My First Blavity Fest: A Weekend of Black Joy, Power & Style

I had the amazing opportunity to attend Blavity Fest for the very first time—and I can honestly say, it was everything I needed and more. A true celebration of Black excellence, creativity, and community, the festival brought together innovators, visionaries, and tastemakers from across the country in one powerful space. The energy was unmatched.

Blavity Fest is the result of a decade of intentional work to amplify Black voices and build spaces where we can connect, be inspired, and celebrate ourselves—and that mission was felt in every moment.

The Kickoff: A Fireside Chat That Set the Tone

The weekend started strong with a fireside chat between Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Dr. Key Hallmon. Their conversation was full of gems about the importance of community-driven leadership, showing up for one another in powerful ways and much more. It was the perfect way to ground the fest in purpose and pride.

Wealth, Wellness, Creativity, and Music

What I loved most about Blavity Fest was how it catered to the whole person—mind, body, soul, and bank account. The programming covered everything from building legacy businesses to finding balance and prioritizing self-care. Whether it was panels on investing, wellness activations, or creative workshops, each experience reminded me just how much Black ingenuity is changing the world.

And let’s talk about the music—because the vibes were immaculate. Live performances lit up the stage, and the DJs kept the crowd moving all day long. Between the dancing, networking, and just vibing with like-minded people, it truly felt like a family reunion meets empowerment summit.

Pop-Ups, Panels & Powerful Moments

There were brand pop-ups, dope photo ops, and interactive spaces that sparked conversation and connection. I had so many inspiring moments—from laughing with new friends in line to soaking up wisdom from Black founders and creatives doing incredible work.

Let’s Talk Fashion: My Outfit Was a Whole Moment

Okay, I can’t end this post without spotlighting my Blavity Fest look—because let me tell you, the compliments were nonstop.

Here are the outfit details:

 

 

 

I dressed to express, and Blavity Fest was the perfect place to do just that. Style was everywhere—from Afrofuturistic flair to sleek, minimal looks—and I loved how everyone showed up authentically and unapologetically.

Final Thoughts

Blavity Fest was more than just an event—it was an experience. A celebration of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going as a community. I left feeling empowered, seen, and energized to keep showing up in my own purpose.

If you’ve never been, put it on your radar for next year. Trust me—you’ll want to be in the room.

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Jermaine Dupri & Marta Revealed Custom Wrapped Bus In Celebration Of So So Def’s 30th Anniversary

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and rapper Jermaine Dupri, record label So So Def, MARTA unveiled a custom-designed bus at Atlanta 50th Hip-Hop, located at 65 Upper Alabama Street SW. The transit bus route (Route 89 - Old National Highway) operates North/South through Dupri’s old neighborhood, College Park, to alternating termini in Union City and City of Riverdale along Best Rd., Sullivan Rd., and Old National Hwy. Points of Interest include: Old National Village, Atl. Metro Studios, Riverdale Town Ctr., and Riverdale City Hall.

Photo credit: Derek White

Photo credit: Latishamariee

Photo credit: Latishamariee

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Exploring the SCAD Atlanta Campus: The FORTY FIVE and SCADshow

I recently had the incredible opportunity to tour the SCAD Atlanta campus. My visit was particularly exciting as I got to explore the university's newest architectural marvels, the FORTY FIVE and SCADshow. These innovative additions to the campus not only enhance the learning environment but also set a new standard for student creativity and collaboration. What fascinated me the most was that SCAD is not only a venue for artistic expression but also the first-ever casting office on a college campus. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their talents and connect with industry professionals.

Join me as I recount my memorable experience and delve into the remarkable features of these impressive facilities.

The FORTY FIVE: Standing tall at 14 stories, this architectural masterpiece serves as a hub for artistic inspiration and academic excellence. With its modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, the FORTY FIVE has quickly become an iconic symbol of SCAD's commitment to innovation. The FORTY FIVE houses a variety of interactive studios, cutting-edge classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Exploring SCADshow:
Adjacent to the FORTY FIVE, is SCADshow, an enthralling entertainment venue that combines the worlds of film, television, and live performances. As I stepped inside SCADshow, I was captivated by its grandeur. The theater boasted state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, ensuring an immersive experience for both performers and the audience. The venue will host a diverse range of events, including film screenings, theatrical productions, panel discussions, and industry workshops.

My tour of the SCAD Atlanta campus left an indelible impression on me. The FORTY FIVE and SCADshow serve as shining examples of SCAD's dedication to innovation, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to explore and excel in their artistic pursuits. Whether it's through the cutting-edge facilities or the vibrant community, SCAD Atlanta embodies a spirit of creativity that empowers students to shape the future of art and design.

As I left the campus, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the talent and passion that permeated every corner. SCAD Atlanta is undeniably a place where dreams are nurtured, ideas are realized, and creative boundaries are pushed. It was an honor to witness the convergence of art, design, and technology within the FORTY FIVE and SCADshow, and I eagerly anticipate the remarkable achievements that will emerge from these extraordinary facilities.

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IKEA Atlanta Celebrates 18th Birthday with Spectacular Sale Event!

IKEA Atlanta is excited to announce its 18th Birthday Sale, offering incredible deals and discounts on a wide range of home furnishings and accessories. The highly anticipated sale event will commence on June 29th and conclude on July 4th, 2023, at the IKEA Atlanta store located at 441 16th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363.

As IKEA Atlanta marks this significant milestone, customers can expect to find unbeatable prices on a variety of stylish and functional products. Whether you're looking to revamp your living room, upgrade your kitchen, or add a touch of comfort to your bedroom, the 18th Birthday Sale has something for everyone.

During this exclusive four-day event, shoppers will have access to the following exciting offers and promotions:

• Doorbuster Deals: Get your hands on limited time offers on popular furniture items, lighting fixtures, kitchen essentials, and more. These deals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your favorites.
• Discounts Galore: Enjoy discounts of up to 75% off a vast selection of products throughout the store. From sofas and beds to cabinets and rugs, you'll find exceptional savings on items that suit your style and budget.
• IKEA Family Rewards: As a special thank you to loyal customers, IKEA Family members will receive exclusive discounts and rewards during the 18th Birthday Sale. If you're not already a member, sign up for free at the IKEA Atlanta store or online at https://www.ikea.com/us/en/ikea-family.
• In-Store Celebrations: Join us in commemorating this milestone event with a wonderful birthday breakfast in our Swedish Restaurant for one day only on June 29th for the low price of $2.49 from 9am until 10:30 am. We will be continuing the party with festive activities, entertainment, and surprises for the whole family. Experience the IKEA Atlanta atmosphere while exploring our inspiring showrooms and discovering innovative design solutions.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to save big on quality home furnishings during IKEA Atlanta's 18th Birthday Sale! Visit us at 441 16th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363 from June 29th to July 4th, 2023, and discover the perfect pieces to enhance your living spaces.

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New Breakfast Items Arrive at Belle & Lily's Caribbean Brunch House

 

Belle & Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House, one of Atlanta’s leading daytime dining concepts known for its flavorful Caribbean dishes with a southern twist, has launched a lineup of updated menu items and new operating hours. The refreshed menu will be served Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4:30pm.

Conceived by cousins Tasha and Aliyah Cyril, co-founders of Belle & Lily’s, the new curated breakfast menu takes an elevated approach to traditional Caribbean food. The new menu includes crave-able items such as jerk chicken hash, café con leche pancakes stuffed with a house made cream sauce, and spicy chicken biscuits drizzled with spicy peach honey. The new menu also offers healthy pescatarian/vegan dishes such crab and brie omelet, shrimp creole made with Central American red shrimp served over a sweet potato cake in an herb cream sauce, and vegan hash packed with oyster mushrooms, peppers, onions, and sweet potatoes.

“The demand for our breakfast has increased dramatically since the beginning of the year. Therefore, we knew it was the right time to not only expand our operating hours, but to update our menu with a new selection of flavorful Caribbean dishes that complements our current offerings,” said Tasha Cyril, Founder and CEO of Belle and Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House. “We are excited for everyone to try our new items; we are sure they will be a hit.”

Belle and Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House dishes are produced from the highest quality ingredients, wherever and whenever they are in season and reflect the owners’ Caribbean roots.

Belle & Lily’s new breakfast items include:

Jerk Chicken Hash
Spicy Chicken Biscuit
Shrimp Creole
Vegan Hash
Café Con Leche Pancakes
Parrot Fish
New York Style Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
Crab and Brie Omelet
St. Lucian Breakfast

For more information about Belle & Lily’s Caribbean Brunch House visit:www.belleandlilys.com

 

Photo Credit: Madelynne Boykin

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Lady Hawks Announce Capsule Retail Collection

Today, the Lady Hawks, a women’s auxiliary group comprised of the wives, significant others and mothers of Atlanta Hawks players, coaches, basketball operations staff and management, announced a capsule retail collection in time for the holidays. All net proceeds from the capsule will benefit Dress for Success Atlanta. Dress for Success Atlanta is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Available exclusively at the West Hawks Shop across from Gate 5 near the top of Section 110 at State Farm Arena, the limited-edition capsule collection features four silhouettes that mix and match offering chic layering options for a fashion-forward fan. The cargo jacket features a gold-embellished Hawks’ logo on the left chest and a gold-embellished Atlanta Hawks wordmark in Old English Font across the back. These camo jackets were sourced from vintage army and navy surplus stores. NBA-licensed luxury sportswear brand Sportiqe produced all three sportswear pieces in the capsule. These three pieces includes a bone-colored premium luxury hoodie with the Atlanta wordmark in Old English Font across the front, a tie-dye fashion silhouette woman’s tank and tee with traditional Hawks’ branding in complimentary camouflage colors.

“We are thrilled to launch this special capsule retail collection to benefit Dress for Success Atlanta,” said Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz. “Our relationship with this non-profit organization creates an opportunity for women who need to develop and enhance their hard and soft skills and help them gain meaningful employment and thrive professionally.”
 

As a continuation of this relationship, the Lady Hawks are scheduled to serve as mentors through a series of special Zoom sessions with Dress for Success Atlanta clients on their expertise in networking, communication skills and branding. In addition, they will conduct mock interviews helping give participating clients with a winning edge on acing their job interviews.
 

“Dress for Success Atlanta is honored to receive the support of the Lady Hawks as the mission of DFSA fits well within the mission of the Lady Hawks,” said Susan Bonds-McCulloch, Executive Director of Dress for Success Atlanta. “Having the Lady Hawks’ community support our clients; our clients are better able to build careers that in turn support the Atlanta community. We are grateful to be the beneficiary of this retail capsule collection and look forward to continuing to do more meaningful work with the Lady Hawks.”
 

The mission of the Lady Hawks is to enrich the Atlanta community through initiatives that serve and support women and youth. To ensure a meaningful community impact, the Lady Hawks prioritize recurring programming in conjunction with organizational partners that serve women and youth across Atlanta. For more information about the Lady Hawks, visit Hawks.com/LadyHawks.

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REVOLT Summit x AT&T takes over Atlanta

 

Over the weekend I attended my first Revolt Summit here in Atlanta at 787 Windsor. I had an amazing time it was so inspiring and empowering. On Saturday Offset and Killer Mike held a discussion with 2 Chainz on how young leaders can use their voices to effect real change in Atlanta and beyond. Young Thug surprised long-time friend Gunna on stage during his insightful panel on growth and career milestones. Attendees enjoyed exclusive performances from today’s biggest Hip-Hop stars, and the crowd went wild for a surprise performance by Meek Mill.

Additional panels throughout the day included REVOLT Black News: Black Safety First, where Eboni K Williams sat down with Ben Crump, David Banner and Justin Moore for a robust discussion on the safety crisis in Black communities throughout the country. High profile community activists took the same stage as three Black police officers in a multilayered discussion on Black safety. 

 

Detavio Samuels and I

 

L to R: James Brown (REVOLT), Deon Graham (Combs Enterprises), Colin McIntosh (REVOLT), Angela Logan (AT&T), Detavio Samuels (REVOLT), Dunnie West (Combs Enterprises), Matthew R. Brooks (AT&T)

PHOTO CREDIT: Dora Photograph/ Paras Griffin Getty Images

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Outdoor Date Ideas in Atlanta

The weather is starting to warm up and Atlanta has been open for a while. BLK, the largest app for Black singles supplied some awesome ideas and I added some of my favorite ATL locations so you can make those date night effortless.

1. Sunset picnic with a charcuterie box – Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, Centennial Olympic Park and Candler Park - Head over to your city's local park about an hour before sunset. This will allow you enough time to settle in, dive into your charcuterie box, and watch the sky transform against the skyline.

2. Brunch at your local farm-to-table restaurant: First Watch, Cultivate, Oy, Atlanta Breakfast Club, Flying Biscuit Café, and West Egg - Farm-to-table restaurants are a great way to eat delicious food that is in season and supports local farmers. Plan your next brunch date at your closest FTB spot and enjoy all of your brunch favorites, including mimosas!

3. An afternoon at an adventure park- Ponce City Market Roof, Six Flags, Roswell Mill Waterfall and Chattahoochee Bamboo Forest - Spend the afternoon at an aerial obstacle and zipline park. This is a great option for those looking for adventure and want to spend at least the whole afternoon outside!

4. Saturday afternoon baseball game or Soccer Game: Truist Park and Mercedes Benz Stadium - Sporting events are back! Who doesn’t love pretending they understand baseball or Soccer just to enjoy stadium food?

5. Catch a flick at a drive-in theater: Starlight Drive In - Feeling a bit nostalgic? A lot of drive-in theaters across the country have reopened due to the pandemic. The experience has all of your traditional movie theater favorites: popcorn, candy, and corndogs in the comfort of your own car.

6. Mini Golf: Top Golf, Mountasia, Puttshack Atlanta, Skyline Park and Malibu Grand Prix - Mini golf is a great option for a date during the daytime or at night! Be sure to find a course that also has a food and bar for you to enjoy once you finish your game and maybe even a few Instagramable pictures.

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Around Atlanta: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

The most award-winning brewery east of the Mississippi is now open in Lenox Marketplace and I had the opportunity to check it out last night and it was simply divine. It's conveniently located in the heart of Buckhead directly across from Phipps Plaza. I love that the menu has a great variety from Pizza, Wings, Burgers and so much more. I actually had the Philly Cheese-steak rolls, Moroccan Salmon over spinach-quinoa saute, scallion sauce and red onion jam with a yummy brownie with a dessert beer (I didn't that was a thing). I definitely will be back because I have some other items on the menu that I want to try. 

If you love great food and a wide selection of Beer that is brewed in house

Then Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant is for you check them out at
3535 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/buckhead-ga

 

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Atlanta Around: Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead Unveils Newspa Concept and Spa Menu

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is pleased to announce a new spa concept, menu of treatments and partners at its coveted Waldorf Astoria Spa. Paying homage to Atlanta’s reputation as a “city in the forest,” the new spa program invites guests to discover a transformative spa and wellness experience within, while enjoying a dose of pampering from new acclaimed luxury partners.

 

Inspired by the lush, green canopy that embraces the city, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead brings the “city in the forest” concept into the experience at the Waldorf Astoria Spa, which is a true oasis offering respite from the rigors of urban living, stress and travel. The new menu of treatments invites guests to cultivate a deeper connection to their surroundings and themselves, encouraging them to travel in the present moment and live life to the fullest. “We are thrilled to unveil our new and environmentally connected spa concept and menu,” says Jessica Shea, Senior Director Spa & Fitness Operations, Americas. “Created with community brands and exceptional global partners, our inspired treatments bring the best of wellness to Atlanta.”     

 

Among new signature treatments is the Forest Therapy experience, which utilizes a unique essential oil blend by spa partner Aromatherapy Associates of evergreen, pink pepper, cypress and juniper to provide a tension-releasing massage, followed by a warm, grounding mud mask to recharge through hands and feet and a luxurious scalp massage. As part of Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead’s commitment to giving back and preserving the environment and Hilton’s Travel with Purpose corporate responsibility strategy and 2030 environmental goals, proceeds from the Forest Therapy treatment will be donated to Trees Atlanta, a local organization working tirelessly to address Atlanta’s tree loss, protect its forests and create new green space.

 

Additional new treatments include A Walk in the Woods, offering a personalized journey to discover and address a guest’s specific needs. This full-body treatment combines massage techniques to the desired pressure and body therapies that can include warm stones, exfoliated sea salts and aromatherapy oils. 

 

Alongside the new concept, Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is delighted to announce new partnerships with several of the spa industry’s leading luxury brands, who bring a series of new advanced skin care therapies, body treatments, nail services and more to the spa experience. Coupled with longstanding partners – Georgia-based Sapelo Skincare and Aromatherapy Associates – new partners include:

 

Biologique Recherche

With forty years of excellence, this leading international skincare brand from France has a reputation for astounding effectiveness based on a clinical approach to beauty care using pure, concentrated and raw ingredients, as well as innovative and meticulous protocols and procedures. Bringing its renowned treatments to an Atlanta hotel for the first time, Waldorf Astoria Spa will offer treatments including the Custom Biologique Recherche Facial, a 50 or 80-minute treatment where specially trained therapists analyze each individual’s skin. Tailored, state-of-the-art “skin cocktails” are then formulated for a completely personalized facial that achieves the most effective and immediate results. 

 

KNESKO

KNESKO SKIN bridges science and spirituality with revolutionary GEMCLINICAL™ skin care technology. Developed by Reiki Master and company founder Lejla Cas, together with a team of doctors, its serum-infused collagen gel masks use precious gemstones and minerals to activate the Chakras and help rejuvenate skin. Guests of the Waldorf Astoria Spa can enjoy KNESKO Collagen Face Masks as part of a facial enhancement experience. 

 

Spa Ritual

Founded in 2004 by Shel Pink, Spa Ritual is inspired by clean beauty, spa culture and the art of self-care. Spa Ritual is a sustainable, vegan beauty brand. As part of the new spa menu, guests can partake in Spa Ritual’s Sound of Color Manicure or Pedicure, which begins with a fragrant breathing ritual to calm the body for meditation and introspection. The technician will then introduce The Sound of Color iPod device that includes a meditation session guided by a guest’s nail color of choice for an integration of beauty, health and wellness.

 

Deborah Lippman

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippman has created some of the healthiest and most luxurious hand and foot care products in the fashion business, including the innovative alternative to gel manicures, Gel Lab Pro. Guests of the Waldorf Astoria Spa can opt for a Deborah Lippman Manicure, which includes a whipped marshmallow hand scrub and shea butter, avocado hand cream, or aDeborah Lippman Pedicure, which includes a sugar and sea salt self-heating scrub and a nourishing acai and kokum butter foot cream.

 

Continued partners:

 

Sapelo Skincare

A continued partner of Waldorf Astoria Spa, Sapelo Skin Care, is a luxurious collection of natural skin care products created using effective ingredients inspired by the barrier islands off the coast of Savannah, GA to replicate the body’s natural restoration of a radiant complexion. A natural facial inspired by Georgia’s rich botanical environment, the Sapelo Signature Anti-Aging Facial, uses a mix of gardenia stem cells, magnolia oil and other bio-active peptides to actively hydrate the skin, providing vital vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients for healthy cell rejuvenation.

 

Aromatherapy Associates

Also a continued partner, Aromatherapy Associates facials combine the finest pure essential oils and plant extracts with specifically designed massage techniques to restore and recondition the skin. Visitors of Waldorf Astoria Spa can experience the Essential Organic Facial, which uses plant stem cells along with soy and yeast proteins, to achieve instant, long lasting results that noticeably lift, tone and firm the skin, for a flawless, healthy and younger looking complexion.

 

The Waldorf Astoria Spa is distinguished by its 15,000-square-foot facility set over three levels. This impressive space offers 13 private treatment rooms, dedicated men’s and women’s facilities, heat and wet areas, a 60-foot saline lap pool with access to a terrace overlooking the English Gardens, and an expansive fitness center with a private yoga studio. In addition to its new spa partners and treatment offerings, the spa also offers award-winning Waldorf Astoria signature therapies using holistic spa products and techniques infused with Southern charm. Locals also have the ability to join Waldorf Astoria Spa's exclusive membership granting unlimited access to the fitness center and virtual class programs.

 

Reservations can be made by calling (404) 995-7500. For more information about Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead and the Waldorf Astoria Spa, please visit www.waatl.com. 

 

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Around Atlanta: Frenchies Modern Nail Salon East Cobb

On Thursday February 19th -- I checked out Frenchies Modern Nail Salon located at 3154 Johnson Ferry Rd #102 Marietta, GA 30062 and my visit was amazing. My manicurist was Deneen and she did my nails perfectly I wanted a french tip with glitter and I even showed her a picture of what I wanted and she did just that. Before my Deluxe Gel Manicure I picked out lavender from the scent wall-- they have a variety of great scrubs and lotions. At Frenchies they are all about clean beauty and keeping your nails healthy, the prices are affordable and the staff is amazing. 

Make sure you check them out https://studios.frenchiesnails.com/east-cobb-ga

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bartaco secret taco

Today I had a solo lunch date at bartaco in Midtown and I tried the secret off-the-menu taco called the Chile-lime shrimp taco! Composed of a spicy and tangy Chile-lime marinated shrimp resting on a crisp and bright vegetable escabeche and finished with a zesty pepita salsa macha. This TACO is AMAZING! All of the flavors match perfectly and the chile provides a slight heat and I added some street corn to complete my meal. If you didn't know bartaco has the BEST churros so I had to have them for dessert. It's always a great experience when I visit this location and make sure you visit them soon the chile-lime shrimp taco is available until March 31.

Churros

Pomegranate Limonada

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The King Center announces schedule of events for the 34th King Holiday

This morning I was able to attend a press conference led by Dr. Bernice A. King as she announced the schedule of public programs and events in celebration of the King Holiday Observance. Beginning Friday, January 10, 2020 and continuing through Monday, January 20, 2020, The King Center will host its annual fundraiser, commemorative program, Nonviolence365® workshop and introductions, teach-in, youth experiences, award ceremonies, Beloved Community Talks, as well as a voter education and registration event, to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would have been his 91st birthday.

 

This year’s theme, ‘King’s 2020 Vision- The Beloved Community: The Fierce Urgency of Now,’ echoes Dr. King’s declaration from his book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late.”
 
  “This is a critical moment in history that requires our collective attention to the soul of this nation and to the moral fiber of the world,” said CEO Dr. Bernice A. King. “This year’s theme reflects the urgency with which we must be attentive and with which we must seize the opportunity to choose our existence, instead of our co-annihilation. In the midst of injustice and inhumanity, the hope of the Beloved Community remains. We can and we must build the Beloved Community, with nonviolence as our toolbox and love as our foundation.”

The King Holiday Observance activities begin with the two-day Nonviolence365® Workshop on January 10th and 11th, 9:30am- 5:30pm, in the Screening Room at The King Center, 449 Auburn Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312. The Center invites you to study Kingian Nonviolence (Nonviolence365®) and learn how it can be strategically used today for systemic, cultural and personal change. Sessions include: Principles of Nonviolence, Steps of Nonviolence, Mobilizing & Organizing and lessons on disrupting bias and de-escalating conflict. Registration is required.
 
On Tuesday, January 14th,  The King Center will host Students with King. Public, private, charter and home schools from Atlanta's nine metropolitan areas have been invited to attend and engage in dialogue with extended King family members and people who knew and/or worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Panelists will share personal stories about the lives of Dr. and Mrs. King and about their journeys to Nonviolence365®.
 
The formal Kick-Off Reception and Dream Forward Awards will be held on Tuesday, January 14th in Freedom Hall at The King Center. The event is free and open to the public but registration is requested. The reception begins in the atrium at 6:00pm, with the awards program commencing in the recently renovated Yolanda D. King Theatre for the Performing Arts at 6:45pm.  daughter, artist and activist Yolanda D. King, will be unveiled during the awards ceremony. Reverend Gerald Durley for Environmental Responsibility; Alexis Scott for Media; Jennifer Swain for Community Service; Sabash Razdan for International Affairs; Dr. Joseph & Dr. Marjanita Ripley for Faith-Based Leadership and Senator Emmanuel Jones for Elected Officials.
 
The King Center is calling on educational institutions and organizations around the globe to join us for a virtual Nonviolence365® Teach-In on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020. The purpose of the Nonviolece365® Teach-champion completion of their unfinished work; and on how to facilitate action and advocacy with Nonviolence365®. The King Center will provide trainers, lesson plans and toolkits with resources for facilitating Teach-In discussions. All resources are available at thekingcenter.org.
 
On Thursday, January 16th, 9:00am -1:30pm, The King Center will host Celebrate Difference: Students With King, at the Georgia World Congress Center Building A. Celebrate Difference will provide middle school students of various ethnicities, cultures and economic backgrounds with an opportunity to engage in dialogue with King Center CEO Bernice A. King; to explore how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. impacted the Civil Rights Movement; and to led Nonviolence (Nonviolence365®) as a way to address current issues, including bullying.
 
The annual Salute to Greatness Awards Gala fundraiser will be on Saturday, January 18th, 7:00pm, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street, NE in Atlanta, Georgia. Monies raised are used to support Nonviolence365® Education & Training; Camp NOW Leadership Academy; Students With King; maintained presence of The King Center as a living memorial to Dr. King and as a center for training on nonviolence.
 
The King Center is proud to salute Individual Honoree Cathy Hughes, founder and chairwoman, URBAN ONE, Inc; Corporate Honoree The Kellogg Company; Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Individual Honoree Jaden Smith, actor, musician and activist; Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Organizational Honoree Youth Service America, Steve Culbertson, President; Christine King Farris Legacy of Service Award Honoree Sonjia Waller Young, CEO, Eventions, Inc.; and Yolanda D. King Higher Ground Award Honoree Kirstie Ennis, President, The Kirstie Ennis Foundation.
 
The Gala dinner co-chairs are Dan T. Cathy, Chairman and CEO of Chick-fil-A, Inc. and Leona Barr-Davenport, President & CEO of the Atlanta Business League.
 
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service will be broadcast live on Fox 5 Atlanta from Ebenezer Baptist Church  Horizon Sanctuary on Monday, January 20th, 10:00am-1:00pm. The Commemorative Service is a hallmark of our annual King Holiday

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