Closer Look: Hosea Helps Pt. 1 — The Legacy of Hosea Williams; Dr. Meria Carstarphen; Religious Liberty Legislation
January 8, 2019
Tuesday on “Closer Look with Rose Scott”:
0:00: Rose gives a news brief about how the Atlanta City Council’s first full meeting of 2019 yesterday brought with it some new legislation — including an ordinance regulating dockless e-scooters. Riders are required to ride the e-scooters on streets and not sidewalks. Plus, scooter companies will now have to pay for permits, and risk being fined up to $1,000 a day for violations. This is the first time the City of Atlanta has formally cracked down on the two-wheeled vehicles.
Plus, the Council will also consider a new, proposed deal between the City and Atlanta Public Schools for financing the Gulch. In November, City Council approved a plan to let CIM Group redevelop the Gulch. Now, APS has agreed to give up property taxes it would earn through the site until the year 2038. In return, the city will reimburse APS for some construction costs. We speak with APS Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen to hear about the new agreement.
12:05: For the past few years, Republicans in the Georgia Senate have pushed forward Religious Freedom Restoration Act legislation, which would, in part, allow organizations to opt out of anti-discrimination requirements on the basis of “religious liberty.” Governor Nathan Deal has, in the past, opposed the legislation and vetoed a “religious liberty” bill in 2016. This year, with a new incoming state administration, efforts to pass a religious freedom act may be resurrected in the General Assembly. Joining us to explain the complexities of the legislation is Maggie Garrett, a policy expert on religious freedom acts and chair of the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination (CARD).
Maggie Garrett, a policy expert on religious freedom acts and chair of the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination (CARD), talks about a religious freedom act that could come back in the General Assembly. Photo credit: Emilia Brock
26:56: Hosea Helps has gained a reputation as one of the leading non-profits providing care for Atlanta’s poor and homeless population. And it all started with one man: civil rights leader and activist, Hosea Williams. We hear Part One of a conversation with Elisabeth Omilami, current CEO of Hosea Helps and Williams’ daughter, as she reflects on her father’s legacy and the mission he started more than 45 years ago.
Closer Look is produced by Candace Wheeler, Emilia Brock and Grace Walker.
