Cuts, Conversations & Community Inspire Civic Action
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the Atlanta Barber Institute hosted a dynamic event — Black Men Speak: Cuts, Conversations & Community — in September to bring attention to the issues that most deeply affect Black men and their families in this 2026 midterm election season. Panelists leading the discussion included John Moye, Senior Director of Policy and Civic Engagement at ULGA; Greg Rutledge, Founder of the Atlanta Barber Institute; State Representative Derrick Jackson; State Representative Eric Bell; and State Senator RaShaun Kemp. All were eager to engage with men in the audience about what is most important to them ahead of the elections – early voting October 13-30; election day November 3. “When Black men move, the whole community moves. Our voice isn’t just needed, it’s necessary!” said Moye. Attracting a large group to one of the community’s most trusted gathering spaces, the barber shop, the event underscored the importance of civic participation and collective action. Panelists encouraged attendees to stay informed, be leaders for both their families and community, continue to engage in conversations about the issues affecting their communities, and make a plan to vote. With Georgia’s voter registration deadline quickly approaching, residents are encouraged to verify their voter registration status and make any necessary updates before Monday, October 5. Voters can check their registration, update their information, or register online at mvp.sos.ga.gov. The panelists noted that strong communities begin with informed and engaged citizens. “Every voice has a role to play in shaping the future,” Moye said. Please visit our website each week to see what community events and activities related to voting you may want to participate in between now and the end of October.
Celebrating 50 Years of Service: Honoring Dottie, the Heart of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta proudly honors Dottie Johnson for an extraordinary 50 years of dedicated service to our organization and the community we serve. Dottie has served four Urban League presidents and CEOs since she came to the League in 1976. Each one benefited greatly from her wisdom, professionalism, and care. As a trusted advisor, mentor, and steadfast presence, she consistently helped guide the organization through generations of growth. Her notable commitment to the League’s mission of empowering communities and changing lives is widely recognized. “Fifty years with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta has been more than a career. It has been a calling and a privilege,” Dottie said. “Through five decades of service, I have witnessed the power of hope, opportunity, and people coming together to create change. I have been blessed to touch lives, build lasting relationships, and play a part in opening doors for others. “As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude — not only for the work we have accomplished, but for the people who inspired me, stood beside me, and reminded me that every life we impact makes our community stronger,” she continued. “Fifty years later, my heart remains committed to the mission, the people, and the promise of a better tomorrow.” Dottie has always been far more than an Executive Assistant at the League. She has been the reliable keeper of our history, a champion of excellence, a source of encouragement, and the heart of our Urban League family. Her faith, compassion, and commitment have touched countless staff, board members, partners, and community members throughout the years. Nancy Flake Johnson, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta since 2008, speaks highly of Dottie and what she means to the organization: “The Urban League of Greater Atlanta is stronger because of Dottie, and all of us who have had the privilege to work alongside her are better because of her example.” We proudly celebrate Dottie’s remarkable legacy and thank her for 50 years of extraordinary service, leadership, and love. Congratulations, Dottie. We honor you. We appreciate you. And we thank you.
Jadah McClam Turns Adversity into Entrepreneurship Success
At just 16 years old, Jadah McClam made a life-changing decision. After recognizing she was headed down the wrong path, she chose to channel her ambition into something positive. She launched what would eventually become McClam Accessories, a jewelry business focused on stylish, affordable pieces that are made to last. Inspired by her love of jewelry and a natural entrepreneurial spirit, Jadah identified a gap in the market for high-quality, tarnish-resistant accessories that customers could wear every day without breaking the bank. What started as McClam Charms grew into McClam Accessories, a brand that now serves customers through both online sales and mobile drop-off services. As a participant in the Entrepreneurship Center’s Young CEOs Cohort 1, Jadah strengthened her business foundation, refined her marketing strategy, and gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to successfully run and grow a business. “The biggest lesson I learned during the Young CEOs program was the importance of consistency, preparation, and knowing your business inside and out,” said Jadah. “The program helped me get back to the drawing board, strengthen my foundation, and move forward with confidence.” Jadah’s dedication and growth throughout the program earned her the title of Young CEOs Cohort 1 Grand Prize Winner, along with a $1,200 prize. She reinvested the prize money into legal business needs, new packaging, and inventory. “Jadah’s journey is exactly why the Young CEOs Program exists,” said Khristie Kennedy, Program Manager. “She turned challenges into opportunities, embraced every lesson, and demonstrated the determination and resilience needed to build a successful business. Her growth throughout the program was inspiring to watch.” Today, Jadah is expanding McClam Accessories throughout the Atlanta area, growing her online presence, and connecting with new customers. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and a willingness to start with just an idea, young entrepreneurs can create opportunities that change the trajectory of their lives. Interested in becoming the next Young CEO success story? Our fall cohort begins Sept. 29, and there’s still time to register. If you’re a business owner ages 17-24, this program is for you. You’ll receive expert-led workshops, one-on-one coaching, networking opportunities, small business resources, and the chance to compete for micro-grants to help launch or grow your businesses. Click here to apply. Have a question? Please email Khristie Kennedy at kkennedy@ulgatl.org. Visit ulgatl.org often to explore programs that can help you and your family thrive.
Full Circle: How Ayana Patton Achieved Her Dream of Homeownership
Ayana Patton saw purchasing her first home as about much more than owning property. To Ayana, buying a home represented building a legacy, returning to her roots, and creating a foundation for generations to come. To advance her homebuying journey, Ayana’s lender and realtor referred her to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. Ayana promptly enrolled in the organization’s first-time homebuyer education and counseling programs, managed through the League’s Center for Housing, Financial Empowerment & Wealth Building. There, Tony Jean-Louis, a HUD Certified Housing Counselor and Housing Program Manager, guided her through every step of the homebuying process. Ayana completed a first-time homebuyer education course, participated in one-on-one housing counseling, and gained access to down payment assistance resources that helped make homeownership possible. She officially closed on her new home on July 31, 2026. But the significance of this achievement goes beyond the closing table. “The house I bought is in the neighborhood that my grandmother lived in about 20 years ago,” Ayana shared. “She has passed away, but coming back here was just a full-circle moment. My grandmother started a legacy here, and now I’m back and recreating what she started.” Ayana views homeownership as an investment not only in herself but also in her future family. Her home will allow her to create stability, build fairness, and continue a family legacy that she hopes will endure for years to come. Like many first-time buyers, Ayana initially faced uncertainty and intimidation about the homebuying process. However, she refused to let fear determine her future. “Don’t let fear hold you back,” she said. “If you really want to do this, you should take the proven steps necessary to succeed.” That positive attitude stood out to Tony throughout their work together. “Ayana showed determination,” he said. “She knew where she wanted to go, and she didn’t want anything to stand in her way. She learned what it means to be a homeowner, and she was ready to move forward.” Urban League of Greater Atlanta counselors like Tony offer personalized support and education so that aspiring homeowners can confidently navigate the path to homeownership. Ayana credits that guidance as a key factor in her success. “Tony was very knowledgeable, and he took his time with me,” she said. “He met with me after work hours, explained things I didn’t know, and helped me understand the homeownership process. He was the best contact person to talk to.” Now, a little more than a month into homeownership, Ayana is still adjusting to the reality of having manifested her dream. “I walk into my kitchen every day and think, ‘Oh my God, this is my kitchen,’” she said. “Everything in here is mine.” She even found herself excited to receive her first homeowner bills. “Everybody asks why I’m excited about getting bills,” she laughed. “But they don’t understand what it took to get here.” Her message to others considering homeownership is simple: Don’t wait for the perfect moment; find a trustworthy team to help everything fall into place. “There are so many programs out there,” Ayana said. “If you find a good realtor, a good lender, and have a good team supporting you, you can do it.” Stories like Ayana’s demonstrate what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. Homeownership represents more than buying a house. It means building wealth, creating stability, and establishing a legacy that can last for generations. And for Ayana, that legacy has already begun. To learn more about ULGA’s housing, financial empowerment and wealth building programs and services, visit ulgatl.org/housing-wealth-building.
A Young CEO Builds Pathways to Long-Term Financial Stability
“When we help young people establish strong financial habits early, we are supporting their individual financial stability and helping create a foundation for long-term wealth building. Often, we are disrupting cycles of generational poverty and positioning the next generation to build, preserve, and transfer wealth.” Breana Curry, senior program manager at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Financial Empowerment Center, made that statement in noting the success of a young woman, Daisha, who recently participated in the League’s Young CEOs program. “One of the most rewarding parts of Daisha’s story is seeing her move from Young CEOs into sustained financial coaching and continue applying what she learned to real-life milestones,” Ms. Curry said. “Her journey shows the value of introducing financial empowerment early and creating opportunities for young adults to continue receiving guidance as their lives, careers, and financial responsibilities evolve.” In the Young CEOs program, Daisha’s business idea won the pitch competition. When the program ended, Daisha moved into an eight-month individualized financial coaching period. This allowed her to immediately build upon the financial concepts she learned as a Young CEO and to extend them to her personal goals. During this period, she achieved meaningful financial and personal milestones. She obtained a new credit card and successfully applied the credit-management strategies developed through coaching to responsibly manage the account. As she continued strengthening her credit profile, her credit score increased from 687 to 732—a 45-point improvement. Daisha also purchased her first vehicle, marking another significant step toward independence and financial stability. Through ongoing coaching, Daisha developed a stronger understanding of credit management and financial decision-making. She transitioned from feeling financially insecure and uncertain about her future to feeling more confident and empowered in managing her finances. “I am incredibly proud of all the progress I have made in such a short time working with Eusevius, my financial coach,” Daisha said. Daisha has now earned her bachelor’s degree and secured full-time employment at a pharmacy, moving ahead in her quest to achieve economic mobility and career advancement. Her experience reflects the value of financial education and individualized coaching, particularly for young adults. In her continued engagement with the League, Daisha made progress in multiple areas — from credit building and responsible use of financial products to employment, education, asset acquisition, and tools for economic stability. As she traverses the next stage of her journey, Daisha can confidently rely on her strong financial foundation to help her achieve her goals.
From Vision to Venture: Meet Jamila Sutton of Coffee Snobs
Every thriving business starts with a vision. From Vision to Venture, a new video series from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Entrepreneurship Center, highlights the entrepreneurs turning those visions into businesses that serve their communities. We’re kicking off the series with Jamila Sutton of Coffee Snobs, a coffee shop built around more than just a great cup of coffee. Coffee Snobs was created with a vision to bring people together, spark conversations, and create a welcoming space where community comes first. In this first episode, Jamila shares more about the story behind Coffee Snobs, her entrepreneurial journey, and the passion that continues to drive the business forward. Located at4400 Brownsville Rd #104, Powder Springs, GA 30127, Coffee Snobs is creating a space where people can slow down, connect, and enjoy the simple experience of sharing a cup of coffee. Through From Vision to Venture, we’ll continue introducing you to the entrepreneurs connected to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Entrepreneurship Center and sharing the stories, challenges, and ideas behind their businesses. Watch the first episode and meet Jamila Sutton of Coffee Snobs. Click here to watch the full episode.
National Urban League Releases 2026 State of Black America Report
The release of the National Urban League’s 2026 State of Black America® report comes at a time when communities of color face rollbacks of hard-won rights gained legally during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s through the early 1970s and in policy and practice in the ensuing years. This 50th edition of the National Urban League’s flagship publication is entitled, “America at 250: Is the American Dream Dead?” With indisputable facts and in-depth analysis, the report examines the ongoing and, in some cases, new obstacles to economic mobility and equal opportunity. And it explores how public policy and civic engagement can help create and sustain a fairer future. The analysis draws a clear connection between policy choices and outcomes for Black communities. The findings show that investments in worker protections, economic opportunity, and equity-focused initiatives in the early 2020s contributed to historic gains, including record-low Black unemployment rates. The report also finds that recent rollbacks of a wide range of backgrounds and fairness measures have coincided with rising unemployment and financial losses for Black households nationwide. “The findings reinforce what we see every day in Atlanta and across Georgia: When communities have access to opportunity, they thrive. The path forward requires continued investment in education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and policies that expand economic mobility,” said Nancy Flake Johnson, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. “The Urban League of Greater Atlanta remains committed to ensuring that every family has the opportunity to achieve financial stability and build generational wealth,” she emphasized. In addition to analyzing economic and civil rights trends, the report features essays and perspectives from a wide-ranging group of national leaders, elected officials, champions, and policy experts. Contributors discuss the role of community being a voice, government leadership, and civic participation in advancing economic fairness and strengthening democracy. “The Black American story is the American story. Our communities’ resilience in the face of structural and physical violence, led in part by the state, has laid the foundation for liberation movements around the world,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “250 years later, we know how to secure our rights, we know the playbook our opponents use to attack us, and we know how to chart a path forward.” A special section highlights the growing influence of Black consumers on the American economy. The report finds that Black purchasing power continues to expand and shape business decisions across industries. And that many Black shoppers expect companies to remain committed to fairness and social responsibility, with younger consumers increasingly driving economic trends and marketplace expectations. For Urban League affiliates across the country, the report serves as both a reflection on progress and a call to action. It underscores the importance of sustained being a voice, economic empowerment, workforce development, education, and civic engagement in closing longstanding gaps and creating pathways to prosperity. The National Urban League encourages community leaders, policymakers, businesses, and residents to review the findings and engage in conversations about building a stronger, more inclusive economy. Read the full 2026 State of Black America® report at: https://stateofblackamerica.org
Young Professionals Take Top Honors at National Conference
Hats off to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Young Professionals for winning the National Chapter of Excellence and two being a voice awards at the National Urban League’s 2026 annual conference. This means that our 40-and-under YPs were rated number one among the League’s YP groups nationwide. The NUL has 93 affiliates serving 300 communities across 37 states and the nation’s capital. “We were honored to receive the Hugh B. Price National Chapter of Excellence and Excellence in Being a voice at the conference in Nashville the last week of July,” said Geoffrey Loften, YP president. “The awards represent a testament to our legacy of leadership and commitment to service as we celebrate 25 years as a chapter.” Loften said the chapter logged in more than 4,000 hours of community service and raised over $50,000 in support of their Dream Catchers Scholarship and Grants program. The funds go toward college scholarships to Atlanta high school seniors as well as grants to entrepreneurs in the group’s Young CEO’s program. “Many of our members were recognized at the conference as YP Distinguished and for their service longevity,” he said. “Our members make the movement, and it’s been my joy to serve alongside them as president.” Loften said the group will celebrate their 25th anniversary this fall. He extended an invitation to all young professionals to visit the website ulga-yp.org/join to become a YP and play a role in empowering communities and changing lives. He also encouraged prospective members and other interested parties to follow @ulgayp on Instagram to stay up to date on events, such as the anniversary celebrations, and various ways to support the League’s work.
A Childhood Goal Becomes Reachable
As a child, Taylor Love watched the television drama “Grey’s Anatomy” in rapt attention. So much so that the show became a guidepost for her career aspirations. “I enjoyed watching the show and the difference the medical teams made in the patients’ lives they saved. Originally, I wanted to be a surgeon; but all the time I would have to spend in school made me look for other careers in healthcare where I could achieve the same goal without as much time in school,” Taylor recounted. “That’s how I decided to be a registered nurse then become a doctor of nursing.” But in a tough job market, Taylor knew that she needed experience or certifications or licenses to break into the field. Fortunately, Taylor didn’t have to search far to find out about the healthcare career programs the Urban League of Greater Atlanta operates. Her mother, who works at the League, encouraged Taylor to sign up for guidance with a career counselor. “My experience was nothing short of amazing. The staff set me up with great opportunities to help me advance toward my career goals,” she said. For starters, Taylor took courses and earned CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy certificates. Now, she is using her CNA certificate as a patient care tech. “My goal is to be a Family Nurse Practitioner, and my CNA certificate has opened doors for me in a hospital setting with many shadow and work opportunities,” she added. “I collaborate with other NPs and doctors daily, and they give me tips and tricks to remember. Also, some of the things I’ve seen at work, the textbooks could never do justice to in terms of how small and sometimes big our anatomy is.” Taylor is enthusiastic about her journey. “From day one, I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere. I learned that even in small acts, I am still helping and making a difference. I performed CPR with an actual code team just like Grey’s Anatomy, and everything I used to watch as a kid was right in front of me. I LOVED IT!” Taylor said she’d encourage anyone interested in the healthcare field – and other sectors – to explore pathways available at the Urban League. “The Urban League has great opportunities to help you advance; you just have to want it,” she said. “The instructors go out of their way to care for you, which helps the class environment. If you can’t pick yourself up some days, they lift a hand to help.”
Statement from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta on the Ending of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians
We Stand with Haitian and Syrian Refugees On June 25, the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision that allows the Trump administration to end the humanitarian Temporary Protected Status of approximately 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians who now face expulsion at the whim of the government. These people were admitted here beginning in 2010 because of ongoing crises in their countries. National Urban League President Marc Morial issued a statement that includes the following assessment of this action: The Trump administration did not decide to deport protected Haitian and Syrian immigrants because it determined those nations are safe. It arbitrarily determined they were “safe” so that it could deport those immigrants. The Department of State maintains a strict “Level 4- Do Not Travel” advisory due to the risk of “crime, terrorism, kidnapping, unrest, and limited health care” in Haiti and “terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict” in Syria. The administration has made no secret of its intent to base immigration policy on race. It has turned our refugee program into a “whites only” pathway to the United States – even planning a “welcome bag” containing racist literature. The President has invoked Nazi terminology to dehumanize immigrants from South America, Africa, and Asia. He’s expressed a preference for immigrants from “nice countries” like Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, whose populations are more than 90% white. The consequences of the Court’s decision are not abstract. They will be measured in families torn apart, in lives upended, and in the erosion of a principle as old as the Constitution itself: that justice must be blind to race, not blind to racism. When the highest Court in the land refuses to confront discrimination so clearly etched into the public record, it does more than misinterpret the law — it signals that some forms of prejudice can be ignored, excused, or even sanctioned. And that is a precedent far more dangerous than any single decision. ULGA concurs with NUL that we cannot turn a blind eye toward this blatant mistreatment of an entire group of immigrants, people who have lived lawfully in the USA since 2010, establishing homes and businesses and contributing positively to their communities around the country. According to a Center for Immigration Studies fact sheet, between 15,000 and 40,000 people of Haitian heritage live in the Atlanta metro area. Further, the estimates show approximately 7,000 Haitian TPS holders participating in the Georgia workforce, primarily in fields like property management, logistics, and nursing. (Syrians living in Georgia represent a very slim portion of the national figure of 6,000 Syrians losing TPS, and statistics on them are hard to pin down.) A 2024 American Community Survey estimated that the broader TPS Haitian population in Georgia contributed $151 million to the state’s economy and additional multi-millions in federal, state, and local tax revenues. If you would like to act in support of Haitian and Syrian immigrants during what may be a crisis for TPS holders, consider contacting the following organizations in our state: Haitians Haitian American Association of Georgia — Cultural support, community events, TPS information. Haitian Consulate in Atlanta — Passport and documentation assistance. Latin American Association — Immigration legal services and family support. New American Pathways — Legal help, refugee support, civic resources. Catholic Charities Atlanta — Low‑cost immigration legal services. International Rescue Committee Atlanta — Legal representation and emergency support. Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN) — Pro bono legal defense. Refugee Women’s Network — Support for immigrant women, including Haitian families. Syrians Direct Legal & Deportation Defense Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta: Provides direct immigration legal services, including representation in deportation proceedings before the Immigration Court. You can explore their support options via Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta Legal Services. Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN): Offers free immigration legal services for qualifying individuals, often focusing on asylum and victims of persecution. Catholic Charities Atlanta: Provides low-cost, quality legal representation during deportation and removal proceedings. Find specific contact information through GeorgiaLegalAid.org – Deportation and Removal.