1. Short title This Act may be cited as Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act . 2. Findings The Congress finds the following: (1) Thomas W. Dortch, Jr., was born April 12, 1950, in Toccoa, Georgia, to Lizzie Dortch and Thomas W. Dortch, Sr., and went on to become an influential leader and mentor as well as a successful businessperson and crusader for equal justice. (2) After graduating from Whitman Street High School in 1968, Dortch attended Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia, and graduated with a bachelor of arts in sociology in 1972. That year, he began his formal career by seeking to aid disenfranchised people through proposing projects for the State of Georgia. In 1974, he became the associate director of the Georgia Democratic Party. In 1978, Dortch began working as an administrative aide for Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia and eventually became State Director, the first African American to serve in this position. Dortch worked tirelessly to represent the interests of small businesses, minorities, and other marginalized individuals and institutions. (3) In 1986, Dortch joined the 100 Black Men of America, an international mentoring program intended to improve the quality of life and opportunities for education and employment for African Americans. He served as chairman of 100 Black Men of Atlanta and became the chairman of 100 Black Men of America’s national board of directors. That same year, he earned his master of arts in criminal justice administration from Clark Atlanta University and married Carole Dortch. (4) In 1994, after more than 16 years of government service, Dortch left his position to pursue his own business interests. He became CEO of the consulting firm TWD, Inc., and Atlanta Transportation Systems, Inc., a Fulton County paratransit company. He still holds both positions. (5) Dortch has won numerous awards highlighting his achievements, including a Presidential Citation for volunteerism from President Barack Obama, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Distinguished