Honoring Freedom, Building Power: A Juneteenth Message to the Fairburn Community

By Councilwoman Samantha L. Hudson

June 19, 2025

As we gathered for this year’s Juneteenth celebration in Fairburn, I was reminded not only of how far we’ve come—but how much strength lives right here in our community. Juneteenth isn’t just a historic milestone. It’s a living, breathing call to action. It reminds us that freedom is not a finish line—it’s a responsibility.

Since 1854, Black Fairburn has been a story of excellence, endurance, and empowerment. We’ve turned struggle into strategy, faith into action, and resilience into leadership. From small business owners and single parents to youth leaders and elders—we are the power we’ve been waiting for.

And we must never forget those who opened the doors we now walk through.

• In 1995, Frankie Arnold made history as Fairburn’s first Black Councilwoman.

  
  

• In 2009, We Elected our first Black Male Mayor.

  
  

• And in 2017, Elizabeth Carr-Hurst was elected as the city’s first Black Female Mayor.

Today, our council is 99% Black—a reflection of the progress we’ve made, and the voices that now sit at the table. But with this progress comes responsibility: to lead boldly, inclusively, and with integrity.

“The function of freedom is to free someone else.” – Toni Morrison

That’s why this moment matters. We must move beyond celebration and into activation.

🎯 Fairburn Is People-Powered—Not Partisan

Our city isn’t defined by political lines. It’s defined by the people who live, serve, and love here. That means our leadership—our charter, our policies, our direction—must be built around transparency, equity, and shared power.

We cannot afford to let our city’s structure reflect outdated systems that silence voices or limit participation. We must root out bad actors who wear the title of “leader” but fail to serve with honor. This isn’t politics—it’s principle. It’s community protection.

“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

Let’s face it: if Fairburn is to thrive, our leadership must reflect our values—truth, inclusion, and service.

💼 Black Entrepreneurship Is Economic Liberation

One of the most powerful ways we build collective strength is through Black entrepreneurship. When we support our local Black-owned businesses, we do more than create jobs—we circulate dignity, ownership, and legacy. It’s not just about economic development—it’s about freedom in action.

Every thriving business in our community adds value—not only to our economy, but to our identity.

🖤 Celebrating the Strength of Black Men, Women, and FamiliesLet us always uplift the Black men of Fairburn, whose protection, purpose, and presence continue to anchor our homes and lead with integrity. Let us stand in awe of the Black women, whose wisdom, resilience, and leadership shape the moral fabric of this city. And let us speak directly to our single-parent homes—those working overtime to raise families with grace and grit. You are not forgotten. You are not left behind.

You are community—and we are with you.“Without community, there is no liberation.” – Audre Lorde🕊️ We All Rise When We Build TogetherThis Juneteenth, I offer you more than a message—I offer you a commitment. I am here for unity. I am here for transparency. I am here for youth, for families, for businesses, for legacy—and most of all, for you.Fairburn’s greatest power isn’t at the top—it’s in each of us.Let’s activate it. Let’s protect it. Let’s expand it.

Let’s honor our freedom by using it to build a city where no voice is silenced and no family is left behind. I am here for it—and with you.

In solidarity and service,

Councilwoman Samantha L. Hudson, MSW

City of Fairburn