Residents and officials gather on the statehouse steps for photos as they mark "Clayton County Day" on March 26, 2025 (DorMiya Vance/WABE).
Residents from Atlanta’s Southside made their mark on Wednesday by hosting the first-ever “Clayton County Day” at the Georgia State Capitol.
An audience of citizens and officials from the county and state gathered on the main floor of the statehouse building, where several leaders and lawmakers discussed ongoing efforts in Clayton.
State Rep. Yasmin Neal, who represents a portion of the county, informed the crowd about her recent win in securing refunds and rent reductions for seniors. It’s a victory that she worked with state investigators to achieve earlier this year.
“It has been an honor to have been able to answer the call to service in this moment – this is what service is about,” Neal said in a February press release. “Elected officials cannot stand by while our citizens are harmed. We must act, and we must do something.”
Clayton County Day was also a way to reconnect residents with actions and lawmakers at the statehouse.
“I just think that bringing us all here together is just a way to find out and bridge those gaps,” said newly installed Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Alieka Anderson-Henry. “That way our citizens will know what’s going on up here and on the local level as well.”
Anderson-Henry is the first-ever Black female chair of the board. The celebratory day under the Gold Dome further aligns with her goals as the board’s new leader. Towards the end of the ceremony, State Sen. Kenya Wicks and Neal presented the chairwoman with a resolution commending Clayton’s work and growth.
Clayton County’s new Board of Commissioners Chair Dr. Alieka Anderson-Henry (center) receives a resolution commending the county’s work alongside Sate representatives, including Eric Bell, Yasmin Neal, and Kenya Wicks (left) (DorMiya Vance/WABE).
Others in attendance, like Danielle Smith, the county’s first-ever Black female tax commissioner, expressed gratitude as she spoke from the podium.
“When we start really realizing who we are—man, Clayton is amazing, and I’m truly glad to be here,” she said. “I’m excited about where we’re headed.”
