Category: Atlanta, Georgia Local News

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (R) is comparing former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial to racial discrimination Black people face in court.

During a Tuesday (April 16) interview with Breitbart News, Scott claimed Trump, who has been charged with 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying documents to cover up payments to porn star Stormy Daniels weeks before the 2016 election, is facing a “prejudiced” trial.

The GOP senator suggested the former president’s trial was on par with a Black person being judged by the color of their skin in court.

“Imagine if this was not about the red party versus the blue party; imagine that this was a racial issue,” Scott suggested to Breitbart. “Put a Black person in the position where the legal system is coming after them because of the color of their skin and because of what they represent for hope in America.”

The comments from Scott, who has previously suggested that “America is not a racist country” came amid the second day of Trump’s trial in Manhattan.

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Cumming resident Jill Harris grew up in Kansas, baking breads and pies and making jellies and jams with her grandmother, Mary Lucille Moore. After losing her spa director position during the pandemic, Harris started baking pies and giving them to friends and family. “People kept asking me to open a bakery,” she says. She started with a cottage bakery and sold 150 from-scratch pies the first Thanksgiving. “It took off like crazy,” she says. Fast-forward to early 2024. Harris debuted Mary Lucille’s Bakery, Restaurant, and Tea Room in Cumming City Center.

The 5,000-square-foot space looks like an old Victorian house with a patio and serves to pay homage to the original Mary Lucille. “She taught me to bake at age 8. She’s the reason I love food,” Harris explains. Much of the food is made using her original recipes, including cinnamon rolls and pies. Patrons can purchase items to-go from the bakery, from bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits to baguettes to brownies. Whole cakes and pies are also available, as are gluten-free and vegan options.

The dining room serves three meals a day Wednesday through Sunday. Options include brioche French toast, corned beef hash with eggs, a barbecue pork sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, shrimp and grits, and chicken-fried chicken. Nightly specials are also available. Diners can also eat at the bar, where signature cocktails change seasonally. The space seats 69 guests inside, where a blue-, white-, and gray-color scheme sets a soothing scene, and four chandeliers add light. A wall showcases old photos of Mary Lucille and displays her story.

Tea service is offered in a separate, 17-seat room to ensure tranquility. Seatings are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on weekends, open to those ages 12 and up. Attendees can choose from the $55 “Georgia Lady” offerings (tea, scones, finger sandwiches, jams, jelly, clotted cream, and dessert) and the $65 “Georgia High Society” option (all the above, plus quiche or tomato pie and salad). Once a month, Mary Lucille’s hosts a “Little Princess” tea for the younger set. All tea room reservations must be paid in advance.

Harris works with an organic tea farm in India to source her 11 teas. The signature, peach iced tea, is made with peach nectar and simple syrup.

“My grandma’s heart and soul are in this place. I’m dedicated to making sure everything we serve is something grandma would’ve been proud of,” Harris vows.

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The graduating class of Benjamin E. Mays High School is getting an unprecedented graduation gift from one of the nation’s most historic and beloved HBCUs. On Friday, April 19, the school announced that they would welcome the entire senior student body to begin classes at the newly accredited school in the fall of 2024.

Representatives for Morris Brown College announced Wednesday that its application for accreditation has been approved by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

“We went from 2,700 students to 70 students overnight, when we lost our accreditation,” said MBC’s interim president, Dr. Kevin E. James, regarding the chain of financial missteps and mismanagement that would ultimately launch officials into a Herculean effort to restore accreditation and increase enrollment.

“Over the next three to five years we plan to enroll 400 students. … But I anticipate, many more than that because Morris Brown as a college, is a trailblazer regarding who we are as a historical institution of record,” James explained. “… I foresee the doors opening to a flood of incoming students,” James said in an earlier interview.

Morris Brown’s 2020 Strategic plan projects that a significant number of the school’s incoming students, will be virtual students participating in online learning programs. “This semester we began our online programs and we’re maximizing our use of technology to grow a vibrant online [learning community]. That will help us immensely,” said James.

During the school’s lean years, college officials found themselves in an unenviable position and ultimately had to sell parcels of the campus and liquidate assets, including dormitories and iconic instruction halls built by black workers at the first college for Blacks in Georgia, and where W.E.B Dubois taught classes.

James and MBC’s board of trustees are confident that they will secure housing for the more than 400 additional students who will join their numbers when the doors open for the freshmen Class of 2024.

“We are in partnership with the Interdenominational Theological Center, which is right next door to provide additional housing for students,” explained interim president James. “Morris Brown College is ready to reengage and position itself and fulfill its obligation as an accredited innovative institution, ready to make a difference for all that enter the doors of this ‘historic haven for hungry souls.’

There are only three college degree programs now, catering to less than 50 faithful scholars and a scaled-down faculty, but there is undeniable history and academic tradition here and that deserves preserving.

“As so many alumni and celebrants have expressed … Morris Brown changed lives, profoundly and forever,” said Greg Jackson (’81), president of Prestige Automotive in Detroit. “I honestly don’t know where I would be right now if it weren’t for Morris Brown,” he continued. “So, if we want to carry that mission and the good works of the school forward, supporting Morris Brown is a no-brainer,” he said noting, “time is of the essence.”

College officials made a deal with the high school in order to provide more options for higher education for the youth that attend the school. Students will be required to maintain a 2.0 GPA to accept the offer.

Morris Brown College is a private Methodist historically black liberal arts college in Atlanta. Founded Jan. 5, 1881, Morris Brown is the first educational institution in Georgia to be owned and operated entirely by African Americans.

The high school, which serves approximately 1,300 minority students, is ranked in the bottom 50 percent of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores, according to PublicSchoolReview.com. The school currently has a graduation rate of approximately 71 percent. 

Four students were shot at the school in February. Fortunately, they all survived. Another student was arrested for the shooting.  

On Friday, Atlanta police confirmed they have arrested a fourth person in connection to the shooting death of Bre’Asia Powell. She was killed during an unofficial post-graduation party for Mays High School students in May 2023. Another student was also shot and injured. 

Several well-known people attended Mays High School, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Rep. Mesha Mainor, NFL players Tyrell Adams, Reggie Wilkes and Natrez Patrick, singer Rozonda Thomas of TLC, NBA players DeAngelo Yancey and Gerald Wilkins, MLB player Xzavion Curry, actress Adrienne C. Moore and Walter Kimrbough, president of Dillard University.

Benjamin E. Mays was the president of Morehouse College from 1940 to 1967 and an advisor to Presidents Johnson and Carter. He served on the Atlanta Board of Education for nine years and was the first Black president of the board. 

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Color Vision, the pioneering woman-led empowerment organization founded by Mia Davis in 2017, hosted their highly anticipated “The Creator’s Luncheon” at The Gathering Spot over the weekend. This exclusive event celebrated the remarkable achievements of four outstanding women who have made significant contributions to their respective industries.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the event, Davis said, “I started events like this in 2018 to create a safe space for women of color, specifically Black women. So many parts of society do not honor, recognize, or appreciate us. We have to do it ourselves.”

“The Creator’s Luncheon” was an afternoon brimming with inspiration, recognition, empowerment, and support for the next generation of leaders. Attendees from all walks of life were invited to join Color Vision in honoring the unsung heroes—the creatives, disruptors, innovators, and visionaries who work tirelessly behind the scenes to effect positive change.

Entrepreneur and Brand Builder Dia Simms, Actress, Producer and Host Crystal Renee Hayslett, Owner of Watson Realty Co Quiana Watson, and Tanika Gray Valburn, the visionary behind the White Dress Project, were among the distinguished honorees who were recognized at the event. 

According to Mia Davis, the selection process for honorees involves identifying trailblazing women who have made significant contributions to their fields. Davis explains, “We do look for women who are trailblazers. Dia is an icon. She’s a legend. So many people. You know, I’ve, I’ve dealt with a lot of brands in the marketing industry and I realize so many people don’t even know who is behind these big brands, but it’s Dia Simms who’s been building them. And then there’s women like Crystal. She had a whole different career in the U.S. Senate, but followed her passion as a stylist that led to her becoming a famous actress. Same thing with Quiana, coming from a small town and trying to make a name here for herself in Atlanta. And Tanika, who so many other women can relate to. She has a job by day and she’s running an organization by night. And she’s just inspiring women with her story.”

During the event, guests indulged in a three-course luncheon and enjoyed complimentary drinks served throughout the event. As a token of appreciation, all attendees also received an exclusive gift to commemorate the occasion.

Furthermore, what sets The Creators Luncheon apart is its commitment to social impact. 100% of the event’s proceeds will directly support the Color Vision Scholarship Fund, benefiting students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). By attending the luncheon, guests not only celebrate the achievements of inspirational women but also contribute to fostering equitable opportunities in education.

The event also witnessed the presentation of a special scholarship funded by Digital Culture Group. Crystal Foote, founder of Digital Culture Group, presented the scholarship to a deserving recipient who demonstrates exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and a dedication to community service. 

Danae Harrison, a junior political science major at Spelman College, was awarded the scholarship.Embodying the qualities of leadership and perseverance that The Color Vision seeks to support. 

Reflecting on her initial thoughts upon finding out the news, Harrison said, “There’s so many emotions going on at once to receive this scholarship. But also to be able to join a community that supports not only women of color, but students in general, especially with affirmative action and the political climate we’re in. I was just shocked.” 

Harrison added: “Next I really want to go to Harvard Law School. From there I want to study intellectual property, learning about fashion, law and contracts. Then after graduating, I want to make sure that the fashion industry and really all of the entertainment industry in general, have equitable contracts for minorities, especially Black women.”

The response to Color Vision’s events has been overwhelmingly positive, with sold-out gatherings in various cities. The Creator’s Luncheon launched in D.C. and has now expanded to Atlanta, New York and soon to be Los Angeles. Davis emphasizes the importance of such events for Black women, stating, “We want to feel safe, inspired, and cared for. What better way than to care about each other?”

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Cleverly straddling the line between trendy and lasting design, Tami Ramsay of Cloth & Kind, based in Athens, created this teenager’s bedroom to look good today and years from now.

Dynamic duo
The happy combo of green and blue (“Napa Vineyards” and “Poolside” from Benjamin Moore) for the bookcase were on the Pinterest board of the room’s resident, Isla Jane Eady.

Material girl
Eye-catching canopy fabric from Clare Louise Frost (available through the designer’s showroom) is another star in the room, cheerfully coexisting with a whimsical animal pillow.

Wicker moments
A swivel wicker chair from Perigold can be moved around the room.

Understated
The designer selected a custom wool rug for the floor in a subtle pattern that grounds the room.

Round we go
“We loved doing something playful with the bookcase, and that scalloped edge added a degree of special,” says Ramsay, who notes that the same motif appears in the scalloped sconce shade (painted a custom color) from Stray Dog Designs.

Design Tip: Include something old and artisanal. On the bed, a vintage Kantha quilt from Aloka Home adds character.

This article appears in our March 2024 issue.

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By Trina Reynolds-Tyler, Invisible Institute, and Sarah Conway, City Bureau | Word In Black | The Sacramento Observer

This story is part three of Chicago Missing Persons, a two-year investigation by City Bureau and Invisible Institute, two Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organizations, into how Chicago police handle missing person cases reveals the disproportionate impact on Black women and girls, how police have mistreated family members or delayed cases, and how poor police data is making the problem harder to solve.

(WIB) – Some say it’s simply a mother’s intuition: a lump in the throat or a throb to the heart that warns their child is in danger, even when police suggest otherwise.

It guided Latonya Moore when her 26-year-old daughter Shantieya Smith still wasn’t home as night fell on May 28, 2018. It was out of character for her to not reach out, especially on a school night. Moore worried officers would be dismissive if she called in, so her cousin suggested they head to a nearby 10th District police station. “I wanted them to see my face so that they could understand my concern was real,” remembers Moore.

Read More: Why Don’t Police Find Missing Black Folks?

It guided her even as the officer at the front desk told her not to worry, she remembers. Maybe she is with a boyfriend, the officer suggested. It wasn’t uncommon for young women like Smith to run off with a man. “Give it 48 hours” before filing the report, Moore remembers the officer saying.

But Moore didn’t want to give it 48 hours. She thought about 15-year-old Sadaria Davis, another girl who had gone missing in the neighborhood that spring, who later was found decomposed in a trash-strewn abandoned building. It was the latest in a spate of missing women and girls; in fact, the whole neighborhood was on edge.

Moore’s cousin, part of their tight-knit family group, was adamant the officer accept the report and said they would not leave the station without one. They mentioned Smith’s bipolar disorder, which — unknown to the family at the time — meant police could have immediately characterized her case as “at-risk” and started an investigation.

Finally, officers told Moore her request was accepted.

“If she shows up, give us a call,” officers told Moore. She wouldn’t hear from them for the next four days.

RELATED: Black Children Deserve to Be Children

In Illinois, it’s against state law for any law enforcement official to refuse an in-person missing person report on any grounds, regardless of the missing person’s age, affiliation, lifestyle, or amount of time missing. Nowadays, the first 24 to 48 hours after someone goes missing are widely understood as the most vital part of a police investigation — critical to finding leads, collecting evidence and, in some cases, saving lives. The Chicago Police Department even collaborated with the network A&E on a show called “The First 48: Missing Persons,” showing (as research confirms) those crucial early hours can make or break a missing person case.

And yet, Moore clearly remembers an officer telling her to wait before filing a missing person report. City Bureau and the Invisible Institute spoke with multiple people who had similar experiences. In an analysis of police complaint records from 2011 to 2015, City Bureau and Invisible Institute found 17 complaints against officers for allegedly refusing to file missing person reports. None of the officers named in these complaints were disciplined. Black women made a majority of the complaints against officers, often when attempting to report their children missing.

Additionally, at least three complaints alleged that officers at stations where they tried to file a report in-person told them to instead call 911, even though Illinois law clearly states police cannot refuse in-person reports. One father, who asked to remain anonymous, told City Bureau and the Invisible Institute that police would not allow him to report his 17-year-old daughter missing in 2020 because police told him she was an adult and could move freely in the world.

“They were saying you have to wait 48 hours before you can actually report the person missing,” says the Rev. Robin Hood, who remembers hearing this from police officers starting in the 1990s. The West Side activist preacher has raised awareness and led community searches for missing Black girls and women on the West Side for decades.

In response to this accusation, police spokesperson Thomas Ahern wrote in an email statement: “The Chicago Police Department takes each missing person report seriously and investigates every one consistently. Under state law, CPD is required to take every missing person report regardless of how long the person has been absent or who is submitting the report.”

In some cases, families believe if police had acted more urgently, their loved ones might still be alive. While it’s impossible to prove a hypothetical, these heartbreaking stories demonstrate how important urgent police response can be.

On July 24, 2016, Shante Bohanan called her sister and said she was being held against her will. Bohanan’s boyfriend had recently died in a shooting, and the 20-year-old had gone to her boyfriend’s family’s house in order to grieve, family members told City Bureau and the Invisible Institute. A police document stated that during the phone call, Bohanan told her sister that she had a “gun held to her head.”

Bohanan’s mother, Tammy Pittman, says she went to the boyfriend’s house herself the same evening, but residents of the home said Bohanan had already left. Worried for her daughter’s safety, she attempted to report her missing.

Instead, officers suggested Bohanan had run away, and urged Pittman to wait another 24 hours before reporting her daughter missing, against state law and their own policy. Police did not search the boyfriend’s home until the next evening, and they found nothing.

Three days after her mother first tried to file a missing person report, Bohanan’s naked body was found inside a black plastic garbage bag on 92nd Street in Burnside. As of 2023, Pittman says she hasn’t heard from detectives in five years.

Ultimately, whether it’s a refused report, confusion about whether or not they can file a report, or a delay in investigation, the process leaves families in limbo as leads are lost and cases go cold.

Tammy Pittman talks about her experience with police after filing a missing person report for her daughter Shante Bohanan.

“The police failed me,” Pittman says. “Even though she’s dead, she’s gone, I don’t have no answers and that’s what hurts most of all. It hurts more than anything.”

CPD media affairs did not respond to a request for comment.

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Mali Wilson, formerly known as Malissa “MALI” Hunter, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. From her Grammy-nominated productions to her work with icons like Whitney Houston, Chris Brown, and Drake. Wilson’s career has been a testament to her talent and versatility. Now, she embarks on her next chapter as a contemporary blues singer, and her debut single, “No Place Like Home,” is a sure testament to Wilson’s musical evolution.

Born and raised in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Chicago, Wilson’s early life instilled in her a sense of resilience and adaptability. “I’ve always been somebody who went with my gut,” she said, highlighting the lessons learned from her challenging background.

However, her path took a turn when she secured a record deal from Clive Davis and ventured into the music industry, seeking to understand its intricacies as a businesswoman. Wilson’s entrepreneurial spirit, nurtured since childhood with endeavors like her lemonade stand, guided her through the complexities of the industry.

All of Mali Wilson’s experiences have led up to her latest work of art, “No Place Like Home,” which is more than just a song; it’s a homage to the blues legends who have inspired Wilson throughout her career. 

“Big Mama Thornton, she did Hound Dog. She probably made $5 and Elvis made a bajillion. Carole King made one of her songs very, very famous. And she never got a dollar off of it,” Wilson said. “Who knows about Mahalia Jackson marching with Martin Luther King? Who knows about Josephine Baker, who will fly back from Paris and sing before Martin? I mean, the March on Washington, she sang right before Martin. So for me, I love the blues because I don’t have to be perfect. And I am not perfect by any means. And so I can do what I need to do.” 

Mali Wilson’s journey back to her roots is reflected in every note of the song. From the soulful verses to the powerful chorus, the musical piece captures the essence of the blues while infusing it with Wilson’s unique vocal talent and contemporary flair. The journey in achieving this unique blend was nothing short of remarkable. 

For Mali Wilson, her life took an unexpected turn when she fell in love with Eric Wilson. He encouraged her to reignite her passion for music. And his belief in her talent reignited Wilson’s own confidence, launching her on a path of musical exploration. 

“My now husband, Eric Wilson, told me his dad worked with some of the most decorated musicians and singers like Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson. And God gave you a gift, and you should use it. That was three years ago,” Wilson said. 

Collaborating with industry veterans like Kim Waters and Mark Batson, the Grammy-nominated producer found herself delving into the rich heritage of blues, a genre deeply ingrained in her upbringing. Her grandparents’ influence, coupled with her Chicago blues roots, inspired her to rediscover her musical identity. 

Working alongside Ashilee Ashilee, Wilson’s musical evolution takes center stage in “No Place Like Home.” Her partner and collaborator, Eric Wilson even co-wrote the song, signifying a new beginning. “We have so much respect for one another and business that it just became natural to be creative together. So I’m very grateful for that,” Wilson said. 

Beyond her musical endeavors, Wilson has been a pioneer of Green and Clean living. Recognized with awards such as the 100 is Now award from Mark Ruffalo, Wilson’s dedication to sustainability is woven into the fabric of her artistry. Wilson inspires others to embrace eco-friendly practices and make a positive impact on the world.

“Everything I do for my Earth Girl Movement and my nonprofit, which is called Earth Angels,” Wilson said, “Eric and I fell in love with the property. We have a 12 acre property which is the home of Earth Angels and the Earth Girl Movement,” Wilson said. “I was instrumental in helping our old space 100% become the first green studio in the southeast and the largest in the world.” 

With plans for a music video and continued live performances, “No Place Like Home” is poised to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. Mali Wilson’s journey back home is not just her own—it’s an invitation for listeners to explore their own connections to home and self through the power of music. 

“We just did my first show in New York in a very long time. I used to sell out shows in New York when I was an artist, before I became an executive and helped other people,” Wilson continues, “We just performed “No Place Like Home” at the Moxie and the Silver Lining Stage, it was amazing. I also recently performed one of my other songs at Morehouse Chapel.”  

Mali Wilson also added: “I feel like when we talk about expectations, I’m not rushing  when it comes to creativity. I just finished five songs in French over the last six days, because I’m mixing French with English and I’m doing shows in Paris. There’s definitely going to be another leg for Europe.” 

As she continues to forge her path as a contemporary blues singer, Mali Wilson’s impact on the music industry and beyond is sure to be felt for years to come.

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Hunter Gilmore

Hunter Gilmore is a journalist, producer and screenwriter who brings a wealth of experience in television production, print/digital media, and content writing. Fueled by a fiery passion for media, Hunter thrives on bringing visions to life through her compelling storytelling, creativity, and strategic prowess.

Atlanta United will travel to Chicago to have a rematch with the Fire on Saturday, April 27. United defeated Chicago 3-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Mar. 31. Atlanta will make its way to the midwest following a 2-1 loss to FC Cincinnati at home on Saturday night.

Following the match, Atlanta manager Gonzalo Pineda was asked if there was some comfort in knowing Chicago was his team’s next opponent and he said no.

“There is no easy games at all, we just lost five points at home,” Pineda said. “We have to come back and win those points against Chicago now, and it won’t be easy. Whatever happened the other day, the 3-0, it’s going to be a very different game and we need to earn that victory again.”

NBA legend Chris Webber recently released his new memoir “By God’s Grace.” In an exclusive interview with Real Times Media, Webber discusses the impact of Fab Five, backlash aimed at Angel Reese, hip-hop’s influence in sports, and his  NBA career.

Webber sits down with Executive Editor A.R. Shaw at iHeart Studios in Atlanta.

Watch exclusive video below:

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Elaine Welteroth and Serena Williams have teamed up to help combat the Black maternal health crisis in the U.S.

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, Welteroth announced the launch of her “birthcare revolution” BirthFUND on April 11. Weltroth enlisted the help of Williams and other celebrities to reduce the mortality rate for Black mothers and help provide them with midwifery services.

“We’re done waiting for someone else to fix what’s broken. It’s on us to save us. One family at a time,” Welteroth wrote on Instagram.

Welteroth and Williams also penned an essay for Time Magazine covering why “We Shouldn’t Have to be Willing to Die to Give Birth in the United States.” In the piece, the pair detailed their birthing experiences, highlighting how Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

“Having babies in America was a wake-up call for both of us. Like many parents, and first-time parents at that, we never anticipated the harrowing experiences we’d have on the road to becoming mothers,” they wrote. “We have both accomplished a lot in our lives and careers—from Grand Slams to history-making career appointments—needless to say, we can do hard things.”

“But nothing made us feel as disempowered as being pregnant and Black in America, left to rely upon a medical system that is statistically failing people who look like us,” the pair continued.

“The CDC reports Black women are three times more likely to die during and after childbirth than white women,” they added. “Giving birth shouldn’t have made us fearful for our lives, but we both were. And the overall picture isn’t good for any of us. Many people still think of the maternal health crisis as a far-away problem. It is not. Nearly half of mothers in this country label their births as traumatic.”

“Founding Family Funders” including Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, Savannah James, Ayesha Curry, Kelly Rowland, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, and Karlie Kloss are supporting the BirthFUND by raising money for midwifery care for families in need.

“Our goal with birthFUND is to help remove financial barriers to quality care and to expand both education and choice. No matter where or how they decide to give birth, parents deserve access to safe, dignified care,” they wrote. “Right now, that human right is out of reach for far too many. It’s taking too long to fix what’s broken. We are ready to tackle this issue, head on. We hope families—and companies—all over the country will join us.”

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I’m less than 10 minutes from North Georgia’s tranquil Lake Blue Ridge, surrounded by forest, open sky, and chirping birds. But these six barren acres are a whole other world of exhaust fumes, mud, and piles of old cars. As I walk onto the property, a giddy guest greets us with, “Y’all are in for a treat! I don’t think a smile will be comin’ off your faces!”

Welcome to Tank Town USA in Morganton where visitors can spray paint a junker with graffiti, bash it with a sledgehammer, and—in a grand finale—demolish it with an armored personnel carrier. (Other offerings: operate an excavator, spray 600 bullets a minute from a machine gun, or simply take the tank for a spin.)

In the past 11 years, a wide range of customers have crushed some 4,000 cars. A wife who beat cancer. A husband with dementia. A 91-year-old World War II D-Day vet. A mom treating her new teen drivers. Corporate team building. Bachelor parties.

Now it’s my turn. Owner Todd Liebross secures the seatbelt for my brave friend, Jen, her legs dangling from a seat mounted to the roof. I lower myself into the driver’s hatch and secure earmuffs to quiet the motor’s roar. In real time, Liebross talks me through the delicate dance between pressing the gas and pulling the steering levers as I—gripping tightly and clenching every muscle in my body—snake the massive hunk of steel through the scrapyard, climbing hills and maneuvering curves, dirt spitting into the air with each squealing tread rotation.

Courtesy of Tank Town USA

I brake in front of my designated junker, as if on the precipice of a roller coaster drop, unsure what will happen when I step on the gas again. Then, holding my breath, I do. The hood crushes. Glass shatters. And I barely feel a thing under the 30,000-pound razer. I massage my tense jaw and return home with video proof—and a photo of myself flexing atop the massive vehicle—to blow the minds of my family and friends.

This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue of Southbound.

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