Atlanta Celebrates a Decade of Civic Innovation with a Nod to ‘Good Trouble’
It was a memorable night at Atlanta’s Plaza Theatre on December 12, as the Center for Civic Innovation (CCI) marked its 10-year anniversary. The organization’s annual awards, dubbed the “Good Trouble Honors,” were nothing short of a spectacular tribute to the spirit of making positive change in the face of adversity — a notion inspired by the late U.S. Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.
The founder and executive director of the center, Rohit Malhotra, reminisced about asking Lewis how he managed to keep the momentum for change going in tough times. In true John Lewis fashion, he said, “In the midst of protest, we must also leave room for dancing, for singing, for love, for joy.” And on this joyous night, joy truly took center stage.
Recognizing Atlanta’s Change-Makers
The event was a salute to 10 individuals and organizations that have been stirring up what Lewis called “necessary good trouble” in Atlanta and beyond. The awards were categorized into areas like Policy Innovation, Organizing and Advocacy, Investing, and Democracy and Transparency. A new addition this year also spotlighted the Inaugural Youth Advocate Award.
Spotlight on Policy Innovators
Highlighted under Policy Innovation were Barred Business and Motherhood Beyond Bars. Barred Business focuses on aiding formerly incarcerated people — spearheaded by formerly incarcerated Black women — as they navigate the system’s unfair hurdles. In tandem, Motherhood Beyond Bars passionately supports incarcerated mothers and their children, ensuring connections and care for both during challenging times.
Organizing and Advocacy Champions Unveiled
Honorees in the Organizing and Advocacy category included Allison Johnson from the Housing Justice League and the Feminist Women’s Health Center. Johnson, admired for turning her personal trials into crusades for justice, called on Atlanteans for support, proclaiming, “This is a call to action.” Similarly, the Feminist Women’s Health Center holds its ground amidst threats, providing essential reproductive services to the Atlanta community.
Two-Way Democracy and Transparency Parade
Under Democracy and Transparency, the stage saw WRFG 89.3 and the Referendum Coalition receiving accolades. WRFG 89.3, Atlanta’s progressive volunteer-powered radio station, prides itself on spotlighting underrepresented issues and music genres. Meanwhile, the Referendum Coalition demonstrated what civic action could achieve by gathering over 116,000 signatures to push for a public vote on the city’s controversial police training center.
Investing in Communities for Future Success
The Investment category celebrated the Metro Atlanta Mutual Aid Fund — with over $800,000 distributed in COVID-19 relief programs — and Dr. Janelle Williams, co-founder of Kindred Futures, for advancing Black wealth and prosperity.
Honoring Young Voices
The evening also saw Michaela Shelton take home the inaugural Youth Advocacy Award for encouraging active voting, particularly on education equity, proving that young voices are forces to be reckoned with.
A Special Surprise for a Particularly Giving Leader
An unexpected twist came when Malhotra announced that the funds raised during their advocacy call would support none other than KaCey Venning of Helping Empower Youth (HEY!). An organization dedicated to Atlanta’s Black youth, Venning has long been a silent powerhouse in advocating for young people’s needs.
With such an electric atmosphere filled with music and positive energy, the event was a heartfelt celebration of those daring to ‘envision the future’ through transformative acts of ‘Good Trouble.’
