CrossRoadsNews, April 6, 2013 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

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DeKalb residents are offering input into the future of the county’s transportation plan at a series of public meetings. 3

A job center will open soon at Georgia Piedmont College for the new Super Walmart at Memorial Drive and Hairston Road. 6

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April 6, 2013

Volume 18, Number 49

www.crossroadsnews.com

Grass-roots group raising funds to challenge state law By Ken Watts

Concerned South DeKalb citizens are joining forces through the “1 Person 1 Vote Legal Defense Fund” to repeal the state law that gave Gov. Nathan Deal the authority to remove six members of the DeKalb School Board from office. Dr. Tom Coleman of Lithonia, who chairs the grass-roots group, said it is challenging the constitutionality of Georgia Law 20-2-73 enacted in 2011. Since its launch on March 16, the 1 Person 1 Vote Legal Defense Fund has raised more than $15,000 to fund its efforts. Coleman said the group meets every Saturday morning and hundreds of people have contributed money to the effort.

crime. But to just remove them because you don’t feel they’re doing their job … I just “We’re providing legal funding to support don’t feel that’s legal,” he said Wednesday. the lawsuit to try and repeal that law. A lot of The suspended board members filed suit people get it confused. We’re not trying to get in federal court challenging the state law. U.S. any member back on the School Board. That’s District Judge Richard Story did not block their removal, but on March 18 he referred not what it’s about. It’s about changing that law the case to the Georgia Supreme Court. so that this does not happen again.” The justices will consider two questions: Dr. Tom Coleman Does the state law violate a constitutional doctrine that school districts be controlled “We talk about our strategy and how Association of Colleges and Schools placing by elected school boards, and did the General to get out to the public, meet more people the school district on probation. Assembly extend unconstitutional power to Coleman said that there are means in the governor? and let them know what we’re doing,” he said. “We’ve been doing it mostly by word place to remove an elected official if necesThe reconstituted board including the sary. of mouth.” governor’s six newly appointed members “There could be a recall election or reDeal suspended the board members in February in the fallout over the Southern moval if that person has been indicted in a Please see FUND, page 2

King Remembered on Anniversary Members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference join hands in prayer at the tomb of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, the 45th anniversary of King’s assassination.

Prayers, campaign commemorate death 45 years ago By Ken Watts

On the 45th anniversary of the April 4, 1968, assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Atlantans and civil rights groups remembered the iconic leader who helped persuade a nation to grant basic civil and voting rights to its black citizens. The King Center, named for the Atlantaborn preacher and created by Coretta Scott King, his late wife, to promote M.L. King Jr. his nonviolence ideals, launched a massive nonviolence project aimed at youth. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference laid a wreath at his tomb on the grounds of the King Center, and King Center staff laid one at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where as a young man King co-pastored with his father, Martin Luther King Sr. On April 4, the day that a sniper’s bullet killed King on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., 45 years ago, the King Center and the National Park Service began working with Fulton County and other groups to observe “Days of Remembrance,” the umbrella title for this year’s observances of the 50th anniversary of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the assassination, and King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” It also kicked off “The 50 Days of Nonviolence” campaign calling on youth to refrain from violence for the remainder of the school year, which ends on May 23. “We are fortunate to have had the greatest leader that America has had in two centuries,” said the Rev. Dr. C. T Vivian, a civil rights legend. “He came with a nonviolent

Wreaths were laid at King’s tomb on Auburn Avenue and at the historic Ebenezer Church where he was a pastor. The King Center also launched an anti-violence campaign targeting young people.

Photos by Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

strategy that changed America and we are here to give him his proper respect.” Vivian spoke during the SCLC’s tribute ceremony Thursday at the King Tomb. Among those listening was Elaine Haywood from Troon, Scotland, with her two daughters ages 14 and 22. “It’s just such a huge

crowd at the MLK Jr. gymnasium across the street from the center. Bernice King, who was 5 when her father was killed, said they are marking the 45th anniversary of his death with a challenge to young people to study, embrace and practice nonviolence. “As my father said, ‘The choice is no longer between violence and nonviolence,’ ” she said. “‘It is either nonviolence or nonexistence,’ and we believe young people have a leadership role to play in creating a nonviolent society.” Judy Forte, the National Park Service’s superintendent of the MLK Historic Site, said the service is happy to join the King Center on the project. “Educating young people about Dr. King’s teachings is an excellent way to honor his life and leadership,” she said. The “50 Days of Nonviolence” kickoff,

thing. That’s why we wanted to come here and see this site because of who he was and what he stood for. Everybody in the U.K. knows who Dr. King was.” At 7:01 p.m., the hour and minute the assassin’s bullet felled her father at age 39, King Center CEO Bernice King spoke to a Please see KING, Page 2

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“We wholeheartedly support this challenge to the youth of Greater Atlanta to lead our city to a more peaceful and productive future.”

Arraignment for Jackson brothers coming up By Ken Watts

Prominent DeKalb minister Wiley Jackson and his brother Rodney Jackson will be arraigned in DeKalb Superior Court on April 12 on charges that they sold investments to church members without a securities license. A DeKalb grand jury indicted the brothers on Dec. 20 on eight counts of violating the Georgia Securities Act. The Rev. Wiley Jack- Wiley Jackson son is pastor of Gospel Tabernacle Cathedral, a metro megachurch with locations in Stone Mountain, Atlanta, Fayetteville and Griffin. Rodney Jackson, 58, is also a pastor at Gospel Tabernacle. Court documents show the arraignments were delayed because two Superior Court judges recused themselves from the case. The documents do not identify the judges. The indictment says the brothers’ company, Genesis LLC, sold shares for up to $10,000 to female church members between 2002 and 2009 and received at least $12,000 in payments. DeKalb District Attorney Robert James

said it is illegal in Georgia to sell securities without a license. “Some were ministry related into books and tapes,” he said in December. Authorities were alerted by the women when they could not get their money back. On March 29, DeKalb Superior Court granted former 4th District Rep. Denise Majette’s request to withdraw as Rodney Jackson’s lawyer. The order filed did not say why Rodney Jackson she was withdrawing. But Majette was under investigation on March 7 for alleged unsubstantiated legal billing practices and faces possible disbarment. The Georgia Bar Association says her case is pending. In the meantime, Majette remains a lawyer in good standing. When contacted by CrossRoadsNews, Rodney Jackson had no comment on Majette’s departure or the charges against him and his brother. He is now represented by attorney Craig Gillen. In another development, prosecutors filed a motion on March 21 for an “Emergency Deposition” to preserve the testimony of a material witness who is very ill. The motion obtained by CrossRoadsNews

says the witness, Nanniene Culpepper, “may be unavailable to testify at the time of the trial” because she is battling Stage 4 breast cancer, which is spreading to other parts of her body. Culpepper’s testimony is important because “she worked at Gospel Tabernacle for 15 years and was familiar with the Jacksons’ investment company. She has also known Wiley Jackson and his family for about 30 years,” according to the motion. Prosecutors say the witness attended a meeting where the Rev. Jackson allegedly solicited investors on behalf of Genesis. The motion says Culpepper “personally accepted payments from Genesis investors, mailed letters to Genesis investors on behalf of Wiley Jackson and took phone calls from dissatisfied Genesis investors when their payments were not made as agreed.” The DA’s office said at least two of the investors were members of Gospel Tabernacle. One member gave Genesis $10,000 and the other gave the company $2,000 the same year and both lost their money. The motion said “the witness has information no other witness can provide to the court.” The indictment said the Jacksons “failed to inform potential investors that there was a risk that they could lose their principal investment.”

Legal challenge is about the voters, not board members FUND,

from page

voted on March 20 to pull the board’s name and money from the lawsuit, leaving former Chairman Eugene Walker as the lone plaintiff and no funds to fight the case. Coleman said the group is supporting the lawsuit, but its goal is not reinstatement of the old board members. “We’re providing legal funding to support the lawsuit to try and repeal that law,” said Coleman, a retired deputy commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice and former chief of staff for DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. “A lot of people get it confused. We’re not trying to get any member back on the School Board. That’s not what it’s about. It’s about changing that law so that this does not happen again.” Walker, a former School Board chairman

April 6, 2013

who was removed from his District 9 seat. said he is pleased and happy that people are supporting the legal challenge to the law to ensure the protection of their voting rights. “And that’s the whole challenge,” he said. “I just wish people would get the story straight. It’s not about the people on the board, it’s about the people who elect the board.” The grass-roots funding may prove crucial to Walker’s chances. He just hired highly regarded lawyer Thomas A. Cox to present his case to the state Supreme Court. Cox has a history of successfully arguing constitutional issues. The education lawyer with Atlanta law firm Carlock Copeland and Stair represented the Atlanta and DeKalb school systems in a lawsuit that successfully challenged the constitutionality of the Georgia Charter Commission Act. Voters later amended the

constitution to clarify the state’s authority to create charter schools. Walker said the focus should be on the constitutionality of Georgia Law 20-2-73, not him. “If they don’t want me on the board, let them select someone else. but don’t cede that right to the governor, to SACS, to anybody.” Coleman said the 1 Person 1 Vote Legal Defense Fund is ramping up its efforts with a new Web site – 1person1vote.org – that should be fully operational by April 8. “All the information we have will be on that site,” he said. “We’re setting up a PayPal system so that we can get contributions from folks and we’re developing a marketing plan. We’re asking people to come on board to help us and we’re getting an awful lot of people who are stepping up and volunteering their time and expertise.”

Anti-violence campaign aimed at youth KING,

from page

hosted by radio personalities Big Tigger and Greg Street, featured musical performances and speeches. Recording artists, including Common, Ciara, Kelly Rowland, OMG Girlz and Big Boi, are participating in social media campaigns to help rally young people to avoid violence throughout the 50 Day campaign. The campaign will include the Music Education Group; V-103; Operation Hope; 1380 AM; the Ryan Cameron Foundation; Big Kidz Foundation; Gidewon Foundation; Press Reset Entertainment; Show Me the Way; and the Metro Atlanta Violence Prevention Partnership. Street said it is an honor to work with Bernice King on an event of such magnitude. “Listening to Dr. King’s speeches over and over in ’89 and ’90 gave a lot of understanding of what the whole civil rights movement was about,” he said. “It wasn’t about them. It was about helping others.” Dr. James P. Griffin Jr., convener of the Metro Atlanta Violence Prevention Partnership, is adding his expertise to the effort. “We wholeheartedly support this challenge to the youth of Greater Atlanta to lead our city to a more peaceful and productive future as part of the 21st century nonviolence movement,” Griffin said. On April 5, the King Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention engaged about 70 college students from Emory, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Georgia State, University of North Carolina, Columbia, University of Washington, Morehouse, Brown University and the University of Georgia and 70 local middle and high school students in discussions about violence and public health factors. For daily updates and personal messages, students can visit the King Center Tumblr page at http://thekingcenter.tumblr. com and Twitter @KingCenterATL with the hashtag #50DAYSNONVIOLENCE. For more information, visit http://the kingcenter.org or call 404-526-8900.

April 6, 2013

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“In the spirit of Creating Safer Communities, we want everyone who lives or works in DeKalb County to sign up for CodeRED.” Joscelyn O’Neill (seated, from left), Marquis James, Edna James and NAACP President John Evans discuss options for meeting DeKalb’s transportation needs at a session held at Exchange Park on Feb. 11.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

County seeks input on new transportation plan DeKalb residents can offer their input on the future of the county’s transportation plan at a series of public meetings and an interactive online session between April 16 and 23. The Transportation Division of the Department of Public Works will share the procedure, vision and goals for updating the current transportation plan and tell residents how to stay involved throughout the process as well as review existing conditions. Residents can share their ideas about potential updates. The division is updating the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which considers all modes of transportation including major roadways, all buses and rail routes in the county, and truck routes. The CTP looks into how people walk and ride bicycles in DeKalb and even considers the county airport in the planning process. The plan also will touch on policies, funding, and how development and trans-

portation are connected. The purpose of the CTP update is to assess how well the plan is meeting the needs of the county. The county will gather input from a variety of sources, including a Technical Advisory Committee, a Community Advisory Committee, elected officials, business owners, and a team of consultants. The 2014 Plan is scheduled to be completed by spring 2014. The team has begun the Needs Assessment phase this spring. The completed Transportation Plan will include a prioritized list of projects representing a balance between transportation needs and resources. Once the final plan is approved by the Board of Commissioners and the CEO, the plan can move forward into implementation. The upcoming public meetings: n April 16, 6:30-8 p.m., McNair High School Cafeteria, 1804 Bouldercrest Road S.E. in Atlanta.

CodeRED gets residents, businesses in system DeKalb residents and businesses can sign up for CodeRED – the county’s high-speed emergency notification system. CodeRED delivers time-sensitive messages via voice mail, e-mail and text to targeted areas or Burrell Ellis the entire county during emergency situations or disasters. The awareness campaign, which is ongoing throughout April, coincides with the theme for National County Government Month, “Smart Justice: Creating Safer Communities.” County officials say the initiative promotes safety and awareness. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis said severe weather can affect us at any time. “In the spirit of Creating Safer Communities, we want everyone who lives or works in DeKalb County to sign up for CodeRED

weather alerts and emergency notifications,” he said. “We also urge everyone to exercise caution when traveling outside of their homes and continue to monitor local news services for changes occurring in the area.” Edward O’Brien Chief Edward O’Brien, the county’s emergency management director, said that residents should not assume that their phone numbers are already in the system. “Adding your calling information to the database system ensure that you are included on the calling list when an emergency situation arises in the county,” he said. To sign up, visit www.DeKalbCountyGA. gov and follow the link to the “CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment” page. For more information, visit www.onedekalb .com.

n April 18, 6:30-8 p.m., Emory University Winship Ballroom, Dobbs University Center, 605 Asbury Circle in Atlanta. n April 20, 10 a.m.-noon, Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Public Library, 5234 LaVista Road in Tucker. n April 22, 6:30-8 p.m., Berean Christian Center Fellowship Hall, 2201 Young Road in Stone Mountain. n April 23, 6:30-8 p.m., Interactive Online Meeting. Visit the project Web site to register: www.dekalbtransportationplan2014.com. For more information, visit www.dekalb transportationplan2014 or call Cristina Pastore at 404-419-8700.

Event seeks to recycle tons of electronics DeKalb residents can rid themselves of old electronics and small appliances at the Stone Mountain Rotary Club’s recycling event on April 13 at Stone Mountain Park. The 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. event takes place at the park’s East Gate (Exit 8 on U.S. 78).It is a fund-raiser for the Tommy Nobis Center, which employs mentally and physically disabled people. Stone Mountain Park and the Rotary Club are working with the DeKalb Boy Scouts to recycle old computers, printers, cell phones and telephones, CPUs, stereos, laptops, copiers, CD and MP3 players, camcorders, faxes, even mike speakers, toasters, can openers and other small appliances at no cost. There is a $5 charge to recycle televisions and video display tubes. Excluded items include large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, humidifiers, tires, other household trash, power equipment or other similar items weighing more than 40 pounds, This is the third year for the event. In its first year, more than 9,000 pounds of items were recycled. Last year, nearly 13,500 pounds were saved from the landfill. Jerry Crane, a Stone Mountain Rotarian, said that this year, they are hoping to recycle 8 tons or more. He said that Rotarians and Boy Scouts will help unload items from cars, and it will be quick. The park is waiving its daily $10 parking fee for recyclers. For more information, call Donna Jensen at 404-433-6509.

Teacher Career Fair April 20, 2013 9am-12pm Lithonia High School 2440 Phillips Road Lithonia, GA 30058

District-wide pre-screening interviews will be offered. This certified teacher fair is open to individuals who are certified in the following content areas: Early Childhood, Math, Science, Tech Ed, Art, Music, Spanish, ESOL and Special Education Please bring copies of your resume, official transcripts, GACE scores, and/or a copy of your professional certificate. YOU MUST HAVE A COPY OF YOUR DOCUMENTS TO INTERVIEW.

APPLY ONLINE

www.pats.dekalb.k12.ga.us

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April 6, 2013

As a child, taking a standardized test in elementary school can be traumatic, not to mention high school and college.

Atlanta scandal exposes dark deeds that hurt children 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Jessica Smith Ken Watts Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner Circulation Manager Jami Ffrench-Parker CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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By Arnold Butler

teacher, administrator and superintendent deNow that the teachers, nies ever cheating or administrators and school knowing about cheatsuperintendent that were ing. For something that involved in the Atlanta was going on for over a school system cheating decade, I find it hard to scandal have been fingerbelieve. printed, pictures taken, The cheating that took Arnold Butler and booked, let’s focus place in the Atlanta school on the real problem – the years system is happening in every school of damage that was done to our system. The pressure to raise test children for the love of money and scores is forcing some good teachself-gratification. ers to lose their integrity. I watched in disbelief as each Notice that I said some, because

not all teachers gave in to this pressure. There are still teachers who refuse to give into pressure from administrators, even if it meant losing their job or being placed on a PDP (professional development plan) as punishment. The real losers in all this corruption are our children. They have been deprived of an education and deceived. There are some things that parents can do to prevent this from happening to their child. Monitor your child’s reading and math scores each year. If their

scores are going up and down year after year or if there is an unusual increase in an area that they have been struggling with – this is a red flag. Meet with your child’s teachers/ administrator for an explanation. If you are not satisfied with the explanation, take it to a higher authority. Be sure to document each meeting. Parents, our children need us to look out for their best interest. Arnold Butler blogs at www .crossroadsnews.com/pages/blogs.

A year later, Trayvon Martin tragedy still stings By Benjamin Todd Jealous

One year later, the Trayvon Martin tragedy still stings – and some people are still throwing salt on the open wound. Last week, George Zimmerman’s brother, Robert Zimmerman, posted a tweet comparing Martin to De’Marquis Elkins, a 17-year-old black teen charged with fatally shooting a 1-year-old baby. The tweet showed a photo of Elkins side by side with a photo of Martin, both making inappropriate gestures, with the caption “A picture speaks a thousand words. Any questions?” Zimmerman’s follow-up tweet read “Lib[eral] media [should] ask if what these [two] black teens did [to] a [woman and her baby] is the reason [people] think blacks might [be] risky.” The implication was that Martin’s actions on the night he was murdered were equivalent to the killing of an innocent child. This would be worrisome enough if it were just the opportunistic cry of a family embroiled in racial controversy. But this belief – that male “black teens” are inherently more likely to be criminals – is ingrained in our society. It has seeped into our institutions in the form of racial profiling, and too often it poisons the judgment of those who are supposed to protect us. Last year I visited Sanford, Fla. The NAACP

“But the fact is that 50 years after the Civil Rights Act, racial bias still runs rampant among law enforcement in this country.” Benjamin Todd Jealous

hosted a forum where residents could report incidents of police abuse. A number of AfricanAmerican mothers alleged that their teen sons had been profiled, abused or even assaulted. I found that the attitude of the local police department toward black teens was uncomfortably similar to that of Robert Zimmerman. But the fact is that 50 years after the Civil Rights Act, racial bias still runs rampant among law enforcement in this country. And Zimmerman’s attitude infects an institution much more influential: the NYPD. The New York Police Department is fighting a class-action suit against their racially biased practice of “stop-and-frisk.” Stop-and-frisk allows officers to stop, question and physically search any individual they consider suspicious. In 2011, NYPD officers stopped nearly 800,000 people for alleged “suspicious activity.” Nine out of 10 were innocent, 99 percent did not have a

gun – and nine out of 10 were black or Latino. The most revealing tidbit is a secretly recorded conversation between a deputy inspector and a police officer. The inspector is discussing a high-crime neighborhood, and he can be heard telling his patrolman: “The problem was, what, male blacks … And I told you at roll call, and I have no problem telling you this, male blacks 14 to 20, 21.” In other words: Stop more young black boys. Other evidence indicates patrolmen may be encouraged to meet arrest quotas. Leaked recordings speak volumes about an institution’s priorities. By profiling young teens of color, they are using the same grisly logic as Robert Zimmerman. And the result is apparent: In 2011, black and Latino men between 14 and 24 made up 42 percent of those targeted by stop-and-frisk. That group makes up less than 5 percent of the city’s population. The crime attributed to Elkins was truly horrific and despicable. But Elkins does not represent an entire demographic, just like Adam Lanza did not act on behalf of all young white men. Racial profiling punishes innocent individuals for the past actions of those who look and sound like them. It has no place in our national discourse and in our police departments. Ben Jealous is president and CEO of the NAACP.

Could CRCT test be culprit in Atlanta cheating scandal? By Miriam Knox Robinson

ity in class? Who did the physical There seems to be a makeup of the test? lot of commotion these All of these are things days relative to the Atlanta that concerned parents Public Schools teachers should know to keep and the administration abreast of what is happenwho are being charged ing in their child’s school. with allegedly changing Miriam Robinson Failure to be informed CRCT scores. puts your child at risk for The media is capitalizing on failure when you don’t ask quesevery aspect to keep the interest tions about a test that is evidentially going that is designed to intensify a menace to some students. the findings. I think that the teachers and the While the focus is on incarcera- administration have been aware tion of the guilty, other aspects of that the CRCT is not a fair test for the scandal go unnoticed. all students. It is not just the changing of However, if they did what they scores of the test that should be ex- did, it was for the best interest amined. What about the CRCT test of the students and that is not to itself, which could be the culprit. say that I condone cheating. But Is it a fair test for all students? it could be equated with the test How many parents have in and of itself cheating a certain searched the CRCT Web site by percentage of students to be taking their child’s grade level to see what an unfair test. questions are being asked of their So while the teachers and adchild? If you do or don’t have a ministration are taking the stand computer at home, there are plenty and being butchered and “hung available at your local library. out to dry,” the real CRCT needs Are these tests consistent with to be hung out to dry and should the children’s overall learning abil- take the witness stand for the de-

fense as being an unfair test that is hurtful to some children. Then the judge should throw out the test so no other child could suffer and become a CRCT victim. Observance of children taking the CRCT test shows disinterest, sluggish behavior, and other ways not conducive to taking a test. Oftentimes, it is because of the unfamiliarity of the contents of the test because most of the information is foreign to them. Majority of stuff on the test they may not have seen before. Example: If someone asked you how to make a casserole and the teacher had never had this discussed, would you know? If someone asked you how many people live in the United States with red hair, would you know? This sounds like some of the crazy questions that are on the CRCT test. Now this may not be the exact question, but they are in the same category. Long ago, there were no standardized tests that were seemingly randomly thought of to give to children. Teachers devised fair tests

that were given according to what was taught in class, thereby moving the child to the next grade, which made sense. We as lawmakers or whatever need to rethink standardized tests in terms of what is best for the children. Monetary gain should not be our focus. As a child, taking a standardized test in elementary school can be traumatic, not to mention high school and college. I remember taking the SAT and I was so traumatized by the stupid questions and barely made enough to get in college. Now I understand how “present-day” college students, according to the news, were taking the SAT and other tests for other students and charging a fee. Every parent and citizen needs to be in court to protest CRCT testing. We are all individuals when it comes to learning. Because we may not learn at the [same] level does not make us less of a person or less intelligent. Miriam Knox Robinson is a substitute teacher. She lives in Decatur.

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Community “Her work as interim has been impressive and it is the right decision to allow her the opportunity to provide permanent leadership for the university.” Hank Huckaby, USG chancellor

Dozier to be inaugurated at Savannah State Dr. Cheryl Dozier of Stone Mountain will be inaugurated April 12 as the 13th president of Savannah State University. The Investiture Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in Tiger Arena on the Savannah State campus. The Inaugural Gala will be at 7 p.m. in the Savannah Marriott Riverfront. Dozier was named Cheryl Dozier president by the Board of Regents on May 9, 2012, after serving a year as interim president and quickly instilling a culture of service, strength and unity across the campus. An experienced and highly regarded university-level professor, researcher, author and administrator, Dozier is known throughout the University System of Georgia for her intellect, charisma and leadership abilities. She was named interim president in April 2011. USG Chancellor Hank Huckaby recommended the end of her interim status, saying that she demonstrated a great capacity for leadership and a clear ability to unite the campus and the community. “Her work as interim has been impressive and it is the right decision to allow her the opportunity to provide permanent leadership for the university,” Huckaby told the Board of Regents. Since taking leadership at Savannah State, Dozier has initiated a number of programs dealing with improving graduation and retention rates and customer service and strengthening external relationships. She launched the “Closing the Gap” initiative, which provides one-time financial assistance to graduating seniors who have an outstanding balance of up to $1,500 and have exhausted all options. The program seeks to ensure that deserving students are able to successfully complete their education despite any lastminute financial crises or hardships that may threaten their graduation. Dozier is a former associate provost for Institutional Diversity at the University of Georgia and assistant vice president of Academic Affairs at the Gwinnett University Center. She is a tenured professor in the School of Social Work and co-principal investigator for the Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a $10 million National Science Foundation-funded program at UGA that broadens the participation of minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at Savannah State and six other USG institutions. She is active in numerous professional and civic organizations, including president of the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education, the board of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, Savannah Economic Development Authority Advisory Council (newly elected), CEO Council of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, and NCAA Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Council of Presidents. She earned a doctorate in social welfare from Hunter College at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, a master’s in social work from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta) School of Social Work, and a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

CrossRoadsNews

April 6, 2013

“All of our nominees possess the kind of leadership skills necessary to be successful in school, business and in life.”

Accreditation probation may stretch into 2014 By Ken Watts

n Demonstrate effective governance.

Mark Elgart, who heads the accrediting agency that put DeKalb’s school district on probation in December, delivered a mixed prediction about the district’s future on April 3. Elgart said that the district has little chance of regaining full accreditation this year. “You will likely remain on probation or likely ‘warned’ status in December,” said Elgart, Mark Elgart who runs AdvancED, the parent company of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In a two-hour public meeting with the district’s newly reconstituted board, Elgart laid out his vision of how DeKalb can repair its educational standing. He told the nine members the process could take three to five years. “The areas in which you’re seeking improvement initially, quite frankly, are beginning points,” he said. “You have significant long-term improvements that must be made.” Elgart said by Dec. 31 the board will need to: n Develop a plan for student achievement. n Improve the district’s finances.

Getting a handle on the budget could present the biggest challenge for the board, which is facing a projected $24 million deficit for next fiscal year. Despite the challenges, Elgart said board members should avoid cutting in the classroom and instead make administrative reductions that could drive more money to classrooms. “Quite frankly you’ve gutted the classrooms,” he said. “One of your challenges is to restore the type of resources and support and direction assistance that classrooms need to be successful.” Elgart acknowledged the foreclosure crisis in DeKalb and its impact on property tax revenues that support the schools. He said the board will need to think of new sources of revenue. He noted that over the past decade, DeKalb has had five superintendents and the School Board seats mostly changed occupants. For student achievement to improve, he said stable leadership is a must. “You cannot have the superintendent position be a rotating position,” he said. “If you have the right person, you need that person in place for a long time to make a difference in a system of this magnitude and complexity. And you need a stable board.” But the next School Board election is just 18 months away in November 2014, raising

the prospect of ongoing instability. Elgart said the county should embrace its diversity, pointing out that its racial makeup goes far beyond black and white. Wise policy would include Latinos and Asians when crafting strategic plans that inform budget decisions, he said. The district also will need to show continued improvement in governance, Elgart pointed out. Dysfunctional governance was one of the issues noted in the Dec. 17 SACS report that put the county on probation. “And there is a direct correlation between poor governance and low student achievement,” he said. Afterward, interim Superintendent Mike Thurmond called the meeting productive and said he remains optimistic despite Elgart’s prediction that the county’s probationary status might stretch into next year. “What we’re looking to do is to continue to improve and move from the probationary status to warning and ultimately high achieving,” he said. “So there are various stages in the process. There’s room for improvement and that’s what we’re looking for.” Board Vice Chair Jim McMahan said members are confident they can get a budget in place before the end of the fiscal year. “What Elgart’s prediction means to me is that he’s acknowledging that we lost a lot time with the legal battle and the suspensions that left us without a quorum,” he said.

8 students nominated for U.S. service academies Eight 4th Congressional District students have been nominated to attend a U.S. service academy, and four have received appointments. U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, who announced the nominations on April 3, held a reception for the students at ART Station in Stone Mountain. He said the nomination process is not easy. “It’s a long, difficult road, and I congratulate all our nominees on making it this far,” Johnson said. “All of our outstanding nominees possess the kind of leadership skills necessary to be successful in school, business and in life.” Johnson said that graduating from a service academy ensures a good career and opens doors for the rest of the students’ lives. The nominees are: n Timothy George Becker, U.S. Military Academy (Army), St. Pius X High School. n Devin James Crawford, U.S. Air Force Academy, Arabia Mountain High School. n Jeremiah Harding, U.S. Naval Academy, Heritage High School. n Xavier Christian Marcel Hightower, U.S. Naval Academy, Chamblee Charter High School.

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, who announced the nominations on April 3, held a reception for the 4th District students at ART Station in Stone Mountain.

n Joseph Mears, U.S. Naval Academy, South- up to 10 candidates per opening. Academies

west DeKalb High School.

usually make appointments by March 31 of

n Daniel Morrison, U.S. Air Force Academy, each year. Those who graduate from a service

Marist School. n Adam Steves, U.S. Military Academy, Marist School. n Toronto Thomas, U.S. Air Force Academy, Martin Luther King Jr. High School. To date, Becker, Harding, Steves and Thomas have received appointments. All members of Congress may nominate

academy will receive a Bachelor of Science degree, be commissioned as a second lieutenant, and honorably serve in the military for a minimum of five years. For more information about the nomination process, visit hankjohnson.house.gov/ serving-you/military-academy-nominations or call 770-987-2291.

Tickets available for 100 Black Women Wine Sip

Judge, CEO to discuss legal education with teenage girls

DeKalb 100 Black Women and their friends and supporters will enjoy wine, music and art at the chapter’s annual Wine Sip on April 20 at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center in Clarkston. The wine-tasting fund-raiser gets under way at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person at www.ticketriver.com /event/6585-wine-&-sip or at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the 100 Black Women’s Legacy Program, which teaches leadership skills to young girls. The Urban Vine Wine Co. will offer different flavors of custom-made wine as well as educate individuals on each selection. R&B and jazz artist Trei will perform. The Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center is at 495 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.ncbwdekalb.org or contact Nakita Porter, wine tasting chair, at fundraising08@ncbwdekalb.org or 678923-7495.

DeKalb State Court Judge Stacey Hydrick and DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis will have “A Conversation With Girls Who S.M.I.L.E.” on April 10 at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Decatur. The noon-to-1 p.m. talk takes place in Courtroom 2A of the State Court. Girls who participate in the program will talk about their experiences and how the Summer Mentoring Initiative in Legal Education has impacted their lives. The program is part of National County Government Month, whose theme is “Smart Justice: Creating Safer Communities.” The summer program for high school girls interested in the criminal justice system is in its second year. Hydrick said she hopes to spark interest in the girls. “This exciting program provides unprecedented opportunities each week that include tours and meeting with representatives from various offices that interact with the State Court,” she said. Space is limited and registration is required. DeKalb County State Court is at 556 N. McDonough St. For more information and to register, contact Samantha Whaley at swhaley @dekalbcountyga.gov or 404-371-2350.

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

April 6, 2013

“This annual awards program is one way of recognizing excellence and the spirit of entrepreneurship.”

New Walmart nears completion, hiring center opening soon The new Stone Mountain Super Walmart Store at the intersection of Hairston Road and Memorial Drive is nearing completion, and a Walmart job center is opening up at Georgia Piedmont College soon. Construction superintendent Kevin Cadle said Thursday that he will turn over the 150,000-square-foot store to Walmart on May 6. This week, work crews were preparing to lay the store’s parking lot and installing trees on the property. Cadle’s company, JA Fielden General Contractors, also is building a new Super Walmart at Stonecrest, next door to Sam’s Club. Job seekers interested in working for the retail giant can learn about the hiring

Crews continue work on the Stone Mountain Super Walmart Store. Job seekers can attend an April 9 meeting at YMCA Wade Walker Park for hiring information.

center and application process at an April 9 meeting co-hosted by District 4 Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton and Walmart representatives, including new store manager Dan Fagan, at the YMCA Wade Walker Park in Stone Mountain. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. The store has been under construction since community leaders helped Walmart break ground on July 27, 2012. The store is being built on a 14.3-acre former auto dealership site. It will employ 250 full-time and parttime associates and is expected to generate $4.9 million in sales taxes. The YMCA Wade Walker Park is at 5855 Rockbridge Road. For more information about the meeting, call 404-371-4907.

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

MARTA app ‘See & Say’ with text, photos

SBA awards to recognize businesses

for communicating directly with MARTA commuters now the police department. have a free smartphone app to The app is designed for envisend texts and photos to the ronments with limited cell service transit police department about – including transit systems such as suspicious activity. MARTA – with underground tunThe easy-to-use “See & Say” nels where service is not available. If application is part of MARTA’s a customer loses service while using ongoing “See Something, Say the app, the text or photo will be Something” campaign supKeith T. Parker sent to police dispatchers immediported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transit Security ately once a signal has been re-established. MARTA says app advantages include: Grant Program. It can be downloaded from the iTunes Store or the Android Mar- n Giving customers the option of sendket for phones and tablet devices on those ing reports anonymously and temporarily operating platforms. Search the keywords disabling the smartphone camera’s flash so “MARTA See and Say” to find the app. pictures can be taken discreetly. Keith T. Parker, MARTA’s general man- n Providing two-way communication that ager and CEO, says the app offers patrons enables customers to receive and comment an additional method of communication on alerts from MARTA Police and for police with police. to request more details about an incident “This new app is the latest example of from customers in return. how we will use technology intelligently to n Alerting customers when there is a delay transform the way we do business,” Parker in transit service or other issues. said at the March 29 app launch. The app is not intended to replace 911 He said the app will help customers emergency calls. For more information, visit feel safer by giving them a convenient tool itsmarta.com.

The deadline for nominations for Georgia’s 2013 Small Business/Champion of the Year awards is April 15. The awards are part of the Georgia Small Business Week celebration that will be observed May 20-24. Terri Denison, the SBA’s Georgia district director, is encouraging individuals to nominate outstanding business leaders for a range of awards. “There are many outTerri Denison standing entrepreneurs and small-business champions throughout Georgia,” Denison said. “This annual awards program is one way of recognizing excellence and the spirit of entrepreneurship.” The district office is seeking nominations in the following categories: n Entrepreneurial Success Award. Individuals must own and operate businesses initially launched as small businesses according to SBA size standards and subsequently developed into large businesses, and they must have received SBA assistance to help the businesses grow. n Family-Owned Business of the Year. This award honors a family-owned and -operated business that has been passed on from one generation to the next. The owner also must serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a 15-year track record. n Financial Services Champion of the Year. An individual who assists small businesses through advocacy efforts to increase the

Procurement workshop at SBA Procurement information on the SBA 8(a) Business Development and HUBZone programs is available at an April 10 workshop at the District Office in Atlanta. The 10 a.m.-to-noon workshop provides an overview of eligibility requirements of the 8(a) and the Historically Underutilized Business Zone programs. To

register, visit www.sba.gov/ga, select Events Calendar under Resources in Your Area, then click on Register Now. The completed form also may be faxed to 404-331-0101. The U.S. Small Business Administration is in Peachtree Center/Harris Tower at 233 Peachtree St. N.E., Suite 1900. For more information, call 404-331-0100, Ext. 501.

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usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services for small businesses may be nominated. n Home-Based Business Champion of the Year. An individual who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a home-based business and has volunteered to improve the climate for these businesses may be nominated. n Minority Small Business Champion of the Year. An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners may be nominated. n Small Business Media Advocate of the Year. The award will recognize an outstanding journalist from television, radio, Web, electronic or print media whose work supports the growth and expansion of small businesses throughout the state of Georgia. n Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year. An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated. n Women in Business Champion of the Year. An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated. n Young Entrepreneur of the Year. To be considered a young entrepreneur, the individual must serve as a majority owner and operate or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with a three-year track record and who will not have reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2013. Nominations should be sent to mark .gibson@sba.gov. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/ga.

3636 Panola Road • Lithonia, GA 30038 (Across from the Salem Crossing Shopping Center)

Entrepreneurs, investors, developers, corporations and Realtors looking for business opportunities can join elected and government officials for the South DeKalb Business Association’s annual Economic Development Bus Tour of South DeKalb on April 11. The five-hour event includes stops in the Park Central Industrial Park, Panthersville and Stonecrest and a round-table discussion about business opportunities in the areas. The bus departs at 9 a.m. from the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur. At Park Central, Cornell McBride Jr., CEO of McBride Research Laboratories Inc., will provide insight into Design Essentials’ successful distribution of premium hair care products and how the Park Central location has given it a competitive advantage. Participants also will explore the Lift Atlanta facility, a multimillion-dollar forklift and equipment business in South DeKalb. The Panthersville stop includes a visit to Pattillo Real Estate Industrial, which owns and leases 20 million square feet of industrial space, and a discussion on a development opportunity in the area.

At Stonecrest, Jackmont Hospitality, a food service company with more than 15 T.G.I. Friday locations, will spotlight its restaurant at the mall. The last site visit will be led by Wheeler/Brand Management Co., which has more than four decades of commercial real estate experience. It will highlight the appeal of the Stonecrest area. A round-table luncheon at 1 p.m. at the Sanford Center will offer insight into the area’s economic outlook. Scheduled speakers include DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Stan Watson; the county’s economic development director, Charles Whatley; Georgia Power’s Community & Economic Development Vice President Pedro Cherry; and Wheeler/Brand’s Kathy Thirolf. Tickets are $35. To register, visit http:// sdbaeconomicdevelopmentbustour.event brite.com. The tour is sponsored by CrossRoadsNews, the offices of Commissioners May and Johnson, MARTA, Georgia Power and Design Essentials. The arts center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive. For more information, e-mail Info@SDBA-inc .org or call 404-642-8168.

April 6, 2013

Wellness

CrossRoadsNews

“Years have passed and hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent. When does this charade end?”

Atlanta’s permit violations continue to harm South River The South River Watershed Alliance is seeking the support of the community, partners, and elected officials to urge the state Environmental Protection Division to complete a new draft permit for Atlanta’s combined sewer overflow system. The announcement comes on the heels of the environmental watchdog group’s discovery that the city of Atlanta continues to violate the state-issued permit that regulates the quality of wastewater discharged from its combined sewer overflow system into the South River. The violations are documented in water quality monitoring reports and written correspondence between the Georgia EPD and Atlanta obtained by the alliance under a Georgia Open Records Act request. Jackie Echols, alliance president, said the inaction is startling. “Georgia EPD has known about these violations for years and has done nothing,” she said. “Atlanta’s NPDES permit is directly related to the Riverkeeper consent Jackie Echols decree, which is still in force. If the city is not meeting permit requirements, it is not meeting consent decree requirements either. If EPD won’t hold Atlanta accountable, the federal court should.” The alliance said Atlanta’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit sets limits on the types and amounts of pollution that can be released into the river from the Entrenchment Creek Combined Sewer Overflow Water Quality Control Facility at 1501 Key Road in southeast Atlanta. The permit was issued in January 2005, and in 2013, eight years later, Atlanta still has not complied with conditions that would

The South River Watershed Alliance says the Georgia Environmental Protect Division is turning a blind eye to Atlanta’s combined sewer overflows into the South River.

improve water quality in the river, SRWA said in a March 14 statement. The group says the EPD has not taken action to require that Atlanta comply. Under the Clean Water Act, “point source” facilities like the Entrenchment Creek CSO facility operate under an NPDES permit that sets limits on how much pollution must be removed from wastewater before it is discharged into waterways, SRWA said. The permit and required pollution removal amounts are intended to reduce harm to the South River by ensuring that Atlanta operates and maintains its combined sewer overflow system properly in accordance with the requirements of the law. The 2005 permit is the first issued since major improvements to Atlanta’s CSO system were completed as a result of the 1999 Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Combined Sewer Overflow Consent Decree, the alliance said. Almost everyone, including the

federal judge overseeing implementation of the consent decree, has showered Atlanta with accolades, touting the great progress made meeting consent decree requirements. The ongoing failure of Atlanta to meet the terms of its NPDES permit calls into question whether such praise is warranted or justified, SRWA said. The NPDES permit is issued every five years. Atlanta’s current permit expired in January 2010. The 2005 permit has been administratively extended by the EPD until a new one is issued. There is no indication when this will occur, SRWA said. “Now in its third year, this unnecessary delay is resulting in unlawful discharges that affect biological oxygen demand and total suspended solids released into South River. Both negatively affect aquatic life and the river’s overall health,” it added. Even more troubling are documents that show Atlanta has asked the EPD to eliminate

all performance requirements for BOD (organic waste strength of wastewater) and TSS (the measure of all undissolved particles within a liquid) removal in the new permit, the alliance said. If the request is approved, water quality in South River will suffer as Atlanta will be allowed to discharge more pollution into the river, SRWA said. The city’s main argument for violating the permit is that the Entrenchment Creek CSO facility was not designed to meet the BOD and TSS standards. This is the same facility that was retrofitted after 1999 to comply with the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper consent decree. Echols said there is absolutely no excuse for Atlanta not to meet its NPDES permit and no legitimate legal justification for asking that pollution removal requirements be eliminated. “Years have passed and hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent,” she said. “When does this charade end?” The SRWA’s mission is to restore the South River. It says restoration relies heavily upon reducing sources of pollution, improving water quality, and sustaining water quality improvements. To this end, it is absolutely necessary that the EPD retain and enforce existing permit requirements, the group said. It is also critical that a strenuous effort is mounted to turn back Atlanta’s attempt to reverse gains made in support of improving water quality in the South River in violation of the Clean Water Act. The SRWA said it is seeking widespread support to urge the EPD to complete a new draft permit for Atlanta’s combined sewer overflow system. Issuance of the draft permit will trigger a 30-day public comment period during which citizens can voice their opposition to Atlanta’s efforts to turn back the clock on the South River, SRWA said.

Older athletes, fitness buffs can register for Senior Olympic Games Registration for the Olympicstyle sports festival continues through April 19 for residents ages 50 and older. Events include track and field, bowling, golf, and swimming.

Residents ages 50 and older can register through April 19 for the 24th annual DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games. The Olympic-style sports festival, which will be held May 6-17 at venues across De Kalb, provides seniors with an opportunity to compete in their favorite sports and meet other residents from across the county. Participants will vie in a variety of sports, including a women’s basketball clinic, freethrow basketball, bowling, golf, horseshoes, track and field, billiards, swimming, table tennis, and water volleyball. Other activities include a line-dancing competition, talent

show, Wii bowling, and health expo. Seniors are encouraged to compete as a team or enter individual events for friendly competition. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event. The sports festival is open to the public. DeKalb residents and residents from surrounding counties can participate. Applications are available online at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or at all DeKalb recreation centers, libraries and senior centers. For more information, call Jackie Swain at 404-687-2751.

Chapel Hill Orthodontics

Health fair targets sarcoidosis ing patients with sarcoidosis. A Sarcoidosis Awareness Health Staton, a professor of medicine, Fair on April 20 at Saint Philip AME has been practicing for more than in Atlanta will provide a number 30 years. His research interests foof free screenings as well as kids cus on sarcoidosis and idiopathic activities. pulmonary fibrosis. Sarcoidosis is an inflammaThe health fair, which is open tory disease that primarily affects to everyone, will be held in Hall the lungs but can affect the brain, A (gymnasium entrance) and heart, skin, eyes and joints. There free tests include blood pressure are more than 100,000 cases in the Gerald Staton Southeast. A great number of those affected screenings, lung screenings, eye exams and seek mental health and medical treatment HIV screenings. The Atlanta Sarcoidosis Support Group from professionals, but due to the lack of knowledge about the disease, many abruptly meets every third Sunday at Saint Philip from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. in the second floor discontinue treatment. The focus of the fair is to bring awareness Art Room. Saint Philip AME Church is at 240 and information to help patients live a more Candler Road at the intersection of Meactive and productive life. The 10 a.m.-to-1 p.m. event also will offer morial Drive. For more information and free medical consultations from Dr. Gerald registration, contact Dr. Catherine Roberts Staton of Emory University Hospital, one of at c_roberts31@msn.com, 678-667-0774 or the most well-known pulmonologists treat- 404-455-0727.

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CrossRoadsNews

Youth

April 6, 2013

“It took awhile for me to register that we were state champions. It feels remarkable.”

Turner Hill Chick-fil-A employee wins Truett Cathy Scholarship Stephenson High School 2012 graduate Jekayla Claxton is a 2013 S. Truett Cathy Scholar. Claxton, who lives in Stone Mountain, is one of only 25 nationwide recipients of the scholarship that was announced at a March 20 surprise ceremony at the Turner Hill Road Chick-fil-A in Lithonia. She is one of four Georgia recipients of the scholarship and the first person from the Turner Hill Road restaurant to earn the $1,000 scholarship created in 1973 to recognize excellence in academics, community service and leadership. Since its creation, 306 Georgians have been winners. Tony Royal, the store’s operator and her boss, said she leads by example in the restaurant and community. “She personifies the qualities the S. Truett Cathy Scholar Award was created to recognize,” Royal said. “I am delighted that her hard work, positive attitude and leadership have been rewarded with this prestigious scholarship.” The award is given annually to the top recipients of that year’s Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship, which doles out $1,000 awards to 1,600 college-bound Chick-fil-A workers each year. Claxton has worked at the Lithonia Chick-fil-A since 2008. She is studying international business at the University of Georgia and is very active in her community, splitting time away as an after-school tutor and volunteer with Toys for Tots and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. At Stephenson High, she was involved with the National Honor Society, DeKalb Youth Commission and Dazzling Diamonds.

Jekayla Claxton is a UGA student and she volunteers with Toys for Tots and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless.

Atlanta Tech hosts open house, campus tours The first 100 Prospective students considering Atlanta attendees at the Technical College can attend an April 13 Atlanta Tech event open house for a chance to apply for free. will receive waivers The first 100 attendees of the 10 a.m.-to-2 to eliminate the p.m. event will receive waivers to eliminate $20 application the $20 application fee. fee. Faculty Graduating high school seniors and adult advisers and learners can sneak a peek at course offerings financial aid and in more than 100 programs of study, inadmissions staff will cluding early childhood education, nursing, be on hand. paralegal studies, commercial truck driving, auto repair, cosmetology, marketing, motion graphics, bioscience, criminal justice, computer information and supply chain management. Campus tours will be offered, and faculty and technical training programs and HOPE ropolitan Parkway S.W. in Atlanta. For advisers and financial aid and admissions funding, Pell grants and loans. more information, visit atlantatech.edu staff will answer questions about career Atlanta Technical College is at 1560 Met- or call 404-225-4400.

Members of the Browns Mill Park recreation basketball team took tile in overtime.

Browns Mill nabs state title By Jessica Smith

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Members of the Browns Mill Park rec basketball team are the 2013 Georgia Recreation and Park Association Class A Senior Boys state champions. Players Nigel Berry, Devin Bradley, Nick Cust, Malik Gill, Braxton Hutcherson, Mike Pearson, Antonio Reeves, Jordan Scott, Montarious Touchstone and Colby Trusclair took home the title during the 10-game final tournament in Savannah on March 1-2. The players ages 14 to 17 from Columbia, MLK, Arabia Mountain and other DeKalb County high schools bested College Park opponents with a score of 65-60 after five minutes of overtime. The Lithonia team made it to the finals after an impressive 8-2 season. They snagged the county win over a team from Lucious Sanders Rec Center, also in Lithonia, and beat McDonough’s Henry County boys to become region champs. Seventeen-year-old point guard Malik Gill said the win feels surreal. “It took awhile for me to register that we were state champions,” said Malik, who attends Chamblee Charter High School. “It feels remarkable.” He said the team’s camaraderie was what brought home the victory. “I think the thing that helped us was that we always stuck together and we never went outside ourselves,” he said “There were a couple of times we were down and it wasn’t looking good in our game, but we didn’t lose our heads. We pieced it together slowly and we said, ‘All right. Let’s get this.’ ”

CrossRoadsNews

April 6, 2013

Youth

“The highest compliment is when someone tells me after a performance that I got to them emotionally.”

‘Sky is the limit’ for late-blooming Decatur violin prodigy By Ken Watts

March 4 could have been a disappointing day for DuMarkus Davis. The 17-year-old Decatur violin prodigy had just returned in bad weather late at night from an audition at the prestigious Curtis Music Institute in Philadelphia. The institute, considered the nation’s most selective conservatory, accepts less than 4 percent of the talented musicians who apply. DuMarkus said his audition went really well. “But I wasn’t accepted,” he said. But any lingering disappointment melted away when he got home. Waiting for him was a letter from the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Inside was some really good news. He had made the first cut for the program, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “I was a little tired but extremely happy that I was a finalist,” he said. Each year the Gates Millennium Scholars Program selects 1,000 talented minority students for full scholarships to use at any college or university of their choice. The program even pays for postgraduate studies for those entering fields in which minorities are under-represented. DuMarkus, who took his 11th- and 12th-grade courses in an online high school program, is an aspiring classical solo concert violinist – a world where few African-Americans have ventured. He joined the DeKalb Youth Symphony Orchestra while in the ninth grade at Chamblee High School and continues to play with them, serving as their current concertmaster. DuMarkus had the honor of performing as one of two solo violinists in the Alliance

DuMarkus Davis, 17, who started playing the violin five years ago, plans to attend Kennesaw State University next fall. He is an aspiring classical solo concert violinist.

Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods,” which ran for a month in September 2011. He also formed his own quartet, the Millennium Philharmonic, all of this after having just taken up the violin five years ago. Renowned jazz violinist Ken Ford, who lives in Stone Mountain, said his mouth and those of the two other judges hung open in disbelief the first time they heard DuMarkus play in 2010 during an audition for “The Young Ken Ford” apprenticeship program in which Ford teaches gifted young musicians the principles of jazz violin. He nailed the audition with his rendition of Accolay’s Violin Concerto No. 1. “Then, before I left, Ken asked me to play something by ear,” DuMarkus said. “He played a track of the pop song ‘Moments in Love’ [a tune closely associated with Ford]. I listened and then played it off the cuff.” Ford said they immediately knew they had their man. “We couldn’t believe someone sounded like that with just a small amount of time Members of the 2012 FEMA Youth Preparedness Council pose with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate (center) in Washington.

FEMA council seeks student volunteers DeKalb middle and high school students interested in disaster relief can apply through April 19 to serve on FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking for tweens and youths 12 to 17 who want to expand their impact by serving as national advocates for Phil May disaster preparedness. Region IV Administrator Phil May said that engaging youth is an integral step in preparing the nation for all hazards. “Youth have a unique ability to influence their peers and families to be more resilient and play an important role in disaster preparedness during and after a crisis,” he said. Youths selected as council members will

participate in regular conference calls with FEMA and will complete a youth preparedness project of their choosing. They also will attend the 2013 Youth Preparedness Council Summit and meet with emergency management leadership and national organizations dedicated to youth preparedness to discuss individual and community preparedness. Interested students can apply directly by submitting an application form, narrative and letter of recommendation by midnight on April 19. They also can be nominated by an adult. For more information or to download an application, visit www.ready.gov /youth-preparedness.

playing,” Ford said. DuMarkus ranks Paganini’s Caprices and Bach’s sonatas for solo violin among the most challenging classical works that he’s played because of their technical complexity. “Then the next challenge becomes trying to give them a musical soul, to play them with feeling and expression, because you don’t want to sound like you’re just hacking on the instrument.” To reinforce those principles, DuMarkus practices three to five hours a day. His talents were on display at the March 23 fund-raising Unity Concert at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center benefiting the How Big Is Your Dream Foundation. It featured Ford, the Ken Ford Symphony comprising his students, famed saxophonist Najee, and drummer Jorel “Jfly” Flynn. Ford said it was such a delight to share the stage with youth who worked very hard to get there. “I can remember not long ago when some of my students were intimidated by not hav-

ing sheet music in front of them. So seeing them on that stage with me brought tears to my eyes,” he said. The benefit raised $10,000 for the foundations, said Annette Davis Jackson, executive director of the Ken Ford Foundation. As Ford’s apprentice, DuMarkus substitutes for his mentor at performances if Ford has a schedule conflict. He also helps Ford teach his “Making the Violin Fun” workshops at metro schools. DuMarkus believes he thrives in classical music despite a late start because he is driven by a deep and abiding love for the sound of the violin and ways that it can be used to convey emotion. “Among instruments I would say the violin is second only to the human voice. A person singing a song can make you want to laugh or cry and you feel this huge range of emotions. The violin, because it is so close in frequency, has the ability to sound like the human voice. For me, the highest compliment is when someone tells me after a performance that I got to them emotionally.” Gates Millennium finalists will know by mid-April whether they have been chosen for the scholarship. Regardless of what happens, DuMarkus plans to attend Kennesaw State University’s School of Music beginning next fall. He said KSU is quietly gaining a reputation as one of the top music schools in the Southeast. It also boasts a world-class music hall and top-notch faculty including Helen Kim, who studied at Juilliard under Dorothy DeLay, one of Itzhak Perlman’s teachers. Ford can’t wait to see DuMarkus write the next chapter in his emerging career. “OMG, the sky is the limit for DuMarkus!” he said on April 2. “He will be in demand from symphony orchestras all over the world.”

Knowledge is power. Be Fearless. Federico Ibarra

U.S. Navy Reserves Current GPC scholar majoring in Biology

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CrossRoadsNews

April 6, 2013

Legal Notices 4/6,4/13,4/20,4/27

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action # ++ 13CV4011-4++ Denisha A. Bailey Plaintiff Vs. Patrick D. Porter Defendant TO: Patrick D. Porter By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated March 29, 2013, you are hereby notified that on March 26, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Denisha Bailey-Porter, 1484 Bouldercrest Rd Apt. 29, Atlanta, GA 30316. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of March 29, 2013. Witness the Honorable Gail C. Flake, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2nd day of April, 2013.

Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court 556 N. McDonough St. G-130 Annex Decatur, GA 30030-3356

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION In the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action # ++ 13W3776-3 ++ William D. Cooley Plaintiff Vs. Brigettie Davis Defendant

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Civil Action Case Number: ++ 13CV3995-2 ++ Carolyn Yvonne Wakefield filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on March 29, 2013 to change the name from: Carolyn Yvonne Wakefield to Kyeimah Imkischma Brown. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the petition was filed. Dated: March 29, 2013 Carolyn Yvonne Wakefield Petitioner, Pro se 1315 Friendly Heights Blvd Decatur, GA 30035

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TO: Brigettie Davis By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated March 26, 2013, you are hereby notified that on March 20, 2013, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce Without Minor Children. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: William D. Cooley, 2010 Garden Circle, Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of March 26, 2013. Witness the Honorable Clarence Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 27th day of March, 2013.

Notice of Publication in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action# ++ 13CV4148-7 ++ Gwendolyn Freeman Plaintiff Vs. Kerry M Freeman Defendant To: By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated April 3, 2013, You are hereby notified that on April 1, 2013, The above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Gwendolyn Freeman, 1908 Bodwin Place, #F, Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of April 3, 2013. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 3rd day of April, 2013.

Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court 556 N. McDonough Street G-130 Annex Decatur, GA 30030-3356

4/6,4/13,4/20,4/27

Notice of Publication in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action# ++ 13CV4045-7 ++ Chanelle Freeman Plaintiff Vs. Tremayne Allen Defendant To: By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated

April 3, 2013, You are hereby notified that on March 28, 2013, The above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Chanelle Freeman, 4146 Chapel Mill Way, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of April 3, 2013. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 3rd day of April, 2013.

Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court 556 N. McDonough Street G-130 Annex Decatur, GA 30030-3356 4/6,4/13,4/20,4/27

Notice of Publication in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action# ++13CV4130-7 ++ Willie Wilmont Plaintiff Vs. Deborah Wilmont Defendant To: By Order of the Court service for service by publication dated April 3, 2013, You are hereby notified that on April 1, 2013, The above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Willie Wilmont, 1908 Bodwin Place, Decatur, GA 30035. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of April 3, 2013. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 3rd day of April, 2013.

Debra DeBerry Clerk of Superior Court 556 N. McDonough Street G-130 Annex Decatur, GA 30030-3356

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CrossRoadsNews

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Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.

CrossRoadsNews

April 6, 2013

home services

shoe repair

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