VOLUME 22 NUMBER 11
FREE
JUNE 11, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Beasley’s Drugstore in Conyers burglarized twice in four days
By Mackenzie N. Morgan Ora Bailey still manages to smile as she welcomes customers to Beasley’s Drugstore in downtown Conyers, even though she and her husband, Jacob, are still shaken. A burglar hit their pharmacy twice in four days, stealing pharmaceuticals in a mesh laundry basket. Conyers police say the break-ins, which took place after business hours on June 2 and June 5, are among a rash of reported drugstore burglaries occurring throughout metro Atlanta.
to deter unwanted visitors. “We had to fix the door twice, there was a loss of inventory, and we’ve had to hire additional staff. And then there is the emotional damage,” Bailey said. “All my alarm sensors are new and the alarm company has them set to maximum sensitivity. The police have been in and out for the last week and we’re installing a metal roll down door so that even if someone broke in they couldn’t get to the drugs.” Conyers police say the suspect or suspects are tar-
“You expect to have things happen from time to time, but to have this happen twice so close together is really jarring. It just kind of shakes you up,” said Bailey, whose grandfather purchased the store in 1934. The suspect broke into the store by smashing the front door once with a crowbar and another time with a chunk of concrete. The Baileys have tightened up security at the store since the break-ins. Bailey said that her husband, who co owns the store with her, has been staying at the store later See Beasley’s Drug Store, page 7
Tucker students seek community’s help for FCCLA trip
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
ucker Middle School teacher Christine Mayfield is calling on the community to lend a hand. Her students recently competed in the Georgia Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) state competition in March where 15 of them qualified to compete in Nationals. Now, they need the community’s help in raising $7,000 to compete in finals at the 2016 National Leadership Conference, which will be held July 3-7 in San Diego, California. They have less than a week before they lose their deposit and all the money they have raised so far. “We are raising money for our 2015-2016 regional and state winners that are now
See Tucker Middle School, page 7
Droves flock to show support for “I Am A Father” 5K event
David Manuel stands outside the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur, where the 5K event will start. Manuel, who is executive director of the center, says this year’s event is drawing a groundswell of support.
By Valerie J. Morgan David Manuel says hundreds of people have signed up to walk or run in the “I Am A Father” 5K event that he is hosting on June 18 in DeKalb County. The event, now in its second year, has grown from a small project to a mammoth event that will include a health fair with vendors providing free checkups, testing for HIV, wellness information and other resources. Manuel said people from all walks of life are participating. “Last year, we had 86 participants for the 5K. This year, we have over 600,” said Manuel, who is executive director of the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center and the author of the “I Am” series, which inspired him to create the 5K walk. Manuel’s “I Am” series is a collection of books that include “I Am A Father” and “I Am A Mother,” which shine a positive light on African American achievements and include stories of ordinary fathers and mothers who are involved in their children’s lives. Manuel, who has devoted a lifetime to promoting the performing arts, said strengthening families, especially fathers, is his assignment from God—an assignment he says that has become even more critical since he suddenly fell ill and had to undergo a liver transplant in 2015. “Promoting the performing arts is my passion. Strenthening families is my assignment,” said Manuel, who said he hopes to be able to walk a portiont of the 5K route. “I really believe that it is important to highlight and celebrate fathers, which is why we are having this event on Father’s Day weekend. We want to strengthen our families one mile at a time,” said Manuel. Manuel, who has two adult sons, Branden and Blake, points to staggering stats that paint a dismal picture of fatherhood among African Americans. “Statistics show us that over 72 percent of African American households are fatherless. Birmingham ranked No. 2 in the nation and Atlanta ranks in the top 10. We want to change that,” Manuel said. Representative from the DeKalb Board of Health, Kaiser Permanente and Life Link will be among the vendors providing healthcare services and information. Manuel said proceeds from those who pay to walk or run in the 5K will benefit two organizations that mentor African American males: the Leadership Academy of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County and the Hank Stewart Foundation. Several organizations have created teams who will participate in the walk/run, Manuel said. “It’s about getting all of our men’s organizations to stop working in silos and begin working together so that we can make an even biggerimpact,” said Manuel who plans to launch a conference next year in conjunction with the 5K event. To register for this year’s 5K walk, visit www.iamafather5k. org or for more information, email info@Iamafather5K.org.