A special commendation to my brother and friend Tommy Dortch, Jr, who was recently honored by the Atlanta Business Chronicle with their Lifetime Achievement Award. And boy, does he deserve the recognition.
Tommy and I work together as part of the Coordinating Committee of and for the Just Brothers organization, and on a board for Operation HOPE, and advancing 100 Black Men of America, and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and the HOPE Global Forum, and advancing the Andrew Young Foundation and Andrew Young legacy, where he speaks — every year, and soon, at Clark Atlanta University (more on that later).
But this is only part of how Tommy Dortch Jr leans in. He’s everywhere – from HBCUs, to black business chambers, to international engagement in the Caribbean islands, to writing checks out of his own pockets, to advance causes of merit in our community. And again, this is merely part of the story.
Chaitra Dalton Bryant and I were honored to come out and spend some time with him last week, saluting him along with countless others, as he received this much needed recognition from the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Wherever there is a need in our community, or a gap of and for leadership, Tommy Dortch Jr is there, trying to fill it.
So. Well. Deserved. If you are not following the work of Tommy Dortch, Jr, then you should be. He is a leader in what I refer to, as the new Silver Rights Movement, or ‘social justice through an economic lens,’ and this brother is putting points on the board — every game day (meaning, every. Day).
Onward and with HOPE
John Hope Bryant