<< The portfolio includes nearly $10 million in grants to 12 nonprofits that represent a diverse set of organizations with a strong presence in Georgia and the Southeast. "I think one of the things that is wrong with America today that we can work on and become better at is that we need to become better listeners to each other and we need to be better about understanding where people are coming from," Blank said. You know, dig in [your] heels and it becomes, "My territory, your territory," etc. I think back when I lived in a neighborhood, you know, a small neighborhood, when my mother and dad were alive, we all took care of each other. Marcus has been an outspoken Donald Trump devotee throughout both the 2016 and 2020 elections, donating $7 million to Trump's campaign four years ago. And I told him before, You get in a convertible and drive around the field and Michael, there are 73,000 people in the building. The league has recently been running in-game PSAs pushing cancer and mental health awareness screenings, etc. A documentary surrounding Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian's surrogacy journey is set to air on RT on March 13. /Height 155 His is another example of how well powerful systems, in this case, the almighty NFL, can throw a PR cocoon around people and project to the public only the parts of its culture that serve its business interests until they dont. A Handful of Things I Could Not Care Less About, Matt Birk: Rape Victims Are Playing the Rape Card?, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. But tell me what I can do to help? And they said, Well, you know, the reality is about 40% of our stadium is empty. Blank also contributed $28,500 to the Obama Victory Fund in 2008. We dont have the answers, but we are committed to listening and responding to the people who have made this their lifes work and to the citizens they serve. Not about dogfighting. Arthur blank politics The largest donation made to a political party by an Atlanta Falcons employee was by Arthur Blank. During the 2020 elections, Blank contributed $300,000 to Biden Victory Fund, $35,000 to the Democratic National Convention, and tens of thousands of dollars to state Democratic Party committees. >> Yet the team continues to unite Atlantans during the ups and downs. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. So, I think the great political leaders and the great spiritual leaders, in my view, have always, always opened up their arms and included everybody. I suspect he had help. I listen to what he says and sometimes I'll cringe. ', We have to be better than this moment. Atlanta rapper, advocate Killer Mike has message for protestors https://t.co/zb3oMHK7sx, "You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country. The pair always strove to create a work environment that put people before politics, said Blank. It doesn't mean we agree on everything, we don't, but that's healthy," he said. These are not political issues, they are human issues that need serious, earnest attention from leaders and citizens alike who understand that diversity is our strength and fair treatment is everyones right. . It's the fans. Who knows how successful theyll be, and many residents worry that economic growth could facilitate gentrification. This isnt just a short-cut, this is a long-term play with significant input and investment into the community and its future, said Scott Jenkins, the general manager of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, to The Daily Beast. Blank is a strong supporter of the Democratic Party. Proceeds from sales of Good Companygo to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. That origin story is well known in business and retail circles as an example of how bold, disruptive thinking can change the game, but Good Company provides a more personal view. That coming the day before the New York Times dropped the bomb(s) about Gruden calling the NFL commissioner a faggot, ripping the leagues concussion protocols, (in other words, Grudens pro-concussion) and trading nudie pictures of cheerleaders. The Westside also suffers from severe flooding problems, and the stadium has a 1.1 million gallon storm vault underground to trap and reuse their rain water, and help prevent flooding. But in any event, that was part of just being a good listener. They want to have a home-field advantage. But COVID vaccination, as a consequence of being made "political" by belligerent partisans, many of whom love football more than life itself, is terrifying territory for the NFL. << For the last two decades, sports have united this largely racially divided city, and partially due to the actions of the Hawks and the Braves, the Falcons could ill-afford to have a stadium plan that was not only racially inclusive, but also worked to incorporate the surrounding community. Do it in November. /AIS false Sadly, sometimes these young men and women get involved in that cycle and they never get out of it. So there wasn't a word on the other end of the phone. GPB is committedto bringing you comprehensive news coverage from Georgia, across the country and around the world. 5) Its also part memoir of how his ethics evolved from watching his father run a neighborhood pharmacy in Queens, New York, to launching multi-billion dollar ventures. Kimball previously served as the vice president of network support at Teach for All. Young you are. And it's all connected not only to associates, but to the communities in which we live and operate. ", It is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy We have to be better than this moment. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Wednesday he is encouraged by the progress of quarterback Desmond Ridder and the potential of building around the rookie. Were trying to do the exact opposite of that.. He and his brother, Michael, were raised in a one-bedroom apartment. But, we really could not have done it without great service, great pricing, and great product knowledge. Home Depot cofounders Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus have long been on separate sides of the fence when it comes to politics. And today that's 2,200 stores in Canada, United States and Mexico probably have a market capitalization today of about $300 billion. In our case, the fans, customers, guests or grantees, whatever the case may be, you're going to find out the ultimate truth of what you need to do to build a business response to issues, spot opportunities, deal with problems, whatever it may be. At the time, Atlanta liked to call itself The City Too Busy to Hate, but as more African Americans moved to the city the moniker shifted to The City Too Busy Moving to Hate, as more white Atlantans escaped the city to the northern suburbs. Organizations also called to move The Masters, which begins April 8. I said, Paul? ~B?/"J()NF =|Z|&t?jCJw)C 0H>~9 ( 81c2fO=a>}@#y}~9]jqCZ'}*x:qj@PTj+2>dm?aU2 8'z?mWm)yt7,?:99=, +oG6 <4!I lg, ]6vDT2zu9~1bA'px#?)X&,:irv.q'/U:~]{tf&[eR|ozKD-sCEAMnO e=#MguofhNFT1vMfH# Q,e_oZdb_47OatAYs2=LJr~R1# gwg],Xs7q72 f) _n:R-r9-:Q`Mg?_t*"v8? Porn Star Pay Offs, Inciting Insurrection, Sexual Assaults, Bank Fraud, Election Conspiracy and FoxNews v. Dominion. You're going to get a lot of your fellow owners really pissed. Now, there's no place for violent protest. Its appalling how heavily-to-tightly-managed entities, especially those controlled by a small cluster of well-heeled egos turn into shuddering eunuchs at the thought of riling just an ugly faction of its consumer base. However, peaceful protests really go back and look at the history of our country back to the Boston Tea Party. So in this case, we were coming back from a game after the team had played in St. Louis against the old St. Louis Rams theyre now in L.A. and instead of riding in the front of the plane with the coaches and managers, I sat in the back with the players. After cofounding Home Depot in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1978, Blank and Marcus helped put the do-it-yourself phenomenon on the map by offering the tools for personal home renovations. He came out of the prison system as a changed person for the positive, not for the negative. We have to be better than burning down our own homes because if we lose Atlanta what else do we have?, I want you to go home. He owns the team, after all. The foundation is . endobj So when we started, MLS was ranked like 22nd among all the leagues in the world. American professional sports owners have contributed nearly $47 million in federal elections since 2015, according to research by ESPN in partnership with FiveThirtyEight, including $10 million. GALEO strives for a better Georgia where the Latino community is engagedcivically, and its contributions and concerns are recognized. The Falcons leadership knows how to play politics. Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!! /Type /ExtGState Together we will rise above this on the strength of what has always made Atlanta great its people, its leaders of past and present and its unique culture that is welcoming to all. In total, they anticipate hosting each year 40 to 50 big events and an additional 100 to 200 small events in the neighboring park that will be built where the Georgia Dome currently resides. So you take your time, you get the words out and people will listen to you. So I think that from those days in college where I raised my hand and I know my buddies around the class would think, Oh, boy, here goes another 5-minute answer, you know? I mean, you know, all those things. No, I'm not. Kirk Cousins Failed His Character Test, But the NFL Gives Him Its Highest Award for Character Anyway, Bidens Junk Fee Fight Should Include Broders Deli as Well as Las Vegas. What Does Hamline Not Understand About Academic Freedom? We don't have any fans in our building, and this is what we plan on doing: We're going to, you know, promote season tickets for 100 bucks or $10 a ticket. And I remember waiting for, you know, probably two minutes. (To his enormous credit, Leibovich burned up all the access his name and the Times brand afforded him to tell a story the average sports writer only dares hint at.) To many Atlantans, myself included, leaving Turner Field was symbolic of the white flight that has defined the city since the 1960s. It's hard to believe. Bernie has great values and Bernie cares deeply not only about our faith, but about giving back. Soon after, Blank met his third wife Angela Macuga whom he married in 2016 and later announced their plans to divorce in 2019. Georgia businessman Arthur Blank joins with voting groups on Democracy Class Atlanta The Jolt: Arthur Blank teams with voting groups to forge 'Democracy Class Atlanta' Caption Credit:. But its the NFL itself that should be held to greater account and responsibility than it ever is. 1, I think at that time I didn't probably fully appreciate the environment, the communities and neighborhood that Michael was raised in, an area called New Newport News. February 4, 2021 4:12 pm ET. The statement reads: "We are at our very best. And how do I put my shoulder to the wheel and lead by example and take the blessings of all the resources that our family. Its more like cowardly, and meatheaded. Their frustration is real, and it must be acknowledged and addressed. Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Education Military Movies Music Place Podcasts and Streamers Politics Programming Reading, Writing, and Literature Religion and Spirituality Science Tabletop Games . The system has worked well for the multi-billionaire and co-founder of The Home Depot. The stadium boasts roughly 4,000 solar panels and will use 70 percent less energy. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. /Width 625 But Still Not Even an Indictment. Our history of voting rights is a constant struggle, a repetitive cycle of expansion followed by restriction. The next thing is making sure you exercise your political bully power and going to local elections and beating up the politicians you dont like., It is time to beat up prosecutors you dont like at the voting booth. Those come first. Arthur Blank enjoys one of his favorite hobbies at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, one of three guest ranches owned by Blank Family of Businesses. Of the other 60% who do come, half are rooting for the other team. So I understood what they were saying: They just wanted support noise. We hold all the records. It Now Actually Matters, a Lot. Given its footprint, we have good rights to expect a lot more from this monolith. Then I would not be bashful about asking questions. Your support makes this possible. He received his MBA from Harvard. I look at my six children, Batch 1, Batch 2, and, you know, they go from age 19 to age 52, if I have it right. And my mother was giving him a lecture saying, You realize this is not what your parents would want you to do. Since then, they have re-organized their focus areas more specifically into four groups: policy advocacy, organizing and civic engagement, impact litigation, and legal services. It is my hope that we take this terrible moment in our history to elevate that conversation toward productive action and lasting, positive change. Yeah, It Could Have Been Worse. Brian Kemp signed the controversial bill, which includes new restrictions on voting by mail and greater legislative control over how elections are run. The firing in 1978 was a political situation primarily between my partner Bernie [Marcus] and a gentleman, that has passed away now, who was his boss. They survived. I mean, I was stuttering when I was senior class president, [and in] student government. ATLANTA - Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United Owner Arthur Blank said Tuesday afternoon he believes voting should be made "easier, not harder for every eligible citizen" and his business and non-profit partners plan to support efforts to advance voting access. Give them hope. Opponents of the bill argue it's too restrictive and targets minority voters. Theres at least one more level to the Jon Gruden disaster that NFL fans should consider about the leagues remarkable influence. But, you know, I think the word civility is terribly important today in the political world in which we just don't see it the way we need to see it. follow. Over the past week, figures around the NFL have Arthur Blank is worried that capitalism is getting a bad rap. His percentage of giving back from his estate will be equal to mine and some of his philosophies don't exactly match mine. "It's healthy to disagree on things, but it's not acceptable to not be kind.". It starts with respect. Why Should Tim Walz Even Bother Debating Scott Jensen? He details the inception and rapid success of Atlanta United, and responding to the NFL protests that began in 2016. 260 14th St. NW Support more understanding and be better listeners trying to see how the other people, you know, try to stand in the footsteps of others. He had a gun on his lap, sitting on his right thigh. MATTIE'S CALL: A 9-month-old baby girl was reported missing from the Ellenwood area with a man police say was diagnosed with a mental illness. "His approach obviously is different. The Gruden e-mails were leaked from a (way too) long-running investigation of the toxic (i.e. 13 Diana is a left-of-center philanthropist based in Atlanta and anonymously contributed several high-profile donations in the area including a $4 million gift to the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra as well as a nearly $20 million gift to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta. I love CNN, I love Cartoon Network. Come up with real solutions: Atlanta rapper Killer Mike condemns vandalism, >> 'If you care about this city then go home': Atlanta mayor, police chief call protests a disgrace, NCSHP arrest driver accused of nearly hitting 2 students at bus stop in Statesville, Rock band Kiss reveals Charlotte connection to hit song, After Murdaugh trial circus, Walterboro welcomes normality, Bank accidentally left unlocked in Fresno, police say, Charlotte woman celebrates $1 million scratch-off prize, WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. I know you see my partner, Bernie, on Fox News very often. The Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot with a net worth of $3 billion, at first glance certainly fits the bill of your standard billionaire athletic team owner. Low Expectations and Dark Hopes for the New Year, Minnesotas Wealthiest Social Security Beneficiaries Shouldnt Be First in Line for Help, Time to Limit HOAs Solar Panel Policing Powers, Pop Quiz: How Many People Actually Know Whats Going On?. All of which is, yknow, really classy stuff. It's good to be different, said Blank, but he said it's the intolerance of some that worries him about the future. We need to recognize those truths. He would say, I don't need to be cut any slack, you know. In his new book, Good Company, Blank follows his own success to show that purpose and profit can and should coexist. If executed improperly, this stadium could continue a long line of broken promises for this blighted community. (Confidentiality, you know.) I worked with him for over 40 years and we shared the same bathroom for over 30 years, which is more than any of our marriages lasted," said Blank, who's currently valued by Forbes at about $6.2 billion. And there are two [robbers] and they want to know, "Where's the money, where's the cash?" And he should know. 2010-2023 Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. I mean, it wasn't like, You're Republican or Democrat. Currently, over 200 Westside residents are working on the stadiums construction and the foundation has funded, among other things, Westside Works to help residents find employment and learn job training skills. Steve Bullock, and the Democratic National Committee, to name a few, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission. So, we had great confidence in our own abilities. And next thing I know, he was sitting on his knees and with a gun to his head. They said it would take an act of courage on your part to go out on the field and and to be recognized. And, you know, people stood up! The 79-year-old philanthropist has supported educational projects to promote civil rights and racial justice. that those rights were not being fully reflected in our society today. 6 0 obj !, Do not fall for this foolishness!!! With Enemies Like Scott Jensen, Who Needs Friends? He's committed to his wife now, his children. Blank and Marcus put their discounting experiment to the test in their own brand of warehouse stores called Home Depot and opened the first two Atlanta-area stores in 1979. Founded in 2010 as the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center (AALAC), the organization became part of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation in 2014. And they love the camaraderie. . https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?contributor_name=Arthur%2BBlank&contributor_employer=The%2BArthur&two_year_transaction_period=2016&contributor_state=GA, https://www.ajc.com/news/local/molly-blank-strong-widow-grew-successful-business-sons/JMYrzmcGsGc4nXD58rqltJ/, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/197614, https://corporate.homedepot.com/sites/default/themes/thd/images/timeline/History-Of-The-Home-Depot.pdf, https://www.forbes.com/profile/arthur-blank/?sh=ae7b330749c3, https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/front-office-roster/arthur-blank, https://blankfoundation.org/trustee/arthur-m-blank/, https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/statement-from-arthur-blank-on-georgia-voting-rights, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/04/11/companies-voting-bills-states/, https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/arthur-blank-wife-angela-are-getting-a-divorce/897352464/, https://saportareport.com/a-longtime-anonymous-donor-reveals-her-identity/sections/abcarticles/maria_saporta/, https://blankfoundation.org/trustee/dena-kimball/, https://blankfoundation.org/trustee/kenny-blank/. There was a six-year period in there, when things went a little south. And then he came up to my suite afterward and it was like 10, 15 minutes later, his face was just full of tears and he said that he was so moved by it. 12, Blank has been married three times. And that's one of our core values as well: Include everybody. The 79-year-old co-founder of Atlanta-based The Home Depot . Brian and Arthur welcomed their daughter Blake into the world via Arthur's sister Aoife, who acted as a surrogate for the couple, back in September -- with Brian previously teasing the documentary before Blake's arrival. Despite being widowed at a young age, his mother managed the familys mail-order pharmaceutical business and sold it to a large retail conglomerate. You need to figure out something else to do for the rest of your life. And after a while, he said, Would you please shut up? And she never did. More must be done to address the underlying issues that have led to these incidents across the country. >> In 1978, both he and future Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank were fired during a corporate power struggle at Handy Dan. What Would Trump Steal That is So Ultra Top Secret and Why? He just opened the door. I mean, people were throwing tea off those boats because they were protesting, you know. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! But I would keep raising my hand. JFIF K K C 7) Sign up for notifications from Insider! To assist with the effective inclusion of community voices, the city of Atlanta participated in the Living Cities City Accelerator program, which streamlined and articulated (PDF) best practices for service providers and community leaders to build stable communities in Atlanta. In that way, I don't think my personality, probably, or my patience level probably is not the level it would have to be to sustain myself in this political atmosphere today. These are the kinds of people we need in leadership today, not thinking about red, blue, purple. During the past year, GALEO staff and volunteers have participated in events at food banks, churches, and schools, where they provide information while assisting with free COVID-19 testing and food distribution. /SMask /None>> So it really never defined me. Big Game by New York Times Magazine writer Mark Leibovich, BLM Has Achieved Much More Than Its Critics. It's not trying influence, but trying to share philosophies of life and stories and thoughts about a certain set of values, which really transcend business, nonprofit, as well as the political arena. It had to do with our set of values.". The problem for the big, powerful, macho NFL, as it is for every other giant public entity, is that racism and cancer are kind of the easy stuff. "I know Bernie's heart. I went to a small business school outside of Boston called Babson College I would always sit in the front because I always wanted to pay attention and learn. Tikkun Olam [a Jewish concept of repairing the world through action]. They were trying to indicate that what the military had fought for these rights, the civil rights, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc. So it was a great story and is a great story. But really, in my view, it's mostly that talking to young people about, you know, here's somebody who's been there, done it, gotten on T-shirts, lived it, and somebody whose name they respect or the least they know of, I should say, in most cases. A number of events over the last couple of weeks have reminded us again that the long, worthy quest for equal justice, civility and unity in America is far from over. The Athletic reported that Blank gave $2,800 to Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, on July 1. /ca 1.0 Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service. Blank who grew up in New York City said he believes the US is going through one of the most tumultuous times in its history. It's our job is to serve the American people and I think we need to have more focus on that.". But I know where his heart is and his heart is really in a good place. However, the Atlanta Falcons new home, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, may foster a new era of stadium construction and community engagement. So everything is designed to accommodate the soccer fans so they feel like this is their place as a result of that. But COVID vaccination, as a consequence of being made political by belligerent partisans, many of whom love football more than life itself, is terrifying territory for the NFL. Dueling Visions for Minnesota: Scandinavia or South Dakota? He fielded multiple quarterback-related questions and spoke glowingly of Ridder, who. All Rights Reserved. 14, He also had three children with his second wife of 16 years, Stephanie Blank. Theres a revelation of Blank stumbling dazedly into a parking lot after being abruptly forced out of Home Depot in 2001, and his devastation after the Falcons epic 2017 loss in the Super Bowl. } !1AQa"q2#BR$3br Arthur Blank is firmly in Joe Biden's corner. And that's it. As I've said, 95% of my estate is going to be recycled back through our foundations and they will provide their insights and their leadership and their views and values that their father and their mothers would be very proud of. Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!!! Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank released a statement Monday on the importance of fair elections and democracy: "Free and fair elections are vital to the health of our. Owner Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Flacons reacts before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 10, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Airlines resisting vaccination mandates for passengers are another prime example of failure of true leadership.) They all have a great set of values. Arthur Blank, owner of Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, co-founder of Home Depot . Seventy-threethousand stood up and clapped, gave him a great hand. Dr. Sanjay Gupta speaks with businessman Arthur Blank about gun regulation and philanthropy. 1 0 obj And they love that. I was gagged. A message sent to Arthur Blank from President Obama in 2018, thanking him for his commitment to affordability at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium after Blank cut concession prices by 50%. Left to right: Dennis Ross, Arthur Blank, Bernie Marcus, Pat Farrah, Ron Brill. Kemp and the law's backers said it provides some common-sense reformsto ensure elections are secure. But my mother would say to me, You know, what you have to say is important. Their siblings, their families, you know, may have gone to battle and wore a variety of uniforms for our country over many, many years. So I would just cut him some slack. Additionally in 2014, the Atlanta Braves announced that they were building a new stadium outside the city in the northern suburbs, and leaving Turner Field, which was originally the site of Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 summer games. I remember I called the commissioner then, who was Paul Tagliabue, and I say, Well, Paul, I have this idea. And to be sure, Atlanta is better than what we saw in the actions of a few last night. 6 Blank was the 2003 Chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. And that's all part of his story of redemption and his story of being a changed person. In 1989, the company opened its 100th store. The system has worked well for the multi-billionaire and co-founder of The Home Depot.