Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—For several hours this morning (Feb. 6), the downtown Decatur Courthouse was evacuated by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the DeKalb County Marshals. Decatur Fire officials were investigating a suspicious package in the area of the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.  It was determined that the package – an envelope – contained non-hazardous materials and posed no threat.  The incident will be further investigated for possible criminal charges. The courthouse building was cleared and reopened o the public, the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office said.  

By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) kicked off National Signing Day on Jan. 29 with 36 senior football players committing to extend their football and educational careers.  Eleven more signings are expected next week as Redan High hosts ceremonies for five seniors on Feb. 11 and Stephenson High hosts six seniors on Feb. 12, wrapping up DCSD’s signing season with a total of 47 commitments. Lithonia High School’s Head Coach Kevin Barnes’ 2025 senior class led the county with nine signees on Jan. 29 capitalizing on a 6-4 campaign after winning just one game over…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) will host Tech Demo Day on Thursday, March 13, 8:30 – 10 a.m., in room 230, and from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at the South Wing Atrium of the Georgia State Capitol. “This is a unique chance for women in artificial intelligence to showcase their technology to investors, policymakers and leaders who can help amplify their vision,” said Kendrick. “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Georgians to my 2nd annual tech demo day event for Women’s History month. This event will share amazing women in artificial intelligence with the state and with legislators to learn…

ATLANTA – MARTA will close the south entrance of East Lake Station, including the south pedestrian bridge, bus loop and south parking lot beginning Monday, March 24, to replace the pedestrian bridge.  Temporary road closures will occur during the removal of the old bridge and installation of the new bridge. MARTA will provide advance notice through signage and other communications to ensure minimal disruption.  This project is part of a broader effort to enhance East Lake Station, ensuring it remains a safe, accessible, and contemporary facility for the community, officials said.  Additional improvements include upgraded ADA ramps, fresh paint, and enhanced curb and…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Stephenson Middle School, 922 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new student wellness room on Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 a.m.   The new dedicated space is designed to support students’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This initiative aligns with the school’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Stephenson Middle will hold its annual Black History Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year’s expo theme is “Music Through the Decade,” celebrating and exploring the influence of history on modern-day music. The expo…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA –Rockdale County is celebrating a milestone during Black History Month by honoring Judge Maureen E. Wood, who made history as the county’s first African American Superior Court Judge.  Wood was elected to the bench in May 2024, marking a significant step forward in Rockdale’s judicial landscape. “I was raised in a family where education and servant leadership were commonplace,” Judge Wood shared. “I am truly honored to be Rockdale County’s first African American Superior Court Judge, and I stand on the shoulders of my family and the many leaders who came before me.” Wood grew up in…

ATLANTA — The City of Atlanta is honoring Shirley Clarke Franklin, the first African American woman to serve as mayor of the city, as Black History Month 2025 kicks off.     On Monday, Feb. 3, the Atlanta City Council unanimously passed two ordinances to pay tribute to Franklin’s legacy.  Central Avenue was renamed  “Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard” (24-O-1617) and Westside Reservoir Park was renamed “Shirley Clarke Franklin Park” (24-O-1622) as recommended by the Council commission to honor the 58th Mayor of the City of Atlanta. Franklin, who served two terms, was the first African American woman to serve as mayor of a major city in…

DECATUR, GA—The NAACP DeKalb County branch is hosting a Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. The service will be held at Rainbow Park Baptist Church located at 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur. This year’s theme is “Reconstructing Reconstruction 2025.” The  keynote speaker will be Kevin Myles with special guest Michael Hill.  The community is invited and encouraged to attend the free event.   

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Leadership DeKalb is now accepting applications for its Class of 2026, a premier leadership development program designed to,cultivate and connect community leaders committed to driving positive change. To kick off the application season, an Open House will be held on Wednesday, Feb.12, 6 p.m., at Bench Warmers (240 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur. Meet current members and alumni, learn about the program curriculum, and get your questions answered. The Class of 2026 will experience a unique curriculum designed to enhance leadership skills, increase community awareness and foster valuable connections among participants. Leadership DeKalb boasts a powerful alumni…