MARTA celebrates Outkast’s 25th anniversary of Stankonia with a custom bus honoring André 3000 and Big Boi ahead of their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | November 4, 2025
If you’ve ever ridden MARTA with Outkast playing through your headphones, this one’s for you. The city’s favorite duo — André 3000 and Big Boi — just got a moving tribute in their honor, and it’s riding through the same neighborhoods that raised them. This is a moment of pride for all of us, a testament to our shared love for our city and its music.
Courtesy MARTA – Interim General Manager & CEO Jonathan Hunt, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, MARTA Chief of Staff Steven Parker
MARTA has wrapped one of its buses in full Stankonia glory — a rolling celebration of 25 years since the album that not only changed hip-hop but also changed Atlanta’s cultural landscape. It reminded the world that the South had something to say, and we’re proud to be a part of that cultural revolution.
The bus made its first appearance at Skatetonia25, a fan party thrown by Sony Music at Cascade Skating Rink — the kind of place where Atlanta’s stories always seem to begin. There was music, skating, and even Big Boi himself, posing for photos beside the bus that now carries his name through the streets he grew up on.
“MARTA is part of the fabric of Atlanta, just like Outkast,” said MARTA Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt. “We’re proud to celebrate artists who carried this city’s voice to the world — and who gave MARTA a shoutout along the way.”
That shoutout — the one every true fan knows — came on “Elevators (Me & You)” back in 1996:
“A couple of years ago on Headland and Delowe / Was the start of something good / Where me and my [partner] rode the MARTA through the hood…”
That spot, Headland and Delowe in East Point, still sits along MARTA bus routes 93 and 81. And thanks to Outkast, it’s part of Atlanta’s living soundtrack.
The new MARTA tribute bus will stay in service for a year, cruising through Southwest Atlanta, the birthplace of Outkast and a hotbed of creativity and community. This route is a reminder that these two elements always find a way to ride together, just like Outkast’s music and the city that inspired it.
Courtesy MARTA – CEO Jonathan Hunt, Mike “Killer Mike” Render
And with Outkast set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, this moment feels like more than nostalgia. It’s a full-circle ride — from ATLiens to Stankonia, from College Park to the cosmos. The bus, a moving tribute to their legacy, is a symbol of their journey from local heroes to global icons.
So, if you see that bus roll past, know: the South’s still got something to say.
Howard University receives a historic $80 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, strengthening its research leadership, medical innovation, and mission of truth, service, and opportunity.
By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | November 3, 2025
A Legacy Rooted in Truth and Service
Founded in 1867, Howard University has shaped generations of scholars, leaders, and visionaries. Across 14 schools and colleges offering 143 degree programs, the institution continues to embody its motto — Veritas et Utilitas, Truth and Service. With more than 14,000 students, the University remains one of the nation’s most important engines of opportunity, research, and social mobility.
Howard’s historic role in American life is reflected in its remarkable roster of honorees and scholars: one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows, and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. The university also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other institution in the country.
A Leader in Research and STEM
Howard’s nationwide impact is perhaps most visible in the sciences. The National Science Foundation ranks the university as the top producer of African-American undergraduates who later earn science and engineering doctoral degrees.
Howard is also home to nationally recognized programs in business, social work, communications, and engineering. It is consistently ranked as the No. 1 HBCU for undergraduate programs in business, computer science, economics, engineering, psychology, and — at the graduate level — criminal law, constitutional law, dispute resolution, health care law, trial advocacy, economics, English, fine arts, history, political science, and speech pathology.
The Howard University School of Law, a national advocate for justice for more than 150 years, ranks No. 1 among HBCUs and recently placed No. 13 in the nation for graduates working at leading law firms.
A Historic Gift from MacKenzie Scott
Howard University has received one of the largest philanthropic gifts in its 154-year history: an $80 million investment from MacKenzie Scott. Combined with Scott’s earlier gifts of $40 million in 2020 and $12 million in 2023, her total contributions to Howard now reach $132 million.
MacKenzie Scott – Courtesy Vogue
The latest gift is unrestricted — a powerful vote of confidence in Howard’s ability to allocate resources where they will have the greatest impact. It arrives at a time when the university is accelerating its research efforts, expanding campus infrastructure, and strengthening academic programs.
This year, the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education designated Howard as an R1 research institution, placing it among the nation’s elite universities with the highest levels of research activity. Forbes, LinkedIn, and U.S. News & World Report similarly named Howard the nation’s top HBCU, with several programs ranked best-in-class across the country.
Transforming Medical Education and Innovation
Of the $80 million gift, $17 million is earmarked for the Howard University College of Medicine — a global leader in training physicians who serve medically underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad.
The funds will support the development of a new Academic Medical Center, a transformative project aligned with the innovation center Scott funded through her 2023 gift. This interdisciplinary hub — shared by the College of Medicine and the College of Engineering and Architecture — allows students to work at the cutting edge of health technology, exploring ways to improve patient outcomes and expand scientific frontiers.
Howard’s Health Sciences division, which includes the Colleges of Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, continues to serve as a national leader in studying health disparities and producing women surgeons, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
Impact on Social Mobility and Opportunity
Howard’s mission to uplift economically challenged students is not just aspirational — it is measurable.
• U.S. News named Howard the top institution in the Washington, D.C. area for social mobility. • Carnegie and ACE recognized Howard as an Opportunity College and University – High Access and High Earnings, highlighting its success in serving Pell-eligible and underrepresented students. • Among Research One universities, Howard ranked highest in “access,” reflecting its commitment to enrolling students from diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds. • Eight years after graduation, Howard alumni earn the highest median income among all HBCUs.
Scott’s gift will strengthen these outcomes, funding both immediate needs and long-term initiatives.
Investing in the Future: Facilities, Research, and Stability
The University will direct part of the gift toward new construction and renovation projects essential to R1-level research — including work in artificial intelligence, automation, public health, and scientific discovery.
Howard is also building modern living, learning, and commercial spaces designed to attract top students across the country, including Black men whose enrollment numbers have lagged nationally.
A portion of Scott’s gift will also support a reserve fund to safeguard the university during federal funding delays and government shutdowns — a serious challenge for the nation’s only Congressionally-chartered HBCU.
A Relationship Rooted in Mentorship and Legacy
MacKenzie Scott’s bond with Howard is deeply personal — shaped by her mentor and Howard alumna, Nobel laureate Toni Morrison (B.A. ’53, DHL ’95).
Morrison, who later taught at Princeton, served as Scott’s senior thesis adviser. Their relationship extended far beyond the classroom. Morrison encouraged her writing, helped her find professional footing, and offered the kind of mentorship that leaves an imprint for life.
The two exchanged letters for years. In one, Scott thanked Morrison for “criticism and encouragement, therapy and breathing lessons.” Morrison once described Scott’s writing as technically sophisticated and assured — a prediction validated when Scott later won the American Book Award.
Morrison also played a pivotal role in Scott’s life trajectory, providing a reference that helped her secure a position at the investment management firm where she met Jeff Bezos.
Today, Scott’s philanthropy reflects the lessons she learned from Morrison: that one can shape the world in many different ways, and that talent — wherever found — deserves nurturing.
Part of Scott’s 2020 gift created the Toni Morrison Endowed Chair in Arts and Humanities, ensuring Morrison’s legacy continues at her alma mater.
A Gift That Honors the Past and Builds the Next 150 Years
For more than a century and a half, Howard University has been a national force for scholarship, justice, and leadership. As the university celebrates 154 years, it stands on the cusp of an even more ambitious future — one shaped by new research facilities, deeper community impact, and an unwavering commitment to preparing students to change the world.
MacKenzie Scott’s $80 million gift not only honors Howard’s past — it helps secure a future as glorious as the generations that came before.
The National Black Farmers Association’s 35th Conference in Birmingham honored John Boyd Jr.’s legacy, uniting farmers nationwide to reclaim land, legacy, and economic justice.
By Milton Kirby | Birmingham, AL | November 3, 2025
The air in Birmingham felt like history turning its own soil—just right for a gathering of people who understand the language of the land. Inside the conference hall, rows of worn cowboy hats, Sunday dresses, and seed-company caps filled the seats. Farmers came from every corner of the country—Alabama, West Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas. Some arrived by pickup, others by bus or plane, but all came for one reason: to celebrate 35 years of the National Black Farmers Association and the man who has never stopped fighting for them, Dr. John W. Boyd Jr.
Photo Milton Kirby – Kara Brewer Boyd
The theme for the two-day gathering said it plain: “ReClaiming, ReGaining & ReGenerating Our Farms.” But what unfolded in those rooms was more than a conference. It was a reunion of faith and endurance—an unbroken line stretching from the sharecroppers of yesterday to the land stewards of today. It was family—farm boots and Sunday shoes, handshakes that turned into hugs, stories that started with the weather and ended with survival.
Grounded in the Work
Across two full days, the energy never dipped. Workshops buzzed with talk of farm loans, USDA programs, and the fine print that too often traps small farmers. Between sessions on farm credit, USDA programs, and cooperative models, farmers swapped lessons about soil testing, irrigation, and the art of keeping a small operation alive when fuel costs rise faster than the price of corn, cotton, beef, or soybeans.
At one table, a USDA outreach officer explained disaster-relief programs to a group of farmers. At another, a veteran rancher shared tips on protecting heirs’ property and forming family LLCs. Every conversation echoed one unspoken truth—knowledge is the new harvest.
Dr. Trina D. Brown, a health and wellness strategist, emphasized that the message was just as much about the people as the land. “We have to heal ourselves while we heal our soil,” she said, urging farmers to protect their mental health as fiercely as their crops.
Chaplain Eve Priester delivered a spirit-filled, inspirational prayer unlike any other. “Farming is God’s ministry in real time,” she said. “We plant, we nurture, and we believe in the harvest.” You could feel the amen in the air.
The Boyd Legacy
Mr Priester a hay farmer traveled from MS
When John W. Boyd Jr. stepped to the podium, applause broke like thunder. Some rose to their feet; others simply bowed their heads in respect. Boyd, a fourth-generation farmer from Baskerville, Virginia, has carried this fight for decades—from the long legal battles of Pigford v. Glickman to more recent struggles for debt relief and USDA reform.
“Black farmers, we’ve got to get to know one another,” he said. “Do business with each other. Build something together.”
Behind the quiet strength of his voice was the memory of his father, John Wesley Boyd Sr., who taught him the oldest truth in farming: “Be good to the land, and the land will be good to you.”
That lesson has guided the NBFA since its founding in the early 1990s—through courtrooms, congressional hearings, and countless farm visits across America.
Faces of the Movement
The conference lineup reflected the diversity and endurance of Black and Native farmers.
Kara Brewer Boyd, NBFA Program Director, President of the Association of American Indian Farmers, and wife of John Boyd, spoke about cross-cultural solidarity and the shared struggle of land-based people. An enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe, she reminded the audience that “land is identity—and identity is power.”
Boyd offered tips and techniques so practical and powerful that attendees described them as “nuggets of gold,” carefully pocketed to take home and put to work.
Nick and Tonya Dangerfield, dedicated Realtors serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area, focus on empowering underserved clients in Texas and Oklahoma to purchase, retain, and sell property with confidence. The couple is also cultivating a family farm in East Texas, building legacy wealth for their children.
Jolene Beaumont Whiteclay, with 46 years of experience as a dedicated farmer and rancher, is deeply rooted in her community and heritage. Currently serving as a Health Systems Specialist with the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Indian Health Service, she balances professional commitments with managing a thriving 3,000-acre ranch alongside her three sons. A proud member of the Crow Tribe of Montana, Jolene is a third-generation rancher continuing her family’s legacy.
Charles “Chuck” Baldwin has dedicated more than 40 years to cross-cultural work, primarily in Western and Central Africa. His career has included public speaking, fundraising, teaching, leadership development, mentoring, and building relationships across national and ethnic lines. For the past twelve years, Baldwin has served as the Special Populations Outreach Coordinator (SPOC) for the National AgrAbility Project at Purdue University. He collaborates closely with Extension professionals from 1890 and 1994 land-grant universities to expand support for diverse farming communities.
Every speaker’s story carried the same rhythm—loss, endurance, renewal. Through it all, the NBFA banner hung behind them, bold in green and gold, a reminder of how far they’ve come.
Photo Milton Kirby – NBFA Audience
Honoring the Struggle
During the awards ceremony, Boyd presented special honors to those whose service has strengthened the movement.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Adrian Boyd, a decorated Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm and brother of John W. Boyd Jr., was recognized for his advocacy in the In Re Black Farmers Class Action Lawsuit. He played an instrumental role in securing passage of the 2010 Reclamation Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama—a beacon of hope for Black farmers who had suffered from systemic discrimination at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The act awarded $1.25 billion in restitution to those farmers.
Chairman’s Award – Andre P. Barlow, Esq., longtime NBFA legal counsel and former U.S. Department of Justice attorney, was honored for his unwavering commitment to justice. A former trial attorney with the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Barlow has spent years working to ensure fairness in the very systems that once failed Black farmers. His partnership with the NBFA reflects a deep commitment to civil rights, economic opportunity, and the belief that every farmer deserves a fair chance to thrive.
Family Farmer of the Year – George C. Roberts Jr., founder of Circle R Ranch in Oklahoma and a proud Seminole Freedman, spoke of stewardship, heritage, and the sacred duty to honor ancestors through the soil they once worked. Roberts was recognized for decades of ethical farming and for his advocacy for children with disabilities through his community foundation.
Farmer of the Year – Zachary Morse, a cattleman from Nelson County, Virginia, brought the crowd to its feet. He shared how his family’s Roundhouse Farm has grown into a 200-acre operation that now provides 80/20 processed beef for hamburgers and meals served at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. His pride was quiet but steady.
As each name was called, the applause felt like gratitude paid forward. These were not just honorees—they were field generals in a long campaign for dignity and fairness.
The Work Continues
The closing session turned toward what’s next: youth engagement, policy reform, and land reclamation. Plans were laid for new training partnerships with universities and 1890 land-grant institutions, along with continued outreach through the NBFA’s women’s and Native farmer networks.
Boyd called for unity over rivalry. “We can’t do this work divided,” he said. “The future of Black farming depends on us doing business with one another—buying from, selling to, and standing up for each other.”
For two days, Birmingham became more than a meeting place. It became a crossroads of memory and mission. Farmers traded phone numbers and promised to stay in touch. Some left with new tools and grant information; others left with something even deeper—a sense that they were part of a living legacy.
The land is still rich. The people are still here. And the fight—for dignity, for ownership, for the soul of Black agriculture—is far from over.
Atlanta’s mayors and church leaders rally at Big Bethel AME, vowing to defend diversity, equity, and inclusion programs amid Trump’s federal funding threats.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | November 1, 2025
On a cool Friday morning inside Big Bethel AME Church, sunlight poured through stained glass where freedom once found its voice. From that pulpit — the same one that carried Dr. King’s thunder and John Lewis’s call for good trouble — came a new rallying cry:
“The soul of Atlanta is not for sale.”
Mayor Andre Dickens stood with nearly every living Black mayor in city history — Andrew Young, Shirley Franklin, Bill Campbell, Kasim Reed — and Valerie Jackson, wife of the late Mayor Maynard Jackson. Together they filled the sanctuary with memory, defiance, and faith.
A City That Won’t Bow
They came to answer a challenge from Washington — a Trump administration order threatening to choke off federal dollars from cities that keep diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs alive.
Billions for housing, airport work, and BeltLine projects hang in the balance. But the crowd at Big Bethel didn’t come to talk fear. They came to talk faith.
“We are gathered here to rekindle the spirit of our city — to remind one another that courage, unity, and truth still live within us,” said former councilman Jabari Simama, now helping to lead the new Soul of Atlanta Coalition. “Our mission today is clear: to bring people together, share knowledge, and demonstrate that when we act with purpose and faith, we can change the course of our community. We can push back against forces that seek to divide, distract, and destroy us.”
“Atlanta was built by people who refused to dream small. We will never deny the values that have not only made this city great, but made it just.”
A Legacy Worth More Than Money
Atlanta has already paid a price for its convictions — forfeiting $37.5 million in airport funds this summer rather than gut its minority-contracting program.
“Our soul is not for sale,” declared Elder Toni Belin Ingram of the AME Church, her voice rising over the applause.
Big Bethel AME Church
Mayor Dickens called the fight what it is: another Goliath moment. “Goliath doesn’t stand a chance in Atlanta,” he said. “We’ve slayed bears. We’ve slayed lions. Been there. Done that. Got the notes. Got the t-shirt and some of the scars.”
His office later said the city is still reviewing the legal path forward, but his tone in the church left little doubt: the mayor intends to stand firm.
Where the Story Began
Valerie Jackson
It was Maynard Jackson — Atlanta’s first Black mayor — who planted the seed of economic fairness back in the 1970s. His Equal Business Opportunity program forced open the door for Black-owned firms to compete for city contracts. Washington noticed — and copied it.
“This is where it all began,” said Ambassador Andrew Young, looking over the packed pews. “These ideas didn’t come from Washington to us. They came from us to Washington.”
Valerie Jackson smiled softly at the mention of her husband’s name.
“Maynard’s policies of inclusion became a model for the nation,” she said. “We will not allow the principles of fairness and justice to be rolled back.”
A Coalition of Courage
From Shirley Franklin to Kasim Reed, the lineup at Big Bethel looked like a living timeline of Atlanta’s Black leadership. Pastor Jonathan C. Augustine — or “Pastor Jay” — reminded everyone why they were there.
“Your presence here says we know what’s happening,” he said. “An autocratic leader is targeting blue cities led by Black mayors. And yet here we stand.”
The new Soul of Atlanta Coalition plans to spend the next year gathering stories, uplifting minority-owned businesses, and organizing pushback against attacks on DEI and affirmative-action programs.
Standing in the Gap
Even as City Hall weighs its legal moves, Dickens said the work of serving people continues — especially with the federal shutdown straining families.
“We’re spending time feeding the least, the last, the lost,” he said.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank has launched a $5 million emergency plan to replace lost SNAP benefits, aiming to distribute six million pounds of food in four weeks through 700 local partners.
“In tough times,” Dickens said, “we see the true spirit of Atlanta — compassion, connection, and courage.”
By Stacy M. Brown | Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
There are moments in history when a single act of generosity reveals the moral decay of an entire nation. MacKenzie Scott’s $38 million gift to Alabama State University, the largest in its 158-year history, is such a moment. It is not merely a financial transaction, nor the casual benevolence of the wealthy. It is a moral indictment against a society that has grown indifferent to the suffering of its Black citizens, against a government that starves their schools, and against a class of newly rich who have forgotten the communal obligations of success.
Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr., the university’s president, called it a defining moment for Alabama State, and indeed it is. His words ring with the gratitude of those who have built excellence in the face of deprivation. “Ms. Scott’s generosity affirms Alabama State University’s reputation as a catalyst for excellence and innovation in higher education,” he said. But her act is more than affirmation. It is a resurrection, and a call to remember that Black institutions remain the crucibles of America’s moral and intellectual power. In recent weeks, Scott has dispersed her fortune with quiet conviction. Seventy million to the United Negro College Fund to strengthen endowments across thirty-seven member schools; sixty-three million to Morgan State University, her second gift to that campus in less than five years; and one hundred and one million combined to Morgan State and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in a span of days.
Her giving, unshackled by stipulations or vanity, stands in luminous contrast to an era defined by greed and indifference. The plutocracy that dominates modern life often extracts from the many to enrich the few. Scott reverses that equation. She does not donate to dominate. She gives to repair. Her wealth, born of corporate conquest, has become the instrument of restoration. It stands as a redemption, perhaps, of what that very system has broken. One cannot ignore the symbolism of her actions. At a time when the federal government withholds support from historically Black institutions, when affirmative action has been dismantled, and when diversity programs are vilified, a white woman from the highest ranks of privilege has become the single most consistent benefactor of Black education in the nation. It is as though she has seen, from her rarefied vantage point, what America refuses to see: that the progress of its Black citizens is not a charity, but the measure of its own civilization.
Scott’s philanthropy, then, is not simply about money. It is about memory. The moral memory of a nation that has forgotten the debt it owes to those it once enslaved and now ignores. In her giving, she restores something elemental, the belief that one’s prosperity is meaningless if it does not lift others. W.E.B. Du Bois wrote of the “double consciousness” that afflicts the Negro in America, the struggle to see oneself through the eyes of a world that despises you. Today, the irony is reversed. America must learn to see itself through the eyes of those it has wronged. MacKenzie Scott, for all her privilege, seems to have glimpsed that truth. She gives the impression that she has looked into the soul of the republic and found it wanting.
Her actions do not absolve the sins of this nation. They reveal them. And in revealing them, they offer a path, not of atonement, but of accountability. For every dollar she gives to rebuild a school, there are a thousand more that others with power might give but will not. One woman has chosen conscience over complacency. The question that remains is whether the rest of America—Black and white alike—will choose to follow her example or remain comfortable in the quiet decay of its own moral poverty.
MARTA completes Garnett Station’s $5 million platform renovation, restoring full Red and Gold Line service and advancing its billion-dollar station modernization program across Atlanta.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | October 29, 2025
After six weeks of construction, MARTA has officially reopened Garnett Station to full Red and Gold Line service, marking the completion of a major platform renovation that blends safety, efficiency, and forward-looking design.
The temporary “skip stop,” a strategic decision during which trains bypassed the downtown station, proved to be a well-thought-out move—saving an estimated four months of construction time and $5 million in project costs.
“By limiting service during construction, we were able to accelerate the timeline and ensure safety for both riders and workers,” MARTA officials said.
Restoring and Reinventing a 44-Year-Old Station
Built in 1981, Garnett Station has long served as a southern gateway to downtown Atlanta. The renovation replaced the station’s original 44-year-old pavers—a vital structural refresh handled by a team of experienced contractors, including Carroll Daniel Construction, C.D. Moody Construction Company, H&M Restoration Service, Level Construction Services, Schindler Elevator Corporation, SRC Ventures, and Williams Tile & Marble Company.
Work on the lower concourse was also completed ahead of schedule, setting the stage for continued improvements on the upper concourse, where crews are applying graffiti-resistant coatings, replacing windscreens, and performing deep cleaning and pressure washing.
Importantly, train service is no longer impacted, allowing riders to once again board and exit at Garnett while remaining improvements continue behind the scenes.
A New Vision for the Plaza
MARTA, in partnership with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and the Project for Public Spaces, is not just transforming the station’s large concrete plaza, but also inviting the community to be part of this change. The goal is to create a vibrant public space that promotes connection, accessibility, and civic pride—especially as Atlanta prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The redesign aims to reimagine Garnett’s urban footprint, turning a utilitarian space into a place where art, culture, and transportation meet.
Part of a Billion-Dollar Revitalization Effort
The Garnett Station work is one piece of MARTA’s broader $1 billion Station Rehabilitation Program, which spans all 38 rail stations across the system. The initiative focuses on modernizing infrastructure, improving safety and accessibility, and enhancing the aesthetic experience for the hundreds of thousands of daily MARTA riders.
With Garnett Station’s platform now complete, MARTA’s leadership says it’s another step toward delivering on the agency’s promise of a safer, cleaner, and more connected transit experience for Atlanta residents and visitors alike. This project is not just about infrastructure but about enhancing the daily lives of our community.
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is opening its doors to job seekers this fall, with a large-scale hiring event scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MARTA Headquarters, 2424 Piedmont Road NE, across from Lindbergh Center Station.
The agency is recruiting for a range of critical positions that keep Atlanta moving — including rail and bus operators, journeyman bus technicians, railcar mechanics, track mechanics, track maintainers, and hostler junior apprentices.
Qualified applicants can earn sign-on bonuses for select roles, including CDL Bus Operators (with passenger endorsement), Journeyman Bus Technicians, and Track Maintainers.
Requirements and Opportunities
MARTA is seeking both full-time and part-time operators who are 21 years or older, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a current Class C license. All operator candidates must pass a physical exam, ability test, and drug and alcohol screening.
For Journeyman Bus Technicians, applicants must be 18 years or older, possess a Class C license, and have completed training in automotive, transit bus, diesel, or maintenance programs—or have at least three years of comparable experience.
Getting There
MARTA encourages candidates to ride transit to the event, which will be held directly across from Lindbergh Center Station for easy access.
Those who drive can park in the Sydney Marcus parking deck but must park only in MARTA-designated areas. Parking in the wrong section could result in additional fees.
Dress to Impress
Business casual or professional dress is required, and candidates should bring updated resumes and proof of required credentials.
Interested applicants can explore upcoming career fairs and other job opportunities by visiting itsmarta.com.
A federal judge sides with Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing in its antitrust lawsuit, dismissing NASCAR’s “cartel” counterclaim and reshaping the sport’s power balance ahead of trial.
By Milton Kirby | Charlotte, NC | October 29, 2025
A Legal Showdown in Charlotte
Michael Jordan’s racing team, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports have not only made headlines on the track but also in federal court. On October 28, 2025, they scored a major victory when U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell dismissed NASCAR’s counterclaim accusing them of operating as a cartel.
The ruling marks a turning point in one of the most significant legal battles in modern motorsports. What began as a disagreement over how NASCAR governs its teams has evolved into a test of how much control a sports sanctioning body should hold over its competitors.
Background: Why the Teams Sued NASCAR
The lawsuit was filed in October 2024 by 23XI Racing — co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin — and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins. Their claim: NASCAR’s charter system and business practices create an illegal monopoly.
Under that charter system, each Cup Series team holds a “charter” guaranteeing entry in every race and a share of revenue. The teams allege that NASCAR uses the system to limit competition, suppress team values, and maintain full control over television and sponsorship income.
Out of 15 Cup Series organizations, only two — 23XI and Front Row — refused to sign the new 2025 charter agreement after two years of tense negotiations. They called the deal “take-it-or-leave-it,” claiming it stripped teams of long-term equity.
The lawsuit names NASCAR Holdings, Inc. and CEO Jim France as defendants, accusing them of violating federal antitrust laws by dictating terms that block other sanctioning bodies or rival leagues from competing in top-tier stock-car racing.
NASCAR Fights Back — and Loses
In March 2025, NASCAR countersued. Its attorneys claimed that Curtis Polk — Jordan’s longtime business manager and co-owner of 23XI — coordinated with other teams to pressure NASCAR for a better charter deal.
NASCAR’s counterclaim described the teams as an “illegal cartel” that allegedly:
Boycotted meetings of the Team Owners Council,
Tried to interfere with NASCAR’s ongoing media-rights negotiations, and
Refused to negotiate individually.
The sanctioning body argued that this group behavior harmed competition and violated the Sherman Antitrust Act.
But Judge Bell didn’t see it that way. In his October 28 order, he granted summary judgment in favor of the teams, effectively tossing NASCAR’s counterclaim.
He wrote that NASCAR failed to show any “unreasonable restraint of trade” and that the meeting boycott “appeared to have little impact on the competitive landscape.” In other words, while the teams’ joint stance may have frustrated NASCAR, it did not harm competition itself — the key legal test for any antitrust violation.
Even if NASCAR experienced economic loss, the court said, that isn’t the same as harm to the marketplace.
What the Dismissal Means
By removing the “cartel” accusation, Judge Bell has simplified the case heading to trial. The focus now returns to the original question: Does NASCAR’s business model violate antitrust law?
For 23XI and Front Row, this is a big win. It clears away a major distraction and gives their attorneys — led by veteran sports lawyer Jeffrey Kessler — a cleaner path to argue that NASCAR’s charter system is anti-competitive.
“This ruling only reaffirms my clients’ unwavering pursuit of a more fair and equitable sport,” Kessler said after the decision.
NASCAR’s legal team struck a different tone, saying it “respects the court’s decision, though we respectfully disagree with its reasoning,” and indicated it may appeal the dismissal.
The Charter System at the Center of It All
Created in 2016, NASCAR’s charter system was meant to give teams stability — a guarantee that, like franchises in the NFL or NBA, they could count on starting spots and predictable income.
But the plaintiffs argue that NASCAR turned that system into a control mechanism. Charters can be revoked or limited in transferability, giving the sanctioning body final say over who can buy, sell, or race.
Teams say this suppresses their market value and leaves them dependent on NASCAR’s approval for everything from sponsorships to media exposure. Without reforms, they claim, no independent racing team can ever build the long-term wealth enjoyed by teams in other professional sports.
That imbalance is magnified by the way charters are distributed. Under the new 2025 charter agreement, most teams are limited to a maximum of three charters. However, powerhouse organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing were grandfathered in and allowed to keep four.
According to Jayski’s NASCAR Silly Season Site and RacingNews.co, this exception allows Hendrick to continue fielding four chartered cars — the No. 5, No. 9, No. 24, and No. 48 entries — while new or expanding teams are capped. That rule not only preserves historical dominance but also illustrates the inequity newer teams like 23XI are fighting to change.
Inside the Courtroom: Key Legal Milestones
The Original Complaint (October 2024) – Filed in Charlotte’s federal court, the complaint alleged that NASCAR controls nearly every aspect of top-tier stock-car racing, from event scheduling to licensing and broadcast rights.
Preliminary Injunction (December 2024) – Judge Bell temporarily allowed 23XI and Front Row to operate under existing charters while litigation continued.
Fourth Circuit Appeal (June 2025) – An appellate panel vacated an earlier injunction, emphasizing the need for a full trial on the merits.
Counterclaim Dismissed (October 2025) – The most recent order, striking down NASCAR’s accusation of cartel behavior.
The case is now scheduled for trial on December 1, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both sides have agreed to strict pre-trial conduct rules to keep the proceedings civil — including bans on referencing unrelated controversies like former NASCAR CEO Brian France’s 2018 resignation.
The Bigger Legal Questions
The trial will revolve around several key issues:
Market Definition: Are we talking about “top-tier stock-car racing” (the Cup Series alone) or the entire motorsports industry? The smaller the defined market, the stronger the monopoly claim.
Competition vs. Competitor Harm: Antitrust law protects the market, not individual companies. The teams must prove NASCAR’s structure hurts competition itself — for example, by preventing new entrants or suppressing fair prices.
Revenue and Negotiation Power: Who should control the billions generated by television rights, sponsorships, and licensing? Teams say NASCAR hoards too much of that revenue and dictates how it’s divided.
Statute of Limitations: NASCAR argues that some alleged conduct happened more than four years ago and falls outside the antitrust window.
How the court answers those questions could reshape not only NASCAR’s future but also the economics of all U.S. motorsports.
What’s at Stake
If 23XI and Front Row win, the case could force NASCAR to overhaul its entire charter and revenue model. That might include:
Allowing greater transfer rights for team charters,
Sharing a larger portion of media and sponsorship revenue, and
Giving teams a stronger voice in governance.
For NASCAR, losing could mean ceding some of the control it has exercised since its founding in 1948.
Even a negotiated settlement — which remains possible — might compel NASCAR to rewrite its agreements in ways that permanently rebalance power between teams and the league.
Cultural and Business Impact
Beyond the courtroom, this case carries symbolic weight. Michael Jordan’s entry into NASCAR was already historic: a Black majority owner stepping into a sport long criticized for its lack of diversity.
Now, his team is challenging the structure of the very organization he joined. It’s not just about money — it’s about transparency, fairness, and inclusion in a sport trying to modernize its image.
Business outlets like Sports Business Journal and The Athletic note that Jordan’s leadership brings credibility and global attention to a sport seeking new fans. This lawsuit, though risky, positions him as both a competitor and a reformer.
For many team owners, the outcome will determine whether NASCAR evolves into a franchise-style league with shared prosperity — or remains a top-down entity where teams compete for limited leverage.
The Road Ahead
The December 1 trial will likely stretch into early 2026. Legal experts expect fireworks: expert testimony on sports economics, closed-door contract disclosures, and possibly new revelations about NASCAR’s internal decision-making.
Both sides continue mediation talks, but after this week’s ruling, 23XI and Front Row hold the momentum.
Whatever the verdict, this case is already changing the conversation around how America’s biggest racing league does business.
Dear Shadow Ball: How many players have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, based on their play in the Negro Leagues? – Curious Curt, International Falls, MN
Dear Curious Curt: Thanks for that question … there are 28 players, listed below with position and year inducted), inducted into the Hall of Fame based on their performance in the Negro Leagues.
Satchel Paige, P, 1971 Ray Dandridge, 3b, 1987 Andy Cooper, p, 2006
Josh Gibson, c, 1972 Leon Day, 1995 Pete Hill, of, 2006
Oscar Charleston, OF, 1976 Turkey Stearnes, of, 2000 Ben Taylor, ib, 2006
Martin Dihigo, 2b, 1977 John Henry Lloyd, ss, 1977 Cristobal Torriente, of, 2006
John Henry Lloyd, ss, 1977 Hilton Smith, p, 2001 Jud Wilson, 3b, 2006
Ray Brown, p, 2006
The real question, for me at least, is “are 28 Negro League player inductees sufficient to accurately tell the story of Negro League baseball in the first half of the twentieth century?” To answer that we need to add some context.
CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND
On December 16, 2020, Major League Baseball announced that it was correcting a longtime oversight in the game’s history by officially recognizing seven specific Negro Leagues operating between 1920-1948 as “Major Leagues”.
Since April 15, 1947 (the day Major League Baseball integrated) 42% of all Hall of Fame players debuting have been players of color (i.e., would have been Negro Leaguers prior to that date)l
In his 1994 baseball documentary, Ken Burns states that Black baseball stars defeated White Major League stars at least 309(70%) times in 438 games … this, of course, is “oral history” but all 7 compilations of games between “so called” Negro League and “so called” Major League teams give the Negro Leaguers the edge with an average winning percentage of 58%.
Many Major League baseball players had been effusive in their assessment and praise of Negro League players prior to the integration of the game including Hall of Famers Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, John McGraw, Joe DiMaggio, Dizzy Dean, Bob Feller, Charlie Gehringer, Rogers Hornsby, and Leo Durocher.
(This would be interesting but not probative but for the above four bullets) Between 1920-1948 the slash lines for both the two Major Leagues and the seven Negro Leagues are virtually identical. A slash line includes batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. The seven Negro Leagues slash line was .272, .335, .376 while the two Major Leagues (AL & NL) was .276, .340, .389.
It must be noted that – while there are 28 players in the Hall for play in the Negro Leagues – there are 125 players in the Hall who earned induction for play in the Major Leagues during baseball’s segregated era prior to 1947.
Given the above bullet points I hope it is obvious to all of us that the current ratio of Major League Hall of Famers prior to 1947 to Negro League Hall of Famers from that same period does not match the record, opinion and honors captured in the above bullets. Clearly, 28 does not do a good job of educating the public. How many Negro Leaguers should there be inducted in Cooperstown? I will close by sharing my opinion and will defend it later in this series if reader interest warrants. In my opinion there should be somewhere between 60 to 80 Negro League players inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Last week’s Shadowball Significa Question
“Who was the first 20th century player to break the color barrier and get into the major leagues, two bonus questions, what year, what team? A third bonus question, how long did he play in the majors? David Nivens, parts unknown, provided the following: When I was kid, my baseball coach told me that Jackie Robinson was the first black player to enter the Major Leagues in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played 10 years in the Major Leagues. Thank you, David I very much appreciated your participation, and your including your father’s assistance; my dad provided me that same information when I was a kid.
The Shadowball Significa Question of the Week
What was the name of Atlanta’s most prolific franchise (in terms of years in the league) in the Negro Leagues?
Ted Knorr
Ted Knorr is a Negro Leagues history expert and longtime SABR member, known for his trivia wins and founding the Jerry Malloy Conference and Commemorative Nights. You can send questions to shadowball@truthseekersjournal.com or Shadow Ball, 3904 N Druid Hills Rd, Ste 179, Decatur, GA 30033
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MARTA launches the “Better Breeze” upgrade, a modern contactless fare collection system arriving by spring 2026, bringing faster gates, tap-to-pay options, and enhanced rider security.
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | October 28, 2025
The next time you step onto MARTA, you may notice something new — and brighter. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority has begun replacing its entire fare collection system, marking one of the agency’s biggest technology upgrades in nearly two decades.
MARTA began installing new fare equipment at Lindbergh Center Station Sept. 22 and at Doraville Oct. 8. The installation of new contactless payment terminals on buses began in mid-September. The installation of new equipment will continue systemwide in phases until the customer transition period next April.
The project will continue in phases through spring 2026, when riders will officially transition to the Better Breeze system.
A System Built for the Future “It’s great to keep fares unchanged for years, but not an entire fare collection system,” said MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt. Hunt called the upgrade essential to preparing for a “once-in-a-generation” year ahead, with new trains, a redesigned bus network, on-demand zones, and a refreshed mobile app launching before Atlanta hosts the 2026 World Cup.
Leadership from MARTA and INIT, the Better Breeze system developer and installer (L to R: Rhonda Allen, MARTA Deputy General Manager; Jonathan Hunt, MARTA Interim General Manager & CEO; Jennifer Ide, Chair, MARTA Board of Directors; Carl Commons, INIT CEO; Steven Parker, MARTA Chief of Staff).
MARTA’s Breeze system first launched in 2006, replacing tokens and paper transfers. While the Breeze name will remain, everything else — from faregates to the mobile app — will be rebuilt.
Tap, Go, and Keep Moving The Better Breeze system introduces open payment technology. Riders can simply tap their credit or debit card, smartphone, or digital wallet to pay the same $2.50 fare. The upgrade also includes new orange Breeze cards, improved vending machines, and a redesigned mobile app where users will create new accounts to purchase fares.
For MARTA Mobility and reduced-fare customers, the agency will offer both physical and digital options. Transition details will be announced early next year.
High-Tech Security, Lower Downtime MARTA’s installation partner, INIT, says each faregate unit can run 10,000 hours without service failure. The new gates are more tamper-resistant, remotely monitored, and designed to reduce fare evasion. “This is about transforming the rider experience and making transit more connected,” said Carl Commons, INIT’s CEO.
The technology is already used in cities including Houston, Seattle, Nashville, Grand Rapids, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
No Fare Increase — Just Faster Rides MARTA confirmed there will be no fare increase with the Better Breeze rollout. The systemwide modernization will take place in stages, ensuring riders can still access all rail stations during construction. Riders are advised to follow posted signs at stations to avoid closed faregates while new units are installed.
Better Breeze Card – Courtesy MARTA
From Tokens to Tap-to-Pay When MARTA began in 1971, bus rides cost just 15 cents. In 2006, the original Breeze card introduced Atlanta riders to smart-card technology. Nearly 20 years later, MARTA is once again reinventing how Atlanta moves — one tap at a time.
By the Numbers – MARTA Fare Facts
15 cents: Original MARTA fare in 1971
$2.50: Current one-way fare (unchanged for 14 years)
10,000 hours: Estimated operating time per faregate without service failure
2026: Target year for Better Breeze systemwide launch
20 years: Time since the original Breeze system debuted
