Author: On Common Ground News

Atlanta’s Congressman John Lewis is leading a sit-in today at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., to demand that Republicans move on gun control legislation. The unusual demonstration of civil disobedience was captured live on Periscope around 1:30 p.m. Congressman Hank Johnson was among the 70 Democrats who participated in the sit-in. “I’m on the House floor now holding a sit-in with John Lewis & my colleagues until we get a vote on legislation to curb gun violence,” Johnson said in a Facebook post. The Orlando massacre is renewing the debate over gun control legislation. Democrats say they want Republicans to…

Students in the Rockdale County Sheriff Department’s Choose2Change program are getting an up-close look this summer at what happens when people make the wrong decisions. Last weekend, the students spent the night in jail to experience life as an inmate. They received uniforms, bed linens and a toothbrush. The sheriff called the program a success, saying the kids assured trainers they would not be returning. “The CHOOSE2CHANGE program is an early intervention program that is designed to provide youths ages 11-17 a curriculum of classes in order for them to see that certain choices they are making could land them…

Sinfo-Nia Orchestra will present its 27th Annual Summer Academy Concert, the sound of a new generation. The concert will be held on Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 105 Courtland Street NE. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students. Tickets will be available at the door or go online to purchase tickets.  www.sinfo-nia.com.

The DeKalb County Board of Health encourages the community to join in celebrating National HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the 285 Flea Market in Decatur. The health department is providing free rapid HIV tests, HIV education and chronic disease prevention, healthy living and nutrition tips; and gift bags for test recipients. “We need to ensure this deadly disease continues to remain on the community’s radar. Education and proper, timely treatment are critical for preventing the transmission of the virus,” said Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, District Director of the DeKalb County Board…

DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson invites all interested residents to the Homeowners Association Boot Camp on Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Sponsored by District 3 and the Georgia HOA Alliance, the program is geared to address today’s top issues facing homeowners and homeowner associations, including presentations of financial management practices, legalities of HOA management, the differences between code enforcement violations and neighborhood covenants, builder turnovers to homeowner associations and other topics. There will be a kid zone featuring activities for children as well. …

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Amazon plans to create more than 500 full-time jobs in the Braselton area. The 600,000-square-foot Amazon fulfillment center in Jackson County will be used for packing and shipping large items such as household décor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. Braselton is about 43 miles north of Atlanta. “Amazon’s decision to develop in Jackson County speaks to the strength and vitality of Georgia’s business-friendly environment,” said Deal. “We are thrilled that a global leader such as Amazon has chosen to expand its footprint here in Georgia. This project further bolsters Georgia’s reputation as the nation’s No. 1…

Best Buy in Conyers was burglarized at 3:50 a.m. on Friday, June 17.  Two suspects broke through a receiving garage door and stole drones and gaming consoles.  The same location was burglarized on May 9, 2016 in a similar manner.  See video of both incidents. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspects may result in a cash reward of up to $5,000.00. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information. Call: 404.577.TIPS (8477) Text: CSA + your tip to CRIMES (274637) Click: www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org

REWARD INCREASE: Conyers Police along with Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta are offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the Beasley Drug Company burglar. Click here to view the video surveillance footage.

As part of a national partnership, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter participated in “The Longest Day” on Monday, June 20, in Lithonia. “The Longest Day” is one of the organization’s signature events to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association, which provides research and support for families facing the disease. Held annually on the summer solstice, teams across the globe create their own projects to fundraise and honor those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. The sunrise-to-sunset duration of the event symbolizes the arduous journey of both those living with the disease as well as their…

By Shawn Evans Mitchell | For On Common Ground News ATLANTA– Fans packed into the Barnes & Noble Edgewood bookstore recently for the chance to get up close and personal with the famed R& B recording artist, Bobby Brown. Brown was on tour in Atlanta on June 16 to promote his highly-anticipated memoir, “Every Little Step: My Story BOBBY BROWN” (Dey Street Books; William Morrow imprint, written with Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist and author Nick Chiles). Many of Brown’s fans had stood for as long as three hours for an autograph, hug, photo, and short conversation with the New Edition “Bad Boy.”  Although…