FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 27
AUGUST 25, 2018
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Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Remembering Aretha March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018
Local nonprofit helps Towers High grad make it to Nashville
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ngels come in all forms. For Dahjia Turner, a graduate of DeKalb County’s Towers High School, a nonprofit called Communities in Schools of Atlanta (CIS) was the godsend she needed to start her freshman year in college a few days ago. Turner had her bags packed and everything she needed for her dorm and new life at Tennessee State University in Nashville. But she didn’t have a way to get there because her family does not own a car.
Atlantans pay tribute to Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul
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By Valerie J. Morgan
tlantans, like the rest of America, is remembering Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. While several pre-homegoing events are planned in Detroit, where Franklin will be laid to rest, many in Atlanta also are honoring the icon singer with tributes, stories and reflections ahead of her Aug. 31 funeral. The Rev. Jasper Williams, pastor emeritus of Atlanta’s Salem Baptist Church, discussed in a video what it means for
him to be chosen to deliver the eulogy at the private funeral, which will only be open to family, friends, and invited guests. Williams also delivered the eulogy for Franklin’s father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, his mentor and friend. “My admiration, love and respect for Dr. Franklin is infinite. In other words, there are no boundaries. There are no limitations,” Rev. Williams said in the video where he was interviewed by his son, the Rev. Joseph L. Williams . “I feel
SEE ARETHA page 7
More people moving to metro Atlanta, DeKalb hits fastest growth spurt in two decades
Dahjia Turner is overcome with emotion.
CIS Atlanta stepped in to help. In addition to driving Turner to the campus in Tennessee and helping her with dorm supplies, the campus the nonprofit made sure Turner connected with campus ambassadors, and introduced her to community stakeholders and potential mentors to assist with her transition into higher education. CIS Atlanta is a drop-out prevention organization founded in Atlanta in 1971. Turner started ninth grade at Clarkston High School, where she was introduced to the CIS program. She continued with the program through her graduation this year at Towers. “We are all in for our students and their families even after they graduate from high school and go to college,” said Frank Brown, Esq., CEO of Communities in Schools of Atlanta. “We surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.” For more information on CIS Atlanta, visit www.cisatlanta.org.
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etro Atlanta’s population is booming. The metro added 75,800 new residents in the past year, increasing its population to 4,555,900 in the 10-county region. The numbers reflect the second-largest one-year increase since 2007-2008, trailing its 2016-2017 increase of 78,300, according to a new report released by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). DeKalb County added 10,600 people in the past year, its largest single-year growth in nearly two decades. The surge brings the county’s total population to 744,530. Fulton County, which took the No. 1 spot with an increase of 17,570 people now has a population of 1,020,370. Gwinnett County, which had an increase of 16,700, came in second with a population of 910,700, the ARC reported. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond says the growth is a positive sign. “DeKalb County is becoming the preferred location for many residents and businesses,” said Thurmond. “We have gotten our fiscal house in order and made significant investments to improve county services, governance and accountability.” Thurmond said county strengths
include an extensive interstate highway system, the second busiest airport in Georgia, a strong public transit network, improvements in the public school system, numerous higher education and technical schools and incomparable healthcare facilities such as the Centers for Disease Control, Emory, DeKalb Medical and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The surge continued a trend of rapid growth. DeKalb grew by 8,900 people between April 2016 and April 2017 and 6,600 the previous year. The county has added more than 52,000 people since 2010. State Rep. Doreen Carter, whose District 92 includes a portion of Decatur, the cities of Lithonia, Stonecrest and Conyers, said it’s clear metro Atlanta has become
more populated because of the traffic congestion. “I leave at 6:15 every morning and there’s already a traffic jam on I-20. If I leave at 6:30 a.m., it’s too late. I know I’m going to be late getting downtown,” said Carter. Carter said more work must be done to create jobs where people live. “With all of the growth that is going on, it’s a good opportunity to lure more headquarters, even smaller companies, to east metro Atlanta, particularly in the new city of Stonecrest and Lithonia. There’s plenty of land in Stonecrest that is ripe for development,” said Carter. “New development will create more revenues for the cities and the county.” Carter said more efforts also must be made to encourage employers to offer flexible schedules to workers so everyone is not headed to work at the same time. “We’ve got push flex time, carpooling and the use of public transportation and encourage incentives to reduce the traffic congestion,” said Carter. “I left the office at 5 p.m. and it took me one hour and 20 minutes to go less than 15 miles.”
PAGE 2 • AUGUST 25, 2018
PET OF THE Week
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Meet Rocky Ali! This sweet boy is a volunteer and staff favorite. He has the biggest smile and shows it off wherever you go. He is friendly, people- oriented, and loves toys! He is one of our Shelter Superstars, being in the shelter 300 days. He keeps fighting for his forever home. Could you be his prize? Lars is a great boy who holds a place in the hearts of staff and volunteers alike. He is currently in foster and is having a blast. His foster mom says he is a great family friend and has a strong bond with her 13-year-old daughter. Lars is goofy, loves to cuddle and does well the other dog in the home. He is also a quick learner who knows how to sit and stay and stop. This crate-trained boy will let you know when he needs to go potty too. If you are looking for a very well-behaved dog, Lars is your boy! CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038
The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. TEXT AMENDMENT: TMOD 18-0003 & 004 PETITIONER: City Staff PROPOSED AMENDMENT: Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt. LAND USE PETITION: AX 18-0001 PETITIONER: Halpern Enterprises LOCATION: 6024 Covington Highway CURRENT ZONING: MU-5 (Mixed Use) / C-1 (Local Commercial) PROPOSED: Request to annex the western portion of this parcel into the City of Stonecrest and change the zoning of the subject property from C-1 w/conditions and MU-5 to MR-2 to build a 160 townhomes subdivision. LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-005 Riva Usher 6617 Eastbriar Drive RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District Request for Special Land Use Permit to operate daycare home.
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AUGUST 25, 2018 • PAGE 3
DeKalb reaches settlement to replace thousands of defective water meters PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
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PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. 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 P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved an $8.64 million settlement with the manufacturer that supplied 47,500 defective water meters that caused widespread billing problems in the county. Commissioners approved the settlement with Sensus USA at its Aug. 21 meeting. County officials say the iPerl water meters installed between 2011 and 2015 had a manufacturing defect. Sensus USA and Kendall Supply Inc. have agreed to deliver and install 30,000 radio devices that transmit real-time customer water consumption data and reprogram 17,500 previously
installed radio transmitters. The approximately $8.64 million in equipment, installation and reprogramming services breaks down as follows: • Delivery and installation of 47,000 new Accustream meters: $4.75 million • Delivery and installation of 30,000 radio transmitters: $2.46 million • Reprogramming 17,500 previously installed radio transmitters: $1.43 million “I would like to acknowledge the new executive leadership team at Sensus for engaging in good faith negotiations,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. “The removal of all water meters with an increased propensity
CEO Michael Thurmond
for malfunctioning will help restore public trust and significantly improve customer service.” Between 2011 and 2015, the DeKalb Department of Watershed Management purchased and installed approximately 50,000 iPerl water meters, manufactured prior to 2014. The county believes these meters
contained a manufacturing defect. All iPerl meters installed during that four-year span will be replaced with new Accustream water meters. The Accustream meters are engineered to eliminate premature wear and designed to be compatible with the county’s radio transmitting Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Since January 2018, the Department of Watershed Management has installed or replaced more than 12,000 new meters. The county will replace approximately 102,000 meters which includes the 47,500 iPERL meters and 54,000 meters that have outlived product lifespan.
DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw to present Veterans Resource Expo DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw will host a Veterans Resource Expo Event on Saturday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Central DeKalb Senior Center at Mason Mill Park at 1346 McConnell Drive, Decatur. Bradshaw is hosting the expo in collaboration with Atlanta VA HealthCare System, The Mission Continues, American Medical Response, and AMVETS Post 44. Veterans and their family members who live in and around DeKalb County are encouraged to attend. Onsite resources will
Elaine Davis-Nickens of Angie’s House teaches leadership skills to young boys and girls who have been exposed to domestic violence in their homes.
include housing, VA benefits, caregiver, legal, VA burial benefits, employment and training, mental health, telehealth and women’s program. “I have heard the concerns of DeKalb veterans and their families and it’s my goal to continue to identify ways that I can bring resources and make myself accessible to these very special constituents in District Four and throughout DeKalb County,” said Bradshaw. Bradshaw said his concern for veterans is a top priority. “In our 2018 midyear
Osborne Dennis of 321 Stop Bullying raises awareness and provides support for those dealing with bullying. 321 hosts an annual march and book bag give-away in Conyers.
Steve Bradshaw
budget, I requested and got approval for an additional $20,000 to augment the work of the Veterans Treatment Court, which is a part of our Accountability Courts. This upcoming Resource Expo is just a continuation of demonstrating tangible
Pastor Anthony Smith of Nehemiah Empowerment Center runs a food pantry, clothes closet and does an annual toy and bike give-away during the Christmas season.
support for those who have served in uniform for this great nation,” said Bradshaw, who is a veteran. After graduating from Armstrong State University, Bradshaw entered military service as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and trained as a tank commander. He spent tours of duty in Germany, Fort Knox, KY, Fort Benning, GA, Saudi Arabia and Iraq during the First Gulf War. His final assignment was as a Leadership Instructor at the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School. Bradshaw left active military service at the rank of captain in 1993.
Janice and Tolbert Morris and team members from Helping Hands Outreach Clinic provide primary care services as well as mental health screenings and specialized services in pulmonology, cardiology, and gastroenterology.
CELEBRATING NONPROFITS
Rockdale Commissioner Doreen Williams honors community change agents By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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early 100 people attended the first Rockdale County Nonprofit Appreciation Brunch on Aug. 20 at the JP Carr Community Center in Rockdale County. Sponsored by Post 2 Rockdale County Commissioner Doreen Williams, the event brought together local nonprofits in honor of national Nonprofit Appreciation Day held annually on Aug.17. “Rockdale County has over 700 registered 501c3 organization and there’s so much good that goes on that people are not aware of,” said Williams. “This really gave us an opportunity to spotlight some of the agencies that slide under the radar and recognize the valu-
able contributions these organizations make to the community.” Nearly 50 organizations were in attendance and were recognized with a certificate. Four organizations were spotlighted, including Angie’s House, Nehemiah Empowerment Center, 321 Stop Bullying and Helping Hands Outreach Clinic. A video presentation introduced each of the directors and founders of the four organizations, sharing their mission, history and some of their recent activities in Rockdale. Janice Morris, executive director of Helping Hands Outreach Clinic, which provides affordable primary healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured, said she was extremely grateful for the opportunity to share the work the clinic
is doing to keep Rockdale healthy. The clinic recently expanded to include telemedicine, as well as specialized services in pulmonology, cardiology, and gastroenterology. “It was an honor to be amongst other agencies doing such great work in the community and being acknowledged for our commitment to serving others,” said Morris. Representatives from over 20 areas of service attended the meeting including Just Serve, a free volunteer match program based at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA) program from the Internal Revenue Service. VITA helps people file their taxes for free and assists in determin-
ing eligibility for Earned Income Tax Credit. Corey Hambrick, pastor of Life Church Christian Center, who also is an actor on the TV series “Preachers of Atlanta” and Chief of Staff for Rockdale County Government, closed the event with an inspirational presentation. Hambrick thanked attendees for their contributions to Rockdale, encouraging them to keep "driving through the storms until they come out on the other side.” “My hope is to make local nonprofits aware of one another and to foster more opportunities for collaboration in an effort to better serve Rockdale citizens,” said Commissioner Williams.
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AAA invites 8th graders to compete for free European River Cruise
AAA is sponsoring a trip to Europe for 60 eighth grade students who submit the best answers and a selfie for its “Discovery Crew” cruise. Contest winners will receive free roundtrip airfare to Amsterdam, travel insurance, money for passports, and a seven-night river cruise—including all meals and excursions— through the Netherlands and Belgium. Students in Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and select areas of Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota are eligible to enter for a chance to win the trip at AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew. The deadline to enter is Sept. 21, 2018. “Many young students dream of taking a trip like this,” said Deborah Haas, vice president, Travel Products and Services, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA is excited to team with our travel partners, AmaWaterways and Allianz, in making this trip a reality for enthusiastic young travelers. The knowledge these students gain will help shape their future, while building new
relationships and memories that will last a life time.” In addition to residency requirements, students must be: • Entering the 8th grade in good standing • At least 13 years old Students can confirm eligibility when visiting AAA.com/DiscoveryCrew.
DCSD offering free GED program To parents, guardians DeKalb County School District (DCSD) parents have an opportunity to earn their General Education Diploma (GED) through a free program. DCSD’s Family IMPACT Hub, headed by the Department of Parent & Family Engagement, is partnering with local higher education institutions to continue offering a free GED program in Fall 2018. The program will begin with an information session and class on Monday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The session will take place at the Family IMPACT Hub, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard. Stone Mountain. Participants must be ages 23 or older and have a state-issued photo ID. Participants also must be a parent or guardian of a current DCSD student. Registration for the informational meetings is encouraged but not required. To RSVP, complete the form at http://bit.ly/DCSDParentEd. For more information, contact DCSD Parent & Family Specialist Narva Dunlap at narva_dunlap@dekalbschoolsga.org or 770-865-3750.
Winners will be selected based on: • A creative selfie, showcasing their love for travel. • Their answers to three essay questions: • Why do you want to go on this trip? • How do rivers affect the communities through which they run? • During the trip, you’ll meet many people. In what ways do you expect the people you meet to be similar to and different from yourself and your friends and family? Winners will be notified beginning in October. Winning students will bring one parent or legal guardian to serve as a chaperone. Each pair will share a stateroom while sailing on AmaWaterways’ “AmaDante” river cruise ship, from March 28 – April 4, 2019. “This is an unbelievable opportunity for students,” Haas said. “We encourage any and all eighth graders who have a passion for learning about other destinations and cultures to enter this contest.”
YWCA Wellness Program offers free mammograms for women without health insurance
Uninsured women who haven’t had a mammogram in a year or more can get one at no cost, if they meet certain criteria. Eligible women must be 40 to 60 years old and meet income requirements. The YWCA of Greater Atlanta Health and Wellness program is offering the breast screenings along with partners Grady Cancer Center of Excellence and Emory St. Joseph’s Mobile Mammography. The free mammograms are made possible by a grant received from Susan G. Komen. To determine eligibility or to register for a free mammogram, call 404 835-1632. For more information on this program and others visit www.ywcaatlanta.org.
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Standing: Sheriff Mann, DeKalb NAACP Political Action Chair Vivian Moore, and DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy. Seated back: DeKalb NAACP Executive Member Louise Thompson with a new voter. Seated, foreground: Georgia State NAACP President Phyllis Blake and a new vote.
DeKalb NAACP conducts voter registration for jail inmates Inmates at the DeKalb County jail will have another opportunity to register to vote, thanks to the DeKalb branch of the NAACP. Volunteers of the DeKalb NAACP are returning to the jail on Aug. 30 to distribute and collect forms for qualified inmates who want to vote by absentee ballot in the Nov. 6 General Election. Officials said 73 inmates became registered voters on June 28 with the assistance of the NAACP. “Individuals who are incarcerated and awaiting trial during election season should not have to be deprived of the right to cast a ballot,” said DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann. “In Georgia, jail detainees can still vote, unless they are already convicted felons. Even those who have been convicted of a felony can apply to have voting rights restored. Our partnership with the DeKalb NAACP allows us to share valuable information with men and women in our custody who want to exercise the right to vote.”
AUGUST 25, 2018 • PAGE 5
Rep. Vernon Jones appointed to House Study Committee on Risks with Kratom State Rep. Vernon Jones (D-Lithonia) has been appointed by Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) to the House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom. Advocates say kraton offers relief from pain, depression and anxiety. However, the FDA and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been moving to ban the sale of kraton, citing the herbal drug’s potential for abuse saying it is an “imminent hazard to public safety,” according to reports. Jones questioned the accuracy of the statements made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb about kratom, and is asking the study committeesto review the reports. “These newly released studies give us an opportunity to get to the truth about kratom,” said Jones. “We have seen too many instances where bureaucrats in Washington think they can tell the states what we should do and feed us
State Rep. Vernon Jones
misinformation to justify more regulation. The people of Georgia are smarter than that.” Jones noted that a study released by Jane Babin, Ph.D., Esq. showed flaws in the death reports released by the FDA in order to justify its recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to schedule kratom as a Schedule I drug. Jones also said the study reported that the deaths attributed to kratom were actually the result of a homicide, several suicides, unrelated health conditions, polydrug use, and adulterated and contaminated products. “Our study committee
on kratom is going to have to carefully separate the facts from the misinformation campaign by the FDA,” said Jones. “Our own local coroners and law enforcement officials apparently have been fed a steady stream of inaccurate information about this natural plant that have obviously influenced some of our own reports on the causes of deaths.” The study committee will hold public meetings to recieve input. Jones said the public hearings will allow those who safely use kratom to offer their perspective, as well as experts who can provide assessments on the conflicts in the science on kratom. “There are nearly 5 million kratom consumers across the United States,” Jones said. “There is no doubt that we have tens of thousands of Georgians who use kratom safely for maintaining their health and well-being, and we owe them an unbiased review of what is true about kratom, and what is not.”
Clarkston Police Chief Christine Hudson
Clarkston Police Chief appointed to serve on Georgia Commission on Family Violence
MARTA features ballet performance at Five Points
MARTA’s Artbound MOVES Program is again partnering with the Serenbe Institute to bring the Terminus Modern Ballet Theater to Five Points Station. MARTA kicked off the performances on Aug. 23 inside the faregates on the concourse level of MARTA’s biggest rail station. The next performance will be on Oct. 18, 4 to 6 p.m. Artbound MOVES and Serenbe are currently working on bringing a production of Peter Pan to Five Points Station in September. “The Artbound MOVES program is another way for us to provide unexpected moments of fun for our customers,” said MARTA Arts Administrator Katherine Dirga. “It’s also an opportunity to share some of Atlanta’s best cultural offerings in a unique setting.” MARTA’s partnership with the Serenbe Institute is in its second year. Terminus Modern Ballet Theater performed twice during the holidays last year. One percent of MARTA’s annual budget is allocated to enhance the ridership experience through visual and performance arts.
Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed Clarkston Police Chief Christine Hudson to serve on the Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV). Hudson was appointed to serve on the commission to fill the statutory required position for Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief Hudson began her law enforcement career in 1983 with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. Hudson left the Sheriff’s Department and went to work as a patrol officer for the City of Decatur Police Department. During her tenure with the Decatur Police Department, Hudson was ultimately promoted to the rank of Police Major in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division. In 1991, the Georgia Women in Law Enforcement honored her as the DeKalb County Officer of the Year. That same year, she also was honored by the Georgia Bar Association as “Officer of the Year” for DeKalb County. Hudson has co-authored an article titled “A Small City’s Approach to a Big Drug Problem,” published in the Law and Order magazine. In February 2005, Hudson was recruited to travel to Baghdad, Iraq to train the Iraqi Police. While there, Hudson became a Team Leader to the American contractors who worked with the Iraqi Major General in
charge of Internal Affairs for all of Iraq. Hudson began her tenure with the City of Clarkston in 2009 as a Lieutenant and was promoted to the rank of Captain then promoted to Chief of Police in January 2012. Hudson is a member of the Georgia Chiefs and International Chiefs Association. Hudson is currently serving as the President of the DeKalb Chiefs Association. Hudson has spent her career serving others and has a particular passion for those who are disadvantaged by their circumstances. Hudson has developed a reputation for being unafraid to stand up for defenseless victims, especially victims of family violence. GCFV is a state agency that strives to provide leadership to end family violence by promoting safety, ensuring accountability and improving justice for generations to come. GCFV holds four meetings each year across the state. Please visit www.gcfv. ga.gov for information regarding future meetings. If you or someone you know is being abused, there are community and statewide resources available to you. Call 1-800-33-HAVEN, the toll-free, 24-hour hotline, for a confidential place to get help or find resources.
PAGE 6 • AUGUST 25, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
New Creation Christian Fellowship installs new pastor New Creation Christian Fellowship in Stone Mountain celebrated the installation of Pastor Tracey Whaley and his wife, First Lady Renee’ Whaley, on Aug. 19. Apostle Floyd Dautrieve and his wife, Lady Emma L. Dautrieve, founders of the church, performed the installation. The Whaleys were among the first members of New Creation Christian Fellowship when the Dautrieves launched the Apostolic ministry in 1997. Apostle Dautrieve said after he ordained Whaley several years ago, Whaley started his own church. Whaley eventually
L-R: Tracey Whaley and his wife, First Lady Renee’ Whaley, Apostle Floyd Dautrieve and his wife, Lady Emma L. Dautrieve. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
returned to New Creation Christian Fellowship and began serving as one of its pastors. In his new role, he will serve as senior pastor of the church. A native of Covington, Pastor
Whaley is a graduate of Savannah College who holds a master’s degree and is working on a second master’s degree. Outside of his work in ministry, he has worked in law enforce-
ment for more than 20 years. He currently works as a police major with the Clayton County School District. Pastor Whaley said he and his wife are excited about leading New Creation Christian Fellowship and look forward to reaching and teaching and growing the ministry New Creation Christian Fellowship invites the community to worship services, which are held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. The church is located at 828 S. Stone Mountain Road, Stone Mountain. More photos: www.facebook. com/ocgnews
Helping the Homeless
Antioch Lithonia MBC welcomes Duo Immeasurable National recording duo Immeasurable sang at Antioch Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church on Aug. 19. Pastor James C. Ward welcomed the duo, urging his congregation to support their work in helping the homeless. Immeasurable travels throughout the nation to work with churches and other religious organizations to bring awareness to the homelessness crisis in the United States. The duo, Ronnie Brooks and Aiyanna Foster, donates proceeds from their singing ministry to shelters, helping them provide safe havens
for the homeless. Brooks and Foster say they were inspired to help the homeless after they became homeless themselves after turning down a $1 million record deal. They said God had another plan for their lives. They said their faith in God helped them to persevere as they were rejected because of how they looked wearing a Mohawk and ponytail. Antioch Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. Sunday worship services are held at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Back Row (left to right): Alonza Holden – Peek’s Chapel Elementary; Betty Ann Conover – Conyers Middle; Adam Raymond – Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology; Audrey Dallas – Salem High; Scott Witt – Alpha Academy; Jessica Bailey – Hightower Trail Elementary; Darius Freeman – Heritage High; Dawn Stocks-Martin – Barksdale Elementary; Reese Fowler – Open Campus; Lisa Dyer – Lorraine Elementary; Debbie Charlesworth – Memorial Middle; Kevin Smith – Edwards Middle; Katie O’Loughlin – J.H. House Elementary; Carlos Hernandez – Gen. Ray Davis Middle, Shalaiwah Neil – Sims Elementary. Front, seated (left to right:) Tamala Findley – Flat Shoals Elementary; Nan Reilly – Pine Street Elementary; Samantha Mickens – C.J. Hicks Elementary; Kimberly Rawhoof – Shoal Creek Elementary; Amy Baxter – Rockdale County High; Jemica Brown – Honey Creek Elementary; Liz McGowan – Rockdale Career Academy.
RCPS announce its school-level 2018 Teachers of the Year
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) will celebrate its school-level 2018 Teachers of the Year in October. The ceremony honoring the women and men who go above and beyond for their students, peers and community will be held on Oct. 16 at the Rockdale Career Academy. The ceremony will feature all the schoollevel 2018 Teachers of the Year, selected by their peers. The district-level Teacher of the Year, chosen to advance to the state level competition, will be announced at the end of the evening.
Pastor James C. Ward Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
Photos by David Washington
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AUGUST 25, 2018 • PAGE 7
ARETHA continued from page 1 like what I was privileged to have begun 34 years ago when I preached his funeral Aug. 11, 1984 that God put a comma there. To me and in my mind at the time, it was a period. It was the end of the greatest anticipation of what I ever wanted to do as a preacher.” Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder of Voices of Faith Ministries, said he was elated that Rev. Williams was chosen to deliver the eulogy. “That is a huge honor, a blessing, for him to be a part of such a historic event,” said Bishop Hawkins. Bishop Victor Sharpe, who pastors St. John, the Great Cathedral in Detroit, was sharing stories of Aretha Franklin during his visit to Atlanta with Bishop Hawkins. “In Detroit, they’re playing her music on the radio every second. It’s a big blow to the community,” said Bishop Sharpe. “Every year, she would put on a soul food gathering for the community. She has a great history, legacy in the community,” said Sharpe. At the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County’s Casino Royale scholarship gala, which was held on Aug. 18, the queen was honored with a musical tribute by the Infinity Show Band, which performed at the gala. The audience was filled with excitement as the band performed “A Natural Woman,” many singing along with the band. Dr. Romeo Stockett, president of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb, said the tribute brought back memories of where he was when Aretha Franklin released the song. “Just hearing the song sent a charge through the room. We did the tribute because it was an opportunity to pay our respects not only to her music but the spirit of love and peace and the struggle that she embodied,” said Stockett, who said one of his proudest “Aretha” moments was seeing her sing the national anthem at President Obama’s inauguration. “It was just a proud moment in history to see her sing at the first black President of America’s inauguration,” said Stockett. Mae D. Jones, who coordinated the gala, said she knew she wanted to honor the legend as soon as news reports surfaced that Franklin’s health was
L-R: Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder of Voices of Faith Ministries in Stone Mountain and Conyers and Bishop Victor Sharpe, who pastors St. John, the Great Cathedral in Detroit reflect on Aretha Franklin’s impact on the world. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
deteriorating. She died of pancreatic cancer on Aug. 16, three days before the gala. Franklin was 76. “I thought it was important for us to honor her because of what she contributed not only to America but to the world. She had decades of music that captured our lives and what we were experiencing,” said Jones. During Sunday worship on Aug. 20, Pastor James C. Ward of Antioch Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church reflected on the impact that Franklin made with her voice. Ward said he was a college student waiting tables at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the 1960s when he heard Franklin perform for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference convention. Said Pastor Ward: “She touched the world. She could just flat out sing. She had charisma. She could move you with her songs whether they were secular or spiritual. Her secular wasn’t vulgar. It empowered women, it empowered blacks, it told stories. ‘Natural Woman,’ ‘Respect’... Black folks always wanted respect.” Amos King talked about the Queen of Soul’s contributions to America on his Atlanta radio show, the “Amen Corner” (www.wyzeradio.com).
“The state of Michigan has declared her voice as a natural resource. That’s deep. That’s like a diamond,” said King, who said he may travel to Detroit to view Franklin’s body as it lies in state at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. King said he has a brother and sister who live in Detroit. The public viewing is Aug. 28 and Aug. 29. King said he cherishes Franklin’s gospel music. “It’s gonna’ be a big problem up in heaven. You got Ella Fitzgerald, Clara Ward, Whitney Houston. The question is who is going to be the lead singer?” King quipped. Detroit Celebration for Aretha Franklin Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 28 and Wednesday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., in the rotunda at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit. A viewing will be held on Aug. 30, noon to 4 p.m., at Aretha Franklin’s lifelong church, New Bethel Baptist Church, 8430 Linwood, Detroit. This viewing was added to accommodate congregation members who could face long lines at the museum viewing. The funeral, open to invited guests, will be held on Friday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. at Greater Grace Temple 23500 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit. Nineteen performers are expected to perform at the funeral: Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Ronald Isley, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters, Jennifer Holliday, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Marvin Sapp, The Williams Brothers, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Audrey DuBois Harris, Alice McAllister Tillman, Edward Franklin, Aretha Franklin Orchestra and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir. Franklin will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, 19975 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, alongside late family members including her father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin; her brother, Cecil Franklin; her sisters, Carolyn Franklin and Erma Franklin, and nephew Thomas Garrett. Information was provided to the Detroit Free Press by Gwendolyn Quinn, the Franklin family’s representative.
Farewell Sarah Copelin-Wood, former DeKalb County School Board member Former DeKalb County School Board member Sarah Copelin-Wood was laid to rest on Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Chapel of Donald Trimble Mortuary in Decatur. The Rev. Jerry D. Black of Beulah Baptist Church in Decatur officiated the funeral. At the homegoing, Teresa Hardy, president of the DeKalb branch of the NAACP, presented a resolution honoring Wood, who had a long career as a community activist, which included serving 20 years with the NAACP. Most notable among her committee memberships was serving as chair of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Rally for eight years. Copelin-Wood was elected to the
DeKalb Board of Education in 1999 and served until 2013, representing District 3. During her 15 years on the board, she served as chair and vice chair. Her years of service to the community also included the following activities: sisterhood Leadership Committee of Beulah Baptist Missionary Church, MARTA Collaborative Task Force and Technical Advisory Committee; DeKalb Rape Crisis Center; National Council of Negro Women; and president of the Greystone Park Community Assocaition. Said Hardy: “Sarah was a strong and visible advocate for all DeKalb County public schools, students and staff and she supported those public charter schools
that met State of Georgia requirements. She was instrumental in creating DeKalb School System’s first and only DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts. She facilitated the change of the School Board’s meeting time from 5 to 6 p.m. to better accommodate working parents. She was steadfast in her opposition of the installation of cell phone towers on school property in her district.” Copelin-Wood received the DeKalb NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2015 under John Evans’ leadership as president of the NAACP. Copelin-Wood is survived by daughters Thomakia Copelin, Linda Copelin and Joyce Tripp; 7 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sarah Copelin-Wood
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