In an unprecedented gesture, Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Inc. (GLBC) was presented with keys to Cities and Counties from over 250 jurisdictions. This act of solidarity and commitment from the Chairs of the Georgia Conference of Black Mayors, Inc. (GCBM) and the Georgia Association of Black County Officials (GABCO) boasted support from African American elected officials throughout the state. “Madam Chair, we give you these key to show our unending support in all your efforts,” stated GCBM President Kenneth Smith, Sr., Mayor of Kingsland, GA. Commissioner Janie Reid, President of GABCO and Putnam County Commissioner added, “Thank you for your Leadership and vision. We appreciate you and support you wholeheartedly.”

This is the second year that Chair Dawkins-Haigler has convened all groups to better understand each other’s needs and determine how the three entities can collaborate and partner. “Never before has this type of meeting taken place,” said Mayor Willie Burns, Executive Director of the Georgia Conference of Black Mayors. He went on further to say, “We have to do better about addressing the needs of the people in the rural communities. We cannot continue to be in leadership positions without being mindful of that.”

Chair Dawkins-Haigler commented, “I am honored to be the first elected official in the State of Georgia to receive this type of recognition. This display of support speaks volumes, however, we still have much work to do. With over 3 million African American people in the State and $74 billion worth of buying power, there are still too many disparities in our communities. We have to be united in everything we do moving forward.”