VOLUME 22 NUMBER 28
FREE
OCTOBER 15, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
“Martin’s”Actor Tommy Ford remembered for legacy of laughter By Mackenzie N. Morgan
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tlantans are mourning the death of actor Tommy Ford, who appeared in over 100 productions including co-starring in the 1990s Fox sitcom, Martin. Thomas Mikal Ford played the role of “Tommy Strawn,” one of Martin’s best friends on the show. The actor was placed on life support and hospitalized in Atlanta for an aneurysm that ruptured in his abdomen, several media outlets reported. Ford died on Oct. 12. He was 52 Ford was involved in several projects in Atlanta including serving as a faculty member at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s growing film and television program. The college’s president, Dr. Jabari Simama, stated in a note to faculty: “In the short time that Mr. Ford was a part of the Georgia Piedmont family, he made a deep impression. He developed an innovative 12-week workshop in digital media, television and film specifically for high school and outof-school African American men to teach them about the television and film industry and provide mentorship opportunities. He will be missed.” The program Ford developed for Georgia Piedmont was in partnership with DeKalb and Fulton County Workforce Development agencies.
David Manuel, executive director of the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur, said he has been praying for Tommy Ford’s family. Photo via Facebook
Facebook and other social media lit up with condolences for Ford’s family and memories of him were shared by those who had the chance to meet or work with Ford. Comedian and actor Martin Lawrence posted several messages on his social media accounts lamenting the loss of Ford. Lawrence said Ford
Consultant Shivern Jones-Jeter poses with Tommy Ford. Photo via Facebook
possessed “a positive attitude and so much joy. GPTC Police Chief Melody Maddox said in a Facebook post: “RIP Tommy Ford! So glad we See Tommy Ford page 9
Governor appoints Carr as Attorney General
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ov. Nathan Deal has named Chris Carr, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner, as Attorney General, filling a vacancy created by the departure of Attorney General Sam Olens. Carr will take office on Nov. 1, when Olens transitions into the role of president of Kennesaw State University. “Carr’s experience as an attorney, job creator and public servant make him the ideal candidate to fill the role of Georgia’s attorney general,” said Deal. “He is a leader with common sense, brilliant intellect and a wide range of experiences at the global, federal and state levels. That perspective will allow Chris to support and defend the laws of Georgia and the interests of our people. This role is a hybrid one of attorney, manager and public servant, and Chris is well qualified for it.” Deal appointed Carr in 2013 to lead GDEcD, the state agency charged with helping to create jobs and generate investment in Georgia. During his tenure, GDEcD
helped facilitate 1,055 projects across the state that represent $14.1 billion in investment and created more than 83,000 jobs. In 2015, GDEcD was recognized as the top economic development agency in the country. Carr has also served on the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), the body charged with reviewing and recommending judicial appointments, since January 2011. To date, the JNC has filled more than 100 judicial vacancies statewide. “I am truly honored and humbled that Gov. Deal has placed his confidence in me,” said Carr. “As I take on this new responsibility, I believe there is no more solemn duty than to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution and laws of the state of Georgia, and the interests of the people of our great state. The seriousness of this work requires focus on a smooth transition and a readiness to tackle our state’s challenges and opportunities—and that’s what Georgians should expect to see from me.”
“LIVING with Breast Cancer” forum examines racial health gaps in African Americans
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By Mackenzie N. Morgan
reast cancer patients, medical professionals, business leaders and lawmakers convened on Oct. 11 at the Loudermilk Center in Downtown Atlanta to discuss shaping legislation and resources to better support patients, especially African Americans, facing long-term cancer care. A recent report by the Avon Foundation for Women found that the disparity between breast cancer mortality rates for black and white women in Atlanta is greater than any other major U.S. city. “It’s a travesty that in the Atlanta area the mortality rate for African American women is 50 percent higher than their white counterparts and even more so the disparity for breast cancer death rates between black and white women is higher in Atlanta than any other city in the nation,” said Kimberly Williams, PhD, who serves as Executive Director of the Georgia State Medical Association and served
as a panelist at the LIVING with Breast Cancer symposium. “It’s very sad and inappropriate that we have as much education and intelligent and well-educated individuals, hospital systems, Emory University, yet we have such a large proportion of African American women dying of cancer. The event, sponsored by the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology and the Kimberly Williams, PhD State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler State Sen. Gloria Butler Georgia Center for Oncology Research & Education (Georgia CORE), highlighted Although treatments now offer better the challenges patients and providers face in the symptom management and enhanced quality of life, cancer care industry, particularly with those batwomen with metastatic breast cancer are faced with tling “stage four” breast cancer or what’s known battling the disease for the rest of their lives while as metastatic breast cancer — meaning that cancer still being productive family members and employcells have metastasized or spread to other parts of ees. the body. The goal of the event was to recognize Georgia’s One-third of women who have had a breast can- distinct population of metastatic breast cancer cer diagnosis will at some point develop metastatic See Breast Cancer page 9 breast cancer, according to event organizers.
PAGE 2 •OCTOBER 15, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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OCTOBER 15, 2016 • PAGE 3
Solicitor Boston to present symposium featuring domestic violence survivors, resources
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eKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston is bringing together citizens, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and survivors for her sixth annual resource fair and symposium on domestic violence: “Building Bridges, Making Connections, Coordinating a Community Response to Domestic Violence. “ The event, which includes a complimentary breakfast, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The program will feature Kimya Motley, an award-winning educator, philanthropist, and domestic violence survivor. In 2011, Motley and her then 10-year-old daughter were shot and wounded by her ex-husband. After surviving the attack, Motley later founded Haven of Light International, a non-profit organization designed to
assist families with the rebuilding process following abuse. “We invited Kimya to speak this year because of her powerful story of triumph. Kimya turned her pain into purpose by creating an organization aimed at helping others who have endured similar circumstances. She is an inspiration,” said Solicitor-General Sherry Boston. In addition to featured guests, the symposium will also include resource materials and in-depth, expert-guided discussions on a variety of domestic violence related topics such as: “What is a Coordinated Community Response?; The Dynamics of Domestic Violence; Law Enforcement: Investigation and Prosecution; and Domestic Violence and the Immigrant/Refugee Community. The event coincides with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to
Rep. Hank Johnson’s district office moving to new location
This month, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) is moving the district office from Hillandale Drive to Snapfinger Park Drive, about 1.2 miles away. The Hillandale Drive office will close Thursday, Oct. 27, and the new office at 5240 Snapfinger Park Drive, Suite 130 in Decatur, will open Monday, Oct. 31. The new office is off Panola Road near I-20 behind This Is It! restaurant. The Congressional office phone number will remain 770-987-2291.
Commissioner Sutton to host community meeting at Deer Creek community DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., at the Deer Creek Community subdivisions’ Clubhouse,, 690 Malvern Blvd., Stone Mountain. Join Sutton for updates on a new senior center coming to District 4 and other new developments in the community. Invite your neighbors and bring your questions. For more information, call Commissioner Sutton’s office at 404-371-4907.
Angela Hayes, past DeKalb NAACP president, is remembered Angela Hayes, who served as president of the DeKalb County NAACP branch from 1993-1994, passed on Oct. 10. The homegoing celebration for Mrs. Hayes will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m., at New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church, 923 Valley Brook Road, Decatur. Donald Trimble Mortuary in Decatur is handling the arrangements.
Sherry Boston
the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner. “Domestic violence is a pervasive problem. My staff and I want to be a part of the solution,” said Solicitor-General Boston. “Our Special Victims Unit can work with citizens to get the assistance they need – whether it’s a protective order, criminal charges or a safety plan. We want to do everything we can to stop this vicious cycle of violence.” Other symposium participants and partners
Kimya Motley
include the DeKalb County Police Department; DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department; The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence; Raksha; Beverly Cunningham Outreach Program; DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation; GAIN; and the Latin American Association. This event is jointly sponsored by Vanlanduyt Giles, LLC, The Panitch Law Group, and The Law Office of Rachel St. Fleur. To RSVP for the event, contact Community Prosecutor A’Sheika L. Penn at ALPenn@dekalbcountyga. gov or 404-371-2820.
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Coming Up
Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
DeKalb library hosts proposal writing workshop The public is invited to learn about proposal writing Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. In this introduction to proposal writing workshop, attendees will learn the key components of a proposal. Please call or visit branch to register. 404.370.3070.
“Oktoberfest” comes to the City of Lithonia
Olde Town Conyers sets Annual Fall Festival Olde Town Conyers will present the 36th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The community is invited to come out for a day of fun that includes arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, food vendors and kids activities. Win prizes for the best kid and pet costume contest at noon at the Depot Stage. Free parking and admission. For more information, call 1-800-Conyers or visit www.oldetownfallfestival.com.
ATLANTA
Streets of Atlanta come alive at annual “Streets Alive and Fall Harvest” On Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 – 6 p.m., Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Street will close to vehicular traffic and transform into a pedestrian mecca filled with walkers, bikers, strollers, skateboarders and more for the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition’s annual Atlanta Streets Alive event. The event will be held from 17th Street NE to Woodruff Park. As part of the fun, Colony Square is livening up the plaza for the first Fall Harvest on the Square. Take a stroll down the street for an Oktoberfest inspired day on the Square with live music, activities, seasonal beverages and delicious food from Petite Auberge. This event is free and open to the public. Bring your bicycle or you may walk, and get ready to explore your community streets in a safer, healthier, more livable way. For more information, visit www.atlantastreetsalive.com. .
Dunwoody Nature Center to host family backyard campout Join the Dunwoody Nature Center (DNC) for an overnight camping adventure in the forest from Saturday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m. to 8 a.m., and Sunday, Nov. 6, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. Families will learn camping basics like how to set up and break down tents and how to build and put out a campfire. DNC educators will be on hand to explain everything that is needed to have a successful camping experience. The campout will also include a campfire for making s’mores, games, a night hike, and camp songs. Campsites are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Camping gear is available to rent through REI Perimeter. Call 770-901-9200 and ask for Becky. For more information about the campout, call 770-394-3322 or visit www.dunwoodynature.org/contact.
Community Unification Initiatives Inc. and the City of Lithonia presents Oktoberfest Family Community Fun Day in the Park on Saturday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Lithonia Park, 2515 Park Drive, Lithonia. Bring the family, food, lawn chairs and blankets out for fun and games. There will be music, art, athletics, poetry and a drill team performance by youth from the community. The youth extravaganza will also bring awareness to domestic violence. Law enforcement and distinguished former professional football Super Bowl champions will have panel discussions with families to promote unity in the community. The event as well as parking is free. For more information, call Donna Tate at 678-480-7342. .
GWINNETT
Fall fitness classes offered at Centerville Community Center Chair Tai Chi for seniors and Parkinson’s patients Parkinson’s patients and seniors 50 years of age and up are invited to chair tai chi on Friday, Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. The one-hour class is a slow-paced workshop suited for seniors wanting to improve their balance and fall prevention. The cost is $5 per class. Ten classesa re recommended, but not required. Register with instructor in class or online at www.pdgladiators.org. For online registration information, call 770-450-0792 or 404-786-4650.
Yoga offered every Thursday Join a local yoga instructor for yoga classes every Thursday until December 15 at 5:45 p.m. The class is one hour and is appropriate for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult). The cost is $24 for the eight-week session. Pre-registration and payment is required to hold a spot. For class inquiries, contact instructor at pattycugnasca@gmail.com. The Centerville Community Center is located at 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. For more information, call 770-985-4713.
ROCKDALE
Pink Pooch Parade and Festival set for Oct. 16 The Pink Pooch Parade and Festival will take place Sunday, Oct. 16, 1 to 5 p.m., at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 S. Main Street, Conyers. Bring your favorite pooch, dress in pink and raise funds to support the Atlanta 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Participate in the parade, shop among the vendors, win prizes, enter the pet contest and enjoy concessions provided by Ice Days. Registration for the parade is $25. Entry to the festival area at the Olde Town Pavilion is free. For more information, contact Tara at the Pampered Puppy at 770-7601494.
.DEKALB
Annual dance party raises money for cancer awareness
Harriet Tubman School for Leadership & Enterprise hosts free community fish fry
Cancer survivors and supporters are invited to attend the 6th annual Donate and Dance Party Saturday, Oct. 22, 7 to 9 p.m., at Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Road SW, Conyers. Donate and dance for the cause to fight all cancers. The cancer fundraising is hosted by Miss J-Bee and some of Atlanta’s hottest fitness instructors offering group-led Zumba, MixxedFit, line dancing and more. Enjoy music, prizes, vendors, food and plenty of dancing. Event organizers encourage all participants to wear purple to represent all cancers. There will be a special balloon release at the end of the party. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.
Harriet Tubman School for Leadership & Enterprise (HTSLE) is set to host a grand community fish fry Sunday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m. at 6980 Main St., Lithonia. The event will include a free fish fry for the community and a school supply giveaway. The HTSLE leadership team will be on hand to provide information to community members about the institution’s mission to provide students with leadership and entrepreneurship training. The Harriet Tubman School for Leadership and Enterprise is a non-profit orgaPlease always check with the event organizer before you go. nization and relies on donations to function effectively. For more information or to To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We make a donation, visit: www.htsle.org or call (803) 624-8302. Email correspondence choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers. can be sent to harriet_tubman_school@zoho.com.
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DeKalb parks and rec to host Fall festivals
DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs will host a series of free fall festivals Oct. 21 – 31 at various recreation centers throughout DeKalb County. This year’s festivals will include face painting, hikes, music, games, contests, hayrides, food and more. All members of the community are invited to attend, and children are encouraged to wear costumes. The 2016 fall festivals include: Friday, Oct. 21 • Davidson Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 4 – 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 • Browns Mill Recreation Center, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. • Midway Recreation Center, 7 – 10 p.m. • N. H. Scott and Decatur Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Halloween Carnival, 6 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 • Redan and New Covenant Christian Ministries Fall Festival, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31 • Gresham Recreation Center, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. • Hamilton Recreation Center, 6 – 8:30 p.m. o Admission free with individually wrapped bag of candy • Mason Mill Recreation Center and 1027Church.com Fall Festival, 6 – 8 p.m. • Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 6 – 8 p.m. • Tucker Recreation Center, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. For more information, please contact the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs at 404-371-2711.
Beulah Business Network will showcase businesses at ‘Marketplace’ The Business Network at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church will present “The Marketplace” on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Beulah Community Family Life Center, 2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur. A vendor fair, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., will showcase various businesses for the community. The event will also include a financial planning workshop, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., facilitated by a financial expert who will discuss effective strategies for financial planning. All are invited to attend.
OCTOBER 15, 2016 • PAGE 5
Health fair to offer free STD testing, haunted houses, family fun The DeKalb County Board of Health’s STD/HIV Prevention Program will host an STD/HIV Haunted Maze Health Fair that will feature free STD and HIV testing and other health screenings. The event also will offer food, vendor trick-or-treating, a photo booth, face painting, and an entertaining and educational STD/HIV haunted house. This event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 to 6 p.m., at the Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. For more information, call 404-270-2453.
Toastmasters Club is forming at Stonecrest Library Toastmasters is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication and leadership skills: A Toastmasters’ Club is forming at the Stonecrest Library. The nonprofit club is dedicated to helping people improve their communication and leadership skills. The Stonecrest club will meet on the first and third Tuesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, at 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. The club is open to all adults over 18 and will help you: • Become a better speaker and presenter • Communicate with confidence • Develop your leadership skills • Listen and give effective feedback Learn these skills and more in a supportive, self-paced, fun atmosphere. Retirees are welcome. The next meeting is on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. Email: TSL-Toastmasters@mail.com or call 404-244-1143.
PAGE 6 •OCTOBER 15, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
2016 Elections: Your Voice, Your Vote Rainbow Push kicks off GOTV rally
The Southland community to host political forum
ATLANTA--The Rainbow Push Coalition and student leaders kicked off its Get Out The Vote (GOTV) campaign on Cot. 13 at Morehouse College. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, discussed the “Hope is Alive” through Voting initiative, today’s Civil Rights and announced the 17th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference, which will be held Oct, 20 – 22. The GOTV is being supported by Rainbow PUSH Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Atlanta; Vote Empowerment Collaboration; the Peoples Agenda; NAACP; SCLC; American Voters League, Atlanta University student leaders; and organizers of the 17th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference Participants. Rally organizers say voting registration has ended and now it is time to get out the vote. It is time to activate the all registered voters in all community to get to the polls this fall. In-person early voting for the General Election begins on Monday, Oct. 17.
The Southland Owners Association is holding a political forum on Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., at The Southland Country Club, 5726 Southland Drive, Stone Mountain. The forum is being held to educate and familiarize residents with the candidates running for office in order to make an informed decision in the upcoming election. The candidates for Chief Executive Officer are Jack Lovelace and Mike Thurmond. The candidates for Board of Commissioners District 4 are Willie J. Willis and Steve Bradshaw. The candidates for the Board of Commissioners for District 7 are Gregory Adams, Diane Daniels Adoma, George Chidi, Faye Coffield, Randal Mangham, Edward Patton, Rita Robinzine and John Tolbert Jr. State Sen. Gloria Butler will be in attendance to address the amendments on the ballot. Verdaillia Turner,president of Georgia Federation of Teachers, will moderate a discussion on the governor’s proposed Opportunity School District. Teresa Hardy of the DeKalb NAACP branch will recruit members for NAACP, and John Evens of Operation LEAD will be in attendance to encourage people to get out the VOTE. Organized by the Southland Board of Directors Vice President Linda Mayhand For more information, contact Delethia Foxx at the Southland office at 770-465-1329.
Victor Armendariz to host Town Hall in Tucker Victor Armendariz, candidate for U.S. CongressDistrict 4, will conduct a town hall on Oct. 19, 6 p.m., at The Orchard at Tucker, 2060 Idlewood Raod, Tucker. Citizens will have an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and get answers to issues impacting DeKalb County and the Fourth District. The community is encouraged to attend, regardless of political affiliation, to express your concerns For more information, contact Victor Armendariz at 678-858-4234, victorforcongress@gmail. com.
Important Dates Concerning the November Election Victor Armendariz
Oct. 17: Advanced (in-person) voting begins Oct. 29: Mandatory Saturday Voting for the General Election Nov. 8: General Election/Special Election
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OCTOBER 15,2016 • PAGE 7
Know Before You Vote: Amendment 1(OSD)
State Rep. Karen Bennett: Why vote no on OSD, Amendment 1
Parents must have a voice in our school system, says State Rep. Karen Bennett, HD 94, who is fighting to keep our schools local. Bennett is hosting Town Hall meetings this month at two locations to address questions about the referendum on Opportunity School Districts, commonly referred to as OSD. She also will be disscussing ex-offenders right to vote and other voting irregularities. State Rep. Karen Bennett Bennett will be joined by representatives from the Voter Registration and Elections Board, the South DeKalb Improvement Association (SDIA), State PTA and Keep Georgia Schools Local. The community meetings will be held on the following dates and times: Oct. 13 7 p.m. St. Paul AME Church and Worship Center, 1704 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia, the Rev. Cheviene Jones, pastor. Oct. 17 7 p.m., Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 5587 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, the Rev. Richard Allen Farmer, pastor. For more information, visit www.Karenbennettcares.org or call 404-656-0202.
Mark your calendars for more OSD discussion DeKalb County School Board member Vickie Turner is inviting the community to learn about the Opportunity School District(OSD), the governor’s proposed state takeover of failing schools in Georgia. The issue will be discussed at the following community meetings: Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. at Green Pastures Christian Ministries, 5455 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Oct. 24, 7 p.m., First Afrikan Presbyterian Church, 5197 Presbyterian Church, Lithonia
DeKalb NAACP to hold “Vote No on Amendment 1” rally The DeKalb NAACP is holding a “Vote No on Amendment 1” rally on Saturday, Oct. 15, noon, at the civil rights organization’s office, 3015 S. Rainbow Drive, Decatur. The purpose of this event is to inform citizens of DeKalb NAACP’s position on Amendment #1, the governor’s Opportunity School District, which will be on the ballot on Nov. 8. The DeKalb NAACP asserts that Amendment 1 is deceptive and not in the best interest of the children and parents of DeKalb County. For more information, contact Lance Hammonds, Education Committee chair NAACP DeKalb County, Office: 404-241-8006 email naacpdek@ comcast.net
Georgia Federation of Teachers urge voters to watch videos concerning Amendment 1 The Perfect Storm: The Takeover of New Orleans Schools (Opportunity School District is modeled after the Recovery School District in New Orleans) Part 1 (17 Days in November): https://vimeo.com/97774578 Part 2 (The Illusion of Choice): https://vimeo.com/119897370 Part 3 (Disenfranchised Communities): https://vimeo.com/161523742 Parents, Teachers & Community Members on Amendment 1: https:// www.dropbox.com/s/pzdnatko9s6h7of/Vote No on the OSD (4 min. vrsn.).mp4?dl=0 Center for Popular Democracy report (State Takeovers of ow-Performing Schools: A record of Academic Failure, Financial Mismanagement & Student Harm): http://populardemocracy.org/sites/default/files/National Takeover Ed Report.pdf For more information about the Georgia Federation of Teachers, call 404-315-0222 or visit the web site: http://ga.aft.org
PAGE 8•OCTOBER 15,2016
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Op/Ed Opinions and Editorials
Why you should vote no on the City of Stonecrest referendum
Gov. Deal’s Amendment 1 puts profits ahead of progress
By Ed Williams
By Elaine Davis-Nickens
The residents of the Stonecrest area will decide on Nov. 8 whether to create a city or not. The proposed city of Stonecrest would be one of the largest cities in DeKalb County with a population of 50,000 residents and the largest city in terms of land area: 29.6 square miles. Residents should vote no on this proposal. Before we create another level of government, we should fix our current governance structure first. A city will certainly create more politicians, however, there is no evidence that any significant economic development will occur as proponents have suggested. In fact, the Stonecrest city charter creates a city within a city called the “Stonecrest/Lithonia Industrial Park Community Improvement District.” The economic development plan would move taxpayer money out of the control of the council and put that money into the hands of some unelected committee. The residents are being bamboozled to vote for more regulations to control them, while their money will be sucked away from them by a few people. The main argument for the creation of the city of Stonecrest is that business and community leaders will be better able to focus attention and resources on the local area. Being in a city, however, does not mean economic development. Look at the existing City of Atlanta, in the South, West, and East sides, they have been neglected for decades. There are train stations that go from Hamilton Holmes to Indian Creek, and from Five Points to the Atlanta Airport, with very little economic development around any of the stations. Home values have gone down, crime has gone up, and many of the schools’ performance have suffered. Proponents want the proposed city of Stonecrest to be treated like Brookhaven (annual budget $32.7M), Dunwoody ($31.7M), and Sandy Springs ($200M). These three cities have full service. Proponents of Stonecrest, however, have not presented a credible model or rational economic plan for the proposed new city. What DeKalb cityhood proponents do not acknowledge to residents is that 90% of all economic development in the last 100 years has occurred outside of being in a city. All of the malls in DeKalb, including Stonecrest, were built without being in a city. The residents of South DeKalb deserve to know the real facts before referendums are decided. The budget numbers for the proposed city of Stonecrest do not add up: Proponents project the city would have $7.9 million in expenditures and $2 million in surplus, based on feasibility studies. The budget surplus, however, would disappear when services such as police and road maintenance, and sanitation are added to provide full service to its residents. According to the proposed charter, Stonecrest would only offer three services to its residents: Parks and Recreation, Zoning, and Code Enforcement. The rest of the services such as police and fire and waste management would come from DeKalb County. The city charter does not address the intergovernmental costs and administrative overhead for a full-service city The Senate report stated that the millage caps that are in the city charters are not binding and that an increase in property taxes or millage rate can be made by City Council vote. The Senate report also states that the city government does not require a referendum to increase the property taxes or millage rate. Finally, did you know that in the Stonecrest charter the number of successive terms an individual may hold a position as mayor or as a council member is unlimited? What would happen if the city of Stonecrest is created without good leaders and accountability? Ed Williams, Ed.D., is chair of Concerned Citizens For Effective Government Citizens Against Cityhood in DeKalb. His email address is truthcrushtheearth@gmail.com
As a Rockdale County small business owner, I care about my community and about the youth we are educating to become strong leaders. My children are well beyond school age, but I care deeply about the contract that we foster with our children to help them to develop and nurture our community into the foreseeable future. There are 17 public schools in Rockdale County, serving 14,407 students most are striving, and on the whole, I know that educators work every day to help our children succeed. In my business, I’ve worked side by side with student interns, actively participated in youth leadership programs, and visited middle and high schools to talk about entrepreneurship. One thing that I know for sure is that active involvement creates partnerships among schools, community groups and individuals. These partnerships result in sharing and maximizing resources. Quality education levels the playing field for all our children. Critical thinking skills, social accountability, and financial independence all stem from education. The key, though, is a combination of community involvement and adequate resources. For this reason I am adamantly opposed to the state takeover of schools proposed by Governor Nathan Deal. As it is designed to do, the language used to describe the amendment sounds like the answer to every parent’s prayer. When in fact it will lead to the same nightmares that other states have experienced after implementing similar schemes. I encourage everyone that I know to vote NO on November 8th to the proposed amendment to Georgia’s Constitution. Evidence shows that of the 3 states that have attempted state takeover of schools, none have been successful. Louisiana and Tennessee have recently voted to end their programs and return state-run schools to the local districts. The Governor’s plan to take over “so called failing schools” is no more than a thinly disguised attempt to privatize schools in Georgia at the expense of local governments. There are a few threshold questions that the Governor has yet to answer. Why hasn’t he utilized all available resources before jeopardizing our children’s education? Why is the Governor ignoring the results of the badly conceived experiments that have failed children in 3 states? Why can’t the Governor call upon our State Department of Education---that already has the tools to help schools---to work with successful school districts in Georgia to identify best practices to benefit our children? Shame on you Governor Deal for putting profit ahead of progress. Our children deserve better. Elaine Davis Nickens is president of the Rockdale Democratic Party.
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OCTOBER 15, 2016 • PAGE 9
Tommy Ford
Breast Cancer
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had the opportunity to meet. Thank you Hank Stewart Poet II for the connection. He will surely be missed!” WSB TV reporter Tom Jones described Ford as down to earth: “I met this brother, Tommy Ford, on more than a few occasions. No matter where it was he was always a gentleman. Always talking about children and keeping kids off drugs, away from violence and on the right track. You would never know he starred on the hit sitcom Martin. He never brought it up. Neither did I. He did bring up his children’s books though. He was very proud of them and wanted the world to know about them. Tommy, you had so much more work to do on this planet. But God had other plans. May you rest peacefully in heaven.” Courtney Dillard, who heads the Rockdale County-based mentoring and community services organization, The Leadership Team, posted: “Our brother, friend and our partner: WE LOVE YOU TOMMY FORD YOU’VE DONE GREAT THINGS ON EARTH! Shivern Jones-Jeter, hospital chaplain at Rockdale Medical Center, said she was saddened to hear of the passing of Ford. “I had the pleasure of meeting him on several occasions, he was very sweet and very committed to community outreach! I was truly a fan of his character on the sitcom,” said Jones-Jeter who posted a picture of herself with Ford. Candace Ledbetter, an Atlanta consultant, said she had the pleasure of having lunch with Tommy some years ago and remembers Ford’s humor. “He was transitioning to Atlanta and was looking to bring a few creative projects to life. I’ll never forget his sense of humor, his signature laugh and his overall zeal for life, laughter and success!,” Ledbetter said in her Facebook post.
survivors and raise awareness of how employers, lawmakers, physicians and communities can play a role in caring for this growing and vital community. Williams said that she believes better access to care would help reduce the mortality rate. Transportation, closed hospitals for budget cuts, income, childcare for follow-up appointments treatment are among the reasons African Americans can’t get the help they need. “We (African Americans) don’t have the same level of access compared to our counterparts,” said Williams, who said more efforts must be made to reach lawmakers to change public policies. State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, a breast cancer survivor and champion for others who have cancer, said she was fortunate because she was diagnosed early. She encouraged navigators and those on the front lines of the health arena to continue pushing to get the word out to expand Medicaid for Georgians and demanding resources. She also stressed that more education is needed in the community about cancer treatment. Many people believe the myth that cancer surgery will kill them “A lot of people won’t get the help they need because they believe if you cut it and air gets in it, you’re going to die. But the thing of it is you’re going to die for sure if you don’t get the help,” Dawkins-Haigler said. State Sen. Gloria Butler, who serves on the Health Committee on the Senate and attended the symposium, said women need to be more aware of public policies that affect them. “We have to keep our eyes on women’s health issues because there are so many times when our men don’t support. If we don’t have women fighting for women then we won’t get what we need. We’ll always get left out,” Butler said. Butler concurred that Georgia needs to expand Medicaid. “We’re missing so many dollars that are going to other states that had the good sense to expand,” Butler said. Jacque Thornton, senior vice president for LeadingAge Georgia, an advocacy group that supports positive aging, said it’s not just younger women who are at risk. Senior citizens who have metastasized breast cancer also face dire challenges in finding a safety net. “This is a huge issue because more people are working longer and while they live in senior living they are need of being able to protect their employment opportunity,” said Thornton. “If they are having chronic disease such as cancer, then there needs to be continuity of care for metastatic breast cancer patients in which they receive the same high level quality of support systems.” For more information, visit /www.georgiacore.org or www.gasco.us.
PAGE 10 •OCTOBER 15, 2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale public schools invite families to Choice Open House nights
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) has kicked off its Open House nights for Specialty and choice programs. Students and families interested in applying to a program are strongly encouraged to attend that program’s Open House night. C. J. Hicks Elementary School, which offers kindergarten students dual language immersion, held its open house on Oct. 13. The application window for School Specialty and Choice programs will be open Nov. 28 to Dec. 16. The application will be online at www.rockdaleschools.org/specialtyandchoice. Students may apply for specialty programs outside of their assigned neighborhood school zone. Non-traditional programs such as Rockdale Career Academy, Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Rockdale Open Campus and Rockdale Virtual Campus are not included in this School Choice application process. Please see your school counselor for more information about these programs. Visit the RCPS School Specialty and Choice webpage at www.rockdaleschools.org/specialtyandchoice or email rcpsinfo@rockdale.k12.ga.us for more information. The RCPS School Specialty and Choice Program Open House nights are as follows: Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., Rockdale County High School, Institute of Advanced Technology at RCHS (Grade: 9). • Oct. 25, 6 p.m., Sims Elementary School, AVID Elementary at SES (Grades: K-2). • Nov. 2, 5:30-7 p.m., Open Campus, Non-traditional High School (Students may apply after two years of high school and a minimum of five credits.) • Nov. 9 & 10, 6-7:30 p.m., Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology (Grade: 9; Rising eighth grade students who meet eligibility requirements); Nov. 9 for DMS and EMS students; Nov. 10 for CMS and MMS students; Private School and Home School students may attend either session. • Nov. 10, 5-6 p.m., Honey Creek Elementary School, STEM Program at HCE (Grades: 3-5). • Nov. 10, 6-7:30 p.m., Conyers Middle School, Center for Technology & Engineering at CMS (Grades: 6-8). • Nov. 10, 5:30-7 p.m., Davis Middle School, Academy for Performing and Visual Arts at DMS (Grades: 6-8) • Nov. 15, 6-7 p.m., Shoal Creek Elementary School, STEAM Academy at SCE (Grades: 3-5) • Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m., Edwards Middle School, Academy for Pre-Medical Science at EMS (Grades: 6-8). • Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Memorial Middle School, STEM Academy for Environmental Studies at MMS (Grades: 6-8). • Nov. 17, 6-7:30 p.m., Salem High School, International Entertainment and Business Leadership Academy at SHS (Grades: 9-12) • Nov. 17, 6 p.m., Heritage High School, The Academy for Performing and Visual Arts at HHS (Grades: 9-12). • Jan. 31, 2017, 5-8 p.m., Rockdale Career Academy, Career Technical and Agricultural Education (Grades: 9-12)
Georgia women elected for national NCNW positions
Ingrid Saunders Jones
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Sharah Denton
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The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) recently convened its 57th Biennial Convention in Washington, D.C. and held elections for the organization’s national positions. The Honorable Alexis Herman, the 23rd U.S. Secretary of Labor, conducted the swearing-in ceremony. Ingrid Saunders Jones, of Atlanta, was re-elected President of NCNW Saunders is past Senior Vice President of Global Community Connections and Chair of the Coca-Cola Foundation. Lois Keith, a DeKalb County resident, was elected to serve as a Vice President. Keith, who co-chaired the convention, also currently serves as the national membership chair. Keith organized Georgia’s inaugural statewide conference, which was held in August, to re-establish sections of the NCNW to network and learn about initiatives going on throughout the state. Sharah Denton, founder of the Valdosta Chapter NCNW and interim president for the Georgia body, was elected Young Adult Vice President. Attorney Sherri Washington, who has a practice in Rockdale County where she lives, was re-elected as a member-at-large on the national board.
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