Good morning 285 South friends,
Today is primary runoff election day. If you’re not sure who’s on your ballot, what exactly the position does, and where the candidates stand on issues - check out this excellent voting guide (available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and both traditional and simplified Chinese) from the Center for Pan Asian Community Services. And go here to find your polling location.
Okay, let’s get started.
Thousands of children from Black and Hispanic households in Georgia could lose medical coverage: Over 300,000 children could lose their medical coverage in the coming months, according to an estimate from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI). Of those children, over 215,000 are Black and over 67,000 are Hispanic. What’s behind this? Black and Hispanic residents make up the majority of those enrolled in Medicaid. And, this fall is when the COVID-related public health emergency ends, which means so will the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement. Not only that, the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced premium tax credits to make health insurance more affordable is expected to end - putting over 142,000 Georgians at risk of losing coverage, according to GBPI. Advocates are urging lawmakers to work to prevent this loss of coverage by working out a deal this summer before the Congress is out for their summer break in August. More info here.
Update on Villas de Las Colinas apartments on Buford Highway: Residents who’s units were impacted by sewage issues are working with lawyers, and trying to relocate to new apartments in an already crowded affordable housing market. I’ve followed up with the City of Brookhaven’s Code Enforcement Office to get an update on the status of the work, and haven’t heard back. I’ve also contacted the company listed on the Dekalb County tax records for the property, and they haven’t gotten back to me either. In case you missed it, I spoke with WABE’s Rose Scott about it last week: Listen to it here.
Fundraiser for Oscar Ramirez to support his son - I’ve met Oscar twice, both times at food and health events hosted by the nonprofit We Love Buford Highway (WLBH). He’s known for the delicious tacos stands he sets up at these events, his consistent presence in the community, and for never hesitating to help those around him. Now, he’s looking for support. His son has muscular dystrophy, and the van he uses to transport his son needs a new ramp, which will cost $10,000. Community members have launched this gofund me to support him.
And finally, author spotlights. I was delighted to learn of some of the diverse authors recognized in the Georgia Author of the Year Awards. Among them - Anjali Enjeti received the First Novel award for The Parted Earth - an epic story about the impact of the partition of South Asia on three generations of a family. Roshni Chokshi won in the Young Adult category for The Bronzed Beasts - the latest installment in her mythical adventure series. And Reem Faruqui was a finalist in the Children’s Book category for I Can Help - a story about a young girl named Zahra who helps her classmate Kyle, who’s been struggling at school.
Basically, I am swelling with pride about all the talent exploding out of metro Atlanta (in particular among South Asian women writers), so allow me to continue : ). Aisha Saeed recently released Omar Rising - the story of the son of a servant in Pakistan, and the odds he faces getting an education. And I Love My Body Because was released today, a body positivity book co-authored by Shelly Anand, author of Lakshmi’s Mooch.
Between the new Ms Marvel coming out (featuring a Pakistani American girl superhero from NJ!) and so many different types of stories represented in literature these days - I keep thinking how this would have felt like a dream for my 12-year-old self, who was stuck reading mostly The Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley High. So, hooray for 2022 - it needs all the help it can get!
Also before I end, two upcoming events I want to plug - Refuge Coffee is hosting a World Refugee Day Celebration in Clarkston on Saturday (details here) and WLBH, the Latino Community Fund-GA, Halpern Enterprises, and CareSource is holding a Feeding Families event at Pinetree Plaza on Buford Highway on Saturday as well, where residents can pick up food boxes, books for children, and get tested for COVID (details here).
Be well and stay cool,
Sophia
TOP PHOTO: A voting sign outside the Israel Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta in May. Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
