring one-to-four bedroom apart- couldn’t do it anymore.” members and was reported in collaboration
serve, the City has a few initiatives in place. ments in the English Avenue community. After Officer Gray left the force via early with a Canopy Atlanta Fellow, community
The Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) pro- This complex houses 30 APD recruits during retirement, he pursued a career as an auto members whom Canopy Atlanta trains and
motes community policing as one of their the six months in which they undergo train- mechanic. Then, two years later, in 2012, he pays to learn reporting skills.www.theatlantavoice.com T:10.375" September 2 - 8, 2022 11
T:12.25"
HBCUs are more than a
place for higher education
They are a legacy, a place you become your true self and where past generations uplift you
to your destiny. It's your family's history and your community’s future. It's your HBCU.
Xfinity recognizes the legacy, harmony, necessity, and impact of HBCUs. And as the world
changes, the more we must remain connected to the culture. Just say, "Black Experience,"
into your Xfinity Voice Remote to experience more HBCU.
Visit xfinity.com/blackexperience to learn more.
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Requires Xfinity TV with X1 and compatible TV box or Xfinity Flex and Xfinity Internet. ©2022 Comcast. All Rights Reserved.12 September 2 - 8, 2022 www.theatlantavoice.com
HEALTH
The Divine Nine partners with Red Cross to increase
blood donations in Black communities
BY AMERICAN RED CROSS
I
rely on regular blood transfusions
n an effort to recognize to help manage disease compli-
Sickle Cell Awareness cations, which may include se-
Month in September, the vere pain, organ failure, and even
American Red Cross has strokes.
launched Joined by Blood, Joined by Blood represents the
a fall-focused component of the powerful connection between
Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, to blood donors and patients. During
grow the number of blood donors the months of September and
who are Black and help improve October, the Red Cross will con-
the health outcomes of patients tinue to partner with community
with sickle cell disease through organizations like the National
impactful community-based part- Pan-Hellenic Council and many
nerships. others to host blood drives and in-
Saturday, August 27, the Red spire donors who are Black to give
Cross will teamed up with part- blood to support patients with
ners in the Black community, like sickle cell disease. The NPHC is
the National Pan-Hellenic Council also hosting inaugural Joined by
(NPHC)— which is affectionately Blood drives in cities such as At-
known as the Divine Nine — and lanta and Washington, D.C., to en-
others, to rally African American courage members of historically
blood donors in Atlanta to support Black fraternities and sororities,
the blood transfusion needs of pa- affectionately known as the Di-
tients with sickle cell. vine Nine, to roll up a sleeve and
Sickle cell is the most common give blood this fall.
inherited blood disorder in the With a goal of at least 150 dona-
U.S. More than 100,000 people tions, the NPHC and Red Cross en-
live with sickle cell disease na- courage communities to make an
tionwide, and most patients are appointment to donate lifesaving
of African descent. Patients often blood.
COLUMN | SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
Christian Maturity Has a Beginning, Middle and End
As someone who has that easily lets you know
come to Christ as a hopeful- what the right thing is, what
ly mature adult, I’m chal-
lenged from time to time as
As such, just like a mature adult, your behavior you’re supposed to do, in all
situations and circumstanc-
ministers and bible study starts to be dictated by your experience, your es. The more mature you
leaders and others of faith
talk about the process of be-
knowledge. In other words, your decisions are become in your faith, the
more evident it becomes in
coming a mature Christian. affected and guided by what you know. your behavior.
The challenge is in knowing The thought process of
BY JAMES A. what it means to mature as the mature Christian is
WASHINGTON a person and applying some where I find myself these
The Atlanta Voice of those same principles to ed and guided by what you for instance, is an example giveness when Jesus paid days. I guess you can say I
the maturation process as it know. of what I’m talking about. the ultimate sacrifice so we am now a proponent of ‘you
relates to faith and knowl- For the mature Christian, The more you accept the all could be forgiven! Some are indeed what you think.’
edge. Faith as a concept is faith is easily expressed in truth of Christ in your life, people refer to this as know- I believe faith does move
pretty easy to understand. words. However, deeds or the more mandatory it be- ing that you know that you mountains. And as I see it
The knowledge I’m speak- should I say actions, now comes to forgive those who know. It is a difficult process start to move mine, I will
ing about accompanies have parameters set in have in some way ‘tres- however. It takes time. Ma- hopefully and prayerfully
the experience of knowing stone due to the experience passed’ against you. turity requires experience. be living proof of what they
God’s word. As such, just of faith. So, the more you You see, a mature Chris- And it is that experience say about mustard seeds.
like a mature adult, your know about God’s word and tian knows if you don’t that I’m saying challenges Believe me, it’s a work in
behavior starts to be dictat- God’s will, the more respon- forgive your enemies, God me from time to time to do progress and I’m working
ed by your experience, your sive you should become in will not forgive you. How the right thing. But for the on it every single day.
knowledge. In other words, what you do, don’t do, say, dare you not at least un- mature Christian, it is pure- May God bless and Keep
your decisions are affect- don’t say, etc. Forgiveness, dertake the notion of for- ly a matter of knowledge you Always.You can also read
