Truth Seekers Journal

NC Republicans seek a voter purge that would violate federal law

North Carolina Republicans are suing to remove 225,000 voters from the state rolls, citing alleged registration form errors, but the State Board of Elections claims federal law prohibits such removals so close to the election.

By: Lynn Bonner – NC Newsline – August 27, 2024

Republicans want the courts to kick 225,000 voters off the North Carolina rolls by the end of next week.

The North Carolina Republican Party and the Republican National Committee said in a lawsuit filed Monday in Wake County that the State Board of Elections failed to act when resident Carol Snow complained about violations of a federal law called the Help America Vote Act. Snow said the state had used registration forms that failed to require a driver’s license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number.

Republicans and far-right groups are seeking voter purges in states around the country, including the swing states of Arizona and Pennsylvania.

In an email, state Board of Elections spokesman Pat Gannon said the lawsuit asks the impossible. Federal law prohibits removing voters so close to the election, he said.

“Despite being aware of their alleged claims months ago, the plaintiffs have waited until two weeks before the start of voting to seek a court-ordered program to remove thousands of existing registered voters. Federal law itself prevents such removal programs if they take place after the 90th day before a federal election, which was August 7. So, the lawsuit is asking for a rapid-fire voter removal program that violates federal law.”

This is the second lawsuit Republicans have filed against the state Board of Elections in less than a week.

Snow has made several claims about inaccurate voter rolls this year, telling the state board that registration lists are not adequately maintained. Snow belongs to a group called NC Audit Force.

“Defendants’ failure to require necessary HAVA identification information before processing and accepting hundreds of thousands of voter registration forms allowed untold numbers of ineligible voters to register. Now, those ineligible voters could vote in the upcoming November 5, 2024 election and beyond,” the GOP lawsuit says.

If the elections board can’t purge the voters, Republicans want the court to make voters who did not provide the required documents when they registered to cast provisional ballots. Those ballots would be counted only after the elections board received and verified the necessary information.

Gannon wrote that the lawsuit dramatically overstates alleged problems with voter registrations.

“The lawsuit also misunderstands the data and vastly overstates any alleged problems with voter registrations,” he said. “If a voter does not have a driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number populated in the voter registration database, that does not necessarily mean that they were allowed to register improperly.”

Voters who did not provide driver’s license or Social Security information with their registration will still be asked for photo ID when they vote, Gannon said.

Ann Webb, policy director at Common Cause NC, called the lawsuit “meritless and dangerous.”

It is not designed to fix a real problem, Webb said in a statement, but to “spread disinformation that undermines public confidence in our elections while fomenting anti-immigrant hate. If the self-serving politicians behind this suit get their way, hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians could have their voter registration unfairly thrown out in direct violation of federal law.”

In a statement issued Tuesday morning, state House Democratic Leader Robert Reives blasted the lawsuit as part of an ongoing GOP strategy to use “intimidation, chaos and even outright disenfranchisement” to limit voting rights.

“The same folks who try to rig our legislative and congressional elections with gerrymandered maps now want to rig our statewide elections by purging hundreds of thousands of voters from the voting rolls just weeks before a presidential election,” Reives said.

James Earl Jones, Iconic Voice of Film and Stage Passes Away at 93

James Earl Jones passed away on September 9, 2024, at 93, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles, including Darth Vader and Mufasa, and a voice that defined a generation of cinema and theater

By Milton Kirby – Pawling, NY – September 10, 2024

James Earl Jones, the actor whose voice was known around the world, went silent on Monday, September 9, 2024 he was 93.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Jones became a towering figure in American entertainment. He starred in an array of memorable films, including Coming to America, Field of Dreams, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Clear and Present Danger, Claudine, and The Hunt for Red October. He was widely celebrated for his versatility and talent, described as “one of America’s most distinguished and versatile” actors, and often hailed as “one of the greatest actors in American history.”

Jones amassed nearly 200 screen credits throughout his prolific career and received numerous awards and honors. He won three Tony Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Daytime Emmy, and a Grammy Award. Jones was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985 and was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009, and an Honorary Academy Award in 2011.

Jones’s distinctive, commanding voice has resonated across generations and continents. To Star Wars fans, he will forever be remembered as the voice of Darth Vader, and to millions of children, he is Mufasa, the wise lion king from Disney’s The Lion King.

He achieved the rare distinction of an EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—though his Academy Award was honorary. His Grammy came in 1977 for a spoken-word recording “Great American Documents,” adding another dimension to his multifaceted career.

Jones made his Broadway debut in 1958 in the play Sunrise at Campobello at the Cort Theatre, which has since been renamed in his honor as the James Earl Jones Theatre. Originally built by John Cort, a former vaudeville performer turned theatrical manager, the theatre became part of the Shubert Organization in 1927. It stands today as a testament to Jones’s enduring legacy in the world of theater.

James Earl Jones visits for the first time the theatre that bears his name in 2022

At the time of his passing, Mr. Jones resided in Pawling, New York, where he lived quietly in the later years of his life.

Jones leaves behind a legacy not only of memorable performances and iconic roles but also of a voice that, for many, defined a generation of cinema and theater. He will be deeply missed but remembered for his monumental contributions to the arts.

White Wealth and Privilege Unveiled: 19-Year-Old African American PFC Robert Lee Scott Was Killed in Vietnam While Draft-Dodging Donald “Bone Spurs” Trump Ascended to the U.S. Presidency

a personal reflection on the Vietnam War and its impact on a family, particularly the author’s cousin, PFC Robert Lee Scott, who was killed in 1968.

By Lola “C.R.T.” Renegade

Critical Race Truths

After fifty-six years, I still remember my daddy coming into the dilapidated shack we called home in Redwood, Mississippi, and delivering the heartbreaking news to Mama: “ Darlin’, Pat and Minnie’s boy got killed in ‘Nam!” He was referring to Army PFC Robert Lee Scott who was not only a casualty of war abroad, but also a victim of the racism, poverty, and injustice of the still-confederate Jim Crow-Mississippi at home. Robert began his tour of duty on August 28, 1968. Just fifteen days later, on September 11^th —one day before his 20th birthday—he was killed in Quang Tin Province, 9,133 miles from the Ballground Plantation in Redwood, where he had grown up.

Redwood is part of the Vicksburg Micropolitan Statistical Area and is located near the junction of U.S. Route 61 and Mississippi Highway 3. It is approximately 10 miles north of Vicksburg, a city made famous by the Battle of Vicksburg, which marked a critical turning point in favor of the Union Army during the Civil War..

Robert’s parents worked on the plantation – Mr. Pat drove tractors, and Ms. Minnie worked as a domestic in the homes of the white people who claimed the land – the Simralls. African Americans who lived in this rural part of the Delta were a close-knit community, equally steeped in poverty, inequality, and a searing belief in God.

All of us remembered when Robert was drafted, went off to Vietnam, and returned home in a flag-draped coffin and a Purple Heart. Though I was eleven at the time, the vision of Robert’s young wife pregnant at his funeral with their first child will always be with me. Robert is buried in the cemetery at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, up Highway 3. I still visit his grave when I am there paying respect to my parents, other relatives, and extended family members who are long gone.

PFC Robert Lee Scott’s name is etched on Panel/Line: 44W/29 of the Vietnam War Memorial. He is sandwiched between 20-year-old Marine Corps PFC Billy J. Scott, an African American from Cincinnati, Ohio, killed in Quang Nam Province, and 21-year-old Marine Corps CPL William Slade from Greensboro, North Carolina, killed in Quang Tri Province, also an African American. A total of sixty-three were killed in battle that day–on September 11^th –many of them barely twenty years old. Among this group were eleven African Americans and four Latinos – more than 23% young men of color.

While searching the Wall, I came across another young African American man with the same name, Marine PFC Robert Lee Scott. He was killed nine months before “our” Robert. A resident of Houma, Louisiana, he was sacrificed in Vietnam on January 26, 1968, just twenty-three days after his 20^th birthday—in Lam Xuan Cua Viet River Sector, South Vietnam, Quang Tri province, 9,016 miles from home.

Nearly 60,000 Americans perished in Vietnam. Draft-dodger Trump has labeled these fallen soldiers “suckers and losers.” It was during his presidency that he made these disparaging remarks. His father used his influence to obtain a medical deferment, citing bone spurs as the diagnosis. This practice was common among wealthy white elites who avoided the draft while the poor – both whites and minorities – were served up as cannon fodder in foreign lands all under the pretext of defending democracy. Meanwhile, the privileged lived their hedonistic lifestyles neck-deep in the blood of the fallen.

While both Robert Lee Scotts were tragically killed in Vietnam, Donald “Bone Spurs” Trump, was shielded by his wealth and white skin. He evaded the draft and lived a life of ruthless excess. Dodging the draft allowed him to revel in a life of decadence – amassing fortunes, partying with pedophiles, traveling the world, skiing the slopes, playing endless games of golf, discriminating against people of color, demanding the death penalty of five innocent young men of color (Central Park Five), bankrupting businesses at least six times, stealing from his charity resulting in the State of New York shutting it down, creating a scam university for personal profit, sexually assaulting women and bragging about it, sexing up a porn star and Playboy bunny while married, hating immigrants unless they are from European countries or he is married to them, marrying three times (twice to immigrants), fathering four anchor babies plus one other non-anchor, overtly lying and cheating in every facet of his life without consequences.

Trump was gifted a “reality” television show, The Apprentice, that propelled him to fame and, ultimately, the U.S. presidency in 2016. While running for president, he became the leader of a domestic extremist group (MAGA) and incited an insurrection to overturn the 2020 election when he lost his bid for re-election. Trump and his gang attempted to disenfranchise voters in battleground states, demanded secretaries of states to “find votes” to overthrow outcomes not in his favor.

During his tenure as president, he ended women’s reproductive healthcare, stole classified documents from the White House, destroyed government documents, appointed many grossly incompetent loyalists, withheld funding from Ukraine for a personal favor, courted dictators, flagrantly mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of American citizens.

Now, as a convicted felon facing 34 counts with more trials to come, and as a twice-impeached former president, Trump is once again running for president. His goal is, more than likely, to evade prison, erase all the charges against him, exploit the country’s Treasury for himself, his family and wealthy supporters, and further downgrade America into a third-world dictatorship. The list of his dastardly deeds goes on into infinity giving credence as to why Trump should not be allowed back on Pennsylvania Avenue or any close proximity to the White House.

In stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris is running for president against Trump. She presents a career marked by a commitment to public service and a track record of legal and legislative accomplishments. Before becoming Vice President, Harris served as a U.S. Senator, Attorney General of California, and District Attorney of San Francisco. In her various capacities she has championed progressive causes and worked on a range of national issues, including healthcare reform, criminal justice reform, fair housing, environmental justice, consumer protection, and economic inequality. Her campaign for the presidency represents a continuation of her commitment to public service, aiming to build on the progress made during the Biden-Harris Administration. Unlike Trump, Harris is a non-felon with a career dedicated to making America great.

America will never truly be the greatest country in the world as long as 45% of its voting citizens continue to support, embrace, and elect the likes of Donald Trump. They are intent on turning America into a kleptocratic kakistocracy, run by racists, misogynists and plutocrats. This historical and deep-seated flaw will forever be America’s greatest weakness and its ultimate undoing.

At 67, I have more years behind me than ahead, and I have worked for over forty years to make America a better place by embracing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Beloved Community. I am reminded of another fellow Mississippian and advocate for social justice, Fannie Lou Hamer. She endured decades of racism, inequality, violence and eviction from her home for registering herself and others to vote and suffered a non-consensual sterilization—commonly known as a Mississippi appendectomy. In 1964, in her testimony before the Credentials Committee at the Democratic National Convention, Ms. Hamer asked a poignant question:

“Is this America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, where we have to sleep with our telephones off the hook because our lives are threatened daily, simply for wanting to live as decent human beings, in America?”

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, sixty years later, we will answer Ms. Hamer’s question and send a powerful message to the world about who America truly is. When Vice President Kamala Harris is elected President, we can finally tell PFC Robert Lee Scott and countless others who sacrificed their lives for democracy that their deaths were not in vain.

#where-truth-is-never-a-theory

Round Top, Texas: Small Town, Big Impact

Round Top, Texas: A small town with a big presence, hosting the biannual Round Top Antiques Fair, a world-renowned music institute, and historic landmarks, attracting over 500,000 visitors during its major events.

By Milton Kirby – Round Top, TX – September 8, 2024

Tucked away in Fayette County, Texas, halfway between Austin and Houston, lies Round Top; one of the smallest incorporated towns in the state, with a population of just 87. Despite its size, Round Top is a powerhouse, drawing visitors worldwide for its famous biannual antiques fair.

Since its inception in 1968, the Round Top Antiques Fair has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the United States. Held every spring and fall, the fair transforms this tiny town into a bustling hub, with the population surging to over 500,000.

The Fall 2024 show, set to run from October 5th to 19th, promises to be another spectacular event. Among the many exhibitors are Brian and Tammie Wilson, owners of French Bleu, who have participated in the Round Top shows for over 15 years.

The Wilsons, who recently relocated their business from Atlanta, GA, will showcase their collection in a brand-new, fully enclosed facility – a significant upgrade from their previous open-air space that required constant setup and teardown. The Wilson’s say that “Round Top has been a lot of work, a lot of fun and it is still a viable event even-though the number of vendors has increased significantly since our first show.” Set up time for their two-week show is approximately 30 days.

Round Top is more than just an antiques destination. Its Main Street exudes small-town Texas charm, with historic buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and locally owned restaurants. Iconic landmarks like The Round Top Mercantile Company, The Big Red Barn, and the Blue Hills Complex provide a unique flavor to the town. Established in 1884, the Mercantile serves as both a general store and café, while the Big Red Barn, built in 1981 by Emma Lee Turney—the founder of the antiques fair—stands as a central venue and a symbol of Round Top’s passion for antiques, art, and history.

Round Top’s cultural offerings extend beyond antiques. The town is also home to the Round Top Festival Institute, a world-renowned music institute founded in 1971 by concert pianist James Dick. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Festival Hill, this institute hosts a summer music festival featuring young talents from across the globe. It offers concerts, training, and events throughout the year. Its intensive six-week program helps young musicians transition from academia to professional careers.

History is preserved in every corner of Round Top. For example, the Round Top Children’s Library occupies a former church that was relocated and repurposed after being used as a hay barn.

Nearby, the Winedale Historical Complex, showcases Texas history with its collection of historic homes, barns, and buildings and hosts the annual Winedale Shakespeare Festival. The Complex is managed by the University of Texas at Austin.

The magic of Round Top lies in its ability to blend a welcoming, small-town atmosphere with world-class events. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality make it a unique destination that continues to attract visitors year after year.

Following the Fall 2024 antiques fair, the town will prepare for its next big event: the Spring 2025 show, scheduled for March 20th to April 6th. Round Top is again ready to welcome an influx of visitors eager to experience its charm and excitement.

From a population of just 87 to over half a million during its major fairs, Round Top may be small, but it has a mighty presence that continues to leave a lasting impression.

Remembering Michael Jackson: A Look Back at the King of Pop’s Legacy

Michael Jackson: A Legacy of Music, Dance, and Enduring Impact. Discover the King of Pop’s remarkable life, career, and legacy, from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his solo success and lasting influence on music and culture.

Atlanta, GA – August 31, 2024

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was born on August 29, 1958, and would have celebrated his 65th birthday this year. On this date, radio stations across the country played his iconic songs in tribute to the legendary performer.

Jackson’s extraordinary career transformed music and dance and left an enduring legacy before his untimely death on June 25, 2009, at age 50 in Los Angeles, California. His death ruled a homicide, was caused by a lethal combination of sedatives and propofol administered by his personal doctor, Conrad Murray, who was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2011.

Jackson’s musical journey began early. Fifty-six years ago, on July 13, 1967, he and his brothers entered Chicago’s One-derful Studios for their first recording session, which produced the song “Big Boy.” This was the debut of The Jackson 5, a group founded in 1964 in Gary, Indiana, and managed by their father, Joe Jackson. The group, composed of Michael and his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon, was one of the first African American bands to achieve mainstream success, with crossover appeal that won them a diverse fan base.

The Jackson 5 quickly rose to fame with their 1970 single “I Want You Back,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100. They followed up with other number-one hits like “ABC” and “The Love You Save.” They achieved 17 Top 40 singles in just five years, including six number-one Billboard R&B hits. In 1976, the group left Motown for Epic Records, becoming “The Jacksons” and releasing several successful albums, including Destiny (1978) and Triumph (1980). Notable singles like “Enjoy Yourself,”, “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground),” and “Can You Feel It” further solidified their place in music history.

While Jackson started his solo career in 1971, it wasn’t until 1979, when he teamed up with producer Quincy Jones for his album Off the Wall, that he began to gain recognition as a solo artist. The album featured hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.” Jackson’s next album, Thriller (1982), became one of the best-selling albums of all time, spending 37 weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 and producing seven top 10 singles. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Jackson remained a dominant figure in music, earning the title of “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time,” according to Guinness World Records.

One of Jackson’s most iconic moments came on March 25, 1983, when he performed the “moonwalk” dance move during the television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. The dance move, originally known as the “backslide” and taught to Jackson by dancer Jeffrey Daniel of Shalamar, quickly became world-famous.

Jackson’s education was anything but conventional. He attended public grammar school in Gary, Indiana, until the age of 11, when his burgeoning music career made traditional schooling impossible. Instead, Rose Fine tutored him and his brothers, whom Michael viewed as a second mother. Fine instilled in him a lifelong love for books and literature; Jackson famously owned over 10,000 books at his Neverland Ranch, and he was known to finish at least one book a day. His favorite subjects included history and biographies.

Jackson’s three children, Prince (27), Paris (26), and Bigi (formerly known as Blanket, 21), have also lived their lives in the spotlight. Following their father’s death in 2009, they became more visible to the public, starting with Paris’s heartfelt tribute at Jackson’s funeral. Despite the intense public scrutiny, Jackson’s children have grown into well-adjusted adults who support each other in their various pursuits.

Fourteen years after his death, Michael Jackson’s influence endures. As a solo artist, he achieved 13 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 – the most by any male artist – and remains a beloved figure worldwide. His unparalleled contributions to music, dance, and popular culture continue to inspire new generations.

Six Little-known facts about Michael Jackson

1. He held a patent for a unique shoe design

Michael Jackson held a U.S. patent for a unique shoe design that allowed him to lean forward at an impossible angle while performing his famous “Smooth Criminal” dance move. The patent in 1992 allowed him and his dancers to defy gravity on stage.

2. He Owned the Rights to Many Songs, Including the Beatles’ Catalog

Michael Jackson purchased the publishing rights to a vast catalog of songs in the 1980s, including many of the Beatles’ hits. He outbid Paul McCartney and Yoko Ono to acquire the catalog, which created a rift between him and McCartney.

3. He Was Nearly Cast in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

Jackson was interested in playing Quasimodo in Disney’s animated film “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” He even offered to produce the soundtrack. However, Disney declined his offer, likely due to concerns about his public image at the time.

4. He Created a Children’s Charity

In 1992, Michael Jackson founded the “Heal the World Foundation,” a charitable organization dedicated to providing medicine, fighting world hunger, and supporting children in need around the globe. The foundation also helped children affected by war.

5. He Holds the Record for the Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star

Michael Jackson supported over 39 charities throughout his career, more than any other pop star. He donated millions of dollars and dedicated much of his time to humanitarian causes.

6. He Broke a World Record with His “Thriller” Album

“Thriller” remains the best-selling album ever, with sales exceeding 66 million copies worldwide. The Library of Congress also inducted the music video for “Thriller” into the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Michael Jackson – Bad (Official Video)

Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (Official Video)

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Official Video)

Decatur Unveils Statue of Civil Rights Icon John Lewis

Decatur, GA Unveils New Statue Honoring Civil Rights Legend John Lewis: A new monument dedicated to John Robert Lewis has been unveiled in Decatur Square, celebrating his extraordinary journey and lasting impact on civil rights.

Decatur, GA – August 28, 2024

On Saturday, August 24, a very large crowd witnessed the Decatur Square unveiling of a new statue honoring civil rights legend John Robert Lewis. This monument, crafted by renowned artist Basil Watson, replaces the Confederate obelisk that was removed from the square in 2020.

Organizations such as the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights and Hate Free Decatur had been advocating for the removal of the monument since the fatal 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

This monument was part of a broader national trend where such structures became focal points for demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice, especially after George Floyd’s death in May of 2020 at the hands of Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin who now serving a twenty-one year prison sentence . Consequently, the city of Decatur requested a Georgia judge to mandate the monument’s removal, citing frequent vandalism and graffiti that had turned it into a public safety concern.

The new statue in Decatur Square is a tribute to John Lewis, the “Conscience of Congress,” celebrating his extraordinary journey and his lasting change in pursuing civil rights.

The statue pays tribute to Lewis’ enduring legacy of seeking “good trouble” and his lifelong dedication to freedom, justice, and equality. The unveiling ceremony was marked by speeches from prominent figures, including Georgia’s US Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, civil rights activist Xernona Clayton, and Ambassador Andrew Young. Dr. Rashad Richey, an award-winning talk radio personality, was master of ceremony for the event.

L to R DeKalb County Georgia CEO, Michael Thurmond, US Congressman, Sanford Bishop, US Senator, Reverend Raphael Warnock, US Congresswoman, Nikema Williams

The monument resulted from four years of planning by the John Lewis Commemorative Task Force, which conducted a global search to find the right artist. Watson’s design reflects Lewis’ significant role in the civil rights movement, symbolizing his profound impact on the pursuit of equality.

John Lewis, born to Alabama sharecroppers, faced the harsh realities of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Inspired by figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., he rose to prominence through his courageous activism. Notably, on Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965, Lewis just twenty-five years old, played a pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery marches, where he sustained a skull fracture during a brutal confrontation with law enforcement.

Despite these challenges, Lewis remained steadfast in his advocacy for civil rights, serving diligently in the U.S. Congress for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. His leadership extended beyond the Selma marches, encompassing participation in the Nashville sit-ins, the Freedom Rides, and the 1963 March on Washington. Lewis was a crucial figure in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and one of the historic march’s “Big Six” organizers.

Unidentified audience listening to the speakers

Lewis’s legacy is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering commitment to justice. His humble beginnings did not hint at the global impact he would achieve, yet his efforts have inspired countless individuals to confront and overcome adversity. In recognition of his contributions, President Barack Obama, the first African American President, awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, signing a commemorative photo with the words: “Because of you, John. Barack Obama.”

To check your voter registration or register to vote

More video highlights from the unveiling.

Beverly H. Burkes, Mayor – Clarkston, GA

Kai Williamson: Revolutionizing Interior Design with Elegance and Impact

Kai Williamson, founder of Studio 7 Design Group, revolutionizes luxury interior design with her innovative approach, creating “livable luxury” spaces for high-profile clients, while also dedicating herself to community service.

Atlanta, GA – August 27, 2024

When discussing the elite echelons of interior design, one name emerges with undeniable prominence: Kai Williamson. She has made an immeasurable impact on the luxury interior design landscape, her work reflecting the same grandeur and innovation as the towering residences and buildings she has helped to design or transform.

As the principal of Studio 7 Design Group, a firm she founded in 2014, Williamson has carved out a niche in the world of high-end interiors. The firm’s ethos revolves around creating “livable luxury,” a concept that seamlessly merges aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. This philosophy has enabled Studio 7 to cater to a diverse clientele, from celebrities to corporate executives, ensuring each space is both beautiful and practical.

Williamson’s rise in the design world has been nothing short of remarkable. Her firm has experienced consistent growth year-over-year, a feat made even more impressive considering the challenges posed by the pandemic. This success can be attributed to Williamson’s innovative approach and strong client relationships, primarily fueled by referrals. Studio 7’s portfolio is a testament to its success, featuring high-profile residential and commercial projects across major cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, San Francisco, New York, and Miami.

The impact of Williamson’s work extends beyond the confines of her design projects. She has garnered significant media attention, appearing on HGTV’s Luxe for Less, the Essence Festival, and being featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Architectural Digest, Black Enterprise, Georgia Tech Alumni Magazine, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Deadline, and others.

Her ability to captivate and influence through design is matched by her dedication to community service. Williamson’s commitment to community service is a cornerstone of her personal and professional life. For over two decades, she has been a staunch advocate for out-of-school, disconnected youth in metropolitan Atlanta. Her past leadership as Executive Director of Youth Enhancement Services, Inc. (YES) and her current role as Chair of the Board of Directors highlight her dedication to empowering the next generation. This commitment reflects Williamson’s belief in giving back and using her success to create meaningful change.

For more information about Kai Williamson and Studio 7 Design Group, visit their website.

The Rebel Girls Triumph at BronzeLens Film Festival as Best in Festival

BronzeLens Film Festival Recap: The 15th annual festival honored films like “The Rebel Girls” and “A Little Hope for Chicago,” recognizing excellence in acting, visual storytelling, and social justice through various award categories.

Atlanta, GA – August 26, 2024

The 15th annual BronzeLens Film Festival (the Festival) culminated on Sunday evening, August 25, 2024, at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College, where The Rebel Girls, a film that resonated deeply with the audience, was honored with the prestigious Best in Festival award.

This powerful film tells the true story of the 1960s Civil Rights movement through the eyes of the young girls who revitalized it with their magical thinking, friendship, faith, and determination. It captivated audiences and earned a thunderous response inside the auditorium.

Nika King, who delivered a compelling performance in The Rebel Girls, was awarded Best Actress, further solidifying the film’s impact at the Festival.

Kevin Nichols accepts award for Best Actor

The Best Actor Award was presented to Kevin Nichols for his leading role in the film, A Little Hope for Chicago Directed by Leon Lozano. The film follows the journey of a grounded kid from inner-city Chicago transform into a young street hustler in pursuit of quick money, face the tough lessons that lifestyle brings, and ultimately grow into a reformed man, father, and college graduate.

The Festival paid tribute to the legendary Bill Duke with the Bronze Excellence in Acting & Visual Storytelling Award. Duke, an actor, director, producer, writer, and humanitarian, has devoted over 30 years to producing critically acclaimed film and television content through his company, Duke Media Entertainment. His dedication to bringing quality ‘edutainment’ to global audiences has left an indelible mark on the industry, and his recognition was a moment of deep respect and appreciation.

Bill Duke accepts award from Mistress of Ceremony Portia Bruner as board chair W. Imara Canady looks on.

Another evening highlight was the presentation of the Andrew Young Cinema & Social Justice Award to How to Sue the Klan, directed by John Beder. This award acknowledges excellence in filmmaking and honors the legacy of Ambassador Andrew Young, a Civil Rights and Social Justice advocate.

The complete list of BronzeLens Award winners includes:

Best Actor Award: Kevin Nichols – A Little Hope for Chicago – Directed by Leon Lozano
Best Actress Award: Nika King – The Rebel Girls – Directed by Felicia D. Henderson
Founder’s Award: Gil Robertson, IV
Founder’s Award: Shaunya Chavis-Rucker
Best Short Documentary Award: The Dancer: The Beautiful and Tragic Life of Gerald Alexander – Director Ryon Justin Horne and Tyson Alan Horne
Best Documentary Award: A Time to Yell: More Than a Statue – Directed by Daniel B. Levin and Eric Newman
Best Student Film: Grace – Directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris
Best Web Video: – Our Voices, Our Lives, Presents Therez Fleetwood – Directed by William Feagins, Jr.
Best Music Video Award: Algorithm Takedown – Directed by Alex Budovsky
Best Dance Video Award: Burn from the Inside – Directed by Mthuthuzeli November
Best International Feature Film: Kipemboi – Directed by Charles Uwagbai
Best Feature Film: Albany Road – Directed by Christine Swanson
Georgia Filmmaker Award: William Feagins, Jr.
Andrew Young Cinema & Social Justice Award: How to Sue the Klan – Directed by John Beder
Bronze Excellence in Acting & Visual Storytelling Award: Bill Duke

All of the award-winning films, along with over one hundred other screened films, are now available for virtual viewing on the BronzeLens website.

This exciting opportunity allows you to experience the magic of these films from the comfort of your own home at your own pace.

Please visit the official BronzeLens Film Festival website for more information about the Festival, its mission, and upcoming events.

Atlanta Dream Squeak Past Seattle Storm in 83-81 Thriller

Atlanta Dream Secures Dramatic 83-81 Victory Over Seattle Storm. In a nail-biting finish, Tina Charles sank the game-winning shot, marking a milestone in her career and improving the Dream’s all-time record against the Storm.

Atlanta, GA – August 18, 2024

In a nail-biting finish, the Atlanta Dream secured a dramatic 83-81 victory over the Seattle Storm at the Gateway Center Arena Friday night, with a game-winning shot by nine-time All-Star Tina Charles.

With just 10.7 seconds left on the clock and the Storm trailing by three, Jordan Horston inbounded the ball to Skylar Diggins-Smith, whose three-point attempt fell short, landing in the hands of Jewell Loyd. Loyd, in a desperate attempt, dribbled through heavy traffic, launched a high-arching three-pointer from the right wing in front of the Storm’s bench, that swished through the net, tying the game at 81 with only 4.6 seconds remaining.

Following a timeout, the Dream executed a perfectly drawn-up play. Jordin Canada, returning from a broken finger injury that had kept her sidelined since early July, inbounded the ball to Charles. With one bounce, Charles rose and sank the decisive basket, sealing the win for Atlanta.

The game marked the return of both teams from the Olympic break, with the Storm entering the contest with a 17-8 record and the Dream struggling at 7-17. Seattle’s starting lineup featured Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Loyd, Jordan Horston, Nneka Ogwumike, and Ezi Magbegor, while Atlanta started Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, and Tina Charles. Due to injuries, this starting lineup was a first for the Atlanta Dream.

Seattle took control early in the game, with Diggins-Smith scoring 10 points in the first four minutes. The Storm led 22-18 at the end of the first quarter, with Diggins-Smith continuing her strong performance throughout the first half, finishing with 17 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

Despite Seattle’s dominance early on, shooting 50% from the floor and forcing 14 Dream turnovers in the first half, Atlanta fought back in the second half, led by Rhyne Howard’s stellar 30-point performance. Howard’s three-point shooting in the third quarter and a crucial free throw in the fourth gave Atlanta its first lead of the game.

Charles’ final shot not only clinched the victory but also marked a milestone in her career, as she became the second player in WNBA history to reach 3,000 career field goals.

This victory improves the Dream’s all-time record against the Storm to 18-23 overall and 13-8 when playing in Atlanta. For Seattle, it was a hard-fought game, but they couldn’t hold off the resurgent Dream in the closing moments.

The 25th game of the season for the Dream marked their first match since the nearly month-long Olympic break. During the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Rhyne Howard represented her country as a member of the USA Basketball 3×3 Women’s National Team, helping the team secure a bronze medal for their performance.

Both head coaches were also active during the Olympics. Tanisha Wright of the Dream served as a scout for Team USA, while Noelle Quinn, head coach of the Storm, contributed as an assistant coach for Team Canada.

Video courtesy WBNA Atlanta Dream

Atlanta Dream Overpowers Second Ranked Connecticut Suns

Atlanta Dream Extends Post-Olympic Winning Streak to Two Games: The Atlanta Dream defeated the second-ranked Connecticut Sun with a decisive 19-2 run in the fourth quarter, showcasing their resilience and determination in the WNBA season.

Atlanta, GA – August 19, 2024

The Atlanta Dream extended their post-Olympic break winning streak to two games after a hard-fought victory over the second-ranked Connecticut Sun on Sunday. The Sun, who entered Gateway Arena with an 18-6 record and a number two WNBA ranking, faced a determined Dream squad fresh off a win against the Seattle Storm.

Although the Sun won the opening tip-off, but Atlanta quickly set the pace with a top-of-the-key three-pointer from Rhyne Howard scored six points in the first quarter while Tina Charles matched her with six points, added five rebounds to her tally, as Atlanta outpaced Connecticut in fast-break points, 5-2. The Dream led by as many as seven points during the opening period, with Marina Mabrey’s layup finally putting the Sun on the board at the 6:55 mark. However, a scare came when Cheyenne Parker-Tyus took a hard fall and had to be assisted to the locker room with five minutes remaining in the quarter.

In the second quarter, the Atlanta Dream seized control with a 12-4 run spearheaded by Jordin Canada, who contributed six points, two assists, and created four additional points from her assists in just five minutes. Charles added five more points as the Dream dominated the paint, outscoring the Sun 12-6 and forcing 10 turnovers while committing only six turnovers themselves. Atlanta also recorded six steals in the first half, including two by Howard. The Dream had a five-point lead at the half.

Tina Charles releases jump shot over three Sun defenders.

The Dream maintained their lead throughout the third quarter, bolstered by eight points from Canada and five from Charles. Despite Connecticut trimming the lead to just one point with four minutes left, Atlanta responded with three consecutive three-pointers—two from Canada and one from Charles—giving the Dream a seven-point cushion heading into the final quarter. The Dream continued to dominate in transition, outscoring the Sun 7-0 in fast break points.

In the fourth quarter, the Sun briefly tooked the lead, 68-63, but Atlanta countered with a decisive 19-2 run. Alisha Gray, who scored seven of her 11 points in the final period, ignited the run with a basket and a bonus point. In the final minute, Charles secured a crucial jump ball at midcourt, passing it to Gray, who found Howard for a three-pointer that pushed the Dream’s lead to six. Canada and Charles then sealed the victory by going 2-for-2 from the free throw line, as the Dream shot an impressive 10-for-11 as a team in the fourth.

With this win, the Atlanta Dream showcased their resilience and determination, toppling one of the league’s top ranked teams and solidifying their momentum as the season progresses.

Naz Hillmon puts up shot against three Sun defenders, Marina Mabry, Brionna Jones & Tyasha Harris

Next up for the Atlanta Dream is the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, August 21, and Friday, August 23. As of August 19, 2024, the WNBA has the Mercury ranked sixth in the nation and fourth in the WNBA Western Conference at 15-13. The Phoenix team won two of its last three matches by double digits. The Mercury has momentum and confidence at their backs.

When head coach Tanisha Wright was asked with two days to prepare for Phoenix, how do you keep the team’s confidence up? “They will take a day off for sure, the day off will allow their bodies to repair, then we will prepare like we prepare for any other team. We will focus on ourselves and look at anything that we need to cleanup. Then focus on the challenges that Phoenix presents, but most of all focusing on ourselves.”