Hiram honors West Metro NAACP for beautification work; local groups announce MLK Day, Juneteenth and other community events

The City of Hiram presented a proclamation recognizing the West Metro branch of the NAACP for two years of volunteer work on community beautification and youth engagement, and visitors used the council meeting to announce upcoming community events including MLK Day service activities and a request to hold Juneteenth activities at Gray's Mill Park.

The proclamation, read by Mayor Frank Moran, thanked the West Metro branch of the NAACP for volunteer efforts with Hiram High School Beta Club students at Grays Mill Park, Ben Strickland Park and the Hiram Rosenwald School Museum. Deborah Chandler, political action chair for the West Metro branch, summarized the group's recent leadership transitions and community work, saying, "we've had a lot going on, but we've continued to do what we've been doing in the community." The mayor read the proclamation text, noting the branch’s work "contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant environment for all residents."

Visitor announcements and staff notices

- Tyrone, speaking on behalf of the Old Town Hiram Business Association, outlined events the association plans to support during the year including "Taste of Hiram," an MLK event, Black History events, and Juneteenth. He formally requested June 21 as the date for Juneteenth activities at Gray's Mill Park and said organizers would likely hold the program later in the day, approximately 5 to 9 p.m., with possible nighttime activities. - City staff invited council members and the public to the second annual Martin Luther King Service Day on Jan. 18 at the Rosenwald Museum, noting the event will provide health and dental screenings and will include a coat drive. Staff also announced a Martin Luther King ceremony on Jan. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Rosenwald Museum and listed coat-drive drop-off locations at the Hiram Rosenwald, the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, Paulding Airport, Coosa Valley Credit Union Paulding, and Go Energy Credit Union Paulding.

Remarks and context

Deborah Chandler, political action chair for the West Metro branch of the NAACP, described collaboration with Hiram High School students and thanked city employees for logistical support: "All of your . . . employees will help us with the trash and the logistics and, you know, the tents and the safety." The council presented the proclamation formally, with Mayor Moran saying the city "extend[s] the city's deepest gratitude and commendation to the West Metro branch of the NAACP for their outstanding service." The transcript records expressions of thanks and a brief exchange noting some organization leaders were recovering from surgery and that one appointee to another item was not present.

Ending

The council's ceremonial recognition and visitor announcements emphasize volunteer-led park cleanups, youth engagement at the Hiram Rosenwald School Museum and upcoming community events. Implementation details (permits, city staffing, or night-event approvals) were not discussed in the transcript and remain to be arranged through city staff and event organizers.