The hills were alive in Stone Mountain on Saturday, August 6, 2005 as some of Atlanta’s avid golfers came together for a round of golf. The day, which started with a slight overcast but in the background the sunrays beamed and a gentle breeze, ran across the course. Each golfer was going through his pre game ritual from checking equipment, reviewing the course layout, strategizing with team members, and practicing on the range. Each ritual was to ensure that he was bringing his “A” game. The 6th annual Donald Hollowell Memorial Golf Classic was held at the Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club. An annual event established to help continue the commitment and legacy of one of the civil rights most distinguished attorneys-Donald L. Hollowell. The golf classic serves as a key element for funding the many grants that are awarded by the Donald L. Hollowell Foundation. The foundation focuses on giving grants to organizations that meet the needs of the community as well as those who are a resource for the needy, elderly, youth and disadvantage. Some of its previous recipients include Atlanta Yes, an organization that embraces youth economic empowerment and Worldwide Seed Inc, which reaches out to the lost, lonely and forgotten within the community and the Read Foundation, who is helping to conquer illiteracy in our community.

Participants of the golf classic tackled a challenging 18 hole course where the winners were not only presented with a very generous sized trophy but also bragging rights until next year’s tournament. This year’s first place winners Team Tatum (C. Tatum, William Jackson, Bobby Miller and Al Miller) finished with an amazing score of 60. While the second place winners Team Pinkett (Shellord Pinkett, Dave Simpson, Brian Madden and Steve Ashby) also shot a score of 60.

Since the two teams had identical scores at the end of the event, Team Tatum who had the lowest score on the number one handicap was declared the winner. Winning was not only limited to the teams.

The Foundation gave out great prizes for individual performances as well. Grady Bozeman won a putter for receiving the closest pin shot and Lucius Mack received a cash certificate of $100 for hitting the longest drive.

This year’s golf classic was a huge success. Thanks in part to our corporate sponsors such as the Dove Mailing Services , National Concessions Management, Publix Supermarkets, US Postal Service and all of the golf participants. It is the foundation’s desire to continue to increase the number of corporate sponsors, and golf participants for this event. Our objective is to attract 140 or more golfers for our annual golf classic and become one of the top amateur tournaments in the country. The Foundation is well on pace to accomplish this objective.

The sun finally shined and a rainbow framed the 19th Hole reception. Everyone was smiling, laughing and having a good time solely in the name of Donald L. Hollowell. This annual golf classic will continue the commitment and legacy of one of the civil rights most distinguished attorney’s-Donald L. Hollowell. And at the end of the day that’s better than a hole in one shot.

We Give Thanks for the Sacred Call - November 7, 2005 We Give Thanks for the Sacred Call - November 7, 2005 - Collapse(click here)

It’s November. Traditionally it’s the time where people begin to give thanks for all they have. Health, strength and families are just a few of the most popular ones. Recently with the death of Rosa Park, we’ve seen thanks given for her heroic act on that faithful day in December when she refused to give up her seat on the bus. Although I am grateful for all of the above, this year I tend to find myself more grateful for the ethical leaders of our country and the ones who have answered the sacred call, namely Attorney Donald L. Hollowell.

We are living in a time where we’ve seen in our current federal government more indictments than accolades, incompetence rather than humanity and slackers instead of servants. Donald L. Hollowell recognized the value in serving others at an early age. His experiences as a member in his church’s organization allowed him to see his potential as a leader. Everything that Mr. Hollowell did he did well. From becoming a Private First Class, Specialist Five in the United States Army at the age of 20 to rightfully a star athlete and student at Lane College.

When Mr. Hollowell returned to the United States after serving his country he was ready to complete his studies and earn his degree. Wanting a career that was calm and would provide financially for him and his wife Louise’s future, Mr. Hollowell began preparing to be a dentist. That would all change after attending a Youth Conference in Columbia, South Carolina. While listening to a speech given by Paul Robeson, Mr. Hollowell would hear the sacred call and would embark to pursue his law degree. In the courtroom Attorney Hollowell was strong in stature, articulate and intimidating to everyone, rather you were on the other side or sat right next to him. But on the inside lived a gentle giant frustrated with the miscarriages of justice facing colored people. One of his most publicized cases dealt with the incarceration of Dr. Martin Luther King and his transferred to a prison in Reidsville, Georgia. Concerned with Dr. King’s safety in Reidsville, Attorney Hollowell orchestrated his release from prison and ensured his safe return to Atlanta.

A great leader works are not over once his leadership has concluded. It resonates for centuries. As the attorney of record for the integration of the University of Georgia, Mr. Hollowell’s efforts allowed a young Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton E. Holmes to attend one of Georgia’s most prestigious institutes. Twenty years later Mr. Hollowell’s work would not be in vain as Hershel Walker enter the University of Georgia to become their all time leading rusher and another 20 years later an African-American from College Park, Georgia named DJ Shockley would become a quarterback at this same once segregated university.

While it appears that the ethical leaders of Attorney Donald L. Hollowell’s nature are few and far between, his legacy and spirit continues with the establishment of the Donald L. Hollowell Foundation. The foundation serves as a non-profit organization that is a resource for the needy, elderly, youth and disadvantage. Even though he accomplished many things in his very full life, Attorney Donald L. Hollowell will always be remembered for he service to others. And for that we are thankful.

Can you see Attorney Hollowell, Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. seated around the dinner table this Thanksgiving talking and laughing about their life’s journey and how blessed they were to have answered the sacred call?

The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation was established in 2000 as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our primary mission is to uphold the values and principles of Mr. Hollowell and his legacy by fulfilling the needs of the greater community. Our objective is to provide financial assistance to various community organizations that help serve the educational and social needs of youth and seniors across Georgia. The Donald L. Hollowell foundation is also committed to providing community outreach programs in various areas such as, our clothing and food drive for needy families and life management assistance for senior citizens. For more information regarding our programs or to make a contribution, please contact our office at 678.485.3714 or log on to www. dlhgc.com.

The Art of Giving - November 19, 2005 The Art of Giving - November 19, 2005 - Collapse(click here)

The art of giving is not a hard concept to grasp. The giving of time, service and selves are just a few items that require no out of pocket expenses. As we approach the traditionally known “giving season” crowds will flock the many shelters to give of their time to feed the hungry, give of their service by providing the downtrodden with a change of clothes and a haircut or shave and give of themselves just by listening. Sometimes the giving of a person affects the lives of a group of people or an entire country as in the case of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King. But are you familiar with the giving of Attorney Donald L. Hollowell? His dedication, time and efforts were instrumental in the desegregation of the University of Georgia. Because of his knowledge and expertise in the field of law he orchestrated Dr. King’s released from a Reidsville, Georgia prison consequently allowing Dr. King to continue his fight for civil rights. Attorney Hollowell’s giving of himself prompted him to establish the Donald L. Hollowell Foundation so that his art of giving would be executed all year long even after his death. The non-profit organization upholds the values and principles of Mr. Hollowell and his legacy by giving towards the needs of the greater community by providing financial assistance to organizations that help serve the educational and social needs of youth and seniors across Georgia. Now, how do you define your art of giving?

The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation was established in 2000 as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our primary mission is to uphold the values and principles of Mr. Hollowell and his legacy by fulfilling the needs of the greater community. For more information regarding our programs or to make a contribution, please contact our office at 678.485.3714 or log on to www. dlhgc.com.

A Toast for a Great Cause - February 20, 2006 A Toast for a Great Cause - February 20, 2006 - Collapse(click here)

The 191 Club was the location on January 19, 2006, to give toward a great cause while enjoying a glass of wine or spirited drink. Every Thursday this prestigious executive club features a charity to be apart of their Celebrity Bartender Program. The 191 Club located on Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Street wants you to have a drink, guilt free while 50% of the proceeds are given to the appropriated charity. The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation was the selected charity for the month of January. An organization established to continue the works of one the civil rights most prominent attorneys.

The event was attended by the board members of the foundation, corporate partners, individual donors, members of the 191 Club, as well as up and coming professionals including attorneys and business executives, most who were probably too young to know first hand of Mr. Hollowell’s work. As you engaged in conversation and indulged in the light hors d’oeuvre, you could not miss the networking among business colleagues, and laugher between family and friends, all in the name of the Donald L. Hollowell Foundation.

The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation provided a pictorial perspective of its’ history, mission, and objectives with tabletop banners displayed in the club’s executive library, host room, and bar area. The focus of the night was not to over shadow all the fun had by all in attendance. The event raised several thousand dollars for the organization and would allow them to support to two other non-profit organizations in attendance, The Tuskegee Airman and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

What a great way to kick-off the foundation’s fundraising initiatives for the year? The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation has two more events planned for the year. Their annual golf classic is scheduled for April 24, 2006, at the Country Club of Roswell; where the course is absolutely beautiful, and presents the perfect challenge for any handicap. Their annual awards banquet is scheduled for May 20, 2006. The banquet will be an evening full of elegance, fellowship, and celebration.

The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Their primary mission is to uphold the values and principles of Mr. Hollowell and his legacy by fulfilling the needs of the greater community. The objective is to provide financial assistance to various community organizations that help serve the educational and social needs of youth and seniors across Georgia. The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation is also committed to providing community outreach programs in various areas such as their clothing and food drive for needy families and life management assistance for senior citizens. For more information regarding their programs or to make a contribution, please contact their office at 770.506.7663 or log onto www.donaldlhollowell.com

The Next Generation Needs to Know - Who is Donald L. Hollowell -April 15, 2006 The Next Generation Needs to Know - Who is Donald L. Hollowell -April 15, 2006 - Collapse(click here)

My 10-year-old daughter was given a school assignment to participate in the Georgia Media Festival, a yearly competition where students could show off their different levels of technology abilities. Students could choose from any facet of media or computers to explore. Wanting to do something different my daughter decided she would do a documentary. At the same time I was working on another project for the Donald L. Hollowell Foundation, an organization that focuses on continuing the works of the civil rights attorney. As she browsed different websites searching for someone to focus her documentary on, it hit me like a bolt of lightning. What a great opportunity to introduce the next generation to this very important and influential person in African-American history. I knew my daughter’s generation had no clue of who is Donald L. Hollowell and what contributions he has made to the civil rights movement. So, I thought who is the one person who could tell his story the best then Mrs. Donald L. Hollowell.

I contacted Mrs. Hollowell to ask if my daughter could come over and interview her for a school project. Having interviewed her myself, I knew my daughter would get history first hand. A retired teacher, Mrs. Hollowell knew the importance of a great education and was very delighted to oblige. When we arrived at the Hollowell’s home, this petite frame woman with the most endearing smile greeted us. She welcomed my daughter and I in with a big hug. I noticed how excited she was to see us and she was ready to share some history. As Mrs. Hollowell began to reminiscence about her husband she told of his days as a Buffalo Soldier and spoke of his ties to Dr. King. I looked over at my daughter to see amazement in her eyes. She was actually sitting next to someone who knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mrs. Hollowell even spoke of the recent passing of Mrs. Coretta Scott King and how she hoped the family would come together in regards of the King Center. As we continued to converse with Mrs. Hollowell, she pulled out pictures to share. There were pictures of Mr. Hollowell with a very adult Preston Cobb, who at 15 years old was facing electrocution for the murder of a white man. Attorney Hollowell represent Preston and got him released. We also saw the picture of a young Vernon Jordan, who would later become a vital member of the Clinton Administration. When asked if Mrs. Hollowell felt her husband was left out of the history books, she answered “Yes” without any hesitation.

As the time began to dwindle down, we asked Mrs. Hollowell, how would want the next generation to know about her husband? Her response was “Donald Hollowell was a very smart man who wanted more for his people.” She continued to share pictures and stories, and how Attorney Hollowell was commitment to equality for all of mankind. Finally, she gathered pictures of Attorney Hollowell with Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton E. Holmes as they broke the barrier of segregation at the University of Georgia, most prestigious institution of higher learning. She also shared that UGA would later confer a honorary Doctor of Laws upon Mr. Hollowell, making him the 75th recipient to receive the school’s highest honor.

Although my daughter did not receive the first place ribbon for her documentary, she did however find success in learning about and speaking to history first hand, and at the end of the day that’s something that you can’t compare a ribbon to.

The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation was established in 2000 as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our primary mission is to uphold the values and principles of Mr. Hollowell and his legacy by fulfilling the needs of the greater community. Our objective is to provide financial assistance to various community organizations that help serve the educational and social needs of youth and seniors across Georgia. The Donald L. Hollowell foundation is also committed to providing community outreach programs in various areas such as, our clothing and food drive for needy families and life management assistance for senior citizens. For more information regarding our programs or to make a contribution, please contact our office at 678.485.3714 or log on to www.donaldlhollowell.com.

A Hole in One that Keeps on Giving A Hole in One that Keeps on Giving - Collapse(click here)

Neither the high price of gasoline nor the traffic congestion could be a deterrent for the 70 golf enthusiasts who participated in the 7th Annual Donald L. Hollowell Golf Classic. The premier fund raising event sponsored by the Donald L. Hollowell Foundation that focuses on issuing grants to organizations that meet the needs of the community as well as those who serve as a resource for the needy, elderly, youth and disadvantaged. The Country Club of Roswell was the sight for this well organized and highly anticipated event. As the golf patrons entered the front gates of the Country Club there was certainly an air of intrigue and excitement. The club’s professional and personable staff members greeted the foundation corporate partners’, golf patrons’ and volunteers’ ensuring that all of their needs were met.

Participants of the golf classic faced a challenging 18 hole course in 80 degree temperatures while a breeze blew lightly over the course from the west side of the lake. The perfectly manicured course of Bermuda and Crenshaw Bent grass added a sense of richness while the friendly atmosphere combined with rolling hills, mature hardwoods and pine trees created a memorable golfing experience for everyone. The beauty and elegance was not limited to the exterior of the club. When you infiltrated into the clubhouse you immediately notice the fine art hanging throughout the facility as it surrounds the sitting lounge with oversized lounge chairs and sofas in the parlor.

The finale of the afternoon was the appearance of Mrs. Donald L. Hollowell, who thanked everyone for his or her participation and commended the foundation on continuing the legacy of her husband. As a final plea Mrs. Hollowell charged everyone to give of their time and talents to those who are less fortunate and underprivileged.

It was highly impossible for the event to be a success without the corporate partners: Wayfield Foods, Zoo Atlanta, Dennard Travel Connection, JBC Distributors, National Concession Management, Dove Mailings, Inc., WellCare.com, Bronner Bros., AmeriPlan Health, McKinley Financial Services, Pro Golf at Camp Creek, African American Golf Digest, OCE Printing, Marriott Marquis Atlanta, Crown Enterprises, Innovative Marketing Group, Inc., and Tiffany & Co.

The sun continued to shine as the event came to a close. With smiles still on everyone’s face, the hope of next year’s classic was not far from everyone’s mind.

The reason for the event and the man who brought it altogether were not only on everyone’s mind but also in their hearts. It is because of his legacy that we keep on giving.

The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation

The Donald L. Hollowell Foundation was established in 2000 as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our primary mission is to uphold the values and principles of Mr. Hollowell and his legacy by fulfilling the needs of the greater community. For more information regarding our programs or to make a contribution, please contact our office at 678.485.3714 or log on to www.donaldlhollowell.com.