Atlanta Pride announces festival’s grand marshals
Atlanta Pride recently announced the grand marshals of the 2024 Atlanta Pride Festival, held from Oct. 12 to 13. These individuals and organizations have made significant contributions to Georgia’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond, exemplifying this year’s theme of “United With Pride.”
The grand marshals include:
Amber Moore (She/Her)
Executive Director, Real Bois Talk Inc; Founder, Sigma Omega Phi Fraternity
Amber Moore, the founder and driving force behind Real Bois Talk, has been an unwavering advocate for the visibility and empowerment of queer and transmasculine individuals of color. Her dedication to creating safe and inclusive spaces for dialogue and support has profoundly impacted the community.
Atlanta Freedom Bands
Atlanta Freedom Bands has been spreading joy and pride through music for years. Their performances entertain, unite, and uplift the community, embodying the spirit of celebration and solidarity. Their ensembles include the Atlanta Freedom Concert Band, the Atlanta Freedom Marching Band and Color Guard, and the MetroGnomes Stage Band.
Elijah Nicholas (He/Him)
Founder and Chairman of The Global Trans Equity Project
Elijah Nicholas, PhD, has dedicated his life to advocating for transgender rights and equity on a global scale. Through The Global Trans Equity Project, Dr. Nicholas has been instrumental in driving policy changes and fostering a more inclusive world for transgender individuals.
Jorge Estevez (He/Him)
Anchor, Channel 2 Action News
With over twenty years of journalism experience, Jorge Estevez has used his platform to champion LGBTQ+ issues and bring visibility to the community. This Emmy-award-winning anchor uses his platform to educate and inform the public, promoting understanding and acceptance.
Lost-n-Found Youth
Lost-n-Found Youth has been a beacon of hope for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in Atlanta. Their tireless efforts to provide housing, resources, and a supportive network have transformed countless lives, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
R. Darlene Hudson (She/Her)
Co-Founder, Southern Unity Movement
R. Darlene Hudson, a passionate activist and leader of the Southern Unity Movement, has relentlessly advocated for social justice and equality. A co-founder of the Rustin Lorde Breakfast, her work has brought about meaningful change and fostered a sense of unity and purpose within the community. For decades, she has lent her voice to numerous causes, including HIV/AIDS awareness, homelessness, and racial inequity.
Roger Rutkowski (He/Him)
Founder, Atlanta Socializers and Mountain Men of North Georgia
Roger Rutkowski, founder of the Atlanta Socializers and Mountain Men of North Georgia LGBTQ+ social clubs, has created a vibrant and welcoming social network for metro Atlanta’s queer community. His commitment to fostering connections and creating safe spaces has made these groups a cornerstone of the local LGBTQ+ scene.
Taylor ALXNDR (They/She)
Co-Founder/Executive Director of Southern Fried Queer Pride; Mother of the House of ALXNDR
Taylor ALXNDR is a visionary artist and community leader. As the founder of the House of ALXNDR and Southern Fried Queer Pride, Taylor has created spaces that celebrate and uplift queer art and culture. Their innovative work continues to inspire and empower the community.
“We are incredibly honored to have such an extraordinary group standing “United With Pride” this year,” said Chris McCain, executive director of Atlanta Pride. “Each Grand Marshal has made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, and their dedication to equality and inclusion is truly inspiring. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the vibrant diversity of our community at the 2024 Atlanta Pride Festival.”
— Derek Prall
CHRIS 180 Opens New Facility in Lawrenceville
CHRIS 180, an Atlanta-based, trauma-informed behavioral health organization, is expanding its services in Gwinnett. The nonprofit celebrated on June 13 with a grand opening of a new facility located in Lawrenceville.
The new facility expands CHRIS 180’s existing presence in Gwinnett, providing children, adults and families who have experienced trauma an opportunity to change their lives and become more productive, self-sufficient members of the community.
The Gwinnett location will provide the full range of services for children, youth and families (therapy, psychiatric services, play therapy, child-parent psychotherapy), and juvenile justice support programs (multisystemic therapy, Thinking for a Change Group sessions).
“CHRIS 180 is proud to offer these expanded services, including mental health and substance abuse support, to residents in Gwinnett,” said Dr. Anne Cornell, Chief Clinical Officer, CHRIS 180. “Our services — focused on children, youth, and families — will help people change the direction in their lives.
— Derek Prall
APS selects superintendent finalist
On Tuesday, the Atlanta Board of Education announced that Bryan Johnson was selected as its sole finalist for the superintendent position for Atlanta Public Schools (APS).
Johnson will replace the school system’s interim superintendent, Danielle Battle, at the end of August.
Johnson is the executive vice chancellor and chief strategy officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and served as superintendent of Hamilton County Schools from 2017 to 2021.
“His diverse leadership roles throughout his career will be a tremendous asset, as he helps propel our district by pushing students toward success while advocating for the district’s needs,” said Erika Mitchell, chair of the Atlanta Board of Education.
— Allison Joyner
DeKalb Schools partners with Georgia Aquarium to deep dive into STEM education
Last week, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) announced it approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Georgia Aquarium to implement programs teaching marine science careers and understanding socio-environmental issues affecting their communities.
The partnership supports the District’s mission to improve science education and raise awareness of career and post-secondary opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“Our goal is that this collaboration with the Georgia Aquarium will not only inspire a passion for marine science but also provide our students with additional critical thinking skills and real-world experiences that bridge gaps in understanding and open doors to future career opportunities,” said Yolanda Williamson, chief of community empowerment and innovative partnerships for DCSD.
DCSD students and staff will engage in scientific activities and learning practices, equipping them with the conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills necessary to apply scientific concepts to real-world situations.
The Georgia Aquarium benefits from achieving its goals of being a strategic school and community partner while addressing future workforce development in ocean sciences and marine biology.
This MOU partnership runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
— Allison Joyner
Partnership for Inclusive Innovation bringing new life to communities
During the pandemic three years ago, the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN) was introduced at the Rotary Club of Atlanta meeting.
Two of the people who introduced the idea — Raphael Bostic of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and then-Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan — returned to Rotary on June 17 to share an update about the public-private partnership, which is based at Georgia Tech but serves all of the state and beyond.
“To date, PIN has launched over 100 projects, deployed 200 technologies, created 620 new businesses and increased access to financial and social capital throughout the ecosystem, in particular in communities that have not historically seen capital flow there,” Bostic said. “It is quite remarkable. They have provided around $2.3 million in financial support and assistance, and they have unlocked more than $17 million.”
Duncan, who decided to not run for re-election, described PIN as the opposite of a “short-term sugar high” aimed at political gain. “This is truly policy-driven,” Duncan said. He added that the goal was to help Georgia become the technology capital of the East Coast, so the state had to embrace public-private partnerships.
“At the end of the day, we are a public-private partnership that invests in inclusive innovation solutions for upward mobility and economic growth,” said Debra Lam, PIN’s executive director. “Fundamental to that partnership is working with the community. We find out what the problem is. We hone in on that problem. And we think about possibilities and possible solutions.”
For example, Lam talked about a program in Thomasville Heights to improve energy efficiency and another program at Milledgeville’s Georgia College and State University to train students on how to install solar panels.
“A big part of our story is this inclusiveness,” Duncan said. “We redefine inclusiveness every day — geographic, economic, educational, and by industry.”
PIN is chaired by Southern Co. CEO Chris Womack, who could not be part of the Rotary panel. Duncan said PIN has helped create a new ecosystem in Georgia, and it is bringing new life to communities.
“We don’t innovate just to innovate,” Lam said. “We view innovation as the catalyst for upward economic mobility and growth. We want to build the next generation of leaders that can fluently navigate between public and private sectors.”
— Maria Saporta
Morehouse Film Festival announces early film selections, advisory council
Last week, the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival announced their early selection for this year’s event.
Seven films were picked that address issues like immigration, race and gender identity. They foster meaningful dialogue and seek to drive social change.
Additionally, the festival announces its advisory council, which will provide leadership for the festival’s continuous growth and sustainability.
- Kiah Clingman, Film Producer, Writer/Director, KiahCan Productions
- Angela Harmon, Founder, Angela’s Harmony Productions
- Robert Harrell, Director, Strategic Marketing & Partnerships, Kenneth Roberts Agency
- Adell Henderson, Publisher, AcknowledgeMINT
- Brooke Sonenreich, Events and Education Director, Moonshine Post; Founder, ATLFilmParty
- Bronwyn Stallcup, Production Manager, DeKalb Entertainment Commission; Membership Chair, Georgia Production Partnership
- Elisee Junior St. Preux, Film Producer, Writer/Director, A La Mode Films
- Korstiaan Vandiver, Film Producer, Writer/Director, Blue Angel Entertainment
The festival will take place Sept. 17 to 27 in person and virtually. Click here for more information.
— Allison Joyner
DeKalb Schools announces competitive compensation packages to attract and retain talent
Earlier this month, the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) announced a series of staffing incentives and referral programs designed to recruit and retain top-tier talent dedicated to fostering academic excellence.
The school system says it is offering comprehensive compensation incentives to enhance employee satisfaction and attract new professionals to its diverse educational community.
“We know that a big part of this is salary, so we have been very intentional in putting together a comprehensive compensation package for professionals at all career levels to show our commitment in this competitive job market,” said Dr. Devon Horton, superintendent of DCSD.
Click here to view the teacher salary schedule for the upcoming school year.
— Allison Joyner
Atlanta Board of Education announces teacher salary increase for APS schools
At the beginning of June, the Atlanta Public School Board of Education (ABOE) announced the 2025 budget for Atlanta Public Schools (APS), which includes an 11 percent increase for teachers and a 3 to 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment for staff across the District.
The board says it is the largest pay increase in APS history, which will ensure teachers and staff are recognized for their efforts and that students receive high-quality instruction and support.
“This significant pay increase will positively impact our teachers, which was a focus throughout the budget process,” said Erika Mitchell, board chair for ABOE. “I appreciate the Budget Commission’s work with Superintendent Battle and every Board member’s participation in the process. The budget is an important lever the board has to improve student outcomes and teacher morale, and we must ensure it aligns with our priorities and needs for the greatest impact on our students.”
Budget details include:
- $11.8 million for the Superintendent’s “Readers are Leaders” initiative focused on ensuring all students are reading on grade level
- $9 million for Special Education–one of the District’s greatest needs
- $15.4 million for a new in-house Nutrition Program
- $720,000 for Safety and Security
- $7.8 million for one additional position at every school to support the whole child
— Allison Joyner
Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation elects new trustees
Nine new members were elected to three-year terms on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Board of Trustees.
The new trustees are:
- Leigh Burns (Atlanta)
- Les Callahan (Atlanta)
- Elaine Cook (Athens)
- David Freedman (Marietta)
- Jeff Hopper (Norcross)
- Erik LaVelle (Atlanta)
- Joe Smith (Madison/Athens)
- Todd Strickland (Atlanta)
- Bobby West (Atlanta)
Nick Bush (Macon) is the chairperson of Hay House and will serve as an ex-officio member of the board.
Founded in 1973, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the country’s leading statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations. The Trust works for the preservation and revitalization of Georgia’s diverse historic resources and advocates their appreciation, protection and use.
— Derek Prall
Gov. Kemp appoints Georgia Hospital Association president and CEO to chair Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission
On June 11, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed GHA President and CEO Caylee Noggle as chairperson of the Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission.
This newly created commission, effective July 1, is part of HB 1339, Rep. Butch Parrish’s Certificate of Need Reform bill. The group will advise on issues related to access and quality of health care for Georgia’s low-income and uninsured residents. Other appointments will soon complete the eight-member group, with three positions being selected by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, three by House Speaker Jon Burns, and one position each being selected by the minority leaders of the House and Senate.
“I’m excited to chair the Comprehensive Health Coverage Commission and to work with the other Commission members on issues related to access and quality healthcare for Georgia’s low-income populations, and I’m honored that Governor Kemp has entrusted me with this important role,” Noggle said. “There have been numerous ideas and encouraging conversations about improving health care delivery for all Georgians in recent years, and this commission serves as another opportunity to take a closer look at options Georgia’s policymakers may consider to support Georgia’s Medicaid members, health care providers and service delivery agencies.”
— Derek Prall
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