Category: Guest Column

As I reflect on what has been nearly a decade as Atlanta Housing’s (AH) first Archivist, I find myself humbled and honored by the incredible journey I’ve had. Archivists bear the responsibility of selecting, preserving, organizing, and managing historical and invaluable records, documents, and artifacts. Our mission is to ensure the protection, cataloging, and accessibility […]

At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), we are currently in full swing of the Out of the Darkness Community Walk season, with our wonderful volunteers and staff busy planning over 400 Walks nationwide. The Out of the Darkness Walks raises awareness and much-needed funds to combat suicide, which has long been a leading […]

As Atlanta’s film industry flourishes, there’s a pressing need to create accessible paths for people to discover careers in film, television and e-gaming across Georgia. The Georgia Film Academy (GFA), globally recognized as a leader in workforce training, is leading this charge through partnerships with more than 30 institutions, public workshops, and close collaborations with […]

I had the honor and privilege of presenting a new documentary, “Carterland,” for its world premiere at the 2021 Atlanta Film Festival on the grounds of the Carter Center itself. We had the directing brother duo, Will and Jim Pattiz, and even Jimmy Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, present. This marked the first event to happen […]

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations have become increasingly important for investors, stakeholders, and businesses to measure a company’s sustainability, ethical practices, and long-term viability. Increasing ESG scores has become ever more critical for several reasons, as it signifies a company’s commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices and has various benefits, including being often […]

In today’s interconnected world, high-speed internet has become vital for education, employment, healthcare, and essentially all forms of communication. Still, many Americans, especially those in marginalized communities, struggle to afford internet access. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) initiated by the Biden administration has made a significant impact on addressing this issue, providing internet to about […]

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Justin Cutler, and Invest Atlanta CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich joined Historic Oakland Foundation leadership and Oakland Cemetery friends and supporters for the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center just outside the historic Cemetery’s main gate. Some […]

I am an Israeli theatre and opera director based in Atlanta and working around the world. I am often asked how a crusty ex-medic in the Israeli Defense Force ends up in an art form that is so removed from conflict. The answer to this is complicated, so I usually reply by asking, “How much […]

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month – a time to remember the tremendous impact of this inherited blood disorder on human suffering, particularly with regard to people of color. It brings together the sickle cell individual, caregiver, provider and advocacy community to highlight efforts to improve the quality of care, access and health disparity […]

This summer there’s been a steady stream of articles about American theaters in jeopardy, with headlines like “Theater Is in Freefall” (Washington Post) and “American Theater Is Imploding Before Our Eyes” (New York Times). Prestigious theaters around the country are pausing and terminating programs and laying off staff. Meanwhile, my theater company is booming. Out […]

Guy Millner has contributed much to our city as a successful businessperson, politician, and philanthropist. However, his influence is mostly below the surface — not readily obvious to the general observer — and this is because his well-established and loud voice for action hides his true servant leadership approach. So much of his work that […]

In his 1957 speech, ‘Give Us the Ballot,’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “In this juncture of our nation’s history, there is an urgent need for dedicated and courageous leadership.” We, as a city and nation, are at such a juncture. We are imploring that the Atlanta City Council be a part of a […]

All year, we look forward to the summer months to take a break and make plans with family and friends. But these days, it’s not uncommon to be attached to our smartphones, checking email, or keeping up with what you may be missing back at the office.   As we navigate our work-life balance, sometimes disconnecting […]

School turnaround is not a swift undertaking. On average, it’s estimated that it takes 10-20 years to see positive, lasting change in education.  But every student deserves an excellent education. Now. That’s why it’s imperative that we find an effective, scalable model for turning around Atlanta’s historically underperforming schools. Now.  Several years ago, Atlanta Public […]

The recent SCOTUS decision to ban the consideration of race in higher education admissions is part of a fundamental cultural confrontation in the country. The teams are clear. The arguments are old. Progressive versus conservative.  In a reductionist world, the progressive side is in search of a reimagined America, one closer to a more perfect […]

People have no idea how difficult it is for wheelchairs to navigate the streets and sidewalks. My friend, Josh Rowan, is the first person to take the time to see just how horrific it is for wheelchairs to navigate streets and sidewalks. Josh has made my life easier more times than I care to admit.  I was […]

The Atlanta Preservation Center hosted elementary-aged campers and students from the City of Refuge in collaboration with a number of community and preservation partners each summer for a week of fun. Our camp is based out of the L.P. Grant Mansion (APC headquarters), where we learn about the importance of historic preservation at the oldest […]

Close your eyes and imagine. What if, by no fault of your own – nothing you did, you were denied access because an immovable barrier is blocking you… in front of your house, your job, your school, your car, a public park, or a recreation facility? What if someone was rude to you because they […]