Ocg 07 29 17

VOLUME 23,NUMBER 18

FREE

JULY 29, 2017

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

DeKalb Superintendent Green challenges school leaders to “All Rise”

By Valerie J. Morgan

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ore than 600 teachers, principals and administrators came together for the DeKalb County School District’s Summer Leadership Conference on July 24-26 and received a clarion call from Superintendent R. Stephen Green on the opening day: “All R. Stephen Green Rise.”

Green wasn’t ordering anyone in the audience at Miller Grove High School, where the conference was held, to stand up. He was issuing a challenge— his expectation—for school leaders to make a commitment to push for student achievement in every school in the district. Students return to classes on Aug. 7 and Green said he wants DeKalb to become

the nation’s foremost school district to graduate and ensure students are accomplished and career ready.

“I charge us that as we go forward with this new school year, as we go forward with this conference, that we approach it with the mindset that all will rise-- not just a few, not just some, not maybe but all rise,” said Green.

The DeKalb School District received notice from AdvancED that its full accreditation has been extended through 2022. DeKalb was placed on “accreditation probation” in 2012 after AdvancED reviewed every aspect of the district and cited a number of operational issues that had to be corrected.

At the conference, school leaders received tips on better ways to operate, educate and stay on track.

Various break-out sessions were held to provide information on classroom curriculum, special education, gang prevention, cultural responsiveness, strategic school accountability to name a few.

To view photos of the opening day of the conference, visit On Common Ground News (Official) Facebook.

Photos by Glenn. L. Morgan/ OCG News

DeKalb School District launches campaign to highlight successes

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he DeKalb County School District (CSD) is on a mission to highlight the successes of its public schools. The district has launched a campaign with seven outdoor billboards located in strategic locations across the county with the message: “I Love DeKalb Schools.”

The billboards are part of the first phase of a what the district calls a “revolutionary” marketing effort, which will also include print ads, television commercials, an original jingle performed by DCSD students, promotional materials and social media. In addition, a new webpage http://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/ilovedcsd/ has been launched simultaneously, with messaging that reflects the unity, spirit and diversity of the school district. The district is spending $85, 710 on the first phase of the two-year campaign, which runs through the 2019 school year.

The billboards will be at I-20 East at Wesley Chapel Road; Hair-

ston Road and Memorial Drive; I-20 East Klondike Road; I-285 North at Covington Highway; I-285 West at New Peachtree Road; and 556 Buford Highway/Clairmont Road.

Schools Superintendent R. Stephen Green said the goal of the effort is to remind all stakeholders of the value of DeKalb County schools, and to counter mainstream perceptions and attitudes that don’t accurately reflect the work of students and staff.

“In two years, DCSD has made dramatic progress in student achievement and delivering deep teaching and learning,” Green said.

“Now is the time for us to make it crystal clear what we’re about – a community that values education, its schools and its stakeholders.

This new marketing program allows us to better control our narrative and tell our own story.”

Through media impressions, social engagement and increased website traffic, the campaign will create a strong presence in the

Metro Atlanta K-12 landscape and will be used as a promotional tool to recruit new students and families to the DeKalb County School District, officials said.

The marketing effort is the brainchild of the district’s Division of Communications and Community Relations, and is the first

wave of a push to reestablish the district’s links with its community.

Other division efforts, such as an external newsletter, a district news magazine, a new flyer management system, the district’s co-brand-

ing efforts and a rededication to social media are projects currently underway.

The district is using #ILoveDCSD on social media.

See DeKalb Schools, page 8

Criminal investigations get new leadership DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Man negotiates Support Services elevated guilty plea after Piedmont Park arrest eKalb County Police Chief James

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Conroy announced two new assistant chiefs in the police department, who will report directly to him.

Major Tony Catlin will be promoted from assistant commander to assistant chief of the Criminal Investigations Division, which is responsible for investigating homicides, robberies, aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, auto thefts, narcotics violations and crimes against children.

Catlin will be responsible for managing a division comprising 105 detectives and 22 civilian employees.

Major Sonya Porter will be promoted to assistant chief of the newly elevated Support Services Division. Previously a section of the Special Services Division, this reorganization emphasizes the importance of training and outreach.

Porter will continue to oversee the DeKalb Police Training Academy, recruitment and outreach services including the Police Athletic League, chaplain program and the Citizens Police Academy. In addition, Porter will oversee training for the county’s mobile crisis unit that responds to crises involving mental health, substance abuse, suicides and domestic violence. She oversees 48 sworn personnel and 43 civilian employees.

“The extensive and dedicated experience of these two leaders will prove to be a benefit to the citizens of the county,” Chief Conroy said.

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eKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann has been banished from all city of Atlanta parks for six months, ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and serve 80 hours of community service, after negotiating a plea deal to amend indecency and obstruction charges against him.

Mann was originally charged with indecency and obstruction on May 6 for allegedMajor Tony Catlin Major Sonya Porter ly exposing himself in Piedmont Park and then running from an Atlanta police officer.

Mann negotiated a guilty plea to change “They represent the future of law enforcement in DeKalb.” the charges to obstruction and prohibited Both Catlin and Porter are veterans of the conduct in a park—for being in the park after DeKalb County Police Department with 23 years dark. of experience each.

Athough Atlanta Municipal Court Judge Catlin started as a patrol officer in 1994 and Crystal Gaines sentenced Mann on July 27, became a detective in 1998. He has lived and Mann had already completed 40 hours of raised a family in DeKalb County for 34 years.

A Marine Corps veteran, Porter held various community service with the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Back-to-School positions in support services for four years including commander for leadership and diversity Jamboree.

In May, Mann voluntarily suspended and training academy director.

The DeKalb County Police Department has himself for one week for “conduct unbecoma total of 724 sworn officers plus 224 civilian ing.” He said he was donating one week’s staff. The department’s total budget for fiscal year pay to a nonprofit.

2017 is $107 million.

In June, Gov. Nathan Deal suspended

DeKalb County Sheriff Mann

Mann for 40 days after the Georgia Sheriff’s Association sent Deal a letter calling for an investigation. Mann returned to work on July 24.

Mann still faces an investigation by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, which has the power to suspend or revoke his certification as a law enforcement officer.

PAGE 2 •JULY 29, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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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.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

JULY 29,2017 • PAGE 3

DeKalb health officials report second case of West Nile this year

The DeKalb County Board of Health has received its second report of a human case of West Nile virus infection in the county.

The patient, a 78-year-old male, living in unincorporated DeKalb, between Chamblee and Tucker, is currently hospitalized.

To date, 30 West Nile virus positive mosquito pools have been identified from 14 locations throughout the county.

To reduce the spread of West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, the Board of Health provides an integrated mosquito control program.

Program technicians routinely trap mosquitoes throughout the county, which are tested for viruses. Technicians also work with residents to reduce mosquito infestations including placing larvicide in sources of standing water, like storm drains. This

keeps young mosquitoes from becoming flying biting adults.

The Board of Health continues to educate the public, including conducting door- to-door campaigns, so that individuals can help protect themselves, their homes and their communities by eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

The Board of Health reminds people to take the following precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes: • Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus are most active.

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Apply according to label instructions.

• Spray clothing with products containing

permethrin. Also apply according to label instructions.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk and in areas with large numbers of mosquitoes.

• Reduce mosquito breeding in your yard by eliminating standing water in gutters and items such as planters, toys, wheelbarrows and old tires.

• Discourage mosquitoes from resting in your yard by trimming tall grass, weeds and vines.

• Make sure window and door screens fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out of your home. For more information about the West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health’s Environmental Health division at 404-508-7900 or visit www.dekalbhealth. net/envhealth.

Stonecrest City Council amends hotel/motel tax to reflect reduction The city of Stonecrest this year will collect only 5 percent of the taxes levied on lodging for hotel/ motel guests. The Stonecrest City Council amended its hotel/motel tax ordinance on July 24 to collect only 5 percent—not 8 percent as it had approved on June 19.

City Attorney Thompson Currie said the city would be able to collect the full 8 percent, as DeKalb County had before the new city was formed, with the approval of state legislators.

Meanwhile, city officials said 3 percent of the

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

hotel/motel taxes would be used for the city’s general operating fund, while the remainder would be used for tourism and marketing provided by a separate nonprofit contracted by the city.

Adrion Bell, the city’s communications director, said letters concerning the reduction have been mailed to hoteliers located within the city seeking payments beginning Aug. 1. He said the city has nine hotels/motels within its jurisdiction.

In other action, the City Council adopted an ordinance authorizing Iberia Bank to issue the Tax

Anticipation Note to cover the city’s expenses until its revenues come in.

Attorney Thompson Currie

Rockdale’s Johnson Park Rec Center celebrates renovations

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Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman Oz Nesbitt (left) greets children during an slime-making class as a fitness class gets under way at the Johnson Park Recreation Center.

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he community celebrated the completion of renovations at the Johnson Park Recreation Center, 2781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers, during an open house on July 27.

The county spent $334,000 renovating the recreation center putting in new carpet, new paint, upgrades for the disabled to use restrooms, renovated locker rooms and improvements to the gym and indoor pool area.

Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt commended staff for upgrades at the recreation center, saying he was proud of the improvements.

NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 4.17 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held in the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers Georgia 30012 on Tuesday, August 8 at 9:00 a.m.

Times and places of additional public hearings on this tax increase are the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 on Tuesday, August 15 at 9:00 a.m. and Lorraine Elementary School, 3343 E Fairview Rd SW, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 7:00 p.m.

This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 20.19 mills, an increase of 0.81 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 19.38 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $32.40 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $300,000 is approximately $97.20.

Further, the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners BOC will hold a Called Meeting on Tuesday Aug. 22 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers, 30012, for the purpose of setting the 2017 Millage Rate.

PAGE 4 •JULY 29, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

VOF girls get special treatment at “Royal Pampering Party”

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hile many back-toschool events around metro Atlanta featured backpacks and school supplies for students heading back to school, pampering was the order of the day for a special group of girls in Rockdale County.

Voices of Faith Ministries hosted a “Back-to-School Royal Pampering Party” on July 22 for female students who are members of its Rockdale congregation. Deaconess June Hawkins Jones said ten students in middle and high school participated in the free mentoring event, which included sessions on skin care, meditation and strategies for succeeding in college.

The church’s Youth Ministry, under the leadership of Pastor Matthew Jenkins, sponsored the event.

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Pastor Jenkins’ wife, Minister Whitney Tucker-Jenkins, and her twin sister, Minister Britney Tucker, led a session on meditation and relaxation.

The two women showed the girls how to use aromatherapy to relax as the school year intensifies.

“It’s important to know how to relax. Using meditation and aromatherapy can help reduce stress and release a lot of negative energy,” said Minister Jenkins.

Kaila Gabaree, a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia who graduated from Rockdale High School with a 4.2 GPA, discussed strategies for success in college.

“They wanted to know about living in dorms, going to nightclubs and that sort of thing. I talked about that but I also told them to start

preparing early for big tests such as the SAT and ACT,” said Gabaree, who is majoring in biology and minoring in public health. “I told them to join school clubs because colleges really look at you holistically—not only your academic achievement.”

Licensed esthetician Kenna Hamilton, who owns a mobile company called Kymistry Spa, LLC in Conyers, led a session called “The Royal Spa Treatment.” Hamilton showed the girls how to do their own facials with natural skin care products. The girls made their own sugar scrubs during the pampering party.

In addition to the classes during the Royal Pampering Party, the girls enjoyed a continental breakfast and luncheon.

The event was supported by the

Voices Parent Advisory Committee, which included Lori Brown, Trinna Benn, Angela Spearman, Pamela Murphy, Marsha Kennerly and Lauren McDougall.

Pastor Jenkins said a back-toschool mentoring event is planned for males ages 13 and up.

“We’re going provide them with free haircuts from a local barber and we’re going to feed them,” Pastor Jenkins said. “We’re going to be talking with them about different topics--peer pressure, influence, relationships how to navigate rejection. We Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. is pastor and founder of Voices of Faith Ministries. The church’s main campus is located at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W., Stone Mountain. The Rockdale campus is located at 1290 Sigman Road, Conyers.

VOF seniors present $500 scholarships to six high school students

he 50+ Ministry at Voices of Faith honored six high school graduates at its scholarship awards on July 23. The ministry, comprised of seniors who are ages 50 and older, hosts fundraisers annually to award the scholarships, said Elder Debra Higgins, who coordinates the program.

“It’s our way of giving back and rewarding and encouraging our youths,” said Elder Debra Higgins, who coordinates the scholarship program. “These students have excelled in high school, achievements include extra-curricular activities in school, the community and VOF. They have membership in various organizations and have racked up volunteer hours. These are our leaders of tomorrow.”

The following students were honored this year: David Isaiah Copeland, a South Gwinnett High School graduate, is attending Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, where he is majoring in computer engineering. He aspires

Jackson.

Left: Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr. and members of the 50+ Ministry honor the 2017 scholars and their parents. to become a Major in the U.S. Army.

Copeland is active in VOF’s Youth Ministry. His mother, Toshua Hayward, accepted his scholarship on his behalf because he has already started college.

Dominique Rachelle Jackson, a South Gwinnett High School grad-

uate, is attending Kennesaw State University, where she plans to major in finance/business administration.

Jackson aspires to become a stockbroker or establish a foundation to provide children with school materials and clothing needed for school. She is active in VOF’s Youth Ministry. She is the daughter of Reggie and Stacey

Imani Minor, a graduate of Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County, is attending Northwestern University in Chicago this fall. She plans to major in neuroscience and explore a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease by using music. She is active with the church’s Merge Youth Ministry. Her twin brother, I’Endai Shakeel Minor, who is also a Shiloh High graduate, is attending Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL. He plans to major in music and aspires to be a top-ranked band director in high school or college.

He is a member of the VOF’s Youth Ministry and Youth Executive Council.

The twins’ parents are Sean and Nicole Minor.

Darnesha Nicole Mitchell, a graduate of DeKalb County’s Stephenson High School, is attending the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA. Mitchell aspires to own the No. 1 advertising company in the restaurant and business world. She

is volunteers at the church’s bookstore, hospitality ministry, Shepherd’s Care and Daughters of Faith. Her parents are Elder Wade and Deaconess Jacqueline Mitchell.

Zevney Sylk Palmer, a South Gwinnett High School graduate, is attending Albany State University in Albany, GA, where she is majoring in chemistry. She aspires to become a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, traveling the world, and to become a Certified Forensic Chemist to identify criminals by using the laws of chemistry. Palmer is a member of the Praise Dance Ministry. Her mother, Angela Powell, accepted her scholarship on her behalf.

The 50+ Ministry is hosting a masquerade ball on Saturday, Sept.

16, 4 to 8 p.m. at Bethesda Park Center, Lawrenceville. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, call VOF at 770-498-5850.

New Birth’s Back-to-School Festival features over 1,000 free book bags

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest, hosted a back-to-school event on July 22 and over 1,000 book bags and school supplies were distributed for free to the community.

The “Summer Lift & Blazing Back to School Festival” was held in partnership with the Savvy Foundation, Nationwide and City of Stonecrest Councilmember Diane Adoma, Walmart and Georgia Home Theater, to name a few.

In addition to the book bag giveaway, there were drawings for laptops, Ipads and games.

The festival also featured plenty of family fun and activities including a petting zoo and pony rides, bounce houses, live entertainment, teen talk sessions, parent workshops, community agencies and free health screenings.

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JULY 29, 2017 • PAGE 5

DeKalb officially opens new animal shelter eKalb County celebrated the grand opening of a new animal shelter on July 26. The 33,440-square-foot facility sits on 5.3 acres in Chamblee and can accommodate more than 400

animals.

The new $12 million shelter is almost twice the size of the old facility on Camp Road and features a 1,300-square-foot clinic that includes a surgery prep and surgery room, lab area, secure pharmacy storage and holding areas for animals scheduled for surgery. The clinic will provide spay-and-neuter services for animals adopted from the shelter. The new shelter is open and located at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee.

“The county is extremely grateful to the countless volunteers who advocated for a new shelter in DeKalb County,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Especially the volunteers of the Animal Services Advisory Board, who provided years of guidance to ensure DeKalb has a quality facility that provides optimal animal care and shelter.”

Formed in 2011 to help the county plan a new animal shelter, the Animal Services Advisory Board provides ongoing recommendations to the CEO and county commissioners on matters related to animal services and enforcement.

“The new facility is a temporary sanctuary that will provide shelter to animals in need,” said Susan Neugent, chair of the DeKalb County animal services task force that recommended the new shelter and a member of the Animal Services Advisory Board. “The shelter will provide love, care and a home to county animals that are lost, abandoned or homeless.”

Lifeline Animal Project manages the shelter and during the month of July, the facility is offering fee waived adoptions. All dogs, cats, kittens and puppies — no matter size, age or weight —can be adopted without any fees and adoption includes free spay-neuter, vaccines and microchip.

For more information, contact the shelter at 404-294-2996.

DeKalb residents may dispose big items for free at Seminole Landfill DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host “Amnesty Day,” an opportunity for DeKalb County residents to dispose of items such as furniture and construction and demolition materials without charge. The free event will be held on Saturday, July 29, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood.

During “Amnesty Day,” a part of the Operation Clean Sweep initiative, items such as tires, yard trimmings, bagged garbage and appliances can be disposed at the landfill. No hazardous materials will be accepted. The event is open to DeKalb County residents and proof of residency is required.

FOG permitting program workshop set The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) will host a Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Permitting Program Workshop on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Department of Watershed Management, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur.

Discharges containing high concentrations of fats, oils and grease from food service establishments such as restaurants, schools, nursing homes and other public facilities can cause blockages or overflows. To help prevent FOG from entering the sewer system, DWM developed the FOG Permitting Program Workshop to educate facilities about the county’s permitting, maintenance and monitoring requirements.

The workshop will provide an overview of the FOG program and give facilities an opportunity to ask questions. The FOG workshop is limited to 60 participants.

To attend, please RSVP by sending an email to FOG@dekalbcountyga.gov. For more information, contact the FOG program at 404-687-7150.

PAGE 6 •JULY 29, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

FBI, Conyers Police arrest Kay Jewelry robbery suspects Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the April 18 armed robbery of the Kay Jewelers, 1620 Dogwood Ave., in Conyers, FBI officials said.

Cephos Leyon “Jamal” White, 29, of Sandy Springs, and Sandrika Denise Sears, also known as Nubian Monae, Monae, 31, of Decatur, were arrested

July 26 without incident by FBI agents and officers of the Conyers Police Department on warrants charging them with armed robbery.

The robbery took place on April 18 about 10:30 a.m., police said. The male suspect entered the store with a black semi-automatic handgun, had a brief conversation with a store employ-

Highway 78 road rage shooting suspects apprehended in New Orleans The months-long search for the suspects responsible for the death of 52-year-old Gerald Lovell Tisdale has ended in New Orleans.

Joel Williams, 30, and Alvion Robinson, 27, were arrested in New Orleans and are currently awaiting extradition to Georgia to face charges for shooting Tisdale on March 30, DeKalb County police say.

Tisdale was shot during an alleged road rage incident on 78 Eastbound near Mountain Industrial Boulevard. Williams, the alleged shooter, fired at Tisdale from a black Nissan Altima, causing him to lose control and crash into the woodline. Tisdale later died at Grady Hospital.

Both, Williams and Robison, are charged with murder and three counts of second-degree cruelty to children because three small children were in the car during the time of the shooting.

ee and then jumped over the counter and took jewelry from a display case.

David J. LeValley, of the FBI Atlanta Field Office, said more than $700,000 worth of jewelry was taken.

White and Sears made initial appearances in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Catherine M. Salinas in Atlanta on July 26.

Victim bound, shot, robbed, left for dead in Dunwoody apartment A man convicted in connection with the shooting death of an acquaintance at a Dunwoody apartment complex will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Kashawn Mitchell, 24, has been sentenced to two life terms plus five years in prison for his role in the murder of Jaron Acklin, 24, DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston said.

Acklin was shot and killed on Nov. 13, 2015 inside his apartment on Asbury Commons in Dunwoody. His body was discovered three days later by a friend who was checking on him.

According to the investigation, Mitchell and an accomplice held the victim at gunpoint following an argument, bound his hands, then fatally shot him in the head. The men fled the scene with several of the victim’s belongings, including designer bags, a cell phone and two Hover boards.

The assailants were captured on surveillance video entering the victim’s apartment building through a side door and leaving approximately an hour later in the victim’s car, after having arrived on foot. Separate surveillance video captured the two riding the stolen Hover boards outside of a store where they purchased spray paint to disguise the items.

Mitchell was convicted of murder, felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault and weapons offenses following a jury trial last week.

A second man charged in connection with the crime is scheduled to stand trial next week.

The case against Kashawn Mitchell was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Buffy Thomas with assistance from ADA Ashley Gholamhosseini and DA Investigator C.D. Smith. Detective W. Blake Yeargin of the Dunwoody Police Department led the initial investigation.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams presided over the case.

Shooter pleads guilty to killing taxi driver David Garcia-Mendoza, 22 entered a guilty plea to charges of felony murder, kidnapping and other charges in connection with the shooting death of 43-year-old Luz Mariana Matheu, a Chamblee taxi driver, District Attorney Sherry Boston said.

Matheu was gunned down on Oct. 1, 2016 shortly after picking up Garcia-Mendoza from a Buford Highway hotel. Witnesses reported seeing the two arguing in the front seat of the taxi while parked at a nearby gas station. Mendoza held a gun to the victim’s head before forcing her to drive away. He pulled the trigger a short distance later, killing her and causing her to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a fence at the intersection of Warwick Circle and Woodacres Road in Chamblee.

Garcia-Mendoza fled the scene into a residential area and forced two men to the ground at gunpoint before escaping into a wooded area.

He was arrested after being tracked by a canine unit while hiding in a kudzu patch.

David Garcia-Mendoza

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JULY 29, 2017 • PAGE 7

DeKalb school district announces new principals The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) announced its newly hired principals for the 2017-2018 school year on July 25.

“Research shows when schools have effective leadership, student and staff performance will increase. Working with our five regional superintendents, we have identified a group of highly-qualified and highly-motivated individuals to join our team,” said Superintendent/CEO R. Stephen Green. “With these talented educators in place, we will continue to raise our expectations and outcomes for achievement.”

The newly-hired group of principals includes: • Dresden Elementary School – Jesse U. Berger • Flat Rock Elementary School – Malik Douglas • Kelley Lake Elementary School – Peggy Davis • Chamblee Charter High School – Rebecca Braaten • Lithonia High School – Darrick L. McCray

• Miller Grove Middle School – Marcus Kimber • Murphey Chandler Elementary School – Marsha Sears • Oak View Elementary School – Sabrina Pressley • Panola Way Elementary School – Corey L. Stegall • Redan Middle School – Karen Davis • Rock Chapel Elementary School – Lisa Y. Green • Shadow Rock Elementary School – Viva S. Jones • Snapfinger Elementary School – Johnny Potter • Stephenson Middle School – Rasheen G. Booker • Stoneview Elementary School – Cassandra L. Davis • Woodridge Elementary School – Brandy A. Jermon • Tucker High School – Tamra Watts

Congressman Hank Johnson launches 2017 app challenge to students in K-12 Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is inviting K-12 students who live or attend a school in the Fourth Congressional District to demonstrate their technology skills by developing an app.

“Science and technology are transforming our world and we must do all we can to ensure our kids are taking part in and helping shape the changing economy,” said Johnson. “I’m Congressman Hank Johnson proud of the students who participate in the challenge. This competition has showcased some of the Fourth

Congressional District’s brightest young minds as they take on cutting-edge technology that is becoming an increasing part of all our lives.”

The Congressional App Challenge will run from July 26 through Nov. 1, 2017. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. Students of all skills are strongly encouraged to participate and to learn how to create their own apps.

Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and will receive Congressional recognition for their achievements in STEM and Computer Science. Their apps will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on

these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by many as a million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs.

To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the U.S. invests in our youth now, and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts.

Recognizing the racial, gendered, and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC also focuses on inclusivity and making the challenge widely accessible to students from all backgrounds. Deliberate efforts are made to include students from all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in tech.

For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit http://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/2017-student-signup/

Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson to present back-to-school success rally Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, noted youth mentor and anti-violence activist, will host a back-to-school event on Aug. 5, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, 7850 Stonecrest Square in the city of Stonecrest.

Parents are invited to bring their children to learn strategies for success as Hudson, founder of Be Someone, Inc., demonstrates how to out think the competition by using a life-sized chessboard and pieces. Hudson says young people will learn how to respect others, think before they make dangerous moves, and give more than they take through the free Chess Leadership Training and Personal Empowerment back-to-school event.

“This weekend event is the perfect time to promote peace, positivity and purpose as students head back to school,” said Hudson.

“I want young people to know they must put ‘Brains before Bullets’ and there is a consequence for every move they make whether it is on the chess board or in life. These are critical messages that

we must keep pushing to encourage and save our young people.”

A former gang member, Hudson said a teacher in Alabama saved his life by teaching him the game of chess. Hudson said the game inspired him to succeed and help others. Hudson went on to become a U.S. Air Force veteran and law enforcement officer.

He has been awarded the prestigious FBI Director’s Community Leader Award and the DeKalb County CEO Community Hero Award. Since 2000, his mentoring program has brought 55,000 students the life-affirming message of “Pants up, grades up, and Never give up!”

To RSVP for the free event, email info@besomeone.org or for more information, call 770-465-6445 or visit www.besomeone.org.

PAGE 8•JULY 29,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Businnes Spotlight

Brown Sugar Gourmet Desserts serving up sweet treats in Conyers

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re you in the mood for gourmet sweet goods?

Head to Brown Sugar Gourmet Desserts in Conyers where you’ll find mouth-watering baked goods with a distinctive flair. This bakery specializes in decadent creations, which include custom birthday, wedding, and special event cakes.

Partners Roderica Bracey and Janice Colbert are owners of the business, which celebrated its 1-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony in April.

Bracey and Colbert have approximately 15 years of combined baking experience. The two were

co-workers at ADP and developed a loyal following by offering catering services independently. They teamed

up and started a business together two years ago.

Bracey said their most popular

offerings include red velvet cake, key lime cake, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and cheesecake. The business has provided services for a number of celebrity clients.

They can create specialty items including dipped fruits desserts.

Brown Sugar Gourmet Desserts is located at 1820 GA 20, Suite 116, Conyers (in Big Lots plaza). Hours are Tuesday, 12 – 8 p.m., and Thursday – Saturday, 12 – 8.

The bakery is closed Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

For more information, call 678-806-5511 or visit www. brownsugardesserts.com.

Aisha Danzy and Miss USA 2016 Deshauna Barber. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan

Fit For A Queen welcomes Miss USA 2016

F

it For A Queen of Atlanta formal wear welcomed Miss USA 2016, Deshauna Barber, at a red carpet reception on Friday, July 21.

Barber and Fit For A Queen owner Aisha S. Danzy teamed up to present a comprehensive pageant preparatory workshop, which was held on Saturday, July 22, at the Buckhead-Atlanta Doubletree Hotel.

The “Take the Crown” workshop, conducted by national and international professionals in the beauty and pageant industry, offered participants runway coaching, interview prep, wardrobe consultations, physique and nutrition consultation.

Danzy said she was excited and honored to be a part of the workshop and luncheon, which drew contestants from as far as the state of Washington.

Fit for A Queen of Atlanta was established in the heart of downtown Atlanta in 2016. The store offers custom and designer gowns for prom, pageant, and formal occasions ranging from sizes 00-32W. From wardrobing young girls for pageants to dressing women for Atlanta’s annual UNCF Mayor’s Ball, Fit for A Queen of Atlanta offers personal styling for any event.

Fit for A Queen is located at 449 Bill Kennedy Way, Atlanta. 678-3109919.

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Keith E. Baird, linguistic anthropologist dies at 94

Dr. Keith E. Baird The life of Dr. Keith E. Baird, whose trailblazing work in linguistic anthropology focused on the politics of language, will be celebrated on Aug. 12, 1 to 4 p.m., at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 2833 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur.

Dr. Baird made his transition on July 13 in Atlanta. He was 94, said his daughter, Marcia Baird Burris, who was married to the late Charles “Chuck” Burris, who became the first African-American mayor of the city of Stone

Mountain in 1997. Mayor Burris served until 2001.

Dr. Baird’s body has been donated to Morehouse School of Medicine for use in research and education as was his wish.

Born into poverty on January 20, 1923 in Barbados, West Indies on January 20, 1923, Keith Baird came to the United States in 1947 at the age of 24. He entered Columbia University, where he began studies in Spanish. He continued his graduate course work at Columbia in Romance Philology and Linguistics and was awarded his doctorate degree in sociolinguistics from the Union Graduate Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio.

From 1964 – 1969, he was an educator and administrator in the New York City School System. As director of the Afro-American History and Culture Center, in District 29, New York City Board of Education, he developed educational curricula in Afro-American Studies for elementary and secondary teachers and trained a select group of teachers in subject content, curriculum planning and teaching methodology. An activist educator, he co-founded, planned and implemented policy as associate director of the Community Education Center in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville Experimental School District in New York City.

Dr. Baird was a founding member of the

Fairfield sets celebrations for retiring Pastor Micheal Benton Fairfield Baptist Church, 6133 Redan Road, Lithonia, is set to celebrate its annual Homecoming and Family and Friends’ Day beginning Saturday, Aug. 5. This year’s celebration will be bittersweet as it will mark the beginning of many activities planned for the church’s retiring pastor of 40 years, the Rev. Micheal Benton.

The theme is “Commemorating the Past, Celebrating the Present and Embracing the Future Together.” The event will begin with a parade, which will depart at 8 a.m. from the parking lot of New Covenant Ministries, 1760 Philips Road, Lithonia and end at Fairfield Baptist Church.

Following the parade, the community is invited to enjoy a day of fun, food and games being held on the church campus.

Rev. Micheal Benton Vendor spaces are available for rent. The celebration will continue Sunday, Aug. 6, with one Homecoming Service at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Benton will be the speaker. A three-night revival will follow Aug. 7-9, with speakers Pastor Clinton McFarland of Grace Baptist Church on Monday, Pastor Marlin Harris of New Life Baptist Church on Tuesday and Pastor Keith Brooks, All Nations Praise and Worship, on Wednesday. Services will be held at 7 p.m.

Vendors who would like to participate at the upcoming fun day on Aug. 6 should contact the church for information regarding vendor fees: 770-482-7660.

DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson elected for new NACo leadership role DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson was recently elected chair of the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) of the National Association of County Government’s (NACo’s). He was elected at NACo’s 82nd Annual Conference, which was held July 21-24 in Franklin County, Ohio.

LUCC comprised of county executives, governing board members and other senior elected officials, focuses on urban challenges and solutions, engage in peer-to-peer information exchanges, and inform national policy discussions.

Commissioner Johnson, who also has served as a member of the Board of Directors for NACo, said serving with the LUCC and NACo, has allowed Larry Johnson DeKalb to leverage existing and new opportunities to attract resources to the county. Johnson will serve a one-year term as chair of the LUCC.

Rep. Billy Mitchell hosts first Cannabis and Hemp Symposium State Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain) recently hosted the first meeting of the Cannabis and Hemp Symposium at the State Capitol. The symposium met to discuss the policies, opportunities and challenges of the cannabis and hemp industry within the state of Georgia.

“As we make changes to our state laws regarding cannabis and hemp, it is important that we keep our communities engaged and informed,” said Mitchell. “The first Cannabis and Hemp Symposium was a success, and I look forward to future meetings as we work to increase public awareness on this industry.”

The program focused on the key themes of safe use and access, State Rep. Billy Mitchell cannabis and public policy, new markets and investment opportunities, as well as the importance of minorities in the cannabis and hemp industry. The symposium also featured networking, career, and advocacy opportunities for minorities in this industry. Additionally, the symposium consisted of discussions with a panel of national advocates, physicians, and activists. The session concluded with a conversation with State Senator Harold Jones II (D-Augusta), Alabama State Representative Juandalynn Givan (D-60), Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry, South Carolina State Rep. John King (D-49).

Former State Rep. Dee Dawkins Haigler and community leader Michael “Coach” Harris also helped organize the symposium. The two focused on congregating key leaders from across the county that have pushed policy makers to institute legislation that is fair and inclusive in the cannabis industry.

African American Teachers Association, which challenged the United Federation of Teachers run by Albert Shanker.

Dr. Baird also pioneered the teaching of an African language (Ki-Swahili) at the City University of New York as professor and director of Afro-American Studies in the Black and Puerto Rican Studies Department at Hunter College. Most of his life’s work centered on the view that language was a political tool that had been used against people of color but should be used a tool for liberation and enlightenment. He was an early advocate for use of “Afro American”—a term invoking cultural heritage—to refer to people of African descent in the United States rather than the term “Black.”

Dr. Baird held professional positions at a number of academic institutions, including Hunter College of the City University of New York, Hofstra University and Buffalo State College of the State University of New York where he was chair of the Afro-American Studies Department and was professor emeritus of anthropology. He was also a visiting professor at Georgia Institute of Technology and Atlanta University. He retired from Clark Atlanta University, having served as full professor in the Department of History and interim chair of African and African American Studies.

Dr. Baird was fluent or conversant in 14 languages, including Latin (Classical, Colloquial and Medieval), Greek, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Russian, Afro-European Creoles (Bajan, Caribbean Afrish), Afro-French Creole (Haitian Kreyol), Papiamento, Swahili, and Mdw Ntr (Ancient Egyptian language).

Dr. Baird also published hundreds of articles and book reviews, presented scholarly papers and lectured and participated on panels relating to the politics of language as pertains to Africans and African Americans.

Significant portions of his extensive library and papers have been donated to Atlanta’s Auburn Library and Research Center.

Dr. Baird is survived by his wife, Mary Twining Baird; his daughters, Diana Baird N’Diaye and Marcia Baird Burris; stepdaughter, Nana Ashhurst; and stepson, Timothy Twining; son-in-law, Gorgui N’Diaye, daughters-in-law, Tara Twining and Trish Twining; and 11 biological and step grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends donate books inscribed in Baird’s memory to their local library or create and support a free pop-up community library.

For more information on Dr. Baird’s celebration of life and to RSVP, please email celebratingKEB@africamail.com.

Kathryn Rice returns to chair Cityhood of South DeKalb movement The Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb Inc. (CCCSD) is launching a new push to establish Greenhaven as a city under Dr. Kathryn Rice, who has returned to chair the organization.

Rice founded CCCSD in 2014 to propose and gain approval for a new city in South DeKalb: Greenhaven. Forming an organization is one of the informal requirements of the Georgia State House of Representatives.

Rice left CCCSD in May 2016 to help start the Greenhaven Business Alliance Inc. (GBA), an organization formed to promote the economic development potential of South DeKalb through research, business attraction and investment, and the development of public-private partnerships.

“I am passionate about economic development. But when I saw that after four years of promoting Greenhaven and three years of meeting all Dr. Kathryn Rice the requirements for having a bill in the Georgia Assembly, that we were still being denied the right to a vote by the people, I felt the need to come back to CCCSD to help get Greenhaven approved,” said Rice.

Rice said CCCSD will begin promoting Greenhaven through public meetings, articles and signs.

For more information or to receive updates, visit www.Greenhaven-GA.org.

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JULY 29,2017 • PAGE 11

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