OCG News Feb.8, 2019

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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‘MORE EYES IN THE PARKS’ DeKalb increases park safety with new rangers

By Valerie J. Morgan Four rangers are patrolling DeKalb County’s parks seven days a week since the bodies of two women were discovered in unrelated incidents.

This month, police arrested the suspect believed to have shot and killed Maya Mitchell, 24. A jogger discovered Mitchell’s body in Glen Emerald Park on New Year’s Eve. At press time, no one had been arrested in the death of Shantrelle Monroe, 24, whose body was discovered behind a recreation area near the 900 block of Lake Drive Court near Stone Mountain. Police said they believe Monroe was lured to a trail. Authorities said they do not believe the murders are related.

“The rangers are working shifts from dawn to dusk,” said Andrew Cauthen, county spokesman. Now, we have more eyes in the parks.”

County officials say as rangers focus on safety, they are already making an impact as they patrol DeKalb’s 112 parks, which cover 6,591 acres of greenspace.

“We’ve seen a noticeable difference in the reduction of dumping, which has been a problem in some of the parks,” Cauthen said.

Residents have complained about a growing problem of illegal dumping in county parks, prompting cleanups including more than 20,000 tires dumped at Fork Creek Mountain Park.

Cauthen said the rangers have a

checklist of things they are looking for as they patrol on bikes, ATVs, county vehicles and by foot.

We’re getting reports from the rangers about vandalism, graffiti, broken lights, litter and other facility issues,” Cauthen said.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and CEO Michael Thurmond endorsed the park ranger initiative in 2018. Cauthen said the rangers came aboard in December as a result of new positions included in the county’s general operating budget.

Last February, Thurmond hired Chuck Ellis as director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs. Ellis, a native of Lexington, Kentucky who has spent 35 years in government, formerly served as director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts in Hollywood, Florida, as well as acting assistant city manager.

In his new role, Ellis oversees 200 full- and part-time employees and a budget of $12.8 million.

Cauthen said the new rangers— one woman and three men—were selected for the jobs because of their love for outdoors.

“The county was particularly searching for people who loved outdoors,” said Cauthen.

The rangers also will be involved in community outreach and public awareness. They are under the supervision of DeKalb Park Police Coordinator, Officer Jean-Jacques Lambotte.

CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICANS ON STAMPS

Visitors of the Lou Walker Senior Center in the city of Stonecrest had a chance to meet stamp collector Robert Gilmore at the center’s Feb. 4 Business + Community Expo. As the Expo’s special guest, the Birmingham Alabama native showcased his stamp collection of AfricanAmerican history makers in the U.S. Inside this edition, On Common Ground News spotlights Gilmore along with other features and events in its Black History Month pullout section.

Pictured left to right: Rangers Carlos McNair, Kenyetta Broughton, Officer Jean-Jacques Lambotte, and Rangers Curtis Carter and Rashad Bridges. Photo provided by DeKalb County.

DeKalb CEO proposes $9 million employee pension plan boost

D

eKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has proposed committing $9 million in addi-tional contributions to strengthen the county’s employee pension fund.

The contributions will be made annually over the next five years to help reduce the county’s unfunded pen-sion liability.

“DeKalb County’s goal is to get the employee pension fund on firm financial footing’’ said Thurmond. “The proposal is a long-term strategy to strengthen and stabilize the em-ployee pension CEO Michael Thurmond fund and ensure financial integrity in the fund going forward.”

The proposal includes paying down existing debts and increasing the recommended contribution to 20.91 percent or $61,080,344 for Fiscal Year 2019. The county may also consider a one-time additional contribution at the end of the year if county reserves are available.

The county's retirement pension plan is valued at $1.2 billion and is approximately 52 percent funded. The administration’s recommendation aims to fully fund the employee pen-sion plan by 2043.

More than 11,000 active employees, retired workers, and their beneficiaries are current-ly enrolled in the plan and the proposal does not increase employee contributions to address the funding gap.

Thurmond has prioritized establishing fiscal integrity to DeKalb County’s government by eliminating a structural deficit of $24.7 million, establishing a projected $103 million rainy day fund and protecting the county’s future investments.

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will vote on Thurmond’s pension and Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal by Feb. 28.

PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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Gunman convicted in deadly DeKalb burglary case

Jeffries Scott Anderson, 38, was sentenced to life in prison after jurors found him guilty of shooting and killing a man whose home he was burglarizing during the man’s lunch break.

After deliberating for less than an hour, jurors returned guilty verdicts on Feb. 5 against Anderson in the shooting death of Jonathan Alexander Newton, 30. Anderson was convicted on charges of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, burglary in the first degree, possession of a firearm by a convicted Jeffries Scott Anderson felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The incident happened on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2016 inside of the victim’s apartment, located in the 1200 block of Metropolitan Avenue in the DeKalb County jurisdiction of Atlanta. Newton and a co-worker, who lived in the same complex, had just returned home for a brief lunch break when Newton noticed his apartment door had been kicked in. He rushed inside and encountered Anderson burglarizing his home. Newton tried to subdue Anderson, who in turn, reached for his weapon, according to a news release from DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston’s office. Newton told his co-worker who was standing at the doorway, to run. As the co-worker ran, multiple gunshots were fired. One of the bullets pierced the victim’s heart, fatally wounding him. Anderson fled the scene.

Surveillance video captured a man fitting Anderson’s description wearing a black knit cap casing the apartment complex prior to the crime and later leaving the scene without the cap. When questioned by detectives, Anderson claimed he was out of town at the time of the shooting and could not have committed the murder.

Crime scene technicians recovered a black knit cap at the scene of the crime next to the victim’s body. It tested positive for Anderson’s DNA. Following his conviction, Anderson was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, plus 30 years in prison by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Shannon Hodder, assigned to the Major Felony Unit, with assistance from ADA Tauri Thomas and DA Investigator C.D. Smith. Detective Kyle Kleinhenz of the Atlanta Police Department led the initial investigation.

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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

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On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com

FEBRUARY 8, 2019 • PAGE 3

DeKalb NAACP: School tutors urgently needed 13 low-performing schools remain on Governor’s list

The NAACP DeKalb County Branch is issuing an urgent plea for volunteers to come forward and assist the 13 DeKalb schools on the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s Turnaround List.

The civil rights organization said in a news release that principals of Stoneview, Peachcrest, Stone Mountain, Panola Way, Flat Rock, Farrington, and McNair elementary schools have sent out a “Save Our Schools (S.O.S.)” request for tutors to help them prepare for the upcoming standardized testing in the spring. Volunteer tutors are needed in the subjects of math, social studies, reading and language arts.

“All of the DeKalb schools on this list, except one, are located south of Memorial Drive,” said Lance Hammonds, community advocate and NAACP DeKalb County Branch 1st vice president. “There are many factors that come into play when distinguishing the disparity in

school performance between the schools north of Memorial Drive and those south of Memorial Drive, but one of the key influential factors is parental and community involvement.”

“It is a proven fact that schools with higher levels of parental and community involvement has higher levels of academic achievement,” Hammonds said.

The process to become a volunteer requires an orientation and a $41 background check. The NAACP DeKalb County Branch will reimburse the $41 to the first 30 tutors who volunteer a minimum of 8 hours at the target schools. Those interested in serving as tutors may sign up at: https:// communityschoolsvolunteers.eventbrite. com.

For more information, contact the NAACP DeKalb County Branch at 404241-8006 or email naacpdek@comcast.net.

Lance Hammonds, NAACP DeKalb County Branch 1st vice president

Rockdale Sheriff’s Office issues telephone scam alert

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is alerting citizens to beware of a telephone scam after receiving calls from the public who were contacted by a fake “deputy.”

According to incident reports, several county residents have received telephone calls from someone stating he is a deputy with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. The caller mentions an outstanding warrant

for an unpaid debt, missed jury duty or some minor infraction causing a fine. The caller then attempts to force the person to wire money for the infraction through Western Union MoneyGram or by getting a prepaid credit card to pay off the alleged debts and fines. The Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT call people about warrants or accept payments by phone.

The Sheriff’s Office is urging the

public not to fall for the scam. The Sheriff’s Office does not make calls to collect money for unpaid debts.

Try to get as much information about the caller as possible and refuse to discuss any financial transaction over the phone. Never give out any of your personal information. You should then hang up and call the

DeKalb passes tougher regulations to reduce sewer spills near multi-family housing DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently passed new regulations that will reduce Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)-related sewer spills near multifamily dwellings.

Under the ordinance, multifamily dwellings with 75 or more units will be required to follow new regulations after an event such as a blockage or sanitary sewer overflow in their private sewer line.

These regulations include: • Enrolling in the FOG Control Program • Registering for a discharge permit

• Installing a grease trap, interceptor or other screening device • Properly cleaning private sewer lines, removing debris and grease solids • Inspecting pipes for FOG The ordinance was written after DeKalb Watershed Management identified multifamily housing as an unregulated source of FOG impacting public sewers, pump stations and treatment plants.

Approximately 40 percent of sanitary sewer overflows in DeKalb County are caused by fats, oils and grease, much of which enters the system after being poured down

Rockdale sets community housing forum series Rockdale County is kicking off its Community Housing Forum series on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. County leaders and other officials plan to host four meetings that will explore several topics concerning affordable housing and funding for sources available for homebuyers.

The quarterly meetings will be held at the J.P. Carr Community Room at 6 p.m. Dates and topics for 2019 follow: • Feb. 27 – Census 2020 #LetsMakeRockdaleCount • June 26 – Housing Alternatives and Funding • Sept. 25 – First Time Home Buyers and Workforce Housing • Nov. 20 – Home Purchase Opportunities For more information, contact Alice Cintron at 770-278-7551 or alice. cintron@rockdalecountyga.gov.

sink drains. FOG coats the inside of pipes and eventually forms a blockage leading to a spill.

The county launched the “No FOG, No Clog” education program to educate residential customers and students on the importance of keeping FOG out of the sewer system. The campaign partnered with Georgia Piedmont Technical College and developed FOG disposal education materials for its English as a Second Language (ESL) students. The county also partnered with the DeKalb County School District to educate more

than 102,000 elementary, middle and high school students about the hazards of grease clogs.

In August 2018, the Board of Commissioners approved DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond’s request for $105.2 million for sewer repairs and maintenance in 20192020. These major projects will focus on reducing repeat sanitary sewer overflows and infrastructure improvements.

To view the ordinance or for more information about FOG, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ watershed-management/fog.

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Stonecrest Citizens Coalition to host DeKalb’s Super District 7 Commissioner Newly-elected DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who represents DeKalb’s Super District 7, will be the guest speaker at the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The meeting will be held 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest.

Cochran-Johnson will share her plans and vision for DeKalb County.

The public is invited.

Lorraine Cochrain-Johnson

Rockdale HOST funds proposed to purchase new radios for Sheriff’s Office The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will decide on Feb. 12 if the county should spend funds from the Homestead Option Sales Tax(HOST) to purchase new radios for the Rockdale Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office has asked the board to spend $1.3 million to for 107 new dash mount radios and 231 portable radios.

The funding was generated from the one-cent Oz Nesbitt, BOC Chair HOST approved by voters in 2002. The HOST provides a combination of property tax relief for homeowners (using at least 80 percent of receipts) and funding for capital projects (up to 20 percent).

“This investment of the HOST funding will aid in enhancing Rockdale’s public safety throughout the county by providing our deputies with the tools they need to safely and efficiently perform their jobs,” said Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. “With a unanimous approval of the board at our upcoming voting session, our Sheriff’s office will have more than 300 radios in action to address any call.”

Sankofa Community Food Pantry to open Feb. 16 Need food assistance? Sankofa Community Food Pantry will be open on Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., 1240 Sigman Road N.W., Suite 106 (next to Voices of Faith Ministries), Conyers.

Food is available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must show identification and proof of income. The pantry is available on the third Saturday of each month.

Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett to host listening session Rockdale Sheriff Eric J. Levett and staff members will host a listening session with the community on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6 to 8 p.m., at Panera Bread, 1655 Highway 138, Conyers.

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary motivates Lithonia High students “Whatever you do, do something and do it to the best of your ability,” Mayor Jason Lary told students attending Lithonia High School’s Signing Day. The students, mostly athletes, were joined by their parents to hear the mayor’s motivational speech before participating in their National Signing Day in which four 12th grade football players officially announced the schools they will be attending next year.

Ja’Courtney Snipes, Kaveh Brantley, Gerald Sanders, and Zaryon Stubbs collectively earned football scholarships totaling more than a quarter of a million dollars. They will be attending Charleston Southern University, Independence Community College, Hutchinson Community College, and Rinehardt University respectively on two and four-year scholarships.

“We are seeing a greater interest in football,” said Lithonia Head Football Coach David Edwards. “When I first started working here, students were looking at me like I was crazy when I asked them about playing sports. Now, because these young men’s leadership and the positive role models, more young students want to follow in their footsteps.”.

The high school students invited Lithonia Middle School’s football team to attend the event. Retired NFL cornerback Tyrone Poole was also a guest speaker who encouraged the students and presented copies of his book, “Ultimate Success in the Game of Life.”

Celebrating

BLACK

HISTORY MONTH

Trailblazers of Our Past and Presents

PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 8, 2019

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL SECTION

2019 BLACK HISTORY

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Month Theme: Black Migrations

he Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has announced that the Black History Month theme for 2019 is “Black Migrations.”

ASALH selected the theme to educate the public about the movement of people of African descent to new destinations as it recognizes the 400th Commemoration of Africans who arrived in the first permanent English Colony in North America in August 1619.

Beginning in the early decades of the twentieth century, African

American migration patterns included relocation from the South to the Northeast, Midwest, and West.

The migrations gave rise to social changes including the emergence of both black industrial workers and black entrepreneurs; a variety of urban churches; new music forms such ragtime, blues, and jazz; and the birth of visual and literary arts in New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Paris in the 1910s and 1920s. The theme Black Migrations also explores the century’s later decades including civil rights and protest activism; electoral politics; and mass incarceration.

Black Migrations: New Destinations + New Lives

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he community is invited to attend a Black History discussion entitled “Black Migrations: New Destinations and New Lives” featuring a historian from Clark Atlanta University on Saturday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. at

Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road.

The lecture will chronicle African Americans’ migration footprint during the early 20th century, tracing their steps from the South to the Midwest.

Attendees will have a chance to win a bundle

Debra DeBerry

"Leadership can come from anywhere. You don't have to be a certain type of person or have a certain type of education…

You just have to be willing to throw yourself into the fight."

- Julian Bond 1940 – 2015

dksuperiorclerk.com

Clerk of Superior Court DeKalb County

of books from the library bookstore. The event is sponsored bythe Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Funding provided by the DeKalb Library Foundation.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL SECTION

FEBRUARY 8, 2019 • PAGE 3

‘FROM STRUGGLE TO TRANSFORMATION’ DeKalb History Center honors DeKalb African Americans in politics The public is invited to attend DeKalb History Center’s 11th Annual Black History Month Celebration honoring DeKalb’s vibrant and powerful African American political heritage.

The event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m., at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, Second Floor, 101 E Court Square, Decatur.

A host of dynamic presenters, elected politicians, and community leaders will talk about the early days of voter intimidation and how the African American citizenry of DeKalb mobilized to register to vote, protest, and destroy Jim Crow laws, despite being fired from jobs, shamed, and even violently attacked.

Program highlights include the WWI soldier and the concept of the New Negro, the Primus King

Caption: DeKalb County Courthouse, circa 1935. Image from the DeKalb History Center Archives.

case, the elimination of the all-white Democratic primary, voter intimidation, the Obama legacy, and how to prepare for future political issues in diverse

communities, followed by an original film and soulstirring music.

Deborah Strahorn will serve as program moderator and will be accompanied by

Mary Etta Thomas, who will serve as panel moderator.

State Rep. Billy Mitchell, District 88, will be the event’s opening speaker and will be followed by the

following presenters and panelists:

PRESENTERS: Robert Holmes - Former Georgia State Rep. for the 53rd District Peter Scott - Former civil rights journalist for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution

PANEL SPEAKERS: State Rep. Vernon Jones - Georgia House District 91 Jamar Boyd II - Minister and President of Georgia NAACP Youth & College Division Smah Abdelhamid - Community Organizer in DeKalb County Ms. Janelle Jones - Regional Field Director, Republican Party of Georgia DeKalb School of the Performing Arts Chorus – Musical Talent

Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. • Registration includes a catered buffet lunch.

PAGE 4 • FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Nicole Hendrickson

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL SECTION

Marlene Fosque

Althea Lawton-Thompson

Santiago Marquez

Kirkland Carden

Everton Blair Jr.

9th ANNUAL MLK UNITY BREAKAST RKL Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha to honor community leaders

Dr. Kevin B. Lee

The RKL Education Foundation, Inc., in conjunction with the -Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is inviting residents, businesses and community leaders to the 9th Annual Gwinnett County MLK Unity Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m., 550 Trackside, 550 N. Clayton Street, Lawrenceville.

The breakfast serves as a celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s service, as well as other black pioneers.

Dr. Kevin B. Lee, senior pastor of Berean Christian Church in Gwinnett County, will be the keynote speaker and one of several honorees who have made a lasting impression in the Gwinnett County community.

Other award recipients include:

• Marlene Fosque, Gwinnett County Commissioner District 4 • Santiago Marquez, CEO Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce • Everton Blair Jr., Board Member, Gwinnett County Board of Education • Nicole Hendrickson, Community Engagement Strategist Gwinnett County • Althea Lawton-Thompson, Author • Kirkland Carden, Duluth City Councilman Tickets for the MLK Unity Breakfast can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/2t6E6jL.

Gwinnett County Government + United Ebony Society to host Black History Month Celebration

Join Gwinnett County Government and the United Ebony Society for a Black History Month

celebration on Thursday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center atrium, 75

Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

The reception will feature performances, speakers, and special

presentations. Refreshments will be served.

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019 • PAGE 5

CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICANS ON STAMPS Iconic Black history figures gain stamp of approval

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

A

fter serving as a reading volunteer in the Birmingham City, Alabama Schools, Robert Gilmore noticed that the students knew little about the history of Blacks in the United States. In an effort to raise cultural awareness in the classroom, Gilmore decided to improve his own knowledge and took up the hobby of stamp collecting. Stamps, he said, are a gateway to our past that can also serve as a bridge to inspire present and future generations to continue making strides in Black history.

“Sometimes, students have a poor image of themselves because they lack exposure to images of successful Black people,” said Gilmore.

Though he was fortunate to have teachers who encouraged and expected excellence throughout his childhood, some students are not so lucky, he said.

“Growing up, I had teachers who would always preach to us that we were just as good as anybody else.

When kids see successful people with whom they can identify, it instills self-pride. Stamps allow kids to see themselves in the accomplishments of others who look like them,” said Gilmore.

Recently, Gilmore got a chance to share his impressive stamp collection with an older audience – seniors at the Lou Walker Senior Center in the City of Stonecrest.

Gilmore said his Gregory Hines stamp, which was released by the U.S. Postal Service on Jan. 28, was a hit at the senior center. Hines, a legendary tap dancer, makes the 42nd stamp in the Black Heritage series.

Gilmore said the R&B singer Marvin Gaye is expected to be released in June and he is very excited about it.

The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee suggests stamp subjects that celebrate the American experience.

Gilmore, who has amassed over 3,000 stamps, is one of just 300 members of a small cloister of black stamp collectors or, philatelics, belonging to the Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections (ESPER) group. The Black stamp collectors group promotes the collection of stamps and philatelic material depicting people and events related to the African diaspora to encourage the interest and participation of Black people in all aspects of philately.

Some of Gilmore’s prized items in his rare collection include the likes of Wilma Rudolph, Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman,

Bettye Austin Davis, director of the Lou Walker Senior Center is pictured with Robert Gilmore, stamp collector. Photo via Facebook.

Sojourner Truth, a 10 cent Booker T. Washington stamp, and an original 1936 Jesse Owens Olympics postcard.

Outside of African American stamps, Gilmore said some of his favorites include a stamp honoring Vietnam veterans and Dr. Seuss.

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Top, left to right: Aracely Ventura and Sara Soucy, managers at Las Flores Olde Town Mex, and bottom, left to right: Renee Marrett, Keish Momin, Brandon Mitchell and Daniel Digby

National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta Thanks to a special grant from Coca-Cola, you can visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for free during the month of February.

The cultural attraction, established in 2007, is located in downtown Atlanta adjacent to the World of CocaCola and the Georgia Aquarium on land donated by the Coca-Cola Company.

IF YOU GO: Civil rights legends Evelyn Lowery Address: and former United Nations Ambassador 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.

Andrew Young helped launch the center, Atlanta, Georgia which has become one of the few places in Hours: 10-5 Mon.- Sat.; the world connecting the American Civil Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.

Rights Movement with the contemporary struggle for Human Rights around the Telephone: 678-999-8990 world.

The 42,000-quare-foot facility offers visitors a look at America’s political transformations and historic moments in time through original works of art, music, videos, artifacts, pictures and dynamic interactive experiences.

The center also provides visitors with an understanding of what human rights are and why they need protection.

“Our purpose is to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings so that they leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities,” the center’s web site states.

Black History film series at Stonecrest Library Join the Friends of Stonecrest Library for the Black History film series each Monday during the month of February, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest.

Enjoy a film with surround sound theater style. The film starts at 6 p.m. The series is funded by the Friends of Stonecrest Library.

Feb. 11 -- Tell Them We are Rising: The Story of HBCUs Feb. 18 -- Artists of the Harlem Renaissance Feb. 25 -- Zora’s Roots: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston

Black History from A-Z Museum and Artifacts Brush up on your knowledge of black history at the Black History A to Z Museum on Saturday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur.

Enjoy black history trivia and storytelling, artifacts and memorabilia highlighting accomplishments of Black persons from around the world curated by Dr. Joyya Smith and Sandra Smith. Light refreshments will be served.

Former NBA player Mike Glenn highlights African Americans in Athletics The public is invited to an exhibition entitled “The Integration of Sports History: African Americans in Athletics” on Friday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center atrium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

CBS commentator and former NBA player Mike Glenn will provide a guided tour of an exhibit of rare newspapers, artwork, and other documents that chronicle the journey of black athletes into professional sports. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free of charge and co-sponsored by the Gwinnett County Office of Community Outreach.

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019 • PAGE 7

AKA presents over $1.6 million to HBCU presidents

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residents from 32 of the participating HBCUs will receive the first installment of the endowment gift in the amount of $50,000 on Feb. 28 during a Black History Month program at the AKA International Headquarters in Chicago. The program will include a tour of the recently renovated Ivy Center International Headquarters in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood.

“As an HBCU graduate and someone who has dedicated my life’s work to the HBCU community, I personally know that the financial challenges of many institutions have an impact on student enrollment, retention and graduation rates,” said Dr. Glenda Glover, president of AKA International, Inc. “Implementing an endowment fund is a critical need and has been a priority for my administration since I took office last year. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 111-year history is deeply interwoven into the history of HBCUs and therefore it is imperative that we continue to invest in these treasured institutions.”

The endowment fund is one of many components of AKA’s international platform under Dr. Glover’s leadership whose

Dr. Glenda Glover

focus is Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service. The fund falls under the organization’s target HBCU for Life: A Call to Action, which aims to promote HBCUs by encouraging students to attend and matriculate through these institutions as a sustainability measure.

AKA Sorority, Inc. and the Educational Advancement Foundation invite education advocates globally to support the advancement of America’s HBCUs, which have served as a cornerstone in the Black community since 1837.

For more information about the endowment or to contribute to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation, visit www.AKAEAF.org.

Historic St. Philip A.M.E to present

“The Art of the Negro Spiritual” concert

T

he Rev. William D. Watley, senior pastor, and the Music and Worship Arts Department at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church will present a Black History Month concert entitled “Let My People Go” on Sunday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m., 240 Candler Road SE, Atlanta.

The free concert will feature Negro spirituals led by the Saint Philip Choir along with the following invited guest choirs: Inspirational Voices at Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church; Conyers Seventh Day Adventist Church Choir; Celestial Choir at Greenforest Community Baptist Church; Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy Concert Choir; North Decatur Presbyterian Church Choir; Voices of Hope of Ray of Hope Christian Church; and the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Bell Choir. As a finale, all choirs will combine voices under the direction of guest director Dr. Tony McNeill.

DEKALB COUNTY SOLICITOR-GENERAL DONNA COLEMAN-STRIBLING

CELEBRATING AND CONTINUING THE LEGACY

BLACK

HISTORY MONTH

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019 • PAGE 13

Super Sunday at New Birth: Feeding metro Atlanta’s homeless Hundreds of homeless people were bussed to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest today for worship service and a Super Bowl celebration. The church provided meals, haircuts, hairstyles and other resources to help

those who are disadvantaged.

Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, the mega church’s new leader, said the “Soup and Souls” event is part of a larger initiative New Birth launched during Super Bowl 53 weekend to combat

homelessness. Today’s event also includes entertainment.

On Saturday, the church gave out bags of canned soup to those in need.

Springfield Baptist + Safe Zone Atlanta partner to combat sex trafficking during Super Bowl Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers served as a Safe Zone Atlanta call center in an initiative to combat sex trafficking during Super Bowl 53 weekend. More than 100 volunteers participated in the initiative.

Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr., pastor of Springfield, said the initiative was coordinated to deliver a message as the masses poured into Atlanta for the Big Game: “Not in our backyard. The church must be a center for redemption, reconciliation and Restoration,” said Pastor Lee. According to advocacy groups such as the

National Center on Sexual Exploitation, major sporting events often see an increase in sex trafficking.

“The influx of men with cash to burn, combined with the celebratory atmosphere of a large sporting event, creates a perfect storm for prostitution demand,” states Lisa L. Thompson, vice president of Policy and Research at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

The Call Center at Springfield was organized

by Kasey McClure, executive director of 4Sarah, a faith- based organization whose mission is to

combat sex trafficking and exploitation.

For more information on Safe Zone Atlanta, visit safezoneatl.org.

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner

Can I Talk to the Judge? nosey. It is because as judges, we must avoid conversations that give one party an advantage over another.

Judges are prohibited from communicating with a party to an active case, or someone who is looking to file a case in the court over which he or she presides. Ex parte is a Latin phrase that means, “on one side only”, or “by or for one party.” An ex parte communication occurs when a party to a case, or someone involved with a party, talks or writes to or otherwise communicates directly with a judge about the issues in the case without

By Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. the other party’s knowledge. The Rockdale Probate Judge rules governing judges are called the Judicial Code of Conduct.

Many citizens contact the They are created to ensure that Probate Court and ask to speak with we administer justice fairly. Rule the judge. The initial response from 2.9, Assuring Fair Hearings and the clerk is usually, “What is it in Averting Ex Parte Communications, reference to?” The citizen’s response states in part “…Judges shall not to this question is often “Why do initiate, permit, or consider ex parte you need to know?” I assure you it communications, or consider other is not just because the clerk is being communications made to them

outside the presence of the parties, or their lawyers, concerning a pending proceeding or impending matter….” Rule 2.9(B) further states in part “…If a judge inadvertently receives an unauthorized ex parte communication bearing upon the substance of a matter, the judge shall make provision promptly to notify the parties of the substance of the communication and provide the parties with a reasonable opportunity to respond.” Moreover, judges shall immediately stop any attempted ex parte communication.

Think about it. Would you want the judge to speak to other parties about your case without your knowledge? Probably not.

Therefore, even if you send a letter or other document to the judge without providing a copy to the other party or their attorney, the court will be required to notify all parties in the case about the communication so that they will have an opportunity to respond. If

you want to request that the court take certain action(s) regarding your case, you should file a motion explaining your position, and provide a copy of the motion to the other parties to the case as well.

So, the answer is Yes! You can speak to the judge if it is not related to an active or impending case. Please know that you are welcome to give me a call with general questions pertaining to the probate court and its functions, or with ideas that may help us improve the services we provide.

The information included herein is only intended to address the ex parte rules or Judicial Code of Conduct in part. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a basic understanding of the same.

This information is not all inclusive and should not be used as or considered to be legal advice, as there are limited exceptions to the ex parte rules that are beyond the scope of this article.

Conyers’ Las Flores Mexican restaurant earns outstanding achievement for renovation The Conyers Downtown Development Authority (DDA) recently presented an Outstanding Achievement Award to Keish Momin for his efforts in the renovation, expansion and beautification of Las Flores Olde Town Mex restaurant, which is located at 957 South Main Street in Olde Town Conyers.

The restaurant, built in 1930, was formerly a residence, office and coffee shop before it opened as Las Flores Olde Town Mex. The building was purchased by Keish Momin from local attorney Jorge Flores in 2016. After a year of and making subtle changes, Momin decided to expand the restaurant, enclose the outside deck to create more indoor space. Work began in 2017.

The finished product includes an authentic décor, new tile, furniture, carved columns and doors, planters, LED lighting inside and outside of the restaurant, and a new sound system with a dedicated space for live music in the expanded dining area.

“The Conyers Downtown Development Authority Board is excited to see the transformation of what was already a trend-setting restaurant in Olde Town become even more so with the enhancements Mr. Momin has made to Las Flores,” said former DDA Chairman Daniel Digby. “The attention to detail from the pigskin-covered chairs to the mariachi band sculptures on the corner outside are amazing and really add to the dining experience at the restaurant.”

Momin contracted with a family in the village of Guadalajara, Mexico to hand-carve columns, doors, tables and a podium for the restaurant. Locally, he contracted with Conyers-based Walker Woodworks for extensive woodwork and trimming during the renovations. Momin noted that the restaurant has increased its seating capacity and has the largest selection of tequila in the southeast.

This is the fourth year the DDA has presented the Outstanding Achievement Award to a business in Olde Town Conyers that has taken great care and consideration with beautification and preservation of buildings in the historic district.

Past recipients of the award were Andy Shipp and Steve Carter for their preservation efforts of the Old Coca-Cola building at 882 Main Street; Jorge Flores for improvements to his law office located at 951 Railroad Street; and John Shelley of the Magnolia Assisted and Memory Care facility at 964 South Main Street.

The Conyers Downtown Development Authority was created by the Conyers mayor and City Council to be a catalyst for revitalization, promotion, development and redevelopment in Olde Town Conyers.

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FEBRUARY 8, 2019 • PAGE 15

Rep. Hank Johnson celebrates U.S. Service Academy nominations

C

ongressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has announced his office nominated 35 students to attend a U.S. Service Academy: Military Academy (West Point), Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy and the ROTC. This year’s 35 nominees are the most for any single year nominated by Rep. Johnson.

Two students were nominated for the Merchant Marines, 14 for the Navy, seven for the Air Force, 10 for West Point and 12 for the ROTC. The Congressman’s office will announce official service academy appointments between May and June.

Every year, members of Congress nominate students to attend the nation’s military acade-mies.

Those nominees who are accepted into the academies are awarded four-year scholarships that include tuition, books, room and board, medical and dental care. The average award per appointment is worth $425,000. The 12 ROTC students will receive scholarship funds that to-tal $120,000.

“Each year, I consider it an honor to send you off on your journey to our esteemed institu-tions where you will be educated, trained, and inspired to help shoulder the wheel in defense of our nation,” Johnson told the students at a reception held at the Art Station in Stone Mountain. “All of you are outstanding young people and you have the kind of leadership skills necessary to be successful in school, business and in life.”

This year’s February reception included a special guest who is the embodiment of black history. World War II veteran Val Archer, who served as a Tech Sgt. with the Tuskegee Air-men, was on hand at the reception to join Johnson in taking pictures with the Service Academy nominees and their families.

“I want to thank Mr. Archer for his service and commitment to our great nation,” said Johnson. “This night is very special to me because I know that the young people here with us today are some of the future protectors of our prosperity and freedoms that make this nation great.”

“All of you are outstanding young people and you have the kind of leadership skills necessary to be successful in school, business and in life.”

Congressman Hank Johnson and Tuskegee Airmen Val Archer (center) join 2019 U.S. Service Academy nominees for a picture on Feb.4 4 at the ART Station in Stone Mountain.

Student Nominated to School Age Abigail Flores ROTC Columbia High School 17 Alex Burgess

West Point

Woodward Academy

18

Alexander Kirkland Air Force Brookwood High School 18 Alexander Mobley

West Point/Air Force/ Navy Gwinnett Online Campus School

17

Ana'Lise Ballard-Smith

ROTC

17

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

Brian Hauch Air Force Parkview High School 17 Cierra Goodson

ROTC

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

18

Cody Domingue Air Force Lakeside High School 18 Daniel Lett Air Force Grayson High School 17 Darielicia Finley

Mer. Marines/W. Point/Navy Southwest DeKalb High School

18

Emily Toma-Harrold

Navy/West Point

Atlanta Girls School

17

Gabrielle Simmons

ROTC

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

17

Gustavo Valdes Navy Notre Dame Academy 17 Jaison Taylor Navy Newton High School 18 Jalen Clark Navy Marist School 18 James Walters Navy South Gwinnett High School 17 Javia Robinson

ROTC

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

18

Jazmine Winston ROTC Columbia High School 17 Je'Niya Culbreath

Navy/West Point

Stephenson High School

17

John Buckley Jr.

Merchant Marines

Eagle's Landing Christian Academy

18

Jordyn Bonds Navy Newton High School/NCCA 18 Justin Bennett

Navy/ West Point

Columbia High School

18

Justin Nelson Navy Arabia Mountain High School 18 Khushi Patel West Point Tucker High School 18 Madison Wheat

ROTC

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

17

Marquis Taylor

ROTC

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

18

Mason Fortson

West Point

Miller Grove High School

19

Miracle Crawl ROTC Columbia High School 18 Nicholas Wilkins

ROTC

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

17

Paul Stanley

Air Force/West Point/Navy Parkview High School

18

Ricquaine Barnes

ROTC

Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

17

Skye Williams

West Point/Navy

South Gwinnett High School

18

Trisha Warren

Air Force/Navy

Arabia Mountain High School

18

Vivian Copeland

ROTC

Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy

18

Zion Lockhart Navy Arabia Mountain High School 18

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