The Mayor
WHO WORKS FOR THE CITY? ROCHELLE ROBINSON diversity. History has shaped The Black Family to take many forms. Whether it is patriarchal, matriarchal, single or dual-headed households, blood relatives, or fictive kin, the black family is defined by the bonds that bring them together. And as we endured the hardships, unrest, and realities of 2020 we saw the true strength of those bonds as families and communities came together more than ever.
In February, we celebrate Black History Month. This celebration means so much to so many, particularly in our community. Black History Month is a time to remember the important contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout our country’s history. By remembering and celebrating these pioneers, we generate greater awareness of the trials and struggles that African Americans have overcome. In light of this past year and the challenges that we have faced as a nation, it becomes even more important to revisit our history and recognize where we started, how far we have come, and where we still need to go. For 2021, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the founders of Black History Month, announced this year’s theme is The Black Family. I believe this year’s theme is particularly appropriate for 2021. As we recognize the contributions and achievements of our shared past, we also acknowledge the historic and unprecedented times we are living in today. And we know that it is family that will help us to endure. The Black Family is often seen as a microcosm of African American culture. Strength is found in its complexity and
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Chapel Hill News & Views COMMUNITY | MAYOR
As Mayor, I am so proud of our Douglasville family and how we shined as a community this past year. When cities throughout the country were spiraling into violence and conflict, our families came together to show that our voices can be heard through peaceful action. It is those bonds of family, common experiences, and community pride that define us as a city. So as we take this moment to look back and celebrate the African American leaders and pioneers of the past that have shaped our lives today, we also recognize that we once again stand in historic times. We are living through a time that will surely be looked back on as a pivotal point in the history of our community. It is my hope that those looking back at us will see how we worked together to overcome the challenges of the day. They will see how the families came together to help and serve one another. They will see how the community stood as one, peacefully protesting against civil injustice. They will see that in Douglasville we are one family. We are a family of diverse opinions, backgrounds, and lifestyles, that still comes together as one to make a positive impact on the future of our community. With that, I wish blessings upon you and your families and urge everyone to join us in making that positive impact and adding to what already makes the City of Douglasville such a great place!
Each month I would like to introduce you to a City employee. This month it is my pleasure to recognize the Director of our Parks and Recreation Department, Travis Landrum. Our community parks have thrived during Mr. Landrum’s tenure with the city through the creation of innovative programming, improved services, and receiving national accreditation. In 2020 the Parks Department completed the long process of CAPRA Agency Accreditation with the National Recreation and Parks Association demonstrating that Mr. Landrum and his staff are providing the highest level of service to our community. More recently the Parks Department’s Athletics Division was certified as a “Better Sports For Kids Quality Program Provider” by the National Alliance for Youth Sports. Mr. Landrum completed the first of many park renovation projects in 2020 with the re-opening of the new Mill Village Park. Moving forward, there will be renovations at Willing Workers Community Club Park and Jessie Davis Park. Mr. Landrum has brought local, regional, and national recognition to our community parks, improved programming and services for our citizens, and demonstrated outstanding leadership within his department. For these reasons and more we are proud to have him as a part of our Douglasville family.
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