Nikema Williams

Member of Congress

Hiring Opportunity for Veterans: Green and Gold Aide

My office is looking for a Green & Gold Congressional Aide in our Atlanta office. The Green and Gold Congressional Aid Program was established to create employment opportunities for Veterans, Gold Star families, and Active-Duty Spouses within the U.S. House of Representatives. These positions provide Aides with the experience and exposure necessary to broaden their career opportunities. Click here to apply!

City of Atlanta’s Senior Displacement Grant Program

To prevent seniors from losing their homes, the City of Atlanta has established a grant program to provide financial assistance with property taxes for senior citizens that may be facing the risk of displacement from their homes. Seniors ages 65+ who own and occupy a home in the City of Atlanta and are delinquent on their property taxes are eligible. Applications will be accepted through July 2024. You can find additional program details here. Seniors can also call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at 404-330-6026 for more information.

Reintroducing the Endometriosis CARE Act

An estimated 190 million women of reproductive age across the globe struggle with endometriosis. It occurs when tissue, similar to the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus. The pain from endometriosis interrupts millions of lives, including mine. I’ve lived with endometriosis since I was 14 years old.

Inadequate research funding means limited treatment options exist because too many unknowns about the condition remain. Many patients–particularly Black women and women of color–are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. We must increase investments in women’s health research to begin to eliminate the health disparities women face.

I am grateful to Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Congresswoman Alma Adams, and my endometriosis caucus co-chair, Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón, for joining me in the reintroduction of the Endometriosis CARE Act. The legislation would invest $50 million annually for five years in endometriosis research through the National Institutes of Health. This is an important step to begin easing the burden of endometriosis, and a signal of the importance of investing in women’s health research. View the one pager for the legislation or watch the press conference from introduction day!

Special thank you to the Society for Women’s Health Research, the Endometriosis Foundation of America, Endo What? and Endo Black, Inc. for joining us for a press conference to introduce the bill and Women’s Health Month reception.

The Congressional Art Competition

Round of applause to everyone who participated in this year's Fifth Congressional District Art Competition. The event wouldn’t have been possible without help from our judges, sponsors, and all of the art teachers throughout the Fighting Fifth who work passionately to inspire their students. Lakin Barwick from Maynard Jackson High School took 1st place with “Undiscovered Youth”; Summer Clark from Coretta Scott King Academy earned 2nd place with “Fragments of Femininity”; and Christina McKelvey-Fludd from Coretta Scott King Academy, secured 3rd place with “Claudette Colvin.” On top of the awards, I presented Congressional Recognitions to one of our Judges, Susan Ross, for her historic work documenting the Black experience and Hammonds House Museum, for its history of showcasing emerging Black artists.

From Kenya to Atlanta

I had the honor of welcoming Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto to Atlanta to celebrate 60 years of US-Kenya relations. It was the first State Trip by a sitting African President to the US since 2008 and he chose the greatest city in the world as his first stop. On his trip we stopped by the Carter Center and discussed Kenya and Atlanta’s ongoing legacy of supporting democracy worldwide.

The Lights of the BeltLine Lantern Parade

My husband Leslie and my Carter Cakes joined me at the BeltLine Lantern Parade. Not only did we enjoy the beautiful lanterns, but we also celebrated Atlanta Beltline CEO, Clyde Higgs’ Birthday!

Another win for Black Entrepreneurship

Congratulations Antonio Brown for the grand opening of the FIRST gluten-free, vegan, stir fry restaurant in the entire Southeast, Stir House. I couldn’t miss the grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration! Stir House is a testament to Atlanta’s vibrant community of Black entrepreneurs. I’m excited for you to try it.

Advancing STEM with The Hidden Genius Project

I had the opportunity to visit The Hidden Genius Project to see their work to promote STEM careers in action. This program trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. We discussed both the challenges and opportunities for young Black men in tech and entrepreneurship, especially in the era of AI.

Celebrating 59 years of Head Start

Head Start has been providing affordable childcare for the past 59 years! I celebrated that illustrious achievement with Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, which operates Head Start programs throughout the metro area. I enjoyed learning more about their important work and having a little fun with the children during their name game!

Praying with Purpose with the St. James Lodge #4

I joined Leslie’s Prince Hall Mason Lodge for their 24th annual Prayer Breakfast. The St. James Lodge #4, the oldest Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in Atlanta, has been of great service to our community–especially our youth. It was wonderful to join them in fellowship and hear an inspiring word from Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley!