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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
These women mean business
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mayor Shirley Franklin and Maryam Alavi, vice-dean of Emory’s Goizueta Business School, will serve as keynote speakers at the Atlanta Women’s Commission Annual Business Conference.
The event is planned for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Loudermilk Center, 40 Courtland St. It features more than a dozen workshops on branding your business, legal issues, technology and procurement with the City of Atlanta 101 and 201 - highlighting the changes in the city procurement process.
Sponsors include ING, Holland and Knight, the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Emory Goizueta Business School, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, CSX Transportation and Atlanta Woman Magazine.
The cost, including lunch, is $60 in advance or $70 day of conference. Men are welcome too, by the way. To register see www.atlwomen.com or call 404 330-6330.
Joe Louis’ son at the Carter Center
Joe Louis Barrow Jr. with Bernard Taylor
Joe Louis Barrow Jr. was in town recently as the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County hosted a debut of the new HBO Sports documentary about his father, boxing great Joe Louis.
“Joe Louis: America’s Hero…Betrayed,” debuts Feb. 23 on HBO.
The Tuesday night screening was the third time Barrow has seen the film in its entirety.
“I get emotional every time,” he said.
From left, Tommy Johnson, Stephanie Bray, Lynn Waymer and Andy Macke
The documentary, produced by Joe Lavine, tells the story of how Joe Louis (who dropped Barrow as his last name professionally) grew up poor in the segregated South, winning the admiration of white America with his phenomenal moves in the ring. A number of high profile interview subjects, including Maya Angelou, President Carter, Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Jerry Lewis and Gay Talese, help tell the story of Louis’ profound impact on American society - both black and white.
Although Louis devoted his time and resources to rally troop morale during WWII, he was hounded for years by the government for back taxes. In his later years he was reduced to professional wrestling, celebrity pitch man for a slew of products, and even a stint as a celebrity greeter at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas - anything to earn money to pay off his debts.
Barrow said he wants viewers to learn about all aspects of his father. Joe Louis was not only the first black heavyweight champion, but also the first black man to play in a professional golf event. His triumph over German boxer Max Schmeling made him a hero to all Americans.
“Joe Louis was such a man of magnitude,” Barrow said. “He really challenged America’s conscience. I’m proud and privileged to be his son”
Barrow is CEO of The First Tee, an organization that introduces young people to golf.
From left, David Manuel, Don Rivers, Angela Robinson, Laverne Carter and Bill Carter at the Joe Louis event.
An enthusiastic crowd turned out for the Tuesday debut, including Stephanie Bray, Laverne Carter, Bill Carter, sisters Jeannette and Helen Guillermo, Tommy Johnson, Andy Macke, David Manuel, Don Rivers, Angela Robinson and Lynn Waymer.
Speakers included HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg, 100 Black Men of DeKalb President Bernard Taylor and Trevor Yant, vice president and general manager of Comcast Metro Atlanta, a sponsor of the Tuesday event.
Sisters Jeannette (left) and Helen Guillermo
