The Atlanta Voice / Voice News Network

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In a significant development, CNN is set to host a presidential debate on June 27, 2024. Yet, it has not extended media credentials to Black media outlets, including The Atlanta Voice, a publication that has catered to the Black audience for nearly 60 years. This decision has sparked a debate on the representation and inclusion of Black media in mainstream media coverage of the presidential election. The Atlanta Voice recently conducted an exclusive one-on-one interview with Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting the importance of access to Black publications in shaping the election's outcome. Despite this, CNN has not granted media credentials to Black media organizations, which own and operate none of the nearly 600 national and international media outlets granted credentials for the debate. The Biden campaign has made a concerted effort to include Black publications in their events, acknowledging the significant influence of Black voters in the election and the challenges faced by Black publications. However, The Atlanta Voice, which will be in the presidential press pool, may not necessarily gain entrance or access to the debate. CNN has confirmed that it will distribute transcripts and photos from the debate. The Biden campaign also plans to host a press briefing for Black publications before the debate on Thursday. What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you believe that Black media outlets should be granted media credentials to cover the debate, and why?  https://lnkd.in/gp37hPaw

Vice President Kamala Harris recently met with The Atlanta Voice to discuss the ongoing fight against gun violence and the importance of voting in the upcoming election. She emphasized the need for gun safety legislation, including universal background checks and red flag laws, to prevent mass shootings like the one that occurred at Peachtree Center last week. Harris also highlighted the importance of addressing the trauma that often accompanies gun violence, and the need for communities to have access to resources for healing. She stressed the significance of this election, stating that it is a choice between addressing problems or making them worse. The Vice President also discussed the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to addressing the high cost of insulin, particularly for Black Americans, who are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. The administration has capped the cost of insulin at $35 per month, a game changer for many families. Harris's visit to Atlanta is part of her ongoing efforts to engage with voters and earn their support. She urged voters to consider the contrasting approaches of the two presidential candidates, emphasizing the importance of respecting the intelligence of voters and earning their votes. What are your thoughts on the Vice President's stance on gun violence prevention and the importance of voting? Do you agree that the upcoming election is a critical one for Black Americans?  https://lnkd.in/gR_Jrd7G

Disney's Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a new attraction based on the 2009 film "The Princess and the Frog," will soon open at Walt Disney World. The ride, which replaces the former Splash Mountain attraction, is a tribute to Disney's first Black princess and New Orleans. The ride takes guests on a journey through the life of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, a year after the film. The queue features a blend of movie-inspired elements and real-life inspirations, including the life of Leah Chase, the inspiration behind Tiana's Foods. The ride features a 50-foot drop, animatronics, and a new song from Grammy award-winning musician and songwriter PJ Morton and the voice of Tiana Anika Noni Rose titled "Special Spice." The ride is a celebration of the spirit of New Orleans and the power of dreams and determination. https://lnkd.in/gspMuQHA

The city of Atlanta's decision to introduce a 100-unit homeless housing initiative in Mechanicsville has sparked a heated debate among residents. The community is concerned about the proximity of these units to residential areas, schools, parks, and registered sex offenders. Residents argue that their concerns have been ignored, and they feel that the city's decision neglects their well-being. The community is also worried about the impact on safety and stability, as incidents of harassment have been reported. The Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) process, which was established to ensure shared visions and mutual respect, appears to have been overlooked. The situation has led to residents moving out of the neighborhood, and there is growing concern that the community's values and safety are being compromised. The community is urging the city and the mayor's office to find a more equitable solution and invest in the community's well-being. What are your thoughts on this situation? How can cities balance the need to address homelessness with the concerns of the communities they serve?  https://lnkd.in/gMwbMkBc

Reflecting on the profound impact of the pandemic on small businesses, Shauniece Wallace's journey exemplifies resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. However, through initiatives like the Open for Business Fund from @Wells Fargo, she found a lifeline, enabling her not only to weather the storm but to thrive. There's a glimmer of hope seen in the significant growth of Black/African American women's small businesses, as highlighted in the 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report. #SmallBusiness #DiversityandInclusion #Entrepreneurship #blackwomen https://lnkd.in/ex9ruJZm

Atlanta Housing announces leadership changes with the appointments of Dr. Alan Ferguson, Sr. as Chief Housing and Real Estate Officer and Dwayne Vaughn as Chief Operating Officer. These appointments aim to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing, aligning with the agency's strategic goal of creating 10,000 units by 2027. The new team is expected to drive transformative solutions to address Atlanta's housing needs. https://lnkd.in/gnWdrisH

Clayton County's sole Barnes & Noble store has closed, leaving residents without a major local bookstore. The closure, attributed to lease non-renewal, is expected to boost business for the local Nubian Books. City officials are actively seeking a new location for the store, aiming to preserve the local business ecosystem and community character. Read online: https://lnkd.in/gYxVgiXb

The importance of voting cannot be overstressed, particularly in the upcoming primary election on May 21. The commencement of the early voting period began on April 29 and will run till May 17, providing ample time for everyone to exercise their democratic rights. Key dates also include the Absentee Ballot Request Deadline on May 10 and the Absentee Ballot Return Deadline on May 21. Composite Ballots for the General Primary & Nonpartisan General Election have been disseminated, albeit they are not specific to individual precincts or ballots. Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Kennesaw, and Rockdale counties all have Democratic, Nonpartisan, and Republican sample ballots available for review. Please take the time to familiarize yourselves with these before heading to the polls. In the event of a tie, the runoff elections are scheduled for June 18. We are interested to know your thoughts on this upcoming election and the impact you believe it may have on the business community. https://lnkd.in/gtuVUmbV

📢 Exciting News Alert! 📢  Comcast NBCUniversal is teaming up with News is Out and Word In Black for an innovative initiative: The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to uplift marginalized communities and shed light on Black and LGBTQ+ issues through media and technology. As part of Comcast's $1 billion commitment to advancing digital equity, over $1 million is being donated to launch this first-of-its-kind Lab, supporting emerging journalists and promoting inclusive media. During the year-long fellowship program, 16 fellows will work with NBCUniversal and NBCU Academy to create and share content that amplifies Black and LGBTQ+ perspectives. They will receive training, resources, and best practices from News is Out, Word In Black, and NBCUniversal professionals. The fellows will report on stories of Black and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and creatives, advocate for policy changes related to technology access, and highlight the work being done to advance digital equity. This initiative, managed by the Local Media Foundation, is an incredible opportunity for journalists passionate about communities of color and LGBTQ+ issues to make a real impact. Are you ready to be part of this transformative movement? 🌈📰📱💻 #DigitalEquity #InclusiveMedia #EmpoweringJournalists #SocialImpact