Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA –Rockdale County is celebrating a milestone during Black History Month by honoring Judge Maureen E. Wood, who made history as the county’s first African American Superior Court Judge.  Wood was elected to the bench in May 2024, marking a significant step forward in Rockdale’s judicial landscape. “I was raised in a family where education and servant leadership were commonplace,” Judge Wood shared. “I am truly honored to be Rockdale County’s first African American Superior Court Judge, and I stand on the shoulders of my family and the many leaders who came before me.” Wood grew up in…

ATLANTA — The City of Atlanta is honoring Shirley Clarke Franklin, the first African American woman to serve as mayor of the city, as Black History Month 2025 kicks off.     On Monday, Feb. 3, the Atlanta City Council unanimously passed two ordinances to pay tribute to Franklin’s legacy.  Central Avenue was renamed  “Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard” (24-O-1617) and Westside Reservoir Park was renamed “Shirley Clarke Franklin Park” (24-O-1622) as recommended by the Council commission to honor the 58th Mayor of the City of Atlanta. Franklin, who served two terms, was the first African American woman to serve as mayor of a major city in…

DECATUR, GA—The NAACP DeKalb County branch is hosting a Black History Month Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. The service will be held at Rainbow Park Baptist Church located at 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur. This year’s theme is “Reconstructing Reconstruction 2025.” The  keynote speaker will be Kevin Myles with special guest Michael Hill.  The community is invited and encouraged to attend the free event.   

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Leadership DeKalb is now accepting applications for its Class of 2026, a premier leadership development program designed to,cultivate and connect community leaders committed to driving positive change. To kick off the application season, an Open House will be held on Wednesday, Feb.12, 6 p.m., at Bench Warmers (240 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur. Meet current members and alumni, learn about the program curriculum, and get your questions answered. The Class of 2026 will experience a unique curriculum designed to enhance leadership skills, increase community awareness and foster valuable connections among participants. Leadership DeKalb boasts a powerful alumni…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Cooperative Extension will host its container garden series in April. The three-week series covers growing vegetables, herbs, and flowering plants in containers.  The classes, which will be held at Red’s Beer Garden, located at 1328 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, are scheduled as follows:   ·      Growing Vegetables in Containers- Friday, April 4, 3 to 5 p.m. ·      Container Gardening with Herbs- Friday, April 11, 3 to 5 p.m. ·      Flowering Plants in Containers- Friday, April 17, 3 to 5 p.m.·        The cost for all three classes is $30 and includes supplies. Registration for the classes, which are being hosted by DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA – In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 17, sanitation service for residential customers will run one day late.   Following is the schedule: Monday, Feb. 17 – Presidents Day observed. No sanitation service. Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Feb. 17, will be serviced on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Feb. 18, will be serviced on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Thursday, Feb. 20 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Feb. 19, will be serviced on Thursday, Feb. 20. Friday, Feb. 21 – Residential customers whose…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—An inmate has died after having a medical emergency in a maximum-security unit at the Gwinnett County Jail, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office said. Authorities said Phillip Antwon Munroe was found unresponsive in his cell on Jan. 27 around 2:30 a.m. during a routine security check. Sheriff’s deputies immediately administered aid, and treatment was continued by medical staff until Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene and pronounced Munroe deceased.  Munroe was arrested on July 6, 2022 on charges of Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Hijacking a Motor Vehicle, and Battery.  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating the…

CONYERS, GA– The Rockdale County Board of Education(BOE) will hold three public hearings on House Bill 581 during the next few weeks to allow stakeholders the opportunity to share their opinions on whether to opt out.  While the language of the official public notice of the hearings indicates intent to opt out as required by the statute, it is important to note that ultimately the vote on the resolution to opt out will be solely determined by the collective action of the Rockdale County Board of Education. A majority vote for the resolution to opt out would result in the Board…