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Tag: Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

  • Gov. Kemp delivers final State of the State address, touts Georgia’s progress

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    Day four of the Georgia Legislative calendar took place on Thursday, January 15.

    On the Senate floor, Governor Brian Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address at 11:00 a.m. Kemp gave business leaders and local leaders, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and former Atlanta Mayor and Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, a preview of his speech at the 72nd Eggs & Issues event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, January 14.

    “There’s no question the state of our state is stronger, more prosperous, and safer today than it was in January 2019. But I want to be clear. This success isn’t guaranteed,” Kemp (above, center) said during his speech. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Kemp was joined behind the lectern by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Both men had family members in the gallery. Dickens was also in attendance and received applause from the General Assembly when House leader Jon Burns announced his presence.

    Burns said he had some misgivings because he had to introduce Kemp for the final time as governor. He said he couldn’t thank Kemp enough for his work over the past seven years.

    “You’ve done so much for this state,” Burns said.

    Kemp began his final State of the State by saying it has been an honor to serve the state of Georgia.

    “There’s no question the state of our state is stronger, more prosperous, and safer today than it was in January 2019. But I want to be clear. This success isn’t guaranteed,” said Kemp during his speech.

    Kemp added that communities and ports are safer and that unemployment is down. His speech included investments in infrastructure projects, K-12 education, and tax rebates.

    “That’s why my budget proposal will include a fourth, one-time, $1-billion-dollar tax rebate this year that will return or save the average filer $250 and a married couple up to $500,” Kemp said. “With this rebate, my administration and this General Assembly will have returned over $7.5 billion in surplus revenue to the taxpayers of our state over the last four years.”

    Kemp made sure to tout his administration’s responsible fiscal policies and conservative budgeting during his speech. “I learned a long time ago that it’s better to be a workhorse than a show horse,” Kemp said.

    The day’s order of business in the House began with Rep. Matt Hatchett, the chairman of the Influential House Appropriations Committee, announcing that fellow House members should pick up their budget books.

    The first and second readings of bills and resolutions began at 10:23 a.m. and 10:29 a.m., respectively. The Lovejoy High School 5A state championship cheerleading squad was invited to the gallery to be recognized as Clayton County’s first state championship cheerleading team.

    House Representatives and sisters of AKA took a moment to recognize the 118-year-old sorority on the House floor on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The 118th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Founder’s Day was also recognized on the House floor. The sorority was started at Howard University on January 15, 1908.

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  • Falcons rookie Jalon Walker gives back to his adopted home of Georgia

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    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Atlanta Falcons rookie Jalon Walker is planning to host a coat and toy drive back in his hometown of Salisbury, North Carolina, on December 23. But first, he took time to give back to his adopted home of metro Atlanta. On Tuesday morning, Walker helped distribute bags of nonperishable food and wrapped gifts to local families in Tucker.

    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Wearing a navy blue sweatsuit and a wide smile, Walker greeted people and posed for photos in between filling trunks outside of Rehoboth Baptist Church. He told The Atlanta Voice that giving back brings “a smile to my heart.” 

    “It’s always great to give back. It never gets old,” Walker said. “Seeing that smile on people’s faces, especially this time of year.” 

    Along with the host organization, United Health Care Community Plan of Georgia, Walker, staff members, and volunteers served over 250 people. 

    Falcons mascot Freddie the Falcon and a pair of Falcons cheerleaders were also on hand to help. 

    Walker said he wanted to finish his rookie season on a high note. Asked if winning the final three games of the year would be an efficient high note, Walker said, “That’s my goal. That’s how I want to end the last chapter of my rookie season.” Walker, a former University of Georgia standout, has 5.5 sacks and 21 tackles this season.

    Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Donnell began his career covering sports and news in Atlanta nearly two decades ago. Since then he has written for Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Southern Cross…

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  • The Falcons’ offense will not save them. It’s going to be up to the defense

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    The scene on the field after the Falcons’ 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The Atlanta defense has been the most consistent part of this season thus far. The Falcons, now 3-4 overall, had allowed an opponent to score more than 28 points only once this season (30-0 at Carolina) before Sunday’s 34-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

    That string of play ended when the Dolphins scored their 30th point of the game on a pass from Tua Tagovailoa to running back Ollie Gordion II early in the fourth quarter. Gordon II had been sharing carries with Achane throughout the game and remained a threat to score. 

    The defense will have to be who saves this season from going in the wrong direction. Because it doesn’t look like offense, whether Michael Penix is under center or his backup Kirk Cousins is starting again next week.  

    Atlanta has had difficulty scoring touchdowns this season. The Falcons have managed to score more than 25 points once in seven games, including on Sunday. That 34-point game came against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 28. It remains the best overall co-performance from the Falcons’ defense and offense. In his second year with the franchise, offensive coordinator Zach Robinson doesn’t seem to have created an offensive identity for the Falcons’ offense.

    Enter Kirk Cousins, who hasn’t started a game since Dec. 12, 2024, when the Falcons defeated the Las Vegas Raiders on the road, 15-9. In that game, Cousins was 11-17 for 112 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier had a combined 34 carries during that game for a combined 168 yards. On Sunday, the Falcons had a combined 45 rushing yards. 

    Robinson, top five in the National Football League in rushing prior to Sunday’s game, had 25 yards on nine carries. Despite only having had two 100-yard games this season, Robinson, with 549 yards on 106 carries in seven games, is still on pace for another 1,000-yard season. 

    After the game, Cousins was asked how it felt to be back out there as a starter. He told The Atlanta Voice, “Anytime you don’t have a win, it’s a tough day, but certainly the first time being back out there in 10 months, playing live football, it’s always good to get that experience.” 

    During the second half of the game, the Falcons’ offense had some motion before Robinson fumbled deep in Dolphins territory. The fumble was recovered by Miami cornerback Tyrel Dodson on the Dolphins’ 16-yard line. There was little, if any, consistency with the Falcons’ offense. Prior to the fumble, Cousins found Robinson on a screen play for 17 yards. During the game there were multiple opportunities to find Robinson, but he ended the game with just three catches for 23 yards. 

    The Falcons played their last home game for the next two weeks. They will be in New England next Sunday, and in Germany to face the Indianapolis Colts, one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 season, the following Sunday, Nov. 9. Atlanta will return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 16 against the Carolina Panthers.

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  • ‘I’m the people’s champ’: Allen Iverson brings “Misunderstood” book tour to Atlanta’s Buckhead Theatre

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    Allen Iverson book tour advertisement outside of the Buckhead Theatre, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The interior of the Buckhead Theatre was plastered with photos of former All-NBA guard Allen Iverson’s face. There were photos from his playing career, Reebok endorsement days, and from the many magazine shoots he took part in. Iverson was scheduled to be in town for business on Sunday night, and fans were there to greet him. 

    Copies of “Misunderstood” were on sale at a table being manned by Black female-owned bookstore,
    Brave + Kind. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Iverson, a Naismith Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA All-Star, is currently on tour with his new memoir, “Misunderstood.” The book is a collaboration with lawyer and West Philadelphia native Ray Beauchamp. The tour has already made stops in New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans. 

    “I never won a championship, but I’m the people’s champ,” said Iverson, who is currently Reebok’s President of Basketball, after greeting the event host, rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris. 

    Fans wore their Iverson jerseys and hoodies for the special occassion. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    When he looked out into the crowd, Iverson had to feel like the people’s choice. Men, women, and children wore jerseys from his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Georgetown University Hoyas, while one man wore one from Iverson’s All-American career at Bethel High School.

    Before Iverson and Harris took the stage, the music w

    as blasting and the VIP section was filling up. Copies of “Misunderstood” were being sold by Black woman-owned bookstore, Brave + Kind, and people stopped by the step-and-repeat to take selfies.

    On the reason why he decided to write a memoir, Iverson said he had things on his mind that he wanted to get off. His post-career life has been interesting, good, and bad, according to his words.

    “I didn’t cut no corners. I’m an open book,” Iverson said.

    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Iverson used the word “turbulent” when describing his journey from his native Virginia to the National Basketball League to the stage he sat on in Atlanta on Sunday night.

    “One of the reasons was it was more confirmation that the devil is a sucker,” Iverson said on why he decided to put the book out. “I believe in God, and I just wanted to give the world a gift from me.”

    During their time on stage, Harris praised Iverson as a cultural icon on and off the court.

    “On the outside looking in, we observe our favorite people go through things, but this book is a deeper look,” Harris said about “Misunderstood”.

    Iverson said he hopes his story helps someone. During his career and on this current book tour, he has heard from people that his style of play has helped motivate them.

    “If I can help one person in life, I did my job,” Iverson said. “This book is just a confession of me being just like everybody in this room.”

    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

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  • From 44 to 4000: NABJ documentary, “Beyond the Headlines,” screened At BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta

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    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    National Association of Black Journalists founding member Sandra Dawson Long Weaver was emotional as she sat on stage and retold a story from the most recent NABJ Convention in Cleveland. ESPN television personality Stephen A. Smith had seen her following a taping of “First Take” and ran over to hug her. Weaver said he held on tight while thanking her for giving him an opportunity to be a sports writer at the Philadelphia Inquirer some 30 years ago. Weaver hired Smith because she believed he had something special in him that would help him succeed in journalism; she was right.

    “I still get emotional thinking about that,” she said.

    Weaver and fellow founder Allison Davis received their flowers on the stage inside the Tara Theater on Friday night following a screening of the NABJ documentary Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey. Both women, journalists in their own right during their careers in television production and at newspapers, were prominently featured during the film. “Beyond the Headlines,” which shines a light on the 50-year existence of NABJ, was screened as part of the annual BronzeLens Film Festival. 

    Both Davis and Weaver joined NABJ as 20-year-olds and had no idea they would still be talking about the organization five decades later. Each woman said there is a need now more than ever for a film about an organization such as NABJ.

    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    “We wanted to make sure, not only to commemorate NABJ, we felt it was important that we share our story,” said Davis, who was one of the film’s producers. “We feel the film does that.”

    Along with Atlanta, there are other cities where screenings of “Beyond the Headlines” is being screened, including in Cleveland during the annual NABJ convention earlier this month. 

    “It’s important because this film will reach a wider audience, not just only our NABJ convention audience,” Weaver said. 

    Having the idea of a NABJ documentary become an actual documentary was a process worthy of discussion. Davis and Weaver took questions from longtime NABJ member and Atlanta Journal-Constitution Editor-in-Chief Leroy Chapman following the conclusion of the screening. During the Q&A portion of the night, both founding members were open and honest about how they made it into the room on that faithful day in Washington, D.C. There are also moments in the film where other founding members spoke about how they found their way to D.C. from all over the country.

    “It is Black history,” Weaver said of the film. “That is one of the reasons we wanted to start this organization. Now it has over 4,000 members.” 

    “Our job is to not only tell our stories, but to make sure our young people know our stories,” Davis said during an interview with The Atlanta Voice before the screening.

    When asked if either founder believes watching “Beyond the Headlines” should be a required viewing for NABJ members, Weaver said it should.

    “I think it is critical that when you come into this organization and see this film,” she said.

    Davis agreed.

    “I absolutely think all members should see it,” she said. “We do that with our sororities and fraternities, why not with NABJ?” she reasoned. “This film is a way of saying we’re not letting our stories disappear.” 

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  • All for One, One for All: SHOWAbility celebrates 34th anniversary of the ADA

    All for One, One for All: SHOWAbility celebrates 34th anniversary of the ADA

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    The SHOWAbility INCLUSIVE CHORUS opened the rally with renditions of “This Is me” and “Happy” on Friday, July 26, 2024.
    Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    The SHOWAbility INCLUSIVE CHORUS took the stage inside Friendship Baptist Church and followed a brief introduction from the event’s MC, Dr. Yvette Pegues, PhD., a well-known advocate for Americans with disabilities, author, and public speaker, started singing “This is Me,” the popular lead track from “The Showman” soundtrack. The chorus is made up of adults with and without disabilities. The inclusivity that SHOWAbility, a metro Atlanta-based organization that highlights performing arts talents of people with disabilities, works to showcase was on full display that morning.

    SHOWAbility founder Myrna Clayton ran around the church working with performers, sound guys, guests, and families. The venue filled quickly and was full of applause when the curtains opened for the opening performance and for the performances that followed.

    The 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, was commemorated with a celebration of the human spirit on Friday in Atlanta. SHOWAbility held a ADA anniversary celebration at Friendship Baptist Church, which was attended by dozens of supporters and people with disabilities, both young and old, Black and white, male and female. Inclusivity at its purest and most simplest form.

    Dr. Yvette Pegues, PhD., a well-known advocate for Americans with disabilities, author, and public speaker, was the events MC. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    “Awareness, understanding, and change,” Pegues, who wore a sequined dress for the occasion, explained when asked why rallies and celebrations like the one that took place on Friday were important. “If you don’t have awareness and understanding you can’t change. My hope and prayer is that our next generations won’t have this fight.”

    July is Disability Pride Month and sponsors like the Bobby Dodd Institute and Amazon were involved in helping ShowAbility put on a show and information session that included a panel and tables from inclusive businesses like MARTA and many others.

    “We need as many allies as we do adults with disabilities focussing on the fight,” Pegues said.

    One of the information tables in the lobby of the church was from Fulton Votes, which was there to both register voters and help people with and without disabilities check their voter status in Georgia’s largest county. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    One of the information tables in the lobby of the church was from Fulton Votes, which was there to both register voters and help people with and without disabilities check their voter status in Georgia’s largest county. Pamphlets with key voting dates were available as well as a sample voting machine for people to practice on if they were unfamiliar.

    Norma Stanley (standing) and her daughter Sierra Stanley. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    One of those people excited about punching her first presidential ticket is SHOWAbility Board Chair Norma Stanley. A native of Antigua, Stanley has lived and worked in the United States for decades, but recently filed for and received her citizenship. Not only her but her daughter Sierra, who was born with cerebral palsy 34 years ago, will be voting for the first time this fall. Stanley admitted that she did not know that her daughter, an American citizen, was able to vote, but she does now.

    “I had to do it for both of us,” Stanley said of registering to vote. “There couldn’t be a better time than now.”

    At the rally, Stanley, who spoke to the crowd at the beginning of the festivities and who also suffers from what can be described as an invisible disability, adult onset epilepsy, said she was happy that it was taking place at Friendship Baptist Church again for a consecutive year. “It’s important because people with disabilities had to fight to get this act passed,” Stanley said. “This is a celebration.”

    Georgia State Rep. Kim Schofield (District 63), who suffers from Lupus, another invisible disability that affects millions of Black American women. One in 250 Black women will develop the disease, according to data provided by the Lupus Foundation of America. “It’s about you today, it’s about the celebration today,” Schofield said.

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  • From the West Bank to the West End: AUC students gather to speak out against war in Gaza, US involvement

    From the West Bank to the West End: AUC students gather to speak out against war in Gaza, US involvement

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    A Spelman College professor joined the “speak out” Wednesday morning. A trio of Morehouse faculty (not shown) also spoke out against the war in Gaza and President Biden’s upcoming visit to Morehouse on May 19. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    What was labeled as a student “speak out” and not a protest, took place on the campus of Morehouse College in front of the Walter E. Massey Leadership Center Wednesday morning.

    Dozens of students from various universities and colleges within the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) installation in the country took a stand against what has been taking place in the Middle East.

    A number of Atlanta University Center (AUC) students took turns speaking out against the war in Palestine. There was also a member of Spelman College’s faculty that also spoke out against the violence in Gaza.

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