VOLUME 22 NUMBER 13
FREE
JUNE 25, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
STANDING IN SOLIDARITY
Democrats in national spotlight after staging “sit-in” over gun control By Valerie J. Morgan
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emanding that Republicans take a vote on two gun control bills, Georgia Congressman John Lewis and fellow Democrats held a sit-in on Capitol Hill that spurred national attention. Lewis led more than 200 Democrats, including Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, as they demanded a vote on measures to expand background checks and block gun purchases by some suspected terrorists in the aftermath of the recent massacre in Orlando, Florida where 49 people were shot to death in a gay nightclub. Lewis and his colleagues—both, men and women dressed in their business suits—sat down at the front
of the House floor on June 22, refusing to budge. They kept the pressure on throughout the night in what became a 24-hour protest. “We have a mission, a mandate, and a moral obligation to speak up and speak out until the House votes to address gun violence,” Lewis posted on Facebook. “We have turned deaf ears to the blood of the innocent and the concern of our nation. We will use nonviolence to fight gun violence and inaction.” “I’m on the House floor now holding a sit-in with John Lewis & my colleagues until we get a vote on legislation to curb gun violence,” Johnson said in a Facebook post early that afternoon. Johnson was part of a group who stayed all night, some of them bringing in food to share and even passing out tooth-
From left: Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), John Lewis (D-GA), David Cicilline (D-RI) and Hank Johnson (D-GA). Photo via Facebook
brushes. “Congressman Johnson did not leave and at this point, it doesn’t look like he will be coming home
before the Fourth of July. He was scheduled to attend the CongressioSee Sit-In, page 11
Registration under way for Deal taps Atlanta-based artist to create DeKalb’s Neighborhood delayed MLK statue Summit ork soon will begin on the Marof hope, peace,
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ublic safety and code enforcement are the focus of an upcoming summit during which DeKalb residents can meet various government representatives and learn about services that can improve their neighborhoods and quality of life. “Working Together for a Cleaner and Safer DeKalb” is the theme of DeKalb County’s seventh annual neighborhood summit which will be held Saturday, July 9, 9 a.m. to noon, at Greater Travelers Rest Church—House of Hope, 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur “This summit will give residents the information they need to partner with their government to improve their neighborhoods,” said DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May. “Neighborhoods are the building blocks of a county, and strong neighborhoods will make DeKalb County an even better place to live, work and play.” The summit is for constituents and homeowner associations interested in obtaining details on DeKalb County operations and projects, as well as obtaining direct contacts for various county agencies, departments and resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend workshops, visit exhibitor stations, meet with community leaders, exchange ideas and learn how to partner with county departments to better their neighborhoods. New this year, the summit will feature a kids’ corner with a bounce house, face painting, giveaways, and popcorn. Additionally, various law enforcement vehicles will be on display for youths. ICEO May will participate in a panel discussion and question-and-answer session on the summit’s theme along with DeKalb County Police James Conroy, Fire Chief Darnell Fullum and code enforcement director Marcus Kellum. Exhibitors will include representatives from various county departments, divisions and offices. Workshop topics will include: • All Things Code Enforcement • Public Safety Hot Topics • Reduce, Repurpose, Recycle • “Battle the Bug” – Zika Virus Prevention • Understanding Your Water Bill • Community Capacity Development • Foreclosure and Vacant Property • Potholes, Roads & Rating • Understanding the Language of Today’s Youth The DeKalb Neighborhood Summit is free to attend. To register for the summit, visit www.dekalbsummit2016.com.
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tin Luther King, Jr. statue that will stand on the Georgia Capitol grounds. State officials announced that Atlanta-based artist Martin Dawe will create the statue, which is expected to be unveiled in early 2017. Gov. Nathan Deal said Rep. Calvin Smyre (Columbus), dean of the Georgia General Assembly, led the search to replace sculptor Andy Davis, who was killed in a 2015 motorcycle accident. “While the passing of Andy Davis was a tragic loss to his family and community, his contributions to this project and to the legacy of Dr. King will live on,” said Deal. “I’m grateful to Rep. Smyre and the Georgia Arts Standards Commission Selection Committee for their tireless efforts in ensuring the creation of this long overdue memorial moves forward. Martin Dawe is a gifted artist who shares our vision for this fitting tribute. I look forward to dedicating this sculpture at a future Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial ceremony at the Capitol.” Smyre, a Georgia Arts Standards Commission board member, worked with the commission’s selection committee, which included a representative from the King Estate, Georgia Arts Standards Commission Chairwoman Carrie Ashbee and Georgia Capitol Museum Registrar Karin Johnston. Smyre also acted as a liaison to the state and the King Estate throughout the selection process. “Martin Dawe is a renowned sculptor and I am delighted that we are at this juncture after the tragic passing of Andy Davis. During the first selection process Andy Davis became my friend,” said Smyre. “His vision will live on through this historic process. We are now looking forward to working with Martin Dawe as the newly selected sculptor. I am hopeful that we will be participating in an unveiling in early 2017. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired our nation with his dream
justice, and human rights. I am honored to have played a role in passing legislation signed by Gov. Deal, which authorized the placement of a Capitol grounds statue honoring Dr. Martin C. Dawe King. As I have stated prior, it is now time for us as a state to make this a reality. Naming a new sculptor is a major step in in this historic project. I look forward to working with all stakeholders as we undertake the statue’s design, likeness and the private fundraising effort.” Deal announced plans to erect a statue on Capitol grounds at last year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial ceremony. Martin C. Dawe Dawe is a sculptor who works primarily as a commissioned artist in a variety of mediums. Dawe studied at Boston University School of Fine Arts and received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Georgia State University. He apprenticed for eight years under Julian Harris, a distinguished sculptor, medalist and longtime Georgia Tech professor emeritus of architecture. Martin began his own custom sculpture studio in 1987 and incorporated as Cherrylion Studios in 1994. He leads a team of talented apprentices at his 6000-square-foot studio near downtown Atlanta. Here, Dawe blends state-of-the-art technology with a disciplined, classical approach. He is known for his ability to collaborate, stay within budget and meet deadlines. The studio has developed several mold making and casting processes, as well as relationships with many area foundries.