Big Brothers Big Sisters 30th Legacy Awards

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta held its 30th Annual Legacy Luncheon at The Fox Theatre, shifting its traditional gala to a luncheon. The event raised nearly $400,000 through sponsorship, fundraising and a live and silent auction.

The Legacy Awards celebrate the transformative impact of youth mentoring in Metro Atlanta. This year, Alumni Littles and BBBS program graduates Jahmyr Jones and Chasity Dorsey were honored with the Outstanding Graduate and Scholarship Award, presented by Angela Blank on behalf of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Jahmyr, a freshman at Morehouse College studying computer science, and Chasity, a freshman at Florida A&M University working toward her career in dentistry, exemplify the success and potential nurtured through mentorship.

The centerpiece of this year’s Legacy Awards Luncheon was an inspiring panel discussion on the transformative impact of mentoring in both life and business. Moderated by esteemed journalist and TV anchor Monica Pearson, the panel featured Paul Brown, CEO of Inspire Brands, and Richard Cox, SVP of Reservation Sales and Customer Care at Delta Air Lines. They shared powerful insights on how mentorship shapes personal growth and drives success. Guests also enjoyed meaningful networking opportunities and entertainment from comedian and host Baron Vaughn.

Adriane V. Jefferson is Executive Director of Cultural Affairs Office

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs announced that Adriane V. Jefferson is the Executive Director. A nationally recognized leader in cultural equity, arts administration, and community transformation, the office says that Jefferson brings over two decades of experience shaping inclusive arts policies and fostering creative innovation. “Her leadership will not only honor Atlanta’s rich artistic legacy but also propel our cultural landscape into an exciting new era of growth and accessibility,” the office wrote in its announcement.

Previously, Jefferson served as the Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven and the Executive Director of New Haven Festivals Inc, where she led the creation of Connecticut’s first Cultural Equity Plan, a model now recognized nationwide, and launched transformative initiatives like the Arts for Anti-Racism Pledge, the New Haven Black Wall Street Festival, and the city’s first Poet Laureate program. Under her guidance, New Haven experienced a cultural renaissance, with its largest-ever public art installations and strategic partnerships that fueled economic growth. Her commitment to equitable cultural tourism helped position New Haven as one of the New York Times’ top places to visit worldwide in 2023.

Organizations form “United to Save US”

A group of Georgia organizations gathered at the Georgia Capitol to push for the passage of the Georgia Civil Rights Act of 2025. Calling itself the United to Save US, the group is made  up of many organizations including the The Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, ACLU, NAACP, Urban League, League of Women Voters, several faith-based organizations, and labor unions. House Bill 670 – the Georgia Civil Rights Act of 2025 – aims to provide comprehensive civil rights protections by banning discrimination in employment, housing, and public spaces, establishing law enforcement accountability measures to prevent racial profiling, and protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, the group wrote in a press release.

“Georgia is not only behind in the nation but in the region,”  said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jasmine Clark (D-Lilburn.) “We have fewer protections against discrimination than our neighboring states. Given Georgia’s history of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and recent attacks on DEI, this legislation is long overdue.” State Senator Sonya Halpern (Senate District 39), introduced a companion bill in the Senate. “These bills are not just another piece of legislation—they’re a statement of our values, a reinforcement of rights and a commitment to fairness under the law,” said Halpern.

Habitat for Humanity to Build an Additional 1000 Housing Units

Habitat for Humanity International’s community development financial institution, Habitat Capital, announced today a new partnership to establish an $82.5 million property acquisition fund to boost affordable housing production throughout the U.S., by an estimated 1,000 homes. Currently, the organization builds 3,482 housing units.

The capital was raised through investors such as JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Enterprise Community Loan Fund, ImpactAssets, Arnold Ventures, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and equity from Habitat for Humanity International.

The Enterprise Community Loan Fund will oversee the operations. Holland & Knight LLP represented Habitat, with assistance from Paradise Law Group, with legal support.

“This financing will mean more shovels in the ground and marks a transformative step in our mission to expand access to affordable housing,” said Daniel Gura, executive director and vice president, Habitat Capital.