The Atlanta Black Professionals would like to invite you to view pictures from our Happy Hour for Barack event at Seasons in November. We had a fabulous time and look forward to having you at our next Barack Obama event on Thursday, January 31, 2008 as we prepare for the Georgia Primary. See the event listings for additional details...
Special Thanks to the following elected officials and community leaders who joined us for this special occasion:
Keynote Speaker: Lee May, Dekalb County Commissioner www.LeeMayForDekalb.com
Speaker: Adora Andy, Public Information Officer for the District Attorney www.GwenKeyesFleming.com
Speaker: Trista Allen, Southern Field Director-Obama for America www.BarackObama.com
Speaker: James Byrd, Political Activist-Right Way Wrong Way www.RightWayWrongWay.org
Speaker: Adam McFarland, Vice President-Morehouse Students for Obama www.Students.BarackObama.com
Guest: Randal A. Mangham, State Representative-Georgia House of Representatives www.Legis.State.GA.US
Guest: Jon Carson, States Director-Obama for America www.BarackObama.com
Guest: Mrs. Brenella Leeper, wife of Honorable Judge Michael Leeper, Municipal Court Stone Mountain www.LindseyLeeper.com
Guest: Ron Allen, President Morehouse Students for Obama www.Students.BarackObama.com
Guest: Donnie Bryant, Political Consultant
www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=8bkubhb1.92t5i9s9&x=0&y=-swugkc
If you’re a Metro-Atlantan, then you already know what a headache it is to get caught in rush hour traffic downtown. Bumper-to-bumper cars, horns blowing, and lots of sitting and waiting at traffic lights or on the highway. Usually, I try my best to avoid the swarm of cars. Though, unfortunately, that is exactly where I found myself this past Thursday evening…right in the midst of a throng of Georgia Tech fans readying themselves for a gridiron battle against Virginia Tech. Yes, this is Atlanta—the city with the 2nd worst traffic in the nation according to CNN. And, I could only daydream about being somewhere else.
So, how did I find myself in this mess of city streets to begin with? In case you haven’t guessed—it’s Thursday, Nov 1st and the Obama for America Atlanta Office is opening today. As you know, David Plouffe has already alluded to the significance of Georgia’s Primary on Feb 5th and the importance for Obama to “show strength in the South”. Well, the competition for candidate support in our lovely state is heating up and Georgia appears poised to answer the call for Barack Obama. Needless to say, there was nothing, not even Atlanta traffic, which could keep me from being a part of this special, grand-opening event. I would soon find that many shared the exact same sentiment.
From the moment I stepped out of my car, I could feel the excitement. The Georgia Field Director, Trista Allen, and her team were animated and “fired up”. As were the many community leaders, officials, and campaign friends who were in attendance. Obama supporters of different races and backgrounds were joined together in a true spirit of unity. The evening air was inspired, and one couldn’t help but feel good about this indescribable movement that has been building in Metro-Atlanta since Obama's first visit. I am slightly amazed at my own fervor for this candidate, especially given the fact that my political action days with the NAACP Chapter at Emory University are long behind me. Quite Frankly, I had grown disenchanted and weary of the political scene in our nation over the years. Now, I was reminded of one big reason I decided to become involved in this campaign—the remarkable influence Barack Obama exhibits in bringing people together. As I looked around, I realized that I had something significant and powerful in common with those around me—HOPE!!!
Thus, to all of you "hopeful" Metro-Atlantans, I look forward to seeing a new and great day with you.
