Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW Gwinnett) will host the 2nd Annual Black Family Reunion on Aug. 10, noon to 5 p.m., at Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 E. Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. This year’s event promises to build on the success of the inaugural reunion in 2023, which earned NCNW Gwinnett a proclamation from Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. In keeping with the spirit of last year’s event, attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions and activities. Club BFR featuring music from our DJ, live entertainment, face painting, and other children’s…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Transforming Faith Church ,in partnership with Justis Connection, will present “The Wills and Wealth Workshop” on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7 to 8 p.m., via Zoom. The free workshop will feature two of Georgia’s premiere estate planning attorneys, Whitney Knox Lee, Esq. of Wills for the People, and Keith R. Miles, CELA of The Law Office of Keith R. Miles, LLC. “It’s time we talk about Wills and Wealth in our community, and I am excited about hosting this virtual workshop,” said Pastor Lee May. “We’re inviting the community to join the Transforming Faith Church congregation in learning more about Elder Law, Wills and Trusts.”…

CONYERS, GA—Pam Cooper has been promoted deputy director of the city’s Department of Planning and Inspection Services. Conyers City Manager Kameron Kelley said the appointment was effective Aug.1. Cooper has been with the city for  7 years, starting in 2017. Prior to being appointed deputy director, she served as an administrative clerk, office manager, senior office manager and department manager in Planning and Inspections. Cooper’s responsibilities include overseeing licensing, permitting for residential and commercial developments, code enforcement, zoning, and plan submittals. She assists Director Scott Gaither with the day-to-day operations of the department and fostering relationships with other city departments as well…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett Purchasing Division will host its annual Supplier Networking Event on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 8:30 to 11 a.m., at the Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. During the event, attendees can meet buyers and contracting officers from Gwinnett and other metro Atlanta agencies. County departments and procurement staff also be available to allow potential suppliers to get acquainted will with the County’s procurement procedures. Attendees are encouraged to park in Parking Deck 1. Level P3 is the closest entrance to the Gas South Convention Center. To register for the event, visit the Purchasing Division’s webpage. If you have…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – The Gwinnett County Police Department has arrested the armed robbery suspect who fought with a Chick-fil-a employee for several minutes during an early morning attack. Tommie Lee Williams ,51, was arrested today (July 31) on a warrant in connection with the July 1 incident.  Williams was charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, kidnapping, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and criminal damage to property in connection with the July 1 incident. The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. at the restaurant, located at 5075 Stone Mountain…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—As DeKalb County School District(DCSD) students return to classes on Aug. 5, some will be welcomed by new principals. The district announced the appointment of 20 inew principals who will lead their respective schools for the 2024-25 school year. DCSD Superintendent  Devon Q. Horton expressed his confidence and gratitude to these outstanding school administrators. “We are proud to welcome these outstanding leaders to their new roles. I am confident these principals will give their all to provide a high-quality education for the students in their buildings throughout the new school year and beyond,” Horton said. “I thank each of…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) announced the top three finalists for the district Teacher of the Year during the 2024 RCPS Convocation. The district finalists for RCPS Teacher of the Year are Lindsay Ezell of Memorial Middle School; Dr. Chuck Garner of Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology; and Tonya Grant of Barksdale Elementary School. Each finalist was named in a surprise announcement before the audience of employees from all schools gathered at the 2024 RCPS Convocation. “All of our school-level Teachers of the Year are exceptional educators who stand out for their ability to connect with students and have a profound impact…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs announces that select county pools and facilities will be open on a modified schedule beginning Aug. 10 through Labor Day, Sept. 2. Operation Hours Splash pad – Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pools – Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.   Exchange Splash Pad 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, Ga. 30034 Gresham Pool 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30316 Lithonia Pool 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia, Ga. 30058 Medlock Pool 874 Gaylemont Circle, Decatur, Ga. 30033 Midway Pool 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, Ga. 30032 Tobie Grant…

STONECREST, GA–The 2024 Arabia Mountain High School Rams wrapped up its football camp with a trip to Voices of Faith Church.  The church, under the leadership of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., provided the players with free haircuts for Picture Day and backpacks filled with school supplies in preparation for the first day of school on Aug. 5.  The team and coaches also attended worship service on July 28 at Voices of Faith , receiving a warm welcome from Bishop Hawkins and congregation members. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9-3y6bSl9M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

STONE MOUNTAIN, GA—Chris Moten’s revolutionary new sound, Trap Jazz, is coming to Stone Mountain. Trap Jazz will take center stage on Friday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m., at Voices of Faith Church’s 30th Anniversary Celebration featuring an evening of dinner and jazz. Led by Moten, Trap Jazz recently performed at the Atlanta High Museum to a packed-out crowd. The performance follows a growing number of major events for the up-and-coming Atlanta artists since a Hulu documentary premiered on Aug. 23, 2023 celebrating Trap Jazz as the new sound for this generation—a fusion of jazz, classical, and hip hop. Moten, who turned 38…