ATLANTA – State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) today announced that State Representative “Able” Mable Thomas, the late Kenneth Saunders III and Josie Dean are the inaugural awardees for the 2020 Community Activist Day at the Capitol. Rep. Davis recently introduced House Resolution 1609 during the 2020 legislative session to establish April 3, 2020, as Community Activist Day at the Capitol to recognize individuals with spirit, vision, values, leadership and transformational activism who create a better tomorrow for future generations.
“Community Activist Day at the Capitol recognizes activists that work to fight the status quo and challenge injustice to balance the scales of justice,” said Rep. Davis. “Activists have a long history of changing the world through reform, building coalitions to tap into the power of collaboration and collective strength to demand righteousness and change. Through an active action plan that is purposeful, organized and sustained over a period of time to create a social movement, activists are inspirational leaders and role models who possess a mix of unflagging effort, effective action and tangible achievement and set a standard for other activists to duplicate within communities.”
Rep. Davis created Community Activist Day at the Capitol to acknowledge local activists and their actions that create a positive and much improved future. She also introduced individual House resolutions to honor the awardees. Due to the threat of COVID-19 in Georgia and the suspension of the 2020 legislative session, the ceremony and acknowledgement of the first three awardees was cancelled.
“We want to recognize three very important activists as the first awardees of the Community Activist Day of 2020,” added Rep. Davis. “Many of the world’s accomplishments exist on the hard work and determination of activists striving to create a better world. Activists advocate for fairness, transparency, ethics and accessibility, while facilitating equity and diversity. They also advocate for all aspects of life, such as social justice agendas, including, but not limited to, civil rights issues, economic development, environmental justice, health policy, education, criminal justice, voting rights, international affairs, labor and youth development.”
Rep. Thomas was honored through House Resolution 1654 for her public service to the state of Georgia. She has been recognized for her leadership and her personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia for more than 28 years. She previously served as a presidential delegate for candidate Reverend Jesse Jackson at the Democratic National Convention in 1984 and in the Atlanta City Council. During her time with the Georgia General Assembly, she has worked to champion issues, such as women’s reproductive health, education reform, living wages, racial profiling, economic development, access to health care and senior issues.
“Representative Thomas is a dedicated member of the Georgia House of Representatives with 35 honors and distinction, and her vision and unyielding commitment have set the standard for public service,” said Rep. Davis. “We recognize Rep. Thomas for her efficient, effective, unselfish and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia and extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.”
Through House Resolution 1604, Rep. Davis also honored the life and memory of Kenneth Saunders III, who was an advocate for southern DeKalb County and passed away at 43 years old. Kenneth Saunders III joined his neighborhood association at 18 years old and devoted his time to enrich his community. He served for 10 years with the Hidden Hills Civic Association, a group that represents nearly 1,600 homeowners near Stone Mountain, Georgia, eventually becoming vice president. Mr. Saunders also advocated for new grocery stores and higher-quality housing while pushing for the creation of the new City of Greenhaven.
“Mr. Saunders gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals and deep concern for his fellow citizens,” said Rep. Davis. “The devotion, patience and understanding he demonstrated to his family and friends were admired by others. He was a compassionate and generous man and will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship and community. He will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.”
Rep. Davis honored Josie Dean as the third awardee of this year’s Community Activist Day. Through House Resolution 1655, she was recognized and commended on her service and achievements in her work as a community activist. Josie Dean has devoted her work to community activism in DeKalb and Rockdale counties through the Josie Dean Youth Activist organization. She is the founder of the organization Black Men Never Forget, founder of the Rockdale County Think Tank and an organizer of the first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Rockdale County. Josie Dean Youth Activists Day in DeKalb County and Rockdale County Commission Chairman Oz Nesbitt also presented her with a proclamation honoring her work.
“Josie Dean has long been known for her straight talk to power, as well as her political and seasonal yard decorations that have earned her the honorarium of ‘Yard Lady,’” said Rep. Davis. “It is abundantly fitting and proper to recognize the exceptional work and service of this distinguished community activist.”
For more information on Community Activist Day at the Capitol, please click here.
For more information on House Resolution 1654, which honors Rep. Thomas, please click here.
For more information on House Resolution 1604, which honors Kenneth Saunders III, please click here.
For more information on House Resolution 1655, which honors Josie Dean, please click here.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science & Technology committees.
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