Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Atlanta rapper Silento–Ricky Lamar Hawk, 27—was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Wednesday (June 11) for the Jan. 21, 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, 34.  Hawk, whose 2015 song, “Watch Me (Whip Nae Nae)” created a dance craze that went viral, was scheduled to stand trial this week but instead took a plea deal, downgrading his charges of malice murder charges.  Hawk pleaded guilty but mentally ill to Voluntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime,and Concealing the Death of Another in connection with the death, DeKalb…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–Nothing says summer quite like sticky fingers from shaved ice and a chalk-covered sidewalk masterpiece—and that’s exactly the vibe families enjoyed at the Conyers-Rockdale Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff on Saturday, June 7. Hundreds of families turned out for the day-long celebration designed to spark young imaginations and encourage children to make reading a summer priority. The library lawn was buzzing with laughter, games, and colorful creativity as kids participated in sack races, face painting, chalk art, and yard games. The sweetest part? Every child left with a swag bag full of summer treats and reading goodies. The fun…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting that occurred in April. At approximately 1 p.m. on April 10, the suspect fired multiple gunshots at a blue Hyundai Elantra as it fled from the area of 5615 Singleton Road. The vehicle, which was occupied by two individuals, appeared to have been engaged in a transaction with the suspect shortly before the shooting. No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. The suspect is described as a Black male with a light complexion and medium-length hair, approximately…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct its Regular Public Meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Note, in observance of Juneteenth, the meeting is on Wednesday. The meeting will be held at the 178 Sams Street, Room A1201 – A & B, Decatur, GA.  Agenda  Callto Order Adoptionof Agenda   III. Administrative Items Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of May 15, 2025 Discussion on In-Person and Remote Board Meetings Ethics Officer’s Monthly Report Advisory Opinions – Update Preliminary Cases  Kisha Davis v. Nicole Sullivan, Case No. 2025-2 Kisha Davis v. Jo Dancer, Case No. 2025-3 Public Comments…

WASHINGTON, D.C—Leaders of eight legacy Civil Rights organizations announced in a joint statement on Monday night (Oct. 10) that they are standing in “urgent solidarity” with Los Angeles, CA in response to President Trump’s immigration raids and the responsive protests underway in the city. President Trump has doubled the number of troops activated rom the California National Guard to 4,000 and deployed 700 Marines to the Los Angeles area area. The federal government has accused local authorities of not doing enough to protect Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from being assaulted, which state and local officials deny. The protests began in downtown LA on…

DECATUR, GA –DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson delivered her inaugural Employee State of the County address to more than 1,000 DeKalb County employees and stakeholders.  The Employee State of the County, held on June 6, was the first of its kind in DeKalb’s history. Employees were given the opportunity to hear directly from CEO Cochran-Johnson about what has been done and her visionfor the County.  Cochran-Johnson outlined her strategy to achieve the County’s goals and shared information on new benefit programs such as the DeKalb Employee First-Time Homebuyer Program, Elder Care Leave and the Educational Reimbursement Program. CEO…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will host a town hall on June 17, 6 p.m., at Johnson Park Gymnasium, 1781 Ebenezer Road S.W., Conyers.  The town hall will focus on the county’s parks and recreation initiatives and activities.  Highlights will include updates on park trails and amenities, summer activities and classes and youth sports clinics.  The community is encouraged to attend.