Connecting with the community: Congressman Hank Johnson takes time to speak to areas of concern and plans for action

In recent weeks as part of the news cycle, we've seen a not so fluid sharing and exchanging between a segment of our public officials and their constituents. At times, when people are passionately sharing what's on their mind and their concerns, the response from some public officials is petulant or worse; while it's true that everyone may not see eye to eye on things, people do have the freedom to express their views as part of the larger framework of public discourse.

It's not always easy to do so, but when it happens, it can potentially lead to constructive action. Over the past few weeks, Congressman Hank Johnson's willingness and readiness to connect with the community, speak to issues at hand, listen, and then proceed in formulating a level of activity and engagement the hope of better problem-solving or managing is something for others to follow, even in the midst of tense and challenging times.

Since mid-March, the following are a few instances where he's met with his constituents to discuss growing areas of concern:

• March 18, 2025: Congressman Johnson hosts a roundtable on the importance of Medicaid given potential cuts (estimates of up to $880 billion) which would have potentially adverse impacts on a considerable segment of the population. Among those who are part of the roundtable includes Eric Slappey, a double amputee who receives Social Security and Medicaid.

• March 25, 2025: In keeping with a growing community tradition, the Congressman hosts the 5th annual Trailblazer Awards. Eleven women (based in the district) are recognized for their community-centered efforts across education, nonprofits, healthcare, arts/entertainment, business, and related fields.

• April 11, 2025: As a way to meet with businesses and listening to their concerns given the pending tariffs and potential adverse impacts, the Congressman hosts a roundtable with those in the wine supply chain and how a rise in costs can lead to more than just market disruption.

• April 15, 2025: Along with Senator Raphael Warnock, the Congressman joins others at the CDC to not only show support to workers who are facing unparalleled cuts (including research on public health issues), but to get an improved sense of the level of advocacy needed to better address these and interrelated areas of concern.

Even at a time where questions are raised regarding what exactly members of Congress are doing (from communicating with their constituents to addressing areas of concern and their potential impact), Congressman Johnson is showing a readiness and willingness to talk with, listen to, and at some level conduct a level of engagement which can provide the potential for focused action to better evaluate the gravity of government actions and decisions. In doing so, the hope is matters at hand may be better conducted and directed on having a positive an impact as possible on as many as possible.

And connecting with the community can be a step in an improved direction.

Notes: Photos are used with the permission of Congressman Hank Johnson's office. The first photo-grid (photo on the left) provides a snapshot of the attendees of the roundtable (Nadine Johnson/Director of the Care One Franchise, Leah Chan/GA Budget & Policy Institute, Jeff Taylor/Executive Director of MedCura, Jacqueline Bell-Smith/Angel Vision Consultants, Inc, Deborah Stokes/Georgia Council on Aging, Collette Fix/Royal Adult Day Services, and Eric Slappey); the photo on the right features the 2025 Honorees of the Trailblazer Awards (Dr. Syretta Ali McTier/DeKalb County Schools, Florence Battle Shafiq, MD/Retired physician and healthcare-community advocate, Susan McGhee Crawford/Founder of Trendsetters Dance Company, Cynthia Dorsey Edwards/Executive Director of Storehouse of Solutions, Jacke Davis/Founding Owner of the UniverSoul Circus, Shelbia L. Jackson/Director of the DeKalb Entertainment Commission, Claudette Leak/DeKalb County Government, India Pullin/Founder of Step Up in Georgia [nonprofit], Sandy Purkett/Retired Federal Investigator [public service/education advocacy], Dr. Charlene Spurlock/DeKalb County Public Schools, and Rachel R. Ziegler/DeKalb County Public Schools.

The second photo grid features Representative Johnson and Senator Warnock at the CDC.