FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council Communications
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Ave. SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

December 11, 2025

Atlanta City Council Statement Following the Passing of Atlanta Civil Rights Icon Dr. Joe Beasley

ATLANTA — Atlanta City Council shares the following statements after the passing of Dr. Joe Beasley, a towering Atlanta civil rights icon and leading international activist for African and indigenous peoples’ human rights in justice, economic equality, and voting rights, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 88 years-old.

“From humble beginnings, Dr. Beasley answered the call to serve as a leader of human and civil rights in the United States and beyond. His advocacy work in Georgia helped to increase the vote and voices of the Black population across the state and ensured Grady Memorial Hospital remains open and continues to serve Atlanta’s Black community, among other accomplishments. He led initiatives for voting and economic rights in countries throughout Africa and South America as Human Services Director at Antioch Baptist Church North and Southern Regional Director of the National Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.”

“His advocacy has enabled generations of Atlantans to become leaders in their respective fields and continue the push for equal civil and human rights. Dr. Beasley will be missed, but his legacy will live on through the thousands he has touched in his work.”  

About Atlanta City Council

The Atlanta City Council is the chief policy-making body for the City of Atlanta. It acts by considering and enacting all laws that govern the city. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City as recommended by the mayor, and it continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The Atlanta City Council reviews and decides on many land use and zoning matters. Major economic development projects for the City also fall under the Council’s jurisdiction.

The City Council is composed of 12 districts and three at-large posts. Council representatives are Council President: Doug Shipman; District 1: Jason Winston; District 2: Carden Wyckoff; District 3: Byron Amos; District 4: Jason S. Dozier; District 5: Liliana Bakhtiari; District 6: Alex Wan; District 7: Howard Shook; District 8: Mary Norwood; District 9: Dustin Hillis; District 10: Andrea L. Boone; District 11: Marci Collier Overstreet; District 12: Antonio Lewis; Post 1 At-Large: Michael Julian Bond; Post 2 At-Large: Matt Westmoreland; and Post 3 At-Large: Eshé Collins.

To learn more about the Atlanta City Council, please visit http://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/. For the latest updates, follow the Atlanta City Council on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Office of Council Communications Contacts:

William Doughty
wdoughty@atlantaga.gov
404-330-6056 

Tiffanie Kelly
trkelly@atlantaga.gov
404-330-6014