William “Bill” Gilmore Thomas Atlanta Native, Singer, Community Activist Remembered December 20, 1947 – May 10, 2025 The chapel of Willie Watkins mortuary domiciled in Atlanta’s west-end community was filled to near capacity May 23 with high school classmates, musicians , recording artists and a plethora of friends to bid a fond and emotion -filled farewell to native son William Gilmore Thomas. Those who knew him well – including Harold “Hal” Lamar, the writer of this article – would hardly be surprised to believe that the one-time resident of the…
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On Monday, May 12, National Jewish Health, one of the leading respiratory care and research hospitals in the country, based in Denver, Colorado, joined with local leaders in Atlanta and hosted its second Legends of Atlanta Gala. At this year’s event, Civil Rights icon Ambassador Andrew J. Young was the honoree. The event was held at the Woodruff Arts Center Galleria and was co-chaired by Billye Aaron, Paul Hagedorn, and Billy Payne. The fund-raising black tie tribute was named “Forever Young – A tribute to Andrew Young,” with benefits from…
Founded by actress and activist Jane Fonda in 1995, the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power and Potential (GCAPP) is thrilled to announce award-winning actor and cultural icon Larenz Tate as a special guest during the Second Annual Rising Leaders Luncheon. The event will take place Friday, June 6, at Cox Enterprises in Atlanta, GA. Held in front of an audience of educators, changemakers, community members and youth leaders, this year’s luncheon holds special significance as it marks GCAPP’s 30th anniversary of championing the health and success of youth across Georgia.…
Atlanta, Georgia — May 15, 2025 — gain., a boutique strength training gym designed exclusively for women, is excited to announce the grand opening of its flagship location in Reynoldstown. To mark the occasion, gain. is throwing a big, community-centered bash on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 12-3pm, at its new studio at 872 Memorial Drive SE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30316. Founded by local fitness professionals Erin McDevitt and Katie Wetzel, gain. offers a bold, inclusive approach to fitness with a focus on small group strength training, mobility, personal training, and movement-based classes. The gym is built to foster…
“We are excited to announce the signature artwork for the 48th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival has been created by Vernicia Respres,” states Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “The colorful artwork depicts a saxophonist in the spotlight showcasing the vibrant energy of live jazz performances.” Vernicia’s artwork “Streetlight Jazz” will be featured on this year’s Atlanta Jazz Festival poster and t-shirt which will be available for sale at the festival in Piedmont Park on Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26. As a lifelong…
Two years into the 90s, my nephew, the first born of the next generation graduated from high school and decided to celebrate with a friend at a skating rink near his home. A few tough guys from a rival school threatened him, accusing them of being there to “take our girls.” One claimed to have a gun. This sent my nephew and his pal into a corner convenience store near his home where he asked the Korean owner to phone police. Instead of calling police, he pulled out a shotgun,…
