AUGUST 14-20, 2026 • Vol. 61 Issue 14 • FREE
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Welcome to Atlanta: NABJ 2026 The National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention is back in Atlanta after nearly 20 years. For many of the attendees, the convention is everything from a first-time experience to an anniversary decades in the making. Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
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Local
‘Atlanta is a city deeply rooted in Black excellence’ By DONNELL SUGGS
W
hen it comes to NABJ conventions, a lot has changed. “A few years ago, when I started out in journalism, we could have held this convention in a telephone booth,” said former Ebony magazine senior editor Lerone Bennett, Jr., 45 years ago at NABJ Louisville in 1981. That’s from a passage in Wayne Dawkins’ book, “The NABJ Story.” On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the lobby inside the Atlanta Marriott Marquis was buzzing with the sounds of journalists in town for the annual family reunion/job fair/therapy session/party/panel discussion that is the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention. The last time Atlanta was the host city for the National Association of Black Journalists convention was 2007. Before that, it was 1984 and 1994. All three decades can be used as high-water marks for the industry. Well, it’s that time again: Atlanta is the home of NABJ 2026. Journalism as a profession and the overall media industry were much different in 1984 and 2007, but one thing has remained the same: Atlanta has always been a safe space for Black journalists. The number of Black journalists employed on a full-time basis in this country has hovered between 6-8% for the past 30 years, according to data from Zippia, an online career and job search site. Atlanta remains one of the top markets for Black journalists, along with Charlotte, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Houston (See: NABJ 2027), so NABJ 2026 is primed to set a new convention attendance record, which was set in Chicago (4,336) in 2024. Tickets for the welcome reception at the National Center for Civil & Human Rights were sold out a week before the convention. The same could be said for the historic bus tour and the arts & entertainment cultural tour. Thousands of Black journalists are in town to see what Atlanta has to offer. “For context, Cleveland (2025) was a good convention, but we were battered by the Trump administration’s anti-DEI and Project 2025 assaults,” said author and professor Wayne Dawkins, whose books “The NABJ Story” and
Convention attendees attend various panels and workshops that are geared toward journalism and the many variations of the time-honored profession. Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
“Rugged Waters” are NABJ convention historical tomes. “There was a net loss of job fair exhibitors in Cleveland. This year, NABJ officials reported “zero space” available in the job fair pavilion. We can fact-check next week.”
Dawkins told The Atlanta Voice, “If the NABJ leaders are correct, Atlanta attendance will easily beat the 3,100 who came to Cleveland last year and probably match or exceed the 4,300-plus who came to Chicago in 2024.”
NABJ has held three previous conventions in Atlanta, including the 1994 Unity Convention, which brought several races of journalists of color together. Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
For many of the conventioners, this weekend in Atlanta will be their first NABJ. For others, it will be one of dozens of conventions
The first NABJ Atlanta convention took place in 1984. Next year’s convention is scheduled to take place in Houston, Texas. Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
over decades. The expectations for NABJ Atlanta are similar to what they were in 1984, the first time the annual meeting was held in Atlanta, and the return 23 years later. This year will be no different. “Atlanta is a city deeply rooted in Black excellence, culture, and history. I look forward to experiencing such an impactful place while learning more about the art of journalism and connecting with professionals who share my background,” said Kendra Bryant, a recent graduate from Towson State University. Atlanta will be Bryant’s second NABJ Convention. “Hosting the conference in a city well known for creating opportunities for Black journalists makes the experience even more meaningful,” she said. Another first-timer, filmmaker and storyteller Julia Griggs, took in the scenery and breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t know what to expect from her first NABJ convention. “When I walked in, I felt the energy and the love,” Griggs said. “I
See NABJ on page 5
theatlantavoice.com • AUGUST 14-20, 2026 • Page 3
Business
Atlanta Business League Honors 20 Years of ‘Men of Influence’ at Annual Ceremony By NOAH WASHINGTON
T
he Atlanta Business League (ABL) gathered business leaders, elected officials, and community members on Wednesday, August 5, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta for its 20th Annual Men of Influence Reception & Induction Ceremony. The event was an evening that honored past inductees, introduced a new award category, and closed with the induction of Integral Chairman and CEO Egbert Perry into the organization’s Legends Hall of Fame. Leona Barr-Davenport, president & ceo of the ABL, opened the reception by framing the award around the theme of strength. “We are honoring men who have understood the true definition of strength,” she said. Barr- Davenport also highlighted the scale of Black entrepreneurship in Atlanta, noting the city is home to more than 13,000 Blackowned businesses that generate
more than 10% of the metro area’s revenue, the highest percentage of any city in the nation. The ceremony began by recognizing past Men of Influence honorees before moving into this year’s induction class. The ceremony began by recognizing past Men of Influence honorees before moving into this year’s induction class. Eric Pinckney, the league’s chair-elect and incoming chairman, addressed the organization’s staying power. “More than a legacy organization, they stay true to the mission by adapting to change,” Pinckney said. For the first time in the ceremony’s history, the league presented a Young Man of Influence to Watch award, recognizing emerging leaders 40 and younger. The inaugural honoree was Khari Arnold, founder and CEO of The Library Dads, a nonprofit that fosters bonding between fathers and children through reading. Arnold credited his father for shaping his path.
“He literally helped unlock my potential, and he influenced me,” Arnold said. “To me, he’s the greatest businessman in this room, and he’s my man of influence.” Bishop Dr. Jack L. Bomar, presiding prelate of Hillside International Truth Center, accepted his induction with a tribute to those who came before him. “I receive it in honor and in gratitude to all of my ancestors, who guide me from the seen and the unseen, and on whose shoulders I stand,” Bomar said, extending the honor to the staff and members of the Hillside organizations. “Our greatest purpose is to be a blessing in the lives of others and to help make this world better than the way we found it.” Spencer Bynes, Metro President of iHeartMedia Atlanta and the first Black executive to hold that role in the market’s history, urged fellow honorees toward resilience. “It takes uncommon courage, uncommon strength, uncommon
The Atlanta Business League (ABL) gathered business leaders, elected officials, and community members on Wednesday, August 5, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta for its 20th Annual Men of Influence Reception & Induction Ceremony. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
fortitude, resilience, and focus to do what we do every day,” Bynes said. “And when you are uncommon, the common will come for you.” The evening’s capstone came with Perry’s induction into the Legends Hall of Fame. Perry, who co-founded the national urban development firm The Integral Group in 1993 and later chaired the board of Fannie Mae, spent much of his acceptance speech giving credit to his parents, mentors, and former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson for the opportunities that shaped his career. “Transformational leaders plant trees knowing they’ll never sit in their shade,” Perry said, describing
Jackson’s push to “democratize opportunity” for Atlanta’s Black business community as the foundation many in the room had built on, whether they knew it or not. He circled back to an analogy raised earlier in the program comparing vision to “the eye,” calling it “very powerful” before tying it to Jackson’s legacy. Perry closed the evening by turning the recognition back toward the room. “I stand here accepting this award as a tribute to all of those individuals on whose shoulders I am,” Perry said. “Thank you all for coming here tonight, celebrating this with me.”
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Voices
So You Want to Be an Author? By RASHONDA TATE
A
FOUNDED
t some point in life, usually after surviving something hard or achieving something meaningful, many people feel the same pull: “I should write a book.” I get it. I really do. Stories live in us; they press against our ribs and ask to be named. But here’s the part we don’t say out loud enough: Wanting to write a book and being ready to be an author are not the same thing. The Trap of Universal Appeal One of the biggest misconceptions about authorship is the belief that every life story automatically deserves a public audience. We assume that if we’ve struggled enough or overcome enough, readers will naturally line up. That’s not how publishing works, and it doesn’t mean your story lacks value. Some stories are deeply important and still not meant for mass consumption. That doesn’t make them “small”; it makes them specific. There are three types of “Why” that often get confused: 1. The Legacy Project: Stories meant to preserve family history or be passed down at kitchen tables. 2. The Therapeutic Project: Stories meant to heal the writer, processing trauma through the page. 3. The Commercial Project: Stories written with a specific reader in mind, designed to solve a problem, provide an escape, or offer a new perspective. In a culture that equates visibility with worth, we’ve forgotten that private storytelling still matters. Success might just be holding a finished book in your hands and knowing you told the truth. The “After” That Nobody Mentions Here’s another truth we tend to gloss over: Writing the book is only the beginning. Being an author today requires stamina, vulnerability, and a surprisingly thick skin. If you choose this path, you are no longer just a “writer”; you are a business. Here are the different types of publishing. • Traditional Publishing: You’ll face a gauntlet of queries, rejections, and a loss of control over your cover, title, and timeline.
May 11, 1966
FOUNDER/EDITOR Ed Clayton Immortalis Memoria
PUBLISHER/EDITOR J. Lowell Ware
Immortalis Memoria The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware. ––– PUBLISHER Janis Ware PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER James A. Washington 2018-2024 COO Richard Dunn rdunn@theatlantavoice.com CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER Jazmine Brazier jbrazier@theatlantavoice.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PUBLISHER Chia Suggs csuggs@theatlantavoice.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Donnell Suggs editor@theatlantavoice.com GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTERS Laura Nwogu lnwogu@theatlantavoice.com Noah Washington nwashington@theatlantavoice.com BUSINESS REPORTER Tabius H. McCoy tmccoy@theatlantavoice.com SPORTS REPORTER Tarohn Finley tfinley@theatlantavoice.com Writing a book requires discipline, business sense, and an honest look at your “why.”
• Independent-Publishing: You become the CEO, responsible for hiring editors, cover designers, and managing distribution. • The Marketing Reality: Whether you are with a Big Five publisher or going it alone, the burden of “finding the audience” falls largely on you. You must be prepared to talk about your work—and yourself—long after the ink is dry. The Bridge Between Intention and Craft Ideas are everywhere. Completed manuscripts are rare. Discipline is the only thing that separates dreamers from authors. To move from “having a story” to
“having a book,” you have to move past talking and move toward DOING. Your desire to write has to become greater than your resistance to writing. You have to embrace the discomfort of revision. Your first draft is for you; every draft after that is for the reader. This means killing parts you think you need, cutting chapters you love, and allowing your work to be shaped by editors who see the flaws you’re too close to notice. (And no, just because your cousin Betty got an A in English does not make them an editor.) Questions to Ask Before You Start If you’re serious about this
journey, get honest about these four things: Your Story’s Power Is Not Tied to a Bestseller List Please hear this clearly: Your story does not lose its power just because it doesn’t belong on a shelf at Barnes & Noble. If you want to be an author, write – bravely, intentionally, honestly. But do not confuse the urge to tell your story with the obligation to make it public. Not every story needs the world. Some stories just need to be written. Clarity is the difference between a frustrated dreamer and a fulfilled writer. Choose your path, then own it.
EDITOR AT LARGE Stan Washington swashington@theatlantavoice.com ––– SALES RDW Jackson rdwadman@gmail.com SUBMISSIONS editor@theatlantavoice.com DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Martel Sharpe msharpe@theatlantavoice.com ––– CONTACT INFORMATION 633 Pryor Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30312 Office: 404-524-6426 info@theatlantavoice.com
theatlantavoice.com • AUGUST 14-20, 2026 • Page 5
NABL Continued from page 2 heard about NABJ for so many years, and with it being in Atlanta, this was the perfect time to do it.” St. Louis American Executive Editor Rod Hicks is a NABJ convention veteran. He told The Atlanta Voice that he has attended every convention since 1989. Hicks grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and is happy to be back in Atlanta. “I’m looking forward to discussions about how new technologies are being woven into news operations and best practices for their use. I also want to hear how fellow members of the Black press are faring and about their plans for sustainability in this difficult political and economic environment,” Hicks said. Hicks, along with Cheryl Smith, Publisher at Messenger Media, Colorado Public Radio host and producer Chandra Whitfield, and WCLKFM (Atlanta) General Manager Wendy Williams, will take part in a panel: Black-owned Media- Surviving the Long Game. This year’s convention includes the annual author showcase, the job fair, and panels on covering higher education, working for the Black press, building investigative teams, being an independent journalist, sustaining Black men in journalism, Black women in journalism, the NABJ Political Journalist Task Force, and much more. Amir Shaw, the executive editor of the
Atlanta Daily World, has attended NABJ conventions for years, but never in his hometown of Atlanta. He told The Atlanta Voice that being able to attend the convention at home and taking advantage of those panels is special for all involved. “Being in Atlanta is important in terms of what Atlanta means to America. Atlanta is the epicenter of Black culture in America.” Shaw said journalists across the country come to Atlanta for a breaking news story, or political rally, music festival, sporting event, or possibly, for an Election Day that can change the country. “You’re going to be reporting in Atlanta at some point in your career,” he said. Atlanta has been the undisputed capital of the Southeast forever, says Stan Washington, an original member of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) and a longtime member of NABJ. This year’s convention is Washington’s 35th. His first was in New Orleans in 1983. “Atlanta is a service town. Its economic base is not dependent upon manufacturing. Atlanta’s location makes it attractive to companies and organizations that want plenty of hotel and convention space,” said Washington, a native Atlantan. “That is Atlanta. Atlanta has shown corporate planners that it can host large events and crowds by hosting Super Bowls, college playoff games, the Summer Olympics, and most recently, FIFA World Cup matches.” Washington says thanks in part to major corporations like Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola,
and Home Depot, and educational institutions like Georgia Tech, Emory University, and the institutions of the Atlanta University Center, Atlanta has always been a key destination for the country’s business and educational communities. Only a month after hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches, including a semifinal in front of more than 66,000 fans, downtown Atlanta is back in the spotlight as the host city for NABJ 2026. “While I’m surprised that it’s been nearly 20 years since the NABJ Convention was held in Atlanta, now that the long wait is over, I expect this will be one of the most memorable NABJ conventions ever and certainly one of the largest,” said Roz Edward, the managing editor and content director at Real Times Media. “I doubt that there will be another hiatus like that between NABJ conventions in this city,” Edward said. Stationed at an AABJ welcome table inside the terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the convention’s opening day, Wednesday, August 12, Washington agreed. “You can enjoy the city and still go home with a little change in your pocket,” Washington said. “Atlanta is not as inexpensive as it was 20 years ago, but it is still more affordable than attending a convention in places like Boston, New York, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.”
Atlanta remains one of the top markets for Black journalists, along with Charlotte, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Houston. Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Shaw said for Black journalists who work in markets where they are oftentimes the only person of color in their newsroom, being in Atlanta for several days may be coming at the right time. “That’s comforting for a lot of Black journalists,” he said. Welcome to Atlanta.
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Community
Atlanta Women’s Build makes homeownership a reality for single mothers across the city By LAURA NWOGU
S
ince 2003, the Atlanta Women’s Build (AWB) has been providing single mothers with an affordable place to live, and a place they can call home. In partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, the AWB works to raise funds and actively construct homes from the ground up. These projects are dedicated to supporting single mothers and female heads of households who achieve permanent, affordable homeownership. Through this hard work, the AWB initiative has successfully constructed 22 fully-funded projects, while fundraising for more than $2.5 million through the empowering help of over 4,000 women volunteers. Daughters build alongside mothers, and strangers build alongside new friends during the annual all-female build. It’s a legacy of family and community that began when founders and friends Barbara Reid and Polly Simpson decided to start their own grassroots volunteer initiative over 23 years ago. Now AWB is one of 50-plus builds Atlanta Habitat for Humanity constructs a year, with AWB being the only one that is fully-funded. Rosalyn Merrick, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, called the work that AWB has achieved “inspiring.” Their work has sparked other groups, such as
Rosalyn Merrick, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity (above), called the work that AWB has achieved “inspiring.” Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
the Alpha Kappa Alphas to start their own builds. “You’re not just building a home for yourself, but you are building something lasting — this asset that will appreciate and yield resources for all your other dreams, because owning a home is just the first one. We have our families who go on to grow businesses and to pursue credentials. They can be upwardly mobile in careers and on. They become some of the best activists in our communities to make our communities better and stronger,” Merrick said. “All of that really poured from the hearts of two amazing women
who now have built a community of over 5,200 women strong, volunteers that over that 23-year arc have come to put hands on homes and to love on the families who they were building alongside with.” The Atlanta Voice joined AWB for a van tour where we got a behind-the-scenes look at some of the builds that AWB had a hand in over the past two decades. In that time, the organization has reinvested in 13 neighborhoods across Atlanta in areas such as South Atlanta and the Westside. As the van slowed down in the neighborhoods where builds had taken place, The Atlanta Voice got to see the result of the volunteer
Now AWB is one of 50-plus builds Atlanta Habitat for Humanity constructs a year. Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/ The Atlanta Voice
Since 2003, the Atlanta Women’s Build (AWB) has been providing single mothers with an affordable place to live, and a place they can call home. Photo by Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
movement and its goal to expand homeownership in Atlanta. One of the locations was Browns Mill Village, Habitat’s first planned community of 134 homes. Tekia, a recipient of the 2023 AWB build whose last name has been withheld for privacy reasons, said there’s a peace in owning a home that she can raise her family in. “Earning my Habitat home meant a lot to me. More than just becoming a homeowner, for me, it meant stability. It meant knowing that my kids have a home that is ours, somewhere they can grow up, make memories, and always have a place to stay,” Tekia said. “Being able to say that this is our home was really a big accomplishment for me. I’ve always wanted to own a home since I was a kid, like that has always been my dream. So that I cried for days, nights, months. I cried for a long time because it was happening.” The application process to become one of the women granted a home is based on level of need, a willingness to be a good partner, and the ability to pay the interest-free 30-year mortgage. They also must be willing to build their home and pay it forward by helping other women do the same, establishing sweat equity. Kia, the third recipient of an AWB build, said it was her first time building a home, an empowering feeling that has now led to stability
and a path to generational wealth. “It was just so empowering to have women from all different backgrounds come together and unify for one specific project, which was building my home. It was so empowering to pull up the walls,” Kia said. “I have something that I can pass forward to my children, and then I can be an example for other women who have started out like me, and let them know that there is a pathway to generational health, to building a foundation so that you can grow and contribute to your community. This means so much to me… It really has impacted my life in a great way.” Tekia said she wants every woman who has joined AWB for a build and future volunteers to know that what they’re doing is much bigger than building a house. “One day you’re going to walk through the door with your family, and it’s going to be your home. You’re going to cook there, celebrate birthdays there, decorate for the holidays, watch your kids grow up there and create memories you haven’t imagined yet,” Tekia said. “On the days when you’re tired, hot, or wonder if the work you’re doing is really making a difference, it is. Because I’ve been a woman on the other side of it. I’m living in the home that people took their time to help build, and I appreciate it more than they have probably ever known.”
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Business
Cloudy Donut Co. brings national tour to Atlanta with Heavy Market pop-up By NOAH WASHINGTON
O
utside of Heavy Market in Buckhead, the scene could be described as a cookout. People were laughing, children were running around, creating a summer environment reflective of Atlanta. But it wasn’t a family reunion. Cloudy Donut Co., which its founders describe as America’s first 100% Black-owned vegan donut shop, brought its national tour to Atlanta this past weekend with a pop-up at Heavy Market coinciding with Invest Fest. Co-founders Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu Jewel started the business in Baltimore in 2019 before opening a brick-and-mortar location in New York City in 2023. Last year, the pair began taking the brand on the road, popping up in cities where they said they’ve seen strong community support online. “We pop up in cities that show us so much love, where we have a big outpour of celebration and community online, and wanted to bring the Cloudy Donut experience to them offline,” Jewel said.
The Atlanta stop also marked the debut of the brand’s cloudy cakes outside its New York locations, ahead of a planned shipping rollout next year. Jewel said the pop-up included a flavor made specifically for the city. “We made our jalapeno peach cake just for Atlanta, specific to Atlanta, because of course we’re in the home of the peaches,” she said. Jewel said the shop sources ingredients locally wherever it operates, including from Atlanta’s floral district during the pop-up. Faulcon, who has worked in the food and beverage industry for more than a decade, said the Atlanta reception reinforced the tour’s purpose. He described a message of possibility, hope, celebration, and collaboration, and said he was struck by the turnout given he has no ties to the city. On Sunday, Faulcon also took the stage at Invest Fest to represent his 7 Streams brand in a conversation with rapper Jim Jones on entrepreneurship, ownership, and building businesses from the ground up. Jewel said the company’s growth strategy has leaned on direct community engagement
Co-founders Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu Jewel started the business in Baltimore in 2019 before opening a brick-and-mortar location in New York City in 2023. Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
rather than traditional press outreach. “I’m never disappointed when I don’t hear back from press,” she said. “I do all our PR. I always have. I do marketing, I know who we are, and I know how great we are, how hard we work, and so I’m always gonna just touch the people, share directly with them, and they’re
gonna do that work for us.” Jewel said Cloudy Donut’s larger mission extends beyond its menu. “The donuts are honestly a vehicle for us to show what is possible for entrepreneurs, specifically Black entrepreneurs and small businesses,” she said.
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Health
Miseducation: The Silent Dental Crisis Affecting Black Americans By JATIKA HUDSON
T
he importance of proper oral care is a matter of life and death. Black Americans are often ranked among the highest in statistics for periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Lack of at-home care is a significant factor in these numbers, but the cost of dental care is also often among the highest medical expenses. Those oral diseases prevalent in the Black community can lead to heart disease and eventual death if not managed. Also, conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can only worsen with poor dental health. Gingivitis and periodontitis—the two forms of periodontal disease—are highly preventable, and Dr. Tampa Bell, a 30-year dentist and owner of Providence Family Dentistry, says that proper and thorough care at home makes all the difference in the health and longevity of your teeth. “Every time you eat and drink, there’s a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth called plaque, and it’s removed with daily brushing and flossing,” said the Spelman College graduate. “You have to brush and floss to remove the buildup. If you’re not flossing daily or brushing properly—right at the gum line—that
Dr. Tamerah Marable is all smiles with some of her patients. Photo by Ty Pleas
bacteria will get digested into your food and then into your body.” She goes on to share that once the bacteria from the plaque is distributed into your bloodstream, it can travel to the heart. This can contribute to gum disease and heart disease. She shares that two dentist visits per year can significantly help deter issues that lead to dental and
heart problems. Waiting until pain is felt is usually too late, and major dental work or surgery may then be the only solution. “As you eat and drink, without proper brushing and flossing, that bacteria is being digested into your food and into your body, gets distributed throughout your blood, and then travels to the heart,
Dr. Tamerah Marable has been serving as a pediatric dentist in Buckhead and is the 10th dentist in her family. Photo by Ty Pleas
which is the connection between gum disease and heart disease,” says Dr. Bell. The correct order of dental hygiene is flossing between all teeth, brushing for two minutes, and using mouthwash for 30 seconds to one minute. Learning about the importance of taking care of our teeth and the consequences of not doing so was a major childhood priority. Teaching children, as soon as they grow teeth, to care for their teeth builds the foundation for a lifetime of healthy oral habits. Dr. Tamerah Marable, owner of Tiny Roots Pediatric Dentistry, shares the same sentiment as Dr. Bell regarding regular visits to the dentist. One of the first tasks she suggests for parents is finding a dental home for their children that is welcoming, friendly, and encouraging. “They need to be in a dental environment that’s nurturing and caters to children so, hopefully, they can have a dental experience early on that is not anxiety- and trauma-induced,” she said. “Usually, a pediatric office is going to offer care that’s geared toward children. There are also things they can do at home, such as making sure the first step is dietary management.” Dr. Marable, who’s the tenth
dental professional in her family, explains that young children and babies should not be given bottles to go to sleep. Having juice or milk for extended periods while in bed can lead to tooth decay and cause a condition many young children and babies experience called baby bottle decay. This form of decay happens when sugary drinks are given to a child over an extended period, leading to severe tooth decay. Physical signs include brown or white spots on the teeth. The best way to combat baby bottle decay is to avoid sweet drinks or milk at bedtime and practice brushing teeth and cleaning gums daily. Creating a daily routine and scheduling regular dentist visits can help alleviate fears and create a future of healthy oral care. Taking children to the dentist as soon as they get their first teeth is important in avoiding childhood periodontal issues that can lead to long-term effects. “I like the opportunity to be on the forefront and on the educational side of the preventative journey for most families,” Dr. Marable says. “Hopefully, I’m making a good impression from the beginning and changing that narrative where they’re excited to go to the dentist.”
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Sponsored Content
Why Hybrid Healthcare Is a Business Imperative for Employers in Georgia By AMANDA FREE President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia
A
ccess to healthcare is more than an employee benefit. For many Georgia employers, it’s one of the largest business investments they make each year and a critical factor in attracting talent, supporting productivity, and managing long-term costs. Whether it’s a global company headquartered in metro Atlanta, a manufacturer in Northwest Georgia, a logistics business serving the Port of Savannah, or a small business in Middle Georgia, employers across Georgia are facing the same challenge: delivering quality, affordable healthcare in an increasingly complex environment. As costs continue to rise, employees want healthcare that is easier to access, easier to understand, and better connected. Yet for many, navigating healthcare still feels fragmented, time-consuming, and overwhelming – from finding the right care provider to understanding benefits and costs to scheduling appointments. The future isn’t fully virtual or entirely in-person but hybrid: seamlessly combining digital tools, virtual support, and in‑person care with greater speed, precision, and connectivity reflecting how people live and work today. We see this shift firsthand with the members we serve across Georgia. At Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we’re focused on helping employers offer healthcare that’s easier to navigate, more connected across care settings, and designed around the needs of the individual. When healthcare works better, employees spend less time managing their care and more time focused on their families, careers, and communities. Why hybrid healthcare is a business imperative Today’s healthcare system was largely designed around in-person visits, which no longer aligns with modern schedules or expectations. Access can be limited, wait times can be long, and coordinating care across providers is often left to the individual. At the same time, the workforce expects flexibility. When
Amanda Free, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia
nearly two-thirds of hourly workers receive schedules week to week, care requiring long wait times and limited appointments don’t work for employees or their employers. Hybrid healthcare addresses this gap by combining digital tools, virtual care, and in-person services into a simpler, more integrated experience. This includes more integrated approaches across medical, pharmacy, and behavioral health. This makes it easier for people to access support quickly, identify needs earlier, avoid unnecessary office visits, and get the right level of care when they need it. For employers, that translates to fewer disruptions during the workday, better employee engagement, and lower costs tied to missed work or delayed care. In Georgia, these solutions are particularly important. Employers support a fast-growing workforce across thriving metropolitan areas and rural communities where access to care can still be challenging. Better coordination helps ensure employees receive the right care at the right time, regardless of where they live, while helping reduce unnecessary delays and avoidable costs. Using technology responsibly to simplify care The opportunity to improve the healthcare experience is significant. A Harris Poll survey found that people spend eight hours a month coordinating care. That’s time most employees don’t have. At Anthem, our focus is on making healthcare easier to navigate
When healthcare is easier to navigate, everyone benefits from employees and families to employers and the communities they serve. Oscar Wong
by using technology, including artificial intelligence in responsible, thoughtful ways, to simplify healthcare while keeping people at the center of every decision. For Georgians, that includes: • A single digital front door: Through the Sydney Health member engagement platform, members can find in‑network providers, check benefits, estimate costs, and schedule appointments in one place. • Personalized guidance: AI‑enabled tools help connect members with relevant resources, recommend next steps based on their healthcare needs, and provide data-driven insights while maintaining strong privacy protections and human oversight. • Proactive support: Personalized reminders and outreach help members stay current on preventive care, manage medications, and access resources for chronic conditions before small issues become bigger ones. We’re also investing in systems that allow health information to appropriately and securely move more easily across the care continuum. When data is connected,
providers have better visibility of their patient’s health, and employees spend less time coordinating their own care. Why interoperability matters For employers, one of the biggest hidden costs in healthcare is fragmentation. Hybrid care only works when information can follow the individual. Without that connectivity, hybrid care breaks down creating delays in care and unnecessary complexity for employees trying to navigate the system. When healthcare information isn’t connected, employees experience delays, repeated paperwork, and unnecessary frustration. It should feel simpler and more integrated. Interoperability helps make those transitions seamless by allowing health information to move securely between care settings. Better information sharing helps providers make more informed decisions, coordinate care more effectively, and intervene earlier when health issues arise. In 2024 alone, the U.S. healthcare system avoided an estimated $258 billion in administrative costs through electronic transactions and improved data
exchange. Through Health OS, our digital interoperability platform, we’re connecting data from the various corners of healthcare to give care providers and consumers a more complete view of a person’s health and healthcare, helping to create a more integrated healthcare experience. Raising expectations for the healthcare experience Georgians expect healthcare to fit into their lives. Meeting that expectation requires a connected, flexible approach that seamlessly blends technology with in-person care. Building a more effective healthcare system will require continued partnership among employers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and health plans. Smarter, more connected care approaches can help improve affordability, simplify the healthcare experience, improve health outcomes, and support healthier, more productive workforces—strengthening Georgia’s businesses and communities. When healthcare is easier to navigate, everyone benefits from employees and families to employers and the communities they serve. Learn more at anthem.com/ healthcareingeorgia.
Page 10 • AUGUST 14-20, 2026 • theatlantavoice.com
Sports
Atlanta Falcons prepare for preseason opener at The Benz By TAROHN FINLEY Report for America Corp
T
he Atlanta Falcons will open the preseason portion of their 2026 schedule on Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons will host the Denver Broncos, and the kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The two franchises have only played 17 times. The Broncos hold a slight edge with a 10-7 record, including a 38-6 victory in Denver over former starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Falcons on November 17, 2024. The Atlanta Falcons offense put on a show for a packed crowd during Saturday Night Lights at Lanier High School on Saturday, August 8. The practice was cut short due to lightning, but plenty of fans got a chance to watch the Dirty Birds’ workout before the preseason opener. Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa handled the first-team reps, with Michael Penix Jr. not participating in Saturday’s practice. Tagovailoa continuously picked apart the defense. After throwing touchdowns to Drake London and Jahan Dotson in the red zone, Tagovailoa threaded the
needle to Olamide Zaccheaus on a play that would have resulted in a touchdown and connected with London again for a big gain on a rollout pass. Cooper Rush and Jack Strand struggled while splitting second-team reps. The Falcons’ running game and offensive line were also nearly unstoppable. After warming up near the end zone at the beginning of practice, the Falcons’ offensive line consistently opened up running lanes, no matter who was in the backfield. Falcons star running back Bijan Robinson got things started with an explosive touchdown run in which he was nearly untouched. The crowd continuously chanted “BIJAN” as he ran back to the sideline, happy to see the star running back after he sat out the early portion of training camp while negotiating a contract extension that was resolved earlier this week. Robinson’s touchdown made up for a fumble he had earlier in the possession. The Falcons then switched out one Robinson for another in Brian Robinson. While the two are not related and have different playing styles,
A Falcons fan shows off his wrestling belt. Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
with Bijan being more shifty and quicker and Brian bringing power to the running back room, they were equally effective. Brian
A trio of boys look on from the stands on Saturday night. Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Robinson converted two touchdown runs while the team was in the red zone. Cash Jones also had a huge gain on a run when the team was near the middle of the field. The rookie out of Georgia has brought versatility to the running back room with his pass-catching, blocking, and ability to contribute on special teams. Falcons’ new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees also
showcased his creativity with his play-calling on Saturday. While the play resulted in an incompletion, Dotson threw a pass after receiving the ball on a reverse, targeting Strand along the sideline. There was also a fake field goal that resulted in a touchdown. While the practice wasn’t blemish-free, it gave the fans a lot to look forward to before lightning cut the night short.
Fans get autographs from Freddie the Falcon. Tabius H. McCoy/The Atlanta Voice
Page 11 • AUGUST 14-20, 2026 • theatlantavoice.com
AUGUST 14-20, 2026 • www.theatlantavoice.com
PUBLIC HEARING
CLASSIFIEDS
REQUEST FOR BIDS
City of South Fulton, Georgia Notice to the Public Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Adoption
Public Hearing & Adoption of FY2027 Budget Pursuant to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Section 36-81- 5, et seq., the City of South Fulton hereby provides notice that public hearings will be conducted on August 25, 2026, and September 22, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. at the City of South Fulton City Hall, 5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd. SW, South Fulton, GA 30336 to adopt its FY2027 Budget Ordinance. Any person wishing to be heard on the budget may appear at the hearings and comment in accordance with the City’s policies and/or procedures for public comment as outlined on the city’s website at https://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov/3074/Public-Comment-at-CouncilMeetings. The City Council will consider a final vote for adoption of the FY2027 Budget on September 22, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. at the City of South Fulton City Hall, 5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd. SW, South Fulton, GA 30336
FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID Sealed Bid for 26ITB1646149B-RT Automobile Repair & Services for the Fulton County Police Department,will be accepted in the Fulton County Purchasing Department online through BidNet Direct on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. All Bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/ fultoncounty Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) The selected firm will provide replacement parts maintenance service (scheduled), repairs and labor for the Fulton County Police Department vehicles. In order to obtain complete information about this solicitation, please click the link below where this document and supporting documents can be downloaded, https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty Fee: N/A Term of Contract: This is an annual agreement with two (2) one (1) year renewal options.
Budget Available for Review The proposed FY2027 Budget that will be adopted by Mayor and City Council will be available for public inspection on the city’s website at http://www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov. A physical copy is also available for review in the office of the City Clerk, at the City of South Fulton City Hall, 5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd. SW, South Fulton, GA 30336 between the hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
SENIORS SENIOR (62+) Spacious 1-Bedroom Affordable! Rent Based on Annual Income Amenities, Great Location, and Convenient to Marta Please call for detailed information
(404) 586-9098
Your news. Your Way.
OPPORTUNITIES SW Eng’r II; Travelers; Atlanta, GA. Hybrid; WFH 2 days/wk. Perform analysis, design, development, & config func. (incl. defining tech reqs) w/ high accuracy & speed as indiv. contributor to team goals. Perform analysis, assessment & resolution for adv. defects &incidents; escalate appropriately. Provide tech. guidance &mentorship to less exp’d EEs. Requires bachelor’s or equiv. in Comp.Sci., Info. Sys., or rltd STEM fld + 2 yrs exp. as SW Developer or rltd. Also requires 2 yrs exp. w/ the following: SW development of Guidewire apps; Guidewire config & insurance ste platform; Guidewire Cloud implementation; Java, XML, JSON, Rest Srvcs, Event Messaging, Apache Camel, JSLT, Kafka, GIT. Also requires Guidewire Certified ACE in config. or equiv exp. Salary: $119,600 to $179,400. Send resume to jtoth3@travelers. com & ref. Job Code U082026A.
OPPORTUNITIES LEAD TECHNICAL SUPPORT ENGINEER (NiCE Systems, Inc; Atlanta, GA): Work with various departments (Support, Product Management, R&D, and Cloud) and large complex enterprise software clients internationally for end-to-end issue resolution. Hybrid telecommuting permitted pursuant to company policy. To apply, send resume to marian.alvarado@nice.com. Ref: 00102744. An EOE.
PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A Pre-Bid Conference will be held via a web-conference to provide bidders with information regarding this project and address any questions. Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026 Time: 11:00 AM Link: https://zoom.us/j/97036155502?pwd=aztO7Z7dhPO594Zk24bM9Z q1UllD3a.1 If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Roderic Terrell, APA, (404) 612-7965 or Email: roderic.terrell@ fultoncountyga.gov. Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all applications and to waive technicalities.
REQUEST FOR BIDS FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID Sealed Bids for 26ITB1611059C-MH Elevator & Escalator Maintenance Services for the Department of Real Estate & Asset Management will be accepted by the Fulton County Purchasing & Contract Compliance Department electronically, via BidNet Direct on Tuesday, September 01, 2026. All proposals submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date. Proposal(s) shall be publicly viewed via BidNet Direct web, only the names of the Proposers shall be disclosed at the opening. Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) Sealed Bids for furnishing all materials, labor, tools, equipment and appurtenances necessary for servicing of Elevators and Escalator Maintenance Services must be electronically submitted to the Fulton County Department of Purchasing and Contract Compliance via BidNet Direct. The detailed scope of work and technical specifications are outlined in the Scope of Work of the bid document. Fee: N/A Contract Term: 1 Year with 2 Renewal Options PRE-BID CONFERENCE: will be held online via a Zoom conference to provide bidder(s) with information regarding this project and to address any questions. Date: August 18, 2026 Time: 10:00 A.M. Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aLy4DC4tRXSIs7-0lb4ecw If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Mark Hawks, CAPA Email: mark.hawks@fultoncountyga.gov.
www.theatlantavoice.com
Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
Page 12 • AUGUST 14-20, 2026 • theatlantavoice.com
Thousands of local electricians are gaining new skills and job opportunities with support from the electrical training ALLIANCE and Google.
The electrical training ALLIANCE (etA) is partnering with Google to train existing electrical workers and new apprentices in Georgia. Through the etA, electricians will be prepared for long-term careers building energy infrastructure in communities across the state. Sign up at goo.gle/ga-impact