The Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy hosted its annual summer members party at Atlanta’s Terminal West. As Advocacy Chair of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy it has been my mission the past four years to let elected officials know that music isn’t just celebrity but we are constituents with real issues, real votes, and real power.

Decisions are being made about healthcare, taxes, arts in schools, and about the music culture without us even being present for the conversation.

RAP and rappers are currently on trial across the country with prosecutors using rap lyrics and rap culture as evidence of criminal activity which is why the Recording Academy is proud to support Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson who has stepped to the plate with the RAP Act to create national legislation preventing the use of creative works as evidence at trials.

I also want to extend thanks to Mayor Dickens again for agreeing to greet our members this past weekend but also for being the driving force behind the Bond Referendum that will now infuse $15 million dollars into the arts

Thank you to our President HennythaBizness for supporting the vision Tami LaTrell and I put forth and to the entire Atlanta Board and executive staff (Erin+Michele) for your enthusiasm for what we do to make Georgia the best place in the country for music creators