On Thursday, February 22, 2007, the Agape Community Center hosted a Black
History Program. The Program kicked off with performances from the children of Agape; there was a mix of poetry,
dance, and speech. The second portion of the program commenced with a question and answer segment featuring Councilman
Willis, among other guests, reflecting on their beliefs about the plight of African Americans. The Black History concluded with a
discussion on the state of today's African Americans. The audience had the opportunity to ask questions during both portions of the
program.
The Agape Community Center opened in June of 1997 as an outreach ministry,the center now operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed
by representatives from neighborhoods, churches, and other community organizations. As it is the mission of the Agape Community Center to help neighborhoods
build communities, the center provides programs for the residents of the Bolton Road community in northwest Atlanta.
Councilman Willis shares in their belief of promoting self determination
and citizen empowerment.
This
year Councilman Willis hosted the 5th Annual ‘Swing Into Spring’
Youth Tennis Camp. This activity takes
place annually during the Atlanta Public Schools Spring Break, and is open to
young people ages 8-17. The camp was held at McGhee  Tennis Center located at 820 Beecher Court. ‘Swing Into Spring’ is free to all
participants. All camp participants were
provided with instruction, equipment, lunch and special prizes for their
participation.
The purpose for this outreach initiative was to encourage Atlanta’s young
people to spend their Spring Break constructively. ‘Swing Into Spring’ allows students who may have otherwise spent their
entire break at home to have the opportunity to meet new people, learn
a new sport and build self confidence.
This year’s sponsors were Coca Cola Enterprises, Global Concessions, Whole Foods, Jackmont Hospitality, Mack II, and Hojeij Branded Foods. For more information on
upcoming outreach activities please contact Adrian Smith at 404-330-6041.
Atlanta City Councilman H. Lamar Willis welcomed Philip K. Eure from the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law
Enforcement (NACOLE) on Tuesday, February 27th. Mr. Eure presented information regarding Councilman Willis’s desire to establish
a stronger and codified Citizen Review Board in Atlanta.
Councilman Willis and Mr. Eure, executive director
of the Office of Police Complaints in Washington, D.C. and board member and representative for NACOLE, discussed
the importance of police oversight bodies in addressing allegations of
police misconduct. Mr. Eure, who started the police oversight agency in Washington in 2001
and has led it ever since, is knowledgeable on the subject of citizen oversight
models. He assisted in answering questions posed by the Public
Safety/Legal Administration committee had before deciding on legislation
to codify a Citizen Review Board in the city of Atlanta. Mr.
Eure will stressed NACOLE's view that, in order for an oversight body to
be effective, the legislation establishing it should ensure that the office
has independence, expertise, adequate resources and authority, and public
transparency. The board, as proposed by city-wide Councilman Willis, is
to consider grievances from citizens who have complaints against any member of
the Bureau of Police services and recommend general reforms and/or specific actions against individuals.
"We owe it to our citizens and to the hardworking employees of our law
enforcement agencies to have a respectful, competent and unblinking oversight
body," Willis said. "In addition, we have to instill confidence in
our citizens that grievances against any of our
officers will be addressed in an honest and timely manner. Philip K.
Eure will share with us the best practices that we should implement to achieve
this all-important objective."
NACOLE exists to foster and share expertise, and to develop leadership
in the oversight community. NACOLE is the only organization of its kind
in the United States.
The legislation was authored by Councilman Willis and co-sponsored by Councilmembers
C.T. Martin and Ivory Lee Young, Jr.
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| Councilman H. Lamar Willis Welcomes Faith Leaders |
On March 10, 2007, Councilmember H. Lamar Willis along with Council members C.T. Martin and Mary Norwood hosted “The Spirit of Atlanta” an ecumenical breakfast attended by Atlanta’s spiritual leadership. At the meeting the members of various churches and religious organizations expressed their concerns about public safety, urban development and the sense of community in the City.
The group agreed that one of its key goals would be to link churches across
the city and unite their respective resources to provide a better sense
of connectivity in the religious community. The group set forth goals
for their next gathering and agreed to meet bimonthly.
The next meeting will be held May 19, 2007, at St. Peter Missionary Baptist
Church. If your church would like to send a representative to the May meeting
please have them contact Adrian Smith at 404-330-6041. All faith
leaders are encouraged to participate.
Reverend Durley greets Reverend Dr. Dwight
Andrews from First Congergational Church
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Legislation
authored by Councilman Willis establishing a codified Citizen Review Board was
approved by the Atlanta City Council by a vote of 14-0 on substitute as amended
by Full Council. (Reference #07-O-0141) The bill was cosigned by District 10
City Councilman C.T. Martin, and District 3 City Councilman Ivory Lee Young,
Jr.
The board, as envisioned by the Post 3 At-Large City Councilman H. Lamar
Willis, will consider grievances of citizens who have complaints against
any member of the Bureau of Police Services or the Department of Corrections
and recommend general reforms or specific actions against individuals.
“I am pleased that after several months of public hearings, research and
discussion with my colleagues, and members of our public safety departments,
this council has approved the creation of this important oversight panel,”
Willis said. “This is what the citizens of our city want and deserve.”
Willis also said it is important that allegations of misconduct by
any police or corrections officer be reviewed by a credible and independent
entity.
Currently
for more information please contact the office of Municipal Clerk Rhonda
Dauphin Johnson at (404) 330-6033. For consideration for an appointment
to the board please visit: http://www.atlantaga.gov/bca/onlineapplicant.aspx.
On Saturday, March
24th Councilwoman Mary Norwood and Councilman H. Lamar Willis joined together
to host a Town Hall meeting to discuss Atlanta's Urban Development.
Citizen's filled the Atlanta Gas & Light auditorium to have their voices
heard and concerns addressed by both Citywide Council members.
"Our city is fortunate to be experiencing unprecedented growth.
It is our responsibility to keep abreast of how this growth impacts our
city," said Willis, Post 3 At-Large. "This meeting will give
residents and developers the opportunity to learn and talk about some of
the critical issues we are facing as we plan for an even brighter future."
At the meeting both Council members declared their dedication to addressing
the future growth of Atlanta.
The meeting was co-sponsored by Atlanta Gas & Light and held in
the AGL Resources building located at 10 Peachtree Place, NE Atlanta, GA
30309. Senior Vice President of Engineering and Operations, Ralph
Cleveland greeted the group of more than 100. When thanked by the
Council members for their generosity in sponsorship, Mr. Cleveland stated
that it was AGL’s responsibility to be a supportive and responsible corporate
citizen.
Items on the agenda included:
The event was free and both breakfast and lunch were
served. For more information about materials relating to the event please
contact the office at (404) 330-6041.
The summer season is a great opportunity for youth to further engage
themselves in their communities. This year Councilman H. Lamar Willis will
host both College and High School students as interns in his office throughout
the summer season. The student should have an interest in public service and the desire
to participate in community activities. This opportunity will begin in June and continue through August. The application can be accessed at www.hlamarwillis.com or can be found at City Hall in suite 2900. For further information you
may email mafarrah@atlantaga.gov.
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