Category: Atlanta, Georgia Local News

Even with the knowledge that none of us will live forever, Rico Wade’s untimely passing at age 52 is still hitting hard days after the April 12 announcement. As the cornerstone of the game-changing production trio Organized Noize, formed in his teens with Ray “Yoda” Murray and Patrick “Sleepy” Brown, and the de facto general of the Dungeon Family—the music collective that includes OutKast and Goodie Mob among its members—Wade’s impact in the music industry is huge. That has been evident in how widely his death has been covered outside Atlanta, with the New York Times, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and the Hollywood Reporter penning tributes to the late producer.

With hundreds of credits, including OutKast and Goodie Mob’s debut albums Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik and Soul Food, TLC’s “Waterfalls,” and En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go (Love),” Wade helped to expand Atlanta’s imprint in music, reaching global heights. With OutKast and Goodie Mob, Wade was part of mainstreaming Southern hip-hop, expanding its boundaries and perimeters.

The Atlanta City Council praised Wade in an Instagram tribute as “a music pioneer and a cultural architect whose impact resonates far beyond his times. His contributions to hip-hop and production shaped the sound of generations and made our city the beacon of the modern hip-hop era.”

“Rico left an indelible mark on music and culture around the world and for that, the South will always have something to say,” shared Mayor Andre Dickens in a statement. Both the Hawks and Falcons also acknowledged his role in promoting Atlanta pride and their brands in particular through social media posts featuring him rocking their jerseys.

Among his musical family and peers, the love and respect, as well as pain, has been overflowing. Killer Mike, the first to post publicly about Wade’s death, said on Instagram, “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am praying for your wife and children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all.”

“This is a different type of hurt,” shared OutKast’s Big Boi via Instagram. “WE LOST PART OF THE SOUL OF THE CITY,” said super producer Lil Jon. “Simply Put, THANK YOU RICO WADE,” Ludacris posted.

Back in 2015, the City of Atlanta showed its appreciation for Wade and Organized Noize through ELEVATE, the annual visual arts program and festival sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, then in its fifth year. Themed “Forever I Love Atlanta” or F.I.L.A., programming put a spotlight on the Dungeon Family’s game-changing contributions to the city, culturally, artistically, and mutually. For its curator, renowned artist Dr. Fahamu Pecou, working closely with Wade was both a professional and personal highlight.

For the Brooklyn-born, South Carolina-raised Pecou who moved to Atlanta in 1994, the same year OutKast’s debut album was released, Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family served as his introduction to the city and its soundtrack. The music also helped to alter Pecou’s personal perceptions of hip-hop and clarify his own artistic vision.

“I was still very much a New York hip-hop purist,” he says, “but I remember vividly hearing “Crumblin’ Erb” [from that debut album] for the first time and that’s what really turned me on to Organized Noize.”

That initial introduction transformed into deep appreciation with the arrival of Goodie Mob’s Soul Food. “That really pushed me to try to create something through visual art that had the same sort of feeling and emotion that I felt listening to Goodie Mob, and particularly that song “Guess Who.” That song changed everything for me.”

Pecou says he was surprised to learn just how organic the Organized Noize and Dungeon Family sound was. He also was happy to give Wade and his crew their flowers, but also to cultivate a real friendship with him.

“Every time I think about Rico, I envision that photograph, I think it was in Vibe magazine, where they were all at the White House and were dressed up almost like X-Men characters. Rico was Professor X,” Pecou says. “I always see him like that. He was so visionary. And working with him on the exhibition, I got to see that on full display. The way he thought and how quick he was with an idea. Like you [could] say, ‘Oh, I’m thinking of x, y, and z,’ and then immediately he’s like, ‘Okay, you could do it like this.’ It was just really fascinating to be in his presence and to also become friends with him.”

Allen S. Gordon, an Oakland native who served as editor-in-chief of the Larry Flynt-owned Rap Pages in Los Angeles in the late 90s, felt so strongly about Wade, Organized Noize, and the Dungeon Family’s contributions to hip-hop that he oversaw a bold cover of the collective he dubbed as Nat Turner’s Orchestra, in reference to the slave rebellion Turner led in Virginia in 1831. On that April 1998 cover, the Dungeon Family posed in front of a tree with rope from a would-be lynching present, and the words “Nat Turner’s Orchestra” were displayed in a refashioning of the Confederate flag.

While a student at Grambling State University, an HBCU in Louisiana, Gordon became impressed by Organized Noize first through “Playa’s Ball,” OutKast’s debut Christmas single in 1993. For Gordon, Organized Noize’s production had an impact he considers even greater than Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, and “Playa’s Ball” was just a taste of what was to come.

“More so than The Chronic, there’s more diverse and layered styles and sounds in that record. There’s jazz, there was blues, there was R&B from different places [or artists] that nobody else was pulling from. It didn’t sound anything like a New York record or a West Coast record, or what you would typically consider a Southern record from either Houston or Florida, being Orlando or Miami at the time. It was something totally different. It was its own animal. And to have those brothers rap how they rap, but it come from such a soulful place [was impactful],” Gordon says. When Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik dropped months later, “that album changed everything, not just for the South, but for all of hip-hop,” Gordon says.

For Gordon, OutKast’s sound on that debut album was a dramatic tonal and thematic shift from other rap albums because “it was street without the crime” and reflected more of “How do we live? How do we survive? How do we encourage each other? How do we kick it? How do we have fun? None of it is degrading,” he says. Wade, with Organized Noize and OutKast, offered an intimate window into the Black Southern experience and the Black experience overall that had been missing.

By the time that Rap Pages Dungeon Family cover came out, Goodie Mob had joined OutKast in national conversations, with other members of the collective were also making waves in Atlanta and throughout the South. And Gordon wanted to reflect that.

“It was like a plantation rebellion,” Gordon says, explaining both the cover and the Dungeon Family’s culture-shifting impact. “Like, we’re killing old ideas. We’re killing old masters. We’re killing the idea of what people thought about Southern rap.”

“I think Rico was greatly instrumental in helping OutKast, Goodie Mob, Lil Will, and other artists all around Atlanta find that voice and find that space and tap into those things from their own perspective, how they want to do it, even for somebody like Ludacris,” Gordon says specifically of Wade’s effect on Atlanta’s emergence as a hip-hop force and mecca. That impact certainly extends to his cousin, mega rap star Future, and to Killer Mike, a later addition to the Dungeon Family who recently won three Grammys for his latest album, Michael.

For Danyel Smith, who served as both music editor and editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine in the 1990s, Wade’s legacy was solidified long ago.

“If the only thing Rico Wade ever did was co-create TLC’s singular 1994 “Waterfalls” and OutKast’s seminal 1994 Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik debut, he would be a legend,” said Smith, author of the groundbreaking Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop and host and creator of the Spotify Black Girl Songbook podcast, via text.

“Because Wade influenced Southern hip-hop and American pop music for three decades,” she says, “he is immortal.”

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Teberah “Nurse T” Alexander also announces the launch of the Future Nurses Scholarship for minority students

Teberah Alexander, RN, BSN, also known as “Nurse T,” announced today that the second annual Nurses Program for children 5-14 years of age is open for registration. The event will take place on Saturday May 4 from 1-5 pm at Renaissance High School (6566 W. Outer Dr. Detroit, MI 48235) as part of National Nurses Week.

The free program gives children a hands-on view of nursing and healthcare professions through interactive workshops. It will introduce these crucial fields to kids directly from the source and celebrate that nursing is not only a job – it is a calling. The program will also appeal to health care professionals, hospital administrators, pharmacists and teachers.

Alexander is also excited to announce the launch of Nurse T’s Future Nurses Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial assistance to qualified fulltime nursing students to help them complete their degrees and enter the nursing profession. The scholarship is open to all minority students, regardless of age, sexual orientation, disability, gender, gender identity, or religious affiliation. To qualify, the student must be pursuing an Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Masters, PhD or doctorate nursing degree at an accredited university or school of nursing. Other requirements apply. Contact the Future Nurses Program for more information.

Register for the Future Nurses Program at thenurseswhocare.com by April 26. For more information, contact 248-313-2275 or teberah@compassionatehomecareservices.org.

Alexander, the founder and CEO of Nurses Who Care, is on a mission to entertain children during playtime while encouraging their personal development skills through books, dolls and games. So, she used her experience and wisdom from her nursing career to also launch the Nurse T Doll, which is designed to instill a love for the medical field in young girls and boys, fostering ambitions to become the patient care professionals of the future.

To register for the event or get information about applying for the scholarship, visit www.thenursewhocares.com

Nurses Who Care founder Teberah Alexander RN, BSN, CDP, has more than 20 years of experience in clinical care. Alexander is renowned as a beacon of compassion and innovation in the healthcare industry. She has dedicated her life to uplifting others through her remarkable

nursing career and entrepreneurial endeavors. After graduating from Michigan State University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Teberah embarked on a journey that would shape her into the visionary leader she is today. She honed her skills and expertise by serving in various healthcare settings, including Labor and Delivery, Cardiac, ICU, and Long Term Care Units.

She founded Compassionate Home Care Services; a pioneering company dedicated to providing essential support to older individuals, whose health needs were often overlooked. Her dedication to enhancing the lives of dementia patients led her to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and she established Kathelene’s Adult Day Care Center in loving memory of her grandmother, Kathelene. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession and her unwavering commitment to community service, Teberah has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Detroit Spirit Award, the MSU Alumni Service Award, the Career Master Leadership in Action Award, and the Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Award among others.

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Perched high on a bluff with sweeping views of the Mississippi River sits Vicksburg. That very bluff is what made the city so challenging for the Union to capture during the 47-day Civil War battle of the same name. Today, Vicksburg’s rich history is always on display as stately Greek Revival mansions sit alongside colorful shotgun homes. A stroll down Washington Street reveals charming boutiques and restaurants housed in original brick buildings. Vicksburg is a town that makes the most of its nooks and crannies with plenty to discover for history buffs and small-town enthusiasts alike.

Inn Style
Anchuca Historic Mansion & Inn makes a stunning first impression with its classical columns and sunny hue. The 1830s guest rooms hearken to an era of elegance and lavish decor, while a separate inn on the property offers modern accommodations. Each morning for breakfast, guests are treated to specialties such as warm banana bread and crispy bacon.

Icing on the Cake
Walnut Hills Restaurant attracts both locals and visitors with warm hospitality and Southern favorites. At lunch, the 1880s home fills with light, and guests feast on classics like fried chicken and blackened catfish. Saving room for an oversized piece of house-made strawberry crunch cake is mandatory.

Pop of Fun
Fun fact: Coca-Cola was first bottled in Vicksburg at the Biedenharn Candy Company. The family preserved the building’s legacy by turning it into the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum and furnishing it with Coke collectibles, including vintage trays spanning decades. On the way out, top off your visit with a Coke float.

Think Small
At the foot of the hill in a restored train depot, the Old Depot Museum contains hundreds of tiny but mighty treasures. The impressive collection includes model trains running over bridges and through diminutive villages, model ships, toy cars, and a replica of the Vicksburg battlefield.

Hit the Books
Inside locally owned Lorelei Books, a petite shop made even cozier with brick walls and reading alcoves, awaits a well-curated selection of new titles for adults and children. There’s a sizable selection of Civil War and Mississippi history books for those hoping to continue their education beyond the trip.

Dinner and a Show
Spectacular sunsets over the Mississippi River are part of the experience at 10 South Rooftop, which serves up Creole-influenced pub fare. Standouts include dirty rice fritters with comeback sauce and redfish with mashed potatoes, crawfish, and green-onion butter.

Artsy Enclave
Tucked in an upstairs location above Washington Street, Attic Gallery—the state’s oldest independent gallery—proudly displays work by Mississippi folk artists. Every inch of the store is covered in pieces inspired by the region, whether it’s colorful chickens, whimsical portraits, or earthy pottery.

This article appears in the Spring 2024 issue of Southbound.

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Dedicated viewers couldn’t get enough of Bravo/Peacock’s hit reality series “Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard.” As a result, the series is back for season two. 

Since the 1800s, Martha’s Vineyard and Oak Bluffs have emerged as a summertime sanctuary for Black families. “Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard” tracks the escapades of a close-knit circle of friends as they unwind in the historical Oak Bluffs district of Martha’s Vineyard, renowned as one of the most scenic destinations in New England.

Jasmine Ellis Cooper, star from the hit show captivated audiences with her vibrant personality and candor.  

In an exclusive interview with ADW, Cooper delved into her motivations for coming on board the show, her experiences filming with friends and her husband, and the importance of representation in the entertainment industry.

“The history of Martha’s Vineyard is no secret,” Cooper said. “Experiencing it for the first time was very special, and I felt it deserved to be highlighted. This place, with its unique blend of exclusivity and community, was worth sharing with a broader audience.”

Filming alongside her friends, including her husband, Silas, brought both joy and complexity to the experience. “Living with friends over an extended period on vacation is a different recipe,” she reflected. “Reality TV acts as a mirror, reflecting everything about your life and relationships. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s real.”

Cooper also added: “These are people that I know on and off the vineyard, and so I care what they think. I care about where we are in our relationship. I care about how we’re progressing as individuals, and that makes it tough sometimes because you can’t just not care about anything. You care about everything, really. So that was kind of unexpected. But doing it initially was a no brainer. But how it’s unfolding is a bit more complicated than I anticipated.” 

Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard was a ratings hit when it first graced our screens. One of the standout aspects of the show is its representation of Black affluence, a perspective often overlooked in mainstream media. Cooper emphasized the significance of showcasing authentic interactions among a diverse group of young Black individuals.

“I’ve always known that the 1% or the 10% or a certain type of elite Black folk are very invisible, both in Black spaces and white spaces. The thing that I’m seeing now on the vineyard is that for someone like me or anyone else in the cast, we all have different backgrounds and different levels of privilege. Whether it be a two parent household or we’ve gone to so-and-so school or just the different types of privilege that we all have, we all deserve to experience the vineyard in whatever shape and form we come to it as. It’s not easy to get to, and it’s not cheap to get to and stay at. So we relish in that privilege,” Cooper said. “But coming together, just existing, being silly, fun, and free is the ultimate privilege that I think anybody who’s interested in having that peace and that safety on the vineyard, is also a part of what’s bringing people in. It’s like, what is this place if you haven’t heard about it?

She also credited the show’s mass appeal to the fact that the audience really feels like they’re really a part of the group. 

“The group chat aspect, I think, is what has been special. But then also on this network in particular, there aren’t a lot of young coed groups that are Black that you get to look at. So I think with those real interactions you get to see, you feel like you’re on vacation with us,” Cooper said. 

Looking ahead, the reality star expressed her commitment to storytelling in various forms, including film, literature, and podcasting. “I’m a theater kid at heart,” Cooper said. “This journey in reality TV is just another form of storytelling for me. As long as I can be a light and an example, I’m open to where this journey takes me.”

While Cooper couldn’t disclose specific projects in the works, she assured viewers that exciting ventures were on the horizon. “Just hold on,” she teased. “We’re almost there.”

However, the new mother did note: “In the meantime and in between time, I’m always going to continue writing my films. I’m going to continue to write books. I’m going to continue to put my podcast together and be a huge advocate for history and how valuable it is in our society today.”

About Post Author

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.

The communities of St. Pete/Clearwater have been named among the top 25 beaches in the U.S. by Tripadvisor, and beautiful beaches are only the beginning. St. Pete/Clearwater is a vibrant culinary destination with year-round outdoor dining and waterfront restaurants, casual beachside eateries, gourmet fare and a booming brewery scene. Fresh Gulf seafood, locally sourced ingredients and hometown charm make this Florida Gulf Coast destination a unique epicurean experience.

Fresh and Local

Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, St. Pete/Clearwater has access to an abundant array of seafood. Fresh seasonal fish, shrimp and other delicacies are caught daily, and are proudly featured by local restaurants. Misty Wells, local business owner says “we are officially the grouper capital of the world. Some places have farm-to-table, but we have Gulf-to-table here. When you go to our locally owned restaurants, the grouper and the snapper and a lot of the fish that you’re eating was most likely caught the day before and sold fresh off the boat.” Whether you’re interested in a fine dining experience or want to try the famous grouper sandwich, you can be sure the seafood will be some of the best from the Gulf. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can catch your own dinner. “A lot of our restaurants are hook and cook. You can go out on a charter or on your own boat, catch fish and they’ll do the cooking for you,” Wells says.

Beaches and Breweries

Affectionately dubbed the “Gulp Coast,” the communities of St. Pete/Clearwater boast over 40 local breweries on their Craft Beer Trail. The diverse brewery scene offers something for everyone, including family-friendly breweries and award-winning establishments, such as Webb’s City Cellar. Named a James Beard semifinalist in the “Outstanding Bar” category, Webb’s is a part of Green Bench Brewing Co. and features unique brews that you won’t find anywhere else. Along the Gulp Coast, you can enjoy a local brew beachside, bike through the northern part of the trail or organize a driver to take you through a customized brewery itinerary that features a little bit of everything.

If you prefer a cocktail or mocktail, there’s no shortage of charming local bars and lounges that offer creative libations in beautiful settings. Beachside bars, like Caddy’s or Jimmy B’s, offer great outdoor areas to enjoy a drink or catch a sunset on the beach while listening to a local musician play. For a different point of view, check out one of the many rooftop bars like The Canopy or Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest.

Welcomed by Locals

The destination’s many different dining options all have one common thread—local hospitality. Many establishments are owned and operated by people who have been part of this community for decades. Ken Hamilton, president of Palm Pavilion, and his family have owned their eatery on Clearwater Beach for over 50 years. What started as a beach pavilion in the 1920s has grown into a local landmark. Featuring an extensive food and bar menu, outdoor seating and live music, Palm Pavilion offers beachfront dining with a truly local feel. “When you’re sitting at our restaurant on the beach and watching the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico it’s pretty spectacular,” Hamilton says. Ken and his family have seen visitors come back year after year and now generation after generation because of the warm welcome they receive. “We are committed to this community, and it’s been a lot of fun.”

Whether you’re seeking a five-star dining experience with an award-winning wine list, or you prefer to find the best grouper sandwich on the beach, St. Pete/Clearwater has something for every palate. Experience a brewery scene that is second to none or enjoy cocktails with your toes in the sand while the sun sets. The beautiful beaches may be what bring you to St. Pete/Clearwater, but the warm local hospitality and plethora of epicurean experiences will keep you coming back time and again.

Let’s shine—plan your next culinary adventure at VisitStPeteClearwater.com

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Morehouse College hosted their second annual Dream Makers Summit, a showcase of student excellence at the school. 

The Dream Makers Summit is a signature event at Morehouse College, which highlights and celebrates student excellence in scholarship, creativity, and innovation. It’s also an opportunity for select industry partners to introduce students to training and career opportunities at their organizations.

The purpose of the Dream Makers Summit is to support scholars as they showcase their potential to shape a better future through research, creativity, and innovation. During the summit, attendees engaged with students and learned about their scholarly productions, creativity, and innovations. The event was held from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Shirley A. Massey Executive Conference Center. 

“DeKalb Matters” provides CEO candidates a platform to share their vision for the county

DeKalb County voters are urged to attend an upcoming DeKalb Chief Executive Officer debate on April 18, at 7 p.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church located at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Stonecrest. The “DeKalb Matters” debate will feature all qualified candidates vying to be the next CEO of DeKalb County. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV (Channel 2), and V-103 will serve as official media partners and panel representatives for the debate.

“DeKalb County is a thriving force in Metro Atlanta. The next CEO will be tasked with building on the momentum of the last decade by ensuring that we make continued progress in economic growth and development as well as the various quality-of-life issues facing our families,” said New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant. “This debate is a critical conversation on the future of DeKalb and who is best prepared to lead us forward.”

During the debate, candidates Steve Bradshaw, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Larry Johnson will discuss their respective vision for the county and answer a series of questions from panelists and virtual community members. V-103 morning news anchor Dr. Maria Boynton, WBS-TV anchor and investigative reporter Sophia Choi, AJC DeKalb local reporter Sara Gregory will serve as the panelists for the debate with AJC senior editor Mike Jordan serving as the debate’s moderator.

“Helping voters navigate political viewpoints, policy positions, and personal perspectives is one of local media’s most important responsibilities,” said Jordan. “I’m excited to moderate this discussion between DeKalb County CEO candidates on behalf of the AJC, and I look forward to a robust conversation that serves the public interest.”

The debate will be streamed live on WSBTV.com, AJC.com and on New Birth’s YouTube page.

DeKalb County is Georgia’s fourth largest county. Located just six miles immediately east of downtown Atlanta, DeKalb is home to 750,000 residents situated across 11 distinctively unique municipalities.

The DeKalb CEO is at the helm of a $1.74B budget and a county government that has 6,834 full-time positions. DeKalb has the third largest public school system in the state, educating 99,000 (K-12) students speaking over 185 languages and representing over 160 nations.

Seating is limited. Members of the public interested in attending the DeKalb Matters CEO debate in person should register [newbirth.org/event/dekalb-ceo-candidate-debate/]here. 

Voter registration information will be provided at the debate. For more information, visit www.newbirth.org.

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Teberah “Nurse T” Alexander also announces the launch of the Future Nurses Scholarship for minority students

Teberah Alexander, RN, BSN, also known as “Nurse T,” announced today that the second annual Nurses Program for children 5-14 years of age is open for registration. The event will take place on Saturday May 4 from 1-5 pm at Renaissance High School (6566 W. Outer Dr. Detroit, MI 48235) as part of National Nurses Week.

The free program gives children a hands-on view of nursing and healthcare professions through interactive workshops. It will introduce these crucial fields to kids directly from the source and celebrate that nursing is not only a job – it is a calling. The program will also appeal to health care professionals, hospital administrators, pharmacists and teachers.

Alexander is also excited to announce the launch of Nurse T’s Future Nurses Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial assistance to qualified fulltime nursing students to help them complete their degrees and enter the nursing profession. The scholarship is open to all minority students, regardless of age, sexual orientation, disability, gender, gender identity, or religious affiliation. To qualify, the student must be pursuing an Associate Degree, Baccalaureate, Masters, PhD or doctorate nursing degree at an accredited university or school of nursing. Other requirements apply. Contact the Future Nurses Program for more information.

Register for the Future Nurses Program at thenurseswhocare.com by April 26. For more information, contact 248-313-2275 or teberah@compassionatehomecareservices.org.

Alexander, the founder and CEO of Nurses Who Care, is on a mission to entertain children during playtime while encouraging their personal development skills through books, dolls and games. So, she used her experience and wisdom from her nursing career to also launch the Nurse T Doll, which is designed to instill a love for the medical field in young girls and boys, fostering ambitions to become the patient care professionals of the future.

To register for the event or get information about applying for the scholarship, visit www.thenursewhocares.com

Nurses Who Care founder Teberah Alexander RN, BSN, CDP, has more than 20 years of experience in clinical care. Alexander is renowned as a beacon of compassion and innovation in the healthcare industry. She has dedicated her life to uplifting others through her remarkable

nursing career and entrepreneurial endeavors. After graduating from Michigan State University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Teberah embarked on a journey that would shape her into the visionary leader she is today. She honed her skills and expertise by serving in various healthcare settings, including Labor and Delivery, Cardiac, ICU, and Long Term Care Units.

She founded Compassionate Home Care Services; a pioneering company dedicated to providing essential support to older individuals, whose health needs were often overlooked. Her dedication to enhancing the lives of dementia patients led her to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and she established Kathelene’s Adult Day Care Center in loving memory of her grandmother, Kathelene. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession and her unwavering commitment to community service, Teberah has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Detroit Spirit Award, the MSU Alumni Service Award, the Career Master Leadership in Action Award, and the Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Award among others.

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It was only 10 years ago that Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market opened, marking the beginning of Atlanta’s food hall boom. Today, there are numerous food halls, big and small, around the city and into the suburbs—so many, in fact, that we’ve stopped taking note. But Halidom promises to be different. Created by Hal Blackman, founder of IST Management Services (a technology company with 1,800 employees), Halidom is the name of both a new food hall and a mixed-use development in East Atlanta (1341 Moreland Avenue Southeast). The food hall opens May 10.

Blackman ran IST from Glenwood Park for 15 years. When he ran out of space, he decided to go back to his roots. See, Blackman worked in hospitality for Marriott for years, and he views IST as an extension of the service industry. He purchased eight acres of land and built IST a new headquarters on Moreland Avenue, with a plan to open the ground floor to the public.

“I wanted to create an oasis where people can put down their differences, break bread together, and have fun,” he says.

Halidom, which means “sanctuary” in Middle English, will open in May as a food hall with 320 seats, 11 stalls, and a bar. A two-acre green space with picnic tables and walking trails will follow. Eventually, apartments, shops, and Halidom Fitness will complete the development. The entire area is pending an open-container permit. “We’re going to create a buzz in Atlanta,” Blackman says.

He worked with a food curator to find stall operators that shared his vision for a community-oriented space. After meeting with each vendor and sampling their food, he selected a diverse group of small business owners—many are family-owned businesses. “My wife and I both come from families with small businesses. We are personally invested,” he explains.

Although each stall will have its own design, the entire space will have an Art Deco look and feel with a lot of pink and green, brass railings, and a sparkly floor. Blackman was inspired by the tropical vibrancy of South Beach—his wife is from Miami.

A concierge will greet guests, who can order from individual stalls or via a single app. Takeout and delivery orders are kept in temperature- and personal code-controlled lockers. Ample free parking will be available. Read on to see what’s cooking.

Bar La Rose
Named after Blackman’s wife Rosa, the bar will focus on Instagrammable specialty cocktails with particular attention to the garnishes (picture an “H” for “Halidom” written in foam). Blackman describes the menu as “pages long” with both classic and signature cocktails and photos of every drink. Wine, beer, and champagne will be offered, too.

Buena Papa Fry Bar
With a name that means “good potato,” Buena Papa got its start accidentally. Husband-and-wife James and Johanna Windon were making Columbia dish Bandeja Paisa when they ran out of rice and tried substituting hand-cut fries instead. It was a hit! At Buena Papa, they’ll serve fry-forward dishes like the Mexicano (loaded with carne asada, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo) and the Puerto Rican-inspired Boricua (with garlic, pernil (pulled pork), guacamole, and pico de gallo). Each dish is inspired by a different country.

Deallo’s Seafood
After 25 years of working for other people, chef Deallo Frazier is going out on his own. He’ll be making Cajun seafood, including blackened salmon, shrimp and grits, lobster mac and cheese, and loaded seafood nachos. “One of my favorite cuisines is Cajun. I love to create recipes with ample herbs and spices,” he says in a press release.

Grind Time Coffee Co.
A pandemic project, Grind Time Coffee is the brainchild of platinum-selling songwriter Kirsten Spencer. Now, when she’s not writing songs with Nicki Minaj (“Red Ruby Da Sleeze”), she’s sourcing coffee beans from Uganda and Central and South America. Beverages will range from cold brew to “nottes” like the 24 Carrot Magic, made with turmeric, coconut milk, ginger, black pepper honey, and edible gold flakes. Spencer’s sister chef Dana Rene is creating an all-day cafe menu full of fresh fare.

Just Dogs ATL
McDonough residents have been enjoying Gregory DuLac’s chili cheese dog and Chicago hot dog for years; now East Atlantans will get the chance as well. In addition, Blackman loved DuLac’s hot dogs but felt strongly that Halidom needed a burger. Thus, the Doggie-Style Burger was created, topped however the guest chooses.

Luca’s Brooklyn Pizzeria
Owner Jeremy Gatto combined the names of his son and daughter for his Italian food stall, which also has a location at Politan Row at Colony Square. His Brooklyn-inspired pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and dough that he ferments for 72 hours. Look for calzones and salads, too.

Locale Island Eats
After running Locale Caribbean at Politan Row at Colony Square for three years, Taylur Davis is ready to expand. Locale Island Eats will sell oxtail and jerk chicken with Davis’s own marinades and traditional coco bread.

Luze Mexicano Cocina
Twins Luis and Lucero Martinez Obregon are bringing their Mexican street food to East Atlanta. Known for Zocalo in Midtown and Taqueria La Luz at the Works, the pair will serve indigenous Mexico City fare plus their popular Sangria Swirl Margarita and aguas frescas.

Mad Dads Philly’s
Husband-and-wife team Tony and Pamela Sharpe look to Tony’s hometown of Philadelphia for this stall. Food will be similar to what they cook at Mad Dads in Buckhead Eats—expect cheesesteaks, hoagies, and blueberry sriracha wings.

Mango Indian Grill
Born in India, husband-and-wife Mathi Pothiyappan and Priya Somasundaram both worked in IT until 2016, when they began serving Indian food at the CholaNad at the University of North Carolina. At Halidom, they plan to make high-quality, quick-serve Indian fare. 

Press Waffle Co.
The first location for sisters Zainab Turay and Aminata Keister, Press will serve customizable Belgian waffles. As seen on Shark Tank, the dough is proofed for 24 hours before being pressed to order and topped with items like cookie butter, whipped cream, and strawberries.

Wasabi Sushi & Ramen
Feel like sushi? Wasabi will allow guests to create their own rolls and tailor their ramen to their liking. Owner/chef Alex Lim learned to cook from his grandmother and later apprenticed in Japan. At Wasabi, he’ll create a concise menu with numerous customizable options.

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The fastest-growing sport in the United States, pickleball has become the go-to activity combining socializing and exercise. The latest pickleball venue to open in Atlanta, Painted Pickle offers much more than the tennis-like game. Created by Justin Amick and William Stallworth, the team behind the Painted Pin and the Painted Duck, Painted Pickle is a “compeatery” (a word Amick coined to describe the venue’s vibe) with live music, lawn games, poker, ping-pong, an indoor putting green, table shuffleboard, and more. With menus developed by corporate executive chef Thomas Collins and corporate beverage director Julian Goglia (formerly of the Pinewood Tippling Room and the Mercury), Painted Pickle’s food and drink offerings stand strong on their own. Located in Armour Yards, with an extension of the BeltLine planned to go directly behind it, Painted Pickle debuts April 17 at 9 a.m.

“I have not seen a more high-end deluxe aesthetic in presenting pickleball to the masses,” Amick says. “We’re not a membership-focused club; we are an entertainment, food, and beverage-focused venue with pickleball, as opposed to being a pickleball venue with food.”

The 32,500-square-foot space features eight luxury pickleball courts with a Cottage Bar designed to emulate a private club. That area features its own patio and opens earlier than the rest of the venue during the week. Pickleball courts can be reserved online from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with equipment available for rent. At all other times, courts are first-come, first-serve, unless you book a private event. Round robins, tournaments, mixers, lessons, and clinics and are available. The space is open to everyone, except on Friday and Saturday evenings, when it is open only to ages 21-and-up after 9 p.m. Expect cosmic (black light) pickleball.

Photo by Heidi Geldhauser

At the front of Painted Pickle, there’s an all-weather patio that opens at 11 a.m. for weekday lunch and weekend brunch. Menu options include panini, salads, bowls, charcuterie boards, small plates, and sushi, ranging from elevated bar fare to gourmet health-conscious options. All food and drinks are available throughout the property and can be ordered at the bar or at various table service locations. Look for fundido waffle fries, an adult PB&J with bacon jam, smoked salmon tartine, chicken pesto caprese panini, tuna niçoise salad, and buttermilk fried pickles. Expect “fried pickleballs” that look like arancini and contain bacon cheeseburger pickles, and a sushi roll called Firefight that features green onions and melted cream cheese, topped with spicy snow crab salad and eel sauce. For brunch, there’s a Belgian waffle, goat cheese omelet, and breakfast burrito.

There are 24 cocktails, including two frozen offerings (transfusion and John Daly). The License to Dill martini is served with a pickle shrub. The Hummingbird is made with vodka, crème de flora, lime, soda, mint, and oleo saccharum. “Classy” (classic) options include a French 75, Aperol Spritz, Mother of Pearl, and Azalea. Five of the cocktails are available zero-proof.

Photo by Heidi Geldhauser

An advanced sommelier, Amick created a wine list focused on high-acid, mineral-driven offerings—about 40 in total. This includes by-the-glass and by-the-bottle, and high-end reserve options. Six draft beers are available, with a custom SweetWater blend called Painted Pilsner. A Nasty Nelson, which Amick describes as “the most offensive move in pickleball” is a pickle back shot (Irish whisky and pickle brine) that can be added to any draft beer.

Once Painted Pickle is fully operational, Amick and Stallworth will turn their attention to their next project, Painted Park, located along the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. It’s slated to open before Memorial Day.

Photo by Heidi Geldhauser

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