Earlier this month, new DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton met with the press to announce his plans for a successful school year. Horton was appointed superintendent on Jun. 29 and began work on Jul. 1. He began his address by announcing this year’s theme, “disrupting for excellence.” He says the theme references […]
Author Archives: Allison Joyner
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100 Honors Gala resumes in person after four-year absence
Earlier this month, the 100 Black Men of Atlanta hosted its signature fundraiser, the 100 Honors Gala, in person for the first time in four years. Over a thousand people attended the black tie event to help the organization support its Project Success programs. “Project Success is composed of several smaller initiatives like our Pathways […]
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New novel inspired by first Black female bank founder
The new historical fiction “A Right Worthy Woman” tells the story of the ambitious and unafraid woman, Maggie Lena Walker, who was determined to gain wealth for her community. Written by Atlanta-based author Ruth P. Watson, “A Right Worthy Woman” begins shortly after the Civil War in the predominantly Black Jackson Ward community in Richmond, […]
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AileyCamp hosts special presentation at High Museum of Art to celebrate Mayor Andre Dickens’ Year of the Youth
AileyCamp, the nationally acclaimed summer program that uses dance as a means to stretch the minds, bodies, and spirits of middle-school students, took over The High Museum of Art on Sunday, July 9. In partnership with Purpose Built Schools Atlanta and aligning with Mayor Andre Dickens’ “ATL Year of the Youth” initiative, AileyCamp Atlanta focuses on […]
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SCOTUS affirmative action ruling proves HBCUs are needed now more than ever
Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a 20-year-old rule on how students are evaluated by institutions of higher learning. Friday’s reversal of affirmative action is now in the history books, but we have yet to turn the pages to find out how much damage this decision will ultimately cause. Oral tradition in Black culture has […]
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NCBP, CAU opens, names institution after community leader Tommy Dortch
The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. Institution will develop and support community-based leaders addressing racial, social and economic issues in the South. Last month, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) opened its new Clark Atlanta University (CAU) campus Southern Regional Office to help strengthen its work in the […]
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‘Blurring the Color Line’ focuses on Asian, Black relations in Augusta during Jim Crow
The relationships between Blacks and Whites during segregation is often studied, but a new documentary shows race relations as another group of people affected as well. The film “Blurring the Color Line: Chinese in the Segregated South” highlights race relations between the Whites, Blacks and Chinese Americans in Augusta, Ga., during a pivotal time in […]
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Inaugural Eddie Awards celebrates disabled entrepreneurs
The ceremony was held last week at the City Springs Center in Sandy Springs. By Allison Joyner Last week, local nonprofit Synergies Work honored business owners with disabilities during the first-ever EDDIE Awards. Short for “entrepreneurs dedicated to diverse, inclusive excellence,” the EDDIE Awards celebrate innovative and ambitious business owners with disabilities making a difference […]
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“Eggs Over Easy” addresses fertility issues among Black women
With Black Maternal Health Week being earlier this month and National Infertility Week this week, it’s essential for everyone to know about their reproductive health. By Allison Joyner As the country debates abortion rights, it is only a fraction of the conversation regarding reproductive health. This is a necessary conversation to have, though, and one […]
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Morehouse School of Medicine, Henry County Sheriff’s Office partner to reduce recidivism through reentry program
The six-week program gives tools to prevent participants from going back into incarceration. By Allison Joyner To prevent a repeating cycle of imprisonment, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has partnered with Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) to create a program to helps those returning to society. Last month, the “Step in the Right Direction: […]
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Recording Academy’s new Chief DEI Officer wants to amplify underserved communities in the music industry
Nzinga “Zing” Shaw says that her new position is not just a job but a way of life. By Allison Joyner The organization that brings you the Grammys has hired Nzinga “Zing” Shaw as their new Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. The Recording Academy, which recognizes achievements in the music industry worldwide, began […]
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Over 150 SCAD alumni contributed to 18 films nominated for Oscars
With the school offering instruction in every aspect of filmmaking, SCAD makes a serious case that Atlanta is the ‘Hollywood of the South.’ By Allison Joyner Some of the films nominated for Oscars this year were touched by the artistry of graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). “Top Gun: Maverick,” “The […]
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Will CAU Wellness Week begin a new standard for bereavement?
As students were grieving the loss of their classmate, teammate and friend, they wished the administration would do more. By Allison Joyner Last week, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) President George French declared a wellness week in reaction to last month’s shooting death of Jatonne Sterling. “As we continue to mourn the tragic loss of our […]
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Spelman art gallery’s ‘Black American Portraits’ displays African Americans from 1800 to today
The exhibit will be presented now until June 30. By Allison Joyner Last month, Spelman College’s Museum of Fine Art opened its latest exhibit, featuring portraits that give a historical context of Black people living in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. “Black American Portraits” showcases African American figures in several mediums centered around love, […]
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Georgia says goodbye to its ‘servant leader’ Tommy Dortch
The businessman and philanthropist died earlier this month after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. By Allison Joyner Over the weekend, hundreds of mourners gathered to honor 100 Black Men of America chairman Thomas “Tommy” Dortch, who died at age 72. People worldwide traveled to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, where Dortch was chairman of […]
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Do you think they’re being trafficked? Here’s what to do
Atlanta is a central hub for human trafficking. Here’s how you can help with this issue. By Allison Joyner Every year, millions of men, women and children are trafficked all over the U.S. and worldwide but local nonprofit Youth Spark is helping victims by giving them a safe space to recover. This nonprofit advocate for […]
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Do you think they’re being trafficked? Here’s what to do
Atlanta is a central hub for human trafficking. Here’s how you can help with this issue. By Allison Joyner Every year, millions of men, women and children are trafficked all over the U.S. and worldwide but local nonprofit Youth Spark is helping victims by giving them a safe space to recover. This nonprofit advocate for […]
Posted inAllison Joyner
Atlanta reacts to former first lady Bunnie Jackson-Ransom’s passing
The wife of former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, Jackson-Ransom was known for being a well-respected public relations specialist, entrepreneur and author. By Allison Joyner Atlanta residents are reacting to the passing of their former first lady Burnella “Bunnie” Jackson-Ransom, who passed away Thursday, Feb. 2, at age 82. “The City of Atlanta is sending prayers […]
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New ABL chair wants to continue to grow, scale Black-owned businesses in metro Atlanta
At 32, Ryan Wilson will be one of the youngest chairmen in the organization’s 90-year history. By Allison Joyner On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the Atlanta Business League (ABL) starts its 90th-anniversary celebration with a new board of directors chaired by the CEO and co-founder of The Gathering Spot Ryan Wilson. “I’m focused on Black folks. […]
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APS asks stakeholders for financial support, mentoring during State of the District event
The superintendent wants to build on the recent success achieved by the school system. By Allison Joyner Atlanta Public Schools hosted an immersive State of the District event to motivate administrators and community partners, encouraging a technology-based future for their students. The district presented its plans for innovative education at the interactive Illuminarium to create […]
