Air Atlanta founder Michael Hollis celebrated among friends and family
The spirit of the founder of Air Atlanta, Michael Hollis, floated throughout a celebratory reception in his honor on Dec. 10 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown.
Attendees were celebrating the unanimous vote of the Atlanta City Council earlier this year to rename Concourse D in honor of Michael Hollis, who created history by being one of the first — if not the first — African American to own and operate a commercial airline. Hollis died in June 2012 of pancreatic cancer.
“I’m sure the ghost of Michael Hollis is running around here,” said Julius Hollis, who has championed the effort to make sure his younger brother’s memory is not forgotten. “He lived on the 43rd floor, and our mother was on the 42nd floor. We’ve had some great times here.”
Julius Hollis remarked: “There’s a lot of history here tonight.”
Among the leaders were Vicki and John Palmer, banker George Andrews, financier Dan Kolber, Cecelia Corbin Hunter, Joia Johnson, Pedro Cherry, Billy Linville, Raymond Cobb III and Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts among others.
“He lifted people up,” said Julius Hollis, who said the two sometimes had issues as siblings growing up together. “This guy was an awesome guy.”
The Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy, which serves students in the Vine City/English Avenue communities, was named after the entrepreneur.
Julius Hollis did tease attendees with the news that “the next generation of this will be a movie.”
— Maria Saporta
National Black Arts Festival selects cohort for Artist Project Fund
Last month, the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) announced the launch of the January 2025 cohort for the Artist Project Fund.
For six months, 20 artists will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in artistic and career development opportunities to help them grow as creative entrepreneurs.
The fund is partnered with Bank of America, which will provide the grant and development program for ongoing projects, helping them thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
“As artists, we’re often deeply focused on the work itself,” said Stephanie Owens, Executive Director of NBAF. “But we also recognize that without the financial skills to manage and grow our careers, many brilliant artists may struggle to sustain their practice.”
This year, the NBAF awarded close to $200,000 in grants, empowering artists to realize their creative visions.
— Allison Joyner
Clayton County Schools reduced schools on Georgia Promise Scholarship List
When the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement posted its list of schools meeting the criteria for the Georgia Scholarship Act, 31 of the 52 Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS) listed last year were not listed this year.
The program, totaling $140 million this year, allows eligible students to use public funds for non-public education expenses from Kindergarten to 12th grade.
The schools were determined by averaging the single score calculations from the 2023/2024 school year provided by the Georgia Department of Education. Twenty-five percent of public schools use cumulative ratings.
“The significant reduction in the number of our schools on this list speaks to the strides we are making academically,” said Dr. Anthony Smith, Superintendent and CEO of Clayton County Public Schools (CCSP). “We believe that all children can learn and do so at individual levels. We also believe that our schools provide a quality education that can and will successfully prepare our students for their chosen life beyond our classrooms.”
Smith added that CCPS is committed to improving instruction through increased academic rigor and building on the gains that resulted in the 31 schools being removed from the list.
— Allison Joyner
Decatur High students nominated for state honors program
Last week, the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) announced that 17 of their Decatur High School students have been nominated for the 2025 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), where they will compete in hopes of being selected to attend the four-week residential summer program at Georgia Southern University.
The program offers academic, cultural, and social enrichment to high school sophomores and juniors.
The nominees are:
- Nia Batra: Social Studies
- Camryn Carter: Science, Biology/Environmental Science
- Emmett Cowley: Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace
- Maeve A. Downey: Agricultural Science
- Ellie Green: Music, Vocal
- Astrid Joyce: Engineering, Civil & Environmental
- Lexington Kennerly: Science, Biology/Environmental Science
- Jack Marrah: Theater
- Mila Martinez-Garretson: Music, Vocal
- Lucas Medina: Computer Science
- Evee Owens: World Languages, German
- Quinn Park: Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace
- Anushruti Ram: Communicative Arts
- Zain Sidor: Mathematics
- Ashe Spears: Theater
- Benjamin Taylor: Computer Science
- Liora Yustein: Social Studies
— Allison Joyner
Courtney Vance to deliver keynote speech at Morehouse School of Medicine winter commencement
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) announced award-winning actor, producer, author and philanthropist Courtney Vance will deliver this year’s keynote address during winter commencement on Dec. 13.
A mental health advocate, Vance co-wrote “The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power” and “Friends: A Love Story” with his wife, actress Angela Bassett.
“As our graduates embark on their journeys, we are especially inspired by Mr. Vance’s work as an author and mental health advocate,” said Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of MSM.
The ceremony will happen at the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College.
— Allison Joyner
Emory partners with Techstars to launch new catalyst program; applications available for first cohort
Emory University, in collaboration with The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation, and Goizueta Business School’s Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is partnering with investment company Techstars to launch the Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst Program. It is designed to empower early-stage entrepreneurs with world-class startup education, mentorship, and opportunities to scale their ventures.
Now through Jan. 17, Emory students, staff, faculty, and alumni will be selected to work to culminate in a team pitch competition in April, where they will showcase their ideas to investors, mentors, and the entrepreneurial community.
“Entrepreneurship is all about action,” said Christy Brown, lead facilitator for the program. “Through this program, founders will not only learn from the best but also actively build and test their ventures, developing the resilience and creativity they’ll need for long-term success.”
Click here to learn more and to apply.
— Allison Joyner
Dickens strengthens ties between U.S., South Africa during official visit
Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens recently concluded a landmark official visit to South Africa, deepening a diplomatic commitment between the U.S. and the Rainbow Nation.
The six-day trip marked the Atlanta Phambili milestone, a diplomacy initiative centered on deepening the American and South African partnership through Atlanta and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to advancing economic, cultural, and educational collaboration.
“This trip was a celebration of the enduring bonds between Atlanta and South Africa, built on shared histories and common goals,” Dickens said. “The Atlanta Phambili embodies our joint vision for progress and collaboration, creating opportunities for both our citizens and economies.”
Dickens met with several government and financial figures, including the heads of the Departments of Trade, Industry, and Competition, International Relations and Cooperation, as well as Sports and Innovation. He also met with officials with Standard Bank, Amazon and the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa to discuss trade and investment, science and innovation and the economy.
“The South African government’s partnership on the Atlanta Phambili initiative is a testament to the strength of our bilateral ties and the shared potential of our cities to drive innovation, inclusion, and prosperity,” said Reuben Brigety, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa.
— Allison Joyner
Applications open for Atlanta Opera’s 96-Hour Opera Project
Applications are open for participation in The Atlanta Opera’s 96-Hour Opera Project for composers and librettists. Creatives are invited to apply to develop their skills and compete for a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 commission for a one-act chamber opera.
Applications will be accepted now through Feb. 11, 2025.
Now in its fourth season, the 96-Hour Opera Festival celebrates the artistry of creative talents and offers a path into the art of opera. Launched as the 96-Hour Opera Project, the Festival expanded from the original composition competition to include developmental workshops and incubator performances of works by past competition winners.
The competition remains the heart of the Festival and invites composers and librettists to write ten-minute operas that are judged by industry leaders. Creatives are required to self-identify as representing an under-recognized community in the art of opera.
— Derek Prall
North Point Ministries’ ‘Be Rich’ campaign surpasses $100 million milestone in donations to nonprofits
North Point Ministries’ annual generosity campaign, Be Rich, reached a milestone, raising $100,561,460 in donations to local and global nonprofits since its launch in 2007.
This year alone, participating churches raised an additional $9,731,213, continuing its mission to support and empower nonprofit organizations making a significant impact in their communities.
Be Rich, spearheaded by North Point Ministries (NPM) and Senior Pastor Andy Stanley, began as a simple idea — to inspire compassion and generosity and to partner with exceptional nonprofits. Since its inception, the campaign has grown into a movement, engaging over 57,000 participants from 29 churches in 2024.
“Most people want to make a difference but don’t know how,” Stanley said. “Be Rich makes it simple by connecting people with nonprofits already doing incredible work. When people give to Be Rich, they know they are funding projects that will be game changers for nonprofits and life changers for the people they serve.”
— Derek Prall
Regional Habitat for Humanity chapter to build 70 new homes in three counties
Seeking to meet an unprecedented level of need, leaders of Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia (HFH-NCG) have announced plans to build 70 new homes in three communities over the next three to five years in Forsyth, Cherokee and, for the first time, Dawson counties. The announcement was made at HFH-NCG’s community awareness event held on Dec. 5 at Brown’s Bridge Church in Cumming.
“Our expansion comes at a critical time.” said Steve Napier, executive director of Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia. “Housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges in our community today. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to make a lasting difference and create a brighter future for families in our community.”
The HFH-NCG campaign has a goal of raising $9 million over the next three years. When combined with funds from government grants and corporate, faith and civic partners, it will support infrastructure development, building costs and the construction of the 70 homes in three neighborhoods in three counties.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Pride announces four new board members
Atlanta Pride is excited to welcome four new members to its board of directors, each bringing distinct expertise and a shared passion for fostering inclusivity, advocacy, and community engagement. Their collective experiences will enhance Atlanta Pride’s ongoing mission to advance equity and celebrate LGBTQ+ communities across Georgia while driving the organization’s recently unveiled 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.
Ben Ackerley (they/them) founded Katsura Creative and champions LGBTQ+ voices and community empowerment. Ben, a non-binary activist, has a rich history of involvement in queer advocacy through roles with TransParent, Georgia Rainbow Families, and the Mayor of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. Their experience will bolster Atlanta Pride’s commitment to fostering family-friendly and inclusive programming.
Chris Ruiz (he/him) brings over a decade of experience with the Atlanta Pride Committee as a volunteer, board member, and former Vice Chair. In his previous board service, Chris demonstrated outstanding leadership during Atlanta Pride’s return to in-person events following the COVID-19 pandemic. As Staff and Community Development Coordinator at Georgia Tech, Chris is committed to fostering spaces that uplift and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Tony Uceda (he/el) joins with a strong background in nonprofit fundraising and a deep commitment to ensuring inclusive spaces for all Atlantans. As the Senior Director of Institutional Giving for U.S. Soccer, Tony brings over a decade of experience securing funds to empower impactful community programs. His leadership roles with the National LGBTQ Task Force and StartOut reflect his dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ economic empowerment and health initiatives.
Farah Witt (she/her), Director of Finance for the Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD), brings extensive financial management experience from her time with the Arizona Department of Economic Security and various public service initiatives. Farah’s passion for public service and community building will help guide Atlanta Pride’s financial stewardship as the organization grows.
“We are excited to welcome Ben, Chris, Tony, and Farah to our Board of Directors,” said Chris McCain, Executive Director of Atlanta Pride. “Their expertise, dedication, and passion for community advocacy will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Atlanta Pride as we continue to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ voices.”
— Derek Prall
Mercedes-Benz USA hosts ‘Holidays with Love’ Celebration
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) recently partnered with nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide and Communities In Schools of Atlanta to host a “Holidays with Love” giveback event at Miles Elementary School, part of the Atlanta Public School system, featuring interactive safety stations and holiday-themed activities to bring joy to students while teaching them life-saving winter safety tips.
The third annual holiday initiative is part of MBUSA’s national corporate social responsibility mission, Driving Your Future, capturing the joy of the holiday season and underscoring the company’s dedication to empowering the next generation. Atlanta United goalkeeper and brand ambassador Brad Guzan also surprised students during the event by delivering brand-new hoodies, as well as reflective hats and gloves.
“Mercedes-Benz USA is proud to continue creating memorable experiences for children and their families during the holidays while also addressing an urgent need in our community,” said Dimitris Psillakis, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. “Overall, this initiative is about fostering a sense of joy and belonging for the next generation while prioritizing their comfort and protection during the winter months. We’re honored to work alongside our ambassador Brad Guzan to bring smiles to students’ faces and ensure they are properly equipped to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.”
— Derek Prall
Wheelchair-accessible ‘First Day Hikes’ on New Year’s Day at Tallulah Gorge and Sweetwater Creek State Parks
On New Year’s Day, outdoor enthusiasts with mobility impairments can join the national “First Day Hikes” movement in several Georgia State Parks.
All-terrain wheelchairs will be available for free at Sweetwater Creek near Atlanta and Tallulah Gorge in northeast Georgia. Adventurers using these wheelchairs must register by Dec 27. Additional state parks have planned outings on accessible trails, including Black Rock Mountain’s Blue Ridge Overlook, High Falls’ Historic Trail, Panola Mountain’s paved trail and Skidaway Island’s Big Ferry Trail. Details can be found here.
“We are thrilled to welcome hikers of all abilities to join us for such an inspirational kick-off to 2025,” said Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Director Angie Johnson. “Providing these high-mobility all-terrain wheelchairs is just one way that the Department of Natural Resources is ensuring the great outdoors is accessible to all of Georgia’s citizens and visitors. Through the DNR’s Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative, we have these wheelchairs at several state parks, plus accessible trails, kayak launches, fishing piers, campsites, adaptive hunts and more.”
At Tallulah Gorge State Park, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will provide six EcoRover wheelchairs so that visitors with mobility impairments can hike 1.5 miles to Inspiration Point. Visitors will learn how to start a campfire and write down their burdens from 2024, tossing them into the fire for a fresh start to 2025.
The program begins at 1 p.m., and participants are encouraged to bring their friends and family along. Hikers must register and get verified by Dec. 27 by calling 706-754-7981.
— Derek Prall
