Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson partners with Latin American Association for small business training, food distribution

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is partnering with the Latin American Association (LAA) to provide small business training and a food distribution for the Latino community in DeKalb County, focusing on Buford Highway and the surrounding area.

The small business training will take place on Thursday, June 8, 6 p.m., at the LAA headquarters on Buford Highway in partnership with LAA and DeKalb County.
The food distribution with LAA and partners, Hosea Feed The Hungry and Plaza Fiesta, will be held on Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m.

The partnership continues the work needed in Latino and immigrant communities to train and support Latina entrepreneurs, as well as eliminate food insecurities among families, said Cochran-Johnson.
Latina entrepreneurs represent nearly half of all Latino businesses. Latina-owned small businesses are quickly growing but disinvestment and systemic barriers limit access to capital and support, hindering their growth, officials said.

Latinos account for 11 percent of metro Atlanta’s population, with over half of the state’s 1 million Hispanic residents living in Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. However, one-third of Latino immigrants live in poverty and 25 percent of families are food insecure.

“We have an obligation to ensure our Latino and immigrant families have access to economic opportunities, food, healthcare, and housing as basic human rights,” said Cochran-Johnson. “Unfortunately, not all communities are fully engaged and aware of economic opportunities within the county, due to language and cultural barriers. I am excited about my partnership with LAA, because it helps bridge the gap of opportunity and ensures inclusion.”

Founded in 1972, the LAA has grown over the past four decades to become the region’s leading agency representing Georgia’s Latino issues. The LAA offers a targeted menu of direct services that helps Latino individuals assimilate and become contributing members of Georgia’s community.

“We are grateful for the partnership with DeKalb County Commissioner Cochran-Johnson,” said LAA CEO Santiago Marquez. “The LAA exists to lower the many barriers to economic mobility and prosperity that Latinos face and to foster self-sufficiency. These events are directly advancing the LAA’s mission. We hope these events are the propeller for many individuals in their journey to prosperity.”