Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) and fellow Democratic members of the House and Senate Education committees on Friday(Aug. 10)  issued the following statement regarding State Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods’ decision to approve the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course, reversing his initial decision: “This week, Democratic members of the House and Senate Education committees convened a critical hearing at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building to address the ongoing debate surrounding the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course. The session provided an update from the Georgia Department of Education and the College Board, shedding light on the…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by guilty plea in the case against Demetrius Samuel Roam, 22, of Atlanta who is accused of assaulting two women within a one-week span in October 2020. Roam pleaded guilty to two counts of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault Strangulation, Aggravated Assault with Intent to Rape, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Aggravated Sodomy, and Rape stemming from the assaults of the two women at an apartment complex in Atlanta. Roam has been linked to several additional assaults, including: an additional rape at the complex in October 2020; an attempted assault at the…

By Mark Brock Druid Hills High School and DeKalb County are getting an early morning wakeup call on Thursday (Aug. 8) as two of its track stars compete for Trinidad and Tobago in the women’s 4x100m relay at 5:19 a.m. Eastern in the Paris Olympics. Twin sisters Sanaa and Sole Frederick qualified to compete for the Trinidad and Tobago squad following their senior year at Druid Hills. The pair battled each other for state records and gold medals in leading the Lady Red Devils to back-to-back Class 4A state runners-up finishes in 2023 and 2024. There are 16 teams entered in the…

STONECREST, GA – This month, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is presenting his annual “Week of H.O.P.E.,” which is comprised of a four-part grants workshop series, A Day in My Shoes, where the Congressman visits a local nonprofit and the H.O.P.E Award ceremony that recognizes the great work of local nonprofits throughout Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. The grants workshops will be held via Zoom to help teach constituents, non-profits, and government stakeholders how to write, apply for, and learn about the federal grants and Community Project Funding process. Week of H.O.P.E. Monday, Aug. 12 – Thursday, Aug. 15 (4-Series Grants Workshop)…

By Mackenzie Morgan GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—A world of magic and fantasy unfolded at Midsummer Magic: Fae, Floats & Fun at Sanford Ranch in Snellville, GA.  Hosted by the Atlanta Black Fae Fest, the Aug. 3 event transformed a black-owned ranch into a colorful wonderland of music, artistic expression, and an array of local artisans and vendors specializing in the healing arts. Attendees of all ages also enjoyed live entertainment provided by House Ninja Music, horseback rides, a fashion show, water games, hula hooping, poolside fun,  and an art station curated by the Cloud13 Experience. Founded by Janelle Newell of Glamour Goddess Beauty and co-founder Cloud, the family-friendly event showcased elaborate costumes…

DECATUR, GA– A portion of Craigie Avenue, between Livingstone Place and Haven Lane, will be closed from Aug. 9 to Sept. 6, barring any weather delays. Crews will continue work on the Scott Boulevard Water Main Replacement Project Phase III. Motorists should expect delays stemming from the road closure. Precautionary signs and traffic flaggers will assist in moving local traffic safely around the closed off portion of the road. For more information, call the DWM Project Information Line at 1-800-986-1108 or email: projectinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov.

DECATUR, GA – This month, DeKalb County Cooperative Extension will host two lunch and learn Family and Consumer Sciences virtual classes for free. The “Take it to the Trails: Let’s Get Physical” class will be on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11:30 a.m. This class will educate participants on simple, cost-effective ways to become more physically active. This includes what to do before taking a hike and getting out on the trails. Register for the class at https://bit.ly/3LTJTl9 The “Basics of Financial Planning” class will be on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 11:30 a.m. This class will discuss basic financial planning, different types of budgets…