East Point City Council voted July 7 to work with the city manager to host Southside Day at City Hall on Aug. 31, after hearing a presentation from organizers led by Jacille “Young Jock” Robinson and Sheree Phillips. Councilmember Shropshire moved the city‑collaboration motion; Councilmember Martin Rogers seconded, and the measure passed by voice vote.

The event organizers described Southside Day as a community festival that seeks to unite South Side municipalities and provide services to residents. “We were able to give over a thousand laptops away to the students as our back to school giveaway. This year, our goal is to give away a thousand tablets,” Jacille Robinson said during the presentation.

Why it matters: Organizers asked the city to host the event on the front lawn of City Hall, to help with promotion and to coordinate police, fire and EMS support for a crowd they said could total about 1,000 people based on last year’s attendance. Council members discussed logistics, safety resources and vendor and volunteer coordination before the vote.

Event details and city commitments: Presenters said the planned date is Sunday, Aug. 31, with an event window roughly 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Organizers asked the city to help promote the event through official communications and to coordinate public‑safety staffing. Councilmember Straubshire asked whether school supplies would be included; presenters said school supplies and book bags historically accompany giveaways and that partners often contribute them.

Allocation request: Councilmember Shropshire and several council members asked that a portion of the tablets be reserved for East Point schools. A councilmember requested that roughly 20% of distributed devices be allocated to East Point’s eight schools and that principals be notified; organizers agreed to coordinate with the city and the schools.

Amendment: After the council initially approved a motion to work with the city manager, councilmembers later moved and approved a new motion to include the mayor in organizing and coordinating with event organizers.

Ending: The motion passed by voice vote. Staff were directed to work with event organizers on logistics, safety coordination and outreach to schools and apartment managers to ensure the community is informed and that required public‑safety coverage and permits are in place.