STARS of ATLANTA POLITICS GO TO DINNER (5/10/15)

     If hobnobbing with the stars from Atlanta politics is your scene, then you might want to mark the date of next years HRC dinner.

     In early May, the 28th Annual HRC Atlanta Dinner & Auction was held.  The dinner, not short on Democrats, attracts a large bipartisan following as well.  That is because it's the best chance to get elbow-to-elbow with a Who's Who of power players in Atlanta and national politics.  Plus---one can usually see a star or two!

     "They've invited an American Idol," someone in the audience whispered.

     "They always invite an American Idol," the other whispered back. 

     HRC, which at its core is trying to advance legislation to further civil rights issues, envisions a world 'more equal', where "...people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community." 

     Several hundred people were in attendance, from every sector of the populace.

    "“We can change this epidemic of discrimination in this country," said HRC President Chad Griffin. 

     The event had its controversial speeches as well as heart breaking.  Jim Obergefell, who lost a partner to A.L.S., added "I’m humbled to play a small step in moving that fight forward,”. 

     Recognized as an Honorary Guest, Atlanta 5th District's Congressman John Lewis brought his own table of Atlanta professionals including the owners of Castleberry Hill's No Mas! Cantina, teachers, writers, artists and advisers. 

     Between speakers, many attendees attempted to get Selfies with Lewis, considered by many at the dinner a vibrant political futurist.

     Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was the keynote speaker.  "...ultimately, this isn’t about changing laws—it’s about changing lives,” she said.

     Margaret Kaiser, who is stepping down as a state representative to run for Atlanta mayor, was at the dinner with her friend, Angel Luis Poventud, a busy advocate of Atlanta green projects such as the BeltLine. 

     Also in attendance, Mayoral Candidate Cathy Woolard; State Rep. Simone Bell; Atlanta City Council member Alex Wan; State Sen. Vincent Fort;  Alabama State Rep. Patricia Todd; Fulton Superior Court Judge Jane Barwick; and former Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders.

     To get a ticket for next year's dinner, go to HRC's website.

---Ray Macon