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From Afros To Shelltoes Founder, Edward M. Garnes, Jr., Named Atlanta Tribune 2009 Man Of Distinction

Photo: Shannon McCollum

Award winning writer, counselor, and activist Edward M. Garnes, Jr. has been named an Atlanta Tribune 2009 Man Of Distinction for his leadership and innovative work with From Afros To Shelltoes (FATS) www.afrostoshelltoes.com/word, a community based organization uniquely focused on cultural productions that bridge generation gaps between youth, elders, and the hip hop community. Garnes will be honored at the Atlanta Tribune’s 2nd Annual Men of the Year Reception on April 23, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. at the One Georgia Banking Center (1180 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2610, Atlanta, GA 30309) and featured in the April 2009 issue of the magazine.  Attendees can RSVP at http://at2009menoftheyear.eventbrite.com.

The ceremony will pay homage to Atlanta Tribune’s Men of the Year, Don Perry, Chick-Fil-A; Ben DeCosta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; and Curley Dossman, Georgia-Pacific Corporation.  Fellow Men of Distinction — James “Mac” Hunter (Partner, Morris Manning & Martin LLP), Orlando Lynch (President & CEO, Atlanta Peach Movers) Hank Stewart (President, Frank Stewart Foundation), and Ronald Tigner (President, Georgia Certified Development Corp.)–will also be celebrated.

Revered for his ground breaking work with FATS, Garnes has built an unrivaled legacy remixing grandma stories, formal education, and good ole common sense into initiatives advocating social responsibility, personal development, and emotional healing. Reflecting on his crowning achievement, Garnes says, “In an age of unchecked selfishness, I am a simple man who believes “doing right” still matters. This public acknowledgement is very emotional for me as it gives credence to my life’s work as a servant leader.  But it is really not about me. I hope this honor will inspire everyday people to live a life of purpose versus profit. I accept this award on behalf of everyday people longing to get their own dreams out of lay-away.”

Whether opening for Nikki Giovanni and The Last Poets, advising Dr. Cornel West’s company Black Men Who Mean Business on grass roots marketing, or executing projects with FATS for clients including National Urban League, MTV, Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Katrina On The Ground, National Black Arts Festival, and Hands On Atlanta, Garnes employs a solution focused approach.

Widely considered one of the foremost voices of his generation, Garnes has been featured in various media outlets including Sirius Radio, CW Network, allhiphop.com, CBS Radio, and the Black Family Channel.

For Editor Katrice L. Mines, the Atlanta Tribune’s Men of The Year issue seeks to recognize a cadre of men whose exceptional talents better our communities:

“Good deeds do sometimes go unnoticed. However, the fact remains that some individuals dedicate themselves to making meaningful impressions on their surroundings and in the lives of those around them — regardless of whether or not their works are noted. And for that, we salute Edward M. Garnes, Jr.”

For more information, visit www.afrostoshelltoes.com/word.

To book panels, lectures, conferences, fish fries, college programs, or trade sweet tea secrets, contact fromafrostoshelltoes@gmail.com.

About Edward M. Garnes, Jr.

Award winning writer, educator, counselor, and activist Edward M. Garnes, Jr. is the founder of From Afros to Shelltoes: Art, Action, and Conversation, and holds a B.A. in English Writing from DePauw University and a M.A. in Counseling from Michigan State University.  A respected wordsmith, Garnes served as a music contributor to Creative Loafing for nearly a decade. His seminal essay, ” Sweet Tea Ethics: Black Luv, Healthcare, and Cultural Mistrust,” currently appears in Not In My Family: AIDS in the African American Community, a 2007 NAACP Image Award nominated collection edited by Gil Robertson.

About Atlanta Tribune The Magazine

Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine is Black Atlanta’s leading source for relevant, thought-provoking news and information on business, careers, technology, wealth-building, politics and education. Our audience consists of progressive, politically concerned, culturally aware, family-oriented Black executives, professionals and entrepreneurs. We are timely, accurate, credible, in-depth, progressive and always strive to make our readers think.

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