Events Archives - The Truth Seekers Journal

FraserNet PowerNetworking Experience & Expo Returns to Atlanta

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | September 30, 2025

The PowerNetworking Experience & Expo, one of the world’s leading conferences for Black entrepreneurs. The event in its 24th year, will return to Atlanta this November. The four-day event, hosted by FraserNet, Inc., will take place from November 5- 8, 2025, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center.

Recognized by Forbes as one of the top five entrepreneurial conferences worldwide, the gathering attracts thousands of business leaders focused on building intergenerational wealth. Founded by renowned networking leader Dr. George C. Fraser, the event now enters a new chapter under the leadership of recently appointed President Delano A. Johnson.

“This isn’t just another networking event,” said Dr. Fraser. “The PowerNetworking Conference has established itself as the place where ambitious entrepreneurs come ready to take immediate action and build legacies that will benefit their grandchildren and beyond.”

The 2025 conference will feature more than 50 global Black overachievers sharing their success strategies. Organizers say participants will be guided through a shift in mindset—away from instant gratification toward long-term wealth planning. Sessions will highlight four pillars of legacy-building: wealth management, real estate, business development, and strategic insurance planning.

Organizers stress that the conference offers value whether someone is launching a first venture or scaling a thriving enterprise. Attendees will gain access to high-level connections, proven strategies, and mentorship from leaders who have built million-dollar businesses.

The PowerNetworking Experience has grown steadily since its founding more than two decades ago, becoming a welcoming hub for those who want more than inspiration—they want execution. As FraserNet emphasizes, the goal is to turn ideas into enterprises and networking into a source of generational wealth for all.

Event Details

Dates: November 5–8, 2025
Location: Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, Atlanta, GA
Registration: bit.ly/428T5KX

About FraserNet, Inc.

FraserNet, Inc. develops world-class networking experiences, educational programs, and wealth-building resources through its brands, including the PowerNetworking Experience & Expo and The Fraser Foundation.

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!

MARTA’s Transit Ambassadors Gear Up for Labor Day Travelers

MARTA’s Transit Ambassadors return this Labor Day, guiding riders through busy stations and events. Born during Super Bowl 2019, the program now prepares Atlanta for the 2026 World Cup.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 27, 2025

As Labor Day weekend approaches, MARTA is once again deploying its Transit Ambassadors across the rail and bus system to help guide travelers through one of Atlanta’s busiest holiday weekends. The program, which began in the lead-up to Super Bowl LIII in 2019, has grown into a cornerstone of MARTA’s customer service strategy.

The Transit Ambassador Program was born out of necessity during Atlanta’s hosting duties for the Super Bowl. With more than half a million fans navigating the city, MARTA saw an opportunity to reimagine how it welcomed riders. Staff members from across the Authority stepped into stations to offer directions, assist with Breeze cards, and provide a human connection that technology alone could not deliver. This personal touch, often missing in large transit systems, has been a key to the program’s success.

Since its inception, Transit Ambassadors have been a fixture at major events. They have guided fans during international soccer tournaments, eased congestion at concerts in State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and offered reassurance to new riders during peak travel times.

“This is one of the few programs where you’ll see someone from the executive office standing next to a customer at a faregate, walking them through how to tap in,” said Jon Gordon, MARTA’s Director of Customer Engagement. “It’s a shared effort that reflects our commitment to the rider experience.”

The program stands out because it is powered by MARTA employees themselves. From finance and administration to operations and communications, staffers volunteer for shifts to serve as Ambassadors. They are equipped to troubleshoot faregate issues, guide customers through transfers, and provide quick fixes when ticket vending machines malfunction. In some cases, Ambassadors even carry complimentary tickets to keep riders moving during bottlenecks.

During the recent safety briefing at Chamblee Station, I experienced my own confusion as well as that among riders when no attendants or Ambassadors were on hand to assist. In such situations, attendants and Ambassadors play a crucial role in solving problems, guiding riders through safety procedures, providing reassurance, and ensuring a smooth flow of operations.

Although MARTA showcased its Real-Time Crime Center and Emergency Operations Center — complete with motorcycles, an armored vehicle, and drones — the lack of direct rider support left some passengers struggling at faregates and ticket vending machines.

As I wrote in The Truth Seekers Journal’s coverage of that event, MARTA is generally a safe and reliable system. Still, moments like this remind us that a missing attendant or Ambassador can leave first-time or casual riders with the impression of poor operating standards.

MARTA officials have said the long-term goal is to expand Ambassador coverage beyond major events, precisely to avoid gaps like these.

Rider feedback has helped refine the program. A recently introduced internal app allows Ambassadors to check in at stations, log issues in real time, and coordinate responses more effectively. The combination of technology and human interaction has not only made Atlanta’s transit system more accessible, but also reassured riders that their concerns are being addressed in real time.

Looking ahead, MARTA is considering expanding the program beyond special events. Plans are underway to provide Ambassador coverage during daily peak hours, ensuring regular commuters benefit from the same level of personal assistance as travelers heading to major sporting events or concerts. This expansion aims to fill the gaps in rider support and enhance the overall transit experience.

The timing is crucial. In less than a year, Atlanta will host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of international visitors. MARTA leadership sees the Ambassador program as central to its readiness plan.

“This is about more than just moving people,” Gordon said. “It’s about making them feel welcome, confident, and connected to the city.”

This Labor Day, MARTA Ambassadors will be on the ground once again — in stations, at faregates, and on platforms — helping riders reach their destinations smoothly. It is a reminder that Atlanta’s transit system is not just about trains and buses, but about the people who power them.

MARTA rolls out Big Changes with New Fare System Upgrades

MARTA Unwraps the Holidays with Free Rides, Festive Buses, and Gifts for Riders

MARTA Rolls Out an Outkast Tribute Across Atlanta

MARTA Completes Garnett Station Platform Renovation

From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay: MARTA Unveils Better Breeze

MARTA to Close Five Points Peachtree Entrance as Next Phase of Transformation Begins

MARTA Interim CEO Charts Course for Safer, Faster, More Reliable Transit Ahead of World Cup

Atlanta Beltline Nears 2030 Completion with Big Progress and Bigger Goals World-Class Transit for World-Class Soccer: MARTA Steps Up

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!

BronzeLens Film Festival Opens with Stirring Tribute to Blues Legend Eddie Taylor

The 16th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival opened in Atlanta with The Rhythm & The Blues, a moving tribute to Eddie Taylor, celebrating diverse stories and filmmakers of color.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 21, 2025

A near-capacity crowd filled the historic Tara Theatre Wednesday night for the opening of the 16th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival, a celebration of filmmakers of color that has become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s cultural calendar.

The festival launched with the premiere of The Rhythm & The Blues, a feature directed and written by Darryl Pitts. “We started this project back in 2014,” Pitts said. “Through a series of twists and turns, the film came to fruition.” The film shines a long-overdue spotlight on blues guitarist Eddie Taylor, a key but often overlooked figure in American music. Actor Leon Robinson delivered a moving portrayal of Taylor, whose career was marked by artistic brilliance and exploitation by a music industry that too often erased or commodified Black artists.

When asked how he approaches his varied roles, Robinson explained, “In order to be someone real, you have to be them. With that, I do not feel like I am acting.”

Photo by Milton Kirby – Leon Robison & Darryl Pitts

Preserving a Musical Legacy

Founded in 2009, BronzeLens has dedicated itself to showcasing stories by and about people of color while positioning Atlanta as a global hub for filmmaking. This year’s hybrid edition runs August 20–24, with online screenings extending beyond the festival dates.

At precisely 7:45 p.m., the curtain rose on The Rhythm & The Blues, a narrative infused with recollections from Taylor’s son, Chicago bluesman Larry Taylor, and journalist Bonni McKeown. The cast includes Guy Davis as Jimmy Reed and Toni Belafonte as Vera Taylor, Eddie’s wife, whose presence added emotional depth to the story. The soundtrack, featuring contributions from Larry Taylor and the late Eddie Taylor Jr., gave the film an authenticity that resonated deeply with the audience.

The film previously sold out its New York debut at Lincoln Center during May’s African Film Festival. Its Atlanta premiere further cemented its reputation as a work that blends cultural history with personal struggle.

Shorts Highlight Diverse Narratives

Opening day also featured a series of shorts that reflected the variety and spirit of BronzeLens:

The Off-Brands, directed by Shayla Racquel, followed Constance McKinney, a quirky Black teenager with sickle cell disease, navigating small-town high school life. The story drew on Y2K nostalgia while addressing disability, culture, and belonging.
Grounded: Creating Space for Black Peace, directed by Brittney Brackett, explored how Black and Brown communities confront trauma and mental health struggles, emphasizing healing through art and safe spaces for youth.
Curtain Call, a poignant drama, chronicled a teenager’s choice between the streets and possible incarceration and freedom, ultimately finding redemption through resilience.

A Passing of the Torch

The evening closed with a bittersweet announcement. Deidre McDonald, BronzeLens’s founding artistic director, shared that 2025 will be her final year leading the festival. Since its inception, McDonald has been the festival’s guiding force, cultivating an event that attracts filmmakers from Angola, Canada, Jamaica, and Georgia alike.

“The mission of BronzeLens has always been to elevate diverse voices and to celebrate stories that inform and inspire,” McDonald said. “That mission will continue.”

Looking Ahead

With opening night behind it, BronzeLens now turns to a week of programming that includes documentaries, panel discussions on AI’s role in film and representation, and screenings from filmmakers around the globe.

For many, The Rhythm & The Blues set the perfect tone for the days ahead—a reminder that music and film are both powerful acts of protest, legacy, and cultural preservation.

The festival continues through Sunday, promising to showcase stories that challenge, uplift, and reflect the richness of communities often left out of mainstream narratives.

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!

Atlanta Pauses Construction for Fourth of July, Ramps Up FIFA World Cup Prep

Atlanta pauses construction for July 4 travel, while fast-tracking downtown upgrades ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 to improve roads, sidewalks, and connectivity.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | July 2, 2025

In preparation for holiday travel and the arrival of global visitors next summer, the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT) has announced a temporary halt on several construction projects, effective Thursday afternoon. The pause, aimed at easing traffic congestion for Independence Day, will last from noon on Thursday, July 3, through 9 a.m. on Monday, July 7.

ATLDOT Commissioner Solomon Caviness said the move is part of a broader plan to keep residents safe and mobile over the busy holiday weekend while maintaining momentum on critical infrastructure upgrades.

ATL DOT Commissioner – Solomon Caviness, IV

“We want to make sure that our improvements are in line with equity, safety, and mobility,” Caviness said. “And support our Vision Zero initiative to bring fatalities and serious injuries through crashes down to zero by the year 2040.”

The city formed the Atlanta Department of Transportation in 2019 to serve as the central agency for all transportation-related issues. The department acts as a one-stop shop for citizens and outside partners. It was built with dedicated staff pulled from Public Works, City Planning, and Renew Atlanta. ATLDOT is fully equipped to plan, design, build, and maintain the city’s mobility network under the One Atlanta Strategic Transportation Plan.

$120 Million Push to Improve Downtown

The construction moratorium is just a brief pause in a significant, $120 million infrastructure campaign, approved in October 2024, that specifically targets Downtown Atlanta ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.. With an estimated 300,000 visitors expected for eight matches, the city is working diligently to complete a variety of upgrades.

Ongoing efforts include:

20 miles of street resurfacing
11 miles of sidewalk repairs
200 crosswalk restripings
150 new streetlights
80 wheelchair ramps
New signage and wayfinding systems

Many of these projects fall under the city’s Vision Zero Action Plan, a national initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities. Atlanta saw 100 traffic fatalities in 2021; since then, deaths have dropped by 23%, a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to improve road safety.

“Ahead of next summer, we want to make sure that we have the most presentable downtown and the safest downtown possible,” Caviness emphasized.

MLK & Ted Turner Viaduct to Reopen

Among the marquee projects nearing completion is the MLK and Ted Turner Viaduct Reconnection Project, a long-awaited effort to restore a key passageway linking Atlanta’s government district with the city’s entertainment core.

Initially built in 1922, the viaduct had been closed for years due to major infrastructure failures. Phase one of the restoration was completed in 2022. Phase two began in late 2024. According to Caviness, the final portion of the bridge is expected to reopen to traffic in mid-July.

“It’s an important connector from our Downtown government district over to the entertainment and sports complex,” he said, referring to the area that includes Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena.

Once reopened, the viaduct is expected to improve traffic flow and lay the groundwork for the Centennial Yards development, a sweeping overhaul project meant to reimagine Atlanta’s downtown core.

Momentum to Resume Monday

While the moratorium temporarily halts active work zones, Caviness says the department is ready to resume progress first thing Monday morning.

“On Monday, we will continue the work on our resurfacing in the downtown district, which includes over 25 centerline miles of roadway,” Caviness said. “We’re also bringing more than 11 miles of sidewalk improvements to the downtown area.”

The construction freeze serves not only to reduce holiday congestion but also signals the city’s seriousness in addressing both public safety and international visibility ahead of FIFA 2026.

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!

From Expo to Finish Line: MARTA’s Got Your Ride

MARTA offers safe, early rail and shuttle service for the 56th AJC Peachtree Road Race. Let MARTA drive you to Atlanta’s biggest running event.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | July 2, 2025

As Atlanta gears up for the 56th running of the AJC Peachtree Road Race, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is once again stepping up to deliver fast, reliable, and safe transportation for tens of thousands of participants and spectators.

MARTA encourages everyone heading to the Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo and the July 4 race to leave their cars at home and enjoy the stress-free convenience of public transit handling the traffic.

Expo Hours and Access

The Peachtree Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Publix, kicks off at Lenox Square on Wednesday, July 2, and continues through Thursday, July 3. Located in the Macy’s parking lot, the Expo is where runners will pick up race bibs and gear and enjoy health and wellness vendors.

Expo Schedule:

Wednesday, July 2: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Atlanta Track Club members get early access from 9–10 a.m.)
Thursday, July 3: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Peachtree Jr. participants: 7:30–9 a.m.; Atlanta Track Club members: 9–10 a.m.)

Attendees are advised to take MARTA’s Gold Line to Lenox Station, which puts them just steps away from the Expo entrance.

Race Day Transit Details

On Friday, July 4, more than 60,000 runners will fill the streets of Atlanta in the world’s largest 10K. The wheelchair division starts at 6:12 a.m., with the main field beginning at 6:50 a.m..

To accommodate early arrivals, MARTA rail service will begin at 4 a.m. on race day. Riders are urged to use the Gold Line, which provides convenient access to the starting area near Lenox Square.

Post-race travel will be fully supported by bus shuttles running from Piedmont Park and Midtown Station to Lindbergh Center Station, with the last shuttle departing at noon, ensuring a smooth journey home.

From 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., pre-race shuttles will connect Lindbergh Center Station to the start line.

The Atlanta Streetcar will operate extended hours, from 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., helping participants and fans navigate downtown.

Because many bus routes will be detoured for the event, MARTA urges riders to check updated routes and service changes at www.itsmarta.com.

Helpful Tips for Riders

Download the MARTA On the Go App for real-time updates and alerts.
Use Breeze Mobile 2.0 to purchase fare on your phone and avoid lines at vending machines.
Look for MARTA Transit Ambassadors, who will be stationed throughout the system to help guide race-goers.
Join the celebration on social media by tagging @martatransit and using #LetMARTADrive in your race-day photos.

Whether you’re running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, MARTA is committed to making your Peachtree Road Race experience smooth and stress-free, because we value and appreciate your participation.

MARTA rolls out Big Changes with New Fare System Upgrades

MARTA Unwraps the Holidays with Free Rides, Festive Buses, and Gifts for Riders

MARTA Rolls Out an Outkast Tribute Across Atlanta

MARTA Completes Garnett Station Platform Renovation

From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay: MARTA Unveils Better Breeze

MARTA to Close Five Points Peachtree Entrance as Next Phase of Transformation Begins

MARTA Interim CEO Charts Course for Safer, Faster, More Reliable Transit Ahead of World Cup

Atlanta Beltline Nears 2030 Completion with Big Progress and Bigger Goals World-Class Transit for World-Class Soccer: MARTA Steps Up

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!

World-Class Transit for World-Class Soccer: MARTA Steps Up

MARTA offers world-class transit service for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Atlanta. Let MARTA drive you to matches, events, and fan celebrations.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 2, 2025

Soccer fans from around the globe will soon descend on Atlanta for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. MARTA is ready to deliver them to the action.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is preparing to move thousands to and from matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and fan events citywide. With decades of experience managing large crowds, MARTA promises smooth rides and increased service for the international tournament.

“MARTA is one of the only transit systems in the world with a train station inside the airport,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood. “Fans can go straight from the plane to the train, to their hotel, and then to the stadium—no rental car needed.”

MARTA has served Atlanta well during major events in the past. From three Super Bowls and NCAA Final Fours to weekly Falcons, Hawks, and Atlanta United games, MARTA is the city’s go-to transit system for sports fans.

For the six Club World Cup games this summer, MARTA will increase train service before and after each match. A special pre-game shuttle will run between Five Points and GWCC Stations for faster stadium access.

MARTA will also deploy Transit Ambassadors to assist riders, load-and-go teams on platforms to guide boarding, and additional MARTA Police to ensure safety.

MATCH SCHEDULE AT MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM:

Monday, June 16, 3 p.m.: Chelsea FC (England) vs. LAFC (USA)
Thursday, June 19, 3 p.m.: Inter Miami CF (USA) vs. FC Porto (Portugal)
Sunday, June 22, 9 p.m.: Manchester City (England) vs. Al Ain FC (UAE)
Sunday, June 29, 12 p.m.: Round of 16 Match
Tuesday, July 1, 9 p.m.: Round of 16 Match
Saturday, July 5, 12 p.m.: Quarterfinal Match

Even with the Five Points Station undergoing renovations, MARTA confirms that rail service will not be disrupted. All train lines and transfers will run on schedule, and street-level access is available via Forsyth Street.

Looking ahead, MARTA is also preparing for Atlanta’s role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city will host eight matches, and MARTA is collaborating with FIFA, the Atlanta Sports Council, and other cities to plan safe and efficient transit operations.

MARTA is also rolling out upgrades. The better Breeze fare system will allow customers to tap their credit cards or phones to pay—no ticket needed.

And World Cup fun won’t be limited to the stadium. In Decatur, fans can enjoy WatchFest26, a month-long celebration above Decatur Station. MARTA will be the easiest way to get there and to other fan zones around metro Atlanta.

LET MARTA DRIVE YOU TO THE GAMES:

Use GWCC or Vine City Stations for Mercedes-Benz Stadium access
Visit itsmarta.com for real-time service info
Download the MARTA On the Go and Breeze Mobile 2.0 apps
Use the See & Say 2.0 app to report safety concerns
Restrooms are open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. at six major stations

For help, call MARTA at 404-848-5000 or follow @MARTAservice on social media. Share your trip with #LetMARTADrive.

With top teams, excited fans, and a proven transit system, Atlanta is ready to shine on the world stage—and MARTA is prepared to get you there.

MARTA rolls out Big Changes with New Fare System Upgrades

MARTA Unwraps the Holidays with Free Rides, Festive Buses, and Gifts for Riders

MARTA Rolls Out an Outkast Tribute Across Atlanta

MARTA Completes Garnett Station Platform Renovation

From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay: MARTA Unveils Better Breeze

MARTA to Close Five Points Peachtree Entrance as Next Phase of Transformation Begins

MARTA Interim CEO Charts Course for Safer, Faster, More Reliable Transit Ahead of World Cup

Atlanta Beltline Nears 2030 Completion with Big Progress and Bigger Goals World-Class Transit for World-Class Soccer: MARTA Steps Up

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no contribution is too small!

Imaging USA 2025: A Premier Photography Event for Professionals and Enthusiasts

Imaging USA 2025, held from February 2-4 in Dallas, TX, promises an enriching experience for photographers. The event includes educational classes, networking opportunities, competitions, and insights from industry leaders to enhance skills and business growth.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA January 11, 2025

Imaging USA, one of the largest and longest-running photography conferences and expos in the United States returns in February 2-4, 2025, in Dallas, TX, promising an unparalleled experience for photographers of all levels. Organized annually by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), this flagship event has been a cornerstone of the photography community since the PPA’s inception in 1880.

With over 10,000 attendees, Imaging USA is a hub for education, innovation, and inspiration. The three-day conference offers photographers various opportunities to hone their craft, grow their businesses, and connect with industry leaders.

Key Highlights of Imaging USA 2025

Educational Classes and Workshops – Imaging USA features a comprehensive lineup of classes and workshops led by industry-leading photographers and educators. Topics include portrait, wedding, and sports photography, business strategies, post-processing techniques, and marketing tips tailored to help photographers succeed in a competitive market.

Exhibit Hall – The expansive exhibit hall is a treasure trove for photography enthusiasts. It showcases the latest in cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, software, and other tools. With hands-on demonstrations, attendees can explore and test cutting-edge gear from hundreds of vendors.

Networking Opportunities – Imaging USA offers numerous chances to connect with peers and industry professionals. The conference fosters collaboration, idea sharing, and community building, from special events and meetups to informal gatherings.

Competitions and Gallery Displays – The International Photographic Competition (IPC) is a highlight of the event. It features gallery displays of award-winning images. Photographers can have their work evaluated by certified judges, gaining valuable insights and recognition.

Certification and Business Training – Attendees can pursue certifications like the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation and participate in marketing, branding, and business growth workshops. These sessions provide actionable strategies for photographers aiming to enhance their skills and expand their client base.

Inspiration from Keynote Speakers – Prominent figures in the photography industry take the stage to deliver motivational talks and share success stories, inspiring attendees to elevate their craft and pursue their artistic visions.

PPA: A Legacy of Supporting Photographers

As the world’s largest non-profit photography organization, the PPA boasts over 35,000 members and provides a wealth of resources, including insurance, discounts, certifications, and educational materials. Membership benefits include up to $15,000 in equipment insurance coverage, discounted services, and access to an exclusive photography community.

Why Attend Imaging USA?

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring photographer, Imaging USA offers a transformative experience. From the awe-inspiring photography exhibits to the practical business advice, this event equips attendees with the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Mark your calendar for Imaging USA 2025 and join thousands of photographers in celebrating the art, business, and community of photography. Prepare to be inspired, educated, and ready to take your photography journey to the next level.

Click here to register