Equality Lives Here Movement Gains Traction

Equality Lives Here, a grassroots effort started in Atlanta by Billy Kramer, is reaching out to businesses and individuals nationwide – restaurants, hotels, retailers and members of the community – offering them a storefront decal that indicates “all are welcome here.”

Kramer explained, “This really is a very simple concept. Everyone, regardless of the color of their skin, their religious beliefs or sexual orientation, should feel welcome no matter where they are, where they’re going, or what they want to do. Equality Lives Here is one step in a long road, heading in the right direction.”

Within the Equality Lives Here brand, there are several more specific categories geared towards other businesses and organizations. Equality Learns Here, Equality Shops Here, Equality Drinks Here, Equality Plays Here, Equality Works Here, and Equality Eats Here.

Restaurant owner Kramer proudly displays the latter on his website and storefront. He started @BillysBurgers pop-ups and NFA Burger, which opened its first permanent location in Dunwoody in December.

One of the first Atlanta business owners to come on board with Equality Lives Here is Kevin Gillespie, chef-owner of Red Beard Restaurants. “Real hospitality can only exist where everyone, regardless of circumstances, is welcomed with open arms,” Gillespie said. “One of the founding principles of Red Beard Restaurants is that all guests are treated like VIPs, and now more than ever it’s incredibly important that we live that mantra. It begins internally, by creating a safe haven for our staff where they can thrive, and continues into our dining rooms by ensuring that all guests are celebrated. I want my restaurants to represent the future of Atlanta and its proactive approach to equality and prosperity.”

Discover Dunwoody also supports the concept of ELH. “Discover Dunwoody proudly embraces the Equality Lives Here initiative because it directly reflects Dunwoody as a destination,” says Melanie Watson, communications manager. “We always tell visitors that anyone and everybody is welcome here. This type of initiative amplifies that message and physically shows them.”

Kramer said, “We are so pleased with the response that Equality Lives Here has received. … Our goal is to eventually compile a comprehensive directory of businesses starting, with Georgia and growing from there, who all share the same underlying viewpoint: that all people are created equal,” he said.

“During one of the most turbulent periods of our country’s history, it is incumbent on all of us to come together and support one another. Equality Lives Here allows us to do that in a cohesive and tolerant way.”

For more information visit equalityliveshere.com or contact billy@equalityliveshere.com.