Jeff Dickerson
Last week, media consultant and public relations expert Jeff Dickerson announced he would be stepping down as a regular panelist on Georgia Gang after 30 years on the program. As one of the more liberal members of the program, he would often get into heated discussions with conservatives Phil Kent and host Dick Williams, providing a much-needed perspective alongside the other liberal series regular, Alexis Scott. Every week, he regularly provided valuable insight on Georgia politics and current events. There are few people in this state with his breadth of experience, skills, and knowledge, and his presence on the show will be missed by many.
I am honored that I will be filling his chair on the program moving forward. Dickerson is one of the trail blazers for black men in Georgia politics and public affairs, and I have no doubt that I would not have this opportunity were it not for his work over the last 30 years of his career. From his time as an editorial writer at the AJC to his communications work for a diverse portfolio of clients, he has proven himself to be capable journalist and a fierce advocate for progressive causes.
He cannot be replaced, but I will do my best to continue his legacy on the program. 2018 may very well mark a turning point in American history, and it is more important now than ever that progressive voices are at every available microphone. We need to fight back against the divisive, phony-populist rhetoric of our president, and that means speaking up for what we believe in. In Georgia, we will have an opportunity to move the state forward this year as we vote for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and every seat of the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate. These upcoming elections provide us with a chance to rebuke the president and those who stand with him.
As a lifelong Democrat, I am excited to use this new opportunity to speak out on behalf of progressive causes, as well as engage in debate with honesty and respect with fellow panelists Scott, Kent, and Williams, even when we disagree. Before I ever set foot in the Georgia Gang studio, it had long been one of my favorites due to the intellectual rigor of everyone that came on the program, liberal or conservative. The debates may get heated from time to time, but at the end of the day, everyone still listens to one another. Dickerson set one of the finest examples of how to conduct oneself in that setting, and I look forward to using what I learned from him to truly earn the seat that I have been given.
