Author: On Common Ground News

CONYERS, GA–The city of Conyers welcomes Spring with the return of its free concert series starting Saturday, April 12, with three concerts featuring dynamic opening acts and headliners. The Conyers Concert Series is scheduled for Saturdays on April 12, May 10, and June 14 from 6-10 p.m. and will take place on Railroad Street, a new location this year due to construction on the Rockdale County Judicial and Administration Complex.  Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy music and food under the stars. No tents are allowed. Admission and parking are free. New this year, VIP tables will…

ATLANTA— Alice White Bussey, a pioneering florist and business leader, passed away on Sunday, March 2, at the age of 77. Alongside her husband, the late James L. Bussey II, she made history in 1962 by opening Atlanta’s first Black-owned FTD floral shop. Together, the couple successfully ran Bussey’s Florist & Gifts Inc., which Mr. Bussey founded while he was a student at Morehouse College. The Busseys were not only committed to their craft but also dedicated to sharing their knowledge. They taught floriculture and entrepreneurship at Spelman College, inspiring future generations of business leaders, and they traveled extensively, fostering business markets across the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—All three high schools in Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) have been named 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods. The announcement continues a tradition of excellence for more than 15 consecutive years .  Heritage High, Rockdale County High, and Salem High earned recognition as AP Expansion Schools. Additionally, Heritage High and Rockdale County High were honored in AP Humanities and AP STEM categories. Rockdale County High also received the distinction as an AP Access and Support School. “We are proud of all our high schools for this prestigious state recognition,” said Acting RCPS Acting Superintendent Shirley…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the case against a Loganville man charged with starting a fight with a father and then shooting him in front of his son.  Kevon Lloyd Simpson, 31, was found guilty of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, two counts of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony in connection with the death of Gabriel Yalledy, 55, on June 13, 2021. The verdict wasannounced  on Feb. 27. According to the investigation, officers with the DeKalb County Police Department responded to a call about…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will partner with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and the Happy Helping Program to provide food programs that service youths 18 years and under during the summer. The program will run from June 9 – July 18. The Department is encouraging agencies to apply now to participate as a distribution site. To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department(GCPD) is seeking the public’s help in identifying a burglary suspect who took a shower and stole a key from a home in unincorporated Lawrenceville.  On Feb. 5, at approximately 4:40 a.m., the pictured suspect entered the basement of a residence on Cannings Lake Court in unincorporated Lawrenceville through an unlocked door.  The suspect, described as an older white male with a slender build and a tattoo on his upper right arm, took a shower before leaving the residence with a key to the home, a lighter, and a folding knife. The homeowner confronted the…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will celebrate the return of Parent Academy for its 23rd semester on Saturday, March 15. The classes and workshops will be held 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Rockdale Career Academy,1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers.   The free, half-day event for parents, tweens and teens offers free classes and resources to help families find success. To register, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/parentacademy. This year’s theme is “Thrive in 2025!” with workshops focusing on physical, financial, mental, wellness as well as literacy. The event features student performances, and local community vendors as well as student entrepreneurs.  Attendees attend two breakout sessions and can choose from dozens of…