America's largest caucus of black legislators gathered at Augusta State University on Friday night to honor America's heroes and connect with voters.
The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, which has 48 members, will be at Paine College and the Medical College of Georgia today.
On Friday, the caucus awarded a group of Fort Gordon military personnel for their service.
"We have two active combats under way right now, and they are daily sacrificing their lives to protect and to serve," Sen. Ed Tarver of Augusta said.
For the rest of the weekend, the lawmakers will hear the concerns of Augusta's constituents, said the group's chairman, Sen. Emanuel Jones of Decatur.
"All too often we're accused of being held captive in the gold dome," Mr. Jones said. "It's critical that we go out into the community and speak with people honestly and frankly."
Rep. Hardie Davis of Augusta said he has fielded several questions about the General Assembly having a special session, but he doesn't expect one.
"The governor's office wants to continue with budget cuts across the board," he said. "I don't agree with that, but we will have to continue on with what the governor has put into place."
First Sgt. Ulysses Rayford said he was happy to be honored Friday. He also spoke with the legislators about some issues.
"They're working with colleges, but I'm concerned about the students in high school and elementary," he said. "I want to know what they're going to do about funding, because with our graduation rates, we need to get on top of that."
Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
TODAY'S schedule
9 A.M.: Paine College breakfast, town hall meeting
1 P.M.: MCG campus tour
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I wonder what would be said if you had a white caucus just honoring white troops and just dealing with issues pertaining
to white issues. The name Georgia black legislature caucus
suggests that it is for blacks, sounds racist to me!
You know, dickworth, I had the exact same thought reading this article. I also wonder how much tax money the gentlemen are drawing while the are "black caucusing"? and how much "black caucusing" would they be doing if they weren't drawing their special dispensation? It's good to know that they're doing the job they were elected and paid to do, but this apparent promotion of racism seems contrary to what they claim to want for their constituents.
ahhh yes...........
Why don't you all go to meeting check it out and bring back a report if you are that intrested.
i am optimistic regarding this particular group only because Sen Ed Tarver is among their leaders. I dont think he falls in with the normal (i estimate 85%) black politicos with respect to hating whitey & blaming him for everything that has ever happened negatively on this planet...however when he gets the federal appointment who will take his place?? i am hoping Alvin Mason (another fine man with intelligence and integrity) may be willing to throw his hat into the ring..... the fact that many white augustans admire and respect him is probably going to hurt him in the black community. ISNT THAT A SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS? But the day is coming when the sunday is no longer going to be segregated & all Christians are going to unite then the racist on both sides will be left to fight among themselves...in HELL....
Since it seems as if we are going to go back to judging people based on the color of rather than the content of their character, does this mean that the next MLK day holiday is cancelled? I've was in the military and I can't tell you how many diversity, sexual harrasment, relgious tolerance training sessions that you have to go to. If I had tried to organize a class that consisted of showing ( insert whatever group that you would be most offended by here ) acting in a sterotypical and negative manner I would have been 86ed on the spot. Check it peeps, not all white people are racists, and to persume otherwise is counterproductive to good relations between us all.
Both black and white troops were honored at this event. And this particular event was not just for African-Americans.