Author: On Common Ground News

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today, June 1, that his 2020 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for middle and high school students is officially open. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.). The Challenge’s submission portal is now open and students may register entries here. All apps are due by Oct. 19 but students are encouraged to register online by Sept. 10. “The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience,” said Rep. Johnson, chairman of the Judiciary subcommittee…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC), chaired by State Rep. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), issued the following statement  today, June 1, in response to the weekend protests against racial and police violence: “While our country is trying to stave off the threat of one disease, another disease continues to plague our communities. America has to find the courage to confront its racism and how it undermines our greatness and corrodes our soul. The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus prays and advocates on behalf of victims who have died for no other reason than being black in America. During the…

The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred today, June 1, at the Walmart store at 24727 Gresham Road, Decatur. Officers responded to the scene around 2 p.m. in reference to a person shot, police said. The incident began as a dispute between two men, in which in his mid-60s was shot inside the store. That man later died on the way to the hospital. A man in his late-50s has been detained. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Rev. Robert C. Wrigh and George Floyd ATLANTA—The Right Rev. Robert C. Wright, 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, issued the following statement in response to the killing by police of George Floyd: “From the founding of our country we have had a white supremacy problem. In three vivid and tragic incidents this week, this founding flaw has been revealed again. What looks like the behavior of a few bad actors is actually a system producing what it was designed to produce, the denial of dignity and safety to black and brown people, specifically black men. My heart…

By Orrin C. Hudson Founder and CEO Be Someone Inc. Bad things happen when people stay on the sidelines and do nothing, we must make boss moves. This is one of those times. As I watch the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, I’m moved to raise my voice calling for peace and brotherhood. What you sincerely desire for your others will happen for you. I want and seek both justice and peace. In  my 6+ years of being a law enforcement  officer, everyone I stopped -color mattered not –  I treated like they were the most important…

STONECREST—Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant repurposed New Birth’s planned drive-in worship service to a peaceful demonstration for justice on Sunday, May 31. Bryant decided to hold the demonstration on Pentecost Sunday following the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd as well as demonstrations across the country were held by angry protestors. Rioting ended in damaged property and disorder in Atlanta over the weekend. Pictured: (L-R) CEO Micheal Thurmond and Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant “What we are seeing from some is the unbridled rage and disappointment from a system that has repeatedly failed to protect them and unjust treatment at the hands…

NAACP DeKalb In addition to the marker being installed, NAACP DeKalb is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients for The DeKalb Remembrance Project Essay Contest. DeKalb students were invited to write an essay on this subject. There were more than 30 students who participated in the essay contest. “The marker stands as a tool to educate, equip and empower the students in our community,”  said Teresa Hardy, president of the NAACP DeKalb The historical marker lists the names of documented lynching victims in DeKalb County. The NAACP DeKalb congratulates these essay winners.

Saturday Voting, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – May 30 Last day county will mail Absentee Ballot –June 5 Election Day – Tuesday, June 9 All Mail Ballots must be returned to our office – June 9, 7 p.m. Runoff Election, if needed – Aug. 11

Mattie Lynn Bullard wasted away, covered in feces and maggots, according to a warrant issued this week charging her daughter, Olivia Lynn Walker, 49, of Lithonia with felony murder and elder abuse. The warrant, obtained by On Common Ground News on May 29, states that Bullard suffered a stroke in 2015 after having been under Walker’s care since 2010. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s death a homicide. Grady Memorial Hospital reported Bullard was covered in feces and partial rigor mortis had set in after admission to the hospital. The warrant state: “The victim’s body had severe bed…

DeKalb County will offer Saturday and Sunday early in-person voting this weekend. Voters can cast ballots at the main precinct, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, on Saturday, May 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday, May 31, noon to 4 p.m. The polls also will be open at The Gallery At South DeKalb precinct, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, and the Dunwoody Library precinct on both, Saturday and Sunday, at the same times. Saturday only in-person voting will be available 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the following polls: Tucker-Reid Cofer Library, 5234 LaVista Road, Tucker Stonecrest Library,…