This is a weekly feature called Community Notebook, filled with snippets of information, conversations, and reporting about the communities where we work. Canopy Atlanta Fellows and other community residents may contribute to this weekly reporting. The Community Notebook is featured in our newsletter Voices — sign up to find this in your inbox every week.
Your aunt’s attic and a coffee shop
By Nzingha Thompson-Hall, Innovation Lab Fellow
Have you ever had breakfast at a place that looks familiar? That looks like your favorite vintage store or even your aunt’s attic? At Jpresso, located in Hapeville, you can enjoy hot coffee and play “I spy with my little eye.”
From vintage dolls, film cameras, collector’s baseball cards, and to even an arcade machine, this little coffee shop has everything.
The dream of owner Christine Ahn, Jpresso is the perfect place to catch up with friends or co-work. If you want to enjoy your avocado toast outdoors, that’s an option too. The spacious patio deck has plenty of outdoor seating and is surrounded by plants and greenery.
Menu options include acai bowls, breakfast sandwiches, and smoothies.
The details:
Hours: Monday-Friday 7-2, Saturday 8-2.
Cost: Breakfast items range from $3-$15.
Address: 407 N. Central Avenue, Hapeville, GA
A diary entry—what I’m carrying forward
By Audrey Hamm, Intern
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Refuge Coffee, Clarkston, GA
About 25 members of the Clarkston community gathered at Refuge Coffee for good food, shopping from Amani’s Women Center, and conversations with one another.
As I look around the room tonight at our Clarkston Community Social, I know what I must carry forward—the power of local storytelling and community.
In journalism school, I learned skills I know will aid me in any opportunity. But the skills are only half of it; working in this industry takes heart.
From on-the-ground reporting to working high up in corporate, I believe that your ability to show empathy and be a good listener is a key indicator of success.
Tonight, we shared what we learned the last few months from the Clarkston community, and flipped the discussion right back towards them. After sharing a video of some of our takeaways, we asked, “Is this how you feel? Are these sentiments resonating?” From there, we continued the conversations.
The people always have the first word here at Canopy Atlanta, and I think that shows a deep level of care that is needed in today’s news environment.
How to support Atlanta’s immigrant and refugee communities
By Audrey Hamm, Intern
Want to help Atlanta’s immigrant and refugee communities? The journalists over at 285 South created a list in response to concerns from readers and community members.
The list outlines a variety of opportunities, including direct monetary donations, organization-based volunteer opportunities, emails, and online petitions. 285 South will update the list as more opportunities arise.
I hope this story leaves you inspired by the power of community-focused journalism. Here at Canopy Atlanta, we're driven by a unique mission: to uncover and amplify the voices and stories that often go unheard in traditional newsrooms.
Our nonprofit model allows us to prioritize meaningful journalism that truly serves the needs of our community. We're dedicated to providing you with insightful, thought-provoking stories that shed light on the issues and stories that matter most to neighborhoods across Atlanta.
By supporting our newsroom, you're not just supporting journalism – you're investing in Atlanta. Small and large donations enable us to continue our vital work of uncovering stories in underrepresented communities, stories that deserve to be told and heard.
From Bankhead to South DeKalb to Norcross, I believe in the power of our journalism and the impact it can have on our city.
If you can, please consider supporting us with a small gift today. Your support is vital to continuing our mission.
Floyd Hall, co-founder
