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Executive Summary

Augusta Georgia Annual Conference Social Action Committee

Presented to Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and the 109th Session of The Augusta Georgia Annual Conference A Blueprint for Change In 2023 And Beyond

Introduction: The 2023 Social Action Committee Report chronicles the historic work of the August Conference churches and members in six priority areas: 1) Election Protection, Voter Engagement and Redistricting, 2) Criminal Justice Reform, 3) Economic Justice-Home Ownership and Generational Wealth, 4) Health Justice, 5) Environmental Justice, 6) Education Equity. Recommendations comprising our “Blueprint for Change in 2023 and Beyond” are included in our narrative.

Election Protection, Voter Engagement and Redistricting: Local churches partnered with Faith Works, a 2.6-million-dollar effort founded by Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and other leaders to surged voter engagement and turnout. Get out the vote efforts, souls to the polls, along with early voting and election day vote assistance was offered by nearly every church in the district. The district and local church Social Action Committees monitored the 2020 redistricting process partnering with Fair Fight Action and other groups. Members attended hearings, wrote letters, and spoke to officials advocating an end to Gerrymandering. Get out the vote drives were conducted in nearly every church in the district.

Key Recommendations: 1) We continue to mount sustained opposition to the following voter suppression measures: SB221, HB422 HB426. 2) Establish a robust voter education program for the district. 3) Devise a candidate questionnaire to discover where office seekers stand on key issues that impact our community.

Criminal Justice Reform: Throughout the state of Georgia police brutality, mass incarceration, gun, and gang violence, protecting the rights of juveniles, debtors’ prison, wrongful convictions, mental health behavioral challenges and prison/jail abuses remain life threatening issues for African Americans. State and federal governments are aware of this disparity, and researchers and policymakers are studying the drivers behind the statistics and what strategies might be employed to address the disparities, ensuring even-handed processes at all points in the criminal justice system. Working with law enforcement, district attorneys and the courts our local churches have been advocating for reform. Focusing on police brutality, mass incarceration, gun, and gang violence we are sustained by God’s grace in the small but steady progress of our efforts.

Key Recommendations: 1) Continued analysis of training, documentation, and reporting at all levels to ensure fairness and equity in the criminal justice system. 2) The initiation of bias training, along with, centralized reporting of DEI incidents and complaints. 3) Increase awareness via workshops, rallies, and other forums, including social media.

Economic Justice: Home Ownership/Generational Wealth: Black Americans continue to lag in the housing market. A 2021 National Association of Realtors study revealed Black Americans had the smallest increase in homeownership comparative to any other racial sector in America. Presently, in Georgia, with a median Black household income of $44,500 and a Black renter rate of 53%, the opportunity to impact and improve the homeowner’s landscape is great, therefore, we recommend the following proposal as we initiate the dialogue to lift our Black community out of the cycle of housing asset poverty. Working with various partners the local church continues to initiate the dialogue to lift our Black community out of the cycle of housing asset poverty.

Key Recommendations:

1) With the CHURCH voice of advocacy, a widespread reform campaign for change in policies and programs at all governmental levels can work. This includes assisting with down payments, counseling with credit repair, and modeling home budget strategies, etc., that can prepare those who don’t currently qualify in the home mortgage process to do so, which leads to home ownership.

2)The 21st Century Homestead Act, to create homeownership opportunities, would be an excellent model for the church to embrace, endorse, engage, and encourage for the creation of affordable housing as we address the HOMEOWNERSHIP/GENERATION WEALTH gap in our communities.

Health Justice: Last year, the SAC recommended intentional advocacy, education, awareness, and public policy engagement on the local, state, and federal levels to help reduce racial disparities that exist in health care access. We continue to recommend sustained and aggressive strategies to ensure equity in vaccine distribution, medical access, and education in rural communities. CDC data reveals the leading cause of death for African Americans is Heart Disease, Cancer, COVID 19. MDVIP states that 3.2 million African Americans have diabetes. The disparity comes with the cost of insulin and ability to obtain. The Insulin Affordability and Inflation Reduction Act was passed that capped the monthly cost of insulin for Medicare enrollees. The committee continues to monitor legislation on all economic levels. Several, of our, rural churches have obtained grants, establishing small clinics providing basic health needs. These tiny but mighty steps aligned with our strategies of advocacy, education, awareness, and public policy engagement in the fight for health justice.

Key Recommendations: 1) Educational Campaign: Continued sponsorship of presentations, workshops and social media presence promoting health. 2) Political Action: Lobbying and advocacy for health justice policies. 3) Youth Initiatives: Raise awareness regarding suicide prevention, gun violence, infant mortality along with behaviors to improve health.

Environmental Justice: Environmental justice is an important issue in Georgia, where many communities have been disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and degradati on, particularly low-income communities, and communities of color. According to the Georgia Environmental Justice Policy Alliance, the state ranks 9th in the nation for toxic air emissions and is home to some of the highest concentrations of hazardous waste sites in the country. Given the significant impacts of environmental injustice in Georgia, it is crucial that communities and organizations take action to promote environmental sustainability and equity. From composting, to recycling to environmentally sound guarding our members have taken the lead in initiating environmental justice in their lives. The social action committee continues to fight against the injustices that pollution bring to our communities.

Key Recommendations: 1) Continue to raise awareness about environmental justice issues. 2) Educate members on sustainable environmental practices.

Education Equity: During these uncertain times in which the very nature of the ways in which African American History can be legally taught are in peril. The accurate and full teaching of African American history, culture and contribution to the United States is under attack. Local churches are combating this attack by teaching black history beyond February and infusing black history into church school, Bible study and sermons.

Key Recommendations: 1) In 2023 and beyond the Augusta Conference churches continue its Partners-in-Education initiative with local schools and local boards of education to influence and promote curriculum policies on the teaching of African American History. 2)We continue to encourage and equip churches to teach Black History. 3) We lobby local school boards, the state board of education and the Georgia Board of Regents for inclusive and truth telling histories.

Summary: At our core, the AME Church is a Christian social justice movement. With the actions of Richard Allen, Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and countless others as examples. We are inspired by the work of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God as we do this sacred work.

Respectfully Submitted the Augusta Conference Social Action Committee: Rev. Rosetta Johnson Mackey, Rev. Daniel Thomas, Jr., Rev. Augusta Hall, Rev. Willie Crew, Rev. David Walker, Rev. Clarence Jackson, Rev. Terrie Patterson, Rev. Dennis Roberts, Rev. Marben Bland, Rev. Pamela Hobbs, Sis. Bebe Shellman, Sis. Terrie Kelley, Evangelist Angela Booker, Sis. Diane Brinson, Bro. Emanuel Larkin, Jr., Bro. Donald Jenkins. Contributing writers: Rev. Dr. Wilhelmina Jordan, Rev. Chekibe Holman, Rev. James Lawson, Rev. Samuel Cooper, Dr. Katheryn Davis.

Augusta Georgia Annual Conference Social Action Committee

Presented to Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and the 109th Session of The Augusta Georgia Annual Conference

A Blueprint for Change In 2023 And Beyond

Guiding Scripture: Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. Isaiah 1:17

Augusta Georgia Annual Conference Social Action Committee Rev. Rosetta Johnson Mackey, Rev. Daniel Thomas, Jr., Rev. Augusta Hall, Jr., Rev. Willie Crew, Rev. David Walker, Rev. Clarence Jackson, Rev. Terrie Patterson, Rev. Dennis Roberts, Rev. Marben Bland, Rev. Pamela Hobbs, Sis. Bebe Shellman, Sis. Terrie Kelley, Evangelist Angela Booker, Sis. Diane Brinson, Bro. Emanuel Larkin, Jr., Bro. Donald Jenkins. Contributing writers: Rev. Dr. Wilhelmina Jordan, Rev. Chekibe Holman, Rev. James Lawson, Rev. Samuel Cooper, Dr. Katheryn Davis.

INTRODUCTION:

Inspired by Bishop Jackson and Episcopal Supervisor Christy Davis Jackson, the Augusta Conference has been active and responsive, grappling with the systemic and structural challenges rooted in racial and economic inequality. His leadership model of standing as a voice for the voiceless and a champion for civil and human rights continues to influence social justice policy decisions across the national landscape. As we continue to honor the historical legacy of The AME Church through the efforts of The Sixth Episcopal District and the guidance of our episcopal leadership, we pledge to remain a steadfast and unmovable presence. We are committed to tackling critical social justice issues adversely impacting African Americans and other vulnerable populations.

2023 MOVING FORWARD:

This 2023 Social Action Committee Report builds upon last year’s recommendations despite the onslaught of many complex issues Local pastors and churches in the Augusta Georgia Conference under the leadership of Presiding Elder’s, the Rev. Dr. Toni Belin Ingram and Rev. Heyward White have worked with imagination, energy, and resilience. Throughout the conference year we have financially supported, provided comfort, and collectively grieved with families experiencing the loss of loved ones due to COVID-19, hosted vaccine sites, responded to food insecurity challenges by preparing and distributing food for families in need. We have responded to Calls to Action to support the family of Ahmaud Abery and to pursue justice for Ahmaud. We have hosted conversations to address the issue of police and gun violence and other workshops in partnership with law enforcement officials. We have partnered with elected officials and community leaders to develop advocacy strategies to address economic disparities in the communities. We convened conversations to educate communities about racial disparities in health access. We’ve provided rental assistance to help offset the affordable housing crisis. We have conducted voter registration drives, participated in redistricting workshops, and stayed focused on voter suppression challenges intended to restrict access to the ballot box

We, therefore, recommend the following six priorities to be further developed within Committee’s throughout the conference year: Voting Rights and Civic Participation, Criminal Justice Reform, Economic Justice-Home Ownership and Generational Wealth, Health Justice, Environmental Justice, and a commitment to work on Education Equity in the new conference year.

ELECTION PROTECTION, VOTER ENGAGEMENT and REDISTRICTING:

The late Georgia Congressman John Lewis said it best. “The vote is precious; it is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society. And we have to use it.” Local churches partnered with Faith Works, a 2.6-million-dollar effort founded by Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and other leaders to surged voter engagement and turnout. Get out the vote efforts, souls to the polls, along with early voting and election day vote assistance was offered by nearly every church in the conference. The district and local church Social Action Committees monitored the 2020 redistricting process partnering with Fair Fight Action and other groups. Members attended hearings, wrote letters, and spoke to officials advocating an end to Gerrymandering. Get out the vote drives were conducted in nearly every church in the district.

Key Recommendations: 1) We continue to mount sustained opposition to the following voter suppression measures: SB221, HB422 HB426. 2) Establish a robust voter education program for the district. 3) Devise a candidate questionnaire to discover where office seekers stand on key issues that impact our community.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM:

On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, was murdered during a racially motivated hate crime while jogging in Satilla Shores, a neighborhood near Brunswick in Glynn County, Georgia. Erroneously assuming he was a burglar, three white men pursued Arbery in their trucks for several minutes, using the vehicles to block his path as he tried to run away. Two of the men, Travis McMichael and his father, Gregory McMichael, were armed in one vehicle. Their neighbor, William "Roddie" Bryan, was in another vehicle. After overtaking Arbery, Travis McMichael exited his truck and assaulted Arbery with a shotgun. Arbery attempted to defend himself, Travis McMichael fatally shot him. Bryan recorded this confrontation and Arbery's murder on his cell phone.

Cases like Arbery’s that result in death whether by taser misuse or other lethal weapons involving allegations of law enforcement abuse of power make Criminal Justice Reform an ongoing priority for the 6th Episcopal District. A recent AJC/Channel 2 investigation found Black Georgians who are killed by police were more likely to be shot in the back than their unarmed white peers. Overall, the report concluded, “Police fatally shot black citizens at a rate twice that of whites based on population figures. One critical factor to emerge from this investigation is that police shootings have never been systematically tracked by state or federal agencies.”

Throughout the state of Georgia police brutality, mass incarceration, gun and gang violence, protecting the rights of juveniles, debtors’ prison, wrongful convictions, mental health behavioral challenges and prison/jail abuses remain life threatening issues for African Americans.

1. Law Enforcement

According to a large-scale analysis of racial disparities in police stops across the United States, “police stop, and search decisions suffer from persistent racial bias.” The study, the largest to date, analyzed data on approximately 95 million stops from 21 state patrol agencies and 35 municipal police departments across the country. The authors found Black drivers were less likely to be stopped after sunset, when it is more difficult to determine a driver’s race, suggesting bias in stop decisions. Furthermore, by examining the rate at which stopped drivers were searched and turned up contraband, the study found that the bar for searching Black and Hispanic drivers was lower than that for searching white drivers.

Throughout the nation, people of color are far more likely to enter the nation’s justice system than the general population. State and federal governments are aware of this disparity, and researchers and policymakers are studying the drivers behind the statistics and what strategies might be employed to address the disparities, ensuring even handed processes at all points in the criminal justice system.

2. Pretrial Release and Prosecution Risk Assessments

Recently, state laws have authorized or required courts to use pretrial risk assessment tools. There are about two dozen pretrial risk assessment tools in use across the states. This broa d state adoption of risk assessment tools raises concern that systemic bias may impact their use. In 2014, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said pretrial risk assessment tools “may exacerbate unwarranted and unjust disparities that are already far too common in our criminal justice system and our society.”

3. Incarceration

Incarceration statistics help paint a picture of the disparities in the criminal justice system. Significant racial and ethnic disparities can be seen in both jails and prisons. According to the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge website , “While Black and Latinx people make up 30% of the U.S. population, they account for 51% of the jail population.”

To have a clearer sense of the racial makeup of who is incarcerated at any given time, some systems developed data dashboards to provide information on their jail populations. In Allegheny County, Pa., for instance, the jail data dashboard is publicly available and provides a range of information on who is incarcerated in the jail. The dashboard provides an up-to-the-day look at the race, gender, and age of the jail population. According to the dashboard, on average from Jan. 1, 2019, to mid-November 2021, 65% of individuals in the jail were Black.

4. Sentencing

Racial and ethnic disparities can also be seen in the sentencing of individuals following a criminal conviction. The use of sentencing enhancements and federal drug sentencing both provide examples of the disparities in sentencing. More than 92% of the people sentenced for a gang enhancement in the state, for instance, are Black or Hispanic. The state has more than 150 different sentence enhancements and more than 80% of people incarcerated in the state are subject to a sentence enhancement. In response to recommendations from the committee, AB 333 was enacted in 2021 to modify the state’s gang enhancement statutes by reducing the list of crimes under which use of the current charge alone creates proof of a “pattern” of criminal gang activity and separates gang allegations from underlying charges at trial.

Recently, we spoke of the Ahmaud Arbery case, it is our hope that we can expand these efforts throughout the state of Georgia through the efforts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to help make a difference in the lives of people of color or for those who have no voice. Some of the events held in 2022 were: Prevent Hate Summit; Reducing Risk for Girls and Boys in Juvenile Justice Stop the Violence; Just-Grant Summit; Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Summit. These events were all held in the Augusta District under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Toni Belin Ingram and Reverend Dr. Hayward White.

During a time in our country’s history where equity and injustice remain the central issue for the African American community. The right Reginald T. Jackson expressed these words as the verdict was read for the case of Ahmaud Arbery. He stated, “ We are relieved and thankful for today’s decision by the Brunswick jury. “And tomorrow, when a new day begins, let us see it as an opportunity to build a better future, where these racist attacks cease. Hopefully, as many of us come together with family and friends for Thanksgiving, each of us will commit to working together as brothers and sisters to fight for a stronger Georgia and America, where accountability and justice will always prevail”.

State lawmakers are well positioned to make policy changes to address the racial and ethnic disparities that research has shown are present throughout the criminal justice system. As they continue to develop a greater understanding of these disparities, state legislatures have an opportunity to make their systems fairer for all individuals who encounter the justice system, with the goal of reducing or eliminating racial and ethnic disparities.

Key Recommendations: 1) Continued analysis of training, documentation, and reporting at all levels to ensure fairness and equity in the criminal justice system. 2) The initiation of bias training, along with, centralized reporting of DEI incidents and complaints. 3) Increase awareness via workshops, rallies, and other forums, including social media.

ECONOMIC JUSTICE: HOME OWNERSHIP/GENERATIONAL WEALTH:

This year’s economic justice report focuses on two important economic equity issues: homeownership/generational wealth and workers' right to minimum wage.

In 2021, according to the National Association of Realtors, Black Americans had the smallest increase in homeownership comparative to any other racial sector in America, and Black households remain in the reality of seeing their ownership share of “the American Pie” continually lagged in the broader economic wealth of this nation. In America, home ownership is the largest component of wealth for most Americans, and despite Supreme Court decisions such as Shelley v. Kraemer (1948) and Jones v. Mayer Co. (1968), which outlawed the exclusion of African Americans or other minorities from certain sections of cities, up until the late 60’s, race-based housing patterns were still in place, and were practiced, throughout our nation. And as we know, and many of us may have experienced, those who challenged them were often met with resistance, hostility and even violence.

The most alarming fact is in the past 15 years, Black homeownership has seen the most dramatic drop of any other ethnic group in America, and in 2019, it descended to nearly as low as it was in 1968, when the Fair Housing Act, outlawing all discrimination in housing, was signed.

Today, more Americans own their homes than 10 years ago, with the overall rate of ownership rising to 65.5% in 2021, date of latest data, compared to 64,7% in 2011. However, during the “Great Recession” of 2008, more than 240,000 Black homeowners lost their homes, and subsequently, the overall ownership of Black households dropped to 40% in 2011; and a decade later, the rate increased only .04% to 44% in 2021, representing the smallest percentage point increase of any racial group in our nation.

If the current rate of home ownership formation for Black households remains constant, it would require approximately 165,000 additional new home buyers over the next 20 years to get to a rate of 60% ownership by 2040, which would only allow the then rate to come closer to equaling our current overall homeownership rate of today. Presently, in Georgia, with a median Black household income of $44,500 and a Black renter rate of 53%, the opportunity to impact and improve the homeowner’s landscape is great.

One of the ways to help lift our Black community out of the cycle of housing asset poverty is by supporting workers’ rights to a fair and livable wage. Increasing the Minimum Wage was the priority Economic Justice recommendation presented last year. The following excerpt from the report supporting Workers Rights to pay equity will be a continuation of our work going forward.

Understanding the debate of “economic equity” vs. “economic justice” leads to understanding what is considered a “fair” wage where a worker should properly share in the society’s wealth or whether a worker should earn wages to cover the basic cost of living. If the minimum wage had kept pace with inflation since 1968, it would be at about $11.76 which is why $15.00 is not considered unreasonable.

Our advocacy should be that the U.S. needs to pay its workers appropriately to allow wages to keep pace with the cost of living, thereby allowing workers to consume at least as much as they have been in the past, while keeping the economy from shrinking.”

Therefore, we are working to ensure that the poor have access to the social safety net needed to provide life necessities such as, adequate food, safe housing, good health care and continual education. Our goals are to:

• Impact disparities and achieve equity in communities by using the community development strategy with the goal of creating sustainable business development and employment opportunities that focus on high skills which equate too high-income.

• Impact disparities through empowerment. This committee continues to build viable partnerships and collaborations that build capacity and provide individuals and entities access to needed resources.

• Empower, in asset building and asset sustainment. We educate, on financial planning, spending money God's way, and protection from predatory business practices.

• Increase knowledge, of availability and application processes of grants and low interest small business loans.

• Obtain advise and mentorship on starting and growing business.

Key Recommendations: 1) With the CHURCH voice of advocacy, a widespread reform campaign for change in policies and programs at all governmental levels can work. This includes assisting with down payments, counseling with credit repair, and modeling home budget strategies, etc., that can prepare those who don’t currently qualify in the home mortgage process to do so, which leads to home ownership. 2)The 21st Century Homestead Act, to create homeownership opportunities, would be an excellent model for the church to embrace, endorse, engage, and encourage for the creation of affordable housing as we address the HOMEOWNERSHIP/GENERATION WEALTH gap in our communities. 3) Pastors and church leadership must be informed and inform others, to attempt equality. 4) We must be in the room or at the table when policy making economic equity decisions are made. 5)We should be a part of or form a Community Roundtable to include county and city department representatives and a diverse population of community leadership who meet monthly on community development and community needs.

HEALTH JUSTICE:

Last year, the SAC recommended intentional advocacy, education, awareness, and public policy engagement on the local, state, and federal levels to help reduce racial disparities that exist in health care access. We continue to recommend sustained and aggressive strategies to ensure equity in vaccine distribution, medical access, and education in rural communities. Today, our work continues with a comprehensive focus on HEALTH JUSTICE.

Health Justice is the attainment of health equity which is reached when all people possess the economic, social, and political power and resources to make decisions about their bodies and health, regardless of identities and experiences. Overall, this committee’s goal is in keeping with the AMEC International Health Commission to promote optimal health as a part of faith and to care for AME congregations and the communities they serve by addressing disparities due to race, economic and social status.

Health is important to everyone's well-being, quality of life and ability to be an active participant in society. The health of approximately 46.7 million persons, mostly low income and racial minorities, is threatened by economic, societal, cultural, environmental, and social conditions. Poor health, physical, mental, and emotional, in any population group affects everyone and leads to higher crime rates, negative economic impacts, increased healthcare costs and other devastating consequences. Health disparities are important because too many African Americans of all ages are living and dying of preventable health diseases due to racism and discrimination with healthcare as the root cause. The Covid 19 pandemic brought issues of disparities to the forefront. Social action includes exposure of the harmful impacts of structural racism and racist policies on health care issues. Improvement of health outcomes will greatly impact the quality of life.

The health injustice committee looks at diseases that impact our communities. The CDC leading cause of death for African Americans is Heart Disease, Cancer, COVID 19. MDVIP states that 3.2 million African Americans have diabetes. The disparity comes with the cost of insulin and ability to obtain. The Insulin Affordability and Inflation Reduction Act was passed that capped the monthly cost of insulin for Medicare enrollees. The committee continues to monitor legislation on all economical levels.

Wellness continues to be a focus of the conference. Many churches throughout the Augusta Conference sponsored health education and wellness training to include Heart Disease, Cancer Awareness (Breast & Prostate), Diabetes Education, Proper Nutrition, and how to obtain access to needed healthcare. Even though the cases of COVID 19 have dropped, Pastors and churches participated with The Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC) as part of its “The Black Church Mobilizing African American Communities to Overcome Vaccine Hesitancy: Trusted Voices, Trusted Content, Trusted Spaces project. In addition, churches remain vigilant in keeping their congregations and communities updated with encouraging booster vaccinations. Churches ministered to those affected by the virus and offered financial assistance as needed.

Key Recommendations: 1) Educational Campaign: Continued sponsorship of presentations, workshops and social media presence promoting health. 2) Political Action: Lobbying and advocacy for health justice policies. 3) Youth Initiatives: Raise awareness regarding suicide prevention, gun violence, infant mortality along with behaviors to improve health.

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE:

For decades, the necessity to advocate for environmental justice public policy reform has been grounded in discriminatory policies and practices that fuel environmental racism. The disproportionate burden of polluting facilities such as toxic waste Superfund sites, landfills, chemical and metal recycling plants, feed mill factories, occupational exposures, industrial fallout zones, the lack of equitable land use planning and the global impact of climate change continues to place a deadly burden on African Americans and other vulnerable populations.

In communities throughout the Augusta Conference and 6th Episcopal District the quality of life diminishes systematically with the potential to affect multiple generations. Because vulnerable populations are often exposed to multiple contaminants over a life cycle, a clear link between environmental exposures and their detrimental impact on human health is a compelling reality.

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, a national environmental advocacy group, “Air pollution alone accounts for more than six million premature deaths each year from heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer. The detrimental effect of contamination, heat and air pollution make for bad pregnancy outcomes, especially for Black women.”

The historical inequity of environmental racism tends to concentrate disadvantaged populations in substandard housing and compromised communities, where hazardous air, water and soil exposures are much more likely. These inequities drive health disparities in Black Americans, resulting in higher rates of respiratory problems, multiple cancers and infant mortality which are factors that ultimately result in African Americans dying younger.

As we move into the future, we recommend increasing education and awareness opportunities about the dangers of toxic pollutants, conducting research and analysis to better understand the scope of the problem; and hosting convenings to invite residents from impacted communities, advocates, and policy makers to hear and collect stories from residents harmed by exposures and to discuss strategies for public policy reform.

Key Recommendations: 1) Continue to raise awareness about environmental justice issues. 2) Educate members on sustainable environmental practices.

Education Equity: During these uncertain times in which the very nature of the ways in which African American History can be legally taught are in peril. The accurate and full teaching of African American history, culture and contribution to the United States is under attack. Local churches are combating this attack by teaching black history beyond February and infusing black history into church school, Bible study and sermons.

Key Recommendations: 1) In 2023 and beyond the Augusta Conference churches continue its Partners-in-Education initiative with local schools and local boards of education to influence and promote curriculum policies on the teaching of African American History. 2)We continue to encourage and equip churches to teach Black History. 3) We lobby local school boards, the state board of education and the Georgia Board of Regents for inclusive and truth telling histories.

Conclusion

The predominance, and pervasiveness, of racial discrimination in matters involving Social Justice may seem to appear overwhelming and hopeless, but we remain optimistic. We must continue to expose the racism, racial discrimination and hate violence prevalent in society to leave our children a less hateful, more hopeful world. We believe that our greatest asset in movement building is our ability to work together collectively throughout the Augusta Conference to produce the best work for the greatest social impact within the priorities established by Bishop Jackson and the Sixth Episcopal District.

Moving forward the Augusta Annual Conference Social Action Committee makes the following recommendations for consideration:

Election Protection, Voter Engagement and Redistricting

• We continue to mount sustained opposition to the following voter suppression measures: SB221, HB422 HB426.

• Establish a robust voter education program for the district.

• Devise a candidate questionnaire to discover where office seekers stand on key issues that impact our community.

Criminal Justice Reform

• Continued analysis of training, documentation and reporting at all levels to ensure fairness and equity.

• Create a central reporting and responding office responsible for initiating bias training, updating existing reporting processes and complaints, communicating reporting timelines and processes, and tracking all DEI-related incidents and complaints

• Update the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis' Diversity Dashboard to include key data across the state to include current data in all areas of the criminal justice system.

• Continue to hold rallies and workshops around the state to bring awareness to the criminal justice system.

Economic Justice Homeownership/Generational Wealth

• With the CHURCH voice of advocacy, a widespread reform campaign for change in policies and programs at all governmental levels can work. This includes, assisting with down payments, counseling with credit repair, and modeling home budget strategies, etc., that can prepare those who don’t currently qualify in the home mortgage process to do so, which leads to home ownership.

• The 21st Century Homestead Act, proposed by the ROOSEVELT INSTITUTE, to create homeownership opportunities, would be an excellent model for the church to embrace, endorse, engage, and encourage for the creation of affordable housing as we address the HOMEOWNERSHIP/GENERATION WEALTH gap in our communities.

Health Justice

Health Equity can be promoted through the following actions:

• Sponsorship of presentations on Health Justice

• Provide tailored trainings on covid 19, suicide prevention, youth initiatives, gun violence, Infant mortality, and health behaviors to improve outcomes.

• Political Action by being informed and communicating public health care policies and programs to stakeholders.

• Being informed of social determinants of health that historically and currently impact African Americans.

Environmental Justice

• Increasing education and awareness opportunities about the dangers of toxic pollutants.

• Conducting the necessary research and analysis to better understand the scope of the problem within both the Conference and 6th Episcopal District

• Host convenings to invite residents from impacted communities, advocates, and policy makers to collect community lived experiences and to discuss strategies for positive social change.

Education Equity

• In 2023 and beyond that the Augusta Conference churches continue its Partners-inEducation initiative with local schools and local boards of education to influence and promote curriculum policies on the teaching of African American History.