Thousands Turn Out for Atlanta Job Fair

Reps. Johnson, Lewis, Black Caucus colleagues connect job seekers with employers

ATLANTA, GA – More than 3,000 people participated in today's job fair hosted by Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Hank Johnson, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus at Atlanta Technical College.

Ninety employers -- all of them with job openings, a requirement of participation -- met with thousands of job seekers at the event, part of the Congressional Black Caucus' "For the People" nationwide jobs initiative.

Demand for the event was so intense that a few job seekers suffered from heat-related illnesses while waiting in long lines to meet with employers.

Ninety businesses large and small as well as government agencies with job openings attended the event to meet potential hires. The CBC's nationwide goal for the jobs tour is to facilitate the hiring of 10,000 Americans.

“Americans are suffering from heat exhaustion, lining up by the thousands for the opportunity to get a steady job,” said Lewis. “It's a powerful illustration of these hard times.”

“The people are desperate for work,” said Johnson. “Today the urgency of the crisis was on vivid display.”

"Today’s event was a great success, said Dr. Alvetta Thomas, President of Atlanta Technical College. “Atlanta Tech specializes in workforce development and we were thrilled to help connect so many employers and job seekers.”

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