March 30, 2020
MARTA GM/CEO Remembers Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
Jeffrey A. Parker reflects on the recent passing of former Board member, Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
“The basic and sacred purpose of the people’s transit is defeated if those who need it most can afford it least.”
– Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery served on the MARTA Board of Directors for 24 years, four as Chairman. Appointed by Fulton County in 1975, he was among the first African American board members, and lent his strong voice to equity. Over the years, he challenged the need for fare increases because of their impact on those with low incomes. MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker observed, “Dr. Lowery played a significant role in bringing to life MARTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, making sure minority businesses had a chance to prosper from the region’s investment in transit. I pledge to honor his legacy by continuing to build on it.”