Waffle House strike continues
The Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW) is standing with Waffle House employees in Conyers who are striking for better pay, more consistent hours, more sanitary work conditions and an end to a “meal credit” deduction, which takes a minimum of $3 every shift from employees, regardless of if they ate a meal on their shift.
Last Wednesday, on the strike’s third day, workers gathered in the morning to hold a rally about the strike and let their voices be heard. They demanded a seat at the table to advocate for themselves now and in the future.
A press release noted that some workers’ pay can be as little as $2.90 an hour before tips, emphasizing the need to end the $3 meal credit deduction. Workers also called on the U.S. Department of Labor to investigate the matter.
— Mark Lannaman
SCAD launches fund to strengthen local communities
Last month, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) announced its SCAD SERVE Community Fund launch.
Its goal is to strengthen the Savannah and Atlanta metro areas through financial support to local organizations.
The school has allocated $10 million to establish the fund as part of its 45-year legacy of civic engagement and commitment to empower Savannah and Atlanta communities further.
Proposals focusing on critical community needs, such as food shelters, the environment, safety, and education, will receive grants ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.
“Our students are at the heart of everything we do at SCAD, and we know they thrive partly because of the vitality of the cities in which they study,” said Paula Wallace, President and Founder of SCAD.
For nonprofits and local government entities interested in applying for grants, click here.
— Allison Joyner
Cox Enterprises receives Corporate Superhero for the Earth Award at Captain Planet Foundation Gala
The Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) recently presented Cox Enterprises with its Corporate Superhero for the Earth Award, which recognizes commitments to sustainability. Since 2007, Cox has invested $2 billion in sustainable businesses and technologies that can help address some of the world’s most pressing issues.
More than 400 members of the philanthropic community gathered on March 16 in Atlanta to celebrate and support the work of CPF at its annual gala, which has raised more than $10 million over the years to engage and empower young people to be problem solvers for the planet. Cox was the third company in CPF’s 30-year history to receive the award. It was given by Cox’s own Monica Kaufman Pearson of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the host for the evening.
“It is an honor to be recognized for our long history supporting nonprofit organizations that champion conservation and education,” said Maury Wolfe, vice president of corporate responsibility and social impact, Cox Enterprises. “We are on a mission to empower 34 million people to live more prosperous lives by 2034. Our efforts — including 200,000 volunteer hours — have already reached more than 9 million people, thanks in part to partnerships with nonprofits like CPF.”
— Derek Prall
Kate Parker, author of the bestselling ‘Strong is the New Pretty’ series, to headline the Celebrating 6 Years of Most Valuable Kids event
On April 10, the six-year celebration of Most Valuable Kids of Greater Atlanta (MVK) will be taking place. The keynote speaker will be bestselling author-photographer Kate Parker, who earlier this month released her new book ‘Force of Nature,’ the latest in the bestselling ‘Strong is the New Pretty’ series.
MVK is a local nonprofit that combats social inequity by providing youth access to live events. Since 2017, MVK has shared more than 50,000 tickets to Broadway shows, sporting events and other cultural opportunities with Atlanta youth and their chaperones.
“We have witnessed again and again how exposing youth to these experiences can change their perception of the world, themselves, and their futures,” said Susan Banner, MVK founder and director.
Take Mackenzie Morgan’s 8-year-old daughter, Luna, who began dreaming of being onstage after attending UniverSoul Circus. “Seeing other artists helped her envision what she can be in life,” says Morgan. “The exposure bolstered her imagination and belief in what is possible.”
Click here to learn more or to purchase tickets to the event.
— Derek Prall
Trust for Public Land acquires 467 acres along Chattahoochee River
The Trust for Public Land recently announced the acquisition of 467 acres of undeveloped land along the Chattahoochee River at Carroll County’s McIntosh Reserve, building on a 2023 purchase and nearly tripling the park’s size.
The property, including nearly a mile of frontage along the Chattahoochee River, which is currently managed for timber harvesting, was purchased for $3.27 million from Muddy Waters Land and Timber. The new acquisition will create a contiguous 4,000-acre greenspace at the southern terminus of the Chattahoochee RiverLands, a proposed 100-mile linear park through the heart of one of America’s largest metro regions.
“Trust for Public Land has spent three decades preserving 18,000 acres and 80 miles of riverfront along the Chattahoochee River,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director at Trust for Public Land. “This is another step in our bold vision to increase access to and use of the river through parks, trails and connected open spaces, and we’re excited to partner with Carroll County on this second expansion.”
A key component of the acquisition was a private philanthropic gift of $1.357 million, which played a pivotal role in making this project a reality. The gift will allow Trust for Public Land to sell the property to Carroll County at a discounted rate of $2 million, a sale approved by the county on Feb. 9.
— Derek Prall
Zoo Atlanta scholarships to Title One school children in Metro Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is offering scholarships for children from Title One Schools in MetroMetro Atlanta to attend the Summer Safari Camp, a weeklong camp held multiple times throughout each summer.
This is the eighth year Zoo Atlanta has run their scholarship program. Cox Enterprises sponsored 25 of the 41, with Southwire Company sponsoring six. Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta, said he is grateful these scholarships open access for children to make lasting memories at the zoo.
“We know that early connections with animals and the natural world can change the course of a child’s life,” King said. “The Safari Camp Scholarship Program, now offered in its eighth year, can help us extend these rich resources, sparking a passion for animals and conservation that can create a lifelong footprint for children who might not otherwise have a chance to attend Camp.”
Applications are open until April 5 for children from ages 5 through 11.
— Mark Lannaman
Fulton County Schools open enrollment for next year’s virtual program
Last week, Fulton County Schools announced that its full-time, public, online school would accept students grades 3-12 and is now open for the 2024-2025 school year.
The Fulton Academy of Virtual Excellence (FAVE) offers a blend of live online lessons and self-directed lessons from certified teachers, providing a more flexible format outside of the traditional face-to-face school day.
Click here to learn more.
— Allison Joyner
Spelman students invited to compete in major academic competition
Four Spelman College students are advancing to the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) National Championship Tournament, an academic competition among HBCUs.
The students will compete among 31 other teams from April 11 and 12 on the corporate campus of American Honda in Torrance, Calif., for the HSCASC National Championship title and a portion of over $500,000 in institutional grants provided by Honda.
After advancing in the HCASC National Qualifying Tournament in February, Spelman College will compete in the HCASC for the 23rd year in a row. Daniel Bascelli, 17-year HCASC coach of Spelman College and 2019 HCASC Coach of the Year, will coach the team of students.
Representing Spelman College are:
- Maya R. Leflore, class of 2026, mathematics major from Jackson, Miss.
- Claire Jackson, class of 2024, English major from Oakland, Calif.
- Frances A. Taylor, class of 2024, international studies major from Hanover, N.H.
- Hailey A. Jones, class of 2025, history major from Oakland, Calif.
“The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has provided a national stage for generations of talented HBCU students to display their impressive academic capabilities and the rich culture of HBCUs,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co. “Honda is proud of our longstanding commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders by providing HBCU students with the tools and experiences they need to live their dreams.”
— Derek Prall
Nine APS schools recognized by State DOE as AP Honors Schools
On Monday, Atlanta Public Schools announced that nine of their high schools have been recognized by the Georgia Department of Education as Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools.
These schools were named in several categories based on the results of the 2023 AP courses and exams.
North Atlanta, Mays, Midtown, and Booker T. Washington are some schools that have achieved growth in AP courses in math, English, science, and social studies.
— Allison Joyner
Marcus Jewsish Community Center surpasses fundraising goal
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) announced it surpassed its capital campaign goal at its annual meeting on March 26. The organization secured $36.4 million through donor contributions and community support.
This achievement underscores the MJCCA’s pivotal role within the metro Atlanta area and sets the stage for substantial facility enhancements and the introduction of new programs.
“This campaign represents a pivotal moment for the Marcus JCC, reflecting the tremendous support from donors and community philanthropists,” said MJCCA CEO Jared Powers.
Looking ahead, Powers notes that regardless of this campaign’s current success the Marcus JCC still has many unmet needs. “There remain many opportunities for individuals, companies, or foundations to make gifts that will have a tremendous impact. As more people flock to our upgraded facilities, we will continue to need funds to grow our innovative and inspirational offerings,” Powers said.
— Derek Prall
FLOTUS interrupts marching band practice to surprise with a trip to White House
Shortly before being dismissed for Spring Break, the Jonesboro High School “Majestic Marching Cardinals” students had a virtual visit from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden asking them to perform at this year’s Easter Egg Roll.
The First Lady and “First Teacher” is continuing her “EGGucation” theme at the annual event transforming the South Lawn with fun educational activities for children of all ages.
The students will be one of four marching bands performing during the festivities.
The Marching Cardinals were featured in the recent Apple Music Super Bowl commercial alongside Usher and are slated to perform at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November.
— Allison Joyner
First-ever Path 400 bike social
The first-ever Big Peach Social Bike Ride on PATH400 was held in late March. Hundreds of cyclists took to the trail in the early spring weather, and that doubled as a demonstration advocating for more multi-use trails in the city.
Jenna Boettcher, mobility services program manager of Livable Buckhead, said the event was a success.
“More than 100 cyclists of all ages came out on a perfect, sunny day for a six-mile ride that was a new route for most of the participants,” said Boettcher. “Many of the cyclists commented on the beauty of PATH400 and said they would return to the trail again in the future.”
PATH400 is set to be a key component of Atlanta’s growing trail network. Its southern end will join Peachtree Creek Greenway, Southfork Conservancy and the Atlanta BeltLine, while its northern end plans to have expansion in the Sandy Springs area.
— Mark Lannaman
REI celebrates getting outside with free festival
On Saturday, April 20th, REI is partnering with Greening Youth Foundation and Atlanta BeltLine to host Westside Outside Festival & Hangout at Lee + White. Thousands of people are expected to attend this free event featuring E-bike demos, live music, a fashion show, ATL Changemakers panel, sweepstakes, a kids’ zone and more.
However, connecting Atlanta to the great outdoors won’t stop with this event. Greening Youth Foundation works to connect youth and young adults to nature through educational programming and career development. Since 2022, REI Co-op and the REI Cooperative Action Fund have donated a combined $175,000 to the organization to further this mission.
— Derek Prall
Chamblee eateries gear up for this year’s Restaurant Week
On April 7 to 13, the city of Chamblee will host its annual Restaurant Week showcasing local eateries and giving diverse experiences.
Eighteen restaurants are participating in the seven-day event, including local favorites like 57th Fighter Group, Gus’s Fried Chicken, The Queen’s Tea Party and Won Kitchen.
Patrons will experience a diverse dining experience with some of their best dishes or explore new faves at set prices, allowing them to sample food and drinks from some of the best restaurants in Georgia.
— Allison Joyner
YMCA of Metro Atlanta honors Glen Jackson at 61st annual Good Friday Breakfast
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta hosted its 61st Annual Good Friday Breakfast on March 29 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. During the event, the organization gave its prestigious Bransby Christian Leadership Award to Glen Jackson, co-founder of Jackson Spalding, an Atlanta-based integrated public relations and marketing agency.
“Our annual Good Friday Breakfast is more than just a meal, it’s about bringing changemakers together to celebrate service, generosity and diversity,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “We’re proud to award Glen with the Y’s highest volunteer honor for his incredible legacy of service. Through his ongoing support of the Atlanta community, he has created a lasting, positive impact.”
Jackson’s ongoing support for the Atlanta community and dedication to service were highlighted during the breakfast. The Bransby Award, named after a devoted servant, acknowledges a community leader exemplifying the YMCA’s values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Recipients embody the YMCA’s mission by fostering holistic well-being in mind, body, and spirit.
— Derek Prall
U.S. Soccer to break ground on new National Training Center in Fayette County
U.S. Soccer will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new National Training Center (NTC) and Headquarters in Fayette County, Ga.
Last year U.S. Soccer announced it had selected Trilith in Fayette County, Georgia, as the new home of its NTC. Key site selection criteria included proximity and accessibility to a major international airport, optimal climate for year-round use, viable site infrastructure and support from a diverse, growing community with the opportunity to drive economic impact locally. The NTC will cover more than 200 acres.
Attendees will include U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, Governor Brian Kemp, and Arthur M. Blank.
Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
‘Halfway to Pride’ event announced
Atlanta Pride recently announced an event marking the halfway date to this year’s Atlanta Pride Festival at Red’s Beer Garden on Sunday, April 14, from 12 to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of community, celebration and camaraderie.
At this inaugural event, attendees can meet the Atlanta Pride team and learn more about how they can get involved in the event. Event representatives say whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there’s a place for everyone.
— Derek Prall
