By Tracy Gray, President, UNA-USA, Atlanta Chapter

The life and legacy of Ted Turner stand as a remarkable testament to the power of vision paired with bold action. Through his leadership and generosity, Turner reshaped global philanthropy, most notably with his unprecedented $1 billion commitment to support the work of the United Nations and to strengthen the United Nations Association of the United States of America. 

This transformational gift not only launched critical initiatives but also inspired a new era of civic engagement in our Atlanta Chapter and worldwide, empowering everyday citizens to connect with global goals and multilateral cooperation.

Turner believed that individuals could play a meaningful role in advancing peace, human rights, and sustainable development. His investment in UNA-USA created a platform for education, advocacy, and grassroots action that continues to influence communities across the nation.

As we reflect on his passing today at age 87, we honor not only his achievements but also his enduring spirit of generosity and courage. The United Nations Association, Atlanta Chapter, Board and members extend heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Turner family and his many friends. 

His legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations committed to building a more just and peaceful world.

Each year on May 3, the global community observes World Press Freedom Day—an opportunity to recognize the vital role of a free and independent press in advancing democracy, accountability, and human rights.

Established by the United Nations in 1993, the day serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles of press freedom, the need to defend journalists from attacks on their independence, and the importance of honoring those who have lost their lives in pursuit of the truth.

A free press is more than a pillar of democracy—it is essential to ensuring that people everywhere can access accurate information, hold institutions accountable, and fully participate in civic life. Around the world, however, journalists continue to face censorship, harassment, and violence simply for doing their jobs.

At UNA-Atlanta, we recognize that press freedom is closely tied to the broader goals of the United Nations, including peace, justice, and strong institutions. Today, we stand in solidarity with journalists and media professionals who work tirelessly—often at great personal risk—to inform the public and uphold truth.

Learn more about World Press Freedom Day and what the UN is doing on the safety of journalists.

Today, April 22, the world marks International Mother Earth Day, a United Nations observance that recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as our shared home—and underscores our collective responsibility to protect it.

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2009, this day highlights the urgent need to address environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable land use. These human-driven pressures are accelerating the degradation of our planet and impacting communities around the globe.

International Mother Earth Day is also a reminder of the deep interconnection between people, nature, and all living species. It calls on all of us—individuals, communities, and institutions—to promote harmony with nature and work toward a more sustainable, equitable future for generations to come.

As we reflect today, we invite you to learn more about how you can take action and be part of the global movement to protect our planet.

🌱 Get Involved
Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, or simply take steps to live more sustainably, your actions matter. Earth Day is a reminder that local efforts contribute to global change.

Visit the United Nations webpage to learn more: International Mother Earth Day 

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the 2026 UNA-USA Advocacy Summit brings together 150 advocates from across the country for two days of dynamic programming, meaningful dialogue, and hands-on training in global advocacy.

Participants will hear directly from leaders in government, advocacy, and the United Nations—then take that knowledge to Capitol Hill, meeting with Congressional offices to champion strong U.S. leadership through the UN.

Accepted applicants will be invited to register at a discounted rate:

• $150 for UNA-USA Youth Members (under 26)
• $200 for UNA-USA Members

​Date: Monday, June 29 – Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Location: Washington, DC 

Join advocates from across the country and be part of shaping the future of U.S. engagement on the global stage.

The deadline to apply is May 1 at 11:59 PM ET.

The UNA-USA Global Engagement Summit is the largest annual gathering of UN supporters in the United States. The UN is ready to meet the moment—bringing together advocates, policymakers, UN leaders and emerging changemakers to explore one essential question: How do we build a stronger, more effective UN?

This isn’t another conference. It’s your opportunity to step into the room where global action begins and connect with the people working every day to shape the future of international cooperation.

When: Friday, April 10 | 7:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Where: New York Hilton Midtown and United Nations Headquarters  

Join the United Nations Association of Atlanta and the International Women’s Think Tank for a virtual International Women’s Day Lunch-n-Learn on March 25 from 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET).

​Admission: Free

This engaging conversation will bring together dynamic women leaders to share insights, challenges, resources, and success stories across generations. The dialogue will explore how collaboration and mentorship can strengthen leadership and advance opportunities for women and girls.

Ayanna Whitebear is the President and CEO of Pretty With Purpose, Inc., a mentoring and
leadership organization dedicated to empowering young ladies to discover their purpose, build confidence, and develop into strong leaders within their communities. Under her leadership, the organization has created transformative programs focused on college and career readiness, leadership development, financial literacy, and personal growth for young women ages 12–19.

In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Ayanna is an experienced paralegal specializing in personal injury, wrongful death, business law, and estate planning. Through her legal work, she supports individuals and families during some of their most critical life transitions while also assisting entrepreneurs in building and protecting their businesses.

Ayanna is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she continues her commitment to service and sisterhood.

Her journey is one of resilience and purpose. Ayanna became a teen mother at the age of 16, an experience that shaped her passion for mentorship and advocacy. Today, she is the proud mother of a 16-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old bonus daughter. Her life story fuels her mission to ensure that young women have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities she once had to navigate alone.

Ayanna believes that purpose is greater than circumstance and that leadership is built through discipline, vision, and service. Her work is rooted in creating generational impact, equipping young women not only to succeed, but to lead.

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​Favorite Quote:
Michelle Obama:
“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s
lives.”

Ebony Brown is a dedicated nonprofit professional with over 15 years of experience strengthening organizations through community and corporate volunteerism. As Director of Volunteer Services and Outreach at Cool Girls, Inc., she mobilizes volunteer groups and individuals to support girls’ education through mentorship, life skills programming, and community service initiatives.

Previously, Ebony served as a Domestic Violence Specialist supporting women and children and worked with Atlanta Public Schools to develop partnerships aimed at improving student literacy and college readiness. She holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Volunteer Management and earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University. Ebony enjoys traveling, mission work, film production, and spending time with her family.

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Mollie Marie Finch Belt is Publisher and CEO of The Dallas Examiner, one of the nation’s most respected African American newspapers, a role she has held since 1986. A Dallas native, she earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Denver after beginning her studies at Spelman College. Her career reflects decades of leadership in public service and journalism, including positions with the Texas Employment Commission, Harris County Manpower Program, the City of Dallas, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she served for 15 years as Branch Chief in the Office for Civil Rights. Through her leadership of The Dallas Examiner, she has continued the newspaper’s legacy of informing, empowering, and advocating for communities.

In addition to her work in journalism, Mollie has long been committed to civic engagement and community dialogue. She founded Monday Night Politics: Meet the Candidates, a widely respected series of political forums that connected voters and candidates for nearly two decades. A member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Texas Publishers Association, Texas Press Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a life member of the NAACP, she has received numerous honors, including the NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award and Publisher of the Year Award. Her life history has also been recorded by The HistoryMakers and preserved in the Library of Congress, recognizing her enduring contributions to journalism, public service, and civic leadership.
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Aarti Sahgal is the Founder and CEO of Synergies Work, the largest startup hub in the United States dedicated to entrepreneurs with disabilities, and Synergies Seed Fund, a rising Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working to close the capital gap for disabled founders.

As the parent of a son with Down syndrome, Aarti has spent more than two decades challenging the soft bigotry of low expectations and advancing inclusive entrepreneurship. Her work focuses on creating real pathways for people with disabilities to build businesses, access capital, and participate fully in the economy.

Prior to founding Synergies Work, Aarti spent 14 years in advertising and marketing and holds a master’s degree in business management from a leading business school in Mumbai.

Today, she works with corporations, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to unlock one of the country’s most overlooked sources of innovation—entrepreneurs with disabilities.

By Tracy Gray, President, UNA-USA, Atlanta Chapter

The United Nations recognizes February 20, 2026, as the UN World Day of Social Justice. The occasion is brought into focus by the beloved global community of social justice and peace losing a towering moral voice. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. devoted his life to social justice, dignity, and the conviction that a shared destiny binds humanity together.

For those of us in the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter, his work reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—advancing social justice, peace, equity, and opportunity across borders, and keeping faith with the promise of America and the nonviolent beloved community.

Over the years, it was my distinct honor to cover Rev. Jackson as a journalist. I had the privilege of witnessing his work up close—on the streets, in churches, in civic halls, and across international platforms. As I recently looked through several photographs I took of him in action, I was reminded of the urgency and compassion that defined his mission. Whether he was advocating for sustainable development, human rights, voting rights, or global peace and security, he cried out for radical freedom—both nationally and internationally. His dream was radical in its simplicity: to let every person know they are somebody, and to keep hope alive.

Photo credits: Tracy Gray

By Tracy Gray, President

I extend my sincere thanks to the TiE Atlanta Board for inviting me to serve as a featured speaker at the successful launch of the TiE Atlanta Global Sustainability Awards (GSA) 2026. The event brought together more than 70 participants, including corporate leaders, civic officials, academic partners, nonprofit organizations, mentors, and students. The strong turnout and thoughtful program confirmed the initiative's relevance and momentum. For more information, contact www.tieatlanta.org

It was especially encouraging to see TiE’s five pillars—mentoring, networking, education, incubation, and investment—translated into a practical, scalable platform for student engagement. By centering innovation, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship, the GSA program reflects the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the growing commitment of Atlanta’s ecosystem to prepare the next generation of global problem-solvers.

The collaboration among corporate partners, universities, civic leaders, and community organizations demonstrates what is possible when sectors align around a shared purpose. Initiatives like GSA create meaningful pathways for students to develop ideas, access mentorship, and contribute solutions to real-world challenges.
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UNA-Atlanta is proud to be a partner in this effort. We look forward to supporting the program’s continued growth and to working with TiE Atlanta and its partners to empower young innovators who will help shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for our city and the world.

Each February, UNA-Atlanta proudly joins communities across the United States in celebrating Black History Month — a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and enduring contributions of Black people everywhere, from well-known leaders, activists, and changemakers to the countless unsung heroes whose efforts have shaped our world. Around the globe, many communities celebrate Black history at different times of the year, reflecting the diverse ways this legacy is recognized internationally.

This year carries special meaning as we mark 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926, a legacy reflected in the 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” This centennial is not only a moment of remembrance, but a call to uplift the stories, voices, and leadership that inspire us to build a more just and equitable future for all.

Atlanta’s Unique Role in Black History
Atlanta holds a special place in this history. As the hometown of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a cradle of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, our city reminds us that the pursuit of justice and equality is both a local responsibility and a global call to action. The values championed by civil rights leaders — dignity, freedom, and human rights for all — are deeply aligned with the mission of the United Nations.

Over the past century, Black history has shaped culture, policy, innovation, and movements for social change — not only in the United States but around the world. The leadership and lived experiences of people of African descent remain essential to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequalities, promoting quality education, improving health and well-being, and building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

Ways to Commemorate Black History Month in Atlanta
Be inspired by history and help shape the future by exploring these meaningful ways to honor Black History Month in Atlanta:

• Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, including the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Dr. King’s Birth Home
• Explore African American history and innovation at the APEX Museum 
• Walk along historic Auburn Avenue, known as “Sweet Auburn,” one of the nation’s most significant Black heritage corridors
• Experience the connection between civil rights and global human rights at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Discover exhibits on the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and African American history at the Atlanta History Center
• Tour the Herndon Home Museum, the former residence of Alonzo Herndon, Atlanta’s first Black millionaire
• Attend cultural festivals and performances such as the Roswell Roots festival
• Participate in youth-focused educational programming at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Support and shop at Black-owned businesses throughout the Atlanta area
• Attend local lectures, community dialogues, museum programs, and other cultural events honoring Black history and heritage

Black history is world history. By honoring it — and recommitting to equity and human rights — we strengthen our shared pursuit of the UN’s global vision for all.

By Precious Mawusi Kpornyo, Senior Communications Specialist, Communications Committee

On January 24, the world marks the International Day of Education, a United Nations commemoration that celebrates the role education plays in peace and sustainable development.

Similarly, here at UNA-Atlanta, we believe education comprises more than schooling. It is a public good, and a shared public responsibility. Education helps people gain knowledge, build skills, and get better opportunities. Yet millions are still being left behind. UNESCO notes that globally, 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate. This is a clear reminder that the right to education is still not equally realized.
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2026 Theme: The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education
The 2026 International Day of Education celebration highlights a powerful truth. Young people are instrumental in shaping the future of education. UNESCO emphasizes that youth under 30 make up more than half of the world’s population, yet they are often most affected by poverty, inequality, and limited access to quality education and decent work. Engaging young people in education policy and practice is critical in such a time of rapid technological and social change.

This year, UNESCO is convening a global hybrid event at its headquarters in Paris on January 23, bringing youth and students together with international decision-makers, and sharing fresh insights on youth participation in education policymaking.

How to Observe the Day
International Day of Education is a moment to move from celebration to action here in Atlanta. Consider engaging your organization through activities such as:

• Town halls that invite learners to share what they want to see changed in schools and universities
• Student advisory circles that meaningfully inform programs, services, and learning experiences
• Storytelling campaigns that spotlight students’ journeys, challenges, and aspirations
• Interactive workshops focused on strengthening youth participation in decision-making in schools and communities

On this International Day of Education, we are reminded that change in our education systems becomes stronger when they are built with young people at the hem of affairs. By investing in high-quality education and creating real space for youth leadership, we take a meaningful step toward a sustainable world.