TOGETHER AS ONE
Dear Friends,
Summer 2020 has already been one for the history books. Over the last several weeks, we have said goodbye to some of Atlanta’s greatest influencers – Congressman John R. Lewis, Dr. C.T. Vivian, and Ms. Mattie Jackson. The transition of these icons reminded me that this is not the first time Atlanta and the world beyond has found itself in the midst of unprecedented circumstances. We have been here before. The deciding factor in our strong emergence from tough times has always been the work of the people and the legacies created by it. Atlanta – we have lots of work to do!
CENSUS 2020 – STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!
On August 3rd, the Census Bureau announced it will be ending the 2020 Census counts early – on September 30th instead of October 31st. Georgia’s response rate is 59%, lagging behind the national response rate by 4.3%. Ending the census early places minority communities at serious risk of being undercounted. Failure to participate in the census will result in the allocation of fewer resources for Atlanta’s citizens.
There is still time to respond!
- Call 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish)
- Online at my2020census.gov
- Mail – if you received a questionnaire in the mail, complete the form in black or blue ink (no pencil) and place it in the mail using the envelope provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
AUGUST IS NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH
Black-owned businesses account for approximately 10% of all U.S. businesses and approximately 30% of minority-owned businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that equates to about 2 million companies owned by African Americans. The City of Atlanta has the second highest number of Black-owned businesses in the country. Make a concerted effort to seek out and support Black businesses in your community. Check my Facebook page for a brief list of Black-owned businesses in the City of Atlanta.
COVID-19 UPDATE
The city remains in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please wear a mask when venturing out in public, continue social distancing, and practice proper handwashing. This month, many of the CARES Act protections are set to expire, including eviction moratoriums. In case you missed it, my last Conversations with The Council President featured special guest organization Star-C. Their eviction relief program stands ready to offer assistance which may benefit eligible tenants and landlords. The recording can be accessed by clicking the graphic below:
GET REGISTERED and VOTE!
Thank you to everyone who exercised their right to vote in the recent runoff elections and congratulations
to the winners. There is still time to register for the November elections if necessary. You can do so online with the Georgia Secretary of State at REGISTER TO VOTE.
Felicia Moore In The News:
Senator Kamala Harris Chosen as Biden’s VP Pick
Atlanta City Council President Issues Statement on Antonio Brown