Congrats to the Granddaughter of Soul.

Sydney Lumar, whose grandfather was the late, great James Brown, made history today, becoming the first person to graduate from The SAE School in Cobb County.

The private, year-round school opened in 2013. It was the right fit for Sydney after she struggled in public school in east Cobb County.

Although she was the only person turning a tassel, she wasn't alone. The school's sixth graders sang the National Anthem and upperclassmen processed into the cafeteria to join family members including her mom, Yamma Alexander, and aunt Deanna Thomas. Former State Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan delivered an inspiring commencement address. In the video above, Sydney shares her thoughts about today and reveals how her grandfather inspired her future plans.

PAST COVERAGE: That memorable day I spent with James Brown

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez