Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Ethan Dumas, 20, of Decatur, GA is facing several charges in connection with the shooting that took place on Aug. 5 at Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Gwinnett County. Dumas is charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault, Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree, Terroristic Threats and Acts, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, and Reckless Conduct. He turned himself in to the Gwinnett County Jail on Sept. 11, after Gwinnett County Police obtained warrants for his arrest. Detectives determined that the shooting started after an argument between two suspects and an employee…

STONECREST, GA—The Grammy award-winning Erica Campbell, of the gospel duo, Mary Mary, will kick off a women’s empowerment conference with a free concert on Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m., at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest. New Birth’s Reinvigorate Women’s Conference is set Sept. 28-30. The inspiring and enlightening weekend for women will feature Nona Jones, international speaker, preacher and author;  Tasha Cobb Leonard, award-winning gospel artist and actress; and Dr. Heavenly Kimes, of the Bravo reality series, Married to Medicine.  “Reinvigorate recognizes the universal burden that so many women carry as mothers, leaders, business owners, spouses and change makers,” said…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., one of the country’s largest women’s service organizations, is announces the induction of 12 distinguished women as honorary members into its Alpha Omega Chapter. These accomplished women have demonstrated outstanding commitment to civic engagement and the advancement of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s principles, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, the organization stated. “Our 2023 Honorary Member Class reflects the diversity and brilliance of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. As the number one service organization, we are proud to extend membership to those who work aligned with Zeta’s principles,” said Stacie NC…

CONYERS, GA—Join the East Suburban Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for its Day of Community Impact as it raises awareness about breast cancer and supports those impacted by breast cancer in the Pink Day Best Scavenger Hunt Run/Walk on Oct. 14. Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m., with the walk starting promptly at 10 a.m. in front of the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive,Conyers. Bring out the entire family, hear survivor stories, get a blood pressure check, enjoy food trucks, music, and fun activities for the children. Don’t forget to show your enthusiasm by…

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens and Invest Atlanta announced the relaunch of the Atlanta Heritage Owner Occupied Rehab Program, which provides forgivable loans up to $30,000 to eligible homeowners to address needed health and safety repairs. Applications are being accepted until Friday, September 22, 2023. Created to help legacy residents remain in their homes amid rising prices, the program gives priority to senior households, military veterans, disabled head of households and those who have lived in their homes for more than 15 years. Eligible home repairs range from roofs, minor plumbing and electrical work to ADA improvements, siding, painting and more. Funds provided…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson’s office announced today that no more free tickets are available for the highly-acclaimed stage play, “It’s All About Me, Part Two,”  scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. “I am extremely proud to present this amazing play. I urge everyone to take advantage of this rare opportunity to attend a high-quality production and be entertained with a purpose,” Commissioner Cochran-Johnson had stated earlier today. “Many people do not realize there are cures for several blood-borne diseases through bone marrow donorship, so despite not having…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Health is hosting its Passport to Health and Wellness festival and vaccination event on Saurday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Board of Health’s Richardson Health Center, located at 445 Winn Way in Decatur. Three variations of flu shots will be available – Fluarix, for children 6 months and older; Flublok for adults 18 years and older, immunocompromised individuals, or those who would like a vaccine that may give a higher level of protection; and Fluzone High-Dose for individuals ages 65 and older, providing a higher level of protection for this age…

By Mark Brock DeKalb County School District Athletics Specialist DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County’s high school football programs get back into action with seven home games this weekend with the Stephenson Jaguars against the Tucker Tigers rivalry renewing for the ninth time. The two high profile DeKalb programs first met in 2012 with Stephenson winning a 13-6 battle before Tucker ran off three in a row. The teams have played every year since 2016 except for the 2020 season cut short by Covid. Stephenson won 30-24 in 2017 and has reeled off four consecutive victories including 28-3 a year ago…