truthseekersjournal
By Milton Kirby
On Tuesday, February 21st, I had the opportunity to meet State Representative Imani Barnes and State Senator Kim Jackson. Both of which represent me and my neighbors under the Gold Dome.
While Representative Barnes and Senator Jackson had full calendars, we managed to get both meetings scheduled on the same day after a series of email exchanges.
The 2023 session of the Georgia General Assembly started January 9th and runs through March 30th for a total of 40 days. On the day of my visit, we were just past the halfway point through the session at Legislative day 21. The 28th day of the session is Crossover Day. For the 2023 session, March 6, 2023 is crossover day. Crossover Day is the deadline for a bill to pass out of either of the legislative chambers. If it fails to do so, the bill can no longer be considered during the current session. Representative Barnes is a professional biomedical research scientist with more than twenty years of experience, and she is currently a Public Health Ph.D. candidate. She is a lifetime resident of DeKalb County with an 11-year-old son. She earned a BS in biology and chemistry from HBCU South Carolina State University and an MS degree in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health from Emory University where she is also employed.
Representative Barnes started a small business called I Can Become Anything, LLC (I.C.B.A.). I.C.B.A. is a teen development and inspiration company that works with teens from 13 to 18 years old. According to the company’s website, it focuses on uplifting our next generation through different developmental activities, peer group sessions, positive mentors, and community service. As a scientist, Ms. Barnes has incorporated data-driven models and scholarly research journals to provide solutions to our youth with a long-lasting difference (icanbecomeanything.com).
Senator Jackson was born in Elkins, WV, and grew up near Cowpens, SC. Ms. Jackson made Georgia her home more than ten years ago. Kim’s Dad served families as a social worker for more than 30 years. Her Mom, a retired nurse and Professor of Nursing, served as a community nurse for economically disadvantaged families living with Sickle Cell Disease. Senator Jackson studied at Furman University, graduating in 2006, and later graduated from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with a Master of Divinity (M Div).
Upon receiving her M Div she started her vocation as an Episcopal priest. During ten years of ministry, she served as a college chaplain, a nationally renowned consultant and preacher, a parish priest, and social justice advocate (https://www.kimforgeorgia.com/meet-kim).
During my visit, I was accompanied by my good friend Lula Gilliam, Founder of Youth Enhancement Services, Inc. (YES) of which I have been a board member for nearly 15 years. The mission of YES is to develop and implement alternative education solutions, effective programs, and practical action strategies for disconnected youth and their families (www.yesgeoriga.org).
Rep Barnes’ passion for our youth was quite evident within the first five minutes of our meeting. She serves on the Higher Education, Small Business Development and Technology, and Infrastructure Innovation Committees.
Not all freshmen hit the ground running like Rep Barnes. She has already taken deep dives into issues that affect children in the state of Georgia. Indeed she has drafted legislation to help ensure the success of all Georgia children by proposing free breakfast and lunch for all public school students in the state.
There is no doubt that this freshman will have an impactful, dedicated, and strong voice for my fellow constituents.
According to BallorPeidia Georgia House of Representative District 86 (https://ballotpedia.org/Georgia_House_of_Representatives_District_86) has a population of 58,735. The median household income is $55,439 with a high school graduation rate of 86.4%. Included in the district are parts of Tucker, Clarkson, Stonecrest, Lithonia, and Stone Mountain, where I reside.
As Senator Jackson spoke about children, I could see a slight change in her eyes. I didn’t see tears but there was no doubt in my mind that she wants to see better happen for Georgia’s kids.
Senator Jackson’s committee assignments include; Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Children and Families, Health and Human Services, and Public Safety.
According to BallorPeidia Georgia Senate District 41 has a population of 196,140. The median household income is $52,429 with a high school graduation rate of 83.0% (https://ballotpedia.org/Georgia_State_Senate_District_41).
My visit to my representatives was enlightening and humbling. They both embody what I believe are the core values and principles that are foundational to strong and productive communities. I encourage all of our readers to get to know your representatives and hold them accountable for serving your communities and delivering on the promises of making life better for those that they serve.
Blink Subscription Plus Plan with monthly auto-renewal
$10.00 (as of July 7, 2025 18:14 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
(Pack of 2) Replacement-Remote-Control for Roku-TV,Compatible for TCL Roku/Hisense Roku/Onn Roku/Philips Roku Smart TVs(Not for Roku Stick and Box)
30% Off
Roku Streaming Stick HD 2025 — HD Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote, Free & Live TV
33% Off
