Part 2: a look back at 2023 as we look ahead to 2024

It's almost 2024!

Part 1 of our series (click HERE to read the article) provides our take on our top stories of the year. In selecting one story per month (January through June), we provide a snapshot of the events and people we cover and providing a sampling of the coverage we do across the board.

For Part 2, as you can likely gather, we're looking at the stories which make the second half of the year (July through December 2023) just as special. We are excited about the ground covered in arts/entertainment, government, sports, community, and related areas, and today's look back provides a reminder of what we do and what we are gearing up for in 2024, so take a look back, revisit, watch (any of the embedded video interviews), and share with others:

• July 2023: Our one-on-one with Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) provides an intimate look and reaction to the Supreme Court rulings and potential consequences. His openness regarding the processes taking place and their potential impact for the day and beyond are very telling, especially with the onset of an election year (2024) forthcoming. Make sure to read the full article (click HERE to read the article) and watch the full and partial interviews during our nearly 30 minute conversation.

• August 2023: We run it back with Congressman Johnson, as his office's work helps provide overdue recognition to Spc Tanya Walker. For 19 years due to a myriad of reasons, her commendation for her service via the Louisiana National Guard and US Naval Reserve is delayed, but not denied. Find out more about the journey and truly great day of getting things addressed and celebrated (click HERE to read the article).

• September 2023: An inaugural event in July leads to leaving a legacy at one of the Clayton County (GA) schools to support music and the performing/creative arts. Check out how An Elegant Evening of Jazz leads to a festive Friday afternoon and making a difference in the lives of youth, adults, and the larger community (click HERE to learn more).

• October 2023: The 2023 season for Wake Forest football did not go as planned, as their 7 consecutive year bowl game streak is snapped this season. A bright spot is a thrilling late second win over Pittsburgh for their homecoming game. It is their lone conference win of the year with an unlikely star of the game making an impact in his first collegiate start and game ever (click HERE to read the article).

• November 2023: The Atlanta Gladiators get off to a fast start for the early part of their 2023-24 ECHL season as they look to return to the playoffs and compete for the Kelly Cup (championship). Our pregame interviews with two players with ties to the Atlanta area are reason enough to catch a game and some incredible on-ice action as the team is now affiliated with the NHL's Nashville Predators (click HERE to read the article and check out the interviews).

• December 2023: During the holidays, there are a number of people and organizations who do tremendous holiday give-backs to provide holiday cheer for the community. When those in arts/entertainment come together with fellow artisans, along with those in business/entrepreneurship and the public sector, there are some good things that can happen. In its 10th year, check out the work spearheaded by Tyressa Ty via #DivasAndDolls (click HERE to read the article).

Trust me, it's a challenge to select just one article for each month as we truly appreciate each story and idea we are able to get to. In this spirit, here's a few for honorable mention:

• The enhanced experience of the Sigma Lounge. For 2023, the members of the Iota Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. not only add to their signature event in making it a black-tie affair, but proceeds support multiple college scholarship opportunities for the campuses they work with and their expanded service area (click HERE to read our article).

• Health and wellness is more than just physical. Anyone can celebrate, but the Metro-Atlanta chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. did a little more than just that for their 117th Founders' Day Celebration. Before the networking, brunch, worship service, service projects, and general celebration, they set the tone for providing balance with their mental health seminar. This health piece is not only an area of concern during the holidays, but any day (click HERE to read the article).

• A different kind of flow. The #SipAndFlow series provides a creative way to use the arts for more than just content. With elements of networking and a way to decompress, this quarterly series is on its way to making a mark for the arts, professional, and related community (click HERE to read our article).

• School is cool. The work of this Gwinnett County nonprofit/education center provides a solid foundation for students. Combined with its bridge-building for training for future educators/nonprofits along with access to resources for families and communities, they are looking to expand their reach, including broader community support (click HERE to read our article).

And with that, we conclude 2023 and look forward to 2024.

Have a happy new year and holiday season.