Macon Magazine

SHEKNITA DAVIS Every 10 years, the census is taken in the U.S. and Sheknita Davis is on a mission to ensure that every person is counted. As director of In His Image Agency, Davis is devoted to those whose voices might otherwise not be heard. "There are dozens of federal programs that utilize census data to determine funding," Davis said. "These programs will rely heavily on funds to serve the community; therefore, we must get everyone counted." Not a direct employee of the census, Davis is dedicated to empowering the hard-to-count populations. Last summer, she – along with other community leaders from the Urban Complete Count Committee (UCCC) – focused on the data showing that people of color, those in low income housing and black males are more likely to be undercounted due to low census participation. Prior to the shelter-in-place order, the UCCC had several events planned. "We held a Census Saturday back in February at five recreation centers and it was well attended," Davis said. "We were looking forward to doing similar events throughout the spring." Davis and the UCCC have redirected their efforts to social media, have conducted virtual community chats and continue to reach as many hard-to-count residents as possible. She's had a tremendous positive response to her efforts. "Individuals appreciate having information presented to them in a way they can comprehend and understand. Making the information relevant to their current circumstances is important, and that's what we're doing," Davis said. "I had a 59-year- old woman contact me to let me know how appreciative she was of our community chats. She felt prepared to not only complete the census, but also to encourage others to complete theirs as well." Davis hopes others feel as empowered as this woman does. "We should all take responsibility for our community and have a sense of pride," she said. —Lisa Pritchard Mayfield Bernice Tukes and Stephanie Terry In the aftermath of statewide public- school closures, thousands of children throughout Bibb County who rely on the schools' free breakfast and lunch programs would literally be going to bed hungry if it were not for the dedication of the county's school nutrition workers. "Parents are struggling now more than ever," said Bernice Tukes, site support manager and supervisor for the Bibb County School District. "I see a true need, and am so glad we're able to fulfill it." According to Tukes, the Bibb Schools nutrition program is delivering an average of 2,600 meals per day to about 10,000 students in need. Even during systemwide school closures, 24 schools' meal programs are operational, with 4 to 10 staff nutrition workers per site. Tukes, a 30-year veteran of the school system, joins other staff in delivering the meals to a total of 60 food pick-up sites throughout the county. "I've always loved serving 'my kids' in the school lunchroom," Tukes said. "But to see them outside of the school building and provide meals to them makes me so happy. My heart is weary, realizing there are so many children in need." Stephanie Terry, a nutrition manager at Walter P. Jones HeadStart, is working as a manager at the Vineville Academy site during the school closure. "I get emotional talking about the children we're feeding," she said. "You have some fear, but I have faith over fear, even though it's our first time in this situation. Terry said the kids are "so sweet, so appreciative," when they come to pick up their meals. The children look forward to her arrival, she said, and have been coloring pictures for her. "We are seeing such need in the community right now, and we're doing our best to fulfill that need," Terry said. The good works of Bibb County's school nutrition workers hasn't gone unnoticed. "I continue to be amazed at the level of loyalty, compassion and service these ladies demonstrate daily," said Keith Simmons, chief of staff for the Bibb County School District. "Not only are they knowledgeable in their field, but they also are knowledgeable of the needs specific to our families and our community. I'm grateful for Bernice and Stephanie. I'm glad to have them be part of our organization." —Lisa Pritchard Mayfield 13

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