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VOLUME 22 NUMBER 16

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JULY 16, 2016

Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews

New DeKalb school named for Obama

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By Valerie J. Morgan

resident Barack Obama’s legacy will not only be recorded in history books when he leaves office at the end of the year. The nation’s first black President—the 44th commander in chief--will leave a legacy specifically in DeKalb County at a new elementary school that will become Georgia’s first to be named for him.

The DeKalb County Board of Education voted unanimously on July 11 to name the new school the Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology after a committee comprised of parents, students, faith leaders, two principals and staff identified naming options that were then voted on by students and staff members at the school.

“President Obama embodies the values of a strong family, hard work, and education as the means of getting ahead,” said DeKalb Superintendent of Schools Dr. R. Stephen Green. “These values are reflected in the DeKalb County School District and are the keys to college and career readiness.”

Dr. Melvin Johnson, chair of the DeKalb County Board of Education, said he believes children who attend the new school will be proud and inspired.

“When students go anywhere and they’re asked what school they attend, I think they will have a lot of pride,” said Johnson. “I think the school’s name will generate pride and inspiration. The expectations will be high and they will be part of history.”

The new school, which will serve grades Pre-K through 5, will be temporarily housed in the former Terry Mill Elementary School, located at 797 Fayetteville Road, Atlanta, pending completion of a new replacement school at the former site of Clifton Elementary School at 3132 Clifton Church Road, Decatur.

The new $23 million magnet school named for President Obama will serve 900 students and is scheduled to open in January 2017. Initial projected enrollment for the school is 715 students, officials say.

Board member Dr. Michael Erwin, who represents the area where the new school will be built and Dr. Ralph Simpson, Regional Superintendent, co-chaired the school naming committee.

“President Obama’s commitment to education demonstrates an understanding of the roles of parents, teachers, and students,” said Erwin. “He knows the most dedicated teachers and most supportive parents can make a difference if students show up, pay attention, and apply themselves to the fullest extent possible.”

Speeding drivers indicted in 2015 deaths of three children

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DeKalb County grand jury indicted a man and woman linked to the deaths of three young children during illegal drag racing on Moreland Avenue in April 2015.

Malanie Denise Putman and James Gerald Benford were each charged with three counts of homicide by vehicle and one count of reckless driving for the April 12, 2015 wreck that killed 3-year-old Lauren Coleman and her brothers, Jaylen, 6, and Jordan, 4.

“This was a terrible, terrible tragedy and we will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law to prevent something like this from ever happening again,” said DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James.

On the night of the incident, Putman and Benford were speeding along Moreland

Malanie Denise Putman

Avenue in separate cars when they struck the car that Cazhara Lovett was driving with her three small children in the back seat.

Witnesses said the two cars reached speeds of more than 90 mph before they eventually hit Lovett’s vehicle as she turned onto Constitution Road. People who live near by say drag racing occurs often in the area.

James Gerald Benford

Putman and Benford were later arrested and released on a $175,000 and $160,000 bond, respectively. Benford reportedly has had several citations in the past five years including speeding, while Putman had a clean driving record. They both await trial.

TRAINING FOR 2016 OLYMPICS

DeKalb County welcomes Nigeria’s Dream Team 4

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eKalb County officials have rolled out the welcome mat to the Dream Team 4, the top professional soccer players from Nigeria who will compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in August. The team won gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta 20 years ago.

Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sports DeKalb and United Soccer Africa and key partners were instrumental in organizing the 22-member team’s visit to DeKalb this month.

As an Olympic team, the players had the possibility of training and visiting any place in the world and they chose DeKalb County, Georgia as the place to prepare for the Games, said Michael Lee, Communications manager for Discover DeKalb.

The group has been practicing at the Georgia State University Sports Complex in Decatur and the Atlanta Silverbacks Stadium in Doraville.

Discover DeKalb coordinated the team’s arrival, lodging and meals in partnership with a number of DeKalb businesses and leaders — Hyatt Place Lithonia; DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May, DeKalb County Commissioners Mereda Davis Johnson and Nancy Jester; and Sports DeKalb.

The Dream 4 team received a proclamation from May and the Board of Commissioners on July 12.

The next day, Dream players, team Coach Sampson Siasa and partners held a meet-and-greet with fans.

Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Emory Sports Medicine Center, the Nigerian Football Federation and Consulate General of Nigeria also partnered to bring the team to DeKalb.

The team will compete in a friendly match against the Charleston Battery on Saturday, July 16, at Silverbacks Stadium with an 8 p.m. kickoff.

PAGE 2 •JULY 16 2016

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com 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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JULY 16,2016 • PAGE 3

Historic Antioch AME Church launches genealogy project

By Shawn Evans Mitchell For OCG News

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he initial task was simple: Research the history of Antioch AME Church, which has a location in DeKalb County and one in Rockdale County.

That “simple” initiative took on a snowball effect that ignited the interest and enthusiasm of a historian who got funding for a genealogy project that includes digital archives, educational seminars and more.

Now, Antioch AME is offering a History Day in partnership with Georgia Humanities, the Center for Public History at the University of West Georgia, and Agnes Scott College. The community History Day will be held on Saturday, July 16, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the church’s Stone Mountain campus located at 765 South Hairston Road.

Residents who would like to learn more about how to trace their roots and those who want to preserve their genealogical documents can free help during the History Day. The church, which is under the leadership of the Rev. Stafford Wicker, is hoping that some people also may be able to share any history that may

be related to Antioch for its records.

Established in 1868, Antioch was the first church founded by African Americans in Decatur, Georgia following the Civil War. Yet, its history has not fully been captured, according to Tigner Rand, a 13-year member and pioneer of this history effort.

“The History Day started out with me trying to research the history of the church. I am the editor of our church newsletter and I couldn’t find anything about the history to present,” said Rand.

Rand’s generic query into the church history took root in 2013, after he came upon the research of historian David Rotenstein. The historian had documented the effects of the urban renewal and the impact it had on the relocation of the church in 1996 from Decatur to Stone Mountain.

“It’s always been a misnomer that Antioch lost the church; they did not lose the church. They sold it,” Rand said. “This is the type of information we need to preserve and present.”

Armed with a wealth of new information from his conversations with Rotenstein,

Elayne Hunter (life member), Tigner Rand and Calvin Washington (life member) examine a plaque memorializing Beacon Hill, the African-American community where ‪Antioch AME‬ was first located.

Rand was ready to expound and co-director of its Center for upon his quest.

Public History. From there, the About a year into unidea evolved into the History earthing significant historical Day. information, however, Roten“We partner with commustein relocated out of state. He nities to help in their quest to referred Rand to Julia Brock, assistant professor of History at the University of West Georgia See Genealogy Project page 6

Searching for Solutions Rockdale town hall meeting seeks to improve police relations

By Mackenzie N. Morgan

needed. We have done training in diversity, but I cannot tell you how ozens of Rockdale County many calls we get where someone has an emotional or mental health issue,” citizens and law enforcement officials came togeth- said Wilson.

Wilson said that it has been 30 er for a town hall meeting on July 12 years since the training manual for beseeking solutions following two fatal ginning officers has been updated and officer-involved shootings of African that better training would provide beAmerican men, one in Baton Rouge, ginning officers with the tools needed LA., the other in Falcon Heights, to handle encounters with the public.

Minnesota. Those shootings sparked Wilson also said that a report dethe ambush retaliation murders of five police officers in Dallas, Texas, touch- tailing the race and other demographic information of citizens at traffic stops ing off even more rallies and cries for peace around the nation and town hall is provided at weekly meetings to curtail racial profiling. meetings like the one in Rockdale.

Levett echoed Wilson’s sentiRockdale Chairman Richard ments.

Oden called the meeting in an effort “My heart goes out to the Dallas to encourage dialogue between the police officers that lost their lives, community and government officials the (Dallas) Chief of Police and the to discuss positive solutions for comfamilies who lost their loved ones,’ munity-oriented policing.

“I believe the community needs to said Levett.

The sheriff stated that while he know we care and are just as condoes not condone the behavior of the cerned about the safety and unity of officers involved in the recent police citizens and officers, in addition to encounters that left two men dead, he keeping our streets and residents safe is seeking the community’s support to from crime,” said Oden.

Oden was joined by Conyers Chief restore trust between law enforcement and the public. of Police Gene Wilson and Rockdale Levett said that his department Sheriff Eric Levett. offers a variety of programs aimed at Wilson discussed the department’s improving community/police relations plight in providing law enforcement officers with necessary training, citing including the junior cadet program, the citizen’s police academy where budget constraints as a contributing citizens can learn about law enforcefactor. ment and even a firearms class. Levett “There’s a lot of training that is

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also announced the department’s newest hiring initiative geared toward recruiting well-qualified young people entitled, “For the change, be the change.”

“This may be a profession that you never thought you would be in. If you want to make that change, we’re asking you to be that change,” said Levett.

“If you want justice, if you want peace, join the police department.”

The town hall panel was followed by a Q and A led by community members seeking solutions and understanding. To view the community discussion, visit On

Common Ground News’ Facebook page.

PAGE 4•JULY 16,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

“Get Fit & Be Healthy” family fitness expo at South DeKalb

Coming Up

The Gallery at South DeKalb is hosting a family fitness event Saturday, July 9, 12 – 4 p.m., 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.

Presented by V-103’s Patty Richards, the “Get Fit & Be Healthy” free event will feature fitness activities for the whole family and food courtesy of the Georgia Department of Health WIC program while supplies last. Guests will be able to participate in circuit training, Zumba and fun fitness activities for the kids courtesy of The Atlanta Dream.

Health professions to discuss coping with pain

Dream Team 4 to face Charleston Battery

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he Nigerian Olympic Soccer Team will take on the Charleston Battery in an international exhibition on Saturday, July 16, at 8 p.m. at Silverbacks Park, 3200 Atlanta Silverbacks Way, Atlanta.

The two teams will meet three weeks before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro – 10 days after the Battery’s match with Rangers FC. For tickets and information, visit www.UnitedSoccerAfrica.com.

Atlanta

Fifth Annual Black Homeschool Expo: “Our Culture is Our Cure” Families seeking to homeschool their children are invited to attend a three-day homeschool exposition July 15-17.

The first day of the expo will be held 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at the Omenala Afrikan History and Teaching Museum, 337 Dargan Place SW, Atlanta. The remainder of the conference will take place at Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston.

Presented by Liberated Minds, the theme for this year’s black homeschool and education expo is “Our culture is our cure: cultivating the black genius in our children.” The expo will offer culturally-based educational resources, training and support for Black/Afrikan homeschooling and non-homeschooling parents and educators to assist in the cultivation of excellence and empowerment in black children. The conference also provides a platform for independent businesses to showcase culturally conscious products and services. The expo will feature a kids’ fun factory, workshops and a book fair.

For more information, visit www.liberatedmindsexpo.com.

The community is invited to attend a free health seminar on Tuesday , July 19, 9 a.m. at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, 3191 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. c. Health professionals will lead a discussion on pain management and how those affected by chronic diseases can various coping mechanisms and resources available to the community. For more information, call 404-687-2731.

Superhero youth kickball tournament set DeKalb youths are invited to participate in DeKalb County Parks and Recreation’s third annual Superhero Youth Kickball Tournament on Wednesday, July 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Midway Park, 3165 Midway Road, Decatur. For more information call 404-284-4621.

Youth dodgeball tournament July 21 Join DeKalb County Parks and Recreation for a youth dodgeball tournament Thursday, July 21, 5:30 p.m., at Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta. The event is free and open to public.

GWINNETT

Double Dip: Ice Cream Day Celebrate National Ice Cream Day on Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Mountain Park Aquatic Center, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

Cool down with ice cream and fun games such as Pin the Cherry on the Ice cream Cone” and a no-hands ice cream eating contest. All ages are welcome. The cost for Gwinnett residents is $6 per person. All pool rules apply. Sponsored by ACE and Pulsar. For more information, visit www. gwinnettparks.com or call 678-277-0870.

ROCKDALE

Nancy Guinn Library to host diabetes wellness seminar

Join Dr. Sumana Reddy for a seminar on diabetes on Tuesday, July 19, 11 a.m., at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in the lower level meeting DeKalb rorom, 864, Green Street, Conyers.

Could you have diabetes and not know it? Did you know 10 million people are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes each year? Do you know what diabetes is and if you’re at risk?

CRLS is partnering with Rockdale Medical Center to present Dr. SumaThe public is invited to join Georgia filmmakers for a conversation about cur- na Reddy, from Rockdale Endocrinology Associates, who will address all rent film projects, companies, and film-related groups. The meeting will be held these issues and answer your questions about diabetes. on Tuesday, July 19, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Manuel’s Tavern, 602 North Highland RSVP to Shannon Peterman at speterman@conyersrockdalelibrary.org Ave NE, Atlanta. Network with film and industry professionals over dinner. or call 770-388-5040, extension 118.

Eat, Drink, & B Indie film discussion set

Fork Creek Park grand opening set DeKalb residents and park enthusiasts are invited to the grand opening of Fork Creek Park on Saturday, July 16, 10 to 11 a.m., 2893 River Road, Decatur.

The ribbon cutting ceremony welcomes park goers to explore upgraded park features such as a new playground, pavilion and walking trail. For more information, call 404-371-2711. .

This week’s Coming Up was compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.

Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go.

To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers.

The calendar is published weekly as space permits.

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JULY 16, 2016 • PAGE 5

Atlanta Hawks donates $48K for East Metro DeKalb CID beefs up security on Wesley Chapel, Panola roads new Gresham Park basketball court

Off-duty DeKalb County police officers are patrolling commercial properties on Wesley Chapel and Panola Roads in Decatur under a new initiative launched by the East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District (CID).

Officers are working staggered shifts, primarily during overnight hours, to provide protection and increased visibility to the Wesley Chapel/Panola Road businesses that are located in the CID. Sgt. Susan V. Sowell, who is leading the patrols, said CID property owners may contact DeKalb’s East Precinct to report areas of concerns.

“I will use a variety of enforcement options, such as high-visibility patrols, the operation of speed detection devices, safety checks and foot patrols,” Sowell said. “The officers will operate in the targeted areas during certain peak hours of crime. The areas will be identified by analytical data, lookouts and persons of interest provided by the crime analysis.”

CID Administrator Nicole McGhee Hall said the added security is the first phase of public safety-focused plans for the commercial community.

Additional resources may be considered as well as expanded coverage areas.

“Increasing public safety is a key component of the CID’s commitment to making this a more economically attractive environment,” Hall said. “We are pleased to have these brave men and women provide their law enforcement expertise to keep commercial properties and their owners, employees and clients safe. We expect to see an immediate positive impact from the presence of these officers throughout the CID.” As part of their safety services, officers will generate patrol reports detailing their experiences for the benefit of CID leaders. These insights will allow the CID to reach out to commercial property owners and business leaders to advise them of concerns and trends. Additionally, an officer will provide an overall safety update as part of the CID’s regular Board of Directors meetings.

The East Metro DeKalb CID formed in 2014 through a unanimous vote of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. CID membership is growing, increasing the revenues to leverage more project funding. The CID accounts for more than 205 commercial property owners.

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eKalb County’s Gresham Park will soon have an outdoor basketball court, thanks to The Atlanta Hawks Foundation. The foundation donated $48,000 to develop the basketball court, expected to be completed by late fall.

DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and Foundation representatives held a groundbreaking ceremony on July 14 at the park, located at 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta. About 100 children participating in the county’s summer parks program joined officials for the ceremony.

The new basketball court, county officials say, will not only provide recreation for residents in the area but enhance the overall health and wellness for the community.

PAGE 6 •JULY 16 2016 See Genealogy Project continued from page 3

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GLCC to host Third Wednesday Luncheon The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will host its Third Wednesday Luncheon on July 20, 11:30 a.m., at This Is It banquet facility, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia.

A discussion on how mental health issues are impacting the community at large will be led by Major Jordan, a peer education outreach specialist for Beacon Health Systems, which provides mental health services for the state of Georgia. Jordan also will discuss resources available.

Chamber members may attend the luncheon at no cost with pre-registration or pay $10 at the door. Guests may attend for $20 with pre-registration or pay $25 at the door. To pre-register, visit www.greaterlithoniachamber. com.

Coffee with a Cop community meet-up set Pictured is the Lockridge family,Texas circa early 1900s from the LaVerne W. Rand collection. Tigner Rand, a member of Antioch, has held onto the picture in an old album

save and share the past,” Brock said, during a recent planning meeting that included Rand, church members Elyse Hill, who will conduct a Genealogy workshop; Bernard Russell, who oversees Antioch’s audio/visual ministry, and long-time church member Elayne Hunter, whose great-grandfather, James Fowler, is one of the founding members and one of the first stewards of the church.

The History Day will begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. The public is then invited to attend workshops at 9 a.m. on African American genealogy and at 10:30 on preserving family heirlooms. In addition, a “History Harvest” will run from 9-1, where participants with a connection to the church can bring their photographs and documents related to church history to be scanned. These items will be used to build a digital archive of church history, hosted by the Center for Public History, University of West Georgia. Lunch will be served at 11:30, and Professor Larry Rivers of the University of West Georgia will end the day with a talk at 1 p.m. on the history of the A.M.E. Church, with a focus on the local history of Antioch.

“What happens to history that is not preserved?” Rand asked rhetorically. “History that is not preserved dies. “It is important, especially for our youth today with all that is going on around us, that we do not let that happen.”

Additional information is available at http://antiochhistory.org. The History Day is free and open to the public.

Anytime Notary Call to schedule your appointment 678-468-6852

Join DeKalb County officers for Coffee With A Cop on July 27, 8 to 10 a.m., at Bojangle’s restaurant, 2695 Panola Road, Lithonia. Discuss your concerns and find out about policing initiatives in the community.

DeKalb Parks’ Advisory Board to meet July 19 To avoid conflicts with the upcoming runoff election, DeKalb’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department has changed its July 26 regularly scheduled Citizens Advisory Board meeting to Tuesday, July 19, 6 p.m. The board will meet at the Manual J. Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Third floor, Decatur.

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JULY 16, 2016 • PAGE 7

Residents converge on DeKalb’s Neighborhood Summit

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undreds of residents met DeKalb County government representatives and learned about services that can improve their quality of life at the Seventh Annual DeKalb Neighborhood Summit, which was held July 9 at Greater Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church in South DeKalb.

“The summit was a valuable opportunity for DeKalb County government, community leaders and residents to meet and share ideas about how to make our county even better,” DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May said. “I was pleased with the turnout, the energy and the dialogue

at the summit.”

In light of recent events in Dallas, St. Paul and Baton Rouge, the summit featured DeKalb’s Deputy COO of Public Safety Cedric Alexander, who discussed community-oriented policing during a panel discussion and workshop.

May moderated a panel discussion with Alexander, Fire Chief Darnell Fullum and Director of Beautification Marcus Kellum on the summit’s theme, “Working Together for a Cleaner and Safer DeKalb.”

During the summit, constituents and homeowner associations had

the opportunity to obtain details on DeKalb County operations and projects, as well as obtain direct contacts for various county agencies, departments and resources.

Attendees also attended workshops on topics such as community-oriented policing, code enforcement, recycling, Zika virus prevention and more.

The summit also featured activities for children, including a bounce house, face painting and giveaways.

Additionally, various law enforcement vehicles will be on display for youth.

Exhibitors at the event included

representatives from various county departments, divisions and offices such as Community Development, Clerk of Superior Court, DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department, DeKalb County Police Department, Animal Control, Sanitation, Board of Commissioners, Keep DeKalb Beautiful, Planning and Sustainability, Traffic Engineering, District Attorney’s Office, Solicitor-General’s Office, Workforce Development, Code Enforcement, Watershed Department, Sheriff’s Office, Medical Examiner’s Office and Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs.

PAGE 8 •JULY 16 2016

Run-off ELECTIONS 2016 Clarkston resident to run as Independent against Rep. Hank Johnson Hien Zaidai Nguyen, a Clarkston resident, has filed a petition to run as an Independent in the Nov. 8 General Election. He is seeking the Fourth Congressional District seat held by long-time Democrat Hank Johnson. The district encompasses portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties and all of Rockdale County. Johnson, who took his seat in Congress in 2006, is now serving his fifth term in office.

Qualifying for Independent candidates was held June 27 to July 1. Georgia’s Secretary of State’s Office qualified candidates running for federal and state offices, while county elections officials qualified local candidates.

Nguyen’s petition has 19,500 signatures, the majority of them from DeKalb and Gwinnett counties, according to Rockdale Supervisor of Elections Cynthia Welch, who was notified because signatures from Rockdale must be verified by her office.

Maxine Daniels, director of DeKalb County’s Voter Registration and Elections Office, said she, too, was notified of Nguyen’s petition and will be verifying signatures and addresses listed in DeKalb.

Gwinnett and Newton elections officials also will have to verify the petition.

According to qualifying papers, Nguyen is an accountant. He was born in 1965, Welch said qualifying paperwork shows.

Early voting in Rockdale: Low turnout surpassing previous runoff elections

With the early voting period for the runoff elections coming to a close, Rockdale County’s Supervisor of Elections Cynthia Welch is encouraging the community to get out and vote. The runoff Election Day is July 26. Early voting, which began July 5, ends July 22.

Voters can only request a Democratic or non-partisan ballot since there are no Republican candidates in the July 26 runoff.

So far, 1,206 (about 2.6 percent) of Rockdale’s 46,156 eligible voters had cast ballots as of July 12. The numbers break down this way: 881 Democrats had voted in person, 125 had mailed in ballots. Total: 1,006.

77 had cast ballots as non-partisan in person, 123 had mailed in ballots.

Total: 200.

Welch says she is optimistic voter turnout, though low, will surpass turnout seen in runoffs held in 2012 and 2014.

“In 2014, we had just under 800 in-person voters by the eighth day of early voting. In 2012, we had 549 for the same period. So, we’re actually slightly higher. We’re on track to surpass our previous early voting umbers,” Welch said.

Welch said Republican crossover voting is contributing to the difference.

“Since there is no Republican ballot to pull for the runoffs, Republicans are requesting a Democratic ballot so they can still have a voice,” Welch said.

In DeKalb County, Elections Director Maxine Daniels reported 1,054 in-person votes and 836 mail-in ballots had been received. DeKalb has 377, 561 active voters.

Rockdale Early Voting Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday—Friday, July 5 – 19 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., July 20 – 22 (extended hours) Location for Early Voting in Rockdale: Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C 770-278-7333 Early Voting Hours in DeKalb 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 5-22 Location for Early Voting in DeKalb: DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300 Decatur 404-298-4020

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Courtney Dillard set to run as Independent for Rockdale Chairman Courtney Dillard has qualified to run as an Independent candidate for Chairman of the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners.

Dillard turned in more than 2,800 signatures to the Board of Elections by the July 12 deadline. His name will go on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot once the petition signatures are verified by Rockdale elections officials. The state of Georgia requires a petition with 2,534 signatures from registered voters for candidates Courtney Dillard seeking office as an Independent.

Dillard will face the Democratic winner of the July 26 run-off. Incumbent Richard A. Oden and Oz Nesbitt, who currently serves as Post 1 Commissioner, are in the run-off.

Rockdale Democratic Party to host political forum The Rockdale Democratic Party will host a political forum on July 16, 9 to 11 a.m., at the party headquarters, 1264 Parker Road, Conyers.

The community is invited to come out and hear from run-off candidates in the following races: Senate District 43 House District 91 Rockdale County Chairman Post 1 Commissioner Probate judge

DeKalb Democratic Party sets up phone banks to get out the vote The DeKalb Democratic Party’s GoTV Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with its “Get Out TheVote” phone bank calls. Volunteers can choose from several dates that are scheduled during July and August at Hillandale Medical Center, 2801 DeKalb Parkway, Lithonia.

Phone banks will take place in the Private Dining Room on the first floor in the Main Hospital building: July 18, 6 to 9 p.m.

July 25,6 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 8, 6 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 15, 6 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 22, 6 to 9 p.m.

Aug. 29, 6 to 9 p.m.

To RSVP: E-mail krdavenport@bellsouth.net or call 770-987-0367 or e-mail alinadine1@yahoo.com or call 678-641-7135. Include your full name and the date you selected.

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JULY 16,2016 • PAGE 9

Open Letter from Rockdale Sheriff Eric Levett: Reflecting on the shootings

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s the flags in front of my building are at half-staff, I can only sit and reflect on last week’s events. The death of five law enforcement officers following the death of two black men, once again glued us to the television watching the videos. It’s early in either case, but much of the public is wondering if any of these shootings are justified.

Incidents of deadly force, with and without videos, seem to come with saddening regularity, and for much of the uneducated public, feel as if it involves a white officer and an unarmed black man. It has been nearly two years since the deaths that first intensified a national focus on the problem: Brown, in Ferguson, Garner in Staten Island, Gurley in Brooklyn and Scott in South Carolina.

Beyond the names we recognize are hundreds and thousands we do not. According to a Washington Post database, over 500 people have been shot and killed by police officers in the United States this year - 2016. In many of the cases the person killed presented a serious danger. The dangers officers face add to the complexity of how they respond to potentially violent suspects, as Long Islanders know.

Officer Brian Moore of the NYPD was shot to death last year while patrolling by a man with a criminal record. Officers Rafael Ramos and

Wenjian Liu were assassinated in their squad car in Brooklyn in 2014 by a man apparently enraged over police killings of unarmed civilians.

When civilians kill cops, it is usually clear who is in the wrong. When cops kill civilians, the situation always seems a little cloudy to most.

Just a few days ago, 5 officers were killed as they tried to protect protesters who were marching against the very cause that officers stand for.

Nationally and locally, most people feel as if police culture has to change. From new approaches to training to how investigations and prosecutions are handled, more must be done. Most people feel that officers use unneeded force. In most cases, it seems that the public has been wrong, but I would not argue this point except to say – the culture of our nation has to change. We are in an age where there is not just a lack of respect for police, but a lack of respect for each other. We can see countless videos of people possibly having an issue where they feel as if they were wronged by police.

There are also lots of videos of people fighting on streets and beating up each other for no reason except to be popular, not to mention the videos of people cussing out, disrespecting and threatening officers. Why are the situations with the officers doing something to a citizen an issue and the others not?

More importantly what we can’t

do – is wait until there seems to be an issue like this to talk about what changes need to be made. Where was everyone that wanted to have this meeting, early last week – when a young man was shot in a truck as he drove down Salem Rd. – or where was the community outrage when 3 people were killed in Brandon Glenn last Saturday? I have NO issue with people speaking up on issues or addressing things, I just believe that there should not be a reactive approach, which is the common theme. You are requiring a proactive plan from law enforcement to tell you what we will do, or you are asking us what have we been doing to prevent this. My question for you is – what are you doing to help

us prevent this?

For the men and women in law enforcement, July 7th began like any other day, kiss the family goodbye, grab a quick bite to eat and head to work. Our work and the work of every single person who donned a uniform like mine is like no other job. The book of John says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” From the moment you put on that uniform, you have answered a call that at any moment, even in the most minimum interaction, may put your life in danger…and you know what? I am ok with that.

Hundreds land airport jobs at recruitment event in Decatur

I

t was a good day for hundreds who attended a jobs fair on July 11 at New Life Christian Church in Decatur. Organizers said nearly 500 people were hired on the spot for jobs at Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport.

“They’ll be starting to work the first week in August,” said Sharon Dukes of Dukes Consulting Services, which worked with Morningstar Urban Development, Inc. to coordinate the jobs fair. “We are so pleased that we were able to help so many people in the community.”

People began arriving at 6 a.m., forming a line outside the building where the fair was held.

More than 1,700 people attended the jobs fair, organizers said.

Dukes said drug and background tests were provided as part of the screening process during interviews at the Direct H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Re-Enter Employment) Project.

“We wanted to be able to hire people on the spot so that job seekers would not feel the frustration that often happens at traditional job fairs where they

Eager job seekers formed a long line as they waited their turn to interview with recruiters.

fill out an application and have to wait to find out if they actually landed a job,” Dukes said.

Dukes said the jobs included cabin cleaners for airplanes, transportation assistants to aid handicapped and elderly travelers, dispatchers and other lead positions. The entry level, full-

time salaries range from $7.25 to $10 an hour and include a package of benefits and other incentives, she said.

About 28 volunteers supported the Direct H.I.R.E. project with participants from Congressman Hank Johnson’s office, BB&T Bank and New Life

Christian Church.

“I really want to thank everyone who helped to make the jobs fair a success,” Dukes said.

“BB&T provided water for the job candidates and lunch for our volunteers who were on site to help.”

PAGE 10•JULY 16,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Back To School Celebrations

Rockdale Sheriff’s Back-to-School Fun Day set July 23

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is hosting the Sheriff’s Back-toSchool Fun Day in partnership with several churches, businesses and the community at large on Saturday, July 23, noon to 4 p.m. The free event, which will highlight safety, will be held at the Rockdale County Government Annex, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers.

Parents are invited to bring the kids out for a cookout, raffle for bike giveaways, music, games, jump Houses and water Slides, a cookout, cotton candy and snow cones.

The event also will provide families and the community with information and school supplies.

Community partners for the event include: The School Box, All Season Rentals, Rockdale Baptist Church, Mislead Baptist Church, Emmanuel Community Church , Home Depot, Kroger, Courtesy Ford, Publix, Inspect All ,Conyers Honda, Falcon Fury, Office Depot and donations from Rockdale residents.

Monetary donations, supplies and book bags are still being accepted and may be dropped off at the Headquarters Building, located at 911 Chambers Drive or by contacting Sgt. Amanda Pilgrim by calling 770-278-8038 or e-mailing amanda.pilgrim@rockdalecountyga.gov.

Turning Point Christian Church seeks donations for back to school Turning Point Christian Church in Conyers is seeking the public’s help with a back-to-school supply drive for its community giveaway.

School supplies may be dropped off on July 20, 3 to 8 p.m., and Friday, July 22, 3 to 8 p.m. at the church, 1107-A West Avenue, Conyers.

The church plans to give away school supplies, clothes and household goods to those in need during its Christmas in July back-to-school event.

The community giveaway will be held on July 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Day of Connections sets Back-to-School event in Conyers

The Day of Connections is hosting a back-to-school event for Rockdale residents on Saturday, July 23, 9 to 11 a.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers.

No pre-registration is required. Parents and students will be served first come, first served. Parents must provide proof of Rockdale residency. Children must be present to receive school supplies.

Oakhurst Medical Center will provide medical screenings. A limited number of vouchers will be provided for vaccinations at the Rockdale Health Departmentfor school-aged children.

City of Lithonia sets Back-to-School Jamboree The City of Lithonia and its community partners are hosting a Back to School Jamboree on Saturday, July 23, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Lithonia Amphitheater, 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia. The event will include games, food, and school supplies.

Since 2012, the City and its partners have been able to provide school supplies to more than 600 students in the community. If you would like to donate supplies—book bags, notebooks, pens, penculs, folders and other items—you may drop off the items to City Hall by Thursday, July 21.

Financial contributions also may be made by making your check payable to “City of Lithonia” with 2016 Back to School in the memo section.

For more information, contact City Clerk Leah Rodriguez at leah.rodriguez@lithoniacity.org or 770-482-8136.

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