ATLANTA (October 8, 2021) |Last week, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), comprising of 68 house and senate members from across the state, held its Annual Legislative Conference and Inaugural Heritage Gala at the historic Georgian Terrace and the fabulous Fox Theatre respectively.
During the legislative conference, policy makers, academics, community leaders, students, and others heard from experts in various disciplines about topics of critical importance to the GLBC.
To GLBC Chairwoman Sen. Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia) the weekend “was a time for listening, learning, and leading. It was great to hear from thought leaders about legislative issues of great concern to the Caucus. Now, we have to take that wealth of knowledge and turn it into action.”
An example of such knowledge came from former United States Attorney General Eric Holder, now Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, who participated in a one-on-one interview with State Representative Carolyn Hugley (D – Columbus) to discuss redistricting in Georgia.
Another highlight was a panel discussion on criminal justice reform titled, “Hate Crimes, Citizen’s Arrest, and ….?” moderated by Senator Harold Jones (D – Augusta), a former Solicitor. The speakers were Fulton County Solicitor General Keith Gammage, Southern Poverty Law Center Deputy Political Director Nancy Adubu, and Southern Center for Human Rights Executive Director Sara Totonchi who offered excellent, thought-provoking insight and recommendations to address the systemic inequities in our criminal justice system.
Other topics included healthcare inequities, historically black colleges and universities in the 21st century, wealth building, and entrepreneurship. The audience also heard GLBC Chairwoman Senator Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia) give her annual State of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Address.
Ending the conference was a black-tie gala held in the Egyptian Ballroom at the historic Fox Theatre. Hosted by Ms. Sharon Reed, Co-Host of Start Your Day with Sharon and Mike of the Black News Channel, more than 300 people attended this inaugural event. During the program several individuals and organizations were honored for their outstanding work and support to the Caucus. Winners were AT&T, Roy Robinson, Fair Count, Fair Districts Georgia and ACLU of Georgia.
In the following days please check the GLBC website for videos and photographs of the Legislative Conference and Heritage Gala.
Established in 1975, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is a 501(c)3 non-profit, nonpartisan organization comprising of 68 Georgia House and Senate members.
For more information about the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, please visit www.gablackcaucus.org or write to media@gablackcaucus.org.
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For Immediate Release:
Oct. 8, 2021
Andrew Allison, Director
404.656.0028