FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 47
JANUARY 18, 2019
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Springfield Baptist in Conyers to host food pantry, furloughed federal workers encouraged to come
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very month, Springfield Baptist Church in Conyers opens its food pantry to those who need a helping hand. This month, however, the church is especially reaching out to furloughed federal workers in the community and inviting those impacted by the government’s shut down to come to the church and get food to feed their families. “We want our federal workers to know that we’re there for them—to supplement some of the things that they need,” said Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr., who serves as senior pastor Springfield. “As a church, we are intentional about giving back to the community,” said Pastor Lee, who recently announced that Springfield donated $20,000 to the new Newton County Boys & Girls Club, which is expected to open this spring. Pastor Lee said the government shutdown, which he called a “manufactured disaster,” has hit home, impacting people everywhere including members of his church. “We’ve been impacted throughout the state, throughout the country,” said Lee. “I don’t think anyone expected this to go on as long as it has.” The partial federal government shutdown, which began on Dec. 22, is the longest in history, officials say, and is taking its toll on about 800,000 federal employees and their families who haven’t received
Springfield Baptist Church Food Pantry Springfield Baptist Church is hosting its free food distribution on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 1875 Iris Drive SE, Conyers. Church officials say that food has been set aside especially for furloughed federal government employees. Anyone who needs food, however, is welcome. For more information, contact the church office at 770-929-1111 or www.sbcgrowth.church. Pastor Eric W. Lee, Sr.
their paychecks since the impasse. The shutdown was triggered by an impasse between President Trump and Congressional Democrats over funding for the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump wants $5.7 billion to build the wall. However, Democrats say a wall would be costly, ineffective and immoral, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Congressman Hank Johnson, who serves the Fourth District, which includes Rockdale and portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Newton counties, shared information about Springfield’s efforts to assist furloughed federal workers in his newsletter after the story appeared in On Common Ground News online edition.
Johnson said he has voted more than half-dozen times to re-open the governed since the 116th Congress convened on Jan. 3. “President Trump continues to hold the nation hostage over a campaign promise to build a wall along the Southern border. One that Mexico was supposed to pay for. Too many hard-working federal employees across the nation are missing mortgages, rent, car payments and other bills. These hardworking Americans shouldn’t have to choose between medications, feeding their families or keeping a roof over their heads,” Johnson said in his newsletter. “… I’m imploring my colleagues in the House and Senate to join me and re-open the government now.”
Morehouse College receives $1.5 million gift from philanthropist Robert F. Smith
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Smith’s gift will fund scholarships, new park and outdoor study area
orehouse College has received a $1.5 million donation from Robert F. Smith, a philanthropist and the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. College officials say the donation will fund endowed scholarships and the design and creation of a park that will give students a new outdoor study area. The gift to the Atlanta college will launch the creation of the Robert Frederick Smith Scholars Program, which will be supported by $1 million of the donation. Smith founded Vista Equity Partners in 2000. Vista, a global leader in software and technology investments, currently manages equity capital commitments of more than $46 billion and oversees a portfolio of more than 50 software companies, employing 60,000 people worldwide. “Robert F. Smith’s donation of $1 million for student scholarships will have a profound impact on the lives of deserving young men who have the desire to attend Morehouse College, but lack the resources,” said
Robert F. Smith
Morehouse President David A. Thomas. “We appreciate his generosity and his investment in a generation of students who will follow in his footsteps as global leaders and entrepreneurs.” In 2017, Forbes magazine named Smith as one of the 100 greatest living business minds for his visionary
leadership. He is equally celebrated for his record as a philanthropist. Smith was the first African American business leader to sign “The Giving Pledge,” an initiative created by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett in which wealthy individuals and families pledge to give more than half of their wealth
Demonstrators to hold justice rally outside MLK Federal Building Demonstrators plan to protest the federal government shutdown and economic inequities on Jan. 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., outside the MLK Federal Building, 77 Forsyth Street S.W. in downtown Atlanta. Dr. Tarece Johnson, Ed.D., who is organizing the event, is partnering with Alliance for Black Lives, Multicultural Jewish Alliance and the Georgia Alliance for Social Justice to host the rally. Johnson is founder of The Global Purpose Approach and Global Purpose Academy, and a leader in Gwinnett Branch of the NAACP and the Alliance for Black Lives among other organization groups. Johnson said the rally will be a peaceful demonstration. “If the government reopens, we will still participate in a peaceful protest of systemic economic oppressions, injustices and
inequities,” she said. She said confirmed speakers at On Common Ground News’ press deadline include: • Richard Rose, President of the NAACP Atlanta • Kenyette Tisha Barnes, Georgia Alliance for Social Justice • Mary Hooks, Southerners On New Ground • Haroun Wakil, Georgia Streetgroomers Johnson and organizers are urging the public to call Georgia’s governor and state legislators to end the government shutdown; share stories related to economic inequities and the impact of the shutdown; learn about resources to help those impacted by economic injustice; and perform acts of kindness to help those in need. For more information about the rally, visit https:// www.facebook.com/events/221118482173316
to causes such as poverty alleviation, disaster relief, and global health and education. Smith is the largest private donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Recently, Smith also donated $560,000 to purchase land for and build a park in Southwest Atlanta. The new park will be adjacent to the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center on the campus of Morehouse College. The College will engage students and alumni in the design and naming of the park. Smith is a 2018 recipient of Morehouse College’s most prestigious award for community service. He received a Candle Award in Business and Philanthropy at the College’s 2018 “A Candle in the Dark” Gala, which benefits student scholarships. Smith is chairman of the Carnegie Hall Board of Trustees, and chairman of the board of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. He is also the founding director and president of the Fund II Foundation, which is dedicated to safeguarding human rights, the environment, and sustaining critical American values.
Helping Hands Outreach Clinic welcomes furloughed federal workers, veterans Helping Hands Outreach Community Health Clinic, 2442 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers, is offering free primary care to furloughed federal workers and military veterans in the metroAtlanta area who need health care. Federal workers and vets must show identification. Scheduled appointments as well as walk-ins are welcomed. • Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Tues, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Second and fourth Saturdays, 9 to noon. For more information, visit helpinghandsga.org or call 678-607-0759 or 404-276-7674.