| McKinney-Sponsored Workshops Continuing  
               August 29, 2000  Washington - Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), is 
              pleased to announce the continuing success of "Empowerment 2000", 
              a series of free and informative workshops held in Georgia's 4th 
              Congressional District to inform, educate and motivate.  Four of the scheduled seven "Empowerment" meetings have already 
              occurred and participants have received useful and valuable information 
              from trained professionals.  McKinney commented, "I'm always very pleased to offer these outlets 
              of information to the good people of Georgia. It's a great way for 
              us all to get useful information that many of us wouldn't know where 
              to get otherwise."  "Empowerment 2000" started off with "The Franchise Empowerment 
              Workshop" which was held at Georgia Perimeter's South Campus. The 
              session provided participants with valuable information about opening 
              a franchise. Attended by McKinney, participants were informed of 
              the various rules and regulations and given hints on how to develop 
              and execute successful franchising strategies.  In conjunction with representatives from the Federal, State and 
              Local government, McKinney then presented a "Grants Empowerment 
              Workshop" which was held at Perimeter College.  The session informed individuals on the financial resources that 
              are available from several sources to start a business. As a result 
              of this workshop, McKinney hopes that participants are now empowered 
              to serve the community through non-profit and small businesses. 
             McKinney also hosted the "Third Annual International Community 
              Health Fair" held at Georgia Perimeter College, in conjunction with 
              the Coalition of Concerned Africans, DeKalb County Board of Health, 
              and the Department of Nursing at Georgia Perimeter College.  The event provided free health services for local residents including 
              the growing Atlanta immigrant and refugee communities, many who 
              do not have access to quality healthcare. It also provided an excellent 
              opportunity for individuals to receive quality medical service and 
              advice from the healthcare community.  A free Home-Buying Fair was hosted by McKinney in conjunction with 
              Fannie Mae Foundation to help people understand that the American 
              dream of homeownership is within their reach.  Held at the Decatur Library, participants met with industry experts 
              on topics such as Locating a Home, Home Inspection, Housing Counseling 
              and Budget Management, Predatory Lending, and Mortgage Financing 
              Products. Presenters included loan officers, attorneys, insurance 
              agents, and others who assisted fairgoers in learning the ins and 
              outs of the home buying process.  Future "Empowerment 2000" sessions include: Military Academy 
              Day on Saturday, September 9th from 10:00 am until 1:00 p.m. 
              at Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus, Jim Cherry Learning Center 
              located at 555 North Indian Creek Road, Clarkston. For additional 
              information and to RSVP, contact Charles Smallins in the Decatur 
              District Office (404) 377-6900.  Social Security Empowerment on Monday, September 11th from 
              10:00 am to 11:30 am at Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street 
              and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The South DeKalb Senior Center 
              1931 Candler Road. For additional information and to RSVP, please 
              contact Dana Mott in the Decatur District Office at (404) 377-6900.  College Expo on Wednesday, September 20th at North Lake 
              Mall and again on Wednesday, September 27th at South DeKalb Mall, 
              both from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.. For additional information 
              and to RSVP, contact Charles Smallins in the Decatur District Office 
              (404) 377-6900.  |