Our articles of the year: a recap of events we covered in 2024
As we prepare for 2025, taking a look back at 2024 is something we do so in as reflective a manner as possible.
All stories, events, and people we cover are newsworthy, and that is why we do what we do. When we reflect on the year, there's always an article or said event which hits a little differently, and in this spirt, we look at an article for each month which helps set the tone regarding things taking place and things for people to think about, especially when it comes to where we live, work, and play.
Ready? If so (or not), here we go, starting with the first quarter of 2024 (January-March):
January 2024: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is a consistent favorite of ours. When it comes to remember his impact, legacy, and reminders of "where do we go (from here?)", there's a solid array of programs and events which provide a balance of looking at the history, present-day, and eyes to the future. We're fortunate to cover the event presented by Poplar Hill Baptist Church (click HERE to read the article) along with reminders for all to heed the call.
February 2024: It is only fitting during Black History Month for something historic to take place, and that is the 2nd annual Pearly Awards (click HERE to read our preview). Presented by Majority Greek Magazine, the event places the spotlight on the community impact of the Divine 9, the collective of Black Fraternities and Sororities (with respective founding years of 1906, 1908, 1911, 1911 (again), 1913, 1914, 1920, 1922, and 1963) who have, are, and continue to be felt across multiple aspects of the public and private sector, let alone life in general. Given their expanded growth to cities across the region and beyond, their presence and impact are here to stay, along with their stories to be told.
March 2024: Women make history daily. And with Women's History Month, Representative Hank Johnson's (GA-04) office make sure to provide a spotlight on their impact in his district and beyond. The Trailblazer Awards provide a tremendous engagement and enrichment opportunity to meet, greet, connect, and support these positive presences in the community, and a reminder that all have the capacity to leave a positive mark in the spaces and places they go (click HERE for our recap).
The second quarter of 2024 (April-June 2024) has its share of memorable events:
April 2024: What do you do when you see a need for community engagement and outreach? You do something constructive, and that's exactly what Urban Design Outreach does via its What Do U Do series. With periodic meetings for entities in and interlocking with DeKalb County (GA), their goal is to connect small and intermediate sized businesses together for collaborative efforts, let alone engage with the larger community to be more aware of the work they are doing (click HERE for our article).
May 2024: The Alphas of Atlanta nonprofit takes a step forward with their 9th annual #AlphaDerbyWeekend. Their Kentucky Derby themed event is one of the largest of its kind, and with a new look including the venue combined with the balance of networking and social events, and even an appearance by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, it continues its tradition as a signature weekend (the first weekend of May). Centered by their focus on expanding their community outreach via this event is more than commendable and an expanded "party with a purpose" (click HERE for our recap). And in 2025, it'll be Year 10 of the event, so stay tuned!
June 2024: Family Food Fest (Atlanta) returns for its 10th year. The Father's Day event provides the community opportunities to connect with a wide array of men who cook (for the love of cooking along with it being what they do business-wise), along with other cooks, caterers, and more. This year takes on a special tone given the passing of its founder and director, Diane Larche; however, her presence, let alone that of the event and its community, continue to burn and shine brightly (click HERE for our article).
As we get into the core summer and early fall months (July-September 2024), we continue to look at a good array of things taking place near and a little further out:
July 2024: In staying consistent with their moniker, the Iconic Iota Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. hosts their inaugural 5k run/walk. What makes this special is the event is done in memory of their recently transitioned member, Angela McGuire Boles, an avid runner and community advocate. As a result of this effort, a scholarship is established in her name/memory to leave a positive legacy of supporting education and an additional means of manifesting their motto of "Greater Service, Greater Progress" (click HERE to read our article).
August 2024: Our travels take us to Hampton, VA as we're a part of the Butterfly Walk via the Social Butterflies Foundation. Held at the Boo Williams Sportsplex, the purpose of the event is to raise awareness and funding to support those living with and through lupus along with fibromyalgia. Thanks to the leadership of Chastity Corbett and a tremendous team of volunteers, support comes from local and state entities, along with members of Congress. Combined with a simultaneous effort in Atlanta via V103 FM, the event looks to expand their reach and providing even broader support (click HERE for our recap).
September 2024: We're able to take note of the renewed efforts of The Velvet Note; in light of challenges post-pandemic, its owner and leader, Tamara Fuller, along with her leadership team, have a renewed energy and spirit in ensuring the venue's present and future. Take note then (click HERE to read our article) and now as they continue to provide an intimate setting for jazz and music lovers across the board.
And then there's the 4th quarter and closing out 2024 (October-December):
October 2024: The creative efforts of #LifeWithShenita continue with the 2nd edition of #AnElegantEveningOfJazz; led by Dr. Shenita Scott, the jazz-themed event does more than provide a stellar musical experience. A portion of the proceeds support select Clayton County (GA) high school jazz and music-related programs, so all can look forward to its 3rd year in 2025 (click HERE to read our recap).
November 2024: The past few months have been a challenge health-wise; however, we've been out and about with our author's talks and book-signings. The time in Jacksonville, FL is significant as it's the first such event done in Florida, and with pending events in Raleigh, NC and more coming up for the beginning of 2025, it's a good time via #AuthorASnorton (click HERE for our article).
December 2024: The holidays, let alone any day, can be a challenge for people, especially when it comes to grief. Thanks to the efforts of Kate's Club, their holiday and year-round programming lends support to youth, pre-teens, teens, adults, families, and more so no one has to grieve alone (click HERE for our article).
Again, there's some tremendous things we've been able to cover this year. Ranging from covering PBR (click HERE) for the 3rd consecutive year, the resignation of Wake Forest football head coach Dave Clawson (click HERE), the ongoing story on ice with the Atlanta Gladiators (and our guest reporter, so click HERE to learn more), we're grateful for what we've done, and we are excited for what lies ahead.
To all, thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting. Take good care and have a good start to 2025!
And we'll see you out there. And soon.
Notes: Make sure to visit our site (click HERE) for our previous, current, and future coverage. Likewise, connect with us via our Linktree (click HERE) for all coverage categories, social media, and related information.
The photos for this article are via asnortonccs (click HERE), EmoryRose Photography (click HERE), Lens2Pens (click HERE), and Wake Forest Football (click HERE).
Comments