A Georgia Lawmaker Asked How Colleges Teach Privilege and Oppression Here s How They Responded chronicle.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chronicle.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Last month, Rep. Emory Dunahoo, R-Gillsville, sent a legislative request to Georgia colleges and universities asking: "what are Georgia’s universities and colleges teaching its students about White privilege?”
District 1 Commissioner Patrick Davenport went as far as to call the resolution an “insult” and, though he voted for it, he said he does not understand why Linnentown is “being put on a pedestal” when there are more recent incidents of similar actions against Black communities.
“I think this resolution is an insult to all the people who have suffered grievances by the government,” said Davenport.
Prior to Davenport’s comments, several other commissioners including District 9 Commissioner Ovita Thornton said that this resolution is a first step, but more needs to be addressed on the issues that allowed the dismantling of Linnentown.
Henry Queen | Staff Writer
The resolution states that the countyâs Justice and Memory Committee will determine the amount of intergenerational wealth lost to urban renewal, and make yearly recommendations to the mayor and commission for redress projects including affordable housing, economic development and public transportation. It also states that the county will work with the University System of Georgia to recognize Linnentownâs legacy and install a âwall of recognition.â
In addition, the county will seek a partnership with the USG to create a Center on Slavery, Jim Crow and the Future of Athens Black Communities.
Resolution resolved
The commission unanimously passed the resolution during a Tuesday special called session. Earlier this month, Mayor Kelly Girtz signed a proclamation officially apologizing for the countyâs role in destroying Linnentown.
Adonahi Meza was 7 years old when he and his sisters were brought to the United States from Mexico, much like 640,000 other undocumented children. Since 2004-2005, Meza has resided in Athens. During Mezaâs senior year of high school, he acquired a renewable two-year protection from deportation and eligibility for a work permit and driver s license through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which would allow him to attend Athens Technical College.
Shortly after being sworn into office, President Joe Biden sent a sweeping immgration proposal to Congress. The proposal calls for a fast-track path to citizenship for dreamers, temporary protection status holders and some immigrant farmworkers. For local DACA recipients and undocumented people, this brings forth faith.