Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The Lithonia Police Department is investigating the theft of the Remembrance Project lynching marker, which was erected in the city’s downtown.  The NAACP DeKalb County Branch was notified on Tuesday by Lithonia Mayor Shemeka Reynolds that someone stole the Remembrance Project lynching marker sometime last week from William A. Kelly Park in Lithonia. D. E. Smith, chairperson for the Remembrance Project, was speechless when she heard about the theft. “This is unbelievable and shocking especially during Black History Month,” Smith said. “We worked so hard to get this plaque and it just hurts my heart to see it taken. It is…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County has announced the call for performers for its 2024 Rockin’ Rockdale Summer Concert Series. “We are excited for yet another season of unforgettable music and entertainment, and we invite talented artists from all genres to submit their video auditions to be headliners during this exciting event,” the county stated. “The Rockin’ Rockdale Summer Concert Series has become a beloved tradition in our community. It’s an event that brings together local residents and visitors for evenings filled with live music, dancing, and fun. This year, we’re looking for performers who can light up the stage and…

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) high schools were named Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by Georgia’s School Superintendent Richard Woods, a distinction Rockdale has achieved for more than 14 consecutive years. Heritage and Rockdale County high schools were named AP Access and Support Schools, while Rockdale County High School also made the lists for AP STEM and AP STEM Achievement. Heritage High School was named an AP Expansion School. RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts praised the  schools for their continued academic success. “I am extremely proud of our high schools represented on the AP Honor Schools lists. We continue to increase…

STONECREST, GA— New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr.  Jamal Harrison Bryant welcomed a host of special guests to the unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony of “The Cameroonian Experience” African Textile Museum on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The museum, located on the New Birth campus at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in the city of Stonecrest, features extraordinary African textiles and artifacts that showcase the national historic and modern textiles of the Republic of Cameroon. The museum was founded by Queen Ahneva Hilson, who was honored with the nation’s highest award for community service during the celebration. “New Birth is beyond…

STONECREST, GA — Celebrating Black History Month 2024, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) recognized two pioneers in their professional careers —Laron Walker for his accomplishments in emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, robotics, and hydroponics, and Daniel A. Moore Sr., a Stone Mountain resident, for his contributions to Black history as the CEO and founder of the Apex Museum on Auburn Avenue in downtown Atlanta. Johnson honored his guests at a ceremony held at Arabia Mountain High School where he also recognized students for winning his annual App Challenge competition.  Daniel Moore’s trailblazing career began in filmmaking in…

SNELLVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department needs the public’s help identifying two individuals involved in shoplifting, where one displayed a handgun to an employee after being confronted. On Monday, Feb. 19, at around 9:20 p.m., two men entered a convenience store gas station at 4116 Lenora Church Road in unincorporated Snellville. One suspect was seen stuffing merchandise (food) into his hoodie pockets. The convenience store employee followed the two individuals, stopping in the doorway, and confronted them about the theft. One of the men produced a handgun. The suspects then left, driving out of the parking lot in a…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston today announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Stone Mountain man accused of shooting and killing his cousin. Jurors returned guilty verdicts on Thursday, Feb. 22, against Michael Blair Stewart, Jr., 35, on charges of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony stemming from the shooting death of his cousin Jireh Morris, 30, on December 5, 2020.  Immediately following the guilty verdicts, DeKalb County Judge Brian K. Ross, who presided over the trial, sentenced Stewart to Life in Prison plus…