DeKalb’s “State of Animals” returns May 16, highlighting progress in shelter expansion, pet support, and humane care. Register at michellelongspears.com/SODA
DeKalb Leaders to Highlight Animal Welfare Progress at “State of DeKalb Animals” Addressvv
By Milton Kirby | DeKalb County, GA | April 15, 2025
DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears is set to host the second annual “State of DeKalb Animals” address on Friday, May 16, 2025, spotlighting significant strides in the county’s efforts to improve animal welfare.
The event will be held at the newly renovated Emory Conference Center Hotel in the Lullwater Ballroom at 1615 Clifton Road NE in Decatur. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided to attendees.
Photo by Milton Kirby
Spearheaded by the Save Our DeKalb Animals Initiative, the address will feature multiple speakers sharing progress updates and community impact stories aligned with the DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board’s Plan for a Better Tomorrow. That plan, developed to reshape the county’s approach to animal care, includes five key goals:
Expanding shelter space
Improving staffing and employee benefits for shelter and animal enforcement teams
Offering direct support to residents and their pets
Reducing homeless pet populations
Shortening the stay for court-held animals
Commissioner Spears said the annual event aims to keep the public informed and involved in the county’s mission to protect animals and strengthen the community’s pet care infrastructure.
“This isn’t just about animal shelters—it’s about people, pets, and creating a more compassionate DeKalb,” Spears said.
Public registration for the event opens April 11. More details are available at www.michellelongspears.com/SODA, by calling 404-371-2863, or texting 470-722-1654.
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Over 500,000 Latin American migrants face an April 24 deadline to self-deport after CHNV parole protections end under new Trump administration policy.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 6, 2025
More than 500,000 Latin American immigrants in the United States are facing a fast-approaching deadline that could change their lives forever. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a notice on March 25 announcing that protections for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela will end on April 24.
The order affects those who entered the U.S. legally under the CHNV parole program. This Biden-era initiative allowed migrants from crisis-hit countries to come to the U.S. with government approval—the program aimed to reduce unlawful border crossings by offering an organized and legal path to entry.
Now, those migrants must choose between leaving voluntarily or risking arrest and forced removal. Officials have urged migrants to self-register using a federal smartphone app and make arrangements to depart the country. If they fail to do so, DHS says they could be located, detained, and deported
“This is a warning,” CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez said. “The government is telling people to register their plans to leave or face removal.”
The move has sparked outrage across immigrant communities, especially in South Florida, where thousands of CHNV recipients have built new lives. These individuals arrived legally, were vetted, and were given temporary work permits. Many now have jobs, children in school, and deep ties to their communities.
Advocates say the sudden change is cruel, especially for families who fled violence, economic collapse, and political unrest. Returning home could mean facing persecution or extreme poverty. For many, leaving the U.S. isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a risk to their lives.
Local organizations have stepped up to help. In Miami, Catholic Legal Services has become a center for assistance, offering legal support, counseling, and help navigating the complex rules.
Community leaders are calling on the federal government to reconsider. They argue that the policy change is unfair and harmful to the economy. Immigrants from these countries play a vital role in many industries, including healthcare, construction, and hospitality.
Many saw the CHNV program, launched under President Biden, as a smart response to the rising number of migrants at the southern border. Offering legal pathways for people fleeing crisis zones reduced illegal crossings and allowed for background checks and U.S.-based sponsors.
532,000 people entered the U.S. through CHNV before the program was paused following President Trump’s return to office.
In February, CBS News reported that the Trump administration planned to cancel their legal status. That plan is now in effect, with work permits and protections set to expire by April 24.
Migrants who fail to apply for asylum, a green card, or another immigration status may be among the first targeted for deportation. DHS has said it will prioritize enforcement against those who have not tried to regularize their stay.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin defended the decision, saying CHNV participants were “loosely vetted” and claiming the program hurt American workers.
“The termination of the CHNV parole programs is a return to common-sense policies,” McLaughlin said. “It’s about public safety and putting America First.”
But immigrant advocates strongly disagree.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) condemned the policy as reckless and harmful. AILA President Kelli Stump said the CHNV program was a “breakthrough moment” in immigration policy.
“It created an orderly way to help people in desperate situations,” Stump said. “They had sponsors, were authorized to work, and were contributing to the economy. Now, the rug is being pulled out from under them in a political stunt to increase deportation numbers.”
AILA’s Executive Director Benjamin Johnson said ending the program will backfire.
“This is not just inhumane — it’s bad policy,” Johnson said. “It will increase the number of undocumented immigrants and remove people who are filling critical jobs. At a time when many industries are struggling to find workers, this decision hurts everyone.”
The Trump administration has also taken steps to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and Venezuelans and has paused all pending immigration benefit applications for CHNV recipients. Officials cite concerns about fraud and incomplete vetting, although supporters of the program say those claims are exaggerated and politically motivated.
Critics argue that ending the CHNV program won’t stop people from fleeing their home countries. Instead, it will push more migrants into dangerous, irregular crossings at the border. The Biden administration had viewed CHNV as a safer, more humane solution.
With the April 24 deadline fast approaching, families across the U.S. face impossible decisions. Should they leave the country they’ve come to call home — a country where many of their children were born, where they have jobs and lives — or stay and risk detention?
For many, the answer is unclear.
The coming weeks will bring fear, confusion, and hard choices for thousands of families. For them, April 24 is not just a date on the calendar. It is a deadline that could reshape their lives forever.
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The Fighting Words Poetry Contest invites K–12 students worldwide to respond to global issues through poetry. Cash prizes, publication, and impact await.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 6, 2025
The Pulitzer Center is proud to announce the Eighth Annual Fighting Words Poetry Contest! This contest allows students to respond to the world around them through poetry.
Poetry can help us understand current events by turning facts into feelings and headlines into human stories. It connects global issues to our personal experiences, helping us see how we are all linked. The Fighting Words Poetry Contest invites students to use poetry to explore important topics and raise their voices. Through creative writing, students can reflect on what’s happening in the world and share how these events affect their lives and communities.
Fighting Words Contest
Who Can Enter:
The contest is open to all students in grades K–12 worldwide. Students can write in any language. Bilingual or multilingual poems are welcome! Judges will be fluent in English and Spanish.
Prizes:
1st Place: $300 and publication on the Pulitzer Center website
2nd Place: $200 and publication
3rd Place: $100 and publication
Finalists: $75 and publication
Deadline:
All entries are due by Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT.
How to Enter:
Go to the Pulitzer Center website. Choose a story from the “Suggested Stories” tab. Write a poem of any style or length. Your poem must include lines from the story you chose. Start your poem with an epigraph that says:
With lines from “STORY TITLE” by JOURNALIST NAME, a Pulitzer Center reporting project.
Upload your poem as a text file using the entry form. You may also upload an optional audio or video of yourself performing the poem.
Important:
You must include a teacher contact with your entry. This person will help with communication if your poem is selected. You may list a guardian if you are homeschooled or not in school.
Judging:
The poems evaluation criteria will be:
Writing quality – Is the poem well-crafted and emotional?
Use of Pulitzer Center story – Are the quoted lines used effectively? Does the poem respond to the story’s themes?
Perspective and respect – Is the poem thoughtful and respectful of its subject?
Barack Obama candidly reflected on marriage struggles with Michelle, revealing efforts to reconnect after years of imbalance during his presidency and ongoing public life.
By Jacob Stolworthy | The Independent | April 6, 2025
Barack Obama has shared a candid revelation about his marriage to Michelle Obama. The former US president opened up about the state of his relationship to Michelle while “speaking publicly” for “the first time in a while” during a talk at Hamilton College on Thursday (3 April).
While Barack, 63, shared his negative views on Trump’s presidency, and rebuked his tariff announcement, he also admitted that he has been in what he called “a deep deficit with my wife”. In the past, Barack has hinted that his presidency affected his marriage to Michelle, 61, stating: “It sure helps to be out of the White House.”
The Daily Beast now reports that Obama told Steven Tepper, the president of Hamilton College, that he has been actively trying to spend more time with Michelle, to whom he has been married for 32 years, as life increasingly gets in the way.
“I’ve been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,” he candidly told Tepper. Michelle previously opened up about her marriage during an interview with Revolt TV, in which she said of the effort her and her husband put in: “There are times I’m 70, he’s 30. There are times he’s 60, I’m 40.” She also said “there were 10 years” where she “couldn’t stand” Barack but added: “I would take 10 bad years over 30. It’s just how you look at it.”
According to Michelle, the issue stemmed from a realization that the couple’s marriage wasn’t “even” at the time, as she noted that she was taking care of the children and her husband was embarking on his political career.
Barack had two terms as US president, which lasted from 2009 to 2017.
“That’s when all the measuring starts,” she continued, while acknowledging that couples often “turn that ire on each other”.
According to Page Six, a source who once worked with the couple said of the rumours their marriage was struggling: They don’t pretend that they have this Camelot relationship. They’re not trying to present that they’re this magical couple.”
While rumors surfaced that the pair were headed for divorce, due to Barack attending high-profile Washington DC events by himself, another insider said this was merely due to the fact Michelle had no interest in going to the US capital.
In December 2022, Michelle said that, for a marriage to work, even in times of struggle or disagreement, you’ve “got to know your person” and “like” who they are. “I mean, you could be mad at him, but do you still look at him and go: ‘I’m not happy with you, but I respect you. I don’t agree with you, but you’re still a kind, smart person,’” she said, before noting “feelings are going to change over time,” and that that is when couples need to put work into their relationships”.
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Morehouse School of Medicine honors Calvin Smyre’s 51-year public service by dedicating the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center during its 50th anniversary.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 3, 2025
The longest-serving member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Calvin Smyre, received a lasting tribute to his decades of public service on Thursday, as Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) dedicated a new education building in his name.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center (CSECC) was led by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. The event marked a highlight in MSM’s 50th anniversary celebration at the Georgia State Capitol and symbolized the institution’s ongoing commitment to health equity and diversity.
Photo by Milton Kirby Calvin Smyre
Smyre, a former state representative elected in 1974 and a key figure in Georgia politics, has long championed MSM since its inception. In his remarks, he recalled helping secure the institution’s initial $1 million in state funding, emphasizing the power of partnerships between government and education.
“This building is a permanent reminder of what vision, leadership, and dedication can achieve,” said Smyre, who also serves as Trustee Emeritus for the medical school and sits on several philanthropic and educational boards, including the Fort Valley State College Foundation and Piedmont HealthCare in Columbus.
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and CEO of MSM, served as emcee for the celebration. “Health equity is not a political term,” she said. “It’s about giving people what they need, when they need it, and in the amount they need to reach their best health outcomes.”
The CSECC, located on MSM’s campus at 720 Westview Drive SW, features an auditorium, conference and event rooms, study areas, and state-of-the-art technology to support the school’s growing academic and community initiatives. The building is designed to be multifunctional, with spaces that can transition from lecture halls to fine dining areas and networking hubs.
Arthur R. Collins, Chairman of MSM’s Board of Trustees, reflected on Smyre’s legacy: “We are not just honoring a legacy, we are not just honoring a life, we are not just honoring his spirit, —we are investing in what comes next.”
The day’s events were a part of MSM’s broader 50th anniversary celebration. Founded to diversify Georgia’s healthcare workforce, MSM remains one of the nation’s only historically Black medical schools. Since becoming independent in 1981, the school has graduated over 3,300 students, nearly 60% of whom continue to serve in Georgia.
Photo by Milton Kirby Andre Dickens
With the support of lawmakers like Smyre, the school plans to expand its graduating class to 225 students in the coming years. Morehouse School of Medicine Dean Joseph Tyndall and several state legislators also praised MSM’s enduring impact during the ceremony.
As the nation debates diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, MSM leaders say the school’s mission remains unwavering. “Trust is the foundation of the patient-provider relationship,” said Montgomery Rice. “And diversity in healthcare strengthens that trust.”
For Calvin Smyre, the new center stands not only as a personal honor but as a beacon for future generations. His life’s work—from the Georgia House floor to the boardrooms of educational institutions—continues to shape Georgia’s legacy of leadership, service, and social justice.
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Join Emory experts at the 28th Brain Health Forum on April 29, 2025, to learn about memory loss, dementia, and healthy aging strategies.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 2, 2025
Community members interested in brain health and aging are invited to attend the 28th Brain Health Forum, hosted by the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory University.https://alzheimers.emory.edu/
The in-person event will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and will feature leading experts from Emory discussing the latest research on memory loss and dementia. Topics will include risk factors for cognitive decline, how to promote healthy aging, and why dementia research matters more than ever.
Organizers say the forum offers practical advice for staying mentally sharp and preventing disease. Attendees will also learn how lifestyle choices can impact long-term brain health.
“This forum is a great chance for people to hear directly from top researchers and get easy-to-follow tips on aging well,” said a spokesperson for the center.
The event is run by the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory. Each year, their team brings top doctors and researchers to speak. They explain brain science in ways that are easy to understand.
You’ll hear the latest news on memory loss and dementia. You’ll learn what puts people at risk. You’ll also get tips on how to stay sharp as you age.
There’s a good reason this forum matters now more than ever. Each year in the U.S., about 514,000 new cases of dementia are diagnosed in adults aged 65 and older. That number is expected to double by the year 2060.
As of 2024, about 6.9 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common kind of dementia. It slowly damages memory, thinking, and behavior.
Photo by Milton Kirby
Dementia affects not only the person who has it, but also their families. People often need care for many years. That’s why learning about it now is so important.
The forum will also talk about how brain health affects different groups. Research shows that Black Americans are more likely to get dementia than white Americans.
Doctors think there are several reasons for this. One reason is health problems that are more common in Black communities. These include high blood pressure and diabetes. Both can raise the risk of dementia.
Other reasons include fewer resources. Many Black Americans face barriers in education, income, and access to good healthcare. These lifelong challenges can increase dementia risk.
There is also a problem with diagnosis. Black adults are less likely to be diagnosed correctly or early. That means they may not get the help they need in time.
At the forum, speakers will talk about how to fix these problems. They’ll share steps people can take to protect their memory and thinking skills. They’ll also talk about how lifestyle choices—like exercise, sleep, and healthy food—can help your brain.
The forum will give clear advice you can use right away. Whether you’re a caregiver, a senior, or just someone who wants to learn, there’s something for everyone.
You’ll leave with new knowledge and practical tools. You’ll also learn why research is key to finding better treatments and maybe even a cure.
Brain health is for everyone. And the more you know, the more you can do to protect it.
Don’t miss this free event. Sign up today and take the first step in caring for your brain.
The Trump administration cut 2,400 CDC jobs as part of a wider HHS downsizing, raising fears about public health readiness amid disease outbreaks and staffing losses.
About 2,400 people at the CDC lost their jobs, nearly one in five workers. Across HHS, around 10,000 jobs are being cut. Officials say the total number could reach 20,000 with layoffs and buyouts.
President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk support these cuts. They say the goal is to make the government smaller and faster. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the system is too big and slow. He wants to move people from several agencies into one new group called the Administration for a Healthy America, or AHA. It’s not clear yet who will be moved into AHA.
But many people are worried. Experts say the cuts could harm the U.S.’s ability to fight disease and handle health emergencies. Some of the people who were fired worked in cancer research, disease control, and drug safety. They were leaders in their fields. Now, they’re gone.
Photo by Milton Kirby
The timing is also concerning. The CDC has a $9.2 billion budget and is already dealing with big problems. That includes rising cases of tuberculosis, bird flu, and a large measles outbreak in West Texas. The Texas outbreak has caused more measles cases than the U.S. had all last year.
Since February, many CDC workers—especially newer and temporary ones—have already been let go. Critics say the agency is now too weak to respond to a large disease outbreak. “The challenges for these individuals to do their jobs on a daily basis must be enormous,” said Jason Schwartz, a health expert at Yale. “The future of CDC is under threat, by any measure.”
One important leader who left earlier was Dr. Leandris Liburd. She is a Black woman who led the CDC’s Office of Health Equity. She worked on issues like women’s health and making sure all communities get fair health care. She started in 2020 and helped address the high number of COVID-19 deaths in Black, Latino, and Native American communities.
Dr. Liburd’s name appeared earlier this year on a “DEI Watchlist.” This list was created by a conservative group called the American Accountability Foundation and named Black and Latino federal workers who support diversity and fairness. Liburd’s photo and title were listed as a “target” on the group’s website.
Many CDC workers found out they were fired when they were locked out of their email. Some bosses had to ask their teams, “Did you get fired?” Others heard the news from the media.
On Tuesday morning, hundreds of workers lined up outside HHS buildings. Some waited more than an hour to find out if they still had jobs. Acting CDC Director Susan Monarez and a few people in her office were not fired—at least for now.
CDC Chief of Staff Matt Buzzelli sent a message to workers, saying he knows this is a hard time. He pointed them to tools like a severance calculator and a guide for laid-off workers. He also reminded them of the employee help program but said wait times are long.
Health leaders outside the CDC are sounding the alarm. Richard Besser, a former CDC leader, said he is very worried. “When there’s a health emergency, you need people who know what to do,” he said. He added that strong leadership is more important than ever in times like this.
Tom Frieden, another former CDC director, called the cuts “a recipe for disaster.” He now leads a group that works to stop heart disease and fight outbreaks. He said ending programs like tobacco control only helps big tobacco companies.
Now, many are asking: Will the U.S. be ready when the next health crisis hits? So far, things don’t look good.
Target faces growing financial and reputational fallout, losing $12.4B in revenue, stock dropping $27, and facing lawsuits after reversing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
By Stacy M. Brown | Washington, DC | March 31, 2025
Target continues to face mounting financial and reputational fallout after reversing course on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The retail giant has lost more than $12.4 billion in revenue, seen its stock plunge by $27.27 per share, and is grappling with multiple lawsuits linked to its shifting DEI policies. Separate but powerful actions from Black-led organizations and faith leaders have intensified pressure on the company. Rev. Jamal Bryant launched a national Target Fast, calling for continued community mobilization. Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the NAACP initiated public education and selective buying campaigns. While distinct in approach, the collective efforts have amplified scrutiny and economic consequences for Target. “Black consumers helped build Target into a retail giant, and now they are making their voices heard,” said Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the NNPA. “If corporations believe they can roll back diversity commitments without consequence, they are mistaken.”
Photo by Milton Kirby
Early data from analytics firms Placer.ai and Numerator confirms a decline in consumer support. Numerator found that Black and Hispanic households are reducing their visits to Target at the highest rates. Placer.ai reported that on the national blackout day last month, Target saw an 11 percent decline in store traffic compared to average Friday visits. Since the company’s January 24 DEI reversal, Placer.ai data shows Target’s overall foot traffic has fallen every week. In contrast, Costco has gained ground. The warehouse chain rejected a shareholder proposal to weaken its diversity programs and stayed firm in its DEI stance. Analysts say Costco’s consistency and longstanding commitment to high wages and strong employee benefits may attract consumers frustrated with Target’s retreat. Costco’s shares have outperformed those of Walmart and Target over the same period. Walmart has also seen a dip in foot traffic, though not as sharp as Target.
While grassroots boycotts are not always financially damaging in the long term, Target’s situation may prove different. “Boycotts put a ‘negative spotlight’ on the company that can have reputational consequences,” Brayden King, professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, told Forbes. He noted that consumer trust, closely tied to corporate reputation, plays a critical role in shopping habits. In addition to its woes, Target issued a string of recalls in 2025 involving products sold on shelves due to undeclared allergens and injury hazards. Affected items included Gerber Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks, Dorel Safety 1st Comfort Ride and Magic Squad child car seats, Nuby stroller fans, Baby Joy highchairs, Chomps beef and turkey sticks, and Pearl Milling Company pancake mix. Rev. Bryant said Target Fast has now mobilized more than 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. He urged continued focus and unity in holding the company accountable. “It is critical that Black people can’t afford to get A.D.D; we can’t taper off and lose synergy. It’s important that people stay the course and keep amplifying our voices because it is being heard from Wall Street to Main Street,” Bryant said. He added, “No, I’m now committed and grateful.”
Photo by Milton Kirby
According to the Birmingham Times, the New Birth Baptist Church pastor recently reported that the campaign he helped launch against Target has received robust national support.
From the Times:
The fast-selective-buying campaign, which began during the Lent Season from March 5 to April 17, targets what Bryant describes as the company’s neglect of the Black community. According to Bryant, the boycott has mobilized over 150,000 participants and persuaded over 100 Black vendors to withdraw their products from Target. The movement has led to a $12 drop per share in Target’s stock and a $2 billion decrease in its overall value.
“We just hit 150 thousand people who have signed up to be part of it, with over 100 black vendors that pulled out of Target, so the momentum is going steadily,” Bryant explained.
The NAACP and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, have simultaneously announced the planning and implementation of a national public education and selective buying campaign in response to Target and other corporations that have dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments, programs and staffing.
“Now is the time for the Black Press of America once again to speak and publish truth to power emphatically,” NNPA Chairman Emeritus Danny Bakewell Sr. explained.
“We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. “The Black Press of America continues to remain on the frontline keeping our families and communities informed and engaged on all the issues that impact our quality of life.”
The executive order is chillingly titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” It declares that the Smithsonian, once a symbol of “American excellence,” has become tainted by narratives that portray “American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.”
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The executive order is chillingly titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” It declares that the Smithsonian, once a symbol of “American excellence,” has become tainted by narratives that portray “American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.”
By Stacy M. Brown | Chicago, IL | March 29, 2025
Even the most cynical observers knew this day would come.
Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, the dog whistle has become a bullhorn. The whitewashing of American history is no longer implied—it’s spelled out in ink, signed into law, and backed by a government that is now openly in the grip of white supremacist power. In his latest executive order, President Trump has targeted the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, calling for the erasure of what he deems “divisive race-centered ideology.” He has directed Vice President JD Vance to eliminate these so-called “divisive” elements from the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, educational and research centers, and even the National Zoo. The executive order is chillingly titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” It declares that the Smithsonian, once a symbol of “American excellence,” has become tainted by narratives that portray “American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive.” “Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn—not to be subjected to ideological indoctrination or divisive narratives that distort our shared history,” the order states.
Photo by Alan Karchmer
The directive goes further, instructing Vance, along with Vince Haley, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and Lindsey Halligan, Special Assistant to the President, to work with Congress to block all federal appropriations for Smithsonian exhibitions or programs that “degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy.” The order also aims at the American Women’s History Museum, demanding that no future appropriations “recognize men as women in any respect,” and calls for new citizen members to be appointed to the Smithsonian Board of Regents—individuals committed to enforcing the president’s vision. This is not an isolated move. Since returning to office, Trump has issued a barrage of executive orders aimed at dismantling every vestige of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the federal government. He terminated all DEI programs, calling them “illegal and immoral discrimination.” The National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America initiative—long dedicated to uplifting historically underserved communities—has been gutted. The Pentagon’s website erased the stories of Navajo Code Talkers. A “Black Lives Matter” mural in the heart of Washington, D.C., was demolished. Perhaps most brazenly, the Department of Defense Education Activity banned Black History Month observances at military base schools and ordered the removal of any book or material that mentions slavery, the civil rights movement, or the treatment of Native Americans.
Now, the National Museum of African American History and Culture—which opened to national fanfare in 2016—is in the crosshairs. “In an almost surprising fashion, the Smithsonian has been outside of the bounds of political wrangling,” said Samuel Redman, a history professor and director of the public history program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. “It’s not as though there hasn’t been political influence … but just in terms of overall funding and support for the Smithsonian, it’s been remarkably consistent.” That consistency has now been shattered. Trump’s executive order doesn’t just attack the museum—it hints at restoring what many hoped America had buried: Confederate monuments, white supremacist names on federal buildings, and the reinstallation of statues that were taken down during the country’s reckoning after the murder of George Floyd.
What the president calls “shared American values” is beginning to resemble a national doctrine rooted in erasure and oppression. The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex—was founded on increasing and diffusing knowledge. Established by Congress with funds left by James Smithson, a British scientist, the institution spans 21 museums and the National Zoo, with 11 of the museums located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Now, it faces its greatest threat yet—not from budget cuts or neglect, but from a government determined to rewrite history at the expense of truth. The stakes have never been clearer as the country watches these moves unfold. The battle over American history isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now, in plain sight, with executive orders, political enforcers, and the full weight of the federal government behind it. “This is about power,” said a Smithsonian staffer who asked not to be named out of fear of retribution. “They’re not hiding it anymore.”
Revealing the hidden history of Lake Lanier, Georgia’s playground, where a thriving Black community named Oscarville was erased by racial terror and forced displacement, leaving a legacy of injustice and resilience.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | March 24, 2025
Lake Lanier is often called Georgia’s playground—38,000 acres of water and 692 miles of shoreline that draw over 30 million visitors annually, even more than Niagara Falls. Officially named Lake Sidney Lanier, it honors a Confederate soldier, poet, and musician, a choice that reflects another complicated legacy. Just 50 miles north of downtown Atlanta, the lake is now a thriving resort area and scenic escape—yet its beauty obscures the troubled history beneath its waters and the name it bears.
But beneath its shimmering surface lies a history far less serene—one marked by racial terror, forced displacement, and the erasure of a once-thriving Black community named Oscarville. This is not just a lake. It is a flooded ledger of lives uprooted and stories buried, still seeking air.
The Making of Lake Lanier: Progress at an inhumane Cost
Lake Lanier was born of ambition and necessity. In 1946, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launched a project to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and supply water to a rapidly expanding Atlanta. The Buford Dam, completed in 1956 on the Chattahoochee River, made it possible.
The construction was vast. Crews built three saddle dikes, new bridges and roads, and excavated land for a power station. The price of progress was steep: 56,000 acres of land were seized—often through the forced hand of eminent domain. More than 250 families were displaced, 15 businesses were closed, and 20 cemeteries were moved. Thousands of lives were disrupted. Homes, churches, and entire communities were cleared to make way for a reservoir.
By August 1, 1958, the lake had reached its full pool elevation of 1,071 feet. What remained under the water were not only roads and buildings—but histories, headstones, and unanswered questions.
Photo by Milton Kirby Lake Lanier
Oscarville: A Community Buried but not Forgotten
Before the lake, there was Oscarville.
Founded during Reconstruction, Oscarville was a flourishing Black agricultural town. It stood as a testament to resilience in the face of systemic oppression. By 1911, its roughly 1,100 residents had built a thriving local economy. Fifty-eight families owned land. Others worked as sharecroppers, poultry farmers, carpenters, and cotton hands. They built schools, churches, and lives filled with dignity and hope.
But in 1912, that hope was shattered by a wave of white supremacist violence that would drive nearly every Black resident from Forsyth County—and from Oscarville itself..
The Racial Cleansing of 1912
The violence began with the assault and death of 18-year-old Mae Crow, a white woman. Three Black teenagers—Rob Edwards, Ernest Knox, and Oscar Daniel—were arrested. Before a trial could begin, a white mob lynched Edwards in the town square of Cumming. Knox and Daniel, both under 18, were quickly convicted by an all-white jury and publicly hanged.
What followed was a campaign of racial terror. White vigilantes calling themselves “night riders” looted homes, burned Black churches, and issued ultimatums: leave or die. Over 1,000 Black residents were expelled in just three months. Their land was abandoned, stolen, or sold under duress.
Oscarville, like other Black towns across the South, was wiped off the map—not by natural disaster or economic collapse, but by deliberate racial cleansing.
A Lake Built on Dispossession racial hatred
Decades later, that same land—emptied by violence—was sold or seized for the Lake Lanier project. Cemeteries were relocated, but many graves may still lie beneath the water. Submerged buildings, roads, and foundations remain intact under the lakebed, adding to the lake’s reputation for mystery—and its eerie nickname: haunted.
But this is no ghost story. It is a story of stolen legacies and the silent weight of injustice.
Today’s Lake, and the Communities It Now Serves
Today, Lake Lanier is a vital resource. It provides drinking water for nearly 6 million people and supports hydroelectric power, tourism, and recreation. Towns like Buford, Gainesville, and Cumming benefit from its presence, with marinas, lakefront homes, and rental cabins lining its shores.
The Lake Lanier Islands were created following the completion of Buford Dam in 1956. When the reservoir, Lake Sidney Lanier, was filled with water from the Chattahoochee River, the rising waters submerged vast portions of North Georgia. The high ground that remained above water became a scattering of islands — essentially, the former mountaintops of the region.
Development and Governance: LLIDA
In1962, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority (LLIDA) was established by the Georgia General Assembly as a state agency. Its mission was clear:
“To plan, develop, and operate four islands in the southern portion of Lake Sidney Lanier for resort and recreation purposes and to enhance the tourism potential of North Georgia.”
LLIDA oversaw the early development of the islands, initiating projects like:
The PineIsle Resort
The beach and its expansions
The entrance bridge
Waterpark attractions (now part of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands)
The Legacy Lodge (formerly Emerald Pointe)
Golf courses and equestrian stables
Initially, some operations were leased to concessionaires, but LLIDA resumed direct control in the 1980s. By the mid-1990s, LLIDA entered into a privatization agreement with KSL Lake Lanier, Inc., signaling a new era of resort management.
Ownership: The Williams Family & LLIMC
In August 2005, Georgia businessman Virgil Williams purchased the Lake Lanier Islands resort complex from KSL Corporation for $14.5 million. The acquisition was made through his company, the Lake Lanier Islands Management Company (LLIMC)— a local, family-operated business.
Under along-term lease and management agreement with LLIDA, LLIMC now:
Oversees daily operations
Manages long-term development strategies
Maintains the resort’s public-private partnership with the state
Amenities & Attractions at the Islands
Lake Lanier Islands offers a vast array of activities and accommodations, including:
Game Changer Arcade and Bar
A lively indoor attraction featuring:
Axe Throwing
Virtual Sports Suites
Duckpin Bowling
Arcade Games
On-site restaurant and bar
Legacy Lodge & Guest Exclusives
Guests of the Legacy Lodge, Legacy Villas, and LakeHouses at Legacy enjoy:
A 24-hour saltwater lounging pool
Poolside service from Bullfrog’s Bar
A 6-court pickleball venue
A 24/7 business center with free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and printer access
Additional Resort Features
Margaritaville at Lanier Islandswater park
Lakefront dining and boating
Golf courses and trails
Special seasonal events and group activities
Revenue From Parking Fees Alone
One of the resort’s most straightforward — yet substantial — revenue streams is its daily parking fee of $20 per vehicle. With an estimated 30 million visitors to Lake Lanier each year, the potential income from parking fees is staggering.
By the Numbers:
If just 15 million vehicles (half the visitor count) pay the fee:
15 million x $20 = $300 million per year
If every visitor arrives by car and pays:
30 million x $20 = $600 million per year
Even under conservative estimates, the annual revenue from parking fees alone may exceed hundreds of millions of dollars, not including resort stays, dining, attractions, or retail.
But amid the jet skis and fishing tournaments, the story of Oscarville is often forgotten—or worse, never told.
Reclaiming the Past, One Story at a Time
In recent years, historians, educators, and community leaders have begun to reclaim Oscarville’s story. Efforts to memorialize the lost town are growing. Documentaries, articles, and educational programs are shifting the narrative—moving away from myths of hauntings and toward historical truth.
Oscarville was not a legend. It was a living, breathing community, destroyed by fear and greed, not by fate.
A Legacy That Refuses to Sink
Lake Lanier will always shimmer with beauty. But beneath its surface lies a reckoning still in progress. The story of Oscarville is not just about what was lost, but about what still lives—in memory, in truth, and in the movement to honor those who were forcibly silenced.
What lies beneath is more than water. It is a legacy. One that must not be forgotten.
