Author: On Common Ground News

District 4 Congressman Hank Johnson reached thousands of residents in person and via Facebook live during his “Moving The Fourth Forward” town hall series. The town halls, which began at the Lou Walker Senior Center in DeKalb County on Aug. 13 concluded at the Newton County Historic Courthouse on Oct. 10. Johnson, who represents all of Rockdale County and parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Newton counties, heard from the public on a host of issues during the town hall meetings—from global warming to the impeachment inquiry underway against President Trump. The Democratic Congressman even heard from a Republican at the…

James “Major” Woodall, 25, has been elected as the new State President of the Georgia NAACP. The historic vote of the NAACP body makes Woodall the youngest to serve as State President in the 110-year history of the civil rights organization. Woodall is from Bulloch County, Georgia. Woodall has served as Georgia Youth & College Division State President, First Vice President of the Bulloch County Branch, and most recently, as a 2018 graduate of the NAACP’s Next- Gen leadership training program. “I ran for State President because far too many people are suffocating from lack of access to healthcare, clean…

Stonecrest City Councilman George Turner is inviting the community to the city’s 2020 Census Complete Count Committee meeting. Turner, who is heading the committee, is hosting the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at City Hall. The meeting agenda is as follows: Introduction of members Recruitment strategy for new members Overview of planned training session Review of action timeline Presentation from DeKalb County Complete Count Coordinator Establishment of a 90-day meeting calendar Set next meeting and adjourn All citizens are welcome to join the committee. For more information, contact Councilman George Turner,…

Mayor Jason Lary was recently named as Director for the World Chamber of Commerce Board. The World Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote international trade and foster cultural and humanitarian exchange to develop economic opportunities worldwide.  Founded in 2008, the World Chamber of Commerce organizes and supports initiatives and events promoting global trade, cultural and humanitarian goals. “Mayor Lary is a proven leader with an excellent vision and skills to bring different areas of the community together. His experience will benefit the World Chamber of Commerce and the local community as well,” said Solange Warner, World Chamber of…

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church’s Pastor Jamal Bryant told a crowd of supporters that the community must unite to stop the violence that is plaguing the Stonecrest community, urging them to remain steadfast as God’s soldiers. “We reverse the spirit of death that has been unleashed in this city!” Bryant declared as he led a prayer vigil and community rally on Oct. 8 in the Sears parking lot at The Mall at Stonecrest. Bryant was joined by a contingent of pastors police, and community leaders as he denounced the recent deadly shootings in the Stonecrest comity. Last month, two people…

Voices of Faith Ministries, founded by Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr.,  is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.  The church, which has campuses in Stone Mountain and Conyers, is planning to kick off the milestone anniversary with a Founders Day Gala honoring Bishop Hawkins and his wife, Lady Pamela Hawkins, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. On Sunday, Oct. 20, the Voices of Faith Reunion Choir will minister in song. Pastor Brandon Buckley of Voices of Faith’s Baton Rouge, LA, will preach the 8 a.m. worship service in Stone Mountain and Pastor James T. Murkison…

DeKalb County school teachers were honored at the 7thannual Heart of South DeKalb Festival. The two-day festival, which took place on Sept. 27 and 28 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur, highlighted and celebrated educators and school personnel. District 3 Commissioner Lary Johnson hosted the event and recognized local educators and their impact in the community. The festival kicked off Friday night with the “Night Under the Stars” showcase at Rainbow Park featuring Motown and R&B tunes by The Ray Howard Trio. Attendees kicked back in lawn chairs and enjoyed live music and food from…

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, will be available Nov. 1. The federally-funded program assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Beginning Nov. 1, residents aged 65 and older or those who are homebound can apply for assistance through the Department’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. All other eligible residents may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 2. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. In 2019,…

Stone Mountain Park is recruiting seasonal and full-time employees for the region’s popular events including Snow Mountain and Stone Mountain Christmas, which open Nov. 16. All applications must be completed online, with training beginning in October for many positions. Offering a variety of fun, flexible jobs as well as entry-level leadership, professional, administrative and management opportunities, Stone Mountain Park is now hiring team members in food service, attractions, merchandise and entertainment. Snow Mountain positions include lift operators, team members and technicians. Other available positions also include cooks, bussers, servers, dishwashers, custodians, railroad conductors, farmyard animal keeper, educational interpreters, campground host,…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Parents as Teachers (PAT) members stop for a photo at Wheeler Park in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019. Photo by Mackenzie Morgan for OCG News By Mackenzie N. Morgan OCG News Staff Writer A parade of preschool parents gathered at Rockdale Career Academy’s (RCA) Early Learning Center to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct. 8. The group, dressed in various shades of pink, walked in a caravan from RCA to Wheeler Park and back. The Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Parents as Teachers (PAT) program hosted the walk in…