Reporter’s Notebook: Park cleanup volunteers needed, Spelman honored for DEI efforts, Jack McBrayer coming to Dad’s Garage

Parks and rec department looking for ‘Love Your Park’ volunteers

The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Park Pride, will kick off the month of February by hosting its second annual “Love Your Park” volunteer month initiative. 

The initiative addresses a compelling need for community building, urban enhancement and active citizen participation. This community-driven approach addresses common park concerns — such as litter, graffiti, and untidy garden beds — creating a tangible impact on residents’ daily lives.

The effort will more than double last year’s impact, servicing 30 greenspaces throughout the city of Atlanta — well beyond the 12 served last year. Over 300 volunteers participated in 2024. This year, the collective aims to recruit 1,000 volunteers with projects available for all ages. Click here to learn more.

— Derek Prall

Morehouse School of Medicine administrator inducted into National Inventors Hall of Fame

Barney Graham, Biochemistry and Immunology professor and director of the Morehouse School of Medicine David Satcher Global Health Equity Institute, has been selected by the National Inventors Hall of Fame as a member of its 2025 class of inductees.

Recognized with biologist Jason MeLellan for their joint collaboration, Graham is being honored for his groundbreaking research, which helped create vaccines for COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and others.

“I am honored to be part of the 2025 National Inventors Hall of Fame class,” Graham said. “There are a lot of people from all walks of life and backgrounds who could have done the things I’ve done if they had the opportunity. Right now, the world needs all its talent to solve the problems we have, and I hope that we can open doors for the next generation of young people who can solve those problems.”

— Allison Joyner

City of South Fulton names Councilwoman Linda Becquer Pritchett as Mayor Pro Tem

The City of South Fulton’s District 7 Councilwoman Linda Becquer Pritchett has been named Mayor Pro Tem for 2025. Councilwoman Pritchett has served on City Council since December 2022 and represents communities in the Old National corridor, Bethsaida Road and the Oakley Industrial Area.

 The appointment of Councilwoman Pritchett to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a 12-month term was unanimously approved by the City Council. Section 3.29 of the City Charter requires the election of the Mayor Pro Tem by the City Council at the first regular meeting of each calendar year.  

 “I am deeply grateful for the unanimous vote from my colleagues to appoint me as Mayor Pro Tem for 2025. Serving the City of South Fulton is a privilege, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to continue advancing the needs of our community,” said Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Linda Pritchett. 

— Derek Prall

DeKalb County Board of Education elects new chair, vice chair; welcomes new board members

Last week, the DeKalb County Board of Education elected its new chair and vice chair for 2025 during its board meeting.

District 3 representative Deirdre Pierce was elected as the new board chair, and District 4’s Allyson Gevertz as vice chair.

“I am humbled and honored to have earned the unanimous vote of my veteran and newly elected colleagues to serve as chair of the Board,” Pierce said.

The board also inaugurated Andrew Ziffer (District 1), Tiffany Tate-Hogan (District 5), and Awet Eyasu (District 7).

— Allison Joyner

Dad’s Garage welcomes Jack McBrayer for improv event

Dad’s Garage will be welcoming actor Jack McBrayer and friends to the mainstage for some improv based on live suggestions. 

Audiences will know Jack from his time on 30 Rock as beloved character, Kenneth Parcell and his role in the kids’ classic Wreck-it Ralph as Fix-it Felix Jr. 

There will be four opportunities to catch this exclusive line-up on Feb. 7 and 8 at 8 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are limited, and more information is available here.

— Derek Prall

U.N. Regional Centre of Expertise Greater Atlanta receives award

In December, the U.N. Regional Centre of Expertise Greater Atlanta (RCE Greater Atlanta) was awarded the 2024 Community Impact Award from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The USGBC award recognizes sustainability leaders on a local level. RCE Greater Atlanta is a local network, part of a larger network of RCEs around the world focused on advancing sustainability education and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals on a local level.

The USGBC cited RCE Greater Atlanta’s commitment to bringing youth members into the fold and empowering them to become the leaders of their generation as one of the reasons it stood out from others.

“It provides opportunities for young people to become leaders in sustainability education and action, empowering them to shape a more sustainable future,” said Dustin Mason, associate director of Georgia USGBC. “The RCE’s impact also extends beyond the academic realm, as it actively engages with community members to create sustainable solutions that address local needs. By empowering individuals and organizations, RCE Greater Atlanta is building a more resilient and equitable community for all.”

Dr. Jennifer Hirsch, director of the network, appreciated the recognition and said she is looking forward to more like-minded individuals joining the RCE.

“We’re proud of what the network has been able to accomplish and are always open to more people joining us with their ideas and energy,” Hirsch said.

— Mark Lannaman

Spelman economics department honored with a DEI achievement

Spelman College announced last week that its Department of Economics was selected as the 2024 recipient of the American Economic Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The all-female school said the department has developed several initiatives that address the intersection of race and economics, including the Lisa D. Cook Scholarship, the Women in STEM Summer Bridge Accelerator, and partnerships with national organizations that have demonstrated its leadership in advancing diversity within the profession.

Spelman accepted the certificate honoring the achievements earlier this month at the 2025 Allied Social Science annual meeting.

— Allison Joyner

True Colors Theatre receives $25,000 grant from National Endowment for the Arts

Earlier this week, True Colors Theatre announced that it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a $25,000 grant to support its latest production of “Bayano” premiering this fall.

“We are grateful for NEA for their continued support of True Colors and for these funds which will support our production of ‘Bayano,’ a musical about an African leader who is said to have freed over 1,500 Africans from slavery in Panama,” said Jamil Jude, Artistic Director for True Colors.

The production will be part of the theatre’s “Blackness Is Not a Monolith” series, with its first production, “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” premiering from Feb. 11 to Mar. 9.

— Allison Joyner

Fatherhood program graduates fathers during MLK weekend

Nonprofit Fathers Incorporated graduated 40 fathers through its Gentle Warriors Academy program during the Martin Luther King Jr., holiday weekend.

The organization works to build stronger families and communities, one father at a time.

The six-week program consists of fatherhood-centered classes where they learn about conflict resolution, emotional wellness, integrity, consistency, responsibility  and masculinity.

A pinning ceremony between the graduates and their family members or supporters were held with them, sharing positive affirmations while placing a bowtie pin on their graduation gown’s lapel.

— Allison Joyner

Marist School launches interreligious institute 

Marist School has announced the launch of the Bearing Witness Institute for Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue, an initiative aimed at fostering mutual understanding, collaboration and dialogue among diverse communities, particularly those of the Abrahamic faith traditions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The Bearing Witness Institute’s mission includes increasing knowledge and understanding necessary to oppose religious intolerance and other forms of hate.

Founded and led by Brendan Murphy, an award-winning educator with a distinguished 30-year career at Marist, the Bearing Witness Institute reflects the school’s commitment to promoting religious solidarity and combating hate and prejudice. Beyond Marist School’s commitment, grants from The Marcus Foundation, the Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Rosenberg Family Foundation, and The Roberts Charitable Foundation, along with donations from individuals, have made the establishment of the Bearing Witness Institute possible. To date, over $1 million has been raised.

“At Marist School, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and build bridges between communities,” said Brendan Murphy, the inaugural director of the Bearing Witness Institute. “The launch of the Bearing Witness Institute is a significant step forward in our mission to promote understanding and peace among people of all faiths. Through this work, we aim to build a community of conscience, united by a commitment to justice and compassion.”

— Derek Prall

Town Center Community opens registration for Noonday Shanty Race

The Town Center Community announced open registration for its 2025 Noonday Shanty 5K & 10K race taking place along the Noonday Creek Trail on Saturday, March 22. As a USA Track and Field-certified event managed by Start2Finish and a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, this race offers a paved course with options for both runners and walkers, creating an inclusive experience for all. 

“Each year, the Noonday Shanty race allows us to directly engage with our community and showcase the natural beauty of our trail,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community engagement at Town Center Community. “It brings me so much joy to see friends, families and neighbors come together for some friendly competition and fun. As a bonus, we get to do what we love most and invest back into the neighborhood in the form of greenspace and trail projects in our community.”

Throughout the course, participants will enjoy a unique perspective on Town Center’s natural beauty and attractions, from Aviation Park to Cobb International Airport and Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Racers will pass the wetland areas, bird habitats and public art displays that make the Noonday Creek Trail a favorite in the community.

— Derek Prall

City of Refuge raises over 30 million over three years

Atlanta-based nonprofit City of Refuge is celebrating reaching the fundraising goal for “Breaking Barriers. Building Momentum” capital campaign, which raised $33 million over the course of three years. 

“For the people City of Refuge serves, each donation is a direct reflection of the support they have to continue on the path towards transformation,” said Bruce Deel, founder and CEO of City of Refuge. “The overwhelming success of the campaign shows us what can happen when we unite for the betterment of others, and we are deeply grateful for each and every donor whose gift will enable us to bring more life-changing opportunities to our community.”

Donors to the campaign include the Chestnut Family Foundation, Invest Atlanta, Centene Charitable Foundation and Peach State Health Plan, Genuine Parts Company and NAPA Auto Parts, Community Foundation For Greater Atlanta, Chick-fil-A. Truist Foundation and Truist Trusteed Foundations, Georgia Power Foundation, Delta Air Lines Foundation, among many other generous foundations and individuals.

— Derek Prall