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Honoring Georgia’s African Americans Who Made History Breaking Barriers and Building Legacies
A mayoral first, an odds-defying degree, the state’s song, one of rock ’n’ roll’s most groundbreaking tunes, and the “I Have a Dream” speech that inspired a nation — African Americans have made incredible contributions to American culture and history in countless ways. This Black History Month, we’re looking at some of Georgia’s most influential African Americans from recent history and how their contributions have changed society. February is the perfect time to look back at your own history and consider how your family, relatives, or ancestors have contributed positively to the world. What will you contribute to carry their legacy forward? Maynard Jackson Maynard Jackson arrived in Atlanta as a child and began his political career at age 30. In 1973, Jackson made history when he became the first Black mayor of Georgia and the first of a major Southern city in a racially polarized election, winning almost 60% of the vote. During his three terms, Jackson accomplished great things for the city, including an affirmative action program that helped hire more Black police officers and ensured minority contractors could get more jobs through the city. One of his significant achievements was the completion of the new Hartsfield International Airport, renamed the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in his honor in 2003. Ronald Yancey When Ronald Yancey walked across the Georgia Tech stage in 1965 to receive his diploma, it was a massive step in history. Born in Atlanta, Yancey had his eyes set on
a career in engineering, but he would face many trials to get there. Despite his SAT scores and excellent reputation as a student, Georgia Tech rejected his application three times before the school finally accepted him in 1962. In his final year, he had to meet grueling graduation requirements, but he persisted, making him the first Black man to graduate from the school, earning his degree in electrical engineering. In spring 2024, Yancey presented his granddaughter, Deanna Yancey, with her master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Georgia Tech. Little Richard When Georgia-born Little Richard sang, “A wop bop a loo bop, a lop bam boom,” it changed music forever. Little Richard was known for his high-energy antics, flamboyant style, and daring personality, which made a lasting impression on rock ’n’ roll. The musician would not receive the pay or credit he deserved with his music appropriated by white artists of the time, a common practice of the era. He only received $50 for the rights to his hit “Tutti Fruity,” earning only half a cent for each record sold. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his pioneering musical style inspired major musicians, including The Beatles, Elvis, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger. Ray Charles Ray Charles’ version of “Georgia on My Mind” is the state song, forever tying him to Georgia, where he was born. The singer was one of the first to mix blues and gospel, leading to the creation of the style rhythm
Ray Charles
and blues. Blind by age 7, Charles would have to overcome significant hurdles to succeed on his path to becoming one of the most well-known R&B artists of all time. Charles was active in the Civil Rights Movement, befriending and supporting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and composing several protest songs. He refused to play segregated concerts and even received an official apology from Georgia in 1979 for being fined after refusing to play to an all- white audience in Augusta. Martin Luther King Jr. One of the Civil Rights Movement’s most important figures was Atlanta-born Martin Luther King spent much of his life fighting for equality and human rights. He was a driving force behind the March on Washington, landmark civil rights legislation, and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. King’s famous words in speeches like “I Have a Dream” and “Letter From Birmingham Jail” still ring as symbols of equality today.
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Presidential Decisions That Still Influence Daily Life LEGACIES IN ACTION
From the dollar bill in your pocket to the National Parks you explore and the highways you drive on, the legacies of America’s presidents are all around us even long after their terms are over. This Presidents Day is a perfect time to reflect on some of the presidents whose contributions didn’t just shape history; they still impact our daily lives today. Leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Barack Obama made decisions that continue to influence our society. George Washington Our nation’s first president, George Washington, didn’t just set the tone for presidential dignity and decorum; he voluntarily created term limits. Known for leading the country to victory in the American Revolutionary War, Washington earned the people’s trust and showed great restraint of power. He helped to establish the executive branch that we still have in place today and worked to ensure Americans had a sound system to elect future presidents. Though Washington was beloved and could have served term after term, he willingly stepped away from the role after two terms. Every president to follow, except FDR, did the same, and the 22nd Amendment would later cement the term limits in place today. Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most influential leaders. His most lasting contributions to the world we know today were the preservation of the Union, the ideals of Democracy being “by the people for the people,” and the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavery in the Confederacy. Though he began the Civil War with one goal, to save the Union, he would go on to create the possibility for civil and social freedom for African Americans. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was an early step in racial equality. Though slavery was not entirely abolished until the 13th Amendment in 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was a vital precursor for the liberation of African Americans.
protecting wildlands and created the United States
Forest Service (USFS) in 1901. He added to the national forests in the West and reserved lands for public use. During his presidency, Roosevelt established five national parks and 150 national forests and preserved 230 million acres of public land. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR, was the
defining figure during the Great Depression, promising the people a “new deal.” Pulling the country out of economic hard times, the policies he created set the stage for our financial future today. He laid the foundation for Social Security and public housing through safety nets that prevent Americans from falling just below any level of basic dignity. He helped to create the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and his New Deal sought to make the benefits of American life more equal and attainable for all. He also guided the country through World War II and into a global power. Lyndon Johnson Though people often think about President John F. Kennedy when it comes to advancing civil rights, Lyndon Johnson was the force behind much of the civil rights legislation. Taking office after John Kennedy’s assassination, his administration helped pass legislation to protect our land, air, water, and quality of life. He created aid for education, Medicare, and Medicaid, which are still used today. His programs aimed to help Americans stay out of poverty and get adequate health care. Johnson inaugurated major changes to American society by signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Barack Obama Barack Obama became the first African American president in 2008. He provided stability after the Great Recession and raised the bar for science and technology in the White House. His most significant achievement that still impacts us today is the Affordable
Teddy Roosevelt If you have ever enjoyed the beauty of nature in one of our country’s National Parks, you have President Teddy Roosevelt to thank. The 26th president was the youngest in history at age 42 and led the nation toward progressive reforms. Known as the conservationist president, Roosevelt believed in
Care Act. Obamacare made health insurance more attainable, helping millions of Americans get basic health coverage.
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An Actress’s Guide to Better Living REBEL HEALTH
best way for you to lose unwanted body fat is just by simply walking. It doesn’t have to be high intensity or uphill … just simply walking an hour a day.’” Stepping Up at the Opera Performing repetitions on stairs is a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system. Wilson took this fact to the extreme — by the time her exercise routine progressed, she could do 25 laps on the steps of the world-renowned Sydney Opera House! While not everyone has an opera house at their disposal, almost anyone can strengthen their calves, glutes, abs, and quads by doing stair reps at home. Soaring With Proper Sleep Although Wilson’s fitness plan ranged from simple to complex, she’d likely agree that any successful health
From the pandemic to political woes, 2020 was challenging for people worldwide. Australian actress Rebel Wilson — known for her size and skills on screen — decided to use that time to improve her life. Calling 2020 her “Year of Health,” she challenged herself to lose weight in safe and sustainable ways. Thanks to her discipline, she eventually shed 75 pounds and now stands as an example of what can be accomplished through perseverance. How did she do it? Read on. Nurturing With Nature’s Medicine In the words of Greek philosopher Hippocrates, “Walking is nature’s best medicine!” Wilson embraced this mindset by getting off the couch and on her feet, making walking the core of her newfound exercise regimen. “Sometimes, the simplest thing, like getting out and walking for an hour a day, is the kindest thing to your body, and your body will respond to that,” she explains in an episode of the Apple Fitness+ series “Time to Walk.” “An Austrian doctor said, ‘Rebel, the
Vegan Greek Sheet Pan Dinner goal begins with a good night’s sleep. Studies have shown that consistently getting fewer than six hours of shut-eye can lead to an increased risk of obesity and a slower metabolism. If you want to conquer your weight, your bed is the best place to start!
INGREDIENTS
Seasoning: •
Veggies and Tofu: •
3 tbsp olive oil
1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and diced
• • • • • • •
1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsp) 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• • • • • •
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced 1 medium red onion, sliced 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives 1/4 cup vegan feta, crumbled
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients, stir, and set aside. 2. Spread tofu, zucchini, pepper, onion, and tomatoes on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle seasoning over top and mix with your hands until everything is well coated. 3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until everything is golden brown. Remove from the oven, then sprinkle with olives and vegan feta. 4. Serve with cooked rice, warm pita bread, vegan tzatziki, hummus, or chopped parsley.
SPOTLIGHT
Inspired by ItDoesntTasteLikeChicken.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Rock ’n’ Roll, Civil Rights, and Sky- High Achievements page 1 Shaping Society, One Policy at a Time page 2 Sensible Steps to Shed Pounds page 3 Vegan Greek Sheet Pan Dinner page 3 Must-Have Apps for Smart Travelers page 4 TRAVEL SMARTER WITH THESE TOP APPS TOOLS TO PLAN, EXPLORE, AND SAVE
Travel is meant to be exciting, but let’s face it, planning a trip can quickly become overwhelming. From booking flights to navigating new destinations, the process often feels like a juggling act. Luckily, with the right travel apps in your pocket, you can streamline your journey and make the trip more enjoyable. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler, an over-planner, or an explorer searching for hidden gems, these apps offer tailored solutions to meet your needs. Budget-Savvy Travelers Travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Apps like Hopper and Skyscanner help you find the best flight deals by tracking prices and sending alerts when fares drop. Hopper even predicts the best time to book so you don’t have to be glued to the phone watching prices. For accommodations, Airbnb or Vrbo have options for every budget, from cozy apartments to unique stays in treehouses and boats. Planners and Organizers If juggling flights, hotels, and everything else that goes into a trip feels overwhelming, you need TripIt. This app organizes all your plans into
one easy-to-access itinerary, taking the stress out of travel planning. For even more streamlined travel, pair TripIt with Google Maps, which provides real-time navigation and lets you save locations and download offline maps. Adventurers If you’re hitting the open road, Roadtrippers is the perfect travel companion. This app maps your journey while highlighting quirky attractions, scenic routes, and hidden gems along the way. With everything from historical landmarks to offbeat roadside stops, Roadtrippers turns your road trip into a memorable adventure. Why These Apps Matter When you’re out adventuring, travel apps are the ultimate problem- solvers. They’re your travel agent, personal assistant, and local guide, all in the palm of your hand. From booking a last-minute flight to figuring out the best way to get from point A to point B, these tools put you in control of your journey so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
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