T. Dallas Smith coming home to Westside
The Westside Future Fund held a welcome reception for its new board chair – T. Dallas Smith – on April 23 at the Gathering Spot.
During the event, Smith was interviewed by his friend and business partner, Egbert Perry, who is also the top executive at the Integral Group.
“I was born and raised on the Westside,” Smith said during the discussion, remembering how the tight-knit community had movie theaters, drug stores, catering to a thriving residential population. “It was a gumbo community. It was a five-block radius where we had everything.”
Sylvia Russell, widow of Herman Russell (who happened to be both Perry’s and Smith’s boss earlier in their careers but not at the same time), called on Smith to join the board of the Westside Future Fund. After saying he was so busy, she asked him: “What would H.J. say?”
Not only is Smith the new WFF chair (succeeding Beverly Tatum), but he has also bought the home of renowned Black developer T.M. Alexander (1909-2001) on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Smith is renovating the home and planning to move back to the community.
Smith’s dream? To help revitalize the Westside community so that it resembles the neighborhood of his youth.
“We are not about displacing any legacy residents,” said Smith, a leader in the real estate field. “When I grew up in this community, we all helped each other.”
Smith also remembered the community’s Black golf club – Lincoln Country Club, which was turned into Lincoln Cemetery. He pledged to find a way to bring back a golf club to the Westside.
The event, which included former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler and other dignitaries, also was about bringing more resources to the Westside. The WFF is in the midst of a $55 million campaign, of which $21 million has been raised.
— Maria Saporta
President Joe Biden to speak at Morehouse commencement, sparking student, faculty concerns
On April 23, Morehouse College announced that President Joe Biden would be the keynote speaker at their 140th Commencement exercises, which will be held on May 19.
Biden’s announcement comes after anger over U.S. foreign policy has led to students, faculty and staff protests at several campuses across the country.
Morehouse’s President David Thomas said in a letter to the institution’s community that he is thrilled the president will be in attendance and emphasized the improvements his administration has accomplished, including Black wealth increasing by 60 percent since the pandemic, more than $7 billion invested in Historically Black colleges and Universities and over $150 billion forgiven in student loans.
“As an institution and a community, we bear a profound responsibility and obligation to be the beacon of hope and progress in these challenging times,” Thomas said. “We must take intentional, strategic action that serves the present moment and the collective future of our country and the world.”
The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. at the Martin Luther King International Chapel.
Click here to see the events for the commencement weekend.
— Allison Joyner
Explorer, activist to deliver Agnes Scott Commencement Address
Last week, Agnes Scott College announced that alumna Wasfia Nazreen will speak to the Spring 2024 graduates during its Commencement ceremony on May 11.
Nazreen, who graduated from the Decatur-based institution in 2006, is a world-class mountaineer and advocate for human rights and environmental causes.
She is one of 18 women in history to scale each of the Seven Summits, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Mount Everest and K2.
“Returning to Agnes Scott to share a bit of my experiences on this special occasion is truly humbling and an honor of a lifetime,” Nazreen said. “The years I spent here not only helped shape my perception of the world but, most importantly, shaped my vision of myself and who I wanted to be in this world. I am so honored and grateful to have this opportunity to impart hope, courage and hopefully some wisdom to my Scottie siblings — the next generation of global agents of change.”
Click here to find out more about Nazreen.
— Allison Joyner
Kennesaw State names new dean to lead engineering college
Kennesaw State University has named engineering leader, researcher and practitioner Lawrence Whitman as dean of the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, effective July 1.
Whitman currently serves as dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During his tenure at there, he secured one of the university’s largest gifts — $6.75 million — for the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, facilitated the development of a new cybersecurity degree, and obtained industry support for new internships and sponsorships for students in multiple disciplines.
“Dr. Lawrence Whitman brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to our University,” said Kennesaw State President Kathy Schwaig. “His insights gained from years of industry practice as an engineer, coupled with his leadership in higher education, will enrich our engineering programs and further our commitment to excellence in STEM education.”
— Derek Prall
DeKalb school board extends contract for new Superintendent
Earlier this month, the DeKalb County Board of Education approved a two-year extension for Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton through 2027.
“Since assuming the position last July, he has consistently delivered on his vision to disrupt for excellence,” said Diijon DaCosta, Board Chair for DeKalb County Board of Education. “His focus on improving outcomes for our diverse student body through innovative approaches makes him the ideal leader for our district at this time.”
— Allison Joyner
Benjamin E. Mays High prom sponsored by local entrepreneur
On April 27, Pinky Cole Hayes, Slutty Vegan owner and founder of The Pinky Cole Foundation, announced to Benjamin E. Mays High School students that their prom is being paid for.
Students were elated to hear that attire, catering, decorations, a DJ and more are being donated by the entrepreneur and 2023 “Time” 100 Next honoree.
“I was a prom queen at my high school, and I cherish the memories I created at my prom,” Hayes said. “It is important for me to support my community by helping people have experiences that will impact them for the rest of their lives, and I hope that my contribution does just that.”
Click here to find out more about The Pinky Cole Foundation.
— Allison Joyner
Bob Weis named Executive in Residence for SCAD
On April 23, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) announced that global entertainment lead for Gensler and former president of Walt Disney Imagineering Bob Weis will join as its new Executive in Residence.
In his new advisory role, Weis will travel to all three SCAD locations in Atlanta, Savannah and Lacoste, France. He will visit classes and presentations, critique student work, deliver workshops and lectures as well as mentor students.
“I am grateful to be able to bring my background from Disney, Gensler, and other venues to be a part of preparing talented SCAD students for creative careers,” Weis said. “Over the years, I have been constantly impressed with the passion, diversity of thought, and enthusiastic collaborations taking place within the students and faculty across creative industries. I am also looking forward to being a part of the rich SCAD culture, visiting the unique university locations, expediting workshops and creative sessions, and participating in new developments and research.”
No word on when the new role will begin.
— Allison Joyner
Daniel Black to deliver Commencement address during CAU graduation
On May 18, Author, African American Studies professor and Clark College alumnus Daniel Black will deliver the keynote address during the Commencement exercises for Clark Atlanta University (CAU).
Black has been an African American Studies professor at the Historically Black University for over 30 years and has written books on several subjects regarding self-love, self-agency and Black history.”
“Dr. Black is not afraid to delve deeply into difficult topics, and his extraordinary talent allows him to do so with lyricism and uncompromising candor,” said George French, President of CAU. “We look forward to the message he will impart to our graduates as they prepare to battle for authenticity and truth at a time when both are becoming more and more elusive.”
The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at CAU’s Panther Stadium.
— Allison Joyner
Residents, community officials celebrate Aya Tower in East Point following $24 million redevelopment
Residents of East Point as well as city officials, community members and business partners attended a grand opening event recently to celebrate a revitalized affordable housing development. In addition to making safe and affordable housing available, several health and social services will be offered in adjacent buildings for residents as well as the community at large.
Aya Tower, which had been vacant since 2004, underwent a $24 million redevelopment by national affordable and supportive housing developer the Vecino Group, and now includes 88 affordable one and two-bedroom apartments for families earning between $30,000 and $40,000 annually. The property is managed by Wingate Properties Management and opened to residents earlier this year.
“This development is poised to be transformative for East Point,” said Wesley Brown, director of southeast development for the Vecino Group. “Together with our partners, we turned blight into beauty. Even early on, local residents repeatedly shared how excited they were to have this building coming back to life. And community has been key from the beginning — not only in serving the housing need but also in communicating civic pride and the power of place.”
— Derek Prall
