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VOLUME 23 NUMBER 47 News 24/7
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FEBRUARY 17, 2018 Stay connected
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FLU EPIDEMIC DeKalb County teen dies from flu, hospital emergency rooms in Georgia inundated
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
s the flu epidemic sweeps Georgia and across the nation, DeKalb County’s Board of Health reported its first pediatric death related to the flu. Miguel Jaimes Martinez, 15, a Cross Keys High School student, died from flu complications on Sunday, Feb. 11, according to DeKalb officials. DeKalb Schools Superintendent R. Stephen Green issued a statement saying the school district was saddened to learn of the teen’s passing. “The entire DeKalb County School District is saddened by the news that one of our own has passed away due to illness,” Green said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with
Cross Keys High School’s soccer team has a moment of silence Feb. 13 for Miguel Jaimes Martinez, who became ill and died from flu complications. Photo by Travis Hudgons/OCGNews
the student’s family, loved ones and peers in this unfortunate and trying time.” Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford, director of DeKalb County’s Board of Health, confirmed the teen was found to be Influenza B positive. Ford said the two influenza A viruses and the two influenza B viruses are considered the worst strains and are responsible for the flu epidemic. Martinez is one of three DeKalb residents who have died from the flu this season. Two elderly adults in DeKalb also have died from the flu, Ford said. In Georgia, a total of 66 flu-related deaths have been reported, state officials said. “We’re still urging people to go and get the flu shot as this flu season could last another two months,” said Ford. “Those who have the flu should take Tamiflu within 48
hours of flu onset. A physician must prescribe the medication.” Hospital officials say this year’s flu season is the worst in almost a decade and communities are on high alert. Hospital emergency rooms have become inundated with more than 1,000 people in Georgia hospitalized due to flu symptoms. Hospitals are handling the influx of patients by adding extra staff and resources, officials from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) said. “Hospitals are working diligently to make sure each patient receives timely and efficient care,” said GHA President Earl Rogers. “The health and safety of all patients is a priority for hospitals. Hospitals have made modifications such as changing visiting hours, implementing the use of mobile
units, and providing additional staff to protect those patients at greatest risk of the flu.” Health officials say precautionary measures such as frequent hand-washing and covering coughs can help stop the spread of flu. Officials advise those who suspect they have the flu should follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for when to go to the hospital. As stated on the CDC website, symptoms in adults that warrant an emergency room visit include trouble breathing, chest pain, and persistent vomiting. GHA is working closely with state agencies to monitor and develop strategies to combat the flu epidemic. For more information about what hospitals are doing, visit gha.org/flu.
Rockdale BOC rescinds controversial Greenhood contract
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By Valerie J. Morgan
owing to pressure from the public, the Rockdale Board of Commissioners unanimously rescinded its contract on Feb. 13 for Greenhood Industries to conduct a feasibility study for mandatory uniform trash pickup and recycled household grease services. The 3-0 decision followed the Feb. 6 board work session where a crowd turned out to voice opposition to the contract, rejecting the idea they might be forced to use an outside hauler selected by county officials. Currently, there are several local trash service providers in the county. Residents may choose who they want to haul their trash. The BOC had approved a five-year contract on Jan. 23 for Greenhood to conduct the feasibility studies, but got an earful after the community learned of the contract awarded to the Augusta firm. Commissioner Doreen Williams thanked the citizens for expressing themselves at the works session. She said she supported the initiative because she wanted to see if the contract would provide any guidance regarding recycling pickup. “That was really my main motivation in doing that,” said Williams. “But I heard all of your comments and again, I really
The Rockdale Board of Commissioners unanimously rescinded its contract on Feb. 13 for Greenhood Industries to conduct a feasibility study for mandatory uniform trash pickup and recycled household grease services.
appreciate all of them. Thank you so much for coming out and speaking the things that were on your hearts and minds.” Commissioner Sherri Washington had taken the brunt of the criticism because she chaired the discussions on Greenhood’s proposal, although the board voted unanimously for the contract. Washington, who made the motion to rescind the contract, also apologized for not allowing residents to weigh in before initially approving the contract. She said she would like to form a commission comprised of citizens and other stakeholders to look comprehensively at sanitation, recycling programs and a way to address illegal dumping in the county. “What I would like to do is start a commission on sanitation reform, a commission with citizens appointed by us to look at the overall picture of what it would look like for some
kind of program in Rockdale County, and I don’t know what that means,” Washington said. “I don’t know if that means mandatory… I don’t know what it means. It will come from you all, directing us on how you all would like to go in that initiative.” Washington said she realized the contract was not handled properly after the public’s outcry. “…I realize now that it was the how. It was as if we were telling you and you all not telling us. So I want to reverse that and let’s do this the right way, get your input on the front end and move forward,” Washington said. Brian Jenkins, one of 11 people who spoke during public comments on the contract, blamed Nesbitt for the confusion, saying he knew the community was against curbside pickup based on discussions in the past. Jenkins said Nesbitt could have easily conveyed to Washington
that this was a “non-starter” in this county. “Many have directly blamed Commissioner Sherri Washington for the re-emergence of this disastrous deal, and while doing so, have ignored the complicity of Chairman Nesbitt… Let me remind all three of you commissioners were in support of this disastrous deal. But to hold Commissioner Washington, and to a lesser extent, Commissioner Williams, equally responsible would be slightly unfair. After further investigation on my part, it is my belief that the two women genuinely thought they were addressing a vital need.” At the end of the meeting, Commission Chair Oz Nesbitt Sr. apologized for the Greenhood contract and asked that the citizens continue to be involved. “I want to apologize for any missteps that were made in the process over the past week. But I think the sentiments of this crowd and community over the last week has been let’s bury this trash issue and lay it to rest,” said Nesbitt. “We’ve got so many more important things to address. We have heard you and we heard you very loud and clear. We ask that you accept our sincere apology and that you rally along with us to move the county forward. “
PAGE 2 • FEBRUARY 17, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Stephenson High’s Trombone Choirto perform at Music for All, National Festival The Stephenson High School Trombone Choir from DeKalb County has been invited to perform at the 2018 Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha, the nation’s most prestigious festival for scholastic musical ensembles. The 27th Annual Festival, which showcases the finest music ensembles and student musicians in America, will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, March 15-17. Under the direction of Calvin L. Morris, Jr. and Quentin R. Goins, the Trombone Choir was selected to perform by a panel of esteemed music educators and conductors, who judged a recorded audition. “When we received the news of our acceptance to the National Festival, it was an instant joy,” Stephenson band directors said in a news release. “The students worked extremely hard with extra chamber rehearsal after large group rehearsal, weekends, and even some
holiday breaks.” Along with their selection for the National Festival, the students performed at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service on Jan. 25. The Trombone Choir is one of 71 high school
Stonecrest City Council to meet Feb. 19 The City of Stonecrest City Council will meet on Feb. 19, 6 p.m., at Stonecrest City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd. This is the voting meeting for the council. The agenda can be found at www.ocgnews.com (see local news tab; Stonecrest).
Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner to host Town Hall meeting Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner, District 2, will host a town hall meeting on Feb. 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. The community is invited to hear updates on issues relevant to the city and community at large.
“The Jungle Book” to headline free family festival The Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center and the Alliance Theater will host a free family festival on Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 to 4 p.m., at the center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The event will include a special performance of “The Jungle Book,” directed by Rosemary Newcott. Families can join the Arts Partners of the Woodruff Arts Center at Porter Sanford for an afternoon of fun activities that will include art-making classes, acting and creative movement workshops, community performances, workshops and more. To register for the event, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/festival or call 404-733-5000.
and middle school chamber ensembles from across the nation selected to perform at the 2018 Festival. The choir will perform in concert, be evaluated by renowned music educators and participate in master classes and special events. The choir’s participation in the upcoming festival will cost approximately $800 per student at a total of $15,000 for all of the students, directors and chaperones to attend the three-day festival. The costs include transportation, meals, lodging, uniform shirts, gratuities and other incidentals. To assist the band, please visit www. stephensonhighband.net and click on the Paypal button and notate that your donation is for the Trombone Choir. Donations to Stephenson High School Band Boosters, Inc. are tax deductible. For more information, contact the band director at 770-469-4080 or via email at quentin_r_goins@dekalbschoolsga.org.
DeKalb hires Parks and Cultural Affairs Director DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has selected Chuck Ellis as the county’s director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, effective Feb. 26. Ellis will manage the department’s 200 full- and part-time employees and a budget of $12.8 million. Ellis has served in government for 35 years, beginning in his hometown of Lexington, KY, where he had the unique experience of overseeing a 659-acre equestrian park that included therapeutic programs, indoor and outdoor programming and competition spaces Chuck Ellis and other programs and facilities dedicated to the public equine experience. Most recently, he served as director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts in Hollywood, FL, as well as the acting assistant city manager. Under his direction, his departments became nationally accredited and received many awards and distinctions. In DeKalb County, Ellis will oversee the department’s 112 parks, 10 recreation facilities, two golf courses and premier attractions including Davidson Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center and Little Creek Farm Conservancy. Ellis received a Bachelor of Arts from University of Kentucky and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from The Martin School at University of Kentucky. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional designated by the National Recreation and Parks Association.
Commissioner Larry Johnson to hold Public Safety Town Hall meeting DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson is hosting a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting to allow residents to discuss various public safety issues and needs in their communities. The town hall meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at Bob Mathis Elementary School, 3505 Boring Road, Decatur. The keynote speaker for the event will be Joseph “Jack” Lumpkin, DeKalb County’s new chief operating officer for public safety. Residents also will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various county departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, Marshal’s Office, Solicitor-General’s Office, Juvenile Court, District Attorney’s Office, DeKalb Community Service Board, Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, Fire Rescue Department, Police Department, Department of Community Development, Department of Human Services and the CEO’s office. For more information: 404-371-2425.
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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.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2018 • PAGE 3
Genet Hopeful announces run against incumbent Superior Court judge
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By Valerie J. Morgan
ttorney Genet McIntosh Hopewell has announced her candidacy for DeKalb Superior Court Judge, challenging incumbent Courtney Johnson for the seat. The General Primary election is May 22. The longtime attorney said she is running to bring more fairness and compassion to the bench—something, she says, is woefully lacking under Johnson, who was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Hopewell said Judge Johnson does not treat people with dignity, pointing to an incident involving a public defender who urinated in her chair because Judge Johnson refused to allow her to take a bathroom break during a murder trial last June. The Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission is investigating the incident. “When you have authority, you have to have the appropriate judicial temperament,” said Hopewell. “I’m going against Courtney Johnson because I think there is a problem in that division and that’s what I want to address. “ Hopewell also criticized Judge Johnson’s handling of the case involving former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. She said the judge disrespected former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, who was a character witness for Ellis. “He (Young) was treated with so much disrespect. The people who come
Stephenson High football player accused of armed robbery Ira Henderson, a cornerback for Stephenson High School’s football team, was arrested on Feb. 9 after allegedly robbing an 18-year-old student at gunpoint after school, according to DeKalb County police. Henderson, 18, and another unidentified male suspect are accused of robbing the victim of his backpack and $1,200 Ira Henderson Louis Vuitton gold tennis shoes on Jan. 26. The victim said he had gotten off the school bus around 4 p.m. when he was approached by the suspects in the driveway at his home, police said. The suspects pulled up in a white 4-door Lexus truck, one carrying a shotgun, the other carrying a handgun, police said. The victim said the robber carrying the shotgun ordered him to give them everything and the victim threw his bookbag and tennis shoes at him. He said the other robber put a handgun to his head and demanded cash. The victim said he told them he didn’t have any money and they were going to have to kill him, police said. Meanwhile, the victim’s adult sister who was watching the robbery unfold from inside home sounded an alarm that frightened the suspects. Police said the victim’s belongings were recovered in a nearby shed, along with a shotgun and articles of clothing the suspect was wearing. Police are still searching for the second suspect.
Attorney Genet McIntosh Hopewell. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCGNews
to court—they’re someone’s mother, someone’s daughter, somebody’s son, father. I would not want my father to be treated the way he (Young) was treated,” said Hopewell. The Georgia Supreme Court reversed Ellis’ conviction after finding that Judge Johnson restricted testimony that could have helped clear Ellis. “We’ve lost a lot of money by decisions that have been reversed,” Hopewell said. Hopewell said if she is elected, she plans to reduce barriers in the judicial system and lessen confusion. She said she has seen many defendants who are foreign to the system, going to the wrong locations. “One thing I do not like is when people are given hoops to jump
through. You have to be compassionate with people. Some of them are new and some of them are seasoned but by and large, they don’t know how the system works,” said Hopewell. “We can do better. I want to change that.” A native of DeKalb County, Hopewell grew up in Atlanta’s Edgewood community. She graduated from Murphy High School (now Crim High School) and completed her undergraduate studies at University of Notre Dame. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Hopewell’s legal career began with
SEE HOPEWELL page 4
DeKalb Sheriff’s Office arrests Motel 6 murder suspects Kaylon Janard Jiles, 24, of Tucker and Traquan Alexander Mcleod, 22, of Decatur are in custody for the murder of Lawrenceville resident Eric Fisher, who was shot to death outside a Motel 6 in DeKalb County. The shooting took place in November 2017 after Jiles and Fisher got into an argument, DeKalb Sheriff’s spokesperson Cynthia Williams said. Fisher was shot multiple times. Jiles fled the scene in a black sedan, according to reports. Four months later, Jiles and Mcleod were arrested on Feb. 12 by the DeKalb Sheriff’s Fugitive Unit. Jiles, Kaylon Janard Jiles Traquan Alexander Mcleod Mcleod and a third person were spotted at a Stone Mountain apartment complex at Juliette Road and East Ponce de Leon Ave. When they left the location, they were arrested during a traffic stop. Authorities found two stolen handguns in the vehicle, Williams said. Investigators learned that Mcleod was wanted in a Decatur Sept. 13 armed robbery and aggravated battery case against Jonathan Mconico, an Atlanta resident. The third person in the vehicle is being held by police pending further investigation, Williams said. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Fugitive Unit worked with the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force to make the arrests.
DeKalb toilet paper drive to benefit the homeless
DeKalb County is holding a toilet paper drive to benefit the metro Atlanta homeless community. Sponsored by the Office of DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, the toilet paper drive is in partnership with Love Rolls Inc., a local nonprofit, which has collected approximately 225,000 rolls of toilet paper and distributed 125,000 rolls to homeless individuals, people in need and those impacted by natural disasters. DeKalb County has a goal of collecting 3,000 rolls of toilet paper during this drive. “When people think about serving the homeless, needy and those who have gone through a natural disaster, they immediately
think about food and shelter. The reality is toilet paper is one of our most basic needs,” CEO Michael Thurmond said. “Love Rolls helps to address this need so that recipients are able to maintain both health safety and their dignity.” Donations of toilet paper can be brought to the following locations from Feb. 12—23:
• Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur • DeKalb County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker • DeKalb County Police Headquarters, 1960 West Exchange Place, Tucker • Watershed Department, Memorial Drive, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur • DeKalb County Police, South Precinct, 2842 H. F. Shepherd Dr., Decatur • DeKalb County SolicitorGeneral, 556 N. McDonough St. # 500, Decatur • District Attorney’s Office, 556 N McDonough St. #700, Decatur
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Deputy Adrian Pascoe, Mayor Jason Lary, Judge Michael Sheridan, City Solicitor Lenny Felgin and Sergeant Nick Mendez. Photo provided
Stonecrest holds first Municipal Court hearing Stonecrest’s first municipal court was called to order on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m., Judge Michael Sheridan presided over the first court session that was held to adjudicate five city environmental ordinance violations issued by the city’s code enforcement officers. Lenny Felgin served as the city’s solicitor. Deputies from DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office are slated to serve as bailiffs until Stonecrest establishes its own law enforcement division. Municipal court is scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. and the fourth Thursday at 6 p.m.
Justin Edwards, son of DeKalb activist, murdered Justin Edwards, the son of DeKalb County activist Joel Edwards, will be laid to rest on Saturday, Feb. 17. Justin Edwards, 34, was shot to death on Feb. 10 by an unknown assailant as he and his girlfriend were headed home. Police said Justin Edwards had stopped to check out two flat tires in the parking lot of an abandoned building on Memorial Drive and Boulevard in Cabbagetown around 11:30 p.m. Witnesses told police that a suspect approached the car, fired shots and then ran. Edwards’ girlfriend wasn’t hurt. Joel Edwards told WSB TV he believes it was a targeted killing. “This was a hit, for what reason I don’t know.” Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation. Community activist Ed Williams offered his condolences to the Edwards family, telling the DeKalb Board of Commissioners that public safety must be made a top priority. Edwards said more officers are needed to patrol the streets and police must follow up with victims of crimes. He said he plans to meet with DeKalb’s new public safety director, Joseph “Jack” Lumpkin. “We are not safe in our homes or on the streets. If that was one of my relatives who was killed, I would be outraged. It (the shooting) happened in Atlanta, but it’s symptomatic of what’s going on in DeKalb,” Edwards told On Common Ground News. Several people posted their condolences on Joel Edwards’ Facebook page, to which, he responded, “Thanks. Keep on praying we need it right now.” An obituary in the Atlanta Journal Constitution states that the celebration of life service for Edwards will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, noon, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 3646 Hogan Road, S.W., Atlanta with Pastor Robert Thurman officiating. Justin Arthur Edwards, is survived by his parents, Joel and Brenda Edwards; his son, Austin Edwards; his three brothers, Christopher Edwards (Stacey), Karsten Edwards (LaSonya) and Nicholas Edwards (Shameka); two sisters; Tiffany Noller (James) and Stephanie EdwardsDatuowei (Tare) and his girlfriend, Stephanie Moore. Tipsters can call CrimeStoppers Atlanta. There is a reward in the case of up to $2,000. Anyone with information is asked to call 404-577-TIPS (8477). Tipsters may remain anonymous.
HOPEWELL continued from page 3 a clerkship for Judge William Daniel in Fulton County Superior Court. In 1984, she became the first AfricanAmerican to serve as an Assistant County Attorney for DeKalb County. After leaving the county attorney’s office, she became an Associate Attorney with Arrington & Hollowell, a law firm founded by pioneer civil rights attorney, Donald Lee Hollowell and long-time Atlanta City Council President Marvin Arrington. Hopewell additionally served as a Magistrate Court Judge, a Juvenile Court Judge and as Recorder’s Court Judge, all in DeKalb.
She acknowledges it may be difficult to unseat an incumbent but she has a positive outlook—and several early supporters including DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who is one of her partners at Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC. Commissioner Johnson was among a host of supporters who attended a news conference to announce her bid for judge. “I think the citizens of DeKalb County deserve better than what this Judge has offered us during her tenure on the bench.”
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCGNews
Rotary Clubs honor Rockdale STAR students and teachers
The Rotary Clubs of Conyers and Rockdale hosted their annual luncheon in honor of the STAR Students and Teachers of the Rockdale County high schools on Feb. 15 at Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 North Main St. N.W., Conyers. The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, now in its 60th year, is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Since its creation by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR program has honored nearly 26,500 students and the teachers they have selected as having had the most influence on their academic achievement. To obtain the 2018 STAR nomination, graduating high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. This year’s winners are: STAR Student STAR TEACHER Octavia Francine Herbert, Salem High School Mr. Nicholas Walker Ronan M. Fitzgerald, Heritage High School Mr. Brian Kicklighter Claire Fuchun Smith, Rockdale Magnet School Dr. Jill Murphy Noah Avery Craft, Rockdale County High School Mrs. Nola Costin To view the video of the presentation, go to www.ocgnews.com.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2018 • PAGE 5
Pastor Billie Cox and Dr. Toni G. Alvarado pose for photos at the Feb. 3 empowerment conference, which was held at the Rockdale Career Academy. An estimated 200 girls from local middle and high schools participated in the event. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
“Comfortable In Your Own Skin” conference focuses on self-esteem
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By Dr. Toni G. Alvarado
n March 2015, I received an email from a 4th grade school teacher in Houston, TX asking me if I would be available to speak with the family of one of her students who had been removed from the school for psychological evaluation after raising her hand in class and announcing that she was planning to commit suicide because she did not like the color of her skin. You can imagine the emotions that gripped me after reading this email. I immediately connected to this story because of my own childhood struggle with being dark skinned that followed me well into my adult years. I immediately responded with a phone call to see how I could be of service to this young girl and her family. After a series of conversations, I
purchased a plane ticket to Houston to address the female students of this school on issues of colorism and healthy self-esteem. I spent an entire day teaching the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade girls and actually met with the student who inspired this day of empowerment. Upon further research and dialogues with women and girls, I have discovered that colorism and low self-esteem is prevalent among women and girls of all ages, hues and ethnicities. The perennial challenge for many women is being comfortable in our own skin. For many women, this issue begins in childhood and continues throughout their adolescent, young adult and adult lives. Too often we compare ourselves to other women, allow media to define us, and discount our own uniqueness. We dye our hair, we color our eyes, we tan, and undergo plastic surgery. While these things are not injurious in
and of themselves, they become detrimental when we rely on them to make us who we are. With these thoughts in mind, we have designed the “Comfortable In Your Own Skin” Empowerment Conference for Women and Girls. This conference is designed to help women and girls: • Discover their unique gifts, skills and abilities • Build their capacity through professional coaching and training • Inspire them toward education and career paths that are consistent with who they are • Empower them to overcome societal and selfimposed limitations. • Encourage them to build relationships with women/girls of similar passion and purpose. This year, our Third Annual Comfortable in
SEE BLACK page 7
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Stonecrest Library presents Wednesday documentaries
Great documentaries can open a window to the past. Join the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, each Wednesday in February, 6 to 8:30 p.m., for an informative film experience. Feb. 21: The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution. This ground-breaking documentary explores the Black Panther Party, its significance in American culture and political awakening for black people. Master documentarian Stanley Nelson weaves a treasure trove of rare archival footage with the voices
of the people who were there. The film will be followed by discussion with Akinyele Umoja, professor of African American studies at Georgia State University. Feb. 28: Africa’s Great Civilizations. The epic story historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr. tells is full of surprises and unexpected connections, helping us to appreciate the collective and individual genius of Africans who, across thousands of years, built civilizations and empires, fought wars, spread learning, and created some of the most sublime
“Getting Started in Genealogy” workshop at Stone Mountain library Find out about free genealogy resources available to help you discover your family roots. “Getting Started in Genealogy” will be offered at the Stone Mountain-Sue Kellogg Library, 952 Leon St., Stone Mountain, on Monday, Feb. 26, 1 to 3 p.m. Library staff will tell you about their experiences and discuss research techniques. Staff will provide free ancestral charts and have laptops set up so you can begin your research right away. No registration is required. The class is open to adults 18 and up.
Black History Festival: A Celebration of Cultural Heritage The Rockdale NAACP, in partnership with the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, will present “A Celebration of Cultural Heritage” on Saturday, Feb. 24. The community is invited to attend the free festival. The events scheduled at the library, 864 Green St., Conyers are as follows: Noon to 1 p.m. - Paula Wright will present “Love Framed in Black & White in the Computer Center Classroom (lower level of the library). 1 to 3 p.m. - Veterans Memorial Middle School dance troupe (lower level meeting room of the library). 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Latifah Shakir tells stories behind African-American quilts (Lower level meeting room of the library) 2:45 to 3 p.m. - Nita Lee performs “Ain’t I A Woman? (lower level meeting room of the library) 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. -Akil Shakir performs Motown classics (lower level meeting room of the library).
The Lovett School presents poet Nikki Giovvani Nikki Giovanni, world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator, will speak on Feb. 21, 7 p.m., in the Hendrix-Chenault Theater at The Lovett School, 4075 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta. Over the past 30 years, the outspoken nature of her writing and speaking has brought the eyes of the world upon her. One of the most widely read American poets, she prides herself on being “a Black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English.” The event is free.
art and architecture in human history. Gates’ journey takes him from the city of Great Zimbabwe to the pyramids of Meroe, and the spectacular rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia. The film will be followed by discussion with Akinyele Umoja, professor of African American studies at Georgia State University. The free documentary programs are open to the first 155 participants. Funding is provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library.
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FEBRUARY 17, 2018 • PAGE 7
OP/ED
BLACK continued from page 5
Let Freedom Ring, Immigration, Integration, Diversity and Opportunity
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By Ed Williams
here is the American dream today? We continue the struggle fifty-four years after the March on Washington. Many of our communities have high unemployment, poor education, and high crime and incarceration. Many people have been faithful to the promises of America, and yet they are in peril and struggling to pay the bills and provide for their families. Many of us continue Ed Williams to struggle, hoping for a better future. We medicate our predicament to cover up the symptoms without addressing the root causes. In many communities, we do not control our economics, media, land, resources, or distribution in order to make any credible impact on the sustainability of our communities. Many believe that integration was the cause of the disintegration of our communities. We are still segregated in many communities. It should be the business of government to make the playing field equal. We should take every opportunity to promote equal opportunity, justice and peace in every community. Where we live today, in many instances, still determines the quality of life and opportunities that we have. The absence of segregation is not integration or equality. We must know our leaders’ character. It is not enough to have leaders who look like you. It is important to understand their vision, agenda and motives. How do our leaders affect our daily lives? Midway through the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. realized that the
struggle for integration would ultimately become a struggle for economic rights. In today’s world of globalization, can America continue to strive to provide opportunity to all without embracing diversity, integration, and immigration? Embodied in the Declaration of Independence “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Our question today is: Will America continue to be open to the promise of immigration and opportunity to all that come to the land of bounty to those who follow the laws and where their only problem is that they were not born an American? All over the world people want to be able to provide for their families, protect them, and to have respect among their fellow man. Those less fortunate want the same rules and laws to apply to everyone equally. Today, we have Gerrymandered political districts and communities that are de facto segregated. As individuals, we should seek to participate in every level of our community and government to raise the expectations that we want to see. It is no longer good enough for us to accept the status quo, and to allow anyone to be treated as secondclass citizens. We should expect a high level of service in our communities. It is us who must make this change. Everyone can serve and become a drum major in their own way, a role model for all to follow. Ed Williams, Ed.D., is Chair of Concerned Citizens For Effective Government
Your Own Skin Empowerment Conference was held on Feb. 3 at the Rockdale Career Academy. An estimated 200 middle and high school girls attended the conference, which included lunch, at no cost to them. There was a minimal registration for female college students and adult women. This year’s theme, “Comfortable in Your Own Career Path & Purpose,” was centered around gender stereotypes, women in the workplace and the issues women face in nontraditional careers. Conference registration included conference admission, lunch, conference materials, presentations and workshops facilitated by professionals in business, education, STEM Careers, civic and community leadership, ministry, arts, entertainment and non-traditional career paths for women. We are excited about our partnership with Rockdale Career Academy for several reasons. This partnership gave us the opportunity to empower middle, high school, college age female students and adult women in Rockdale County and beyond. It also afforded us the opportunity to support the culinary arts program of Rockdale Career Academy, allowing students to gain experience in the culinary arts career path. My Sister’s Keeper Foundation for Women is dedicated to education, empowerment, leadership, personal and professional development for women. We recognize that our families, schools, communities and nation is better when women and girls are encouraged to explore their unique gifts, skills, and abilities and maximize their opportunities for a brighter future. Anyone desiring to partner with us can make tax-deductible donations at www.mskfoundation.org or My Sister’s Keeper Foundation for Women, 2890 GA Highway 212 Suite A-124 Conyers, GA 30094. For more information on how you can volunteer with us, contact us at info@ mskfoundation.org. Dr. Toni G. Alvarado is CEO and Founder My Sister’s Keeper Foundation for Women, Inc.
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PAGE 8 • FEBRUARY 17, 2018
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