CrossRoadsNews, February 13, 2016 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

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Information smorgasbord

Smart growth good for DeKalb

Job readiness training and employment opportunities are among the offerings at U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s 2016 Resources Fair on Feb. 18. 2

A former School Board member thinks the current board should sign on to plans for a Tax Allocation District at the former GM plant. 4

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

February 13, 2016

Volume 21, Number 42

www.crossroadsnews.com

Lee May bows out of CEO race, quitting politics By Ken Watts

2012 re-election campaign. Ellis appealed his sentence, which prevented his removal from office while serving his prison term. May, an ordained minister and a member of Berean Christian Church in Stone Mountain, is the son of a pastor. He said he is leaving politics to devote more time to his family and to ministry. “We’re still committed to DeKalb County and want to focus on our communities in need,” he said. Connie Stokes and Calvin Sims have announced that they will run for the office, and former DeKalb School Superintendent

DeKalb interim CEO Lee May, an ordained minister, says he will not run in the May 24 primary and will step down on Dec. 31. He was appointed interim CEO on July 17, 2013, by Gov. Nathan Deal.

DeKalb interim CEO Lee May says he will not seek election to the office he has held since 2013. Instead, he says he is quitting politics to go into the ministry. At a Feb. 5 news conference, May said that he will step down on Dec. 31 and will not run in the May 24 primary for the office. He has been interim CEO since July 17, 2013, when Gov. Nathan Deal appointed him to replace CEO Burrell Ellis, who was indicted on corruption charges. Ellis is serving an 18-month prison sentence for pressuring county vendors to contribute to his Please see CEO, page 4

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

DeKalb residents donate lots of water to Flint 143,000 bottles sent to Michigan city facing crisis By Ken Watts

More than 143,000 bottles of water were shipped to Flint, Mich., this week from three water drives held last week in DeKalb County. The water donated by residents was collected by DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson, Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Decatur, and Sankofa United Church of Christ in Atlanta. Stan Watson Donors dropped off 25,000 bottles of water on Feb. 6 at Watson’s monthly Community Cabinet Meeting at Southwest DeKalb High School. Watson, who represents Super District 7, said that residents just rolled up their sleeves and made it work. “I want to thank the whole community for coming out and making sure we sent this water to Flint,” he said. He also thanked the Teamsters union, which transported the water to Michigan at no charge; the Georgia Chapter of the NFL Players Association; Georgia Pro Players; and District 7 School Board member Dr. Joyce Morley, who helped plan the drive. DeKalb interim CEO Lee May; Commissioners Sharon Barnes Sutton, Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader; and Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson came out to support the drive. Rader praised Watson and volunteers who were receiving and packing the donated water for shipping. “There must be two tractor-trailer loads that are going to Flint to try to address their need,” Rader said. “It demonstrates great solidarity for people throughout this country and shows how strong DeKalb is.” Flint, a predominantly black commu-

Ken Watts / CrossRoadsNews

A volunteer stacks some of the thousands of bottles of water donated by residents on Feb. 6 to a drive hosted by Commissioner Stan Watson.

nity, has faced a water crisis since it became public that its water supply is contaminated by lead. The city’s water crisis began in April 2014 when the city changed its water source from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the Flint River, which caused lead from aging pipes to leach into the city’s water supply. Between 6,000 and 12,000 children who drank the lead-contaminated water are at risk of serious developmental delays and permanent health issues from elevated blood lead levels. Sankofa United Church of Christ on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive delivered 20,000 bottles of water to Flint on Feb. 9.

The church partnered with the Davis Bozeman Law Office in Decatur, the BoddieMcKnight firm in Atlanta, and the Chris Leopold Law Office in Jonesboro to collect the water last weekend. Pastor Derrick Rice said church members Greg Northerington and David Toombs delivered the supplies and returned to Atlanta on Feb. 10. “Making that long Derrick Rice drive shows their commitment and the generosity of the public,” Rice said. “We even had folks donating cash to pay for the drivers’ gas

and meals.” Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church is collecting 98,000 bottles of water in association with New Life Community Church in Decatur, District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, and employees of the Sheraton Atlanta Airport Hotel. Devon Ward, the church’s congregational care pastor, said Thursday that they are still totaling the donations and their water drive will continue through the end of February. He said the response has been phenomenal. “Everywhere we turn during this project we find people who are eager to help make a difference for Flint,” Ward said.

CrossRoadsNews

Finance

February 13, 2016

“I’m committed to helping constituents who want to improve their lives and … the community.”

Job readiness workshops, business forums at Resources Fair Fourth District residents can learn about local, state and federal agencies that provide job readiness training and get information on the TV/film industry and employment opportunities at U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson’s 2016 Resources Fair on Feb. 18 at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. The fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes training for veterans, help for ex-offenders trying to overcome barriers to employment, resume development, pathways out of poverty, interviewing skills, job readiness workshops and small-business forums. “I’m committed to helping constituents who want to improve their lives and make the community a better place to live, work and play,” Johnson said. “Holding this fair is a great way to help people connect with the

resources and opportunities that are available to them.” Participating businesses and institutions include: GPTC, Georgia State University, Brenau University, STAND Inc., MatterMax Media, MARTA, Delta Global Staffing, Baxalta, Bojangles’, O’Reilly Auto Parts, MCS Industry Supply Co., International Union of Operating Engineers, DeKalb County Schools, HD Supply, Army Recruiting, Navy Recruiting, Newton County Sheriff ’s Office, Veterans Administration, University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, Urban League of Greater Atlanta, DeKalb Housing Authority, DeKalb Family & Children Services, Goodwill, J.F. & C.S., and Democratic House Caucus. GPTC is at 495 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, visit http://hankjohn- Fourth District Rep. Hank Johnson is holding a Resources Fair at GPTC on Feb. 18 to connect son.house.gov. constituents with information on the TV/film industry and employment and training opportunities.

SBA’s head to talk State of Region SBA Regional Administrator Cassius F. Butts will deliver the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2016 State of the Region address on Feb. 23 at Morehouse College. The 9-to-11 a.m. event takes place in the Shirley Cassius F. Butts A. Massey Executive Conference Center at 830 Westview Drive S.W. in Atlanta. Registration is required to attend – visit www.eventbrite.com/o/sba-region-ivoffice-9235711577. Butts’ talk will be followed by a conversation with former Ambassador Andrew Young, “Ensuring Entrepreneurship in the

New Economy,” moderated by veteran journalist Monica Pearson. It features Ed Baker, executive in-residence at Georgia State University; Dr. Tiffany R. Bussey, director of the Morehouse EntrepreAndrew Young neur Center; and Lara O’Connor Hodgson, CEO of NOWAccount. Special guest is U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), who represents the 13th District. To watch live, visit http://bit. ly/1RIWjLO.

More computer Open house for time for job hunt ‘Wise Women’ Job seekers will have extended time on the computers at upcoming open labs at Scott Candler and Redan-Trotti library branches. Open labs are first-come, first-served. Call or visit the branch to register. The lab will be set up so job seekers can have expanded time to conduct job searches; fill out online job applications; update their resume using Microsoft Word, Optimal Resume or Job & Career Accelerator; and improve work skills with online tutorials. Labs take place on Feb. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Scott Candler, 1917 Candler Road in Decatur, and on Feb. 18 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Redan-Trotti, 1569 Wellborn Road in Lithonia. Visit www.dekalblibrary.org.

DeKalb residents can attend an open house for “Wise Women Wealth Building” on Feb. 18 at Lithonia City Hall. The National Council of Negro Women – DeKalb Section is host for the free kickoff event that begins at 6:30 p.m. The program is an eight-part wealthbuilding workshop designed specifically for women to help plan their financial future. No financial experience is needed – the course is designed for beginners and those new to developing wealth. City Hall is at 6920 Main St. in Lithonia. For more information and to R.S.V.P., email bpedroso2014@gmail.com or call 770-482-8136.

AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax help Lower- and middle-income taxpayers, particularly residents 60 and older, can get free help with preparing their returns at AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sessions at DeKalb Public Library branches. Assistance is first-come, first-served. Branches offering the service include: n Scott Candler Library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays. n Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston – noon-4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. n Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and

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Thursdays. n Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library, 952 Leon St., Stone Mountain – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other DeKalb tax help locations: n Bethesda Cathedral/Austin Drive Senior Campus, 1939 Austin Drive, Decatur – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays. n Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. n Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia – noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays. More sites at www.dekalblibrary.org.

CrossRoadsNews

February 13, 2016

Community

“It’s not a panacea but something that might help improve the performance and efficiency of government.”

Bill to abolish CEO’s office includes term limits for commissioners By Ken Watts and Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Legislation to abolish the DeKalb chief executive officer position is now under way in the Georgia General Assembly. As promised, state Rep. Scott Holcomb (DAtlanta) presented the House bill on Feb. 8 to the DeKalb legislative delegation. The bill is seeking to eliminate the CEO office effective Jan. 1, 2021, and Scott Holcomb to create a position for a full-time chairperson, elected at large, and an eight-member board of commissioners. It also would impose term limits for three four-year terms – 12 consecutive years – on commissioners and two four-year terms – eight consecutive years – on the chairperson. The bill also proposes a four-year waiting period before any commissioner or chairperson could run again for those offices. If the bill flies, voters would get to approve or reject the change in a Nov. 8, 2016,

referendum. More than half of the voters must approve for it to go into effect. The bill, which is a local legislation – meaning it will be voted upon only by DeKalb’s 23-member House and Senate delegation, has not yet been assigned a number or sent to committee. Holcomb told DeKalb delegation members at Monday’s meeting that the legislation would replace the CEO with an eightmember county commission that is elected at large. Under the proposed bill, the BOC would become DeKalb’s sole governing authority and it would hire a professional county manager to run the county’s day-to-day operations. Holcomb said there’s too much power concentrated in the elected CEO office, and his bill would split that power up. Holcomb told CrossRoadsNews on Feb. 10 that he has been hearing for years from constituents who want a new form of government for the county. “It’s not a panacea but something that might help improve the performance and

efficiency of government,” he said. Of Georgia’s 159 counties, DeKalb is the only one with a CEO form of government. The bill also would increase the board of commissioners from seven districts with more than 140,000 residents each to eight smaller districts with about 85,000 residents. Holcomb said the county has grown so rapidly over the past few decades that the current commission districts are too large. “This plan would make them more manageable,” he said.

Reforms to help improve image Among the provisions in the bill: n All commissioner seats in office elected in the 2018 election will end on Dec. 31, 2020. n Special elections will be held in November 2020 to fill the seats on the commission and the office of chairperson. n Commissioners for districts 1, 3, 5 and 7 shall serve from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2022, and until their respective successors are elected and qualified. n Commissioners elected in districts 2, 4, 6 and 8 and the chairperson shall serve terms

of office from Jan. 1, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2024. n Commissioners shall be limited to three consecutive four-year terms of office and shall not be eligible for election to the commission until a period of four years has elapsed. n The chairperson shall be limited to two consecutive terms of office and shall not be eligible for election to the office of chairperson until a period of four years has elapsed. Commissioners would get a bump in pay to $40,000, up from the current $38,374. They also will continue to get a $300-amonth expense allowance. The full-time chairperson would make an annual salary of $153,000 plus the $300a-month expense allowance. Holcomb says the reforms in the bill would help improve the county’s image after years of corruption and ethical scandals that included CEO Burrell Ellis, who is serving an 18-month prison sentence for pressuring county vendors to contribute to his 2012 re-election campaign, and former Commissioner Elaine Boyer, who is serving a 14-month sentence in federal prison on fraud charges.

Early voting for Georgia presidential primary Budget, SPLOST town hall DeKalb voters can cast ballots for the March 1 Presidential Preference Primary now through Feb. 26 at three precincts weekdays. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are vying for the Democratic nomination, and six candidates – Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich – are vying for the Republican nomination. At the end of the first week of early voting, which started Feb. 8, about 1,500 voters had cast ballots. The polls are closed on Feb. 15 for Presidents Day. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the DeKalb Elections

Main Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, in two separate areas. There is an area for seniors ages 70 and older and voters with disabilities and a general voting area for all other voters. The other two precincts are at the Gallery at South DeKalb, 2801 Candler Road in Decatur, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road in Tucker. It is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The only Saturday voting will take place on Feb. 20 at all three locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More early voting sites will open Feb. 22. Visit www.dekalbvotes.com.

DeKalb Commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson and Stan Watson are co-hosting a Feb. 16 town hall meeting on the 2016 proposed budget and SPLOST at Lithonia City Hall. The meeting takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium. County budget and development officials will discuss the proposed budget and provide an update on the upcoming Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax ballot initiative. City Hall is at 6290 Main St. For more information, visit web.co.dekalb.ga.us/boc/mdjohnson or web.co.dekalb.ga.us/ boc/district7.

Congressman Hank Johnson of GEORGIA’S FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT HOSTS

Dr. Jabari Simama, President

Connecting the Community with Resources

and

The Board of Directors of Georgia Piedmont Technical College The Board of Trustees of the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation Cordially invite you to attend the

G�� P�� T�� C��

2016 STATE �� COLLEGE ADDRESS T�� F�� 25, 2016, 4:00 p.m. C�� C�� | N�� D C�� Covington, Georgia

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

Co-Hosted By

Newton County Government Covington-Newton Chamber of Commerce Morgan County Government Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce Rockdale County Government Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce DeKalb County Government DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

Please RSVP By email: 2016stateofthecollege@gptc.edu | By Evenbrite: http://bit.ly/202T0yE Please note that GPS directions can be inaccurate. This location is off of City Pond Road. Reception Immediately Following the State of the College address.

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

Forum 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007

CrossRoadsNews

February 13, 2016

“DeKalb needs to step up its game and do something different, and the opportunity is in front of us.”

Editor’s note: The DeKalb School Board has declined to participate in a ment of the $60 million site with residential, retail and offices is positioning Tax Allocation District for the redevelopment of the 165-acre former GM it to become a well-connected hub. Is the DeKalb School Board being shortsighted? plant which closed in Doraville in 2008. Former School Board Chairman Dr. Eugene Walker thinks so. With its access to Interstate 285, a rail corridor, the Doraville MARTA What’s your opinion? Email editor@crossroadsnews.com. station, and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, the Integral Group’s redevelopThe former GM plant in Doraville before demolition (left) and the vision (right) for a live, work, play transit-oriented development.

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.

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School system should support smart growth in DeKalb serBy Dr. Eugene P. Walker

Chris Carr, the commissioner for Economic Development for the state of Georgia, had some sobering commentary on DeKalb County recently. He said the bad publicity is hurting the local economy and that DeKalb should get its act together and turn over a new leaf. I am usually not in lockstep agreement with the appointees of Republican governors, but when they are right about something, I have to agree. DeKalb County has been plagued by political infighting and turf wars for decades, with nearsighted politicos cashing in on short-term victories at the expense of long-term progress. We are at those crossroads again. Carr points out that jobs are skipping over DeKalb in favor of Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett – and why not? The grass is greener there. If you were a developer, and all things are equal, why wouldn’t you go along with the others? DeKalb needs to step up its game and do something different, and the opportunity is in front of us. There are 155 acres at the preci-

“Tax incentives spur commercial investment, which in turn increases the value of real estate. Increases in the value of real estate mean more tax proceeds, and those tax proceeds fund education for children – win-win-win-win!” Dr. Eugene P. Walker

pice of redevelopment in North DeKalb, but it is stalling for lack of economic development incentives. The plan is for commercial, retail and residential in a transit-oriented environment. That’s huge! Doraville has signed up for tax incentives, and so has DeKalb County. That is two steps in the right direction. That leaves the School Board. The DeKalb County Board of Education has been reluctant to be a team player when it comes to anything other than running schools. Don’t get me wrong, schools are very important, but they do not exist in a vacuum apart from the larger framework of community and economy. Roughly three-quarters of property taxes are school taxes, so the overtures of Doraville and DeKalb mean little if the Board of

Education doesn’t take an interest in corporate investment and job creation. Their rationale is that they don’t want to tie their hands with any tax incentive that would dictate where and how freely they can spend tax money. This is the flaw in their logic: At the moment, no one is living on the former home of the General Motors facility, but they soon will. With the BOE’s involvement, there could be a significant infusion of smart, quality growth. With that comes jobs, and with jobs come families. With families come children, and those kids will need to go to a nearby school. Under normal circumstances, there might need to be a tax increase to pay for those schools, but with an infusion of capital investment, property values go up, and there won’t be a need

to raise taxes. DeKalb Schools should support the Doraville Tax Allocation District. Certainly in this case, and many similar cases, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: Tax incentives spur commercial investment, which in turn increases the value of real estate. Increases in the value of real estate mean more tax proceeds, and those tax proceeds fund education for children – win-winwin-win! The only caveat is those proceeds created from the growth must be reinvested in the same area. I have served on the DeKalb Board of Education, and I have served on the Development Authority of DeKalb County. I support education, and I support economic development. These concepts are not mutually exclusive. Economic development and quality education actually go hand in hand. Good schools are good for businesses and vice versa. The DeKalb BOE should consider the long-term benefits for the community at large and approve tax incentives, before it’s too late. Dr. Eugene P. Walker served on the DeKalb Board of Education from 2008 to February 2013.

Food donation deadline Feb. 19 May focusing on road work, residents can donate Clerk of Superior Court Debra raises for public safety workers to theDeKalb annual food collection drive DeBerry, Tax Commissioner Irvin CEO,

from page

Michael Thurmond said he is being urged by supporters to run. May was presiding officer of the DeKalb Board of Commissioners when Deal suspended Ellis and tapped May to replace him through his trial that stretched into two trials and a prison sentence. May said he’s proud of the progress the county has made during his tenure, but he has drawn criticism for the expensive corruption probe he hired former Attorney General Mike Bowers to do last year and proposing a soccer stadium and practice fields on the site of a former landfill behind the jail. The probe cost the county more than $1 million. Bowers called DeKalb “rotten to the core,” and his scathing report faulted May and other elected officials for “a stunning lack of leadership” that

destroyed public confidence in the integrity of county government. The county lost the soccer deal to Cobb County. He said his motives were pure. “I wanted to get down to what we were doing in our day-to-day operations,” May said at an Oct. 13, 2015, town hall meeting in the Lou Walker Senior Center. “I got something different than that.” For the 11 months remaining on Ellis’ term, May said he will ensure that tax funds are directed toward repaving the county’s crumbling roads, continue economic development, and provide a pay raise for county workers, including police and fire rescue employees. “We have an opportunity to grant a substantial increase especially to public safety workers. I can’t say yet how much, but we hope to propose it in our midyear budget.”

for the Atlanta Community Food Bank sponsored by five DeKalb officials through Feb. 19. Canned food and other nonperishable items can be dropped off at DeKalb libraries and tax commissioner offices. The drive, which kicked off Jan. 26, is sponsored by DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon, Solicitor General Sherry Boston,

Johnson and Clerk of State Court Melanie Wilson. Among the most needed items are canned tuna, peanut butter, fruit juices, canned vegetables and paper products. Gannon, who represents Super District 6, said no one should have to choose between paying the rent, paying for their prescriptions or paying for food.

DeKalb expands marriage service DeKalb magistrates are available to conduct wedding ceremonies weekday afternoons on a first-come, first-served basis at the DeKalb County Courthouse. Chief Magistrate Judge Berryl A. Anderson said the expanded marriage services, Monday to Friday from 1:30 to 4 p.m., kicked off Feb. 1 in the Magistrate Court. “For many years, DeKalb magistrate judges have performed

courthouse weddings at no cost and without appointments two afternoons each week,” Anderson said. “We decided February, the month traditionally associated with love, was a fitting time to begin offering ceremonies on Monday through Friday.” The courthouse is at 556 N. McDonough St. in Decatur. Visit www.dekalbcountymagistratecourt.com or call 404-371-4767.

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February 13, 2016

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

The movie captures the stories behind how fashion within the African-American culture came to be.

Billie Holiday salute on Feb. 16 Children’s authors at

Music and fashion icons are interviewed in the hip-hop documentary “Fresh Dressed,” which screens on Feb. 16 at the Redan-Trotti Library.

‘Fresh Dressed’ film takes on hiphop and fashion The 2015 hip-hop documentary “Fresh Dressed” will be screened Feb. 16 at the Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia. Show time is 5:30 p.m. The film, which includes interviews with Nas, Kanye West, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Pharrell Williams, Damon Dash, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz, André Leon Talley, A$AP Rocky, Marc Ecko, Big Daddy Kane, and Kid ’N Play, examines hip-hop’s influence on fashion. It bypasses the question of “Who are you wearing?” and explores the why of what we wear. With the rise of rap and hip-hop music, one of the strongest influences on current fashion, the movie captures the stories behind how fashion within African-American culture came to be. The film is directed by Sacha Jenkins. The library is at 1569 Wellborn Road. For more information, call 770-482-3821.

The jazzy “Billie Holiday on the Radio” will be presented on Feb. 16 at the Decatur Library in downtown Decatur. The program, which takes place 7 to 9 p.m., is part of the Georgia Center for the Book’s Festival of Writers and Black History Month series. It combines the poetry of Chattanooga poet Laurie Perry Vaughen with the music of the Atlanta jazz trio Three Way Mirror – Jeff Crompton on alto sax, Bill Pritchard on sousaphone, and YaYa Brown on percussion – to reflect on the life and times of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday. The show differs from the usual kind of “jazz/poetry” offerings with the artists’ integration of the words and music to “Billie Holiday on the Radio” on Feb. enhance the other. 16 at Decatur Library combines Holiday, a jazz musician and singer- poetry and music. songwriter known as “Lady Day,” was born Eleanora Fagan in 1915. Her popular songs include “God Bless the Child,” “Strange Fruit,” “The Man I Love” and “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess.” Her autobiography, “Lady Sings the Blues,” was the basis for the 1972 film starring Diana Ross. Holiday died in 1959. Vaughen’s poems have appeared in Kalliope: A Journal of Women’s Art, Lullwater Review, Greensboro Review, Chattahoochee Review, Cold Mountain Review, Carolina Quarterly, and Birmingham Poetry Review. She received the James Dickey Award for Poetry at Emory University in 1994. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. Visit www.dekalblibrary.org.

Scott Candler Library Children’s authors Dr. Kotina Hall, Ryan Adkins, Nelldra Allen and Tracey Phillips will read from their books on Feb. 20 at the Jubilee of Reading Book Club Conference for Children and African-American Read-In Celebration at Scott Candler Library. Both events, which take place 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., are part of the library’s Black History Month series that seeks to educate and raise awareness about the African-American literary tradition Ryan Adkins and promote a love of reading. They are sponsored by Friends of the Scott Candler Library, P.A.C.T. Book Club, DeKalb Public Library, Angela Reid and the Imani Literary Group. Hall will read her book, “Patches,” while Adkins will read from “Dream Catcher.” Kotina Hall Allen will read her book, “The Life of a Baby Is Oh So Tough,” and Phillips will read her book “Where Is My Sneaker?” The library is at 1917 Candler Road in Decatur. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary. org.

Miss LuvDrop, aka Gwendolyn J. Napier, brings stories, songs and a take-home craft to Clarkston Library on Feb. 20.

Miss LuvDrop at Clarkston Library Storyteller Miss LuvDrop will be celebrating Black History Month with her African drum on Feb. 20 at the Clarkston Library. The program begins at 3 p.m. and is open to the first 60 participants – call or visit the branch to register. Miss LuvDrop, aka Gwendolyn J. Napier, will regale her audience with stories and songs. Participants get to take home a craft to make a drum of their own. Napier, who is a member of Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia and other local and national storytelling groups, keeps audiences engaged with songs, music, movement, dancing, instruments and props. The library is at 951 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston. For more information, call 404-508-7175.

GEORGIA POWER CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY, BLACK PRESENT, BLACK FUTURE. The thing about history is that it’s continually unfolding. So while we celebrate the many past accomplishments of African-Americans, we also recognize the great achievements being made today. And we salute the young history makers to come who will contribute to an even better tomorrow.

georgiapower.com

CrossRoadsNews

Black History

February 13, 2016

“Dave the Potter” is a play and exhibit of the work of the artist, poet and potter who lived in South Carolina in the 1800s.

‘Generations’ travels from slavery to Obama era Plays and exhibits are among Black History Month offerings at Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. Upcoming events include: n Feb. 17 – Grover Cummings Photo Exhibit, LWSC Lobby, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cummings was an award-winning photographer and one of the first African-American photojournalists at The Toledo (Ohio) Blade. n Feb. 17 – The Drama Club and LWSC Talkers present “Generations: A Black History Production” from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. “Generations,” a play in five vignettes, travels from slavery to the current presidency of Barack Obama. It is directed by Charleen

Knox. n Feb. 18 – “Dave the Potter” at 2 p.m. – a play and exhibit of his work. Dave was an artist, poet and potter who lived in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his artistry with poetry carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. The monthlong celebration kicked off on Feb. 10 with “Love Framed in Black and White,” a genealogical journey detailing the love story between a young white Confederate soldier and a slave girl. The center is at 2538 Panola Road. Call 770-322-2900 or visit www.lou- “Scratch” by award-winning photographer Grover Cummings, walkercenter.com. whose work is on exhibit Feb. 17 at the Lou Walker Center.

Explore history through rhythm Adults and kids can explore Black History at “Rhythm of the Beat” on Feb. 17 at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library in Decatur. Participants can board “The Story Express” at 7 p.m. and journey through the African-American experience in stories and dramatic role play. Funding is provided by the library’s Friends group. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. Call 404-286-6980.

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

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