Dear Shadow Ball: What pitcher holds the Negro League record for most inning pitched?
Mick Kolb, York, PA.
Dear Mick: My go to source for such questions is Seamheads Negro League Database. The leader in innings pitched in that database is Cannonball Dick Redding (2,334 innings over 26 years). This total includes games in the Negro Leagues plus Cuba, the Florida Winter Hotel League, and games versus minor and major league teams. Limiting the view, as your question does, to Negro League games only sent me to a different source – mlb.com. Since May 2024, Negro League statistics are now included on that site. To interpret and compile innings pitched, I turned to Tom Thress, President, Retrosheet, who informed me that Willie Foster (with 1,521 innings) leads all pitchers in total innings pitched in major Negro League games.
Last week’s Shadow Ball Significa question – Who was the first African American signed to a contract by the Boston Red Sox organization? For the 2nd week in a row, Will Clark, Hackensack, NJ, smacks one of my hanging curves over the fence … dodging my reach for a Pumpsie Green – who, in 1959, was the first African-American to play for the Boston Red Sox – answer he kept his focus on 1950 and offered Piper Davis which is correct. Unfortunately, Piper never got the call to come to Fenway.
The Shadow Ball Significa Question of the Week: Who was the last surviving Atlanta Black Crackers player? Here is a clue for you to keep from going down a rabbit hole – this player was born and died in Atlanta.
Ted Knorr
Ted Knorr is a Negro League baseball historian, longtime member of the Society for American Baseball Research’s Negro League Committee, and founder of the Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference and several local Negro League Commemorative Nights in central Pennsylvania. You can send questions for Knorr on Negro League topics as well as your answers to the week’s Significa question to shadowball@truthseekersjournal.com or Shadowball, 3904 N Druid Hills Rd, Ste 179, Decatur, GA 30033
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The Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.660 billion as no winner emerges, fueling nationwide ticket sales and boosting Georgia Lottery education funding ahead of Monday’s drawing.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 22, 2025
The Powerball jackpot has surged to $1.660 billion, placing it among the four largest lottery prizes in U.S. history and igniting another nationwide wave of ticket buying driven by hope, habit, and long odds.
The winning numbers from Saturday, December 20, 2025, were 4, 5, 28, 52, and 69, with the Powerball 20. No ticket matched all six numbers, pushing the jackpot higher ahead of Monday night’s drawing.
As lines stretch across convenience stores and gas stations, the spectacle once again raises a quieter, persistent question: who is actually funding these billion-dollar jackpots—and who benefits most from the system behind them?
A Jackpot Built on Millions of Small Bets
When Powerball jackpots climb into the billion-dollar range, economists estimate tens of thousands of tickets are sold every minute nationwide, with sales accelerating sharply in the final hours before each drawing.
In Georgia, those sales flow through the Georgia Lottery, which operates through roughly 8,500 retail locations statewide. Proceeds support education programs such as the HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant, and Georgia Pre-K.
Since its creation in 1993, the Georgia Lottery has generated more than $25 billion for education, a figure frequently cited by lottery officials as evidence of public benefit. Research shows, however, that the source of those funds is far from evenly distributed.
What the Atlanta ZIP Code Maps Show
Visual mapping of Atlanta-area ZIP codes tells a consistent story seen in academic studies nationwide.
Lower-income ZIP codes in South DeKalb, Southwest Atlanta, and parts of South Fulton show higher concentrations of lottery retailers and higher per-capita ticket purchases. By contrast, wealthier areas in North Fulton, North DeKalb, and suburban communities show lower per-capita participation, even when absolute income levels are higher.
Metro Atlanta lottery retailers – per capita l participation (darker area represented higher participation)
Researchers affiliated with Georgia State University and other institutions have found that lottery spending increases as median household income declines. Retail density, advertising visibility, and consumer participation all rise in economically stressed neighborhoods.
Economists describe this pattern as a regressive funding structure, in which lower-income households spend a greater share of their income than wealthier households.
A National Pattern, Not a Georgia Exception
This dynamic extends far beyond metro Atlanta.
Studies cited by the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution conclude that households earning under $30,000 annually spend three to ten times more of their income on lottery tickets than households earning over $75,000.
Lottery participation is highest where economic mobility is lowest, and where sudden wealth appears most transformative. As jackpots rise, those disparities become more pronounced.
Who Benefits From Lottery Funding
While lottery revenue is raised disproportionately from lower-income communities, the largest education benefits often flow elsewhere.
HOPE scholarships and grants are most frequently claimed by students who complete high school, meet GPA thresholds, and attend college. Those outcomes are more common among middle- and upper-middle-income households, which tend to have stronger academic preparation and access to resources.
The result, economists argue, is an indirect upward transfer of wealth, even when lottery funds are directed toward public education.
Billion-Dollar Winners and Long Odds
The scale of modern jackpots is a relatively recent development. Earlier versions of Powerball included jackpot caps and better odds. Structural changes extended the odds dramatically, allowing jackpots to roll over longer and grow larger.
Powerball Ticket 12-22-25
That evolution culminated in 2022, when a $2.04 billion Powerball ticket sold in California became the largest lottery prize ever claimed. The sole winner, Edwin Castro, opted for a lump-sum payout of $997.6 million, according to the California Lottery.
Those rare wins dominate headlines, while millions of losing tickets quietly sustain the system.
The Lottery’s Counterpoint
Lottery officials and defenders argue that participation is voluntary entertainment rather than taxation, that proceeds fund voter-approved education programs, and that scholarships and Pre-K deliver measurable public benefits across the state.
They also note that without lottery funding, education programs would likely require alternative taxes or face reductions. Critics respond that voluntary participation does not eliminate inequity when spending patterns align so closely with income and geography.
Hope, Math, and Public Policy
For many players, the lottery represents possibility more than probability. Behavioral economists point to optimism bias and financial stress as powerful motivators, especially during billion-dollar jackpot runs.
The math, however, remains unforgiving. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are roughly one in 292 million.
As Georgians line up for the next drawing, the growing jackpot reflects a national reality: billion-dollar dreams are built from millions of small wagers, many placed in communities that can least afford to lose them.
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DeKalb County launches a $2M Real Time Crime Center, combining drones, cameras, and analytics to improve response times, officer safety, and coordinated public safety efforts.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 19, 2025
DeKalb County officials on Thursday marked a major milestone in the County’s public safety strategy with the official launch of its new Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), a $2 million, high-tech operations hub designed to deliver faster response times, improved coordination, and enhanced officer safety.
The ribbon cutting and press conference were held at the DeKalb County Police Department Headquarters, located at 1960 W. Exchange Place in Tucker, where the RTCC now serves as the County’s centralized hub for live data, analytics, and coordinated response. County leaders described the center as a cornerstone of the Digital Shield Initiative, a comprehensive public safety strategy led by DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.
“These investments represent a bold, forward-thinking approach to public safety,” Cochran-Johnson said. “By leveraging technology, we are strengthening officer safety, improving response times, and reimagining how we protect every DeKalb resident.”
DeKalb Real Time Crime Center Ribbon Cutting
A Central Hub for Real-Time Intelligence
Housed within police headquarters, the RTCC functions as a command center where civilian analysts and sworn officers monitor hundreds of live video feeds and data streams simultaneously. The system is designed to provide officers with real-time intelligence during active calls, giving them critical situational awareness before arriving on scene.
“This center strengthens our ability to prevent crime, support victims, and deliver the level of service that our residents expect and deserve,” said DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick, a longtime DeKalb professional recently promoted from within the department.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees toured the facility and observed live demonstrations of the RTCC’s capabilities, including a Drone as a First Responder deployment that showed how drones can be rapidly launched to provide aerial views during emergencies, active pursuits, or missing-person cases.
The Digital Shield Initiative: A Countywide Investment
The Real Time Crime Center is one component of the County’s broader Digital Shield Initiative, a multi-year, $18.9 million investment in public safety technology. The initiative integrates multiple tools into a single operational platform, enabling faster, more coordinated responses across agencies.
Key components include license plate recognition cameras deployed throughout the county to help track stolen vehicles and suspects in real time, an integrated data platform that connects video, alerts, and analytics into one interface, and a dedicated drone program focused on law-enforcement-specific use rather than general surveillance. The RTCC also integrates gunshot detection technology capable of pinpointing the location of gunfire, in some cases, before a 911 call is placed.
County officials emphasized that these tools are intended to support officers in the field, improve response times, and reduce risk during volatile situations.
Partnership With Flock Safety and “Safe County” Designation
A major partner in the RTCC is Flock Safety, which announced during the event that DeKalb County has been designated the first “Flock Safe County” in the nation. The designation reflects a full countywide deployment of Flock technology, connecting law enforcement, fire services, traffic, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods on a shared platform.
“This real-time crime center combines what is truly the most innovative stack of technology a county could imagine,” said Greg Langley, CEO of Flock Safety. “From license plate readers to drones, cameras, and audio detection, all of it is unified in a modern AI intelligence suite.”
As part of the designation, DeKalb County residents and businesses are eligible for discounted Flock Safety solutions and free installation, expanding participation beyond government facilities.
Privacy Protections and Voluntary Participation
County leaders stressed that participation by residents and businesses is voluntary and tiered. Through the Connect DeKalb camera registry, property owners may choose to register the location of their cameras or, for higher-traffic businesses, integrate live feeds accessible only to police during emergencies.
Officials emphasized that the RTCC does not use facial recognition technology. Instead, artificial intelligence tools are limited to identifying objects of interest, such as specific vehicle types or weapons, a safeguard designed to balance effectiveness with privacy and public trust.
DeKalb Real Time Crime Center
Regional Perspective and Proven Results
During the ceremony, Lisa Cupid, Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, shared her experience with Flock Safety technology, which is already in use across Cobb County. Cupid noted that the deployment of Flock’s license plate readers and integrated analytics has contributed to public safety improvements of up to 25 percent, offering a regional example of how real-time intelligence can deliver measurable results.
Her remarks underscored the growing regional trend toward data-driven policing and inter-agency coordination.
Leadership Transitions and Unified Public Safety
The opening of the RTCC follows recent leadership appointments within DeKalb County government. In addition to Chief Padrick’s promotion, former DeKalb Fire Chief Darnell Fullum was elevated to Director of Public Safety, consolidating oversight of police, fire, and emergency services.
County officials also recognized and thanked outgoing leadership for their service during the transition period.
Technology, Youth, and Long-Term Crime Prevention
While technology took center stage, Cochran-Johnson emphasized that digital tools alone cannot address the root causes of crime.
“We understand that investing strictly in technology does not solve the problem of crime,” she said. “Crime is deeply rooted in economics.”
As part of a broader prevention strategy, the CEO outlined a coordinated effort to ensure that by 11th grade, every student in DeKalb County has a designated career pathway. Those pathways align with 18 skilled trades currently offered at no cost through programs supported by the State of Georgia, creating direct pipelines into high-demand careers and long-term economic stability.
The County also highlighted partnerships aimed at youth engagement and prevention, including a recent grant from QuikTrip to the DeKalb County Athletic League to support community-based programming. Additional partnerships with DeKalb County Schools are expected to be announced in January.
What Comes Next
Beginning in January, DeKalb County plans to host public town halls to provide residents with more information about the Real Time Crime Center, privacy safeguards, and opportunities for community participation.
As Cochran-Johnson framed it, the RTCC is more than a facility; it represents a shift in philosophy toward proactive, coordinated, and prevention-focused public safety.
The CEO further noted that the Real Time Crime Center supports the County’s broader Reimagine DeKalb vision — building safer, more connected, and more resilient communities by pairing technology with economic opportunity and community trust.
Michael Jordan’s NASCAR settlement delivered evergreen charters—but by settling, NASCAR avoided public scrutiny of how much revenue teams may still be shielded from.
Truth Seekers Journal Opinion | December 18, 2025
Michael Jordan has won championships in packed arenas, in boardrooms, and now—quietly—in a federal courthouse.
The Dec. 11 settlement between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports didn’t come with confetti or a trophy presentation. But make no mistake: this was another ring. And like many of Jordan’s biggest wins, it came from knowing when to press—and when to take the points and walk away.
The public story is stability. NASCAR’s joint statement leaned hard on words like “growth,” “alignment,” and “the future of the sport.” The headline change was the introduction of evergreen charters, a long-sought concession that turns teams from renters into something much closer to franchise owners.
The quieter story is what didn’t happen.
Because this case settled, NASCAR did not have to answer—under a jury verdict—for how much money it may have kept from teams over the past several years. And that may be the most expensive silence in the garage.
During the trial, sworn testimony put real numbers on what team owners have whispered for years. An economist testified that NASCAR owed the plaintiffs roughly $364.7 million in damages. More striking, he estimated that chartered teams as a whole were underpaid by more than $1 billion from 2021 to 2024 based on comparative revenue models used in other major motorsports and professional leagues.
A verdict doesn’t just award damages. It creates a public record. It creates precedent. And it invites follow-on lawsuits.
By settling, NASCAR capped its legal exposure and sealed off discovery that might have gone even deeper into revenue allocation, internal strategy, and contingency planning. The confidential settlement check—whatever the number—may end up being a bargain compared to what a full verdict could have exposed.
This is where the “Another Ring” framing really matters.
Jordan didn’t need to win by knockout. He needed to change the geometry of the court.
By forcing NASCAR to the table and extracting evergreen charters, Jordan and his partners permanently increased the value of every chartered team. That alone is a long-game victory worth far more than a one-time damages award. Team valuations rise. Financing gets easier. Sponsors gain confidence. And ownership groups now hold an asset NASCAR can’t casually claw back.
But the settlement also allowed NASCAR to keep one advantage: opacity.
No public verdict means no court-ordered accounting of exactly how much revenue teams should have received, how internal distribution decisions were justified, or how much leverage NASCAR exercised behind closed doors. The sport avoided a public spreadsheet moment—one where every team owner, sponsor, and potential investor could point to a judge’s findings and say, this is what the teams were denied.
From NASCAR’s perspective, that matters. Revenue sharing is the third rail of sports governance. Once a court defines it, control shifts fast.
From the teams’ perspective, the question now becomes strategic, not legal: how much money remains shielded by the absence of a verdict?
The new charter structure creates leverage for future negotiations, but it does not automatically rebalance every dollar flowing through the sport. International media rights. Intellectual property. Digital and data revenue. Those streams are growing, and the settlement language suggests progress—but not full transparency.
Jordan’s win, then, is both decisive and incomplete.
He secured permanence where there was uncertainty. He forced governance changes where there was unilateral control. And he reminded NASCAR that “take-it-or-leave-it” only works until someone powerful enough refuses.
But by settling, NASCAR avoided the kind of judicial reckoning that could have reset revenue sharing overnight. The sport lives to negotiate another day—and that means the real financial fight may not be over. It’s just been postponed.
That may be the final lesson of this case.
Championships aren’t always about domination. Sometimes they’re about leverage, timing, and knowing which battles to end before the clock hits zero. Jordan didn’t just win another ring. He changed the rules of the game—and left open the question of how much more value teams are still chasing.
In NASCAR, that’s a quiet kind of victory. And for now, a very expensive kind of peace.
NASCAR’s Dec. 11 settlement with 23XI and Front Row delivered evergreen charters, reshaped team power, and raised franchise values after a high-stakes antitrust trial.
By Milton Kirby | Charlotte, NC | December 16, 2025
On Dec. 11, 2025, NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports announced a settlement that ended a federal antitrust trial in Charlotte and changed the sport’s business future in a way team owners have chased for years: a form of “evergreen” charter, meaning charters no longer live under the constant threat of expiration on NASCAR’s timeline.
That one phrase, tucked into the joint statement, explains why so many people in the garage called it a generational moment. For nearly a decade, NASCAR’s charter system has worked like a license: valuable, but still dependent on renewal and still shaped by a single power center. Now, the settlement commits NASCAR to issuing an amendment to existing charter holders that includes a form of evergreen charters “subject to mutual agreement,” while keeping the financial terms confidential.
The agreement closed a fight that started long before a jury ever sat down. It began with years of tense negotiations over revenue, governance, and the basic question of whether NASCAR’s top teams were true partners in the sport’s growth—or simply contractors expected to accept whatever terms came from Daytona. When 23XI and Front Row refused to sign what many described as a last-chance charter offer, the dispute moved from boardrooms to federal court. The trial then forced NASCAR to defend its business model in public, under oath, and with internal documents entering the record.
The end result was a settlement that likely moved hundreds of millions of dollars in risk off NASCAR’s balance sheet, while shifting long-term leverage toward teams that have argued for years they were carrying too much cost and too little certainty.
How much money was really at stake
Even though the settlement check is confidential, the trial record put hard numbers in the air.
In sworn testimony, economist Edward Snyder calculated damages of $364.7 million for 23XI and Front Row combined, with $215.8 million attributed to 23XI and $148.9 million to Front Row. He also testified that chartered teams were underpaid by $1.06 billion from 2021 to 2024 based on his model of what a more competitive revenue structure would have produced.
Those figures matter for two reasons.
First, they created a credible worst-case scenario for NASCAR in front of a jury: not just a one-time verdict, but a verdict that could have been trebled under antitrust law if willful conduct was found, plus legal fees, plus the reputational hit of being labeled a monopoly in a high-profile sports trial. The public reporting around the case consistently treated the potential exposure as massive, even if no one can state a precise final “billion-dollar” number without the verdict itself.
Second, they gave team owners a plain-language measure of what they have argued privately for years: the teams’ slice of the sport’s major revenue streams has not matched the costs teams shoulder to compete at the Cup level.
Snyder’s work also gave the jury a comparison point. His analysis contrasted NASCAR’s revenue share to Formula 1, which he said shares roughly 45% with teams compared to NASCAR’s 25% in his estimate, though NASCAR disputed the comparison.
The settlement did not publicly publish a new percentage split. But it did something that can be just as powerful in business: it changed the legal status of the core asset.
The “evergreen” charter as the real prize
If you strip away the headlines and focus on incentives, the evergreen charter is the settlement’s crown jewel.
Charters are the sport’s version of a franchise slot. They are tied to guaranteed entry (for the chartered field) and a share of certain revenue. Before this deal, the charter system still ran on renewal cycles and the reality that NASCAR, as the sanctioning body, held final power over the contract terms.
Under the settlement, NASCAR committed publicly to issuing an amendment that includes evergreen charters. That changes how owners, sponsors, lenders, and potential investors can value a team.
A team that “owns” a long-term, stable charter is different from a team that “rents” participation under a contract that can be rewritten. Evergreen status moves a NASCAR Cup team closer to a modern franchise model, where the slot itself is a durable asset and where the owner can plan in decades, not contract windows.
That is why even teams that never joined the lawsuit still benefit on paper the morning after the settlement: their charters immediately look more secure.
What the trial exposed
The lawsuit was not simply about money. It was also about control: who controls the schedule, who controls the rulebook, who controls the terms of participation, and what happens to a team that refuses to sign.
During the trial, the public learned more about NASCAR’s contingency planning and negotiation posture than it had seen in years. One of the most talked-about examples was the so-called “Project Gold Codes” deck—described in coverage as a contingency plan for operating the sport if teams boycotted or if NASCAR had to take more of the competition in-house.
From a legal standpoint, the existence of a contingency plan is not shocking. Big businesses plan for crises. What made it explosive in this context was how it fit into the teams’ narrative: that NASCAR was prepared to outlast resistance, pressure holdouts, and keep racing under alternative structures.
That is the kind of evidence that can change settlement posture fast, because it can shape how a jury views intent and leverage.
Why NASCAR settled
In its joint statement, NASCAR framed the settlement as “long-term stability” and “meaningful growth,” and emphasized that fans would continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to racing.
But the business reason is simpler: NASCAR settled because trials are unpredictable, and antitrust risk is the kind of risk corporate leaders try to cap early.
The longer the case stayed in open court, the more internal emails, negotiation notes, and executive testimony could become public. Even if NASCAR believed it had a strong defense, it still faced a jury, still faced a judge managing a slow-moving trial, and still faced the possibility that a single bad day of testimony could shift momentum.
A settlement, by contrast, lets NASCAR do three things at once:
Limit legal exposure without a precedent-setting verdict.
Protect business relationships tied to media rights, sponsors, and manufacturers.
Move the sport into 2026 with a new story: unity and stability.
NASCAR even pointed directly to 2026 in the statement, noting the season begins with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15, 2026.
How all teams may benefit
Even with confidential financial terms, the settlement creates clear, shared benefits for chartered teams:
More valuable charters
Evergreen status increases the durability of the charter asset. When an asset becomes more durable, it becomes easier to finance, easier to insure, and easier to sell. It can also make it easier for teams to bring in outside investment without giving up control.
More stable sponsor pitches
Sponsors want certainty. “We might not have a charter next cycle” is not a strong pitch. “We are a permanent, chartered franchise” is.
A clearer future for succession
Some NASCAR teams are family businesses. Others are now part of larger ownership groups. In both cases, long-term value matters. A system that looks more like a franchise model helps owners plan beyond one contract.
More leverage for the next negotiation
The settlement shows that NASCAR will compromise when the risk becomes real. Owners will remember that the next time they negotiate over costs, rules, and revenue streams.
Why the biggest teams didn’t sue
One of the most important questions our readers will asked is: why didn’t Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, RFK Racing, Richard Childress Racing, and other established powers lead the charge?
There are several grounded reasons—none of which require assuming cowardice or disloyalty.
They had more to lose in the short term
Big teams often have the deepest sponsor networks and the most integrated technical pipelines. A long court fight risks disruption: sponsor uncertainty, manufacturer tension, and internal distraction.
They already had influence inside the system
The largest teams often have stronger informal influence—relationships, history, access—than newer teams. That influence can translate into deals, exceptions, or quiet wins that never make headlines.
They may have preferred private pressure
Not every power fight happens in public. Some teams may have believed the better play was to support charter changes behind closed doors while letting 23XI and Front Row take the legal risk.
Newer ownership groups had a different risk profile
23XI is backed by Michael Jordan’s brand power and business confidence, plus Denny Hamlin’s racing credibility. Front Row, led by Bob Jenkins, has years in the sport and a willingness to fight for an economic model that keeps mid-tier teams alive. In a system where many owners felt forced to sign, these two groups were positioned to push back harder.
What the future looks like
The settlement does not solve every tension. NASCAR still controls the rulebook, the officiating, and the schedule. But it does change the conversation from “take it or leave it” to “we need agreement.”
The sport now enters 2026 with a headline race date already set: the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15, 2026. That matters because NASCAR can sell 2026 as a fresh start: new season, new stability, and a newly reinforced charter structure.
It also means the next fights will likely be quieter and more technical—about how “subject to mutual agreement” is defined in practice, what governance mechanisms exist behind the scenes, and how new revenue streams are shared as NASCAR expands internationally and experiments with new event formats.
One more reality is worth naming: the sport’s center of gravity has shifted. NASCAR may still be the sanctioning body, but the teams now have a stronger claim to being stakeholders with equity that cannot be dismissed as temporary.
That is why this settlement will be remembered less for the confidential dollar amount—and more for the one change that can reshape the garage for decades: evergreen charters.
The Tale of the Tape: The Ask vs. The Get
The Ask (Trial Testimony)
$364.7 million in damages for 23XI and Front Row combined (expert testimony).
Claim that teams were underpaid $1.06 billion from 2021–2024 (expert testimony).
The Get (Settlement Announcement)
NASCAR will issue a charter amendment including a form of evergreen charters, subject to mutual agreement.
The Atlanta Civic Center’s story spans fire, displacement, Broadway, OutKast, and redevelopment — revealing how culture, land, and power shaped one of Atlanta’s most iconic sites.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 14, 2025
For nearly half a century, the Atlanta Civic Center stood as one of the city’s most important cultural crossroads — a place where Broadway met ballet, punk rock met opera, and civic life met national television. Built in 1967 and officially closed in 2014, the venue played an outsized role in shaping Atlanta’s artistic identity during a period of explosive growth and transformation.
Now, more than a decade after its final curtain call, the Civic Center site is entering a new chapter. As of December 9, 2025, a multi-phase redevelopment led by Atlanta Housing is underway, with plans to honor the site’s legacy while addressing one of Atlanta’s most urgent modern needs: housing.
But the story of the Civic Center did not begin in 1967. Long before the first spotlight was raised, this land carried a deeper history — one marked by destruction, resilience, and displacement.
Before the Spotlight: The Land Beneath the Civic Center
The ground beneath the Atlanta Civic Center has been asked to start over more than once. In 1917, the Great Atlanta Fire tore through this area, destroying more than 1,900 buildings and displacing over 10,000 residents. From the ashes emerged Buttermilk Bottom — a working-class, majority-Black neighborhood that took root in what is now considered Midtown and the Old Fourth Ward.
Buttermilk Bottom was not vacant land waiting for redevelopment. It was a living community defined by churches, extended families, small businesses, music, and culture. Residents built full lives there despite persistent neglect, as city investment flowed elsewhere.
By the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was labeled a “slum” by city leaders and the local press. In 1963, then-Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. unveiled plans to redevelop Buttermilk Bottom using federal urban renewal bonds. Homes were demolished. Businesses were shuttered. A school was closed. Families were forced to move.
Rather than replacing the neighborhood with new public housing, the city cleared the land for a civic complex — an auditorium and exhibition hall designed to project Atlanta’s modern image to the nation. When the Atlanta Civic Center opened in 1967, Buttermilk Bottom was gone. The area was rechristened Bedford Pine.
Protests against the destruction of the neighborhood coincided with national unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, underscoring the racial and economic tensions embedded in Atlanta’s redevelopment choices.The Civic Center rose as a symbol of progress — but one built atop displacement.
A Pattern Beyond One Site
The clearance of Buttermilk Bottom was not an isolated decision. During the same era, Atlanta pursued similar urban renewal projects across the city, particularly in working-class and Black neighborhoods.
Just south of downtown, the Washington-Rawson neighborhood — once a thriving in-town community — was carved apart by expressway construction and demolition. Part of the land was designated for public housing. Another section was set aside for Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, completed in 1965 as the city sought national recognition and a Major League Baseball franchise.
For many residents, the promise was familiar: progress, opportunity, renewal. The result was often the same — displacement without replacement. Together, these projects revealed a redevelopment philosophy that prioritized national visibility over neighborhood stability.
Against this backdrop, the Civic Center took shape — both a cultural achievement and a reminder of the costs of progress.
A City Builds a Cultural Anchor
When the Atlanta Civic Center opened in 1967, Atlanta was positioning itself as the cultural and commercial capital of the New South. City leaders envisioned a modern performance venue capable of hosting national touring productions, large civic gatherings, and televised events. With a seating capacity of approximately 4,600, the Civic Center was the largest performance stage in the Southeast at the time. Designed to replace the aging Municipal Auditorium, it quickly became a centerpiece of Atlanta’s arts and entertainment ecosystem. For audiences, the Civic Center symbolized access — a place where Atlanta could experience world-class performances without leaving home.
Broadway Comes to Atlanta
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the Civic Center became synonymous with Broadway in Atlanta. National and regional touring productions regularly filled its stage, bringing marquee shows to audiences who might not otherwise travel to New York.
Productions such as Two Gentlemen of Verona (1974), George M! (1981), and The Wizard of Oz during its 1999 national tour helped cultivate Atlanta’s theatergoing audience and cemented the city’s reputation as a serious stop on the national touring circuit.
For decades, the Civic Center functioned as a cultural bridge — connecting Atlanta’s growing metropolitan population with the broader world of American theater.
A Home for High Culture
In its early decades, the Civic Center also played a critical role in Atlanta’s classical arts scene. Beginning in 1969, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, along with opera and ballet companies, used the space for major performances.
Before newer, specialized venues emerged, the Civic Center was where many Atlantans first encountered large-scale orchestral music, opera, and ballet. These performances helped establish Atlanta as a city capable of supporting both popular entertainment and high culture — a dual identity that still defines the region.
Television Lights and National Exposure
From 2011 to 2015, the Civic Center reached millions of living rooms as the filming location for Family Feud during Steve Harvey’s tenure as host.
The show’s presence quietly reinforced Atlanta’s growing role in television production, years before the city’s reputation as “Hollywood of the South” fully took hold. The venue also hosted graduations, political rallies, church services, and mayoral inaugurations, strengthening its role as both a cultural and civic gathering place.
SciTrek and a Generation of Curiosity
One of the Civic Center’s most distinctive chapters began in 1988, when SciTrek, an interactive science museum, moved in. For 16 years, until 2004, SciTrek welcomed thousands of schoolchildren from across Georgia.
For many Atlantans who came of age in the 1990s, SciTrek was their first exposure to science beyond the classroom — another reminder of the Civic Center’s adaptability and reach.
From Symphony to Punk Rock
As Atlanta’s music scene diversified, so did the Civic Center’s bookings. In later years, the venue hosted pop-punk bands like All Time Low, punk icons Dropkick Murphys and Rancid, and local artists including Hoodrich Savo and Ms. Honesty.
From opera to punk, the Civic Center became known for its range — a venue willing to host contrasting worlds under one roof.
Why the Curtain Fell
Despite its cultural importance, the Civic Center struggled to remain viable in the 21st century. Operating costs increasingly outweighed revenue. Built in 1967, the facility lacked the amenities and technology expected by modern touring productions.
A $2 million renovation in 2001 offered only temporary relief. As newer venues such as State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened, fewer major acts chose the Civic Center. By 2014, declining bookings made continued operation difficult to justify. The Civic Center officially closed in October of that year, ending a 47-year run.
A Sale, a Promise, and a New Vision
In 2017, the City of Atlanta sold the 19-acre Civic Center property to the Atlanta Housing Authority for just over $30 million. In December 2025, officials broke ground on a multi-phase redevelopment that will ultimately include approximately 1,500 housing units, 38 percent of which will be affordable.
Speaking at the groundbreaking, Mayor Andre Dickens reflected not only as the city’s leader, but as someone personally shaped by the Civic Center. He recalled seeing OutKast perform on its stage and later returning to the same space for his own graduation — moments that captured how the venue functioned as both a cultural launchpad and a civic gathering place.
“This is sacred ground, sacred work,” Dickens said. “We made a promise to the people of Atlanta to make this a city where everyone can live, grow, and retire with dignity — a city of opportunity for all — and we intend to keep it that way.”
Once a site of graduations, concerts, church services, and inaugurations, the Civic Center is now part of what city leaders describe as a return to purpose — a future shaped by memory as much as by momentum.
A Legacy That Still Echoes
The Atlanta Civic Center’s story is not simply one of closure, but of evolution. For nearly five decades, it reflected Atlanta’s ambitions, creativity, and contradictions.
From Broadway classics to punk rock anthems, from symphonies to science exhibits, and from civic ceremonies to game-show lights, the Civic Center captured the full spectrum of Atlanta life — even as it stood on land shaped by loss and resilience.
As cranes rise where spotlights once shone, the Civic Center’s physical form may fade, but its meaning deepens. It becomes part of a larger story — of a city continually remaking itself, learning, and, perhaps this time, remembering who was here before.
DeKalb County launches a $250,000 initiative to combat illegal tire dumping, removing over 37,000 tires and targeting major dump sites across neighborhoods and commercial corridors.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 12, 2025
DeKalb County officials on Friday announced one of the most aggressive environmental cleanup efforts in the county’s history, unveiling a $250,000 initiative that has already removed more than 37,000 illegally dumped tires from neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and private property across the county.
The announcement came during a press conference led by DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who framed the effort as both an environmental response and a community restoration campaign.
“This is not just a cleanup. This is a reclaiming of our communities,” Cochran-Johnson said. “To put this into perspective, if the 37,000 tires we have removed were laid end to end, they would stretch 20 to 25 miles — the equivalent of the entire Atlanta BeltLine loop or the distance from Midtown Atlanta to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. That is what our neighborhoods have been forced to live beside.”
Photo by Milton Kirby -Varkel Lane
The cleanup is being carried out by DeKalb County’s Sanitation Division and Beautification Unit, with Ricky Crockett serving as the county’s lead coordinator. Crews are targeting some of the most hazardous and logistically challenging illegal tire dump sites in DeKalb, many located on steep slopes, in wooded ravines, or near abandoned structures.
Eight Priority Sites Targeted
County officials initially identified nine priority locations for remediation. One site, at 3747 Presidential Parkway, was previously cleaned by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The remaining eight sites form the backbone of the current initiative.
Four of those sites have already been fully cleared and are scheduled for final inspection and approval on December 3, 2025. The remaining four locations require more complex retrieval methods due to limited access and safety concerns but are projected to be completed by the week of December 24, weather permitting.
The eight priority cleanup sites include:
5986 Marbut Road, Lithonia (behind a residence)
3041 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta (former State Farm property with steep slope)
6941 Brannon Hill Road, Clarkston (residential neighborhood)
1785 Continental Way SE (commercial landscaping area)
1700 Corey Boulevard, Decatur (church property)
Officials estimate the total volume of tires removed from these locations is in the tens of thousands, with several sites requiring specialized equipment and extended timelines.
“Organized Environmental Crime”
Cochran-Johnson did not mince words when describing the scale and intent behind many of the dumping incidents.
“We must confront a difficult truth,” she said. “Much of this dumping is not accidental. It is organized environmental crime. We have documented cases where a business drives into our county at night and dumps 3,000 tires in a single incident, leaving taxpayers and communities to pick up the pieces. That is unacceptable.”
Photo by Milton Kirby – 2285 Randall Rd
Illegal tire dumping poses serious environmental and public safety risks. Stockpiled tires create fire hazards, attract mosquitoes, and often become magnets for additional illegal dumping and criminal activity. County leaders said the cleanup effort is part of a broader strategy that combines enforcement, prevention, and long-term restoration.
Push for Statewide Reform
Beyond local cleanup, DeKalb County is advocating for changes to Georgia’s tire remediation laws to help counties better address widespread dumping.
The county supports amendments to O.C.G.A. § 12-8-40.1 that would allow Solid Waste Trust Fund reimbursements for projected cleanup costs in hard-to-reach areas, permit counties to seek reimbursement on behalf of municipalities when intergovernmental agreements are in place, and provide additional state funding for large counties with populations over 500,000.
County leaders said those reforms are critical to sustaining long-term cleanup efforts and deterring repeat offenders.
Legal Disposal and What Comes Next
Residents are reminded that they can legally dispose of up to 10 tires per trip at the Seminole Road Landfill, located at 4203 Clevemont Road in Ellenwood. Tires are transported from the site to approved recycling facilities. Additional information is available by calling the landfill at (404) 687-4040.
Cochran-Johnson also announced that the county is developing a permanent solution to address tire disposal. In early 2026, DeKalb plans to introduce an option allowing all residents and businesses to legally dispose of tires, a move officials hope will undercut illegal dumping at its source.
The current initiative aligns with the county’s Reimagine DeKalb agenda, focusing on reducing blight, improving safety, and restoring pride in heavily impacted communities.
During a recent drive through Lithonia, The Truth Seekers Journal observed multiple tire dump sites at varying stages, many of which appeared to have begun with just a handful of discarded tires before rapidly expanding. Once visible, the piles often grew rapidly, reinforcing a pattern county officials say underscores the need for swift cleanup and consistent enforcement.
On a crisp December afternoon inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, South Carolina State and Prairie View A&M delivered a game that will live far beyond the final score. What began as a one-sided first half evolved into the longest and most dramatic finish in Celebration Bowl history, culminating in a four-overtime thriller that crowned the Bulldogs as the 2025 HBCU National Champions.
South Carolina State’s 40–38 victory over Prairie View A&M was not simply a football game. It was a statement of resilience, tradition, and the enduring power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to command the national stage—on the field, in the stands, and across Black culture.
More Than a Bowl Game
Since its inaugural kickoff in 2015, the Celebration Bowl has occupied a unique space in college athletics. It is the de facto HBCU national championship, pitting the champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) against one another in a winner-take-all clash.
But the game’s significance extends well beyond X’s and O’s.
Each December, Atlanta becomes a gathering place for alumni caravans, marching bands, fraternities and sororities, entrepreneurs, families, and generations of fans who understand that HBCU football is inseparable from Black history and community pride. Tailgates turn into reunions. Halftime becomes a concert. The stadium transforms into a cultural archive.
The 2025 edition honored that legacy—and then raised the bar.
A Decade of Tradition
Over its first ten seasons, the Celebration Bowl has charted the evolution of modern HBCU football.
North Carolina A&T dominated the early years, winning four titles between 2015 and 2019. Grambling State and Florida A&M added their names to the roll of champions. North Carolina Central captured a memorable overtime win in 2022. Jackson State’s rise under Deion Sanders brought unprecedented national visibility, culminating in a decisive 2024 victory.
South Carolina State entered that history twice before—an upset of Jackson State in 2021 and now, in 2025, a triumph that may never be matched for drama.
Prairie View’s Long Road to Atlanta
For Prairie View A&M, simply reaching the Celebration Bowl marked a milestone decades in the making.
The Panthers earned their first-ever appearance by winning the 2025 SWAC Championship, edging Jackson State 23–21 on December 6 in Jackson, Mississippi. It was a disciplined, defense-driven performance that capped a 10–3 season and announced Prairie View’s arrival on the national HBCU stage.
Under head coach Tremaine Jackson, Prairie View played with composure throughout the season, winning close games late and building confidence with each passing week. For alumni, the trip to Atlanta represented validation—proof that the program belonged among the elite of Black college football.
South Carolina State’s Surge
South Carolina State arrived with momentum of a different kind.
The Bulldogs finished the regular season 9–3 and closed the year with seven straight wins, securing the MEAC championship and its automatic bid to the Celebration Bowl. Their late-season run was defined by steady defense, improved quarterback play, and a growing belief that the team had yet to play its best football.
Head coach Chennis Berry, already a proven winner at the Division II level, guided the Bulldogs with a steady hand. His teams had a reputation for discipline and poise—traits that would be tested to their limits in Atlanta.
A First Half Gone Wrong
For much of the opening half, Prairie View looked poised to write a storybook ending.
The Panthers jumped out to a commanding lead, exploiting defensive lapses and capitalizing on early momentum. By halftime, Prairie View held a 21-point advantage, and South Carolina State faced long odds against a confident opponent that had controlled the tempo.
Then adversity struck again.
Starting quarterback William Atkins IV was sidelined, forcing South Carolina State to turn to backup Ryan Stubblefield—a move that would redefine the game and the season.
The Comeback Begins
Stubblefield entered with little fanfare but played with composure well beyond his role. He steadied the offense, made smart reads, and slowly chipped away at Prairie View’s lead.
As the Bulldogs mounted their comeback, the atmosphere inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium shifted. What had been a partisan Prairie View crowd grew tense. South Carolina State fans found their voices. Bands traded musical blows. Every possession carried weight.
By the end of regulation, the Bulldogs had erased the deficit and forced overtime—an achievement that alone would have been remarkable.
What followed was unprecedented.
Four Overtimes of Resolve
The 2025 Celebration Bowl became the longest game in the event’s history, stretching into a fourth overtime that tested endurance, execution, and nerves.
Both teams traded scores. Defensive stands were met with clutch conversions. Each overtime period heightened the drama, drawing the crowd deeper into the spectacle.
In the fourth overtime, with everything on the line, South Carolina State elected to go for two. Stubblefield delivered a strike to Tyler Smith, sealing a 40–38 victory that instantly entered HBCU lore.
The comeback—down 21 points at halftime—stands as the largest in Celebration Bowl history.
A Defining Win
The win marked South Carolina State’s second Celebration Bowl title, adding to their 2021 championship and cementing the program’s place among the modern HBCU elite.
For Coach Berry, it was another national championship moment in a career defined by winning at multiple levels. For Stubblefield, it was the performance of a lifetime—234 passing yards and leadership under extraordinary pressure.
For the Bulldogs, it was validation.
The Culture on Full Display
Yet, even as the final score was recorded, the true power of the Celebration Bowl remained visible all around the stadium.
Marching bands delivered halftime performances that rivaled any professional show. Alumni waved school flags with pride. Families posed for photos beneath banners celebrating Black excellence. Vendors, entrepreneurs, and artists turned the concourses into a marketplace of culture.
This is what separates the Celebration Bowl from every other postseason game.
It is not merely an endpoint to a season. It is a living showcase of history, resilience, and joy—an affirmation that HBCUs continue to produce excellence on their own terms.
A Rivalry Renewed
The MEAC-SWAC rivalry remains the heartbeat of the Celebration Bowl. Over the past decade, momentum has swung back and forth, with each conference staking its claim to supremacy.
Prairie View’s appearance reinforced the SWAC’s depth and competitiveness. South Carolina State’s victory reaffirmed the MEAC’s ability to rise on the biggest stage.
Together, they delivered a game worthy of the platform.
Why 2025 Will Be Remembered
The 2025 Celebration Bowl will be remembered not only for its statistics—four overtimes, a 21-point comeback, a championship-winning conversion—but for what it represented.
It was a reminder that HBCU football remains one of the sport’s most compelling theaters. That legacy programs still matter. That new contenders can rise. And that when given the stage, Black college football delivers unforgettable moments.
In Atlanta, beneath a closed roof and surrounded by open hearts, South Carolina State and Prairie View A&M gave the Celebration Bowl its defining chapter.
And the celebration, as always, extended far beyond the final whistle.
Filmmaker Lisa Maydwell’s journey from classroom teacher to award-winning producer reflects resilience, purpose, and a mission to empower local artists and authentic Black storytelling nationwide.
By Milton Kirby | Truth Seekers Journal | Artist Profiles Series
For Lisa Maydwell, the path to filmmaking did not begin behind a camera. It began in a classroom. She found her gift by teaching others to find theirs.
“It wasn’t until teaching others the craft of writing that I discovered my own gift,” Maydwell reflects—a realization that would eventually carry her from factory floors and elementary school classrooms to film festivals, sound stages, and movie theaters.
Today, Maydwell is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer based in Georgia, known for her emotionally grounded storytelling and her commitment to elevating authentic voices. But her journey to creative clarity was anything but linear.
A Late Start, A Deeper Calling
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Maydwell was supported early on by her biggest cheerleader—her mother, Alicia. For years, she worked factory jobs to help support her family, including her two daughters, Britney and Symone. Stability mattered. So did survival.
At 35, she enrolled at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education with the practical belief that teaching would allow her to work anywhere in the country. But the journey nearly ended before it began.
Her first writing class ended in an F.
“I was so disappointed in myself and was ready to quit,” she recalls.
A mentor, Dr. Lake, intervened—encouraging her to stay, to push through doubt, to trust growth over grades. That persistence paid off. Maydwell graduated with a degree in elementary education and went on to teach for 17 years in Indianapolis’ Decatur Township School District, eventually earning Teacher of the Year honors.
What she did not yet know was that her true classroom was still ahead.
The Story That Changed Everything
The turning point came unexpectedly, through an old classmate.
Reverend Gerald King approached Maydwell about creating a documentary or film centered on Robert W. Lee, the first president and co-founder of the International Boxing Federation. When the original author backed out, Maydwell was asked to step in and write Lee’s memoirs.
She said yes.
That project opened a door she hadn’t known she was knocking on—and once inside, she didn’t look back.
Her growing body of work includes The Final Round, which earned Best Documentary Feature honors at both the Gary International Black Film Festival and the Black Film Festival of New Orleans; Grandma’s Closet, which won the Diaspora Best Animation Award; and Broken Branches, recognized as Best Film at Summer Media Studio Lithuania in the European Union.
In 2023, she was named I AM Award Producer of the Year.
Each project carries Maydwell’s signature: emotionally precise storytelling rooted in character, consequence, and quiet truth.
Atlanta, Risk, and Reinvention
Frequent visits to family in Atlanta exposed Maydwell to a city transforming into a filmmaking mecca. Eventually, she made the leap—leaving behind a stable teaching career to pursue filmmaking full-time.
Then COVID-19 hit.
“I thought, ‘Oh Lord, I quit my job, the world is at a standstill, and I’m going to have to move in with my sister,’” she says.
Once again, persistence carried her forward. Maydwell sustained herself by writing screenplays and ghostwriting books for clients, refining her craft while the industry paused.
Atlanta did not simply offer opportunity—it demanded resilience. Maydwell met it head-on.
Stories with Purpose
Her upcoming film, My Brother’s Shadow, explores identity and self-discovery through the lives of twin brothers, Bryon and Tyron Mable, as they struggle to define themselves beyond expectation. The film is scheduled for theatrical release soon, marking another milestone in a career defined by late blooming and fearless reinvention.
At the core of Maydwell’s work is a philosophy shaped by her own path:
Everyone possesses a unique gift—a spark of potential waiting to be discovered and perfected.
That belief fuels not only her films, but her dedication to empowering local artists—creating space, opportunity, and visibility for voices that might otherwise go unheard.
A Reputation Earned on Set
Those who work with Maydwell speak less about ego and more about care.
“Her passion for characters, scenery, and props captivates the imagination and leaves you with a heartfelt message that is life-changing,” says voice talent Sherry Fincher.
Educator and entrepreneur Rita Kendall describes Maydwell as “a problem solver” with an instinct for designing creative environments that uplift everyone involved.
Actors echo the sentiment.
“I’m so grateful that Lisa gave me an opportunity to be the star of the show,” says Tawj Monroe, host of Cooking with Munchies. “Thank you for helping my dreams become reality.”
For Maydwell, those moments matter as much as awards.
What Comes Next
Now rooted in Georgia, Maydwell continues to build a career that bridges education, storytelling, and community uplift—proving that it’s never too late to find your voice, and never too risky to trust it once you do.
Her journey is a reminder that gifts do not always reveal themselves early—but when they do, they arrive with purpose.
Peachtree Street has long been called Atlanta’s spine — a corridor where commerce, culture, and conflict have intersected for more than a century. Now, a new tour experience aims to tell that story with greater depth, balance, and historical honesty.
Chit Chat Atlanta Tours this week unveiled its newest cultural offering, “Peachtree Street: The Main Artery,” a guided experience designed to trace Atlanta’s growth through the people, institutions, and neighborhoods that shaped its most iconic street.
Rather than focusing solely on skyline views and postcard landmarks, the tour places equal emphasis on overlooked histories, particularly Black institutions and communities whose stories have often been pushed to the margins.
“This tour is about more than buildings,” organizers said in announcing the experience. “It’s about understanding how Peachtree Street reflects Atlanta’s past, its present, and the people who built it.”
Chit Chat Special Offer
A Church That Anchors Buckhead’s Black History
One of the most significant stops along the route is New Hope AME Church, recognized as the oldest Black church in Buckhead. Long before luxury towers and high-end retail defined the area, New Hope AME stood as a center of worship, education, and civic leadership for Black Atlantans navigating segregation, displacement, and change.
By highlighting New Hope AME, the tour expands the narrative of Buckhead beyond affluence and architecture, grounding it in resilience and community continuity. For many visitors, it is a revelation — a reminder that Black history in Atlanta extends well beyond downtown and Sweet Auburn.
Literary Legacy and Southern Elegance
The experience also includes visits to some of Peachtree Street’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Margaret Mitchell House, where the Pulitzer Prize–winning author wrote Gone With the Wind. The site remains a touchstone for discussions about Southern literature, memory, and mythmaking.
Nearby, guests encounter the Georgian Terrace Hotel, long regarded as one of the South’s most elegant historic hotels. Its halls have hosted dignitaries, artists, and civic leaders, making it a fitting symbol of Peachtree Street’s role as Atlanta’s front parlor.
Together, these stops illustrate how Peachtree Street has served as both a cultural stage and a mirror, reflecting the values and contradictions of the city across generations.
Urban Living and a Changing Skyline
As the tour moves north and south along the corridor, it explores Atlanta’s transition into a modern metropolis. A featured stop includes the city’s first luxury condominium, a development that marked a turning point in how Atlantans viewed urban living.
That moment signaled Peachtree Street’s evolving identity — from commercial thoroughfare to residential destination — and helped redefine how the city grew upward rather than outward.
Remembering Johnsontown
Perhaps the most powerful segment of the tour centers on Johnsontown, one of Buckhead’s historic Black communities. Long before Buckhead became synonymous with exclusivity, Johnsontown existed as a self-sustaining neighborhood rooted in faith, family, and land ownership.
Its story — shaped by endurance, displacement, and transformation — adds necessary context to Peachtree Street’s modern prosperity. By including Johnsontown, the tour acknowledges that development often came at a human cost, and that Atlanta’s growth cannot be fully understood without reckoning with those realities.
An Invitation to Locals and Visitors Alike
Chit Chat Atlanta Tours says the “Main Artery” experience is designed for longtime residents, newcomers, and visitors who want more than surface-level history. The tour blends architecture, social history, and lived experience into a single narrative that feels both educational and personal.
By centering untold stories alongside familiar landmarks, the experience positions Peachtree Street not just as a road, but as a living archive of Atlanta itself.
NASCAR, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports reach a landmark settlement creating long-term stability, stronger team equity, and a unified path forward ahead of the 2026 season.
By Milton Kirby | Charlotte, NC | December 11, 2025
NASCAR, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have reached a sweeping settlement that leaders across the sport are calling a turning point. The agreement ends months of tension, restores unity inside the garage, and sets new terms meant to give teams stability for years ahead.
The announcement came Wednesday in a joint statement. All three parties said the resolution protects the future of the sport, strengthens the charter system and positions NASCAR for “meaningful growth” in a more competitive environment.
Officials also stressed that the settlement creates a fairer economic structure. It also keeps the focus on fans as the sport prepares for its 78th season.
A Foundation for Long-Term Growth
As part of the settlement, NASCAR will issue a formal amendment to charter holders. It will include updated terms and a version of “evergreen” charters — a major point of negotiation for teams seeking permanent value and long-term ownership security.
Financial terms remain confidential. But all sides say the result creates a level playing field and enhances the model for team participation.
In their joint statement, NASCAR and the teams said the goal was simple: protect the sport’s foundation while opening doors for new investment, stronger sponsorships, and a more stable competitive field.
They also thanked U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin, along with the jury involved in the process, acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations.
Michael Jordan: “This was about progress”
Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, said the lawsuit was never about conflict. It was about modernizing a system built for a different era.
“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress,” Jordan said. “It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees and fans.”
Jordan said the new framework gives teams a stronger voice and a real chance to build equity over time.
“I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026,” he added.
Denny Hamlin: “Worth fighting for”
For Denny Hamlin, the agreement reflects both personal history and professional commitment.
“I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life,” Hamlin said. “Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am.”
Hamlin said the decision to challenge the existing structure was difficult, but necessary.
“We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry,” he said. “Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger.”
Front Row’s Bob Jenkins: “Real confidence in where we’re headed”
Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins said the settlement strengthens the garage as a whole.
“I love this sport, and it was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers and sponsors fairly,” Jenkins said.
He believes the new terms will finally allow teams to build true long-term value, something owners have sought since the charter system began in 2016.
“I’m excited for the road ahead — for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands and everyone who loves this sport,” he said.
Curtis Polk: “Significant progress toward the Four Pillars”
Curtis Polk, 23XI co-owner and a member of the Team Negotiating Committee, pointed to the framework teams have long advocated for — known as the Four Pillars.
Those pillars include:
Sustainability for teams
Equity and long-term value
Transparency in NASCAR’s financial systems
Stronger governance and collaboration
Polk said the settlement delivers “significant progress” and aligns NASCAR and teams around shared goals for growth.
Jim France: “A brighter future”
NASCAR CEO and Chairman Jim France said the agreement safeguards what fans value most — competitive racing, strong teams and the stability required to shape the next generation of the sport.
“This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans,” France said.
He called the charter system “invaluable” since its creation in 2016, and said the new agreement strengthens it even further.
“We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams and race tracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026,” he added.
A Historic Moment for the Sport
The settlement marks the end of a turbulent chapter but also the beginning of a new era. For the first time, teams appear poised to gain lasting ownership security. NASCAR, in turn, preserves the competitive structure that drives the sport’s popularity.
Both sides now shift their attention back to the track — and to a 2026 season that is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in years.
Black On Demand TV expands its fall lineup with new creator-led shows, spotlighting a Black-owned streaming platform redefining access, mentorship, and distribution in entertainment.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 11, 2025
Black On Demand TV is not trying to compete with Hollywood. It is trying to change how creators get there.
The independently Black-owned streaming network has emerged as a studio, accelerator, and launchpad for everyday people with stories to tell — many of whom have never worked in media before.
Founded and led by Swan Simpson, Black On Demand TV focuses on one core mission: closing the gap between Black creators and major distribution platforms.
“Too many talented voices never get heard,” Simpson said. “Not because the ideas aren’t strong, but because access has always been limited.”
A Different Model for Black Entertainment
Black On Demand TV operates on a model rarely seen in the streaming world.
The platform develops creators from the ground up. It provides mentorship, packaging, production guidance, and real distribution opportunities.
Creators are not required to come with professional cameras, crews, or industry connections. Many start with nothing more than a mobile phone, a concept, and lived experience.
The goal is not just content. The goal is ownership, visibility, and sustainability.
Since its launch, Black On Demand TV has helped hundreds of creators premiere original shows and then graduate to larger platforms, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Tubi, and Fawesome TV.
Community, Excellence, and Authenticity
The network is built on four guiding values.
Community comes first. Creators support one another and shape the culture together.
Excellence is expected at every level, from production quality to audience experience.
Authenticity is non-negotiable. Stories are told without dilution or compromise.
Innovation drives the platform forward, opening new pathways for creators who have long been excluded from traditional media systems.
Black On Demand TV is free to viewers, removing another barrier to access for audiences nationwide.
Fall 2025 Lineup Expands the Vision
On Wednesday, December 10, Black On Demand TV officially unveiled its 2025 Fall Premiere Lineup, signaling another major step forward as the network looks toward 2026.
The lineup includes the return of two flagship series:
The Sandy Rodgers Show (Season 2) Doc, Fix My Plate (Season 2)
Both shows build on successful first seasons with deeper conversations, expanded formats, and new guests.
Eight new original series also debuted, all developed through the Black On Demand Creator Accelerator Program:
The Review Rebel
Vibz N Viewz
Texas Unleashed
The Verdict Is In
Hidden Treasures Sarasota/Tampa Bay
Detroit On A Dime
Southern Charm On A Fork
Always VIP
What sets these shows apart is not just the content, but the creators behind them.
Every series was developed by individuals with no prior media experience.
From Homes and Communities to Television Screens
“These creators stepped into television from their homes, their communities, and their lived experiences,” Simpson said. “That’s the future of media.”
Under Simpson’s mentorship, creators learn how to turn ideas into structured shows that can compete on national platforms.
The Fall Premiere Weekend was celebrated at the Aloft Hotel at The Battery in Atlanta, bringing together creators, partners, and supporters to mark the network’s rapid growth.
Looking Toward National Recognition
Beyond distribution, Black On Demand TV is also guiding creators toward professional recognition.
The network recently announced plans to help creators pursue membership with the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, home of the Emmy Awards.
For many independent creators, this step represents uncharted territory.
For Black On Demand TV, it is part of a larger vision: proving that grassroots storytelling belongs on the biggest stages.
As the holiday streaming season begins, the network invites viewers nationwide to experience content that is raw, real, and rooted in Black culture.
MARTA and Decide DeKalb host a festive Holiday Market and Customer Appreciation Event at Kensington Station with local vendors, free treats, crafts, music, and family-friendly activities.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 10, 2025
MARTA is bringing holiday cheer to the east side this week. In partnership with Decide DeKalb, the transit agency will host a special Customer Appreciation Event and Holiday Market on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kensington Station.
The plaza outside the station will be transformed into a festive outdoor marketplace, complete with music, local vendors, crafts, giveaways, and a visit from Santa himself.
A Community Market for the Season
The holiday market will highlight DeKalb-based artisans and small businesses, giving customers a chance to shop local while picking up seasonal gifts. Organizers say the curated vendors reflect the cultural mix of the Kensington area and the county at large.
The market is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and accessible — the kind of place where neighbors stop, browse, and say hello.
Free Treats and Family Fun
Visitors will be greeted with free hot cocoa, cider, Coca-Cola samples, and snacks. Music and karaoke will run throughout the event, adding a light, cheerful energy to the station plaza.
There will also be story time led by local community leaders and guest readers, giving families a quiet moment to enjoy together.
Crafts, Photo Booths, and Giveaways
Scraplanta, a popular arts nonprofit known for turning recycled materials into creative projects, will host hands-on DIY holiday crafts for children and adults.
MARTA will also set up a pop-up shop with branded merchandise. A photo booth and several prize giveaways will keep the festive mood going.
And for the kids — and the kids at heart — Santa will be on-site from 3 to 5 p.m. for photos and meet-and-greets.
A Special Appearance: MARTA’s Holiday Buses
MARTA’s decorated holiday buses, wrapped in bright lights and seasonal artwork, will be at Kensington Station for customers to explore. These buses have become a small but joyful tradition across the system, drawing riders who appreciate the splash of color and creativity during the winter season.
Event Details
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Kensington Station 3350 Kensington Rd. Decatur, GA 30032
At Your DeKalb Farmers Market, 184 flags, global foods, and round-the-clock operations turn a Decatur grocery into Atlanta’s most beloved, affordable world market for families.
By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 9, 2025
Walk up to the entrance of Your DeKalb Farmers Market on East Ponce de Leon Avenue, and the first thing you notice is the sky of flags. From one end of the roofline to the other, 184 national flags ripple above the parking lot, turning a simple grocery trip into a small United Nations of food and people.
Inside, more flags hang over the produce tables, seafood counters, and aisles of spices and grains. For many metro Atlanta families, spotting the flag of their home country is the start of a familiar routine: a deep breath, a smile, and a walk toward the foods that taste like home.
This is the heart of Your DeKalb Farmers Market — a place where global identity, fresh food, and community all meet under one roof.
A Market That Belongs to Its Neighbors
The story of this “world market” begins in 1977, when Rhode Island native and retail veteran Robert W. Blazer opened a small, 7,500-square-foot produce stand in Decatur.
Before he opened his first location on Medlock Road, Blazer went door to door in the surrounding neighborhood and asked residents a simple question: would you like to have a farmers market here? When they said yes, he dedicated the business to them and chose a name that still appears on the brown facade today: Your DeKalb Farmers Market.
His goal, as he later wrote, was not to build a chain of stores, but to create a direct, affordable source of high-quality fresh food that truly served the community.
Nine years after that first stand, the market moved to its current home at 3000 East Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur, where it has grown into a massive indoor marketplace now known across the region.
Flags as a Map of the World
The 184 flags above the building are not decoration. They are a map.
Photo by Milton Kirby – Your DeKalb Farmers Market Flags
Each one represents a country connected to the market’s shelves, staff, or shoppers. For customers, a flag can be a guidepost: a hint that somewhere inside they will find the cassava, plantains, injera flour, curry pastes, teas, or spices that match their home cooking.
For employees, the flags reflect the market’s workforce — a staff drawn from more than 40 countries, speaking around 50 different languages and dialects. On the sales floor, name tags often list both a worker’s country of origin and the languages they speak, helping shoppers connect in their own tongue and feel at ease.
The flags also send a message to new visitors who may be walking in for the first time. They say: whoever you are, whatever you eat, you can find a piece of yourself here. And if you are curious, you can also discover somebody else’s culture in the next aisle over.
From 7,500 Square Feet to a True World Market
Your DeKalb Farmers Market now covers well over 100,000 square feet and operates seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What began as a simple produce stand has grown into a complex, 24-hour operation that includes:
A sprawling retail floor for everyday shoppers
A busy business services department for restaurants, caterers, and other stores
Large adjacent warehouses and ripening rooms
A wholesale shipping operation that moves produce across the United States
Behind the scenes, roughly half of the building and half of the employees work out of public view. Trucks arrive around the clock. Cold rooms are checked and re-checked. Bananas, plantains, avocados, papayas, tomatoes, and pears are ripened in controlled rooms built with engineering precision.
Blazer’s background in mechanical engineering and discount retail helped him design and build much of the facility himself — with a focus on efficiency, temperature control, and food safety from the ground up.
World Direct: From Farm to Market
The market’s mission is not limited to what happens in Decatur.
Photo by Milton Kirby – DeKalb Farmers Market Florist
Under its “World Direct” registered trademark, Your DeKalb Farmers Market grows, packs, and ships produce from farms in Mexico, Central America, and South America directly to wholesale receivers across the United States. The company prides itself on working directly with farmers, helping them do what they love while building a stable market for their crops.
The market is also known in the produce industry for maintaining one of the best credit ratings available and for operating as a debt-free company — paying for what it buys with its own money and focusing on long-term strength instead of short-term debt.
Blazer’s son Daniel, who speaks Spanish fluently, heads up much of the international growing and shipping program. His work extends the reach of DeKalb’s “world market” far beyond Georgia.
Departments that Circle the Globe
Walk the aisles of Your DeKalb Farmers Market and each department feels like a different chapter in a global cookbook.
Produce: The Heart of the Market This is where it all began in 1977 and remains the beating heart of the business. Fresh fruits and vegetables arrive several times a week, often directly from growers. The market arranges its own transportation to keep produce moving quickly from field to shelf.
Organic options line up beside conventional items, many of them certified to USDA standards and the standards of their countries of origin. Shoppers can buy familiar staples or explore lesser-known greens, roots, tropical fruits, and herbs, many labeled with their home countries and uses.
Cold-pressed juices made on site — from organic kale, beets, carrots, ginger, apples, pears, and more — offer a quick way to drink those nutrients, using slower juicing methods that protect vitamins and enzymes.
Seafood: From Scottish Lochs to Georgia Kitchens The seafood department stretches across a long wall of ice and glass, with more than 450 varieties of whole fish, fillets, and shellfish. Live Maine lobsters, Dungeness crabs, and live catfish swim in tanks, turning shopping into a field trip for children.
The selection includes premium Lochlander Scottish salmon, raised in the cold lochs of the Scottish Highlands and Islands under sustainable practices and praised by chefs for its firmness and flavor. Customers can have their fish cleaned and filleted while they wait, then carry it a few aisles over to pick up global seasonings and sauces to match.
Bakery: Real People, Real Dough In the bakery, real people make more than 150 varieties of breads, bagels, muffins, pastries, and cakes from scratch every day. Many items use organic flours, organic butter, and cage-free eggs. Recipes are built around whole grains, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners rather than high-fructose corn syrup.
For shoppers with special diets, there is a wide selection of dairy-free baked goods made without milk or eggs, along with items made with gluten-free ingredients (prepared in a shared kitchen), and sprouted-grain breads that treat grain more like a vegetable for digestion and nutrition.
Coffee, Tea, and Nut Butters The coffee stand roasts and grinds more than 30 varieties of Arabica beans, including Fair Trade Ethiopian coffees from the Yirgacheffe region, Colombian, Kenyan, Guatemalan, Sumatra, Costa Rican, Jamaican, and others. Decaffeinated coffees are processed through the Swiss Water method, which uses water instead of chemicals to remove caffeine while preserving flavor.
Next to the coffee you can watch fresh nut butters being ground — organic peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter — made to order from nuts roasted in the market.
Chinese green teas, black teas, and delicate white teas share shelf space with herbal blends, giving health-minded shoppers a second home in this corner of the store.
Flowers and Gifts The flower department brings in stems and plants from Europe, Asia, Central America, Hawaii, and the continental United States. Staff create custom arrangements for weddings, holidays, and special occasions and even fill vases and fruit baskets to order. During Valentine’s season, the market sells thousands of dozens of roses.
International Groceries and Specialties Beyond the fresh departments, the center aisles hold dried fruits from Thailand, Turkish roasted nuts, olive oils from Greece and Spain, coconut water from Sri Lanka, specialty sauces like coconut curry simmering sauces, and Stonewall Kitchen condiments and curds for home cooks who like to experiment.
Shoppers can find gluten-free flours, sprouted ancient grains, sea salts, international pastas, zero-calorie noodles, organic snacks, and a long list of pantry staples that rarely appear together in one store.
The wine and beer section offers more than 700 wines and 500 beers, arranged by geography and type. Many bottles carry ratings from respected wine publications, giving shoppers a reference point as they choose; staff stand ready to talk through regions, grapes, and food pairings.
Serving Families and Businesses
Your DeKalb Farmers Market is more than a place for home cooks. Its business services department opens at 8 a.m. to serve restaurants, caterers, wholesale food distributors, and other retail stores. Once a commercial account is set up, clients can order in bulk, call ahead, and pick up loads packed and processed for them.
This dual mission — retail and wholesale — is part of what keeps the operation humming 24 hours a day. Workers on overlapping shifts receive shipments, process meats and seafood, bake, pack, and stock the floor before most shoppers arrive.
Safety and Air You Can Feel
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the market put in extensive health and safety measures to protect staff and shoppers. Employees working with customers wore gloves and masks; markers on the floor kept customers spaced out; carts and baskets were pressure-washed with bleach.
One feature that stands out is the building’s air-washer system, designed to keep the interior at about 62 degrees with roughly 65 percent relative humidity. All of the air in the production and selling areas cycles through the system roughly every 10 minutes, washing out pollen and particles while constantly adding outside air. Higher humidity makes it harder for certain viruses to travel as easily, and those lessons have carried forward into daily operations.
Even as crowds have shifted and weekends sometimes feel less packed than they once did, the market has stayed focused on keeping shelves stocked and shoppers safe.
A Family Effort and a Bigger “Game”
Blazer, now decades into this work, often says the market is about more than selling groceries. He has long been interested in how people work together — in families, on teams, and across cultures.
His wife, Barbara, joined the business in 1987, bringing her own experience as a successful salon owner with demanding clients. She has helped shape product selection, recipes, and operations, and she speaks openly about the way the market’s “people work” tools have helped employees understand themselves, their children, and their partners at home.
Many of those lessons formed the basis for internal booklets Blazer and his team have shared through the years — reflections on what they believe people have in common and how organizations can move beyond fear and greed to cooperation.
Today, the family’s goal is to keep the market strong and independent long after its founder is gone. The company’s debt-free structure and steady reinvestment in facilities and people are designed to make that happen.
Flags for the Future
On any given day, the parking lot at Your DeKalb Farmers Market still tells its own story. A full lot often means a holiday is coming or bad weather is on the way. Shoppers roll out carts stacked with greens, fish, spices, breads, wine, coffee, and flowers — enough to fill Sunday dinners, family cookouts, Eid tables, Diwali feasts, or Lunar New Year banquets.
Above them, 184 flags wave in the Georgia wind.
They remind Atlanta that this is more than a grocery store. It is a world market rooted in Decatur, built on fresh food, fair dealing, and the belief that people from every corner of the globe can work — and eat — side by side.
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Dear Shadow Ball: Which team was the best in the history of the Negro Leagues? Coach Al Davis, Rensselaer, NY.
Dear Al: I will answer your inquiry from two perspectives – franchise history and single season.
BEST CAREER BODY OF WORK – Of 142 franchises listed in the Seamheads Negro League Database, these three on display below are clearly the best in Negro League history.
Chicago American Giants 1562 1326 .541 4.9 4.6 2 6 16
The categories above are Wins, Losses, Winning Percentage, Runs Scored per game, Runs Allowed per game, World Series won, Pennants won, and Hall of Famers on team’s roster over the years. Eight separate categories and, as indicated in bold, all eight categories found one of these three franchises at the top. Given Homestead had the best winning percentage, margin of victory, World Series titles, number of Hall of Famers and was 2nd to KC in pennants, the Homestead Grays nose out the Monarchs for the all-time top spot.
BEST SEASON – With only one season instead of 37 years (in the case of the Chicago American Giants) to inspect the differences in greatness between various annual league champions becomes more difficult and less defensible as an opinion. Nonetheless, the show must go on. I found 49 pennant winners in the Seamheads database … which I further reduced by eliminating World Series losers, teams demonstrably worse than other teams in a given season, removing duplicate franchise representatives leaving reducing to less than ten before finally, listing the below three teams as the three best:
W L % RSg RAg Hall of Famers
1943 Homestead Grays 82-26 .759 7.4 4.1 6
1929 Kansas City Monarchs 65-17 .793 6.8 3.7 3
1925 Hilldale Daisies 58-21 .734 6.3 4.4 3
Among teams not making the cut were the 1920 Chicago American Giants, 1928-1931 St Louis Stars, 1932-36 Pittsburgh Crawfords, 1945 Cleveland Buckeyes, 1946 Newark Eagles as well as other Grays & Monarchs teams.
This, in the end, I found the Homestead Grays the best franchise and the 1943 Grays as the best team.
Last week’s Shadow Ball Significa question – Last issue’s question was intended to be tricky. What Georgia native struck the initial home run by an African American in Yankee Stadium? I hoped to induce a quick “Josh Gibson” from a few early entrants banking on Gibson’s pre-eminent status as a Georgia native and as a legendary home run hitter. Alas, I couldn’t get that knuckler past Will Clark, Hackensack, NJ, who correctly posted the pride of Kingston, Georgia, Rap Dixon as the slugger who on July 5, 1930 in his first at bat in the House that Ruth built changed the name to the House that Dixon rehabbed with a 1st inning round tripper. Congrats Will!
The Shadow Ball Significa Question of the Week: Who was the first African American signed to a contract by the Boston Red Sox organization?
Ted Knorr
Ted Knorr is a Negro League baseball historian, longtime member of the Society for American Baseball Research’s Negro League Committee, and founder of the Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference and several local Negro League Commemorative Nights in central Pennsylvania. You can send questions for Knorr on Negro League topics as well as your answers to the week’s Significa question to shadowball@truthseekersjournal.com or Shadow Ball, 3904 N Druid Hills Rd, Ste 179, Decatur, GA 30033
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Morehouse and Spelman’s Glee Clubs delivered a powerful three-night Christmas concert series, blending tradition, harmony, and history in one of Atlanta’s most beloved holiday celebrations.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 8, 2025
The holiday season opened in grand fashion this weekend as the Morehouse College Glee Club and the Spelman College Glee Club delivered three unforgettable nights of music, unity, and tradition. The concerts were held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, and drew capacity crowds to two of Atlanta’s most cherished campus chapels.
Friday and Sunday performances were held at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. Saturday’s concert took place at Sisters Chapel on the campus of Spelman College. Each night offered a stirring reminder of why this joint Christmas Carol Concert remains one of the most treasured holiday traditions in Atlanta.
TSJ attended the Friday night performance, where the Glee Clubs played to a full house inside the MLK International Chapel.
A Tradition of Excellence
The Morehouse College Glee Club directed by Dr. David Morrow with organist Dr. Joyce F. Johnson, and the Spelman College Glee Club, directed by Dr. Kevin Johnson, performed a rich blend of sacred, classical, traditional, and contemporary holiday selections.
Audiences were treated to familiar favorites, including: Silent Night, Sir Christëmas, The Savior’s Birth, The First Noel, Joy to the World, This Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and Go Tell It on the Mountain.
The choirs also performed lesser-known works that were just as stirring and melodic, showcasing the depth of their repertoire and their ability to breathe new life into both classic and contemporary choral literature.
Spelman’s Legacy of Global Sisterhood
For over 100 years, the Spelman College Glee Club has upheld a standard of musical excellence shaped by harmony, discipline, and pride. With approximately 50 members from various academic disciplines, the ensemble performs most major campus events and maintains a repertoire that spans world cultures, commissioned works, and music of the African diaspora.
Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Johnson, the Glee Club has performed across the U.S. and around the world. Highlights include concerts at the White House, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Faneuil Hall in Boston, the National Museum of American History, and international tours to Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Portugal.
Membership requires a rigorous audition process evaluating tonal memory, pitch matching, vocal quality, and musicianship. Yet beyond the music, the Spelman Glee Club represents community. It is a space where sisterhood, pride, and excellence converge.
Morehouse’s Global Brotherhood in Song
The Morehouse College Glee Club has captivated audiences for more than a century. Their performances have graced presidential inaugurations, Super Bowls, the 1996 Olympics, and homegoing services for national figures including President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Morehouse alumnus.
Morehouse Glee Club Performs
Dr. Morrow says the Glee Club is more than a performance ensemble. It is a reflection of Morehouse identity and brotherhood.
“It’s remembering that you are part of a community,” Morrow said. “You are more than a member of the Glee Club. You are family. You are part of something great.”
Their musical résumé spans continents, with tours throughout Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and every corner of the United States. The Glee Club has performed with cultural icons such as Aretha Franklin, Jessye Norman, Denyce Graves, Take 6, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson. They are also featured on soundtracks to Spike Lee films and major national broadcasts.
The Glee Club is deeply tied to historical and cultural leadership. Alumni include Senator Raphael Warnock, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and legendary figures such as Mayor Maynard Jackson and Herman Cain.
A Shared Holiday Tradition
Morehouse and Spelman have long united their voices for this Christmas tradition. Together, they carry an intergenerational message: music is a cultural bridge. Music preserves history. And music, especially during the holiday season, binds community.
Judge Sugarmon, speaking to the educational significance of the Glee Clubs, underscored the moment: “At a time when DEI is being denied, we must educate our children about our history. It is what made this country what it is.”
And as the music filled the chapels each night, that message rang clear—this tradition belongs to the people, to the campuses, and to the broader community that has embraced it for nearly a century.
A Look Toward the 100th Year
This year marked the 99th Annual Christmas Carol Concert, one of the longest-running holiday traditions in Atlanta. Both colleges promised that the upcoming centennial celebration will be even more spectacular, with expanded performances and special guests.
The joy, reverence, and unity felt this weekend offered a glimpse of what that milestone will hold.
When Morehouse sings and Spelman answers, a century of HBCU excellence fills the room — and the world listens.
