Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA— Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC), located at the Georgia International Horse Park (GIHP), has been awarded the Irene Irwin Fund Grant from the Conyers Civic League. The League’s mission is to encourage and promote the development of the arts in Conyers and Rockdale County. The grant, in collaboration with the Conyers Rockdale Council of the Arts(CRCA), was approved for just under $2,000 to refurbish a dilapidated, 7-foot-tall bird blind and rehabilitate a section of the wetlands so that birding photographers and nature enthusiasts can once again utilize the structure. Through this project, overgrowth that currently obstructs wildlife-viewing opportunities will…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—One current and one former DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) officer have been indicted in the shooting death of a man inside his Stone Mountain home.     Former DKPD Officer Russell Mathis, 30, was indicted on Feb. 28 by a DeKalb County Grand Jury on charges of felony Involuntary Manslaughter and misdemeanor Reckless Conduct.  The Grand Jury also indicted DKPD Officer Jordan Vance, 30, on a charge of Reckless Conduct.   The officers surrendered today, Feb. 29, and were taken into custody by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office without incident following the Grand Jury’s indictments. Both suspects were booked into the…

 DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office(DCSO) officially opened its first on-site interfaith, interdenominational center on Feb. 28. Located inside the DeKalb County Jail, the DKSO Chapel is a dedicated venue for use by the agency’s Chaplaincy Program, which serves the spiritual needs of the jail’s inmates and agency staff members. “We are grateful for the commitment of the more than 30 DeKalb County’s faith community leaders who continue to volunteer their services as Chaplains,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Melody M. Maddox, who administered the annual Chaplain’s Oath during Wednesday’s ceremonies. “Under the direction of Lead Chaplain Pastor Quincy…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Parks & Recreation has been granted $2,380 in funding from the Atlanta Hawks Foundation due to its collaboration with the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA). The grant aims to provide more opportunities for youth sports and will enable scholarships for eligible participants in the 2024 Summer Sports Clinics. Additionally, the funding will support initiating a new cheer/dance clinic. “The support provided by the Atlanta Hawks Foundation and GRPA is of immense value to our efforts in offering accessible and enriching recreational experiences for the youth of Rockdale County,” said Jason Redmond, Director of Parks…

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…