Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council, Georgia Stand Up and New Georga Project lead Transit Equity March
Most people know that Rosa Parks was a Civil Rights leader, most known for her refusal to give up her seat on a bus. The setting was Montgomery, Alabama in the year 1955. At the height of segregation, amidst racial unrest, Rosa Parks made a firm decision to stand against the injustice of the day. Her decision sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a campaign for transit equity that lasted 380 days from December 5, 1955 - December 20, 1956.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_bus_boycott). Today, labor unions, community organizers and activists are still marching for transit equity. They come together during Transit Equity Week to commemorate the sacrifice of Rosa Parks; raise awareness about disparities in transit and demand that all residents have equal access to public transportation. They have named the annual observance Transit Equity Week, which takes place during the week of Rosa Parks's birthday (February 4th).
Read full storyGovernor Brian Kemp delivers 2023 State of the State Address
January 25, 2023 - Governor Brian P. Kemp addressed a packed house at the Georgia State Capitol (and the state of Georgia), giving the "state" of the state address. He began by congratulating the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House on their elections, as well as all newly elected lawmakers in the Georgia General Assembly. He stated that he believes this session "will be one of consequence;" touting that because of the steadfast efforts of himself and his supporters, the state has never been stronger or more resilient. He claimed that this session would not only build upon the "monumental" achievements of the past four years but would set Georgia up for success for years to come. "We are not slowing down," he said. (https://www.wabe.org/watch-live-gov-brian-kemp-gives-state-of-the-state-address-at-georgia-capitol/)
Read full storyRotary Club of Stone Mountain hosts District Governor George Granade
The Rotary Club of Stone Mountain, in DeKalb County, GA, hosted District 6900 Governor George Granade at their regular meeting, held Tuesday, January 17, 2023. The club, which has labeled itself “the friendliest club in the world,“ provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for those who attend their meetings; and is always looking to add to their membership. The meeting began with a welcome by Past President Cynthia Dorsey- Edwards, who also led the “moment of inspiration,” honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She then introduced Johnathan Clark, of the Rotary Club of Tucker, who talked about the Rotary Means Business Program. After much anticipation, Assistant Governor (and member of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain), Chris Brand, introduced Rotary District 6900 Governor George Granade.
Read full storyStacey Abrams prioritizes the voices of Black men ahead of the November General Election
Stacey Abrams poses with the hosts of the 85 South ShowImage credit: 85southshow.com. Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams, has launched an effort to secure the votes of Black men in Georgia. Abrams, a Democrat, started her focused conversations with Black men last month, identifying the demographic as the linchpin to the success of her campaign for Governor. According to Abrams, her drive for the Black male vote has been informed by research and statistics compiled from recent polling data. Armed with that information, she purposed to have focused conversations with Black Men in Georgia about her platform, to impress upon them why she is better suited to address and represent their issues, as governor.
Read full storyGresham Branch Library in DeKalb County in need of funding and TLC
Exterior of Gresham Branch LibraryPhoto by Jerrod Moore. The Dekalb County Public Library System had humble beginnings, starting in Lithonia with Miss Lula Almand founding the Lithonia Public Library in 1907. Since then, that one library has flourished into the Dekalb County Public Library System, which now operates 22 library facilities throughout DeKalb County. As of 2019, the budget for the DeKalb County Public Library System was well over 19 million dollars. Unfortunately, it seems that not many of those dollars have matriculated to the Gresham Branch in Southeast DeKalb.
Read full storyFamily of Jarvis Lykes hosts program against community gun violence in Columbus, GA
The life of Jarvis Lykes is celebrated by family and friendsPhoto by Keyanna Jones. "We ain't blacking down!" was the chant that could be heard as passersby walked along 10th Avenue in Columbus, GA, in front of the Consolidated Government Building, on Thursday, August 04, 2022. The chant was led by Arreasha Lawrence, Regional Organizer for Black Voters Matter Fund. Arreasha was one of many representatives from community organizations, who gathered in solidarity with the family of Jarvis Lykes to stand against police brutality, community gun violence and voter suppression. The program, entitled "Remembrance, Resilience, Awareness, Transparency," was held to bring attention to the ongoing issues plaguing Communities of Color.
Read full storyChantaye McLaughlin launches campaign to find Georgia's missing children
Chantaye McLaughlin, Community ActivistPhoto provided by Chantaye McLaughlin. Atlanta, GA - Community Activist and Child Advocate Chantaye McLaughlin launches campaign to find Georgia's Missing Children. The campaign focuses on child trafficking, spotlighting Atlanta (Hartsfield- Jackson International Airport in particular) as a major hub for trafficking activity. In partnership with Donna Green of the Raymond Green Foundation and other community organizations, Ms. McLaughlin is taking her message mainstream. Ms. McLaughlin has been telling her own story of having her children, Malcom and Maleena, taken away from her immediately after birth, while she was incarcerated in the Fulton County Women's Detention Center in 2016. For more than 5 years since her release, she has doggedly searched for her children, even employing the help of a Change.org petition to spread the word. It is her hope, that in searching for Georgia's missing children, she will one day find her own.
Read full storyCivic Season Kicks Off at the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown
Maggie Bell- Lead Organizer, New Georgia Project's Agenda for Young GeorgiansPhoto by Keyanna Jones. Sunday, June 12, 2020 marked the kickoff of Civic Season at the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown. Civic Season is the collective effort of Civic Organizations that come together to engage community members around voting and general community enrichment practices. Some of the organizations participating in this year's Civic Season Include: Girls and Boy Scouts of America, Rotary International and Georgia's own: New Georgia Project (NGP).
Read full storyMcNair JROTC teaches integrity, service and excellence by giving back
On a Friday afternoon in January, I drove down Bouldercrest Rd. to Mc Nair High School, going to return my daughter's laptop. As I neared the school, I saw students and a staff member holding signs that read "Community Food Drive." When I arrived at the intersection of Bouldercrest and Key Roads (the entrance to the school), I saw pallets of fresh food, and cars pulling up to receive the goods.
Read full storyAtlanta Airport Workers strike a new deal
Those who keep Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport clean are finally on their way to earning a living wage. The long-fought battle for a higher wage has finally been won. Their pay raise goes into effect April 2, 2022. Members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Workers United Southern Region gathered at their office near the airport on Wednesday, March 30, 2020, to celebrate the victory. They were joined by SEIU Regional Director, Chris Bauman; Florida/Georgia District Director Mark Wilkerson; Assistant Regional Director, Harris Raynor and SEIU Secretary/ Treasurer, Gerry Hudson. There were also representatives from local partners in attendance, such as New Georgia Project and Georgia Stand Up.
Read full storyFamilies of Police Brutality Victims lobby legislators for accountability
They arrived at 8am and lined up outside of the main entrance to the Georgia State Capitol. They came from Southwest Atlanta, Decatur, Ellenwood and Douglasville to hold signs bearing their children's names and faces for the public to see. As they stood outside of the Capitol, they were greeted by all who passed, some members of the public, some lobbyists and some legislators. One by one, they filed into the Capitol and made their way to the main stairwell, leading to the legislative floor. They placed themselves at the top of the stairs, where they could be see and be seen. THEY, are the parents of young men and children killed by police officers in the State of Georgia.
Read full storyAtlanta man celebrates his birthday in an unforgettable way
On February 26, 2022, Atlanta native Jimmy J. Hill turned 60 years old. Grateful to see this milestone year, he knew that he wanted to celebrate in epic fashion. After all, he had survived: the mean streets of "Little Vietnam" (aka East Lake Meadows); multiple prison terms; witnessing his mother endure police brutality AND the loss of two sons. By all accounts, he had every right to wish for an unforgettable birthday celebration. So, he purposed in his heart that he would have the biggest celebration ever. He reached out to some friends and began to plan- but not in the way you might think. Instead of planning for cake and balloons and a DJ, Jimmy J. Hill was planning a rally in protest of police brutality. In particular, he was planning a rally to honor and lift up the names of young men whose lives were taken at the hands of police officers in Georgia.
Read full storyGeorgia High School students speak out against "classroom censorship" bills
Georgia High School Students march in protest of HB 1084 and SB 375 and 377Photo by Keyanna Jones. "Education is a right, this is why we have to fight!" was one of the many chants that could be heard as high school students from across Metro Atlanta marched past the Georgia State Capitol last Friday, February 25, 2022. They came together from different schools and different backgrounds to stand united against the latest round of "classroom censorship" bills currently being considered in the Georgia General Assembly. The students in attendance represented Decatur High School, Druid Hills High School, DeKalb School of the Arts and North Atlanta High School (just to name a few). While they came from different places, they all came with one clear message: "HANDS OFF OUR EDUCATION!" This protest comes on the heels of a rally held at the Capitol on Sunday, February 20, 2022, spearheaded by various community and teacher organizations.
Read full storyCommunity and Teacher Associations hold "Rally for A Black Education Agenda" at Georgia State Capitol
On Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 1pm, members of several organizations, along with community members, came together on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol for a "Rally for A Black Education Agenda." The Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, K16 Teach Truth, Gwinnett Educators for Equity and Justice and the United Campus Workers of Georgia were the co-sponsors of Sunday's Rally. Community leaders from the NAACP, Reformative Action National Task Force and Councilman Mark Baker of the city of South Fulton also stood in solidarity. Parents of school-aged children also showed up in great numbers to speak out against what they call "classroom censorship." Others blatantly call it the "whitewashing" of history and current events.
Read full storyThe family of Vincent Demario Truitt is still demanding accountability (Opinion: Biased reporting by media)
Vincent Demario Truitt and his paternal grandmotherPhoto by Keyanna Jones, shared with the permission of Venethia Cook-Lewis, Mother. SAY HIS NAME: Vincent Demario Truitt!!! Why is it important to say the name of Vincent Demario Truitt? Aside from the fact that his 19th birthday just passed (2-2-2022), it is important to say the name Vincent Demario Truitt because he could have been my son...my cousin....my neighbor or any one of my students. It is important to say the name of Vincent Demario Truitt because he was another BLACK CHILD in the state of Georgia, murdered by police, whose name has been smeared by the media and law enforcement officials. Vincent Truitt was one of many children who have been adultified and criminalized by society, particularly police, simply because he was black. Although he was only 17 years old at the time of his death, Vincent Truitt was referred to as a "man" in several news reports. The Associated Press reported: "AUSTELL, Ga. (AP) — A man shot by police in suburban Atlanta during a chase has died. Vincent Demario Truitt, 17, of Atlanta died Tuesday after being shot by Cobb County police, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation......One of the men brandished a handgun, the GBI said. He was shot by a Cobb County officer, who hasn’t been identified" (https://apnews.com/article/f8bed170455d6c8d67f6caff16fe966d).
Read full storyFamily demands firing of officer who killed Matthew Zadok Williams
The family of Matthew Zadok Williams (Zadok) gathered outside of the Office of Dekalb County CEO, Michael Thurmond on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. They were joined by activists, organizers, and community members demanding that Sgt. Devon Perry be fired for the murder of Zadok, which occurred April 12, 2021. That sentiment was echoed by the public-at-large, in the form of a Color of Change petition (bearing 38,000 signatures), which the family had arranged to deliver to Mr. Thurmond. Instead of being met by the CEO, the Williams Family was turned away at the door, as Dekalb County Sherriff's Deputies informed them that the CEO was not in the building. Neither was there any representative from his office who could receive the petition, they further iterated.
Read full storyChristmas brings food, shelter and more for many in Woodruff Park
It was an amazing sight to see so many smiles from homeless residents on Christmas Day! Hundreds of men and women came from every side of Woodruff Park in Downtown, Atlanta to receive gifts prepared by various community organizations and families. One family, dressed as Santa's Elves, gave out gift bags filled with socks and undergarments. Another young man, with the help of his father and best friend, distributed hygiene kits. The hygiene kits, consisting of a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo and lotion, were a big hit among the residents in need. Other residents woke up to the smell of eggs and bacon being cooked on a grill that was set up at the east end of the park. It was a welcome surprise for those who are struggling with homelessness and food insufficiencyThe highlight of the day was the mutual aid provided by The Atlanta Justice Alliance. On any given Saturday, from 11am-2pm, the group can be seen providing hot lunch, snacks, coffee and water to the residents who call Woodruff Park "home." Since Christmas fell on a Saturday this year, they wanted to make the mutual aid for that day extra special. With help from their regular volunteers and some new recruits, they did just that. In addition to a catered meal, The Atlanta Justice Alliance also provided some of the hottest commodities amongst homeless residents: tents and sleeping bags. Living without a permanent home is an arduous journey, often made worse by lack of temporary accommodations. Because of the lack of availability of shelter programs, the streets are flooded with residents sleeping outdoors. Tents give our homeless residents the smallest modicum of privacy and make it possible for them to remain mobile with their "shelter," while providing the simplest covering with which to battle the elements.
Read full storyFamily and friends gather to remember the life of Jarvis Lykes
On Friday and Saturday, December 17-18, 2021, the family of Jarvis Lykes, gathered with community members, activists and organizers from around the country to remember his life. The family used the commemorative weekend as an opportunity to speak out against gun violence in the community, particularly police brutality. The events, which began with a motorcade each day, were the brainchild of Jarvis's mother, Kathy Scott-Lykes. Kathy has been a fierce advocate for her son since the day of his death; and also advocates for justice for other families who have lost children as a result of police brutality. In partnership with several community organizations, including Justice for Georgia, Georgia Moms United and the Georgia Reform Coalition, Mrs. Lykes coordinated rallies at the end of each day's motorcade. At Friday's rally, held at the Fourth Street Baptist Church, keynote speakers included Jacquelyn Johnson, mother of Kendrick Johnson and Kimberly Handy- Jones, mother of Cordale Handy (killed by Police in Minnesota in 2017).
Read full storyWhat Happened to Jimmy Atchison??
George Floyd. The name is now synonymous with police brutality and the senseless killing of unarmed black men. His murder was recorded on video, for the world to see after police showed up on the scene to investigate a rather minor alleged crime. This unjust abuse of power set off nationwide protests. Just imagine if there was no video or police body cam footage. Would the average citizen have reacted in the same manner? Now, this is what brings us to the case of Jimmy Atchison. If there was video of the murder, then his name might have been what people would associate with police brutality- in Atlanta and around the country.
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