MAYOR SHIRLEY FRANKLIN

In a candid, two-part interview Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin discussed the challenges of her first term, the current state of the city, and what citizens can expect in the coming year.  “I hope that I’ve made people proud by being honest and hardworking, and being truthful and forthright.  And that I come to work every single day, work hard to address the challenges that face any city, from infrastructure problems to crime. So my pledge was to do my best every single day so that this would be a great place for everyone to live.”

Mayor Franklin shared how she was able to get the city out of debt, how she became labeled ‘the sewer mayor’ and what she and city officials are doing to combat crime and homelessness.  Mayor Shirley Franklin also discussed her efforts to make Atlanta a nurturing place for children, an entertaining destination for visitors, and a safe place for residents to call home.

BERNIE MARCUS

In this Conversation statement, TBS STORYline host Myrna Moore sat down with Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot.  Marcus discussed many items. First and foremost, Marcus addressed the grandeur of the new Georgia Aquarium. Though secretive about the venue’s details and contents, Marcus remarked how “It will set the bar for aquariums from this point on.” Marcus then reflected on the renowned success of The Home Depot and their mission. “Where we go today, people…they do everything. There is nothing they don’t do. And it all started with the Home Depot”.  From his great success with the company, Marcus has turned to philanthropy. Marcus noted how the Marcus Institute was been at the forefront of helping children with severe behavioral problems.  At the close of the interview, Marcus admitted that he found much fulfillment from giving to the community.  “If I can make a difference in this world…that’s the satisfaction I get.”

KENNY LEON

In this segment of TBS STORYline, host, Myrna Moore sat down with founder of True Colors Theater Company, Kenny Leon. Leon discussed his long history with the Alliance Theater in Atlanta, and talked about how he was inspired to create his own theater company. Leon strives to preserve African American theatrical classics by introducing them to young and diverse audiences through his theater company True Colors.

ARTHUR BLANK

Arthur Blank shared his passion for the Arthur Blank Family Foundation with Myrna Moore.  Home Depot Co-Founder and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, Blank has turned around the sports franchise. Purchasing the Falcons, “..was another way that I could give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of the people in this community who have done so much for myself, my family and my Foundation.”  Blank discussed how the Foundation supports the Atlanta Symphony, green space initiatives, and Foster Opportunities. Fostering Opportunities is committed to helping infants through K and youth preparing to enter the work world.

MIKE LUCKOVICH

Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Mike Luchovich spoke to Myrna Moore about his craft.  He is best known for his illustration of Lady Liberty on 9/11. Using humor to make a point, Luchovich’s work appears in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and other publications throughout the country.  He began his career as a young child. Moving from town to town, Luchovich drew caricatures of his teachers and passed them around, “…and I’d made 30 friends.”