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VOLUME 23 NUMBER 23

SEPTEMBER 2, 2017

Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties

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Governor Deal appoints DeKalb CEO Thurmond to all-white Stone Mountain board

CEO Michael Thurmond

Carolyn D. Meadows

Greer Johnson

Laney Dixon Childers

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Martin Luther King Jr. statue unveiled at State Capitol

C. Scott Johnson

Photo by Joshua Smith-Special to OCG News Ray Stallings Smith, III

Perry Tindol

Joan Bostick Thomas

Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association board, which oversees the country’s largest monument to the Confederate war dead. The appointment makes Thurmond the only African-American member of the 10-member board pictured above. One member who is not pictured on the boards’ website is Roy N. Roberts.

Thurmond could not be reached for comment, but county spokesman Andrew Cauthen confirmed that Thurmond had accepted the appointment.

Thurmond is a historian and author. His book, Freedom: Georgia’s Antislavery Heritage, 1733-1865, was awarded the Georgia Historical Society’s Lilla Hawes Award. The Georgia Center for the Book listed Freedom as one of The 25 Books All Georgian’s Should Read.

Mark Williams

Becky Kelley

Thurmond’s appointment to the board comes amidst a heated national debate concerning the removal of Confederate landmarks that has been fueled by the recent deadly violence over Charlotteville, Virginia’s plans to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from a downtown park. A riot broke out in Charlottesville when white supremacists attacked counter protestors. James Alex Fields, Jr. was charged with second-degree murder and other counts after driving a car into a crowd and killing counter protestor Heather Heyer, 32.

Locally, the state-owned Stone Mountain Park, which boasts a massive carving of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson on Stone Mountain, has come under fire from community activists and others who want the carving removed.

SEE BOARD, page 6

Gov. Nathan Deal, joined

by First Lady Sandra Deal, members of the King family, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and other dignitaries, unveiled the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue before a crowd gathered on the grounds of the northeast quadrant of the State Capitol on Aug. 28.

The eight-foot-tall bronze statue, which stands atop a 36-inch pedestal made of Georgia granite, was created

by Atlanta-based sculptor Martin Dawe of Cherrylion Studios.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the completion of a years-long effort to commemorate the life and works of Georgia’s own son,

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Deal. “Dr. King’s legacy is one of hope. He gave, and continues to give, men and women a reason to believe and to dream. He expanded the aspirations of future generations. The America we know is a better place because one man followed his conscience. Erecting a monument in his memory, both facing Liberty Plaza and on the grounds of the Capitol of his home state, is a fitting and long overdue honor.”

Mayor Reed called the statue a “source of pride” for the city.

“I am proud to welcome this new monument memorializing Dr. Martin Luther SEE MLK, page 6

DeKalb pitches in to assist Texas, Gulf Coast In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, DeKalb County residents have opened their hearts and wallets to help residents of the flooded areas of Houston, Texas and along the Gulf Coast.

With thousands of evacuees in shelters and others trapped in their homes by flooded roads, help is pouring in from around the country, according to news reports.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced that it is accepting donations of water and nonperishables at its headquarters and jail lobby at 4415 Memorial Drive in Decatur The headquarters lobby is open 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and the jail lobby is open 6:30 a.m. until midnight..

“We are partnering with the American Red Cross for the convenience of DeKalb County and nearby residents who want to support this emergency response effort,” said Sheriff Jeff Mann. The agency will collect items and transport them to donation centers in the affected areas.

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and the Savvy Foundation are accepting donations in the church’s Family Life Center. City Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who represents District 5, which includes the church, is partnering with the effort.

“We are collecting water and nonperishables

to be sent to residents of Texas. This is such a hard time for them and we want to be there in their time of need,” said Adoma.

Adoma said donations can be dropped off at New Birth’s Family Life Center at 6400 Woodrow Road. She said trucks filled with donations are being coordinated out of the Atlanta area.

Adoma said she is encouraging people to drop off donations at the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office, if they cannot get to New Birth.

Requested donations include blankets,

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

sleeping bags, air mattresses, pillows, towels; personal toiletries such as new toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo and deodorant; household cleaning products and laundry detergent; non-perishable snack foods, board games, coloring books, playing cards and crayons.

For more information or to make a monetary donation, contact Lisa Wiley-Partridge, community relations manager, at 404-298-8282 or lwiley@dekalbcountyga.gov<mailto:lwiley@ dekalbcountyga.gov>.

PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 • PAGE 3

Tucker City Council denies mixed-use project for Hugh Howell Road site

GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com

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After a special called meeting that lasted more than four hours, the Tucker City Council voted against an 88-acre mixeduse development called “The Rise.”

A packed house of supporters and opponents attended the Aug. 30 meeting, awaiting a decision on the proposed project.

The plan called for retail and office space, apartments, a senior living center, new elementary school and daycare at the Sears warehouse site, located off Hugh Howell Road and Mountain Industrial Boulevard.

Supporters said they believe the project would spur growth in Tucker, while opponents said they were concerned about traffic, parking, green space and worried that it would dry up businesses in downtown Tucker on Main Street.

Mayor Frank Auman said some aspects of the project proposed by Macauley Investments could still be built, despite the City Council’s denial. Under current zoning, the developer would

be able to build restaurants, office and retail space. Housing and a grocery store, however, would not be permitted.

“Council wants more time to sort out our vision and exactly what kind of things they want to see there and I am good with that,” said Auman, who supported the projected.

Auman said discussions on the project began more than a year ago. The proposal was made to DeKalb County before Tucker became a city, and Tucker inherited the project after city officials were elected to office. He said although the proposal had a lot of appeal, there also were some big concerns that the city can sort through.

The City Council had to weigh three petitions: a change to the Comprehensive Plan from Light Industrial to Neighborhood Center to allow such a development, a re-zoning of the property to the MU3 designation and a special land use permit (SLUP) to allow a personal care home to be constructed on the site.

Citing a number of concerns, including the possibility of disrupting the industrial corridor, the council voted 5-2 against a motion to approve the Comprehensive Plan amendment. That was followed by a pair of 6-1 votes to deny the re-zoning and SLUP petitions.

“That industrial zone means work and once you give it up it’s almost impossible to imagine re-zoning the other way,” said Mayor Auman. “They were very concerned and I am to a certain degree that we give that up, we do not get it back and not only that, once it is changed to a different kind of use the people on the property next door look over and say it would be pretty cool if we could have more of the same and then you have this domino effect.”

DeKalb parents convicted of starving, beating their four children DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said jurors returned guilty verdicts against 49-year-old Darrow Brown and his wife, Laura Whitesell, 33, for abusing and starving their four children.

The abuse came to light on May 6, 2015, when paramedics were called by Whitesell to the family’s Tucker motel room where they resided. The couple’s 13-year-old daughter was found unresponsive in the bathroom where she slept. The child, who weighed only 52 pounds, was rushed to the hospital where she spent weeks in recovery and rehab.

According to the investigation, three of the couple’s other children, who ranged in age from 6 to 9 years old, were also severely malnourished. Detectives discovered the children were often starved and beaten as a form of punishment. The oldest child suffered two black eyes after being punched and beaten with a pipe by her parents for stealing food. The parents claimed they

were impoverished and had few resources. However, according to evidence presented at trial, both parents maintained healthy weights. Brown also admitted purchasing marijuana on a weekly basis.

The children were removed from the home by the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Two of the victims are now living with their biological father.

Sentencing for Defendants Brown and Whitesell is scheduled for Oct. 18 before DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Mirna Andrews with assistance from Senior Assistant District Attorney Tracy Reeves and DA Investigator Angie Marty. Detective L.T. Neal of the DeKalb Police Department led the initial investigation.

Snapfinger Creek sewage spill worse than Nancy Creek spill

DeKalb County officials said a tree growing out of a sewer pipe and a concrete junction box caused the massive sewage spill--6.4 million gallons of raw sewage—at Snapfinger Creek in unincorporated Lithonia.

County workers discovered the spill on Aug. 23 and officials now say it is worse than the Nancy Creek spill, which spewed 3.9 million gallons of raw sewage and was initially reported last week as the biggest spill recorded in the last 10 years since the county’s consent decree. The consent decree is DeKalb’s binding agreement with federal and state authorities to improve its sewer system. County inspectors said a 10-inch diameter pipe that was compromised by soil erosion caused the Nancy Creek spill.

Work crews contained the Nancy Creek spill and made repairs on Aug. 17.

The Snapfinger Creek spill, which occurred north of the Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant near Eagle’s Beek Circle, was contained on Aug. 26.

Workers repaired the damaged junction box and installed two temporary, redun-

dant bypass systems at the creek crossing. Officials said more permanent repairs are planned to correct the problem.

Department of Watershed Management (DWM) workers began tracking the source of the Snapfinger Creek spill on July 13 after detecting high bacteria counts in the creek.

DeKalb County has reported both spills to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Since the spills, DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has ordered DWM to: • Inspect all pipes along Snapfinger and Nancy creeks.

• Conduct emergency inspections of the county’s 1,000 creek crossings.

• Implement a plan of regular inspections of sewer lines.

The county continues to warn residents in this Snapfinger Creek area to avoid the spill site and keep their pets from the waterway until further notice.

The spill does not affect drinking water, officials said.

PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner

What are the requirements for a marriage license in Georgia?

Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. Rockdale County Probate Judge

R

ockdale County residents who desire to be married can apply for a marriage license in probate court. At least one of the parties must be a resident of the county or a resident of Georgia. If neither party is a resident of Georgia, the license must be issued in the county where the marriage ceremony will be performed.

A marriage license is issued based upon a written application verified by the oath of the applicants. A blood tests is not required.

When you arrive at the court, you’ll

need a valid photo identification such as your driver’s license or passport. If your identifying documents are printed in a language other than English, you’ll need to present a certified, translated copy to the court. The applicants must designate on the application the legal surname that will be used after the marriage. An applicant may choose his or her given surname or his or her surname as changed by order of the superior court, the surname from a previous marriage, the spouse’s surname, or a combination of the spouse’s surname and the applicant’s given or changed surname or surname from a previous marriage.

The parties must be of sound mind, must have no living spouse from an undissolved prior marriage, and must not be related in a degree prohibited by law. If either party has been previously married, a copy of the final divorce decree must be presented to the Court. Persons related by blood or marriage, falling within the following relationships may not be married in Georgia: (1) father and daughter or stepdaugh-

ter, (2) mother and son or stepson, (3) brother and sister of the whole blood or half blood, (4) grandparent and grandchild, (5) aunt and nephew, and (6) uncle and niece.

If the parties are at least 18 years of age, they may apply without parental consent. If either or both parties are less than 18 years of age, but at least 16 years of age, the parties may apply only with parental consent of the underage party or parties. Both parents must give written consent unless his or her rights have been terminated by an Order of a court.

Under Georgia Law, a couple who presents to the court at the time of making application a certificate of completion of a qualifying premarital education program shall reduce the cost of the marriage license by $40. The cost without pre-marital counseling is $56. If the official certificate is not presented to the Court, any document submitted as proof of completion must be on official letterhead. No photocopies will be accepted. The premarital education shall include at least six hours of instruction in-

volving marital issues, which may include, but are not be limited to, conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles.

The premarital education shall be completed within 12 months prior to the application for a marriage license and the couple shall undergo the premarital education together.

The premarital education shall be performed by any of the following who are licensed pursuant to Georgia law: a professional counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist; a psychiatrist;, a psychologist, or an active member of the clergy when in the course of his or her service as clergy, or his or her designee, including retired clergy, provided that the designee is trained and skilled in premarital education.

Throughout each month, Rockdale County’s constitutional officers— sheriff, clerk of courts, tax commissioner and probate judge— discuss topics relevant to their respective offices.

Stonecrest swears in first municipal judges Mayor Jason Lary administered the oath of office on Aug. 30 to Stonecrest’s first two municipal judges. Jonathan Weintraub was sworn in as the chief judge and Michael Sheridan took the oath for the judge pro tem.

Weintraub and Sheridan are not newcomers to the DeKalb legal system. Weintraub was the county attorney for seven and a half years and served two years as deputy chief operating officer and legal counsel to the chief operating officer. Weintraub also served five years as the county attorney for Gwinnet and three years as its assistant county attorney.

Sheridan has practiced law for 11 years in DeKalb County and is a partner at the law firm Davis & Sheridan, LLC. “These are the two best qualified people,” Lary said. “These attorneys would serve the city best as judges. They have been working in the DeKalb County for years.”

Mayor Jason Larry (right) swears in Stonecrest’s new judges, Jonathan Weintraub (left) and Michael Sheridan(center). Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCGNews

DeKalb Magistrate Court launches effort to wipe out dilapidated structures

L-R: Pictured are DeKalb County Magistrate Court Ordinance Judges Matthew McCoyd, Hollie Manheimer and September Guy Berryl A. Anderson.

DeKalb County Magistrate Court judges are leading an effort to crack down on abandoned, dilapidated and burned-out properties in DeKalb County. The Magistrate Court’s Ordinance Division judges, who hear cases involving code enforcement, animal control and nuisance abatement, have put procedures in place for the county to tear down nuisance structures and recover the costs of demolition from property owners.

Chief Judge Berryl A. Anderson said the dilapidated structures pose a hazard to county residents and her court can take action against violators

since state lawmakers recently shifted the responsibility for ordinance violations to Magistrate Court.

“We have long been plagued in DeKalb County with problems created by these troublesome properties,” Anderson said. “In the past, there was not much that could be done unless the properties’ owners could be found.

This initiative allows the county to move forward with taking down these properties, regardless of whether the owners respond to court orders. We can protect the rights of homeowners while making sure the neglect of their property does not undermine the quality of life in DeKalb.”

Supervising Ordinance Judge Hollie Manheimer and Judges September Guy and Matthew McCoyd began hearing the code enforcement cases on Aug. 24.

Anderson said the judges are following a strict procedural checklist to ensure that property rights are protected. Notices are being sent to all interested parties, including property owners, homeowners, mortgage holders and renters.

In three of the 10 cases heard, judges ordered demolition, if property owners did not immediately take steps to make improvements. Another three cases revealed the owners had remedied some of the cited violations, including one of them, who responded and actions were dismissed by the Code Enforcement officer.

Anderson said the hearings will be held on the third Thursday of each month , 2 p.m., at 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur in the Camp Circle Courthouse Complex, Courtroom E. The public is invited to attend. The court anticipates that as many as 25 cases will be reviewed at any of these hearings.

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SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 • PAGE 5

Rep. Doreen Carter honors 10 women to celebrate Women’s Equality Day

Front, L-R: Rita Samuels and Barbara Lester. Back, L-R: Cynthia Welch, Helen Butler, Meredith Lilly, Teresa Hardy, Rep. Doreen Carter, Leona Perry, Elaine Davis Nickens, Debbie Hillman and Maxine Daniels. Not pictured: Beatrice Williams and Rhonda Briggins-Ridly.

State Rep. Doreen Carter honored 10 women in recognition of Women’s Equality Day and the 97th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

Nearly 100 women attended the awards breakfast, which was held on Aug. 26 at the Lou Walker Center in House District 92 and co-hosted by Bettye Davis, director of the center.

“I was overjoyed with the turnout,” said Carter. “We honored women who have worked in the voter education and Civil Rights Movement. These are all trailblazers who have made a difference in protecting voting rights and ensuring that voters are educated.”

At the breakfast, Carter intro-

duced “Motivate 1 Million,” a campaign she founded in 2015 to increase voter turnout in mid-term elections. Helen Butler, executive director of the People’s Agenda, introduced Rose PAC, a political action committee dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected offices.

“The two organizations marry each other,” Carter said. “We must have the votes, if we are going to impact policy in Georgia. Black women are the largest voting block in our state. We know they have the power to impact legislation and elections.” who are licensed pursuant to Georgia law: a professional coun-

selor, social worker or marriage and family therapist; a psychiatrist;, a psychologist, or an active member of the clergy when in the course of his or her service as clergy, or his or her designee, including retired clergy, provided that the designee is trained and skilled in premarital education.

Throughout each month, Rockdale County’s constitutional officers— sheriff, clerk of courts, tax commissioner and probate judge— discuss topics relevant to their respective offices.

Those honored included: Rita Samuels, civil rights activist Barbara Lester, former Lithonia City Councilwoman

Debbie Hillman, community organizer Beatrice Williams, political action chair, St. Phillips AME Church in Atlanta Rhonda Briggins-Ridly, political strategist, MARTA executive

Congressman Hank Johnson reads the “Cat in the Hat”

Rita Samuels, civil rights activist The Nancy Guinn Memorial Library Cynthia Welch, Rockdale Coun- presented a “Special Storytime” on Aug. ty’s Supervisor of Elections 24 to a group of preschoolers featuring Congressman Hank Johnson.

Maxine Daniels, DeKalb CounJohnson, who represents Georgia’s ty’s Supervisor of Elections Fourth District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett Helen Butler, executive director counties, read a favorite children’s book, of the People’s Agenda “The Cat In the Hat” by Dr. Seuss.

Meredith Lilly, attorney and Johnson engaged the children, askpolitical strategist ing them questions along the way and Teresa Hardy, president of the encouraging them to get a library card, if DeKalb NAACP they didn’t have one.

Leona Perry, member of DeKalb Johnson had promised Rockdale Board of Elections and community library staff members that he would activist participate in one of the library’s reading Elaine Davis Nickens, political programs after they came to Washington, strategist, executive director of Ang- D.C. to thank him for his support of ie’s House libraries.

PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

19-year-old preacher Jared Sawyer critical after car accident

Jared Sawyer, the 19-year-old preacher, author and Morehouse College student who has appeared on national television, was critically injured after a car accident on Aug. 24.

He was leaving his home in Decatur when he was T-boned on the driver’s side of his Toyota Sienna by a minivan. The driver and toddler in the minivan were not harmed, according to a news release.

The accident occurred on the corner of Snapfinger Road and Rollingview Drive. DeKalb County Police and emergency workers arrived at the scene and Sawyer was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital. Sawyer’s spokesperson, Jenna Sims, said he suffered head, neck and back injuries. She could not be reached for update on his condition by press time.

Sawyer gained prominence after his preaching videos went viral on YouTube at age 8 and became a child prodigy. He’s appeared on ABC Nightline, Good Morning America, TBN’s Praise The Lord and more. He’s also appeared in Tyler Perry films and recently finished filming in The Best of Enemies starring Taraji P. Henson. Sawyer is the author three books and is a junior religion major at Morehouse College. www.jaredsawyerjr.com.

Concerned citizens against Greenhaven to meet Sept. 16 The Concerned Citizens in Opposition to Greenhaven will host a meeting, “A Conversation About HB644,” on Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Sanford Realty Chapel Hall Shopping Center, 4183 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur.

The community is invited to discuss concerns and find out how the proposed city of Greenhaven would impact properties, business, the costs for municipal services and other increased service fees.

BOARD, from page 1

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams has called for the removal of the carving, saying it “remains a blight on our state and should be removed.”

Meanwhile, State Rep. Vernon Jones has said he plans to introduce legislation that would create a state commission on historic monuments during the 2018 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly.

“The recent events in Charlottesville, VA have spurred on calls for the removal of historical monuments and artifacts that honor a dark era in Georgia’s history,” said Rep. Jones. “While I have my personal beliefs on the matter, I propose that a bipartisan, systematic and transparent study be conducted in an effort to arrive at an inclusive solution.”

Jones said the commission would hold statewide hearings to discuss historic monuments and artifacts, and would make recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly regarding monument placement and the possibility of adding new monuments

that hold historic value to the citizens of Georgia.

“Hysteria and knee jerk reactions are not the solution. Sensitive subjects such as this deserve calm, practical and open dialogue. A house divided cannot stand, and Georgians must show the nation that we can unite for the greater good,” Jones said.

Commission members, Jones said, would reflect and represent a broad spectrum of interest on the subject, and would include, but not be limited to, preservationists, historians and advocacy groups.

At least 60 public Confederate monuments have been removed or renamed since the 2015 massacre of nine black parishioners in a Charleston, South Carolina, church by a self-described white supremacist, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. In May, workers in New Orleans removed a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis as part of a contentious plan to dismantle four Confederate landmarks in the city.

Rev. Clifton Dial Sr. golf tournament set Pastor Steven N. Dial, Sr. of Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur this month will host his annual golf tournament to assist those seeking scholarships for GED testing.

Dial said he founded the Rev. Clifton Dial Sr. Scholarship Foundation and started the golf tournament in remembrance of his late father.

Rainbow Park Baptist Church began providing free GED and literacy classes in 2007. The scholarship foundation was created in 2009 to assist students in paying for the test and also provide educational materials such as books, practice tests, graduation cap and gowns and other needed supplies.

To date, the foundation has assisted more than 500 students in preparing for or passing their GED Test.

Rev. Clifton Dial, Sr. had to drop out of high school when his father was killed. He took on the responsibility of taking care of his siblings. Pastor Steven Dial shared as a teen, he remembers his own father getting his GED. The great thing is he didn’t stop there.

The elder Dial received his bachelor’s degree, and went on to get an advanced Ministerial Degree as well.

The journey is one that helped inspire the start of the foundation. The Rev. Clifton Dial Sr. Scholarship Tournament is held every third Saturday in September. The event is sponsored by local businesses, religious organizations, and fellow golfers who come out and enjoy 18 holes for a great cause.

Golfers fellowship and give back to the community as well as chase an illustrious first place trophy prize. It’s a great opportunity to meet students and volunteers.

This year’s tournament will be Sept 16, 9 a.m, at Browns Mill Golf Course in Lithonia.

For more information, visit rcdialscholarshipfoundation.org or call 404-288-1910.

MLK, from page 1

Photo by Joshua Smith-Special to OCG News

King, Jr. to his birthplace and the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, where every building, street and monument bearing his name should stand as a source of pride and excellence for our city,” said Reed. “The statue we unveiled today pays tribute to Dr. King’s character and legacy.

This memorial tells another part of our great state’s story and makes an important statement about the value of inclusion, the strength of diversity, and the power of grace.”

Several officials from DeKalb County witnessed the unveiling.

Among them were State Rep. Doreen Carter, who said the ceremony marked a “an emotional moment” for her because her family and the King family are distant relatives.

“When Bernice King got up to speak and began quoting her father, it was an emotional moment for me, especially in light of the Charlottesville, Virginia event and the debate here surrounding the Confederate carving on Stone Mountain,” said Carter. “It feels like we’re in the

middle of a Civil War right now with all that’s going on but for a moment—during the unveiling--there was peace.”

Carter, whose maternal great grandmother married into the King family, said their families lived in Greensboro. Her mother lived on Auburn Avenue next door to the Kings, she said.

Stonecrest City Councilwoman Diane Adoma said the ceremony was inspiring.

“It was a true act of unity and while statues and memorials are coming down and people are protesting, Georgians are peaceful as history unveils,” said Adoma.

Former State Sen. Connie Stokes said she was glad to be a part of history and pondered what lies ahead for a divided country.

“Today we live in an era that thrives on controversy and contraction. I was glad to be a witness standing at the state capitol today to memorialize a great Georgian and a global leader..... More on ocgnew. com

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SEPTEMBER 2, 2017 • PAGE 7

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