Hello L. David,
February is a time for us to all recognize the contribution Black Americans have made to our society as we celebrate Black History Month.
I am deeply humbled to be a part of Gwinnett's history as one of the first two Black men to serve on the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. And I'm fortunate to serve alongside Gwinnett's first Black chairwoman, Nicole Love Hendrickson.
In January, I provided a State of District 3 at the Lawrenceville Rotary Club and took part in a troop send off at Gwinnett Central High School. I would like to personally thank those troops and all those currently serving or who have served in our armed forces for their service to our great country.
As we enter February, we have so much to celebrate and recognize the ways Black Americans have fueled our success as a community and country. We have some exciting news and Black History Month events happening in Gwinnett. Keep reading to learn more about some exciting events we have in February.
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Happening Around Gwinnett
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Board approves Notice of Intent to Call for a Referendum
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners took a significant step toward improving mobility by unanimously approving a notice of intent to call for a referendum. As outlined in Georgia law, this action is required before the Board can officially call for a transit referendum to be placed on the November 2024 ballot.
An integral aspect of the plan proposes a shift in the County’s current mobility funding model to a one percent dedicated sales tax. A Transit SPLOST aims to distribute financial responsibility more equitably among all residents, businesses, and visitors, alleviating the burden on Gwinnett’s property owners. The County will submit the referendum project list from the Atlanta Regional Transit Plan to the Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority for approval during the ATL Board Meeting on Thursday, February 1.
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Celebrate Black History Month in Gwinnett
Gwinnett County invites you to celebrate Black History Month at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville on Tuesday, February 20 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This year's theme is "Black Arts and Culture in Gwinnett".
During this year's celebration, we will commemorate the achievements, contributions, and history of Gwinnett's Black residents, and how the use of music, dance, literature, poetry, and more compose a beautiful and awe-inspiring story about the Black experience in Gwinnett and the United States. Reserve your spot for this year's celebration at GwinnettCounty.com/BHMCelebration.
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Gwinnett hosting poll worker hiring events
Residents who want to be involved in the elections process and earn up to $440 per election are invited to two poll official hiring events in February. The first event will take place on Monday, February 5 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Bogan Park Community Recreation Center in Buford. The second event will take place on Monday, February 12 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Lilburn Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library in Lilburn.
During the event, attendees must complete an I-9 form and bring the required original identification documents for verification. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen, and be able to read, write, and speak English. They also must be a Gwinnett County resident or be a Gwinnett County Government employee and have access to a computer for required online training. If you are unable to attend the poll hiring events, please apply online.
Gwinnett organiza eventos de contratación para trabajadores electorales
Los residentes que quieran participar en el proceso electoral y ganar hasta $440 por elección están invitados a dos eventos de contratación de trabajadores electorales en Febrero. El primer evento será el Lunes, 5 de Febrero de 4:00pm a 7:00pm en el Bogan Park Community Recreation Center en Buford. El segundo evento será el Lunes, 12 de Febrero de 4:00pm a 7:00pm en la Sucrusal de Lilburn de la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Gwinnett.
Durante el evento, los asistentes deberán completar un formulario I-9 y traer los documentos de identificación originales requeridos para su verificación. Los solicitantes deben tener al menos 16 años, ser ciudadanos estadounidenses, y poder leer, escribir, y hablar inglés. También deben ser residentes del Condado de Gwinnett o empleados del Gobierno del Condado de Gwinnett y tener acceso a una computadora para la capacitación en línea requerida. Si no puedes asistir a los eventos de contratación, puedes aplicar en línea.
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Register to vote in 2024 elections
With election season now underway, it's crucial to register to vote now. Georgia residents wishing to register must be U.S. citizens, legal residents of their voting county, and at least 18 years of age by Election Day. The deadline to register to vote in the March 12 Presidential Preference Primary is Monday, February 12. Check your registration status, download a voter registration application, view sample ballots, and locate your polling location at MVP.SOS.GA.gov.
Inscríbete a votar en las elecciones de 2024
Con la temporada electoral en marcha, es crucial inscribirse para votar ahora. Los residentes de Georgia que deseen inscribirse deben ser ciudadanos estadounidenses, residentes legales de su condado electoral y tener al menos 18 años de edad antes del día de las elecciones. La fecha límite para inscribirse para votar en las Primarias de Preferencia Presidencial del 12 de Marzo es el Lunes 12 de Febrero. Verifica el estado de tu inscripción electoral, descarga una aplicación de inscripción de votantes, revisa boletas de muestra y ubica tu lugar de votación en MVP.SOS.GA.gov.
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Apply for Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy
Applications for Gwinnett 101's Spring Cohort are open! Get the inside scoop on how Gwinnett County Government provides services to its one million residents by enrolling in the Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy!
This 12-week program gives engaged residents, students, and business owners a behind-the-scenes look at County operations. Participants will meet County and community leaders, tour County facilities, and more! To be considered, apply at Gwinnett101.com by Friday, March 1.
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Visit Gwinnett's Black History Month Exhibit
Gwinnett County invites you to explore the 2024 Black History Month Exhibit in the atrium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. This year's theme is "Black Arts and Culture in Gwinnett".
During this year's Black History Month Exhibit, the County will display the achievements, contributions, and history of Gwinnett's Black residents, and how the use of art, fashion, literature, and more illustrate a beautiful and awe-inspiring story about the Black experience in Gwinnett and the United States. The exhibit is open to the public for all of February during normal business hours of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center atrium.
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Apply for the Gwinnett Youth Commission
Applications for Gwinnett Youth Commission's 2024 – 2025 term are now open! The Gwinnett Youth Commission is a year-long leadership development program for high school-age students in Gwinnett County.
The Gwinnett Youth Commission focuses on personal and professional development, civic engagement, and public service. Youth commissioners are representative voices of the County's youth and serve as representatives to elected officials. Applications must be submitted by Friday, April 5. For more information and to apply, visit GwinnettCounty.com.
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Beware of rental assistance scams
Gwinnett Health and Human Services warns against rental assistance scams. While OneStop 4 Help supports residents with rental assistance, we do not call customers to request money for rental assistance application fees. If someone claiming to be a Gwinnett County employee requests money via CashApp or similar apps, do not send money – hang up.
For concerns, call our office at 770.822.8850.
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Special Events and Happenings
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Gardening 101 & Volunteer Workday
Saturday, February 10 from noon to 2:00pm
Free! Join Harvest Gwinnett for a Gardening 101 volunteer workday. Activities offered during each work session will vary but may include planting, watering, fertilizing, composting, weeding, and much more. Join other gardeners of all skill levels and give back to your community while also strengthening your garden skills. All ages are welcome. Register here. Vines Park Gardens, 3500 Oak Grove Road, Loganville.
Mad About You: Valentine's Dance
Saturday, February 10 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Love is in the air! Enjoy a night out with family and friends at the Mad About You: Valentine's Dance. The event will include dancing, games, refreshments, photo opportunities, and a Valentine station. All ages are welcome. Resident Fee: $12; Non-resident Fee: $19. Register here. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.
Explore Black History Bus Tour
Saturday, February 17 from 10:00am to 2:00pm
Join the United Ebony Society on its annual Black History Month Bus Tour. The tour will explore the rich history of African-American culture in Gwinnett. Pack your lunch to enjoy at any one of the stops along the way. All ages are welcome. Resident Fee: $11; Non-resident Fee: $21. Register here. Bus will depart from the Lawrenceville Female Seminary located at 455 South Perry Street in Lawrenceville.
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