We Speak Events
Trump and the Real Game at Play
The Bible Belt is on religious holiday this Monday: it’s the college football national championship game in Atlanta, which is basically Sabbath for the Deep South everywhere.
By 3:00 p.m., all Atlanta, Fulton County, and state government establishments will close. By 4:00 p.m., most schools and college campuses will be a ghost town; students and teachers alike will be skipping class.
By some time midafternoon, the President of the United States of ‘Murica himself will touch down in Atlanta for the biggest college game of the year.
By 8:00 p.m., millions of eyes will be glued to TV screens nationwide to see the Georgia-Alabama kickoff in this fateful throw down.
But part of the sport will not even be what’s happening on the field; it’s all the implications of what’s happening in the stands, the city, and how it reflects the state of our country.
45 is not just attending to “roll tide”; he is there to shake hands, kiss babies, and remind his core voter base who “made America great again.” Come Monday, the Mercedes Benz stadium will be a field ripe with current supporters and future votes, and Trump is coming to harvest.
According to Forbes, Trump won all 11 SEC states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. To no one’s surprise, the heartland of college football was almost unanimously red.
So underneath the festivities, the occasion will also be fraught with political tension.
The National Anthem is sure to be a patriotic show like no other, with the NFL’s ongoing battle with peaceful protest sparked by Colin Kaepernick. Monday also marks the first day of Georgia’s Legislative session for the year, which will touch on tighter bills for hate crimes and sexual harassment.
As diverse as they are, each of these issues have been hot topic buttons in the country’s conversation. With 2017 came a reckoning for sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as a re-awakening for women rights. Civil rights bled into sports arenas, as athletes like Kaepernick took a knee for injustice, or took a stand against the current administration like NBA star Stephen Curry.
Trump has been a clear adversary in these political fights, publicly endorsing Alabama candidate Roy Moore despite several sexual harassment allegations. Or his even more public Twitter temper tantrums against Curry and protesting NFL players in general, calling for those “sons of bitches” to get in line and just play the game.
Meanwhile, this will be taking place in a city which recently elected its second black female mayor, while buckling under the pressure of gentrification and a rapidly changing demographic.
All of this social strain will be simmering just below the turf Monday night.
It will be sport, politics, and bitter rivalries till the clock strikes zero in the last quarter. There will be blood, and there will be one hell of a game.
But while we’re clinking beers and placing bets, stay woke to the real game at play here.
God Bless these “United” States of America, and may the best team win.
A Night to Remember: Young Atlanta’s 12th Annual Fashion Exhibition Honors Negro Baseball League Legacy at Georgia Tech’s Russ Chandler Stadium, November 10, 2024
Jalaiah Osei (Model), Prince Osei (Model), and Pernell Assumin (Model) pose in the middle of the field, sporting designs by OKUAFO PA at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
On November 10, 2024, the 12th Annual Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition brought Georgia Tech’s Russ Chandler Stadium to life with a vibrant celebration of Black creativity and resilience. This year’s theme, “BlackBalled,” paid homage to the history of the Negro Baseball League while showcasing the fresh perspectives and talents of Atlanta’s youth and rising creatives. Founded in 2012 by Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai (Executive Producer), Young Atlanta has been dedicated to uplifting the next generation, providing a platform for young talent in art, design, music, and fashion.
The night started with a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” followed by an energetic performance from a local high school band and dancers from Jonesboro High School. Months of training led to the big night, as models worked tirelessly with professional coaches, including Antwain Donté, Chisom, and Carolyna, to perfect their runway walk and presence. The runway showcased collections from 18 designers, including standout pieces from the following: HOLLYANDROO, Karim Richie, Saber Brand, NBD Fashion, Teho, and House of Imah. Elaine Rodriguez (Project Manager, Model), serving as the night’s MC, captivated the crowd as she guided the audience through the event theme, broadcasted on the stadium’s big screen.
Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai (Young Atlanta Executive Producer and Designer) getting interviewed by a journalist from Sheen Magazine at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo
Naomi (Model) strikes a powerful runway pose in a piece by Eli Couture at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
Anaya Brown-Jones (Model) walks the runway on the diamond of the baseball field, wearing BY HOLLYANDROO at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
Jessica (Model) struts out of the tunnel, stunning the audience in a look by KARIM RICHIE at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Venue Name – Photographed by Devin.
Joshua Jones (Model) sports a colorful cultural piece by Oma Revealed at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Devin.
Jordan L. (Model), House of Imah (Designer), and Ester Frimpong (Model), representing HOUSE OF IMAH, pose together with the designer at the center, showcasing stunning pieces at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Devin.
The Jonesboro HS Band started the performance at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
The 12th Annual Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition was more than a show; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and unity led by Executive Producer Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai. His vision to uplift Atlanta’s creative youth through fashion, art, and community shined brighter than ever, leaving a mark on everyone in attendance. This year’s event proved that Young Atlanta is not just an organization—it’s a movement that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of diverse voices.
-
We Speak Music1 week agoTony DeYoung: Defying Doubt, Redefining Success
-
We Speak Actors4 days agoThe Indomitable Dr. Meleeka Clary: A Beacon of Resilience and Hope
-
We Speak Jazz3 days agoA Conversation with musician, BRANDON MEEKS | MUSIC THERAPY & MOTIVATION with Gino Black
-
We Speak Events3 days agoYoung Atlanta’s 12th Annual Fashion Exhibition