Author: On Common Ground News

The Rockdale County Department of Planning and Development will host a virtual meeting for local clergy on Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m., via ZOOM. County officials will provide updates on the Sigman Road Corridor Study. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the call. Pastors can join in on the call by going to: //us02web.zoom.us/j/86939811747 and entering in the Meeting ID: 869 3981 1747. They can also join via the mobile Zoom app by opening the app and entering the Meeting ID. Pastors are also welcome to join by telephone by dialing: 1 929-205-6099 and entering the…

The Rockdale County Board of Education approved a revised school calendar for the 2020-2021 school year at its regular meeting on June 18. The approved calendar has several key changes, including the start and end dates for the school year. “I impaneled three cross-functional committees to research and develop flexible plans for safely reopening schools in the fall,” said Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Terry Oatts. “The committees are made up of faculty, staff and parents, representing different grade levels and functional areas of operations and teaching and learning. While still in the process of developing all…

I want to thank all of you who came out to vote for me as your next Rockdale County Clerk of Courts. We are so close to winning, but the race isn’t over just yet. As many of you may know by now, I will be in a run-off on Aug. 11.   I received 7,385 (41.53%) of the votes during the June 9 Primary Election. I need over 50% of the vote for a victory.  I am asking that you help us to win victory by coming out again to vote for me, Janice Morris as your next Rockdale County…

DeKalb County is seeking permission from the Georgia Secretary of State to postpone the certification of DeKalb’s June 9 election results. The certification, which was scheduled today (June 19) at 5 p.m., was cancelled after county officials were notified on Thursday (June 18) that an Elections employee had tested positive for COVID-19. Sam Tillman, chairman of DeKalb County’s Board of Registration and Elections, said the main Elections office at 4380 Memorial Drive, where the certification was to take place,would not open to the public. “We are urging anyone who came into contact with the employee or were in the office…

Photos by William Thomas Georgia AME Sixth District Bishop Reginald T.  Jackson along with faith and community leaders rallied on June 15 at the Georgia State Capitol, calling for passage of Hate Crimes legislation. The rally was held as Georgia lawmakers reconvened to complete this year’s Legislative Session, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “When I was assigned in 2016 as Bishop of more than 500 African Methodist Episcopal Churches in Georgia, I was stunned to discover the state did not have a hate crimes law,” Jackson said in a statement. “Speaking before the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus…

ATLANTA—The funeral for Rayshard Brooks will be held at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 23. Brooks, a 27-year-old black man, was fatally shot outside of a Wendy’s restaurant in southeast Atlanta on June 12. He had fallen asleep in the  drive-thru, gotten into scuffle with two white police officers after resisting arrest and was shot in the back as he ran from them. Brooks’ death sparked protests nationally. Brooks’ family asked that his funeral be held at Ebenezer and the Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, the church’s senior pastor, welcomed them. “Ebenezer is a parish for all people,…

DECATUR—The DeKalb County Board of Health is delaying the previously planned June 22 opening of a COVID-19 testing site at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur. The site at 3250 Rainbow Drive will now open on Monday, June 29. Testing continues to remain available at the following locations: Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
2340 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur, 30034 Former K-Mart Store Parking Lot (at I-285 and Buford Hwy.)
5597 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville, 30340 Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church
1879 Glenwood Ave. SE, Atlanta, 30316 Kingswood Church
4896 N. Peachtree Rd., Dunwoody, 30338
(Note: This site is only open on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today (June 18) that he has hired former Judiciary Committee Oversight Counsel Charles R. Gayle as his new chief of staff. Gayle replaces Arthur D. Sidney, who after 11 years as Rep. Johnson’s chief, left to work at a non-profit in the tech sector. “I wish Arthur the very best and thank him for his tremendous service,” said Johnson. “He helped me and our office achieve great things, and he will be missed. But we are excited to have Charlie on board. Behind his leadership, I expect great things and the continued…

DeKalb County is allocating $1 million program to fund nonprofits to assist residents who have an immediate need for overdue rent, mortgage assistance, utility assistance, food or other unforeseen financial emergency needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofit organizations that serve the county are encouraged to apply by the June 24 deadline. “The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the health and economic wellbeing of many of our citizens,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “With support from the Board of Commissioners, we have established a program to work with local nonprofit organizations to provide vital necessities to our citizens.” Funding for this…

Rep. Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District, is being honored as a recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America award. The Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award recognizes members of Congress who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership  to advancing policies that support America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. “I am happy to accept this award, and pledge to continue fighting for good fiscal policy that lifts everyone up not just the privileged few,” said Johnson. “President Lincoln once said: ‘Don’t worry when you are not recognized but strive to be worthy of recognition.’ I appreciate this recognition,…