Macon Magazine

DeMarcus Beckham says he's a small-town boy trying to honor those who came before him and make things better forÏ those who come after. From Zebulon, a community of about 1,200 people, he made Macon home after graduating from Middle Georgia State University with degrees in history and political science. He's now the southern Georgia field organizer for Georgia Equality, an organization advancing fairness, safety and opportunity for LGBT+ communities. As a Maconite and black man of 26, he's active where each of his communities intersects. Beckham said through Georgia Equality he serves many, but one group he has particular concerns for are those suffering from, or at risk of, HIV/AIDS. "The word that describes DeMarcus is empathy," said Thomas Heald, local head of the 9 to 5 National Association of Working Women. "He cares for people – all people – especially those who are marginalized. He's conscious of anyone who's been swept under the rug." A typical Beckham day – prior to self- distancing – could look like this: • Early meeting with college students discussing safe sex, HIV/AIDS, dispelling myths and offering HIV testing. He said questions he gets reveal the stigma and lack of understanding too many have; • Meeting with Savannah's mayor on equitable and comprehensive housing protection, education, employment, criminal justice reform and hate crime; • Meeting with Bibb-Macon Council members about legalizing marijuana and decriminalizing possession of small amounts; • Meeting with the community-based Reach to Impact Group, of which he is board chair, about efforts as an outreach partner with the North Central Health District's HIV/AIDS-oriented Hope Center. Other day-to-day activities include meeting with Macon Pride or an individual needing help, advice or testing. Teri Ford, owner of TWF Business Solutions, is a longtime Reach board member. "If a hero is someone who works tirelessly to make other people's lives better, DeMarcus is one and then some," she said. "He advocates for those who don't have a voice." Beckham said everything goes back to that small-town upbringing. "I guess I just want people to say I gave a damn," he said. "My grandmother instilled in me the value of caring about others and doing something about it. I want to honor that. And in 100 years, maybe I won't be remembered, but I hope I inspire someone to care, too, and they'll be there helping others themselves." —Michael W. Pannell DeMarcus Beckham 1

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