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The Bronzelens Film Festival has arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, for its annual celebration of black visual creators. Among them is filmmaker Eternal Polk and his film, Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land.
The full-feature documentary was created with the help of longtime morning news journalist Al Roker and his Al Roker Entertainment production company, which teamed with farming-equipment manufacturer Deere & Co., to bring the tale of black farmers to the screen.
Among the topics discussed in the film are:
- Increasingly low numbers of black farmers and dwindling farmland.
- The legal entanglements created by “heirs property.”
- Causes and solutions to leveling the playing field when it comes to land ownership.
The film was underwritten by John Deere’s LEAP (Legislation, Education, Advocacy and Production Systems) program, which was formed by the company alongside the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).
AtlantaFi.com caught up filmmaker Eternal Polk and asked him about the issues that the film explores.
What Is The Film Gaining Ground About?
“It’s important for audiences for understand the history. We’re in a moment when our history is attempted to be aggressively erased. We cover the history of how we actually acquired land, how that land was lost by various means and then we focus on the leading culprit of that — which is heirs property — but we also talk about the solutions and the people in the trenches, in the field and those helping landowners to keep their land.”
Gaining Ground director Eternal Polk / AtlantaFi.com
Why Is Black Landownership So Important Right Now?
“When you look at farmland and landownership historically, initially it was a foundation for us to be able to vote. And on a level of providing a place to stay and having a safe place for your home and family, not to mention all the effort we’ve put into building this country, I think it’s only right that land is something that we address and have a conversation about.”
“Although there is a very strong conversation right now around reparations, I noticed that there has not been a very strong conversation about landownership for black folks or organizations taking the lead,” he said. “I think that’s why the LEAP Coalition program by John Deere is so important; because they identify something sustainable and it has generational impact and will close the wealth gap.”
We also spoke to Tharlyn Fox, LEAP manager for John Deere & Co., about the inequities that exist when it comes to landownership and how heirs property plays a major role in that.
Deere & Co. LEAP Manager Tharlyn Fox / AtlantaFi.com
“LEAP’s mission is to increase and improve the livelihood of black farmers, landowners and families as it relates to heirs property. Our overarching mission is to help them clear title to their land — not that it’s a singular issue for black farmers, but it is a big issue when it comes to black families and farmers. We do realize that that is the key to generational wealth and to helping them clear title to their land.”
Is Heirs Property Good Or Bad?
Fox says she wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a bad thing. “It’s a very fragile way of ownershhip for a family to have heirs property. If you have it, you cannot secure collateral for a loan because everyone who is an heir owns this property. So just imagine, if there’s a catastrophic incident like in Maui, or Katrina, it makes it very hard to take advantage of any government incentive programs supplied by FEMA and other agencies, because you then have to prove that you are entitled to this property.”
“It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but you want to make sure that you have clear title to the land because you want to make sure that you’re prosperous and productive with the land so that they can then buy equipment, they can lease it if they want, and ultimately pass this on to the next generation.”
Final Word
Learn more about Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land.
The Bronzelens Film Festival continues through this weekend in Atlanta. Don’t miss it!
Read more great content from AtlantaFi.com like our Guide to Local Farmers Markets.
We also have special coverage of Black Farmers In Atlanta as well as How To Keto In Atlanta.
More Food Coverage:
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Move over Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, the boneless Southern fried chicken empire, is expanding across metro Atlanta with the recent opening of its third location in the Peach State.
On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Raising Cane’s opened in Buford near the Mall of Georgia. The new location has a garage door which the restaurant plans to use on sunny days, according to a press release.
Raising Cane’s Opens In Buford
The fast-food restaurant’s hours are:
How Many Raising Cane’s Are In Georgia?
Georgia has three Raising Cane’s locations so far. They are located at:
- Dacula: 3485 Braselton Hwy, Dacula, GA 30019 | (770) 871-2147
- Athens: 795 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30605 | (706) 548-2008
- Buford: 3300 Buford Dr, Buford, GA 30519 | (770) 871-2171
The eatery, which has close to 740 restaurants across 36 states, is continuing its expansion. Raising Cane’s, which began in Baton Rouge near Louisiana State University.
Cane’s is a focused concept known for its Chicken Finger meals – complete with crispy crinkle-cut fries, homemade Cane’s sauce, Cane’s toast and coleslaw.
Where Is Raising Cane’s Located In Buford?
Raising Cane’s is located at 3300 Buford Drive across the street from the Mall of Georgia.
Along with those delicious chicken tenders, each Raising Cane’s location has as part of its decor, disco balls, a velvet Elvis painting and the Raising Cane’s mural on exposed brick.
Final Bite
Fried chicken is a delicacy here in the South, and it doesn’t have to be boneless. 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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Atlanta is known for its vibrant and diverse bar scene, with numerous bars in some of the best neighborhoods offering unique atmospheres and experiences. Instead of going to one of the main bars in Atlanta’s most prominent corridors or on one of its rooftop bars, why not try one of the city’s neighborhood bars?
Here Are The Best Neighborhood Bars In Atlanta
Here are some popular neighborhood bars in Atlanta:
The Earl
488 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 | (404) 522-3950
Situated in the East Atlanta Village, The Earl is a popular bar and music venue. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and live performances by local and touring bands.
Manuel’s Tavern
602 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 525-3447
A historic neighborhood bar in the Poncey-Highland area, Manuel’s Tavern has been a gathering place for locals since 1956. It features a cozy interior, a diverse menu, and a politically engaged atmosphere.
Neighbor’s Pub
752 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 872-5440
Located in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, Neighbor’s Pub is a laid-back sports bar with a friendly vibe. It offers a wide selection of beers, pub food, and screens to watch sports games.
The Albert
918 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 872-4990
Found in Inman Park, The Albert is a neighborhood bar with a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. It offers an impressive cocktail menu, a curated selection of craft beers, and a cozy patio area.
Atkins Park Tavern
2840 Atlanta Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080 | (770) 435-1887
Serving the Virginia-Highland community since 1922, Atkins Park Tavern is one of Atlanta’s oldest continuously operating bars. It features a warm and inviting atmosphere, classic pub fare, and an extensive beer and whiskey selection.
Northside Tavern
1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 3031 | (404) 874-8745
Located in the Westside district, Northside Tavern is a renowned blues bar and Atlanta institution. It offers live blues music, a dive bar ambiance, and a friendly crowd.
Midtown Moon
1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404-343-6514
Situated in Ansley Mall, Midtown Moon is a popular spot for locals seeking a lively night out. It features a bar, space for a dance floor, live music, and a patio area.
Final Sip
Atlanta has several lively neighborhood bars known for their casual atmosphere, extensive beer selection, and pub grub. At the best spots, you’ll find trivia nights and live music events.
As you well know, the popularity and offerings of these neighborhood bars may change over time. It’s always a good idea to check their websites or call ahead to ensure they meet your preferences and are open when you plan to visit.
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The 2023 BronzeLens Film Festival is happening this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. The multi-day event will feature more than 120 film screenings showcasing productions from 17 countries along with signature events and panels.
We’re going to break down everything you need to know about the BronzeLens Film Festival taking place in Atlanta.
BronzeLens Film Festival: What To Know
The BronzeLens 2023 Film Festival takes place Wednesday, August 23 to Sunday, August 27, 2022 in Atlanta. Here are some of the top events you can expect to experience:
- Film Selections
- Movie Screenings
- Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
- Women SuperStar Honors: On Saturday, August 26 at the historic Rialto Center for the Arts. The Women SuperStar Honors celebrates the accomplishments of women of color who work in the film and television industry in front of and behind the lens.
- This year’s honorees include Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog, Dream Girls) and KJ Smith (Tyler Perry’s Sistahs, Power Block III: Raising Kanan, The Family Business), and critically acclaimed director Neemah Barnette (All Rise, Raising Dion, Bosch, Being Mary Jane, Queen Sugar) is making a special guest appearance.
- On Sunday, August 27 BronzeLens salutes men of color in film and television for making a positive difference in the industry during Sunday Brunch with the Brothers. The guests will share lessons learned and participate in insightful conversations with the audience.
“Each year I am in awe of the depth and breadth of the film submissions BronzeLens receives. Creative storytelling be it fact or fiction is such a powerful means of touching the humanity in all who behold,” Deidre McDonald, BronzeLens Film Festival Artistic Director, said in a press release. “Our mission remains steeped in celebrating the art of filmmaking and providing networking opportunities for filmmakers, content creators, talent, and our attendees to connect and interact.”
Where Will the BronzeLens Film Festival Be Held?
The vast majority of events connected to the BronzeLens Film Festival will be held at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, which is where the official film selections will take place.
The complete list of the 2023 film selections can be found at Official Film Selections.
Final Word
BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, Georgia, is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a center for film and film production for people of color. Its mission is two-fold: to promote Atlanta as a film mecca for people of color, and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers.
With 900+ movie and TV projects produced here over the past decade, the Peach State film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
Read More From AtlantaFi.com: -
The conference gathers some of Atlanta’s top women entrepreneurs to discuss how to make it in the business world.
This year is the 10th Anniversary of the Glambitious Brand, created by Lillie Mae, to help women entrepreneurs thrive in their faith and finances.
Glambitious Atlanta Conference: What To Know
The conference will highlight the following marketing strategies:
- How to attract more clients.
- How to get business credit.
- How to grow social media followers.
- How to become a paid speaker.
- How to secure sponsorship dollars PLUS faith, mental health, wellness, and more.
Guests will enjoy interactive networking, photo installments, vendors, a live DJ, guest speakers, and power panels.
When Is The Glambitious Atlanta Conference?
TheGlambitious Atlanta 10th Anniversary Conference takes place on Saturday, August 26, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The location is only disclosed to ticketholders.
Established in July 2013, the Glambitious brand has hosted events virtually and in-person around the country in top destinations including Miami, New York, New Orleans, Charlotte, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Philadelphia.
Past speakers at the event have included Grammy Award Winning Singer Chrisette Michele, Candance Holyfield, Chanita Foster, actress Africa Miranda, journalist Danielle Young, and author Dr. Cheryl Wood.
In addition to event experiences, the brand also offers courses, Ebooks, book publishing, photography, media, licensing and marketing services to help women creatives grow and monetize their brands.
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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A new Atlanta restaurant is serving great food on the Beltline: Breaker Breaker is a full-service restaurant and bar concept that opened its doors on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in the city’s Reynoldstown neighborhood.
Breaker Breaker comes to us from the team behind Grindhouse Killer Burgers, which is one of the best burger spots in Atlanta.
Now Serving In Atlanta: Breaker Breaker
The 9,000-square foot space features a 60-seat interior dining space along with a 25-seat indoor/outdoor bar. There’s also counter-style service available on the patio for about 100 guests. The outdoor area is shaded underneath a huge steel canopy that comes from the building’s past life as a warehouse.
Breaker Breaker serves lunch and dinner Wednesday – Sunday from 11:30 am – 10 pm.
What’s On The Menu At Breaker Breaker?
The menu at Breaker Breaker, which is the brainchild of Chef Maximilian Hines, features seafood you’d find in a dive bar along with some awesome fried platters and the like. Here are some menu faves:
- Gulf Fish Ceviche, Hush Puppies with hot honey butter
- Charbroiled Oysters with house garlic butter and Parmesan
- Jumbo Cajun Shrimp Boil loaded with sausage, potatoes and market veggies
- Classic Fried Platters of Shrimp, Gulf Fish and Chicken Tenders
- Shrimp Po-Boy Sandwich Basket
- Blackened Grouper Sandwich
- Cajun Roast Chicken Club
- Fried Chicken Sandwich topped with creamy slaw and hot sauce
For vegetarians, the menu also includes dishes like Fried “Calamari” made with hearts of palm and enoki mushrooms, a fresh and herbaceous Cabbage & Crispy Rice Salad, and a Mushroom Chopped Cheese sub with griddled mushrooms, onions and Swiss cheese.
Read the Breaker Breaker Menu.
Where Is Breaker Breaker Located In Atlanta?
Breaker Breaker is located on the former Stein Steel Co. development on the Eastside BeltLine Trail in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown neighborhood at 921 Wylie St. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Grindhouse Killer Burgers’ team of Merritt Lancaster, owners Alex Brounstein and Johnny Farrow began to make plans for Breaker Breaker four years ago.
“We didn’t have an initial concept in mind but recognized from the start that this was a special piece of property,” Brounstein says in a press release. “After many rounds of conversations, we landed on bringing the experience of sleepy Gulf coast dive bars to this pocket on the Beltline, creating a really relaxed and casual atmosphere for the neighborhood.”
The eatery’s beverage program features beach-centric cocktails like the Amity Island, made with black cherry vodka, peach liqueur, blue curacao, lemon and gummy sharks, and the frozen Sleeper Cab, which includes Highclere Gin, Campari and watermelon juice. An assortment of wines and beers are also available, including the restaurant’s signature Longhaul Lager, which is a nod to the big-rig transport trucks that delivered the raw steel beams to the property.
Final Bite
So, now we’ve got a new reason to head to the Beltline. If you’re in the mood for seafood, Atlanta has quite a few good places to choose from, but Breaker Breaker is a no-brainer.
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Singer Jeremih is set to perform as a part of 50 Cent’s The Final Lap tour, which is happening at Lakewood Amphitheater in southwest Atlanta.
Jeremih Coming To Atlanta As Part Of The Final Lap Tour
The concert, advertised as 50 Cent’s last big concert tour, also features major artists such as Busta Rhymes and more. The global tour was put together in part to celebrate the 20th anniversary of 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ album.
Jeremih, known for such hits as Changes and Room featuring Adekunle Gold & 2 Chainz, has been tapped to perform on every date of the tour.
Get Tickets To The Final Lap Tour In Atlanta.
Where Is Lakewood Amphitheater Located?
Lakewood Amphitheater is located at 2002 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta, GA 30315. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you like to have a good time on the dance floor or while listening to music, Atlanta has something for everyone. Check out the top live music venues around the city as well as best comedy clubs.
If you’re into spoken word, you’ll love these poetry spots in Atlanta. Don’t forget to hit up the top clubs in Atlanta throughout the week end weekend.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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If you love healthy options with flavorful protein, you’ll love Karv Kitchen, the latest eatery to open in Chattahoochee Food Works. The West Atlanta location
Karv Kitchen is a fast casual Greek restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean fare. The eatery is owned by Sandy and Niki Papadopoulos, who also own Athens Pizza.
What’s On The Menu At Karv Kitchen?
On the menu at Karv Kitchen you can find such dishes as salads, pita wraps, protein bowls filled with lambs or chicken and more.
When you’re ordering at Karv, here’s how it goes:
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Choose Between a Wrap or Bowl
- Herb Rice
- Herb Roasted Potatoes
- KARV Fries
- Keto Base
(Braised Collards & Roasted Veggies)
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Pick a Protein
- Braised Beef
- Braised Lamb
- Chicken Souvla
- Pork Souvla
- Tofu
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Pick A Flavor
- Greko
- Manzo
- Fresko
- Horta
You can also add a side, which could be anything from Fries, Herb Roasted Potatoes and Herb Rice.
Where Is Karv Kitchen Located?
Karv Kitchen is located at 1295 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Bite
West Atlanta continues to build out an impressive restaurant scene. 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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The students at Spelman College in Atlanta are about to get “sluttified.” The popular plant-based restaurant Slutty Vegan is poised to open a location at Spelman within the Atlanta University Center (AUC).
The new location will be the 13th Slutty Vegan that has opened over the past three years when the fast-food eatery began as a food truck. The expansion of part of a $25 million investment that owner Pinky Cole received to grow her brand.
When Is Slutty Vegan Opening At Spelman?
Slutty Vegan is set to open on the campus of Spelman on August 16, 2023.
The opening is the second metro Atlanta location of Slutty Vegan in a collegiate setting. Earlier this year, Slutty Vegan opened on the campus of Georgia Tech in Midtown.
Where Is The Slutty Vegan At Spelman Located?
The location of the restaurant is 350 Spelman Lane SW. Here is a map to help you find it.
Atlanta-based vegan burger chain Slutty Vegan is expanding yet again, this time with a location in the Atlanta University Center neighborhood on Spelman College’s campus.
The menu will feature standout favorites like the “Side Heaux,” One Night Stand,” “Sloppy Toppy,” “Big Dawg,” and more.
Final Bite
Cole’s plant-based empire is quickly gaining a foothold on the Atlanta dining scene, but it’s not the only food in town. When it comes to trendy eateries, outdoors and inside, Atlanta’s food and drink scene has it all.
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How would you like a free birria taco? If you live in the Atlanta area, you can make it happen.
Inked Tacos is offering customers a free birria taco with the purchase of one menu item this week. The deal is only good from Tuesday, August 8 to Sunday, August 13, 2023.
As you know, birria tacos are all the rage in metro Atlanta. Made with delicious beef and generously spread on a soft corn tortilla served with cheese, cilantro and more, these tacos are a delicacy in Georgia’s largest city.
How To Get a Free Taco
Visit one of two Inked Tacos locations in metro Atlanta: the restaurant’s Woodstock and Sandy Springs locations:
Inked Tacos Sandy Springs is located at 6650 Roswell Rd Sandy Springs 30328.
Inked Tacos Woodstock is located at 180 Parkway 757 Woodstock, GA 30188
Final Bite
Birria tacos are my favorite tacos when it’s time to go taco’ing! The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.