Category: Atlanta, Georgia Local News

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The twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president is facing 91 felony counts, including racketeering and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

In a brazen display of political manipulation, former President Donald Trump took to the stage at the Black Conservative Federation Gala in South Carolina, using racially charged rhetoric and shamelessly attempting to forge a connection between his multiple criminal indictments and the historical struggles of Black Americans.

The twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president is facing 91 felony counts, including racketeering and conspiracy to obstruct justice. A New York jury determined that he should pay nearly $90 million for sexually assaulting a journalist. A judge has ordered him to pay about a half-billion in penalties for committing massive business fraud. Yet Trump boasted about his legal battles, suggesting that the Black community supports him because they identify with the discrimination he claims to face.

“I got indicted a second time, a third time, and a fourth time and a lot of people said that that’s why the Black people like me because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against,” Trump declared callously, drawing applause from the audience.

Attempting to equate his privileged legal battles with the systemic oppression endured by Black Americans throughout history, Trump asserted, “I think that’s why the Black people are so much on my side now because they see what’s happening to me happens to them. Does that make sense?”

Throughout the evening, Trump continued his disturbing narrative, pointing to his mugshot from the Fulton County election interference case as a symbol embraced by the Black population. “My mug shot; we’ve all seen the mug shot. And you know who embraced it more than anybody else: the Black population. It’s incredible,” he remarked, exploiting the image for political gain and suggesting that African Americans are particularly familiar with mugshots.

In a tasteless attempt at humor, Trump made racially insensitive comments about the brightness of the lights on stage, stating, “These lights are so bright in my eyes that I can’t see too many people out there. But I can only see the Black ones. I can’t see any white ones. You see, that’s how far I’ve come. That’s how far I’ve come.” The remarks played into racial stereotypes, leaving some on stage uncomfortably laughing.

Trump’s calculated appearance included Black political allies, such as Reps. Byron Donalds and Wesley Hunt, as well as former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, all of whom are Black but have little to no ties to fellow African Americans. The event has ignited widespread condemnation for its blatant attempt to exploit racial tensions and manipulate the struggles of Black Americans for political gain.

The former president’s shameless tactics at the gala underscored a troubling trend of divisive rhetoric and opportunistic exploitation, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of political discourse and the extent to which leaders are willing to go to secure support within specific communities.

“There’s just so much controversy,” Ebony McBeth, a Columbia resident and transportation worker, told the Associated Press. “I would go for Biden just because Trump has his own agenda.”

Isaac Williams Sr., a retired cook from Columbia and a lifelong Democrat, said he disliked both parties but found Trump to “have mobster tendencies. He’s only out for himself.”

The MADD-Diageo relationship will focus on education, awareness, and  prevention campaigns to help end impaired driving.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) and Diageo North America have agreed to a new partnership to collaborate on public awareness and education campaigns aimed at ending drunk driving.

In late 2023, MADD created the MADD Network, a first-of-its-kind campaign that aims to unite diverse supporters of MADD who share the commitment of creating a future of No More Victims. Diageo, which has a proven track record of effective programming to prevent impaired driving, is an inaugural member in the launch of the MADD Network.

Their first partnership initiative will be to jointly send a clear “don’t drink and drive” message to football fans throughout the U.S. and beyond as the big game approaches, encouraging everyone to celebrate and enjoy the game safely while refraining from drinking and driving.

“In recent years we have witnessed a surge in drunk driving. Just since 2019, alcohol- related traffic fatalities have increased by 31%. MADD and Diageo are acutely aware that lives are at stake,” said MADD CEO Stacey D. Stewart. “We all want to savor the big game, but no one should get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs and substances that can impair driving. Our partnership will help carry this message far beyond what either of our organizations could reach alone.”

Having a great time before, during and after the big game is wonderful, say MADD and Diageo, but no one should put lives at risk by drinking and driving. Impaired driving deaths and injuries are a concern that affects Americans in both urban and rural area s and from all walks of life.

Impaired driving has increased by 14% two years in a row and has caused 13,000 deaths in a single year for the first time since 2007. Every 79 seconds, someone in the U.S. is killed or injured by a drunk driver — and that number does not include the deaths and injuries caused by drivers who were impaired by cannabis or other controlled substances.

MADD has helped save nearly 400,000 lives and served nearly 1 million victims in the last 43 years. MADD recently celebrated the greatest legislative victory in its history —the passage of the HALT Act which requires advanced impaired driving prevention technology in all new cars. The organization continues to pass lifesaving legislation, advocate for victims and survivors and change America’s culture around drinking and driving. Today, MADD is fiercely dedicated to a future in which drunk driving is eradicated.

“We are proud to join forces with MADD on the shared commitment to address impaired driving, and extremely honored to become the inaugural member of the MADD Network,” said Stephanie Childs, Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations, at Diageo North America. “With our combined expertise, networks and educational resources to address alcohol-related harm, together we are stronger to raise awareness and help save lives.”

Diageo has a record of implementing and supporting multi-agency drunk driving programs that address education and enforcement all over the world. In the U.S., the company has supported initiatives aimed at reducing traffic deaths and improving road safety through a range of interventions, including partnerships with the private sector, local authorities, law enforcement, and other agencies that support the enforcement of impaired driving laws. Some of these efforts include:

• Launching the ‘Wrong Side of the Road,’ an interactive experience aimed at educating people on the consequences of impaired
• Providing educational resources available through its DRINKiQ platform, which provides information (in English and Spanish) about alcohol and its effects, empowering people to make responsible choices.
• Funding safe rides, designated drivers and free transportation to provide consumers with safe
• Supporting the enforcement of drunk driving highly visible laws where they exist and the establishment of effective laws where they don’t.
• Diageo brands, dedicating advertising and activations toward promoting moderation and responsible drinking.

One of Diageo’s most recent initiatives, in 2022, was the creation of the Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD) in partnership with influential members of the Black, Latino and Native American communities to address alcohol-related harm. In the U.S., research has shown that alcohol consumption affects ethnic communities differently and through this hyperlocal community-focused effort, Diageo has provided educational resources to over 1.6 million people. MADD is proud to join the MCRD and looks forward to working with other members in our shared mission and vision.

“We all need to work towards a future in which no one has to fear becoming the victim of an impaired driver.” added Stewart. “The power of the MADD Network comes from each partner — whether a corporation, a foundation, or an individual — using their own platform to help educate their unique community about the dangers of impaired driving, the need for underage drinking education/prevention, and legislative efforts that will effect real change.”

MADD and Diageo North America will announce additional details about their partnership in the near future.

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ORLANDO, FL.- There were only two of them here now, but the other two were on their way. A quartet of first-time Disney Princess Half Marathon runners from four separate cities across the country were meeting for the first time at the starting line Sunday morning. 

Their friendship started online with a Peloton group and now they were going to motivate each other in person and on the ground. 

“We decided to use this race to meet for the first time,” said Kyra Norris, who made the trip to Orlando from Las Vegas. “Peleton brought us together, but Disney made us a family.” 

During an interview on Sunday, Feb. 18, Clyburn, 83, expressed his continued disdain for former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra, asserting that the country is already great but needs to ensure accessibility and affordability for all citizens.

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Longtime South Carolina Democratic Rep. James Clyburn has announced his resignation from his House leadership position, effective immediately, while simultaneously committing to run for reelection. Clyburn, a staunch supporter of President Joe Biden, said he aims to focus on conveying the message of inclusivity and unity that defines the greatness of the United States.

During an interview on Sunday, Feb. 18, Clyburn, 83, expressed his continued disdain for former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” mantra, asserting that the country is already great but needs to ensure accessibility and affordability for all citizens. He encouraged Biden to emphasize his experience, wisdom, and commitment to maintaining connections with the American people during the upcoming presidential campaign.

“I am fond of saying, this is a great country in no need of being made great. We just got to figure out ways to make this country’s greatness accessible and affordable for all of our citizens. And Joe Biden is doing that. And we have got to stay focused on that,” Clyburn stated emphatically.

Clyburn, who had previously announced his intention to seek reelection, also reiterated that he’s only stepping aside as assistant Democratic leader, which marks the end of his influential tenure in House leadership. The move comes amid years of speculation about Clyburn’s retirement and the subsequent race to fill the void in the majority Black 6th Congressional District, covering substantial parts of the Interstate 95 corridor, Northeast Columbia, and North Charleston.

Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by colleagues throughout his career, Clyburn acknowledged the changing political landscape and his role in shaping it. Last year, he played a pivotal role in moving the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary to a leading position. He collaborated with Republican Governor Henry McMaster to expand broadband access to rural South Carolina.

The departure of Clyburn from his assistant Democratic leader role represents a broader shift in leadership dynamics, completing the transition from the era of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of California, to a younger generation led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

“I am deeply grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me throughout my career,” Clyburn stated.

An East Point urgent care center, Southside Medical Center, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting Friday morning. 

Southside Medical Center is not simply an urgent care facility. They offer residents in East Point and surrounding communities continued access to quality, convenient urgent care in addition to an array of services such as primary care, women’s health, pediatric, dental, mental health services, discounted pharmaceuticals, and many others. 

Also, Southside Medical has a new X-ray machine, exam rooms, and a procedure room to take in urgent care visitors after receiving $5 million from Wellstar. The money and renovations came after Wellstar decided to close its urgent care operations at Atlanta Medical Center South, a year after it closed the hospital at the same location.  

ARTlanta is a quarterly column dedicated to celebrating the artists, creatives, and designers who give Atlanta its flavor.

One of my favorite things about the art scene in Atlanta is the tenacity of the artists who call this place home any given day in the city. You’ll see students shooting a music video in a parking garage, or an aspiring director bringing their vision to life in an empty store front. I’ve walked into galleries that were once factories and seen plays performed in the back room of office buildings. I’m not sure who created the term artrepreneur, but it characterizes the Atlanta art scene very well. I am declaring 2024 year the rise of the independent, self-producing artist.

There has always been an independent spirit to artist in Atlanta. When I say independent, I’m not referring to a selfish, go-it-alone mentality, but more of the idea that you don’t have to wait for a producer.  One of my favorite quotes from author Marianne Williamson is, “Stop waiting for a producer. Produce yourself.” Atlanta artists have had this approach to art making and creative collaboration for years.

Part of that independence is necessitated by the culture around charitable giving in the arts, which desperately needs to change. People are more willing to fund institutions than they are independent artists. After all, when it comes to per capita spending on the arts, Georgia ranks near last in the country. When we look at public, private, and large individual gifts, they typically go to institutions that have six- and seven-figure operating budgets and sit on seven- and eight-figure real estate. These arts institutions pump blood into the heart of our city and they are valuable, but institutions are made up of individuals, and not all individuals are going to get into every institution.

There has to be healthy support for experimental, independent art making, too. After all, the best whiskey is distilled at least three times. I want to see the Atlanta philanthropic community, and others with the financial power to make decisions, put more emphasis on supporting independently produced art. I want to see more funding go to making a lifelong career in the arts possible in our city.

In Atlanta, I see dogged determination from artists who believe in a vision for this city’s artistic future. They are building the Atlanta aesthetic brick-by-brick, repurposing and upcycling their way to innovation—and it’s working. Turn on the radio, and you’ll hear Top 40 songs by Atlanta artists, such as Victoria Monet, who started off as indie songwriters. Look at off-Broadway and Broadway theater listings and you’ll see a plethora of plays developed in Atlanta and/or starring Atlanta talents. Go to the movies and you’ll see the Georgia landscape in Oscar-nominated films such as The Color Purple.

However, all of that starts with independent artists who had an idea and accepted the invitation, as author Elizabeth Gilbert calls it. In this edition of ARTlanta, you’ll find a mix of independent and major exhibitions, plays, and musicals that will be keeping me busy over the next few months.

• First Fridays at Underground Atlanta are a celebration of Atlanta’s independent arts scene. Be sure to check out the work at Future Dead Artists Gallery, founded by painter Eugene V Byrd III, and featuring his original painting as well as work by other local artists.
• Night of Ideas returns on March 1 from 5-11 p.m. at the Atlanta History Center. The event features performances and discussions with artists, public officials, academics, and everyday people reflecting on the future of the city. This year’s theme, “Behold the Land,” takes inspiration from a speech by W. E. B. Du Bois and a series of photographs by Atlanta-based artist Sheila Pree Bright.
• Director Jade Lambert-Smith is producing the Tony Award-winning musical Fela! with a talented cast of local singers and performers, onstage through March 3 at Southwest Arts Center. Set in 1977, and featuring the music of revolutionary Nigerian artist Fela Kuti, the show celebrates the father of modern Afro Beats.
• Atlanta rapper and singer Kodie Shane, who was featured in Atlanta magazine’s September 2021 issue dedicated to the women changing the face of Southern hip-hop, will be in concert at Aisle 5 in Little Five Points featuring new music and underground favorites.
• Modern Mystic at Ponce City Market offers incense, crystals, and now comedy. Hosted by comedian Lysandra Vasquez, each month hear from up-and-coming comedians who share the same astrological sign. Tickets for the April Aries and Taurus shows are on sale now.
• Much has been written about how the state’s film industry explosion can open up more opportunities for locals. Kevin Gillese, former artistic director of Dad’s Garage, independently produced How to Ruin the Holidays, written, filmed and shot in Georgia with an almost entirely Atlanta-based cast. The film is available for streaming on Prime Video and Vudu.
• Bronx rapper Kemba traveled to Atlanta to see how rap lyrics are used in court cases for his independently-produced documentary As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Kemba interviews lawyers and hip-hop artists, including Killer Mike, to make connections between the outlawing of drums during chattel slavery to the siege of Black people’s First Amendment Rights. The documentary is now streaming on Paramount+.

Who’s making waves in your neighborhood? Tell us what you’re creating or seeing using #ARTlanta on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).

About Kelundra Smith
I grew up in Stone Mountain and Loganville, where my parents and teachers got me into the arts early because that’s where energetic girls who talk a lot go. I am a theater critic, journalist, playwright, and lifelong arts lover. My articles about Southern art and artists have been published in the New York Times, ESPN, American Theatre, Garden & Gun, Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, ArtsATL, and elsewhere. As a playwright, my scripts focus on lesser-known historical events in Georgia’s history.

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The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority announces the hiring of two government relations professionals who will join the Office of External Affairs. Sr. Director of Government & Community Affairs Jennifer Larosa and Government Affairs Program Manager Stephanie Johnson Hardy bring decades of experience to MARTA’s Government Affairs team and will work to advance the interests of the Authority at the local, state, and federal levels.

“MARTA serves four jurisdictions and relies on federal and most recently state funding support to improve and expand the system, so it’s imperative that we have a government relations team that is experienced working within local and state politics, and familiar with the nuances of transit governance and policy,” said Assistant General Manager of External Affairs Colleen Kiernan. 

Larosa previously worked as a lobbyist for MARTA while at Ohio River South and McGuire Woods Consulting, and has a long track record of transit and funding legislative successes including the creation of Georgia’s first dedicated funding source for transit capital projects and the establishment of the Transit Trust Fund. Larosa received her undergraduate degree in her native Louisiana and subsequent degrees at Georgia State University and the University of Georgia.

Johnson Hardy brings to MARTA over 20 years’ experience in the public and private sectors, including working as Chief of Staff to Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell for close to a decade, and most recently as a Regional Director at AT&T handling legislative and community engagement. A native Georgian, Johnson Hardy is a board member and volunteer with several local organizations.

Both women, with support from members of the Government Affairs team, will maintain a visible presence at the State Capitol, fostering positive working relationships with political and community stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of MARTA’s legislative program, and helping secure necessary funding.

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Not sure if you’ve ever tried launching a professional sports team before, but there’s a lot to it. Selecting logos. Setting schedules. Building hype. But apparently, Atlanta makes choosing a home city easy. In addition to the familiar big leagues, new pro teams are coming to the ATL.

The Atlanta Bouncers, Major League Pickleball’s only Deep South franchise outside Florida, got a boost when Hawks star Trae Young joined team owner Anheuser-Busch as an investor during the Bouncers’ first year of paddled pandemonium in 2023. They expect to make even more headlines in 2024.

“Georgia has always been important to our company,” says Matt Davis, VP of partnerships at Anheuser-Busch. “For pickleball, we’ve seen a large uptick in the South Atlantic, and the participation of the sport in the city, state, and surrounding region has been a huge reason we decided to plant a flag [in Atlanta] with the team.”

With fresh franchises, there’s also the matter of actually building a squad. For the Atlanta Vibe, a member of the all-new Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), that was never a concern. From signing Leah Edmond, the first player in PVF history, to filling out its roster with accomplished stars like Morgan Hentz, all in one of America’s buzziest sports, the Vibe should have Duluth’s Gas South Arena rocking all winter and spring.

“I’m already accustomed to the fans and knowing how crazy SEC country is,” says Edmond, a four-time All-American at the University of Kentucky. “Getting to go back to fans that are used to watching me play is exciting. It’s just a perfect time to do it. Volleyball is on the up, and you’re adding a pro league right after the college season ends? That’s super exciting.”

Finally, Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), Tiger Woods’s and Rory McIlroy’s indoor team golf organization, had hoped to launch the Arthur Blank–helmed Atlanta Drive Golf Club this winter, but damage to TGL’s state-of-the-art arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has forced postponement of the league’s debut until 2025.

The Vibe and Bouncers aim to be comfortably atop the standings and the hearts of area fans by then. “We want to win the championship,” says Colleen Durham Craig, the Vibe’s owner. “That’s what we’re building for. We’re hoping that folks get behind the team and the players. We know this is a new team. We know this is a new league. It takes a lot for folks to spread the word.”

This article appears in our February 2024 issue.

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A Black man in Georgia was found hanging from a tree in High Shoals Falls in North Georgia. Trevonte Jamal Shubert-Helton, 29, of Sautee Nacoochee was found hanging from a tree by a hiker on Feb. 21. 

The hiker called 911 and the Towns County Sheriff’s department responded before contacting the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance. 

According to the GBI, “The preliminary investigation indicates this death is an isolated incident, and Shubert-Helton was by himself at the WMA.” 

Georgia Department of Natural Resources will also assist in the investigation. 

High Shoals Falls is about 80 miles north of Atlanta. 

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The quest for authenticity in portraying Bob Marley’s life meant assembling a team that “respected the culture, ensuring a collective effort devoid of individual egos,” Marley asserted.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

In an exclusive interview with the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known morning show, Ziggy Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, opened up about the profound impact of the hit new movie “Bob Marley, One Love.” Beyond its role as a cinematic journey into the iconic musician’s life, the film has emerged as a catalyst for transformative change, touching the lives of individuals and communities in Jamaica and extending its positive influence beyond geographical boundaries.

The 30-minute discussion delved into the meticulous process of selecting collaborators for the movie, with Ziggy Marley emphasizing the importance of humility and a community-focused approach. The quest for authenticity in portraying Bob Marley’s life meant assembling a team that “respected the culture, ensuring a collective effort devoid of individual egos,” Marley asserted.

“We were looking for people not run by ego, we were looking for humble people, really humble people who can work in a community with a community effort,” Marley explained. “That was a key, I think, because it needed to be something that we have a voice in and that nobody could say, ‘you know, it’s my thing or it’s hers.’ So, yeah, the humbleness and the idea of a community working together, those were the traits that was very important for this project.”

The oldest son of the reggae legend provided a thoughtful reflection on the emotional and psychological impact of the threats and challenges his father faced. He highlighted the challenge of balancing honesty and entertainment in depicting the life of a cultural icon, shedding light on the reflective character portrayed in the film.

“Something that we tried to explore and that even while working on this film, it made me think about it, was what was the tool that this took on [Bob Marley] emotionally or psychologically? I don’t think he’s not the type of man to really show you, you know, like all of us, we put on a tough exterior,” Marley remarked. “All the while we’re really having some serious emotional things happening on the inside. And as a human being, we know that somebody is trying to kill you, you’re going to exile, you’re diagnosed with cancer.

“These things are not something that can easily be brushed off for anybody, anybody, no matter who you are. These are things that make you think about life, make you think about mortality. And so, we feel like he went through all that internally. And in his own quiet space, you know, where he had to reflect on his inner self. And so, yeah, I mean, yeah, the outside stuff is what you can put up with, but the inside stuff is, you know, it’s very rare that we can have a look at that or think about that.”

Marley also discussed the movie’s impact on Jamaica, including its commercial success, job opportunities, and charitable contributions to the communities where it was filmed. He shared insights into the timing and inspiration for the film, underscoring the spiritual lineage of Bob Marley’s music and its relevance in promoting unity and love in today’s world.

The timing of the film’s release became a focal point of discussion, with Marley highlighting that it wasn’t a premeditated decision but a response to the present moment. Despite difficulties like strikes that caused delays, Marley emphasized the family’s trust in the universe’s timing as they explored the idea of making a movie about Bob Marley.

“I know it was the right time. No, not because of anything that I thought about years ago, but because I’m living in the present and I realized it’s the right time,” Marley said. “It wasn’t planned like this. So, it’s not like we foresaw this happening at this time. I like to put it this way, the spirit moved me to try to explore the idea of making a film about my father and the family agreed with us and so we started to explore that and then everything fell into place the right way. When the universe speaks, we just listen and be happy with what the universe has given us.”

A judge has ruled that a Black student’s suspension over his locs hairstyle doesn’t violate the CROWN Act.

On Thursday (February 22), State District Judge Chap Cain III said the dressing and grooming policies set by Barbers Hill Independent School District in Texas don’t violate the CROWN Act, which prohibits race-based hair discrimination at school and work, per NBC News.

The ruling comes after Barbers Hill High School student Darryl George was initially pulled from the classroom in August 2023 after school officials said his locs were out of compliance, falling below his eyebrows and ear lobes. George’s family argued his punishment violated the CROWN Act, which became law in Texas in September of last year. The school claimed that the CROWN Act doesn’t address hair length.

George, a junior, has remained in in-school suspension or at an off-site disciplinary program since August.

His family filed a formal complaint with the Texas Education Agency and a federal civil rights lawsuit against the state’s governor and attorney general along with the school district. The district also filed a suit in state district court requesting it clarify whether its dress code policy on hair length violates the CROWN Act.

Thursday’s ruling aligned with the district’s claims that its policy doesn’t discriminate against George for his locs, but merely prohibits him from wearing them “at a length that exceeds the dress code.”

“The CROWN Act does not render unlawful those portions of Barbers Hill’s” dress code, Cain said Thursday.

Candice Matthews, a spokesperson for George’s family, said the verdict left George in tears.

“All because of my hair?” George said, according to Matthews. “I can’t get my education because of my hair. I can’t be around my peers and enjoy my junior year because of my hair.” Matthews said the family has vowed not to “lay down. They would continue to fight.”

George’s family is planning to appeal the decision.

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Porsha Williams and Simon Guobadia have split 15 months after saying, “I do.”

According to People, the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum filed for divorce from Simon on Thursday (February 22) in Atlanta, Georiga. While the former couple’s split news comes amid rumors about Simon’s citizenship (he is allegedly fighting to obtain U.S. citizenship following allegations of credit card fraud and identity theft), a source told People that the divorce is “unrelated to recent allegations involving Simon’s past.” The insider added that the cause of their split is an “ongoing matter.”

Porsha and Simon tied the knot in November 2022 in Atlanta. As fans know, the pair’s courtship moved pretty quickly as they announced their engagement in May 2021 after only one month of dating.

News of the split comes days after Bravo announced that Porsha, who last appeared on RHOA in 2021, is returning for the show’s upcoming season 16.

“Porsha Williams Guobadia is a multi-hyphenate and we are fortunate to collaborate and tap into her creativity and passion through this partnership,” Rachel Smith, Executive Vice President of Unscripted Content, Lifestyle and Documentaries, NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement. “Our audience has supported and admired Porsha as she so authentically, hilariously, and vulnerably shared her life over the years and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her back to the NBCU family.”

“I’m incredibly thankful for the vision and faith NBCUniversal has put in me to be a larger part of their family,” Porsha added in her own statement. “I’m looking forward to being back on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and showing the world my new world!”

The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.