Church - Overground RR!!
Transcription
Church - Overground RR!!
THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 ORR!! BUSINESS DIRECTORY www.overgroundrr.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® THE CONDUCTOR Pages 13-15 The Official Newspaper of The Overground RR!!® VOLUME 10 No. 3 The ORR WORSHIP centers Anointed Word Evangelistic Tabernacle Anointed Vision of Hope Antioch AME Church Ariel Bowen United Methodist Church The Ark of Salvation The B.J. Holland Institute of Ministry Believers’ Bible Christian Church Ben Hill Christian Church Ben Hill UMC Bethesda Cathedral of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Big Bethel AME Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church Boatrock Baptist Church Butler Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Camy Arnett Ministries Calvary Baptist Church Calvary United Methodist Church Cascade United Methodist Church Chapel of Christian Love Christian Fellowship Baptist Church Chosen Generation C.O.G.I.C. Clarkston First Baptist Church Columbia Drive United Methodist Church Community Church of God Covenant Christ Ministry Covenant Ministries DaySpring International Ministries, Inc. Dodd-Sterling UMC East Atlanta Church Ebenezer Baptist Church Elizabeth Baptist Church Emmaus Road Missionary Baptist Church The Enon Church Evangelistic New Life Worship Center Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. First AME Church First Congregational Church First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church First Iconium Baptist Church First Victory Baptist Church Friendship Community Church Grace Community Fellowship Church Greater Mount Carmel AME Greater Mountain Baptist Church Greater New Life Baptist Church Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church Greenforest Community Baptist Church Headland Heights UMC Highly Favored Ministries Hillside International Truth Center, Inc. Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Hopewell MBC Impact! Doing Church Differently International Christian Fellowship Jackson Memorial Baptist Church Joshua Generation Ministries International, Inc. Journey of Faith Church The Kingdom of God Evangelistic Outreach Ministry Liberty International Ministries Life Changing Ministries Life Line Church Light of the World Christian Tabernacle Lindsay Street Baptist Church Love Circle Truth Center Love Life Christian Fellowship Church The Lutheran Church of the Atonement Midway Missionary Church Miracles, Miracles and More Miracles Mishpochah Congregation Mission On The Move Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Welcome Missionary Baptist Church Muhammed’s Mosque No. 15 New Beginnings Ministries New Fountain Worldwide Ministries New Jerusalem Baptist Church New Jerusalem Worship Center International New Life Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. Omega Holiness Church Poplar Springs Baptist Church Powerhouse of Deliverance Cathedral Providence Missionary Baptist Church Pure Praises Ministries Ray Of Hope Christian Church Redemptive Life Christian Fellowship Church Rehoboth Christian Center International Restoration Tabernacle, Inc. Salem Bible Church Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church St James Missionary Baptist Church St. John Missionary Baptist Church St. Mark AME Church St. Mark Lutheran Church St. Paul AME Church St. Philip AME Church St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church The True Light Baptist Church Transform Lives Christian Church Trinity Tabernacle Baptist Church Turner Chapel AME Church Victory Cathedral Church of God in Christ West End Seventh-Day Adventist Wheat Street Baptist Church Woods Memorial Baptist Church Word of Faith Love Center Word of God Ministries World Covenant Christian Center Zion Hill Baptist Church 3rd Qtr. 2015 The Call and the Response Wow!!! HealthFest 360! ABOVE ALL THINGS MINISTRY “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” - III John 1:2 Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, Emmy-nominated multi-gifted national television personality, host of SisterTalk and founder of The Judge Penny Brown Reynolds Foundation Inc. energizes the audience as she emphasizes the importance of spiritual health at the ORR!!’s 1st Annual HealthFest 360 at Greenbriar Mall. A m I really healthy if I am not healthy physically, mentally, s o c i a l l y, s p i r i t u a l l y, a n d financially? Of course not!! She’d gotten lost spiritually which then caused bad social choices. So, ultimately the spiritual and social diseases resulted in her death. HealthFest 360 took place on October 10, 2015 at Greenbriar Mall. It was a celebration for and promotion of Total Health and well-rounded living. Enjoy photos and videos of the event at Facebook.com/OvergroundRR and at HealthFest.org. Hear SisterTalk host Judge Penny Brown Reynolds’ amazing story of overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles as she encourages our women to become spiritually and physically healthy. See pages 6-7 for more pictorial highlights of this great event. In furtherance of the OvergroundRR!!’s mission of changing the economic landscape of the Black community, the ORR’s more than 100 churches, 160 businesses, and 40 community organizations are now mobilizing the community to become serious about what it really means to be HEALTHY. HealthFest 360 showed that the community is ready to really get serious. The ORR!! churches, businesses, and community organizations recognize that while we must improve our economic plight, it will do little good if we are diseased physically, mentally, socially or spiritually. It is like putting millions of dollars in a pocket with a hole in it. We lost a princess of our people in Whitney Houston. According to all reports she had no physical, mental or financial deficiencies. ORR!!® In 2016, look for our new Health section in The Conductor Newspaper which will create awareness of health-related issues that impact our communities most. Now of course we must never lose focus of the primary mission of the ORR!! After having gotten us off the back of the bus, into the front doors of stores, restaurants and hotels, into jobs and careers we could not previously have hoped to have, Dr. King told us that the next leg of the freedom journey is building our own economy. (Listen to the video at www.Marching2March.org) WE (You and I) must make the necessary changes in our lives so that we can enjoy TOTAL HEALTH! Join the OvergroundRR!! GET ON BOARD!! Community Income Spending Comparison Ethnicity Population Amt Spent (billions) Bus. Revenues (billions) Percent of Amount Blacks 39,472,041 $ 910 $ 136 15% Hispanics 48,232,635 $ 978 $ 350 36% Asians 14,506,692 $ 509 $ 506 99% Whites 244,493,339 $ 9,125 $ 24,061 263% Source: The Selig Center of the University of Georgia 2008. This study is conducted every 10 years. A•L•L•I•A•N•C•E•S 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. • 100 Black Women of Atlanta • Advocacy for Seniors, LLC • African American Philharmonic Orchestra All Empowered Inc. American Kidney Services • Americolor Opera Alliance • Atlanta Be Someone • Atlanta Business League • Atlanta Citizen Review Board • Atlanta Urban League Beverly Cunniningham Outreach Program • City of Atlanta, Minority Business Opportunities • Cleveland Ave Roy L. Yancy, Sr. Public Library • Community Teen Coalition, Inc. • Concerned Black Clergy • FACAA • Fulton County Workforce Development • GABEO • Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce • Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda • Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition • Girl Scout Troop 9216 • Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance • Greater Works, Inc. • Habesha Inc. Healing Arts A-Z • Highly Favored Ministries • Home Based Business • Chamber of Commerce House of Restoration, Inc. • Investment Atlanta, Inc. • Making The Transition, Inc. • MACEO’s Kids Foundation • Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, Inc. Metropolitan Atlanta Violence Prevention Partnership (MAVPP) • Mother Dillard’s Village of Hope, Inc. • NAACP of Georgia • National Action Network National Stylist Association • Ropheka Rock of the World, Inc. • Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center Satcher Health Leadership Institute • SCLC Show and Prove Youth Organization • Soul Food Museum • South Fulton Business Coalition The B-Aware Foundation • The Spirit of Sweet Auburn • True Dreams Showcase • Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture • United Negro College Fund • University Community Academy • WAIN.TV Wellcare of Georgia • Wholistic Stress Control Institute, Inc (WSCI) 1 THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Letter From the Chairman Black Family Finances: Black Families Need More Jobs and Money Aaron Turpeau ORR Chairman A fter giving some real thought to this topic including “saving, budgeting, investments, living below your joint income, private vs. public schools etc.” the answer surfaced again: Black Families need more jobs and money. Black Family Finances are tied directly to The Stadium, The Beltway, The Transportation Bill, development of Buckhead, all development north of I-20, and lack of development south of I-20. We must understand that 66% of employees working for business reflect the race of the owners of that business. If Blacks are not getting the public nor private business opportunities, Black families are fighting over 34% of the job with all other minorities. Too often the push for more Black business opportunities on local, state, church and college projects are seen as benefits for the particular Black business person. The truth is Black firms Inside this issue... The Call and Response ...................................... 1 Letter from the Chairman..................................... 2 OvergroundRR!!® Pulpit........................................ 3 Arts, Gospel, Entertainment, Sports.................... 4 Business in the Black............................................4 Black Business Month / M2M Message from the Chief Convener…………...…. 5 Commerce referred to as “The Atlanta Way”. This was where the majority of the leaders respected and supported Joint Ventures and Affirmative Actions. Now, no Black or White leader pushes very loud for any equalization plan. More on that topic later. “Black Family Finances are tied directly to The Stadium, The Beltway, The Transportation Bill, development of Buckhead, all development north of I-20, and lack of development south of I-20.” So today’s answer to how to improve Black Family Finances: begin having a normal conversation More money to black businesses about black family finances such from all these development projects as “saving, budgeting, retirement, so Black families have more jobs and money. homes, etc.”. hire more black people, so we need to wake up and demand more opportunities be shared with Black businesses. Once our Black community obtains a constant revenue stream (not welfare), we There used to be a common theme can open more businesses in our in Atlanta carried out by local community, add more jobs and government and the Chamber of Memorial Tribute The ORR!!® welcomes new members... Businesses On October 21, 2015, Rev. T. Allen McNair, Sr., Senior Pastor & Founder of Believers’ Bible Christian Church was laid to rest. “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21 Alliances Advocacy for Seniors, LLC Highly Favored Ministries Wellcare of Georgia Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, Inc. (MGBA, Inc.) Satcher Health Leadership Institute Wholistic Stress Control Institute, Inc (WSCI) Thanks for getting aboard … Congratulations to Long-time ORR!!® Member William T. Parker, The Wealth Engineer®! The OvergroundRR!!® congratulates William T. Parker, The Wealth Engineer® on his book “How Did You Get Here?: One Black Man’s Journey through White Corporate America.” Purchase your copy today on www.amazon.com! OvergroundRR!! Events 1st Annual HealthFest 360…………...…...........6-7 ORR!! Sign Unveiling and Open House................7 SisterTalk Conference 2015 THE CONDUCTOR STAFF Judge Penny Brown Reynolds...............................8 Business Publisher Overground RR!!® President H.J.A. Alexander Capitol City Bank and Trust Company.............…. 9 Q & A with SBA GA District Director Terri Denison.....10 Business Directory......................................... 13-15 Communications Manager Kimberly Sheffield Church Videographer/Photography Vince Bailey Productions Church Station Conductors...…..………........16-18 West End Seventh Day Adventist Church...........19 Cascade United Methodist Church..............................20 National Baptist Congress...................................21 Community Concerned Black Clergy.................................22-23 Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, Inc.............24 Carver College.....................................................25 Women2Women Conference 2015 Women2Women Conference 2015......................26 2 Design/Graphics Larry M. Newton Administrative Coordinators Vivian Benjamin/Juanita Love The Conductor is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art, and photographs. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Overground RR!!® or any member other than the author expressing them. For more information contact: The Overground RR!!® Connecting Churches, Businesses and the Black Community for Unity and Prosperity (404) 346-0808 www.OvergroundRR.com www.Marching2March.org THE POWER TO PRODUCE WEALTH IN OUR COMMUNITY IS THROUGH SPIRIT-BASED COLLABORATION Creating Economic Power in Our Community • Business Directory • Jobs in the Community Consumer Satisfaction • Church Centers for Business Referrals • Business/Consumer Accountability Membership Benefits • Email Newsletter • Referral Service • Arbitration of Disputes THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 ORR!! Pulpit ® Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® www.overgroundrr.com Overground RR!! Pulpit ® Host Pastor Pastor Emeritus, Providence Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley In Memory of “The Emanuel 9”, the Overground RR would like to share a beautiful litany filled with hope written by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, inspired by the tragic and senseless murders in Charleston, SC. The litany was recited in AME churches all across America. The Doors of the Church are Still Open A Litany by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, June 21, 2015 Leader: “The doors of the Church are open” is an announcement made at nearly every service. It was regularly spoken at Emanuel Church of Charleston, known to us as the “Mother” of African Methodism in the Deep South. As members of the AME Family, we feel a connection with the Connection, even on Father’s Day, and today our proud connection is more keenly felt. People: O God, “The doors of the Church are still open.” Leader: Hate and Evil - armed and dangerous - came to an intergenerational Bible Study and Prayer Meeting Wednesday night at Mother Emanuel, accompanied by unfathomable horror, leaving a trail of blood and hurt across the African Methodist Connection, Charleston and the world. People: O God, “the doors of the church are still open,” and still we believe that “We sorrow not as those who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Leader: The “Emanuel Nine” had names - and families, and lives, and careers, and places to go and things to do. They were colleagues, friends and kin: the Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney (41), the Rev. Daniel “Super” Simmons (74), the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45), Brother Tywanza Sanders (26), Sister DePayne Middleton Doctor (49), Sister Cynthia Hurd (54), Sister Myra Thompson (59), Sister Ethel Lance (70), and Sister Susie Jackson (87). Then pure evil showed up at Bible Study and turned their lives to past tense, and our lives to turmoil, and made an infamous name for himself. People: O God, “The doors of the church are still open,” and we affirm Your Word that “Perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18) Leader: Our faith will not be stolen, even by violence as heinous as the assassination of nine innocent people, and the terror that left bodies wounded and souls injured among those who survived the attack. People: O God, “The doors of the church are still open,” and “our faith looks up to Thee” and “will not shrink though pressed by every foe.” Leader: The evil one wanted a race war, instead there came an outpouring of love, sympathy and tears from white people; fervent prayers offered for him by Black people. With shock and anger still wafting in the air, family members amazingly spoke words of forgiveness, and the community sang together and spoke of hope. We have learned at least this much in our walk with God in Christ: “Unmerited suffering is still redemptive.” People: O God, “The doors of the church are still open,” and we affirm Word of Christ, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27b) Leader: While we are called to a heightened sense of vigilance to protect the lives of those who walk through “open doors” to find an open Altar, and to worship and study in peace, we will encourage ourselves in the Word of God, in fellowship, sharing our mutual woes and joys. People: Holy God, amid so much sorrow and so many questions, we affirm Your Word, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.” Heroes and Sheroes of the Church Deacon Oliver & Deaconess Alice Davis Overseer Deacon Oliver & Deaconess Alice Davis have been members of Emmaus Rd. Missionary Baptist Church since 2002. Deacon Davis was ordained as a deacon on 12/7/04 along with the installation of his wife as a deaconess under the leadership of Rev. Dr. David R. Scott the first pastor of Emmaus Rd. Missionary Baptist Church. Upon his passing in Sept. of 2012, we continued to do the work of the Lord. In May of 2013, Rev. Sedrick L. Hamner became the Pastor of the Emmaus Rd. Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, we continue to do the best we can to help to make his vision what God wants it to be. We attend Bible Study, Sunday School and Sunday morning worship service faithfully and also work on the Kitchen Ministry. We love our church and Pastor Hamner. Overseer Cynthia and Bishop Eddie Andrews, CEO and Bishop of Mission on the Move Ministries, Inc. Overseer and Bishop Andrews have devoted over 25 years in outreach ministry and nearing 20 years working their own organization and ministry. Since its conception and reorganizing in 2001, Mission on the Move Ministries, Inc. has offered programs, events, and resources to the disenfranchised, poverty level children and families and senior citizens. These works and efforts have been accomplished and amassed through Overseer Andrews. She has cared for and serviced the less fortunate for several years in the Greater Atlanta Area and surrounding communities carrying the majority of the financial load upon her back as well as the Bishop’s. Overseer Andrews has not received a salary for her work and job since it has started but that hasn’t stopped her yet. Like her Mission, she’s still on the move and we want to spotlight, thank, and appreciate her for all of her hard work, dedication and supplication. Bishop Eddie Andrews also dedicates his time as well as his personal paycheck to the mission. They’ve been going long and strong and their not done yet! 3 A.G.E.S. 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Arts Arts Gospel Entertainment Sports THE CONDUCTOR AGES is the section of The Conductor that is directed towards highlighting Arts, Gospel, Entertainment and Sports activities and events taking place within the ® Officialand Publication of the or Overground RR!! African-American community; specifically featured presented within the Metropolitan Atlanta area. To learn how your church, business or organization can get involved, please contact The Overground RR!!® office at 404-346-0808. Congratulations Kenny Leon! Kenny Leon to Direct Live Version of The Wiz for NBC in December Kenny Leon, will be directing a live action version of a Broadway show for NBC, which has become a fan favorite tradition these last years with The Sound of Music and Peter Pan. Now our very own Kenny Leon will be next, directing a live version of The Wiz teaming up with Cirque du Soleil. Gospel Concerned Black Clergy Weekly Community Forums: Every Monday at 9:30 AM, you are invited to share in one of the most insightful and informative community forums in Metropolitan Atlanta. The forums are held at the Vicars Community Center at 838 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30310. Concerned Black Clergy Monthly Clergy Luncheon: The Concerned Black Clergy would like to invite all clergy to the Clergy Empowerment Luncheons held every 4th Thursday of each month. These luncheons are designed to equipment clergy with vital information provided from selected professionals and experts in the areas of economic development, education, finances, health, community enhancement and spiritual awareness. Entertainment JUDGE PENNY Presents: A Black & White Affair MAZE Featuring Frankie Beverly Tickets starting at $45 | Saturday November 14, 2015, 8:00 PM | DOORS OPEN AT 7PM GEORGIA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337 18 and over www.ticketalternative.com Sports Statue Unveiled Honoring 11-time All-Star Dominique Wilkins In March of this year, the Atlanta Hawks unveiled a large 13½ foot bronze statue with a granite base of franchise legend Dominique Wilkins at Philips Arena. Wilkins, an 11-time All-Star known affectionately among Hawks fans as the “Human Highlight Film,” holds the franchise record for points (23,292) and games played (882) over his 11½-season tenure in Atlanta. One of the NBA’s more dynamic dunkers, Wilkins was the centerpiece of a Hawks team that won at least 50 games over four consecutive seasons in the 1980s In 2000, Wilkins joined the Hawks in an official capacity as the special assistant to the organization’s executive vice president. In 2004, Wilkins was named vice president of basketball, where he has often represented the organization in the public sphere and performed various ambassadorial functions. Photo taken by Gregory Shamus/NBAE/Getty Images After being diagnosed with diabetes, Dominique has become an active member in the diabetes community in hopes of educating and raising awareness about the disease. Twanda Black of KISS 104.1 FM Radio Business in the Black I n 2012, Devin Robinson (known to many as Professor Devin), founded Urban Business Institute to assist urban entrepreneurs develop their ideas or improve their businesses through the company’s Small Business Academy. Robinson says that he also started UBI as a resource for individuals who need assistance in running a successful business without being subjected to the lengthy process of college and for those who have no access to college. What’s so important about the Urban Business market? “The urban business market is filled with consumers who have the disposable income and the creativity to succeed in business, however, the statistics show an unfair balance in the lack of business ownership”, said Robinson. In 2013 the academy received a grant from the Obama’s Administration federal Economic Development Agency to train small businesses in disaster areas and has since trained thousands of student entrepreneurs and is now available in 14 4 SOS for the Urban Business Owner cities across the United States and Caribbean. Robinson has launched the Small Business Academy enrolling classes in Atlanta, Detroit, Charlotte, Cleveland, Fort Washington, MD. Los Angeles, Miami, Richmond and Virginia Beach. To date, Professor Devin and Beauty Supply Institute has opened over 70 black-owned beauty supply stores and have generated over $13 Million in revenues for urban communities. He continues to serve as the CEO and Program Director of Beauty Supply Institute (www.BeautySupplyInstitute. com) and Urban Business Institute (www. UrbanBusinessInstitute.com) and he teaches over 100 students every semester in his business & economics courses as an adjunct professor. He is a former entrepreneurial columnist for billionaire Bob Johnson’s websitewww.OppsPlace.com and a former 7-year columnist for Pulitzer prize-winning Daily News newspaper. Devin Robinson aka Professor Devin Black Business Month Marching2March THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® (website: www.Marching2March.org) A Message from The Chief Convener Money and Vacations: Statistics show that an overwhelming majority of African-Americans never take a vacation. The number one reason they give is lack of money. H Rev. Timothy McDonald, III “For more than 40 years, I have operated under the 10-10-80 Plan. What I mean by this is my first 10% I give to God; my second 10% I give to myself, and I live off the 80%. Too many African Americans are trying to live above their means, and therefore we are consumed by debt and ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’.” ave you ever considered the fact that there are more scriptures that deal with property and money than there are that deal with love, faith, hope and forgiveness, combined? A close examination of the parables of Jesus will demonstrate that 70% of the parables are related to property and money. The bible has a lot to say about how we should relate to money and property. The Bible is also clear that money is not evil, it is the love of money that is evil. It is when money and the pursuit of it becomes the most important thing in our lives. All work is honorable work. However, working just so that one can be able to pay one’s bills is not honorable -- nor is it God’s intent for your life. The scriptures say that you shall have life and that you shall have it more abundantly. Statistics show that an overwhelming majority of African-Americans never take a vacation. The number one reason they give is lack of money. I suspect that this is true in far too many cases. We work and work and work so that we can pay mortgage, rent, car notes, buy clothes, eat out, and spend our lives keeping up with the Joneses. For more than 40 years, I have operated under the 10-10-80 Plan. What I mean by this is my first 10% I give to God; my second 10% I give to myself, and I live off the 80%. Too many African Americans are trying to live above their means, and therefore we are consumed by debt and ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’. We are too busy trying to impress people that we don’t even like and look prosperous to people we don’t even care about. All work and no play is not good for the Spirit, the Mind, nor the Body. Every person, every couple, every family needs to find time for a vacation. It is NOT about how much money you make. It is about what you do with the money you make. How do you manage the money you make? but they don’t know it. Your body At the end of the day, it is about will speak to you if you just listen. SAVING. Besides getting away from daily stressors, a vacation often gives you I got my first job when I was just ten the opportunity to catch up on sleep years old, shining shoes in a barber and exercise and just rest. Many shop. Both my parents taught me family situations can be changed to NEVER spend everything that and enhanced when all parties are you make. My parents, especially rested and balanced. Given our daily my father taught me to always routines, it is sometimes difficult for put something aside out of every us to just take that walk, or watch paycheck. I have done this all my that movie, or find that 30 minutes life and I have never missed a for exercise, or just do nothing. family vacation, nor have I ever There is a direct correlation between missed a vacation with my wife. our spiritual well-being and our It is important that we “Teach Our physical well-being. Dollars Some $Cents” and that means taking care of yourself and The fourth benefit of a vacation is your family!!! Vacations can be how a good vacation strengthens extremely affordable if they are family ties. I am a firm believer that planned, budgeted, and researched. nothing benefits a family, nothing brings a family together like a good Allow me to share with you five vacation. Too often, in our fast-paced benefits of a vacation. As a Pastor, daily routines, family relationships I encounter people who always suffer. Family vacations help with appear to be stressed out. Too spiritual bonding. There was a many people are stressed, but they time when we spent time together don’t know that they are stressed. as a family on a daily basis. Now The very first benefit of leaving each family member goes his/her everything behind and relieving on way. We no longer eat together your brain of all your worries is and we rarely watch TV together. reduced stress. We go on vacations In fact, there is very little that to get away, and to not think about family does together anymore. problems or work and negative Therefore in order to strengthen situations. Relief from stress often ties, a family should plan an annual gives us a new perspective on life, family vacation. In most cases, it is allows us to regain energy and just not about money, it is about the will to feel better. and determination to invest in it. Secondly, a vacation can improve your mental skills. It is very difficult to think logically and reasonably when you mind is not all there. Some studies have found a positive relationship between vacations and intellectual functions. A wellrested mind that is free of worry is often more effective. Sometimes our thoughts seem cloudy and not quite all there and walking along a beach, and lying beside a pool or just enjoying God’s creation can do wonders for the mind. Finally, the fifth benefit is just to enjoy life. We were not put here just to work and earn. We were also put here to enjoy God’s creation. God gave us this big, beautiful, diverse world for our enjoyment. Stop just dreaming about a vacation, and start planning, researching and saving for it. Anything in life worth doing has a cost associated with it, so start today. Life is too short and we cannot afford to wait until we retire to take those vacations we have long dreamed about. No man knoweth the hour when the Son of Thirdly, no one can deny the impact Man shall come, so why not start that a vacation has on one’s physical today planning your next vacation? health. Some people are just tired, 5 3rd Qtr. 2015 OvergroundRR!! Events www.overgroundrr.com THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® The OvergroundRR!! Hosts 1st Annual HealthFest 360 at Historic Greenbriar Mall! A TLANTA, OCTOBER 10TH - High Energy! Inspirational Testimonies! Great Information! The ORR!! hosted its first HealthFest 360 at Historic Greenbriar Mall, located at 2841 Greenbriar Pkwy., Atlanta, GA 30331. The high-spirited HealthFest 360 event included over 25 vendors, several health screeners, educational information and more than 20 dynamic speakers who encouraged attendees to strive for physical, mental, spiritual, social and financial health. The OvergroundRR!! thanks all vendors, screeners, speakers, attendees, supporters and Greenbriar Mall for helping to make this event a success. We look forward to hosting this great event next year! Rev. Frank Brown, President, Concerned Black Clergy and Pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Patrina King, Golf Women Mean Business, LLC 6 Deborah McClary, Urban League of Greater Atlanta Dave Walters, Comprehensive Expense Planning, LLC Dr. Kisha Holden, M.S.C.R., Interim Director Satcher Health Leadership Institute Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavorial Sciences, Morehouse School of Medicine The Atlanta Black Nurses Association conducted blood pressure screenings Wellness Walk Leader Carolyn Hartfield, Lifestyle Management, LLC Doug Barron, The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance Ronnie Kendrick, Wellcare Health Plans THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® OvergroundRR!! Events 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com The OvergroundRR!! Hosts Momentous Sign Unveiling and Open House The ORR!! proudly unveils historic sign and its new “Grand Central Station” office location to its membership, supporters and the community. The Diabetes Association DeAndre Holt, Publicist for Senator Charles Walker Dr. Johnson, Standard of Care Psychological Services Tracey Bailey, Stella Shampoo Products ORR!! President Herald Alexander and Communications Manager Kimberly Sheffield proudly unveil the new sign. Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, Pastor Emeritus of Providence Missionary Baptist Church delivers prayer dedication. Yvette Pegues, M.ED., Ms. Wheelchair USA 2014-2015 Your Invisibility Disability Group Esther Green, Fulton County Mission Group ATLANTA, APRIL 30, 2015 – The ORR!! officially introduced its “Grand Central Station” located at 3076 Campbellton Rd., SW, Atlanta, GA 30311. ORR!! members including community organizers, business owners, pastors, long-time supporters and ORR!! staff members gathered at 12 Noon sharp on this beautiful Spring day to witness the unveiling of this historic sign. The event was emceed by Vince “The Voice” Bailey, who created a magnetic atmosphere with his energetic introductions of the ceremony speakers and guests. Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley, Pastor Emeritus of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, delivered an impassioned opening speech to kick off the ceremony. Mr. Aaron Turpeau, the ORR!! Chairman, gave the goahead to unveil the sign as the crowd erupted in applause. Rev. Reginald Ezel, Xtreme Spades Founder and Pastor of World Covenant Christian Center Affordable Healthcare Interfaith Network Afterwards, Dr. Durley led the audience in a prayer to bless the new location, staff and for the continued success of The ORR!! as it moves full steam ahead to touch every corner of the Black community. The BizLynks Television Network interviewed several ORR!! business members including Mrs. Alice Bussey of Bussey’s Florist, Mr. Simon Robinson of Simon Signs, and Mr. Vernon Raven of V’s Customs along with several Metro Atlanta pastors and community organizers to mark this momentous occasion. Refreshments were served and mini-tours were conducted inside the office along with lots of networking and fellowship. The ORR!! would like to thank all of its members, friends and advocates for your support and any part you played in making this event a success. Wholistic Stress Control Institute MC Vince Bailey, Vince Bailey Productions Aaron Turpeau, ORR Chairman 7 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com SisterTalk 2015 THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® REGISTER AT WWW.SISTERTALKCONFERENCE.COM Saturday, November 14, 2015 7:30 am-4:30pm (Doors Open at 7am) 8 Business THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Capitol City Bank and Trust Company: An Economic Catalyst in the Community for Over 20 Years C apitol City Bank, an African-American owned and operated financial institution in Georgia, proudly empowered the community by providing opportunities for entrepreneurship, business development and a fertile environment for economic growth. In April 1992, Capitol City Bank and Trust Company was founded by Mr. George Andrews and several organizers. In the early part of 1994, they officially opened two branches simultaneously: West End branch and the Cascade branch. The bank was founded on the principles of: • • • Self-empowerment Integrity “Sky is the limit” goal achievement Mr. Andrews, former Capitol City Bank and Trust President & CEO, is a native of Atlanta and grew up in the West End community when it was very prosperous and industrious. The West End Community consisted of movers and shakers and continued to be prosperous and industrious until the “Great White Flight”. After college, Mr. Andrews joined SunTrust Bank. While working on various assignments outside of his community, he realized how important a bank is to the wellbeing of a community in that it operates as an economic catalyst for entrepreneurship, business development and other opportunities that make an environment fertile for economic growth. Upon this realization, Mr. Andrews felt compelled to start a bank in the West End community that would be owned and operated by the people of the community so they could replicate and duplicate what other communities have experienced over the years. Bank of America, known as NationsBank at the time wanted to close several of its facilities in the Black community. Mr. Andrews decided that he and his community could provide an exit strategy that made sense for NationsBank and would benefit the Black community as well. So NationsBank sold them the West End Branch and the Cascade Branch and they made history by becoming the only bank chartered in the state of George to receive a bank charter with a branch and a main office. Mission: Empowering the People it Served The mission of Capitol City Bank was to create an African-American owned and operated financial institution that would empower the people it served. The bank was unique in that it would not simply decline loans because individual clients did not qualify for a loan -- but would educate their clients by providing resources and knowledge that would teach them how to come up to the bar in order to qualify. Capitol City Bank and Trust was also unique in that clients had an opportunity to talk with decision makers and someone who could understand banking issues unique to African-Americans. “You have an advantage of not only getting your financial needs taken care of, but in helping the community to grow because your investment stays in the community, which makes the community stronger,” said Mr. Andrews. Branches and locations During its 21-year life span, Capitol City Bank opened and operated eight branches across the state of Georgia including: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. West End, Atlanta, GA Cascade, Atlanta, GA Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Albany, GA Savannah, GA Stone Mountain, GA Augusta, GA Peachtree, Atlanta GA Expansion was relatively easy because people liked what the bank was doing and there was a market for the services provided. In addition to their eight branches, Capitol City Bank had 12 ATM machines across Georgia, and at the height of their business, Capitol City Bank employed 115 people and served over 20,000 customers and over 1,700 shareholders. Capitol City Bank’s customer base was racially-diverse with the minority community (African-Americans, Indians, Asians, Hispanic) making up 75% and the majority Community equaling 25%. car loans, home loans, equity loans, personal lines of credit and receivable financing. But Mr. Andrews is most proud of the commercial services the bank provided including providing capital for many of the first-time concessionaries at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. “I’m most proud of the commercial lending activities because I think that’s where the rubber meets the road in the sense that we helped individuals start their businesses or finance expansions,” said Mr. Andrews. The Great Recession Prior to the Great Recession, Capitol City Bank was extremely successful. “In 2007, U.S. Bankers rated us as the 134th best bank out of over 18,000 community banks across the country in terms of ROE (Return on Owner’s Equity) and ROA (Return on Assets). There were only two banks out of 400 in Georgia that made the list, and we were one of them. We exceeded our goal of empowering the community and giving our shareholders a good return on their investment,” Mr. Andrews said. During the economic downturn, as did many other banks. The Capitol City Bank needed that could have withstood the church loans, small business and Convenient stores and the recession. “We also needed support us by opening checking said Mr. Andrews. Capitol City Bank faced many challenges main challenge was diversification. larger businesses with more capital recession as it typically had several loans, and C-Store loans i.e., Gas many of them were hit hard during more of the community to and savings accounts,” After the big banks threw a recession, the government $776 billion in the form of Asset Relief Program) bail them out. Initially, banks were excluded in any of the TARP money, but banks pressured President administration and the to include community responded by putting a into place that required banks to raise money from sector and in turn, the would match that investment. Bank raised over $13 million matched by the government, to certain stipulations in the were not presented to them. Capitol City Bank would have million in new capital, which than sustained the bank during downturn. the country into appropriated TARP (Troubled money to community applying for community Obama’s Congress banks. They program community the private government Capitol City and it was not mainly due program that With the match, received over $26 would have more the economic In February 2015, First Citizens the assets of Capitol City Bank charter due to inadequate capital. failed us,” said Mr. Andrews. “But I intervention working within Capitol will take us to new heights. The will not go in vain because there are depending on us to keep the legacy our loyal customers and shareholders accomplished our mission to empower that the legacy we established is not exploring opportunities to keep the forward because if we do not do it for else will. So I want to thank them for Bank took over because it lost its “The government believe that Divine City Bank and me foundation we laid too many people alive. I would like to know that we the community and finished. We are mission moving ourselves, no one their support.” Mr. Andrews’ future endeavors include banking industry in a position where empower. remaining in the he will continue to Full-Service Bank Capitol City Bank provided many of the traditional banking services including checking and savings accounts, CDs, IRAs, ROTH included. On the lending side, they provided 9 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com THE CONDUCTOR Business Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Q & A with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Georgia District Director Terri Denison SBA Georgia District Director Terri Denison gives ORR!! readers valuable insight on how the SBA can impact the creation and growth of small businesses. The ORR!: What is the purpose of the SBA? Ms. Denison: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is a Federal government agency created in 1953 to support the creation and growth of small business. ownership by minorities, women or veterans. • The ORR!: Describe the core resources the SBA makes available to prospective and existing small businesses: Ms. Denison: The SBA emphasizes the three Cs: 1) Counseling, 2) Capital and 3) Contracting. 1) Counseling and Training The SBA has a variety of resources to provide the bulk of the counseling and training including SCORE, a volunteer partner organization, in which active and retired executives provide free, one-on-one consultations and also provide training opportunities on a variety of business subjects. The SBA Georgia District Office also partners with the University of Georgia to in the state’s Small Business Development Center Network. Georgia’s SBDCs focus on existing businesses looking to scale up or address challenges. They provide free consultation services as well as at-cost training on a variety of business subjects. The SBA also has two Women’s Business Centers in Metro Atlanta, which typically focus on counseling and training for Women entrepreneurs who have start-up and existing businesses. Online Training The SBA has an online presence that includes several training modules. The SBA website, www.sba.gov, gives small business owners access to over 50 free training modules covering an array of topics including writing business plans, marketing, government contracting, business start-ups and much more. Ms. Denison recommends going online and familiarizing yourself with the training modules before meeting with a counselor in person. 2) Capital The SBA assists in this arena mainly through loan guarantees on loans made by commercial lenders that participate in the SBA program. The SBA has a microloan program, which is a lending program that provides funds to qualified nonprofit organizations to make small loans up to $50,000 and provide technical assistance both pre-loan and post-loan to those borrowers. There is also a Surety Bond Guaranty Program for construction companies and others who are required to obtain surety bonding. The SBA will guarantee bid, performance and payment bonds for contracts up to $6.5 million for Federal, State, and local government and private sector contracts. The guarantee helps those businesses increase more rapidly their bonding capacity. Loan Programs: While there are several loan programs and program variations, Ms. Denison highlights the top three SBA programs for accessing capital: • • 7A Loan Guarantee Program: This program is very broad. This guarantee can be used for loans that cover a variety of uses such as inventory, working capital, machinery and equipment, commercial real estate, facilitating an existing business purchase, and in some cases refinancing an existing business debt to help businesses consolidate debt, have better credit terms and improve their cash flow. 504 Loan Program: This is a fixed asset financing program. It is used mainly for commercial real estate transactions, for instance if you have been leasing a space and now want to purchase a building. There are two advantages of this program: The first advantage is that the borrower usually has to put in only 10% of the total project cost versus 20-25% in regular commercial lending. The second advantage is that it is a fixed rate as opposed to a variable rate. That rate is tied to the U.S. Treasury rate rather than the prime rate. It can also be used to purchase long-life production equipment with a useful life of 10 years or more. This program focuses on projects that will create and retain jobs or meet some other public policy goal such as investing in an economically distressed area or supporting business 10 TERRI DENISON “It’s important to realize that business ownership is a continuous process. You never arrive and know everything you need to know. The world is changing; the economy is changing; and just as you learn and master one set of skills or information, the playing field shifts.” Terri Denison is the Georgia District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In this role since May 2002, she is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the SBA’s financial, counseling/training and business development programs for small businesses throughout Georgia. Terri began her SBA career in 1987 as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Agency’s Washington, D. C. District and Headquarter Offices. Other positions included working with the Agency’s Minority Enterprise Development and One Stop Capital Shop programs and Office of Field Operations. In 1994, she served as the SBA representative on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Empowerment Zone/ Enterprise Community Interagency Task Force. In the fall of 2000, she was one of seven individuals nationwide selected for the SBA’s District Director’s Candidate Development Program. Assignments included serving as the Acting Deputy District Director in the Los Angeles District Office and the Acting District Director in Wisconsin. As Georgia District Director, Terri has been recognized by the Atlanta Business League, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Microenterprise Network, Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance, Atlanta Business Chronicle and Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. Terri holds a B.A. Degree in American Government from Cornell University and an M.A. Degree in Urban Studies from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She is also a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Terri currently serves as the Vice President of the Cornell Alumni Association of Atlanta and a member of the Cornell University Council. Other personal interests include ballroom dancing and travel. Micro loan Program: Delivered by nonprofit organizations that have experience in providing small loans and providing management and technical assistance to small business owners. The SBA program loans up to $50,000. There are a couple of micro lenders serving the Metro Atlanta area. 3) Contracting: The SBA’s primary focus is on Federal Contracting. The SBA has several certification programs they oversee to help facilitate federal contracting. One of the most familiar programs is the 8A Development Program. The 8A program is for minority-owned firms or firms that otherwise meet the program’s “socially and economically disadvantaged” criteria to participate. Participation is up to nine years. There are certain benefits that will help firms enter the procurement arena within the first 5 years, called the developmental stage. For instance, participating firms can be awarded contracts noncompetitively through the program’s sole source authority based on their capabilities and “fair and reasonable” pricing. The idea is to create an environment where companies can become acquainted with federal procurement, get contacts with various contracting officers and entities. In the final 4 years, SBA assists the firms in developing a transition plan to help them move away from sole source contracting to competitive procurement. The ORR!: When it comes to Blacks qualifying and obtaining capital at disproportionate levels, what are some of the common factors or themes you have recognized? Ms. Denison: Three general themes I have encountered include: 1. Lack of Preparation: This includes not having appropriate information, an incomplete or non-existing business plan and a misunderstanding of the commercial lending process. Educating the Black community on the commercial lending process is key. For instance, the Small Business Development Center Network has developed a 2-day workshop called The Credit School, which teaches people the mindset of commercial lenders and other factors that influence being able to obtain financing. 2. Low Credit Scores / Credit Blemishes on Credit History: There is a need to educate Black business owners on how specific factors affect their credit scores and help them to devise a plan to address it. 3. Lack of Equity Injection: Educating business owners that you have to bring something to the table. Some lenders will accept an equity injection of 10%. Often, it closer to 20% or 25% in conventional lending. The ORR!: How do Black businesses close the gap on competing and obtaining government contracts? What are practical solutions to the identified challenges? Ms. Denison: The contracting opportunities are getting bigger due to contract consolidations. One way to address this challenge is joint-venturing and teaming. Ms. Denison advises small businesses to team with a larger business or more experienced business to gain experience. Small businesses may have to be a subcontractor first, but the experience is worth it. Joining forces with other small, minority-owned businesses to address the capacity issue is also another strategy. “It’s important to realize that business ownership is a continuous process. You never arrive and know everything you need to know. The world is changing; the economy is changing; and just as you learn and master one set of skills or information, the playing field shifts,” said Ms. Denison. Ms. Denison advises business owners to “Network, network, network! Businesses need to make contacts and partners by going to tradeshows and procurement match-making events where you meet buyers. Business owners also need to have a concise capability statement and 30-second elevator pitch.” THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Business 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com ATTENTION ORR!! MEMBERS! Don’t Miss Out on Your Commercial Video! As a valued OvergroundRR!! (ORR!!) member, one of your many benefits includes a professionally produced 60-90 second video of your business. Specializing in: Insurance Claims • Collision Repair Detailing • Complete Paint Jobs 3781 Campbellton Road S.W. • Atlanta, GA 30331 www.vscustomsatl.com Vernon T. Raven, President / CEO 404-344-6687 Remember, your annual ORR!! membership provides you the opportunity to update your video each year. Take full advantage of your membership by sharing your membership page with your clients, family and friends. To schedule your video Call 404.346.0808 or email us at [email protected] Final Expense Funding Pre-need and Pre-arrangement plans for • Funeral Service and related expenses • Plans ages Birth to 85 years • No physical examination required Single Premium 1-year pay 5-year pay 10-year pay 20-year pay Please call for a free quote Landmark Life 770-819-3040 or 678-933-2312 11 3rd Qtr. 2015 Business www.overgroundrr.com THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® ACCURATE | DETAILED | RELIABLE | EXPERIENCED Let AccuClean clean for you. Clients include: - World of Coke Facilities Served: - Atlanta University Center - Bethel United Methodist Church - Office Buildings | Churches | Malls - FAA - Educational Buildings | Medical Offices - Fulton County Schools - Museums | Industrial/Manufacturing Buildings - Jones Lang LaSalle - Government Buildings For more information, contact: Bob Williams at 404.765.6477 [email protected] - Northside Hospital ...and many more! www.accucleaninc.com Fully licensed, bonded and insured with over 45 years experience. Connecting the Church, Businesses and the Community www.overgroundrr.com Get on Board!!! Call today 404-346-0808 or visit us online at www.overgroundrr.com 12 THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® The ORR!! Business Directory The following businesses are members of the Overground RR!!®. The ORR!!® Business Directory is your community guide to utilizing members of the Black community who are dedicated to recycling the Black dollar back into our communities. Each business listed has agreed to legally binding arbitration should there be a problem with their product or service. Binding arbitration does not apply to torts or banking members. ACCOUNTING McGee CPA Group, The 3180 Franklin St., Ste. A Avondale Estates GA 300024 404-292-8805 www.mcgeecpagroup.com Tax Plus 365, Inc. 3730 Carmia Drive, Suite 160 Atlanta, GA 30331 404.482.0272 www.taxplus365.com Statement / Services Accounting Business & Personal Taxes Financial Statements Audits Free Notary Service -OPEN YEAR ROUND- Key Personnel: Spiceda Davis Advertising Lighthouse Promotions, LLC 116 Bethsea Rd., Ste. 104 Fayetteville GA 30214 770-461-9345 www.lighthouse-promo.com New Hope Publishing, LLC 5055 Montcalm Drive, SW Atlanta GA 30331 404-629-0446 Attorneys Albert A. Mitchell, P.C.. 3079 Campbellton Rd, SW, Ste. 203 C&S Professional Bldg Atlanta, GA 30311 404-346-7009 Alexander Law Firm Personal Inj., Wrongful Death 2160 High Point Tr. Atlanta GA 30331 404-346-0834 www.alexanderlawfirm.com Donald P. Edwards, Law Office of Personal Inury, Med. Malpractice and Wrongful Death 170 Mitchell St. Atlanta GA 30303 404-526-8866 www.donaldpedwards.com Foster Firm, The 1 Crown 1895 Phoenix Blvd. Suite110 Atlanta GA 30349 404-559-8325 www.thefosterfirmwins.com Leroy R Johnson P.C & Assoc. Personal Inj.,Criminal and Traffic Violation, Civil Litigation 3915 Cascade Rd SW, Ste 260 Atlanta GA 30331 404-550-2951 Bernadine Layne LLC Civil, Corp., Immigration 3523 Buford Hwy, Ste. 202 Atlanta GA 30329 404-231-1477 Martin Law Group, LLC, The 1935 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 117 Atlanta, GA 30329 404-248-4898 Thomas, Kennedy, Sampson,& Thompkins Med. Malpractice, Person Inj. & Comml Real Estate 3355 Main St. Atlanta GA 30337 404-688-4503 www.tkstlaw.com Daryl Von Yokely, Law Office of 127 Peachtree St., Suite 1010 Atlanta GA 30303 404-876-5458 www.yokelylaw.com Auto Body V’s Customs 3781 Campbellton Rd. Atlanta GA 30331 404-344-6687 www.vscustomsatl.com Auto Sales Childcare Safe Haven Learning Center Akira Eiland 5593 Riverdale Rd, Ste A College Park, GA 30349 404-427-0560 Cleaning Services AccuClean, Inc. 1053 Willingham Drive, Suite C Atlanta, GA 30344 404-765-6477 www.accucleaninc.com AccuClean, Inc. is a commercial janitorial services company providing substantial value in creating a maintenance program that provides quality in servicing facilities, with maximum cost effectiveness. Key Personnel Bob Williams, Owner Auto Services Capitol City Bank & Trust 562 Lee St. Atlanta GA 30310 404-758-7519 www.capitolcitybank-atl.com Citizen’s Trust Bank 75 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta GA 30303 404-659-5959 www.ctbconnect.com Bridal The Wedding Firm of Jeffery Bost and Associate 5400 Lawrenceville Highway (Highway 29), Ste. E1 Lilburn GA 30047 404-786-5333 www.theweddingfirm.blogspot.com Contractors HYPT Have You Prayed Today 3665 Club Drive, Ste 107 Duluth, GA 30096 678-785-7729 COLLEGES Carver College 3870 Cascade Rd., SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-527-4520 "The Winning Move" Dorsey Training and Consulting, Inc. 2321 Columbia Woods Court Decatur, GA 30032 678-889-2067 Providing Exemplary Training and Consulting for Non-profit and Profit Organizations Including: 1. Non-profit Solutions 2. Education-Professional Learning Opportunities (in various arenas) and 3. Faith-based Initiatives Key Personnel Gaitor Construction Inc 800 Wendell Ct., Ste E Atlanta GA 30336 770-981-1588 Overall Construction & Inspection, Inc. 862 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Ste 203 Atlanta, Ga 30314 678-705-4185 www.overallcinc.com We work with individuals seeking to transition from employee to entrepreneurship. We use a three-step process to take them from confusion to clarity in starting their own business. Key Personnel Rogelio “Roger” Brathwaite, Sr. Aaron Turpeau, Ph.D 600 West Peachtree St Ste 1570 Atlanta GA 30308 678-522-6548 www.drturpeau.com National Council on Domestic Violence Alisha Griffin Decatur, GA 404-729-0622 Serene Reflections 575 Juniper Street NE Atlanta GA 30308 404-892-2205 www.serenereflections.org Dance C.D. Moody Construction 6017 Redan Road Lithonia, Georgia 30058 770.482.7778 www.cdmoodyconstruction.com H J Russell & Company 504 Fair Street, SW Atlanta GA 30313 404-330-1000 www.hjrussell.com Commercial Lease Construction Statement / Services Dr. Naomi Dorsey & Oliver Dorsey www.carver.edu Odd Fellows Buildings 236 Auburn Avenue, Ste. 103 Atlanta GA 30303 404-525-5027 www.theoddfellowsbuildings.com William Foster Consultants, LLC 205 Benefield Court Stockbridge, GA 30281 770-474-0053 www.williamfosterconsultants.com Counseling Statement / Services clothing line Banking www.ppreferred.com Statement / Services Total Approach Cleaning Service P.O. Box 89108 Atlanta GA 30312 404-688-0239 www.tacclean.com Miracle Auto Glass Repair & Installations 118 Scott St. Atlanta, GA 30314 678-886-7837 Bryant & Associates, LLC 4060 Peachtree Rd., D413 Atlanta GA 30319 404-869-6312 www.bryantandassociates.comLegalShield 3340 Peachtree Rd., NE, Ste 2300 Atlanta, GA 30326 770-369-5263 Private Preferred 2180 Satellite Boulevaard Duluth, GA 770-833-0655 Legacy Chevrolet 3615 N. Manchester Expressway Columbus, GA 31909 706-322-8888 S&J Automotive Repair, LLC 7056 B Highway 85 Riverdale GA 30274 770-996-3698 sandjautorepair.com Consultants Visionary People, LLC P.O. Box 137 Snellville, Georgia 30078 678-390-2681 www.VisionaryPeopleArise.com Facebook: @VisionaryPeople Twitter: @VisionaryPPL Statement / Services We work with companies who are ready to connect with their ideal customers. Using Strategy, Technology & Experience, we help company’s put their best Vision Forward. Visionary People, LLC is a Business Development & Marketing Consulting Firm. Key Personnel Ballethnic Dance Company, Inc. 2587 Cheney St East Point GA 30344 404-762-1416 www.ballethnic.org Dentists BE Orthodontics Highland Grove Office Condominiums 3614 Highlands Parkway Smyrna GA 30082 770-432-6070 www.beorthodontics.com Family & Children’s Dentistry 2440 Fairburn Road, Ste. 301 Atlanta GA 30331 404-349-7777 www.familyandchildrensdentistry. com Alfred Wyatt DMD,P.C. 6230 Old National Hwy College Park GA 30349 770-994-7811 Continued on page 14 Natasha Davis-Bowen 13 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Direct Mail Dove Mailing, Inc. 5601 Fulton Industrial Blvd. Atlanta GA 30336 404-629-0122 www.dovemailing.com Dry Cleaner Ponder’s Cleaners 4473 Campbellton Rd, SW Atlanta GA 30331 404-349-6464 Electrician E. Ray Britton Electrical 158 Fairview Rd, Ste. C Elllenwood GA 30294 678-289-5522 www.erbelectrical.com Business Directory Funeral Services Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc. 3000 M. L. King Jr. Dr. Atlanta GA 30311 404-691-3810 www.dawsonmortuary.com Carolyn & Co Hair Studio 6157 Memorial Dr. Stone Mountain GA 30083 770-879-7666 Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home 1003 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta GA 30310 404-758-1731 www.williewatkins.com Clip Appeal 736 Ponce De Leon Ave., Ste. L Atlanta GA 30306 404-892-6209 Furniture Russell Contract Furnishings, Ltd 700 Westlake Parkway, Ste. 780 Atlanta, GA 30336 770-774-9811 Event Planning A Regal Event 7813 Newberry Dr. Jonesboro GA 30236 404-437-8807 Added Pizzazz 7755 Hall Rd. Fairburn, GA 30213 770-322-3597 www.apartycompany.com The Atrium on Sweet Auburn 236 Auburn Ave. NE, Ste. 103 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-524-7921 www.atriumonauburn.com Financial Services Atlanta Life Financial Group 191 Peachtree St. Ste 2500 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-2100 www.atlantalife.com The Wealth Engineer 3043 Riverstone Tr., Ste. 100 Atlanta GA 30339 770-395-3737 www.wealthengineer.com Flooring Wilson Wood Flooring 2447 Forest Trail East Point, GA 30344 678-202-1842 Florist Bussey”s Florists 2297 Verna Drive Decatur GA 30034 404-659-2968 Willis Flowers 770-991-6460 www.willisflowers.com Graphic Design LMN Art & Design 678-532-1473 [email protected] Onyx Creative 2451 Hogan Rd. East Point GA 30344 404-936-0884 GRANT WRITING KSTB Enterprises, LLC 610 Fitzgerald Place Atlanta, GA 30349 404-861-9927 www.kstbenterprises.com Green/Environment Quality Environmental Mgt. Inc. P.O. Box 54818 Atlanta GA 30318 404-454-6323 Greeting Cards Toucharose Creative Expressions 4454 Catalina Cir. East Point GA 30349 678-642-9209 Hair A La Parisienne 1862 Washington Rd. East Point GA 30344 404-559-1511 Hair Effects 2375 Wesley Chapel Rd., Ste. 5 Decatur GA 30035 770-987-2106 Prestige Beauty Salon 5970 Fairington Rd. Lithonia GA 30038 404-617-4816 Quintessence Hair Design 1130 Concord Rd. Smyrna GA 30080 770-380-4743 Royal Crown Barbershop 889 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta GA 30310 404-758-4283 Styles Of Zuri 4819 Rockbridge Rd., Ste. 17 Stone Mountain GA 30083 404-298-7133 Totally U Hair Salon/ Style and Beyond 1514 East Cleveland Ave., Ste. 111 East Point GA 30034 404-768-0936 Health & fitness B.E.S.T. Health and Wealth 60 Oaks Landing Dr. Covington GA 30016 678-900-4437 Body By Inches 6703 Shannon Pkwy., Ste. 3 Union City GA 30291 770-964-0032 Hair Care Products The Bead Barrette, LLC PO Box 143362 Fayetteville, GA 30214 678-593-5544 www.thebeadbarrette.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Health Food International 5006 Owens Mill Lane Stone Mountain GA 30083 404-849-6066 Hair & Barber Shops Donald Trimble Mortuary 1876 Second Ave. Decatur GA 30032 404-371-0772 www.donaldtrimblemortuary.com Event Facility Ivy Community Foundaton 3850 Stone Road, SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-349-9682 FBB Inc. Take Down FBB Inc. P.O. Box 115331 Atlanta GA 30310 1-888-693-8437 X 04948826 www.millresources.com/takedown THE CONDUCTOR Healing Art Wellness Center 6984 Main Street Lithonia, GA 30058 770-484-4745 www.www.dowholistic.com Statement / Services We provide “HOLISTIC HEALING” for specific ailments such as high blood pressure, arthritis, cholesterol, skin problems, digestive disorders, constipation, fibroids and more! WE MAKE YOU HEALTHY! Key Personnel Dr. Nancy J. Williams Mack’s Fitness Center 2262 Campbellton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30311 404-755-9455 www.macksfitnesscenter.com Donna Tate & Associates P.O. Box 170565 Atlanta GA 30317 770-879-6342 Marketsearch Insurance Agency 971 N Hairston Rd., Ste. 7 Stone Mountain GA 30083 770-413-8110 www.marketsearchins.com Internet Television Statement / Services Mack’s Fitness Center focuses on improving the health and wellness of Seniors, Adults and Teens. We offer personal training, aerobic classes, nutrition counseling, fitness seminars and one-on-one healing programs. Key Personnel James “Mack” McClain, Owner Jeanetta Echols Melaleuca “The Wellness Company” P.O. Box 1032 Jonesboro GA 30237 678-768-5871 Optimal Health Chiropractic Ctr. PC 2500 Park Central Blvd Ste B4 Decatur, GA 30035 678-418-3400 www.optimalhealth1.com Wellcare of Georgia 211 Perimeter Center Parkway, Suite 800 Atlanta, GA 30058 770-913-2100 www.wellcare.com Heating & Air A.D. Heating & Air 230 Standing Oak Pl. Fairburn GA 30214 678-887-6787 Home Health Care Bridges Personal Care Home 233 Mitchell St Suite 250 Atlanta GA 30303 770-774-9128 Exodus, Inc. P.O. Box 487 Union City GA 30291 770-774-9128 Health Companions Inc 2364 Candler Rd Decatur GA 30034 404-284-1768 www.healthcompanions.com Right at Home 448 Ralph D. Abernathy, Ste. 2 Atlanta GA 30312 404-522-0029 www.rightathome.net/atlanta Home Improvement Beeks Service Company 1570 Niskey Lake Atlanta GA 30331 404-346-0443 Platron Services Marble & Granite 220 Den Ric Dr. McDonough GA 30253 678-898-1511 www.ronplatt.net 14 Insurance BizLynks TV Network Studio South OvergroundRR!! Office 3076 Campbellton Road, SW Atlanta, GA 30311 678-792-8389 www.BizLynks.TV Statement / Services BTVN is an online television network featuring dynamic programming designed to increase exposure for businesses, associations and non-profits. Key Personnel R. Pamela Alexander Nash Alexander, III It Net One Stop 1561 Virginia Ave., Ste. 208 A College Park GA 30318 404-669-3600 www.netonestop.com Numillennium Telecomm., Inc. 2567 Park Central Blvd. Decatur GA 30035 404-965-7914 Investigations Direct Investigations, Inc. P.O. Box 361939 Decatur GA 30036 770-922-7888 www.directinv.net Investments Grin, INC. P.O. Box 128 Acworth GA 30101 770-966-5235 Jewelers Burks Jewelers, Inc. 1188- A Glenwood Ave. SE Atlanta GA 30316 404-622-6090 Legal Services Advocacy for Seniors PO Box 5611 Atlanta, GA 30343 404-808-3937 Arrington, Oduola-Owoo & Mason P.C. 3915 Cascade Rd., Ste. 205 Atlanta GA 30331 404-549-6771 www.essentialegal.com THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Limousine Service Nealey Executive Limousines 4324 Bexley Dr. St Mountain GA 30083 770-808-7432 Person 2 Person Limo PO Box 2543 Atlanta GA 30310 678-463-3636 www.person2person.us Marketing Aaron Group, Inc. 1266 Spring Park Drive Atlanta, GA 30311 404-622-4308 www.aarongroup.us TAG TEAM Marketing, Intl. 3465 N. Desert Dr. Bldg. 4, Ste. 102 East Point GA 30344 404-305-0300 www.tagteammarketing.com Visual Marketing Mentors, LLC Marketing 3022 June Apple Dr., Ste 2A Decatur, GA 30334 404-826-4240 www.vmmentors.com Media Consulting Vince Bailey Productions P.O. Box 492011 Lawrenceville GA 30049 770-864-7135 www.vincebaileyproductions.com Medical Services Southern Crescent Surgical Assistants PO Box 162749 Atlanta, GA 30321 770-603-3145 Modeling/Talent Lance Boyd Talent Agency 678-851-8669 Rashad Productions 60 Oaks Landing Dr. Covington GA 30316 404-702-1588 Mortgage Atlanta Integrity Mortgage 1316 Boat Rock Rd. Atlanta GA 30331 404-310-5913 & 404-344-7911 Moving Service B&B Movers 2587 Gresham Rd. Atlanta GA 30316 404-212-0819 www.bbmovers.com 3rd Qtr. 2015 Business Directory Printing Perfect Image, Inc. 503 Commerce Park Dr., Ste D Marietta GA 30060 770-422-4221 ext.25 www.perfectimageprinting.com www.overgroundrr.com Williams Security Wrought Iron Manufactures 4411 Campbellton Rd Atlanta, GA 30331 404-699-9800 www.williamssecurity.net Signs Museum Soul Food Museum Historic Auburn Avenue Atlanta, GA 30303 678-508-9478 Music Artistic Solutions in Design PO Box 636 Clarksdale, GA 30111 678-488-4775 www.artisticsolutionsindesign.com Faye Raye P.O. Box 42850 Atlanta GA 30311 404-805-5888 www.fayeraye.com Office Furniture HA Office 515 Inc. 1582 Stoneleigh Hill Rd. Lithonia GA 30058 770-879-8420 Pest Control Dependable Termite & Pest Serv. PO Box 1592 Mableton GA 30126 770-745-0000 www.dependabletermite.com Ever-Redi Exterminating, Inc. 6380 Old National Hwy College Park GA 30349 770-909-7000 www.everredi.com N.W.O Will Kill Pest Management 3665 Cherry Ridge Blvd Decatur GA 30034 404-241-7619 Physicians Link Wellness Center 1989 N. Williamsburg Dr. Decatur, GA 30033 404-499-0005 or 404-325-1234 Edward C. Mack, MD 2855 Candler Rd., Ste. 6 Decatur GA 30034 404-241-0103 Joann Donaldson, MD 249 Fielding Lane S.W. Atlanta GA 30311 770-908-3449 Plumbing Ashmel Plumbing 2365 Benjamin Mays Dr., SW Atlanta, GA 30311 404-752-6113 www.ashmelplumbing.com Head’s Plumbing Sales & Service, Inc. PO Box 43444 Atlanta GA 30336 404-696-3175 www.headsplumbing.com Real Estate Dr. James T. Walker III, LLC Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Bankers Piedmont Center 3575 Piedmont Rd, Bldg 15, Suite 950 Atlanta, GA 30305 Rental Props Creative Props Rental 2311 Cascade Road, SW Atlanta GA 30311 404-835-2568 Restaurants Chanterelles 646 Evans St. SW Atlanta, GA 30310 404-758-0909 www.thechanterelles.com Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles (Cascade) 3752 Cascade Rd., Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30331 404-537-5670 Michon’s Loft 404-522-7770 www.michons.com Paschal’s Restaurant 180-B Northside Drive Atlanta GA 30313 404-525-2023 Indigo Signs 4404 Hugh Howell Rd, Ste. 15 Tucker GA 30084 770-939-0902 www.indigosigns.net Simon Sign Systems 3034 Lakewood Ave, SW Atlanta GA 30310 404-766-5208 www.simonsignsystems.com Tax Service Professional Tax Advisors 7311 Cardiff Place Jonesboro GA 30236 770-472-9998 S & H Accounting and Income Tax Service, LLC 570 Valley Hill Rd., SW 770-907-1100 Riverdale, GA 30274 www.sandhaccounting.com Stewart Unlimited, Inc. 5300 Memorial Dr., Ste 224-F Stone Mountain, GA 30083 404-934-5639 Technical Training New Life Technical Academy 1003 Virginia Ave., Ste. 204 Atlanta GA 30354 770-870-7333 Theater & Dance True Love Productions PO Box 174 Conley, GA 30288 678-887-1609 tires & wheels Tires & Wheels Wheels & Tires by Bailey 517 W. Whitehall Street, SW Atlanta, GA 30310 404-758-0012 Video Against All Oddz PO Box 90531 Atlanta GA 30364 404-543-5557 Faith Video Live 3869 Springleaf Ct. Stone Mountain GA 30083 770-912-7677 www.faithvideoondemand.com Focus on Video, LLC PO Box 1828 Stockbridge GA 30281 770-957-4299 www.focus-on-video.com Hayes Technical Services, Inc. 9043 Jenni Circle Jonesboro GA 30238 770-210-4677 YOUTH Atlanta Boom Volleyball Institute 1045 Research Center Atlanta Dr., SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-663-2098 www.atlantaboom.org Q-Time 1120 Ralph David Abernathy Atlanta GA 30310 404-758-2881 Soul Vegetarian Restaurant 652 North Highland Ave Atlanta, GA 30306 404-875-6145 Soul Vegetarian Restaurant 879 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30310 404-752-5194 Need a service and/or product? roofing McKnight Roofing, Inc 90 Flint River Road Riverdale, GA 30274 678-216-0300 Security Security Protection Investigation Services PO BOX 310387 Atlanta GA 31131 770-274-9468 www.spisinc.com The Overground RR!!® business directory provides you with a host of businesses to choose from. 15 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Anointed Vision of Hope Rev. David Arnold, Sr. 8049 Webb Road Riverdale, GA 30274 770-477-6464 Anointed Word Evangelistic Tabernacle Bishop Bobby Henderson 1600 Agape Way Decatur, GA 30035 770-482-5040 www.bobbyhendersonministries.org Antioch AME Church Rev. Dr. Stafford J. Wicker 765 South Hairston Road Stone Mountain, GA 30088 404-299-3388 www.antioch-ame.org Ariel Bowen United Methodist Church Rev. Robert King 384 Arthur St. SW Atlanta, GA 30310 404-525-6173 The Ark of Salvation Pastor Nathaniel Bronner, Jr. 355 Georgia Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-635-0400 www.airjesus.com The B.J. Holland Institute of Ministry Pastor Bettye Holland PO Box 90993 Atlanta, GA 30364 404-822-8095 (Deceased) Believers’ Bible Christian Church Rev. Allen McNair 3689 Campbellton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30331 404-344-7203 www.go2bbccatl.org Ben Hill Christian Church Pastor Walter Poole 4099 Sunset Dr. SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-344-0718 www.benhillcc.org Ben Hill United Methodist Church Rev. Byron E. Thomas 2099 Fairburn Rd. SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-344-0618 www.benhill-umc.org Bethesda Cathedral of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. Bishop Stewart Reese, Jr. 1989 Austin Dr. Decatur, GA 30032 404-289-3751 www.bethesdacathedral.org 16 ORR!! Church Station Conductors ORR Clergy Pictorial Directory Beulah Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Jerry D. Black 2340 Clifton Springs Road Decatur, GA 30034 404-241-3307 www.beulahbaptist.org Big Bethel AME Rev. John Foster, Ph.D. 220 Auburn Ave. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-827-9707 404.223.3060 (fax) www.bigbethelame.org Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Miles Fowler 3800 Big Miller Grove Way Lithonia, GA 30038 770-981-3800 www.bigmillergrove.org Boatrock Baptist Church Rev. Albert E. Love 5410 Skyview Dr. Atlanta, GA 30331 Ph: 404-788-4542 [email protected] Butler Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Rev. Christopher Waller 23 Jesse Hill Dr. SE Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-8745 Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Terrance M. Curtis 1599 Betty Talmadge Ave Jonesboro, GA 30236 770-477-5797 www.cbcjonesboroga.org Calvary UMC Pastor Kimberlyn Sinkfield 1471 Ralph Abernathy Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30310 404-753-8151 Camy Arnett Ministries Apostle Camy Arnett 6502 Gresham St. Union City, GA 30291 770-969-9698 Cascade United Methodist Church Pastor Lawrence Young 3144 Cascade Road Atlanta, GA 30311 404-691-5770 www.cascadeumc.org Chapel of Christian Love Rev. Dr. J. Allen Milner 845 Cascade Road Atlanta, GA 30311 404-753-9985 Chosen Generation Church of God in Christ Pastor Keith R. Staley 2846 Church St. East Point, GA 30344 678-705-4904 THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Christian Fellowship Baptist Church Rev. Keith L. Reynolds 1500 Norman Dr. College Park, GA 30349 770-997-4087 Columbia Drive United Methodist Church Rev. Walter Kimbrough 2067 Columbia Drive Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-4151 www.cdumc.org Clarkston First Baptist Church Pastor Karl Moore 3999 Church St. Clarkston, GA 30021 404-292-5686 Fax: 404.298.6084 www.clarkstonfbc.org Community Church of God Rev. Michael Smith 850 Cascade Avenue Atlanta, GA 30311 404-755-4100 Covenant Christ Ministry Pastor Inell Bowser 161 Senoia Rd. Fairburn, GA 30213 770-837-8660 Covenant Ministries Bishop Quincy Lavelle Carswell 1700 Corey Blvd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-289-8960 Emmaus Road Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Sedrick Hamner 3725 Flat Shoals Road College Park, GA 30349 770-964-7007 www.emmausrd.org The Enon Church Rev. Gregory L. Pollard 3550 Enon Rd College Park, GA 30349 770-306-0400 www.theenonchurch.org Evangelistic New Life Worship Center Pastor Sergio Croom 4815 Courtney Dr. Forest Park, GA 30297 877-800-6801 Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. Bishop Dianne R. Collins 6084 Riverdale Road College Park, GA 30349 770-994-0033 First AME Church Rev. Dr. Eyvonne Whitman 2046 Richard Allen Lane SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-241-5900 www.firstameatlanta.org First Congregational Church Dr. Dwight Andrews 105 Courtland St. NE Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-6255 www.firstchurchatlanta.com DaySpring International Ministries, Inc Rev. Dr. Gloria W. Wright PO Box 3174 Atlanta, GA 30302 678-561-3174 First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Dr. E. L. Jones 2165 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, NW Atlanta, GA 30318 404-792-2319 firstcorinth.org Dodd-Sterling United Methodist Church Rev. Robert L. Melson Sr. 3272 Browns Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30354 404-361-4135 www.doddsterling.org First Iconium Baptist Church Pastor Timothy McDonald III 542 Moreland Ave.SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-627-1371 www.firsticonium.org East Atlanta Church Pastor Jean Ward PO Box 422001 Atlanta, GA 30342 770-572-3782 First Victory Baptist Church Pastor Henry Mason 5461 Stonewall Tell Road College Park, GA 30349 404-437-1355 Ebenezer Baptist Church Dr. Ralph Warnock 407 Auburn Avenue Atlanta, GA 30312 404-688-7300 Friendship Community Church Pastor Donald Earl Bryant 4141 Old Fairburn Rd. College Park, GA 30349 404-349-6040 Elizabeth Baptist Church Rev. Craig L. Oliver 4245 Cascade Rd. Atlanta, GA 30331 404-691-3146 www.elizabethbaptist.org Grace Community Fellowhip Church Rev. Frederick L. Caldwell 4215 Wendell Dr. Atlanta, GA 30336 770-841-2533 www.gracecfc.com THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Greater Mount Carmel AME Church Rev. James A. Hardaway 4078 Carver Dr. Doraville, GA 30360 770-451-1091 Greater Mountain Baptist Church Rev. Douglas D. Prather PO Box 312311 Atlanta, GA 31131 404-583-9566 Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Leland L. Jones, Sr. 2540 Campbellton Road, SW Atlanta, GA 30311 404-344-0199 404-344-0189 (fax) www.greaternewlightmbc.org The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church Rev. Dr. William E. Flippin 1879 Glenwood Road SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-377-0561 www.pineygrovebapt.org Greenforest Community Baptist Church Rev. Dennis Mitchell 3250 Rainbow Dr. Decatur, GA 30034 404-486-1120 www.greenforest.org Headland Heights United Methodist Church Rev. George P. Lanier 2147 Dodson Dr. Atlanta, GA 30344 404-344-0144 Hillside International Truth Center, Inc. Bishop Barbara King 2450 Cascade Rd., SW Atlanta, GA 30311 404-758-6811 www.hillsidechapel.org Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Rev. Ricky Hammond 416 Cole Street Merietta, GA 30060 770-427-6467 Hopewell MBC Bishop William Sheals 182 Hunter St. Norcross, GA 30071 770-448-5475 770-449-5143 (fax) [email protected] Impact! Doing Church Differently Pastor Olu Brown 2323 Sylvan Road East Point, GA 30344 404-577-2826 www.impactdoingchurchdifferently.org ORR!! Church Station Conductors ORR Clergy Pictorial Directory International Christian Fellowship Rev. B. G. K. Harris 3076 Humphries Drive, SE Atlanta, GA 30354 404-363-3300 Jackson Memorial Baptist Church Pastor Gregory Sutton 534 Fairburn Road NW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-691-4238 www.jmbcatlanta.org Joshua Generation Ministries Int’l, Inc. Pastor Varian Harris 661 Vernon Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316 www.jgmi.org Journey of Faith Church Pastor S. John Bartley PO Box 310779 Atlanta, GA 31131 404-629-2698 The Kingdom of God Evangelistic Outreach Ministry, Inc Rev. Warren L. Henry, Sr. 4590 Welcome All Road College Park, GA 30349 404-766-4163 Liberty International Ministries Rev. Greg Fann 1362 Metropolitan Parkway Atlanta, GA 30310 404-524-9860 Life Line Church Pastor Mark A. Couch 823 Dill Avenue Atlanta, GA 30310 404-753-5551 www.emmanueltabernacleatl.org Light of the World Christian Tabernacle Pastor Ruth Smith-Holmes 5883 Highway 155 North Stockbridge, GA 30281 678-565-7001 www.comeintothelight.org Lindsay Street Baptist Church Rev. Anthony W. Motley 550 Lindsay St. NW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-688-8959 Love Circle Truth Center Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sims 50 Peyton Place Atlanta, GA 30311 404-207-7849 Love Life Christian Fellowship Church Pastor Grace Washington 3980 Panthersville Road Ellenwood, GA 30294 404-241-1499 www.lovelifecfc.org The Lutheran Church of the Atonement Rev. Ronald Bonner 1875 J.E. Boone Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30314 404-718-9711 Midway Missionary Church Rev. Edward Reynolds 2280 Godby Road College Park, GA 30349 404-768-5648 Miracles, Miracles & More Miracles Evangelist Sandi Collins PO Box 596 Lithonia, GA 30058 404-441-1122 Mishpochah Congregation Dr. Apostle YaQar 2001 Montreal Road, Suite 104 Tucker, GA 30084 770-939-2460 Yaqarministries.org Mission on the Move Overseer, Cynthia Andrews 3945 Yeager Road Douglasville, GA 30135 404-752-3938 Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Douglas Stowers 17 Fairburn Rd., SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-696-1039 www.atlmtcalvary.org Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Robert W. Crummie 2044 J.T. Alexander Ave College Park, GA 30337 404-766-1300 www.mtcalvarycp.org Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Frank Cornelius Brown 2685 Barge Rd. Atlanta, GA 30331 404-349-4273 www.mtolivembcatl.org Mt. Welcome Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Darryl Roberts 581 Parker Avenue Decatur, GA 30032 404-373-4541 www.mtwelcome.org Muhammad’s Mosque No. 15 Bro. Sharrieff Muhammad 3642 Campbellton Road SW Atlanta, GA 30331 678-705-1361 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church Bishop James H. Morton 923 Valleybrook Road Decatur, GA 30033 404-508-1400 www.newbeginningfgbc.com New Fountain Worldwide Ministries Bishop J. D. Means, Sr. PO Box 501 Jonesboro, GA 30237 678-644-1209 www.bishopjdmeanssr.com New Jerusalem Baptist Church Pastor Elijah Collins Jr. 1958 Dogwood Road Snellville, GA 30078 770-972-2324 www.njbchurch.org New Jerusalem Worship Center, International Pastor Lou V. Gholson 5279 Springdale Road Forest Park, GA 30297 678-886-3462 New Life Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C Pastor Joseph Hogan 715 Cleveland Ave, SE Atlanta, GA 30354 404-366-9200 Omega Holiness Church Rev. Dr. Richard H. Cobble 621 Memorial Dr. SE Atlanta, GA 30312 678-296-2128 Poplar Springs Baptist Church Rev. Ulysses Ponder 3796 River Road Ellenwood, GA 30294 404-241-6516 Providence Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Damon P. Williams 2295 Benjamin Mays Drive Atlanta, GA 30311 404-752-6869 www.pmbcatlanta.org Ray of Hope Christian Church Pastor Cynthia L. Hale 2778 Snapfinger Road Decatur, GA 30034 770-696-5100 www.rayofhope.org Pure Praises Ministries Pastors Michael & Sederia Grave 3101 Austell Road Austell, GA 30008 770-873-2263 Continued on page 18 17 3rd Qtr. 2015 ORR!! Church Station Conductors www.overgroundrr.com ORR Clergy Pictorial Directory THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® ORR!! Church Station Conductors (Continued from page 17) Redemptive Life Christian Fellowship Church Dr. Mark W. Thompson 406 Pleasant Hill Road Conyers, GA 30012 770-922-1234 St. John Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Davis 52 Fairburn Road SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-696-1779 Transform Lives Christian Church Rev. Michael Wright 130 Shelby Oaks Trail Covington, GA 30016 770-866-1505 www.theredemptivelife.org Rehoboth Christian Center International Bishop Ronnie Jackson 450 Racetrack Road McDonough, GA 30252 770-305-9881 Restoration Tabernacle, Inc Bishop Franklin L. Glover, Sr. 52 International Court Dallas, GA 30157 678-363-6777 Salem Bible Church Rev. Jasper W. Williams Rev. Joseph L. Williams 2283 Baker Road NW Atlanta, GA 30312 404-792-0303 Salem East 5460 Hillandale Drive Lithonia, GA 30058 Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church Rev. B.L. Clements 395 Blair Villa Drive, SE Atlanta, GA 30354 404-363-3349 St. James Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Rodney B. Harris 23 Parr Farm Road Covington, GA 30016 678-837-5622 St. Mark AME Church Rev. Walter E. Daniels 3605 Campbellton Road Atlanta, GA 30331 404-349-6800 www.stmarkameatl.org St. Mark Lutheran Church Rev. Larry Miller (Interim Pastor) 4137 Washington Road East Point, GA 30344 404-768-3304 St. Paul AME Church Rev. Dr. Gregory V. Eason, Sr. 1540 Pryor Road, SW Atlanta, GA 30315 404-622-9711 www.stpaulameatl.com St. Philip AME Church Rev. Dr. William D. Watley 240 Candler Road Atlanta, GA 30317 404-371-0749 www.saintphilip.org St. Timothy’s Episcopal Rev. Daniel Dice 2833 Flat Shoals Road Decatur, GA 30034 404-241-7711 Trinity Tabernacle Baptist Church Rev. Portia Wills Lee, M.Div. 592 Veterans Memorial Hwy. Mableton, GA 30126 770-941-4131 www.trinitybc.com The True Light Baptist Church Rev. Darell D. Elligan 47 Anderson Ave. NW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-799-8623 www.thetruelightbaptist.org Turner Chapel AME Church Rev. Raphael Allen 4650 Cascade Road Atlanta, GA 30331 404-699-0023 Victory Cathedral Church of God in Christ Pastor Larry L. Ford, SR., CFC 3704 Campbellton Road, SW Atlanta, GA 30331 404-349-0400 West End 7th Day Adventist Elder Calvin B. Preston Senior Pastor 845 Lawton St, SW Atlanta, GA 30310 404-755-5927 www.westendsdachurch.org Wheat Street Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael Neely Harris 359 Auburn Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-659-4328 www.wheatstreet.org Woods Memorial Baptist Church Rev. Toney Mosley 5665 Old National Hwy. College Park, GA 30349 404-761-3002 Word of Faith Love Center Rev. Dr. Reginald Garmon 2435 Ben Hill Road East Point, GA 30344 404-762-8286 www.woflovecenter.org Word of God Ministries Rev. Larry Hill 3120 Donald Hollowell Atlanta, GA 30318 678-698-8386 World Covenant Christian Center Pastor Reginald Ezell 3777 Troupe Smith Rd. Conyers, GA 30094 678-565-0378 Zion Hill Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Aaron L. Parker 6175 Campbellton Road Atlanta, GA 30331 404-691-8025 www.zionhill.org [email protected] Memorial Tribute South Central Georgia Jurisdiction Church of God and Christ Rev. T. Allen McNair, Sr. Senior Pastor & Founder of Believers’ Bible Christian Church The OvergroundRR!! extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and Believers’ Bible Christian Church congregation on the passing of Rev. T. Allen McNair, Senior Pastor & Founder of Believers’ Bible Christian Church. “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21 18 Endorses Richard B. Lankford for Fulton County Sheriff 2016 Church THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® West End Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church: Engaged in Active Soul-winning Service for God T America, Africa, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, England, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Scotland. He is married to his wife and love of 35 years, Wynona Wimbish. God has blessed this union with three children, Devon, Deneil, and Deshawn. he history of the West End Seventhday Adventist Church extends back to 1983 under the leadership of Conference President Elder Ralph B. Hairston. President Ralph B. Hairston issued a challenge to Evangelist Oscar Lane, Jr. of Los Angeles, California to conduct a tent meeting in Southwest Atlanta. The meetings began on July 4, 1983 and were held under the “BIG RED TENT” on the corner of Lee and Oglethorpe Streets. Evangelist Lane delivered the word of God nightly. God greatly blessed this effort with 1,353 souls. 700 of those 1,353 baptized were new converts. Members from other Seventh-day Adventist Churches joined together with these new believers and formed the West End SDA Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Preston, Westend SDA Church membership has increased both by transfers from other churches and over 300 newly baptized souls! The church has conducted several successful evangelistic crusades, Community Outreach and Prison Ministry programs, Revelation and Daniel Seminars, and conducted several Bible Studies. In December, 2008, The Westend SDA Church paid off their mortgage. Shortly thereafter, they completed an “Extreme Makeover” of the church and property, including a new fence surrounding the property, complete renovations to and addition of restroom, new roofing, HVAC, sanctuary interior décor, pulpit, sound system, lighting, carpet, pews, foyer and the fellowship hall. The first meeting of the newly organized group was held at the West Hunter Street Baptist Church on August 20, 1983. Still in search of a home, the young church was permitted to hold services in the Brown High School Auditorium on Peoples Street. The first Pastor to serve the new church was Pastor F.W. Parker who was assisted by the late Pastor C.D. Henri, Pastor C.L. Humphrey and Pastor Carl Nesmith. In July of 1984, the church continued to achieve new heights of spiritual, social, and educational accomplishments under the youthful, dynamic leadership of Pastor Ernest B. Young, who came from the Southeastern Conference. Seeing the need for a permanent church home, Pastor Ernest B. Young immediately set out to secure property in Southwest Atlanta for the construction of a church building. On March 31, 1985, Pastor Ernest B. Young called the congregation together to conduct a ground-breaking ceremony. Estimated cost of the lot was $120,000 and the total cost of the edifice was $1.7 million dollars. The Church members walked to the open church lot and held services on the old stones and never returned to Brown High School Auditorium again. Pastor Young held a four-week tent crusade on the church site in the summer of 1988, which resulted in 43 baptized souls. The church continued to meet in the tent following the crusade with hopes of transferring to the new edifice before the winter, but delays in construction forced them to seek other accommodations for the winter. The Pastor and members of the Second Mount Olive Baptist Church graciously opened Seventh-Day Adventists Beliefs Sanctuary Life and Family Center Community Outreach Health Expo the doors of their church so the church members could be sheltered from the cold. Grand Opening and Dedication of the New West End SDA Church In the Spring of 1989, the church edifice was completed and on May 13th, the congregation celebrated the grand opening and held a dedication for the new West End SDA Church. Several great leaders followed, and in August 2006, the current pastor, world-renowned Pastor Calvin B. Preston began serving as the shepherd of the Westend SDA flock. Pastor Calvin B. Preston Leader and visionary Pastor Calvin B. Preston was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama and a Master of Arts degree in Religion with emphasis in Church Administration from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Pastor Preston has pastored several Seventh-Day Adventists churches in Georgia and North Carolina. God has used Pastor Preston to spread the gospel message and win souls for the kingdom of God in evangelistic meetings across Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs constitute the church’s understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God’s Holy Word. Ministries and Community Outreach West End SDA Church has over 33 internal active ministries whose goal is to reach those seeking and desiring a new relationship with Christ; to edify the body of Christ; nurture the spiritual growth of mankind, and support and aid those in need. Westend SDA Church believes in community outreach and serves the community through their Prison Ministry Program, which includes regular travel to five Georgia State prisons; Nursing Home visits and Personal Ministries, whose mission is to actively engage in soulwinning service for God. Worship Services: Tuesday Services Senior Citizens Prayer: 12:00pm Bible Study: 7:00pm Wednesday Services Prayer Meeting: 7:00pm Saturday Services Sabbath School: 9:30am Divine Worship: 10:45am AYS: 1 hour before sunset 845 Lawton Street SW | Atlanta GA 30310 | Office: 404-755-5927 | Fax: 404-755-9043 westendsdachurch.org 19 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Church THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Cascade United Methodist Church (CUMC) Golf Academy Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary The CUMC Golf Academy utilizes the game of golf to promote family unity, leadership development, good citizenship and spiritual growth. T he Golf Academy at Cascade United Methodist Church celebrates its 10 exhilarating and successful years in ministry. The academy was formed in 2004 after the late Alphonso A. Carlton, Jr. (committee member of the United States Golf Association) and David Walters presented their plans and dream to the senior pastor, Rev. Walter L. Kimbrough. Rev. Kimbrough eagerly enlisted the assistance of Kenneth and Karen Parks and the four founding members worked diligently to engage other Cascade members who shared their passion for the game. The mission of the Golf Academy is to develop a program and service for Cascade UMC members that utilizes the game of golf to promote family unity, leadership development, good citizenship and spiritual growth. This mission is defined by its motto: “The family that prays and plays together stays together.” Cascade UMC Golf Academy Participants Kenneth Parks, President • David Walters, Vice President / Treasurer • Audrey McGee, Secretary/ Historian • Coach Leon McGee, Chief Player Development Officer • Wayne Copper, Chief Volunteer Development Officer/Asst. Treasurer • Jeffery Johnson, Chief Communication/Public Relation Officer • William Lewis, PGA Certified Instructor • Willie Burks, Certified Instructor The Golf Academy conducts a 6-week Adult Spring and Fall Beginner’s Classes on Saturday mornings. Hands-on training of golf fundamentals is offered during weeks one through five and instructions on rules and etiquette is covered in week six. Mentors will be assigned to participants once they have completed the class. The Golf Academy also offers Intermediate instruction and a tournament at the end of League Play. The founding members proposed a spiritual model that would motivate Cascade members and influence minority churches in the nation to offer similar programs. They pursued a religious path with tenacity for the church, church families and community residents. Today, Cascade’s Golf Academy is a charter member of the U.S. Golf Association and is governed by their Rules of Play and Citizenship. The CUMC Gold Academy promotes the game of golf through three components: • Cascade UMC Golf Academy Leadership Team 1. Adult Spring and Fall Beginner’s Classes 2. Mentoring throughout the season 3. League Play three times weekly during the season The Academy participates in a Junior Golf Partnership with the First Tee Golf of Atlanta at John White Park and the Bill Dickey Scholarship Academy (BDSA). The BDSA conducts a National Junior Golf Tournament at the Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta each year in June. Karen Parks serves on the Executive Board of BDSA. As an Outreach Ministry, the Golf Academy has become an essential part of the church’s growth through its current leadership team: To date, the CUMC Golf Academy has graduated over 800 beginner golfers. Based on the success of the first decade in ministry, the Golf Academy is expected to continue to flourish at Cascade UMC and in the community. For more information, contact Cascade United Methodist Church at 3144 Cascade Road, SW, Atlanta, GA 30311, Phone: 404-691-5770 or visit their website at www. cascadeumc.org. MOTTO: “The family that prays and plays together stays together.” The ITC Names 10th President: The Rev. Dr. Edward L. Wheeler The Board of Trustees of The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) was pleased to announce the election of The Reverend Edward L. Wheeler, PhD as its 10th President. Dr. Wheeler assumed the position full time in April 2015 according to an announcement made by Bishop C. James King, Jr., Chairman of The ITC Board of Trustees. Dr. Wheeler retired in 2012 after serving as President of Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis for 14 years, he now returns to the ITC where he once served as Dean of the Morehouse School of ReliThe Reverend Dr. gion (82-85), one of the constituent seminaries of the ITC. A recognized Edward L. Wheeler scholar in Church History, Dr. Wheeler served as Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Religion and Society at Tuskegee University (199197) and was Pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Cincinnati from 1985-91. While serving as a Pastor in Cincinnati, Wheeler also served as a faculty member at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton teaching in both the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Ministry degree programs. During his tenure as President of CTS he served on several civic and professional boards including the Committee on Leadership Development of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Greater 20 Indianapolis Progress Committee (Office of the Mayor) and 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. Wheeler also served on such Boards as the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Board, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, and the Board of Directors of the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Intra Baptist Relations and is a member of the joint Commission authorized by the Association of Theological Schools and the Association for Hispanic Theological Education to strengthen Hispanic Bible Institutes. Dr. Wheeler earned his B.A. from Morehouse College (’69), and his M. Div. (Magna cum Laude) from Colgate-Rochester Divinity School. He holds the Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Emory University. He has been honored with several honorary doctorate degrees from leading colleges in Indiana and from Christian Theological Seminary and Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio. In 2011 Dr. Wheeler was named one of two Distinguished Alumni of the Year by Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Dr. and Mrs. Mary Susan Wheeler have been married for 45 years and are the proud parents of three adult daughters. They are also blessed with three grandchildren. The ITC has also announced that Dr. Ed Wimberly, ITC’s 9th President, who has led the institution effectively during the past two years, will continue to serve the school as The Special Assistant to The President. THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® 3rd Qtr. 2015 Church www.overgroundrr.com All Roads to Atlanta, Georgia for the 109th Annual Session of the National Baptist Congress Keynote Speakers included Dr. T. B. Boyd III, President/CEO of the R. H. Boyd Publishing Corporation; NAACP President Dr. Cordell Brooks; National Primitive Baptist Convention President Dr. Bernard Yates; and 10th District A.M.E. Bishop Vashti McKenzie Murphy Atlanta, Georgia - The 109th annual session of the National Baptist Congress (NBC) convened in Atlanta, Georgia from June 21–26, 2015 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, located at 265 Peachtree Center Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The annual gathering of this year’s Congress hosted several thousand delegates, pastors, ministers, laypersons, and friends. Reverend Dr. William E. Flippin, Sr., pastor of the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in DeKalb County on Glenwood Avenue, was the host pastor for this year’s session. “We are honored that Atlanta was chosen to host the 2015 Congress, and I am humbled to serve as this year’s host. My goal is to make this year’s event the largest and most successful in its history,” said Dr. Flippin. The Reverend Micheal Benton, senior minister of the Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia, served as co-host pastor. preachers seeking to improve their sermon preparation and delivery, and for ministers interested in the area of evangelism, development of youth ministries, and church growth. Returning to Atlanta for the first time in over 20 years, the Congress featured a robust program of over 50 courses and activities. These learning experiences were a part of various programs offered by NBC that include the School of Biblical Studies, School of Personal & Spiritual Growth, School of Missionary Education, School of Christian Teaching Methodology, School of Ministry, and the Youth Congress. Workshops and seminars included sessions exclusively for women seeking to improve their leadership skills, for Congress general sessions featured keynote addresses delivered throughout the week, including the opening address and ceremony by Dr. T. B. Boyd III, President/CEO; Dr. Bernard Yates, President of the National Primitive Baptist Convention addressed the Congress during the morning session, as will Dr. Cordell Brooks, National President of the NAACP. This year’s Congress also featured a keynote by 10th District A.M.E. Bishop Vashti McKenzie Murphy for the inaugural Women of Wisdom Luncheon. Scenes from The 2015 National Baptist Congress www.nationalbaptistcongress.org 21 3rd Qtr. 2015 Community www.overgroundrr.com THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta (CBC) Joins Affordable Healthcare Interfaith Network T he Affordable Healthcare Interfaith Network is a collaborative effort among pastors, churches, mosques, health ministries, organizations and concerned individuals to educate, enroll and improve the health and wellness of as many families throughout the south as possible. “Access to healthcare is a human right,” states Rev. Frank Brown, President of Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta (CBC) and Pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. The CBC is a proactive organization comprised mostly of African-American ministers and laity. “Our mission is to provide leadership, advocacy and service to the homeless, helpless and hopeless in our community,” adds Rev. Brown, “and transform the quality of life of our families.” Dr. Reginald Figures is a member of the CBC Board of Directors and the Chairperson of the CBC Health and Wellness Committee. “I’m asking everyone for your assistance in demonstrating to Atlanta the powerful, spiritual coalesces of faith-based community leaders together, improving health and decreasing the health disparities that exist,” asserts Dr. Figures. “It’s your health, your life and your choice,” he continues, “and we must all take responsibility for our own health.” Source: Obama Healthcare News Key Features of The Affordable Care Act President Obama’s Health Care Reform, commonly called Obamacare, but officially called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for short, was signed into law on March 23, 2010. The ACA is meant to “provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans, reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes.” The Affordable Care Act is a part of an ongoing effort for decades to reform the national health care system. Health care reform has taken great strides under President Obama and millions are now insured! The Affordable Care Act puts consumers back in charge of their health care. Under the law, a new “Patient’s Bill of Rights” gives the American people the stability and flexibility they need to make informed choices about their health. Key features of The Afford Care Act include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 22 Ends Pre-existing Condition Exclusions Guaranteed Issue! Health plans can no longer limit or deny benefits due to a pre-existing condition Keeps Young Adults Covered If you are under 26, you may be eligible to be covered under your parent’s health plan. Ends Arbitrary Withdrawals of Insurance Coverage Insurers can no longer cancel your coverage just because you made an honest mistake. Guarantees Right to Appeal You now have the right to ask that your plan reconsider its denial of payment Ends Lifetime Limits on Coverage Lifetime limits on most benefits are banned for all new health insurance plans. Reviews Premium Increases Insurance companies must now publicly justify and unreasonable rate hikes. Gets You the Most from Your Premium Dollars Your premium dollars must be spent primarily on health care – not administrative costs. Covers Preventive Care at no Cost You may be eligible for recommended preventive health services. No copayment. Protects Your Choice of Doctor Choose the primary care doctor you want from your plan’s network. Removes Barriers to Emergency Services You can seek emergency care at a hospital outside of your health plan’s network. THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® I Community 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Concerned Black Clergy Is Helping Families Manage Their Financial Resources n 2010 the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta in collaboration with Wells Fargo Bank began facilitating a Money Management and Financial Literacy program through churches in the Atlanta area in response to the challenging circumstances many people were facing due to the recession that was affecting the American and global economy. Since that time these two entities have worked together in an effort to return consumers to solid banking practices and quality money management skills. This has been an important step in the right direction. Many households in our community are challenged by their economic circumstances. Many of them are active in our churches. However, the seminars being conducted give us an opportunity to put people on the right track financially. At present we have been able to positively impact over one thousand persons in metro Atlanta. Each person who has previously attended our seminars has shared that they have received the information they need to live a better quality of life. The only negative response from our surveys indicates that we need to do more of them. Thus we are continuing this important work of transforming the financial habits of families and individuals in the African American community. Some of the important topics discussed include Basics of Banking; Credit; Home Preservation; Retirement; Student Loans and a session on Small Business Development. All are vital in helping families develop strong habits of better managing their resources. Interested persons may contact the Concerned Black Clergy We often hear conversations about economic empowerment, but office at 404-755-4900 or log onto our website at www. this is our attempt in bringing tangible economic empowerment concernedblackclergy.org to find out when the next seminar will to those in need. Rarely do we talk about wealth building in our take place. community. But it is an important subject that we as a people must listen to and adapt for long term sustainability of our families. Connecting the Church, Businesses and the Community www.overgroundrr.com Get on Board!!! Call today 404-346-0808 or visit us online at www.overgroundrr.com 23 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Community THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Marquis Grissom Baseball Association (MGBA): “Supporting Today’s Youth with Tomorrow in Mind” M arquis Grissom, a former major league baseball player, is the founder and president of The Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, Inc. (MGBA). After retirement from his major league baseball career, Mr. Grissom founded the MGBA in 2006 to bring the principals and fundamentals he learned about baseball and life back to his community here in Atlanta. The MGBA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that provides athletes in underserved communities the opportunity to compete in a competitive baseball league. Mr. Grissom played in the baseball major leagues for 17 years for the Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers & San Francisco Giants. His accomplishments include: • 1995 World Series Championship • 1993 & 1994 All Star • 4-time Gold Glove Award Winner • 2-time National League stolen base champion • 1997 American League Championship MVP • 2009 Washington Nationals first base coach Marquis Grissom was born in raised in Red Oak, GA, where his youth coaches taught him about baseball and about making responsible choices. Grissom credits these coaches with inspiring him to give back to the community. “I felt compelled to help give a kid the same opportunity I had,” Grissom said. Grissom also credited his parents and siblings for playing a big part in his success and shaping him into the man he has become. Grissom is a huge proponent of preparing boys to be winners in life, not just in baseball. About the MGBA Program MGBA sponsors youth travel baseball teams in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Teams range in age from 7-22. The program provides coaching, mentoring, college placement assistance, tutorial services and scholarship assistance. Program highlights include: • Over 8,800 student athletes have participated in the MGBA program via travel baseball teams, tournaments, clinics & showcases since 2006. “The game of baseball teaches you how to work real hard, stay focused and never, ever quit.” • $2.3 million dollars have been granted in collegiate scholarship awards since 2006; 98% of eligible players have received collegiate scholarships. • A 100% high school graduation rate and an 87% college placement rate. Over 8% of the students have been drafted to the minor league and an estimated 5% enter the military. • Professional coaching staff has over 30 years of experience in the major league, AAA, Division 1 and major league scouting. • Registration fees ranges from $1,100-$2,500, which covers uniforms, tournament fees, travel expenses and coaching fees. MGBA supplements the cost of the program using funds raised through the Association. • MGBA covers uniform and tournament costs along with individual sponsorship for student athletes in need. • Professional life skills seminars are provided throughout the year. • 2014 MGBA Scholarship program launched. • MGBA partnered with A Plus Learning Center tutoring program. MGBA Academic Tutorial Program MGBA has partnered with A Plus Learning Center to provide tutorial services to athletes at no cost. The program includes certified teachers, online classes, computer software with interactive lessons, math and language arts instruction, as well as SAT and ACT Prep. Career counseling sessions and workshops are also provided, as well as career-related field trips. According to Grissom, the oneon-one tutorials have really been effective in building self-esteem and confidence in the athletes, as well as noticeable improvements in their grades. Baseball Training MGBA provides individual, group, one-onone and private sessions, as well as camps and clinics. The coaching staff is comprised of major and minor league players and coaches, scouts and conditioning professionals. Smoltz-Grissom Wood Bat Classic Tournament The MGBA sponsors the annual SmoltzGrissom Wood Bat Classic tournament, which is held in Atlanta. This tournament is well attended with over 100 teams participating throughout the southeast. The championship games are played at Turner Field allowing qualifying teams the experience of playing on a major league baseball field. Other special events sponsored by the MGBA include celebrity golf 24 tournaments, gala events, GA Power tours, and professional baseball team visits. Celebrity Golf Tournament This year, The MGBA hosted its 9th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday, September 21, 2015 at Heritage Golf Links located at 4445 Britt Road, Tucker, GA 30084. Celebrity golfers included Alejandro Pena, Andrew Jones, Bo Jackson, Brian Jordan, Charlie Liebrant, Chris Chambliss, Darrel Chaney, Don “DC” Curry, Gary Sheffield, Greg McMichael, Jacob Brumfield Jerry Manuel, John Rocker, Johnny Estrada, Marvin Freeman, Mike Cameron, Otis Nixon Pete Smith, Terry Harper, Warrick Dunn and Zane Smith. All proceeds to benefit the MGBA travel teams. Sponsors/Donations The MGBA welcomes all donations to support their efforts in serving all of Georgia inner city youth and young adults (ages 8 through College) from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The program provides opportunities for athletes to engage in activities that promote self-respect, discipline, leadership, and accountability. Future Goals of The MGBA Grissom and his wife Sharron are committed to the youth and parents they serve. Future MGBA plans include opening an indoor/outdoor, onestop-shop training and performance center that focuses on education, sports nutrition and the fundamentals of baseball. The MGBA lives by the motto: “Family, Love, Education and Baseball – in that order.” For more information, contact the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, Inc. at 1400 Veterans Memorial Hwy., Suite 134 #257, Mableton, GA 30126, Office: 404-745-1244, www.mgba.org THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Community 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Carver College: Striving Forward with New Majors Robert Crummie President Carver College F or 71 years, Carver has enjoyed a strong reputation for producing men and women who have made a huge difference from a variety of ministry platforms, particularly the pastorate and the mission field. In 2010 Carver included in its five-year strategic plan to expand its academic offerings and thus, expand the vision of the college to not only prepare men and women for the ministry but also for the marketplace. That vision became reality on May 2, 2015 when Carver conferred its first Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology upon Emmanuel Griffin of Lithonia, Georgia. Emmanuel, a second generation Carver grad (cum laude) was also a stand out basketball player for the Cougars. It’s literally a dream come true!!! In fact, this past year, Carver enrolled 52 new students in our Psychology degree program who otherwise would have never attended Carver. Carmen Smith is one of those students. Carmen is from Jackson, Mississippi and desires to utilize her skills in Psychology to empower women, to transform their lives, particularly those who’ve been abused and given to various kinds of addictions. Though he won’t graduate until 2017, Jimmy Danladi also represents the unfolding of our vision to expand our academic offerings. He came to Carver to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. Jimmy is from Kaduna, Nigeria and has entrepreneurial ambitions. Dr. Wynton Heyliger, the new Director of our Business Division at Carver says with a smile, “give us two years and the enrollment in the Business Division will outpace that of Psychology.” ate Minister at one of Atlanta’s leading churches, Mount Ephraim Baptist Church, he’s currently interning with Greater White Rock Baptist in Decatur, Georgia. He’s on schedule to receive his Bachelor’s of Arts in Biblical Studies in May 2016 and afterwards become a candidate for a local pastorate. “That we may present every man complete in Christ Jesus.” Opal Steward is three quarters of the way through her Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies. Her desire is to become more effective in the various ministry roles she serves in her local church, including teaching Colossians 1:28 Sunday school and serving in missions. Whether Biblical Studies, Business or Psychology, more and more students are finding Carver more appealing than ever! We’ve discovered that there are a It’s an exciting time on our campus as lot of students that want to pursue more we continue to dream and seek approval career-oriented majors and want to do it from our accrediting agency for even in a Christian environment. more majors. Our aim is no longer to just train the priest, but the priesthood! The benchmarking we’ve done with sisWith additional academic disciplines ter colleges and universities point to a and a curriculum map that requires every median enrollment in each of these new student who does not “major” in Bible majors of approximately 150 students. to “minor” in Bible we broaden our inWe knew all along that after achieving fluence for Christ significantly. Every accreditation, after enlarging our footCarver grad, regardless of their major, print and after securing Federal Finanenters the workforce with both technical cial Aid the next thing to trust the Lord skills in their chosen field and a biblical for was the approval from our accreditworld view that equips them with a sure ing association to offer new majors. moral compass. While we are excited about these strategic academic initiatives we still believe that the most significant discipline any one can ever pursue is a thorough study of the scriptures. It’s for this reason that the Biblical Studies major remains the flagship degree on campus and in turn, the dominant enrollment numbers are in this division. Reverend Wesley Cole is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who enrolled at Carver to prepare to serve the Lord as a pastor. Though an Associ- Please continue to partner with us. We need your prayers now more than ever. Your generosity will enable more and more students to become technically excellent with marketable skills and morally sound with the character to make the right choices and decisions in their young lives. The Carver College is located at 3780 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30331. For more information, contact the college at 404.527.4520 or [email protected]. 25 3rd Qtr. 2015 www.overgroundrr.com Women2Women Conference THE CONDUCTOR Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Women2Women Conference 2015 (ATLANTA) - March 26, 2015 - Women 2 Women Conference 2015 (W2W 2015) kicked off with an inspirational opening keynote by author Playwright Pearl Cleage. Attendees continued the day with thought provoking panels featuring A Woman’s Point of View: Examining Our Roles in Media & Entertainment with: Veteran actress and producer Lynn Whitfield; CEO/Chief Creative Officer for DMI Music & Media Solutions Tena Clark; producer, actress, singer, songwriter Nicci Gilbert; and CNN Worldwide writer and producer Lisa D. Cox. Other expert panels included The Power of Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy to Transform Lives and The Mind-Body Connection: A Holistic Approach to Health. Susan L. Taylor, Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement and Editor- in- Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine delivered the 2015 Phenomenal Woman keynote address during the Phenomenal Woman Awards Luncheon and charged the a multi-generational audience ranging in age from 18 to 80 plus to “Just Let Go”. Taylor and STEMconnector® CEO Edie Fraser received coveted Phenomenal Woman Awards for their extraordinary achievements and vast contributions for the empowerment of women. Students representing Dr. Maya Angelou Teen Center (DMATC) made a special presentation attesting to the positive impact participating in DMATC has had in preparing them for leadership and in developing life skills. Proceeds from the conference benefit the Dr. Maya Angelou Teen Center programs located at Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA in Atlanta, GA. W2W 2015 culminated breaking out in small groups for its signature Women 2 Women Wisdom Circles which included Emotional Intelligence (EQ) & Mindful Meditation Wisdom; Mommy Divas on the Move; Discover Your Soul Mission; and Women and Finances. Guests gathered in settings designed to be safe places where women came together to share, explore opportunities and connect. For more information visit www.women2womenconference. com which outlines full conference details. About Dr. Maya Angelou Teen Center Dr. Maya Angelou YMCA Teen program is designed to positively transform teen belief systems, abilities, potential to succeed and capacity to overcome the multiple obstacles. The program exposes teens to leadership and personal skills development, conflict resolution training, abstinence and health awareness education, financial / economic empowerment, career readiness, service projects and the performing arts. About the Founder: Sonjia Young is president of Eventions, Inc. a minority and female owned full-service special events and communications agency founded in 1982. Under Mrs. Young’s leadership, Eventions distinguished itself as one of the top events management and communications agencies in the Southeast. 26 THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® www.overgroundrr.com [Disclaimer: This is paid advertisement and does not necessarily represent the position or ideas of the publisher, the organization publishing this media, or any of its members.] CHRISTIAN DECLARATION OF POSITION REGARDING MARRIAGE 1. As a Christian, with all of my faults and shortcomings, I must look to the Bible to define what marriage is and what marriage is not. 2. Marriage according to the Bible is between a man and a woman. (Genesis 2:24 - “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”). 3. The relationship was established by God between the first man Adam and the first woman Eve, both created by God. (Genesis 2:20 - 25). 4. Though the Bible is my guide, support for homosexual marriages cannot be found even in non-biblical sources. Every system of faith (whether it was called a religion or not) which has had any wide recognition in human history has recognized that marriage is only between men and women, never between persons of the same sex. “The first country to allow same-sex couples to enter into legally recognized marriage was the Netherlands, effective in 2001.” Wikipedia, Same-sex marriage. 5. Even when marriage has been defined to include polygamy, it was always between men and women, never between several men or several women. As shown in Wikipedia, Same-sex marriage, homosexual “marriages” is a recent invention beginning in the Netherlands in 2001. 6. Indeed the Bible is very plain, in both the old and new testament, that homosexual behavior cannot be approved. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” (Leviticus 18:22). Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools; And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things; Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishon our their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. (Romans 1:22 - 26). 7. None of this is to say that homosexual behavior is the only sexual behavior unacceptable by the Bible. Sexual intercourse outside of marriage between a man and a woman is also prohibited. (Exodus 20:14 - “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”; Romans 13:9 - “...Thou shalt not commit adul tery...”). 8. At any large gathering of Christians there is likely to be many who have committed, are committing, and/or within a short period of time after that gathering will commit, adultery. Indeed David, God’s chosen servant, committed adultery. (2 Samuel 11th and 12th chapters). 9. However, there is no movement afoot to stop the Church from preaching the Biblical teachings against adultery. A very large percentage of people who have committed adultery claim to be driven by biological urges which they cannot resist. This is similar to the claims of those who advocate homosexual marriages. 10. We have all fallen and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 - “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”) This includes heterosexuals as well as homosexuals. But it is not God or the Bible that must change. We must change. 11. The fundamental message of the Christian faith as stated by Jesus is “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:7). And, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). 12. As much as I love my homosexual relatives and friends, I cannot go against God and the Bible to endorse homosexual marriage. I respect their choice to not follow the Bible in their personal lives, just as I respect the right of persons to commit adultery. 13. But my respect for a person’s right to make a private choice does not justify my endorsement of that which the Bible clearly states is wrong. It would be a violation of my conscience and my relationship with God, as well as an encouragement for others to do wrong, for which I would be responsible to my family, society in general and GOD. 14. Likewise I stand strongly opposed to any violence against those involved in homosexual behavior. Any act of violence against a person because of homosexual behavior is a sin in and of itself, as well as a crime which should and must be prosecuted. 15. It must be clearly understood that the Church must preach the gospel which includes the loving teaching to repent for all sin including homosexual behavior. (Matthew 28: 19-20 - “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen). It is imperative that a clear statement of the position of Christians regarding this issue be put forth. “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8). “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12). This is not homophobia, which those who seek to silence dialogue quickly label anyone who disagrees with them. This is homolove. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). This declaration is by the Bible Believing Christians Alliance [Disclaimer: This is paid advertisement and does not necessarily represent the position or ideas of the publisher, the organization publishing this media, or any of its members.] 27 THE CONDUCTOR 3rd Qtr. 2015 Advertise With OvergrouNdRR!! ® www.overgroundrr.com Official Publication of the Overground RR!!® Members only aDVERTISING rATES (ALL aDS rUN fOR oNE qUARTER) 1/16 PAGE (2.4” W x 3.5”H) $250 1/8 PAGE (2.4” W x 7.2”H) $400 1/4 PAGE (4.9” W x 7.2”H) $700 1/3 PAGE (10” W x 4.5”H) $850 1/2 PAGE (10” W x 7.2”H) $1250 Full PAGE (10” W x 14.4”H) $2000 BECOME A MEMBER! Take advantage of the opportunity to join the growing OvergroundRR!!® (ORR!!®) Movement today to significantly turn the Black dollar over within our community and change the economic landscape of the Black community by connecting Church, Business and Community!!! Complete the Membership Application online at www.overgroundrr.com or Scan the Smart Tag with your mobile device for quick and easy access! • ORR!!® MEMBERSHIP: $360 ANNUALLY • ORR!!® WEB SITE BANNER: $300 QUARTERLY • SPARKS E-NEWSLETTER BANNER: $75 MONTHLY (2 MONTH MINIMUM) • MEDIA PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: CUSTOMIZED CONTACT MEMBERSHIP & MARKETING: [email protected] 404.346.0808 JOin Today - 404.346.0808 28