Atlanta 500: Most Influential Leaders in the City
Congratulations to Purpose Possible’s past and current clients for their recognition by Atlanta Magazine. We are proud to see the work of so many nonprofit and community leaders being recognized.
“The creativity with which our leaders are approaching these problems continues to be a national beacon, drawing the world’s problem solvers to our city” -Atlanta Magazine
L.E.A.D: MLK Legacy Lives On
Congratulations to L.E.A.D for being featured on the Huff Post for Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
“[C.J.] Stewart is aware of the impact that public servants like King and Wilson had on his life. This awareness propelled him, along with his wife Kelli, to create an organization giving other young African-American men in Atlanta similar opportunities. Stewart's non-profit organization, L.E.A.D.—which stands for Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct—exists to provide young inner-city men in Atlanta opportunities to not only play baseball, but also receive leadership training and networking opportunities, while engaging in service projects.”
-Huff Post
Synchronicity Theatre's new "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughers"
Congratulations to Synchronicity Theatre for their new musical “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters,” directed by one of Purpose Possible’s consultants, Taryn Janelle. The AJC featured this family-friendly show last week, saying that “...in addition to being a well-crafted tale, it is also a welcome contribution to Atlanta’s culture of inclusive and diverse theater.”
VOX ATL Announces New Executive Director Charaun Cash
Charaun Cash has been selected by the Board of Directors as the next Executive Director of VOX ATL.
Charaun joins VOX ATL from RE:IMAGINE where she served as the development director. In that role, she was responsible for overseeing the organization’s fundraising initiatives and external relations efforts. Prior to becoming RE:IMAGINE’s development director, Charaun was a community development representative for Delta Community Credit Union where she managed relationships with local schools and non-profit organizations to identify business development needs and was responsible for the Delta Community Scholarship Program which honored graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students.
Georgia innocence project helps their 13th person walk out of prison after being wrongfully convicted
Lee Clark has walked out of Floyd County Jail a free man after more than 25 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. All underlying charges have been dismissed, officially exonerating him of the 1996 shooting death of his friend, Brian Bowling. This is the first exoneration in the history of Floyd county Georgia.
FLOYD COUNTY MAN RELEASED AFTER MORE THAN 25 YEARS OF WRONGFUL IMPRISONMENT, CLEARED OF 1996 DEATH OF FRIEND
Lee Clark was exonerated and immediately released after a prosecutor and judge agreed that newly-discovered evidence calls the State’s case into question.
ROME, Ga. December 8, 2022 - On Thursday afternoon, Darrell Lee Clark walked out of the Floyd County Jail and into the arms of family in time to celebrate his first Christmas as a free man in more than two decades. His release came just moments after a hearing on his extraordinary motion for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence. The Rome Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office agreed that Clark’s conviction should be overturned and quickly dismissed all underlying charges against Clark, officially exonerating him of the 1996 shooting death of his friend.
“You never think something like that is going to happen to you,” said Lee Clark, who was arrested when he was just 17 years old. “Never would I have thought I would spend more than half my life in prison, especially for something I didn’t do. I'm just glad the truth finally came to light after 25 years. I'm so thankful for the Georgia Innocence Project and Proof Podcast for what they did. Without them, I would still be in prison."
Clark is currently represented by two lawyers from the nonprofit Georgia Innocence Project (GIP), Senior Attorney Christina Cribbs and Accountability Counsel Meagan Hurley. GIP took on Clark’s case in 2021. “We are elated to see Lee and his family finally obtain the justice that is so long overdue. This would not have been possible without the Bowling family’s support and a district attorney’s office that was willing to take an objective, new look at an old case,” said Cribbs. “The Bowling family suffered a great loss when Brian died. Their strength, open minds, willingness to question information that has been presented as ‘fact,’ and quest for the truth is inspiring.”
Clark’s exoneration followed filings by his attorneys largely predicated upon new evidence of police misconduct during law enforcement’s initial investigation into the case, including threats made to a main witness and other witness manipulation.
“Official misconduct was certainly a contributing factor in Lee’s case, just as it has been in over 50% of wrongful conviction cases. What we should take away from this is that unfettered power, without proper checks and balances, leaves ripe the opportunity for mistakes and misconduct. Proper oversight, coupled
with educational initiatives designed to prevent and correct wrongful convictions, is key,” said Hurley. “Prosecutors have a duty to see that justice is done in their cases, and that must include a commitment to principles of integrity, equity, and accountability. It is imperative that they are willing to take corrective action when they see injustice, including when the injustice is perpetrated by police.”
Click here to read more about this story and the work of Georgia Innocence Project.
Congratulations to Lauri Stallings for being named one of Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians
Lauri Stallings, the founder of glo Atlanta, was named one of Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians for her work in advancing free cultural services.
The Atlanta Film Society appoints Marguerite Daniel Mancini as Managing Director
The Atlanta Film Society announced that it has appointed Marguerite Daniel Mancini as their new Managing Director. Marguerite, a graduate of Hampton University and Emory Law School, was previously the Business Director for the Atlanta Film Society. She brings over a decade of theater experience to this role with her involvement with Theater of the Stars. Marguerite is a grant panelist for the City of Atlanta and Fulton County, is a member of the 2018 Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta class and is currently on the Advisory Council of the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards. Marguerite’s experience in the creative community will be invaluable as she begins her role with The Atlanta Film Society.
The Atlanta Film Society announced that it has appointed Marguerite Daniel Mancini as their new Managing Director. Marguerite, a graduate of Hampton University and Emory Law School, was previously the Business Director for the Atlanta Film Society. She brings over a decade of theater experience to this role with her involvement with Theater of the Stars. Marguerite is a grant panelist for the City of Atlanta and Fulton County, is a member of the 2018 Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta class and is currently on the Advisory Council of the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards. Marguerite’s experience in the creative community will be invaluable as she begins her role with The Atlanta Film Society.
Atlanta Land Trust Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing Community
On Dec. 1, Atlanta Land Trust (ALT) officially broke ground on a new, permanently affordable townhome community, The Avenue at Oakland City, in Atlanta’s historic Oakland City neighborhood. The project will offer 36 two and three-bedroom townhomes, of which 29 will provide permanently affordable homeownership opportunities to buyers up to 80% AMI and up to 100% AMI through the community land trust model.
Atlanta Land Trust Breaks Ground on New Permanently Affordable Housing Townhome Community in Atlanta’s Oakland City Neighborhood
ATLANTA, Ga. (Dec. 2, 2022) - On Dec. 1, Atlanta Land Trust (ALT) officially broke ground on a new, permanently affordable townhome community, The Avenue at Oakland City, in Atlanta’s historic Oakland City neighborhood. The project will offer 36 two and three-bedroom townhomes, of which 29 will provide permanently affordable homeownership opportunities to buyers up to 80% AMI and up to 100% AMI through the community land trust model.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on the future development site at 1091 Tucker Avenue, just a half mile from the Atlanta BeltLine. Clyde Higgs, President & CEO, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.; Councilman Jason Dozier, City Councilmember, City of Atlanta District 4; Terra Washington, President, Oakland City Community Organization, and other local leaders attended.
“With the support and input from the Oakland City neighborhood and partnerships across public, private, and philanthropic sectors, this project will help mitigate gentrification through a comprehensive equity-driven approach connecting people, places, and quality of life,” said Amanda Rhein, Executive Director at the Atlanta Land Trust. “Through the community land trust model, these homes will remain affordable in perpetuity, creating pathways to homeownership and economic mobility today and for future generations of families where traditional homeownership is out of reach.”
The Avenue at Oakland City marks the first of three projects bringing 90 new quality, energy-efficient, permanently affordable homes to the Oakland City and East Lake neighborhoods. Atlanta Land Trust will begin construction on Phase One of the project immediately. The projects total $36 million of development funded through home sales and $11.2 million of philanthropic investment due to ALT’s successful inaugural capital campaign.
“The Avenue at Oakland City is a testament to the collaboration between private/public partnerships and the community. The tireless work between Amanda Rhein and her team and Oakland City neighbors has paid off 1,000%! Oakland City Community Organization couldn't be more thrilled to welcome this transformative development to Southwest Atlanta,” remarked Washington during Thursday’s event.
Learn more about the Atlanta Land Trust’s 2022 accomplishments and its vision for the future at their annual State of the Organization event on Dec. 14, 2022, and to support the mission of the Atlanta Land Trust.
About Atlanta Land Trust
Atlanta Land Trust (ALT) exists to deliver and steward permanently affordable housing to support inclusive, equitable communities near the Atlanta BeltLine and other targeted areas in Atlanta. As a community land trust, ALT envisions a livable, equitable, and economically viable Atlanta, where historically marginalized populations and communities of color can access and benefit from opportunities and prosper. For more information, visit atlantalandtrust.org.
NBAF Appoints Oronike Odeleye as New Artistic Director
Odeleye brings over 20 years experience as an arts and entertainment administrator specializing in creating meaningful public engagement focused on the art and culture of Africa and the Black Diaspora.
Her diverse career experience, combined with her deep connections within the local and national Black arts community, is an ideal match for the organization as they look to return to larger scale annual and bi-annual programming.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights profiled in November issue of Georgia Trend
Civil rights trails in Georgia help preserve memories from a tumultuous time.
A student perspective on participating with College AIM
Through College AIM, I learned about American University, a private institution, 700 miles away from home. American’s financial aid meets 100% of demonstrated need, which means that the school covers any costs that FAFSA determines I cannot afford. Once I was admitted, American offered me nearly $50,000 in grants and scholarships for my first year, which was more than enough to cover college expenses.
George Staib in VoyageATL
I suppose I can say that my career in dance blindsided me.
I was in all the “geeky” things throughout high school, you know, like marching band, choir, show choir, theater – but never dance. It was an odd turn of events at a fraternity party when a friend asked me to do a duet with her in the dance concert that spring. It was an awful duet – I mean – seriously bad.
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation Partners with Hope Givers
Born This Way Foundation today announced the recipients of their Kindness in Community Fund, a $1,000,000 commitment to support local organizations and their community-led mental health work in coordination with Lady Gaga’s The Chromatica Ball Summer Stadium Tour. Hope Givers, an Emmy® Award-winning youth mental wellness series on Georgia Public Broadcasting and PBS LearningMedia, received a $50,000 grant.
A game plan emerges for Gwinnett Place Mall's rebirth
Ten months after the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District selected a planning firm to lead the 1984 mall’s redo, a polished revitalization strategy dubbed “Gwinnett Place to Be” breaks down how the moribund, vehicle-centric complex could work as a more diversified, dense, and engaging district.
Why Black Leaders Must Read Black Writers
By Charles Stephens
When I founded my nonprofit organization, the Counter Narrative Project (CNP), nearly eight years ago, I searched for information about leadership; I’ve always been a voracious reader, and when faced with a challenge I try to learn as much as possible. At the time, I was rereading the words of James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. But I pivoted to books focused on leadership and management for perspective, if not inspiration.
Hope Givers Wins an Emmy Award
Hope Givers is a show that spotlights hope and resilience across America. Hosted by Tamlin Hall, this uplifting mental wellness series is aligned to Health Education standards nationally for students in grades 6-12.
Congratulations to Hope Givers for winning a Southeast Emmy Award! Hope Givers: They Missed Out on All This won for Outstanding Achievement in Children/Youth/Teen - Long Form Content.
Hope Givers is a show that spotlights hope and resilience across America. Hosted by Tamlin Hall, this uplifting mental wellness series is aligned to Health Education standards nationally for students in grades 6-12. In episode 3, They Missed Out on All This!, actress and model Lily Moore shows how forgiveness is so important - those that are being bullied are taking the brunt from someone else that is struggling in their own way.
Read more at GPB.org/Blogs
Community Farmers Markets (CFM) Article in Saporta Report
Food insecurity, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. In Georgia, according to Feeding America, 12% of the population was considered food insecure in 2019 and that number rose significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, including a 58% increase in food insecurity for children. During the heart of the pandemic, United Way of Greater Atlanta partnered with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to invest significant funds in agencies that were providing emergency food assistance and increasing access to food across the Metro Region. Now that we are no longer on the emergent side of the pandemic, United Way is continuing to focus on ways to improve access to food through investments in Economic Stability through our Basic Needs and Equitable Access pathway.
Amanda Rhein of the Atlanta Land Trust, Inc. featured on WABE's "Closer Look"
Amanda Rhein, the executive director of the Atlanta Land Trust, Inc., and Catherine Woodling, the deputy executive director of the East Lake Foundation, discuss a new land donation aimed at creating more affordable housing in the East Lake community.
Recipients of the 10th Annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities
Congratulations to the recipients of the 10th Annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities.
Community Farmers Markets, 2022 Lady Locavores Celebration
Community Farmers Markets has announced its 2022 Lady Locavores celebration and award nominations. The annual event celebrates and elevates the great work that womxn* are doing in farming, culinary, mixology, and advocacy.
Awards Ceremony: Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 | Full Party: Friday, May 6th, 2022
*Nominations are open to anyone but geared towards celebrating people who identify as womxn in a way that is significant to them, regardless of the gender assigned at birth.