- Created on 22 January 2013
Freedom Wright Named Allstate Give Back Day Hero
Allstate Insurance Company has announced that Freedom Wright of Atlanta has been named a 2013 Allstate Give Back Day Hero. For the fifth consecutive year, Allstate Insurance Company is honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through Allstate Give Back Day, a national program that encourages individuals across the country to volunteer.
This year, actress and volunteer enthusiast Keshia Knight Pulliam has partnered with Allstate to help launch the program and recognize Wright and the three other selfless African-American heroes who dedicate their time and efforts to making a positive impact in their communities.
A former foster child, Wright is a high school senior from Atlanta who knows what it means to wonder how she will get her next meal or clothes. That's one reason why the 17-year-old, who was adopted at the age of 4, decided to help other children living in the foster care system by holding "Free Your Mind" backpack drives benefiting foster children in her area. Wright's goal is to not only raise awareness of older children living in foster care, but also to encourage Atlanta's youth to volunteer.
To help further this effort, Wright also speaks to community groups about the foster care experience. Wright has earned the Presidential Service Award the past four years for her efforts as a regular volunteer at The Atlanta Community Food Bank, The Atlanta Fulton County Library and St. Francis Table, a soup kitchen in Atlanta that feeds the homeless.
"Freedom Wright is an outstanding individual who keeps Dr. King's legacy alive through her unwavering devotion to bettering the greater Atlanta community," said Vicky Dinges, vice president of public social responsibility for Allstate. "Each of our heroes has truly made a commitment to community service, and we hope that their dedication will serve as motivation for others to give back on MLK Day and every day."
As part of their recognition, the heroes will attend The King Center's "Salute to Greatness" Awards in Atlanta on Jan. 19, 2013. In addition, Allstate will be making a $2,500 donation on behalf of Wright to the charity organization of her choice.
- Created on 21 January 2013
Walmart Opens New Store in Historic Westside Village
Residents of Historic Westside Village are invited to the new Walmart store, which opens immediately following a 7:30 a.m., grand-opening celebration Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 835 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The new store brings approximately 150 new jobs to the area and opportunities for savings for customers. It will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
Mayor Kasim Reed and community officials will be on-site for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 23. The Washington High School band will perform the national anthem. The Rev. Kenny Alexander from the Antioch Urban Ministries will lead the invocation.
Customers are encouraged to come to the store on Wednesday to take advantage of a wide variety of events and promotions, including product samplings and giveaways from companies such as Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay and Nestle.
Kellogg's will be giving away cereal bowls and Sara Lee will be handing out loaves of bread. Throughout the weekend, the Oscar Mayer weiner mobile will be on hand and Cross Mark will be grilling steaks for sampling. All events are family-friendly, free and open to the public.
"My team and I are thrilled to have this opportunity to serve as good stewards of the community," said store manager Quincy L.A. Springs, IV. "We are excited to provide groceries, produce, and general merchandise to our community so they can save money and live better."
The new store features a wide assortment of merchandise, including:
• Family apparel
• Health and beauty aids
• Electronics
• Toys
• Jewelry
• Automotive products
• Home furnishings
• Hardware
• Sporting goods
• Pet supplies
• Housewares
The grocery area will include a wide selection of fresh produce, including a variety of ethnic products. Other features include a bakery, meat and dairy products, dry goods and staples, beverages, beer and wine, a deli, frozen foods, canned and packaged goods, baking items and household supplies.
The pharmacy will offer a full range of products and services to support the health and wellness of customers and their families. The pharmacy team can answer questions and offer health and wellness solutions. They can also assist customers who wish to transfer their prescriptions to Walmart.
As customers enter the store, a mural of photos depicting local civil rights leaders and the history of the community can be seen.
Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer's ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. As part of Walmart's commitment to the communities in which it operates, grants will be given throughout the year.
- Created on 18 January 2013
Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis to Discuss ‘Thug Life’
The Davis Bozeman Law Firm, in collaboration with the Auburn Avenue Research Library, will host "The Consequences of Thug Life: To Be A Thug Or To Be Brave," facilitated by Criminal Defense/Trial Attorney Mawuli Mel Davis on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Auburn Avenue Research Library.
The library is located at 101 Auburn Avenue, N.E. in Atlanta.
The "Consequences of Thug Life: To Be A Thug Or To Be Brave" presentation was developed after Davis witnessed the increase in youth that come from "good families" going to prison because they have bought into the glamorization of being a "thug."
This multimedia presentation uses hip-hop music, images, and clips to engage youth in a thought-provoking discussion. This solution based workshop provides attendees a strong sense of self-identity, self-worth, and responsibility to the community.
This dynamic and energetic workshop uses positive affirmations and creative teaching tools to inspire young people to be "brave enough" to be themselves. This discussion is a penetrating examination of what manhood has been "reduced to" in many communities of color.
- Created on 20 January 2013
Lady Yellow Jackets' Jackson Named ACC Rookie of The Week
Georgia Tech women's basketball freshman Brittany Jackson was named the ACC's Rookie of the Week for her performance in two conference games last week. It is the second time this season Jackson has earned the conference award.
Jackson led the Lady Yellow Jackets with an average of 20.0 points per game last week and scored a game-high 20 points in both the Jackets' games against Virginia and at North Carolina (No.11). In total, she scored a total of 40 points in only 53 minutes of action during the week and made nine 3-pointers. She was 6-of-7 from the free throw line, to go with eight rebounds, three assists and a team-best five steals.
Against the Cavaliers, Jackson came off the bench for 20 points on 7-of-19 shooting and tied her career-high with five 3-pointers in only 27 minutes. At North Carolina, Jackson scored 20 points in 26 minutes on 5-of-14 shooting, including four 3-pointers.
"Brittany Jackson is very deserving of being named "ACC Rookie of the Week," head coach MaChelle Joseph said. "She has been an impact freshman and earned the opportunity she has been given. I am very proud of her work ethic and desire to get better.
Jackson was also named ACC Rookie of the Week Nov. 19 after leading Tech to wins over Kennesaw State and Marquette. That week she averaged 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 45 percent from the floor and 66.7 percent from 3-point range.
- Created on 18 January 2013
Federal Benefit Recipients Must Switch to Direct Deposit by March 1
The US Department of the Treasury recently reported that 5 million checks continue to be mailed to federal beneficiaries each month. With just two months remaining until the March 1 electronic payment law goes into effect, the Treasury Department is urging Social Security and other federal benefit recipients to not delay and switch now to either direct deposit or the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card.
"Choosing direct deposit or the Direct Express® card makes it easier, safer and more convenient for beneficiaries to receive their payments. Switching to an electronic payment is not optional – it's the law," said David Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service. "If you or a loved one still receive paper checks for your benefit payments, now is the time to switch. It's free and easy – just call 1-800-333-1795 or visit www.GoDirect.org."
Converting the remaining paper check recipients to electronic payments will save American taxpayers $1 billion over the next 10 years.
The Treasury Department published a final rule in December 2010 to gradually phase out paper checks for federal benefit payments. Since May 1, 2011, all people newly applying for federal benefits, including Social Security, SSI, Veterans Affairs, Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Personnel Management benefits and other non-tax payments, have had to choose direct deposit or the Direct Express® card at the time they sign up for their benefits. March 1, 2013, is the final deadline by which all remaining federal benefit check recipients must receive their money electronically.
Check recipients can sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express® card by calling toll-free 1-800-333-1795, visiting www.GoDirect.org, or talking to their local federal paying agency office. The process is fast, easy and free.
• By taking a few minutes to gather the necessary information ahead of time, most federal benefit recipients can sign up for electronic payments with one phone call.
• Individuals will need their Social Security number or claim number, their 12-digital federal benefit check number and the amount of their most recent federal benefit check. If choosing direct deposit, recipients also will need their financial institution's routing transit number, (often found on a personal check) account number and account type (checking or saving).
• There are no sign-up fees or monthly fees to receive benefits electronically.
