Author: On Common Ground News

NEW YORK—On Saturday, Feb. 12, the Georgia NAACP will celebrate Founder’s Day by conducting a round table discussion in New York on Medicaid Expansion, voting rights, affordable housing and other critical issues. The nation’s oldest civil Rights organization will host several dynamic speakers at the round table including the Rev. Al Williams, District 168; Georgia Sen. Elena Parent, District 42; State Rep. Debra Bazemore, District 63; and State Rep. Derrick Jackson, District 64. This virtual event will be held 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   The Zoom link: us02web.zoom.us/j/83923283638  Meeting ID: 839 2328 3638 Passcode: 778297

WASHINGTON, D.C.—This week, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson voted to pass bipartisan, bicameral legislation to end forced arbitration for sexual harassment and assault survivors nationwide. The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, H.R. 4445, will void forced arbitration agreements in any contract if a sexual assault or harassment claim is brought. According to the Economic Policy Institute, for employment contracts, more than 60 million Americans would be impacted alone. That estimate grows exponentially when considering other contracts and terms and conditions where forced arbitration clauses are typically found, such as in nursing homes, property leases, ride-share…

  CONYERS, GA—The Conyers Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently presented the 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award to Jim Gomez and Andrea Darden for their efforts in renovation and beautification at the Celtic Tavern, 918 Commercial Street in Olde Town Conyers. Owners of the Celtic Tavern since 2020, Gomez and Darden committed to carrying on the Irish pub tradition that originated with Walt and Holly Sammons upon the restaurant’s opening in May 2000 and its most recent owners, Greg Burch and Jim Speed, before Gomez and Darden purchased the restaurant. Capitalizing on his background as an independent contractor, Gomez…

NEW YORK –BLACK ENTERPISE, the No. 1 multimedia resource for African American entrepreneurs and business leaders, will present the latest installment of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Economic Equity & Racial Justice Town Hall Series: “Criminal Justice Reform – Developing A Fair and Equitable System for All” on Thursday, Feb. 10, 7– 8:30 p.m. EST. The virtual town hall series is produced in partnership with The Executive Leadership Council.  CNN Political Commentator Bakari Sellers will serve as moderator. Prudential and Walmart are presenting sponsors of the Criminal Justice Reform Town Hall. Panelists for the Criminal Justice Reform Town Hall session include…

DECATUR, GA–The DeKalb County Police Department is hosting a live virtual hiring event. The question-and-answer session will begin at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, Zoom. Attendees will hear from a recruiter who will explain the department’s hiring process and answer questions during the live webinar. “We are excited to be able to bring real-time answers to those interested in becoming part of our family,” said Chief Ramos. “We hope that many candidates will take advantage of this great opportunity to serve their community.” The event is free and open to anyone interested.

STONECREST, GA—New Birth Senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant relaunched The King’s Table food pantry on Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. after a brief hiatus. The King’s Table, which has served more than 850,000 people since its inception, partnered with PETA, Slutty Vegan and others for a vegan-inspired food distribution that served hundreds of families in metro Atlanta. Bryant was joined by Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole to give out 300 free Chik’n Head and PLT burgers, 500 cartons of JD’s Vegan ice cream donated by producer Jermaine Dupri, and 1,000 vegan starter kits—packed with fresh…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the height of the pandemic, records were broken as millions of Americans filed claims for unemployment benefits. As demand soared, the U.S. Department of Labor provided instructions to states to administer payments under several programs authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. As guidance evolved, states paid benefits – in some cases – to individuals who were not entitled to receive them, although the individuals were not at fault. Today(Feb. 7), the department issued an Unemployment Insurance Program Letter to states to address overpayments under the CARES Act’s Unemployment Compensation Programs when the claimant is not…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced the appointment of Judge Ronald B. Ramsey Sr. to serve as the chair of the DeKalb Charter Review Commission. “Judge Ramsey’s judicial and legislative experience will be invaluable as we continue reviewing the county charter to ensure that we are responsive to needs of current and future residents of DeKalb,” CEO Thurmond said. Thurmond’s executive order, signed in March 2021, charges the Charter Review Commission with identifying potential enhancements and improvements in service delivery or operational structure; and ensuring DeKalb County will be able to respond to any future state of emergency.…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Live Healthy Gwinnett announced the lineup for a series of free community health fairs throughout 2022. The family-friendly events will include health screenings, expert speakers, activities and giveaways. Themed health fairs will take place on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as follows: Feb. 12: Heart Month at Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville May 21: Mental Health Month at Lucky Shoals Park, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross July 30: Back to School Bash at Bogan Park, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford Nov. 12: Diabetes Month at Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts has postponed the Feb. 8 performance of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, which was to be  presented by the Virginia Repertory Theater. Officials said members of the cast have tested positive for COVID-19. Officials said every effort will be made to reschedule the event for a new date. This performance is funded in part by a grant from Georgia Presenters and The Fox Theatre Institute.