Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor, Jamal Harrison Bryant, led a prayer and call to action on Sunday, Feb. 27, to support thousands of African and Jamaican students currently trapped in Ukraine amid the recent Russian invasion. Students were filled with terror as they were forced to hide from the missile strikes underway, Pastor Bryant learned during an Instagram discussion with Ukraine pastors. Students are being stopped at Poland and Hungary borders and others are hiding in basements of people’s homes, the Ukrainian pastors told Bryant. Dr. Promise Isaac, a Nigerian-born medical doctor and faith leader currently residing in Ukraine, contacted Pastor…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA –The Rockdale Board of Commissioners (BOC) will meet for its work session on Tuesday, March 1,10 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Any person wishing to speak during public comment must register in advance by contacting the Rockdale County Department of Public Relations via email (publicrelations@rockdalecountyga.gov) by Monday, Feb. 28, 5 p.m.  The BOC will meet for its Voting Session on Tuesday, March 8,10 a.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Any person wishing to speak during public comment is requested to register in advance by contacting the Rockdale County Department of Public Relations via…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Lithonia High School’s Destiny Sutton and Southwest DeKalb High School’s Jaidah Temple won Region 5-5A Literary competitions to qualify for the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) State Meet on Saturday, March 19, at Warner Robins High School. The region competition was held at Northview High School recently with both Southwest DeKalb (2nd) and Lithonia (4th) placing the event. Decatur was the region champion and Northview finished third. Lithonia’s Destiny Sutton took first place in two events and qualified for the state competition in both. Sutton won Dramatic Interpretation. Southwest DeKalb’s Jahil Burks was the runner-up. Sutton also…

DECATUR, GA – Telling nine students and their families that their service to our nation is needed more than ever, Congressman Hank Johnson  announced the Georgia Fourth District nominees for the U.S. Military Academies:  Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. On the day Russia invaded Ukraine in an unwarranted attack, the Congressman used the solemn moment in a virtual event to honor the students for their dedication and bravery. “During these difficult times, I commend all of you for your dedication, focus and bravery to want to serve our nation in this way,” he said. “Tonight, we…

Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale County Health Departments’ mass vaccination site, which is located at the former Sears at Gwinnett Place Mall, will cease operating on weekdays after today, Feb. 25. The site will continue operating on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for several more weeks. However, this location will be closed Saturday, Feb. 26, so Health Department staff can support the Healthy, Vibrant, and Vaxxed event in partnership with Gwinnett County. The mass vaccination site first opened one year ago, Feb. 5, 2021 to handle the large initial demand for vaccines. Since then, over 167,000 vaccines have been…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson was honored by the Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce (GGBCC) with the inaugural Lou and Theresa Walker’s Legacy Award. Johnson received the award during the GGBCC’s “History of Black Businesses: Past, Present, Potential and Potency” epic event on Feb.  17. Johnson was unanimously chosen by GGBCC as the first recipient of this award for consistently demonstrating exemplary leadership and excellence—two of the GGBCC’s core values. He received this award for his commitment to excellence and empowerment to strengthen black, small, women and veteran businesses in DeKalb County, in Georgia and nationally. “It’s…

PALM BEACH, FL—Vernon Jones’ campaign announced today that former President Donald J. Trump is hosting and attending a fundraising event with Jones in support of Jones’ bid for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District seat. Trump endorsed Jones in early February after Jones exited the Georgia governor’s race. The fundraiser will be held on March 17 at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. Jones’ campaign e-mailed “Save the Date!” invitations to media and supporters on today (Feb. 25) for the event. Jones is a former member of the GA House of Representatives (1993-2001, 2017-2021) and former Chief Executive Officer of…

 Stonecrest Housing Authority Feb. 28 special meeting cancelled The Special Call meeting for the Stonecrest Housing Authority, rescheduled for Feb. 28, 5 p.m., was not held due to lack of a quorum.