CrossRoadsNews, February 24, 2018 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

FINANCE

MINISTRY

Community building block

Civil rights litigant

Renard Beaty’s dedication to his martial arts students and community helped land a $25,000 Wells Fargo grant. 4

The attorney for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others will wrap up Hillcrest Church of Christ’s Black History Month programs. 6

Let’s Keep DeKalb Peachy Clean Please Don’t Litter Our Streets and Highways

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER • STONECREST

February 24, 2018

Volume 23, Number 43

www.crossroadsnews.com

Indictment, sentence for workers accused of abuse By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

presented in court show that Hamilton, 54, admitted tasing the woman even though he knew it was wrong. Following an internal investigation, he resigned from the county in February 2012 in lieu of termination. During his Nov. 20, 2017, guilty plea, Hamilton said that on Nov. 1, 2011, he responded to the medical floor of the jail when an inmate asked to speak to a supervisor because her family visitation had been unexpectedly cancelled by jail staff. Instead of explaining the situation to the inmate, Hamilton tased her until she

“Law enforcement officers stand in the gap every day to keep us safe, whether they are patrolling a beat, or a correctional officer working in a jail or prison. Hamilton’s conduct is not reflective of how we expect officers to conduct themselves.”

Two sets of workers who caused harm or death to people in their care are facing legal reckoning. A DeKalb County Jail sergeant and his former supervisor were sentenced by a federal judge to prison and a halfway house Byung J. “BJay” Pak, U.S. Attorney respectively for tasing a female inmate without “legitimate justification,” and two nursing home nurses and an aide who ignored an was sentenced to one year in federal prison sentenced to 21 days of confinement in a elderly man in respiratory distress have been on Feb. 6. When he is released from prison, halfway house for attempting to obstruct the indicted in his death. he will be under federal supervision for three federal investigation into Hamilton’s use of excessive force by making false statements years. Unjustified tasing A day earlier on Feb. 5, Lt. Leonard to the FBI. Dwight Hamilton, who tased the inmate, Dreyer, Hamilton’s former supervisor, was The charges and other information Please see ABUSE, page 3

Broken, abandoned utility poles irk residents Some say dangling lines pose hazard to public safety

A Comcast contractor crew (left) transfers the cable company’s lines from a broken pole with a Bellsouth tag (upper right) at South Rays and Rockbridge roads in Stone Mountain. At 4764 Rockbridge Road, an two pieces of an old pole and wires (middle photo) with the AT&T tag (bottom right) left abandoned near the replacement pole.

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

A utility pole, shattered from its anchor in the pavement, is still dangling at the corner of South Rays and Rockbridge roads in Stone Mountain – more than three weeks after it was damaged. The pole, leaning at a precarious angle, is ringed with splinters where it was hit. A lone hubcap sits by the chunk of wood lying on the sidewalk, outside the yellow “Fire Line Do Not Cross” tape. On Feb. 22, a crew from Comcast subcontractor Quanta Telecommunication Services was removing the cable company’s lines from the pole and anchoring them to the new pole when they were done. Terry Mason, Quanta’s project manager, said they were only authorized to free their cable wires from the pole – not to take down the damaged pole. “Comcast doesn’t own the pole,” Mason said. “We don’t know who is the owner of the pole. Only the owner of the pole can remove it.” Mason said that AT&T wires are still on the pole, which had a small metal tag with the word “Bellsouth” branded into the metal. He said AT&T would have to remove its cables before the owner of the pole can remove it. Mason said he did not know why it was taking more than three weeks to take down the damaged pole. He said his company was only given the job of relocating the Comcast cable two days ago. Georgia Power, which owns thousands of utility poles across the county, also did not know Thursday if the pole belongs to it. Craig Bell, a Georgia Power corporate communications spokesman, told CrossRoadsNews that “not all utility poles are owned by Georgia Power.” He was not immediately aware of the

Jennifer Ffrench Parker / CrossRoadsNews

broken pole at the corner of South Rays and Rockbridge roads but he promised to investigate the matter. “This could take a few days,” he said. If there are dangling electrical lines, Bell said Georgia Power is the first to get to damage poles. “That’s a safety issue and we get there as fast as we can,” he said. Otherwise, he says that the owner of the pole has to wait for the other utility companies who co-locate on it to remove their lines. Joscelyn O’Neil, a community advocate who is a candidate for House District 86 seat that includes the area, said the hanging pole at the corner of South Rays Road is a safety issue, as are two pieces of abandoned utility pole left lying by the roadside near 4764 Rockbridge Road. “People have been calling me about it,” she said Feb. 22, showing photos she took on Feb. 15 of the damaged pole.

O’Neil said damaged and abandoned utility poles are a common problem in South DeKalb where utility companies don’t act quickly and when they do, some of them don’t haul away their debris. “We have had children playing within 50 feet of cable wire left by my community park,” she said. “Then I begin to notice what the problem is and started contacting the utilities with no results until a news report was done.” Bell said that Georgia Power does not leave broken poles behind. “If we take a pole down, we as a company are not going to leave poles and wires behind,” he said. “But there are a lot of contractors who operate on behalf of utility companies, so it’s hard to say what might happen.” If residents see materials left behind, Bell said Georgia Power wants to know about it. “We want people to contact us when

they see things or if we are not moving fast enough so that we can move faster,” he said. State Rep. Michele Henson, who represents the area and lives close by the dangling pole that is across the street, said she only became aware of the broken pole at Rays Road this past weekend when she saw comments about it on Nextdoor and Facebook. “I am not being remiss about my job,” Henson said Thursday night. “I live two streets away but I use a different street to get to Rockbridge Road and didn’t go that way to see it.” Henson said the issue of utility poles has come up at PRISM meetings and they have invited George Power and AT&T to come to a meeting to discuss the issue, but AT&T was a no-show. On social media pages, residents frustrated by the problem describe contact and Please see POLES, page 3

Community

CrossRoadsNews

February 24, 2018

Campbell said that the man’s identity is not being released until his next of kin is notified.

Public safety town hall in District 3 Young father killed by unknown suspect Joseph “Jack” Lumpkin, DeKalb’s new chief deputy of Public Safety, will be the keynote speaker at the DeKalb District 3 Pubic Safety Town Hall Meeting on Feb. 26 at Bob Mathis Elementary School in Decatur. Joseph Lumpkin Lumpkin is responsible for Fire Rescue, Animal Control, Emergency Management, 911 and Medical Examiner services. Commissioner Larry Johnson, who is hosting the 6 p.m. meeting, said residents will get to discuss various public safety issues.

Officials from other county departments who will be there include the Sheriff ’s Office, Marshal’s Office, Solicitor-General’s Office, Juvenile Court, District Attorney’s Office, DeKalb ComLarry Johnson munity Service Board, departments of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, Fire Rescue, Police, Community Development and Human Services, and the CEO’s office. Bob Mathis Elementary is at 3505 Boring Road. For more information, call 404-371-2425.

Gunman who killed teen still at large The killer of 19-year-old Omar Johnson is still at large. DeKalb Police are still looking for the suspect who gunned down the teen after 9 p.m. on Feb. 19, in the parking lot of Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia. Police spokeswoman Shiera D. Campbell said Johnson, who was shot in the chest, was walking either to or from the Exxon gas station near the church with three friends when

he was approached by the gunman. She said Thursday that they have no new information on the suspect. Investigators believe Johnson, who died at the scene, was cutting through the parking lot with his friends when he was shot. Police say neither Johnson, a 2017 graduate of Elizabeth Andrews High School in Stone Mountain, nor his friends had weapons on them.

Police say Nicc Bankston was pulling into Brighton Village subdivision on Flat Shoals Road around 4 a.m. when someone in an unknown vehicle fired multiple shots at him

By Tekia Parks

Police are searching for the person who killed a father in front of his family in a drive-by shooting in Decatur early on Feb. 22. Someone shot and killed 24-year-old Nicc Bankston while he was behind the wheel of his Dodge Charger.

Bankston was pulling into Brighton Village subdivision on Flat Shoals Road around 4 a.m. when someone in an unknown vehicle fired multiple shots at him. DeKalb Police says he died at the scene. Bankston’s pregnant fiancee, their 1-yearold daughter, and two others were in the car at the time of the shooting. No one else in the car was injured.

Plastic-wrapped body was shot to death By Tekia Parks

The man whose body was found wrapped in plastic on Feb. 19 on Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur was shot to death. DeKalb County Police spokeswoman Shiera Campbell said the 23-year-old man died of multiple gunshot wounds. The DeKalb Medical Examiner has identified the body, but Campbell said that the man’s identity is not being released until his

next of kin is notified. DeKalb Sanitation workers found the body around 8 a.m. near the intersection with Warriors Path and the Trinity Office Park. At the time of discovery, Campbell said the body had not been “out there very long.” Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to call the DeKalb Police Homicide unit at 770-724-7850.

February 24, 2018

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“We are currently conducting an independent review of the facts and circumstances related to this matter.”

DA looking at beating of woman Officials raise food, cash for Food Bank Police Officer P.J Larscheid wrote in his incident report that he delivered “an unknown amount of baton strikes” to McCrary’s leg when she refused his command and that he continued to strike her when she dropped to the floor and began kicking him.

DeKalb County commissioners and other elected officials are hoping to exceed last year’s donations and raise $5,000 in cash for the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Police Officer P.J Larscheid is still on restrictive administrative duty while the investigation into the brutal beating he gave to a homeless, mentally ill woman languishes in the DeKalb District Attorney’s Office. P.J. Larscheid DA spokeswomen Yvette Jones said the file was delivered by the GBI to their office on Sept. 5, 2017. “We are currently conducting an independent review of the facts and circumstances related to this matter,” she said. “The case remains open and under investigation.” Larscheid, who answered a call from the Chevron gas station and convenience store at 3364 Glenwood Road on June 5, 2017, was caught on cellphone video brutally beating Katie McCrary, a homeless and mentally ill woman. In his incident report, Larscheid said that he answered a call from the store about

a woman soliciting customers inside the store. The video, which surfaced on YouTube a month after the beating, shows McCrary, 38, lying on the floor as Larscheid beats her with his baton. Larscheid wrote that he delivered “an unknown amount of baton strikes” to McCrary’s leg when she refused his command and that he continued to strike her when she dropped to the floor and began kicking him. “I continued my baton strikes to her legs and forearms instructing her to lay down with her hands behind her back,” he wrote. “One strike inadvertently struck the side of her head as she was moving around.” McCrary was treated at Grady Hospital and released. In the face of mounting calls for swift action from civil rights and faith groups, Congressman John Lewis and state legislators, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond referred the case to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation last July.

Residents can donate nonperishable food items and money through March 5 to help feed those who are hungry in DeKalb. The annual “Neighbors in Need” food drive – sponsored by DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon, District Attorney Sherry Boston, Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling, Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry and Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson – is raising food for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Gannon said that it is customary for people to give during the holidays, but the need for food lasts far longer than the holiday season and the need is year-round. “There are people every day that must make hard choices, pay their utilities or

buy food; buy their prescriptions or buy food; fix their car or pay for food,” said Gannon, who started the food drive more than a decade ago. “Those are difficult choices for our neighbors in DeKalb.” In 2017, DeKalb employees and residents donated nearly 3.5 tons of food which converted to 5,855 meals. County officials are hoping to exceed last year’s donations and raise $5,000 in cash. Through Feb. 22, the food drive that kicked off Feb. 13 had raised $185. Drop-off locations for donations – no glass containers please – include the Maloof Auditorium, the Tax Commissioner’s offices, county libraries, and senior centers. Visit http://engage.acfb.org/goto/DeKalbCountyGovt to donate cash.

First Afrikan hosting elected officials Residents can hear from local, state and federal elected officials on March 5 at an Elected Officials’ Forum at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church in Lithonia. The forum, sponsored by the First Afrikan Church Community Action Team, will include a question and answer session. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Invited guests include mayors and council members from Lithonia and Stonecrest, DeKalb County Commissioners Mereda Johnson and Gregory Adams,

state representatives from southeast DeKalb, and U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson. The theme of the forum is “Building Power: Citizen Advocacy in an Age of Resistance.” Residents of Lithonia, Stonecrest and unincorporated southeast DeKalb are invited to attend and engage with their elected officials. The church is at 5197 Salem Road. For more information visit www.firstafrikanchurch.org or call 770-981-2601.

Charges stem from willful wrongdoing or alleged egregious neglect ABUSE,

from page

defecated on herself. She also suffered permanent scarring to her breast. Hamilton, who had been trained on proper Taser usage, admitted that he knew that tasing the inmate under those circumstances was wrong but did it anyway. U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak said that abuse of power by any law enforcement officer is always unacceptable. “Law enforcement officers stand in the gap every day to keep us safe, whether they are patrolling a beat, or a correctional officer working in a jail or prison,” he said. “Hamilton’s conduct is not reflective of how we expect officers to conduct themselves. In this country, even those incarcerated have the right to fair treatment and decency.” Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division said

Hamilton’s unjustified violent actions grossly violated the civil rights of an inmate whom he had a sworn duty to protect. “Any unlawful act of violence or malice by an officer against an inmate will not be tolerated by this Department of Justice,” he said. David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, which investigated the case, said the sentence reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to hold those who fail to protect the constitutional rights of everyone in his or her custody accountable. “However, it should not obscure the fact that the majority of men and women working in correctional facilities conduct themselves admirably under challenging conditions,” he said.

elderly patient. Former licensed practical nurse (LPN) Loyce Pickquet Agyeman of Snellville is charged with felony murder and neglect to an elder person. Wanda Nuckles of Buford, also a former LPN, is charged with depriving an elder person of essential services, and Mable Turman, a certified nurse assistant from College Park, is charged with neglect to an elder person. All three women were also indicted on a single count of concealing the death of another in a five-count indictment returned by grand jurors on Feb. 20. The charges against them stem from the Feb. 27, 2014, death of 89-year-old James Dempsey, a World War II veteran who was a patient in their care at Northeast Atlanta Nurses indicted for elder abuse Rehabilitation Center in Brookhaven. Two nurses and an aide who abused their Hidden cameras installed by Demsey’s powers have been indicted in the death of an family showed him in respiratory distress

repeatedly calling out for help. Soon after his distress calls, Dempsey became unresponsive. The indictment alleges the defendants, in varying degrees, failed to provide timely and necessary medical assistance, ultimately resulting in his death. The video of the incident, which became public in November 2017 following a civil lawsuit, prompted a joint investigation between law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office. Dempsey’s family sued the nursing home and received a settlement. Following their indictment, grand jury warrants were issued for the arrest of each defendant. The women have not yet entered pleas. The case will be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Elder Abuse and Exploitation Unit. A trial date has not been set.

Utility companies say removal is responsibility of the pole’s owner POLES,

from page

calls made to DeKalb Code Enforcement, Georgia Power, AT&T and the Public Service Commission. Maykon Walker of Les Chateaux subdivision, across the street from the damaged pole, said that if a pole issue is not a safety hazard, it is at the bottom of the list. “Which is why there are so many dam-

aged poles still around the area,” Walker adds. In a post three days ago, Fran Ryal said there was a DeKalb County truck at the pole site when she went to work Friday morning. “But, unfortunately, still nothing has been done,” she said noting that the damaged pieces are beginning to disintegrate. “The resting pole is showing signs of

additional splits in the wood,” she wrote on Nextdoor. “Regardless of who is responsible, some poor person is going to be hurt by a falling pole if something isn’t done soon.” Chris Wilde of Clarkston said she has had a broken utility pole in her front yard since Aug. 5 when a car plowed into it. “We have called AT&T regularly and they still haven’t pulled it out,” Wilde said. “It just stands there next to a new pole.”

Henson said utility companies shouldn’t be allowed to ignore residents. “When I see something, or someone brings it to my attention, I call code enforcement,” she said. “I have it done it for years and years.” Bell, the Georgia Power spokesman, said residents should call 1-800-672-2402 to report broken poles, poles left behind after repairs, or downed lines.

Finance 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Tekia L. Parks Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams

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 advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

CrossRoadsNews

February 24, 2018

“For our communities to prosper, we need small businesses to succeed financially, grow and add jobs.”

Sasha the Diva opening Paint Sip Socialize in East Atlanta By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

On Atlanta’s airwaves, Sasha the Diva is a familiar presence on KISS 104.1-FM. Starting March 3, she aims to make a splash with her new business, Paint Sip Socialize (PSS), a hip weekend spot where patrons can tap into their creative side. PSS is an art studio at 1259 Glenwood Ave. S.E. in East Atlanta Village. It will offer painting classes, and painting parties for 10 or more adults and kids. Sasha said the mantra is “bring your favorite drink, favorite people and we will take care of the rest.” She said it will be for people who like fun.

“It will be fun for everybody from our children to our elders,” she said. “It’s a way to bring us all together to enjoy the arts.” Artists will offer step-bystep instructions so that you can paint your own masterpiece, while sipping on your Sasha the Diva favorite drink, which you brought with you, and socializing with fellow classmates. All the while, pop, rock, hip hop, R&B and jazz music will be playing. Sasha says PSS is bringing a flamboyant, vibrant vibe to the hip cool streets of Glenwood. “What better fun is it to paint something

awesome, sip on your favorite beverage and jam out to your favorite tunes with the people that you care about?” she said. This week, Sasha was putting the finishing touches on the studio so that it will be fabulous and fun, just like her. “I just got my certificate of occupancy,” she said Monday. “We are close to opening.” PSS will open weekends only, Friday to Sunday. “We want you to consider it your weekend hangout,” she said. For more information or to register for classes, visit www.paintsipsocialize.com or contact info@paintsipsocialize.com or 770-318-2755 or 404-390-3700.

Martial arts studio builds community, one child at a time By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Renard Beaty wasn’t a Wells Fargo customer last May when his girlfriend S amant ha Wi l l i ams pushed him to apply for the bank’s Community Builders Grants. But that didn’t matter. Beaty and his 10year-old Grant Park business, Kick Start Martial Arts, won the bank’s Atlanta 2017 Small Business Photos By Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews Neighborhood Reno- Kick Start Martial Arts owner Renard Beaty says his students also develop their character, self-esteem, and leadership skills. He vation Program Grand is one of seven African American business owners picked for Wells Fargo’s Community Builders Initiative. Prize of $25,000 in July to make needed renovations at his new location at pared many students were,” he said in the essay Keener will be recognized at a Feb. 24 Com749 Moreland Ave. in Atlanta. that helped win him the grand prize. “I often munity Builder Event in Houston. Seven months later, Wells Fargo is celebrat- thought my job would have been easier if the Bowman will be recognized Feb. 28 at a ing Beaty as a community builder in full-page young people had been exposed to similar marquee event in New York City featuring advertising in black and neighborhood news- martial arts principles and training that I had guest host, entrepreneur and celebrity chef papers and at www.wellsfargomedia.com/com- experienced during my youth.” Roble Ali. munitybuilders/. In the grant-winning essay, Beaty said he During the Feb. 17 program, Beaty showed And he is still not a Wells Fargo customer. off his renovated facility and some of his nearly wanted make his martial arts studio safe and Wells Fargo’s Community Builders initiative, 200 students demonstrated the martial arts comfortable after he had to relocate quickly which launched in 2017, celebrates small busi- skills they have learned at the center. But Beaty when this old landlord sold his first location. ness owners across the country who shared their says they learn much more – discipline, and “Although we did our best to create an apstories about running their businesses and the the opportunity to develop their character, self- pealing, comfortable and safe place for our stuways they contribute to their communities. dents and their families, there were many things esteem, and leadership skills. At a Feb. 17 Community Builders Event Green says Wells Fargo is helping small that we could not afford to do,” he wrote. hosted by the bank at Beaty’s business location, businesses with its creditready and Works for This week, he said that all his renovations Darrell Green, Wells Fargo Southeast Small Small Business Neighborhood Renovation are now complete. Business Development Leader, said the program programs. The latter focuses on improving “Now with all the state-of-the-art technolis about celebrating African-American small neighborhoods through storefront makeovers ogy, the new mats, the fresh paint on the doors, business owners who go above and beyond to of local businesses. and seeing my customers happy, I’m gonna be invest in and build up their neighborhoods. Kick Start Martial Arts is one of seven small more proud than I’ve ever been before.” And there is no requirement that they be Wells businesses in Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston, Los Kick Start Martial Arts is not a sports proFargo customers. Angeles, Minneapolis and New York being gram, Beaty says. “Black-owned businesses are an important recognized as Community Builders. “It is a program to help young men and cornerstone of a thriving African-American There is no monetary prize associated with women to become strong young adults who community,” he said. the Community Builders Program but two of can handle failure, success,” he said. Historically, and still today, Green said many the businesses – Kick Start Martial Arts and Because he also lives in Grant Park, where African Americans view small business as a path Clyde Davis-El, owner of Main Street Hat in his business is located, Beaty says he is conto financial freedom. Baltimore – are also recipients of Wells Fargo nected to it. “Small businesses can create life-changing Small Business Neighborhood Renovation “I walk the streets in this community,” he opportunities for families and communities,” grants. said. “I know that kids and the parents in this he said. “For our communities to prosper, we The other Community Builders are Lisa community.” need small businesses to succeed financially, Phillips, owner of Celebrate US Event Co. To make a difference in his community at grow and add jobs.” in Baltimore; Mandy Bowman, owner of the home and abroad, Beaty hosts backpack drives Beaty, a longtime martial arts practitioner, is Official Black Wall Street App in New York; for a school with low-income population, raises a former corporate recruiter and trainer. He said Marques Armstrong, owner of Hope & Healing money for the Kind Fund – Kids in Need of a he started Kick Start Martial Arts to help impart Counseling Services in Minneapolis; Cary Jor- Desks – that provides desks for kids in Africa. skills he found missing in young people he was dan, owner of Jordan’s Hot Dogs in Los Angeles; “We have to work in our community if we recruiting for management training. and Orgena Keener, owner of Kaffeine Coffee want it to change,” he said. “You can’t wait for “I was bothered by how smart but unpre- Internet and Office Cafe in Houston. someone else to do it.”

SDBA to discuss DeKalb’s new micro-enterprise program Circulation Audited By

Byron Campbell of DeKalb Community Development and Erica Bracey of the Urban League of Metro Atlanta are headlining the South DeKalb Business Association’s Feb. 27 lunch meeting. Campbell is the county’s grants administration manager and Bracey is Special Program manager of the Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Center. They will speak about DeKalb’s new Micro-Enterprise Business Program and

discuss its benefits. The Micro-Enterprise Program provides small businesses with access to training, coaching and support services that are designed to support business development, growth and expansion. Eligible businesses must be less than two years old. Owners must live in or have a business in DeKalb County. Incoming SDBA president Delphyne LomaxTaylor will be sworn in at the meeting.

This will be Lomax-Taylor’s third stint as SDBA president. She was president in 1998 and 2008. Lomax-Taylor is princi–pal of Lithoniabased V&L Research and Consulting Inc. The 11:30 to 1 p.m. meeting takes place in the banquet room at This Is It BBQ, 2853 Panola Road in Lithonia. It is free for SDBA members. Visitors pay $20. For more information or to register, email info@sdba-inc.org.

February 24, 2018

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

“There is never a better time to discuss the contributions made by the Black community.”

Macy’s celebrates innovators in pop culture, fashion and more

Two pop culture history makers – actress, writer and producer Issa Rae and transgender actress Laverne Cox – are helping Macy’s celebrate Black History Month. The two are among innovators in fashion, entertainment, art, music, literature and technology hosted by the retailer this month. Macy’s said innovation is one of the cornerstones of black culture, helping to propel trends, widely influencing pop culture, and changing the face of history. “From music to science, black culture has created a wave of change that has helped drive the country to new heights,” the company said in a Feb. 19 statement. “With innovation comes an extraordinary opportunity to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and make unprecedented waves.” Kristyn Doar-Page, Macy’s vice president of Diversity and Inclusion Strategies, said that its Black History events served as wonderful opportunities for Macy’s to bring bold, ground-breaking black innovators into their stores and to our communities. “As a retailer committed to celebrating trailblazers, Macy’s is thrilled to open a space where our community can engage with these artists as they share their life stories and inspirations,” she said. Both Rae and Cox have blazed their own paths. Rae, who has received two Golden Globes Best Actress nominations, has had run-away success with her HBO sitcom “Insecure,”

Emmy-nominated actress, Emmywinning producer and equal rights advocate Laverne Coxis best known for her work on “Orange Is the New Black.”

Issa Rae’s HBO sitcom “Insecure” began as a web series that has garnered millions of online views.

which she writes, produces and stars in. The show began as a web series that has garnered millions of online views. Her web series, “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” was the recipient of the coveted Shorty Award for best web show, and her first book, a collection of essays, is a New York Times best-seller. Rae has graced the cover and pages of Essence, The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, CNN, VOGUE and TIME and has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “Good Morning America,” “The View” and others. During her Macy’s appearances in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, she spoke about Black history, her inspirations and innovation in showbiz. “I am excited to be working with Macy’s

during Black History Month to celebrate those young and old whose innovation and talents are transforming American culture and making undeniable contributions to art and entertainment,” Rae said. Cox, an Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy-winning producer and equal rights advocate, is best known for her work on “Orange Is the New Black,” the critically acclaimed Netflix original series in which she plays the groundbreaking role of Sophia Burset. Her work as an actress and advocate has landed Cox on the cover of Time magazine, and among Glamour magazine’s 2014 Woman of the Year and the Huffington Post’s Top 50 Trans Icons. Cox also has won back-to-back SAG Awards for “Outstanding Performance by

REUTERS/DANNY MOLOSHOK

an Ensemble in a Comedy Series,” a Critic’s Choice nomination, and consecutive NAACP Image Award nominations. Her other numerous awards also include the Dorian Rising Star Award, the Anti-Violence Project’s Courage Award, The LGBT Center of New York City’s Community Leader Award, and The Grio’s 100 Most Influential African Americans. She appeared at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City on Feb. 22. Cox said she grateful to contribute to Macy’s conversations about the transformative work being done by young innovators. “There is never a better time to discuss the contributions made by the Black community, and what an inspiration it is to be among those fighting for change,” she said. For more information, visit macys.com/ celebrate.

‘I Am Not Your Negro’ to be screened Workshop on navigating race, culture

James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript “Remember This House” was the basis for the film, which was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards.

“I Am Not Your Negro,” the 2016 documentary about race in modern America, will be screened at noon on Feb. 26 at the ScottCandler Library in Decatur. The 93-minute film is based on novelist James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript “Remember This House.” The book was to be a revolutionary, personal account of the lives and assassinations of three of Baldwin’s close friends – Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. At the time of Baldwin’s death in 1987, he left behind only 30 completed pages of the manuscript. In “I Am Not Your Negro,” filmmaker

Raoul Peck envisions the book Baldwin never finished. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the film draws on Baldwin’s strong political views to explore the timeline of racism and the mistreatment of African Americans. “I Am Not Your Negro” was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards and won the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary. In May 2017 the film grossed $7,089,174 in the United States. Complimentary popcorn will be provided by the Friends of Scott-Candler Library. The library is at 1917 Candler Road in Decatur.

Professor and author Dr. Imani Scott will coach people on interacting with people from different races and cultures at the Flat Shoals Library on Feb. 24. The three-hour interactive workshop, part of the library’s Black History Month series on civic engagement, starts at 2 p.m. Scott, who teaches Imani Scott intercultural communications at the Savannah College of Art and Design, will lead a discussion on race relations, effective communication, the peace building process and becoming aware of our own cultural biases. Adults 18 years and older are encouraged to attend. Participants will learn about culturally driven ways of seeing,

being and doing, and developing skills to support intercultural communications. Scott is the author of “Crimes Against Humanity in the Land of the Free,” which considers the hold that racism has had on Americans for centuries. The book explores historical and contemporary norms complicit in the problem, and appeals to the U.S. government to improve race relations. Scott is on the board of directors and membership chair for the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education and is a member of the Speakers Bureau for the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence. She is currently a member of the National Action Network, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. The library is at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur.

Ministry

CrossRoadsNews

February 24, 2018

“I made a secret commitment that I was not only going to be a preacher, but I was going to become a lawyer.”

Antioch pastor in Hall of Fame Famed civil rights lawyer to speak at Hillcrest Church

CSPAN

Attorney Fred Gray left Alabama to finish his education because blacks could not attend law schools in the state. He returned in 1954 “to destroy everything segregated I could find.”

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Civil rights attorney, author and preacher Fred Gray, who was the lawyer for Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will headline the culmination of Hillcrest Church of Christ’s Black History Month programs on Feb. 24 and 25. Gray’s autobiographical book “Bus Ride to Justice: The Life and Works of Fred D. Gray,” published in September 2002, documents legal challenges to an unfair justice system in the 1950s and 60s. He discusses his work with Parks, a personal friend whose refusal to give up her bus seat to a white man on Dec. 1, 1955, led to a 382-day boycott of Montgomery’s public bus system and the birth of the civil rights movement. Gray, who grew up Montgomery, had to leave the state to finish his education because blacks could not attend Alabama law schools. When he returned home in 1954, he was one of two black lawyers in the city. He also represented freedom riders, and took cases fighting for voter registration, and against jury and employment discrimination. Gray, 87, will speak at a program themed, “Crossroads: Where Do We Go From Here?” on Saturday and sign copies of his book between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. His talk takes place during the church’s Expressive Writing and Art Competition for kindergartners to 12th-graders. He will also bring the message at the 10 a.m. worship service on Feb. 25, at Soul Food Sunday & Fellowship. Gray, who was an elder and preacher in the Church of Christ, was one of the first

black elected officials in Alabama since Reconstruction. At age 12, he was sent to the Nashville Christian Institute, a boarding school ran by the Church of Christ, to become a preacher, then one of only two “respectable” jobs that were available to black men in the segregated South. When he left there, he said he knew “a little something about preaching,” but the pulpit was not his only life’s goal. Gray, who got his law degree at Case Western Reserve University in 1954, said in a February 2016 interview on CSPAN, that he also had his sights set on the legal profession. “I made a secret commitment that I kept secret for about 40 years, and that is, I was not only going to be a preacher, but I was going to become a lawyer,” he said. “Come back to Alabama, take the bar exam, become a lawyer and destroy everything segregated I could find.” Nine months before he represented Parks, Gray defended Claudette Colvin, a student who was arrested on March 2, 1955, for refusing to give up her seat to a white person. He also sued the U.S. government on behalf of the African-American men who were exploited by the syphilis study at Tuskegee. Hillcrest Church of Christ is at 1939 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. Mandatory RSVP for the Feb. 25 Soul Food meal is at www.hillcrestcoc.net. For more information, contact Ingrid Wright at ibsw0113@gmail.com or 770-990-8305.

Antioch AME pastor the Rev. Vandy C. Simmons with Bishop Reginald T. Jackson (left) and the Rev. Dr. John F. Green after his induction into the Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Rev. Vandy C. Simmons, Antioch AME Church’s senior pastor, is now a member of the Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame. Simmons was inducted on Feb. 5, along with 19 AME ministers and presiding elders during Turner Theological Seminary’s 124th Founders’ Day at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta. Four AME bishops were recognized with President’s Life Time Achievement Awards. Simmons, who said the honor was unexpected, accepted it “on behalf of all the people” who work and serve with him. The Rev. Dr. Charles Blalock, Antioch’s associate pastor, called Simmons’ Hall of Fame induction a great honor. “It is a great honor being bestowed upon Rev. Simmons,” he told church members on Feb. 2. “Turner Alumni Hall of Fame inductees are selected based upon their outstanding leadership abilities, service to God, and the community.” Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, the 6th Episcopal District’s presiding prelate, told the inductees that the times we live in require deliberate leadership. If they are insecure about being talked about, Jackson told them they should not lead.

“Good leadership develops other good leaders,” said Jackson, who is also chairman of the Turner Theological Seminary board. He reminded his audience that Turner Theological Seminary has been preparing and sending forth ministers since 1894. Simmons, who has been Antioch’s senior pastor since October 2016, was raised in the Baptist church and served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church before matriculating 23 years ago to the AME Church. His career includes stints at Cedar Springs and Ebenezer AME churches in Grady County, New Hope AME Church in Haralson, and at New Grant, Mt. Pleasant, and Trinity AME churches. Simmons’ community involvement has included partnerships on homeless, substance abuse, HIV-AIDS, sex trafficking, voter empowerment, diabetes, and domestic violence. On Feb. 2, the Stone Mountain/Lithonia chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority also recognized Simmons with its Community Service Award. All Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame inductees received letters of congratulations from Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Williams to address Kingdom Men

Cary Williams

Bishop Cary Williams of Judah House of Praise will be the featured speaker at Kingdom Men Ministry on March 3 at Worshippers Interceding for Excellence Church. Williams will speak on the theme “The Significance of a Kindom Man” at the program, which takes place 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Minister Levalle Walker is host. The church is at 599 Hempstead St. in Scottdale. For more information, call 678-508-9681.

Eight choirs to sing Negro spirituals Choirs from eight AME, UMC, Baptist, and Seventh Day Adventist churches will perform at an “Evening of Spirituals” on Feb. 26 at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta. The free concert will feature Negro spirituals performed by Saint Philip Choir #1, Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church Voices of Inspiration Choir, Big Bethel AME Chorale, East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir, Maranatha Seventh-Day Adventist Church Anthem Choir, Saint Paul A.M.E. Church Sanctuary Choir and Allen Temple A.M.E. Church Choir #1. Saint Philip is at 240 Candler Road, at the corner of Memorial Drive. For more information, call L’Tanya Moore-Copeland at 404-371-0749 x 8423.

CrossRoadsNews

February 24, 2018

Youth

“The most important right now is making sure our students are prepared.”

McNair Middle principal removed, being investigated by DCSD

By Tekia L. Parks

Dr. Brian Bolden, the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy principal who shepherded the school in the aftermath of its 2013 active shooter incident, has been removed from his position and placed on paid administrative leave. Bolden, who is under investigation by the DeKalb County School District, was relieved of Brian Bolden his duties on Feb. 9. The district declined to give the reason for the investigation. District spokesman Andre Riley said it is a personnel matter. “We don’t discuss the details of a investigation,” he said Feb. 16. Bolden has been with the district since

2005. He was principal at Stephenson High School from 2009 to 2012 before going to McNair Middle School. He was assistant principal at Redan and Salem Middle Schools between August 2005 and August 2007, and served as Region 4 coordinator from April 2008 before becoming Stephenson High principal in July 2009. His LinkedIn profile says he is a soughtafter leadership coach/speaker, awardwinning educator, leading national expert in STEM education, and author. In a Feb. 9 letter to parents, Region 5 Superintendent Bernetta Jones asked them to “accept this letter as notification of a change in leadership at McNair DLA.” “Effective Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, Ms. Terese Allen has been assigned as the interim principal,” Jones said. “We met with Ms. Allen and members of the leadership team on yesterday to prepare for the transition.”

In the same letter, Jones said that Allen is a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience. She retired in 2014 from Henderson Middle School in Chamblee where she had been principal for 13 years. “She has experience across all grade levels and has served in multiple regions within the DeKalb County School District,” Jones said. Allen said Feb. 20 that she was still “trying to wrap my arms around things” and that she is focused on the upcoming Georgia Milestone test. “The most important right now is making sure our students are prepared,” she said. Bolden is the third principal to be removed from DeKalb schools so far this school year. In October, Chamblee Middle School’s new principal Sandra Meeks-Speller, and Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School principal Myron Broome were removed pending separate investigations. Both have

on Jan. 12., 2018 to change the name from: Kasin Osman Sheikh to Kasin Osman Shaale. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Jan. 09, 2018

Legal Notices 02/03, 02/10, 02/17, 02/24

appear in this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Jan. 24, 2018

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name(s) of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

02/10, 02/17, 02/24, 03/03

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1587-9 Janica Drayton filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jan. 24., 2018 to change the name(s) of the following child(ren) from: Kerri Janet Austin-Drayton to Kerri Janet Drayton. Any interested party has the right to

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

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1674-2 Mary Bassey Asuquo PLAINTIFF VS

Michael James Anthony DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: 2532 Tolliver Drive Ellenwood, GA 30294 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 02, 2018. You are hereby notified that Jan. 12, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Mary Bassey Asuquo, 2532 Tolliver Driive, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 02, 2018.

since resigned from the district. Bolden’s removal is not playing well at McNair Middle. PTA treasurer Jessica Gist, who attended a Feb. 15 meeting at which Jones introduced the interim principal, said the regional superintendent told them that Bolden’s removal had nothing to do with students. “They did reassure us that it was like basically nothing that happened to the students here or nothing like that,” she said. “[There was] like no inappropriate behavior or anything like that.” Gist, whose daughter is in the fifth grade, says she is upset about the investigation because Bolden was a good principal and a father figure to many students. “Whatever’s going on I don’t think it should be going on,” she said, “Some of these kids they don’t get to see their fathers everyday, so them seeing him and him encouraging them, he is that father figure.” in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1533-6 Saudi Wells PLAINTIFF VS Tamika Wells DEFENDANT NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: Tamika Wells 6427 Wellington Chase Crt. Lithonia, GA 30058 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 14, 2018. You are hereby notified that Jan. 24, 2018, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Saudi Wells, 1993 Marco Dr., Decatur, GA 30032. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 02, 2018. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 14th day of Feb., 2018

02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT

Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2nd day of Feb., 2018 02/17, 02/24, 03/03, 03/10

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name OF ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM1313-1 Kasin Osman Sheikh filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 18FM2179-7 Phylicia Johnson filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 14, 2018 to change the name from: Phylicia Johnson to Sunny Deon Johnson. Any interested party has the right to appear in this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Feb. 09, 2018 02/17, 02/24, 03/03

Notice of Petition

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CrossRoadsNews

February 24, 2018