Nikema Williams gives CAU $630,000 for public safety enhancement project
Right to left: George French, President of CAU and Congresswoman Nikema Williams. (Photo Provided by Clark Atlanta University.)
Last month, U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-5) announced that she awarded $630,000 for public safety improvements at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) to prevent crime and ensure the greater safety of community members.
The funds were earmarked from $12 million in community funding for her congressional district, which falls under the Federal Nexus — funding provided by the federal government for private land — under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safety Act of 1968.
“The safety of our students is paramount, and we will continue our commitment to frequently evaluating and strengthening our safety measures and supporting the excellent work of our dedicated chief of police and campus police department,” said George French, President of CAU.
French said the funds will go towards creating a video integration center, which will allow the school’s public safety team to observe larger areas throughout the campus via an expanded integrated camera network and connect the system with the Atlanta Police Department and upgrades to the emergency call boxes located throughout the campus.
— Allison Joyner
CAU receives record-breaking number of applicants for fall semester
Earlier this month, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) announced that it had received a record number of applications to the Historically Black University.
According to CAU’s office of undergraduate enrollment, this year, the University has received more than 46,000 applications for the incoming Freshman Class of 2028, a 6 percent increase from last year and an 18 percent increase since 2022 directly after the pandemic.
“The future continues to be bright for CAU. There is no lack of students wanting to come to CAU; it’s a powerful place, and they’re coming,” said Cherise Peters, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Retention at CAU.
The school only has 1,200 slots for incoming first-year students, primarily based on the applicant’s academic profile.
Peters attributed the upward trend to various factors, including a strong interest in its brand, new and innovative events and an improved relationship with the institution’s communications department.
— Allison Joyner
ACLU Georgia proposes hair discrimination policy changes due to CROWN Act
Last week, the ACLU of Georgia announced that it has proposed dress code changes to Atlanta Public Schools that include the details mentioned in the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act.
“Race-based hair discrimination has no basis on academic performance yet can often lead to disciplinary action that removes students from the classrooms for days at a time. Being reprimanded for the way your hair naturally grows can reinforce negative feelings that many young Black children experience about their hair and appearance,” said Sara Hunt-Blackwell, First Amendment policy advocate for ACLU Georgia.
Federal legislation for the CROWN Act was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives last month. The act is enacted locally in Gwinnett and Clayton counties and the cities of East Point, South Fulton and Stockbridge.
— Allison Joyner
Spelman College welcomes president of Kenya to launch partnerships preparing future generation of leaders
On May 21, Spelman College will host the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto for a series of events focused on developing a technology bridge between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Kenyan scholars in order to lay the groundwork to prepare a generation of future leaders to meet ever-evolving market demands.
The day will include an announcement of several partnerships investing in STEM curriculum development and an accompanying MOU signing ceremony with leaders from Spelman College, Microsoft, Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The event will also include a fireside chat with Spelman College President Helene Gayle, and a Roundtable Discussion with educational and industry STEM leaders. Roundtable panelists include leaders from Micron Technology, Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative, University of Kenya, Directorate for STEM Education, Georgia Institute of Technology and Clark Atlanta University.
— Derek Prall
Georgia high school student awarded 11th annual Poet Laureate’s Prize
This week, Georgia’s Poet Laureate, Chelsea Rathburn, in partnership with Georgia Council for the Arts, announced the winner and finalists of the 11th annual Poet Laureate’s Prize. The prize is awarded for an original poem written by a Georgia high school student.
The program encourages high school students to write original poems and engage in the art form of poetry, in turn building creative communications skills and self-confidence.
More than 300 students submitted poems for the 2023/24 school year, an increase of more than 100 submissions over the previous year and nearly double the amount of high schools participating.
The students’ grade levels noted below reflect the 2023/24 school year.
2024 Winner of the Poet Laureate’s Prize
Grayson Jones — “Pennies”
Grade 12, Thomas County Central High School
Thomasville, Thomas County
2024 Finalists for the Poet Laureate’s Prize
Muriel Chan — “Stomping Grounds”
Grade 9, McIntosh High School
Peachtree City, Fayette County
Samanyu Ganesh — “Ode to Garbage Collectors”
Grade 10, The Westminster Schools
Atlanta, Fulton County
Quinn Kelsey — “Poison Ivy”
Grade 12, Decatur High School
Decatur, DeKalb County
Autumn Martin — “Learner’s Permit”
Grade 12, Carrollton High School
Carrollton, Carroll County
“Reading the Poet Laureate’s Prize entries, which come from across the state, from students just entering high school to those about to graduate, is a powerful experience,” said Georgia Poet Laureate Chelsea Rathburn.“I’m reminded how poetry is both intimate and universal, expressing individual concerns but also showing how much we have in common.”
— Derek Prall
redefinED atlanta announces executive director transition
redefinED atlanta, a public education nonprofit recently announced that its Executive Director Ed Chang will step down later this year, but will remain in an advisory role through December 2024. Chosen to succeed Chang as the nonprofit’s new executive director in the fall is redefinED atlanta’s current Vice President and Chief of Staff Angira Sceusi.
“We are so grateful to Ed for all his contributions over the last eight years and for building the infrastructure to take a long view of what education can look like in our city,” said Ayana Gabriel, redefinED atlanta board member and vice president of Community Impact with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. “His leadership and vision have enabled the organization to accomplish so much and prepare for the future.”
— Derek Prall
Rialto Center for the Arts celebrates renovations, closes in on fundraising goals
One year after restoring connections to its roots as a downtown movie palace, the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University recently announced successes from its first year of operation featuring the historic venue’s new Digital Cinema Projection projector and larger Stewart cinema screen.
The venue is also closing in on achieving its film-related fundraising goal while preparing to host the return of the GSU Student Film Festival following several years as an off-campus event.
The screen and projector additions, unveiled in a special ceremony on April 22, 2023 — the result of a successful multi-year fundraising effort that began in 2017 — enabled the Rialto to continue presenting its popular year-round live events series and Georgia State’s student music and stage performances while also offering a new big-screen experience for Atlanta film screenings.
“Installing the digital projector and screen gave the Rialto at least one, and in some cases two or three, new special events per month during the last year,” said Lee Foster, Rialto Center for the Arts executive director. “This technology enabled audiences to enjoy several new releases and special events while enabling our events team to engage with the state’s thriving film and television industry to create elevated film premiere experiences.”
The first year with the new screen and projector enabled the venue to host 12 film events, six large special events and at least two film-centric GSU events. Marquee events of the past year at the Rialto included four Atlanta Film Festival (2023) events, the Atlanta Michelin Guide reveal ceremony, the BronzeLens Women Superstars Gala Honors and six large scale film premieres.
In step with the one-year milestone, the Rialto also is closing in on its additional $37,000 fundraising goal to upgrade its digital sound system. The recently installed projection equipment is compatible with the venue’s current Dolby 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system. Additional funds will help the venue upgrade or replace the entire cinema audio system with eventual installation of new, state-of-the-art audio processors, amplifiers and cinema speakers. So far, $19,000 has been secured.
— Derek Prall
SCAD announces Rob Lowe will be commencement speaker
Last week, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) announced that award-actor and New York Times bestselling author Rob Lowe will be this year’s commencement speaker for its Savannah and Atlanta locations.
Lowe, whose acting career spans over four decades in television, theater, and film, has starred in the 80s classic movies “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “About Last Night” and “The Outsiders,” and has been nominated for several awards, including the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild awards.
“I am honored to serve as SCAD’s commencement speaker for the Class of 2024 in Savannah and Atlanta,” Lowe said. “I’m especially humbled to play this role during SCAD’s 45th anniversary. What a milestone!”
The ceremonies will take place at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah and the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
— Allison Joyner
Atlanta History Center’s summer camp registration now open
Registration is now open for Atlanta History Center’s summer camp program, which kicks off on June 3 and continues weekly throughout the month. Children ages 6 through 14 are invited to enjoy a mix of exciting activities related to Atlanta history.
The experiences offer unique opportunities for children to explore different aspects of history and culture, as well as develop writing skills and create projects reflecting those learned skills. Each summer camp inspires children to explore new interests, engage in hands-on activities that help bring history to life, create lasting memories and gain valuable skills alongside their peers.
“At Atlanta History Center, we are always looking for new ways to leverage history with the goal of bringing people, including children, together to explore new perspectives,” said Shatavia Elder, vice president of education at Atlanta History Center. “We’ve strived to create a roster of camps that will help children engage with history and grow their writing skills in a safe and supportive environment, while hopefully inspiring them to dream bigger.”
All camps will take place at Atlanta History Center’s Buckhead campus, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For those interested, before and after-care opportunities are also available at an additional cost. History Summer Camps are open to two age cohorts — ages 6 to 8 or 9 to 11 — while Writing Summer Camps are open to children ages 12 to 14. Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta International Night Markets delivers culture through food and fun in downtown Chamblee
On May 17 and 18, the Atlanta International Night Market (AINM) will partner with the city of Chamblee to present its inaugural International Street Festival.
Over 100 cultures from around the world will be showcased through its food, performances and art in Downtown Chamblee with vendors representing regions from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
“Atlanta is not only a global destination but home to a large and diverse population,” said Rachel Tran Lynch, Event Committee Chair for the AINM Foundation. “Whether its food, live performances or learning how other cultures thrive, the festival is the premier global experience for Atlanta’s families to enjoy and learn about its amazing international presence.”
Click here for more information.
— Allison Joyner
Publix donates 100 million pounds of produce to food banks
Publix has donated 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks — 11,482,141 pounds going to organizations here in Georgia . The company began purchasing produce in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to help struggling farmers and provide additional fresh fruits and vegetables to its food bank partners.
“As a grocery retailer, we can make our largest impact by helping feed our neighbors in need. Donating 100 million pounds of produce is an example of the difference Publix associates make year-round,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “I am proud of this innovative program and how we continue to find new ways to support the communities we serve, but our work is not done. We look forward to continuing to provide our food bank partners with produce throughout the year.”
— Derek Prall
Walmart returns to Vine City
Walmart recently opened a new Neighborhood Market in Vine City, located at 835 MLK Jr. Drive, with a re-grand opening ceremony to be held on May 22. Community members and Walmart leadership will be joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to commemorate the return of the Vine City Walmart that was closed following fire damage in December 2022.
“When the store closed in Vine City, the community was upset and held a vigil. I immediately met with Walmart leadership and worked with them through a variety of options to re-open the store and ensure this community would not remain a food desert,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “I am grateful to Walmart for their commitment to re-invest in our community and join my administration’s efforts to improve the quality of life for our residents.”
For the first time in its history, Walmart has converted a Supercenter into a Neighborhood Market model, which offers affordable, fresh produce, meat and dairy products, bakery and deli items, household supplies, health and beauty aids and a pharmacy. The newly reopened store will help meet the needs of the Vine City community, which would otherwise have limited choices for fresh food and pharmacy services.
— Derek Prall
Emory CHART Center announces $5,000 grant for groups addressing climate concerns
Emory University’s Climate & Health Actionable Research and Translation (CHART) Center said it is offering a total of three $5,000 grants to “local community groups addressing climate concerns.”
The grants are intended to go to groups with projects serving or that will serve Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, or Clayton counties. Informal groups of local community members are eligible to apply for the funds as well.
The Emory CHART Community Grant has three main goals, according to their website:
- Research the health risks associated with climate change in urban areas, particularly those related to heat exposure.
- Share research findings so that this knowledge will lead to actions that improve health.
- Enhance community capacity to address local climate change and health concerns.
Proposed grant activities should “promote community awareness regarding the impact of climate change on health, collect information needed to address health concerns related to climate change and implement practical solutions to reduce or to adapt to the impacts of climate change on health.”
Particularly, the Emory CHART Center is hoping to distribute funds to projects from and for communities that have historically and systemically been disadvantaged.
Applications are due June 3, and a tentative grant start would happen the following month.
— Mark Lannaman
