As the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and home to the historical Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. King campaigned for social justice from the pulpit, Atlanta has a rich history rooted in activism. Known as the “cradle of the Civil Rights Movement,” Atlanta became the epicenter for the Civil Rights Movement as Black leaders like Dr. King, Former Ambassador Andrew Young, and Congressman John Lewis fought for voting rights, desegregation, and economic and educational equality. Our strong infrastructure – which included Black churches, the largest network of HBCUs in the U.S., and one of the most successful Black business communities in the country, “Sweet Auburn” Avenue (A community our Clubs continue to serve today)—contributed to Atlanta serving as the backbone to the movement.
On Jan. 12, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta was invited to participate in Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)’s Into The Light! A Dr. King Holiday Celebration of Women In Community Service & Social Justice Movements. I discussed our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Journey, our Youth of the Year Regina M. shared her Club experience and commitment to community service, and our Howard Warner Boys & Girls Clubs showcased a video entitled “I Have the Right” in celebration of women who are making a difference through service and sacrifice.
In addition, as this event celebrated the extraordinary impact of women in our communities, it was important for us to recognize some of our unsung sheroes at BGCMA:
- Executive Directors Gail Johnson, Terry Walker-Moore, Nkeschia Brundidge-Clark, and Raiko Jones have collectively served Clubs in their respective Metro Atlanta communities for more than 100 years.
- Shandh Moorer, Kimberly Owens, and Juliette Webb have ensured the safe transport of our Clubs members to our Clubs for more than 60 years.
- In our Support Center, our VP of Safety & Facility Operations Kimberly Lucas has been with us for 22 years, our Payroll Administrator Debra Lundy Jacobs has been with us for nearly 24 years, and our Senior Director of Finance Mary Singleton has been with us for 33.5 years.
I am honored to have many amazing leaders alongside of me to help steer the Metro Atlanta ship. One of those leaders is an unsung shero in her own right. Our Senior Vice President of Programs & Operations Lorene Jackson brings 25 years of progressive experience in the youth development field and has held several high-ranking positions within the Movement at both the national and local levels. At the Into the Light MLK Celebration on Jan. 12, Lorene helped us salute two pioneers and titans in our national Movement: Judith J., Pickens, former BGCA Senior Vice President of Program & Youth Development Services and Lorraine Orr, BGCA Chief Operating Officer, for their commitment to community and service across the Boys & Girls Clubs Movement.
These extraordinary women are truly the heart of our organization, and we cannot do what we do for our kids & teens without them. We cannot do what we do without all of YOU. Thank you all for your service.
Social and civic engagement is certainly part of the rich tapestry of programming offered here in Metro Atlanta. Traditionally, we have celebrated MLK weekend with art, music, performance and education at Camp AMP’ed. As a COVID safety measure, this year’s programming has been postponed to Feb. 18-20. Although we won’t be able to celebrate MLK Day with our kids at Camp Kiwanis, we know that our organization instills Dr. King’s lessons of peace, love and service all year long. In recognition of MLK Day, our buildings will be closed on Jan. 17, but our hearts will be open. My hope is that you use the day to serve and spread kindness.
David Jernigan
President & CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta