Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Senior running back Devin Ingram scored four touchdowns to spark the Stephenson Jaguars to a 49-24 victory over the Miller Grove Wolverines in a Region 6-4A matchup at Hallford Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 12. The Wolverines (5-3, 1-2) grabbed an early 6-0 lead on the opening drive of the game on a Ta’Jon Corbitt two-yard run up the middle with 9:46 to play in the first quarter. The touchdown was set up by a 42-yard pass from Amonte Harden to Keshawn Weathers. Ingram (15 carries, 255 yards, 3 TDs) struck on the first play from scrimmage following the…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) will present a community engagement panel to discuss advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) for manufacturing sectors on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6– 8 p.m. at the Hairston Crossing Library, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. The purpose of the panel discussion is to help demystify advanced technologies, such as AI, by providing access and exposure to the Georgia-Artificial Intelligence Manufacturing (GA-AIM) Project and technology modules. The discussion will include information on educational pathways in the manufacturing industry, and how learning this technology will give job seekers an advantage in this evolving industry.…

STONECREST, GA—About 100 people attended the City of Stonecrest Candidates Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Voters had a chance to hear from some of the candidates who are running for City Council seats and the office of  mayor. The forum was hosted  by  the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition, Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment(CHASE) and  First Afrikan  Church. DeKalb County activist Lance Hammonds served as moderator for the forum.  Hammonds himself has declared that he will be running for the DeKalb County Board of Commission in 2024. https://www.facebook.com/firstafrikan/videos/310416608295524/?mibextid=YxdKMJ

Israel has declared war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas aftermilitants carried out a surprise attack by air, land and sea on Gaza on Saturday, Oct. 7. The war between Israel and Hamas has left some 2,000 people dead as the fighting continues. President Joe Biden held a press conference today and pledged U.S. support to Israel. “So, in this moment, we must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack. There is no justification…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– The DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2023 is 75.77%, based on data from the Georgia Department of Education released today. The overall graduation rate decreased by 0.42% over the prior year. In comparison, the State of Georgia had a slight increase in graduation rate, rising from 84.06% to 84.36%, an increase of 0.3%. Two  DCSD high schools earned a perfect graduation rate of 100%: DeKalb Early College Academy (2nd year in a row) and DeKalb School of the Arts. In addition, these two schools and Arabia Mountain High School have earned…

By Mackenzie N. Morgan For On Common Ground News STONECREST, GA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church hosted 5,000 music fans on Monday, Oct. 9, for a free concert featuring best-selling gospel artist Kirk Franklin. It was not only the music that stirred the masses but a dark secret that has haunted Franklin for years—the genesis for his latest album, Father’s Day. The 16-time Grammy winner sat down with New Birth’s pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant, for a discussion about the project before the concert. Franklin, 53, shared his story about meeting his biological dad this past summer to a teary-eyed audience and…

CONYERS, GA—The 43rd Annual Olde Town Conyers Fall Festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 21,10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in historic Olde Town Conyers. What began as a fundraiser by the Rockdale County Historical Society in 1980 to help fund operational costs for the Depot (which now houses the Conyers Welcome Center) and Old Jail Museum, has become an annual fall tradition for Conyers residents and neighboring communities. While the historical society still exists, the organization turned over the coordination of the festival to the city of Conyers in 2008. “More than 100 vendors are expected to participate this year,”…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking the public’s help locating a 26-year-old female from Lawrenceville. On Oct. 5, the family of Detryauna Hemphill contacted Gwinnett County Police to report her missing. Hemphill was last seen by her family on Sept. 25, leaving her residence on Villa Ridge Parkway in unincorporated Lawrenceville. She told her family she was going to visit some friends. Hemphill is described as a black female, 5-foot-10 and about 300 pounds. She was last seen wearing blue jeans with a blue and white top. Anyone who sees Hemphill is encouraged to call 911.