The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Divided world led to ‘Be Kind’ photo shoot
Image offers simple reminder about joy and acceptance.
There are many things on Cobb County photographer Liz Williams’ heart, and this project was no different.
“I try to stay out of the news because it’s so depressing,” said Liz Williams, owner of Liz by Design Photography in Powder Springs.
With all the current darkness in the world, she had a feeling of what she needed to do but not sure of “how to bring it to light.”
When a local T-shirt business feed came through her Facebook page, she knew upsetting someone because immediately. it’s completely opposite of
“These shirts were exactly your goal,” Williams said. the message that we all She posted a picture of needed to hear. I decided the shirt and a model call. to put it out there and see Over 500 comments came what came of it,” she said. in. Williams said everyone “Will people respond in a was receptive to the idea, positive way? I don’t know, understood her intent and especially because as a white wanted to be a part of what- female it’s awkward to talk ever it came to be. about race. “All I knew was God was
“It’s not a fun topic and dif- leading me, and I needed to ficult to talk about in fear of listen,” she said. “Honestly, the icing on the cake was Kevin Johnson’s design from Lazy Coconut Custom Tees.”
Several kids from differ- ent backgrounds, ages 2-10, came together as strangers but laughed and played as kids do with uncomplicated hearts during the “Be Kind” photo shoot.
Including her daughter, because the family believes in the movement, Williams recounted her daughter’s words after the session: “‘Mom, those are my friends.’ It’s just so innocent.
“When you were little, you loved everyone regardless of their skin color,” Williams said. “That was the purpose of these pictures.”
Taking a cue from the p hoto shoot is a si m ple reminder about joy and acceptance.
“We have a responsibility to raise our children to love and be kind, knowing that we are all better together,” Williams stated.
Item: Lilburn (Gwinnett)
The most popular request is to find a solution to many of the potholes in the region.
Scott Danos wants something done about a hazardous pothole in Lilburn.
“There is a dangerous pothole on Arcado Road on the northbound lane between Killian Hill Road and Hokes Place in Lilburn. This road hazard is especially dangerous because it is on the downslope of a small hill, and drivers cannot see it from afar. If a wheel catches the pothole, the steering wheel will be forced to veer to the right due to the road incline. This creates a hazardous situation with the potential of a roll-over risk to unprepared drivers,” he wrote.
We sent the issue to the county and will keep you updated on the problem.
Days on the list: 2
Who’s looking into it: Communications Director Heather Sawyer, heather. sawyer@gwinnettcounty. com
Item: Atlanta (Fulton)
We want tips from across metro Atlanta. Send your tips and photos to johntct1212@gmail. com.
“When I am passing the airport on I-285 West, and the road climbs upward, it is dangerous. The striping is so faded you can no longer see it. When it rains, it creates a hazard even more. Hope you will do something about it,” she wrote.
We sent the issue to the Department of Transportation and will let you know when the item is resolved.
Sylvia Baird has an issue on one of the busiest stretches of highway in the region, Interstate 285. The road serves as an alternative to interstates in the city, but in recent years, the road has become the bane of many Who’s looking into it: DOT drivers because of the dete- spokesman Natalie Dale, riorating conditions. ndale@dot.ga.gov
Days on the list: 2