On Monday, December 16th, the Gateway Center Arena at College Park (2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337) transformed into a hub of joy, generosity, and unity as Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie of College Park’s Ward 1 partnered with entrepreneur Ebony Austin and Grammy-winning artist Offset to celebrate Nouveau Bar & Grille’s 5-year anniversary.
This milestone event was more than a celebration of Nouveau’s success; it was a day dedicated to uplifting the community through acts of profound service. Families in need were met with open hearts and provided clothing, toys, laptops, and other essentials—bringing hope and smiles during the holiday season.
At the heart of this effort stood Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie, a beacon of leadership, compassion, and action. Elected to serve Ward 1 of College Park in 2023, Councilwoman McKenzie has been a relentless advocate for the people of her community. Her professional background spans decades of leadership across nonprofit, educational, and corporate sectors. She currently serves as the CEO of Adullam Ministries, Inc., President of the Service and Leadership Training (S.A.L.T) Foundation, and Apostolic Leader of Kingdom Carriers International Church. Her resume also boasts roles as a Georgia-certified educator, National Director for AdzZoo Internet Marketing, and Director of the College Park Police and Fire Chaplaincy Corps—a program she personally established in 2017.
Her dedication to civic engagement and community uplift is unparalleled. Councilwoman McKenzie’s belief that “giving back to the community is not a handout but a hand up” reflects her deep understanding of what leadership truly means: empowering others and strengthening the bonds that connect us all.
I remember vividly supporting Councilwoman McKenzie during her 2023 campaign. I worked tirelessly to help turn out the Latino vote, motivated by her vision for an inclusive and equitable College Park. When I asked her why she was committed to securing the Latino vote, her answer was simple yet profound: “Because they are my people too, my community, and their voice matters.” In that moment, I knew she was the perfect person for the job—someone who genuinely loves all people, including the Latino community, and recognizes the importance of civic engagement for every group. It is this unwavering commitment to representation and unity that makes Councilwoman McKenzie such a transformational leader.
Notable Attendees & Collaborators:
The success of the day reflected Councilwoman McKenzie’s ability to bring together influential leaders, community members, and organizations dedicated to making a difference. Notable attendees included:
- Ebony Austin – Entrepreneur and Owner of Nouveau Bar & Grille
- Offset – Grammy-winning Artist
- Jennifer Person – Operations Coordinator for APEC Family Foundation
- Mack Brown – Former Professional NFL Player, Finance and Real Estate Development
- Representative Dexter Sharper – 177th District, Valdosta, GA
- Mendeecees Harris and Yandy Smith-Harris (of Love & Hip Hop) alongside their daughter Radio/TV personalities Mz Shyneka and Yung Joc (STREETZ 94.5 Morning Show)
- Dr. Alieka Anderson – Clayton County Commissioner, District 1
- Jonesboro High School Band and North Clayton Middle School Band
- College Park Police, Sheriff and Fire Department
- City Manager Dr. Emmanuel Adediran – Named City Manager of College Park in September 2024
- Mayor Bianca Motley Broom – 27th Mayor of College Park, GA
This dynamic collaboration between local businesses, community leaders, and artists highlighted the transformative power of unity and leadership. Families were not only gifted tangible resources but also left with a renewed sense of hope and belonging—a testament to Councilwoman McKenzie’s vision for a thriving and supportive College Park.
The Breadth of Her Leadership
Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie’s leadership extends far beyond events like this. She has successfully co-founded the IGNITE College Park Resource Center, a referral agency providing critical resources for those in need, and BirthRight by Legacy, a program empowering African American teens to transform their lives and communities.
Whether through her work in education, ministry, or civic leadership, Councilwoman McKenzie exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, love, and action.
A True Champion for All People
This profound day of giving and celebration encapsulates Councilwoman McKenzie’s belief that leadership is not about titles but about service. Her ability to inspire others, bridge gaps, and deliver real solutions has set a new standard for public service in College Park. Her genuine love for people—evident in her support of all communities, including the Latino community—reminds us that we all have a role to play in creating a better future.
As we reflect on the success of Nouveau’s 5-year celebration and Councilwoman McKenzie’s transformative leadership, it is clear that she is not just a public servant but a force for good. Her tireless efforts to unite communities, provide resources, and amplify the voices of those often unheard are a shining example of what true leadership looks like.
Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie continues to pave the way for a stronger, more connected College Park—one where every person is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.
