AGGRESSIVE STEPS TAKEN TO SAVE ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

City and State Officials Take Action Hoping To Avoid Disaster

An impending showdown continues to loom in Georgia's state capital on Friday.   Even as newly seated governor,  Nathan Deal, signed state bill 79 with bipartisan legislative approval.  The bill gives Atlanta Public Schools Board until July to bring the district into compliance with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) requirements. 

In addition,  the bill also allows the governor to remove school board members if those requirements are not met in July.  The date comes 60 days before final reassessment of the district is scheduled  by SACS late September.

In a statement released Friday from the governor's office, Deal stated, “It is my hope that the district will take the appropriate steps to move forward in order to avoid a sad and embarrassing situation."  By signing the bill, Deal  hopes to to avoid the "horrific consequences" that communities face when schools lose their accreditation. 

Loss of accreditation in a community  is thought to effect residential property values, students educational success, and many other areas.

State officials and Atlanta's mayor, Kasim Reed are voicing their concern following a downgrade by SACS on January 18th, which gave Atlanta Public Schools Board only 9 months to correct deficiencies in six areas. 

Calling it an assessment, Reed  has previously stated that a review in July 2011 was more than fair. "The public deserves to know before the final report is due September 30th, what work we have done to save the accreditation for the city of Atlanta," said Reed. 

Lamenting what a extended probationary period would mean, Reed states, "Right now Clayton County is finishing up a 24 month probationary period.  Can you imagine what would happen if Atlanta loses it's accreditation and has to go through a 24 month process?  That's two years.  That means that this issue would have taken 3 years of the voting public's time."   [It may be acceptable to them] that's not acceptable to me," said Reed.

The mayor continues to be outspoken in his belief that the Atlanta Public Schools Board under the leadership of Chairman Khaatim Sherrer El are incapable of bringing the district in to compliance by September 30th.

On the heels of the passage of state bill 79, Reed is now seeking legislation from the Georgia General Assembly that would temporarily empower him to appoint additional Atlanta Public Schools Board members.   By doing so, the mayor may be attempting to gain control of the nine member board, thereby breaking up a long standing,  five-count controlling vote.

(video courtesy of Lori Moore)

Studies of Hurricane Katrina Coverage Expose Race Disparities

Houston Astrodome
photo courtesy of Lori Moore

Much can be taken away from the article, "Another Disaster:  An Examination of Race in Hurricane Katrina Coverage," in terms of race, class, and stereotyping. 

In the article, several studies accurately conveyed in statistics, the context in which numerous images of African Americans and Anglos had been presented in the aftermath of  Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

In general, African Americans were presented in the negative in contrast to positive images presented for Anglos.  In spite of the negative light in which poor African Americans in New Orleans were cast; I believe that the news media in getting it wrong - actually got it mostly right.  Afterall, should the public expect parity in imagery given the  the massive disparity that exists between the races?

Many of the residents who did not have the financial means to evacuate the city had followed the direction of authorities, and sought shelter with thousands of others in the city's Superdome.   The convergence and eventual abandonment of thousands of stranded and hungry African Americans led the media to cover the stormin ways not fully anticipated.

Soon images of those who were the most devastated  were on every channel and publications.  More often than not African Americans images and stories of devastation
.


Hurricane Katrina Evacuees From Atop
Houston Astrodome - photo courtesy of Lori Moore



 With the veneer of  the touristy Mardi Gras message, "Let The Good Times Roll" pulled back, our country has been forced to address the issue of racial and economic disparity through the lens of a catastrophe - even though the history of a racist past lies just beneath the surface. 

Just as the article states, media not only supplies information to the public, but they also influence the understanding of a subject.  While on one hand the images conveys racism exposed by media, it simultaneously cast the majority of New Orleans Black residents  as unemployed and dependent upon ocial programs. 

One would hope that media's truer objective is served  as the images of suffering Black people serve as a impetus for the Black community, and the country as a whole, to work to improve the condition, of those who need it most.

Hurricane Katrina Evacuee Feeds Her Child.
photo courtesy of Lori Moore

 Indeed, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and subsequent disasters underscores the fact that many in the Black community, are impoverished with few resources.

At the time that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, I was the Manager of Rolling Out's newspaper bureau office in Houston, Tx.  In the chaotic days that ensued after the storm breached the levee walls, many displaced New Orleanians were evacuated by bus to Houston.

In the days that followed, several members of my media organization interviewed and photographed many Hurricane Katrina evacuees as they arrived at Houston's Astrodome and Reliant Center. 

During the six days that I was on the site, I observed many of the 70,000 evacuees as they were processed in for assistance.  All were Black, none were white.  In contrast, those who were providing assistance to the evacuees were a mixture of  service providers, city and county officials, etc. of all races.

That is not to say that Anglos and Gulf state residents of other races did not seek shelter or apply for assistance because they did.  However, seldom were their images published as "passive" participants.
Though fully aware that people of all races and economic classes suffered, I continuously find myself more concerned about Black people more than any others.

Legacy Fountain at Piedmont Park Opens to Cheers




Legacy Fountain, located at the Lower Meadow of The Promenade in Piedmont Park.  
Photo courtesy of Lori Moore



High atop a hillside, an enthusiastic crowd gathered Wednesday with Mayor Kasim Reed in historic, Piedmont Park for the opening of Legacy Fountain.  The opening of a new park fountain and green space may not demand much attention in most cities.  However, in the city of Atlanta, the opening signals Phase One of Piedmont Park's ambitious renovation, expansion and land conservation efforts that extends to the corners of Piedmont and Monroe Streets.

The implementation of the park's long held Master Plan includes Phase One, an addition of 53 acres - a  40 percent increase in size.  By the time Phase Two is completed, the park would have under went millions of dollars in physical improvements and amenities.

"Studies have shown that investment in parks will provide a comparative advantage for the community in attracting future businesses and residents,"said Reed.

Yvonne Bowden, President of Piedmont Park
Conservancy and  Mayor Kasim Reed
photo courtesy of Lori Moore

The mayor applauded Piedmont Park Conservancy's 21 year history, dedicated to "physical improvements in the park."

Under current the leadership of President and CEO, Yvette Bowden, and it's Chairman of Board of Directors, Robert "Bob" Hughes, the organization has successfully raised $35 million dollars in private funds for the Northwoods expansion of the park.

 "The City of Atlanta will continue to support the Piedmont Park Conservancy and their efforts to enhance the park," said Reed.  According to the Mayor, the Conservancy will pay for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the new fountain and green space.


In addition, the Mayor praised the assistance of George Dusenberry, Commissioner of the City of Atlanta's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities, and numerous other partners in attendance that had made the day possible.  Calling the work "extraordinary," the Mayor said,  " You really are making a contribution that is appreciated." 

Built on The Promenade, with it's upper and lower meadows of lush foliage and blooms, Legacy Fountain, "has more than 70 jets that reaches as far as 30 feet in the air and magnificent LED lighting capable of  showcasing more than 1 million lighting configurations," said Reed.  Although it is one of a kind for Atlanta, the interactive fountain will be  a sister to the fountain in Centennial Olympic Park, said the Mayor.

The new fountain overlooks a portion of the Atlanta Beltway Project, "one of my top priorities in the city of Atlanta," said Reed; and is within a  short distance of other recent park amenities, including a 800-space Parking Garage, Aquatic Center, and expanded Dog Park.



 

The Mayor cites the City's ongoing relationship with the Conservancy as an extraordinary example of how public and private partnerships can benefit all involved.  Noting that the partnership, ". . . . . will improve the quality of life for all of our residents," the Mayor continued by saying that the amenities will be around to be enjoyed by future generations.

 



 Robert "Bob" Hughes, Piedmont Park Conservancy,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
photo courtesy of Lori Moore

"We have almost been building this part of the park behind a curtain," said Hughes.   "Nobody has known, [or] seen it -  [they] haven't understood what we were doing," he said.  Hughes is confident that now when people go up on the hillside and look down  they will get a sense of  the bigger idea of what is becoming, an almost completely, new Piedmont Park.

The Conservancy's CEO, Bowden is ecstatic that she had to open the area early due to the response of local citizens who seem to love it.  As a result, The Promenade has opened just in time to accommodate two events; "The 15th Annual Landmark Lunch" on April 28th , and  "The Royal Wedding at Piedmont Park", on April 29th, featuring a celebration and live coverage of the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Bowden anticipates a very busy year as the organization attempts to complete Phase One of the expansion by the end of the year.  Although they have raised a substantial amount in private funds for the expansion, according to Bowden there is still a need for additonal dollars.  

"We have a debt of about $2 million, that will help us start taking care of the expansion area and complete the construction," she said.  In spite of the budgetary shortfall, Bowden is confident in the ability to fund the endeavor and it's timely completion.  "We have the right financing and with pledges, we can be up there [to the corner] and get started on Phase Two," said Bowden.  

She is committed to continuing to following her previous steps of opening pieces as they go along.  "Every little bit that we can open, we are going to open," she said.

Asked about Piedmont Park's involvement with in the Atlanta Beltline Project, Bowden acknowledged that they are part of the planned "Emerald Necklace" of green spaces, parks, and trails that will soon encircle the city.

"I hope that the Atlanta Beltline Project will do what it was intended to do - connect the city with each other, bridge all of the other beautiful parks in the city so [that people will] be able to experience the full breath and beauty of the city through parks, and transportation through access," said Bowden.

Bowden encourages those who wish to get involved through volunteerism or donations to check their website to view the organization's wishlist, that includes:  trashcans, recycling bins, benches, trees, and other items.   She hopes that  many people will come out and enjoy all that the park has to offer.

Experience The Opening of Legacy Fountain at Piedmont Park

Video Courtesy of Lori Moore

When A Picture Is Worth Thousands of Words

When it comes to storytelling, images just seem to be a natural accompaniment
to text and it provides the reader a visual context of the story.  Images serve as a gateway to lead readers into print content.

In today's print and internet media, photos play a huge role in keeping the audience engaged
as they skim or read articles.
In my future journalism projects, I hope to utilize media that would allow the reader to interact and experience the story beyond one level of perception, such as::

• Still Images  - for the obvious visual effects;
• Links - so that I can direct the reader to other websites or sources of information;
• Video - to enhance the story telling; and
• Interview Clips - in order to bring the audible voice of an interviewee who has particularly strong quotes.

Residents and Businesses Welcome Greenspaces in Old 4th Ward



Newly Renovated, Old 4th Ward Park, Phase I
photo courtesy of Lori Moore



Excitement continue to mount since the opening of Phase I  of  The Atlanta Beltline Project's, Old Historic 4th Ward Park on February 22nd. 

The five acre tract located across the street from City Hall East, is the first of 17 acre of land dedicated to park usage in Old 4th Ward.

 A community dedicated to old buildings,  new condos, trendy boutiques, restaurants and bars; the limited greenspace is already grabbing an audience.

Former New Yorker, Mark Penna loves the neighborhood and life in the city.  Since arriving here six years ago, who describes himself and his friends as "park people," who enjoy the outdoors, as as well as, a robust nightlife.  "I can tell that there is definiely a resurgence in the neighborhood," Penna said. 

Living parkside is a dream come true for Mark Penna.
photo courtesy of Lori Moore

A resident of parkside, AMLI 4th Ward Apartments, the new resident states that he purposely moved into the building to be next door  to the park.  "People are moving into apartments these days instead of condo's.  I've already convinced two friends to move here and four others will be moving in soon as well," Penna
continued.

That's good news for city officials who are gambling that   the project will appeal to residents.  The ambitious citywide  touted as ”one of the most comprehensive and sustainable urban redevelopment efforts in the nation, " by  U.S. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan on his recent visit to the capital city.

The Atlanta Beltline Project,  often described as an emerald necklace, is a 21 mile old historic rail corridor that is being reconditioned throungout the city.  Once completed it will connect  neighborhoods through rail or streetcar.  The plan also calls for the creation of affordable housing, road resurfacing, reallocation of land, and the expansion of parks and trails.

Liz and Kevin Snodgrass emjoys a
sunny day at Old 4th Ward Park. 
Photo courtesy of Lori Moore

In contrast to Pena,  young, urban, professionals, Liz and Kevin Snodgrass, spending the after noon sunbathing and reading in the park,  admit that they took a gamble when they purchased their loft three years ago.   "The park had been approved, but initially there was no funding," Kevin stated.   

Overall he believes there has been a great improvement to the neighborhood including security.  "Foot traffic has definitely changed from panhandlers to joggers and my Jeep is no longer broken into weekly," he said.

And it is just that - foot traffic, and the appeal of local residents that manager, Nara Kam is looking for.  Like the local residentsthe manager of  Gekko Sushi, is also excited about the new greenspaces in the neighborhood.  "I know that with parks and development, always comes more people and business," Kam said. 

Opened just two months, the  new restaurant has already become a favorire eatery and drinking establishment."I really appreciate the support of the Old Fourth Ward Alliance, because they keep businesses and residents informed of everything going on here, "she said.