Author: On Common Ground News

State Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) received the Dream Forward Elected Official Award, sponsored by The King Center, on Jan. 14 at the kickoff reception for the King Holiday Observance. Jones was among several who were honored at the event, which was held at The King Center in downtown Atlanta. “It is an honor to be recognized with this award as we kick-off our observance of Dr. King’s legacy,” said Jones. “It is especially exciting to be honored alongside other community leaders making a difference in their respective fields. Despite working across a broad spectrum of jobs, we are…

Rev. James “Major” Woodall The Rev. James “Major” Woodall, state president of the Georgia NAACP, will deliver the charge during DeKalb County’s 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. At age 25, Rev. Woodall became the youngest state president in NAACP history when he was elected to lead the Georgia NAACP in 2019. He serves as an associate minister at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Marietta. Rev. Woodall also is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve. An alumnus of Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in religious studies, Rev.…

Stonecrest City Councilmembers George Turner and Rob Turner (who are not related) were sworn in to second terms tonight (Jan. 13) at City Hall chambers. Both men were re-elected in unopposed races. Stonecrest Municipal Judge Michael Sheridan performed the swearing-in ceremonies. A crowd witnessed the event, which took place at the first City Council meeting for 2020. George Turner also was unanimously reelected by council members to serve a two-year term as mayor pro tem. The mayor pro tem chairs the meeting in the absence of the mayor. The number of successive terms an individual may hold…

By Candice Guthrie Mason Mill Park will be more beautiful, thanks to volunteers who plan to roll up their sleeves and join park staff members and master gardeners to spruce up the park. DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is hosting its first Volunteer Day of 2020 on Jan. 12, 1 to 4 p.m., at Mason Mill Park, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. Volunteers will assist park staff and Georgia master gardeners in beautifying the park by removing weeds and invasive species from the park, county officials said. “Mason Mill Park hosts a volunteer day almost…

(Left to Right) Stonecrest Library’s first branch manager Theresa Totten, Louise E. Alexander, Vice President of The Friends of Stonecrest Library, Jennifer Moore, President of The Friends of Stonecrest Library and Stonecrest Branch Manager Michael Strong. Photo provided by The Friends of Stonecrest Library. By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer A host of supporters and patrons showed up to welcome Stonecrest Library’s newest branch manager, Michael Strong, on Jan. 6 at a meet-and-greet reception held at the library. “It was truly an overwhelmingly awesome experience being welcomed into the Stonecrest family. I am looking forward to getting to know…

Pictured left to right are Charles West,of CW Network Studios; actor Lou Gossett, Jr.; Mayor Jason Lary; and actor John Amos.   Photos provided by Adrion Bell/City of Stonecrest. Actors John Amos and Louis Gossett, Jr. were among the guest attendees at Stonecrest’s Development Authority meeting at City Hall on Jan. 9.  The actors were present to endorse the efforts of Charles West, of CW Network Studios, who is considering Stonecrest as the location site for a $50 million state-of-the-art animation facility. West as joined on the agenda by Brian Livesay, founder of Soanes Consulting, which helped launch Atlanta…

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is accepting enrollment for its School Choice programs for the 2020-2021 school year Open enrollment, which began on Jan. 7, ends on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. Families who live in the DeKalb school district can apply for DCSD’s many diverse programs, such as the dual immersion language programs and distinguished magnet programs. The School Choice Programs are available at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Students currently enrolled in DeKalb County schools will need their student ID number and a parent’s email address. New, private- or home-schooled students need a…

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is accepting applications for new and returning licensed childcare providers of Georgia’s Pre-K program for the 2020-2021 school year. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m. Georgia’s Pre-K Program is an educational program for age-eligible children in Georgia funded by the Georgia Lottery for education. To be eligible to apply for the Pre-K grant, an applicant must be a licensed childcare program, local school system or a Head Start program. Programs are offered in a variety of settings: public schools; for profit and nonprofit child care learning centers; military…

By Candice Guthrie Nastasha Johnson, a Rockdale County middle school teacher, hopes to help parents, mentors, teachers and others better understand the issues and challenges that teen girls face as they approach puberty and young adulthood. Johnson has published a book entitled “Who am I? The Teenage Girl,” which is centered on the lives of three fictitious teen girls. “Although the characters are fictitious, they are dealing with real-life issues,” said Johnson, a minister, mentor and mother of three. “The book sheds light so that people who deal with children may be more aware, more compassionate.” Johnson said the…

It is with great honor and excitement that Anthony J. Royal, Sr. and Leslie E. Royal announce the impending nuptials of their daughter Antasha Jenise Royal to Julius Ibiyi Wilson, son of Mrs. Mary Iyam Wilson and the late Mr. Ubi Ogban Wilson. The wedding will take place in early spring at beautiful Georgia Palms & Gardens in Powder Springs, Georgia. How they met: First comes car trouble, then comes marriage… They met when Julius worked on Antasha’s car. Anyone who knows her knows that she does not take care of cars. (lol) He asked for her number. He was cute and…