Author: On Common Ground News

By Jamal-Harrison Bryant In the struggle for justice and equity, it is not enough to only demand change from our elected officials—we must also hold corporations accountable. When companies profit from our communities, they have a responsibility to reflect our values, invest in our people, and honor their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This is why for Lent, I am calling for a 40-day fast of Target, a corporation that once stood as a leader in DEI but has since caved to political pressure, abandoning both the very principles they claimed to champion as well as specific promises they…

DECATUR, GA– Rainbow Park Baptist Church will host local government officials, education leaders, public safety representatives, business professionals, and members of the judiciary for a critical conversation about the future of DeKalb County. The Voices of DeKalb Town Hall will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The town hall, moderated by Pastor Micah K. Dial aims to foster a solutions-driven discussion on key issues impacting DeKalb including public safety, education, economic development, and civic engagement. The event will feature a panel of leaders from various sectors: Government: DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Nicole Massiah; State…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– Gwinnett County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to opt out of the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption introduced in House Bill 581. The vote means Gwinnett homeowners’ assessments will stay the same, regardless of inflation, officials stated.  Three public hearings were held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in January and February – while cities and schools are hosting their own hearings. The County has an existing Value Offset Exemption (VOE) that protects homeowners from tax increases due to increased property market values. Compared to the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption, the VOE protects against…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open three warming centers for residents 24 hours a day beginning 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, until 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb.  22. DeKalb Couty has activated the following warming centers in anticipation of freezing temperatures: Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Decatur Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur (see pickup schedule below for transportation to Frontline)  N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur 30032  DeKalb County’s overnight only warming center, North DeKalb Senior/Community Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee, also will remain open. Special transportation will be provided each morning to one of the 24-hour warming…

ATLANTA – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) released the following statement after  hundreds of employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) were abruptly fired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was confirmed on Thursday(Feb. 12) as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump Administration.  The CDC Chamblee campus is located in Johnson’s district, while the CDC headquarters, just outside his district, employs many of his constituents.  The Trump Administration is slashing about 1,300 employees (about 10% of the workforce) at the CDC. President Trump’s cuts at the CDC, aimed at new hires and long-time staff members…

  By Mark Brock DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Valentine’s Day brought a sweet victory for the Tucker High Tigers. The Tigers quickly jumped out to a 16-4 lead and held off the Southwest DeKalb Panthers 51-47 to win the Region 5-4A boys’ basketball title in a battle of Class 4A Top 10 ranked teams at Tucker on Friday, Feb. 14. Southwest DeKalb (25-3), ranked No. 3, trailed the No. 7 ranked Tigers (22-6) by as many as 17 in the second quarter but began to chip away as the game moved into the fourth quarter with Tucker holding a 40-31 advantage. The…

CONYERS, GA- The Rockdale Board of Education has elected Sandra Jackson-Lett as the new Chairwoman and Janie Jones as the Vice Chairwoman for the 2025-2027 term. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to their new roles, ensuring continued excellence in governance and education for the community. Board members elected Jackson-Lett Jones at the Jan. 9 Board of Education meeting. “I am honored to serve as the Chairwoman of the Rockdale County Board of Education,” said Jackson-Lett. “As a governance team, our Board is committed to providing the best educational opportunities for our students. I look forward to working with…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–Join the Urban League of Greater Atlanta ULGA and homeownership partners for an empowering workshop, featuring resources and services to assist individuals and families on their path to homeownership.  The workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, DeKalb County Public Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur.  In this free, expert-led session, you will:  ✔ Learn how to navigate the homebuying process.  ✔ Understand mortgages, credit, and budgeting for homeownership. ✔ Get a certificate for down payment assistance (must attend the full session). To register for the free…