Author: On Common Ground News

STONECREST, GA—Belinda’s Southern Cuisine, 7322 Stonecrest Concourse, has closed after nearly a four-year run in the city of Stonecrest. The white tablecloth linen restaurant, known for its Sunday-style soul food dinners throughout the week, served its last customers on Aug. 3, 2024, owners Belinda Hull and Bobby Hubbard announced today, Aug. 10. Hull told On Common Ground News that she and her husband, Bobby, have decided to retire after dedicating themselves to their passion for serving homecooked meals in an upscale environment in the historic City of Stonecrest. The restaurant, which opened in November 2020, drew not only locals but visitors from…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson has been tapped for key appointments by the National Association of Counties (NACo), officials announced on Friday, Aug. 9. The appointments come as Gwinnett County celebrates recognition by the national organization for 31 of the county’s groundbreaking programs secured under Hendrickson’s leadership. NACo President James Gore has appointed Hendrickson to serve on the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee as subcommittee vice chair. The committee focuses on housing. Hendrickson also will serve as vice chair of the Large Urban County Caucus. Gore said he chose Hendrickson because of her commitment…

ATLANTA, GA—The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, steeped in history alongside other great black churches in Atlanta such as Ebenezer Baptist Church, Wheat Street Baptist, and Big Bethel AME, is celebrating its 110th Church Anniversary.  Dr. William E. Flippin, Sr., senior pastor, has invited the Rev. Anthony Corbett, Sr., to be the guest preacher for the special occasion on Sunday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m., 1879-1921 Glenwood Ave., S.E.  The community is invited.

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…