It's difficult not to be inspired by South Fulton legend Penny Brown Reynolds, PhD, JD, and USDA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. The Emmy-nominated judge, author, and SisterTalk founder drew me in with her words during Morehouse College’s 2024 Founder’s Day Convocation. She made it known that “Our silence co-conspires with injustice.”
The first Black American to serve as executive counsel to Georgia’s governor and lieutenant governor reflected wisely. She had an up close and personal experience at 10 that changed her life.
“I decided to be a Black person who would not let them call me different because my hair was different, because I was smart, or because I looked different,” she shares.
She studied each of Dr. Martin Luther King’s works. She went into detail about sitting at the feet of beloved culture holders: Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients Coretta Scott King, Dr. Joseph Lowery, Xernona Clayton, and C. T. Vivian; Evelyn Lowery and Rita Samuels were given motherly reverence. Tom Joiner, Dan Moore, and former Governor Roy Barnes continue to do the work.
“I was always a pastor who happened to be the deputy assistant. That was my duty station,” she says.
Her voice wavered when mentioning her mother. A needed heart transplant that never came increased the drive for social justice. Social justice via food insecurity falls in line with her role at the USDA. Historically, institutions like the USDA have participated in unequal access for Black, Brown, and women farmers. Waiting years after filing an action was no longer acceptable. Under Brown Reynold’s leadership, the first ever USDA anti-harassment and discrimination programs were instituted. New USDA initiatives must complete a civil rights impact analysis to ensure equity. HUD is often partnered with the agency to streamline services.
“I would love to be able to train a new generation because we're not getting it right,” notes Brown Reynolds.
Collegiate administration may be in the future. Students focused on law at Howard University, as well as her own Georgia State University, benefit from her expertise. An HBCU alumna of Interdenominational Theological Center, as well as Associate Pastor of Midway Missionary Baptist Church (with husband as Senior Pastor), Brown Reynolds overflows with energy and focus.
About City of South Fulton
“South Fulton is leaning into the opportunity of brand newness of a new municipality. When we talk about incredible leadership, I think at this point we need mature leadership—leaders who can lean on advice from people who've been doing this for a long time…it's essential that they work together. The learning curve is significant, but I really want us to maintain a sense of community and let people know about it to attract them to come and live in the area.” – Judge Penny Brown Reynolds
With several trips and purposeful time for rest already planned, Brown Reynolds is leaning into change.
“I think now it's time to do right by me. If I do right by me first, then I will be at the greatest and highest level of what God will have me to do for people.”