Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb NAACP has registered 86 people so far to attend the first round of orientation training sessions for those who would like to become volunteers in the DeKalb County School District. The organization partnered with the district with a goal of recruiting volunteers to work in every school in the district as a way of ensuring that all DeKalb students achieve and succeed. The district is providing the volunteer training and the upcoming sessions will mark the first phase of recruitment. Another recruitment drive is planned for early next year, said Lance Hammonds, chair of the DeKalb NAACP’s Education…

Parishioners and the Rev. Fr. JohnPaul Ezeonyido of Christ Our Hope Catholic Church in Lithonia invite the community to the church’s annual Advent Revival, “Moving with the Spirit.” The three-night revival will be held Dec. 3-6, 7 p.m., at Christ Our Hope, 1560 Wellborn Road, Lithonia. The revivalist will be the Rev. Fr. Celsus Auguiste, who hails from Florida via the island nation of Dominica, West Indies. Everyone is invited to attend and encouraged to bring a bible and a friend to enjoy singing and an uplifting message.

Springfield Baptist Church will host its annual NewRock Christmas production, “Soulful Noel,” which tells the story of love, hope and joy. There will be four shows: Friday, Dec. 8, ($25 admission fee for opening night, red carpet reception at 6 p.m., and the show at 8 p.m.); Saturday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (free admission); and Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m. (free admission). For more information, visit www.sbcgrowth.church.

DeKalb County police are searching for Quantez D’Ante Tyre, the estranged boyfriend wanted for the murder of 22-year-old Tyrika Terrell, who was the mother of his child. Tyre allegedly shot Terrell on Nov. 27, around 6 p.m. as she waited outside of her job at the U.S. Post Office on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur, police said. He fled the scene on foot toward Wesley Chapel Road. The FBI is also investigating the case. Tyre is considered armed and extremely dangerous. The 22-year-old suspect is 5 feet 8 inches tall and 160 pounds. Anyone with information leading to the whereabouts…

This weekend, the 91st Annual Morehouse-Spelman Christmas Carol Concert, a tradition that has marked the opening of the Christmas season for generations of Atlanta residents, will be held at Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel and Spelman College’s Sisters Chapel. The combined holiday voices of the Morehouse College Glee Club and the Spelman College Glee Club take the stage on: Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., at Morehouse Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. at Spelman Dec. 3, 6 p.m., Morehouse No advanced tickets are required. Admission is free of charge. Performing together and as individual Glee Clubs, the annual concert will feature…

DeKalb County Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry is hosting “Passport Day in the USA,” a special event on this Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications. Appointments are not necessary when applying in the Clerk’s Office. You may apply for a passport for routine or expedited service. The DeKalb Superior Clerk, along with hundreds of local acceptance facilities around the county are joining the Department of State in celebrating Passport Day in the USA 2017, national passport acceptance and outreach event. U.S. citizens mus present a valid…

MARTA will roll out three new bus routes and modify 32 existing routes beginning Saturday, Dec. 9. The MARTA Board of Directors adopted the route additions and adjustments to improve on-time performance and provide more direct service. New Routes: Route 40: Peachtree Street/Downtown: Route 40 creates a link between West End Station and Arts Center Station. The route will travel on Lee Street, Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, McDaniel Street, Whitehall Street, Peachtree Street and 15th Street. Details: Operates every 30 minutes, seven days a week Relieves congestion at Five Points Station Creates new bus connection between West End Station and…

Funeral services will be held Friday for Marcus L. Reese, co-founder and principal of CERM.

Rockdale County invites the public to escape the winter weather and share in the warm spirit of the holidays at its annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers.   Festivities begin with the Hometown Holiday parade at 4 p.m. Doors open for the Tree Lighting Celebration immediately after the parade at 5 p.m. The pre-show will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the main event begins around 6 p.m.   The county encourages citizens of all ages to attend this free, public event.   This year’s theme, “My Favorite Christmas Movie,” will…

As state lawmakers prepare to convene for the 2018 Georgia General Assembly session on Jan. 8, the DeKalb Delegation is hosting a series of community meetings. State Rep. Howard Mosby, who chairs the DeKalb House Delegation, said the meetings will provide an opportunity for legislators to share updates, answer questions and receive input from the community on issues and concerns. It’s really a listening session to hear from constituents,” said State Rep. Howard Mosby, who chairs the DeKalb Delegation. “We expect that we’ll be dealing with Emory’s annexation into Atlanta, cityhood of Greenhaven, transportation and MARTA. Also, the ethics bill…