Author: On Common Ground News

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…

Jamal H. Bryant launches “Project 5-5-5” to mobilize black voters for 2024 Presidential election  ATLANTA– Jamal H. Bryant, pastor of the mega New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, in partnership with several local community leaders, announced the launch of a Get-Out-the-Vote movement dubbed “Project 5-5-5” on Monday, Aug. 5, during an event held at the Carter Center in Atlanta. With less than 100 days left before the 2024 Presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former Republican President Donald Trump, Bryant said Project 5-5-5 is critical. In breaking news today (Aug. 6) Harris announced her running mate Minnesota…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department has arrested Marcus Gregory, a United States Postal Service carrier, for stealing and dumping mail in the woods, and using illegal drugs while delivering the mail. Gregory was arrested  after a joint investigation by the Gwinnett Police Department and the USPS Inspector General’s Office. Gwinnett County police were initially contacted on July 31 by the Postal Service Inspector General in reference to Gregory.  Their investigators had been watching Gregory after several complaints were filed with USPS  by victims not receiving their mail.  On July 31, undercover officers watched Gregory while he was working and…