The Obama Foundation announced the Nancy Pelosi Garden Pavilion at the Obama Presidential Center, honoring Pelosi’s historic leadership ahead of the Center’s June 2026 opening.
By Milton Kirby | Chicago, IL | May 12, 2026
The Obama Foundation announced Tuesday that the Garden Pavilion at the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center will be named in honor of Nancy Pelosi, recognizing the historic legacy of the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House and her decades-long influence on American public life.
The announcement is part of a broader unveiling of named spaces throughout the Center honoring civil rights leaders, educators, activists, and public servants whose work helped shape American democracy and civic engagement.
Located along the eastern edge of the Center’s Fruit & Vegetable Garden, the Nancy Pelosi Garden Pavilion will include a garden classroom, workroom, and public restrooms designed to support community programming and public gathering spaces. The pavilion was made possible through a gift from philanthropist and business leader Ron Conway.
Former President Barack Obama praised Pelosi’s role in shaping major legislative victories during his administration, including passage of the Affordable Care Act.
“For almost four decades, Nancy Pelosi served the American people and worked to make our country better,” Obama said. “No one was more skilled at bringing people together and getting legislation passed – and I will always be grateful for her support of the Affordable Care Act.”
Obama said the pavilion will serve not only as a tribute to Pelosi’s leadership, but also as an inspiration for future generations to engage in public service and civic life.
Conway, whose donation funded the pavilion, described the Obama-Pelosi partnership as one of the most consequential political relationships in modern American history.
“In our nation’s entire history, no President and Speaker of the House got more done for our country working together than President Barack Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi,” Conway said.
Valerie Jarrett said Pelosi’s career reflects the broader mission of the Presidential Center to encourage civic participation and leadership across generations.
“Nancy Pelosi is one of the foremost leaders of our time,” Jarrett said. “She showed people of any party or background the power of increased involvement of women in our democracy.”
Honoring Leaders Across the Campus
The Pelosi Pavilion is one of several named spaces announced as the Obama Presidential Center prepares for its June 19, 2026 public opening.
Among the newly announced spaces is the Democracy 101 Exhibit honoring Timuel Black, the longtime Chicago educator and civil rights activist who fought segregation in schools and housing.
The Center’s auditorium will bear the name of Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel through support from philanthropists Penny Pritzker and Dr. Bryan Traubert. Foundation leaders said the auditorium will host speakers, performances, and public discussions inspired by the arts and humanities traditions of the Obama White House.
The Fruit & Vegetable Garden itself will honor former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, recognizing her advocacy for civil rights and her creation of the White House Victory Garden during World War II.
Other named spaces include the John W. Rogers Jr. Exhibition Gallery honoring the founder of Ariel Investments, the “Imagine Your Impact” exhibit honoring astronaut Mae Jemison, and the Harold Washington Overlook commemorating Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington.
A Civic Campus Beyond a Museum
Located on Chicago’s South Side near Jackson Park, the Obama Presidential Center is designed as more than a traditional presidential museum. Foundation leaders describe it as a civic campus intended to bring together culture, community, education, and public engagement.
The Foundation said the named spaces are meant to honor what President Obama has often called the “giants” on whose shoulders future generations stand.
“These tributes remind every visitor that they, too, have the power to leave a lasting mark on the world,” the Foundation said.
The Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public on June 19, 2026, with exhibitions, gardens, educational programming, and community gathering spaces aimed at inspiring the next generation of civic leaders.
Atlanta leaders celebrated the fifth Summer Youth Employment Program Signing Day as nearly 20,000 youth have now been connected to paid work opportunities citywide.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 12, 2026
Standing inside the historic Fox Theatre, Atlanta leaders, business executives, educators, and students gathered Monday for Mayor Andre Dickens’ fifth annual Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) “Signing Day,” celebrating one of the city’s fastest-growing workforce initiatives for young people.
The event brought together employers from across Metro Atlanta who pledged to provide jobs, internships, mentorships, and career exposure opportunities for Atlanta youth this summer.
What began during the Dickens administration as an ambitious workforce initiative has now grown into a citywide program that officials say has connected nearly 20,000 young people to paid work opportunities over the last four years.
“This has truly been a group project,” Dickens told the audience. “Nearly 20,000 young people have been connected to paid work in the city of Atlanta over the past four years.”
The mayor said the city invested more than $23 million in wages through the program during that period, calling it both an economic investment and a public safety strategy.
“We are seeing what happens when we are intentional about our investments in young people,” Dickens said. “When young people are filled with opportunities and busy learning while they earn, they are committed to their future.”
The annual event also highlighted the growing role businesses, nonprofits, cultural institutions, and city agencies are playing in preparing young Atlantans for the workforce.
Representatives from organizations including the Fox Theatre and TIME2GIVE described the program as more than a summer job initiative.
“This is about exposure, readiness, innovation, confidence-building, and ultimately creating real tangible pathways into future careers,” said Dr. Charity Rowe-Marshall, executive director of TIME2GIVE.
Rowe-Marshall said youth participating through the organization’s Innovation Studio Atlanta program are introduced to technology, entrepreneurship, logistics, manufacturing, design, marketing, and artificial intelligence through hands-on projects and workforce experiences.
Jayla Scott Cottman – SYEP participant – Photo by Milton Kirby
“They learn by doing,” she said. “We are empowering them to be builders of technology, not just consumers.”
Officials repeatedly emphasized that the program’s impact extends far beyond temporary employment.
According to the city, nearly 6,000 youth participated in SYEP last summer alone, making it the program’s largest cohort to date. At least 38 participants transitioned from summer placements into permanent career opportunities afterward.
The program is open to Atlanta residents ages 14 to 24 and places participants in industries ranging from healthcare and government to technology, hospitality, logistics, and the arts. Participants can earn up to $15 per hour while gaining workplace training and mentorship.
Atlanta Department of Labor and Employment Services Commissioner Dr. Theresa Austin-Gibbons said the workforce landscape is changing rapidly because of automation, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.
“That is why SYEP focuses on strong STEM program design while understanding that soft skills and technical skills must work together,” Austin-Gibbons said.
She noted that participants receive financial literacy education, workplace readiness instruction, conflict resolution training, and guidance on responsible AI usage before beginning work placements.
“Our youth are learning not just how to do a job, but how to show up and be successful,” she said.
The event also featured testimony from former participants whose careers began through the program.
Christopher Hobbs SYEP participant – Photo by Milton Kirby
Christopher Hobbs, a graduate of Florida A&M University currently completing his Master of Public Administration degree, described how his internship with the Atlanta Department of Labor and Employment Services helped shape his professional future.
“My experience with ATL DOLS gave me hope,” Hobbs said. “The skills, confidence, professionalism, exposure, and hope I gained in SYEP stayed with me long after the summer ended.”
Hobbs now works as an assistant project manager for Georgia Power.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum connected the program directly to the city’s broader public safety efforts, arguing that youth investment is one of the strongest crime prevention tools available.
“When we attack youth crime in our city, we don’t attack it by handcuffs,” Schierbaum said. “If we’re at the point of handcuffs, we’re standing at the point of failure.”
The chief credited initiatives like SYEP with helping Atlanta continue reductions in violent crime, shootings, and homicides over recent years.
“This is what crime fighting looks like in Atlanta,” Schierbaum said. “This is where we invest in our young people to make sure we are creating citizens.”
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum – Photo by Milton Kirby
Fox Theatre CEO Allan C. Vella said the theater’s mission to “preserve and share” and “strengthen communities through theater” closely aligns with the city’s youth employment initiative.
The Fox has participated in the program for years by offering internships and professional development opportunities to students interested in arts and entertainment careers.
“When we create pathways for young people to succeed, we strengthen the future of our city,” Vella said.
The event concluded with employers signing formal pledges to support Atlanta youth this summer as city leaders encouraged additional businesses to participate.
Registration for Atlanta’s 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program remains open for both youth applicants and employer partners. Placements are expected to begin in June.
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Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles announces a June 30 resignation months after reelection, citing family priorities and closing a historic five‑term tenure as the city’s first Black female mayor.
By Milton Kirby | Charlotte, NC | May 11, 2026
Vi Lyles, the first Black woman ever elected mayor of Charlotte, will resign from office effective June 30, ending a historic political career that helped reshape leadership in one of America’s fastest‑growing cities.
The announcement comes only months after Lyles won reelection in 2025 by a wide margin a victory she celebrated as a mandate to continue expanding affordable housing, improving public safety, and investing in infrastructure. In July 2025, she told supporters, “Charlotte is a city of opportunity… there is still work to do and I’m ready to keep doing it.”
But on May 7, 2026, Lyles said her priorities had shifted.
“Serving as Charlotte’s mayor has been the honor of my life,” she said. “Now, it is time for the next phase of my life, to spend more time with my grandchildren and for someone new to lead us forward.”
Her resignation closes a remarkable public service career spanning more than three decades — one that began long before she stepped into the mayor’s office.
A Historic Rise: The 2017 Breakthrough
For many Charlotte residents, Lyles’ defining moment came on Election Day 2017.
That year, she defeated Republican City Council member Kenny Smith to become Charlotte’s first African American female mayor a milestone that carried deep symbolic weight in a Southern city still grappling with issues of race, growth, and representation.
Her victory came just one year after the 2016 police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, an event that sparked days of protest and placed Charlotte under national scrutiny. Against that backdrop, Lyles’ election represented both continuity and change a veteran administrator promising stability while breaking one of the city’s highest political barriers.
In her 2017 victory speech, she told supporters:
“You’ve proven that we are a city of opportunity and inclusiveness. You’ve proven a woman whose father didn’t graduate from high school can become this city’s first female African American mayor.”
It was a moment that signaled a new era in Charlotte politics.
A Tenure Defined by Growth, Equity, and Infrastructure
During her five terms, Charlotte experienced rapid population growth, major corporate relocations, and significant public investment. Lyles championed:
Affordable housing initiatives
Public transit expansion, including a voter‑approved sales tax for infrastructure
Racial equity programs
Violence prevention and public safety reforms
Fiscal stability and long‑term planning
She frequently described Charlotte as “a city of opportunity,” a theme that shaped her policy agenda and her public messaging.
“I am very proud of my record as mayor,” she said, “but I also firmly believe that true leadership includes knowing when it is time to let the next generation of leaders take over.”
A Sudden Transition and a City at a Crossroads
Under North Carolina law, the Charlotte City Council will appoint an interim mayor to serve the remainder of Lyles’ term. The appointee must be a Democrat and reside within Charlotte city limits, but does not have to be a current council member.
The process could trigger a broader reshuffling of city leadership. If a sitting council member is appointed mayor, the council must also fill that vacant seat.
Political speculation has already intensified:
Former Mayor Jennifer Roberts has publicly stated she feels “called” to serve as interim mayor and pledged not to run in 2027.
Councilmember Dante Anderson has urged the council to consider an outsider familiar with city government rather than selecting one of its own members.
At least five current council members are rumored to be considering mayoral campaigns in 2027.
Anderson, who grew up in Charlotte public housing, said she is not seeking the interim appointment but believes the city should choose someone who can “keep the seat warm” without influencing the 2027 race.
“There has already been some politics in play during this term,” she said.
Lyles, for her part, said she does not plan to endorse a successor immediately.
“As in all things politics, I am sure there will be speculation as to why I am making this decision now,” she said. “Simply put, I am going to spend time with my grandchildren.”
A Legacy That Will Shape Charlotte for Decades
At 73, Vi Lyles leaves office as one of the most consequential figures in modern Charlotte politics – a leader whose rise reflected the city’s changing demographics and whose tenure helped define its trajectory during a period of extraordinary growth.
Her imprint is visible across the city: in new housing developments, expanded transit plans, strengthened fiscal policy, and a renewed focus on equity.
And her 2017 breakthrough remains a defining moment in Charlotte’s civic identity – a reminder of what representation can mean in a city still evolving.
As Charlotte prepares for a new chapter, Lyles’ legacy endures: a symbol of opportunity, a steward of growth, and a leader who believed deeply in the city she served.
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A 30‑year sisterhood of praise dancers reflects on motherhood, faith, survival, and the unbreakable bond that carried them through aneurysms, loss, miracles, and life’s choreography.
A Mother’s Day Story of Seven Women, Thirty Years, and an Unbreakable Circle.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 10, 2026
For nearly three decades, seven women along with others who have been part of their journey have been moving in harmony, not just across the sanctuary floor but through the unpredictable choreography of life. What began as a praise dance ministry in their youth has become something far deeper: a sisterhood stitched together by motherhood, faith, and the kind of love that shows up when life hits hard.
When we sat down with them recently – Tracey, Shelly, Aundrea, Geraldine, Tonya, Cassandra, and Robyn the laughter came first. The kind that fills a room before anyone speaks. The kind that tells you these women have lived a lot of life together.
“It was a sisterhood from the beginning,” Tracey said, her voice warm with memory.
Shelly nodded. “We watched each other’s kids grow from infants to young adults graduating from college.”
Three decades of birthdays, recitals, heartbreaks, promotions, and prayers – all witnessed in real time.
Aundrea added that they had danced with many people over the years, but the seven women in the room had danced with each other the longest. Their bond wasn’t accidental. It was chosen, nurtured, and protected.
And then there was Geraldine, whose first introduction to Tracey was a playful smack on the butt.
Tracey didn’t think it was real. “Oh, it was real,” Geraldine said, and the room erupted.
The Storm That Tested Them
Their sisterhood has been tested, too – none more than in 2019, when Tonya’s life changed in an instant.
She remembers the moment vividly: “It felt like a sledgehammer hit me in the back of the head.”
It was an aneurysm. For three days, she went untreated. Her mother noticed she was lethargic. By the time she reached the hospital, she was close to death.
The women around her grew quiet as she spoke even after all these years, the memory still trembles.
Tonya gets chills thinking about how they rallied: They brought food. They brought money. They brought love. They brought themselves.
The consensus was that Cassandra was the most animated – the one who sprang into action, the one who refused to let fear win.
Shelly grew emotional recalling those days. Tonya’s sister acted as gatekeeper, limiting visitors. Shelly coped the only way she knew how: “I prayed. And I talked to her like she was right there in the house with me.”
It took Tonya two years to recover.
Tracey calls her “my Miracle Friend.” And the room agreed.
The Complex Choreography of Mothering
The women’s lives outside the sanctuary are as diverse as their personalities. Aundrea, who joined the ministry at just 17, is now 48 and navigating the beautiful, often chaotic waters of raising two daughters, Summer and Winter. She sees her own strength reflected in them one shy, one outgoing, both formidable.
Robyn, one of the youngest in the group, carries her own deep well of experience. She lost her father and husband three years ago, and her mother a few years before that. She is no stranger to grief, but she is also no stranger to testimony.
“I share my bad,” she said. Not for attention, but for healing. Then she quoted Revelation 12:11 because for her, scripture is not just comfort; it is instruction.
Yet, the path to motherhood wasn’t a straight line for everyone. Aundrea, now a successful corporate executive, speaks with raw honesty about the “private storms” she weathered, including five miscarriages. She recalls the harrowing experience of being at work, mentoring a subordinate, while physically enduring the loss of a pregnancy in real-time.
Her first instinct was to look inward, not upward.
Robyn gently added, “When you’re a believer, you trust God – and you question your own actions.”
It was a moment of shared understanding – the kind only Black women can articulate to each other without explanation.
Their answers were as varied as their personalities.
For Geraldine, motherhood is an extension of the sanctuary – it is a ministry. She views her children as a “stewardship,” a holy responsibility placed in her hands by God.
Shelly, the day is “just another day,” a reflection of her own mother’s humble approach to the holiday.
Cassandra sees it as a day of relaxation and reflection.
Robyn finds joy in in the simple observation of her children becoming the people they were destined to be.
When asked what she wishes someone had told her before she became a mother, Tracey smiled: “That I might experience some of the things I put my own mom through.”
And when the question of “Who’s the troublemaker?” came up, the answer was unanimous: Geraldine. No debate. No hesitation. Just laughter.
A Circle That Holds
Even when they aren’t in the same room, even for Aundrea, who admits she sometimes relies on social media to keep tabs on the group the thread remains taut. They have survived aneurysms, miscarriages, grief, and the exhausting beauty of raising children. They have lived their testimonies out loud, sometimes quoting scripture, sometimes letting the reference alone speak for itself — trusting that anyone who needs to look it up will find something meant just for them.
What began as a simple praise dance ministry has evolved into a sacred lifeline. On this Mother’s Day, Tracey, Shelly, Aundrea, Geraldine, Tonya, Cassandra, and Robyn remind us that motherhood isn’t just a biological destiny. It is a communal act. It is the story of the women who raise us, the women who raise our children with us, and the women who refuse to let go of our hands when the music stops. They are still in harmony. They are still in step. And they are still dancing.
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DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson outlines $4.7B infrastructure plan, housing initiatives, WRAP assistance program, and crime reductions as county addresses growth and affordability challenges.
By Milton Kirby | Doraville, GA | May 8, 2026
More than 800 business leaders, elected officials, and residents gathered at Assembly Studios on Thursday as Lorraine Cochran-Johnson delivered her annual State of the County address an event that underscored both the scale of DeKalb’s ambitions and the complexity of its challenges.
Hosted by the Council for Quality Growth in partnership with DeKalb County Government and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the annual address serves as a key forum connecting the county’s business community with public leadership and regional stakeholders.
Before taking the stage, Cochran-Johnson was introduced through a short, high-energy video inspired by the film Mission: Impossible, featuring the CEO and members of her cabinet as part of a team navigating challenges and “completing the mission” for DeKalb County. The presentation reinforced the administration’s message that progress is intentional, coordinated, and action-driven.
“You cannot build a thriving county on a failing system,”
Former DeKalb CEO Liane Levetan & Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin – Photo by Milton Kirby
Cochran-Johnson also paused to recognize the legacy of those who previously led the county, acknowledging former CEOs including Manuel Maloof, Liane Levetan, Vernon Jones, Burrell Ellis, Lee May, and Michael Thurmond—a moment that underscored continuity as the county charts its next phase.
In her remarks, Cochran-Johnson outlined an aggressive agenda centered on public safety, infrastructure, housing, and government reform while acknowledging the work ahead.
“We are not just reimagining what’s possible – we are delivering,” she said.
Crime Down as Public Safety Investments Expand
Comcast & CERM Teams – Photo by Milton Kirby
Public safety remains a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy.
DeKalb County has invested more than $30 million into crime prevention through its “Digital Shield Initiative,” which includes a Real-Time Crime Center, drone first responder program, and expanded camera integration.
According to the county:
Police staffing has increased more than 300 percent since Cochran-Johnson took office
Violent crime is down 11 percent
Overall crime has dropped 25 percent
The county has also focused resources on high-crime areas, often working in partnership with local businesses to deploy surveillance technology and targeted enforcement.
“Public safety affects economic development, property values, and quality of life,” Cochran-Johnson said.
Historic $4.7 Billion Infrastructure Investment
The CEO announced a $4.7 billion water infrastructure plan—the largest in county history—aimed at addressing years of underinvestment.
Imani Barnes GA House District 86 – Photo by Milton Kirby
Cochran-Johnson acknowledged that raising water rates to fund improvements was a difficult but necessary decision.
“You cannot build a thriving county on a failing system,” she said.
To support residents, the county launched the Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, providing relief to households struggling with rising water costs. The county also conducted outreach to more than 250,000 residents.
Officials say the investment will stabilize the system while supporting long-term growth.
Housing Crisis Drives New Policy Direction
Housing affordability has emerged as one of the most urgent challenges facing the county.
A study cited during the address found that a minimum-wage worker in metro Atlanta would need to work 140 hours per week to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
In response, DeKalb County has elevated housing as a central policy priority under Dr. Alan Ferguson Sr., the county’s first Chief Housing Officer.
Key initiatives include:
Expansion and preservation of affordable housing
Activation of underutilized land
Programs to prevent displacement and homelessness
Through a partnership with Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, the county has processed more than 7,000 applications and helped create over 900 new homeowners.
Additional actions include:
A 400-bed emergency shelter
A 60-unit rapid housing initiative
In July 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved an $8 million investment to secure 60 units at the Park 500 apartment complex, expanding the county’s capacity to provide stable housing.
“Housing will not be an afterthought in DeKalb County,” Cochran-Johnson said.
Economic Development Focused on Equity
County leaders say economic development must reach every part of DeKalb not just high-performing areas.
Former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond & Dr Alieka Anderson-Henry, Chairwoman Clayton County Board of Commissioners – Photo by Milton Kirby
Recent actions include:
Strategic purchase of county property at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur, now serving as a central government and tax operations hub
Investment in key redevelopment corridors
Support for mixed-use projects like Kensington Crossing
The acquisition of the Memorial Drive site marks a shift toward long-term asset ownership after decades of leasing, positioning the county to shape future development along a key corridor.
Cochran-Johnson emphasized that DeKalb’s assets including a strong workforce, proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and the presence of DeKalb-Peachtree Airport one of the nation’s busiest general aviation airports along with nine colleges and universities, position the county for continued growth.
Blight Removal and Quality of Life Improvements
Efforts to improve neighborhood conditions are accelerating.
The county reports:
More than 30,000 illegally dumped tires removed
Over 240 blighted properties demolished
Expanded code enforcement operations, now averaging more than 200 cases per month
Road resurfacing, park investments, and extended library hours are also part of broader quality-of-life improvements.
Modernizing Government Operations
Cochran-Johnson said internal reform is critical to sustaining progress.
The county has:
Conducted a comprehensive operational assessment
Implemented performance dashboards across departments
Invested in upgraded 911 systems and enterprise technology
Officials also rebuilt the county’s website, eliminating more than 14,000 outdated pages to improve accessibility and transparency.
“You cannot deliver exceptional results without strong systems,” she said.
What Stakeholders Want Next
DeKalb Chamber Board Member Glenn Wallace – Photo by Milton Kirby
While many attendees expressed support for the county’s direction, conversations at the event revealed areas where residents and stakeholders want more clarity.
Glenn Wallace, a business stakeholder, said small business growth and homelessness remain top concerns.
“I would like to hear more about how we’re going to help small businesses,” Wallace said.
Other attendees pointed to emerging issues such as data center development and infrastructure.
Herb McCoy, a DeKalb resident and former library board member, said he wants a clearer understanding of those developments.
“I’d like to get a better sense of where the county stands,” McCoy said.
At the same time, McCoy expressed confidence in the CEO’s leadership.
“She showed up to practically every board meeting,” he said. “I think we’re in good hands right now.”
Residents Express Cautious Optimism
Among residents, the tone was largely supportive but measured.
Dorothy Anderson, a longtime DeKalb County resident, said she has seen progress but understands the timeline required for change.
“I believe in what she’s done and what she says she’s going to do,” Anderson said. “I know it can’t all be done in one day, but I see her making steps forward.”
She also pointed to the importance of community engagement moving forward.
“People have got to get out there,” she said.
A County in Transition
The address made clear that DeKalb County is actively reshaping its future through investment, policy shifts, and structural reform.
But it also highlighted a central reality: progress is uneven, and the success of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by how broadly they are felt.
“We are not waiting for what’s possible,” Cochran-Johnson said. “We are building it.”
Louisiana Republicans eliminate an elected clerk position days before Calvin Duncan takes office, raising concerns over voter disenfranchisement and judicial restructuring
By Sara Cline and Jack Brook | Baton Rouge, LA & New Orleans, LA | May 3, 2026
Louisiana Republicans eliminated an elected position days before an exonerated man who overwhelmingly won the New Orleans-based clerk seat was set to take office.
Republican Gov. Jeff Landry on Thursday quietly signed into law legislation abolishing the long-standing Orleans Parish clerk of criminal court position, according to Louisiana Secretary of State spokesperson Trey Williams.
Republicans say wiping away the office is a consolidation effort meant to make the local judicial system more efficient and cut costs. But Democrats condemn the change as government overreach, arguing that it infringes on a predominantly Black parish’s decision at the polls.
Calvin Duncan, who spent nearly 30 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, easily won election to the criminal court clerk position in November, beating the incumbent and earning more than two-thirds of the vote. He had been set to take office Monday and has asked a federal judge to allow him to take office as scheduled.
“It’s a sad thing to see the state government repeating what happened to Black public officials during Reconstruction,” Duncan said. “They will do what they do, and I will do whatever I have to do to vindicate the voters of New Orleans and make sure that what happened to me never happens to anybody else.”
Landry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Duncan, a Democrat whose murder conviction was vacated in 2021 after evidence emerged that police officers lied in court, has vowed to help fix the system that once failed him.
Duncan, 63, and his supporters say he is being targeted by the most powerful Republicans in the state, including those who have denied his innocence, even though Duncan’s name is listed on the National Registry of Exonerations.
“We’re doing something because powerful people don’t like him,” Rep. Mandie Landry, a New Orleans Democrat, told lawmakers during a legislative committee hearing in April. Landry, who is not related to the governor, described the Republican efforts as “atrocious” and worries what they could mean for other elected positions in the state.
Law consolidates two court clerk positions
Republicans say the legislation consolidates the civil and criminal court clerks’ offices in Orleans Parish, putting it in line with all other parishes in the state, which have a single clerk’s office. The civil clerk position would remain and absorb the criminal clerk’s role.
Eliminating the clerk position saves the state about $27,000 and the city $233,000, according to the office of the legislative auditor, which added that the long-term costs of consolidation are “unknown.” The legislation also shifts about $1.17 million in state expenditures to the parish. The civil and criminal court clerks have separate physical offices and different case management systems.
The governor told the Associated Press that eliminating Duncan’s elected office was about improving government efficiency and “cleaning up a system in Orleans Parish that has been plagued by dysfunction and corruption for years.”
The consolidation is part of a broader GOP effort during the ongoing legislative session to overhaul the judiciary in New Orleans — including bills that propose abolishing several other elected judicial positions in the parish. However, those jobs would be eliminated further down the line, allowing officials to serve out their terms.
The bill’s Republican author, Sen. Jay Morris, who represents a district several hours from New Orleans, said the goal was to implement the clerk consolidation before Duncan takes office, preventing him from starting a four-year term. Morris acknowledged that he expects lawsuits to be filed because of this law but believes the change to be constitutional.
“It’s unfortunate for Mr. Duncan, I concede that,” Morris told lawmakers in April. “He seems very nice, but we don’t make policy around here for just one person.”
Key takeaways
Election Overturned: Republican Gov. Jeff Landry signed a law eliminating the Orleans Parish criminal court clerk position just days before Calvin Duncan, an exonerated Democrat, was set to assume office.
Consolidation & Cost: The law merges civil and criminal clerk offices, aiming to cut costs ($27,000 state, $233,000 city) and improve efficiency, though long-term savings are uncertain.
Voter Concerns: Critics argue the move disenfranchises voters, undermining the will of a predominantly Black electorate that elected Duncan with 68% of the vote.
Concerns of disenfranchisement
Although conversations have revolved around Duncan, many also raise concerns about how the change potentially could disenfranchise voters — a heightened worry in a deeply red state that has been central to efforts to weaken the Voting Rights Act, including the case at issue in a landmark Supreme Court ruling last week. Orleans Parish is a Democratic hub with a predominantly Black electorate.
“Mr. Duncan was elected by 68% of the vote in a city that’s majority African American. This is the will of the people, and what your bill attempts to do is usurp the will of the people,” Rep. Edmond Jordan, a Democrat, told Morris.
Well before the legislation reached the governor’s desk, Duncan said he could see the writing on the wall. Ahead of the outcome, Duncan’s advocates held a ceremonial swearing-in for him. Hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the Orleans Parish criminal courthouse to support him.
Duncan told lawmakers that along the campaign trail last year, he spoke with many people who told him they typically abstain from voting in elections. “Now, this bill tells people exactly what they had believed — that their vote doesn’t count,” he said.
Cline and Brook write for the Associated Press and reported from Baton Rouge, La., and New Orleans, respectively.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Georgia Insurance Commissioner candidate pushes reforms to end credit-based premiums, strengthen consumer protections, and hold insurers accountable while promoting fairness and transparency statewide.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | May 2, 2026
DeAndre Mathis, candidate for Georgia Insurance Commissioner is building his campaign around a simple but forceful message: the system is not working for everyday policyholders and it needs to change.
Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Mathis is calling for sweeping reforms aimed at transparency, fairness, and consumer protection. His platform focuses on eliminating what he describes as systemic inequities in how insurance rates are determined, while restoring accountability to both insurers and the regulatory office itself.
At the core of his campaign is a push to end the use of credit scores in determining insurance premiums. He argues that credit-based pricing unfairly penalizes working families, particularly those in historically underserved communities.
“Your premiums should be based on your safety record, not your bank account or ZIP code,” he said, framing the issue as a form of “modern-day redlining.”
Mathis also plans to prioritize enforcement against what he calls “bad faith” practices within the insurance industry. He says the current system too often targets individual policyholders for minor infractions while failing to hold large insurance companies accountable.
“The office should work for the people, not just the providers,” he said, emphasizing the need to rebalance the role of the Insurance Commissioner toward consumer advocacy.
Another key component of his platform is increasing oversight of mutual insurance companies—firms that are technically owned by their policyholders. He argues that many of these companies are not operating in the best interest of those stakeholders, particularly when it comes to sharing profits.
“If companies are profitable, those gains belong to the policyholders—not just executives,” he said.
Beyond financial reforms, Mathis is also highlighting public safety concerns tied to insurance regulation. His campaign includes proposals to modernize fire safety standards across the state, particularly for multi-family housing and high-rise developments. He points to gaps in statewide fire code enforcement as a risk to both urban and rural communities.
“Safety is more than a policy—it’s prevention,” he said, adding that rural fire departments and emergency infrastructure need stronger support.
The campaign’s broader message is rooted in a belief that the Insurance Commissioner’s office has lost critical authority over time. Mathis has pledged to push for legislative changes that would restore regulatory power, including greater oversight of rate increases.
He also plans to use existing enforcement tools—such as fines and investigations—more aggressively, arguing that consistent oversight can deter unfair practices even before new laws are passed.
As the race develops, DeAndre Mathis positions himself as both an industry insider and a reformer—someone who understands the system from within but is willing to challenge it.
“Our priorities are about fairness,” he said. “That means putting people first.”
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MARTA riders must switch to the Better Breeze system by May 2 as new fare gates close, ending old cards and introducing tap-to-pay options.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | May 1, 2026
MARTA and its regional transit partners are entering a major transition this weekend as the new Better Breeze fare payment system becomes the standard across the network.
Riders on MARTA, ATL Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas, and Ride Gwinnett must switch to the updated system by Saturday, May 2, when new fare gates begin closing and fare payment becomes mandatory.
The rollout marks MARTA’s largest fare technology upgrade in more than a decade.
Installation is still underway at many stations, prompting MARTA to leave older fare gates open temporarily to maintain access. However, the agency stresses that open gates do not mean free rides. Beginning May 2, all riders must pay using one of the newly approved methods.
Old Breeze cards, paper tickets, and the Breeze Mobile 2.0 app will no longer be accepted.
At stations where construction is ongoing, older fare gates may remain open, but riders should not interpret this as free entry. Fare payment is still required.
New Ways to Pay
MARTA West End – patrons buying Better Breeze fare – Photo by Milton Kirby
The Better Breeze system introduces several payment options designed to speed up boarding and reduce wait times:
Tap-enabled bank cards – Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover can be tapped directly at faregates and validators
Mobile wallets Riders can tap smartphones or smartwatches linked to a bank card
New orange Breeze cards – available at ticket vending machines, Ride Stores, the new Breeze Mobile app, and breezecard.com
Virtual Breeze cards – available in Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet, with Apple Wallet support expected soon
Cash remains an option with limitations. Riders may use cash at ticket vending machines and Ride Stores to purchase cards or tickets. On buses, cash is accepted for one-way fares only and does not include transfers.
Where to Get the New Breeze Cards
Beginning May 2, new ticket vending machines will be active at major stations including Airport, Buckhead, Civic Center, Doraville, East Point, Georgia State, H.E. Holmes, Kensington, Lenox, Lindbergh, Midtown, North Springs, Sandy Springs, Vine City, and West End. Additional machines are being installed daily.
Cards may also be purchased online at breezecard.com or at MARTA Ride Stores located at Airport and Sandy Springs stations.
Specialty cards including Reduced Fare and Mobility cards are being mailed to certified customers. Riders who have not received theirs may visit the Reduced Fare office at MARTA headquarters during extended hours from May 2 through May 7.
What Riders Need to Know About Fare Gates
New fare gates across the system will begin closing on May 2.
At stations still under construction, older gates may remain open. MARTA emphasizes that riders must still pay using one of the new payment methods, regardless of gate status.
Transit ambassadors and signage will be available systemwide to assist riders during the transition.
MARTA King Memorial – Crew installing Better Breeze dispensers
Transferring Old Breeze Balances
Riders with unused balances on old Breeze cards will be able to transfer funds to a new, registered account beginning May 5.
The transfer window will remain open through October 30. MARTA says detailed instructions will be released in the coming days.
Staying Connected
MARTA encourages riders to stay informed through:
Official website and Better Breeze information hub
breezecard.com
Social media: @MARTAservice and @MARTAtransit
Customer service: 404-848-5000
Instructional “how-to” videos available in English and Spanish
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The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo expands its legacy of community care through a new partnership with Guardant Health, bringing life‑saving colorectal cancer screening and education directly to Black communities.
Riding for Our Lives: How the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Is Expanding Its Legacy of Community Care Through a New Partnership With Guardant Health
By Milton Kirby | Memphis, TN | May 1, 2026
For forty‑two years, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) has been more than a showcase of Black cowboy excellence. It has been a cultural institution, a traveling classroom, a family reunion, and a lifeline — a place where heritage is preserved, children are affirmed, and communities gather to celebrate themselves. Long before “community engagement” became a corporate buzzword, BPIR was already doing the work: educating youth, supporting families, creating safe spaces, and showing up in cities where resources were thin but hope was abundant.
That legacy continues today through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF), whose mission is rooted in value‑driven philanthropy and whose vision is clear: preserving heritage, empowering communities, and inspiring generations. Since 1987, the Foundation has delivered health and wellness programs, STEM initiatives, scholarships, senior support, emotional‑intelligence workshops, and anti‑violence education across the country. Its values, generosity, compassion, empathy, equity, inclusion — are not slogans. They are the operating system.
So, when BPIR announced a new partnership with Guardant Health, a trusted leader in blood-based cancer tests for more than a decade, as part of its “Riding Across America for Community Health” initiative, it wasn’t a pivot. It was a continuation. It was BPIR doing what BPIR has always done: meeting the community where it is and bringing life‑saving information directly to the people who need it most.
The Heartbeat of the Mission: Rodeo for Kidz Sake
If you want to understand BPIR’s soul, you start with the children.
The Rodeo for Kidz Sake (RFKS) program is one of the most powerful expressions of BPIR’s values, an immersive, educational, joy‑filled introduction to Black cowboys and cowgirls, Western history, and the “cowboy mystique” that shapes childhood imagination. For many inner‑city students, RFKS is their first time seeing a horse up close, touching an animal, or witnessing Black excellence in a space they never knew belonged to them.
On Friday, April 10, nearly 4,000 students filled the AgriCenter Showplace Arena in Memphis. They laughed, learned, asked questions, and saw themselves reflected in a history that has too often been erased. RFKS events now take place in Denver, Memphis, and Washington, D.C./Maryland and for many children, the experience is life‑changing.
Photo by Milton Kirby – For Kidz Sake
Margo Wade‑LaDrew, National Development / Sponsorship Director told me this as cowboys and cowgirls streamed past us, moving through the lines to enter the arena for Saturday night’s show a reminder that BPIR’s commitment to community isn’t theoretical. It lives in the dust, the boots, the laughter, and the anticipation of families gathering for a night of culture and competition.
“The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is committed to empowering and uplifting communities across the country through dynamic outreach initiatives. We focus on promoting health, education, emotional intelligence, life skills, career development, anti‑bullying, and anti‑violence awareness,” she said. “This new partnership with Guardant Health is in total alignment with that legacy.”
RFKS is the heartbeat of that commitment — a reminder that BPIR’s work is not just about preserving the past, but preparing the next generation to thrive.
A Longstanding Commitment to Health and Healing
BPIRF’s health outreach didn’t begin with Guardant Health. For years, the Foundation has delivered timely education on:
COVID‑19 and flu vaccination
Domestic and community violence prevention
Anti‑bullying and emotional intelligence
Mental health and suicide prevention
Breast cancer, prostate health, diabetes, and high blood pressure
Through partnerships with Anti‑Violence Ventures and the Black Beauty & Wellness Foundation, BPIRF has created safe spaces for emotional expression, healing, and empowerment — reaching both men and women with culturally grounded resources.
This is the context that makes the Guardant partnership meaningful. BPIR wasn’t looking for a sponsor. It was looking for alignment. And it found it.
The Crisis: Colorectal Cancer in Black America
Colorectal cancer is the second‑leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Guardant Shield
For Black Americans, the burden is even heavier:
20% higher incidence
40% higher mortality
More likely to be diagnosed at a younger age
More likely to be diagnosed at a later stage
The difference between early and late detection is staggering:
91% survival when caught early
13% survival when caught late
We don’t fully understand why colorectal cancer behaves more aggressively in Black patients. But we do know this: early detection saves lives.
And that is where Guardant Health enters the story.
Shield Across America: Innovation Meets the Arena
On April 11, 2026, the Guardant Health mobile colon cancer screening education tour bus rolled into Memphis to join BPIR’s tour stop, marking a milestone in the “Riding Across America for Community Health” initiative. The bus is part of Shield Across America, a nationwide effort to expand access to colorectal cancer screening and education about Shield, the first and only test FDA‑approved as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer for average‑risk adults 45 and older.
Shield is:
non‑invasive
accessible
covered by Medicare, and the VA Community Care Network
designed to meet people where they are
For communities facing systemic barriers to healthcare including Black Americans this partnership is more than symbolic. It is lifesaving.
Courtesy photo – Sam Asgarian, Guardant Health’s vice president of clinical development for screening
The Science Behind Shield: A Conversation With Dr. Sam Asgarian
To understand the test’s impact, I spoke with Dr. Sam Asgarian, Guardant Health’s vice president of clinical development for screening. He explained that Shield’s FDA approval was built on one of the largest colorectal cancer screening studies ever conducted.
In 2019, Guardant launched the ECLIPSE Study, enrolling more than 20,000 Americans across the country. The goal was not just size – it was representation.
“We made sure the study matched the demographics of the United States,” Asgarian said. “Not just white participants, not just white and Black participants — but a true reflection of the country.”
The results were strong:
83% detection ratefor colorectal cancers
10% false‑positive rate
Consistent performance across ethnicities
For Black families who have historically been excluded from clinical trials, this matters.
Cost, Coverage, and the Reality of Access
Eligible Medicare Part B or Fee for Service (FFS) patients will have $0 out-of-pocket cost for the Shield test. Medicare Advantage patients may be subject to co-pays, co-insurances and deductibles, depending on their specific plan. Veterans have zero copay through VA Community Care.
Coverage varies depending on private insurance.
But here’s where Guardant does something unusual: They don’t leave patients to navigate the insurance maze alone.
“Every time a test is ordered, we reach out to patients,” Asgarian said. “We tell them what we think their coverage will be. We work with insurance companies. We help with financial assistance. We don’t want people going through that alone.”
As someone who has had two colonoscopies myself, I asked whether people like me could switch to the blood test going forward.
“It’s entirely up to you and your physician,” he said. “You have options now.”
Optionality saves lives.
Memphis: What Happened on the Ground
The Shield Across America tour launched in Las Vegas in March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Since then, it has made several stops across the country navigating festivals, charity walks, and any event with enough space to park a 45‑foot mobile lab. The BPIR was a natural partnership for the tour.
Outside the arena, I saw a steady flow of people approaching the Shield Across America. Inside, Guardant had a table set up for conversations, questions, and education. I didn’t see the table myself — I was photographing from the opposite side of the arena — but the team reported strong engagement.
Even a few hundred screenings can shift outcomes in a community.
Looking Ahead: Atlanta and Beyond
When I asked about the next stop, Asgarian said the team was still finalizing the Atlanta layout, but that the latest information could be found at ShieldCancerScreen.com.
BPIR is uniquely positioned to make this work. The rodeo is already a family event. Adding health engagement to the pre‑show atmosphere is a natural fit.
This is not a one‑off partnership. It is the beginning of a sustained health equity effort.
The Human Barrier: Fear, Anxiety, and Avoidance
Asgarian said something that stayed with me:
“People aren’t avoiding screening because they don’t care. They’re afraid. They’ve had bad experiences. They don’t trust the system. They don’t know what’s available.”
This is why meeting people at the rodeo matters. When people are in a space they love — surrounded by culture, joy, and community — they are more open to engaging with healthcare.
BPIR becomes the bridge between fear and action.
The Role of Trusted Media
When I asked what Truth Seekers Journal could do to strengthen the partnership, Asgarian didn’t hesitate:
“There’s so much noise in the world. Breakthroughs get drowned out. When people hear about this from a trusted source — your publication — it means more. It pushes them to act.”
That is the responsibility of Black media: to amplify what saves us, not just what threatens us.
Colorectal cancer is the second‑leading cancer killer. But unlike many cancers, early detection changes everything.
This is breakthrough technology. This is life‑saving access. This is information our community deserves.
Closing: Riding for Our Lives
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has always been about more than competition. It is about culture, community, and care. It is about honoring the past while protecting the future. It is about showing up; for children, for families, for elders, for each other.
Now, through its partnership with Guardant Health, BPIR is riding for something even deeper: our lives.
Preserving heritage. Empowering communities. Inspiring generations. Protecting futures. One family, one child, one screening, one city at a time.
Atlanta proposes stronger blight tax law, increasing penalties on neglected properties up to 25 times, aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and hold absentee property owners accountable.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 30, 2026
The administration of Andre Dickens has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening Atlanta’s fight against blighted properties, expanding enforcement tools and increasing pressure on negligent property owners across the city.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Atlanta City Councilmember Byron D. Amos, builds on the city’s existing “blight tax,” formally known as the community redevelopment ad valorem tax. The measure is part of the mayor’s broader Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, which seeks to reverse long-standing disinvestment in Atlanta communities.
Under current law, properties deemed blighted—based on criteria outlined in O.C.G.A. 22-1-1—can face steep financial penalties. The updated legislation strengthens that framework, allowing the city to more aggressively apply a tax increase of up to 25 times the standard rate on qualifying vacant properties.
“Neglected properties drain the vitality from our neighborhoods,” Dickens said in a statement. “This legislation sends a clear message: if you own property in Atlanta, you have a responsibility to maintain it.”
City leaders say blighted properties often trigger a ripple effect in surrounding communities, lowering home values, attracting crime, and increasing strain on public services. The enhanced legislation aims to interrupt that cycle by accelerating enforcement and expanding accountability.
Amos emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that many residents have endured deteriorating properties for years. “Let this legislation be a message to delinquent property owners throughout the City that their behavior will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
The strengthened blight tax is one of several legal tools available to the city. Officials say it will be used alongside judicial in rem actions, nuisance prosecutions, condemnation authority, and traditional code enforcement measures.
Raines Carter, who serves as the city’s designated Public Officer for blight enforcement, said the city plans to focus on the most severe cases. Once a property is officially designated as blighted, owners are given a limited window to correct violations before the increased tax penalty takes effect.
“The City will strategically deploy the blight tax and all other remedies available to hold delinquent property owners responsible,” Carter said, urging residents to report problem properties through Atlanta’s 311 system.
The legislation follows the Atlanta City Council’s 2024 passage of Ordinance 24-O-1370, which authorized the initial use of the blight tax and set the groundwork for implementation. Since then, multiple city departments have coordinated to develop enforcement procedures and identify eligible properties.
City officials say they will monitor the program’s outcomes during its first year, with plans to refine and potentially expand enforcement to additional neighborhoods. The move signals a more aggressive posture by Atlanta leaders in addressing blight—one that combines financial penalties with legal enforcement in an effort to stabilize communities and restore long-neglected areas.
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Atlanta proposes a Downtown Enterprise Zone to capture World Cup revenue, funding affordable housing and small businesses while accelerating long-term revitalization efforts in the city’s core.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 23, 2026
Mayor Andre Dickens has introduced legislation to establish a new Downtown Enterprise Zone, a move city leaders say will channel the economic surge expected from the FIFA World Cup 2026 into long-term investment for housing, small businesses, and neighborhood revitalization.
The proposed zone, part of the mayor’s broader Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, is designed to transform a key section of Downtown Atlanta into a reinvestment engine—capturing revenue generated during major global events and redirecting it into community development.
“As part of our Administration’s unwavering commitment to changing generational outcomes for Atlantans, we are using every tool at our disposal to bring investment to high opportunity areas like Downtown,” Dickens said in the announcement. “The new Downtown Enterprise Zone will strategically harness the revenue and momentum of the World Cup events to create investment for new affordable housing and small businesses.”
Targeted Area, Strategic Timing
The Enterprise Zone would cover nearly 30 acres of Downtown, bounded roughly by Marietta Street NW, Peachtree Street SW, Trinity Avenue SW, and Ted Turner Drive/Forsyth Street SW. The designation is being coordinated with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which oversees such economic development zones.
City officials say the timing is intentional. With Atlanta set to host matches during the 2026 World Cup, leaders are looking to ensure that the influx of visitors and spending produces benefits that extend beyond the event itself.
Under the proposal, the city could capture up to 5% of gross sales from qualifying businesses within the zone. Those funds would then be reinvested into local projects, including affordable housing initiatives and support for small, locally owned businesses.
A Piece of a Larger Strategy
Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier, whose district includes Downtown, emphasized that the Enterprise Zone is one part of a broader redevelopment effort.
“The timing of this legislation is no accident,” Dozier said. “No single policy is a panacea, and this initiative is one part of a broader, coordinated effort to help Downtown Atlanta live up to its fullest potential as a neighborhood, as a community and as a destination.”
Dozier added that the goal is to convert short-term economic activity into “lasting benefits and sustained momentum” for both residents and businesses.
Private Investment Already Underway
The success of the Enterprise Zone will depend heavily on the number of participating businesses and their economic activity. Increasing the number of viable businesses in the district is seen as critical.
That effort is already underway in parts of Downtown, particularly in South Downtown (SoDo), where David Cummings and his firm Atlanta Ventures are leading a large-scale redevelopment.
Cummings’ company controls a 58-building portfolio of historic mixed-use properties and is focused on attracting small, local retailers. Five businesses have already opened, with 11 more expected by June 2026—including a new location of El Tesoro.
“This Enterprise Zone ensures that as the district grows, we are simultaneously investing in the affordable housing and small businesses needed to support that growth,” Cummings said.
Why This Matters
The proposed Enterprise Zone reflects a growing trend among cities hosting global events: using short-term tourism spikes as catalysts for long-term urban investment. For Atlanta, the stakes are particularly high as leaders seek to reshape Downtown into a more livable, economically inclusive neighborhood.
If approved, the legislation could create a model for how major events like the World Cup can be leveraged not just for visibility, but for sustained economic impact—especially in areas that have long struggled to balance development with affordability.
MARTA riders must switch to the new Better Breeze fare system by May 2, 2026, as old Breeze cards and apps are phased out.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 22, 2026
Riders across metro Atlanta’s transit network are approaching a firm deadline to transition to a new fare payment system, as Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority officials confirm that all customers must convert to the “Better Breeze” system by May 2, 2026.
The upgrade affects not only MARTA riders but also customers using regional transit partners, including ATL Xpress, CobbLinc, Connect Douglas, and Ride Gwinnett.
Transit officials say the new system is already live, with installation of updated fare equipment ongoing. For now, station gates remain open during the transition period—but that grace window will close May 2, when new faregates activate and payment will be required to ride.
What Riders Need to Know
Under the Better Breeze system, riders must use one of the following payment methods:
Better Breeze Card – Courtesy MARTA
A new orange Breeze card
A major bank card
A mobile wallet
New Breeze cards are available at ticket vending machines in select stations, MARTA Ride Stores, and online through Breezecard.com. Riders who qualify for reduced fares or mobility programs will automatically receive new cards by mail, while institutional cards are being distributed through employers, schools, and partner organizations.
Cash will still be accepted on local bus routes—with important limitations. Riders must provide exact change, will receive no transfers, and cannot load cash onto Breeze cards while on the bus. Cash is also not accepted onboard the Rapid A-Line.
What Will No Longer Work
Beginning May 2, several familiar options will be phased out:
Old Breeze cards
Breeze Mobile 2.0 app
The new BreezeMobile app for fare payment (it is currently for account management only)
Officials emphasize that while the new app exists, riders must still use a physical card or bank/mobile payment for now.
What Happens to Existing Balances
MARTA is assuring customers that unused balances will not be lost. Riders who register their new Breeze accounts will be able to transfer funds from old accounts between May 5 and October 30, 2026.
What’s Coming Next
The agency says additional improvements are on the way, including:
Virtual Breeze cards stored in mobile wallets
Retail availability of Breeze cards
New onboard cash fareboxes
Why It Matters
The Better Breeze rollout represents one of the most significant fare system upgrades in MARTA’s history, aligning Atlanta with other major transit systems that have shifted toward contactless payments.
But the transition also raises practical concerns—especially for riders who rely on cash or may not yet have access to updated cards. With the May 2 deadline approaching, transit officials are urging riders to act now to avoid disruptions.
Customers can find more information, including instructional videos in English and Spanish, through MARTA’s website, social media channels, or customer service line.
Grambling State University names Fawn Weaver as Spring 2026 commencement speaker, highlighting entrepreneurship, leadership, and the achievements of graduates across diverse academic programs.
By Milton Kirby | Grambling, LA | April 22, 2026
Grambling State University has announced that entrepreneur, author, and business leader Fawn Weaver will deliver the keynote address at its Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises.
The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, where graduates from across the university’s academic programs will gather to mark the culmination of their studies.
University President Martin Lemelle Jr. called commencement a defining moment for students and families, emphasizing both achievement and future promise.
“Commencement is a proud moment for Grambling State University—an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievement, resilience, and promise of our graduates,” Lemelle said. “We are honored to welcome Ms. Weaver, whose leadership, entrepreneurship, and commitment to purpose reflect the excellence we seek to cultivate in every Grambling State graduate.”
Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Inc., leads one of the fastest-growing independent whiskey brands in the country. Through her work, she has also elevated the legacy of Nathan Green, widely recognized as the first known African American master distiller.
Beyond her role in the spirits industry, Weaver is a two-time New York Times best-selling author, a popular TED speaker, and a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building brands. Her credentials include certification as a Corporate Director from Harvard Business School, a summa cum laude degree from the University of Alabama, and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Bluefield State University. She is also currently pursuing a Master of Finance at Harvard Business School.
Her selection as commencement speaker places a nationally recognized business voice before graduates at one of the nation’s most storied historically Black colleges and universities, reinforcing the institution’s focus on leadership, innovation, and purpose-driven careers.
A Celebration of Academic Excellence
The Spring 2026 graduating class will include students earning degrees across multiple disciplines:
Graduate programs will confer doctoral and master’s degrees in fields ranging from education and public administration to criminal justice, nursing, and social work.
Undergraduate degrees will span the College of Arts and Sciences, including biology, computer science, cybersecurity, mathematics, and political science, alongside programs in music, theatre, and English.
The Thomas and Joyce Moorehead College of Business and Entrepreneurship will award degrees in accounting, management, marketing, economics, and information systems, while the College of Education and College of Professional Studies will recognize graduates in teaching, kinesiology, mass communications, psychology, and related fields.
University officials say the ceremony will reflect not only academic achievement, but also perseverance—an especially meaningful theme for a graduating class shaped by rapid change in higher education and the broader economy.
Additional information about the Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises is available through the university’s official website.
Before Georgia’s gubernatorial forum, limited campaign access raises deeper questions about civic inclusion, political responsiveness, and whether all voices—not just the loudest—are heard.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | April 20, 2026
In a crowded election cycle, campaigns move fast, rhetoric moves faster, and the public is left to sort out which voices matter in the noise. Yet beneath the stump speeches and policy one‑pagers lies a quieter truth about how power circulates in Georgia politics: not every voice gets the same doorway in.
The Truth Seekers Journal reached out to multiple Democratic gubernatorial campaigns on March 30, 2026, requesting interviews ahead of Thursday’s candidates forum. Several campaigns acknowledged the requests and offered courteous replies. Few moved beyond that initial exchange. One campaign engaged with follow‑up questions but did not provide a confirmed interview date. (This piece focuses on the Democratic field because those were the campaigns contacted for pre‑forum interviews.)
Community‑based outlets, small publications, and rural storytellers often find themselves waiting at the edges of the conversation—not because their questions lack substance, but because their platforms lack volume. In the days leading up to the forum, that imbalance revealed itself in familiar ways: delayed replies, incomplete follow‑through, and the quiet silence that settles in when campaigns prioritize the largest microphones first.
A Familiar Pattern Before the Forum
In the days leading up to the event, a pattern emerged, subtle, but consistent. Campaigns were responsive, but not fully accessible. Communication was polite, but rarely actionable. Threads opened, then thinned.
For community‑based outlets, this rhythm is not new. It reflects the soft architecture of political communication in a state where visibility often determines access, and access often determines influence.
Why This Matters for Georgia Voters
For Georgia voter, especially those in rural counties, small towns, and communities historically overlooked by statewide power this pattern carries weight.
If campaigns struggle to engage consistently with smaller media during an election, what does that suggest about how they might engage with everyday residents once in office?
The question is not about press access. It is about civic access.
It is about whether the next governor will hear from people who lack institutional reach—those without large platforms, without political machinery, without the amplification that often determines whose concerns are prioritized.
As the Forum Approaches
By the time the candidates step onto the stage Thursday evening, the contrast between public performance and private patterns of communication will be difficult to ignore.
Moderated by Maya T. Prabhu and structured as a nonpartisan forum with both Democratic and Republican candidates invited, the event will bring together a wide cross‑section of Georgia’s political voices in a single space. The auditorium will fill with the low hum of conversations, campaign stickers, and the anticipation that comes with a rare gathering of statewide contenders.
The room will buzz with applause lines, policy contrasts, and the choreography of a statewide race. Yet beneath the lights, a deeper question will linger: whose voices will carry beyond the microphones?
The forum offers a moment where every candidate must face the same room, the same questions, and the same citizens, a moment where accessibility can be observed, not merely promised.
Two Questions That Cut to the Heart of Governance
Against that backdrop, two questions rise naturally from weeks of observation—questions not about campaign tactics, but about governance, listening, and the structure of power.
The first asks candidates to confront the reality that many Georgians, including community‑based storytellers and smaller civic groups, struggle to be heard:
“Many community‑based outlets and smaller publications often struggle to get timely responses from campaigns. If elected, how will you ensure that everyday Georgians, including those without large platforms or loud voices are heard, respected, and included in your decision‑making?”
The second widens the lens:
“Georgia is a state with urban, rural, and often overlooked communities. If elected, how will you ensure that your administration actively seeks out and listens to voices that don’t traditionally have political influence including small towns, grassroots groups, and residents who feel disconnected from state government?”
Together, these questions are not designed to challenge candidates on stage alone, but to reveal how they might listen once the stage is gone.
The Measure of Leadership Is Who Gets Heard
Elections are full of promises about jobs, lower taxes, schools, safety, infrastructure, and the future of the state. But beneath every policy debate lies a more fundamental test: Who does a leader hear? Who do they make time for? Whose concerns shape their decisions?
In a state as large and varied as Georgia, leadership cannot be measured solely by the size of a rally or the sharpness of a debate answer. It must also be measured by the willingness to engage with the people whose voices do not echo loudly in the halls of power.
As the candidates prepare to make their case to voters, the question is not only what they will say. It is whether they will listen—and to whom—when access is no longer convenient, visible, or politically necessary.
Editor’s Note
The Truth Seekers Journal is committed to elevating voices across Georgia—urban and rural, established and emerging, amplified and overlooked. This piece reflects TSJ’s ongoing effort to examine not only what candidates say, but how they engage with the communities they seek to represent. Our reporting will continue throughout the 2026 election cycle, including coverage of Thursday’s gubernatorial forum and follow‑up interviews as they become available.
MARTA launches Rapid A-Line, Atlanta’s first bus rapid transit route, connecting downtown to southside neighborhoods with faster service, dedicated lanes, and phased station improvements.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, Georgia | April 18, 2026
Atlanta’s transit system reached a milestone Saturday with the launch of the first phase of the Rapid A-Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit corridor operated by Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
The new five-mile route connects Downtown Atlanta to key neighborhoods, including Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the BeltLine’s Southside Trail. Riders can also transfer to MARTA’s rail system at Five Points, Georgia State, and Garnett stations.
The Rapid A-Line begins service as part of MARTA’s broader NextGen Bus Network redesign, a systemwide effort aimed at improving frequency, reliability, and access across metro Atlanta.
A Phased Opening with Immediate Service
Phase One service began April 18 with buses running daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. The line currently operates using 40-foot compressed natural gas (CNG) buses branded for the Rapid A-Line.
While the system is designed to deliver rail-like features, some elements will roll out in stages. Off-board fare payment at stations is scheduled to begin May 2, along with additional amenities such as real-time arrival information.
MARTA Rapid Busing – Courtesy photo
In areas where construction is complete, buses travel in dedicated red lanes reserved strictly for transit and emergency vehicles. At several major intersections—including Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at Forsyth Street and Hank Aaron Drive at Haygood Avenue—buses receive signal priority, allowing them to move through traffic more efficiently.
Where construction is still ongoing, riders will use temporary stops located near future station sites. These stops are currently fare-free to accommodate the phased rollout.
Connecting Communities and Key Destinations
The Rapid A-Line is designed to improve connectivity between downtown and fast-growing neighborhoods south of the city center. The route links residential communities with major destinations such as the Georgia State University Convocation Center and the expanding BeltLine corridor.
Transit officials say the project represents a shift toward faster, more reliable bus service that mirrors many of the benefits traditionally associated with rail.
Delays and Challenges Along the Way
Despite the milestone, the project has faced hurdles. During construction, crews encountered unexpected underground infrastructure that slowed progress. In addition, a battery recall affecting the New Flyer electric buses originally planned for the route forced MARTA to adjust its rollout strategy.
Those challenges led to the decision to launch the line in phases. Full completion of all bus rapid transit stations is now expected in Phase Two, scheduled for fall 2026.
What Drivers Need to Know
MARTA is urging drivers to pay close attention along the corridor. Red bus-only lanes are restricted to transit vehicles and emergency responders, with no driving or parking permitted.
Motorists are also advised to follow traffic signals carefully at intersections where buses receive priority and to allow buses to clear before proceeding.
A Step Toward the Future
The Rapid A-Line marks Atlanta’s first true entry into bus rapid transit, a model used in cities nationwide to deliver faster service without the cost of rail expansion. As MARTA continues to build out its NextGen Bus Network, transit leaders say the A-Line will serve as a blueprint for future corridors aimed at improving mobility across the region.
Related
The Better Breeze rollout represents one of the most significant fare system upgrades in MARTA’s history, aligning Atlanta with other major transit systems that have shifted toward contactless payments.
But the transition also raises practical concerns—especially for riders who rely on cash or may not yet have access to updated cards. With the May 2 deadline approaching, transit officials are urging riders to act now to avoid disruptions.
Customers can find more information, including instructional videos in English and Spanish, through MARTA’s website, social media channels, or customer service line.
Atlanta celebrates opening of The Beacon at Cooper Street, marking 500 rapid housing units delivered to address homelessness through innovative modular construction and community partnerships.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | April 17, 2026
Atlanta leaders, community members, and housing advocates gathered this week in the Mechanicsville neighborhood to celebrate a major milestone in the city’s fight against homelessness: the ribbon cutting of The Beacon at Cooper Street, the final development needed to reach the city’s goal of 500 rapid housing units.
Mayor Andre Dickens called the moment “promises made and promises kept,” emphasizing that the project represents more than just construction.
“This work is not just about numbers,” Dickens said. “It represents 500 opportunities, 500 lives, and 500 chances at stability and dignity.”
Mayor Andre Dickens The Beacon @ Coopers Street – Photo by Milton Kirby
The Beacon at Cooper Street includes two multi-story buildings with 100 modular studio units, each designed to provide safe, supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The development also includes on-site offices for case management, mental health services, and other support systems aimed at helping residents rebuild their lives.
A Citywide Effort
The project is part of Atlanta’s broader Rapid Housing Initiative, a strategy launched by the Dickens administration to address homelessness by quickly converting underutilized city-owned land into permanent supportive housing.
From its earliest days, the initiative relied on partnerships across government, nonprofit organizations, developers, and the private sector.
“This is what it looks like when we listen, when we engage, and when we build together,” Dickens said during the ceremony.
City officials highlighted earlier developments in the initiative, including The Melody, a container-based housing community that gained international recognition, and Waterworks Village, a modular apartment complex delivered in record time.
Community Support in Mechanicsville
Leaders also praised the Mechanicsville community for embracing the project, noting that neighborhood support played a key role in its success.
“There’s a lot of ‘not in my backyard’ across the country,” Dickens said. “But this community said yes—and that made all the difference.”
District 4 Councilmember Jason Dozier described the development as both personal and transformative, pointing to the broader impact stable housing can have on families and neighborhoods.
“Housing creates the foundation for safety, health, and economic stability,” Dozier said.
More Than Housing
Officials emphasized that The Beacon is not just a housing project, but part of a larger ecosystem of care.
Thirty units are dedicated to individuals who need ongoing medical and mental health support through partnerships with local healthcare providers. The development also includes a “housing navigator” program to help individuals transition from hospitals and shelters into stable living environments.
The Beacon @ Coopers Street – Photo by Milton Kirby
Research cited during the event shows that rapid housing programs are effective, with 70 to 90 percent of participants remaining housed after one year.
Looking Ahead
While the ribbon cutting marked a significant achievement, leaders were clear that the work is far from finished.
Speakers emphasized that while the milestone is significant, much work remains to address homelessness across the city.
With the 500-unit goal now achieved, city officials signaled plans to expand the model and continue building housing solutions across Atlanta and the broader region.
As Dickens put it, “Love ought to look like something—and today, you can see what that looks like.”
