Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and Atlanta Board of Education Student Advisory Council will lead a “Stand With Me” rally on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6:30 p.m., to make a public stance against gun violence amongst peers and provide a call to action to city leaders and the Atlanta community. The rally will be held on the City Hall steps , 68 Mitchell St., Atlanta. APS Superintendent Lisa Herring, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Board of Education members, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat and other dignitaries will attend the rally. The rally will take place just before the last day…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Health will host the Rock the Ribbon Festival this Saturday, Dec. 17, 1 until 5 p.m., in the Covington Place Shopping Center, located on Covington Highway in Decatur. The Rock the Ribbon Festival is a community event to promote HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support of people living with HIV/AIDS in observance of World AIDS Day in December. Junior of Magic 107.5/97.5 and the Steve Harvey Morning Show will host the fun-filled event, which is open to all ages an dwill include free food, music, circus acts, bounce houses, games, and more. Guests…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA.— On Saturday, Dec. 17, DeKalb County Government is partnering with local faith leaders to celebrate the 2022 holiday season by distributing 5,000 boxes of food. “The rising cost of groceries will make it more difficult for families to put food on their tables during this holiday season,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “DeKalb County Government and our faith leaders are grateful for the opportunity to help provide some holiday joy to hardworking families.” Along with a 10-pound bag of chicken hindquarters, residents will receive one 20-pound box of food that will include fruits, vegetables and a…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit is asking for public assistance in locating a murder suspect. A murder warrant has been issued for Rakwon Sadek Brooks, 25, in connection with the July 1, 2022 shooting death of Quakari Freeman on Holcombe Road in Decatur. If located, do not approach, as this suspect may be armed. Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Rakwon Sadek Brooks is asked to contact the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit by calling CrimeStoppers at 404-577- TIPS. You may be eligible for a reward, if the information you provide leads to…

Voices of Faith Church has announced that it will usher in the New Year with a renewed mission to attract new members at its Stone Mountain and Conyers, GA campuses. Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., who founded Voices of Faith 28 years ago, said the church is rebranding itself with a new logo and new worship services. The changes will become effective on Jan. 1, 2023. “The year 2023 will be a year of resurgence for Voices of Faith Church,” said Bishop Hawkins. “We have remodeled our sanctuary and we have new service times that will allow us to attract those…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA. – In observance of Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 2, sanitation service for residential customers will be based on a revised holiday schedule as follows: Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2 – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day observed. No collection service. Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection days are Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, will be serviced on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3. Wednesday, Dec. 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 4 – Residential customers whose regularly…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will offer a Winter Break Camp, Dec. 19 – 23, Dec. 27- 30 and Jan. 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the camp is $10 per day for children ages 5-12. Each participant must provide his or her own breakfast, lunch and snack. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button. Residents can also register in person at any of the locations listed below: Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079 Lucious Sanders Recreation…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist STONECREST, GA–Arabia Mountain High School’s girls’ basketball coach Jerry Jackson picked up career win 300 on Saturday with the Lady Rams’ 65-23 victory over Clarke Central. Jackson is in his sixth season (2018-2023) at Arabia Mountain where he has won 109-24. His team is currently 9-1 overall on the season following the win over Clarke Central. His teams at Arabia Mountain are perennial playoff contenders with five consecutive playoff appearances, including advancing to the Sweet 16 three times and the Elite 8 round once. The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) veteran coach also…