From the Hearts of Black Moms: A Conversation on Race Featured in Atlanta Parent

https://www.atlantaparent.com/julyissue

"The choice isn’t between protest and politics. We have to do both." - Barack Obama

I’m the proud mother of two remarkable Black children. My oldest son, Roland turned 13 in June. My youngest son, Joshua is 10, and both boys are friendly, kindhearted, athletic, and smart.

For as long as I can remember, I have been an advocate for social justice. As a young adult in Boulder, Colorado, I advocated to dismantle a nearby nuclear facility, marched in the 2017 Women’s March, and most recently joined thousands of supporters for “Black Lives Matter” both here in Atlanta.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to build a strong and accepting society in which no child has to grid himself or herself  against prejudice, hatred, and mistreatment. The nation is crying for change and I continuously reflect on how to become more of an agent of healing as we prepare for the days ahead.

Steps to continue growing:

• Engage in conversations around race.
• Support local and online Black businesses.
• Learn about other cultures and work towards being advocates and allies for historically minoritized groups.

I think the best thing we can do for each other and ourselves, is to come together as a community. Listening with open hearts and minds and being willing to engage in self-reflective work - even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.

I stay prayerful for my sons and other Black boys and men. We are seeking justice, safety, and peace.

Read Atlanta Parent's July 2020 issue here: https://www.atlantaparent.com/julyissue.

In case you missed it..

After much prayer and conversation with my family, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Fulton County Commissioner - District 6.

secure.anedot.com/committee-to-elect-sojourner/sgsa

My father, Dr. Manning Marable, was a longtime professor of public affairs, history, and African American Studies at Columbia University. He founded and directed the Institute for Research in African American Studies, and won the Pulitzer Prize for History for his biography on Malcolm X.

From an early age, my father instilled in me the attitude of prevailing and having a high moral compass. He taught me to serve others, be charitable, honest, and kind. I'm not new to public service. I come from a legacy of service and community.

Now I need your help. Our journey starts today. Join #TeamSojourner with a founding donation of $20.19, $50, $101, $250, $500 or whatever you can give to help us kick off the campaign. https://bit.ly/2I7lBm8

My goal is to bring a fresh perspective and be a beacon of change for the people of Fulton. I have served this community for 15 years, and I am excited for the road ahead.

Click here to join the team today so that we can get to work: https://bit.ly/2I7lBm8

With Love,

Sojourner

Outstanding Atlanta Class of 2018

I am humbled and truly honored to be one of ten 2018 Outstanding Atlanta honorees (and in the company of such amazing colleagues).

 

 Congratulations to this year’s Outstanding Atlanta honorees:

• Candace Bazemore – Digital Marketing Manager, LogistiCare
• Joy Dyess – Vice President, Director of Special Projects, BankSouth Mortgage
• Jake Evans – Associate, Thompson Hine LLP...
• Andre Greenwood – Vice President, Field Network Management, WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
• Sojourner Marable Grimmett – Director of External Affairs, Atlanta Region, National Church Residences
• James Hammond – Managing Partner, Ikon Filmworks LLC
• Shayla Neely, Director of Infrastructure Programming, Wendel
• Raj Shah – Senior Associate, Parker Hudson Rainer & Dobbs
• Karim Shariff – Co-Founder/CEO, PacificPoint Realty, LLC
• Jomal Vailes – Chief Philanthropy Officer, Communities In Schools of Georgia

Learn more about Outstanding Atlanta at outstandingatlanta.org. Follow the hashtags #OATurns50 and #OutstandingAtlanta on social media.
 

 

 

 

 

Enter to Win a FREE Registration to the Atlanta Hawks Summer Camp!

Play to win! I've teamed up with the Atlanta Hawks to offer one FREE registration to their 4-day summer camp! The Atlanta Hawks are excited to offer camps at 10 locations across the city this summer. You get to pick the week and the camp location!

Camps are for boys and girls ages 7-16. Campers will receive a cool camp gear package which will include: drawstring bag, shorts, jersey, arm sleeve, socks and a ball; campers will also receive a ticket to a future Hawks basketball game; and have the opportunity to meet current/former Hawks players. These coaches are skilled in teaching kids basketball but also providing a fun place to learn the game.

It's really easy to enter this giveaway! Here's how:

1. "Like" this post and share it on Facebook.

2. "Like" www.facebook.com/MarriedwithTwoBoys.

3. Leave a comment on the Atlanta Hawks Camp giveaway post on Married with Two Boy's Facebook page and include your email address.

View camp locations here www.hawks.com/basketballacademy.

The deadline to enter this fantastic giveaway is Friday, May 18, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. The winner will be emailed. Play to win! ** Closed.**

BMW Pay It 4Ward Brunch Celebrates Atlanta Honorees #PayIt4WardBMW

 

I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized for my digital public engagement work and stand among such amazing women who are making an impact in their industries, communities, and the lives of others at this year's Pay It 4Ward Honors Ultimate Brunch. This years brunch benefited Enchanted Closet, a 501c3 that provides tools for enhancing the self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-sufficiency of girls.

The Illusionists - Live from Broadway at Atlanta's Fox Theatre Sept. 27 - Oct. 2

The biggest selling magical show is coming to Atlanta. THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment. Conceived by Simon Painter, the show’s creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson, director Neil Dorward and creative director Jim Millan. 

Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. 

Join me on September 27th for opening night at the fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. The show runs from September 27th through October 2nd. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.BroadwayInAtlanta.com.

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell is hosting his 5th Annual Back to Business Conference from August 9th through the 11th

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell is hosting his 5th Annual Back to Business Conference from August 9th through the 11th

All events are free, but registration is required at www.atlantabacktobusiness.com

• August 9th – Entrepreneurism in the Restaurant Industry – 6pm - 8:30pm - Georgia Pacific Center Auditorium - 133 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303

This event will feature networking and a panel discussion by restaurant owners, consultants and city officials who will speak about the “Do’s and Don’ts” of starting a restaurant. There will also be exhibitors onsite who will advise attendees on legal issue, financial literacy, technology, franchising and products related to the restaurant industry. This an excellent opportunity for someone just starting in the restaurant industry, or who in already in the business, but wishes to expand.

• August 10th – The Growing Technology Industry in Atlanta – 6pm – 8:30pm - The Gathering Spot - 384 Northyards Blvd NW, Building 100 Atlanta, GA 30313

This event will feature networking and a panel discussion by tech industry leaders in numerous fields. Come learn about cyber security, fintech, economic development, and much more!

• August 11th – Meet with Fortune 500 companies and Federal, State, and Local government agencies on business opportunities - 9am – 1pm - Atlanta Metropolitan State College - 1630 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Come meet with approximately 90 exhibitors including several Fortune 500 companies and federal, state, and local government agencies, who will speak with you about how to do business with their organization. This is an fantastic networking opportunity, and this year’s event will include The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, Porsche Cars North America, The City of Atlanta, The Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International Airport, The Federal Aviation Administration, The General Services Administration, The US Small Business Administration, and many, many more!

Camp Creek Bombers Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast 7/16 #BombersBaseballATL

You're invited! Come support our Camp Creek Bombers baseball team's fundraiser breakfast on Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 8AM - 10AM, located at Applebee's, 3690 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30331. 

Proceeds to benefit our all-stars' trip to the Dizzy Dean World Series in MS beginning July 22nd. To secure your tickets for this event, please pay via PayPal to BombersBaseballATL@gmail.com. RSVP by July 1st.

Water Day for Flint in Atlanta #ATLWaterDay

Check Out Adventure Aprons!

I'm so thrilled to wear locally-owned Clyde & Christopher’s Adventure Aprons! These meticulously handcrafted, socially responsible carry-alls are loaded with pockets to hold every essential from cell phones to lip balm.

 

I chose the Lucy carry-all which is a perfect accessory for baseball games, long walks on the Atlanta Beltline, kid playground playdates, while leaving my hands totally free. So many folks have asked me about my super cute carry-all!



This sassy black and white floral pattern brings a smile to everyone. The candy apple red vinyl and microsuede fringe trim draws out the inner wild child. With pockets aplenty for every gal’s favorite shade of red lipstick, the “Lucy” is perfect for date night as well as girls night out.

 

Clyde & Christopher’s Adventure Aprons are made from local manufacturing and high quality handmade details.  What I love about this local company is that they work with a trio of refugee women through a Clarkston, GA non-profit, to turn a profit while offering a helping hand to other women in the community.

 

Click here to view amazing aprons for any adventure!

Hillary For America - Atlanta Office Grand Opening

Join us on Saturday, February 20th to celebrate the Grand Opening of our Hillary for Georgia-Atlanta office! Hillary for Georgia will open its state headquarters in Atlanta with local supporters, volunteers and community leaders in the Historic Castleberry Hill Arts District . After brief remarks, volunteers will hit the phone for Hillary to encourage Saturday voting at local early vote locations. See you soon!       

HFA - Atlanta Office Grand Opening

Hillary for Georgia - Atlanta Office
186 Northside Dr SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30313

Map this location

          

-- Office is located on the street level facing Fair St. --

Hillary Happy Hour - Atlanta, GA #Hillary2016

Register for the Pink Power Conference for Women in Atlanta!

The Pink Power MasterMind Conference (PPMC) is owned by Founder Kim N. Carswell of Persona Affairs, LLC. a branding firm for professionals and small to mid-size businesses.

PPMC is a 1-Day business and career conference for women at Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA. Focusing on economic growth through professional development in the areas of leadership, mentorship and entrepreneurship. 

#Selfie at the mic as the Emcee of the Pink Power MasterMind Conference for Women in Atlanta!

Thrilled to share the same stage (again) with my friend Lauren! Back together again and it feels so good!

Jahari and Lauren did a wonderful job speaking on the career panel at today's #PPMC15. When interviewing talk about how you add value to the company.

For more information and to register, please visit here. 

Mayor Kasim Reed's Neighborhood Block Party at Woodruff Arts Center on 8/1!

Attend Mayor Kasim Reed's Summer Reading Club Neighborhood Block Party on August 1, 2015 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

This event is sponsored by GEEARS, the City of Atlanta, PNC Grow Up Great, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the United Way of Greater Atlanta and over 40 community partners!

The Neighborhood Block Party is free for children ages birth to eight and their families. More information can be found at www.MayorsReadingClub.org. We hope to see you there!
 

Stuff the Bus: Aug 1, 2015

Every child should start school with the supplies they need to succeed.

Help Channel 2 Stuff the Bus for youth living in group homes!

On Saturday August 1, WSB-TV and Children’s Restoration Network invite you to donate backpacks and school supplies at one the following six locations from Noon – 7:00pm.
 
FAMILY 2 FAMILY DROP OFF LOCATIONS:
WSB-TV 1601 W. Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30309 

American Signature Furniture 3755 Carmia Drive SW, Atlanta (Camp Creek) 30331

Kroger 6555 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth 30097

Kroger 4919 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur 30034

Kroger 4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta 30068

Northside Hospital-Forsyth 1200 Northside Forsyth Dr., Cumming 30041
 
For a full list of supplies needed CLICK HERE.

Being properly prepared for school to be ready to learn goes a long way in shattering the cycle of homelessness. In 2014, volunteers collected 5,500 new book bags and school supplies. Last year every school-aged child living in a shelter or group home throughout the 20 county Metro Atlanta area received a brand new, filled book bag.

With your help we hope to top last year’s collection with the goal of reaching 6,000 NEW bookbags and all the school supplies needed to fill them.

Children’s Restoration Network, or CRN, was founded in 1993 to address the lack of services for children, as well as women with children, who were becoming homeless. Today the non-profit works with 130 shelters and group homes around metro Atlanta that house more than 4,000 children each year. CRN’s programs and special events are designed to alleviate the trauma and despair of being homeless. Regular services include facility improvement projects, preparing home-cooked meals, and supplying warm winter clothing.

If you cannot participate in the August 1 event you can donate online to Children’s Restoration Network. There are also additional volunteer opportunities for anyone looking to provide ongoing support to the nonprofit.

CLICK HERE to learn more about CRN.

2015 Fourth of July Celebrations Around Atlanta

Things to do on the Fourth of July around Atlanta.

Alpharetta

Enjoy Independence Day with family and friends at Wills Park in Alpharetta. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Alpharetta Community Center, located at 175 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009. For more information, call (678) 297-6143 or email recreation@alpharetta.ga.us.  

Atlanta

The Legendary Fourth of July at Lenox Square, located at 3393 Peachtree Road. N.E., Atlanta rings in its 56th year with a bevy of blasts. Gump Fiction, a Charlotte-based quintet, will play the greatest hits of the 1990s starting at 6:00 p.m. Party on the Moon, a massive show band specializing in high-energy danceable tunes, will perform at 7:45 p.m. Look up for the fireworks around 9:40 p.m. For more information, call (404) 233-6767 or visit simon.com/mall/lenox-square.

Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration will offer fun and entertainment for the entire family, including free music and Atlanta’s number one fireworks display. Come relax on the Great Lawn and celebrate Independence Day with Centennial Olympic Park. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.  For additional information, visit: http://www.centennialpark.com/index.php/plan-your-visit/event-calendar/springsummer-events/4th-of-july.

Chattahoochee Hills

Come celebrate the Fourth of July at Hutcheson Ferry Park, located in Chattahoochee Hills. Enjoy the parade in Serenbe at 10:00 a.m., then come celebrate in Hutcheson Ferry Park from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a picnic from one of the two food vendors or bring your own food and drinks!  At 6:30 p.m. enjoy the concert by Tara Winds! Click here for the flyer.

East Point

Attend the largest Independence Day Celebration in South Fulton County, "Salute to the Red, White and Blue," located in Downtown East Point. The celebration is held across from the East Point MARTA station and East Point City Hall. The carnival and event begins at 3:00 p.m. and the fireworks start around 9:30 p.m.
 

Roswell

There are two great ways to celebrate 4th of July in Roswell this year! Barrington Hall’s Inaugural “BBQ & Bluegrass” from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., located at 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. Barbecue, beverages and desserts will be available for purchase from the Mill Kitchen Restaurant and Bar. Live music will be provided by the Smokerise Bluegrass Band.

Roswell’s Annual July 4th “Extravaganza” beginning at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks at dark
Sweet Apple Elementary School12025 Etris Road, Roswell. The City of Roswell will once again host a huge community celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. Enjoy giant inflatables, carnival games, food trucks, face painting, and other fun, family-friendly activities. Admission is free.

Sandy Springs

Start Independence Day in Dunwoody by attending the metro area’s largest July 4th Parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and after-the-parade family fun activities. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at Mount Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road, proceeding west on Mt. Vernon to Dunwoody Village, with spectator points all along the route. On Sunday, the festivities continue in Sandy Springs, located at the Concourse Corporate Center Lawn (5 Concourse Parkway – next to the King & Queen buildings). Bring a picnic and a Frisbee, enjoy music from the band, Shiloh and as the sun goes down, enjoy a spectacular firework show. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. with the fireworks beginning at
9:45 p.m.

Lexus + Sojourner = Love on Valentine's Day! #HolidayPrep

Lexus spoiled me this Valentine's Day with a Lexus ES 300H for the week! I opened my front door and the car was in my driveway. I couldn't resist and immediately took the vehicle for a spin. My hands glided over the smooth woodgrain steering wheel. I turned up my satellite radio sound system and used my Lexus’ Display Audio infotainment system to navigate my way around town; which were both amazing and easy to use. 

On Valentine's day I drove my family to breakfast and later to an early dinner. Weaving through Atlanta, I noticed all of the wonderful features the car has to offer. The Lexus ES 300H includes heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic pre-collision braking, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, smartphone app integration and a navigation system with Lexus' Remote Touch controller, which is used like a computer mouse and selects items on the navigation screen.

On Sunday morning, I took my boys to The Children's Museum of Atlanta to check out the new "Super Kids Save the World" exhibit. Their legs in the back of the Lexus weren't cramped and they were glad to have wiggle room. My youngest yelled, "Mom, I want this car!" 

Later that day, I took my Mother-in-Law to see Alvin Ailey at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. I felt great picking her up in my shiny new ride. She loved the car so much that now she's thinking about buying one of her own. 

I give the Lexus ES 300H a 10 out of 10 for all of the reasons listed above and many, more more! 

Atlanta Community Huddle on Concussion a Huge Success #ATLHuddle

#ATLHuddle was difficult to ignore on your Twitter feed today. The National Council on Youth Sports Safety (NCYSS), Inc. hosted The Atlanta Community Huddle on Concussion, located at the Loudermilk Center, on January 10, 2015. Coaches, parents, students, athletic trainers, medical officials and others attended this free event. 

The Atlanta Community Huddle featured a town hall meeting emceed by Ryan Cameron, NCYSS Co-Chairs Dr. David Satcher and Dr. Eliot Sorel and PASS Student Ambassador Kylee Bliss, and national experts on injury-related topics.  Atlanta is the first of 11 stops to U.S. communities to teach, share, and learn about the policies and practices adopted in addressing sports-related concussions among youth athletes. 

The NCYSS was established in 2013 in partnership with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine (SHLI/MSM) and the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University. 

NCYSS launched Protecting Athletes and Sports Safety (PASS), a program that sparked a national conversation on youth sports safety; promotes primary prevention, public health orientation and early intervention; encourages and facilitates research; and educates and influences local, state, and federal policy.

• The NCYSS mission is to raise awareness of and apply an integrative approach to create a culture of prevention and reduce the number of injuries that occur among youth engaged in organized sports.

• The NCYSS vision is to become a leading national and global resource on the significance of healthy lifestyles and physical activity and the prevention, awareness, and treatment of sports-related injuries suffered by pre-collegiate athletes.

Fusionetics offered complimentary orthopedic screenings and participants interacted in sports safety clinics on concussion, hydration, overuse, and AEDs sponsored by Safe Kids Worldwide.

Atlanta Huddle Sessions included: 

• Concussion 101
• Navigating The Technology
• The Impact of Concussion Legislation:  How is it Protecting Your Kids?
• The Culture of Injury Prevention and Care Around Coaching

The program concluded with the Player's Perspective Panel moderated by ESPN's Cari Champion featuring former Atlanta Falcon Charles "Chuck" Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Michael Johnson, and U.S. Bronze Medalist and bobsledder Aja Evans. 

The Atlanta Community Huddle on Concussion will be the first of 11 stops to U.S. communities to teach, share, and learn about the policies and practices adopted in that community in addressing sports-related concussions among youth athletes.
Read more here: http://www.macon.com/2015/01/10/3522614/atlanta-forum-to-focus-on-concussions.html#storylink=cp

For a full speaker roster and more information, please visit: www.youthsportssafety.org.