ATLANTA UNITES: Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable Presented Groundbreaking Agenda at State Capitol

On January 13, 2025, the Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable (GBWR), the women’s initiative of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, hosted a groundbreaking press conference at the Georgia Capitol to unveil the Georgia Black Women’s Agenda. This landmark report, months in the making, presented innovative solutions to pressing challenges facing Black families throughout Georgia.

The event took place at the Georgia Capitol’s South Wing Steps and drew a diverse crowd of community leaders, legislators, and advocates. Coinciding with the opening day of the state’s legislative session, it provided a powerful platform to highlight key issues such as Black women’s entrepreneurship, education, mental health, voting rights, and the forward-thinking Project 2025 initiative.

A Collective Voice for Change

The press conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers who passionately addressed the urgent needs of Georgia’s Black communities. Among them were Helen Butler, convener of the GBWR and executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda; Senator Nikki Merritt (GA District 9); Representative Lydia Glaize (GA District 67); Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (GA District 95); Representative Rhonda Burnough (GA District 77); A. Lois Keith, National Chair of the NCNW; Darlene McGhee Whittington, National President of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; and Dee Dawkins-Haigler, host on WAOK 1380 AM radio.

Each speaker underscored the significance of addressing systemic disparities. Helen Butler set the tone, stating, “Our communities deserve action, not just lip service. The Georgia Black Women’s Agenda serves as both a call to action and a roadmap for progress. We aim to hold leaders accountable to the voices and needs of our constituents.”

Engaging with Lawmakers

Prior to the press conference, coalition members met privately with Georgia legislators to discuss the findings detailed in the Georgia Black Women’s Agenda white paper. This document, which identifies systemic barriers and proposes actionable solutions, served as a critical tool for fostering accountability.

The event also emphasized the power of collective advocacy, with participants rallying around the shared goal of empowering Black women and their families. Representative Dar’shun Kendrick spoke candidly about the need for continued advocacy, saying, “This is just the beginning. True progress requires us to stay engaged and demand better from those in power.”

National Ambitions and Future Plans

While the event focused on Georgia’s communities, the Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable looked ahead to the national stage. In March 2025, GBWR plans to lead a delegation to the 14th Annual Black Women’s Roundtable National Conference in Washington, D.C., where they will present the Georgia Black Women’s Agenda to federal policymakers.

This move reflects GBWR’s broader mission to amplify the voices of Black women nationwide and ensure their concerns are front and center in decision-making processes.

About the Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable

The Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable, an integral part of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, is a dynamic force for civic participation and social justice. Founded by civil rights icon Dr. Joseph Lowery, the coalition has a long-standing commitment to voter registration, education, and mobilization within Georgia’s Black communities.

With statewide offices in Atlanta, Athens, Albany, Macon, Augusta, LaGrange, Rome, and Savannah, the coalition continues to make an indelible impact under the leadership of board chair Rev. J.A. Milner and executive director Helen Butler.

A Call for Unity and Action

The Georgia Black Women’s Roundtable press conference was more than an event—it was a declaration of purpose. By uniting legislators, advocates, and community members, GBWR demonstrated the transformative power of collective action.

As attendees left the Georgia Capitol, they carried with them a renewed sense of hope and determination to create meaningful change for Black families across the state. With the Georgia Black Women’s Agenda serving as a guiding light, the future looks brighter for Georgia’s communities—and beyond.