Leadership changes at the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation has announced several changes to its board of directors: Jeff Steely and Michelle Taylor Willis assume leadership positions as chair and vice-chair; Jacqueline Edwards, Jessica Gellerstedt, Beverly Rice, Blythe Keeler Robinson and Matt Westmoreland join as new members; and Kayron Bearden, Nina Radakovich and Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel join the organization’s emeritus board.
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation is the nonprofit advocate and fundraising champion of the Fulton County Library System, providing critical funding support for all 34 branches.
Jeff Steely and Michelle Taylor Willis assume leadership of the board of directors as chair and vice-chair. They follow the successful tenure of J. DeLano Ford and Tim Pakenham in these roles. Jeff Steely is the Dean of Libraries at Georgia State University and serves as president of the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries and on the Board of Directors of the Decatur Book Festival. Michelle Taylor Willis is the host of the According to Michelle TV show and the According to Michelle radio show, and is an award-winning media executive, influencer, media personality, author and actress. She is the founder and owner of Gagnant Media and SoFu Lifestyle magazine, is the 2023 recipient of the 100 Black Men of South Metro Atlanta Impact Award and the Atlanta Business Journal named her “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Atlantans.”
Five new members will join the Board of Directors in 2025, representing a broad range of experience and backgrounds. They are:
- Jacqueline Edwards
- Jessica Gellerstedt
- Beverly Rice
- Blythe Keeler Robinson
- Matt Westmoreland
In addition to these new members, the Library Foundation board of directors celebrates the vital contributions of several long-term volunteers who have been crucial contributors to the organization. The tenures of Kayron Bearden, Nina Radakovich, Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel, and Ken Zeff are ending, but several of these individuals will stay involved with the organization as members of its esteemed emeritus board.
— Derek Prall
Georgia Rivers paddle trip program offers scholarships to get women, minorities and low-income families to explore the great outdoors
Women, minorities, recent immigrants and low-income families will have the opportunity to explore Georgia rivers through some 14 canoe/kayak adventures offered by Georgia Rivers, a statewide river advocacy organization.
With support from its many sponsors and supporters, the Athens-based group is offering full and partial scholarships to qualifying individuals and families to participate in its day trips, weekend adventures and its week-long Paddle Georgia event set for June 15-22 on the Tennessee River.
“We recognize the cost of registration and access to boats, gear and equipment are often barriers for many to join our trips,” said Rena Ann Peck, Georgia Rivers Executive Director, “Our goal is to connect all Georgians with the beauty and fun that can be experienced on Georgia’s rivers. This program is about encouraging participation among groups that are often underrepresented in the paddlesports and river advocacy communities.”
The scholarships range in value from $100 for day trips to nearly $500 for the organization’s annual week-long journey known as Paddle Georgia as well as kayaking and water safety training classes. Applications for scholarships can be found here, and the full slate of paddle trips can be viewed here. The organization is now accepting applications for scholarships.
— Derek Prall
Trees Atlanta is hosting a free series on regenerative landscaping
For those concerned about the health of local ecosystems, action can literally start in your own backyard. Trees Atlanta is hosting a free series on regenerative land management beginning with a webinar on Jan. 22 that will cover the basics of soil topography, water movement, and seasonality and how to use this information to create a responsive plan to support native wildlife and help rehabilitate and balance the cycles of nature where you live.
Tea Povolny, the founder of regenerative landscape management provider EcoLogic, is the instructor for the four-part series. Unlike traditional landscaping, a regenerative approach to land stewardship avoids using machinery, harmful chemicals, and invasive species.
This virtual event will take place from 12pm to 1pm on Wednesday, Jan. 22 — link here to register — and the series will continue with virtual sessions on Feb. 5 and Feb. 26 and an in-person, hands-on workshop on March 8.
— Grace Donnelly
Atlanta Pride announces festival dates
Atlanta Pride today announced that the 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival — the largest free Pride festival in the United States — will take place at Piedmont Park from Oct. 11 to 12, 2025.
This year’s celebration, once again coinciding with LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, highlights Atlanta’s reputation as a global hub of diversity, inclusion, and pride. As a cultural cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community, Atlanta Pride continues to unite hundreds of thousands of visitors nationwide and beyond.
“The 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival will be a vital moment for us to come together as a community and celebrate our unity in these uncertain times,” said Executive Director Chris McCain. “Pride has always been about standing together, uplifting one another, and embracing our collective strength and vibrancy. This year, as we celebrate the Atlanta Pride Festival’s 55th anniversary, we aim to continue creating a space that fosters joy and connection for all who join us while honoring the rich tapestry of identities and stories that make our community extraordinary. Together, we aim to create a joyful, inclusive space that uplifts every attendee.”
— Derek Prall
Morehouse School of Medicine announces its year-round 50th-anniversary celebration
Historically Black medical school, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), announced its festivities to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Several events have been scheduled to mark the five decades of the school educating future physicians and advancing health equity.
Symposiums, luncheons, and golf tournaments are a few of the events that are welcomed to the public throughout the year.
“As we celebrate the impact that MSM has made locally, nationally, and globally over the past 50 years, we look forward with a reaffirmed commitment to excellence, innovation, and service,” said Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of MSM.
Click here to find out more.
— Allison Joyner
Alliance Theatre stage manager named Yale BIPOC stage manager fellow
Last month, the Alliance Theatre announced that Xianon “Chloe” Liu had been chosen as the National Vision, Inc. BIPOC Stage Management Fellow from the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale beginning this summer.
She will be working as a contributing member of the stage management department at the Alliance Theatre, where she will work as the stage or assistant manager for productions set on the Coca-Cola Stage.
“The Alliance has offered me a supportive platform to establish myself as an inclusive leader, providing a safe environment to learn from mistakes and infuse my cultural heritage and values,” Liu said. “This experience is crucial in laying a strong foundation for my future career, imparting not only effective stage management skills but also nurturing collaboration expertise with empathy and care.”
The fellowship is a full-time position for people of color interested in stage management and diversifying their field.
— Allison Joyner
‘We say what Black this is’ exhibit premiers at Spelman Art Museum in February
From Feb. 7 to May 24, the Spelman College Museum of Art presents its latest exhibit, “We say what Black this is,” a collection of pieces created by artist Amanda Williams.
The exhibit celebrates the diversity, resilience, and depth of Blackness while challenging simplistic definitions of Black identity.
Williams is a MacArthur award-winning artist who creates her paintings using mixed media and watercolors to construct the physical and psychological systems of inequity. Her work has been featured in the New York Museum of Art, the Hammer Museum in L.A., and the Art Institute of Chicago.
— Allison Joyner
City Schools of Decatur Board elects new chair, vice chair
On Tuesday, the City Schools of Decatur (CSD) Board of Education elected a new chair and vice chair during its scheduled meeting.
Carmen Sulton and Hanz Utz will serve as the new chair and vice chair of the board through the end of the year.
Click here to learn more about the board members.
— Allison Joyner
Atlanta rallies for 2025 MLK Days of Service with 400+ Volunteer Projects
Hands On Atlanta is leading 10 days of service from Jan. 10 to 20, featuring over 400 volunteer projects supporting more than 75 nonprofits and schools. The effort will culminate on the 2025 King Holiday, aiming to engage over 5,000 people in service, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through meaningful action and community impact.
“MLK Day is a powerful reminder that service can bring people together and create lasting change in our community,” said Jay Cranman, President and CEO of Hands On Atlanta. “Atlanta’s spirit of service runs deep, and we’re proud to work alongside our incredible partners and sponsors to honor Dr. King’s legacy by turning reflection into action.”
Click here to learn more.
— Derek Prall
Goodwill of North Georgia announces career advancement and hiring events
Goodwill of North Georgia, one of the largest retail operations and workforce training agencies in the state had officially kicked off its 15th annual “New Year New Job” program with major career fairs and hiring events hosted at Goodwill’s 14 Career Centers across North Georgia, as well as virtual options.
In 2024, Goodwill of North Georgia secured an impressive 21,243 job placements. This year’s “New Year New Job” program promises to continue that legacy with a robust schedule of events designed to connect job seekers with local and regional employers.
The full list of Career Centers and sign-up forms can be found here.
— Derek Prall
Lenox Square and Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities hosting winter coat drive
Lenox Square and Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) are partnering to host a winter coat drive throughout January to benefit children visiting ARMHC’s Care Mobile.
Shoppers can donate new coats of all sizes in bins with designated ARMHC and Lenox Square logos near the escalators by American Eagle on the Mall Level and inside the Mall Management Office located on the Market Level near the Dining Pavilion, now through Jan. 31.
“This partnership with ARMHC’s Care Mobile affords Lenox Square the opportunity to contribute to an important cause. We certainly appreciate the opportunity to provide the instrumental resources that create stronger, healthier children,” said Lenox Square’s General Manager Robin Suggs. “By fostering meaningful relationships with local organizations such as the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, we believe we can support and empower families while giving back to our community.”
— Derek Prall
East Lake Foundation welcomes new board members
The East Lake Foundation recently announced the appointment of Leonte Benton and Grant Cagle to its Board of Directors. Both bring extensive leadership experience, a commitment to community impact, and a shared passion for advancing the Foundation’s mission to ensure every member of our East Lake community has equitable access to the resources, tools and supports needed to thrive.
Leonte Benton is the President of the T. Dallas Smith & Company, where he has played an integral role since its inception. Benton brings a wealth of expertise in commercial real estate, including site feasibility, contract negotiations and financial analysis. His portfolio features successful transactions for clients such as AT&T, Coca-Cola and JP Morgan Chase.
Grant Cagle is the President of Cagle Land, Timber and Real Estate Management Co., a Partner of the New York Yankees, and an Officer of SCH Capital. With over 15 years of management experience, Cagle has served on numerous boards, including the Chris Hammond Youth Foundation and the Board of Trustees for LaGrange Academy, where he also chairs the Building Committee for its Capital Campaign. Most recently, he co-chaired the New York Yankees Homecoming Dinner in 2024.
“Leonte and Grant bring expertise and a shared dedication to the transformative work of the East Lake Foundation,” said Ilham Askia, President and CEO of the East Lake Foundation. “Their leadership will strengthen our efforts to create and expand opportunities for residents and build a brighter future for the East Lake community.”
— Derek Prall
