MACON, Ga. (WGXA) — Day two of a major statewide summit in Macon is underway right now, with Georgia leaders shifting their focus to voting rights, redistricting and political policy.Black elected officials, business leaders and HBCUs came together at the Tubman Museum, Douglas Theater and the Macon Marriott City Center for a three-day statewide gathering built around the theme: Building the Blueprint for Black Prosperity. The “gathering” is not a conventional conference, but rather a convening that is structured to produce a single coordinated statewide agenda connecting policy, political power, capital, infrastructure, research and accountability.DID YOU HEAR | Guitar-shaped executive terminal rises at Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon-Bibb“The point of this whole convening is to join both business and politics together. To have a conversation about issues in our Black communities, how we can build coalition better to come up with policies that merge and have real conversations about how politics works with our business community, to help our Black communities grow their wealth and education and healthcare, and how we can all partner together for that purpose,” Said Nikki Merritt, Senator representing the 9th district in Gwinnett County. “We’re at a time now where we really have to join together in unity with Black businesses, with as many coalition partners as we have and make them aware of what’s happening politically, legislatively that could affect our communities.”Macon hosts day two of statewide Black prosperity summit focused on voting rights, August 31, 2026 (Courtesy of WGXA’s Perry Smith)On Sunday, the convening was geared towards a “day of connection” that featured: faith, wellness, culture, heritage and youth engagement, including the Prosperity Links Golf Classic at Historic Bowden Golf Course, the Black Excellence Pickleball Open, a Future Founders youth entrepreneurship session at the Tubman Museum, and a Fannie Lou Hamer documentary screening with GLBC Sunday Sessions Live at the Historic Douglass Theatre. On Monday, they focused on policy power and strategic alignment by featuring sessions on the State of Black Georgia and establishing a coordinated Black agenda, redistricting and reapportionment, and protecting voting access and governing authority.”This convening really brings home the merger of culture, commerce and politics…that’s what it’s about: education,” Said Miram Paris, representative of District 142. “We’re dealing with volatile political times, and so we just want to make sure that all bases are covered as far as our various communities are concerned. Making sure that Black people have a seat at the table and that their voices are being heard… We’re really just happy they chose Macon. I mentioned to them, ‘There’s no other place to choose, but Macon.’ All are welcome to come in and hear the discussion that we’re having and to be a part of it, not just as a spectator, but as someone who can also voice their opinion.”On Tuesday, they will discuss economic access and opportunity, which will focus on: infrastructure investment, procurement and contracting, capital access, the Georgia economic ecosystem, and Georgia’s HBCUs as permanent partners in research, workforce and innovation.Macon hosts day two of statewide Black prosperity summit focused on voting rights, August 31, 2026 (Courtesy of WGXA’s Perry Smith)The concurrent breakout sessions cover key topics including reparations, Black men’s health and prostate cancer, school funding formulas, and housing and homeownership. Additional pathways will focus on Black business ecosystems and capital, youth and emerging leadership, community mobility and public safety, AI and innovation, and civic accountability.The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) and the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers (GCBC) are hosting the event, in partnership with GABCO, the Georgia Black Mayors Coalition, the Advancing Black Business Foundation and The B.L.A.C.K. Center.Participants include state legislators, county commissioners, mayors, city council members, school board members and constitutional officers; HBCU presidents, faculty and students; Black chamber leaders, entrepreneurs, developers and financial institutions; faith leaders, organizers and voting-rights advocates; and healthcare, housing and workforce partners from across Georgia.The purpose of this event is to unify Black Georgia as the state enters a period of rapid political, economic, and technological transformation. Decisions made today will dictate future political representation, investment flows, public contract awards, and community readiness for artificial intelligence. Moving past isolated initiatives and separate conversations, The BLACKPRINT ensures attendees leave Macon with clear, named owners, explicit timelines, and accountable next steps leading into the upcoming state election and legislative session.Stick with WGXA as we keep you ready for what’s next.



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