Awa is the American dream. She immigrated from Senegal over 30 years ago in search for a better life. Since then, she has married, raised six children, and supported her family by braiding hair.
In 2021, Awa moved to South Fulton with her family but intended to continue running her shop in downtown Atlanta. But then tragedy struck. The day after she moved into her house, her husband was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He never came home.
Awa tried to open a new hair braiding business in South Fulton but her business license was denied by the City Council on the grounds it provide too much competition and potentially hurt another salon. Now Awa, with the help of the Institute for Justice, is fighting back for her protected right under the Georgia Constitution to practice a lawful occupation.
Related Case
Private Property | Zoning Justice Project
South Fulton Protectionist Zoning
In America, the government doesn’t get to pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Businesses compete, and the consumer ultimately decides which services or products they want. The idea that anyone can open a storefront…