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2011-2012 Table of Contents Foreword 2 Men of Influence Overview 3 About the Atlanta Business League 4 Dedicated to the Memory of: 6 Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes Legacy Recognition 7 2011 Legends Hall of Fame Inductees 8 In Memoriam 12 2007 - 2010 Legends Hall of Fame 13 2011 Men of Influence 17 2007 - 2010 Men of Influence 42 Index 51 Page 1 Foreword ake a look at almost any newspaper and you’ll discover that the headlines are discouraging, Tto say the least: “More black men in prison today than enslaved in 1850.” “White males live 5.5 more years longer than black males.” “The number of black men in college dwindles.” Even with the election of an African American president, glimmers of a brighter outlook seem to be inundated by the onslaught of negative perceptions, deferred dreams and invisible barriers that exist nonetheless. Yet, there is hope. And the Atlanta Business League is pleased and honored to present that ray of hope through this publication. Herein, you will find profiles of 24 of Atlanta’s most distinguished gentlemen. They are business owners, corporate and nonprofit executives, civic and community Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. ABL Board Chairman activists and elected officials. Even more personally, they are fathers, husbands, mentors and friends. In essence, they are leaders and positive role models that have laid --- and continue to lay --- a firm foundation upon future generations to build. We don’t take the contributions of those featured in this publication for granted. The Atlanta Business League believes in the adage that states, “What they can see, they can be.” In addition to the men who are featured, we are also delighted to induct two very outstanding men into our Legends Hall of Fame. Rev. Jasper Williams is a longtime warrior in Atlanta’s faith community who has been preaching since the young age of 19. He has been appropriately nicknamed “Son of Thunder,” and clearly displays the evidence through life changing messages. Judge Clarence Cooper is a native son who has risen to the rank of Senior Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Hailing from Atlanta’s Edgewood/Kirkwood community, he has sparked international attention for providing over some of this country’s most highly publicized and controversial cases. Both men exemplify the heart of what this publication and the Men of Influence Ceremony are all about. Leona Barr-Davenport Read and be inspired! President & CEO Atlanta Business League Page 2 Men of Influence Overview or many years, the Atlanta Business League (ABL) has recognized business owners, professionals, community and Fcivic leaders in metropolitan Atlanta. Again this year, the ABL is pleased to publish its list of Atlanta’s Influential Black Men for 2008. The list will be published, and the honorees will be acknowledged, during a special pinning ceremony and reception. The Men of Influence list reflects the names of black men in metro Atlanta communities who have reached senior level positions within their profession, are leading entrepreneurs in their industry, have proven history-making feats or have attained the ability to influence large public bodies politically and in government. In addition to professional accomplishments, the Men of Influence have demonstrated their commitment to the citizenry of metro Atlanta by maintaining significant involvement and participation in community and civic activities. In addition to naming Atlanta’s Men of Influence for 2008, this year ABL will induct three deserving men into the Legends Hall of Fame, which includes male pioneers who have paved the way for others to follow in their respective arenas. The Legacy Award will also be presented to one legend whose efforts, good deeds and impact will outlast the test of time and positively impact the community for generations to come. Our goal is to provide an educational opportunity for individuals at all levels from middle school to corporate America to meet and interact with men in leading and history making positions throughout metro Atlanta. For many, it is a source of hope displaying living examples and an enlightening experience to know that opportunities avail themselves for African- American men. The ABL believes that it is our responsibility to include this effort as a part of our information clearinghouse initiative. Page 3 About Atlanta Business League HISTORY he Atlanta Business League was established in 1933 as an affiliate of the National Business League which was founded Tby Dr. Booker T. Washington. In 1900, this economic pioneer conceived and developed a broad-based structure for business enterprise more innovative than this nation had ever seen, predating the creation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by twelve years. The National Business League was committed from its inception to a strong comprehensive program of self-help and self-sufficiency. The mission of the National Business League was to enhance and expand the business community at large, to encourage civic pride, and to reinvest community money within the community. The Atlanta Business League was formed on the same premise. Serving the role as minority business developer and advocate, the Atlanta Business League seeks to provide economic empowerment and business development opportunities for minorities throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area with specific emphasis on the development of African-American businesses. Since its inception, the Atlanta Business League has implemented many programs and initiatives. The League has caused the development of relationships which have translated into millions of dollars in revenue generated; and hundreds of new businesses started. Through the Atlanta Business League and the businesses it serves, the quality of life and our community is greatly enriched. The Atlanta Business League is a strong force for positive growth in Atlanta. It serves as one voice for many small business persons, using their collective power to influence the course of events politically and socially at all levels including government, business and civic communities. As challenges present themselves to the entrepreneur, the Atlanta Business League continues to meet them head on. Page 4 About Atlanta Business League MISSION he Atlanta Business League fosters the growth, creation and development of successful business enterprises Towned, operated and managed by African-Americans in metropolitan Atlanta. GOALS • To implement programs which promote increased access to business opportunities and capital. • To encourage the support and patronage of businesses owned by African-Americans. • To implement programs which promote the development of African-American business and entrepreneurship. • To develop and implement initiatives that support African-American businesses. BENEFITS • Affiliation with a professional minority business development organization that advocates on behalf of minority businesses. • Business or individual listing in the ABL Annual Membership Directory • Business referrals for technical assistance • Networking opportunities and expansion of business resource and contact base during Business Power Forums and special events. • Quarterly NewsExchange with information for and about member businesses. • Educational training opportunities for business owners and staff. • Access to information clearinghouse • Marketing of member businesses via the ABL Web Site Page 5 LEGACY AWARD Dedicated to the Memory of Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes amilton Earl Holmes, Sr. was born graduated cum laude, with a Bachelor of Hon July 8, 1941, in Atlanta Georgia Science degree. to Isabella Campfield Holmes and Alfred Fountain Holmes. He was named for his He then became the first African grandfather, Dr. Hamilton Mayo Holmes, American student at Emory University a physician in Atlanta. Medical School, graduating with honors in 1967. Early in life, Hamilton decided he wanted to become a doctor. He attended Atlanta His professional career was long and Public Schools, graduating in 1959 from distinguished. He served as a physician in Henry McNeal Turner High School, the US Army in Germany, was on the staff where he was captain of the football team, at Emory University, and maintained a senior class president and valedictorian of private practice. In 1988, he was appointed his class. medical director at Grady Memorial Hospital, where he served until 1995. He continued his education at Morehouse He received many awards and medals College, where he became a student of Dr. honoring his achievements, including Benjamin E. Mays, who had a profound The University of Georgia Bi-Centennial influence on his life. At Morehouse, he Medal and The Emory University Medal. excelled academically, played on the football team, and developed a life long affiliation with the Hamilton was married to Marilyn Vincent Holmes of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Detroit Michigan, and was the father of Hamilton, Jr. and Alison Holmes Johnson. On January 6, 1961, Hamilton Holmes and Charlayne Hunter-Gault became the first black students to enter the Dr. Hamilton E. Holmes died on October 26, 1995. His University of Georgia. While at UGA, he was elected to Phi efforts and contributions continue to inspire others toward Beta Kappa and earned other academic honors, and in 1963, greater opportunities. Page 6 Legacy Recognition These men have all left a mark and their footprints are still being used to create the Atlanta we know today. THE HONORABLE MAYNARD HOLBROOKS JACKSON, JR. 2007 Legacy (1938 – 2003) DR. BENJAMIN ELIJAH MAYS 2008 Legacy (1894 – 1984) NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE BRONNER, SR. 2009 Legacy (1914 - 1993) ALONZO FRANKLIN HERNDON 2010 Legacy (1858 - 1927) Page 7 LEGENDS HALL OF FAME he Honorable Clarence Cooper was born in Decatur, Georgia, Ton May 5,1942 to Herman & Hazel Cooper and reared in the Edgewood/Kirkwood area of Atlanta, Judge Clarence Cooper is a product of David T. Howard High School and a 1964 honors graduate of Clark College, where he majored in Political Science and History. In 1967, Judge Cooper was awarded a Doctor of Law Degree from Emory University School of Law, and has since been an active, innovative member of the Bar.