Author: On Common Ground News

State Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain) announced that he will introduce legislation during the 2020 legislative session to allow college athletes in Georgia to be compensated for the use of their name, likeness and image. The proposed legislation will be modeled after California’s “Fair Pay to Play Act,” which was recently signed into law and will protect college athletes from eligibility sanctions by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) beginning Jan. 1, 2023. With Mitchell’s proposed legislation, Georgia is poised to join a rapidly growing number of states that are introducing bills similar to California. The bills are…

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING 10/23/2019 4:00 p.m. 3120 Stonecrest Blvd. Suite 190 Stonecrest, Georgia CALL TO ORDER EXECUTIVE SESSION REAL ESTATE MATTERS ADJOURNMENT

Jermel Campbell, 26, turned himself into DeKalb County Police Department last night. Campbell was one of three men wanted for the Sept. 29, 2019 murder of Kevin Downer outside the Round 1 bowling  arcade at the Mall At Stonecrest. A third suspect, Trayvon Williams, has yet to be arrested. #DKPD

The Securities and Exchange Commission and Morehouse College will co-host a panel discussion on strategies to attract investment capital to minority businesses from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 during Homecoming Week. The special event, which will be held on the campus of Morehouse College, will feature conversations with minority entrepreneurs and investors who will explore solutions for overcoming barriers and share business successes. The panel discussion will be held at the Shirley Massey Executive Conference Center. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Advance registration is recommended. Seating is limited. The full agenda and list of speakers and panelists will be available…

Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) has commissioned more than 30 local officials and representatives to serve on his  Complete Count Committee to help spread the word about the importance of the 2020 U.S. Census. “It’s all about two critical parts that can impact our government and society as a whole: funding and representation,” said Congressman Johnson who represents several miscounted and undercounted communities in Georgia’s Fourth District. “The 2020 Census is quickly approaching. The United States’ founders thought this data was so important they mandated it as part of the Constitution, and my office will do everything in its power to make sure…

DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson attended the DeKalb County Homeless Symposium on Oct. 11. The event brought together the community and professionals who work with the homeless population from across the region to share information on strategic planning, policy initiatives, programs and best practices concerning the homeless population. The symposium was sponsored by DeKalb County Community Development and Our House, Inc., United Way of Greater Atlanta and DeKalb County Continuum of Care. Cochran-Johnson participated in the 15th Annual TEA Walk on Oct. 12. More than 3,000 residents came together for a 2-mile empowerment walk on Buford Highway to promote…

Dr. Barbara Hall is hosting a “Stop the Violence” panel discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road. The moderator-led panel will have an open dialogue about the rash of violence in South DeKalb County.  Panelists include law enforcement officials, community leaders and Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary. Residents are encouraged to attend to ask questions and offer solutions.  

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is now accepting applications for Fourth District congressional nominations to the military service academies – U.S. Military Academy (West Point, NY), the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD), the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point. NY) – for the Class of 2024. The deadline for receipt of completed applications and supporting materials is Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. in the Congressman’s district office. All complete applications will be evaluated, and qualified applicants will be invited to interview with Johnson’s Academy Nomination Review Board. To learn more about the…

  Stand with DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling as she helps DeKalb families build healthy relationships during “Sunday Night Lights” on Oct. 20, 4 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals. DeKalb families are invited to take part in discussions focused on conflict resolution led by certified facilitators over dinner. Solicitor-General Coleman-Stribling received funding from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to expand domestic violence prevention programs through her office. With the additional funding, the Solicitor created the #NOTinmyDEKALB initiative. The domestic violence prevention and mentorship campaign features two programs: Because We Are Family and Sunday Night Lights. For more…

Visions of the Minds and the Rockdale County Think Tank will present the annual Community Day of Giving Fall Fest and Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 26, 5 to 8:30 p.m., at 1524 Flat Shoals Road, Conyers. he family event will include costume contests, music, face painting, arts and crafts, bounce houses, karaoke, games, prizes, free health screenings, food and clothing distribution