At Atlanta City Council, reflection on the Pledge of Allegiance revealed America’s unfulfilled promises of liberty and justice, systemic racism, and enduring struggles for Black equality
By Richard Rose | August 20, 2025
I attended a recent Atlanta City Council recognition of a community organizing colleague. The custom is the delivery of the invocation and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The protocol is to stand, face the flag, and place one’s right hand over the heart. “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
As I stood, I reflected on today’s America and how it currently tends toward yesterday’s America. I could not recite the pledge, although the words echoed in my mind. There is no liberty and justice for all in America. There was no justice for all in 1942 when the pledge was adopted. At that time, Black citizens across America were denied the right to vote, especially in the states of the short-lived yet ever-present Confederate States of America.
The systems of American society have limited access to its benefits for descendants of African enslavement in America that continues today. Then, as now, there were two flags. Southern states proudly flew versions of both the Confederate battle flag and that of the Confederate States of America, and in doing so proclaimed, and still proclaims, white supremacy and its evil progeny, racism.
It would be another 6 years before the American military was desegregated by executive order of Democrat President Harry Truman, and 12 years before the Supreme Court ruled that the concept of “separate but equal” is a cruel myth, ushering in Federal troop protection of six-year-old schoolgirls and boys past screaming white adults and teenagers.
Still today, there are obstacles to voting designed to suppress Black votes, some of which rely on the generational economic and educational barriers of racism.
I wish that the “pledge” truly reflected the realities of America and not just the aspirations of equality. I wish that Federal, state, county, and city governments would immediately abolish all systems and policies that promote and maintain racism and all forms of bigotry. I wish that the statues and monuments that promote and teach racism would be removed from public property. I wish that the state of Georgia would repeal its statutes that protect and fund the largest shrine to white supremacy in the history of the world at Stone Mountain Park. I wish that Black politicians would recognize the neo-colonialism in their service that maintains the barriers to liberty and justice for all. I wish that the words I learned in my segregated Tennessee elementary school, sitting at pockmarked desks supplied with 15-year-old books with missing pages, really meant something for me and the next generations.
Until then, I cannot, will not, and should not recite America’s pledge of allegiance.
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Georgia pecan farmers met with Senator Raphael Warnock to discuss tariffs, exports, and resilience as the state leads U.S. production and expands into global markets
By Milton Kirby | Keysville, GA | August 18, 2025
In the rolling orchards of middle and south Georgia, pecan farming is more than a business. It is a heritage rooted in resilience, family, and faith in the land. Saturday, three longtime growers sat down with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock to talk about the future of their crop and the pressures of international trade.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Pecan farmers at the table with Senator Raphael Warnock
Georgia is the nation’s leading pecan producer, with over 144,000 acres planted across the state. For 17 consecutive years, Georgia has outpaced all others, producing an average of 88 million pounds annually. In strong years, like 2020, output climbed above 142 million pounds. Nearly one-third of the state’s harvest is exported, with the Port of Savannah serving as a major hub for shipments to Asia, Europe, and South America.
A Legacy Crop with Deep Roots
The pecan tree, native to North America, can bear edible nuts for more than 300 years. Commercial planting in Georgia began in the early 1900s, especially in the sandy soils of the southwest. Albany and Dougherty County quickly became known as the “Pecan Capital of the World.”
The crop has endured both natural and economic tests. Hurricane Michael in 2018 wiped out more than 26,000 acres of pecan trees, cutting yields nearly in half. Recovery has been slow, as new trees can take close to a decade to mature. But farmers persevered, and by 2020, Georgia reclaimed its top spot in production, thanks to improved yields and strategic replanting.
Governor Brian Kemp underscored the crop’s importance by declaring the pecan the official state nut in April 2021. Legislation like Senate Bill 222 further spotlighted Georgia Grown products, boosting the visibility of local agriculture.
Farmers at the Table
Jeb Barrow
In Keysville, Jeb Barrow runs Three Bee’s Farms, a pecan orchard his family has operated for nearly 130 years. Generations of Barrows have lived through storms and market swings, but recent years have been particularly rough. “Last year I lost around 40% of my crop,” Barrow said. Hurricane Helene damaged three-quarters of his trees, and he has worked steadily to replant. “It takes all of us—farmers here on the ground, support from Washington, and smart trade decisions. That’s what keeps us moving forward.”
Barrow praised Senator Warnock’s willingness to listen. “He’s serious about supporting Georgia agriculture. He didn’t come here to lecture—he came here to sit at the table and hear us out,” he said.
R G Lamar
For R.G. Lamar, pecans have always been a family business. His parents, John and Carol Lamar, started Lamar Pecan Company in Hawkinsville during the late 1970s. At first, the family could not afford large equipment, so much of the work was done by hand. “My dad and my brother built this place through sweat,” Lamar recalled. By 1992, they had constructed a cleaning plant, and by the early 2000s, they were exporting pecans to China.
Today, R.G. and his stepbrother Grant manage more than 2,300 acres. The farm produces over 2.5 million pounds annually, with varieties such as Desirable, Stuart, Schley, and Sumner. Their retail brand, Front Porch Pecans, offers roasted snacks sold on Amazon and in stores across the country. “We believe Georgia pecans can compete anywhere in the world,” Lamar said. “But we need stability in trade policy.”
Sam Pennington
Sam Pennington, who operates Pennington Farms, Inc. in Wrens, emphasized the delicate balance of farming in a global economy. His operation, like many, depends on steady exports to remain profitable. “We know we grow a world-class product,” Pennington said. “But tariffs can close doors overnight. That uncertainty is the hardest part.”
Warnock addressed those concerns directly. “I’m not opposed to tariffs,” he told the farmers, “but we need a strategic, thoughtful, coherent approach to trade. A blanket 10% increase in consumer goods doesn’t help farmers or families.”
The senator noted that Congress, not the executive branch, holds constitutional authority over trade policy. “Congress does have the power and the ability to bring some common sense approach to this if it chooses to do so,” he said.
Walking with the Farmers
Warnock said his visit was about more than policy. “It was really important for me to be here in the region today,” he said. “I promised Georgians that I would always walk with them, even while working for them. Our farmers are the best among us. It’s very hard work, with a lot of uncertainty. We should do everything we can to try to lighten that burden.”
As the meeting ended, the farmers returned to their orchards, where new trees take root alongside old ones. For them, the work is as much about legacy as livelihood. And with the backing of policymakers, Georgia’s pecan growers hope to keep the state’s title as the nation’s top producer for generations to come.
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DeKalb County and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta launch WRAP, a water rate assistance program to help low-income families manage rising bills and protect access.
By Milton Kirby | DeKalb County, GA | August 17, 2025
DeKalb County has partnered with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) to launch the Water Rate Assistance Program (W.R.A.P.), a new initiative designed to help low-income households manage rising water costs. The program comes as the county implements a decade-long plan to modernize its aging water and sewer infrastructure, which requires a 10% rate increase each January for the next ten years.
County leaders say the rate adjustments are critical to reducing water main breaks, preventing service disruptions, and ensuring safe, clean water for decades to come. But they also acknowledge that the increases could pose financial challenges for vulnerable families.
“We understand that any increase can be difficult for some households,” said DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “That is why we have partnered with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to launch WRAP. This program will help keep water service affordable for our most vulnerable residents while we make the necessary investments to protect public health and support our county’s growth.”
How WRAP Works
The WRAP program ensures that eligible households spend no more than 4.5% of their annual income on water and sewer bills, a threshold below federal and international affordability standards. Families whose bills already fall under that percentage are not eligible.
Benefits include:
Reduced water and sewer bills based on income and family size
Protection from service disconnections
Flexible payment plan options
Confidential and respectful service
Eligibility requires residents to be DeKalb County account holders, with income at or below 60% of HUD’s 2025 Adjusted Home Income Limits for the Atlanta metro area. Households receiving SNAP, SSI, or Social Security benefits may also qualify. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta will manage applications and verify eligibility.
“Access to clean, affordable water is a basic human necessity,” said Nancy Flake Johnson, President and CEO of ULGA. “Through W.R.A.P., we are ensuring that no family has to choose between paying their water bill and meeting other essential needs.”
Urban League’s Longstanding Role
Founded in 1920 as the Atlanta Urban League, the organization began as an affiliate of the National Urban League to support African American families migrating from rural Georgia to industrial Atlanta. At a time when the city was deeply segregated, the League provided pathways to jobs, housing, health care, and education.
In 2011, the agency became the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, a name that reflects its regional focus. Today, its mission is to “Empower Communities and Change Lives!” through programs that prepare the workforce for 21st-century jobs, improve graduation rates, foster homeownership, support entrepreneurs, and advocate for equity in education, civic life, and economic development.
The League’s initiatives extend across five pillars:
Human Services, Health & Wellness: Stabilizing families and promoting long-term economic security.
Workforce Development: Offering career pathways, education, and upskilling.
Entrepreneurship Center: Providing coaching and resources to help small businesses grow.
Housing and Homeownership: Delivering counseling, financial preparedness, and access to safe, affordable housing, including through the Housing Urban Blueprint (HUB) launched in 2023.
Policy and Civic Engagement: Building coalitions to advocate for systemic change in public safety, justice, and civic participation.
The National Urban League, founded in 1910, now leads 98 affiliates in 36 states, making it one of the most influential community-based networks in the nation.
How to Apply for WRAP
Applications open August 15 and can be submitted by:
MARTA reopens Vine City escalator after Beyoncé concert overload incident. Safety upgrades, inspections, and new crowd control measures aim to protect passengers during future stadium events.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 16, 2025
MARTA has officially reopened the escalator at Vine City Station following a thorough investigation and extensive safety checks, one month after a chaotic incident left multiple concert-goers injured.
Incident Recap & Injury Report
Just after midnight on July 15, following the final performance of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, panic erupted at Vine City Station. A concert-goer’s scream—reportedly triggered by spotting a bug—spurred a crowd to surge onto the escalator. The escalator then suddenly accelerated and came to an abrupt halt, leading to a terrifying cascade of riders collapsing over one another.
According to MARTA, 11 people were injured in the incident:
One suffered a broken ankle.
Seven were hospitalized with cuts and scrapes.
Three others received or declined medical care, including two who requested assistance after reaching their destinations.
Witnesses described the situation as horrific. One concertgoer with his family, Henry Dogan said, “It went from the best night of our lives to worst night of our lives. The escalator collapsed, it was a free fall.”
Investigation & Reopening
State inspectors arrived the next morning and found no inherent mechanical failures. Maintenance records showed the escalator had passed routine inspection less than a week before the incident, with all motor belts in place. Investigators concluded the sudden crowd surge caused dislodgement of motor belts from their pulleys, triggering the emergency braking system.
Since then, MARTA and manufacturer Schindler replaced all impacted components, conducted a multi-point systems inspection, and passed a final safety review by state inspectors. The escalator was cleared and reopened on August 15.
Safety Measures Going Forward
To prevent a recurrence, MARTA announced a suite of enhanced safety protocols for large-event traffic:
Crowd metering, including barricades, staff, and high-visibility signage encouraging single-file boarding.
Increased deployment of rail station staff and police officers.
MARTA Load and Go teams to manage platform flow.
Presence of MARTA’s Office of Vertical Transportation personnel and Schindler staff at stations and the Emergency Operations Center.
EMS support staff at key stations to provide immediate medical attention.
MARTA, Schindler, and the state routinely inspect all escalators and perform maintenance, repairs, and cleanings on a regular schedule,” said MARTA Chief Safety & Quality Assurance Officer Ralph McKinney. “These units are safe to use, and we ask customers to follow the staff and sign instructions and board them single file.”
Context & Criticism
The Vine City escalator often handles overflow crowds during stadium events, though the nearby GWCC station typically sees the highest ridership. Despite having extra staff during the concert series, MARTA later acknowledged that staffing levels were about half what was needed for adequate crowd control. This gap has fueled scrutiny over its event-day protocols.
The MARTA board convened shortly after the incident to address accountability, and riders—including those injured—have voiced concerns that better staffing might have prevented the crisis.
Looking Ahead
MARTA is nearing the completion of a multi-year Elevator and Escalator Rehabilitation Program covering all 150 units across 38 stations. However, this incident underscores that equipment upgrades must be paired with robust safety and crowd management protocols—especially in bustling city contexts. As Atlanta gears up for future large-scale events, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, MARTA’s response to the Vine City escalator mishap serves as a critical test of its commitment to passenger safety.
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The North Metro Miracle League’s 21st Annual “No Limits” Golf Classic returns September 29 to White Columns Country Club, raising funds for life-changing programs for individuals with disabilities
By Milton Kirby | Alpharetta, GA | August 15, 2025
The greens at White Columns Country Club in Alpharetta will be filled with swings, smiles, and a spirit of generosity on Monday, September 29, 2025, when the North Metro Miracle League (NMML) hosts its 21st Annual Carl Black “No Limits” Golf Classic.
This premier fundraising event—organized by former Atlanta Falcon and NMML Executive Director Mike Haynes—serves as the league’s largest source of annual support, enabling it to provide year-round programming for children, youth, and adults with disabilities.
“This tournament isn’t just about golf,” Haynes said. “It’s about creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live healthier, more active lives, to connect socially, and to grow emotionally. Disability is a family affair, and we make sure parents and siblings are part of that journey.”
A Day on the Course, A Lifetime of Impact
The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast, followed by an 11:00 a.m. shotgun start for the four-person best ball scramble. Players will enjoy breakfast, on-course lunch, and a buffet dinner with an awards ceremony. Extra games and contests will add to the fun, while sponsorship opportunities offer businesses and individuals a chance to support NMML’s mission.
For those who are not golfers, there are still plenty of ways to get involved and show your support. You can sponsor a team, volunteer during the tournament, set up a booth, connect NMML to friends and networks, or donate a special prize. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Programs That Change Lives
Funds raised through the tournament support a wide range of NMML initiatives:
Family Support: A comprehensive database connects families to trusted doctors, therapists, lawyers, accountants, and experts who can navigate Medicare, Medicaid, SSDI, and other systems.
Social & Experiential Learning Events: Field trips and outings to sports games, entertainment venues, and other activities help participants build confidence in complex social environments—turning what could be overwhelming into moments of growth and joy.
Miracle League Conservation Initiative: A unique program focused on saving pollinators like butterflies and honeybees by restoring their food sources, including milkweed.
Volunteer Opportunities: From on-field buddies to coaches and board members, volunteers play a vital role in every aspect of NMML’s operations.
Doing Extraordinary Things with Extraordinary People
The North Metro Miracle League isn’t just a sports organization—it’s a community that believes in the boundless potential of individuals with disabilities. Through baseball, special programs, and outreach, NMML fosters social competence, physical activity, and emotional well-being.
“Luke 1:37 says, ‘For with God nothing shall be impossible,’ and that’s the heart of what we do,” Haynes said. “We hope the community will join us—on the course or off—to help keep this mission going.”
Event Details
When: Monday, September 29, 2025
Where: White Columns Country Club, 300 Country Club Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30004
MARTA appoints Jonathan Hunt as interim GM/CEO, backed by a high-profile advisory group, to address service issues and advance transit projects before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 14, 2025
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors has appointed Chief Legal Counsel Jonathan Hunt as interim General Manager and CEO. The move follows the July 17 retirement of Collie Greenwood.
Hunt, a dedicated member of MARTA’s legal department for nearly 12 years, expressed his deep honor at the appointment.
“My experience at MARTA, my respect for public transit, and my understanding of this Authority’s potential put me in a prime position,” Hunt said. “With the support of MARTA’s team, I intend to address service issues and advance projects ahead of the World Cup.”
Photo courtesy MARTA – Jonathan Hunt
The MARTA Board also established a strategic operational advisory group to provide expert guidance to Hunt in his interim role. This group, led by former MARTA General Manager and CEO Keith Parker, includes seasoned professionals such as Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO Katie Kirkpatrick, Atlanta Regional Commission Executive Director & CEO Anna Roach, and City of Atlanta Chief Strategy Officer Peter Aman.
Board Chair Jennifer Ide said the decision to select an internal leader is not a signal of complacency.
“An internal candidate with institutional knowledge, combined with the advisory group’s counsel, will help with strategic decision-making and guide the search for a permanent leader,” Ide said.
The Board’s search committee—comprising Ide, Valencia Williamson, Al Pond, Rita Scott, and Sagirah Jones—will work with an executive search firm to find a permanent GM/CEO.
Hunt became Chief Legal Counsel in 2024. He brings decades of experience in transit, real estate, finance, corporate law, and construction management. Before joining MARTA, he served as Assistant City Attorney for Atlanta, representing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He also serves as president of the American Public Transportation Association’s Legal Affairs Committee and sits on its national board.
Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen, who served as acting GM/CEO since June 18, will continue leading customer-focused projects. This includes rolling out MARTA’s new Breeze fare system.
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Undefeated WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr., the Decatur-born “Assassin II,” defends his title against Devin Haney in Saudi Arabia after a stunning Tokyo knockout win.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 13, 2025
Brian Norman, Jr. seems like any other 24-year-old from Decatur, Georgia. He enjoys music, spending time with friends, and—even though he wasn’t asked — he probably enjoys pizza and movie nights. Standing 5’8″ and weighing 147 pounds, he carries himself with quiet confidence, a neatly trimmed beard, and a smile that could brighten a hundred nights.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Brian Norman, Jr.
But unlike most people his age, Norman doesn’t head to an office, warehouse or classroom when he goes to work. He walks into a boxing gym, pulls on his gloves, and steps between the ropes.
There, he’s not just Brian Norman — he’s The Assassin II, a name that signifies his lethal precision and power in the ring, and the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion.
Boxing 101 for the Casual Fan
For those new to the sport, professional boxing is organized into weight classes to ensure fair competition. Norman competes in the welterweight division, which includes fighters weighing no more than 147 pounds. The WBO is one of four major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing — alongside the WBA, WBC, and IBF — recognized worldwide for awarding official world titles.
A boxer’s win can come in several ways:
Knockout (KO): When a fighter is knocked down and cannot get back to their feet before the referee counts to ten, or is physically unable to continue.
Technical Knockout (TKO): When the referee stops the fight because one boxer cannot defend themselves safely, even if they are still standing.
Unanimous Decision: After the scheduled rounds are completed, all three judges agree on the winner, awarding points based on clean punches, defense, effective aggression, and ring generalship — a fighter’s ability to control the pace and location of the action.
Split Decision: two of the three judges scored the fight for one boxer, while the third judge scored it for the other boxer. It’s a way to determine the winner when the judges’ opinions are divided.
Norman’s record — 30 fights, 28 wins, and no losses — includes 22 victories by knockout, six by unanimous decision, and two bouts ruled as no contest due to accidental injuries.
WBO Championship Belt
From Decatur Roots to the Top of the Sport
Born November 23, 2000, Norman grew up in Decatur and attended Lakeside High School. His father, Brian Norman, Sr., was a professional boxer from 2003 to 2011, compiling a record of 18 wins and 11 losses. From childhood, Norman Jr. trained under his father’s guidance, learning both the mental and physical demands of the sport.
In November 2023, Norman won the WBO International welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Quinton Randall in Las Vegas, NV. Brian defended his title in March 2024 against Janelson Figueroa Bocachia in Verona, NY. Both fighters were cut in an accidental clash in the ring. Norman was cut above his right eye in the second round, while Bocachica suffered a cut in the opening round. The bout was stopped at the end of the third round due to the severity of Bocachica’s cut, resulting in a no contest.
His big break came in August 2024, when Terence Crawford — a legend in the sport — vacated the WBO welterweight belt to move up in weight. Norman, already holding the WBO interim title, was promoted to full champion, becoming the youngest male world champion in boxing at the time.
Knockouts, Travel, and Titles
Norman’s most recent defense took him to Tokyo, Japan, on June 19, 2025, where he faced hometown contender Jin Sasaki. In the opening minute, Norman scored his first knockdown with a left hook to the head. By the fifth round, he delivered another left hook so devastating that Sasaki was left on the canvas for several minutes. Many analysts called it a Knockout of the Year candidate.
Norman spoke of the Japanese customs and traditions, and mentioned that since the fight he and Sasaki have exchanged kind and respectful words.
Business in the Ring
Currently signed with Top Rank — the promotional powerhouse behind legends like Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, and Manny Pacquiao — Norman has earned an estimated $1 million in career purses. His biggest payday so far was $650,000 in a bout against Cuevas.
The WBO, headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a key gatekeeper in boxing, with its champions recognized as among the best in the world. Holding a WBO belt is often a stepping stone to multi-division championships and career-defining fights.
The Risks of the Sport
Brian Norman well understands the risks of his profession. He knows that hundreds of punches to the head can lead to serious long-term effects. As a knowledgeable boxer himself, Norman, Sr. placed an exceptionally high emphasis on Brian, Jr. to become an excellent defensive boxer to protect himself as best as possible.
Coach Natasha (Titi) noted, “It’s amazing to see where Brian has come from versus the skills that he has developed now.”
As for training, Brian says, “he starts counting reps once the workout starts to hurt. Discipline is the key to training and development.” His training regimen includes rigorous workouts, sparring sessions, and a strict diet, all of which contribute to his physical and mental preparedness for each fight.
Next Challenge: Devin Haney in Saudi Arabia
On November 22, 2025, Norman will defend his title against two-division champion Devin Haney in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both men are undefeated — Norman at 28-0 (22 KOs) and Haney at 32-0 (15 KOs) — making this a rare matchup where neither fighter has ever tasted defeat. This highly anticipated bout is expected to be a test of skill, endurance, and determination for both fighters.
For Norman, the fight is another chance to prove that The Assassin II is more than just a nickname. With an undefeated record of 28-0 (22 KOs), he has shown his dominance in the ring. For the sport, it’s an opportunity to showcase one of boxing’s youngest champions to a global audience.
From Decatur’s neighborhood gyms to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Tokyo, and soon Saudi Arabia, Brian Norman, Jr. has shown that even the kid next door can rise to the very top of the boxing world — and do it without a single loss.
Michelle Obama shut down divorce rumors, revealing that even a decade of marital struggle didn’t shake their bond: “We’ll be married forever—bad years and all.”
By Mohar Battacharjee | Published on August 8, 2025
Divorce rumors have been swirling around Michelle and Barack Obama for months now, but time and again, the former first couple shows the world what real married life actually looks like messy moments, tough seasons, yet very much in love with each other.
Speaking on the August 6 episode of her Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, the former first lady addressed both the whispers about their relationship and the realities of a three-decade-long marriage, reports RadarOnline. Michelle, now 62, didn’t shy away from admitting that even her union with the former president has had rough patches, the kind of years when, as she put it, “you’re struggling to find that connection.”
“A lot of people joke about the fact that it’s like, there are 10 years when I didn’t like my husband, right?” she said, referencing her now-famous confession that she “couldn’t stand” Barack for a decade of their nearly 33-year marriage.
Despite that candor, Michelle made one thing absolutely clear: there’s no divorce on the horizon. “We’ve been married for 30 years, and we will be married forever. So, let’s say we live long. It will be 50-plus years. And if 10 of those years were bad, you know, anybody would take those odds,” she explained, noting that the lows are just part of the bigger picture.
Michelle then broke down what she calls “marital math,” a realistic way to look at long-term relationships. “People don’t tend to think in terms of odds and numbers. Of course, you’re going to have years if you add up the days and the hours where you’re struggling to find that connection,” she said. “That is a normal experience. You would have that if you lived with your best friend for 30 years — 10 of those years you would hate each other. But you don’t throw out a relationship or marriage because of a couple of bad years.”
She also used her own marriage as a cautionary example for younger couples, who she worries often give up too quickly when times get hard. “I think more married couples need to talk more honestly about what marriage really is, because I see too many young people quitting on relationships,” Michelle warned.
For her, the lesson is simple. Long-lasting love isn’t about constant butterflies or perfect harmony. It’s about compromise, resilience, and staying in the fight even when it’s uncomfortable. Without that, she says, people will “end up alone” because they’re unwilling to put in the work. Her remarks come as the “Divorce of the Century” rumors continue to circulate online, with tabloids speculating about cracks in the Obamas’ marriage. But as Michelle’s latest comments make clear, she and Barack see those rough patches as part of the deal, not a reason to walk away, ever.
Bo Luxe Male offers premium vegan skincare and hair care for Black men, using natural, plant-based ingredients to nourish textured hair, melanated skin, and boost overall well-being.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA| August 13, 2025
In a beauty industry dominated by mainstream products, one Atlanta entrepreneur is creating space for Black men’s skincare and hair care.
Heather Lenore is the founder of Bo Luxe Male, a premium vegan line designed for men with textured hair and melanated skin. Her products are made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients. Each formula draws on ancient healing traditions and uses essential oils to promote growth, healing, and protection. The goal is to nourish the skin and hair while also boosting mental well-being.
Lenore said the demand for high-quality, targeted grooming products is rising as men become more intentional about self-care. For many, finding products that truly work for their skin and hair type has been a challenge. Bo Luxe Male fills that gap.
“I talk to men every day,” she said. “Some have never used a proper face cleanser.” One client even applied the cleanser like lotion, not realizing it needed to be thoroughly rinsed off. Those experiences drive her to educate customers on the value — and correct use — of her products.
Heather Lenore
Working with The Georgia Center of Innovation, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, she is constantly refining processes and developing and memorializing best practices.
Lenore maintains small-batch production. She hand-mixes ingredients like lemongrass, aloe vera, hibiscus, and frankincense, creating no more than 50 kits at a time to ensure quality. Each kit lasts about 90 days and is sized and packaged to be easily portable.
Bo Luxe Male products follow a four-step system: Clean, Hydrate, Heal, and Moisturize. The line includes natural cleansers, hydrating blends, healing treatments, and moisturizers that leave skin soft without a wet or greasy feel.
Lenore sells online, at her Salon Bougie location on Nelson Street, and through pop-up demonstrations at salons and barbershops. To ensure that men have what they need, when they need it, Lenore offers a subscription service that delivers to her customer’s door.
Like many small business owners, she wears multiple hats — CEO, COO, CMO, and CFO. She handles everything from production and marketing to financing and strategic planning. She has self-funded her business.
She has a keen understanding of her competition. She continually evaluates her marketing plan to ensure that Bo Luxe’s marketing strategy considers the competition’s positioning in the marketplace and adjusts her approach to stay competitive and ahead.
Customer feedback has been encouraging. “The skin of Black men is responding well to Bo Luxe — in some cases, almost instantly,” Lenore said.
Her ambition is bold: to make Bo Luxe one of the largest and most respected skincare lines in the world.
“Black men deserve products made for them,” she said. “And Bo Luxe delivers results.”
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Black Writers Weekend 2025 in Atlanta united authors, screenwriters, and creatives for panels, workshops, and mixers, inspiring storytelling, industry insight, and authentic connections across literature, film, and TV.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | August 10, 2025
From July 31 to August 2, 2025, Atlanta’s cultural heart pulsed with the vibrant energy of Black storytelling at the annual Black Writers Weekend—a dynamic three-day festival celebrating the convergence of literature, film, publishing, and social media with past as well as emerging creative voices. Hosted at the Auburn Avenue Research Library and the Loudermilk Conference Center, this year’s event emerged as a true goldmine of opportunity and inspiration for all who attended.
A Tapestry of Talent and Connection
The lineup was nothing short of stellar:
Jess Black, Gia Compton, Tamra Simmons, Anna Marano, Sheena Herod, and Phoenix Williams—the latter a best-selling author and screenwriter—graced the stage on Thursday and Friday with their presence and creative legacy.
Emerging voices and luminaries—like Apostle Dwight K. Buckner Jr., K.C. Mills, and Alvin Gray—also lent their expertise through panels, workshops, and live conversations
Events That Celebrated Creativity and Community
Lit Crawl unfolded in lively fashion, guiding participants through live readings, storytelling
The Short Film Fest, hosted at Auburn Avenue on July 31, premiered impactful shorts like As You Are, Brim, and Granny’s Daughters, followed by a vibrant Mix & Mingle the Creative Influencer Mixer capped the kickoff evening with curated networking
Insight, Innovation, and Empowerment Panels
Friday—the “Creative Day”—powered forward with workshops like:
The Four Tenets of Fantasy World Building
Book Launch Workshop
Make Them Say Your Name: Owning Your Platform
Building Boldly: Storytelling at the Intersection of Purpose, Power & Possibility
On the main stage, the conversations ran deep and inclusive:
Love, Lust & Liberation: Redefining Her Stories
Access to Hollywood, moderated by Jess Black, featuring Gia Compton, Tamra Simmons, Sheena Herod, and Anna Marano
The I Am Creative talk with K.C. Mills
Creative Talk: Purpose, Pen & Power, led by Apostle Dwight K. Buckner Jr.
Saturday—branded “Community Day”—expanded the festival’s cultural footprint with panels like:
DEI & Banned Books: Navigating the Intersection of DEI and Censorship
The Mama’s Den Podcast (Live) with Melanie Fiona and others
Girl, Tell Your Story spotlighting voices like Dr. Ebony Butler and MaHogany Jackson
HisStory featuring Lem Collins and others
Additional activations included:
A Lit Lounge offering workshops in children’s books, memoir writing, and “Next Up” panels with emerging authors
A Workshops Room illuminating paths like subsidiary rights in publishing, Black perspectives in horror/fantasy, and ghostwriting monetization
The Creative AF Mixer held Saturday evening at the Bookstore Gallery
A Festival for All: Access Meets Aspiration
Much of the main programming—panels, book fairs, and conversations—was free with registration. Premium access, including masterclasses, pitching opportunities, and lounge areas, came with ticketed passes.
Why It Mattered
As festival founder Tamika Jamison (formerly Newhouse) articulated, Black Writers Weekend responds to the uphill battle Black creatives face in the mainstream publishing world—where representation and awareness remain lacking. This transformative weekend created intentional “footprints” that declared: “We existed” and “We are here” .
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, enthusiasts and attendees alike can anticipate continued growth of this festival under AAMBC Inc.—a platform that increasingly bridges emerging voices with established creative communities in publishing, film, and television.
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