• Usher gets married in Las Vegas

    Usher Marries Longtime Girlfriend In Las Vegas

    3 Min Read

    It’s official: Usher Raymond, 45, has tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea, 40, in Las Vegas. Usher came clean on his Instagram with the release of several photos of the nuptials.

    When Did Usher Get Married?

    Usher and Jennifer got married on Feb. 11 on Vegas, which is where the singer performed at Super Bowl LVIII. Instead of opting for a huge ceremony with hundreds of people, the couple got hitched via a drive-thru wedding package.

    It was reported that Usher’s mother Jonetta Patton witnessed the nuptials and signed the marriage certificate as such.

    Usher Raymond and his kids

    Goicoechea, who is Italian and Puerto Rican, was reared in Miami.

    In an interview with People, Usher said he felt a type of way when fans learned that he had married his first wife, Tameka Foster.

    “I think I became very closed and then felt attacked in many ways,” he said. “It was a bit unconventional in a time when I felt like my female fans were judgmental of the woman that I chose.” 

    Looking back, he says that colorism played a major role.

    “She was a dark-skinned woman, and maybe they didn’t want to love her in a way because of maybe some reason that had to do with themselves,” he explained while adding, “I don’t know. Or maybe she was not the best reference because of how she handled herself. That’s not for me to be concerned about. I did my part and what I thought was right.”

    He also told People.com that his hit album Confessions was largely based on what his producer Jermaine Dupri was going through, but much of it was his own storyline as well.

    “The reality of where it landed and the expression of what that was about, it wasn’t exactly in order of the way or better yet in the moment when I delivered that song,” Usher said. “We go through things in life and sometimes we make decisions based off of what we feel is best or right, and more than likely, will best serve the child. But the reason why I talked about it is because I’m not the only person who will experience that as men.”

    Final Word

    We at AtlantaFi.com wish the Raymonds all the best not just this weekend, but every Atlanta weekend.

    Usher has two sons from a previous relationship with ex-wife Tameka Foster — “Cinco” V and Naviyd Ely — as well as a daughter — Sovereign Bo and a son, Sire Castrello — with his wife, Jenn Goicoechea.

    There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.

    Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!

    Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:

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  • best restaurants for Valentines Day in Atlanta

    Best Places To Eat In Atlanta For Valentines Day

    4 Min Read

    Use this Valentine’s Day to explore a new restaurant or indulge in affectionate activities — with your special someone. Atlanta, Georgia has several nice restaurants that you’ll love for Valentine’s Day.

    We’re going to show you some of the best places in Atlanta to eat for Valentines Day this year. All of these eateries specialize in fine dining, with great executive chefs and top-notch beverage programs. You won’t be sorry.

    Where To Eat For Valentines Day In Atlanta

    Many of the city’s restaurants have designed special meals for the special day, but why not try some eateries that have proven to be a hit on any given day? If you’re spontaneous -(and she loves that about you) here are some of the best places to eat.

    Varuni Napoli

     1540 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 |  (404) 709-2690

    Heart-shaped pizza

    Looking to have a lovely night on Valentine’s Day? Check out Chef Luca at Neapolitan pizzeria Varuni Napoli this Feb. 14. Treat your Valentine + holiday gathering to a feast for lovers.

    Varuni Napoli is offering heart-shaped Margherita pizzas upon request at both their Midtown and Krog locations.

    LaGrotta Ristorante

    2637 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 231-1368

    Lagrotta is one of the most romantic restaurants in Atlanta

    Here’s what one reviewer says about LaGrotta: “This is a hidden gem in Atlanta. Located in the basement of an extremely unassuming condominium tower, La Grotta is a very authentic and tasty Italian restaurant. Everything in the menu seems to be well prepared and extremely tasty.”

    Bone’s Restaurant

    3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 237-2663

    best steakhouses in Atlanta - Atlanta Restaurant Makes OpenTable's 100 Best Restaurants for Wine Lovers in America

    If you come for the king, you best not miss. This Buckhead institution is the defacto king of the city. With its succulent prime beef and seafood, it’s hard to beat. But you’d better get a reservation.

    Make a reservation at Bones

    The Optimist

    914 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 477-6260

    7 Atlanta Spots Make List Of Most Romantic Restaurants In U.S.

    Here’s what one Google reviewer says about The Optimist: “Took my wife to dinner for date night and we had an excellent first experience. In short, everything was perfect. The service was outstanding, our waitress was personable and thorough. We had the calamari appetizer which was fantastic.”

    Chops Lobster Bar

    70 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 |  (404) 262-2675

    The Best Steakhouses In Buckhead, according to Yelp

    If Bones is the king, then Chops is the president: confident, immaculate and sure in its power. Don’t be surprised to see a who’s who of old-school Atlanta in this classic chophouse.

    Reserve a table at Chops

    One reviewer says this about Chops: “The food was awesome! The service is very attentive without being overwhelming all the way from the host to waiters. Great ambience. It is important to point out that they’re two restaurants in one with one being on top of the other. I could myself upstairs searching for the rest of my dinner party when they were already downstairs. Upstairs has more of speak-easy vibes while downstairs (Lobster) is more focused on fine-dining.”

    The Consulate

    10 10th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

    most romantic restaurants in Atlanta

    Interior designer Douglas Hines and his wife Mei Lin, a chef with global influences, teamed up to open The Consulate in 2016 in Midtown. Before that, the Atlanta power couple opened Honey Bubble Tea in Poncey-Highland.

    Make a reservation at The Consulate

    If you want to experience different cultures through food, this couple has you covered. They plan to open as many as eight restaurants across the city.

    9 Mile Station

    675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE Atlanta, Georgia 30308 | (770) 999-1532

    9 Mile station - Most romantic restaurants in Atlanta

    Entrepreneur Kelvin Slater and wife Mandy have a hit on their hands with 9 Mile Station. Described as an “elevated beer garden,” 9 Mile Station is located on the rooftop of Ponce City Market in Midtown Atlanta.

    Final Word

    If you’re looking for a place to eat for Valentine’s Day in Atlanta, you’re in good company. There are quite a few nice eateries that are catering to lovers like you.

    Some of the best places to take a date in Atlanta are places off the beaten path. Here are some more special places to dine.

    More Food Coverage:

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  • Best Mediterranean food in Atlanta.

    The Best Restaurants For Mediterranean Food In Atlanta

    4 Min Read

    A Mediterranean diet has been proven to be among the most nutritious in the world. In Atlanta, the restaurants that serve Mediterranean food not only make it nutritious, but delicious.

    The diet’s emphasis on fish, olive oil, and nuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, may help protect against age-related cognitive decline. But where can you find Mediterranean food in Atlanta?

    Where To Find Mediterranean Food In Atlanta

    Keep in mind that many restaurants specialize in different types of Mediterranean food from Turkish to Greek to Persian and more, and they all have their respective delicious takes on their culture-inspired cuisine.

    Mediterranean Grill

    985 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 |  (404) 917-1100

    Mediterranean Grill is the best food in Atlanta.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Mediterranean Grill. “Yum yum! That sweet tea and lemonade, deeeelicious! I got the falafel plate — yummy! Actually the best falafel I’ve had and I’ve been looking around to find the best. The rice is good, salad is good. The tzatziki sauce is yummy!”

    Ali Baba Mediterranean

    60 Broad St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 681-3997

    Ali Baba Mediterranean is the best food in Atlanta.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Ali Baba. “This is not just the best gyro I’ve ever had. It is by far the best gyro! The combination of amazing meat, the right amount of tomato, lettuce, and sauce. I love the humus too! It is so fresh and delicious!”

    Aviva by Kameel

    225 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 698-3600 

    How To Start The Keto Diet In Atlanta

    Aviva by Kameel has the deliciousness waiting for you in Lilburn. They have many menu items that ascribe to a keto diet.

    Aviva by Kameel is offering curbside pickup and no-contact delivery. Order here.

    Lavash Mediterranean Grill

    345 Pharr Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (470) 355-1962

    Lavash Mediterranean Grill is the best food in Atlanta.

    Here’s what one customer says about Lavash Mediterranean Grill: “This review is for takeout only. We placed an order over the phone on a Monday night and it was ready in only 15 minutes! Lavash is attached to a gas station, but don’t let that dissuade you from ordering! The food was great! Here’s what we got:
    – Hummus ($5.99): Delicious. Wish it came with more than 4 triangles of pita though.
    – Beef Soltani ($19.99): Very good. The beef and koobideh kabob were both amazing. Pricy, but comes with a lot of meat! Rice was great.
    – Chicken Shawarma ($13.99): Also delicious! Again, rice was great. We really enjoyed our food and have enough for leftovers for lunch!”

    Zakia

    3699 Lenox Rd NE Ste 3, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 433-2180

    Zakia menu in Atlanta

    Located in the heart of Buckhead, Zakia’s menu features plenty of Mediterranean fare along with fish and meats cooked in olive oil, making it perfect for keto lovers.

    True Food Kitchen

    3393 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 3058B, Atlanta, GA 30326 |  (404) 481-2980

    True Food Kitchen has a great menu in Atlanta for Mediterreanean food.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about True Food Kitchen. “My experience here is always top notch. I often sit at the bar due to the super bubbly and attentive bartender, Ciara. My food is always fresh and tasty, and she makes the best recommendations. The drinks are also stellar. Everything comes out nice and quick and I’m never left waiting. Superb experience every time! 5 stars.”

    Some other popular Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta include Kyma, Ecco and Bellina Alimentari. These restaurants are known for their delicious Mediterranean cuisine and vibrant atmospheres.

    Final Word

    Healthy eating can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke due to its emphasis on olive oil, whole grains, fish, and nuts, which are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.

    Best new Atlanta restaurants

    When you pull up to a food spot, it allows you to indulge in your personal food preferences without having to compromise with others, whether it’s choosing your favorite cuisine or treating yourself to a special meal.

    Dining solo can also save you big money as you don’t have to splurge on another person.

    Eating healthy and by yourself? What’s not to love?

    Overall, the Mediterranean diet is praised for its focus on whole, minimally processed foods, and its potential to promote overall health and well-being.

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  • High Museum - Friday Jazz

    Friday Night At The High Museum In Atlanta: Jazz

    3 Min Read

    If you’re looking for an outlet for the Atlanta weekend, jazz at the High Museum of Art is surely one of the best ways to do it in Atlanta.

    One of the cool things to do in Atlanta on Fridays — the third Friday of every month — is to come out the jazz at the High. Hosted by Jamal Ahmad from Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Atlanta’s jazz station, the event is filled with music, drinks, art and always a great lineup featuring different styles of jazz, from free jazz, bebop to swing, and more.

    Seating for Friday Jazz is limited and opens at 6 p.m. There is no reserved seating. Standing room is plentiful. Friday Jazz is FREE with Museum admission and FREE for members.

    What Are Some Cool Things To Do In Atlanta On A Friday Night?

    Check Out  the SkyView Atlanta

    Atlanta skyline - Atlanta's best-kept secrets

    Take a ride on the SkyView Ferris wheel for stunning views of the city skyline illuminated at night. It’s a great way to see Atlanta from a unique perspective.

    Enjoy Nightlife in Buckhead

    Atlanta weekend party: What to do in the city.
    Photo credit: Playhouse Media

    The Buckhead neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and lounges offering live music, dancing, and cocktails.

    Check out the coolest things to do in Buckhead.

    Catch a Show at The Fox Theatre

    The historic Fox Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. It’s a beautiful venue with a rich history.

    Explore the Atlanta BeltLine

    Atlanta Beltline guide

    The Atlanta BeltLine is a popular pedestrian and bike trail that offers a unique way to experience the city at night. The trail is lined with art installations, restaurants, and bars.

    Final Word

    Yes, Atlanta has a lot of things to do and see.

    As a bonus, you can go to Midtown and check out the city’s largest market. Ponce City Market is a food hall and shopping complex housed in a historic building. It offers a wide range of dining options and often hosts events and live music.

    Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.

    If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.

    More From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Quavo White X Cognac for sale.

    Quavo Helps Launch Exclusive White Cognac Brand

    3 Min Read

    Atlanta rapper Quavo is partnering with spirits brand Sazerac to offer White X Cognac, a super-exclusive cognac available in limited supply in the United States.

    The first-ever 100 bottles of White X will be available via online wine and spirits retailer BlockBar beginning Wednesday, February 7 at 10 AM EST. It will come in a matching limited-edition box and be priced at $60.

    Quavo Introduces White X Cognac

    “What I love about White X is that it’s an entirely different drink experience than any other type of cognac,” said Quavo, a Grammy-nominated artist and seasoned entrepreneur. “I’m a big believer in challenging the status quo, and I think that’s the role of white cognac. White X is for those who aren’t afraid to shake things up, put in the work and celebrate their accomplishments. This is the drink they’ve been waiting for. Neat or in a cocktail, White X is smooth and sippable – a reward for the hustle.” 

    Traditionally, white cognac has not been publicly available in the United States, greatly limiting access to the spirit for loyal fans. White X seeks to transform the category by ushering in a new era of luxury with a smoother, sweeter and more mixable white cognac offering made available to all cognac lovers in the US beginning immediately at launch.

    “White X challenges the traditional cognac category with its fresh and light taste – it’s a total departure from many pre-conceived perceptions about cognac overall,” said Global Cognac Brand Director at Sazerac, Jess Scheerhorn. “Quavo’s electrifying style and willingness to break down barriers makes him the perfect fit to help us debut this brand.”

    How To Buy White X Cognac

    You can buy White X Cognac at the exclusive BlockBar sale in early February. You can also look for White X takeovers across Atlanta at the city’s hottest clubs, bars, and restaurants, in addition to the product being widely available at local off-premise retail stores.

    Similar drops will happen in these cities:

    • Miami, FL (February)
    • Los Angeles, CA (March)
    • New York City, NY (April)
    • Dallas, TX (May)

    In June 2024, White X will become widely available in all markets across the country.

    Final Word

    Tell your favorite neighborhood bar to order some White X Cognac and set the party off right.

    Clear and golden straw in color, White X offers the delicacy of a youthful cognac but boasts rich flavors that linger. It is fresh and light on the nose with a slight sweetness and intense notes of white and yellow peaches, elegant vanilla, and an undertone of dried rose petals. The palate opens with gentle white stone fruit, creamy and soft vanilla, and a subtle hint of tannin devoid of bitterness. White X’s finish is meltingly smooth, elegant, and extremely long for a younger cognac.

    Want to grab a drink in Atlanta? Check out these top bars.

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  • casting call: 1970s party in Atlanta

    Now Casting In Atlanta: Legendary Celebrity Photo Doubles

    2 Min Read

    Do you look like one of the Motown greats? If so, you could make it to the small screen for a major production in the works right now. This TV series currently being filmed in Atlanta seeks people who look like some of history’s greatest African-American celebrities in the 1970s.

    Here are the details of the casting calls:

    NOW CASTING PAID PHOTO DOUBLE for the following Icons for a New series filming in Atlanta, GA. Portraying the 70’s. Do you resemble:

    Diana Ross -The Supremes -Dick Gregory -Jesse Jackson -Liz Taylor -Sammy Davis Jr. -The Temptations -Whit Chamberlin -Coretta Scott King -Sidney Poitier These specific roles will shoot on : TBD Feb 2024

    ***PHOTO DOUBLE ***

    Rate: $200/12

    The rate for extras on this production is $200/12 which you will receive in the form of a check in the mail 2 to 3 weeks after filming. If you do not fit this description, that is okay as we have more roles for this project being posted next week.

    If available, please email the information below to: FightNightExtras@gmail.com w/Subject Line: Icon Double 2024

    PLEASE INCLUDE ALL INFO BELOW:

    • xx
    • x
    • Name
    • Number
    • Height
    • Weight
    • Age
    • Date of Birth
    • 3 RECENT PICTURES (1 Head shot and 2 Full body)
    • Car ( year, make, model, color)
    • Sizes (Shirt, Pants, Jacket, Shoe etc.) – Do you have visible tattoos? If so, where?

    *********PLEASE INCLUDE ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IN YOUR EMAIL FOR PROPER BOOKING!!! A member from CAB CASTINGS, LLC. will call and/or email you to book your attendance in a scene and confirm availability if interested in booking you.

    Final Word

    Want to see more films filmed in Atlanta? Check out our Movies Page.

    Because of the steady flow of movie and TV productions, Atlanta has been called the Hollywood of the South and it’s not just a label.. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.

    More Articles From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • New Mellow Mushroom Concept Opening In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Mellow Mushroom is set to open a new food concept here in Atlanta this summer, the company says in a press release.

    The Atlanta-based stone-baked pizza joint is shaking up its look and feel thanks to a cosmetic overhaul coinciding with its 50th anniversary.

    Coming To the Beltline: Mellow Mushroom

    The rebranded Mellow Mushroom restaurant will be located just off a portion of the Atlanta Beltline’s Southside Trail, which is still under construction.

    The 3,400-square-foot space would be housed in The Boulevard apartments in Grant Park, which opened in 2023.

    The new restaurant will have dual patios overlooking the Beltline and “new, modern menu flavor profiles for both food and beverage,” according to the release.

    Other Mellow Mushroom locations can expect changes as well as the company leans into an overall fresher look. It’s too early to say whether the brand will lean away from its psychedelic vibe that has served it so well, but it is incorporating a more modern look for sure.

    Among the changes will be a revamped website that makes it easier to order and pay, redesigned menus, signage and a new catering channel.

    Final Word

    Mellow Mushroom isn’t the only great place for great pizza in Atlanta.

    The Atlanta Beltline is not only for walking, jogging and people-watching, you can get some serious eats as well!

    Check out the best places to eat on the Beltline.

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  • Erika Council, owner of Bomb Biscuits in Atlanta, is a James Beard semifinalist.

    These Atlanta Chefs Are 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalists

    3 Min Read

    Atlanta, Georgia makes the cut once again among the most prestigious culinary and food prep experts in America for semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.

    Whittled from an exhaustive list, the local semifinalists have a chance to take home the top prize and cement Atlanta’s place on the map as a bona fide cultural mecca with top-notch restaurants with diverse cuisine.

    When Will The James Beard Awards Be Announced?

    The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. After that, the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will be held on Monday, June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

    “We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.
    “As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly
    transformative—and so, the Awards remain a vital platform for supporting and elevating the independent
    restaurant industry as a whole. Congratulations to our 2024 semifinalists and best of luck this Awards
    cycle!”

    And The Atlanta James Beard Award Finalists Are…

    Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton

    A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a
    positive example for other food professionals while contributing positively to their broader community.

    • Atsushi Hayakawa, Hayakawa, Atlanta, GA

    Outstanding Hospitality

    A restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality to its broader community.

    • Cooks & Soldiers, Atlanta, GA

    Best Chef: Southeast

    • Pete Amadhanirundr, Puma Yu’s, Athens, GA
    • Arnaldo Castillo, Tio Lucho’s, Atlanta, GA
    • Erika Council, Bomb Biscuits, Atlanta, GA
    • Rod Lassiter and Parnass Savang, Talat Market, Atlanta, GA
    • Duane Nutter, Southern National, Atlanta, GA

    Here Is The Complete 2024 List Of James Beard Award Finalists

    From the Best Chefs to the top bar programs, the James Beard Awards exemplify the utmost of America’s food culture, which Atlanta plays a big part in.

    See the 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalists.

    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.

    Georgia is on your mind, but has it ever been on your plate? I’m talking about locally sourced ingredients that taste as authentic as the Georgia clay.

    Best new Atlanta restaurants

    Our Best New Restaurants of Atlanta E-Book covers all the hot spots that have opened over the past year that you should check out.

    Want to eat out on the town? Indulge in your personal food preferences by going on a personal food tour without having to compromise with others, whether it’s choosing your favorite cuisine or treating yourself to a special meal.

    Dining out in the city can also provide a chance to people-watch and get a nice vibe of the city in all its wonder.

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama

    8 Things You Might Not Know About Rosa Parks

    8 Min Read

    One of the most iconic figures of the 20th century is Rosa Parks, an Alabama woman whose courageous act against Jim Crow tyranny is credited with starting the civil rights movement across America in the 1960s.

    What Did Rosa Parks Do?

    Despite facing discrimination and very real physical danger, Parks refused to move. This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, a year-long protest that became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

    But she did more than that.

    As widely known as Parks’s story is, there are some things you may not know. This article will show you some little-known facts about Parks and her fight for freedom and equality in the South.

    1. Parks Faced Intimidation As a Youth

    Rosa Parks as a young child in Alabama school.

    Harassment and intimidation was something that Parks came to endure at a young age. In her book, she recalls when the Ku Klux Klan marched outside her door and her grandfather guardedly stood at the entrance.

    At school, she was also bullied. “As far back as I remember, I could never think in terms of accepting physical abuse without some form of retaliation if possible,” said in her memoir.

    When Was Rosa Parks Born?

    Born on February 4, 1913, Parks faced racial injustice from a young age. Her parents were Leona (née Edwards), a teacher, and James McCauley, a carpenter.

    As a child, Parks experienced bullying and witnessed the horrors of segregation firsthand. This shaped her commitment to fighting for equality.

    2. Others Resisted Montgomery Bus Segregation Before Parks

    Claudette Colvin stood up to Jim Crow laws in the South in Montgomery in 1955.

    Other people, namely Claudette Colvin, stood up to bus segregation in Montgomery before Parks did it, but it didn’t spark a movement.

    On March 2, 1955 — nine months before Parks — Colvin and three other young African-Americans refused to give up their seat for white patrons on a Montgomery bus.

    “It felt like Sojourner Truth was on one side pushing me down, and Harriet Tubman was on the other side of me pushing me down. I couldn’t get up,” Colvin recalled years later.

    While others had resisted bus segregation before, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) saw Parks as the ideal candidate to legally challenge Alabama’s segregation laws. With Parks as the ember, the fire that would light the civil rights moment and become a guiding light for change ignited into a societal symbol.

    3. Parks Was Inspired By Emmett Till

    Emmett Till movie filming in Atlanta, Georgia

    The violent abduction and murder of Emmett Till greatly affected Parks, who was killed just three months before she decided not to give up her seat on the bus.

    At that fateful moment on the bus in Montgomery, Parks’s mind flashed to what had happened in rural Mississippi.

    “I thought of Emmett Till — a 14-year-old African American who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, after being accused of offending a white woman in her family’s grocery store, whose killers were tried and acquitted—and I just couldn’t go back,” she recalled in her memoir.

    In her own words, Parks said she wanted to use the bus moment to claim her rights as a human being, something that had been denied to young Emmett.

    4. Parks Knew the Bus Driver

    Rosa Parks bus driver James Blake

    Montgomery bus driver James F. Blake was known for giving black woman a hard time. He reportedly drove one black female motorist off the road and exchanged epithets with another.

    Parks had boarded a Montgomery public transit bus from the front in 1943 and was accosted then by Blake, who scolded her to obey segregation rules and get off and re-enter the bus from the back door, which was a custom.

    When Parks got off that bus that time in 1943, Blake drove off. That event became seared in Parks’s mind whenever she rode public transportation.

    It was Blake’s bus, who on December 1, 1955, stopped to pick up Parks, who was at first unaware she was facing the same driver who had drove off and left her on the roadside years earlier.

    As the situation unfolded anew in 1955, Parks made up her mind then and there that she was not going to capitulate to segregation. She became unwavering in her belief for justice.

    Blake said, “Y’all better make it light on yourselves and let me have those seats.” When Parks refused, Blake followed protocol and contacted the bus company. “I called the company first, just like I was supposed to do,” Blake recalled in a later newspaper interview. “I got my supervisor on the line. He said, ‘Did you warn her, Jim?’ I said, ‘I warned her.’ And he said, and I remember it just like I’m standing here, ‘Well then, Jim, you do it, you got to exercise your powers and put her off, hear?’ And that’s just what I did.”

    He drove for the bus company until 1999, when he retired.

    5. Other Black People Gave Up Their Seat

    Rosa Parks bus driver scene.

    Parks was not the only African-American on the bus. At least four black people, including Parks, were aboard the public transportation vehicle.

    “The driver wanted us to stand up, the four of us. We didn’t move at the beginning, but he says, ‘Let me have these seats.’ And the other three people moved, but I didn’t,” she recalled.

    A black man who was seated next to her gave up his seat, she said.

    Blake said, “Why don’t you stand up?” Parks replied, “I don’t think I should have to stand up.”

    6. Parks Refused To Give Up Her Seat — But Not Because She Was Tired

    Rosa Parks remains seated on the bus in Montgomery in 1955.

    Parks wanted the world to know that her act of defiance in the face of Jim Crow had nothing to do with physical fatigue on her part.

    In her autobiography, Rosa Parks: My Story, Parks said, “People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was 42. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

    7. She Moved — But Not To The ‘Colored’ Section

    Rosa Parks keeps her seat on the Montgomery bus.

    Instead of moving to the redesignated colored section, Parks moved, but toward the window seat.

    Parks said, “When he saw me still sitting, he asked if I was going to stand up, and I said, ‘No, I’m not.’ And he said, ‘Well, if you don’t stand up, I’m going to have to call the police and have you arrested.’ I said, ‘You may do that.'”

    When Parks refused to give up her seat again, that’s when Blake contacted the police. When the officers came, Blake then signed the warrant for her arrest, which sparked the Montgomery bus boycott.

    8. Parks Not Only Faced Arrest, But Harassment And Lost Her Job

    Rosa Parks lost her job.

    After Parks was arrested and the incident garnered significant press exposure, not only nationally, but internationally, her life changed drastically.

    Though hailed as a hero later, Parks’s actions had immediate consequences. She lost her job and endured years of threats and intimidation.

    Blacklisted by white employers in Montgomery, Parks and her husband decided to relocate to Detroit, where she worked for in the office of U.S. Congressman John Conyers. In Michigan, Parks became a national figure and gave speeches and published her autobiography.

    9. How Did Rosa Parks Die?

    On October 24, 2005, Rosa Parks died of natural causes. She was 92 years old. Parks lived in Detroit from 1961 to 1988, staying in a modest flat on the city’s east side.

    Rosa Parks cries on a Montgomery bus in December 1955.

    At her funeral, more than 4,000 people packed Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. Parks’s coffin was draped with an American flag during the seven-hour ceremony.

    At the funeral, then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama said, “The woman we honored today held no public office, she wasn’t a wealthy woman, didn’t appear in the society pages. And yet when the history of this country is written, it is this small, quiet woman whose name will be remembered long after the names of senators and presidents have been forgotten.”

    Final Word

    Rosa Parks’s courage lit a fire in the Black community of Montgomery and caused them to come together to demand equal treatment under the law.

    Parks’s individual courage will always be remembered, and the collective action it sparked will go down as the signature moment of a true act of freedom in this country.

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  • Fani Willis sermon in Atlanta church.

    Fani Willis: ‘You Cannot Expect Black Women To Be Perfect and Save the World’

    2 Min Read

    Embattled Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis broke her silence about the pressure she’s been under since indicting former President Trump and other co-defendants. Although she never mentioned his name nor the other attacks she’s endured, there was no doubt what her sermon was about.

    Speaking before a friendly crowd of congregants at Big Bethel AME Church on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Willis referenced the heavy burden she feels as a black woman up against considerable opposition. She chose to speak not among politicians, but from the pulpit.

    ““You cannot expect black women to be perfect. We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. We are all sinners,” she said.

    “We need your prayers, We need to be allowed to stumble. We need grace. With that type of support, we will move mountains and do Jesus’s will — stumbling all of the way!”

    She eluded to the fact that she, like all of us, has a God-given assignment. “See, we are all flawed, sinners, unworthy, imperfect, damaged, but we are qualified for His call.”

    Willis has been attacked anew for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with one of her main attorneys on the Trump case.

    Watch the video in full here:

    This is not the first time Willis has spoken out amid the probe. Willis, speaking at a private fundraiser in Atlanta in honor of her 52nd birthday, she opened up on the many verbal attacks and racist threats she said she’s endured over the past couple of months.

    Final Word

    “If you commit yourself, God will turn your hard-headed self into the extraordinary for his Kingdom,” she said.

    With 2024 being a presidential election year, it remains to be seen how the year will shape up for Willis, but not just her, America.

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