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The Decatur Book Festival is back in-person this year with a stable of literary events and activities.
Thousands of people are once again expected to converge upon downtown Decatur for the book festival, including countless authors, book publishers and literary fans. Keep reading to know everything about this much acclaimed annual event.
Decatur Book Festival 2022: Everything You Need To Know
The Decatur Book Festival is a free event open to the public, although online registration through EventBrite is required to attend. Masks will not be mandatory this year, nor will proof of vaccination.
This festival is one of the premiere outdoor events in Atlanta this year. Held in Atlanta’s prime venues, festival season spotlights the best of the city.
When Is The Decatur Book Festival This Year?
The Decatur Book Festival will take place on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, 2022. As we mentioned earlier, the first day kicks off with a keynote address.
Decatur Book Festival 2022: Schedule
This year, attendees will be able to indulge in 15 sessions presented in three tracks: adult fiction, adult non-fiction, and children & youth.
The full schedule is here. Some sessions on October 1 you do not want to miss include:
- Georgia Politics Past & Present Featuring Mike Lukovich
- Graphic Novels are SUPER!
- Celebrating the Power of You: A Black Joy Picture Book Panel
- Killer Reads: A True Crime Panel
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The 2022 Revolt Summit x AT&T is happening in Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend. The dates for the star-studded event are September 24 and 25, 2022.
When Is The Revolt Summit?
The Revolt Summit takes place during the third week in September.
- The Summit doors will be open on the following days/ times:
- Saturday, September 24, 2022: 9AM – 8PM
- Sunday, September 25, 2022: 9AM – 8:30PM
The Sean “Diddy” Combs sponsored-event will feature an all-star lineup including panels, keynotes, and conversations from Coi Leray, Gucci Mane, Iddris Sandu, Tamika D. Mallory, Big Freedia, Pretty Vee, Fly Guy DC, 19 Keys, DJ Drama, Tezlyn Figaro, Tariq Nasheed, Bimma Williams, LaRussell, and more.
This year’s immersive two-day event will focus on exploring the future of Hip Hop and culture across categories while empowering the next generation of rising future-makers.
Revolt Summit 2022: What You Need To Know
In collaboration with AT&T, the Revolt Summit offers attendees access to opportunity in real-time, with an unparalleled experience that celebrates the global power and influence of Hip Hop. Offering a fully immersive experience, this year’s Summit will feature exclusive live viewings of Revolt’s hit series, including Assets Over Liabilities with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, Big Facts, Drink Champs, the Rap Radar podcast, and more.
“The Revolt Summit is coming back bigger and better than ever with the goal of inspiring the next generation of cultural leaders to understand that the time is now to achieve your dreams, change your life, and more importantly change the world,” said Combs, Chairman of Revolt. “The future is happening in real-time, so we all have a responsibility to share the access, information, and opportunities that will move the culture forward and the Revolt Summit is where it all starts.”
This year’s Summit will introduce a new format, featuring a lineup of interactive keynotes, panel conversations, live performances, and town hall discussions with the most prominent voices shaping the future. The Summit will also provide access to life-changing networking opportunities, valuable information and mentorship through the AT&T Office Hours, Career Fair, Pitch Competition, and the annual Be Heard Finale.
Revolt Summit: Event Highlights
Interactive workshops include:
ASSETS OVER LIABILITIES
Join powerhouses Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings (of Earn Your Leisure) for an exciting conversation on financial literacy.
THE FUTURE OF CULTURE
This session will include an insightful keynote by Iddris Sandu, in addition to a panel conversation moderated by Bimma Williams, founder of Claima, who will be joined by Ms. Basketball and more to explore the future of content, collaboration, creativity and convergence.THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITY
This session will include a keynote from prominent activist and community leader Tamika D. Mallory, exploring the future of social justice, equity, and our collective fight for freedom.THE FUTURE OF COMMERCE
This session will include a keynote from John Petty III, Executive Creative Director at Weiden + Kennedy and AdAge Creative of the Year, exploring the future relationship between brands, creators and the changing economy.THE FUTURE OF CONNECTIVITY
The future is now, and technology is changing. This panel explores the future of connectivity as it relates to 5G social media, networking, live streaming, and more.DEAR AMERICA, RUN MY CHECK
With nearly 85% of Black Americans believing that there should be some form of compensation delivered to the descendants of the American enslavement, Tariq Nasheed and REVOLT Black News Weekly hosts moderate a solution-oriented discussion about our payback for building this country for free.BE HEARD COMPETITION
REVOLT’s Signature event, BE HEARD, a talent competition aimed at giving everyone a shot at BEING HEARD, will kick off with a special HBCU Open Call for current attendees of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Atlanta. Two winners from the Open Call will go on to compete at the BE HEARD finals on September 25th at the Summit for a panel of judges including DJ Drama, Tek and others for the chance to win $10,000.Final Word
“Our mission at Revolt is to provide a platform for the artists, creators and cultural leaders shaping the future of Hip Hop across categories and this year’s Summit is anchored in bringing this vision to life,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of Revolt. “Atlanta represents the epicenter of Hip Hop culture today, so we’re excited to return with a new slate of programming, marquee talent, and live experiences that explore what’s next, while highlighting how both REVOLT and Hip Hop continue evolving.”
Thriving at the intersection of culture and education, the Summit unites the biggest artists, innovators, activists and industry leaders to explore the future of Hip Hop, culture, community, commerce, connectivity and the future of REVOLT. Maintaining an unwavering commitment to the local community, the Summit will once again take place at 787 Windsor, a 3.5-acre urban art studio and outdoor open area campus owned by Sharod Simpson, founder and CEO of street meets faith brand, God Is Dope.
“The future is now, and we believe there’s nothing more powerful than connection to drive the evolution,” said Michelle Jordan, Chief Diversity Officer, AT&T. “AT&T’s presence at the Summit gives us a chance to learn from influential Black leaders, while offering experiences that can empower and drive real impact.”
Coming to Atlanta? Don’t sleep on the food. Check out the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty others. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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The Black College Golf Coaches Hall of Fame is inducting three legends into its ranks on Friday, September 23, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The inaugural event is part of the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA).
Black College Golf Coaches Hall of Fame Host Induction Ceremony In Atlanta
The BCGCA was created to provide student-athletes from around the world with unique opportunities to compete in collegiate golf while developing academic and interpersonal skills to compete in the “real world” on a global scale.
On Friday, September 23, three legends in black college golf will be inducted into the black golf coaches hall of fame:
Who Are The 2022 Black College Golf Coaches Hall of Fame Inductees?
Eddie Payton
Eddie Payton is a renown college golf coach, but his athletic life started long before that. Payton, the brother to late great Chicago Bears star Walter Payton.
Eddie Payton played for five seasons in the NFL on four different teams: the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. He went on to coach at his alma mater, Jackson State University, where his golf teams won multiple titles.
Art Gelow
Art Gelow made his mark as head coach for both the men’s and women’s golf programs at Savannah State University, where his teams won 12 Division I golf tournament titles.
His accolades include coaching a golfer to the first PGA National Minority Championship in Savannah State’s history.
More recently, Gelow has volunteered as an assistant golf coach at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson held many positions at Southern University in Baton Rouge, including head of the Physical Education Department, professor and coach of the men’s and women’s golf programs, which he led to multiple titles throughout a 40-year coaching career.
Retiring in 2012, Johnson remains involved in golf, serving as a volunteer consultant at local golf courses in Baton Rouge and Baker, Louisiana, where he lives.
The The Black College Golf Coaches Hall of Fame inductee ceremony is taking place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta located at 265 Peachtree St., Atlanta, Ga. 30303.
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Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Atlanta’s downtown district is once again attracting residents, reversing decades of sprawl that saw families flock to the suburbs. Georgia’s largest city leads the nation in downtown apartment construction, according to a new report.
StorageCafe.com’s report shows that downtowns are back in vogue again, with Atlanta leading the way. The site looked at the downtown areas of the country’s 100 largest cities and ranked them based on the number of multifamily units built over the past decade.
What City Is #1 In America For Downtown Apartment Construction?
The nation is in the middle of a housing crisis, with not enough dwellings being built for American families, but Atlanta is doing its part.
- The city has built more than 21,000 units from 2013 to 2022, according to StorageCafe.
- The next-closest city with that kind of downtown construction is Los Angeles, with $19,342 units built over that period.
- The 21,500 apartments built in Atlanta over the past 10 years represents more than half or its inventory. Downtown Atlanta has another 7,000 new apartments currently being built, according to the site.
Let’s look at how the cities rank in terms of apartment unit construction.
Cities With The Most Apartment Units Being Built
- Atlanta — 21,508
- Los Angeles, CA — 19,342
- Houston, TX — `15,607
- Charlotte, NC — 12,836
- Miami, FL — 12,401
- Nashville, TN — 11,144
- Denver, CO — 10,730
- Jersey City, NJ — 10,236
- Brookyn, NY — 9,623
- Minneapolis, MN — 9,554
- Baltimore, MD — 9,043
- Chicago, IL — 9,031
- San Diego, CA — 8,696
- San Antonio, TX — 8,373
- Raleigh, NC — 8,341
- Philadelphia, PA — 8,019
- Tampa, FL — 7,494
- San Jose, CA — 7,487
- Richmond, VA — 7,329
- Orlando, FL — 7,264
How To Afford An Apartment In Atlanta
You already know that Atlanta apartment market is one of the most expensive in the country. The average rent in Atlanta is more than $1,800 a month. How can you afford rent?
Get A High-Paying Job
You need to have a salary that meets the median income across the Atlanta metro area. If you can switch to a higher-paying job, now is the time to do that.
Work flexibility is at an all-time high as many employers are hiring remote workers right now. Here are some insightful steps on how to find a job in Atlanta.
Get A Roommate
Having a roommate will not only allow you to save more of your money, but it also automatically gives you some company for lonely nights. As long as you get along, it could be great.
The key to finding a good roommate is to screen properly.
Some great places to find a roommate include:
Ask For A Cheaper Unit
Many apartments will only show you their more expensive one-, or two-, or three-bedroom apartments, but if you want to stay there and save money at the same time, you need to ask the leasing agent for their least expensive options.
See if you can haggle them on the price by promising to pay the first six months of the rent or another concession.
Apartments will typically have apartments that need a paint job or other cosmetic fix that they may rent you if they’re in a hurry. It won’t hate to ask.
Final Word
The Atlanta construction boom hasn’t just been relegated to downtown. Places like Smyrna, Doraville and high-priced Buckhead have cranes in the sky. In fact, many of the suburban and exurban areas are seeing structures being built on what seems like a monthly basis.
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One of the best taco spots in Atlanta recently opened another outpost in the metro area. The Vinings Jubilee location of bartaco is officially serving customers.
According to a news release, CEO and President of Paces Properties David Cochran and bartaco co-founder/CEO Scott Lawton, grew up together in Vinings. The two both were well familiar with the old Baptist church on the Vinings Jubilee property and decided to keep its steeple and structure and turn it into a restaurant.
What’s On The Menu At bartaco Vinings?
You can expect bartaco’s expansive menu featuring such hits as Baja Fish, Seared Chirizo, Spiced Chicken Verde and many more taco varieties like the pork belly and cauliflower tacos, duck birria, guacamole + street corn and more.
Beer out of the bottle will include selections from local crosstown neighbors Monday Night Brewing and New Realm Brewing Co. And don’t forget the margaritas, sangria and wine options!
Additionally, the Vinings bartaco is the only one with new “crush” style cocktails like the following:
- Orange Crush – Wheatley vodka + Combier liqueur d’orange + fresh orange juice + orange Fanta
- Pineapple Crush – Wheatley vodka + Combier liqueur d’orange + fresh pineapple juice + pineapple Fanta
“We are overjoyed to officially be a part of the Vinings community,” Lawton said in a written statement. “This opening is especially exciting for me as Vinings is where I grew up, and I am honored to be able to serve the community that served me for so many years. We can’t wait to welcome new and loyal guests into our newest Atlanta location and look forward to throwing a great party daily with fantastic food and fresh cocktails in our relaxing coastal escape right here in Vinings.”
Where Is The Vinings bartaco Located?
The Vinings bartaco is located at 2950 New Paces Ferry Rd, Vinings, Ga. Here is a map to help you find it.
All Four bartaco Atlanta Locations:
- West Midtown: 969 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | 404.607.8226
- Vinings: 2950 New Paces Ferry Rd SE | 470.797.8226
- Inman Park: 299 N. Highland Ave. NE | 470.400.8226
- Chastain Park: 3802 Roswell Road NE | 678.871.8226
Final Word
Atlanta has a long history with taco restaurants. But the city also has its share of trendy eateries, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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A new restaurant and bar concept is set to open on Atlanta’s westside this fall. Westside Motor Lounge is a fun outdoors/indoors eatery that includes a cocktail lounge, game room and events space and much more.
This is one of the best places to eat in West Midtown.The eatery is situated at Echo Street West, the development just off Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway near Northside Drive. Westside Motor Lounge sits on a parcel that used to house three car mechanic shops and adjacent parking lots. Now the establishment finds itself right next to the Westside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline.
When Is Westside Motor Lounge Opening In Atlanta?
Westside Motor Lounge is scheduled to open sometime in October 2022. The establishment is part of a westside renaissance that is being partially driven by the popularity of the Beltline and related businesses in its orbit.
Westside Motor Lounge: What To Expect
Westside Motor Lounge was developed by Lincoln Property Co., and is operated by STHRN Hospitality Co., which is headed by George Banks, Elizabeth Feichter and Kelly Campbell.
The complex includes the following amenities:
- Restaurant and bar
- Cocktail lounge
- Listening room
- Event space
- Game room
- Courtyard featuring a music stage, beer garden, shuffleboard courts, cabanas, fire pits and a food truck.
Where Is Westside Motor Lounge Located In Atlanta?
Westside Motor Lounge is located at 725 Echo St. NW. Here is a map to help you find it.
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 20+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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The Original Chopshop is opening in Buckhead in October. This will be the company’s first entry into the Georgia market. After the Atlanta opening, the eatery plans to launch in Alpharetta in January.
The Original Chopshop specializes in protein bowls, salads, juices and sandwiches.
The Original Chopshop Is Opening In Atlanta
The ChopShop has a pretty good rewards program as well. It allows you to order ahead and skip the line.
If you’re wondering what’s on the menu at the Original Chopshop, here’s what you can look forward to:
- Grilled Protein Bowls like Thai Coconut Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken and more.
- Between Bread (Sandwiches) like The Club, Moroccan Turkey or a Whole Wheat Wrap.
- Chops (Salads) like Kale Caesar, Danish or Raw Vegetable.
Where Is The Original Chopshop Located In Buckhead?
The Original Chopshop is located at 2274 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, Ga. 30309. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other romantic restaurants in Atlanta, these are hard to beat. But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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If you need help with your rent in DeKalb County, a local government program may possibly be able to help. The program is similar to one for Atlanta residents, but there are some key differences.
If you live in DeKalb and are struggling with rent, you may qualify for assistance. The program pays for rent, rent arrearage, utilities, utility arrearage and other housing costs.
This article is going to show you how to apply for rental assistance if you quality.
How To Apply For Rent Assistance In DeKalb County
For those in need, DeKalb’s government has responded with help. If you’re wondering who can receive it, the program is for qualifying residents who live outside Atlanta.
The DeKalb assistance program gives temporary rental and utility assistance.
The application process re-opened for DeKalb’s COVID-19 Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition Program in June 2022. So far, nearly $60 million in funds have been dispensed to eligible households in need of rental and utility assistance.
You’ll need to provide some personal information like your name, address as well as proof of income, if any.
Like other programs, you must meet the eligibility requirements to be approved. Annual family income limits are:
- Family of one: $46,350
- Family of two: $52,950
- Family of three: $59,550
- Family of four: $66,150
How To Apply For Rental Assistance In DeKalb
To apply for rental assistance in DeKalb, sign into the Efile Page.
Once you have registered on the website, follow the steps to input your information.
Last Words
Submitting a TLAC application does not guarantee assistance will be provided. Applications must be reviewed for proper qualification to receive assistance and financial assistance offered by the TLAC program will expire when DeKalb County’s Emergency Rental Assistance grant funds are exhausted.
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
If you’re interested in finding a place to rent in Atlanta, here are some steps to follow.
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Local brewery Second Self is hosting a fundraiser festival for Atlanta firefighters in honor of the hard work they do day in and day out.
Atlanta residents are invited to come out to this free event to shop local vendors, enjoy great food and of course, sip local brews all for a good cause.
APFF Festival Fundraiser: What To Know
Firefighters will be on hand as well to participate in the festivities such as taking photos, playing games and having a good time with the community.
When Is The APFF Festival?
The Atlanta Professional Fire Fighters Festival takes place on Saturday, September 24, from 12 – 5 p.m. It will be held at Second Self Brewery 1317 Logan Circle NW Atlanta, GA 30318.
Second Self is also releasing a limited-edition version of their fan-favorite La Fría with an added fruit element and renaming it La Fuega for the day (“fire” in Spanish) – a nod to their support of APFF. All proceeds from La Fuega will benefit local firefighters.
A portion of event proceeds will also go toward APFF’s health and wellness fund. The charity covers everything from mental health support for PTSD symptoms, recovery for job-related injuries, funeral costs as well as much-needed financial support for families of fallen firefighters.
Final Word
If you want to enjoy more suds with the buds, Atlanta has plenty of beer options. Second Self is one of our best breweries in Atlanta.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?



