CrossRoadsNews, February 11, 2017 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

COMMUNITY

SCENE

Lifesaving protection

Mardi Gras maven

Fire Rescue staff and reserves installed free smoke detectors in the Candler/ McAfee area of Decatur. A2

New Orleans native Queen Ora will make a regal appearance at the Mardi Gras/ Carnival Celebration at the Lou Walker Senior Center. A5

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EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

February 11, 2017

Volume 22, Number 42

www.crossroadsnews.com

Mary-Pat Hector staying in Stonecrest city council race tory

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By Terry Shropshire

registered to vote, therefore be 18 years of age to run for office. “Since Ms. Hector is 19 years of age, the board finds that she has met the minimal age qualification of holding office of District 4 in the city of Stonecrest and that her name can appear on the ballot as a candidate,” he said. The standing-room-only crowd of more than 50, mostly Hector supporters, in the hearing room erupted in earsplitting cheers at the ruling. After the hearing, Hector said she was thrilled with the decision. “Justice was served, and the law pre-

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Mary-Pat Hector celebrates victory with her attorney Marvin Arrington Jr. and Operation Lead founder John Evans at the DeKalb Board of Elections on Feb. 9.

Nineteen-year-old Mary-Pat Hector will stay on the ballot for the March 21 election for the city of Stonecrest District 4 council seat. The nine-member DeKalb Board of Elections voted unanimously on Feb. 9 not to disqualify her after a challenge from opponent George Turner that she was not old enough to run because the state sets the age to hold office at 21. After hearing arguments, testimony and evidence and deliberating for an hour, board Chair Samuel Tillman said the board finds that Senate Bill 208, which created Stonecrest, states that candidates must be Please see ELECTION, page A2

Terry Shropshire / CrossRoadsNews

Cyber day stresses safety to students DeKalb Schools raises awareness of risks online

The DeKalb School District provides cyber safety lessons and information to its 137 schools throughout the year.

By Rosie Manins

In the face of online predators, cyber bullies, and other digital criminals, more resources than ever before are being channeled into making sure DeKalb students are safe when using social media and the internet. For the first time in its history, the DeKalb School District hosted Cyber Safety Day on Feb. 7, involving more than 100,000 students and teaching staff. The theme was “Just Post It Safely.” For the 11th-grade Arabia Mountain High students in Michael McKinney’s sixthperiod English class on Tuesday, that meant going against district policy and using cellphones during the day’s lesson. Classroom debate centered on how to identify inappropriate online behavior and risks, protect personal information, and avoid becoming a victim. Students Thomas Wood, Peter Maynard and Xavier Little said they know of other students who have been cyber bullied. The teenagers said just about everyone their age owns a smartphone and has personal Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram accounts, among other social media platforms. All of them use the internet. The students shared tips on staying safe while participating in online forums and posting information and images digitally. Sixteen-year-old Xavier said students have to be aware of who they are talking to. “Don’t put your location on public posts,” he said. Thomas, 17, said he activated the private setting on all his social media accounts so people he doesn’t know can’t see his posts or contact him. “You can’t be naive,” Peter, 17, added. The district has policies in place to limit students’ use of social media and the internet

while at school, but it also wants to educate parents and the wider school community about cyber safety off campus. Metro Atlanta is a known child trafficking hub, and that is a concern for Superintendent R. Stephen Green. The district provides cyber safety lessons and information to its 137 schools throughout the year, and it encouraged all students and staff to wear yellow clothing for Cyber Safety Day. Not all schools got the memo, and others kept students in uniform, but some brightly dressed participants posted photographs of their involvement on the DeKalb Schools Twitter account @dekalbschools, using the hashtag #CyberSafeDeKalb. Andre Riley, the district’s director of communication and marketing, said that

these days students have almost unlimited access to cellphones, laptops, tablets and other devices for accessing the internet and social media, so it is important to spread the cyber safety message. “The person on the other side of that screen could have terrible intentions,” he said. “The more access you have to the internet and social media, the higher the risk.”

Cyber safety tips: n Think before you post: Don’t publish information or images that could put you at risk, embarrass you, or damage your future, such as cell and home phone numbers, home addresses, sexual messages, and inappropriate pictures and videos. n Respect other people online: Don’t post

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anything rude, offensive, or threatening; send or forward images and information that might embarrass, hurt, or harass someone; or take anyone’s personal information and use it to damage their reputation. n Be careful meeting online friends in person: Ask a parent or guardian’s permission before going; have a parent or guardian accompany you; meet in a public place. n Protect yourself online: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or if someone is rude or offensive, do not respond; save the evidence; tell a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult; report it to the website, cellphone company, or police. For more information about cyber safety and tips for avoiding harm, visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/cyber-safety.

Community

CrossRoadsNews

February 11, 2017

“She is old enough to die for her country and she is old enough to be a candidate in the city of Stonecrest.”

City of Stonecrest’s charter does not set age for holding office ELECTION,

from page

vailed,” she said. “The board’s decision is a testament to the inclusion of the next generation’s participation in the democratic process.” The city of Stonecrest’s charter does not set an age for holding office, and Turner argued that the Georgia Constitution requires citizens to be 21 or older to hold elected office, which should have invalidated Hector’s candidacy. Hector, a Spelman College sophomore who counts the Rev. Al Sharpton as her mentor, is a nationally known civil rights activist. Her attorney Marvin Arrington Jr. argued that the constitution provides that you must be 21, “however, if there is a local ordinance [that says you can be of voting age] then you are qualified to run.” Arrington, who is also a Fulton County commissioner, said all the charters of the cities in DeKalb County only state that you have

Terry Shropshire / CrossRoadsNews

A standing-room-only crowd of mostly Mary-Pat Hector supporters filled the hearing room Feb. 9.

to be registered to vote. In Fulton County, he said cities state that you must be 21 years of age to run for office. “What is that telling us,” he asked. “It is telling us that if the Georgia General As-

sembly wanted to make the age requirement 21 for the city of Stonecrest, they knew how, they could have done that. They chose not to do that. Why did they not do that? Because it is the local custom in DeKalb County. Not one charter in the county of DeKalb has an age requirement of 21. Not one. But all of the cities in Fulton County do.” Arrington said Hector’s political aspiration is not unprecedented. He and John Eunice, a young political prodigy, accom-

plished what Hector aspires to do about a decade ago. “He now works for Senator Sonny Perdue. He was elected at 18 in Valdosta,” Arrington said. “How can you deny this young lady the opportunity to run for city council in Stonecrest in DeKalb County in 2016 and he was allowed to run for city council in Valdosta in 2003?” Arrington said the issue was not only about Hector’s right to vote, but the public’s right to choose her if they believe she is qualified. “She is old enough to go to war,” he said. “She is old enough to die for her country and she is old enough to be a candidate in the city of Stonecrest.” After the hearing, Turner said he will not appeal the decision and his challenge was never personal but was about seeking clarity about the state law. “Now that it has been answered, we can get on with our campaign,” he said. “I’m ready to move on and face her in the elections.” Turner and Hector face three other candidates – Geraldine Champion, Jesse “Jay” Cunningham and Jonathan “JP” Phillips – in the five-person race for District 4.

Fire Rescue has free smoke detectors By Rosie Manins

Thirty-nine homeowners in the Candler/ McAfee area of Decatur now have new free smoke detectors, and dozens more South DeKalb homeowners are eligible to receive them as the DeKalb Fire Rescue Department targets areas at high risk for fire. Fire Rescue staff and reserves installed the free smoke detectors in more than a dozen homes along Long Drive, Long Way, Mitchell Drive, and Mitchell Place in a Feb. 3 blitz. The area is one of several identified by the county as high risk for house fires. Capt. Eric L. Jackson, the department’s public information officer, said there are areas at high risk for fire in Lithonia, Stone Mountain, North DeKalb, and Chamblee. He said they were identified through statistical data gathered over the past three years. “Those areas, which were broken down by census tracts, had three or more house fires in a year,” he said. Darnell Fullum, the county’s Fire Rescue chief, said the blitz was intentional. “It’s an effort to help jump-start the community into performing a home-safety inventory and to make the necessary adjustments as it relates to their own specific needs,” he said. Jackson said the department has about 600 smoke detectors available. On Feb. 3, they had 300 to install but many homeowners were not at home. Absent homeowners got packages with safety information. “We left about 147 of those packets in the neighborhood on the day,” Jackson said. “People who got a pack can call us up and we’ll make arrangements to go out there and

Fire Rescue installed free smoke detectors in the Candler/McAfee area in a Feb. 3 blitz.

install smoke alarms for them.” Jackson said the smoke detectors were donated to the department through a charity campaign last year. To protect your home, the department recommends at least one smoke detector on each level of a house. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly to ensure they are working, and homeowners should create and practice a home escape plan. Fire Rescue also will perform internal and external fire safety checks on houses by request.

Tips for responding to active shooter Members of the DeKalb Homeland Security Unit will hold an active shooter response workshop on Feb. 15 at Peace Baptist Church in Decatur. “How to Respond to an Active Shooter Incident” takes place 7 to 8 p.m. and is presented by state Rep. Michele Henson, who represents House District 86. During the event, the unit will discuss the importance of emergency preparedness through a whole community approach and provide products, resources and tools to help individuals prepare in the event of an active shooter incident.

Participants will learn about the integral role that they and other bystanders can play in mitigating the impacts of an event involving an active shooter. The workshop also will provide information on the profile of an active shooter, appropriate responses to an active shooter or workplace violence situation, training for an active shooter situation, instructions for creating an emergency action plan, and tips for recognizing the signs of potential workplace violence. The church is at 4000 Covington Highway. Call 404-656-3996.

CrossRoadsNews

February 11, 2017

Community

“Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists have been living peacefully, side by side, in our town for decades.”

New DA dismisses indictment against former CEO Burrell Ellis By Terry Shropshire

Former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis will face no further prosecution on the corruption charges against him. New DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston, citing time, human capital, resources and money, said Feb. 6 that she is dismissing the indictment. “Any time you have a trial that lasts weeks or maybe months, it takes Sherry Boston a lot of time in terms of manpower hours for investigators, for lawyers, for attorneys,”

Boston said at a news conference Monday at the DeKalb Courthouse. “So we do know that this type of a trial, no matter what it is, is very costly.” Ellis, who was suspended from office for most of his second fourterm term, was tried twice Burrell Ellis on the charges brought against him by former District Attorney Robert James. His first trial ended in a mistrial in 2014.On his second trial in 2015, he was sentenced to five years to serve 18 months. He served eight months before he was released from Coastal State

Prison near Savannah on March 1, 2016. On Nov. 30, 2016, the Georgia Supreme Court, citing mistakes by trial court Judge Courtney Johnson, overturned his conviction and reinstated his law license. Ellis lost his $153,000-a-year salary in July 2015 when he was convicted of attempted extortion and perjury for alleged attempts to “shake down” a county contractor for campaign contributions. Ellis was reinstated to office for 14 days and finished his four-year term, which ended Dec. 31, 2016. He also was given 19 months or about $250,000 of back pay. As part of the District Attorney’s Office rationale for declining to try Ellis again, Bos-

ton said a third trial would be in “the hundreds of thousands of dollars.” She said the county can take solace in knowing Ellis paid a large portion of his debt to society, another reason why she declined to retry Ellis. “Considering that Mr. Ellis did serve eight months of jail time that he was sentenced to in this matter, and released, we have to examine what more would be gained with another trial,” she said. Ellis’ attorneys were notified of the decision Monday morning. Dwight Thomas, who was on the legal team, was pleased. “All remaining charges against Ellis were dismissed today,” he said. “Boston did the right and honorable thing.”

Johnson, Terry to hear from immigrants

Two forums for Stonecrest candidates

Fourth District U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson is teaming up with Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry to host a Muslim, Refugee and Immigrant Listening Session at the Clarkston Community Center on Feb. 12. The 4-7 p.m. session is to Hank Johnson hear from immigrants in Georgia’s most diverse city about the impact of President Donald Trump’s “divisive” administration and Republican immigration and refugee policies on them. About a third or 2,400 of Clarkston’s population of 7,554 are foreign-born, and many came to the city as refugees. Sunday’s listening session, at 3701 College Ave., is aimed at unifying people with the shared belief that the federal government’s treatment of immigrants and refugees is unfair. Johnson said it is time for citizens to take action.

Candidate forum at First Afrikan All 20 candidates seeking elected office in the March 21 Stonecrest city election have been invited to the CrossRoadsNews and the First Afrikan Church Community Action Team Candidate Forum on Feb. 27 at the Lithonia church. The forum takes place 6:30 to 9 p.m. The church is at 5197 Salem Road. For more information, call Jennifer Parker at 404-284-1888.

By Rosie Manins

“At a crucial time in our nation’s history when Muslim, immigrant and refugee communities are under attack, now is the time for all good people to stand up and speak out,” he said. “I fundamentally disagree with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith, religion or nationality.” Ted Terry Trump’s Jan. 27 executive order on immigration, which is being challenged in court, suspended the refugee program and barred entry for people of seven Muslim-majority countries, sparking concern and outrage among people across the country. Terry said Clarkston is committed to its core principles of welcoming others and compassionate action for all. “Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists have been living peacefully, side by side, in our small 1.4-square-mile town for decades. We look forward to hearing the concerns of our community members during this harrowing time in our nation’s history.”

Candidates seeking elected offices in the new city of Stonecrest will take questions at two upcoming forums on Feb. 19 and 27. Candidates for mayor of Stonecrest and the District 4 City Council seat will face off in a forum at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia on Feb. 19. Mayoral candidates Douglas Favors, Charles Hill II, and Jason Lary and District 4 contenders Geraldine Champion, Jesse “Jay” Cunningham, Mary-Pat Hector, Jonathan “JP” Phillips, and George Turner Jr. have been invited. The two-hour forum, which includes a meet-and-greet with candidates, is hosted by the Hunter’s Communities Homeowners Association. It starts at 4 p.m. The church is at 3800 Big Miller Grove Way. For more information, contact Patricia Smith at psafamuan@att.net or 770-987-8173.

CrossRoadsNews

Community

2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Managing Editor Terry Shropshire Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writers Jennifer Ffrench Parker Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

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February 11, 2017

“I’m proud of where I live and it’s about taking responsibility and ownership of your neighborhood.”

Ken Taylor honored for Snapfinger beautification By Terry Shropshire

For 14-year South DeKalb resident Ken Taylor, beautifying Snapfinger Road is more than just a chore or a mission. It is his calling. In fact, Taylor treats Snapfinger Road as if it is his own front yard. On any given Saturday morning for the past five years, long before the sun peeks above the horizon, Taylor can be seen trekking up and down the five-mile stretch of the state highway meticulously beautifying the area. And he has done this without fanfare or calling attention to himself. But Taylor’s light shone so brightly that it was impossible for DeKalb County officials to ignore. On Feb. 7, Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette presented him with the third annual Cynthia Houston Award that recognizes selfless volunteers who make their communities better. Burkette calls Taylor a “phenomenal” guy. “I would see him at 6 or 7 a.m.

Ken Taylor (right) received the Cynthia Houston Award from Gordon Burkette for years of volunteer service keeping Snapfinger Road clean of litter and weeds.

on a Saturday morning. And he picks up trash, trims trees. He puts herbicide treatment down so the weeds don’t grow in the expansion joints,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Who is that dude?’ ” The Houston Award is named for Stone Mountain resident Cynthia Houston, who has devoted more than 15 years to keeping Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road free of litter. Taylor, a banker, said he cleans up Snapfinger, which borders his Eagles Ridge subdivision, to make his area a personal paradise – and

to motivate his neighbors to do the same. He began as a volunteer with the Keep DeKalb Beautiful Ambassador Program almost 10 years ago. “I did it to make sure that my neighborhood stays clean because I’m proud of it,” he said. “I’m proud of where I live and it’s about taking responsibility and ownership of your neighborhood.” On Tuesday, while he stood on the flawless and manicured lawn on the edge of his community with a visitor, a neighbor poked her head out of her car window, beeped her

horn and shouted a congratulatory message to him. Though he works alone most of the time, Taylor does organize group beautification efforts and collaborates with like-minded individuals and groups at regular intervals. So far this year, he has organized a herbicidal application project on Snapfinger between Wesley Chapel and Flat Shoals. “We focus on the weeds and the grass coming out of the sidewalks to make it look better. And as you can see, it makes the neighborhood look great. And it helps with property values and makes people feel proud of where they live.” Burkette is proud there are residents like Taylor. “He’s committed to this neighborhood. So when we see people like this, we like to take the time to say ‘thank you.’ ” Taylor was almost speechless at the praise. “I really appreciate this. I do what I do because this is my neighborhood and I’m not shifting responsibility to someone else.”

Healthy credit ratings help jump-start E-SPLOST plans

DeKalb Schools sets process for input in capital projects

By Terry Shropshire

By Rosie Manins

The DeKalb School District will be able to implement technology and facility renovations and upgrades much earlier than expected, thanks to upgrades in its financial ratings by credit-rating agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Moody’s Investor’s Service upgraded the school district on Jan. 23 from “A1” to “Aa3,” based on the district’s large and diverse tax base, its positive trend of maintaining cash reserves, and the “manageable” amount of debt on the district’s ledger. On Jan. 24, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings assigned its “AA” rating to the district, its secondhighest level, to that same bond package. The rating was based on the district’s strong tax base, strong reserves that constitute nearly 12 percent of the district’s budget, and low debt. The strong ratings mean the district can borrow money at lower interest rates, and it said last week

that it will be able to get a jumpstart on completing E-SPLOSTfunded projects that include $134 million from general obligation funds to be used to initiate technology and facilities projects identified in E-ESPLOST V, a ballot measure overwhelmingly approved by DeKalb voters by a 71 percent margin in 2016. Superintendent R. Stephen Green said the district’s ability to fund these projects early is a result of its team acting as good stewards of resources provided by the community. “The families of DeKalb County believe in our vision, and the finance ratings firms believe in our balance sheet,” Green said. “We remain committed to excellence and building the best public school system for our taxpayers.” The district said the bonds will be offered in early February and will be repaid with ESPLOST revenues to be collected starting in July 2017.

Significant school improvement projects in DeKalb County are going to involve more stakeholder and community involvement from now on. The DeKalb School District has launched a formal process for the establishment of construction advisory committees for each school involved in significant projects funded through the E-SPLOST – Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax – program. Each six-member committee will include the school principal as an ex-officio member, at least two school council members (one of whom has to be the committee chair), and parents or community members – preferably those with experience or professional backgrounds in architecture, engineering, construction, planning and design, and k-12 education. DeKalb Schools has initially identified 19 eligible projects to have construction advisory com-

mittees. The projects are listed in two groups and collectively make up more than $428 million in improvements. Each school involved in “Group 1” projects must form a committee by first calling for candidates on their website by Feb. 24 and then submitting the roster of their committee members by April 14. Deadlines for “Group 2” will be confirmed after the implementation schedule for E-SPLOST V is approved next month. The purpose of establishing committees is to increase stakeholder and community involvement in the design, planning, and construction phases of E-SPLOST projects that include the addition of a classroom or major space, or feature a single renovation project worth more than $3 million. Group 1 involves nine separate projects totaling more than $160 million. Group 2 involves 10 projects totaling more than $268 million.

Summit on school improvement, community involvement An expert panel will discuss improving schools through parent and community involvement at an Education Summit on Feb. 18 in Decatur. “The Path Forward: Improving Opportunities for AfricanAmerican Students” begins at 10 a.m. in the conference room at South DeKalb Office Park, 3015 S. Rainbow Drive. Panelists are Dr. R. Stephen Green, DeKalb Schools superintendent; Dr. Melvin Johnson, DeKalb

Stephen Green

Melvin Johnson

School Board chair; Verdaillia Turner, Georgia Federation of Teachers president; Valarie Wilson, executive director of the Georgia

especially targets parents and guardians with children attending schools on the governor’s list of chronically failing schools. Verdaillia Turner Valarie Wilson Jay Cunningham For more inSchool Boards Association; and Jay formation, call DeKalb NAACP Cunningham, director of Georgia President Teresa Hardy or Lance Hammonds at 404-241-8006 or PTA Region 11. It is open to the public and 678-802-9008.

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February 11, 2017

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

Queen Ora, aka Ora Dabney, who grew up in New Orleans, has coordinated the event since 2007. Queen Ora, who dazzled CrossRoadsNews expo-goers in October at the Mall at Stonecrest, will keep things lively on Feb. 18 at Lou Walker Senior Center.

Mardi Gras and Queen Ora at Lou Walker Senior Center Queen Ora will make a regal appearance at the Mardi Gras/Carnival Celebration Bling! Bling! on Feb. 18 at the Lou Walker Senior Center. The 6-to-10 p.m. event, a fundraiser for DeKalb for Seniors, includes dinner and dancing and is open to the public. Tickets are available in the Gift Shop. The Atlanta Brass Band also will perform for the parade, and there will be a DJ. Attendees can don costumes – a king and queen will be crowned for best costume.

Queen Ora, aka LWSC member Ora Dabney, who grew up in New Orleans, has coordinated the event since 2007. She said there will be a full-course meal and lots of fun. “It’s a party,” she said. DeKalb for Seniors, which serves as a fundraising arm for the center, advocates on issues for seniors and the center. The center is at 2538 Panola Road in Lithonia. For more information, visit www. louwalkercenter.com or call 770-322-2900.

Rainbow Park celebrates 143 years Rainbow Park’s community outMembers of Rainbow Park Bapreach includes a food pantry and tist are celebrating the multicultural clothing closet, a missions ministry, church’s 143rd anniversary on Feb. and a literacy program that offers 18-19 with a Musical Extravaganza free GED classes. and a special worship service. Dial, who has written four The observance kicks off at 5 books, founded the Rev. Clifton p.m. on Feb. 18 with the music Dial Sr. Scholarship Foundation in service, which is free and open to support of the literacy program. the public. Steven Dial Sr. The church has been at its The Sunday worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 19, followed by current location, 2941 Columbia Drive in Decatur, for 47 years. a meal in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, email sdialn64@ The Rev. Steven N. Dial Sr. became the church’s first African American pastor in gmail.com, visit www.rainbowparkbaptist. org or call 404-288-1910. October 2007.

Atlanta actors present ‘Powerhouse’ Atlanta actors Brenda Bynum and Eric Moore present Eudora Welty’s “Powerhouse” on Feb. 14 at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s for the series Southern Writers Onstage: Women – Black & White. Brenda Bynum The free performance begins at noon. “Powerhouse” is a story about a great jazzman (based on Fats Waller) playing at a white dance in Alligator, Miss. Welty (1909-2001), a Mississippi native, was a short story writer and novelist who wrote about the American South. She won a Pulitzer Prize in 1973 for “The Optimist’s Daughter.” Bynum has previously performed in the

series reading letters from Flannery O’Connor and portraying author and human rights activist Lillian Smith. Moore, an accomplished vocalist, musical director, songwriter and music producer, has Eric Moore played Fats Waller in “Ain’t Misbehavin’” for Theatrical Outfit and Atlanta Lyric. The series is produced in partnership with Theatrical Outfit, and support for Southern Writers Onstage is provided by the Georgia State University Department of English. The restaurant is at 84 Luckie St. N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, visit http:// cencia.gsu.edu/southern-writers-onstage2017.

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Wellness

“We want Georgians to be aware of the risks associated with severe weather.”

Preparedness is key in severe weather

Free prostate screenings offered at cancer seminar Free prostate screenings will be available on Feb. 18 at Omega Psi Phi headquarters on Snapfinger Parkway in Decatur. The Kappa Alpha Alpha Chapter and Bayer Healthcare are hosts for the 10 a.m.-to-2 p.m. prostate cancer seminar and screening. All screenings will be performed by venipuncture (blood sample collection) by co-sponsor Georgia Urology. A panel of physicians will take part in the seminar. Lunch will be provided. Co-sponsors include McKesson Specialty Health/Vantage Oncology, LabCorp and the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition. The Omega Center is at 3951 Snapfinger Parkway. For more information, email kaa23basileus@yahoo.com or contact Robert Murrell at 770-309-5678.

$6 to Wall of Hearts buys meal for senior

February 11, 2017

Severe weather has already impacted residents across the state in 2017, and Gov. Nathan Deal and GEMA are calling on Georgians to educate themselves and understand weather-related threats. Homer Br yson, director of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, said preparedness is key to staying safe. “Within the Homer Bryson first month of 2017, much of the state was hit with tornadoes and severe

storms,” Bryson said in a Feb. 1 statement as Deal proclaimed Feb. 6-10 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week. “As a result, we saw the devastating effects severe weather can have on a community. With this in mind, we want Georgians to be aware of the risks associated with severe weather and provide them with information that will help our citizens be better equipped for the unexpected.” Though tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can occur yearround, the threat of high winds, hail and lightning from these storms greatly increases through spring. Families can review their emergency procedures and prepare for

weather-related hazards. The Ready Georgia campaign offers resources and information residents can use to be informed about potential threats, develop a communications plan, and create an emergency supply kit. An interactive website provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness and allows users to create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and family communications plan. Employers can use the Ready Your Business guide to create custom contingency plans, and kids can visit the ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, videos and games. Visit www.ready.ga.gov.

Summit addresses AIDS in black communities

Donors can honor a senior loved one by contributing $6 to Senior Connections’ Wall of Hearts give-back campaign through March 16. The nonprofit agency’s goal is to place 1,936 hearts on the wall: 44 hearts each day for 44 days beginning Feb. 1. For the past 44 years, Senior Connections has helped area seniors age in place. Each $6 heart will represent one meal donated for a senior. To donate, visit https://seniorconnectionsatl.org/donate and include the names to be honored in the Additional Comments field. The Wall of Hearts will be featured in the annual March for Meals. In an open letter for Valentine’s Day, Debra Furtado, CEO of Senior Connections, urged residents to help build the wall with donations. “Let us place a heart [cut out by seniors, volunteers and children] in memory or in honor of seniors who you love, who made a Debra Furtado difference in your life or who, even today, keep you safe,” she wrote. “Our Wall of Hearts means meals and safety for so many senior neighbors.” Senior Connections, which operates DeKalb County senior centers, prepares and delivers 3,000 meals daily and provides in-home care, home repairs, and health and wellness classes and seminars. For more information, visit http://seniorconnectionsatl.org.

Black HIV/AIDS activists from across the country convened in Washington on Feb. 2-4 to develop an agenda to end the epidemic that disproportionately impacts African Americans. The Summit on Black Lives: Black America’s Response to the HIV/ AIDS Epidemic, held in advance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7, was organized by the National Black Justice Coalition in collaboration with the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition, SisterLove, the National Black Women’s HIV/AIDS Network, and the Global Network of Black People Working in HIV. Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, executive director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition, said there’s an urgent need for African American leaders to unite and define a response to the epidemic in the face of political and health policy uncertainty under the Trump administration. She said black families and com-

munities – particularly gay, bisexual, cisgender and transgender individuals as well as youth – “continue to be most impacted by this devastating, yet treatable disease.” “Our communities cannot afford to wait for others to define the solutions that center our needs as black people,” L ett man-Hicks said. “We are conS. Lettman-Hicks vening this space to plot a path forward to end HIV/ AIDS in our communities and lead to collective community empowerment across all demographics within the African American population.” The theme of the 17th annual awareness day observance, “I Am My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper,” emphasizes a shared responsibility to stand united with family and friends in the fight against HIV and AIDS, the national Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention says. The CDC says blacks/African Americans continue to experience higher rates of HIV compared to other races and ethnicities. In 2015, African Americans made up about 12 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 45 percent of new HIV diagnoses. Among all African Americans, gay and bisexual men account for the majority – 58 percent – of new diagnoses. DeKalb County had 9,039 people living with HIV and 4,873 living with AIDS in 2014, and Fulton County had nearly double DeKalb’s numbers. Three of the five core metro Atlanta counties – DeKalb, Fulton and Clayton – are among the top counties nationally in rates of new HIV diagnoses. The summit will be a yearlong endeavor to produce an action plan to address the current state of the epidemic and its impact on black lives. For more information, visit www. NBJC.org.

DeKalb County Sheriff Office

Jeffrey L. Mann, Sheriff 4415 Memorial Drive • Decatur, GA 30032

Legal Notices 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18

Notice OF PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++17FM1087-2++ Shakita Moore Plaintiff Vs. Karriem Shabazz Defendant To: 2929 Panthersville Rd. 2821 Zane Gray Dr. Decatur, GA 30034 By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 09, 2017, you are hereby notified that on Jan. 05, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Shakita

Moore; 2929 Panthersville Rd., #D-21, Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days Jan. 09, 2017. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 19th day of Jan., 2017 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++17FM1526-2++ By ORDER of the Court for service by publication dated Jan. 31, 2017, you are hereby notified that on Jan. 13, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Name Change. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court and to service upon

the plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: 2895 Alameda Trl., Decatur, GA 30084. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days Jan. 31, 2017. Witness the Honorable Asha F. Jackson, Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 2nd day of Feb., 2017 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++17FM1763-3++ Antoinette Porter filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jan. 30, 2017 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Kerriah Tuiana Denson to Kierra Tuiana Denson. Any

interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f) (2) and (3). Dated: Jan. 10, 2017 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, 03/04

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: ++17FM1788-10++ Tanka Maya Dartee filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jan. 30, 2017 to change name from: Tanka Maya Dartee to Chunku Siwa. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Jan. 13, 2017

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Sex Offender

Clinton Bargman 4480 English Loop Lithonia GA 30038 Crime of Sexual Battery with Force Convicted July 1994

Raymond C. Griggs Jr. 1067 Chapman Lane Stone Mountain, GA 30088 Charge of Rape Convicted on 2/8/1993

Stephanie Seabury 4206 Westchester Ridge, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 Charge of Rape 4th Degree Convicted Dec. 2014

Etzer Jean Brice 5079 Miller Woods Drive Decatur, GA 30035 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 1/27/2017

Sex Offender

Tyrone Johnson 1904 Don Juan Lane Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Child Molestation Convicted on 6/1/2015

Shane Ashe Wright 3262 Betty Circle Decatur, GA 30032 Charge of Aggravated Child Molestation Convicted on 6/30/1997

The DeKalb Sex Offenders List is published by the DeKalb County Sheriff Office. For more information call the Sex Offender Unit at 404-298-8130.

CrossRoadsNews

February 11, 2017

Finance

“This case should serve as a major warning for those looking to violate the laws designed to protect our Georgia consumers.”

Payday lenders to pay $40 million in restitution for Ga. consumers Georgia consumers will get more than $40 million in monetary relief in the settlement of a multiyear legal battle against payday lenders Western Sky Financial LLC, CashCall Inc. and affiliates. State Attorney General Chris Carr said the settlement “sends a strong message that our office will not tolerate unscrupulous Chris Carr lenders who prey on consumers by charging illegal interest and fees.” “Our team has been working diligently on

this case since 2013, and we are proud that we were able to stop ongoing collection efforts and provide refunds of illegally charged interest and fees to our citizens,” Carr said in a Feb. 8 statement. “This case should serve as a major warning for those looking to violate the laws designed to protect our Georgia consumers.” The settlement comes on the heels of an Oct. 31, 2016, ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court that out-of-state internet lenders are subject to the state’s Payday Lending Act, which prohibits a lender from making loans of $3,000 or less unless the lender is licensed to lend in Georgia or under federal

Metro jobless rate rises to 5 percent Metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate in December rose to 5 percent as the labor force grew and the number of new layoffs increased. The rate was up two-tenths of a percentage point from 4.8 percent in November. In December 2015, the rate also was 4.8 percent. The labor force, which consists of employed residents and those who are unemployed but actively looking for jobs, grew by 20,883 to 2,983,076. The number of unemployed residents rose by 6,398 to 148,445, while the number of employed residents rose by 14,485 to 2,834,631. In DeKalb County, the jobless rate was 5.3 percent in December, up from a revised 5.1 percent in November. The rate was 5.1 percent in December 2015. There were 2,227 initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in December in DeKalb, up 566 or 34.1 percent from 1,661 in November. In December 2015, there were

2,262 new claims for an over-the-year decrease of 35 or 1.5 percent. In metro Atlanta, the number of initial claims for UI benefits, a measure of new layoffs, rose by 2,407, or 20.3 percent, to 14,262 in December. Most of the increase came in construction, accommodations and food services, administrative and support services, and professional and technical services, along with manufacturing. Over the year, claims were down by 2,560, or 15.2 percent, from 16,822 in December 2015. Job seekers and employers can use the Georgia Department of Labor’s online job listing service, Employgeorgia.com, to search for jobs or recruit new employers. In December, 40,123 new job openings in Atlanta were posted. Throughout the state, 57,920 new job openings were posted. Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at dol.georgia.gov.

law. Georgia law caps the interest rate of such loans at 10 percent. Western Sky and its affiliates sold more than 18,000 loans to Georgia borrowers bearing interest rates of 140 percent to 340 percent and collected more than $32 million in interest and fees from those consumers since 2010. The settlement requires Western Sky and its affiliates to pay $23.5 million in consumer restitution, to cease all collections and to forgive all outstanding loans, which will provide an additional $17 million in loan relief to Georgia borrowers. Also, the defendants must pay a $1 million civil penalty to the state and $500,000

as reimbursement for the state’s attorneys’ fees and costs. A consumer restitution fund is being established to administer payment of refunds to eligible consumers, who will receive notice of their refund from the fund administrator within 60 days. Additional details about the fund will be posted on www.GAWesternSkySettlement.com. Among settlements reached in Western Sky-related cases to date, this settlement is the largest in the nation, representing a nearly dollar-for-dollar return of all illegal interest and fees paid by Georgia borrowers. Visit http://ocp.ga.gov.

Tax identity theft remains a top scam Tax identity theft has been the most common form of identity theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission for the past five years, and the Metro Better Business Bureau is offering tips to thwart thieves. It remains on the IRS “Dirty Dozen” list as a top tax scam. Tax ID theft happens when someone files a phony tax return using your personal information, such as your Social Security number, to get a tax refund from the IRS. It also can happen when someone uses your Social Security number to get a job or claims your child as a dependent on a tax return. Thieves get your personal information in a number of ways, including: n Someone goes through your trash or steals mail from your home or car. n Imposters send phony emails that look like they’re from the IRS and ask for personal information. n Employees at hospitals, nursing homes and other businesses steal your information.

n Phony or dishonest tax preparers misuse clients’ information or pass it along to identity thieves. To lessen the chance you’ll be a victim, file your return early in the season if you can; use a secure internet connection if you file electronically instead of publicly available Wi-Fi hot spots at places like coffee shops or a hotel lobby; mail your return directly from the post office; shred copies of your return, drafts, or calculation sheets you no longer need; and respond to all mail from the IRS as soon as possible. The IRS won’t contact you by email, text or social media. Also, get recommendations and research a tax preparer thoroughly before you hand over personal information. Check your credit report at least once a year for free at annualcreditreport.com. If your SSN has been compromised, contact the IRS ID Theft Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. Visit www.identitytheft. gov and bbb.org/atlanta.

MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.

Marketplace EDUCATION/TRAINING Solar PV Training Today! HandsOn Training Class; On-Line Courses Available; Start Now In 2017; www.jeveretteacademy. com;678-389-8362; Register Early - Save $600!

FOR RENT/LEASE Furnished church space for rent in Decatur; $1800 - $3000 monthly; for more information; call (404) 963-1981

FOR SALE ALTERATION shop in Decatur; can also do pick up Dry Clean; 404-289-5115

HELP WANTED Drivers, Class A CDL openings to run S.E. Regional; 2015 and newer trucks; home weekly; excellent pay & benefits! apply:

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Drivers: Regional! Local, OTR; Great Benefits! 401K; paid vacation/holidays; CDL-A, 1 yr exp.; www.gptruck.com; 866-792-5221 Drivers CDL-A: HOME DAILY! paid weekly! full-time! hauling cement; pneumatic tank; good driving record req’d; 319-7541944 x112 Residential Plumber Technicians needed; we got jobs; 2 yrs. residential experience req.; great benefits & competitive pay; fax resume to: 404.344.7480/email: info@headsplumbing.com

LEGAL NOTICES Intent To Incorporate – Notice is given that Articles of Incorporation which will incorporate Ameri-

attorneys

can Blueline Association has been delivered to the Secretary of State for filing in accordance with the Georgia Business Corporation Code. The initial registered office of the corporation is located at P.O. Box 373327 Decatur, GA 30037 and its initial registered agent; Attorney Jeffrey Gartzman at such address.

help wanted

home services

nursing care

MUSIC LESSONS Learn to play keyboard/piano by “ear” or “sheet music”; in Decatur; 1-hr. slots; $25/week; Contact Terri at 404 454-3158

attorneys

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P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com

DINING / RESTAURANTS

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February 11, 2017

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Black History Month February 11, 2017

Section B

www.crossroadsnews.com

DeKalb’s Obama School Opens

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

Kimberly Barrera, 9, opens her third-grade classroom door that has a photo of President Barack H. Obama on it. Photos of Obama also decorate corridors at the new school named in his honor.

Magnet school is first in state to honor black U.S. president By Rosie Manins

President Barack Obama may be out of office, but in DeKalb County, just over 800 students are calling his name every school day at the new $23 million Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology on Clifton Church Road. The 118,631-square-foot school, which opened Jan. 5 across the street from the Gresham Park Recreation Center in Atlanta, is the first, and to date only, school in Georgia named in honor of the nation’s first African American president, who left office on Jan. 20 after serving eight years. It is one of 19 schools in 11 states –

INSIDE

Georgia, Minnesota, California, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, New Jersey and Missouri – named for either the president or former first lady Michelle Obama. When the DeKalb School Board voted unanimously in July 2016 to name the school for the president, Superintendent R. Stephen Green said Obama embodied the values of a strong family, hard work, and education as the means of getting ahead. “These values are reflected in the DeKalb County School District and are the keys to college and career readiness,” Green said. School Board Chairman Melvin Johnson said Stephen Green Obama’s public career and his family commitment offer inspiration to students and staff. “The name on this school will remind us every day of the importance of these attributes in being good citizens,” he said. Students and the school’s 102-member staff, who had been housed at the former

Terry Mill Elementary School on Fayetteville Road, relocated into their new school home after the Christmas break. Angela Thomas-Bethea, the school’s principal, said the looks on their faces that first day was priceless. “They were just in awe of the school,” she said. “Their mouths were wide open.” She said they are proud to carry Obama’s name. “I know that to whom much is given, much is expected,” she said. “We want to represent the president’s name in a positive manner and perform well for the community. We just want to live up to the name.” Smiling photos of Obama decorate the gleaming new corridors and constantly remind students of whom they honor. Thomas-Bethea said they talk a lot about Obama, the country’s 44th president who left office with a 60 percent approval rating – one of the highest of any president. “We want to instill a sense of pride in the students, to let them know this is a special place to be and they are privileged to be here.” Still, having ties to a political leader hasn’t been without its problems.

The school’s name attracted some negative feedback from a small minority of people, and Thomas-Bethea said with that, and the school’s expensive technology equipment, they have had to take safety measures. “We had to increase our vigilance with security and monitoring students because there are some extreme personalities we have encountered through social media,” she said. The school is equipped with the latest technology at a cost of $1.4 million, including a tablet for every student. From its large cafeteria and indoor gymnasium to the central courtyard, the school has Wi-Fi and a state-of-the-art sound system that allows staff to use their mobile phones for a variety of functions, including the intercom. “To have a large new facility with all the access to technology is just phenomenal to me,” she said. Thomas-Bethea said those things demand extra security – something that parents are having to get used to. “You can’t just wander in anymore,” she Please see SCHOOL, page B3

Preserving local history

New life into old church

Rhythms of the motherland

A Feb. 23 symposium will explore preservation of DeKalb’s historic Flat Rock and Shermantown communities. B3

Restoration of the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church in downtown Atlanta could begin in the next few months. B4

The allfemale percussion ensemble ConunDrums will play West African rhythms at the RedanTrotti Library in Lithonia. B6

CrossRoadsNews

Black History

February 11, 2017

Jackson is credited with growing black Atlanta’s wealth with his affirmative action policies.

2346 Candler Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007

www.CrossRoadsNews.com editor@CrossRoadsNews.com

The Black History Month Special Section is a publication of CrossRoadsNews, Atlanta’s award-winning weekly newspaper.

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Managing Editor Terry Shropshire Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Reporters Jennifer Ffrench Parker Rosie Manins Graphics Editor Curtis Parker Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams

CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without . the written permission of the publisher © 2017 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

Maynard H. Jackson Jr., the first African American mayor of Atlanta and a major Southern city, served three terms during a pivotal time in its history.

Film to tell the story of Atlanta’s first black mayor By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The much-anticipated documentary film “Maynard” about the life and times of Atlanta’s first African American mayor, Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr., should be ready for a screening at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2018.

The film will present an intimate portrait of Jackson – the man, the mayor, the game changer, and the politician. Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, a spokeswoman for the film and Jackson’s first wife, said the producers hope to have the film completed by early fall 2017 – depending on filming schedules and fundraising. “Post-production will be full-swing in March 2017,” she said. “The goal is to present the film at the Sundance Festival in January 2018.” Award-winning documentary filmmaker Sam Pollard is using archival videos, rare photographs and interviews with people who knew him best – family, friends, colleagues and co-workers – to tell the story of Jackson, a lawyer and politician who left his stamp on the city of Atlanta. People being interviewed for the film include former Ambassador Andrew Young; Vernon Jordan; his childhood friend Sammy Bacote; former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; his widow, Valerie Jackson; and his children, Elizabeth, Brooke and Maynard III. Douglas A. Blackmon, former AJC reporter and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Slavery by Another Name”; his first law partner, Andrew Patterson; and his former CAO at Atlanta City Hall, George Berry, are also in that group. Jackson’s aunt, June Dobbs Butts, the only living daughter of his grandfather, John Wesley Dobbs, provided the history on the Dobbs family. Jackson, the first African American mayor of Atlanta and a major Southern city, served three terms during a pivotal time in Atlanta’s history. He was mayor from 1974 to 1982 and again from 1990 to 1994. Jackson is credited with growing black

Atlanta’s wealth with his affirmative action policies that mandated minority inclusion in government contracts. Under his leadership, minority share of city contracts rose from 1 percent to more than 35 percent. His crowning achievement as mayor was the construction of the massive new terminal at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport with significant minority participation, “ahead of schedule and under budget.” The man who from time to time was called “Action Jackson” was known as an articulate, charismatic and compassionate leader who served a record three terms as Atlanta’s mayor. Jackson earned his place in Atlanta history books for building Hartsfield-Jackson International, partially named for him in 2003, into the world’s busiest airport. He also became known nationally for developing a model for affirmative action programs that is now used in cities around the country. Jackson died June 23, 2003, at age 65. The documentary film, which is seeking to answer the question “How did Maynard do it?” is being produced by Auburn Avenue Films Inc. Award-winning filmmaker and photographer Henry Adebonojo is director of photography. Adebonojo received a Best Documentary Film Academy Awards nomination for his feature film “I Am Not Your Negro.” Georgia Public Broadcasting will serve as the presenting television station and an educational partner for the film. The partnership will ensure that lessons about Atlanta’s first African American mayor will be available through its Education curriculum that is offered to both teachers and students.

Jubilee of Reading for Youth read-in focuses on African American authors Readers have until Feb. 20 to register for the Feb. 25 Jubilee of Reading for Youth: African American Read-In at the Wesley ChapelWilliam C. Brown Library in Decatur. The African American Read-In, established by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, encourages the community to select and read works written by African Americans and to create a greater awareness about the diversity of

voices among black writers. The read-in, sponsored by Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia, Angela Reid and DeKalb Public Library, offers participants an opportunity to read the works of well-known African American greats as well as those whose works are not as widely circulated. It takes place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is available at dekalblibrary. org/aareadin or 404-508-7190, Ext. 2257.

February 11, 2017

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

“He knows the most dedicated teachers and most supportive parents can make a difference.”

Symposium to focus on preserving Flat Rock, Shermantown communities Flat Rock and Shermantown residents, scholars, and theatrical entertainment will be on tap at a Feb. 23 symposium on the preservation of the two historic African American communities at the DeKalb History Center. The ninth annual Black History Month Celebration takes place 11 Paul Hudson T.A. Bryant Jr. Lora Mirza a.m. to 2 p.m. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will ties in the county. deliver opening remarks, and educator and Waits will share stories about what life storyteller LaDoris Davis will narrate and was like in Flat Rock’s heyday and bring moderate the event. artifacts from the museum, including family Topics will include life for African Ameri- photographs, small-farm equipment, jewelry, cans in these historic communities during and clothing. the Progressive Era to the Dr. Paul Hudson, history professor at present, Jim Crow laws, Perimeter College at Georgia State Unichurch life, education, versity, and Lora Mirza, retired associate the civil rights movement, library director at Perimeter at GSU, will and the challenges of prediscuss “A Mighty Foundation: The African serving the communities. American Community of Stone Mountain’s Johnny Waits, founder Shermantown.” and curator of the Flat Black masons and artisans quarried local Rock Archives Museum, granite and built stone monuments as well as will present “Deep Roots Johnny Waits the community of Shermantown. Hudson and a Well-Trodden Path: The Formation and Mirza will talk about the formation and and History of the Flat Rock Community.” often misunderstood history of ShermanFlat Rock is one of the oldest, continu- town and Stone Mountain. ously inhabited African American communiJeanne Cyriaque, vice chair of the board

at the Georgia Humanities Council and board adviser for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will discuss the importance and challenges of preserving historic African American communiJeanne Cyriaque ties. A panel will share stories of growing up in Flat Rock and Shermantown, including segregation, business ventures, and other related topics. Panelists from Shermantown are Chief James Rivers, Gloria Brown, Mamie Lane, Elaine Vaughn, and Evelyn Herans. Panelists from Flat Rock are the Rev. T.A. Bryant Jr., Bertha Clark, Alice Bailey, and Martha Williams. The speakers also will participate in the panel discussion moderated by Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado, founder and CEO of Preserve Black America LLC. The center is on the second floor of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square in Decatur. For tickets and more information, visit dekalbhistory.org and click on Events & T:7.4667” Programs or call 404-373-1088, Ext. 26.

Observance launched in 1926 Black History Month was launched in 1926 as Negro History Week by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a historian, author, journalist and founder of the Association Carter G. Woodson for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History). The annual observance became Black History Month in 1976. Woodson chose February for the observance because Feb. 12 was President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and Feb. 14 was the accepted birthday of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

The light from a few illuminates many. A single beacon of caring can light up an entire community. Our McDonald’s® 365Black® Awardees shine their beams of compassion in the communities they serve. It is through their example that we are all a little more enlightened. Find out more at 365Black.com

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

Principal Angela Thomas-Bethea said students are in awe of the new school.

New protocols in place for safety, extra security from page

said. “We have new protocols in place to ensure everything is safe and secure. In some ways it is a paradigm shift.” Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology was funded by a one penny E-SPLOST – Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. At full capacity, it will hold 900 students. It offers two magnet programs – a technology program for grades three through five and a kindergarten Spanish immersion program – and students get their own Chromebook laptop. Next year, Thomas-Bethea said the school will seek STEM certification. District 3 School Board member Dr. Michael Erwin, who represents the area and chaired the school’s naming committee, said honoring Obama is most fitting. “He knows the most dedicated teachers and most supportive parents can make a difference if students show up, pay attention, and apply themselves to the fullest extent possible,” he said. The Barack H. Obama Elementary Magnet School of Technology is at 3132 Clifton Church Road S.E. in Atlanta. For more information. visit http://www. barackobamaes.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

T:10”

SCHOOL,

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

February 11, 2017

Ralph David Abernathy III’s plan was to turn the building into a museum in honor of his mother and father.

Restoration of historic church could be underway this year By Rosie Manins

The story goes that the stones used to build the historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church building were laid in 1906 by former slaves. Today those stones are crumbling as the spiritual home of civil rights leader and pastor Ralph David Abernathy sits vacant and boarded up between a wings restaurant and a barbershop in Vine City in downtown Atlanta. But the Abernathy family’s long-hopedfor restoration of the historic church could begin in the next few months. Annette Abernathy, widow of Ralph David Abernathy III, said her husband’s plan was to turn it into a museum in honor of his mother and father and their involvement in the civil rights movement. “The family is planning to move forward with that vision,” she said Feb. 7. The Ralph David Abernathy III Foundation, which owns the church Annette Abernathy building, was awarded a $451,571 grant from the National Park Service on Jan. 12 to undertake a condition assessment of the building, architectural and engineering plans, and hazardous material abatement. The grant was one of 39 totaling $7.75 million awarded in 2016 through the Park Service African American Civil Rights Grant Program that aims to document, interpret, and preserve the sites and stories related to the African American struggle for equal rights. The historic West Hunter church project was the only Georgia recipient of the 2016 grants, funded by the Historic Preservation Fund and administered by the NPS.

Historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church, spiritual home of the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, sits vacant and boarded up as the Park Service explores making it a National Historic Site.

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

The Park Service also is investigating the possibility of making the old church a National Historic Site. Annette Abernathy is succeeding her husband as CEO of the foundation set up in his name and will be leading the restoration efforts. Her husband was the son of Ralph David Abernathy, the civil rights leader, close friend and lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Abernathy III, a former state senator and a preacher, died of liver cancer on March 17, 2016, two days before his 57th birthday. Even though his checkered life included

a stint in prison for filing $5,700 in false expense reports, he spent the last year of his life trying to raise $3.5 million to build a “freedom plaza” outside West Hunter Street Baptist, an iconic landmark from the civil rights era where his father was pas- Ralph Abernathy III tor from 1961 to 1990, the longest of any other pastor. Abernathy III bought the building about 16 years ago with plans to turn it into a museum and make it a central part of a plaza

that would honor his parents, Ralph and Juanita, whose civil rights contributions have often been overshadowed by those of King, his more wellknown friend. The two were shoulder to shoulder in strategy sessions and at marches and were jailed together 17 times in the struggle for civil rights. Abernathy III’s vision for the plaza included a 25-foot bronze monument dedicated to his parents, Coretta and Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis. There were also plans for a wall featuring the names of all freedom fighters and SCLC staff. The historic West Hunter Street Baptist Church, which was organized in 1881, was located in the now boarded-up building at 775 Martin

Martin and Ralph: A lifelong friendship beyond the movement By Rosie Manins

Exactly 55 years ago on Feb. 11, 1962, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “A Knock at Midnight” sermon to the West Hunter congregation welcoming his best friend Ralph David Abernathy as the church’s new pastor. “God has blessed West Hunter,” King preached. “He has given to you a man who’s had a peculiar awareness of the need for the bread of social justice. He’s given to you a man who has a peculiar awareness of the problems that individuals face in life.” Abernathy was born in Linden, Ala., on March 11, 1926. His father, William Abernathy, was the first African American to vote in Marengo County, Ala., and the first to serve on a grand jury there. Abernathy was ordained a Baptist minister in 1948, and two years later he hosted a radio show, becoming the first black man on radio in Montgomery, Ala. In 1951, he became the senior pastor of the largest black church in Montgomery, the First Baptist Church, where he served for 10 years. In 1954, Abernathy met King and the two became close friends. Together they created the Montgomery Improvement Association in 1955, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott that ended successfully in December 1956. The following month, on Jan. 10, 1957, Abernathy’s home was bombed as a result of the boycott, although his family was unharmed. That year, King and Abernathy, together with other black ministers and leaders, cofounded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Abernathy became founding financial secretary-treasurer. After the success of the Freedom Riders

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy spearheaded successful nonviolent movements across the country and spent leisure time together with their wives, children and friends.

in 1961, King persuaded Abernathy to become pastor of the West Hunter Street Baptist Church, and the Abernathy family moved from Montgomery to Atlanta in 1962. Close to where Abernathy and King lived, the historic church was a logical meeting place and served as the headquarters for several organizations and civil rights leaders. King and Abernathy spearheaded successful nonviolent movements across the country. They traveled together, often sharing hotel rooms, and spent leisure time together with their wives, children and friends. They also were jailed together 17 times

for their involvement in the civil rights movement. Their work helped secure passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the abolition of Jim Crow segregation laws in the South. Abernathy suffered beatings by Southern policemen and state troopers, 44 arrests, and daily threats against his life and those of his wife, Juanita, and their five children. His family land and car were confiscated and some of his colleagues in the movement were murdered. Abernathy took over as president of the

SCLC after King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, leading the Poor People’s Campaign in Washington and other movement projects. He served as an advisory committee member of the Congress on Racial Equality, and in 1989, the year before his death, Abernathy penned a controversial autobiography titled “And the Walls Came Tumbling Down: An Autobiography,” about his and King’s involvement in the movement. Abernathy died at age 64 on April 17, 1990. Today, West Hunter Street Baptist Church, on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, is led by senior pastor Toussaint Hill Jr., who was appointed in July 2006.

February 11, 2017

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

“These funds are an important down payment to save this church and stories of the people who worshipped here.”

Abernathy family awaits funds to begin urgent work on church Pieces are missing from the stainedglass windows of the old church building, and its doors are locked. Bars cover street-level windows.

Luther King Jr. Drive S.W., formerly West Hunter Street, in Atlanta from 1906 to 1973. In its heyday, the church was at the center of the civil rights movement. Hundreds of activists were trained there in nonviolence, and many important decisions – including the decision for the first march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., in 1963 – were made under its now collapsing ceilings. The National Park Service launched the West Hunter Street Baptist Church Special Resource Study after Congress passed Public Law 113-291 on Dec. 19, 2014, to seek to preserve civil rights monuments. Through 2016, the law directed the NPS to evaluate the national significance of the West Hunter Street Church site and the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System. Annette Abernathy said Tuesday that she and other family members are grateful for the Park Service’s grant and its exploration of National Historic Site designation for the old church building.

She said her family wants to see her husband’s vision for the church come to fruition and that as soon as the money is in the bank, contractors will begin the most urgent work. “It’s my hope that if we are able to begin soon, we should be able to have it completed by the end of the summer or before fall,” she said. “That may be a little aggressive, but that

is my hope.” Abernathy said the most urgent work includes repairing the historic church’s roof to stop further water damage; securing the original stained-glass windows so they are not broken or further damaged; cleaning the church; securing it against vagrants and homeless people; ventilation to prevent mold buildup; and removal of any hazardous mate-

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Johnson introduced study act for church In February 2014, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson introduced the West Hunter Street Baptist Church Study Act to the U.S. House of Representatives. It directed the secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the historic church and the block on which it is located. The act required the secretary to evaluate the Hank Johnson national significance of the site; determine the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System; consider alternatives for the site’s preservation, protection and interpretation; consider the effect the site would have on commercial and recreational activities as part of the park system; and identify authorities involved in the site for land use decisions. The act had 77 co-sponsors and went through the Committee on Natural Resources, and in September 2014, it passed in the House. It was received that month in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources before being passed by Congress on Dec. 19, 2014. In January 2016, the National Park Service announced official plans to begin exploring the possibility of making the old church a National Historic Site. Based on the special resource study, the Park Service will determine whether the historic church meets criteria for inclusion in the National Park System and make recommendations to the secretary of Interior, who would then forward the recommendations to Congress. The process is expected to take several years.

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rial such as asbestos and lead paint. Just a few blocks from the old church, contractors are building a $1.5 billion stadium to replace the Georgia Dome. Since 1973, when the church’s congregation moved two miles to its current, larger site of worship at 1040 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., the historic church building has been largely vacant. Bars cover street-level windows and pieces of glass are missing from the faded stained-glass creations above. Its large wooden doors that once welcomed congregation members and civil rights activists are permanently locked, and a billboard frame on the church’s façade hangs empty. The Ralph David Abernathy III Foundation applied for the Park Service grant in October 2016 with the support of U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, who represents the 4th District that includes South DeKalb. Johnson said the history of the civil rights movement is a lesson in democratic ideals and it is our duty to preserve the landmarks and to share their significance with future generations. “These funds are an important down payment to save this historic church and the important stories of the people who worshipped here,” Johnson said.

Black History

The African American Philharmonic Orchestra will perform on Feb. 14 at the Decatur Library in the Black History Month series.

Orchestra to perform at Decatur Library

The African American Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of legendary conductor John T. Peek, will bring its brand of jazz to the Decatur Library on Feb. 14 as part of the library’s Black History Month series. Peek, now 86, co-founded the orchestra on Feb. 12, 1988, with his wife, Carrie Whaley Peek, and Tommy Stewart, a trumpet player, arranger, producer, composer and pianist, to showcase professional musicians and composers of African American descent in the Atlanta area. At the time, it was one of only four all-black orchestras in the country and at least one or no more than two black musicians were playing in most major orchestras nationally. There also were only 186 black musicians who were qualified to participate in major orchestras, a Rockefeller Foundation article said. Peek’s credits include traveling with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Earl Hines, Sarah Vaughan, Little Richard, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Billy Eckstine and Louis Armstrong. Funding for the performance is provided by the Friends of Decatur Library. The library is at 215 Sycamore St. in downtown Decatur. For more about the performance, call 404-370-3070. For more information about the orchestra, visit aapomusic. com.

Discussion centered on state of black business

African American state lawmakers and local government officials will discuss “Black History: The Past, Present and Future of Black Businesses” on Feb. 23 at the APEX Museum in Atlanta. During the 6-to-8 p.m. program, state Reps. Sharon BeasleyTeague (D-Red Oak), Patty Bentley (D-Butler) and “Able” Mable Thomas (D-Atlanta) will make presentations, and there will be remarks from John Eaves, chair of the Fulton County Commission, and DeKalb CEO Mike Thurmond. The event, which will focus on the history, current state and future of black businesses in metro Atlanta, is free and open to the public, but registration is required at www.minorityatc.org. It is co-hosted by Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and Minority Access to Capital Inc. The museum is at 135 Auburn Ave. N.E. in Atlanta.

Choirs celebrating ‘Art of the Negro Spiritual’ Eight church choirs from across metro Atlanta will celebrate Black History in song on Feb. 26 at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta. “The Art of the Negro Spiritual” begins at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary. It will feature Saint Philip Choir #1 under the direction of Dr. Anthony B. Stinson. Guess choirs include Berean Seventh-day Adventist’s Voices of Inspiration with director Luther Washington; Big Bethel AME’s Big Bethel Chorale under Chuck Lyons; the Chancel Choir of East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist under Nate Fisher; Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir under Dr. Tony McNeil; the Anthem Choir of Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist under Cass Johnson; the Sanctuary Choir from Saint Paul AME; and Choir No. 1 from Allen Temple AME. It is free to attend. The church is at 240 Candler Road S.E. at the intersection of Memorial Drive. For more information, visit saintphilip.org or call L’Tanya Moore-Copeland at 404-371-0749, Ext. 8423.

CrossRoadsNews

February 11, 2017

The audience gets to decide whether Flipper was treated fairly before, during and after the trial.

NCNW celebrates, reflects on black history

Singers, dancers and poets will perform Bethune, one of 17 children born to on Feb. 13 as part of a Black History Month former slaves, grew up in rural South program at Mary McLeod Bethune Middle Carolina and attended segregated mission School in Decatur. schools. She initially wanted to be a misThe theme of the program, presented sionary but turned to education after the by the DeKalb Section of the National Presbyterian mission board rejected her Council of Negro Women, is “Connecting application to go to Africa. Our Past, Present and Future Through the She founded the Daytona Educational Celebration of Black History Month.” and Industrial School for Negro Girls in NCNW members will wear Afrocen1904. In 1923, the school merged with the tric attire and dish up soul food with an all-male Cookman Institute of Jacksonville African twist. The free program, which Mary McLeod Bethune and eventually became Bethune-Cookman begins at 6:30 p.m., will reflect on the founded a school for black College, a four-year, coeducational institugirls in 1904 and NCNW. contributions of African Americans in the tion. Bethune served as college president community. It takes place at a school named for educator until 1942 and again from 1946-47. and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune, who lived The middle school is at 5200 Covington Highway. For from 1875-1955 and founded the NCNW in 1935. more information, visit http://dekalbncnw.org.

ConunDrums showcasing West African rhythms The all-female percussion ensemble ConunDrums will play West African rhythms on Feb. 25 at the RedanTrotti Library in Lithonia. The Atlanta-based group, which has performed at parades, conferences, festivals, worship services, nonprofit fundraisers and parties, will discuss the history of drums and the music of West Africa. ConunDrums celebrated its 15th anniversary in November. The program, which is suitable for all ages, begins at noon. Funding is provided by the Friends of RedanTrotti Library. The library is at 1569 Wellborn Road. For more in- Percussion ensemble ConunDrums will perform on Feb. 25 formation, call 770-482-3821. at the Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia.

The transformation of Garvey’s ‘Mighty Race’

Freedom songs from civil rights movement

Drummers, dancers and storytellers will entertain at “Black History Month: Transformation” on Feb. 15 at the Flat Shoals Library in Decatur. The 4-to-8 p.m. event for all ages will explore feats accomplished by black people before slavery to present day and the future of what orator and social activist Marcus Garvey called a “Mighty Race.” Garvey (1887-1940), who was born in Jamaica, was a proponent Marcus Garvey of the Black Nationalism and PanAfricanism movements. He inspired the Nation of Islam and the Rastafarian movement and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League. The Friends of Flat Shoals Library provided funding for the program. The library is at 4022 Flat Shoals Parkway. For more information, call 404-244-4370.

The power of community singing through the freedom songs of the civil rights movement will be discussed on Feb. 15 at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library in Decatur. Singer and educator Joyce L. Williams will facilitate “Songs of Hope, Songs of Freedom” beginning at 11 a.m. The 90-minute program will explore the messages and meanings of freedom songs and how they continue to play a vital role in the struggle for human rights. Residents of all ages are welcome to participate regardless of experience. Williams is half of the duo Joyce & Jacque and has shared the stage with notable artists such as Odetta, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, the Pointer Sisters, Gladys Knight, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road. For more information, call 404-286-6980.

Play revisits court-martial of Henry O. Flipper Former Army captain, paratrooper and combat veteran Bob Rogers will dramatize the military trial of former slave Henry O. Flipper on Feb. 28 at the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library. Rogers’ one-act play, “Lieutenant Flipper’s Trial,” begins at 7 p.m. for adult patrons. Henry Ossian Flipper (1856-1940), who was born in Georgia, was the first African American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He was tried for embezzlement of government money, found guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman, and dismissed from the U.S. Army. “Lieutenant Flipper’s Trial” dramatizes the 1881 court-martial, and the audience gets to decide whether Flipper was treated fairly before, during and after the trial and take part in the “talk-back” session and game show. Prizes are included. In 1976, Flipper was granted an honorable discharge by the Department of the Army. President Bill Clinton granted him a full pardon on Feb. 19, 1999. The library is at 2861 Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur. For more information, call 404-286-6980.

Lt. Henry O. Flipper was West Point’s first black graduate.

Graphic novelist on black art in historic times Visual/teaching artist Kevin Sipp will present Black Art in Historical Context on Feb. 25 at the Stonecrest Library. Shipp, who is also a curator and graphic novel author, will explore perspectives on American slavery, Emancipation, Reconstruction and the Great Migration as seen in the art of those times, and lead an exploration of art of the some of the most compelling events in Black History.

The program starts at 2 p.m. Sipp, who plans and coordinates projects for Gallery 72, a facility of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs, is a former curator and exhibition designer for Hammonds House Museum. He is author of the graphic novel “The Amazing Adventures of David Walker Blackstone.” The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in Stonecrest. For more information, call 770-482-3828.

February 11, 2017

Black History

CrossRoadsNews

“At age 6, Herndon was selling peanuts. I decided I could help others find their paths and turn their lives around.”

Holder, scholars, civil rights and policy leaders talk race at Carter Center Eric H. Holder Jr., U.S. attorney general under President Barack Obama, will headline a panel of scholars, civil rights leaders and policy leaders discussing “Race: The American Cauldron” on Feb. 15 at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The New Dialogue on Race in America event is part of a series of solutions-focused discussions. Holder was attorney general from 2009 to 2015. The panel includes authors Michael Eric Dyson and Elizabeth Hinton, an assistant Harvard University professor, Black

initiative to develop bipartisan insights and recommendations to the new administration in the first year in office – takes place 3 to 4:45 p.m. Doors open at 2. The event is free, but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. A Cappella Books will have copies of books by Dyson, Hinton and Blackmon available for purchase and signing. Eric Holder Jr. Douglas Blackmon Michael E. Dyson Elizabeth Hinton DeRay McKesson The Carter Center is at 441 Freedom Lives Matter’s DeRay McKesson, and Pulit- discussion. Parkway N.E. in Atlanta. zer Prize winner and former AJC reporter The panel – which is part of the Miller For more information, contact Kate HuDouglas Blackmon, who will moderate the Center’s First Year Project, a three-year ber at khuber@virginia.edu.

Inaugural Herndon Award goes to United Way’s Milton Little Jr. By Rosie Manins

Atlanta businessman Milton J. Little Jr., who is president and CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta, will receive the first Alonzo F. Herndon Lifetime Achievement Award this fall. The award created by the Alonzo F. and Norris B. Herndon Foundation honors individuals who mirror the entrepreneurial and community spirit of Alonzo F. Herndon, a freed slave who became Atlanta’s first black millionaire. The foundation, named for him and his only son, announced the award on Feb. 8 at the historic Herndon Home museum in Vine City. The Alonzo F. Herndon Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented Oct. 21 during the inaugural fundraising gala at the Atlanta History Center. Little, a graduate of Morehouse College and Columbia University, controls more than $100 million in revenue among more than 200 groups in metro Atlanta. He said Herndon became one of his role models when he was a young child learning “Negro History” in school and he is honored by the award. “At the age of 6, Herndon was selling peanuts,” Little said. “I decided that I could help others find their paths and turn their lives around.” The foundation announced the award recipient at the Herndon Game Changer Program for young entrepreneurs that trains high school students in entrepreneurship and exposes them to business leaders. The foundation said that Little and future recipients will contribute to the wider community and make a difference in people’s lives through investment, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Herndon’s incredible rags-to-riches story starts with his birth into slavery as the son of his white master and a slave woman. He was emancipated as a child and went from being a penniless sharecropper to Atlanta’s first black millionaire as founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Co., one of the top African American companies in the United States.

‘A social entrepreneur at heart’ Roosevelt Giles, chairman of the Herndon Foundation board, said there are similarities in Herndon’s and Little’s stories. Both overcame circumstantial hurdles to achieve great things, Giles said. “Milton is a social entrepreneur at heart,” Giles said. “He was the first African American to run United Way … who better to receive this inaugural award?” The gala in October will raise money for the foundation’s 3-year-old Game Changer Program for high school entrepreneurs, which is expanding each year. The Game Changer Program is free for participants and offers $2,500 in college scholarship money and a laptop to high school graduates. This year, 28 students are enrolled. Nine

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

Milton J. Little Jr. (left) talks with Herndon Foundation board Chair Roosevelt Giles and Salem High senior Elijah Fleming Feb. 8 at Herndon Home.

of them are seniors who expect to graduate in June. Among them is Salem High School senior Elijah Fleming, 17, of Conyers. Elijah said that he is enjoying the program. “It’s going to help me later on in the future because I want to be a commercial pilot and then open my own airline service business,” he said Feb. 8. “I will help people get around the world.” Come the start of the new school year in the fall, the program will be open to 10thand 11th-graders only and will be completed over two or three years. The foundation anticipates enrolling 40 students in the fall and accommodating more each year as the program expands. Julissa White-Smith, who manages the program, said its students represent more

than 12 schools across metropolitan Atlanta. “Our mission is to instill the entrepreneurial spirit in our young people,” she said. Sponsorship comes from the Atlanta Life Financial Group and other local businesses and organizations. Program participants meet second Saturdays monthly and work on business models, marketing, and other entrepreneurial skills. To graduate, they must present full business plans to a panel of judges during a business expo. More information on the program and gala can be found on the foundation’s website, www.herndonfdn.org.

Milton J. Little Jr. Little, 61, has spent 25 years working in

public and private philanthropy, creating work force and educational programs, building national partnerships to fund housing, and developing corporate philanthropy and community involvement strategies. He is chairman of the Southern Education Foundation’s board of trustees, and as president and CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta, Little determines how its more than $100 million in annual revenue gets divvied up among more than 200 philanthropic organizations in Greater Atlanta’s 13 counties. He has been a key figure in addressing homelessness in Atlanta, including his work on the Regional Commission on Homelessness. Little is a past president and CEO of United Way Massachusetts Bay and held executive leadership positions at the National Urban League in his native New York, where he launched innovative housing partnerships involving federal departments and corporations. Under Little’s leadership in 2010, nearly 17,000 Georgians received $21 million in emergency financial housing assistance through the Georgia Fresh Start initiative. During the devastating 2009 floods in North Georgia, Little and his team brought together community leaders to stabilize the region, bringing much needed assistance to victims. Little also worked at Lucent Technologies and AT&T, where he developed philanthropic strategies that became the forerunners of many programs that are today reducing disparities in education, employment, income, and health in communities nationwide. He earned a B.A. degree in sociology from Morehouse College in Atlanta and an M.A. degree in urban sociology and social policy from Columbia University in New York City. He also studied public administration at New York University.

Alonzo F. Herndon’s rags-to-riches story serves as inspiration Alonzo F. Herndon (1858-1927) was born into slavery, emancipated at the age of 7, worked as a sharecropper about 40 miles east of Atlanta, and opened three barbershops in the city after learning the trade. He went on to invest in real estate, then entered the insurance industry, founding in 1905 the Atlanta Life Insurance Co. – one of just five African American insurance companies to achieve legal reserve status at the time. Herndon’s business boomed and he expanded into Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. As Atlanta’s first black millionaire, Herndon and his first wife, Adrienne, built Herndon Home at 587 University Place N.W. in the Vine City neighborhood of downtown Atlanta. Adrienne designed the two-story brick home, which took three years to construct and was completed in 1910 by predominantly African American contractors. Just four months after the Herndons moved into the house, Adrienne died. Their son, Norris, lived there, and before his death in 1977, he established the Herndon Foundation, which operates the house as a museum. Herndon Home became a National Historic Landmark in 2000 and is open for public tours.

Herndon Home, built in Vine City by Atlanta’s first black millionaire, Alonzo F. Herndon, and his wife, Adrienne, is a National Historic Landmark.

CrossRoadsNews

February 11, 2017

Join us for two fabulous days of Black History Month celebration at...

MACY’S LENOX SQUARE! THURSDAY, FEB. 16TH, 7PM Join Grammy-nominated R&B vocalist BJ The Chicago Kid, and hip-hop lyricist, KAMAU “In Conversation” for a discussion on Black Art and Expression. Plus, catch a special

BJ The Chicago Kid Vocalist

performance by the Universoul Circus!

FRIDAY, FEB. 17TH, 7PM You’re invited to a cooking demo and discussion with award-winning Macy’s Culinary Council Chef, Marcus Samuelsson who’ll be sharing stories and preparing recipes from his latest cookbook! Enjoy music by The Rakiem Walker Project, and performances by the

KAMAU Lyricist

dance group W.A.F.F.L.E.! Make any Home purchase of $35* or more and take home a signed copy** of “The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem”! Plus, score a $10 Macy’s Gift Card† at event check-in when you RSVP online!

Marcus Samuelsson RSVP for both events today at

Macy’s Culinary Council Chef

macys.com/celebrate

Event subject to change or cancellation. First come, first served. *Purchase must be made at Macy’s Lenox Square on 2/17/17. **One per customer, while supplies last and time permits. †Gift Card valid 2/17/17-2/24/17. Both Gift Card and Book distributed 2/17/17. 50863_N7010168B.indd 1

2/3/17 6:25 PM