Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Talent Development Program (TDP) will present its annual concert featuring young African American and Latinx musicians on Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. The TDP fellows will take the stage of Symphony Hall for an evening of music featuring solo and chamber music performances. The ASO’s model program provides rigorous musical training for African American and Latinx musicians preparing for careers in classical music.  This year’s program made possible by Delta Air Lines, the Coca-Cola Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, Georgia Pacific, and Warner Media, features music by Felix Mendelssohn, Julius Klengel and more.…

President Biden calls for equity in apprenticeships, department launches Ambassadors’ initiative WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the kickoff of the seventh annual National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 15-21, a Presidential proclamation on apprenticeship and the launch of a new collaborative effort to expand, diversify and modernize Registered Apprenticeships in the U.S. National Apprenticeship Week 2021 will include career and trade fairs, open houses, conferences, roundtables and panel discussions with an emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in apprenticeship opportunities. Plans include more than 832 events and the issuance of 172 proclamations in 50 states, territories and the District…

Pictured L-R: DeKalb County, Georgia Commissioner Larry Johnson, Congressman Hank Johnson and Sen. Jon Ossoff NACo President Larry Johnson: Counties ready to move forward on overdue projects   WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today, leaders of the National Association of Counties (NACo) applauded the enactment of the landmark bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law by President Biden. NACo President Larry Johnson, who serves on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, joined county leaders from across the country at the White House for the signing ceremony for the bill.  Johnson said the bill will  greatly transform DeKalb and other counties across the nation as major…

Renee Cail, President of CHASE STONECREST,GA— DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie has ruled in favor of Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment (CHASE) by striking Metro Green’s claims against the group, holding that they amount to a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). SLAPP suits effectively prevent citizens and community groups from speaking out in opposition to a developer’s actions. Georgia has an anti-SLAPP statute that allows courts to strike these types of claims early in the litigation process. The Southern Environmental Law Center filed the anti-SLAPP motion in order to protect CHASE’s First Amendment rights and to…

STONECREST, GA— Witherite Law Group, 1-800-TruckWreck, and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church are joining together on Wednesday, Nov. 17, starting at 6 a.m., to provide meal boxes for needy Atlanta-area families this holiday season.  The drive-through event will be held at New Birth’s Family Life Center parking lot, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. Big Tigger, famed morning show host on V-103, will also be onsite helping to distribute food and hosting a live remote.  More than 1,000 Thanksgiving meal boxes, including turkeys, will be provided. The 20-pound boxes will be filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, shelf-stable food items, and other essential items for families financially…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a special called meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. The meeting can be viewed via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677 or by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493. Agenda Adoption of Agenda Approval of the Minutes of the October 21, 2021 Meeting III.            Ethics Cases Request for Dismissal Billy Hampton v. Janet Essix [2019-5] LaTashae Walker v. Colet Odenigbo [2019-3] Probable Cause Hearings Atlanta Air Tours, LLC v. Mario A. Evans [2021-5] Malcolm Whichard v. Ozell Hayes/Rashad Cash [2021-4] Executive Session Public Comments…

ATLANTA—The City of Atlanta announced the opening of an emergency warming center in anticipation of frigid temperatures. The center will open tonight, Saturday, Nov. 13, 20 at 11p.m. and will remain open through Sunday at 7 a.m. The warming center is located at the former Adamsville Recreation Center at 3404 Delmar Lane N.W., Atlanta. Transportation will be provided at 10:30 p.m. from the Gateway Center, located at 275 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners invites citizens to its 2021 Holiday Drop-In on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. The informal, drop-in event is open to the public to enjoy light refreshments, live music, casual conversation and photo opportunities while celebrating the holiday season with elected officials, County leaders and staff. All guests are encouraged to continue to adhere to social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols, which include wearing face coverings and hand sanitization while attending the event. For more information, contact Andrea…