Georgia Tech honors a man of ‘firsts’ – Justice Robert Benham
One of the most prestigious honors given annually is the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage.
This year, the honoree was retired Justice Robert Benham – the first African American to serve on Georgia’s Supreme Court.
Among his other firsts: Benham was the first African American to establish a law practice in Bartow County; the first African American to serve as president of the Bartow County Bar Association; the first African American judge on the Georgia State Court of Appeals; and the first African American to win a statewide election in Georgia since Reconstruction.
“Like other pioneers know too well, the price for being the first can be incredibly high,” said Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera. “Justice Benham admits it wasn’t easy. He faced discrimination, isolation, insults, and threats. But he didn’t stop. Instead, he let his love for the law, his dedication to his community and home state of Georgia, his commitment to country, and his pull to public service drive him, no matter the obstacles.”
Benham received the Prize on Feb. 8 at a luncheon at the historic Biltmore event space.
The Prize is named for former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen Jr., a Georgia Tech graduate who was the only white Southern elected official to testify in Congress in support of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Tom Glenn, a leader of the Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, spoke of the backlash and threats the former mayor received from some of his closest friends and associates for his progressive stand on integration and race. The Glenn Foundation funds the Ivan Allen Prize in perpetuity, and the award recipient receives a cash prize.
— Maria Saporta
CAU receives $50,000 grant from philanthropist, politician Marvin Arrington’s estate
Earlier this month, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) announced that they received a donation of $50,000 from the estate of alumnus, philanthropist, and former Atlanta City Council President Judge Marvin Arrington, Sr, who passed away last year.
Arrington attended Clark College on a football scholarship and supported CAU students and initiatives through his contributions and philanthropic projects.
“My years at Clark College proved a very rich experience. So many professors and coaches encouraged me to work hard, overcome obstacles and move forward,” recalls Arrington in his 2008 autobiography, “Making My Mark: The Story of a Man Wouldn’t Stay in His Place.”
Arrington’s daughter, Michelle Arrington, said that CAU was his first love, and she loved how he left his legacy through the HBCU.
— Allison Joyner
Chamblee receives governor’s circle recognition for beautification and environmental sustainability
Last week, the City of Chamblee announced that it received the 2023 Governor’s Circle Award for outstanding achievements in community beautification and environmental sustainability.
The city achieved a good standing from the Keep America Beautiful organization, which supervises state and local programming.
The Keep Chamblee Beautiful nonprofit was chartered in the early 1990s, which encouraged the city to place trash cans in the city parks.
“The recipients of this award have made a tremendous effort to achieve that vision, and we’re thrilled to recognize their achievements,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, Executive Director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation.
— Allison Joyner
Delta’s Valentine’s Day celebration
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian often says the best day to fly on the Atlanta-based carrier is on Valentine’s Day.
Yes. Love is in the air.
But Delta’s 100,000 employees this Valentine’s Day would tell you there were 1.4 billion reasons why this Feb. 14 was a great day to fly.
On that day, Delta distributed $1.4 billion to eligible employees as part of its annual profit-sharing program. The payout comes out to 10.4 percent of Delta employees’ annual earnings.
In short, when the airline makes money, the workers benefit financially.
Profit-sharing is becoming a fundamental part of Delta’s culture. Since the program began in 2007, Delta has now distributed $11 billion to its employees. This is the 7th time the annual payout has totaled more than $1 billion.
Because Atlanta is the airline’s largest hub and Georgia is Delta’s home state, the profit-sharing is particularly significant. Employees in Georgia received $595 million in the 2024 profit-sharing program – far more than any other state. The second-highest payout – $185 million – went to Delta employees in New York.
“Rewarding our people is fundamental to who we are at Delta,” Bastian said on the company’s website. “It’s always my No. 1 priority to take care of the Delta team, and today is a prime opportunity to recognize their dedication and efforts in 2023. This year’s $1.4 billion payout, along with our global annual celebrations, represent just one of the ways we’re able to demonstrate our gratitude and love for a well-deserving team.”
— Maria Saporta
Honorees to be celebrated at Morehouse College’s “A Candle in the Dark” gala
During its Founder’s Week commemoration, the Candle in the Dark Awards Gala recognizes outstanding alumni and non-alumni honorees who excel in their professions and communities.
Two awards will be presented. The first is called the “Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays “Bennie” Award, named in honor of the school’s most revered presidents, and will be awarded to several alumni, including actor 2006 graduate John David Washington.
The Candel Awards will be presented to Raymond McGuire, CEO of Lazard Ltd., for lifetime achievement in business and philanthropy and Mack Wilbourn, Owner and President of Mack II, for achievement in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
The gala will be held at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel. Click to purchase tickets.
— Allison Joyner
YMCA of Metro Atlanta Opens Registration for 2024 Summer Day Camps
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta recently announced registration is open for summer camp day sessions at its 18 locations across Metro Atlanta. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration can be completed online or in person at Y locations.
The day camp program focuses on social-emotional learning while providing campers with the opportunity to express themselves and build successful relationships with others. The Y’s traditional day camps include challenging and fun activities that feature weekly themes, promote personal growth and encourage campers to have fun with their peers. Based on each camp location, campers can experience additional activities such as archery, canoe rides and more.
“The YMCA of Metro Atlanta summer day camp program provides a unique experience allowing children to expand their interests and learn new skills in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “We are proud to offer programs that build children’s self-esteem and independence.”
In addition to traditional day camps, the Y offers specialty camps, which include sports, STEAM, teen leadership, swimming and more. Individuals may register for traditional camps on a daily or weekly basis, while specialty camps require weekly sign-ups. Click here for registration and more information.
— Derek Prall
Agnes Scott hosts musical that helps kids understand how money works
From Feb. 22 to 25, Agnes Scott’s Department of Creative Arts will host the show “Million Bazillion: The Musical” at the Winter Theater.
Based on the podcast of the same name, the show is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts Research Grants in the Arts study the effects of a musical theater production on the financial literacy of elementary school students.
The musical features a series of interrelated scenes in which four “big kids” are learning about money.
“I had wanted to develop a show for young audiences that used theater to help them understand important ideas, but I hadn’t considered working on a play about money and the economy until I started listening to the podcast,” said Toby Emert, writer and director of the musical.
This family-friendly show makes learning about money and fun for all ages.
The show will have five performances and is free for children 12 and under and $8 for those over 13.
Click here to purchase tickets.
— Allison Joyner
