The desire to become part of the change she wanted to see was the motivation for Venus Mack-Hall’s decision to step into the political arena.

“City Council, in my eyes, was a great place to start,” she said. “Statesboro is a great emerging town, but it could benefit from being more inclusive in considering the needs of GSU students and permanent residents.”

Mack-Hall was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but her grandparents, Robert and Eloise Love Mack, were born and raised in Statesboro. 

“My family roots run deep here, and that’s why Statesboro has a special place in my heart. I’m blessed to have my mother, Wanda Mack-Johnson, my bonus parent, Gregory Johnson, and my father, Larry Pelzer,” Mack said. 

A full-time business owner in Statesboro, Mack-Hall is the owner of The Glam Bar Salon, and she also owns a marriage consulting business, I Do – Marriage Consulting. She’s been in business for six years. Mack-Hall and her husband of four years have five children together: three boys and two girls, who range in age from 9 years to 23. 

Although Mack-Hall loves to spend time with family and friends, traveling is something near and dear to her heart. But she never forgets about Statesboro and the issues the community faces.

“The biggest issue I see right now is racial differences. There’s so much racial hostility it makes my heart hurt,” she said. “I plan to continue to lead with love and work for equal rights for all Statesboro residents.”

Mack-Hall serves District 3, and says the greatest issues facing that area of the city is “affordable living, bringing employment opportunities and more involvement with the students.”

“I am here to put in work, make change, and get the job done,” she said. “Whether it’s on campus or helping my constituents in the residential area.”

In the next five to 10 years, Mack-Hall says she would “love to see Statesboro as ‘One Boro.’” And she says she plans to run again, although she chuckles and says that may change from day to day. 

“Ask me tomorrow and the answer may be different,” she said. 

Regarding the future for the city she calls home, “I’d love to see more jobs, more businesses and more residents. I want to see Statesboro thrive and the residents living their best lives in unity,” she said. 

Mack-Hall says the current pandemic is always on everyone’s minds, including her own. 

“Our ways of education, worship and social lives have changed drastically because of it,” she said. “I believe as a community, we are doing the best we can. Some are doing better than others. I think some people may need more time to adjust to our new normal. Collectively, we can reduce our numbers and set the tone for surrounding communities.”

Of her own future, Mack-Hall says she wants to see her businesses growing and being successful.

“I see myself thriving in my businesses and enjoying my family. That’s actually what I’m doing now, and hopefully in 10 years, I’ll reach higher levels,” she said. 

Mack-Hall says she wants her family to know that she loves them, and that she is appreciative of the sacrifices they have made so that she can serve the community she has come to love. She enjoys the small town feel of Statesboro.

“I’m from a big city. Statesboro is a nice treat,” she said, adding that she’d like to thank everyone who voted for her.

“I’m forever grateful. We are Statesboro Strong and with God, anything is possible,” she said.