CrossRoadsNews, September 22, 2012 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

SCENE

COMMUNITY

A look at black Native Americans in history will include a screening of “Buck & the Preacher” at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown Library. 2

Attorney Dionne McGee has entered private practice after her failed campaign to become a DeKalb State Court judge. 3

Blending of cultures explored

New barrister on the block

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

September 22, 2012

Volume 18, Number 21

www.crossroadsnews.com

Charter schools referendum stirring up controversy By Donna Williams Lewis

Grace Graham works with kindergarten students at Ivy Preparatory Academy, a state charter school on Memorial Drive.

hope voters will revive the Charter Schools Commission through a referendum on the charter school amendment. The referendum would change the state’s Constitution to allow the state to share authority over education with local school districts. Six weeks out from the election, many voters are oblivious to the referendum and the impact it would have on education statewide. Oct. 9 is the last day to register to vote and advance voting begins on Oct. 15. Supporters say that if the referendum passes, students attending poor performing

A state commission would have the power to authorize public charter schools if voters pass a referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot. If this sounds like déjà vu, it should. An appointed body was given that power in 2008, when a law was passed that formed the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. Last year, after legal challenges from school districts including DeKalb County’s, the state Supreme Court struck down the law that established the commission. The court ruled that local school boards have exclusive authority over whether charter schools come into their communities. Now supporters of the invalidated law Please see CHARTER, page 6

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Window display evokes images of blackface The C&C Beauty and Beyond on Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain removed the window display at left after residents complained that it reminded them of blackface.

Stone Mountain hair care shop removes poster By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

A large window display depicting two women with exaggerated white lips and large eyes is evoking visceral reactions from some, and pronouncements of “ugly” from others. Some say the minstrel-like image, in a window at Asian-owned C&C Beauty and Beyond store at 5300 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, harkens to the racist “blackface” era of American theater, in which white performers donned black makeup to create caricatures of black people. Minister Muhammad Abdullah of Decatur called the poster “offensive.” “It’s an outrage,” he said. “It’s despicable. It’s horrible. It should be removed.” Alfanso Mallory, who heard about the window display in the Memorial Bend Shopping Center and stopped by to see it, said it reminded him of the dark days of slavery and segregation when white people dressed in blackface and made fun of black people. “That’s how they portrayed black folks, with big white lips and wide mouths,” he said. “They put the accent on the lips and the eyes. It reminds you of that time.” The poster said “Outre” on one bottom corner and on the other, “Surprise Quality You Won’t Believe.” Store manager Larry Moon, who is Asian and runs the store, said Monday that the poster had been on display for two and a half weeks. He said he hadn’t received any complaints about it and didn’t understand why African-Americans could be upset about the images. Moon said the poster was sent to him by Outre Hair Co., a Carlstadt, N.J.-based company that packages a brand of human

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

On Tuesday, Peter Chi, the store’s owner, contacted CrossRoadsNews to say he never intended to offend. “I am sorry,” he said. “I just didn’t know our history. If something is bothering our community, we will take it down. ” Chi, who operates eight C&C stores that sell human and synthetic hair, wigs, hair dyes, shampoos and makeup, said he has been doing business in the community for more than 20 years and that the community is very important to his business. “I always tried to satisfy my customers and synthetic hair sold by the store. and have not done anything wrong inten“They just send us whatever they have,” tionally,” he said. “Now we understand. I he said. “If people really think that way, I apologize.” can call the company and have them send Brittany Kelley, who was walking by the us another.” store window on Monday, said the window

poster looked scary. “The makeup is ugly,” said Kelley, who is 24. “I just don’t like white lips. It just looks evil.” Her friend Marquitta Brown, 23, said she didn’t know what the images meant. Brown said she actually liked the store because it always displays images of AfricanAmericans while some other hair stores don’t. “That one is just not cute to me,” she said. Naomi Brown of Lawrenceville, who was on her way from the store, said she didn’t like the makeup on the models but wasn’t offended. Please see DISPLAY, page 10

CrossRoadsNews

Scene

September 22, 2012

“People need to know that there was a cooperative effort between African-Americans and Native Americans.”

Award-winning program to focus on black Native Americans By Donna Williams Lewis

The history of black Native Americans will be explored on Oct. 6 at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown branch library. The award-winning daylong “When Tribes Meet: The History of Black Native Americans” program is organized by youth services specialists Veronica Winley and Mia Buggs. Winley works at the Scott Candler Library and Buggs works at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown branch where the program will take place 11211 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “When Tribes Meet: ta, GA The History of Black Na- Veronica Winley tive Americans” won the 2012 Virginia Hamilton and Arnold Adoff Creative Outreach Grant at Kent State University. The $1,000 grant is helping fund the event. Winley said she hopes people leave the event with an appreciation of the connections between African-Americans and Native Americans. “I just hope they can get fascinated,”

Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Harry Belafonte star in the 1972 film “Buck and the Preacher,” which will be screened at the library.

FELD ENTERTAINMENT 3.875” X 10” Section: ENTERTAINMENT Ad Size:

she said. “People need to know that there was a cooperative effort between AfricanAmericans and Native Americans. A lot of our culture has been influenced in some way by Native Americans.” In the meantime, interested people are encouraged to loan relevant artifacts such as baskets or family pictures for display at the event, and volunteers are encouraged to help

out on the day of the program. The organizers have planned a series of events including book discussions, food-tasting, cultural dancers, a movie and crafts. Two hours of the event will be devoted to a screening of the 1972 film “Buck and the Preacher,” starring Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Harry Belafonte. The movie follows a group of former

slaves traveling to the West at the end of the Civil War who meet up with Native Americans along the way. Also at the event, Buggs will do a book discussion with youth on a book written by Virginia Hamilton called “Arilla Sundown.” The book explores the identity crisis of 12-year-old Arilla Adams, who is part African-American and part Native American. Winley will conduct book discussions with adults, using the following titles: n “Proudly Red and Black: Stories of African and Native Americans” by William Loren Katz and Paula A. Franklin. n “Our Land Before We Die: The Proud Story of the Seminole Negro” by Jeff Guinn. n “Black Indian Genealogy Research: African-American Ancestors Among the Five Civilized Tribes” by Angela Walton-Raji. Walton-Raji used government documents to trace her ancestors to slaves owned by Native Americans. Read more about her at http://www. african-nativeamerican.com/news.html. The Wesley Chapel Library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. To volunteer for the library program or for more information, call Winley at 404286-6986 or Buggs at 404-286-6980.

Panola Mountain Park Day offers fun stuff Participants must bring Panola Mountain State their own snacks and soft Park will be celebrating “Your drinks, bug repellent and State Parks Day” on Sept. 29 comfortable work clothes. with a host of activities for A certified instructor will all ages. offer basic archery lessons From 9 a.m. to noon, adults from 3 to 5 p.m. for those 9 and children can plant local years and older. All equipwildflowers in the “Power of ment will be provided. If you Flight” grassland habitat resbring your own equipment, toration area and learn why the $10 cost includes an allgrasslands are such important day archery range pass. habitats for wildlife. All events are sponsored Volunteers will receive a A certified instructor will offer lessons in basic by Friends of Georgia State free T-shirt and will be eligible archery. All equipment is included. Parks. for door prizes. The meeting Panola Mountain Park is at 2600 Highway 155 in place is at the Alexander’s Lake parking area, where Stockbridge. For more information, call 770-389-7801. parking is free. Violinist Kenn Wagner, cellist Charae Krueger and pianist Ben Leaptrott will perform at DeKalb Symphony’s concert.

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A trio of string musicians will perform Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and other pieces on Oct. 2 with the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra at Georgia Perimeter College in Clarkston. The 8 p.m. concert at the Marvin Cole Auditorium will open the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra’s seven-concert 2012-2013 season. It will feature cellist Charae Krueger, pianist Ben Leaptrott, and violinist Kenn Wagner. They also will perform Richard Wagner’s “Prelude to Act III – Lohengrin” and Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 5.” Tickets for the Oct. 2 performance are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors 60 and over, and $10 for students with IDs. Season tickets are $100. Georgia Perimeter College Clarkston campus is at 555 N. Indian Creek Drive. For tickets, call 678-891-3565 or visit www.dekalbsymphony .tix.com.

Motorcycle show for Chick-fil-A Motorcycle lovers can view more than a dozen customized vehicles at a Sept. 22 motorcycle show at the Chick-fil-A on Memorial Drive. During the 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. event, fans can vote for their favorite motorcycle, sample food from the restaurant’s menu, and take photos with the Chick-fil-A “Eat Mor Chikin” Cow. Prizes will be awarded to the first- and second-place winners in the motorcycle contest. Chick-fil-A is at 5542 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. For more information, visit www.cfa restaurant.com/memorialdrive.

Food, music for Clarkston event City of Clarkston residents will honor their multicultural city on Sept. 29 at the annual “Celebration of Community.” The 7-to-10 p.m. event at the Clarkston Community Center will feature food and entertainment. Tickets are $40 for individuals and $60 for pairs. Clarkston Community Center is at 3701 College Ave. For more information, call 404-508-1050 or visit www.clarkston communitycenter.org.

CrossRoadsNews

September 22, 2012

Community

“We’re extremely confident that the process has been sound and that we’ve identified the very best candidates for the job.”

SACS to conduct on-site district investigation

Ex-prosecutor opens practice

By Carla Parker

Attorney Dionne McGee has entered private practice after her failed campaign to become a DeKalb State Court judge. McGee, a former prosecutor with the DeKalb Solicitor General’s Office, launched Dionne McGee, P.C., Attorney & Counselor at Law on Sept. 12. She was unsuccessful in a bid to unseat Dionne McGee Judge Dax Lopez in the July 31 nonpartisan election. She previously worked for the city of Atlanta and the Georgia Personnel Administration negotiating contracts. McGee, 38, says her Decatur-based law firm is focusing on representing individuals and families in personal injury, criminal defense and family law matters. “We serve the entire metro Atlanta area to include Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties.” McGee, who graduated from Redan High School in Stone Mountain, has 12 years of experience as a prosecutor and government lawyer. “It is time for me to step out on faith and continue to fight the good fight by serving the needs of the people through my own practice,” she said in an e-mail to friends and supporters. “As I move forward with my legal career, I will continue to stand on Isaiah 1:17: ‘Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.’” For more information, visit www.dionne mcgee.com, e-mail atty@dionnemcgee .com or call 404-549-4701.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will visit the DeKalb School System in October to investigate allegations that the district violated its accrediting standards. The Oct. 17-19 visit comes in the wake of the district’s Sept. 12 response to charges “of stewardship failure on the part of the School Board and board interference in the district’s day-to-day operations.” SACS parent company AdvancED notified School Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson about the investigation in a Sept. 18 letter. AdvancED’s president and CEO, Mark Elgart, said a Special Review Team of trained professionals will conduct the on-site investigation at no cost to the school district. “The Special Review Team will evaluate the DeKalb County School District’s adherence to the Accreditation Standards

and policies and make recommendations, if necessary, that will require immediate and corrective action,” Elgart wrote. He said the team will recommend one of five status options – continued accreditation, advised, warned, probation or dropped. “The purpose of the on-site investigation is to afford all parties the opportunity to provide information and evidence related to the stated concerns so that an informed decision can be made as to the validity and extent of alleged violations relating to the Standards of Accreditation,” Elgart said. Board Chairman Eugene Walker said the district will welcome SACS even though he doesn’t think the probe is warranted. “It will be a good thing,” Walker said Thursday. “If they find any mismanagement, then I would like to know about it because I don’t know of any mismanagement.” Walker said if SACS finds any evidence,

he will happily take actions to clear that up. “SACS is trying to do their job to make sure we are upholding their standards, but I’m not aware of any standards being violated,” he said. “I want to know if rules are being violated.” Atkinson’s Sept. 12 letter responded to AdvancED’s Aug. 27 letter that outlined the allegations. She offered 16 “systemic changes” made with the School Board’s approval since her arrival a year ago. Elgart acknowledged the initiatives under way but said the concerns listed in his August letter could have a “significant, negative impact on capacity of the school system.” He said the investigation will focus on two standards: governance and leadership and resources and support. In March, SACS let the system keep its “accredited on advisement” status after its review team found some improvement.

Two finalists for MARTA general manager/CEO MARTA has settled on two finalists for the transit system’s next general manager and chief executive officer. The MARTA board said Sept. 14 that Stephen G. Bland, CEO of the Allegheny County Port Stephen Bland Authority in Pittsburgh, and Keith T. Parker, president/CEO for VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, are being considered for the job. The winner will replace Dr. Beverly Scott, who did not renew her contract that ends in December. Scott joined MARTA in 2007. Both emerged as finalists after a nation-

wide search conducted by the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles. Barbara Babbit-Kaufman, chair of the board’s ad hoc selection committee, called the search difficult and exhaustive because of the many exKeith Parker cellent candidates. “We’re extremely confident that the process has been sound and that we’ve identified the very best candidates for the job,” she said. “We would be very fortunate to have either one of them as MARTA’s general manager.” Bland, who oversees the Pittsburgh region’s primary transit system, has held his

present post since June 2006. The system provides bus, light rail and paratransit service daily to nearly 230,000 riders. His career spans more than 20 years. He also worked as executive director of the Capital District Transportation Authority in Albany, N.Y. Parker has served as VIA’s president/CEO since July 2009. He oversees the San Antonio region’s primary transit system, which provides bus, streetcar and paratransit service daily for nearly 150,000 riders. Parker previously served as CEO for the Charlotte Area Transit System, where he helped develop light-rail plans. The MARTA board will schedule a meeting to select the best qualified candidate with a 14-day public notice period.

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis reminds you of the Best Practices for Proper Disposal of

F.O.G.

(Fats, Oils, and Grease)

F.O.G. enters plumbing through garbage disposals, sinks and toilets. It coats the inside of plumbing pipes and also empties into DeKalb County’s sewer system. Here are three simple guidelines to help keep F.O.G. out of our pipes and sewers:

1. 3.

POUR

fats, oils or grease into a sealable container, allow it to cool and throw it in the trash. Do not pour down the drain or toilet.

SCRAPE plates and cookware before washing.

Do not throw scraps of any kind down the drain. Instead, place them in waste containers or garbage bags.

WIPE excess grease from all plates, pots, pans, utensils, and surfaces with a paper towel before washing. Throw the greasy paper towels away.

Plumbing and sanitary sewer systems are simply not designed to handle the F.O.G. that accumulates in pipes. When it gets into the pipes and hardens, blockages occur and cause sewage to backup and overflow out of manholes or into homes. This is expensive for you, and for the County. The damages caused by fats, oils and grease in the sewer system are costly to repair. Over time, they increase the costs of our water and sewer services.

F.O.G. directly impacts your wallet! DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management 1580 Roadhaven Drive * Stone Mountain, GA * (770) 270-6243 dekalbwatershed.com

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

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Carla Parker Jennifer Ffrench Parker Copy Editor Brenda Yarbrough Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner 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 CrossRoadsN ews 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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CrossRoadsNews

September 22, 2012

Local school systems have not proved to be deserving of exclusive control, free of state intervention when necessary.

Nov. 6 charter school referendum misguided By Dr. Eugene Walker

If the charter school referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot passes, it will have devastating effects on the DeKalb County School District and the children we are charged with educating. It would create a governing organization, called the Georgia Charter Commission. Although the words “Georgia Charter Commission” won’t appear anywhere on your ballot, this seemingly well-intended and well-worded question would put the state of Georgia in the local school business and created a new bureaucratic umbrella. Local residents would have no control over this new commission, yet the system would cause these same taxpayers to shoulder more of the tax burden for schools than they do now. To be clear, this has nothing to do with the whole charter school debate. DeKalb County has 13 charter schools, and the Board of Education believes in them and supports their work. This would be yet another new state entity which would suddenly erect and operate new charter

“The referendum is, in short, the beginning of the end of universal free public education, and the decline of the control of local residents to control their own school systems. It would be turning back the clock to pre-1954 segregation, and we must fight to keep this from happening.” – Dr. Eugene Walker

schools in areas that already have charter schools or public schools, or both. Funding for the students that end up at the new state schools would follow the students. It is estimated that this would amount to $430 million in state funding alone. Who would end up shouldering this $430 million tax shift into the duplicate school system? Local taxpayers, of course. It’s easy to point out the enormous and obvious cost of this new behemoth, but the sinister is always more subtle, and much more dangerous. Separate school systems used to be the norm in America. Prior to 1954, children who were white went to one school, and children who were black went to a “separate but equal” school. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Brown v. the

Board of Education that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” I could have told them that because I was in school then. You see, public schools are constitutionally mandated to educate all children. Charter schools can pick and choose. Since the measure of success of all schools is test scores, charter schools have their pick of the brightest students which often are from households of comfortable affluence. Now as long as all of the children remain under the control of a single, locally controlled school system, there is stability of the funding mechanism for all of the students regardless of their means. It goes without saying that in our current economy, local school systems cannot take a $430 million hit from the get-go, and be able to continue to provide a quality edu-

cation for all students. The children of the rich will always be able to afford to go to any lengths to attend the best schools. Children of lesser means will be trapped into the under-funded remains of a once-great school system. This referendum places us back on the path to separate and very unequal educational system. No, children won’t be divided on the pure basis of race, but on the basis of economic class. The referendum before voters is, in short, the beginning of the end of universal free public education, and the decline of the control of local residents to control their own school systems. It would be turning back the clock to pre-1954 segregation, and we must fight to keep this from happening. It is often said that “those who do not study history are bound to repeat it.” I find it ironic and heartbreaking that this phrase now applies to people who call themselves educators. Dr. Eugene Walker represents District 9 on the DeKalb School Board, where he serves as chairman. He is a former educator and state senator.

Shared responsibility needed for quality school options By Rep. Rahn Mayo

There is a common misconception that public charter schools can choose and accept only the students that they desire. The truth is that any parent who wishes to enroll their child in a charter school has that option, provided they live in the attendance zone or county in which the charter school is located. In many cases, charter schools, much like the most popular theme and magnet schools, have waiting lists due to high demand for their outstanding academic results. Many who oppose the charter amendment are not focused on what’s in the best interest of children, parents and taxpayers, but instead are motivated by protecting the power and exclusive control currently held by local school boards and systems. Considering a history of underperformance, fraud, waste and abuse of taxpayer resources, local school systems have not proved to be deserving of exclusive control, free of state intervention when necessary. In DeKalb County, a former superintendent and school system leadership are currently under indictment on charges of running a criminal enterprise. The DeKalb School Board is under review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Many who oppose the charter amendment are not focused on what’s in the best interest of children, parents and taxpayers, but instead are motivated by protecting the power and exclusive control currently held by local school boards and systems.” – Rep. Rahn Mayo

for mismanaging the district and budget. Elsewhere in Georgia, Clayton County lost its accreditation in 2008 over alleged corruption among board members and mismanagement of that system, which put the academic well-being of thousands of students at risk. SACS issued a scathing report in which it labeled the Clayton County School Board “dysfunctional” and “fatally flawed.” Prior to 2011, under the leadership of Dr. Beverly Hall, the Atlanta Public School System enjoyed tremendous support by status quo leaders and politicians who defended the success and great improvements made by that superintendent. It was later discovered that APS leadership attempted to cover up one of the biggest cheating scandals in United States history. The APS cheating scandal has been an embarrassment to the state and the consequences continue to hinder our progress in Georgia. In Dougherty County, criminal

charges were filed against a School Board member who was removed from the board by the governor. Furthermore, the Dougherty County School System is not eligible to receive at least $10 million in federal funds because of concerns that the district has inflated the number of students who qualify for federal meal assistance. These are a few of the reasons why I believe it is a misguided notion to suggest that local school systems always know and do what’s best for our children. With respect to the charter amendment, the belief that money to fund state-authorized charter schools will be taken from local school systems is false. These schools will be paid for with state taxpayer money. HB 797, which created the law outlining the details of funding for state charter schools, explicitly states that no deduction shall be made to any state funding which a local school system is authorized to receive as a result of a student in that district enrolling in a state

charter school. The Georgia Charter Commission appointees will be volunteers at no cost to taxpayers and accountable to the state School Board, which has the authority to deny charters schools recommended by the Charter Commission. While we debate the idea of whether or not the state should serve as a secondary authorizer of charter schools, it is my belief that most parents are more concerned with the quality, culture and academic performance of their child’s school, rather than which level of government creates the school. It is time for Georgia, which provides approximately 45 percent of funding for local public schools, to maintain a shared responsibility with local school systems in the creation of quality public school options. Georgia leaders can no longer afford to fiddle while Rome burns and we allow another generation of children to suffer and remain trapped in struggling schools. In an effort to provide more quality public school options for parents, I am urging you to vote yes on Nov. 6 to re-create the Georgia Charter Commission and give the state and local school systems the ability to authorize public charter schools. Rahn Mayo represents House District 91 in the Georgia Legislature. He lives in Decatur.

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CrossRoadsNews

September 22, 2012

Community

“It was the last public lynching and it’s time to close it out and move in on those suspects that are still living.”

SCLC marching to DC on 50th anniversary By Carla Parker

Adrian Spellen is accused of raping a 9-yearold girl who was a student at his studio.

Martial artist’s rape case to begin Oct. 16 Lithonia tae kwon do instructor Adrian Spellen is going to trial next month. Spellen’s trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 16. He is charged with raping a 9-year-old girl who was a student at his Powerkicks Martial Arts studio in 2011. He was in court Sept. 17 for a pretrial hearing with his fifth attorney, Stephen T. Maples. A DeKalb grand jury indicted Spellen on three counts of rape and aggravated child molestation on July 26, 2011. The indictment accuses him of having “carnal knowledge of ” the girl between May 23 and June 3. Spellen has denied the charges. He has been in jail since April 9. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger revoked his bond after the alleged victim’s uncle spotted Spellen at the studio where children were present. At the time, he was out of jail on a $100,000 bond and ordered not to have contact with children under the age of 16.

a group of armed men pulled two black couples out of a farmer’s car, tied them to trees, and shot them to death. State Rep. Tyrone Brooks will deliver a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder calling for the U.S. Department of Justice to close out the case. “It was the last public Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews lynching and it’s time to The SCLC plans a motorcade from Birmingham, Ala., to the nation’s close it out and move in capital for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. on those suspects that are would be talking about jobs as well as free- still living,” Brooks said. dom,” Vivian said. “We’re going to celebrate After the event, Brooks said they will not only the 50 years that we have gone come back in the community to do the work through, but the 100 of years that made of King. it possible for black America to produce a “Focus on poverty, homelessness and Martin King as well.” doing the golden empowerment work we do During the event, the group will call for every day,” he said. the closing of the 1946 Moore’s Ford Bridge For more information on the march and lynching case. On July 25, 1946, in Monroe, rally, call 404-254-8322.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference will “march” from Birmingham, Ala., to Washington, D.C., next summer to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. At a Sept. 12 news conference, leaders of the SCLC announced that representatives from the King Center and other civil rights groups will join them in a motorcade from Birmingham beginning on Aug. 22, 2013. Atlanta; Monroe, Ga.; and Virginia will be stops along the 742 miles to the nation’s capital where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his historic speech. On Aug. 24, 2013, the group will hold a rally and march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. SCLC President C.T. Vivian said the event will target jobs, freedom and poverty, which King focused on in his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. “It’s interesting that we can come back around that time when 50 years later we

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Ei g h te e n - ye a r- o l d Haenok Tesfaye of Lithonia was arrested in DeKalb County on Sept. 13 in the shooting death of another teenager. Te s f a y e i s b e i n g charged with killing Frederick English, 16. Haenok Tesfaye According to the warrant, English was shot in the face at 5922 Heritage Walk in Lithonia on Sept. 11 after an earlier confrontation with the suspect. Investigators said that English and two other teens were walking along Heritage Walk when a Frederick English black car approached, stopped near the trio, and an occupant in the car fired multiple shots. Only English was struck. Investigators from the DeKalb Sheriff ’s Office Fugitive Squad cornered and arrested the suspect about 10 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Memorial Drive and I-285. A separate warrant against Tesfaye accuses him of armed robbery on Sept. 4. Tesfaye is alleged to have pulled a handgun on Dwight Moore and to have taken an Apple iPod and $280. Tesfaye was arrested without incident and is being held in the DeKalb County Jail on a $5,000 bond. Jail records show that Tesfaye was arrested three times before this year on charges of burglary, disorderly conduct and failure to appear in court.

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CrossRoadsNews

Community

September 22, 2012

Under the new law, the Charter Schools Commission would be appointed by the state Board of Education just as before.

Hot topics: Wording on ballot, choice, funding, local control CHARTER,

from page

schools will have choices. Opponents say it will take away local control from voters and the school boards they elect and chip away at the funding that will be available for traditional public schools that educate the majority of students. State Rep. Rahn Mayo (District 91-Southwest DeKalb), who organized an Aug. 21 town hall meeting on the topic, supports the referendum. “I believe the [public education] system is broken,” he said. “It’s at a crisis level. We need to look at alternatives, and I believe we need to consider radical change to the way we deliver public education.” Speaking as a parent of school-age children, DeKalb County School Board member Donna Edler said she will vote no on the referendum. “I’m a proponent of choice but never, for a moment, would I ever take public school dollars for the benefit of my own family,” Edler said. “I’m voting no because I think it will be diverting viable tax dollars from the education of the larger population of students.” Debate is heating up over the controversial referendum, all the way down to the wording on the ballot. Voters will be asked the following question: “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?” Opponents have called the question everything from “unclear” to “intentionally misleading.” Here’s the bottom line: Local school systems already are the approval body for charter schools. So there’s nothing new there. What’s in question is whether the Georgia Charter Schools Commission should be revived as an “alternate authorizer” of charter schools and be allowed to override local school boards’ denials of charter school petitions with charters of its own. Opponents say the Charter Commission is unnecessary because the state already has an appeals process for charter school peti-

Marcia Coward, president of the DeKalb County Council of PTAs (from far left); Henry County School Board member Erik Clark; state Rep. Alisha Morgan; and Nina Gilbert of Ivy Preparatory Academy attend an Aug. 21 town hall meeting on the charter school referendum.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

“This movement should have little to do with money, and more to do with every child in the metro Atlanta area being given access to a high-quality public school that is going to prepare them for college.”

“I’m a proponent of choice but never would I ever take public school dollars for the benefit of my own family. I’m voting no because I think it will be diverting viable tax dollars from the education of the larger population of students.”

Nina Gilbert, Ivy Preparatory Academy

Donna Edler, DeKalb Board of Education

tioners, and that’s through the state Board of Education. The Supreme Court ruling that dismantled the Charter Commission invalidated the charters of 16 schools the commission approved, including charters in DeKalb County for Peachtree Hope Charter School and the Museum School of Avondale Estates. The Museum School now operates under a local charter and two new Ivy Prep schools were approved to replace Peachtree Hope after it closed in June 2011. Ivy Prep’s petitions to operate separate

schools for girls and boys in DeKalb were denied by the DeKalb School System, but the state Board of Education authorized the two single-gender academies, called Ivy Preparatory Academy at Kirkwood. The state-chartered special schools are located on Memorial Drive in Atlanta. Ivy Prep in Norcross is Georgia’s first girls-only charter school. It operated under a local charter in Gwinnett for one year but is now also a state-chartered special school. Nina Gilbert, founder and executive director of the Ivy Prep schools, said her

schools serve children who don’t have access to high-quality public school options. “This movement should have little to do with money,” Gilbert said, “and more to do with every child in the metro Atlanta area, regardless of ZIP code, being given access to a high-quality public school that is going to prepare them for college. This is less of a political issue and more of a human rights and social justice issue.” Some opponents say the Charter Schools Continued, Next Page

CrossRoadsNews

September 22, 2012

DeKalb NAACP, League of Women Voters say ‘no’ The DeKalb NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Georgia are opposed to the charter school referendum that will be on the Nov. 6 ballot. John Evans, the NAACP’s president, John Evans said the group’s Executive Committee voted Aug. 28 to oppose the referendum. “This is not about voting on charter schools, whether you like them or not,” Evans said. “This is about control, state or local. We want to keep local control.” Evans said voters will have more control at the local level. From Previous Page

Commission will create a dual state school system. Gilbert says that scenario is already in place. “People need to understand a dual system already exists,” Gilbert said. “There’s a system for students who have access to highperforming schools and a system for students who’ve been sentenced to low-performing schools.” Ivy Prep’s birth in DeKalb makes the school a poster child for referendum opponents and proponents alike. Supporters say the Charter Schools Commission is needed because local school boards have been hostile to charter applications. The Georgia Charter Schools Association, the membership organization for Georgia’s charter school operators and petitioners, says local school boards denied every charter petition in 2007. In 2008, 25 of 27 were denied, and since 2008 only four were approved. Matt Cardoza, spokesman for the Georgia Department of Education, said the state Board of Education can authorize charter schools, as was done in Ivy Prep’s case. “The state Board of Education already has the ability to approve charter schools that are denied at the local level and has shown in the past that they are eager to approve quality schools,” Cardoza said. Vote Smart Georgia, a statewide coalition of community, business and education leaders, is working against the referendum. The group says it would give unchecked power to a politically appointed state commission and allow the state to divert money from Georgia public schools to create a forprofit state charter system. Under the new law, the seven-member Charter Schools Commission would be appointed by the state Board of Education just as before. Three appointees would be recommended by the governor, two appointees would be recommended by the president of the Senate, and two appointees would be recommended by the speaker of the House of Representatives. The debate has divided top Republican leadership, with Gov. Nathan Deal supporting the referendum and State School Superintendent John D. Barge opposed. In an Aug. 14 statement, Barge said he fully supports continued creation of highquality charter schools but said he cannot support “the creation of a new and costly state bureaucracy that takes away local control of schools and unnecessarily duplicates the good work already being done by local districts.” Since 2003, at least $5 billion in state funding earned by the school districts has been withheld from Georgia’s students, according to a document Barge released with his statement. The result has been furloughs and layoffs for thousands of Georgia teachers and shortened school years – ranging from 144 to 179 days – for students in two-thirds of the state’s school districts, the document reads. “Until all of our public school students are in school for a full 180-day school year,

“Any mistakes we make, we can take care of it by voting out school board members,” he said. Evans said the NAACP will be working to defeat the referendum. Elizabeth Poythress, the League of Women E. Poythress Voters president, called the referendum “unwise and wasteful.” In a Sept. 17 statement, she said the state organization has voted to oppose the proposed constitutional amendment on charter schools and is urging all its members and citizens to vote no on the issue. “We believe this proposal is not in the best interest of the children of Georgia or the

taxpayers of Georgia,” Poythress said. “It is unwise, wasteful, and not in the best longterm interests of the state of Georgia.” Poythress said it is bad public policy to create a duplicate school system that will, in the words of the Georgia Supreme Court, “compete with locally controlled schools for the same pool of students educated with the same limited pool of tax funds.” She said the league is firmly committed to public education and equal access to quality education for all the children of Georgia. “We also believe that locally elected officials are best suited to decide matters of local policy that so directly affect their constituents and their communities,” Poythress said.

A charter school is a tuition-free public school that operates according to the terms of a charter, such as an operating contract, that has been approved by the local and state board of education. Charters receive public money but may waive some of the policies of public schools with state and local board approval. The City Schools of Decatur became one of the first charter school systems in the nation when the state Board of Education approved the system’s petition on June 12, 2008.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Third-grade teacher Kimberli Maxwell teaches a social studies lesson at Ivy Preparatory Academy.

n Oct. 9 – Last day to register to vote. n Oct. 15 – Advance voting begins. n Nov. 6 – Election Day.

until essential services like student transportation and student support can return to effective levels, and until teachers regain jobs with full pay for a full school year, we should not redirect one more dollar away from Georgia’s local school districts,” Barge said in the statement. Barge said the Charter Commission added an average seven new state charter schools per year. If the commission were revived and added schools at the same rate, funding them would require an additional $430 million in state funds over five years, Barge said. Five years is the length of the typical charter school contract, according to state school officials. Funding for state charter schools changes under the new law, which specifies that local funding may not be used. Opponents like the Vote Smart campaign say the wording on the ballot is misleading and that the question “confusingly restates the legally settled premise that local communities can approve charter schools and does not make clear that voters are really voting on whether the state can approve and divert funds to a dual state school system.” Legislation passed in 2012 says that state funds cannot be deducted from the school

Here are schools under DeKalb County charters:

Elementary

n Chesnut Elementary Charter School n DeKalb Preparatory Academy n Kingsley Elementary Charter School n Smoke Rise Elementary Charter School n Leadership Preparatory Academy n The Museum School of Avondale Estates n International Community School, Avondale and Stone Mountain campuses

Middle and high schools

n Peachtree Charter Middle School n Chamblee Charter High School n Destiny Achievers Academy of Excellence n Gateway to College Academy

K-12 grades

Tuition-free schools guided by charter

Election calendar

DeKalb charter schools

district if a student enrolls in a state charter school. The new funding formula lowers the amount of state funding for commission charter schools, according to Louis J. Erste, Charter Schools Division director of the state Department of Education. In the past, schools chartered by the state commission received basic state funding according to the same formula used to fund traditional schools plus extra state funding taken from the home school district, he said. This was to make up for the charter schools not receiving local tax dollars. Under the new law, state charter schools

n DeKalb Academy of Technology and the Environment n DeKalb Path Academy Source: DeKalb School System, www .dekalb.k12.ga.us/charter-schools

would receive the same basic state funding they have in the past. They also would receive a lowered amount of extra state funding that would be taken from the regular state budget and not from the home school district’s pot, Erste said. Under the new formula, state charter schools, on average, would receive 62 percent of the average per student expenditure in traditional schools, according to figures released by the governor’s office. With state and local money and other funding, traditional public schools receive, on average, a total of $8,993 per child. Students in state charter schools receive, on average, $5,546 per child, the figures show. About 75 people attended Mayo’s Aug. 21 town hall meeting on the referendum. Among those speaking in favor were Ivy Prep’s Gilbert and state Rep. Alisha Morgan (District 39-Cobb). Morgan is a co-sponsor of House Resolution 1162, which created the constitutional amendment and led to the proposed law in House Bill 797. Speaking against the amendment were Henry County School Board member Erik Clark and Marcia Coward, president of the DeKalb County Council of PTAs. Morgan said there should be a shared responsibility between the state and local school boards for the establishment of charter schools. “It’s not just about charter schools,” she said. “It’s about who should make all the decisions.” Coward, whose two children attended both private and public schools, said she has no issue with charter schools but does have a problem with more government. “The issue is that the state legislators are trying to find ways around our local officials,” she said. “If we as local constituents voted in a local school board, it is their responsibility to make decisions that are best for our school systems.” Carla Parker contributed to this report.

Youth

CrossRoadsNews

September 22, 2012

At the launch, Johnson said that improving the quality of life for people residing in urban areas is his life’s passion.

Online school for high school dropouts By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. High school dropouts or stuThe Atlanta center is the dents at risk of dropping out now first in Georgia. Other locahave a shot at earning a high school tions are planned for Augusta, diploma through the Magic JohnMacon and Savannah. son Bridgescape program. Monica Henson, Provost The program is being offered Academy’s executive direcby Provost Academy Georgia, the tor, said eight students have state’s only virtual charter high enrolled in the Georgia proschool, in partnership with Edisongram since it launched on Learning, an international educaSept. 17. tion provider. She said students are The Magic Johnson Bridgescape program, which is free to attend, Students ages 14 to 20 can offers interactive online and small group instruction to students ages enrolling daily, and they register year-round for four-hour 14 to 20. are equipped to handle 10 morning and afternoon sessions. students at a time until they The program, which is free to attend, offers interactive online and move to larger quarters in November in the same building. small group instruction. Students work at their own pace and can “We will be able to serve 50 students at a time for those who take classes at the center at 100 Edgewood Ave. in want to come to the center,” she said. Atlanta or online. The school is staffed with on-site education teams – teachEarvin “Magic” Johnson, the NBA star- ers, counselors and other professionals – to assist students in turned-businessman, said the goal is to ensure their daily studies. The staff offers academic support and postthat no student falls through the cracks. graduation assistance for students, including those with learning “All students should have the opportunity to disabilities. receive their high school diplomas and be fully Graduates earn full diplomas, not a GED. prepared for college or the workplace,” he said. Henson said Bridgescape centers will open in Savannah and Johnson formed a strategic alliance with Edi- Macon in November and in Augusta in January. Magic Johnson sonLearning in September 2011 to advance effecProvost Academy, which opened on July 1, is an indepentive and sustainable programs to educate America’s urban students dent statewide public charter high school funded by the state of and help turn around under-performing public schools. Georgia. At the launch, Johnson said that improving the quality of life for With eight new students who enrolled in Bridgescape this people residing in urban areas is his life’s passion. week, Henson said the school has 433 students enrolled in grades “When just over 40 percent of students in Los Angeles, Houston, 9 to 12 from all 159 counties statewide. and Baltimore are graduating from high school and less than 30 On Sept. 28, interested DeKalb and other students and their percent of black males in New York, Detroit and Miami – steps need families can find out more about the Magic Johnson Bridgescape to be taken to recapture these students into the education system to program at the Gallery at South DeKalb. Hot 107.9 radio personbetter their opportunities in life.” ality Emperor Searcy will host a live remote inside DTLR from 6 The Georgia Department of Education said that last year, 33,463, to 9 p.m. promoting the program. or 4.9 percent, of DeKalb students dropped out of school. Statewide, The Gallery of South DeKalb is at I-20 and Candler Road. 520,245, or 3.7 percent, of students dropped out. Students interested in attending the Magic Johnson Bridgescape The alliance, which operates as Magic Johnson-EdisonLearning center can enroll by visiting ga.provostacademy.com or by calling Assist, has Magic Johnson Bridgescape centers in Ohio, Missouri, 1-888-725-9501.

Students honored by School Board Three students from South DeKalb schools were among 40 DeKalb students honored on Sept. 10 by the School Board for earning top 10 finishes in national Career Technical and Agricultural Education events over the summer. Kameicia Norwood of Cedar Grove High earned gold in the Family Career and Community Leaders of America’s Entrepreneurship category at the FCCLA competition in Orlando, Fla., on July 8-13. Joshua Binyard and Randall Richmond of Columbia High earned gold in the Life Event Planning FCCLA Occupational category, while teammates Sedariest Hammond and Imani Stubbs won silver in the Promote and Publicize Occupational category. Redan High’s Mark Buford won silver in the Teach and Train category. Tucker Middle’s Le-Vy Quinn and Nardos Gelaye won silver in the Promote and Publicize junior category, and teammates Brandon Meadows and Autumn Butler won silver in the Charter Showcase Manual junior category. Zachary Howard of Lakeside High also earned gold in the FCCLA Occupational category, while classmates Tegan Harkins, Vivian McCanns, Eudiah Ochieng and Phillip Watkins won silver in FCCLA Occupational category. At the Technology Student Association in Nashville, Tenn., Arabia Mountain High students Justin Borsh, Kadarius Featherstone and Tyrus Wheeler were top 10 finishers in the National VEX Robotics category. The competition was held June 20-25. Students from DeKalb High School of Technology and Cross Keys High also earned top 10 finishes at the Skills USA in Kansas City, Mo., on June 20-27.

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CrossRoadsNews

September 22, 2012

Youth

“If it were not for my strength in him, I would not be here standing talking to you today with these medals around my neck.”

Big crowd turns out to applaud two DeKalb Olympians DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis pulled out all the stops on Sept. 20 to honor Olympic medalists Angelo Taylor and DeeDee Trotter. Together, the two Olympians won three medals – gold, silver and bronze – at the London Summer Olympics in August. The “Olympic Tribute and Celebration” on Thursday was first planned for the Maloof Auditorium, but to accommodate all the people who responded, it was relocated to the Square in downtown Decatur. Taylor, 33, a Southwest DeKalb High graduate and two-time gold medalist, won silver in the 4x400-meter relay in London. He won his gold medals in the 400 hurdles at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Taylor acknowledged the challenges he went through and thanked the crowd for their support. “I’ve had some ups and downs, but I

DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis (left) and School Board chairman Eugene Walker (right) joined family, friends and other well-wishers from Southwest DeKalb and Cedar Grove high schools to celebrate Olympians Angelo Taylor and DeeDee Trotter.

just really want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting me,” he said. “It’s been a long road and long career and I got all this hardware around my neck to show for it.” Trotter, 29, is a Cedar Grove High graduate. She won a gold medal in the 4x400-meter relay and a bronze medal, her first individual medal, in the 400-meters race in London. In the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, she captured gold as part of the U.S. 4x400-meters relay team. Trotter, who battled through a knee injury in 2008, said she would not be here if it wasn’t for her faith in God. “If it were not for my strength in him, I would not be here standing talking to you today with these medals around my neck,” she told the audience. “I’ve worked hard, and to have these medals around my neck means more than anything to share it with you guys today.” More than 200 people showed up for the celebration. Among them, alumni and current students of their high schools, family, friends and well-wishers.

Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Free school supplies

Two school calendars ready for perusal Parents, students and teachers can now view the two calendar options for the 2013-14 DeKalb County school year. The district’s calendar committee, which included teachers, principals and administrators, created the traditional and balanced calendar options with 180 school days for the students and an additional 10 days – nine work days and four two-hour conference nights – for teachers. In the traditional calendar, the school year takes place Aug. 12 to May 23. The school system has historically adopted the traditional calendar model.

In the balanced calendar, the school year runs from Aug. 5 to May 29 but has an additional week of vacation in each semester. Districts like Rockdale County Public Schools and the City Schools of Decatur are using balanced calendars. The district also is considering a weekly one-hour early release to allow for professional development for all teachers and administrators. The calendars are available for public comment through Sept. 26 at www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/calendar. Residents also can participate in a brief survey at www. surveymonkey.com/s/2013-2014schoolcalendarsurvey.

Students can get free book bags filled with school supplies at the fourth annual Community Impact Day at New Life Tabernacle Church of God in Christ on Sept. 29. The 1 p.m. event, which is free, will include live entertainment, free food, games, prizes, health screenings, vendors and seminars. Children must be present and accompanied by an adult in order to receive the school supplies. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Quantities are limited. The church is at 715 Cleveland Ave. S.E. in Atlanta. For more information or to become a sponsor or vendor, call Twana Rigsby at 404-819-0063.

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CrossRoadsNews

Finance

September 22, 2012

The free course offers small businesses energy-efficient tips and connects them to resources to go green. The controversial poster that evoked images of blackface among some had been removed from the display window at C&C Beauty and Beyond by early Wednesday morning.

Small business conference registering Early bird registration for DeKalb County’s 13th annual Small Business Development Conference is now under way. Small, minority and women business owners and prime contractors who register by Oct. 1 get their tickets for $50. On Oct. 2, the ticket price goes to $65. The Nov. 8 conference takes place at the Courtyard by Marriott in Decatur from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be more than a doz-

en workshops, breakfast, a keynote luncheon with consultant and author Phil Wilkins, and a reception with a live band. The conference is hosted by the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, Contract Compliance Division. Sponsorship, vendor booth and volunteer opportunities are available. Tickets are available at http://dekalbcounty2012sbdc.event brite.com or by calling 404-371-4795.

SBA course offers going green tips Small entrepreneurs interested in the growing green business market can get help from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Recovery to Retrofit online course. The free course offers small businesses energy-efficient tips and connects them to

resources to go green. It highlights green consumer and commercial opportunities and includes federal programs and certifications that can spur new energy options. For more information, visit http://go.usa .gov/rswB.

Mixer to benefit DeKalb nonprofit Business owners can network at an Oct. 3 mixer hosted by My Father’s Business Christian Networking Group for a good cause. The 6-to-8 p.m. event at the Westin Peachtree Plaza will benefit the DeKalbbased Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program, which advocates for domestic violence survivors, in honor of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Businesses will showcase their products and services, and there will be a business card raffle and a special presentation by author and evangelist Jerry “JD” Walker. Tickets are $10 to $20 and can be purchased at http://aboutmyfathersbusinessatl .eventbrite.com. The hotel is at 210 Peachtree St. in Atlanta. For more information, visit http://bcop.org or call 678-278-9675.

Offending poster removed from store DISPLAY,

from page

“The white lips look scary,” she said. Blackface, which was a form of theatrical makeup used in minstrel shows and later in vaudeville, created a stereotyped caricature of black people as the “happygo-lucky darky on the plantation” or the “dandified coon.” From the 1830s to early in the 20th century, blackface minstrel shows were the national art of the time. In later years, blacks also dressed in blackface for stage shows that demeaned their race. The era ended in the United States with

the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Chi said he didn’t believe that Sun Taiyang Co. Ltd./Outre Hair Co. intended to offend anyone when it sent the poster to the store for display. “I don’t think there was any harm in their minds,” he said. “They just didn’t know it.” Chi said that he would remove the poster. By Wednesday morning, it was gone. Representatives from Outre Hair Co., which distributed the poster, did not return a telephone call. A man who answered the telephone said the managers were away on a business trip.

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Numismatics is selling Silver and Gold American Eagle Coins at 1 percent over dealer cost. 1-877545-5402 Gold and Silver Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 877-714-3574 SHARI’S BERRIES - Order Mouthwatering Gifts for any occasion! 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed. Hand-dipped berries from $19.99 plus s/h. SAVE 20 percent on qualifying gifts over $29! Visit www.berries.com/extra or Call 1-888-851-3847 *REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/ mo. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1-800-699-7159

CrossRoadsNews

September 22, 2012

Marketplace

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

HELP WANTED

Time or Financial Freedom, which do you need? We can help. Free details visit http:// StartYourOwnEconomy.com

Help needed. Personal Care Home live-in caregiver. Interested compassionate persons call 678773-6210.

FOR RENT/LEASE

Miscellaneous

Clean unfurnished Rms in Stn Mtn/Lithonia Full Kitch, util, cable & Washing included. $135 wk. House for Rent $1500/Month. Call 404-433-8820 for more info

Get the Hopper Free from Dish America’s Top 200 $34.99 MultiSport Pack Free for 6 months HD Free for Life with cc auto pay Offer ends 9/30/12 Call 888-8275538 to order .

Conyers-3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living/dining combination,ww carpet,security system, $650.00 per month, $650.00 security deposit, $50.00 credit application fee Call Nathan 404-735-6176, 404-286-4802 LBJ Realty 5 Bedroom Brick Ranch, 3 Bath, Complete Basement, Fenced Yard, Near MARTA, Decatur Area. $800/month. Call 404-2882122. Two Hair Salons for Rent. $500 and $866/month. 678-755-5955. Space for Sunday Church Services. Seats 125. $50-75/hour. 678-755-5955.

SERVICES

Life Solutions for Health.com

Location Photography - Studio or Environmental portraits; Corporate or Non-Profit events. 404-322-7322; curtisparkerphoto@gmail.com; www.curtisparkerphoto.com.

• Certified Nursing Assistant • Patient Care Technician • Phlebotomy Technician • EKG Technician • CPR/ First Aid

Avoid Foreclosure Lawsuits Residential/Commercial Cash 4 Keys Programs www.eshortsellers.com 678.743.7748

WANTED

Commercial Kitchen. Use it when you need it. $60/hour. 678-7555955

Licensed Barbers Needed. 3,500 sq. ft. shop on Candler road with great walk-in traffic. 678-4995491. Come see.

ATTORNEYS

fitness / health

AFFORDABLE BURIAL PLANS 1-800-981-2709

Pruning • Bobcat • Backhoe Clean Up • Stackstone Concrete Driveways www.treeform.net

RIGHT ER IS RNER SUMMND THE CO AROU

SUMMER SPECIAL

AC/Heating Free Diagnoses

Call Today 678-985-5300

www.solutionheatingair.com

Nobody Wants To Think About It But Somebody Has To Pay For It Don’t Add To The Burden Call: 1-800-981-2709

FINANCIAL

What could you do with an extra $478 annually?*

home services

offers courses in:

4798 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, Georgia 30034 CALL TODAY 770-808-7788

TREE FORM LANDSCAPING Custom Built Outdoor Firepits Flagstone Patios and Sidewalks

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.

Watch your home or business over your smart phone and IPad. Call 404-590-3996 or www. smartshieldsecurity.com

Insurance

770-495-7816 770-307-8863

MARKETPLACE RATES

health/wellness

home services

That’s how much the average client saves on their auto and homeowner’s insurance through Primerica SecureTM | Call Primerica representative Darletta at 404-317-1447 to learn more today. *Savings not typical. The average client saves as much as $478 annually on their auto insurance. The average savings amount is based on a survey of insurance premium information provided by 567 purchasers of insurance from Answer Financial between January 1, 2009, and March 31, 2009.

FOR RENT / LEASE

entertainment

Furnished Office Suites For Rent from $350

Do It Now, Before The Holidays!

6440 Old Hillandale Drive, Lithonia ★ High visibility from I-20. Minutes from The Mall at Stonecrest. ★ Ideal Office location for Lawyers, Accounting Firms, Real Estate Companies, Insurance Agencies, Auto Brokers, Architects, Engineers, Business/Life Style Consultants and other Corporate (for profit and not for profit) Executive Office Use.

• Free Wi-Fi • Free Parking • On Site Property Manager

“Lose Weight Now - We Will Show You How” NATURAL • SAFE • EASY

For Information, contact James Burroughs jamesburroughs@burroughslaw.com • 770-484-4044 / 678-938-2281

Call Now (770) 882 - 4541

ATTORNEYS

• Monitored Entry From 9-5 • 24/7 Key Card Access

financial

BJH

OPPORTUNITIES

GET A FREE AD!

Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC “EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”

When You Buy One of Equal Value

Scan the Code to Get Your Free Ad! EXPIRES 9/28/2012

RETAIL

Soul Discount Fabrics & Upholstery

Bankruptcy • Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody Wills/Probate/Trusts • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law

4262 Clausell Court | Suite A | Decatur, GA 30035 P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

Business Slow? Advertise here & watch it

MEMORIAL DRIVE SE

CALL FOR APPT

(678) 518-8501 Evenings and weekends available

ALSTON DRIVE SE

JOHNNY HARRIS, CPA PC

OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE 5211 Covington Hwy • Decatur, Ga. 30035

Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 404-963-6485 404-966-8320

John Is Back!

✓ Dress Fabric ✓ Designer Fabric ✓ Upholstery Fabric ✓ Drapery Fabric

AD R RO

404-284-1888

• Tax Levy & Lien • File Back Taxes • Offer ’n’ Compromise • IRS Audits

DLE

Call Kathy today for information!

Settle Your IRS Debt

CAN

GR O

financial

GLENWOOD ROAD

279 Candler Road Atlanta, GA 30317 (near Memorial Drive)

Free Fabric with Upholstery SALE ENDS SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

CrossRoadsNews

DEKALB COUNTY’S

September 22, 2012

ONLY DEALER! FORD LINCOLN

THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME IS HERE

A Division of Malcolm Cunningham Ford

YOUR FIRST, LAST AND ONLY STOP! WE NOW RENT BUY WITH

DOWN!

Example: 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300, STK#A3008. Buy for 72 months at 3.75% APR with $0 down is $379 per month. Plus tax, tag and title with approved credit.

NEED CREDIT?

2004 FORD

30%

PRICES START

UNDER WE CAN $ HELP!!!

EXPLORER LIMITED

On EVERY New Ford F-Series, Super Duty, and Crossover!!!

678.502.2005

Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3015

7995

5000

Example: 2004 Cadillac DTS, STK#A3010A. Sale Price $3995.

2005 MERCEDES-BENZ

C230 KOMPRESSOR

STK#A3066A

10,995

2009 NISSAN

2007 FORD

EDGE

SENTRA

OFF MSRP

FORD F-150 NEW 2012

Super Gas Saver, Stylish, STK#A3070

10,995

REG CAB

STK#A3034

12,995

2011 TOYOTA

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ

Super Gas Saver, Nice & Clean, STK#A3004

V12, Navigation, Rear Camera & More, STK#A3032A

COROLLA

S63 AMG

STK#128299 • MSRP $27,184

Malcolm Cunningham Discount: $4689 Factory Rebate $3500 You Pay $18,995

13,995

2005 TOYOTA SEQUOIA Leather, Sunroof, 4X4 STK#A3041 ............................. $9995 2009 NISSAN SENTRA Auto, P/W, P/L, CD, STK#A3070 .................................... $9998 2009 HONDA CIVIC COUPE Sporty and a Great Gas Saver, STK#A2041....... $13,995

THAT’S OVER 30% OFF MSRP!

2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI Leather, Sunroof, Alloy Wheels, STK#A3078 $13,995 2006 INFINITI G35 Leather, Sunroof, Alloy Wheels, STK#A2084A ................. $13,995

2009 TOYOTA CAMRY LE Loads of Family Fun!! STK#A2031 ........................ $14,555

HURRY! THIS DEAL WON’T LAST LONG! 2012 FORD

MPG FIESTA SE 38 HW Y*

MSRP $19,404 - $4516 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $1000 Factory Rebate=

ALL NEW

FOCUS SE

13,888 STK#124021

ALL NEW

FUSION SE

ALL NEW

2013 FORD

2012 FORD MSRP $24,764 - $4376 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $3500 Factory Rebate = Sale Price

16,888 $ 7800

That’s Over

ALL NEW

2013 FORD

STK#121142

2009 NISSAN MAXIMA Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3062................................. $20,995

Off MSRP!

EXPLORER

22,888

MSRP $31,529 - $4641 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $1000 Factory Rebate =

25,888

STK#137030

STK#133015

ALL NEW

FLEX

26,888 $ 8800

2008 LEXUS RX 350 Great Luxury SUV, STK#A2092 .................................... $22,995 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK350 Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3046 ................. $22,995 2009 LEXUS ES 350 Leather, Sunroof, P/W, P/L and More, STK#A2072........ $23,595

2009 BMW 328i Sport Pkg, Leather, Sunroof, Luxury & Performance, STK#A3020 $23,995 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300 Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3084 ..................... $23,995

2009 TOYOTA VENZA Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3076 .................................... $24,995 2007 AUDI Q7 Red, Navigation, Leather, Backup Camera, STK#A3083........... $26,995 2012 CADILLAC CTS Leather, P/W, P/L, STK#C6506 ..................................... $29,995 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 Leather, Panoramic Roof, Navigation, Entertainment System, STK#CA478 $35,995

Prices plus tax, tag, and title. All offers with approved credit. Offers expire 9/23/2012.

STK#126716

2009 LINCOLN MKS THX Pkg, NAV, Backup Camera, Sunroof, Leather, STK#A3050 $21,995

2009 MERCEDES-BENZ E350W Leather, Sunroof, Navigation, AMG Wheel Package, STK#A3077 $28,995

2012 FORD MSRP $35,769 - $4381 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $4500 Factory Rebate = Sale Price

That’s Over

2008 LEXUS ES 350 STK#A3026 .................................................................. $21,995

2007 MERCEDES-BENZ R500 Leather, Sunroof, 3rd Row Seating, STK#A3082 $22,995

MSRP $29,284 - $5396 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $1000 Factory Rebate = Off MSRP!

2007 BMW 530i Leather, Sunroof, Sporty, STK#A2093 ................................ $20,995

2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C300W Leather, Sunroof, STK#A3081................... $21,995

MUSTANG

2010 DODGE CHARGER All Power, Upgraded Wheels, STK#A3072 ................. $17,995

2007 INFINITI M35 Leather, Navigation, Sunroof, STK#A3061 ...................... $18,995

15,888 $ 6,200 STK#124761

2008 HONDA ACCORD EX-L Leather, Sunroof and More!! STK#A2066 ......... $16,495

2008 VOLVO S80 Leather, Sunroof, Alloy Wheels, STK#A3063 ..................... $18,995

That’s Over

2011 NISSAN ALTIMA STK#A3058 ................................................................ $15,995

2008 CADILLAC CTS A Must See Clean, Luxury at its Best! STK#A2080 ....... $18,995

2012 FORD MSRP $22,174 - $4286 Malcolm Cunningham Discount - $2000 Factory Rebate = Sale Price

2009 HONDA ACCORD EX-L Loaded, Sunroof, Leather, Like New, STK#A2026 $15,995

Off MSRP!

Plus tax, tag, and title with approved credit. Includes all factory rebates. *Based on 2012 EPA Estimates. See dealer for complete details. Expires 9/23/2012.

5675 Peachtree Industrial Blvd

770.621.0200 www.MalcolmCunninghamFord.com

A Division of Malcolm Cunningham Ford

(7 70) 987-9000 I-20, Exit Wesley Chapel To Snapfinger Woods Drive

Sales Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-8pm • Closed Sunday

www. MalcolmCunninghamAutoGallery .com

4C (10.5”) × 16” 35163-MCAQ (9-22) Crossroads FC (gc)

PLUS TAX, TAG, AND TITLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. INCLUDES ALL FACTORY REBATES. SEE DEALER FOR COMPLETE DETAILS. EXPIRES MONTH END. EXCLUDES HARLEY DAVIDSON, RAPTOR AND SVT MODELS.

ALL NEW

49,995