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Column: “Atlanta” dips into Black Surrealism in season premiere

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Column: “Atlanta” dips into Black Surrealism in season premiere


Be aware: This text contains mentions of suicide and home violence.

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The wait is lastly over for followers of Donald Glover’s “Atlanta”, which returned final month after a four-year hiatus. The FX sequence was delayed as a consequence of scheduling conflicts and the continued COVID-19 pandemic that halted productions throughout Hollywood. 

Although the season has merely begun, “Atlanta” has welcomed us again into its weird surrealist world — and I’m all for it. 

“Atlanta,” which premiered in 2016, follows the lives of buddies Earn (Donald Glover), Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) and Van (Zazie Beetz). A significant plot level of the present — based mostly in Atlanta —  are Paper Boi’s aspirations and work in establishing his rap profession. 

Glover acts in, created, produces and writes the present alongside his brother, Stephen. 

Season three, which premiered with two episodes on March 24, takes viewers to Europe throughout Paper Boi’s profitable worldwide tour. No matter expectations viewers could have had in regards to the story plot upon watching are rapidly disrupted by occasions which might be equal components horrific, uncomfortable and hilarious. 

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The primary episode is a dreamscape retelling of the tragic story of Devonte Hart, a 12-year-old Black boy who was photographed hugging a police officer that later went viral in 2014. 

Because the picture circulated on Twitter, studies revealed that it could have been staged by Jennifer Hart, the white girl who adopted him. In 2018, Hart drove her spouse, Devonte Hart and his 5 different Black adopted siblings off a cliff. 

Following their deaths, quite a few studies surfaced that Jennifer and Sarah Hart bodily and emotionally abused their adopted youngsters. 

The episode exhibits the fictional model of Devonte Hart transition into a brand new dwelling after a combat along with his organic mom. He rapidly grows suspicious of his adoptive moms who undercook their meals, do not use washcloths and make their youngsters work the backyard for the produce they promote. 

The murder-suicide occurs after the Hart character kills a social employee who visited the house. 

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The physique of Devonte Hart was by no means discovered, however he’s presumed useless. Within the creativeness of “Atlanta” writers and present’s script, he manages to flee the automotive earlier than it crashes and returns to his mom. The episode blends horror and actuality, which serves as a figurative and literal nightmare that wakes Earn from his sleep. 

After Earn wakes up, there is no such thing as a return to regular within the second episode. As he and Paper Boi put together for a present, they discover themselves within the midst of the celebrations for Sinterklaas — the Santa Claus of the Netherlands. 

Sinterklaas is similar jolly, gift-giving bearded man we’re conversant in, however within the Dutch custom, he’s accompanied by a helper named Black Pete. Adults and kids that costume up as Black Pete don a layer of blackface, an afro wig, giant pink lips and golden hoop earrings. 

With our personal historical past of minstrelsy and blackface in America, it’s unsettling to see the follow so normalized, regardless of the context. This occurs to Earn and Paper Boi, who encounter folks in blackface on the road, of their resort room and within the live performance venue, which is stuffed to the brim with white faces painted black. 

In an particularly hilarious and poignant second, the live performance promoter, enraged after Earn tells him that Paper Boi refuses to carry out, chases him out into the venue foyer and fights a white man in blackface that he errors for Earn. 

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The 2 episodes, whereas horrifying and unusual, aren’t fantastical. They’re steeped in very actual — albeit exaggerated — conditions that spotlight the absurdity and awfulness of racism. “Atlanta” mixes ridiculous, scary and uncomfortable moments to create a surrealist depiction of racism at its most mundane and excessive ranges. 

Surrealism is a style that performs with the unnatural and incongruous, and has been integrated in movie, artwork and even literature. “Atlanta” has been positioned in a cohort of surreal motion pictures and TV exhibits, together with Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and “Sorry To Hassle You” — each of which starred forged member LaKeith Stanfield. 

The present balances the horror of the previous and weird of the latter and embeds it in a seemingly on a regular basis expertise of its Black characters. 

These media texts have additionally been referred to as the resurgence of Afro-Surrealism, which author and activist Amiri Baraka describes as the mixture of surrealism and “the Black aesthetic in its precise up to date and lived life.” 

Afro-Surrealism or Black Surrealism finds its roots within the Black Arts Motion of the Seventies, and brings collectively the terrifying, mystical and comedic to permit artists to critique the illogical, monstrous and hilarious parts that animate racism. 

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Devonte Hart’s story was scary — and is even scarier as a result of it really occurred. Incidents of blackface are much less frequent now, however think about a metropolis the place the follow is so normalized that you just see it in all places you flip. 

And what’s most unsettling in regards to the episodes is how a lot fact there may be to them.

The third episode — launched final week — was not as putting as the primary two, which felt akin to a fever dream, nevertheless it nonetheless carried the essence of Black Surrealism that I believe Glover and his group wished to realize. 

I’m to see how the rest of the season goes and I’m down for the experience — unusual and all. 

@_zarialyssa

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opinion@dailytarheel.com

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Atlanta, GA

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Updated Injury Status For Tonight’s Game vs Atlanta

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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Updated Injury Status For Tonight’s Game vs Atlanta


The Atlanta Hawks have a chance to extend their winning streak tonight vs the Milwaukee Bucks, who are also on a long winning streak. Because they played the Pistons last night, Milwaukee did not release its injury/availability report until now. Giannis Antetokounmpo (right patella tendinopathy) is probable for tonight’s game while Khris Middleton is out.

Coming into tonight’s game, the Hawks are 8th in the NBA in PPG, 14th in FG%, 19th in 3PA, 21st in 3P%, 6th in FTA, 26th in turnovers, and 7th in rebounding. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 17th in points per 100 possessions, 19th in effective field goal percentage, 21st in turnover percentage, 7th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 8th in free throw rate.

Currently, the Hawks rank 27th in PPG allowed, 16th in field goal percentage allowed, 30th in three-point attempts allowed, and 30th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 18th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 23rd in effective field goal percentage allowed.

Milwaukee comes into this game ranking 14th in PPG, 6th in FG%, 15th in 3PA, 3rd in 3P%, 14th in FTA, 17th in rebounding, and 9th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, Milwaukee is 9th in points per 100 possessions, 4th in effective field goal percentage, 9th in turnover percentage, 30th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 19th in free throw rate.

Defensively, Milwaukee ranks 15th in PPG allowed, 5th in FG% allowed, 21st in 3PA allowed, and 21st in 3P% allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Milwaukee is 19th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 9th in effective field goal percentage allowed.

Trae Young continues to be one of the top facilitators in the league and he still leads the league in assists. He has been a different kind of player this year in terms of scoring, but is still one of the most dangerous point guards. He finished with 12 points and 15 assists on Monday vs New Orleans.

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Dyson Daniels was named Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month and for good reason. He has been one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and will be tasked with guarding Damian Lillard tonight. He had been struggling on offense, but he had 19 points on Monday vs New Orleans, but he did shoot only 1-5 from three.

Zaccharie Risacher scored 13 points on Monday and has been defending at a high level. Once the shooting catches up with that, he can be a high-level player and will play a big role tonight.

Jalen Johnson is playing at an All-Star type level this season and continued that on Monday vs New Orleans. He scored 19 points on 9-14 shooting and also pulled in seven rebounds and had five assists. He has been the second creator on offense this season and has taken that challenge and met it. Johnson is getting better and better, which should be scary for opposing teams.

The Hawks mix up their center rotation when it comes to minutes and on Monday, it was Clint Capela who played the majority of the minutes vs New Orleans. Who will take the matchuip vs Brook Lopez tonight? Both guys have been up and down this year, but Capela has been the best option for them most games, especially in terms of rebounding and defense.

The bench for the Hawks has been the real catalyst in this four-game winning streak, especially De’Andre Hunter. If he can keep up this level of play and remain healthy, Hunter could be in contention for 6th man of the year. Hunter scored 22 points on 4-7 shooting from three on Monday and when he scored 20 points, the Hawks are unbeaten. Bogdan Bogdanovic is still finding his footing this season, but one guy that is playing well in his minutes is Kobe Bufkin. Bufkin is only getting 10-15 minutes per game, but he has been making the most of it recently. He scored 10 points on 4-4 shooting from the field on Monday.

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The Hawks three-point shooting and three-point defense are going to be the big keys tonight. The Bucks are 3rd in three-point percentage and while the Hawks have been better as of late, they have had games where they give up a lot of threes. On Monday, Atlanta shot 10-38 (26%) from three. They have to win the three-point battle tonight if they want to win.





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Atlanta, GA

CLEAR Expands at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Now Offering Expedited Identity Verification at International Terminal

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CLEAR Expands at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Now Offering Expedited Identity Verification at International Terminal


CLEAR

Expansion is expected to offer more convenience options to travelers, boost job creation, and increase CLEAR’s annual economic impact in the Atlanta metro area

ATLANTA, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CLEAR (NYSE: YOU), the secure identity company, today announced the expansion of its identity verification technology to the international terminal at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

With this expansion, CLEAR’s expedited security lanes are now available at the international terminal. The expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs, bringing CLEAR’s local employment total to more than 135 jobs at ATL, and increase the company’s projected annual economic impact in the Atlanta metro area to over $14 million. CLEAR lanes will continue to operate in the domestic terminal.

“We’re excited to expand CLEAR’s presence at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, bringing a streamlined travel experience to Atlanta’s travelers,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker. “With our new lanes in the international terminal, our Ambassadors are ready to offer a faster, more predictable, and secure journey for Atlanta passengers as travel continues to grow.”

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CLEAR first launched at ATL’s domestic terminal in February 2017, becoming the 20th airport location to have the identity verification service. Today, CLEAR’s expedited identity verification lanes are available at 58 airports across the country.

Members use CLEAR’s network of dedicated lanes to seamlessly and securely verify their identity with their eyes or fingerprint, replacing the need to take out their wallet and driver’s license. After verification, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts Members through the dedicated lane and directly to TSA physical security, saving them time waiting in line at the security checkpoint.

CLEAR Plus – an opt-in membership that provides access to CLEAR’s expedited identity verification lanes – costs less than $17 a month billed annually, with preferred pricing available for Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and American Express Members. Newly enrolling active military, veterans, and government officials are also eligible for discounted memberships, and additional family Members can be added to an existing CLEAR Plus account for $119 per adult per year.

About CLEAR (NYSE: YOU)
CLEAR’s mission is to create frictionless experiences. With over 27 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR’s identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you – making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we never sell Member data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

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Atlanta, DeKalb pushing to shelter, support those chronically homeless ahead of Christmas

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Atlanta, DeKalb pushing to shelter, support those chronically homeless ahead of Christmas


ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – On Tuesday, the City of Atlanta opened its newest housing complex for those chronically homeless.

The 23-unit apartment building along Bonaventure Avenue NE in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta is geared toward those sleeping on the street or under bridges to find immediate shelter.

“This is quick-delivery rapid housing of quality, and we’re trying to (open for tenants) by Christmas because it’s so cold outside,” said Mayor Andre Dickens, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony with city housing leaders.

The complex is the latest in a push by the Dickens Administration to secure 500 units of housing by the end of 2025 for those experiencing homelessness.

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Dickens also has a goal of building or preserving 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030.

On Tuesday, he confirmed the city is over the halfway mark in this goal.

“I’m a goal-oriented person, and I use partnerships well. We’re going to get to our 20,000 units,” Dickens said on Tuesday.

He charged other regional leaders to help the city in this effort.

“We actually end up housing people that are not always from the city. So we want to make sure that regionally, across north Georgia, that you all do as we are doing,” said Dickens.

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On Tuesday, DeKalb County announced a $13 million investment to reduce homelessness and prevent evictions.

“People are desperate, inflation is making it extremely difficulty for working people to keep food on the table or to pay their rent,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.

The $13 million will be divided between nine different nonprofit organizations serving DeKalb County.

The participating nonprofit agencies and their services are listed below:

Assistance for rent, utilities, housing instability, unsafe, unhealthy living conditions:

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  • New Life Community Ministries, $2.8 million
  • Urban League of Greater Atlanta, $2.8 million
  • Latin American Association, $2.3 million
  • New American Pathways, $1 million
  • Jewish Family Career Services of Atlanta, $1 million
  • Africa’s Children Fund, $1 million
  • Society of St. Vincent de Paul, $1 million

Housing stability services (legal services related to evictions):

  • Atlanta Legal Aid Society, $600,000
  • DeKalb Pro Bono, $200,000

To apply, residents can contact the DeKalb Integrated Community Care Initiative hotline at 404-371-NEED (6333) for program guidance.

“Thirteen million is a big number, but really, if you compare it to the challenge we face, it’s relatively small. But we’re just happy, actually blessed, to be able to stand in the gap not just on this very cold day, but on cold days that will be coming throughout this winter,” said Thurmond.

Atlanta housing leaders said they plan on opening three additional rapid housing complexes in the city by the end of 2024.

“When you see these ribbon cuttings of the 23, 35, 65 [units], they add up,” said Dickens.



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