Atlanta Pride names 2025 grand marshals honoring ‘Rooted in Resistance’ theme
Atlanta Pride, the nation’s largest free Pride festival, announced its 2025 Grand Marshals, a diverse group reflecting this year’s theme, “Rooted in Resistance.” The honorees represent activism, cultural preservation and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community in Atlanta and beyond.
“Our Grand Marshals showcase the incredible range of work being done across our community, from preserving our past to shaping a more just and inclusive future,” said Chris McCain, executive director of Atlanta Pride. “Each of them is a reminder that Pride is not only a celebration, but a call to action.”
The Grand Marshals include Dr. Christy Perez, an Afro-Latina trans theologian and abolitionist; the Georgia LGBTQ History Project, dedicated to preserving queer history; educator and content creator Jere Chang; drag icon Lena Lust, also known as Lester West; the LGBTQ+ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights; and PALS Atlanta, providing support to people living with HIV/AIDS and other challenges. The list is rounded out by author and activist Raquel Willis; Richard Ramey, owner of Atlanta Eagle; photographer Russ Youngblood; and HIV/AIDS advocate Shannon Bradley-May, known as Sha Sha Sugarbaker.
Since 1992, Atlanta Pride Grand Marshals have been selected for their impact on LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy. The honorees lead the annual Pride parade through Midtown Atlanta.
For more information, click here.
— Derek Prall
New leadership year for Atlanta Rotary
The June 30 convening of the Rotary Club of Atlanta marked the last meeting for Balentine’s Adrian Cronje as president.
Coincidentally, it also was Rotarian-Son Day when Rotarians invite their sons to a Rotary lunch. There also is a Rotarian-Daughter Day at some point during the year.
Cronje’s son, Philip Cronje, introduced the keynote speaker, Shane Kimbrough. Kimbrough is a former commander of the International Space Station and a 1998 Georgia Tech graduate. Jennifer Grant Warner, president and CEO of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, led a conversation with him about viewing the Earth from space while traveling at 17,500 miles an hour. The audience learned it only takes 90 minutes for the space station to make a full revolution around the earth.
There was the ceremonial passing of the gavel from Adrian Cronje to Kathy Waller, who will be the Rotary President for the 2025/26 year. Waller is the executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress. Waller also is a director of Delta Air Lines and a former chief financial officer for the Coca-Cola Co.
Her connection to Delta likely helped her land Frank Blake to be the kick-off speaker of her year as president at the July 14 meeting. Blake is a former chairman and CEO of the Home Depot, and he is the former board chair of Delta Air Lines. He now is host and co-founder of “Crazy Good Turns,” a podcast dedicated to generosity and gratitude.
— Maria Saporta
Georgia River Guide app adds real-time safety alerts, new river trails
The Georgia River Guide mobile app, a free trip-planning tool for paddlers, has been updated with real-time safety features and expanded trail coverage across the state.
Thanks to a $60,000 grant from the Georgia Recreational Trails Program, the app now alerts users to unsafe water levels and E. coli bacteria concentrations using data from U.S. Geological Survey gauges. It also includes dam release schedules, fishing guides and access to five newly added rivers: Brier Creek, Chestatee River, Ebenezer Creek, Flat Shoals Creek and Lazer Creek.
The updates aim to help the more than 14,000 current users — as well as new ones — safely explore Georgia’s 40-plus water trails, which function like hiking trails on rivers and streams.
Georgia Rivers, the nonprofit partner of the state’s Department of Natural Resources, manages the app and the Georgia Water Trails Network.
“The Georgia River Guide app helps paddlers access real-time information so they can know before they go,” said Andrea White, community programs coordinator for Georgia Rivers.
The app is free, but donations toward a $20,000 funding match can be made here.
— Derek Prall
Peachtree Road Race registration tops 50,000, anthem singers named
The 2025 AJC Peachtree Road Race has surpassed last year’s registration numbers, with more than 50,000 participants signed up and final numbers expected to exceed 52,000. This marks the largest turnout since 2019 for what remains the world’s largest 10K.
Atlanta Track Club is urging those still interested to register by 11:59 p.m. June 27. Entry is guaranteed for club members.
New maps and road closure details have been released for race week, including course layouts and parking access. Attendees are encouraged to use MARTA or rideshare, with designated drop-offs near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.
Winners of the “Oh Say Can You Sing” contest were also announced. Laura Martin, 18, will perform the national anthem and “God Bless America” before the July 4 race. Violet Bove, 14, will sing the anthem for the Peachtree Junior on July 3.
Key events include the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo July 2–3 and a fireworks show in Buckhead July 3 at 9:15 p.m. The first race wave starts at 6:50 a.m. July 4.
Full event details are available here.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta History Center announces summer events, author talks
The Atlanta History Center has released its July and August event lineup, featuring after-hours programming and author talks across its Buckhead and Midtown campuses.
The next History on the Rocks event takes place July 2 at the Cyclorama in Buckhead. The event includes a scavenger hunt inside the historic Battle of Atlanta painting, a short theatrical presentation and a drink ticket. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.
July author talks begin July 9 with Steve Oney, author of “On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR,” in conversation with John Pruitt at the Margaret Mitchell House. Other featured authors include Dan Schlossberg, author of “Home Run King,” on July 13; Lauren Francis-Sharma, author of “Casualties of Truth,” on July 17; and Scott Anderson, author of “King of Kings,” on Aug. 12. The season wraps up Aug. 19 with “Taste the State: Georgia” authors Chef Kevin Mitchell and David S. Shields.
Events take place at various Atlanta History Center venues and are open to the public. More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
CareSource launches $300,000 grant challenge to improve health care in Georgia
CareSource, a nonprofit managed care organization serving more than 430,000 Georgians, is accepting applications for its CareSource Foundation Grant Challenge. The program offers $300,000 in funding to community organizations addressing key health issues.
Four nonprofits will receive $75,000 each to expand or start initiatives focusing on social determinants of health, maternal health, integrated physical, behavioral and dental care, or improving quality of life for people who are aged, blind or disabled.
“Community organizations know their neighborhoods better than anyone, and they’re essential partners in helping us close gaps in care,” said Jason Bearden, CareSource Georgia president. “Through this grant challenge we’re investing in community-driven solutions that make a lasting difference for families across the state.”
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in Georgia. The application period runs from June 26 to July 31, with winners announced Aug. 28.
Since 2006, the CareSource Foundation has awarded more than $35.5 million to nonprofits working to improve health and social outcomes in Georgia.
— Derek Prall
Turbo, Councilwoman Willis and Great Family Foundation to host third annual Back-to-School Carnival
The City of South Fulton’s District 3 Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis, music producer Turbo and The Great Family Foundation will host the third annual “Turbo Day Back-to-School Carnival” on July 11 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Welcome All Park, 4255 Will Lee Road, South Fulton.
The free event offers food, school supply giveaways, carnival games and rides for families and students preparing for the new school year. Backpacks and supplies will be distributed to students enrolled in South Fulton summer programs, with remaining items available while supplies last.
Turbo, a South Fulton native and internationally recognized producer who has worked with Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Gunna and Chris Brown, created the event to give back to his community. Willis issued a proclamation establishing “Turbo Day” in 2023.
“Turbo’s generosity and love for this city — especially for our children — embody the spirit of service,” Willis said. “This event helps children start the school year with confidence and joy.”
Christian City marks 60 years of service in Metro Atlanta
Christian City is celebrating 60 years of serving vulnerable populations across Metro Atlanta with expanded programs and housing.
Founded in 1965 as a small cottage for foster children, the Union City nonprofit now operates on a 500-acre campus supporting children, families, young adults and seniors. The organization provides residential group homes, foster and adoption services, housing for youth who have aged out of foster care, and supportive living for neurodiverse adults.
“Christian City is home to more than 1,000 residents on our multigenerational campus,” said Keith Horton, president and CEO. “For six decades, we have remained committed to caring for society’s most vulnerable.”
This year, Christian City plans to add 160 new senior housing units, a 70% increase in capacity. A partnership with Southern Regional Medical Center provides on-site senior health care. A new collaboration with Fayette County’s Two Sparrows nonprofit supports neurodiverse young adults with housing and programming. The organization is also renovating its Graceland Thrift Store, featuring a mural by local artist Arshaad Norwood.
Future plans include a 15-acre mixed-use village to serve as a community hub.
— Derek Prall
PeachFest announces chef lineup
PeachFest returns Sunday, July 27, 2025, bringing together more than 65 chefs, bartenders and artisans for a peach-themed celebration in downtown Atlanta’s Peachtree Center.
Now in its 11th year, the festival features local and national culinary talent, including John Short of Pearson Farm, Stevenson Rosslow of Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Adrian Lipscombe of Chef Advocate, Lamar Moore of etc. in Chicago, and many others. The event highlights a wide range of peach-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and immersive experiences.
Presented by Taste Network, PeachFest supports CURE Childhood Cancer and Piggy Bank, a nonprofit aiding small farms. New this year is the partnership with Pearson Farm Peach Week, July 21 to 26, featuring peach-forward dishes at metro Atlanta restaurants.
General admission tickets are $95; VIP tickets, which include early entry and exclusive lounge access, are $130 and limited to 300 guests. More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
Pastor Jamal Bryant partners with 16 HBCUs to award over $2 million in scholarships to 400 local graduates
Jamal Harrison Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, announced over $2 million in scholarships to 400 recent high school graduates during a June 29 service. The awards support students attending 16 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Benedict College, Morris College, and Southern University.
Bryant emphasized investing in youth to build future leaders, and several HBCU presidents highlighted scholarships and programs during the event. De’Onqua Isaac of Morris College praised New Birth’s support of HBCUs.
“Historically, the Black church has always played a pivotal role in supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Isaac said. “I had the honor of awarding over 20 scholarships on behalf of Morris College and engaging with a number of prospective students. Through their intentional support, New Birth continues to amplify the transformative impact we have on both our communities and the future of higher education.”
— Derek Prall
Atlanta History Center to host panel discussion on Leo Frank lynching
The Atlanta History Center will host a panel discussion on Thursday, July 10, exploring one of America’s most infamous cases of injustice.
The event delves into the 1913 trial and lynching of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager in Atlanta, highlighting its enduring impact on issues of racial and religious violence and justice in America.
Panelists include former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, The Breman Museum’s founding archivist Sandy Berman, film professor and author Matthew Bernstein, and Steve Oney, author of “And the Dead Shall Rise.” The discussion will be moderated by Lois Reitzes, recently retired host of WABE’s “City Lights.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., program begins at 7 p.m., followed by book sales and signing at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free, with $12 donations encouraged. Register here.
— Derek Prall
The Atlanta Opera Names John Haupert new board chair
The Atlanta Opera announces John Haupert, FACHE, as chair of its board of directors, succeeding Rhys Wilson. Haupert, President and CEO of Grady Health System since 2011, brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to community service.
Since joining the Opera’s board in 2021, Haupert played a pivotal role in guiding the company through the pandemic, developing health protocols and launching the successful outdoor “Big Tent Series.” As chair, he will support the Crescendo Campaign, aimed at building the Molly Blank Center for Opera and completing the Ring Cycle production.
Haupert’s leadership accolades include being named one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “2023 Most Admired CEOs” and receiving the American College of Healthcare Executives Gold Medal Award. He also chairs the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees and is active in several Atlanta civic organizations.
— Derek Prall
