Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Eighth-grade students at DeKalb Academy of Technology & Environment, Inc. (DATE Academy) put their entrepreneurial training to the test this week by pitching their businesses to a panel of “sharks.” The young students sought investors for an array of businesses that included food projects, sneakers, jewelry and trendy accessories. Some were successful in convincing the panel while others headed back to the drawing board to work on their plans. The morning event was filled with cheers and groans from the students and peers, who were in the audience.The presenters had prepared for their May 1 presentations over seven…

DECATUR, GA – In a program on May 4 at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, some 65 leaders of local faith-based institutions met to share prayers for peace and harmony within the community and in the lives of the DeKalb County Jail’s more than1,600 inmates. The event commemorated National Day of Prayer, an annual observance created in 1952 and signed into law in 1988. DeKalb County Sheriff Melody M. Maddox, with agency Chaplain Pastor Quincy Lavelle Carswell II and 12 members of the jail’s chaplaincy program, welcomed a litany of prayers by Imam Furqam Muhammad, Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger, Father Robbie Cotta,…

Rockdale County Commissioner Sherri Washington is among the 2023 Spring graduates of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. The graduates include community and economic development professionals, elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators, and engaged citizens from across Georgia. Created in 1993, the Academy assembles a cross-section of experts, research-based curriculum and resources necessary for building a vibrant economy. The Academy features a cornerstone program, The Essentials, a one-day program that provides attendees an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and state levels. Graduates of the program have…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Visions of the Minds, Inc. has awarded educational scholarships to three Heritage High School students in Rockdale County. Visions of the Minds is a youth mentoring program providing enrichment services in Rockdale and surrounding counties. To support its mission through education and entrepreneurship endeavors, the mentoring program added “The Love of Excellence Scholarship” in honor of itslate Vice President, Ms. Rikkila Christain. This scholarship awards a student or individual $500 toward educational funding or starting a new business. The following students were honored with scholarships for their hard work: Aleema Lewis was awarded $500 to help fund her…

ATLANTA, GA – In the aftermath of yet another ProPublica report showing billionaire Republican megadonor Harlan Crow showered Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas with even more lavish gifts – this time that he paid private school tuition for a Thomas relative – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), the ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee that oversees the courts, issued the following statement: “Five years after Clarence Thomas became a Supreme Court Justice, he inappropriately accepted a free ride on Harlan Crow’s corporate jet, and thus began a 26-year odyssey of “dear” friendship as Justice Thomas’ judicial opinions came to mirror the social and…

CONYERS, GA–Flowers are blooming, a warm breeze is blowing and spring is in the air. The city of Conyers is ready to host its Taste of Spring Festival on Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Main Street.  Admission is free. Browse and shop among arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment on the Depot Stage and food vendors at the Taste of Spring in Olde Town. The Children’s Business Fair, presented by High Achievers Education Center, will take place at the Randal S. Mills City Center Park (Olde Town Pavilion), 949 S. Main St. Meet Kidpreneurs  ages 5-17 and shop their products .…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb Human Services Department announces the beginning of its 2023-2024 Human Services Grant cycle.  A Virtual Public Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 10 a.m. to provide details regarding the Human Services Grant Application process. The purpose of the Human Services Grant Program is to provide opportunities for community partnership with local organizations that can successfully address identified service needs for the citizens of DeKalb County. Eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to be awarded a grant utilizing County General Fund and Victim Assistance Funds.  Agencies that receive Victim Assistance Grant…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), is urging the Georgia General Assembly to increase state funding for the state’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The caucus has expressed concern that the state’s current funding formula for its public higher education institutions has negatively impacted HBCUs, such as Savannah State University. “We are very concerned that decreased enrollment at several institutions will leave HBCUs without the financial support needed to strengthen those universities,” said Rep. Gilliard. “HBCUs are undervalued in the current funding formula. We need to do a better job…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Rockbridge Road, between Barbashela Drive and Shelton Woods Court, will be closed to through-traffic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15– June 15 to rehabilitate a gravity sewer in front of 285 Shelton Woods Court, Stone Mountain. Road closure and detour signs will be placed in the area during the road closure period advising motorists of construction work in the area and of local traffic restrictions. Questions regarding the road closure should be addressed to Terek Green, assistant project manager, Garney Construction, Inc. at 470-591-9942.

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host two Gateway to Fishing Programs, May 20 and Aug. 11.. The programs will be held 8a.m. ton oon. at Chapel Hill Park, 3985 LeHigh Blvd., Decatur.The event will take place at the fishing pond. The free event is designed to promote fishing in metro and suburban parks and other public waters that are easily accessible to home for Georgians. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources strives to partner and host youth fishing classes and improve accessibility for communities to enjoy. The…