Global Village Project, a Decatur-based middle school serving refugee girls, has selected Allison Almand Ezell as its new CEO and head of school. She succeeds Elizabeth Elango following a six-month national search. Ezell has been part of the Global Village Project community for eight years, first as a volunteer and most recently as director of […]
Author Archives: Adrianne Murchison
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Author’s own life lessons inspire children’s book story
After years of corporate success, career pivots, and personal soul-searching, former Atlantan Danny Blue has turned his journey into inspiration for children and adults with his debut book, “Coalie and the Great Mystery.” The story, written for ages 5 to 12, explores themes of self-confidence, perseverance, and courage. It follows Coalie, a timid boy made […]
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King family responds to MLK Jr. files and says now do Epstein’s
As more than 200,000 government documents related to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were released this week, his children are reminding the public that while their father’s death has long captivated the nation, it remains, first and foremost, a deeply personal loss. In a joint statement Monday, Dr. Bernice King and Martin […]
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Invest Atlanta moves affordable housing development projects forward
During a Thursday meeting, Invest Atlanta — the city’s development authority — took another step toward increasing affordable housing options in local neighborhoods, approving funding measures tied to new mixed-use developments. The board approved a $5 million acquisition loan for a 26-acre redevelopment project located across from Greenbriar Mall. Mural Real Estate Partners is planning […]
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College Park: blurred lines led to $471K Keller Williams payment
College Park is seeking the return of payments made to Keller Williams real estate brokers — including a controversial $471,690 payout issued in February — as officials continue to unravel how the funds were approved. City Attorney Winston Denmark sent a demand letter on June 23 to Keller Williams brokers Nichole Menzies and Phyllis Minter […]
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Emory University’s Karida Brown on ‘The Battle for the Black Mind’
As schools face political pressure over curriculum and Black history, and the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, Karida Brown, Ph.D., says the battle for the Black mind is not new. An Emory University Professor of Sociology, Brown spent eight years researching her new book, “The Battle for the Black Mind,” a historical account […]
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Animal shelters offer special adoptions as housing crisis drives pet surrenders
Fulton and DeKalb County animal shelters are seeing a sharp rise in pet surrenders this summer compared to last year. LifeLine Animal Project, which manages the shelters, says the increase in intakes is tied to housing issues that pet owners are facing. The animal shelters are currently offering special promotions for the adoption of cats […]
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Considering what’s really lost by removing 35 trees at historic Roswell site
The removal of 35 specimen trees from Roswell’s Mimosa Hall has stirred deep emotions. Some of the trees, believed to be as old as 150 years, were cleared to make way for the redevelopment of the grounds and the Founders Park project. Roswell plans to add 12 new native trees as part of a native […]
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Angry Roswell residents push for investigation over loss of historic trees
Roswell residents say they feel blindsided by the removal of more than 35 specimen trees on the grounds of Mimosa Hall — and frustrated, once again, by being left out of key city decisions. City council held an open mic forum on June 30 when emotions ran high over the loss of trees as old […]
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Fayette middle schooler wins state civics bee, eyes $50K national prize
A middle school student from Fayette County has won the Georgia State Finals of the National Civics Bee and will advance to the national championship competition in Washington, D.C. this fall. Kaden Jawwaad, a student at Bennett’s Mill Middle School, topped nearly two dozen participants in the state finals, earning a $1,000 prize. The competition […]
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Duluth nonprofit named finalist for Bill Bolling leadership award
A nonprofit that supports single parents in reaching their educational and economic goals is a finalist for the 2025 Bill Bolling Nonprofit Leader Award. Duluth-based H.O.P.E. Inc. was recently named a finalist for the award. The honor is part of the annual TechBridge Award Series, which celebrates organizations focused on technology innovation and equity across […]
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College Park mayor elected president of Georgia Municipal Association
College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom has been elected president of the Georgia Municipal Association, the organization that represents 537 cities across the state. Her election was confirmed during GMA’s annual convention in Savannah on June 22. Motley Broom will helm of Georgia’s largest municipal advocacy and support organization. She previously served as third, second, […]
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Grievance hearings provide few answers to fired College Park employees
Two former College Park employees say they left their recent grievance hearings last week frustrated and dismayed, still unclear about why they were terminated and questioning the fairness of the process. Rose Stewart, former director of human resources and risk management, and Jerry Silver, former code enforcement supervisor, had separate hearings last Thursday as part […]
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Business strategies for a changing world take center stage at conference
Government leaders, business executives, and workforce advocates discussed the importance of economic mobility and small business growth during the Atlanta Business League’s Congress on the State of Black Business event on Tuesday. Amid today’s uncertainty, business leaders in attendance emphasized the importance of seeking opportunities in unexpected places. Held at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, the […]
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Councilman alleges bias in reporting, journalist responds
Last Friday, College Park Councilman Roderick Gay sent reporter Adrianne Murchison a letter of complaint about her reporting on the city. Gay also emailed city hall communications staff and spokespeople. SaportaReport is a civic news site committed to dialogue and public engagement, offering space for diverse voices and points of view. Below is Councilman Gay’s […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Goodwill of North Georgia turns 100
Goodwill of North Georgia celebrated its 100th anniversary Thursday with an event at its West End store. Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a commendation to honor the nonprofit’s century of service, and the Georgia House of Representatives declared June 19 “Goodwill of North Georgia Day.” Mayor Andre Dickens and Sebastian Barron, Gov. Kemp’s representative for […]
Posted inAdrianne Murchison, Columns
Nearly $500K payout fuels more controversy and blame in College Park
In College Park, questions are piling up — and so is the blame. Where is the money going? Why are certain payments being made without clear contracts or council oversight? Who is accountable? City leaders are pointing fingers over a controversial $471,690 payment to Keller Williams realty company, and meanwhile, the condemnation of the Chelsea […]
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Fired staffers scrutinize city manager’s past role, payments by College Park
A group of recently fired College Park employees are questioning not only the circumstances of their dismissals but also the city’s handling of vendor contracts and internal staffing decisions leading up to the terminations. Last Friday, SaportaReport met with five former city employees. Dr. Emmanuel Adediran, former city manager; Rose Stewart, former director of human […]
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College Park spokesman, crisis advisor resigns citing city hall turmoil
Bill Crane, a longtime political analyst and the crisis communications consultant for the city of College Park is stepping down from his role, citing internal conflicts and a shifting environment within the city government. Crane, who was hired in the summer of 2024, has submitted his resignation effective June 30. His firm, CSI Crane, which […]
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Goodwill honors 781 graduates who overcame setbacks to build new careers
Goodwill of North Georgia is celebrating nearly 800 graduates of its career training and development program. A graduation ceremony, themed “Dive Deep into Success,” took place on Monday in the Ocean Ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium and marked a milestone for the graduates who’ve overcome personal and professional barriers, a statement said. Former NFL wide […]
