Mayor of Atlanta Hosts the Atlanta Consular Corps

Written by Simeon Nunnally, iF Magazine

The 61st Mayor of Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens, hosted the Atlanta Diplomatic Corp luncheon in the breathtaking Rotunda Hall at Atlanta City Hall. The gothic architecture was perfectly enhanced with an immense amount of natural lighting. The combination symbolized the relationship between the City of Atlanta and the International Community.

The Mayor greeted each member of the Diplomatic Corp with elegance and grace. During the Mayor’s remarks he stated “I spoke with Ambassador Javier Diaz De Leon, Dean of the Consular Corps, and he invited me to a Diplomatic Corp luncheon that was held in Buckhead. I told him I would be honored to meet with the Diplomatic Corp but, I would like to host them annually here at City Hall. “If we are going to do it, let’s do it right”, added the Mayor. The Director of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Vanessa Ibarra stated “Mayor Andre Dickens promised to meet with the International Community and I am glad to see he kept that promise!” Ambassador Javier Diaz De Leon addressed his distinguished colleagues saying, “the bond between the City of Atlanta and the International Community is imperative to the growth of the City.”

The Mayor informed the Ambassadors and Consular Corps members, representing over 75 Countries, distinguished guests from the Airport, such as Arlene Barr, Elliott Paige, and Mr. Balram “B” Bheodari, that he will be a Mayor that is accessible to all members of the International Community. “I plan to host the Diplomatic Corp luncheon and attend the 39th Annual Consular Ball later this year,” exclaimed an excited and inspiring Mayor Andre Dickens. They informed me I have four years guaranteed, I hope for four more”, he added with full ambition. 

The members of the Consular Corp enjoyed fine cuisine and socialized and networked with each other while being excited about the future or working with the Mayor. The Consul General of Liberia Her Excellency Cynthia Blandford stated, “I am sure my colleagues can attest, it makes a world of difference when your Mayor gives your community a voice on such a prevalent stage and  makes a commitment to have an open-door policy to engage the global community to strengthen ties with Atlanta.” The Diplomatic Corp was overwhelmed with the generosity from the Mayor, and just like the well-lighted room, excited about the bright future ahead.