COMMUNITY
INSIDE
Church’s Chicken under fire
Historic contributions
Demonstrators picketed the Church’s Chicken on Candler Road to protest the restaurant’s low health scores. A3
Check our Special Section on Black History Month that spotlights AfricanAmerican culture, heritage and achievements. B1
Put Litter in Its Place Let’s Do Our Part to Keep DeKalb Beautiful
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
Copyright © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
February 6, 2016
Volume 21, Number 41
www.crossroadsnews.com
SACS restores full accreditation to DeKalb County Schools By Ken Watts
After three years under the cloud of accreditation probation, DeKalb County Schools has emerged with full accreditation. AdvancED, parent company of the the Southern Asssociation of Colleges and Schools (SACS), restored the district’s full accreditation in a Jan. 28 letter to School Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green. “In recognition of the progress made to date and acknowledgement of the continued work needed to sustain the required actions, the Georgia AdvancED Council affirmed at its Jan.28 2016 meeting that DeKalb County
School District’s accreditation status will be changed from Accredited Under Review to Accredited,” the letter over the signature of AdvancEd’s COO Annette Bohling said. DeKalb Schools was placed on probation in Stephen Green December 2012 for deficiencies in the district’s governance, financial health and low student achievement. Green said he is proud of the hard work put in by teachers, staff and the school board to return the district to full accreditation and he promised that the district will be relentless
in sustaining the work completed. “We will remain focused on the quality of instruction in the classroom and thereby raise the bar for teaching and learning, Green said. “Our students will rise to the level of expectation that we set. We are locked in on this mission.” In a Feb. 2 statement to CrossRoadsNews, AdvancED President and Mark Elgart CEO Dr. Mark Elgart said the agency applauds the district’s efforts to turn around conditions in three years. “We encourage the system to sustain the
progress accomplished to date as it prepares for its next evaluation scheduled for [the 2016-2017] school year,” Elgart said. The accreditation probation prompted Gov. Nathan Deal to suspend six of the district’s nine school board members in 2013 and replace them with appointees. DeKalb’s accreditation will be up for review in June 2017 and Bohling told the district that in order to maintain accreditation, it must conduct a thorough internal review in preparation for on-site external review. “Although the Institutional Progress Report provides evidence of the progress Please see XXXXXX, page A4
Family Entertainment Center coming to Stonecrest Mall plaza area, two diners will be redeveloped By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
After years of store departures and closures, the Mall at Stonecrest will soon announce the redevelopment and repurposing of its plaza area that faces the AMC Theaters. On Jan. 26, the DeKalb Board of Commissioners approved a Special Land Use Permit application for the Lithonia mall that clears the way for the construction of a 14,800-square-foot Family Entertainment Center that will offer bowling, top-of-theline arcade games, billiards, pingpong tables, and karaoke. H&M department store also is considering locating a store at the 1.3 million-squarefoot mall. The Family Entertainment Center, to be operated by California-based Round One Entertainment Inc., will open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. In its application for the permit, the mall’s general manager, Patricia Edge, said it was “expressly submitted to extend operating hours from the current zoning classification of 12:30 a.m. for beer and wine sales to 2 a.m.” “Tenants’ desired operating hours would be 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Saturday,” she wrote in an Oct. 30 letter to the DeKalb Planning and Sustainability Department. It needed a SLUP to allow it to sell beer and wine beyond midnight. Mall marketing manager Donald Bieler declined to provide a time line for construction or the amount of new investment at the mall. He said the tenant will release details of the project soon. Round One Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Round One Corp, is based in a suburb of Los Angeles. It currently operates 10 Family Entertainment Centers – five in
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
The DeKalb Board of Commissioners approved a Special Land Use Permit application for the mall that clears the way for the entertainment project.
California; two in Grapevine, Texas; and one each in Bloomingdale, Ill., Taunton, Mass., and Seattle. The entertainment complex is compatible with the Stonecrest Liveable Centers Initiative live-work-play community to create a mix of housing, retail, commercial, office, recreation and entertainment. The prop os e d Stone crest Family Entertainment Center will replace two 11,000-square-foot vacant restaurant build-
ings located on the plaza between the upper level of Kohl’s and AMC. It will be part of 50,000 square feet of new space that will be constructed. The application was approved with eight conditions that include the prohibition of a dance floor, no audible music from the building’s exterior, compliance with the county’s noise ordinance, and no transfer of the SLUP. The project will be the first major con-
struction at the mall since it opened in 2001. Around the mall, Nalley Hyundai opened a new $3.8 million dealership on Mall Parkway in August 2015, but Best Buy has announced that it is closing its 40,000-squarefoot store on Turner Hill Road and relocating to Conyers by this summer. Target closed in February 2014 and its 124,717-square-foot building, overlooking the mall, remains vacant.
A2
Community
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
CrossRoadsNews Health & Wellness Expo got people moving
Life Chef Asata Reid cooked up something simple and tasty with fresh veggies and herbs.
DeKalb District Attorney Robert James and Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson (2nd right) join the crowd line dancing with the Beulah Boys.
The Hip Hop Nanas from Lou Walker Senior Center show that age is nothing but a number.
Dancers from the Conservatory of Dance in Lithonia mesmerised the audience with their smart choreography.
Tap Dancer Jay White wowed the crowd. Patrons crowd the DeKalb County Sanitation table for information about trash collection and recycling and giveaways.
At top, patrons spun DeKalb Medical’s Fitness Wheel for simple exercises, and received free blood sugar screenings.
Elaine Moses of Lithonia poses with CrossRoadsNews publisher Expo patrons had their pick of performances, fitness and food and the Fabulous Spa Basket she won. and demonstrations to capture on their smart phones.
Photos By Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
A3
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
Community
“We responded to people in the community who shop up and down this street every day and demand that the stores have proper sanitation.”
Picketers protest ‘unsanitary’ Church’s Chicken SPLOST citizen panel conducts first meeting
By Ken Watts
Civil rights demonstrators picketed the Church’s Chicken on Candler Road on Feb. 2 to press for improvements at the store that has been plagued by low health scores. Leaders of the DeKalb Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Operation Lead called on customers to boycott the restaurant that has received low health scores and rats were videotaped running around food inside the building. In the June 6, 2015, the DeKalb Board of Health cited the restaurant at 1805 Candler Road for 13 violations, including observing a large roach, and gave it a score of 67 and a grade of unsatisfactory. Since 2014, the restaurant’s highest score has only been 86 earned on March 27, 2014; June 17, 2015; and on Jan. 6, 2016. Scores can go as high as 100. Nathan Knight, the DeKalb SCLC president, said that since late November, at least 35 people have complained to them about unsanitary conditions at the restaurant at the intersection of Candler and Glenwood roads in Decatur. “We responded to the people in the community who shop up and down this street every day and they demand that the stores and restaurants that serve them have proper sanitation,” Knight said. Knight and John Evans, Operation Lead’s founder and president, picketed the restaurant Jan. 12 to Jan. 22. They called off the action when talks began with restaurant franchise operator Syed Imran. The groups said the talks fell through this week when Imran failed to make all the repairs and pay to publish a letter in CrossRoadsNews apologizing to the community for unsanitary conditions at the restaurant. Imran blamed the unsanitary conditions at his restaurant on a dumpster with a damaged lid that attracted rodents. He said the rats entered the restaurant through a hole in the rear wall of the building. Imran said the store has been thoroughly
Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews
Civil rights leaders Nathan Knight and John Evans protest Church’s Chicken on Candler Road.
cleaned and sanitized and that an exterminator has been hired to “regularly inspect and bait the store.” Knight and Evans resumed the picketing on Feb. 2, saying Imran failed to correct all of the health and safety issues and did not keep his promise to pay to publish the apology. “After waiting over 60 days for them to correct their issues, they still had things that needed to be fixed,” Knight said. “Acoustical ceiling tiles that were open in the kitchen and we saw grease spills in there.” Knight said that rats could still get into the restaurant because a repair crew did a poor job of cementing holes in the side of the building. Evans said the deficiencies at the restaurant demonstrate a lack of respect for the community. “If they needed more time, they should’ve just called and said, ‘Hey, we need another 48 hours’ or whatever,” Evans said. “We’re going to continue demonstrations here for at least another couple of weeks and take action against all these other ‘joints’ in the
community that sell us substandard products and services.” Imran declined comment on Feb. 2 and referred all inquiries to Church’s corporate office in Atlanta, but the company had not responded at press time on Thursday. The protest is the second in three years by civil rights groups against a Candler Road business. In May 2013, SCLC and Operation Lead picketed the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket to pressure it to clean up the store and stock quality meat and produce. The demonstrations crippled business and the store’s operator made more than $120,000 in renovations. Evans said directaction protests are sometimes the only way to get positive results. “These places have to believe we’ll shut ’em down just like we did Piggly Wiggly.”
Congressman Hank Johnson
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT (SSSP Shepherd Drive Decatur, LLC) D/B/A SIMPLY SELF STORAGE LOCATED AT (2804 HF Shepherd Drive) INTENDS TO SELL OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED BELOW TO ENFORCE A LIEN IMPOSED ON SAID PROPERTY UNDER THE GEORGIA LAW 10-4-213. THE PUBLIC SALE OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY WILL TAKE PLACE (UNLESS OTHERWISE WITHDRAWN) VIA AN ON-LINE AUCTION AT WWW.STORAGETREASURES.COM ON (February 22, 2016) BEGINNING AT APPROXIMATELY (10:00am) AND CONCLUDING ON (February 27, 2016) AT APPROXIMATELY (10:00am). THIS PUBLIC SALE WILL RESULT IN THE GOODS BEING SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER. CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. Unit # Name
Contents
C100 A. Renee Price-Sherman Misc Items C104 Raymond Davis Misc Items C209B Veronica Williams Misc Items
Unit # Name
Contents
Unit # Name
C221B Chayna Freeman C268 William Dennis C313 Ramone Jackson
Misc Items Misc Items Misc Items
D3BL D05D D05E
Contents
Lorenzo Thompson Misc Items Terry Alexander Misc Items Terry Alexander Misc Items
The DeKalb SPLOST Citizen Review Committee met for the first time on Jan. 27. The nine-member group appointed by the Board of Commissioners and interim CEO Lee May is conducting public meetings into a 1-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for the November election. It is creating a project list for the more than $400 million that the tax will raise. Co-chairs are Markus Butts and Dave Sjoquist. The other members are Robert Miller, Gordon Kenna, Alice Bussey, Terry Brantley, Willie Lewis, John Keys, and Bruce McMillan. May, who appointed two members, attended the first meeting. He said the board appointed some very dynamic and engaged citizens. “We appreciate their commitment to this critical initiative,” he said. “DeKalb has a number of infrastructure challenges that need to be addressed, not the least of which is a 417-mile backlog of road resurfacing projects. This committee is a crucial component in identifying and prioritizing projects.” The 1-cent SPLOST is one of the two referendums appearing on the November general elections ballot designated to fund countywide infrastructure projects. Approval of the SPLOST and Equalized HOST – Homestead Option Sales Tax – referendums is projected to generate $406 million for capital infrastructure projects over the course of five years in unincorporated DeKalb. DeKalb’s 11 cities are projected to receive an additional $42 million over the same time period.
of GEORGIA’S FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT HOSTS
Connecting the Community with Resources 770-987-2291
To Sign up For My Free District Newsletter Visit hankjohnson.house.gov
2016 RESOURCES FAIR Thursday, Feb. 18 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
AT GEORGIA PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE 495 N. Indian Creek Dr •Clarkston, GA 30021 RESOURCES FAIR will include: Q Training For Veterans Q Overcoming Barriers for Ex-Offenders Q Resume Development Q Pathways Out Of Poverty Q Jobs in Vocational Field Q Interviewing Skills Q Job Readiness Q SBA workshops
HANKJOHNSON.HOUSE.GOV | 770-987-2291
A4
CrossRoadsNews
Community
2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Ken Watts Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Graphic Design Curtis 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.
Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.
Circulation Audited By
February 6, 2016
“I’m looking forward to this next step and the chance to use what I’ve learned from my family, coaches and teammates.”
75 DeKalb athletes commit to colleges By Ken Watts
Seventy-five of DeKalb County’s best high school senior football players announced on Feb. 3 where they will continue their educational and athletic careers. The star athletes attended ceremonies in their honor at 15 schools on National signing Day to reveal which colleges and universities have offered them full athletic scholarships. The Cedar Grove Saints led the way with a signing class of 13. Lithonia and Stephenson had 10 players, Towers, nine; Tucker, eight; Arabia Mountain, seven; and McNair, four. At Martin Luther King, Jr. High, the Lions’ outside linebacker Khaliq Byard was the only player to commit on signing day. Khaliq signed with Wagner College in New York City. “All my hard work paid off,” Khaliq said after inking his selection. “I’m looking forward to this next step and the chance to use what I’ve learned from my family, coaches and teammates.” Wagner College, based on Staten Island, is a small college of 2,500 students but Khaliq said its football team competes in the Northeast Conference against much bigger schools such as Boston College and University of Massachusetts. “So I’m hoping to get playing time and exposure,” he said. Khaliq says he will major in business major and is excited about opportunities for internships at New York brokerage and accounting firms. His mother Artina Byard, who attended the ceremony with his sisters Azraa and Raabiah, brother Muhktar and cousin Zahir, said she is grateful and proud of her son. “He stayed focused on and off the field and studied hard to do well on the entrance exams,” said Artina Byard who had two other sons, Kevonne and Krvin, on full athletic scholarships at Valdosta State and Middle Tennessee State universities, respectively. At Cedar Grove High, Antwuan Jackson, Army All-American and Class 3A All-State defensive lineman and Defensive Player of the Year, was one of the 13 signing commitment letters Feb. 6. He graduated early and is already enrolled at Auburn University for this semester. Antwuan returned to make an appearance with his teammates at Cedar Grove. Saints All-State linebacker Elysee Mbem-Bosse is moving north to play for the Michigan Wolverines. All-State running back Labron Morris, who rushed for over 1,7000 two consecutive seasons to move into the Top 10 All-Time Rushers in DeKalb history, is taking his hard running style to South Carolina State along with linebacker teammate Elijah Bandy. Lithonia and Stephenson both had 10 players sign on Wednesday. Four of Stephenson’s signees went
The Cedar Grove Saints led the way on Signing Day with 13 players committing to colleges. Among them,
Antwuan Jackson, Elysee Mbem-Bosse, Labron Morris, and Elijah Bandy.
Martin Luther King Jr. High linebacker Khaliq Byard, surrounded by mom Artina Byard and other family members, signed with Wagner College.
to FBS colleges (formerly known as Division1-A schools) including defensive end Dennis Wonnum (South Carolina), defensive lineman Michael Pitts (Cincinnati), offensive lineman Tyler Johnson (Tulane) and wide receiver Eric Elder staying close to home at Georgia State. Lithonia defensive end Jordan Smith is headed to Florida while two-sport stars (football/basketball) linebacker Ty Patterson and defensive back Ty’heem Freeman are headed to Hampton. Towers High is sending nine players to play college ball (6 to Arkansas Baptist) and running back/ defensive back Torrance Marable is headed to Jonesboro, Arkansas to play for Arkansas State Red Wolves. Tucker quarterback Garrett Rigby leads eight Tiger signees and is one of two Ivy League signees from the district casting his lot with the Harvard Crimson. He is following in the footsteps of former Tiger and 2014 Harvard team captain Norman Hayes. Rigby’s teammates linebacker Tabarius Peterson and defensive lineman Cecil Stallings head to the ACC as part of the
Louisville Cardinals. Tucker offensive lineman Rahsaan Crawford may be traveling the longest distance of all DeKalb signees to join the Idaho Vandals. Wide receiver Akeam Peters is taking his talent to the MAC to play for Kent State. Arabia Mountain’s seven players
led by wide receiver Malick Mbodj who will join Stephenson’s Michael Pitts as a Cincinnati Bearcat next fall. Mississippi Valley State (Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s alma mater) picked up a pair of new Delta Devils in defensive back Giovanni Ren and defensive lineman Daekwon Moultrie. McNair’s class of four signees were led by defensive back Christian Holmes who is one of four SEC signees from the district with a fall date as a Missouri Tiger. Sixteen of the 75 signees stayed in-state. Reinhardt and Columbus State picked up four each from DeKalb. A group of 18 athletes signed with FBS schools including two each to Cincinnati, Kent State and Louisville with seven of those going to Power 5 Conference schools. The SEC representatives include Auburn, Florida, Missouri and South Carolina. Michigan represents the Big 10 and Louisville out of the ACC had a pair of signees.
Board chair cites team effort DISTRICT,
from page
1
to date, it is incumbent upon the school system to continue to sustain the progress accomplished by engaging in the AdvancEd continuous improvement process,” Bohling said, adding that AdvancEd’s Georgia Office will assist in the preparation and coordination of the external review. School Board Chairman Dr. Melvin Johnson said the regaining accreditation was a team effort. “We could not have done this without the collaboration and cooperation of the Board and community working together to
select Dr. Green as the leader of this District,” he said. “Now, we can continue our number one focus on student achievement.” DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May was glad to hear the good news and congratulated the school district “for the remarkable strides” made in regaining full accreditation. He said the efforts of school board, superintendent, teachers and administrators serve as a catalyst for positive change that affects district’s 100,000 students. “As a parent of two DeKalb County students, I am elated by this development and look forward to the many accomplishments in store
index to advertisers Art Awakening............................................... 11 Avon.............................................................. 11 Braids By Theresa.......................................... 11 Chapel Hill Orthodontics.................................6 DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court......................9 DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.................... 3
DeKalb County Watershed Mgmt.................... 5 Georgia Military College.................................6 Henry Mitchell, CPA, PC................................. 11 JenCare Medical Centers................................. 5 LawnMax, Inc................................................. 11 Macy’s............................................................12
Mini Mall........................................................ 11 Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center.......... 8 Soul Discount Fabrics..................................... 11 The Mall at Stonecrest.................................... 7 The Samuel Group......................................... 11 Best Buy..................................................Inserts
Walgreen’s..............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts Allstate - Rochelle Bridges Johnson....... Online Decatur Business Association................. Online Georgia Military College........................ Online
A5
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
Wellness
There are urgent concerns about Zika virus infection and pregnant women. Infected infants have been born with microcephaly.
Travel-related case of Zika virus disease confirmed in state The first travel-related case of Zika virus in Georgia has been confirmed. The individual, who was not pregnant, traveled to Colombia between the end of December and the first of January and has made a full recovery. The Georgia Department of Public Health says testing was done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and tests are still being done on specimens from other Georgia residents with travel history to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are ongoing. Dr. Cherie Drenzek, state epidemiologist for DPH, said it’s extremely important for people who have traveled to countries
where there are outbreaks to guard against additional mosquito bites. “During the first week or so of infection, Zika virus can be passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites,” Drenzek said in a Feb. 3 statement. “An infected mosquito can then transmit the viCherie Drenzek rus to other people.” DPH cautions travelers, especially pregnant women, headed to countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: Brazil, Co-
lombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others. The complete list can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/ travel/page/zika-travel-information. There are urgent concerns about Zika virus infection and pregnant women. Infections have been confirmed in infants with microcephaly, a condition in which the head or cranial capacity is abnormally small, and in the current outbreak in Brazil, a marked increase in the number of infants born with microcephaly has been reported. Pregnant
women or women trying to get pregnant should not travel to areas where transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who have traveled to these areas should consult their physician immediately. Zika virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild and most infected people never know they are sick. The CDC has reported a few sexually transmitted cases. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Visit dph.georgia.gov or cdc.gov/zika.
Update on DeKalb health Town hall meetings on childhood vaccines Teen pregnancy and youth smoking rates have declined in DeKalb over the past five years, but gun-related hospitalizations and homicides and women’s coronary health remain challenges. The DeKalb Board of Health has released data from its 2015 Status of Health in DeKalb report, which provides a comprehensive community health assessment of the health status of the people who live, work and play in the county. Data used in the report, which is distributed every five years, comes from primary and secondary sources. The report provides snapshots of the leading causes of illness and disease, hospitalizations and deaths, how the health problems rank both nationally and in Georgia, and resources available to address them. Three areas of improvement include decreases in teen pregnancy rates by 31 percent, youth smoking rates by 33 percent, and infant mortality rates by 30 percent. Areas that remain challenging include high rates of high blood pressure and stroke deaths for women and firearms use in 39 percent of assault-related hospitalizations and 78 percent of homicides. View the report or take a survey at www.dekalbhealth.net.
opposition of HR 2232, the Environmentalist Robert Vaccinate All Children Act. Kennedy Jr.; Michelle Ford, Organizers say Dr. Wilfounder of the Vaccine Inliam Thompson, a senior jury Awareness League; and scientist with the Centers Nation of Islam Minister for Disease Control and PreTony Muhammad are guest vention, admitted in August speakers at town hall meet2014 that the CDC altered ings in Decatur and Atlanta data that showed the MMR on childhood vaccinations, Michelle Ford Robert Kennedy Tony Muhammad vaccine was associated with autism and the CDC. The meetings, which take place on Feb. 12 from 7 to autism, in particular, data showing that the MMR vaccine 10 p.m. at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2941 Columbia when given before 36 months of age was associated with Drive in Decatur, and on Feb. 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at First a 240 percent increase in autism in African-American Iconium Baptist Church, 542 Moreland Ave. S.E. in At- children and a 69 percent increase in autism in any male child who received the vaccine before 36 months. lanta, are presented by CDC Vaccine Justice or Else. The CDC says scientific research does not show a The movement is an organization created to protect children against harmful vaccinations, organizers say. A connection between autism and thimerosal, a preservapetition on their website is seeking signatories to present tive formerly used in childhood vaccines. Visit www.cdcvjusticeorelse.com. a letter to U.S. Reps. Hank Johnson and John Lewis in
Emory gets $9.7 million for drug development aimed at viral threats with Eastern equine enEmory University has been awarded a cephalitis virus, Western $9.7 million contract to develop drugs to equine encephalitis virus treat infections caused by emerging and and Venezuelan equine man-made viral threats. encephalitis virus. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency “This contract will alfunds will be used to advance the developlow us to address a major ment of the lead drug candidate. health threat posed by George Painter, director of the Emory these potentially deadly Institute for Drug Development, said the emerging viruses and aim of the proposal is to develop “small George Painter molecule drugs” to treat systemic and en- at the same time expand our nucleotide/ cephalitic forms of disease from infection nucleoside analog base of potential drugs for
commercially important unmet needs,” Painter said in a Jan. 26 statement. Dennis Liotta, EIDD executive director, said the contract demonstrates Emory’s abilities to discover and develop drugs for urgent public health Dennis Liotta needs. “Our goal is to help make the world healthier and less dangerous,” Liotta said.
DTRA was founded in 1998 to integrate and focus the capabilities of the Department of Defense that address the Weapons of Mass Destruction threat. EIDD provides multidisciplinary capabilities required to advance cutting-edge drug discovery and development at the preclinical stage, It is housed in a state-of-the-art facility designed to support teams focused on medicinal and process chemistry, virology and molecular biology, bioanalytical chemistry, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
A6
CrossRoadsNews
Finance
February 6, 2016
“The Free File program helps residents by ensuring they receive every credit and deduction they deserve.”
Georgia Free File programs available for eligible taxpayers Eligible Georgia residents can use IRS and Georgia Free File programs to save money and time during this tax season. U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, whose 4th District includes portions of DeKalb, spoke to community leaders at the Clarkston Community Center on Jan. 30 to highlight Free File’s ease of use. “The Free File program helps Georgia residents by ensuring they receive every credit and deduction they deserve come tax season,” he said. “This program is a prime example of how the government and the private sector can work together to provide helpful resources to the community.” Also attending the briefing were tax analyst Dan Maier, Internal Revenue Service, and Dave Macklin, a Computer & Communications Industry Association representative. Georgia is one of 20 states plus the District of Columbia that have formed state Free File programs, ensuring eligible taxpayers can file both their federal and state tax return
private partnership between the IRS and 13 tax preparation software companies that provides millions of people access to brand-name software to prepare and securely file their taxes at no cost. The software uses a simple interview-style process to help people identify all the credits and deductions for which they are eligible. Each year, tens of thousands of taxpayers receive a smaller refund because they fail to claim the credits and deductions. For instance, estimates indicate up to 25 percent of people eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit fail to claim it and miss out on a refundable federal tax credit of up to $6,200. Since its debut in 2003, more than 40 million taxpayers have saved more than $1.3 billion in tax preparation costs U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson highlights Free File’s ease of use at the through the IRS Free File program. Clarkston Community Center on Jan. 30. To access the Georgia Free File program, visit www.dor. online for free. georgia.gov and search “FreeFile Alliance.” For the IRS Free In general, people with an income of $62,000 or less – 70 File program, visit www.irs.gov/freefile. Also visit www.taxpercent of all taxpayers – are eligible to use Free File, a public- prephelp.org, where taxpayers can submit success stories.
MARTA CEO for Chamber AGM Keith Parker, MARTA general manager and CEO, keynotes the 78th Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 18. The 11:30 a.m.-to-1:30 p.m. event takes place in Keith Parker the Pacific Room at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Parker will share details about MARTA’s impact in DeKalb; initiatives for small business, women- and minority-owned business;
and its plans to expand in 2016. The Chamber will install new board members; outgoing board Chair Al Edwards, managing director of CERM, will pass the gavel to 2016 board Diane McClearen Chair Diane McClearen, director of Community & External Relations at Oglethorpe Power; and there will be an awards ceremony. Visit www. dekalbchamber.org for tickets.
SBA program seeks emerging Leaders Applications are being accepted through March 4 for the Small Business Administration’s free Emerging Leaders program. Business executives interested in participating must complete the registration form at www.interise.org/sbaemergingleaders. The advanced training series is open to the president, managing partner, CEO, chief financial officer, or chief operating officer of small businesses located in DeKalb, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties; have been in active operation at least three years; have generated for the
past three years an average annual revenue of at least $400,000 not to exceed $10,000,000; and have at least one employee besides the owner(s). Up to 15 small businesses will be accepted for the program, an intensive training initiative to accelerate high-potential small businesses’ growth in America’s urban areas. Formal Expressions of Interest to participate must be received by midnight March 4. Classes typically begin in April. For more information, contact Dorothy Atkins at 404-331-0100, Ext. 305, or Charlotte Johnson at 404-331-0100, Ext. 405.
Change Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Legal Notices 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV12295-6++ Theophilus Collins Plaintiff Vs. Aliza Antoinette Applewhite Defendant To: Aliza Antoinette Applewhite 206 Summerwind Drive Jonesboro, GA 30236 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Dec. 15, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Dec. 10, 2015, Theophilus Collins filed suit against you for Abandoment. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon Plaintiff’s Theophilus Collins - Pro Se an answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 15th day of Dec., 2015 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV10071-6++ Christopher Lowe Plaintiff Vs. Felicia D. Lowe Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Dec. 17, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Dec. 14, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Christopher Lowe, 2499 Mellville Ave., Dec., GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 17, 2015. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee,
Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 31st day of Dec., 2015 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV12352-3++ Kaerell Gregg-Johnson Plaintiff Vs. Khadijah Gregg-Johnson Defendant To: Khadijah Gregg-Johnson By Order of the Court for service by publication dated 6th day of Jan., 2016 you are hereby notified that on 16th day of Dec.16, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Kaerell Gregg-Johnson, 2352 Boulder Springs Drive, Ellenwood, GA 30294 an answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first publication of notice. Witness the HonorableClarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This 6th day of Jan., 2016 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV12529-3++ Karen Lynn Whitenburg Plaintiff Vs. Darrell Keith Whitenburg Defendant To: Darrell Keith Whitenburg 5620 Crystal Hill Stone Mountain, GA 30088 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 06, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Dec. 18, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are
required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Karen Whitenburg, 5620 Crystal Hill, Stone Mountain, GA 30088. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first publication of notice. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 6th day of Jan., 2016 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV12474-3++ Angela M. Obi Plaintiff Vs. Joseph L. Obi Defendant To: Joseph L. Obi 54 30th Ave. Columbus, GA 31903 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Dec. 21, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Dec. 11, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Angela M. Obi, P.O. Box 362198, Decatur, GA 30036. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 21, 2015 Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Dec., 2015 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV9567-9++ Sandra Caddell-Carter Plaintiff Vs. Derrick Anthony Carter, Sr.
Defendant To: Derrick A. Carter, Sr. 4179 Sequoia Pkwy Snellville, GA 30039 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Dec. 21, 2015 you are hereby notified that on Sept. 16, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Sandra Caddell-Carter, 110 S. Columbia Dr., #112, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Dec. 21, 2015 Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Dec., 2015 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV1191-3++ Lisa E. Ray Ramey Plaintiff Vs. Anthony Ramey Defendant To: 2036 Miriam Lane Decatur, GA 30032 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 11, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Jan. 06, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Lisa E. Ray Ramey, 1408 Stonegate Court, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 11, 2016. Witness the Honorable Clarence F. Seeliger, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 11th day of Jan., 2016. 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice of Petition to
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 16CV1137-10++ C.J. Roberson Pitts filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jan. 05, 2016 to change name from: C. J. Roberson Pitts to C.J. Roberts. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Dec. 22, 2015 Name: C.J. Roberts 4521 Snapfinger Woods Dr. Decatur, GA 30035 (678) 755-3122 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, 02/13
Notice of Petition to Change Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++ 16CV1112-3++ Latoya Nolan filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name(s) of the following minor child(ren) from: Laya Ilys Nolan-Martin to Laya Ilys Martin. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Dec. 23, 2015 Name: Latoya Nolan 6724 Browns Mill Ferry Dr. Lithonia, GA 30038 (678) 670-3740 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++15CV12815-10++ Lastosha Shelton Plaintiff Vs. Dwayne Shelton Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 14, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Dec. 30, 2015, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Latosha Shelton, 2190 Raven Circle, Lithonia, GA 30058. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 14, 2016.
Witness the Honorable Tangela M. Barrie, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 19th day of Jan., 2016. 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV1396-7++ Crescinta Engene-Campbell Plaintiff Vs. Trevor A. Campbell Defendant To: Trevor A. Campbell 741 Corundam Ct. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 25, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Jan. 08, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Crescintia Eugene-Campbell, 741 Corundan, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 25, 2016. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 25th day of Jan., 2016. 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, 02/27
Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia
Civil Action Case Number: ++16CV1748-9++ Maria Guadalyse Orozco-Carmona Plaintiff Vs. Omar Urbano Ortiz Defendant To: By Order of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 28, 2016 you are hereby notified that on Jan. 25, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Declaration of Custody. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Rebecca Miller/ Atlanta Legal Aid, 246 Sycamore St., Suite 120, Decatur, GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 28, 2016. Witness the Honorable Mark Anthony Scott, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 28th day of Jan., 2016.
February 6, 2016
Scene
“When people fall in love with rivers – and they do that on this trip – they are much more likely to take action to protect those rivers.” The third Family Fun Festival takes place on Feb. 14 at the Woodruff Arts Center and features programming led by the Alliance Theatre, the ASO and the High.
Free family fest at Woodruff Registration is open for the third free Family Fun Festival that takes place on Feb. 14 as part of the Family Fun at the Woodruff Arts Center initiative. Register at www.woodruffcreateatl.org. The three-hour event begins at 1 p.m. and features family-oriented programming led by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art. In addition to the free activities happening throughout the Arts Center, the High will offer free admission and multiple programs highlighting its permanent collection. Families can experience “Living Museum,” a self-guided tour where visitors will encounter musicians, artists, dancers, curators, scientists and storytellers throughout the permanent collection galleries. The High also has invited the Center for Puppetry Arts to facilitate a puppet factory, where families can build their own rod puppet inspired by the beloved “Elephant Headdress” from the High’s African Art collection. To reserve free tickets to the High, visit www.high.org. Alliance Theatre for the Very Young will present a free performance of “A Bucket of Blessings,” based on the New York Times-
A7
CrossRoadsNews
bestselling children’s book by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal, at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the Alliance will host a read-aloud and book signing by author Surishtha Sehgal and a book giveaway. In keeping with the Indianthemed book, the Bharathakala Dance Academy will perform an Indian dance routine and offer a henna tattooing station. The Grammy Award-winning ASO will present the family concert “Be Mine” performed in Symphony Hall at 3 p.m. The concert is sold out – for any families who do not have tickets, the performance will be presented in a free live simulcast in the Rich Theatre in the Memorial Arts Building. In addition, violinists will serenade guests in the Memorial Arts Building Galleria, and the symphony also will offer an instrument petting zoo, which introduces children of all ages to musical instruments in an up-close and personal way. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, themed activities will include a “Be Mine” heart tattoo station, a valentine heart-making station and Valentine’s Day-themed food for purchase. For a full list of Family Festival programming, visit www.WoodruffCreateAtl.org.
Application open for Paddle Georgia in a Jan. 28 statement. Canoeists and kayak“When people fall in ers can start signing up love with rivers – and for Paddle Georgia 2016, they do that on this trip the country’s largest – they are much more weeklong river camping likely to take action to adventure from Dalton protect those rivers.” to Rome this summer. GRN has introMore than 400 padduced more than 3,600 dlers ages 4 to 84 are paddlers to more than expected to make the 1,100 miles of water journey. Register at www. More than 400 paddlers are expected to trails on 12 Georgia garivers.org/paddle_ take part in the weeklong river adventure. rivers. Along the way, the event has generated georgia/index.html. A very limited number of spaces are available more than $300,000 for river protection. Dana Skelton, GRN executive director, for “Paddle Georgia Lite,” an abbreviated versaid the event has sold out in less than 24 sion that includes just the first two days. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Georgia hours in previous years. “The Conasauga and Oostanaula are River Network and Coosa River Basin Initiaspecial rivers so we expect a strong response tive based in Rome. The event will launch near Beaverdale just again this year,” Skelton said. Paddle Georgia 2016 will introduce pada few miles from the Tennessee state line on June 18 and travel south through northwest dlers to what is considered North America’s Georgia’s Ridge and Valley region on the most biologically unique river system. The Conasauga, Oostanaula and Coosa rivers for upper Coosa River basin is home to 28 enseven days and 103 miles, finishing at Heri- demic aquatic species. Daily paddle trips average 15 miles, and tage Park in downtown Rome on June 24. The event, billed as an environmental each night participants will camp at nearby education adventure for the whole family, facilities such as schools and parks. A street will celebrate its 12th year. Coordinator Joe party in downtown Calhoun and a River’s End Celebration in Rome also are planned. Cook said it has a twofold mission. Visit www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia “The purpose of the event is to connect people with Georgia’s rivers while raising or call Joe Cook at 706-409-0128 or Dana money to protect Georgia’s rivers,” Cook said Skelton at 706-549-4508.
Valentine’s weekend at state parks
Share the love of nature with the ones you love at Georgia state parks on Valentine’s Day weekend. Park rangers have planned creative events for couples, families, friends – and even Rover. n Bring your four-legged sweetheart to High Falls State Park in Jackson for Paws on the Falls. At 1 p.m. on Feb. 13, dogs and their owners will gather for a scenic hike along the river, ending with A mason carved a heart-shaped stone for his sweetie, dog treats. All pets must be on a setting it into a fire tower at Fort Mountain State Park. 6-foot leash while exploring the park. For more information, call 478- Chatsworth. During the 1930s, a Civilian Conservation Corps mason carved a heart993-3053. n A couples-only archery class at Panola shaped stone for his sweetheart, setting it Mountain State Park in Stockbridge will into a fire tower. On Feb. 13 at 1 p.m., join fan the flames with a competition begin- a family-friendly hike to see the stone and ning at 5 p.m. on Feb. 13. All equipment hear about their love story. The mason and is provided, but couples must register in his sweetheart were married 59 years. Call 706-422-1932. advance by calling 770-389-7801. n A few state parks have planned Valen- n On Feb. 14, enjoy a sunset dinner on tine’s weekend specials on cabin rentals. the Sam Shortline Excursion Train (www. Guests at Elijah Clark State Park in Clarks samshortline.com) in Cordele as it crosses Hill Lake will get a 30 percent discount, sparkling Lake Blackshear. The excursion box of chocolate, wine glasses and spar- includes an Italian dinner, 45-minute train kling cider at check-in, plus a friendly ride, romantic decorations and cash bar. Call putt-putt challenge. F.D. Roosevelt State 229-276-0755 for reservations. Park in Pine Mountain offers a free fireside n Rangers are inviting visitors to share their wine-and-cheese tasting plus a scavenger romantic stories and photos on the park hunt adventure to cabin guests. Make res- system’s Facebook page. Some of the best ervations at 706-359-3458 for Elijah Clark will be highlighted over Valentine’s Day weekend. Post your story at www.facebook. and 706-663-4858 for F.D. Roosevelt. n History lovers will fall for a romantic com/georgiastateparks. Visit http://gastateparks.org. story from Fort Mountain State Park in
Legal Notices DeKalb County Sheriff Office
Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
James Brown 1854 Pinedale Place Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 6/21/1996
Shateerah Epps 880 Glenwood Ave., Apt 3007 Atlanta, GA 30316 Charge of Sex Assault Convicted on 1/5/2005
Jaquayle Newton 2261 Dillard Crossing Tucker, GA 30084 Charge of Sexual Assault of a Child 1st Degree Convicted on 11/8/2005
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Barry Davis 5345 Olde St. Stone Mountain, GA 30088 Charge of Aggravated Sodomy Convicted on 8/21/1995
John Kemker 3909 Moore Rd. Ellenwood, GA 30294 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 6/11/2010
Sex Offender
Sex Offender
Michael Dixon 79 Mortimer St. Atlanta, GA 30317 Charge of Statutory Rape Convicted on 5/22/1998
John Newman 1900 Glenfair Rd., Apt 219 Decatur, GA 30035 Charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree Convicted on 1/31/1997
Deandre Parker 2545 Yolanda Trail Ellenwood, GA 30294 Charge of Federal Sex Crime Conviction on 4/29/2015
Sex Offender
Ellery Robinson 1221 Richard Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 6/15/2004
Sex Offender
Louis Scott 4649 Memorial Dr. Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Sexual Battery Against Child Under 16 YOA Convicted on 9/9/2015
Sex Offender
Roy Simmons 280 Northern Ave., Apt 24 J Avondale Estates, GA 30002 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 2/18/2014
The DeKalb Sex Offenders List is published by the DeKalb County Sheriff Office. For more information call the Sex Offender Unit at 404-298-8130.
A8
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
insurance
insurance
Turning 65? Medicare Supplement Medicare Advantage Guaranteed Life Ins. “I Can Help”
Marketplace advertising
Delivery Drivers Needed for Magic Wings for Atlanta, and Metro Atlanta Area. A chance for good additional income. Call Veronica or Gill at (404) 719-7418
TOURS UPC Tours Casino Trips, $35 senior Mon. & $40 Sat., all trips get $15 free play; extra $10 for active/veterans military & more; Reserv: 404-983-3597
MARKETPLACE RATES
THIS SIZE AD FOR ONLY $
30?
Call 404-284-1888 to find out how.
Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@ crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
Neal Lange
fashions
FREE WORKSHOP
HELP WANTED
770-929-1765
Fashion Design and Business 101 Bring Your Fashion Ideas To Life!
Register NOW! Space is What You'll Learn: limited
• Fashion Business Basics • Fashion & Apparel Terminology • Product Development Process • Find & Keep Customers
Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 11am-1pm 735 Fayetteville Rd. Atlanta, GA 30316 Register at www.fashiondesignandbusiness.com or call 678-200-5809 (9am-4pm)
attorneys
home services Wise Masonry and Construction Inc. Masonry and Carpentry Specialist
Bricks • Stone Fireplaces • Mailboxes Insurance Repairs Room Additions • Decks Siding • Steps • Doors Windows Replacement See Our Work Pictures on Facebook 770-685-1674
attorneys
finance
JHC
JOHNNY HARRIS, CPA, PC
Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC “EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”
fabrics / upholstery
F
FABRIC
DISCOUNT FABRICS & UPHOLSTERY
5211 Covington Hwy. • Decatur, GA 30035
Don’t Trash DeKalb
AD
EVENING AND WEEKEND APPTS AVAILABLE
RO
P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com
LER
Tel (678) 518-8501 www.johnnyharriscpa.com
ERE BELVED
ALSTON DRIVE SE
ND
Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody • Wills/Probate/Trusts Bankruptcy • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Immigration Law
3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE SE DECATUR, GA 30032
CA
• IRS Representation • Tax Preparation • IRS Compromise • Accounting Service • Investments / 401(K) OVER 25 YEARS OF IRS EXPERIENCE!
4153 Flat Shoals Parkway | Bldg C Suite 322 | Decatur, GA 30034
Restaurants / dining
GLENWOOD ROAD
PLAZA
FREE
FABRIC WITH UPHOLSTERY
OFFER EXPIRES 03/31/14
WE HAVE MOVED TO A BIGGER AND BETTER LOCATION! ADDRESS : 3372 MEMORIAL DRIVE DECATUR, GA 30032 PHONE : (404) 284-1543 r (404) 966-8320 HOURS : MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM E-MAIL : FABRICJOINT@GMAIL.COM WEBSITE : FABRICJOINT.COM
A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE FROM CROSSROADSNEWS
Black History Month Copyright © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
February 6, 2016
Section B
www.crossroadsnews.com
Tribute to Natalie Cole
The 26th Annual Black History Concert by Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia Orchestra takes place on Feb. 21 at historic First Congregational Church of Atlanta.
Orchestra honoring ‘Unforgettable African Roots’ By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia Orchestra will celebrate “Unforgettable African Roots” in its 26th Annual Black History Concert on Feb. 21 in Atlanta. The African-American orchestra, made up of high school musicians, has more than 400 performances locally, nationally and internationally. It will pay tribute to Grammy Award-winning songstress Natalie Cole during the one-and-a-half-hour concert at the historic First Congregational Church of Atlanta. The show starts at 4 p.m. Still Waters founder and artistic director David Robinson says he wanted to honor the incomparable vocalist who died on Dec. 31. She was 65. “She was an outstanding artist,” he said. “We want people who know about her to reminisce and the younger people to know about her.” At the height of her career, Cole was a hit-making machine. Her virtual duet with her father, jazz great Nat “King” Cole, on “Unforgettable” is legendary. “There were times when she had two hits on the chart,” Robinson said. The concert will feature some of Cole’s top hits like “Inseparable,” “Good Morning Heartache” and “Mr. Melody.” Robinson founded the orchestra, based
The concert will feature some of Natalie Cole’s top hits like “Inseparable” and “Mr. Melody.”
in Stone Mountain, to perform various types of music in tribute to black composers like William Grant Still. Whenever significant artists like Cole, Isaac Hayes and Teddy Pendergrass die, Robinson, who has taught string at DeKalb County Schools for 32 years, gets to work. “I arrange the music right away for our students to play so that they can understand
the artist’s contribution to the world,” he said. For the Feb. 21 Black History Concert, 22 musicians from Still Waters’ advanced and junior orchestras will perform. “We will also be joined by some of our alumni,” Robinson said. Since its launch 25 years ago, more than 1,000 musicians have participated in Still Waters’ summer academies and after-school programs. More than 86 percent of its members are honor students from public, private, charter and home schools. Still Waters Sinfo-Nia Orchestra has performed across the United States and twice in Ghana, West Africa. This summer, it will spend 10 days in Jamaica performing with Jamaica’s National Youth Orchestra and traveling around the island. Sinfo-Nia has completed three music videos for songs including “Fly Away” promoting the movie “life.less,” and in 2013 it was featured with five-time Grammy Award-nominated Ashanti Floyd “The Mad Violinist” in his composition of “Battlefield” to promote orchestral education. Jared Sawyer Jr., preacher, author and singer, will be the concert’s master of ceremonies. First Congregational is at 105 Courtland St. N.E. For tickets and more information, visit www.sinfo-nia.com, email stillwaters690@gmail.com or call 404-328-0840.
Observance marks 40 years Forty years ago this month, the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History Inc. designated February as Black History Month to spotlight African-American culture, heritage and achievements. Harvard-educated Carter G. Woodson founded the association in 1915. The group first initiated Negro History Week in 1926 to focus on the contributions of blacks in the development of America that Carter Woodson had been largely left out of textbooks and the media. Woodson picked February because it is the birth month of Frederick Douglass, who fought against slavery, and President Abraham Lincoln, who freed slaves. Woodson, who is called the Father of Black History, wrote a number of books, including “The Mis-Education of the Negro” published in 1933 that outlines how poorly black children were being taught in the nation’s segregated schools. It was Woodson’s hope that with the annual Black History observances, Americans would develop mutual respect for each other.
B2
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
Black History
Spotlight on Caribbean steel pan rhythms 2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007
www.CrossRoadsNews.com editor@CrossRoadsNews.com
The Black History Month Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews, Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper. Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphics Editor Curtis Parker Reporter Jennifer Ffrench Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough 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 © 2016 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without written permission of the publisher.
Patrons can see, touch and play the steel pan at “Caribbean Steel Pan Drum Rhythms” on Feb. 13 at Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia. The session, which begins at 1 p.m., will be led by Trinidad native and pan player Don Clarke. He will explore the history of the steel pan drum and discuss the integral part it plays in the culture of the Caribbean. Clarke, who lives in College Park, said he was drawn to the instrument as a boy but was never encouraged to play because his family considered pan low-class music. He said the steel pan is now played all over the world. When he moved to metro Atlanta in 1968, he formed a steel band that grew to 20 players within two years and performed for the March of Dimes, Atlanta Peach Carnival, the Black Arts Festival, AIDS Walk of Atlanta, Piedmont Park Arts Festival, United
Trinidad native Don Clarke will discuss the history of the steel pan drum and the integral part it plays in Caribbean culture on Feb. 13 at the Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia.
Negro College Fund, and the 1996 Olympic Games. Clarke, who also composes, has traveled throughout the United States, Mexico, St. Thomas and Costa Rica as a solo artist since
1998. He performed at Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier’s granddaughter’s wedding. The library is at 1569 Wellborn Road. For more information, call 770-482-3821.
Film retells civil rights era in song
.
PRESENTS
DOES RACE REALLY MATTER? A BLACK HISTORY FORUM ————————————————————————— THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 PORTER SANFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 3181 RAINBOW DR DECATUR, GA 30034 FORUM BEGINS AT 6:30PM (DOORS OPEN AT 6:00PM) LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED RSVP: HTTP://CLJBLACKHISTORYFORUM.EVENTBRITE.COM
——————–——
——————–——
DR. LEROY DAVIS - MODERATOR PROFESSOR OF AFRICAN AMERICAN & AMERICAN HISTORY EMORY UNIVERSITY
“Let Freedom Sing,” the story of the American civil rights movement in song, will be screened Feb. 16 at the Hairston Crossing Library. The 2009 documentary, narrated by Louis Gossett Jr., retells one of the greatest stories in American history in a compelling Louis Gossett Jr. Quincy Jones Gladys Knight new way – through the singers and songwriters who fought for change through most turbulent periods in American history – from the early civil rights era to Watergate – their music. The cast includes Gladys Knight, Isaac and composed a soundtrack perfectly tuned Hayes, Quincy Jones, Chuck D. and Jerry to the tempo and pulse of its time. The Friends of the Hairston Crossing Butler. Show time is 6 p.m. The film captures the brief moment in Library is providing light refreshments. The library is at 4911 Redan Road in time when a few daring, innovative musicians stood at the crossroads of a revolution Stone Mountain. For more information, call in music and culture. They sang through the 404-508-7170.
Columbia Drive’s Heritage Sunday Yams, greens, fried/ baked chicken, potato salad, homemade cakes and other desserts are on the “Meals From the Motherland” menu on Feb. 14 at Columbia Drive United Methodist Church. The free dinner and Lee May fellowship will follow the church’s Heritage Sunday Celebration that
features DeKalb interim CEO Lee May as guest speaker. The service begins at 10 a.m. and is based on Jeremiah 31:3: “The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” The church is at 2067 Columbia Drive in Decatur. For more information, visit www. columbiadriveumc.com or call 404-2844151.
Put CrossRoadsNews to Work for You!
Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information
T:10.5”
February 6, 2016
CrossRoadsNews
B3
T:16”
This month, X1 from XFINITY® brings you iconic Black lms and the lmmakers that make them. Join us as we relive, rediscover and realize the power of storytelling. See the often controversial, but always poignant look at social injustice in the Black community from Spike Lee, one of the “Greatest Of All Time,” award-winning directors.
Or discover who’s next – with a collection of independent lms curated by the American Black Film Festival. These movies, and more, are available anytime, anywhere, on any screen with XFINITY On Demand.™
X1 will change the way you experience Black film.
Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. © 2016 Comcast. All rights reserved.
B4
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
“I give all honor and glory to my community that gave me the atmosphere to achieve my goals, that taught me how to live.”
Black H
Beacon Hill community’s Richard Wilson integrated By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Richard Wilson was a pretty good basketball player when his mother, Elizabeth Wilson, enrolled him in 1965 at the all-white Decatur High School. The lanky junior was a very good ball player at the allblack Trinity High in Decatur’s Beacon Hill neighborhood and was one of 20 black students to integrate the Decatur school in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that ordered the desegregation of schools in Brown vs. Board of Education. It was no surprise to his mother that Richard made the Decatur High basketball team and became the first black student in DeKalb County to play basketball against all-white high school teams countywide. During his two years at Decatur, No. 52 distinguished himself against a lot of odds. “Every kid who plays now can thank him for taking those first jabs,” his mother said on the eve of the award. On Jan. 29, Decatur High retired Richard’s number and unveiled it on the school’s Wall of Honor in the gym. Richard Wilson was among six players and coaches inducted in the ceremony. The induction ceremony was attended by his mother; brother Carter and his wife, Valarie; niece and nephew Kristin Munson and Nic Wilson, who both also wore No. 52 at Decatur High; and a host of other relatives, friends and classmates. Richard Wilson was inducted with football coach Frank Jones, 1951-1956; football players Tom Jones and Jack Williams, both 1966; basketball player Michael Maddox, 1974; and basketball coach Bob Reinhart, 1970-1983. Richard Wilson, who graduated from Decatur High in 1967, the same year the county closed the all-black Trinity High. He went on to serve in the Vietnam War. He died in the summer of 2013. His mother, who integrated the Decatur Public Library in 1962 and fought for voting, education and other civil rights, went on to become Decatur’s first black city commissioner and, to date, Decatur’s only African-American and only female mayor in 1993. She recalled last week going to all of Richard’s games but one. Wilson said she took her daughter, Angela, and Carter, who is now City Schools of Decatur’s athletics director, to every game. Once they arrived at the game, she said she would look around carefully before picking a seat. “Once we sat down, the people would move and we would have the whole bench to ourselves,” she said. Wilson said Richard played his heart out despite all the pressure of being the first. “I thought he had more elbows and trips than he should have,” she said. “But he had a good attitude. He knew he was good enough to play and he did.” The one game they did not attend was Richard’s first game
In 1965, Richard Wilson was the first black student to play basketball against all-white high school teams in DeKalb.
From left, Richard Wilson’s nephew Nic Wilson, niece Kristin Munson, b Turner pose in front of his number 52 which was retired by Decatur High
against Cross Keys High. Wilson said she got a telephone call supposedly from Cross Keys telling her that they shouldn’t go to the game. “I asked ‘Why?’” she said. “‘We don’t think it would be safe for you and the two kids,’ they said.” Looking back, Wilson said she thinks it was someone from Decatur High who called her. “The caller said they could take care of Richard but they couldn’t protect us,” she said. “They asked me if I wanted to put my other children in danger I thought about it, and I didn’t go. I didn’t want to put them in danger. I stayed home and cried until Richard came home.” Richard Wilson was one of 20 black students who went to Decatur High from Trinity High in 1965. Some of his classmates nominated him for the Wall of Honor and the retirement of his number. Kristin Munson and Nic Wilson, above and right, also wore 52 at His mother said that Richard paved the way for his Decatur High. Nic now plays baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays.
‘Mission accomplished’: Trailblazer Clarence Scott makes hometo By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Clarence Scott is used to blazing trails. The Decatur native was on the Trinity High School football team that walked away with the 1965 State Championship, and he went on to become an All-American at Kansas State University before spending 13 years with the Cleveland Browns. What’s more difficult these day is getting used to all these Hall of Fame inductions. Since 1999, Scott has been inducted fives times – into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, the Kansas State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003, the Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame in 2012, Decatur High School Wall of Honor in 2013, and the Kansas State University Ring of Honor in 2015. As part of its honor, Decatur High retired his Trinity High No. 84. On Feb. 12, he will be ushered into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. Scott, who lives in Stone Mountain, says that it’s the greatest feeling in the world to be recognized for his work. “It feels like mission accomplished,” he said on Feb. 3. “My mission was to do something for my community to make it proud of me. I give all honor and glory to my community that gave me the atmosphere to achieve my goals, that taught me how to live life.”
Stone Mountain resident Clarence Scott, who was on the Trinity High football team that won the 1965 State Championship, will be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame on Feb. 12.
Scott, 67, recalled growing up in the tightknit Beacon Hill community, now called Oakhurst, in the city of Decatur and attending the all-black Trinity High. The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” was in full evidence. Scott said some of the teachers lived in
the same community, attended the same churches, shopped at the same stores. “They lived among us and knew our parents. The school was an extension of the community. We took care of each other. It was a loving, caring, comforting place to live.” Even though they were prevented from
Clarence Scott (above and right), a defensive back with win two division titles. He went to the Pro Bowl in 1973
attending the better-funded white schools, Scott said they were supported by their parents and the rest of the community. Over a 12-year period, Trinity High won three state championships or was a runner-up. Beacon Hill had no organized Little League sports, but Scott said neighbor teams were created
B5
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
History
“I thought he had more elbows and trips than he should have. But he had a good attitude. He knew he was good enough to play and he did.”
d Decatur High and DeKalb County sports in 1965 Decatur High cheerleaders unveil Richard Wilson’s number 52 during the induction ceremony on Jan. 29.
brother Carter Wilson, mother Elizabeth Wilson, and nephew Michael h School on Jan. 29 and now graces the school’s Wall of Honor.
Richard Wilson was the first black player to play against white teams in 1965 when he integrated Decatur High School.
brother Carter, who was five years younger, to become a Decatur High Bulldog. Carter also played basketball at Clark College and coached at Decatur High and Georgia State University before becoming City Schools of Decatur athletic director in 2000. Also quite by coincidence, Richard’s nephew Nic Wilson, Decatur Class of 2010, and niece Kristin Munson, Class of 2014, also wore No. 52 at Decatur High. Nic, a standout in both basketball and baseball, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014. Kristin is now a junior at Savannah College of Art & Design. Decatur High established its Wall of Honor in 2010 to honor student-athletes, coaches, and contributors for outstanding careers at any city of Decatur school and beyond. With the six inductees on Jan. 29, the Wall of Honor in
the school’s new gymnasium now has 22 members. There is a 10-year waiting period after graduation for honorees to be inducted. Other honorees include Mike Dickerson, 1972; Andre Pattillo, 1974; Jack Pitts, Trinity High 1966; Frank Broyles, Boys High, 1942; Clarence Scott, Trinity High, 1967; and Larry Morris, Boys High, 1951. Elizabeth Wilson said many students from Trinity High went on to distinguished careers in sports and other professions despite segregation and the odds. Jack Pitts, the quarterback on the Trinity High team that won the 1965 State Championship, was inducted in 2015. Clarence Scott, a defensive back who played 13 years with the Cleveland Browns, graduated from Trinity High in 1967. Decatur High retired his No. 84 in 2013. Elizabeth Wilson said that is why she has worked so hard to preserve the history of the old Beacon Hill community, now called Oakhurst. “You know how they say, ‘Oh they grew up in the projects,’” she said. “Well growing up in a community don’t define who you are. You take what you have and move forward. The parents of Trinity High School were supportive of their children and they went on to do great things.”
own proud as he amasses honors over school, college, NFL career Clarence Scott (right) was among four former football players inducted into Kansas State University’s Ring of Honor in September 2015.
h the Cleveland Browns for 13 seasons, helped them 3 and appeared in 186 games over his NFL career.
to play against each other. “Youngsters who live in wooden houses would play against those in public housing,” he said. “We went from one community to the other.” The young athletes were talented and tough enough to hone each other’s skills. Scott, who was captain of Trinity’s football
and basketball team, was in the last class that graduated from Trinity High in 1967. The school closed that year. He said he could have integrated Decatur High with his buddy and fellow basketball player Richard Wilson in 1965, but even though his mother, Dorothy Scott, fought
alongside community activist Elizabeth Wilson to desegregate City Schools of Decatur and the Decatur Library, his parents decided to keep him at Trinity. “I was kinda glad too,” Scott said. “I didn’t want to leave my friends and teachers.” Dorothy Scott died in November 2015 at age 88. With no opportunity to break the color barrier at Southern colleges, Scott went to play football for the Kansas State Wildcats and became an All-American in 1970.
In 1971, the Browns drafted him. Over his NFL career (1971-1983), Scott appeared in 186 games – 178 straight – and recorded 39 career interceptions, the third most in club history. He helped the Browns win two division titles. On his journey through life, Scott took the values of his community with him. “Whatever I do, I do it well so that my community can take pride in what I do. I am thankful and grateful that I grew up where I did.”
B6
Black History
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
The mass murder at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., reignited the debate on how to remember the Confederacy.
Emory dialogue on heritage, symbols Historians will disHistorians sp ecuss the connections cializing in 19th- and among Black History, 20th-century AfricanSouthern history and American and Souththe politics of comern history will offer memoration at a Feb. their views on whether 25 symposium at Emsymbols of the Conory University. federacy honor heriThe dialogue, hosttage or promote racial ed by the James Welhatred and explore the don Johnson Institute, relationship between takes place 4 to 5:30 Confederate heritage p.m. at the Oxford and African-American Road Presentation Auhistory. ditorium. The Oxford Road Scholars will examine the relationship between Confederate heritage It comes in the and African-American history at a Feb. 25 symposium at Emory. Presentation Auditowake of the mass murrium is at 1390 Oxford der of nine black worshippers at Emanuel AME Church Road N.E. in Atlanta. in Charleston, S.C., on June 17, 2015, that reignited the For more information, visit http://jamesweldondebate about how the Confederacy should be remem- johnson.emory.edu/home/special-programs/southernbered. history-black-history-symposium.html.
Storyteller explores lives of historical figures Storyteller Jerry G. White will bring to life peanut farmer and inventor George Washington Carver and a host of other noted African-Americans on Feb. 13 at the Decatur Library. The one-man show, “Bringing Their Stories to Life: Breaking Grounds,” begins at 1 p.m. During the 90-minute program, White will transport his audience on a historical journey with the likes of infantry soldier Alex Johnson of the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry; Federal Marshal Bass Reeves; and a Tuskegee Airman and four-star general, Commander Benjamin O. Davis. White, a percussionist, songwriter, screenwriter, actor and singer, uses spoken word, costumes and music to “Bring the words to life!” Funding is provided by the Friends of the Decatur Library. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.
e e! v r ac e s p e R rS u o Y
Jerry G. White’s “Bringing Their Stories to Life: Breaking Grounds” includes peanut farmer and inventor George Washington Carver.
“Selma, Lord, Selma” stars Clifton Powell (from left), Jurnee Smollett, Stephanie Zandra Peyton and Mackenzie Astin.
Films capture struggles Will Smith’s “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Selma, Lord, Selma” will be screened at DeKalb Library branches for Black History Month. The Salem-Panola Library will show “The Pursuit of Happyness” on Feb. 16. The 5-to-7 p.m. screening is open to the first 48 participants. The PG-13-rated film, which was released in 2006, tells the true-story struggles of single father Chris Gardner to create a better life for himself and his son. It also stars Smith’s son Jaden. The library is at 5137 Salem Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770-987-6900.
‘Selma, Lord, Selma’ at Gresham Library “Selma, Lord, Selma” starring Jurnee Smollett will be screened Feb. 18 at the Gresham Library in Atlanta. The Walt Disney Studios-produced film tells the story of Sheyann Webb, an 11-year-old Alabama girl who is touched by a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965 and becomes a devout follower. But her resolution is tested when she joins others in the famed march from Selma to Montgomery. Portions of the drama, directed by Charles Burnett, were filmed in Griffin. The 2-to-4 p.m. screening is open to the first 35 participants. The library is at 2418 Gresham Road N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-244-4374.
Educating & Empowering
Expos
at the Mall at Stonecrest Family & Back to School Expo July 23, 2016
Seniors/Baby Boomer Expo October 15, 2016 Limited number of exhibitor spaces available. Book yours today! Call 404-284-1888 for more information.
CrossRoadsNews • 2346 Candler Road • Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 • 404-284-5007 (f) • www.crossroadsnews.com
Black History
“The founding families of color of this 146-year-old AME church not only broke ground for the church but broke racial divides.”
Civil and human rights discussion
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights will discuss its role in protecting the rights of all people around the globe on Feb. 6 at the Toco Hill-Avis G. Williams Library in Decatur. Robert Jones, the center’s education strategies coordinator, will discuss its history and exhibits to give participants a deeper understanding of its role in protecting civil and human rights. The presentation takes Robert Jones place at noon. Participants will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for free tickets to the museum that is located in downtown Atlanta. The Center for Civil and Human Rights, which shares stories of courage and struggle around the world, works to empower people to protect everyone’s human rights personally. Funding is provided by the library’s Friends group. The library is at 1282 McConnell Drive in Decatur. For more information, call 404679-4404.
B7
CrossRoadsNews
February 6, 2016
Hairston Crossing Library screens the TV documentary “Freedom Riders” on Feb. 9. The 2010 film won three primetime Emmy Awards.
Revisit ‘Freedom Riders’
The TV documentary “Freedom Riders” will be screened on Feb. 9 at the Hairston Crossing Library in Stone Mountain. Show time for the 2010 film, which is part of the library’s Black History Month Movie Series, is 6 p.m. “Freedom Riders” tells the story of more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives between May and December 1961 to challenge the Deep South’s segregation laws. The riders, who traveled together on integrated buses, endured savage beatings and imprisonment, and some of their buses were set on fire. The film, written and directed by Stanley Nelson Jr., won three prime-time Emmy Awards. It first aired on PBS’ “American Experience.” Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Hairston Crossing Library. T:7.21” The library is at 4911 Redan Road. For more information, call 404-508-7170.
‘Memories’ in photos Vintage photos of African-Americans living on LaVista Road between the 1920s and 1980s will be on display in a Black History Month exhibit at Mount Zion AME Church in Decatur. The exhibit on Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 is curated by members of the 146-year-old church that is believed to be the oldest AME church in Decatur. It also includes photos of Decatur and Tucker. The observance, “Memories of the Little White Church on the Hill,” features historical recollections and a community singalong by the Senior Mount Zion Choir of traditional gospel “call and response” songs sung during times of planting, fall harvest and homecoming gatherings. The Rev. David F. Richards III, the church’s senior pastor, said the program honors the church and community. “The founding families of color of this 146-year-old AME church not only broke ground for the church but broke racial divides so that blacks, whites and Jewish families living in this community all worked together as loving neighbors during troubled times,” Richards said. “This is a tribute to a David Richards III community that learned to set hatred aside and to let love abound despite cultural and religious differences.” The exhibit takes place 10 a.m. to noon both days. The church is at 2977 LaVista Road. For more information, email mtzioname@mtzionamec.org or call 404-633-2288.
Ava Duvernay Arts & Entertainment (not shown)
Jeff Johnson Trailblazer Marc Morial Humanitarian
Marvin Sapp Living Legend
Caroyln Hunter Owner-Operator
Akinlana Lowman will discuss history of African drumming on Feb. 20 at Flat Shoals Library.
Discover origins of drumming
African-American heritage in the arts Music, dance, theatrical performances and a presentation by the Flat Rock Archives and Museum will take place Feb. 27 at Stonecrest Library. The Black History Month special event, African-American Heritage Celebration, begins at 3 p.m. It is open to the first 175 participants. Funding is provided by the Friends of Stonecrest Library. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia. For more information, call 770482-3828.
T:10”
Artist and musician Akinlana Lowman will speak about the history of African drumming on Feb. 20 at Flat Shoals Library in Decatur. The informational program, which gets under way at 1 p.m., is suitable for all ages. Lowman, who began drumming at a very early age, grew up in Pittsburgh where he learned how to play the djembe and other percussion instruments. He has taught and performed throughout the country. He will discuss the history of African drumming from its ancient origins to the present and will give a short performance. Funding for the program is provided by the library’s Friends group. The library is at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, call 404-244-4370.
Tori Turner Community Choice Youth Award Winner
Aaron Johnson Community Choice Youth Award Winner
12 Months. 365 Days. 8760 Hours. 525,600 Minutes. To those who always find time to reach out…reach back…and bring others along. McDonald’s® celebrates you, not only during Black History Month, but each and every day throughout the year. Find out more at 365Black.com.
©2016 McDonald’s
B8
CrossRoadsNews
February 2016 Join us this February as we salute rising icons of African American culture at
MACY’S LENOX SQUARE 2ND FLOOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 AT 7PM Join us “In Conversation” with JURNEE SMOLLETTBELL, TAYE DIGGS, G. GARVIN and SHANE EVANS for an entertaining look at the next wave of African American cultural luminaries and taste makers! Then enjoy a special reception following the discussion. Plus, make any $75 purchase during an event and meet all our panelists, snap a photo with them and take home a signed copy of Taye’s new book, Chocolate Me!*
February 6, 2016
Jurnee Smollett-Bell Best known for her award-winning performance in The Great Debaters, and for her role on the critically acclaimed series, Friday Night Lights. Jurnee has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and her newest project, Underground, debuts on WGN America this spring!
Taye Diggs Well known for his roles in How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Chicago, Taye has also starred in numerous television and stage productions. He lives in New York and Los Angeles.
G. Garvin Acclaimed chef, author, television host and James Beard nominee, Chef Gerry Garvin is also a noted philanthropist based in Atlanta.
RSVP and check out our exclusive content at
macys.com/celebrate
Event subject to change or cancellation. *Qualifying purchase must be made during the event. While supplies last. 50757_N6010346B.indd 1
1/26/16 5:11 PM