Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb Brilliance Academy is accepting registration for the 2022-23 school year for K-2. The new public charter school, located at 2575 Snapfinger Road in the former Y Academy building, is inviting parents who would like to enroll their child or have them placed at the top of the wait list to apply by Feb. 28. There are no admission requirements, and the school is free to attend. “We are thrilled to get to open the school we’ve worked for two years with the community to design. It will be the first charter school of its kind in DeKalb…

ATLANTA—The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) track replacement project between Buckhead and Medical Center stations is progressing and in fact, is ahead of schedule, officials said today (Feb. 20). Crews began work on Friday night and as of this morning, had most of the crossties laid out and in position with rail sitting on them, ready to be fastened down, officials stated in an update. The work is scheduled for completion on Thursday, Feb. 24, 4 a.m. MARTA is investing approximately $225 million on its heavy rail lines to enhance the safety of the rail system,…

STONECREST, GA—City officials recently celebrated the grand opening of StonePointe Senior Living apartment homes with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the upscale community. The new development—the city’s first approved by the Stonecrest Housing Authority—features resort-style amenities and is located at 6757 Covington Highway. City Councilman Rob Turner, who officiated the ribbon cutting ceremony, praised the complex, saying it is a welcome development in District 2, which he serves, and for the city at large. Turner was joined for the Feb. 2 celebration event by Mayor pro tem George Turner and Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble. “It is a beautiful, quality community…

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – DeKalb County Commissioner and National Association of Counties (NACo) President Larry Johnson will discuss COVID-19 recovery efforts and infrastructure needs in DeKalb County and counties across the country tonight (Feb. 18) on “The Last Word” with Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC. On Feb. 15, Johnson welcomed President Joe Biden to the NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. His introduction and President Biden’s address can be viewed here. “It was an honor to welcome President Biden to the NACo Legislative Conference. The American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are helping DeKalb County recover from the pandemic, strengthen…

DECATUR, GA — On Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is hosting his annual “Unsung Heroes Awards” program to honor everyday citizens and community leaders who go above and beyond to make their communities better places to live, work and play — and lead with integrity. Congressman Johnson will honor 27 people for improving the lives of residents in Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District and moving DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Gwinnett counties forward in 2021. Tuskegee Airman Val Archer and Newton County civil rights pioneer Forrest Sawyer, Jr. will be honored posthumously. The program is free and…

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta announced the opening of two emergency warming centers in anticipation of frigid temperatures. The centers will open tonight, Friday, Feb. 18, 11 p.m. and will remain open through Saturday, Feb. 19, 9 a.m. The warming centers are located at the former Adamsville Recreation Center at 3404 Delmar Lane N.W., and the Central Park Recreation Center, 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta. Transportation will be provided at 11:00 p.m. from the Gateway Center, 275 Pryor St. S.W., Atlanta.

DECATUR, GA – To honor Black History Month, the DeKalb County Board of Health will host a week-long series of events from Mon. Feb. 21—25, including in-person activities at the T.O. Vinson Health Center, located at 440 Winn Way in Decatur and a virtual speaker series. Staffed informational tables promoting the Board of Health’s various programs and services that address disparities in our community will be available throughout the week from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. daily.  COVID-19 vaccines will also be available. Everyone aged five years and older is eligible for COVID vaccination, and booster doses of COVID vaccine…

DECATUR, GA—Veteran community activist Teresa Hardy has been suspended as president of the NAACP DeKalb County branch, a national official of the civil rights organization confirmed today (Feb. 17). Lance L. Hammonds, who was 1st vice president, has assumed the duties of president.  Edwina Clanton has assumed the position of 1st vice president and Troy Vincent is now 2nd vice president. The ascensions occurred as stipulated by the organization’s bylaws when a branch president’s seat is vacated. DeKalb’s new leadership became effective on Feb. 10, Hammonds said. Edward Dubose, who serves on the National NAACP Board of Directors and as an administrator…

ATLANTA–The Ahmaud Arbery Foundation (AAF) will host a private, invitation-only event in honor and memory of the late Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot and killed on Feb. 23, 2020, while jogging in Brunswick, GA. The event will be held 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta. The AAF, founded by Ahmaud’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, is hosting the event to ensure that Arbery’s spirit and legacy live on. The AAF stated in a news release that this inaugural event will include an announcement fostering positivity from unimaginable tragedy. Rep. Sandra Scott…