Black churches in Cherokee County, born from the resilience of the enslaved and newly freed in the 1800s, became far more than places of worship—they were the beating heart of the Black community. These sacred spaces nurtured minds with education, empowered voices in political and social movements, and provided a sanctuary where culture and faith thrived. From uplifting sermons and joyous fifth Sunday gatherings to shared meals and unwavering support, these churches embodied strength, unity, and the unshakable spirit of a people determined to rise.

The Cherokee County History is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. Please check historycherokee.org for updates on hours.

A collection featuring artists Aaron F. Henderson, Michael Reese, Horace Imhotep. Jamaal Barber and Georgette Baker.

Houselessness! Shelter Challenged! Food Scarcity!

We witness the ongoing National and Local opposition to our growth and development which reinforces the imperative for African (Kemetic) Americans to Save-Our-Selves.

Recent Historical Impacts (2023) Covid Quarantine; Jobs end for Many – can’t pay Rents, Mortgages; (2024) Houselessness! (2025) Shelter Challenged! (2026) Impending Food Scarcity One-by-One and All-Together…We Save-Our-Selves!  (S-O-S)

We witness the ongoing National and Local opposition to our growth and development which reinforces the imperative for African (Kemetic because we carry the DNA) Americans to Save-Our-Selves.  Resist Turbulent Times…gives solutions!!!

 Academically the Introduction takes us through a foundation of the social sciences upon which Resist Turbulent Times: Ways to Save-Our-Selves is based. The late, Dr. Harold Cruse has been my intellectual mentor since I read (1967) The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual in 1975. Each chapter  of my book reinforces the urgency for our people to work together on projects with people they know, or will get to know as we Save-Our-Selves.

 Chapter 1: “Setting the Record Straight: Do Not Believe the Hype” rids readers of all beliefs of an inferior Kemetic (African) mind. We reinforce the truths that our ancestors had control of economic development and trade across the Alkebu Lan Continent and throughout the Mediterranean Basin for over 1,200 cumulative years since the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Empires between 300 and 1500 CE (Common Era). 

 I dispel the false narrative of inner-city crime, which decreased drastically between 1995 and the year 2,000 and never increased. This happened as a result of the leadership of Minister Louis Farrakhan who guided everyone through prayer and lifted the Power of Atonement during the first Million Man March, October 16, 1995. Read how this went down in Chapter 2: “Calling a Thing, A Thing: No Apologies.”

 “Saggin: Beyond Blaming the Victim” Chapter 3, addresses the crisis of our youth and older brothers. What about this thing called Saggin? Examine the national stats on “Firearm Homicide by Age and Race/Ethnicity” in Table 2 Page 65, as you help the maga USA Eugenics objective to reduce our population. Compare that thought with the reality of how you, the youth, influence the global music, dance, fashion, art, poetry, writing… “Economics of Black Urban Expression.” p. 69

 Why are we so unique?  What is there about us that these people hate, or fear? What do we have that they don’t have? We “Revisit” the attributes of “Melanin” as that which makes us different and despised in Chapter 4. We witness our collective strength, emerge, and grow strong as we Save-Our-Selves.

 How did we become a nation of houseless families so quickly? This case study of Jamaica, Queens County, in New York City may be the same pattern used in other cities throughout the United States. What about your own community and neighborhood? Chapter 5: “Ethnic Manipulation: A Case Study of Jamaica, Queens County, New York City” documents this reality. In a spirit of trust, we as a people are required to think this through wherever we are, beyond class and income; breaking siloed individuals, groups, neighborhood, community, faith, national organizations in the roles of Solutions Specialists. We activate the universal narrative as we “Cast down our buckets where we are and everybody works together to save our sinking ship” to quote from Booker T. Washington, September 18, 1895.  Collectively, We Save-Our-Selves.

Family is the first primary social institution as the building block of society among all peoples of the world. Sons and daughters of Kemet living in America have adapted to life’s challenges for 300 years. We all have legacy stories. Chapter 6: “Life in Our Father’s House” describes life in an environment of culture, art, music, and life in general for myself and four other siblings. Life in our father house shows a legacy that is similar to the histories of the 29,869,475 non-institutionalized male workforce population between the ages of 15 and 65 who live, study, and work in the face of constant trauma to support their families – just like Our Dad! 

 Constant trauma has impacted our families during those 300 years where the massacres never stopped and lynchings never stopped. In Chapter 7: “The Family – Targeted Impacts on the Survival of Future Generations,” we acknowledge these realities and view each other from a lens of “ally.”  We all are being impacted by chemtrail radiations, and 5-G frequencies designed to impact Kemetics and everybody’s health in general.  Remember in Ch. 5  how our professional Medical Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmacists serving our communities have experienced Civil Forfeiture, been attacked and jailed due to years of  trumped-up charges perpetrated by the Drug Enforcement Agency pgs. 97-100.  These realities are just a few of the impacts on our lives and we are compelled to push through them together. 

 Come to my Book Talk to consider solutions in the final three Chapters, 8: “Cultivating Tacticians for Self-Actualization,” 9: “Activating Solutions,” and 10: “Social Situation Surmountable” we consider collective options determined by leadership decisions at a local level. Where African (Kemetic) Americans meet with family, friends and groups, join with other groups, and make decisions about e.g., what to do about reduced funding for: education; medical care; housing; new laws about no housing tents set up in public places and parks amid threats of arrest and detainment; impending food scarcity; community inter co-operation; Social Service Retirees, Retired Teachers, and others can give solid professional advice.  We will discuss this.  Together, Yes, We Can!

“Is Atlanta America’s Black mecca?"

Atlanta has long held the title of the "Black Mecca," a city where Black culture, entrepreneurship, politics, and excellence converge. But what does that title mean today, and does the city still live up to the name?

Join UATL – the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Black culture franchise – for the next installment of Culture Connect, an intimate and thought-provoking conversation exploring Atlanta’s reputation as the epicenter of Black progress and success. This special event is part of our ongoing Black mecca series, examining the city’s history, present-day realities, and future through the lens of Black natives and transplants.

The conversation will be moderated by UATL podcast hosts Nedra Rhone, Najja Parker and DeAsia Paige, featuring UATL Editor Gavin Godfrey and scholar Dr. Maurice Hobson, Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Historian at Georgia State University. Expect rich dialogue, honest reflection, and space for community conversation!

This fall, don’t miss the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and Creative Arts Conference—an incredible celebration of Black stories and culture. It’s a place where powerful performances and heartfelt stories come alive, inspiring everyone who walks through the door.

Whether you’re looking for a moment of reflection or a burst of laughter, this festival will remind you of the strength, beauty, and resilience of community. Be part of something special, connect with inspiring artists, and leave feeling renewed and motivated to share your own story!