The Atlanta City Council honored one of the strongest thorns in its side when it announced that July 15 was “Ben Howard Appreciation Day.”
Elected officials, community leaders and friends gathered in the Atlanta City Hall chambers where Howard received three proclamations.
The proclamations were timed to coincide with Howard’s 80th birthday, which was July 16.
Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond (Post 1-at-large), who presented the proclamation to Howard, described him as “one who speaks truth to power, who is not afraid to go to Caesar and demand that Caesar does well for his people… someone who is not afraid of the halls of power and knows that only when something is demanded of it, will power concede.”
Council members Kwanza Hall (District 2), Natalyn Archibong (District 5), CT Martin (District 10), Keisha Lance Bottoms (District 11), and Council President Ceasar Mitchell made remarks in honor of Howard.
Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts (District 2) presented the proclamation from the county. The commissioner expressed his appreciation for Howard serving as his personal representative on Fulton County’s Commission on Elderly Affairs (COEA) where Howard is working to improve the quality of life of senior citizens throughout the county. Pitts told Howard that the Board of Commissioners “could not do what we do without people like you.”
State Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas (D-Atlanta), presented a proclamation in honor of Howard’s birthday. Thomas then led the group in a spirited verse of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday.”
Also attending the ceremony to honor Howard were Ray Abram of Neighborhood Planning Unit R, activist Steve Carr, Atlanta Progressive News Editor Matthew Charles Cardinale, Melinda Isreal of QLS, Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education candidate Anne McKenzie, Jim Schneider of the Atlanta Planning and Advisory Board, activist Ron Shakir, Jawara Uzachi of the Purpose Driven Men of QLS, and writer Patricia “Ma’ma Ajike” Williams.
Many spoke of having been touched by Howard’s spirit and commitment, which has inspired and motivated them for be more responsible citizens…
Read More: atlantaprogressivenews.com
