Signature Annual Event
The Beginning
The Hamilton-Johnson Legislative Reception was established in 2022 during a pivotal period for the City of Atlanta—marked by intensified legislative activity at the State Capitol, renewed debates over local control, and the rise of Buckhead cityhood and annexation efforts as defining political issues.
Honoring Atlanta's Legacy
The reception is named in honor of the late Representative Grace Towns Hamilton and the late Senator Leroy R. Johnson, two pioneering figures in Georgia’s political history. Representative Hamilton, the first African American woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly, was widely respected for her leadership on education, civil rights, and public policy, and for breaking barriers that reshaped representation in state government.
.webp/:/cr=t:4.71%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:67.71%25/rs=w:1209,h:605,cg:true)
Honoring Atlanta's Legacy Cont.
Senator Johnson, the first African American elected to the Georgia State Senate since Reconstruction, was a trailblazer whose work helped advance civil rights and expand political access for future generations. Together, their legacies reflect a foundation of courage, institutional progress, and principled public service in Georgia politics.
.jpeg/:/rs=w:1209,h:605,cg:true,m/cr=w:1209,h:605)
Building Bridges
Recognizing the need for more intentional dialogue between Atlanta’s municipal leadership and its state delegation, Atlantic South Group launched the reception as a nonpartisan convening space. The objective was clear: to foster collaboration, strengthen relationships, and build trust across levels of government by creating a consistent forum for engagement outside the pressures of the legislative session.
The Annual Hamilton-Johnson Legislative Reception
The Annual Hamilton-Johnson Legislative Reception
The inaugural reception was held under the leadership of then–Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman. His tenure represented a period of institutional transition for the Council, and the event served as a critical bridge between city leadership and state lawmakers at a time when Atlanta’s governance structure, public safety authority, and municipal boundaries were under active consideration at the General Assembly.
As the reception grew, so did its relevance. By its 4th Annual gathering in 2025, it had become a recognized fixture of the legislative session, bringing together City Council members, Atlanta-area state legislators, senior staff, and civic stakeholders during ongoing debates surrounding Buckhead, home rule, and state involvement in municipal affairs. The event underscored the importance of coordinated leadership and sustained communication between the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia.
Now entering its 5th year in 2026, the reception continues under the leadership of Atlanta City Council President Marci Collier Overstreet and Mayor Andre Dickens, reflecting both continuity and institutional evolution within the city’s leadership. What began as a timely response to a complex political environment has matured into an established annual tradition—one that reinforces partnership, institutional respect, and shared responsibility for Atlanta’s future.
Through changing political dynamics and leadership transitions, the Hamilton-Johnson Legislative Reception remains grounded in its original purpose: strengthening relationships, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring Atlanta’s voice is represented clearly and constructively at the State Capitol.
Pictured at the 4th Annual Legislative Reception: Ms. Susan “Sue” Ross, Councilwoman Mary Norwood, Mr. Antwan Lang, Councilman Alex Wan, and Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens delivers remarks and legislative highlights at the 2025 4th Annual Atlanta City Council & State Delegation Legislative Reception.
