To Shadeed Abdul-Salaam, the May 7 Spring Festival is simply a milestone, a culmination of years of dedicated community service, mentoring young talent and encouraging healthy living and lifestyles.
Abdul-Salaam, Morehouse College class of 2000 and currently president of Morehouse Alumni Association in Atlanta, just happened to spot some property two miles from his residence in South Fulton. He immediately was able to see through the overgrown weeds and dilapidated structures to envision a place for families to come together and enjoy the natural environment. From there, Abdul-Salaam and the Wilkerson Group began working diligently to provide a retreat in nature that includes, farm animals, a park pavilion, an organic farm and space for the community to enjoy.
Abdul-Salaam spent his career as a public health researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a subject matter expert in the harmful effects of tobacco. He is currently a Fellow with the Woodrow Wilson Foundation in Princeton, New Jersey. The primary purpose is to help boost participation in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math) throughout Georgia. He also serves on the board of Chattahoochee Hills Charter School in South Fulton, Georgia. In addition to his contributions to science and education, a percentage of his time is spent leading the Morehouse College Alumni nonprofit where he embraces and embodies their core principles of fatherhood, mentorship and service. Although Abdul-Salaam works tirelessly at giving back to his community, his most precious work involves the raising of his two beautiful children, Aasiya and Hasan. While exposing them to the natural environment, he is their role mode,l leading through action and service to humanity.
Abdul-Salaam personally invites, families, local churches, and organizations to come out and enjoy The Farm at Wilkerson Mill on May 7 from noon to 9 p.m., where vendors will be selling food and craft goods on-site. The event will feature an organic market and free kid zone with bounce houses, face painting, live music and more. Invited guests include the CEO of The Atlanta Business Journal, a world-renowned jazz musician, The Scott Cares Foundation and other special invited guests.
For more information on the event, contact: Lynda (856) 906-7397 or Terry (470) 558-7310 or [email protected]. The Farm is located at 8455 Wilkerson Mill Rd., Palmetto, Georgia 30268. FREE EVENT
–ww “terry” howard III
