Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1525586
12 maconmagazine.com | August/September 2024 I t was a clear call to action on the backs of their T-shirts. And now I want to know their names. I witnessed a metaphor on that hot June day when women from the Georgia chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) gathered on Poplar Street with a newly painted, vibrant mural by Los Angeles-based Mer Young. The care work in our countr y is carried on the hearts, minds, and backs of 2.2 million (mostly) women, majorit y women of color and immigrants. And heat is no reason to pause the work or the call. We all know that care can't wait . They gathered to celebrate local care workers, encourage advocacy, and promote voter registration and turnout . The Georgia chapter is the f irst chapter of the NDWA, and the organization started at a conference bet ween grassroots organizing groups that took place in Atlanta . If care workers aren't high on the list of leadership t ypes that come to mind, I'll respectfully ask you to think again. Read the stor y on p. 61 to also know their names. Their vital work prompts me to ask us to widen our circles for who gets the " leader" title in our communities. Look to the librar y and the classroom. W hen leaders in our cit y sought to create a more democratic future through sharing the Black histor y engrained in Macon's creation, a local librarian, Muriel McDowell Jackson (p.44), was the leader they looked to spearhead the research. W hen the Georgia Department of Corrections fails to protect the people in its care, Evey Wilson Wetherbee steps beyond the universit y classroom to uncover the truth, earning a Peabody nomination for her investigative journalism (p. 34). There are other names I urge you to know: Meaghan, Emily, Nyonnohweah, Rachel, and Randy. Carr ying on a 24-year-old Macon Magazine mission, these peer-nominated f ive under 40 young leaders and their areas of focus and ser vice to Macon are names to know now. Read about them on p. 75. They take the stage in f ive of our historic theatres. And as we celebrate Macon receiving the Great American Main Street Award (p. 52), we spotlight the parallels of the theatres' restoration and the dedication to becoming what it takes to win national recognition. It's all about the historic preser vation and collaborative efforts across institutions and sectors. And there are still more unsung leaders. Many leaders who come to mind often have titles they've earned, no doubt . But we've got more respect to give if we're willing to reimagine what a leader looks like. Our pages will lead you. Editor's letter | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 Editor, Susannah C. Maddux @susannahcmaddux "Put some respect on our names." ABOVE The April unveiling of two Black History markers downtown. RIGHT At our Music Party, a young leader in music and recent grad of Northeast High School, Mike Clark Jr., performed. Photo by Jessica Whitley. We want to know your story. Join the conversation @maconmagazine or email us hello@maconmagazine.com.