Public Agenda - Living legend

At a time when the civil rights of all Americans are increasingly under siege in the name of homeland security and religious fundamentalism, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia’s 5th District addresses current civil rights issues in his Tues., April 11, speech at Oglethorpe University, which is free and open to the public. Lewis has devoted a lifetime to activism in civil liberties and human rights. As a young man mature beyond his years, he was a trusted colleague of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., marching in Selma’s “Bloody Sunday” and delivering a memorable speech at the historic March on Washington.

Called “the conscience of the U.S. Congress,” Lewis has been the driving force behind the establishment of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, to be built in the nation’s capital. He remains fervent in exhorting people — especially young people — to make their voices heard by becoming involved in politics and social issues.

Congressman John Lewis will speak on current civil rights issues Tues., April 11, 7:30 p.m., at Oglethorpe University, Lupton Auditorium, 4484 Peachtree Road. For more info, call 404-659-0116 or go to www.oglethorpe.edu.

JOURNALISM AND THE LAW “Journalists and their Sources” is the timely topic Floyd Abrams will discuss in the fourth annual Foster C. Beck Lecture at Emory University on Thurs., March 30. Abrams, who has been called “the most significant First Amendment lawyer of our age,” was most recently co-counsel for Judith Miller of the New York Times and Matthew Cooper of Time magazine in the Plame CIA leak investigation. 7 p.m. Tull Auditorium, Emory University School of Law, 1301 Clifton Road. 404-727-4221. www.events.emory.edu.

MARCH FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE As we near the 38th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., honor his dream at the Southern Regional March for Peace and Justice on Sat., April 1. Contingents from all over the South will be there, along with Rep. John Conyers, the Revs. Joseph Lowery and Timothy McDonald, and several mothers of Georgia soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq. 12-4 p.m. King Center, 450 Auburn Ave. 404-522-4500. www.georgiapeace.org.

KING’S UNFINISHED ASSIGNMENT To commemorate the 38th anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials will march on Moore’s Ford Bridge in Monroe on Sat., April 1, and Tues., April 4, demanding the arrest and prosecution of those who lynched Dorothy and George Malcom, Mae Murray, George Dorsey and an unborn infant in July 1946. April 1, 12-3 p.m.; April 4, 2-4:30 p.m. 404-656-6372. www.gabeo.org.

EAST POINT CITY COUNCIL Local government, community endeavors and city planning are regularly discussed; the next meeting is Mon., April 3. First Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. East Point City Hall, 2777 East Point St., East Point. 404-765-1000. www.eastpointcity.org.

COLLABORATIVE ON HOMELESSNESS The Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional Collaborative (Atlanta, DeKalb and Fulton counties) hosts a meeting to discuss the 2007 SUPERNOFA, a HUD federal grant for which local homeless service providers can apply. The meeting is open to the public. Tues., April 4, 1-3 p.m. Mechanicsville Library, 400 Formwalt St. 404-817-6704, or visit www.tri-j.net.

YOUNG DEMS OF ATLANTA The Young Democrats of Atlanta meet monthly to socialize, talk politics and brainstorm about how to get young people involved in campaigns. This month’s meeting is Wed., April 5. First Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. 404-525-3447. www.fultonyoungdems.org.

COBB COMMISSIONERS Cobb Commissioner Helen Goreham holds town hall meetings to discuss issues important to northwest Cobb. This month’s meeting is Thurs., April 6, 7-8:30 p.m. The topic is Dallas Highway pedestrian improvements and streetscapes. Stratton Library, 1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta. 770-528-3314. www.cobbcounty.org.

THE SPRAWL OF PROGRESS Bill Belleville, award-winning nature writer and author of Losing It All to Sprawl: How Progress Ate My Cracker Landscape, discusses his book. Thurs., April 6, 4 p.m. Sponsored by Emory’s Department of Environmental Studies. Emory University Mathematics and Science Center, N306, 400 Dowman Drive. 404-727-4253. www.events.emory.edu.

SUSTAINABLE ATLANTA ROUNDTABLE The Roundtable is a monthly program designed to promote green efforts in Georgia. The Fri., April 7, meeting addresses “Benefits and Risks of TADs: How are they making the Beltline work?” First Friday of every month, 7:30-9 a.m. All Saints Episcopal Church, 634 W. Peachtree St. 404-881-4663. RSVP and get info at www.southface.org.

· “AIR LOAF” ON 1690 AM

· Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield , D-Atlanta, joins CL Editor Ken Edelstein on Sat., April 1, for an overview of the 2006 state legislative session and a look into what’s coming up in state political races and issues. “Air Loaf” airs every Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, on WWAA-AM (1690) Air Atlanta. Listen and call in at 404-633-1690.

· LET THE RACES BEGIN!

· In partnership with Dad’s Garage and Hands on Atlanta, Creative Loafing presents Political Party on Wed., April 12. Having done their damage during this year’s legislative session, state lawmakers are set for a hot and heavy political season. Hear and question the leading politicians and prognosticators on this year’s election campaigns. Guest panelists include Rep. Tyrone Brooks, D-Atlanta, and Sen. Curt Thompson, D-Norcross. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show begins at 8. Visit creativeloafing.typepad.com/atlantapoliticalparty for more info.

· Want to publicize a political or civic event? E-mail publicagenda@creativeloafing.com.