City of Atlanta Seeks Public Input on Tribute for Former Mayor Shirley Franklin

Seeking Public Input on Honoring Former Mayor Shirley Franklin

ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta is embarking on an important mission: deciding how to honor former Mayor Shirley Franklin, who holds the distinction of being Atlanta’s first female mayor. This week, a special commission met to gather suggestions from the public on how best to recognize her contributions. The proposals have ranged from naming a street to dedicating a prominent building or even a park in her honor.

One particular voice that stood out during the meeting came from a student at Mays High School. This passionate student expressed a desire for a tribute that goes beyond what he termed the “typical naming of a road.” His sentiments reflect a broader wish from the community to ensure that Franklin’s legacy is celebrated in a meaningful and lasting way.

If you missed out on joining this week’s discussion, don’t worry! Another opportunity for public input is slated for October 11. Following these meetings, the committee will gather once more in late October to carefully review all the feedback they’ve collected. The goal? To present well-rounded recommendations to the full city council and Mayor Andre Dickens by November.

But that’s not all. For those who can’t attend the meetings, there’s a convenient online platform available for submitting suggestions. Your input is valuable, and this digital avenue ensures everyone’s voice can be heard. The suggested options are broad, allowing the community to think creatively about the best ways to pay tribute to Franklin’s legacy.

Preparing for Hurricane Helene

Meanwhile, Atlanta is bracing itself for some severe weather as Hurricane Helene makes its way closer. The city is already experiencing storms linked to a front that’s preceding Helene. As always with such treacherous weather conditions, preparations are crucial to ensure everyone’s safety.

**Tropical Storm Helene** was recently upgraded to a hurricane, a development that took place just shy of 11 a.m. this past Wednesday. With this intensification, the city and state officials are on high alert. Cancelling events and making early preparations are vital steps that the residents need to follow earnestly.

Residents should start preparing now for potential serious storms, flooding, and **power outages**. Safety kits, emergency supplies, and knowing evacuation routes can make a significant difference during these turbulent times.

Elsewhere, in a touching gesture of solidarity, the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina has opened its campgrounds to provide shelter for evacuees. This generous move highlights the communal spirit in times of crisis, ensuring that those in Helene’s potential path have a safe place to stay.

As we navigate both the celebration of a leader’s legacy and the precautionary measures against an impending hurricane, it’s a reminder of the diverse and dynamic character of our community. Engaging in civic duties, whether through honoring a significant figure like Shirley Franklin or preparing for natural events, showcases the resilience and unity of Atlanta.