SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Before calling the Feb. 6 City Council meeting to order, Mayor Rusty Paul apologized for cutting off a woman from speaking Feb. 1 during the kick-off for Black History Month.
The city, in partnership with Art Sandy Springs and The Empowerment Workshop, hosted a two-hour reception at City Hall for Dakoro Edwards and his exhibit, “CONNECT: Youth, Community, Diversity.” Edwards is the first Black artist to have a solo exhibit in the Gallery at City Springs.
The woman the mayor prevented from speaking was Le’Dor Milteer, founder of The Empowerment Workshop.
“My mom and dad always told me when you make a mistake in private, you deal with it in private,” Paul said. “When you make a mistake in public, you deal with it publicly.”
The reception included a live art performance and Q&A by Edwards, a performance from the Namari Dance Studios and live music.
On the opening night of Edward’s exhibit, Paul said he was provided with talking points and a run of show from city staff. His mistake occurred when he prevented a woman from speaking about the success of the Namari Dance Center.
“By not following the instructions of staff and the information that I received, I messed up,” Paul said. “I apologize to all the participants, particularly the young lady I interrupted.”
Milteer attended the Feb. 6 City Council meeting and spoke during public comment.
In addition to her work with The Empowerment Workshop, Milteer is a former candidate for the District 4 seat on the City Council and a community organizer.
“I think I might be the young lady that you are referring to,” Milteer said. “But I don’t know, my name was not called.”
An opportunity to finish
Because she was unable to speak at the reception, Milteer used her time during public comment to finish her presentation about the Namari Dance Company.
The…
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