A look back at 2023 as we look ahead to 2024: our first half recap (part 1 of the series)
A look back.
What makes the end of one year what it is comes down to looking where we started and seeing where we are. In 2023, we are fortunate to do our share of coverage across government and politics, sports (college and professional), and other areas across the board. We are thankful to provide the range of coverage we do for 2023 and are excited to what lies ahead in 2024.
Yes, it's a challenge to narrow down our top 12 (one for each month) as all story ideas have their merit. Here's our look back at stories for each month which are just a little more compelling; make sure to give them a read (or re-read) as here we go on our look back as we gear up for our journey ahead.
Here's our look back at the first half of the year (January through June of 2023); here we go:
January 2023: As a follow up to the February 2022 Day of Remembrance for the descendants of Black/African-American residents who are victims of the Massacre of 1912, the Forsyth Descendants Scholarship is established. Likewise, thanks to efforts by the Atlanta History Center to document the event along with capturing as much of an oral and documented history as possible, the focus is to provide the framework for sincere conversation and action to see where do we go from here and how we can bring about positive change (click HERE to read the article).
February 2023: Black History Month is always historic. The op-ed focuses on two key works which help provide a solid point of reference on the impact of people of African descent not only in the United States, but globally. To get ready for 2024 and beyond, check out these two truly amazing literary works and make them a part of your reading for the month and virtually any day (click HERE to read the article).
March 2023: The SEL Foundation, which serves the Loganville, Conyers, and interlocking communities in Rockdale and Newton Counties, raise funds for community-focused programs via their Bow Ties and Big Hats event. Check out the work which is supported via their signature event (to read the article, click HERE) as details for the 2024 edition should be available early in the first quarter of 2024.
April 2023: Students who lives with autism move a little differently, yet creatively. The inaugural event held at Columbia High School not only raises awareness, but is a call for improved access to resources so students and their families can flourish in the classroom and beyond. With ongoing programming related to the walk, make plans to see this series grow (click HERE to read the article).
May 2023: The Alphas of Atlanta make the Winner's Circle the place to be the first weekend of May. Their #AlphaDerbyWeekend (Kentucky Derby Themed event) draws a record 4,000 patrons in 2023 (exceeding their previous high of 3,700 in 2018). With 1/3 of their guests coming from outside the state of Georgia, proceeds support multiple nonprofits whose community-focused programs include mentoring, college tours, and other personal, academic, and community enriching programs. Read more (click HERE for our article) and get ready for them to run it back in 2024!
June 2023: We're fortunate to cover some outstanding AAA baseball as the Gwinnett Stripers, the top minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, is a great space to catch up and coming talent as well as current Major League Baseball players on their rehab assignments. As we embarked on coverage of the national pastime, our interview with Vaughn Grissom sets the tone (as the overwhelming majority of players we interview end up making the Braves' roster and/or are candidates to be on the big league rosters of other teams). Check out the game recap and full interview (click HERE for the article) to get a player's perspective on staying ready to make it to "the show".
The second half of 2023 has its share of impactful stories and people making things happen.
We'll take a snapshot look at them in our forthcoming (part 2) recap as we get ready for 2024.
Stay tuned.
