DeKalb State House & Senate Delegation Celebrate Grand Opening of Constituent Services Office

ATLANTA – Members of the DeKalb County House and Senate Legislative Delegation recently celebrated the grand opening of the new Constituent Services Office on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the New Black Wall Street in Stonecrest, Georgia. The event marked a historic collaboration between the Georgia State House and Senate DeKalb Legislative Delegation and the New Black Wall Street Market as they celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new office.

The welcome extended by the Mayor of Stonecrest, Jazzmin Cobble, set the tone for the festivities as she expressed her delight in hosting the office in what she proclaimed as the “best city.” The ceremonial proceedings commenced with an opening prayer and blessing of the office by Pastor Vandy Simmons of the Antioch A.M.E Church in Stone Mountain, invoking goodwill upon the office on its new endeavor.

Senator Gail Davenport (D-Jonesboro) delivered the opening welcome, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to making the event a success. Congressman Hank Johnson, of Georgia’s fourth congressional district, attended the event, along with his wife, Mereda Davis Johnson, who presented a proclamation declaring April 27th as DeKalb County House and Senate Delegation Day. Also, Mr. Bill Allen, owner of the New Black Wall Street, was unable to attend but was represented by Matthew Hampton, the director for the market, who expressed support for the new office on behalf of the establishment.

Furthermore, State Representatives Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) were acknowledged for their persistence in bringing the constituent services office to fruition. Minority Caucus Chairman Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), representing the House Delegation, and Minority Chairwoman Senator Elena Parent (D-Atlanta), from the Senate Delegation, acknowledged the collective efforts that made the venture possible, reinforcing the spirit of unity and cooperation. In addition, the Chair of the DeKalb House Delegation, Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), articulated the purpose of the Constituent Services Office, highlighting its role in providing support and assistance to the residents of DeKalb County. The ceremony concluded with a tour of the newly inaugurated office and the surroundings of the New Black Wall Street.

The grand opening of the DeKalb State House and Senate Delegation Constituent Services Office marked a milestone in the county’s journey toward enhancing community engagement and empowerment.

“With a strong foundation laid and support from all stakeholders, the office stands ready to serve and uplift the residents of DeKalb County for years to come,” concluded Chair Drenner.

To view a video of the grand opening and ribbon cutting, please click here.

Editor’s Note: Photos from the event are attached.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.

Representative Rhonda Taylor represents the citizens of District 92, which includes portions of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice and Special Rules committees.

Representative Billy Mitchell represents the citizens of District 88, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and currently serves as Chairman of the House Minority Caucus. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and on the Banks & Banking, Ethics, Health and Regulated Industries committees.

Representative Karla Drenner represents the citizens of District 85, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2000 and currently serves as Secretary of the Small Business Development Committee. She also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Natural Resources & Environment, Public Health, Rules and Urban Affairs committees.

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