By Paris Murphy
Family and Friends of Dr. Rita Jackson Samuel’s gathered to celebrate the newly erected Bronze Statue, and her Birthday (April 25th) at a Tribute Program and Balloon Release at Mozley Park, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Samuels was a civil and women’s right’s visionary who worked alongside some of the most powerful leaders in the country including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
She became the first Black woman in Georgia’s history to serve on the staff of a Georgia Governor and went on to serve in the staff of President Jimmy Carter. Dr Samuel’s was truly a remarkable trailblazer and passionate advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and women’s equality and the importance of their work and legacy. Dr Samuels, was Founder of the Georgia Coalition of Black Women, Inc and Co-Founder of Women Flying High.
Tributes and presentations were given by Council member Andrea L. Boone , Council member Cleta Winslow, Helen Butler, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, Henrietta Kisseh, Kissberg Construction; Demetrius Myatt, Mentee and nephews Kenneth Gantt, Feiji Jackson & Reginald Gantt. Special tributes by Little Chloe Friendly & Bryce Love great neice and nephew of Dr Samuels. Also in attendance was Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall-District 4, Felecia Davis, HBCU Green Fund and Clayton County Black Women’s Roundtable; and her lifelong friend Henrietta Antoinin, former VP of Public Relations, Atlanta Life Financial Group.
Family in attendance included Dr. Samuels’ husband of 47 years, Stanley Samuels, her only surviving sister, Estella Jackson and many other family and friends.
The event was facilitated and organized by Paris Murphy – Doctor, CEO PMD Consulting, neice of Dr. Rita Samuels.
Last updated on May 6, 2021