Kalema Jackson: A Visionary Candidate Aiming to Transform Atlanta as Its Next Mayor

Kalema Jackson, a former officer with the Atlanta Police Department, has set his sights on becoming Atlanta's next mayor, undeterred by his lack of political experience. Jackson is among three candidates competing against incumbent Mayor Andre Dickens. Recently, he participated in the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young debate series, which, although not broadcasted live, gained traction on platforms like YouTube and WABE. Nervous yet resolute, Jackson later reflected on his performance, humorously assigning himself a B-. Having dedicated 13 years to serving Atlanta, predominantly in Zone 3, he aims to leverage his street experience to meet community needs. “I want to do right by the city,” he asserted. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Jackson moved to Atlanta in 1996 for college and joined the police force in 2002. Despite retiring in 2015, he remains committed to making a positive impact. Jackson recognizes the low voter turnout in Fulton County and hopes to energize constituents with his vision for development and local job fairs. With three weeks until Election Day on November 4, Jackson emphasizes the importance of community engagement.