Mass federal layoffs and an increasingly hostile work environment were top of mind for many of the panelists and speakers at Clark Atlanta University’s third annual Black Women and Public Policy in the South Symposium. For three days this week, Clark’s W.E.B. DuBois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy led panel discussions and hosted […]
Economy
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Economy
‘Work Evaporated Overnight’: Georgia’s Film Industry Weathers a Brutal Downturn
Atlanta has long been the scene where Black creatives could thrive both behind and in front of the camera. Since the 1970s, when then-Gov. Jimmy Carter launched the Georgia Film Office, the opening of Tyler Perry studios and other large-scale production facilities over the past twenty years, and a favorable film tax credit, the state […]
Posted inEconomy, Politics & Policy
U.S. District Judge Blocks Lisa Cook’s Removal From the Federal Reserve
A federal district court judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the removal of Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. Last month, Cook came under fire from President Donald Trump in a social media post alleging that she committed mortgage fraud. While Cook has not officially been charged with any crimes, he called for […]
Posted inBlack Businesses, Economic Development, Economy, News
Black Businesses Lose Support After Trump Ends Grant Funding
Participating in the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Capital Readiness program last year helped metro Atlanta entrepreneur Tamara Fowler secure enough seed funding to expand Wiggle Giggle, her Marietta-based indoor playground business. The 31-year-old married mother of two said she was disappointed to learn earlier this year that the program’s $3 million grant funding was […]
Posted inEconomy, Education, Housing, Politics & Policy, State Politics
How Georgia Lawmakers Plan to Address the Needs of Black Voters in 2025
Addressing Black voters’ economic concerns, including the higher cost of housing and child care, is among the top priorities for state Democratic lawmakers ahead of the Georgia General Assembly’s upcoming legislative session, which begins Monday. Democratic Party leaders in the state legislature, including state Rep. Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, say their largely Black voting base made […]
Posted inEconomy, Politics & Policy
Presidential Debate: Black Atlantans Want to Hear These Issues Addressed
With Kamala Harris and Donald Trump set to engage in their first highly anticipated presidential debate Tuesday night in Philadelphia, Atlanta residents like Jacquavious Williams say they want to hear both candidates address the strain of inflation. The 26-year-old Williams, an up-and-coming rapper whose stage name is 1LifeQuay, said he’s doing fine financially, but other […]
Posted inEconomy, Politics & Policy
What Kamala Harris’ Economic Plan Could Mean for Black Atlanta Residents
Vice President Kamala Harris has made it a point to emphasize over the past few weeks her plan to tackle America’s rising cost of living if she’s elected president. In the midst of a two-day bus tour last week in Savannah, she sat down with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, for her first […]
Posted inEconomy, Politics & Policy
Why the Biden-Harris Message of Black Economic Progress Is a Tough Sell in Georgia
Vice President Kamala Harris touted a list of economic accomplishments that the Biden administration has delivered for Black Americans during her latest visit to metro Atlanta. But many Black Atlantans, feeling the lingering sting of inflation, say they’re still struggling financially. The nation’s first Black woman vice president spent a lot of time during her […]
Posted inCity Politics, Economy, Jobs, Public Services
What We Heard at the Budget Hearing for Atlanta’s New Department of Labor
Workforce development leaders from the office of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens are making final preparations to open the first city-run Department of Labor and Employment Services in July. Last week, Odie Donald II, Mayor Andre Dickens’ chief of staff, laid out plans for the new department during its inaugural City Council budget briefing. Donald has […]
Posted inEconomy, Money
Tax Surplus Refunds Are Due out This Month. Here’s How Much You’re Getting.
Rising inflation has made it harder for many Georgians to pay their bills this year, but some are about to receive a tiny bit of economic relief from state government. On March 23, Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation into law that will return a total of more than $1 billion to Georgia taxpayers in the […]