The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms makes a difference in her community each and everyday.
Throughout her career, Bottoms has utilized passion for every project she’s embarked on. Within a couple months of taking office, she’s accomplished a lot including eliminating cash bail bond, appointments of an LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator and a Human Trafficking Fellow, and much more. The politician credits her success to how much time she’s spent educating herself. In fact, Atlanta’s 60th mayor received her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University and her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law.
For this year’s REVOLT Summit, there will be a political panel, which will offer advice on the importance of voicing your thoughts in the 2020 election. For this component, Bottoms will be joined by rapper/activist T.I. and political journalist Eboni K. Williams.
In honor of the occasion, we here at REVOLT have rallied reasons as to why Bottoms is the truth based on her accomplishments and the ideas she advocates for. Browse through them below.
1. Bottoms issued a 30 percent pay raise to police officers
Back in October of 2018, Bottoms issued a 30 percent pay raise to cops. This marks the first time in the department’s history that officer wages became competitive with other agencies in the region. Bottoms believes that a pay raise was long overdue. “It is time for the city of Atlanta to take care of those who take care of us, which is why our administration will immediately get to work to provide Atlanta’s officers with the compensation they deserve,” she said.
2. Bottoms created DOT
Five months ago, Bottoms announced that she was creating the city’s first Department of Transportation to address Atlanta’s most pressing issues: potholes and traffic. The goal behind the project is to enhance connectivity between neighborhoods. With the creation of more reliable transportation options, residents will have greater access to jobs, schools and other city services.
“Every aspect of our mass transit system must be improved in order for our city to meet the demands of our growing communities,” Mayor Bottoms said. “Improving mobility not only makes it easier to get around Atlanta—it helps level the playing field for all Atlantans to thrive and get ahead in a 21st-century economy. This newly created office provides a space for experts to convene and strategize how we can implement greater efficiency, and support the transportation needs of residents.”
3. Bottoms understands the importance of being a woman in power
During an interview with Rolling Out, Bottoms shared that there is a lot of pressure on her, especially being a woman. The Atlanta native is proud that she is a woman who young girls can look up to. As her career unfolds, she wants to encourage those around her to take advantage of every opportunity in life.
“As the 60th mayor, I am proud to lead on a world stage many watch,” Bottoms shared. “However, there are real heroes in the lives of black girls everyday. They are the mothers who make it happen in spite of their circumstances. They are the women who stood in the gap as role models. They are the teachers and volunteers who often believe bigger things for them than they can yet see for themselves.”
4. Bottoms launched the “100 Men to Mentors” challenge
Mayor Bottoms believes that men should be inspired by the young kids around them. With the creation of the “100 Men to Mentors” challenge, the politician encourages men to help create a city where boys believe they can become anything they desire. While on Instagram, Bottoms encouraged all male figures to take advantage of the life-changing opportunity.
“I am proud to announce our 100 Men to Mentors Challenge in conjunction with the relaunch of Atlanta’s @MBK_Alliance,” she once wrote on IG. “Right now, there are 100 Atlanta boys, ages 6-14, on a waiting list for mentors through @BBBSatl. That is why I am asking 100 men in Atlanta to say YES to these 100 boys!”
5. Bottoms uses her platform to speak out against gun violence
In today’s society, gun control is a major issue and Bottoms uses her platform to educate her followers on the reality of gun violence. In an Instagram post, she admitted that anyone can be affected by this ongoing problem. As she continues in her position, Bottoms is hopeful that a solution is in the near future.
“Whether a 19-year-old like Omarion Banks, or 33-year-old celebrity like Nipsey Hussle, the loss of their lives to senseless gun violence is equally tragic. ‘We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools,’” she wrote as her Instagram caption.
If you love Atlanta stars and hip hop, you’ll definitely want to join us and AT&T in the ATL on Sept. 12- Sept. 14 for our three-day REVOLT Summit, which was created to help rising moguls reach the next level. Head to REVOLTSummit.com for more info and to get your passes now!
More from Dayna Heffenden: