The Foster Firm - August/September 2024

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TheFosterFirmWins.com • 404-559-8325 • August/September 2024

The Unsung Black Heroes Who Paved the Way for Women’s Voting Rights Beyond Suffrage: Hidden History

As U.S. citizens, one of our top goals should always be maintaining everyone’s right to have free, unfettered access to the polls. As most people know, it took some time and a lot of hard work before women gained the same access as men, and it was even longer for women of color. Aug. 26 is Women’s Equality Day, celebrating the enactment of the 19th Amendment in 1920. The amendment was the result of the decadeslong struggles and advocacy of the women suffragists. As we celebrate, I wanted to explore this historic moment and the often-overlooked work of Black suffragists to achieve equality. I have roots in this story as a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which has been part of the fight for equal rights since the early 1900s. The Women’s Suffrage Amendment was first introduced to Congress in 1878 but failed multiple times before being introduced again in 1918, this time with President Wilson’s support. It passed the House but not the Senate, leaving advocates to keep working. In 1919, the amendment passed but would still need to be ratified by all the states, which happened when Tennessee voted in favor of it. It was officially adopted on Aug. 26, 1920. On paper, this amendment should have protected all women against voter discrimination but ultimately only gave white women the right to vote. Black, Native American, Asian American, and women from other minority groups would not gain true equality at the polls until the Voting

Rights Act of 1965. Women with disabilities wouldn’t get their full protections until 1990 with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Until then, polls did not have to offer accommodations like wheelchair ramps. One of the most influential moments of the 19th Amendment was the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. This convention, created by local Quakers and suffragists, was highly attended by men and women and was the first women’s rights convention in the U.S. It was inspired by the Haudenosaunee, a confederacy of six Iroquois nations that gave women equal rights to men. The three suffragists who led the convention all had ties to the Haudenosaunee. Frederick Douglass was the sole African American attendee and argued in favor of women’s suffrage. I’m sure he understood that would also accelerate the rights of free Black people to vote. Black suffragists, however, worked alongside white women since the movement’s earliest days. Sojourner Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech at the National Woman’s Rights Convention in 1851, and women like Harriet Tubman fought for equality despite their own lack of access. My sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, faced racism within the suffrage movement when a group of 22 Black sorority sisters attended a 1913 march for women’s rights. They were delegated to the back of the parade by its white organizers, and as the crowd jeered and threw things at them, they marched proudly and fiercely for their cause. Though

the Deltas’ story didn’t get the shine it deserved for many years, we continue to use this organization to support equal voting rights, running registration drives, and training women for political office. If you want to learn more about the fight for equal rights, check out Will Smith’s Netflix series, “Amend.” Even better, if you want to celebrate Women’s Equality Day with something special, ensure your voter registration is current so you’re ready to vote in the next election. You can visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s page at MVP. sos.ga.gov/s to do that. As I reflect on Women’s Equality Day this year, I’m touched by the stories of Black suffragists. I leave you with the vibrant motto of Black suffragist Ida B. Wells, who marched alongside the Deltas in D.C. “One had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog or a rat in a trap.”

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Try These Quick Calorie-Blasting Workouts Burn Calories Faster

Running Simple yet effective, running is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories. The faster you run, the more calories you’ll burn per minute. Interval running, where you alternate between sprinting and jogging, can also be particularly effective for quick calorie burning. Jumping Rope Jump rope is not just a playground activity; it’s a high-intensity workout that burns about 10 calories per minute. It’s a fantastic cardiovascular workout that improves heart health and stamina. Swimming Swimming is a total-body workout that is both high-intensity and gentle on the body. It effectively burns calories (around 200–300 calories in 30 minutes) while also being low-impact, which is excellent for those looking to reduce stress on their joints. Incorporating these exercises into your fitness routine can significantly enhance your calorie-burning efficiency. Remember, the key to these workouts is intensity. The harder you push yourself, the more calories you’ll burn and the less time you’ll need to work out. Always ensure you balance high-intensity workouts with adequate rest and recovery, and consider having a fitness professional create a workout plan tailored to your personal health and fitness goals.

In the quest for fitness efficiency, especially in today’s fast-paced

world, many of us are looking for the most effective exercises to maximize calorie burn in the shortest time. Whether

you’re squeezing a workout into a busy schedule or just aiming to maximize your gym time, here are five exercises that can help you torch calories quickly. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT, is the best method for burning calories fast. It involves short bursts of intense exercise alternating with low-intensity recovery periods. For example, sprinting for 30 seconds followed by one minute of walking, repeated for 20–30 minutes, can do wonders. This method burns a high number of calories during the workout and elevates your metabolism for hours after you’ve finished. Indoor Cycling Spin classes or indoor cycling can be exhilarating ways to burn calories. Depending on the intensity of the workout and your body weight, you can burn between 200 and 300 calories in just a 30-minute session. The key is to maintain a high intensity, utilizing both the bike’s resistance settings and the pace at which you pedal.

FRESHMAN ESSENTIALS FOR A STELLAR START TO THE SEMESTER ACE YOUR FIRST DAY

The countdown to college is on! If you are a freshman, this is one of the most exciting new adventures you will go on, and there are steps you can take to be more prepared for this big change. From must-haves for your dorm to budgeting basics, let’s explore the best tips to get you ready for your first day You will need a place to live while toiling away on your coursework. Check to see if your school has any living requirements, as some expect students to live on campus for a certain amount of time. If you decide to live in the dorms, start the process early to get your pick of residence halls. Your school will have people and resources to help you find the right spot. Create a budget. Whether this is your first time living away from home or not, it’s essential to create a on campus and beyond. Figure out your housing.

budget that considers your tuition, housing, books, school supplies, and other needs, such as food and transportation. Always make sure you have funds stashed away for emergencies. Resources are available to help you plan a budget online, or look to your college to see if they offer any financial planning assistance. Get to know your college. Spend some time getting acclimated to the campus and surrounding community. It’s good to identify where important services are available, like the hospital, post office, and library. Get an understanding of transportation services around you. Orientation sessions offered at the start of school or before the semester begins are excellent tools. You can learn about the campus, different programs, and college life on one of these guided tours and meet new friends. Get to know your allies on campus, like advisors and professors.

One of the most important things you can do at the start of college is to fully participate in your classes and strive to maximize your educational experience. Your transition will be smooth and rewarding with the proper preparation and mindset. Here’s to a fantastic start to your college experience!

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Avoid These Mistakes After a Crash FROM SHOCK TO SETTLEMENT

Don’t skip medical care. Even if you don’t necessarily feel seriously hurt after an accident, it’s essential to seek medical care as soon as possible. Not only will this identify potentially serious injuries and your needed care, but it will also help your case. A doctor can help connect injuries to the accident,

When you have been in a collision, it can be a harrowing ordeal on Georgia’s busy roads, especially if you have injuries. Making simple mistakes that could significantly impact your recovery, legal standing, and insurance claims can be easy in the chaos. During this challenging time, knowing what to do is essential. This month, we’re exploring some of the biggest mistakes after an accident and how to avoid them. Don’t admit fault. Insurance companies will want to talk to you after an accident to try to learn what occurred. It’s crucial not to admit fault to them in any way because they may take that information and use it against you. You need to be careful what you say; they could be recording the call and using any of it as evidence. Agents may even ask you leading questions to garner a specific response from you. Talk to a lawyer before you speak with them. Don’t accept the first offer. When an insurance company offers you a cash settlement for your injuries, it may feel like a welcomed lifeline. But that first offer is likely way below what you deserve. The insurance company is looking to pay you the smallest amount possible. It may not be enough to cover your costs, especially ones that have yet to materialize, like additional medical bills. Additionally, once you sign and accept that offer, your case is closed.

but it’s imperative to do this soon, or that ability will wane. Insurance adjusters may look at the time between the accident and when you went to the doctor as proof your injuries weren’t concerning enough for you to go in right away. If you’ve been in an accident,

contact The Foster Firm. We can help ensure you get a fair settlement and the maximum compensation.

Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 sweet potato sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

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1 pinch of sea salt Water, to desired consistency

1 tbsp avocado oil

Dressing •

Salad •

1/4 cup tahini

5 cups of greens (spinach or lettuce)

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2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp maple syrup

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1 ripe avocado, cubed

2 tbsp hemp seeds (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add sweet potato slices and toss in oil. 2. Bake for 15 minutes and flip. Bake for another 5–10 minutes and remove from the oven. 3. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk to combine and slowly add water until the dressing is semi-thick and pourable. 4. In a serving bowl, add greens and top with sweet potato, avocado, and hemp seeds. Serve with dressing.

SPOTLIGHT

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1895 Phoenix Blvd., Ste. 110 Atlanta, GA, 30349 TheFosterFirmWins.com 404-559-8325

INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Powerful Message for Women’s Equality Day page 1 Exercises That Help You Lose More in Less Time page 2 Ready, Set, College page 2 Watch Out for These Common Pitfalls Post-Collision page 3 Spotlight page 3 Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad page 3 The Ultimate Beach Retreats to Visit This Year page 4

JET-SET TO PARADISE DISCOVER 2024’S TOP TROPICAL GETAWAYS

Costa Rica There’s a reason Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica the best destination in 2024. Known worldwide for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and unique biodiversity, this peaceful nation is a haven for nature lovers. You can explore the jungle and view native animals by visiting one of the country’s volcanoes, nature preserves, or the Térraba-Sierpe Wetland, Costa Rica’s largest mangrove swamps. If you want the most luxurious experience possible, the Nayara Tented Camp is one of the newest hot spots for a glamping trip. The resort is made up of private tents at a spot with incredible views and offers five-star amenities. Panama If you want a mix of old-world charm and modern splendor, Panama has established itself as one of the “it” destinations for travelers. This country offers a little bit of everything, from rainforests and beaches

Palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, and intimate jungle views — if you’re ready to fly off to a tropical paradise in 2024, this year’s trend is small beach resorts and private retreats. If you want to book a tropical trip, you should check out these destinations that travel experts can’t stop talking about. Grab your sunscreen and a sense of adventure because these three destinations are sailing atop the charts!

to vibrant cities. Whether you want to stroll down the historic neighborhood of Casco Viejo and marvel at the architecture or visit one of its museums, Panama gives guests a mix of activities and chances to spoil themselves. Saint Kitts The island of Saint Kitts is a nature-lover’s paradise in the West Indies. With rainforests, mountains, and serene shores, you can explore by land or relax on the beach. Catch a glimpse of elusive green vervet monkeys at Mount Liamuiga or step back in time by visiting the Brimstone Hill National Fortress. Snorkeling and golf are popular pastimes in this growing hot spot of the Caribbean. As you plan for your next great tropical escape, set sail for one of 2024’s hottest destinations. Whether you want to traverse nature or lounge on immaculate beaches all day, your seaside oasis awaits you!

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