VOLUME 22 NUMBER 18
FREE
JULY 30 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Youngest Georgia delegate at Democratic National Convention captures media’s attention
By Shawn Evans Mitchell For On Common Ground News
K
endall Austin, 18, of Decatur, the youngest Georgia Delegate to represent the Democratic National Convention, was courted by major news outlets during his trip to the convention in Philadelphia. MSNBC, CNN, Time Magazine for Kids and PBS were among the media outlets that interviewed him to get his perspective. Many even sent company cars to pick him up from his hotel. “I am very excited to be here to represent the young Democrats and the younger generation in my community,” Austin told On Common Ground News. “It is very important that our voices are heard.” The grandson of Sandra Austin, chairwoman of the DeKalb County Democratic Party, was introduced to politics at a very early age. As a youngster, Kendall was glued Kendall Austin waits in the hotel lobby with his grandmother, Sandra Austin, chairwoman of the DeKalb County Democratic Party, before to his grandmother’s hip during boarding the delegate bus to the Wells-Fargo Center in Philadelphia. various caucus meetings and move, as Austin stood with fellow the rising college freshman said. “It Although Sandra Austin did not the 2008 DNC in Denver, where he Georgians during the July 26 Rollis so important that young people travel to the convention as a delewitnessed history being made then, Call endorsement of Hillary Clinton: become involved in the political pro- gate this time around, she said she is as the Democratic party nominee, “I can’t even begin to describe cess. We are the voices of the future.” extremely proud of our grandson’s Barack Obama, addressed the packed that feeling. That experience, it was Austin will attend Lipscomb Uni- position and opportunity. arena. such an honor to stand there and be versity in Nashville, Tenn. in the fall “I still won, just because of him. Fast-forward to his more direct a part of that history-making event,” with a major concentration in biology. It’s his turn,” she said. involvement of another historical
Big victories in DeKalb, Rockdale runoffs
By Valerie J. Morgan
V
oters overwhelmingly elected Steve Bradshaw as the new DeKalb County commissioner for District 4. Bradshaw defeated incumbent Sharon Barnes Sutton in the July 26 runoff with 5,853 votes (75.43 percent), according to early returns at the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office web site. Sutton received 1,907 votes (24.57). “I am overjoyed by this outpouring of support. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am,” Bradshaw told the standing room-only crowd who joined him for his victory celebration at the Village Corner restaurant in Stone Mountain. DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson defeated contract attorney Susannah Scott with 15,142 votes (58.82%). Scott came in with 10,600 votes (41.18%), according to early results. Johnson won both a special election to fill the position for former Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson for the remainder of the year as well as the Democratic Party primary for the four-year term that starts in January. Johnson does not face any opposition in November’s general
Steve Bradshaw
Irvin Johnson
election. In Rockdale County, current Commissioner Oz Nesbitt defeated incumbent Richard Oden in the Chairman’s runoff for the Democratic Primary. Nesbitt received 3,065 votes (57.40%). Oden received 2,275 votes (42.60%). Nesbitt is expected to face Courtney Dillard, who is seeking to run as an Independent in November. Election officials must verify signatures and addresses on Dillard’s petition as an Independent before his name can be placed on the ballot, said Elections Supervisor Cynthia Welch. “I give thanks to God, my wife, Robernett, and the voters of Rockdale County,” said Nesbitt. “I think peo-
Oz Nesbitt
Vernon Jones
ple in Rockdale tranCounty saw a real genuine person sition from the current chairman, who cares about the people—not Richard Oden,” said Nesbitt. some guy on a pedestal looking down Attorney Clarence Cuthpert was on them. For eight years, the No. elected Rockdale Probate Judge, de1 thing I prided myself on is being ac- feating incumbent Charles Mays with cessible. I was never a stranger at the 3,095 votes (59.35%). Mays received churches that I visited. I didn’t go to 2,120 votes (40.65%). campaign; I went to worship.” In Rockdale’s Post 1 CommisNesbitt said he plans to continsioner Race, Sherri Washington ue working hard all the way until slid to victory for the Democratic November where he may face the Primary with 2,657 votes (52.33%); Independent challenger, Dillard. He Phyllis Hatcher received 2,420 votes said he is putting together a readiness (47.67%). Washington will face Reteam that will be comprised of citipublican Thomas Chastain in Novemzens representing all demographics in ber. the county. Heather Duncan was elected “When I’m elected, I’m looking forward to a smooth and professional See Victories page 6
PAGE 2 •JULY 30,2016
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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JULY 30,2016 • PAGE 3
Rockdale hosts ribbon cutting celebration for Old Covington Highway project
R
ockdale County officials on July 27 celebrated the completion of the Old Covington Highway widening and reconstruction project, which has been a community transportation goal since the 1990s. The project cost about $5 million. SPLOST funds covered the design of the project, while state funds covered site acquisition. Rockdale BOC Chairman Richard Oden, City of Conyers Mayor Randy Mills, Transportation Department Director Miguel Valentin and SPLOST Oversight Committee leadership spoke briefly during the ribbon cutting
celebration. The new alternative route will provide relief for vehicles crossing State Route 20/138 through the
heavily congested Dogwood Drive intersection. The section of Old Covington Highway that dead-ended near SR 138
had to be lowered as much as 10 feet in some areas in order for the road to go under the existing State Route 138 bridge.
Olympian encourages DeKalb youths to fulfill their dreams, warns against gun violence
News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
Lou Walker Senior Center to reopen hair salon, barbershop The Lou Walker Senior Center (LWSC), located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, is celebrating the reopening of its hair salon and barbershop. “At the Lou Walker Senior Center, we not only help seniors learn and stay active, we want to promote the importance of healthy hair, skin and nails,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May. “We want to give seniors a total body experience.” The salon, which will be open to LWSC members and the public, will offer services according to the following schedule: Mondays, barber services; Tuesdays, nail and skin care, including manicures, facials, eyelashes and eyebrows; Wednesdays-Fridays, hair styling. In addition to providing quality salon styling services, the salon will offers classes on skin and hair care. For more information, call Antilik Black, salon coordinator, at 770-322-2930.
Kristi Castlin, a 2016 track-andfield Olympian, spoke with youths on July 25 at the Hamilton Recreation Center about gun violence and fulfilling their dreams. Castlin, who is dedicating her Olympic bid in Rio to survivors of gun violence, is a victim of gun violence. When she was 13 years old, her father,
who worked as the night manager at a Cobb County hotel, was shot and killed for $300 during a robbery. The case went unsolved for 15 years until a man was convicted in March 2016 for the murder. Castlin also experienced gun violence again as a freshman at Virginia Tech when a lone gunman killed 32
people and wounded 17 at the college. The Atlanta native holds a state record time in the 100-meter hurdles, graduated in the top five percent of her high school class with a 4.0 GPA and received a full scholarship to Virginia Tech, where she graduated with honors and a degree in political science.
DeKalb police seek child kidnapper DeKalb County Police are investigating the abduction and sexual assault of a 5-year-old female. On July 22, at approximately 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a child wandering alone at the Value Mall at 5616 Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain. The child reported that she had been picked up by an unknown male at the Clifton Glen Apartments and later dropped off on Memori-
al Drive. The child was transported to the hospital for evaluation where it was discovered she had been sexually assaulted. While officers were out with the child, a call was received of a kidnapping at the Clifton Glen Apartments located at 600 Hambrick Road in Stone Mountain. The victim’s 8-year-old brother reported the kidnapping to his mother who contacted police. Officers
and detectives canvassed the area and developed a suspect description. The suspect is described as a light skinned black male in his early twenties with long hair tied into a ponytail and a long beard. The suspect is believed to be operating an early 2000’s model Hyundai hatchback gray in color. Anyone who has any information on the suspect or this incident are urged to
contact the DeKalb County Police Homicide/Assaults Unit at 770-724-7850.
PAGE 4•JULY 30,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Coming Up
DEKALB
Annual SWD alumni cookout set Aug. 6 Alumni of Southwest DeKalb High School are invited to attend the sixth annual alumni cookout Saturday, Aug. 6, 3 to 9 p.m. at Salem Park, 5280 Salem Road, Lithonia. Classes dating back to 1991 will come together for food, laughs and live music by Celebrity DJ Emcee ShyD. The menu will include barbecue, a crab boil, fish fry, lobster tails. There also will be catered food and Italian Icees for sale. For more information, contact the event organizer Danny Davison at danny. davison72@gmail.com
GWINNETT
27th Annual National Poetry Slam Festival ribbon cutting
T
he community, business leaders and sponsors are invited to attend the ribbon cutting hosted by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the reception to follow hosted by the Decatur Arts Alliance Monday, Aug. 1, 7 p.m., at 115 Sycamore St., Decatur. The National Poetry Slam festival ribbon cutting will celebrate the one-week national art, music and poetry slam being hosted in Decatur Aug. 1 – 6. The weeklong event will welcome more than 300 poets from across the nation from August 1 to August 6 at various places around Downtown Decatur such as the DeKalb County Public Library, Little Shop of Stories, Java Monkey, CORE Dance Studio and even the Decatur City Hall Commissioners Room. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.npsdecatur.com.
ATLANTA
Tiny House Atlanta, City of Decatur launch Tiny House Festival Join Tiny House Atlanta for the first-ever Decatur Tiny House Festival this Saturday and Sunday, July 30 – 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in downtown Decatur at 1406 Commerce Drive. The weekend will be filled with tiny house tours and a speaker symposium offering information on various aspects of how to bring tiny homes and micro living to Atlanta. Approximately 10 tiny houses will be available to tour, and experts on topics such as sustainability, minimalism, urban planning, zoning, and downsizing will be on hand to answer questions. There will also be vendors from the tiny house industry who will be on hand to offer information about products that promote sustainable practices in a tiny home. Weekend passes are $35 in advance or $40 on site. Daily passes are $20 for a single day ticket, $25 on site. Children, 4-12 years old, are $5. Youngsters age 3 and under are admitted free. For more information or tickets, visit www.tinyhouseatlanta.com.
Baby wearing meet up for caregivers Baby Wearing International of Atlanta will be holding a meet up for parents and caregivers, Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Morningside Baptist Church, 1700 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. The event will offer caregivers the opportunity to learn about and try on various baby carriers as well as how to properly use already owned carriers. Attendees will have a chance to meet other parents and ask advice from volunteers with years of babywearing experience. Meetings are free to attend and open to moms, dads or any caregiver interested in baby wrapping. For a membership fee of $30, guests can carry their little ones away in a borrowed carrier from the organization’s lending library. BWI of Atlanta meets four times monthly. Please note that meeting locations are sometimes subject to change. For more information, visit www.bwiofatlanta.org/about-us.html.
Free Recycle Day in Gwinnett Gwinnett County residents are invited to recycle household items Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake. Start out the new school year by cleaning out file cabinets, rounding up old tires, and donating clothes and sneakers. Shred unwanted documents (up to five boxes of paper), recycle tires (limit eight tires per vehicle; no dealer tires), and bring your gently used clothing and sneakers of all sizes to be donated to those in need or to recycle into new products. Volunteers are needed. Visit www.volunteergwinnett.net to sign up to volunteer. For more information, call 678-277-0906.
Gwinnett Parks and Recreation to host open house Explore all the exciting and fun programs Gwinnett Parks and Recreation has to offer Thursday, Aug. 4, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. There’s something for everyone including karate, dance, sewing and fitness, so you’re sure to find the activity for you. This event is open to all ages. For more information, call 678-277-0890 or visit www.gwinnettparks. com to register.
ROCKDALE
Farmers Market in Olde Towne Conyers Fresh produce and other items are available Thursday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 S. Main Street, Conyers. Farm Fresh Conyers is a local market organized by local merchants and farmers. The market occurs every Thursday and welcomes new farmers each week offering organic fruits and vegetables. The market is open every Thursday and all vendors accept cash and credit. For more information call 770-602-2606.
Olde Jail Museum tours History buffs are invited to tour the Olde Jail Musuem on Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the historic Rockdale County Jail, 967 Milstread Ave., Conyers. Built in 1897 to serve Rockdale County, this two-story red brick structure housed offenders until 1969. The lower floor was the residence for the sheriff and his family, and the upstairs comprised three rooms for prisoners: jailer’s room, drunk tank and maximum security. Since 1976, the Rockdale County Historical Society has maintained it as a museum. The museum is open on the first Saturday of every month (unless otherwise noted) from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or by appointment. Donations are welcome and benefit the efforts of the Rockdale County Historical Society.
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. Calendar events are published weekly as space permits.
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DeKalb NAACP branch wins national recognition
The NAACP DeKalb County branch delegates on hand at the convention to receive the award were: (Left to right) India Sims, Phyllis Blake, Martha Jackson, Bennie Boyd, Cherry Willis, and the branch’s new president, Teresa Hardy.
The DeKalb NAACP branch was honored at the 2016 National Convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, held July 14-20 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The branch received the 2016 Lucille Black Award for having the highest total membership production in the past year. Of the more than 2,000 units nationwide, the DeKalb branch had the second-highest number of new members in 2015. Students in the DeKalb NAACP also were honored at the convention. Two youths brought home medals from the NAACP ACT-SO competitions. George Olverson IV received the silver medal in Science Technology Engineering Math- Medicine and Health. Derrik Reid received the bronze medal in Dance (traditional). ACT-SO is the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.
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DeKalb Board of Health offers backto-school services Is your child entering a Georgia Child Care center, Head Start program, pre-K
class or school for the first time? If so, the DeKalb County Board of Health offers your family convenient, affordable back-to-school immunizations and vision, hearing and dental screenings. The Board of Health also issues certified birth certificates for children born in Georgia and provides sports physicals. Board of Health Center hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, July 30, immunizations and vision and hearing screenings will be offered at all four centers, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Extended hours are available 8:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all centers on Tuesday, Aug. 2; Wednesday, Aug. 3; Thursday, Aug. 4; Monday, Aug. 8; Tuesday, Aug. 9; and Wednesday, Aug 10. No appointment is necessary and services are available on a first come, first served basis. Extended hours for dental screenings are from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Central DeKalb Health Center on Aug. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10. Extended hours at the East DeKalb Health Center on Aug. 2, 4 and 9; at the North DeKalb Health Center on Aug, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10; and at the South DeKalb Health Center on Aug. 3 and 10. Georgia law requires that children enrolling in Child Care, Head Start, pre-K public or private school must have proof of up-to-date immunizations on Georgia Form 3231. To enter public school, they must also have a completed Georgia Form 3300 as proof of vision, hearing, and dental screenings. Children transferring between Georgia counties or from out-of-state must also show proof of immunizations and screenings on these forms. Parents should: • Βring each child and his or her immunization record. • Bring each child’s insurance card. The Board of Health accepts Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, State Health Benefits Plan (Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia), Aetna and some other insurance plans; •Be prepared to pay by cash or debit/credit card or with a check from a Georgia bank. The Board of Health is happy to provide immunization certificates for students entering Georgia colleges and universities. Please be aware that the Georgia Board of Regents develops vaccination criteria for state colleges and universities; private colleges and universities institute theirs. Please verify your institution’s requirements. Back-to-school services are available at the following locations: • Central DeKalb (T. O. Vinson) Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur, 404294-3762. • East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia, 770-484-2600. • North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Road, Chamblee, 770-4541144. • South DeKalb (Clifton Springs) Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, 404-244-2200. In Georgia, a certified birth certificate is required for school registration. Birth certificates for Georgia-born children are available from the Board of Health’s Office of Vital Records, Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way, Decatur, Ga. 30030. Vital Records will offer evening hours on Wednesday, Aug. 3; Thursday, Aug. 4; Tuesday, Aug. 9 and Wednesday, Aug. 10 and be open from 8:15 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The hours on Tuesday, Aug. 2 and Monday, Aug. 8 will be from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Vital Records’ regular hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A Georgia driver’s license or state identification card is required. Only a legal parent, grandparent or guardian can obtain a birth certificate for a child under 18 years old. Payment of $25 can be made in cash or by debit/credit card. Checks are not accepted. For information, call (404) 294-3857. Physicals for sports teams are available at all Board of Health centers. For more information on back-to-school services, birth certificates and sports physicals, visit www.dekalbhealth.net or call 404-294-3700.
Sixth Annual Let’s Move! DeKalb Expo set The community is invited to attend the Sixth Annual Let’s Move! DeKalb on Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. Free back-to-school supplies will be given away while they last. Parents must have their child or children present to receive the supplies. There also will be workshops on financial wellness, fitness and nutrition. For more information, visit: www.choicesforkids.org
South Precinct to host “Conversations with Teens” South DeKalb teens are invited to come out and add their voices to an ongoing conversation that will take place on Saturday, Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, at the South Precinct outside the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Residents are urged to invite teens who will benefit from having a positive role model in their lives. Major K.D. Johnson, South Precinct Commander, will present speakers who will offer encouragement and inspiration. Lunch will be provided.
PAGE 6 •JULY 30,2016
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Decatur pastor appointed Bishop to oversee Episcopal District in Africa By Mackenzie N. Morgan The Rev. Stafford Wicker, who has pastored Antioch AME Church for 24 years, was recently announced the 137th elected and consecrated Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. During the AME church’s annual general conference held earlier this month, Wicker was elected as Bishop and assigned to oversee the 18th Episcopal District in Africa, which includes Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Swaziland. “My new assignment will allow me to preside over and expand the AME church while also assisting in economic development,” said Wicker who will maintain an office in the United
States with an official residence in Southern Africa. Wicker entered the ministry at the age of 16 at Turner Chapel AME Church in Greensburg, LA. He received his Master’s of Divinity in 1991 from Turner Theological Seminary and moved to the Antioch AME Church in Decatur in 1992. Wicker, who has been with the AME church for a total of 40 years, said he is ready for his new assignment. He will leave behind a congregation of more than 2,000 congregants that has grown from 155 members when Wicker first arrived in 1992. Wicker stated that the church has experienced an abundance of economic growth from an annual $84,000 operating
budget in 1992 to today’s operating budget of $1.6 million with 84 acres of landholdings. Antioch has a campus in Decatur and Conyers. “We are proud of Bishop Wicker. It’s the first time Antioch has had any minister to be elected as bishop. Everybody is happy that he achieved his goal of becoming bishop but it’s bittersweet because he’ll be leaving,” said James Simon, a member of the trustee board and administrative volunteer. Wicker leaves for Africa in October. His successor has yet to be determined. The congregation plans to hold a send-off reception on Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. at the church. Bishop Stafford Wicker and
and Rockdale counties. Initial results showed that Tonya P. Anderson took the lead with 4,270 votes (50.05%) in the hotly contested Senate District 43 race. Dee Dawkins-Haigler received 4,262 (49.95%). Rockdale elections officials added five provisional votes to Anderson’s total and four votes to Haigler’s total, which were not included in the Secretary of State’s
numbers. At deadline, it appeared that Anderson would face Republican candidate JaNice Van Ness in November. Results for all of the races must be verified and final numbers will be posted to the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.
Bishop Stafford Wicker
Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Constance Wicker, are the proud parents of two daughters, Valencia M. Wicker and Lauren M. Wicker.
Victories continued from page 1
to the Rockdale Board of Education. Duncan received 3,227 votes (56.23%). Barker-Carr received 2,512 votes (43.77%) Vernon Jones will represent claimed a victory over opponent Rhonda Taylor for the House District 91 seat, defeating Taylor with 2,056 votes (53.95%). Taylor garnered 1,755 votes (46.05%). The House seat covers parts of DeKalb
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JULY 30, 2016 • PAGE 7
Conyers-Rockdale Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Academy shows you how to turn your passion into a business
C
onyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you learn the ins and outs of the business world and turn your passion into a business with the 2016 Entrepreneurial Academy. Starting on Monday, Sept. 12, this seven-week program offers motivated individuals the essential information needed to start and run a successful business. “This entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business entrepreneur in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been there, tried that, share their voices of experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and be better prepared to establish your business for growth and prosperity.” Taught by business leaders in the community, the curriculum includes sessions on: legal entities, accounting, loan options, marketing, social media, insurance and human resources.
Through a series of workshops, seasoned entrepreneurs share their lessons learned. Each week, a new topic is introduced. The format ranges from panel discussions to lecture to hands-on training. “Of more than 300 academy graduates who have come through the program since it started in 2004, more than 50% are now in business for themselves,” said Boscarino. “In addition to gaining valuable information, you also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals who hope to establish or expand a small business.” The academy draws participants from Stockbridge, College Park, Stone Mountain, Covington, Forest Park, Lithonia, Decatur and McDonough. A recent graduate of the academy said it took her two years to earn her master’s degree in business administration at the University of Phoenix. Esther Williams says it took her six weeks at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy to learn everything she needed to start her
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own business. “Everything—from insurance to opening policies—was covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor. Since graduation, Williams has launched the Green Hygiene Company, LLC. The business offers environmentally-safe cleaning products for both, the corporate and the household level. She says right now she is running a suc-
cessful mail-order businesses in Decatur. The cost for the program is $175. The fee includes snacks for every session and a graduation dinner. After completing the Entrepreneurial Academy and starting your small business, participants will receive Continuing Education credits (CEUs) and a certificate of completion from Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Classes will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Rockdale Career Academy (RCA)
building, 1064 Culpepper Drive, SW, Conyers. S28tudents are encouraged to arrive no later than 6:00 p.m. to network and to make sure they are fully prepared for each session, which starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. The course is open to the public, including those who are still pondering if they want to go out and start their own business. For more information or to register, call 770483-7049.
PAGE 8 •JULY 30,2016
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Voices of Faith’s 50+ Ministry awards scholarships to six high school students
V
oices of Faith Ministry’s 50+ Ministry awarded $500 scholarships to six college-bound students on Sunday, July 24. Linda Williams-Sanchez, who serves as president of the 50+ Ministry, said applicants were required to submit essays detailing their plans for college and beyond and how God has played a role in their lives as well as the teachings of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., who founded Voices of Faith, which has campuses in Stone Mountain and Conyers.
The names of this year’s scholarship recipients are: D”nia Elston, Stephenson High Jordan Davis, Stephenson High Tahj Copeland, South Gwinnett High Breanna Bivens, Eastside High Gabrielle Fisher, Heritage High Destiny Liverpool, HIS Academy Christian
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Movers & Shakers in the Community
NFL names Jocelyn Moore senior vice president of public policy, governmental affairs
J
ocelyn Moore, former deputy staff director of the Senate Finance Committee and most recently, managing director in The Glover Park Group’s Government Affairs Division, has been named the NFL’s senior vice president of Public Policy and Government Affairs. Moore will lead the league’s public policy and legislative agenda and coordinate closely with NFL clubs on local and salient legislative and regulatory issues. Based out of the NFL’s Washington, D.C. office, she will report to Joe Lockhart, the NFL’s executive vice president of Communications and Public Affairs. “Jocelyn’s wide-ranging knowledge and experience will serve to advance our policy priorities in Washington and around the country,”
said Lockhart. “The NFL’s platform has the ability to drive progress on a number of critical and complex issues,” said Moore. “I look forward to working with Members of Congress to help shape policy in a number of important areas facing not only sports, but our country more broadly.” Moore spent 15 years in the United States Senate. As a member of Senator Ron Wyden’s senior leadership team, Moore advised on all issues before the Senate Finance Committee relating to taxes, health care, energy, human services, pensions, Social Security, transportation and trade. Prior to joining the Senate Finance Committee, Moore served as Senator Wyden’s deputy chief of staff and policy director and as legislative director for
Senator John D. Rockefeller IV while he served as chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Previously, as Senator Rockefeller’s long-time health policy advisor, she led the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care, helped write key portions of the Affordable Care Act, and led bipartisan efforts to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Moore began her career in the office of her home state Senator Zell Miller and later worked as a senior policy advisor to Senator Bob Graham. Moore is a two-time graduate of the University of Florida, and a graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her parents, James F. and Bessie M. Gardner, are resi-
dents of Rockdale County.
Jocelyn Moore
Bridging Diversity Gap in Hollywood DeKalb couple’s son, Marcus Stokes, making way as trailblazer
Marcus Stokes By Mackenzie N. Morgan
M
arcus Stokes was an architecture student at UC Berkley when he decided to intern at a special effects studio in San Francisco, CA. Unbeknownst to Stokes at the time, this internship would serve as the bedrock to a burgeoning career in film animation. He’s been building a name for himself ever since. Stokes is the son of James
and Connie Stokes, who reside in DeKalb. James Stokes is a retired dentist. Connie Stokes is a former DeKalb County Commissioner and former Georgia Senator. In a special report conducted earlier this year by the LA Times, Stokes was featured in the top 100 cream of the crop minorities in film. Stokes is responsible for many of the special effects in “The Matrix Reloaded” as well as “Peter Pan,” “Undocumented” and most recently, “The Wedding Ringer.” In an industry that has historically outcast blacks and other minorities, Stokes has managed to flourish. It wasn’t until Stokes joined the Director’s Guild in 2003 that he was able to connect with other black professionals like LeVar Burton (famously known for his role as the slave, Kunta Kinte, in the TV miniseries “Roots”) and others like John Singleton and Paris Barclay. “What I was most surprised about is that there were people who looked like me who were willing to help,” said Stokes in an LA Times interview. “There are certain people in the industry that
have been successful who make a concerted effort to bring people up behind them.” Stokes said that it took dedication and hard work, but it was the support from other established minorities who helped him get through the door. Stokes credits motivational speaker and author Tim Story, for helping him get his career off the ground. Story executive produced Stokes’ sci-fi short “The Signal” while Burton invited him to shadow him while he was directing an episode of “Charmed.” Earlier this year, angry viewers watching the Oscars took to Twitter expressing their dismay with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite when the majority white membership nominated an all-white slate of candidates in the four acting categories for a second year in a row. Despite Hollywood’s lack of cultural inclusivity, Stokes remains optimistic that the color line in Hollywood is fading. “It’s a big problem and they’re doing whatever they can to tackle it. But it’s tough. I think we will see changes over the next one to five years but I don’t think that that will persist,” said Stokes.
According to an LA Times report, 91% of the voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – the people who decide the Oscars – are majority white. Seventy four percent are male. Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who is black, vowed to double the number of women and minorities in the academy by 2020. She too, shared the sentiment that it is time for the entertainment industry to take action to improve diversity. “In the ‘60s and ‘70s, it was about recruiting younger members to stay vital and relevant. In 2016, the mandate is inclusion in all of its facets: gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation,” said Boone Issacs in a statement released after the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Boone Issacs said The Academy is taking steps to alter the makeup of its membership by reviewing recruitment protocol in an effort to bring diversity to the 2016 class and beyond. Stokes says he will continue to push by being great behind the camera and paving the way for other backstage professionals.
PAGE 10•JULY 30,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
RCPS students score above state average on Milestones tests
R
ockdale County’s elementary students scored above the state’s average on the 2015-16 Georgia Milestones assessment, reports released by state officials show. This is the second year for the tests, given to students in grades 3-8. The Georgia Department of Education also made available scores for the Georgia Milestones End of Course Assessment for grades 9-12. The test scores represent only one piece of the State of Georgia’s “multiple measure” approach to school accountability known as the College and Career Ready Performance Index, or CCRPI. “Overall, we have seen an increase in the number of students in the proficient and distinguished levels on this year’s Milestones assessments,” said Rockdale Schools’ Superintendent Richard Autry. “Our
elementary students remained above state average in every subject area for the second consecutive year. English Language Arts is 3 percentage points above, mathematics is 5 percentage points above, science is 7 percentage points above and social studies is 7 percentage points above the state.” Autry said results for middle school students continue to be closely aligned with the state average in all subjects. “The exception is our 8th grade students who performed well above the state average in Coordinate Algebra. High school results show many improvements in the proficiency levels, especially in Mathematics and Biology. Coordinate Algebra scores are 2 percentage points above the state average and Geometry scores increased 4 percentage points over the previous year; English
scores remained relatively constant. Science exhibits the most dramatic spread with Biology scores increasing 16 percentage points and above the state average,” Autry said. “We have already begun analyzing our data which will help guide our work as we begin this new school year. As the new CCRPI accountability system begins to stabilize, RCPS continues to learn and understand the overwhelming number of measurement indicators and how they are calculated. Administrative teams in the schools and in the Central Office are becoming much more targeted and proficient with this accountability instrument.” The RCPS overall CCRPI score grew nearly 4 percentage points over last year’s score to 76.5 out of 100 points. For the second year in a row, RCPS has outperformed the state average on the CCRPI.
“In conjunction with CCRPI, one of the overarching measures of yearly PK-12 success in our district is our graduation rate. Our four-year cohort graduation rate is the highest it has been in the era of accountability,” said Autry. “The RCPS four-year average increased another 7.4 percentage points to 83.3%. All high schools exceed the mark of 80% and are now approaching the 90% threshold. This means over 4 out of 5 RCPS students are graduating on time and receiving a diploma in four years. This has been a dramatic increase from five years ago when the four-year cohort rate was 66%. This year’s figure represents a 17 percentage point increase during this time period. A total of 1,166 students received their diploma this year and were awarded over 18.5 million dollars in scholarships.”
DeKalb Medical receives award from KES celebrates 20-year anniversary American Diabetes Association DeKalb Medical has received the Health Champion Elite Designation from the American Diabetes Association for providing health and well-being support and resources to its employees. The award recognizes DeKalb Medical for meeting three healthy living criteria as defined by the Association: nutrition and weight management, physical activity and organizational well-being. “Employee health and wellness is very important at DeKalb Medical,” said WorksWell Interim Executive Director Cynthia Holbrook. “Each year, we participate in community and corporate events like the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes and National Cancer Survivors Day to give employees a chance to connect with people in the community and increase physical activity outside of work.” DeKalb Medical offers a variety of benefits that give employees options and incentive to make healthier lifestyle choices. These include employee discounts on the Weight Watchers program, Wellness Center membership and healthy balanced meal plans from Good Measure Meals. Employees can also benefit from healthier options available on the cafeteria menu, participate in health education sessions, fitness challenges and a variety of community events that support healthy lifestyles. “Receiving the Health Champion Elite Designation from the Association reflects our commitment in helping employees make healthy choices at work and home. We will continue to offer programs and resources that help employees live healthier, more productive lives,” Holbrook said. DeKalb Medical offers more than 700 doctors skilled in 55 medical specialties. The not-for-profit health care system consists of three campuses: DeKalb Medical at North Decatur, DeKalb Medical LTAC at Downtown Decatur, and DeKalb Medical at Hillandale—as well as the DeKalb Medical Physicians Group with over 30 practices in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties.
Free HIV testing offered in Rockdale Phoenix Pass will partner with Positive Impact Health Centers to offer free and confidential HIV testing on Thursday, Aug. 18, 4 to 7 p.m., at Lighthouse Village, 541 Sigman Road. Learning your HIV status is an important step in keeping you and your loved ones healthy. Clients who test negative will learn more about how to protect themselves from infections. Clients who learn they are positive will immediately be linked to additional care services that can keep them healthy for many years as well as learn how to prevent spreading the virus to others. The OraQuick Advance Rapid Test will be used. The test is simple-no needles–just a quick mouth swab–and within 20 minutes, you will be aware of your HIV status. Fifteen minutes before having an oral rapid HIV test, please do not: chew gum; eat any food; or drink any fluids including water. No appointment is required. For more information, call 770-655-1655.
KES, Inc., a facility that provides care and services to adults and children with emotional, psychological, social and physical challengers, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary in the South DeKalb community. KES was established under the direction of Kenneth and Sandra Browner, LCSW, in 1996. Kenneth Browner, who serves on the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, hosted a Coffee Connections networking event on behalf of the Chamber on July 28 at KES, 6615 Tribble St., Lithonia. Guests enjoyed a hot Southern buffet breakfast. KES held a community with food, entertainment and resources on July 16 at the Redan Recreation Center. The free event was the 13th Community Day KES has held.
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