2nd saturday for community involvement
Living into Central's Social Justice History
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Saturday featured in Central Heartbeat
Democracy requires the continuous participation of an informed citizenry
The following three articles illustrate why we should pay close attention to all three branches of government—executive, legislative, judicial--and their roles in our lives. In today’s political environment, sometimes we dodge a bullet…sometimes we don’t. It is imperative that the collective Black Church becomes more active in the electoral and advocacy arenas. In the cases of recent legislation and rulings included in the attached articles, we shouldn’t relegate our futures to the chance that an elected or appointed official’s philosophy just happens to align with upholding civil rights that were so hard-won. We need to vote for the representation we need so that we have some assurance that we do not return to the “gloomy past” and that our children’s futures and their children’s futures will be brighter.
The first article highlights the power of a “tough on crime” state legislature and executive branch. The passage of SB 63 by the Georgia General Assembly requires cash bail for 30 additional offenses and places a limit on the assistance religious, nonprofit or other charitable institutions can give to persons who are unable to pay their bail. “…the law would require judges to impose cash bail on additional crimes including criminal trespassing, failure to appear, racketeering, domestic terrorism and rioting. It also targets charities that help low income inmates pay for bail, by restricting these groups to posting just three cash bonds per year. It also mandates the charities meet the same legal requirements as bond companies.” If Governor Kemp does not veto the bill, then it will become law.
The second article identifies the need for federal judges who acknowledge that systemic racism exists. The Minority Business Development Agency was created during the Nixon administration and was made permanent by the Biden administration. “Siding with white business owners who sued the Minority Business Development Agency for discrimination, Judge Mark T. Pittman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas said the agency’s mission to help disadvantaged businesses owned by Blacks, Hispanics and other racial and ethnic groups gain access to capital and contracts violates the rights of all Americans to receive equal protection under the constitution.” (Judge Mark T. Pittman was appointed by President Donald Trump.)
The third article highlights the power of a governor, state legislature and attorney general to inhibit free speech—this, in regards to businesses' ability to require employee training on diversity practices that the businesses have incorporated in their workplaces. Florida’s Individual Freedom Act, also known as the Stop WOKE Act was originally blocked by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker, who was appointed by President Barack Obama. The state of Florida appealed Judge Walker’s decision. More recently, a three-judge panel of the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Judge Walker’s ruling. (The three-judge panel consisted of: Judge Charles R. Wilson appointed by President Bill Clinton; Judge Britt Grant appointed by President Donald Trump; and Judge Andrew Brasher appointed by President Donald Trump.)
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Thank you to the congregation (in-person and online) for your attention during Mission Sunday service! Click the link below for an action that can be taken immediately, if you did not have an opportunity to sign a petition with our guest, Hannah Scholtz of Georgia Interfaith Power and Light.
What does that mean for me?
The State of Georgia will check all Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® members' cases to see if they're eligible for continued coverage.
When is this happening?
Every case will be reviewed by the state between April 2023 and May 2024.
What to do right now:
Visit gateway.go.gov, confirm your contact information, and check your redetermination date. Then, look for a letter or email and follow the instructions.
To read an update from U.S. Representative Nikema Williams to Rev. Ross, please click on the following link.
Source: WXIA-TV Atlanta, “Georgia cash assistance isn't actually cash... and it's causing headaches for some,” by Hope Ford (9/22/22)
Q&A FOR $350 "CASH" PAYMENTS ISSUED BY GOVERNOR KEMP
Why did DHS not use physical cards, paper checks or deposit money into bank accounts?
"The virtual card option was chosen as it was the safest and most expeditious way to get funds to Georgians. DHS does not have access to the bank accounts of our customers, and there is more opportunity for fraud with checks.“
What are the restrictions for the virtual card?
If recipients attempt to transfer their card balance to Apple Cash, Cash App or Zelle, the transfer will be declined.
Cards cannot be used to buy money orders or impermissible transactions.
A card balance cannot be converted to cash. A card cannot be used at stores that do not accept digital pay.
A remedy suggested by DHS includes using Buy Online and Pick-up In-Store, according to their availability.
What if I don't have email/want a physical card?
Instructions on how to redeem the virtual payment will be included in email communication when the payment is issued. Plastic cards will be mailed to eligible Georgians who do not have their email address listed in Gateway. Those who are eligible, who opted into U.S. mail only will receive a physical card in the coming weeks.
What if I don't have a smartphone?
"People can use the virtual card’s number, expiration date, and CVC2 code as they would use a regular debit card.“
What are the reasons virtual cards may be declined at stores?
"The most common reason is that the merchant does not accept digital cards. Once you have loaded your card into your digital wallet (Apple, Google, or Samsung), it can be used in-store with merchants that accept digital cards. Just open the Wallet/App on your device and follow the on-screen instructions, including entering your virtual card number manually."
"Your virtual card could show 'declined' if a cashier runs it as the wrong type of transaction. Make sure your virtual card is being run as a debit transaction in-store. You may be required to enter your debit PIN."
"Trying to use your virtual card for an online or phone purchase? You may be asked to provide a name and address. You’ll need to use the name and address of the person whose name appears on the virtual card as listed in Gateway."
"Card clash is an issue that may occur if you accidentally touch more than one virtual card on a reader at the same time. To avoid card clash, make sure you have selected the virtual card you intend to pay with before touching it to the reader."
"When using your Card at a gas station, you should pay inside instead of paying at the pump."
For more information, restrictions, and solutions for the virtual card: click here.
PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION
TUESDAY, JUNE 21ST
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Need to find your voting precinct?
Go to My Voter Page: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/
The following are state and congressional runoffs. Please check with your local county elections office for information on any local primary runoff election races:
State Runoff Election Races:
(There are no Republican candidates in a runoff for these offices. The winner of the Democratic primary runoff will face the winner of the Republican primary race in the general election in November.)
• Lieutenant Governor (Democratic Candidates): Charlie Bailey and Kwanza Hall
• Secretary of State (Democratic Candidates): Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Bee Nguyen
• Insurance Commissioner (Democratic Candidates): Janice Laws Robinson and Raphael Baker
• Labor Commissioner (Democratic Candidates): William Boddie and Nicole Horn
U.S. Congressional Runoff Election Races:
(There are no Democratic candidates in a runoff for these offices. The winner of the Republican primary runoff will face the winner of the Democratic primary race in the general election in November.)
• Republican 6th Congressional District: Jake Evans and Rich McCormick
• Republican 7th Congressional District: Michael Corbin and Mark Gonsalves
• Republican 10th Congressional District: Mike Collins and Vernon Jones
If you are voting in person or absentee, you will need photo identification.
Here are the acceptable forms of photo ID:
• Any valid state or federal government-issued photo ID, including a free ID card issued by your county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services
• A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired
• Student ID from a Georgia public college or university
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity in Georgia
• Valid U.S. passport ID
• Valid U.S. military photo ID containing a photograph of the voter
• Valid tribal photo ID containing a photograph of the voter
TIME TO VOTE, GEORGIA!
Georgia’s Early Voting begins Monday, May 2, 2022, for the May 24th Primary Election. The file below contains access to the:
-
- “How-to” Voting Guide on the GA Secretary of State’s website;
- List of dates for voting in the May 24th election;
- List of Qualified Candidates in the Democratic and Republican parties and Non Partisan judicial candidates for Georgia’s Supreme Court and other courts across the state.
If you have not done so, please make plans to vote in this primary election and talk to others about the importance of becoming informed about the candidates and casting their vote.
You can also share this document with others in your social networks.
Support Black Businesses
The 2nd Saturday Ministry urges you to spend more money with Black businesses as a way to strengthen the economies of our local Black communities. It is a fact that if we spend 5% more money with metro Black businesses, we can create 24,000 jobs and 66% or 18,000 will be jobs for Blacks. In order to do this, you will have to be intentional and sometimes go out of you way, but we have a lot of super Black businesses in metro Atlanta!
We encourage you to spend with Black businesses at least 5% more each and every year. For example, there is a Black-owned ACE Hardware Store on Old National Hwy. You can find a lot of Black businesses by searching "Black Business in Atlanta" on the internet. Let's Bless Our People!
Joseph Hudson - 2nd Saturday for Community Involvement
NEW BLACK WALL STREET MARKET
The New Black Wall Street Market, located in Stonecrest, Georgia, is a destination for family fun, entertainment, retail, gourmet grocery shopping and fine dining. Set among beautifully curated common spaces, there are 100+ shops and restaurants located inside this new and exciting development.
As an extension of the Allen Entrepreneurial Institute, the New Black Wall Street Market shares its mission: to increase the size and number of minority and women-owned businesses throughout the United States and Globally. This new retail experience fosters operational excellence in areas such as exclusive product offerings, systems utilization, presentation and customer service. Training / acceleration, marketing / advertising and online sales support are some of the features available to merchants inside the Market.
"Let's Talk about Black Economics - PART III"
2nd Saturday for Community Involvement at Central UMC invites you to join us Monday, December 13, 6:30 p.m., for a ZOOM community talk about the economic situation of the Black Family. "Among all full-time workforce participants in 2018, Black men earned 70.2 cents for every dollar earned by White men and Black women earned 61.9 cents. Black men and women are overrepresented in jobs that have nonstandard hours of employment." (childtrends.org)
Family, Economic, and Geographic Characteristics of Black Families with Children -- March 05, 2021
REGISTER TODAY and find out how we can improve the economic outcomes of the Black Family.
"Let's Talk about Black Economics- Part II"
2nd Saturday for Community Involvement at Central UMC invites you to join us Monday, November 22, 2021, at 6:30 p.m., for a ZOOM community talk about "The State of Black Business."
According to a February 9, 2021, article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, "Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the 2007 and 2012 Survey of Business Owners show that there are over 2.6 million Black-owned companies in the United States." The article reported that Atlanta (#5) and Savannah (#20) ranked as top cities in the nation for Black-owned businesses.
Our guest panelists include local business owners:
Antonio Harrell of Done Right Group, Earnestine Linder of Liberty Tax Service.
REGISTER TODAY and discover the opportunities and challenges Black business owners encounter as they continue the legacy of Black entrepreneurship, and the role of Black-owned businesses as economic engines for the larger Black community.
Central UMC Presents "Let's Talk about Black Economics"
2nd Saturday for Community Involvement at Central UMC invites you to join us Tuesday, October 12, 6:30 p.m., for a ZOOM community talk about Black economics. According to the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth, "In 2020, African American economic clout energized the U.S. consumer market as never before. The buying power of African Americans rose to $1.6 trillion, or 9% of the nation’s total buying power.
In 2020, the 10 states with the largest African American markets are Texas ($149 billion), New York ($141 billion), Georgia ($118 billion), California ($118 billion), Florida ($116 billion), Maryland ($86 billion), North Carolina ($75 billion), Virginia ($67 billion), Illinois ($63 billion) and New Jersey ($57 billion)."
Our guest presenter will be Dr. Janelle Williams, senior advisor in community and economic development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
REGISTER TODAY and find out how we can better leverage Black buying power as a means to uplift the Black community economically.
Central UMC Presents "Let's Talk about Voter Suppression"
2nd Saturday for Community Involvement at Central UMC invites you to join us Tuesday, September 14, 6:30 p.m., for a ZOOM community talk about voter suppression and the proliferation of elections laws passed by state legislatures across the country. What happens when the right to vote becomes entangled in partisan politics? Which segments of the voting population are most at risk of voter disenfranchisement?
Our guest presenter will be Dr. William Boone, Associate Professor, Political Science, Clark Atlanta University.
Have questions? Not sure what all of this means for you and your community? Register today and learn more.
Central UMC Presents "Let's Talk about Critical Race Theory"
2nd Saturday for Community Involvement invites you to join Central UMC on ZOOM, Monday, August 9, 6:30 p.m., for a community talk on the concepts of Critical Race Theory and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
What do they really mean? Why have they been turned into controversial topics? How can they help us reckon with systemic racism?
Our guest panelists will be:
Dr. Tarece Johnson, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert
and
John Moye, Director, Legislative And Policy Affairs, Urban League of Greater Atlanta.
Central UMC Presents "Let's Talk about Redistricting"
2nd Saturday for Community Involvement at Central UMC invites you to join us Tuesday, June 29, 6:30 p.m., for a ZOOM community talk about the reapportionment / redistricting process. Every 10 years, after the tabulation of the census, all federal, state and local election district boundaries must be redrawn or revised by the state legislature. And Georgia’s state legislature is already at work.
Our guest presenters will be State Rep. Roger Bruce and Joe Carn.
Have questions? Not sure what all of this means for you and your community? Register today and learn more.
REDISTRICTING RESOURCES
Georgia General Assembly video about the reapportionment / redistricting process
https://youtu.be/RXbgkTxXOkQ
Georgia Redistricting Alliance - https://www.garedistrictingalliance.org/
association of various organizations in Georgia (resources provided on this site)
Dave’s Redistricting https://davesredistricting.org/maps#home
provides examples of potential redistricting maps for each state
Georgia: https://davesredistricting.org/maps#state::GA
Princeton Gerrymandering Project
https://gerrymander.princeton.edu/reforms/GA
Brennan Center for Justice
https://www.brennancenter.org/sites/default/files/publications/2019_06_50States_FINALsinglepages_10.pdf
CDC Extends Eviction Moratorium, Announces Enforcement
The Biden administration announced today an extension of the federal eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, and greater enforcement of the moratorium’s protections – two measures that will help keep millions of renters stably housed during the pandemic and prevent further spread of and deaths from COVID-19. The announcement comes after NLIHC and more than 2,300 national, state, and local organizations and elected officials urged the Biden administration to take action.
According to the announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will extend the eviction moratorium for three months, and a White House Fact Sheet indicates that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will launch a new effort to increase awareness of the moratorium’s protections. The CFPB and the Federal Trade Commission will enforce penalties against landlords who violate the order.
The extended moratorium and its enforcement are essential to help ten million families remain in their homes as states and local communities work to distribute emergency rental assistance to address arrears and prevent evictions.
American Rescue Plan Summary
This handout describes some of the benefits in the American Rescue Plan in the areas of:
- Emergency Rental Assistance
- Emergency Housing Vouchers (Section 8)
- Assistance to Homeowners
- Economic Impact Payments and Child Tax Credits
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
- Funding for the Affordable Care Act and Vaccination of Americans
- Education funding (K-12 and higher education)
- Paycheck Protection Program funding
This handout also includes information on how to take advantage of these programs, including:
- Applying for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
- Understanding and Taking Advantage of the Eviction Moratorium
- Understanding and Using the FHA Foreclosure Moratorium
- More Information on the Paycheck Protection Program
- Other Helpful Information
Morehouse Opens New Pathway for Black Men
Morehouse College is partnering with 2U, an online educational technology platform, to create an online degree completion program named Morehouse Online. It targets Black men with some college experience who are five years removed from their initial graduation date, and who want to complete a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
In doing so, the iconic historically Black college and university (HBCU) is attempting to bring the brotherhood and culture that has anchored the school’s success for more than 150 years into the online world. Morehouse Online will be launched in the fall 2021 semester.
Impact of Georgia's 2021 Elections Bills on Black Voters
The Republican legislation would undermine pillars of voting access by ending automatic voter registration, banning drop boxes for mail ballots and eliminating the broad availability of absentee voting. The bills would restrict early voting on the weekends, limiting the longstanding civic tradition of “Souls to the Polls” in which Black voters cast ballots on Sunday after church services.
it's up to us to be the change
Our “VOTE ONE MORE TIME” GOTV campaign is a direct action to help “organize the poor and dispossessed.” We have a list of supermarkets in communities that are economically-challenged and usually forgotten when it comes to seeking their vote. Please contact Joe Hudson for a “VOTE ONE MORE TIME” sign and flyers to distribute.
VOTE ONE MORE TIME!
