Black Professionals in Sandy Springs, GA

January Workshop continues to focus on movement and safety. Beginners continue by connecting motors to the hub and learn how to control speed, direction, and stopping on simple tracks, combining motors with color sensors to trigger actions like slowing down at “warning” colors or stopping at a “red light.” They see how small changes in code affect how smoothly and safely their robots move. Advanced learners build on this by adding force sensors to simulate safety features such as bump detection, collision alerts, and emergency stops when a robot encounters an obstacle. They experiment with scenarios where the robot must react quickly and reliably to keep “passengers” and surroundings safe. Both tracks emphasize real-world parallels to traffic systems, vehicle automation, and automotive safety, helping learners connect their projects to self-driving cars, factory robots, and everyday transportation systems. This workshop is FREE, and all materials are provided. Beginner Track- Motor Control & Path Programming Beginners continue building confidence by connecting motors and programming vehicles to respond to color-coded tracks, such as stopping at red, slowing at warning colors, and accelerating on green. Materials Required Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub, motors, and color sensor Colored paper strips or tracks Beginner Track Learning Outcomes Connect Motors Correctly: Learners will configure hub ports for proper motor function. Program If Statements: Students will change robot behavior based on track colors. Use Loops for Monitoring: Learners will apply forever loops for continuous responses. Adjust Speed and Direction: Students will fine-tune vehicle performance on tracks. Compare to Traffic Systems: Learners will relate programming to real-world signals. Advanced Track- Force Sensors in Vehicle Safety & Automation Advanced learners explore the LEGO force sensor, building safety routines that simulate bumper systems and emergency responses. Materials Required Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub, motors, and force sensor Barrier setup for testing Advanced Track Learning Outcomes Explain Force Sensors: Students will describe how force sensors measure pressure. Simulate Vehicle Safety: Learners will program bump detection and auto-stop systems. Integrate Sensors with Motors: Students will create reactive safety programs. Design Escape Behaviors: Learners will code robots to reroute when trapped. Connect to Real Safety Systems: Students will link robotics learning to airbags, brakes, and crash detection.

Divesting from the Algorithms: A #BlackDirectory Creator Showcase is a public exhibition that proposes the need for internet users to divest from algorithmic recommendations systems. Instead, by engaging in content curation, we can explore new, more critical and communal relationships with digital content. This event aims to educate attendees about algorithmic bias while facilitating space for creators and audiences to interrogate their experiences with algorithmically distributed content and bridge the knowledge gap between creators and audiences. The exhibition invites attendees to physically walk through a curation of videos from the directory and invites creators to lead discussion panels about their experience with content creation and consumption. The exhibition is taking place at the Haugabrooks Art Gallery on Auburn Avenue from January 30 - February 1, 2026 with the opening reception is taking place on Friday January 30th from 5-9pm. The panel discussion portion of the opening reception will begin at 6pm with a short presentation about algorithmic bias into a discussion and a Q&A session.

PFLAG Sandy Springs emerged from the heart of the community when residents of Dunwoody, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Alpharetta sought more convenient access to local support and advocacy resources. What began as participants attending PFLAG Johns Creek meetings evolved into a dedicated local chapter, with monthly support group meetings launching in the community rooms of Congregation Bnai Torah in Sandy Springs. In March 2020, PFLAG Sandy Springs achieved official recognition as a nonprofit corporation, solidifying its commitment to serving the northern Atlanta suburbs. The organization's mission centers on building loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another, while educating the broader community to become advocates for equality and acceptance. PFLAG Sandy Springs honors a vision where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The chapter demonstrates its dedication to comprehensive support by offering resources beyond meetings, including connections to crisis intervention hotlines, assistance for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, and links to educational events. As part of the national PFLAG movement—established as the first organization of its kind to unite families across multiple generations—PFLAG Sandy Springs carries forward decades of advocacy work while remaining deeply rooted in local community relationships and personal connections that sustain healing and change.