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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 43
JANUARY 24, 2020
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Georgia lawmakers file bill to prohibit hair discrimination By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer State Sen. Tonya Anderson, a Democrat who represents Georgia’s District 43, has filed a bill to stop hair discrimination in the workplace, schools and for those seeking housing. If passed, SB 286 would protect people who have braids, locks, twists and other textured styles typically associated with African Americans. Violators could face lawsuits, civil fines and various penalties, if found guilty of discriminative practices concerning hair. Similar legislation has been passed in California, New York and New Jersey, according to news outlets. State Sen. Nikema Williams, a Democrat who represents District 39, said she is working with Anderson on the bill known as CROWN (Creating A Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). Anderson recently discussed the bill at the DeKalb Cultural Exchange community breakfast meeting. “It means you can’t be discriminated against at the workplace, schools, and other places. Our hair is an expression of who we are. If the baby wants to wear beads in her hair to school, then she should be able to wear those beads with her braids. No one should ask you when are you going to take it down," Anderson said. Anderson said support for CROWN is spreading across the nation. “The wave is going to our 50 states—from California to Florida, which dropped the bill in November. We are going to make this a movement,” said Anderson.
Pictured Commissioner Larry Johnson, second from left, at a community event to educate the public about the census count. Photo provided
State Sen. Tonya Anderson, District 43, discussing the hair bill at the DeKalb Cultural Exchange community breakfast meeting on Jan. 11. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
State Sen. Nikema Williams, District 39, posted this graphic on her Facebook page to demonstrate the versatility of black hair styles deemed suitable for the workplace.
Williams, who began holding conversations around hair discriminatory practices last Spring, said she knew it was time to take the conversation to another level after a non-person of color and fellow legislative colleague openly commented on Williams’ hair after she came to work with her hair
DeKalb hits the ground in push for 2020 Census count Fred McBride to keynote forum at St. Philip AME on Jan. 30 DeKalb County is kicking off a whirlwind of activities and events, now that the 2020 U.S. Census enumerators have begun the push to count every person living in the U.S. for this decade. The U.S. Census kicked off the nation’s count in the remote Alaskan fishing village of Toksook Bay with enumerators traveling on frozen terrain on Jan. 21. Locally, the count will begin in March. DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, who is heading DeKalb’s “Complete Count Committee, says organizers are gearing up to help census workers contact hard-to-reach populations in DeKalb by hosting carnivals, forums, faith outreach and MARTA initiatives and other events to let people know they can respond to the census online, by phone or by mail. The county is seeking 100 percent participation, Johnson said. In 2018, DeKalb County had
SEE BILL page 7
a population of 757,000 with a median age of 35.9 and a median household income of $64,461, according to Data USA. “You only get a census every 10 years. It is so crucial that every one is counted to make sure our county has what we need,” said Johnson. “Each person in DeKalb is worth almost $3,000. If we can get 100 percent, we will get $1.8 billion coming back to us from the federal government over 10 years. The last time we had the census count 10 years ago, we only had a 72 percent return rate, which means we missed out on $275 million that DeKalb County could have had with a 100 percent return rate.” Johnson said with so many urban communities in DeKalb, the Complete Count Committee, comprised of representatives from each municipality in DeKalb, each commissioner’s district and the CEO’s office, had to be creative in
SEE CENSUS page 7
DeKalb County Superior Courts achieve milestone in Accountability Courts
Front row (left to right): DeKalb Superior Court Judges Mark Anthony Scott, Clarence Seeliger, Asha Jackson, Linda Hunter and Gregory Adams. Standing(left to right): Stacey Hydrick, Courtney Johnson, Tangela Barrie, LaTisha Dear Jackson and Shondeana Morris.
Judge Mark Anthony Scott, presiding judge over the Stone Mountain Circuit’s four accountability courts, announced that the circuit has achieved a participation milestone by having all 10 of its judges voluntarily preside or serve in one or more of the Accountability programs. The Stone Mountain Circuit has created and continues to successfully administer Drug, Parent Accountability, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment court programs for the most vulnerable citizens in DeKalb County. Citizens have long recognized that incarceration is not the sole solution for many who encounter the criminal justice system. Scott said because the judges see the benefits of this approach, they volunteer to help encourage citizens who qualify to participate in one of the four
programs. “Many of the programs’ participants would simply be lost without the creative and compassionate solutions the professional staff and judges utilize in assisting these citizens through a very rough patch in their lives and the lives of their families,” Scott said. Scott also said that the circuit would not enjoy the level of participation by his colleagues without the financial and administrative support of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and various state entities that provide support. “I am very proud of this and the many other accomplishments of the accountability court model in DeKalb County and looks forward to growing the programs moving forward,” Scott said.
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Krystal files bankruptcy protection, plans to keep restaurant chain open The Dunwoody-based Krystal Company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but said this week that it plans to keep its restaurants open. The restaurant chain cited debt of between $50 million and $100 million in its petition, which was filed in federal bankruptcy court in Atlanta on Jan. 19. Krystal owes food suppliers, and marketing and equipment companies among others. Officials said the fast-food chain, known for its small, square burgers with steamed buns and onions, is seeking to restructure quickly and build a better brand. The company touts itself as the South’s oldest restaurant chain. "The actions we are taking are intended to enable Krystal to establish a stronger business for the future and to achieve a restructuring in a fast and efficient manner," the company said in a statement. "We are pleased to be ready to move toward a brighter future for the brand and have the support of our stakeholders." The chain cited shifting consumer tastes, higher operating costs and the growth of online food ordering to the company's financial problems, according to court documents. Krystal has about 300 restaurants in 10 states: Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. There are about 75 locations in metro Atlanta. The company has launched initiatives to refranchise between 100 and 150 of its company-owned restaurants. The Krystal Company, owned by Atlanta-based equity firm Argonne Capital Group, was founded in Chattanooga, Tenn. in 1932.
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JANUARY 24, 2020 • PAGE 3
DeKalb survey to study blighted properties PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
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ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie N. Morgan
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com
The DeKalb County Community Development Department is surveying unincorporated areas of the county in an effort to eradicate blight and revitalize properties. Last week, the county began collecting data for the Comprehensive Property Conditions Survey, which will provide a detailed inventory of property conditions within unincorporated DeKalb. “The survey is an additional tool to revitalize DeKalb,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “The data collected from the survey will help to create an interactive database that will track and record blighted properties in the county.” Data collection, including streetlevel photos, will be conducted by Cyclomedia Technologies Inc.
Cyclomedia vehicles have started collecting data, including photos of all properties in unincorporated DeKalb.
The survey will include the condition and characteristics of nearly 140,000 parcels within unincorporated DeKalb, including pictures and occupancy status. Anticipated to be completed by June 2020, the final
Rep. Kendrick to host third annual "Tech for All" Day of Action State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) will host the third annual "Tech for All" Day of Action on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Suite 514 18 Capitol Ave. Atlanta. The event will focus on cybersecurity and protecting Georgia citizens from cyber State Rep. security crimes. The event includes breakfast Dar’shun Kendrick and a guest panel discussion with area experts on cyber security. After the guest panel, participants will have an opportunity to view a 2020 legislative day in the House Chamber Gallery. Additionally, Rep. Kendrick and Attorney Roy E. Hadley, Jr. will be recognized on the floor for an invitation resolution about the “Tech for All” Day of Action. Hadley specializes in cybersecurity law, and he will serve as a guest speaker during the presentation. This year’s “Tech for All” Day of Action is sponsored by the Technology Association of Georgia, Cyber Defense International, LLC and Facebook. For more information and to register for the event, visit eventbrite.com.
Browns Mill Recreation Center to open pickleball courts By Candice Guthrie For On Common Ground News Browns Mill Recreation Center is set to open new pickleball courts to the public on Jan. 28. There will be four courts ready for use with a fifth one set to be available by the first week of February, said Sean DePalma, City of Stonecrest’s director of Parks and Recreation. Pickleball combines components of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It is played with a paddle and plastic ball with holes, much like a Sean DePalma wiffle ball. It can be played inside or outside and with doubles or singles. “It’s a really great sport for older active adults, but it can be played by all age groups,” said DePalma. “It’s very popular in South Florida where I’m from and one of the fastest-growing national sports.” In fact, pickleball seems to be everywhere. This month, Gwinnett County presented a “Pickleball and Potluck” program to seniors at the Rhodes Park Community Recreation Center. The Rock Gym in Stone Mountain, Tucker Recreation and Decatur Family YMCA on Clairmont Avenue all offer pickleball. DePalma said in addition to the portable nets, the city has purchased paddles and balls for the game. DePalma said that once the courts are open, members of the community will be able to play on them during hours the center is open. People will be able to use the courts on a first-come first-served basisa, DePalma said. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 30, Chuck Blackshear, a USA Pickleball Association Ambassador, will host free public clinics at Browns Mill from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist the community in learning more about the sport and how it is played.
survey results will be used to develop a long-term intervention strategy for blight removal. Since January 2017, CEO Thurmond has enhanced county blight fighting initiatives to address derelict properties with the county demolishing or abating more than 420 properties. Additionally, the county has focused on litter removal, illegal dumping, grass mowing, curb bumping, and removing debris, trash and grass from county streets, sidewalks, roadway drains, and rights of way through Operation Clean Sweep. The Comprehensive Property Conditions Survey was approved by the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 17, 2019.
Stonecrest Councilmember Tammy Grimes sets ‘listening session’ Jan. 28 Stonecrest City Councilwoman Tammy Grimes will host a listening session, “It’s Time to Talk With Tammy,” on Jan. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road. The newly-elected councilmember said she is Councilwoman hosting the meeting to get to Tammy Grimes know constituents in District 5 and their concerns and issues they would like to have addressed. “This not a town hall or forum. It’s a listening session for citizens of District 5 to come together to prioritize issues and concerns that we will work together on,” said Grimes.
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DeKalb NAACP to host community breakfast meeting Jan. 25 PSC chairman to discuss utility rate hikes
Families invited to youth summit at Stonecrest Library Feb. 1 Jared’s Heart of Success, Inc. will host a summit for youths and teens on Feb. 1, 1:15 – 3:15 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library Auditorium, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. The “Prevention of Violence through Creative Art” Summit will feature performances by youths and teens through spoken word, poetry, and creative arts and dances. Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary will bring greetings and remarks at the program. Major K.D. Banks, of the DeKalb County Police Department, will serve as the keynote speaker. Stonecrest resident Sharmaine Brown, founder of Jared’s Heart of Success, said she is encouraging parents to bring their children to the event, where the talents of about 10 youths will be showcased and positive messages will be shared. Brown founded the organization after she and her husband, James, lost their 23-yearold son, Jared, to gun violence in July 2015. “The goal of the summit is to raise awareness in our community of the forms of education and prevention of any type of violence,” said Brown. “No parent should have to experience the pain that I live with daily in losing my son. There are so many creative things -Sharmaine Brown that our youths can be involved in.” Brown said the summit will commemorate National Gun Violence Survivors Week, which begins on Feb. 1. She said her organization also has received special recognition from Gov. Brian Kemp. This month, Kemp issued Brown a proclamation declaring Feb. 1 “Prevention of Violence Awareness Day” in Georgia. “I will continue to be an advocate for our children and for families like mine who have experienced gun violence. There have been too many youths lost to gun violence. It’s become like it’s normal,” Brown said. She said her son was attending a cookout when a young man opened fire on a group of young people and Jared was shot in the head as he tried to run. A friend of Jared who had been involved in a disagreement with the shooter over a video game was shot in the leg. The shooter, Brown said, was sentenced to life without parole. “I feel that there have been too many shootings involving our youths. It’s becoming like it’s normal,” said Brown. Major Banks said he is looking forward to speaking at the “Prevention of Violence through Creative Art” Summit “I think it’s important to let the youth know, from the police standpoint, we still know that despite some of the things that are going on, there’s a brighter future,” Major Banks said. “There are many of them doing more positive things than negative, The summit is free to the community. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, e-mail Sharmaine Brown at jaredsheartofsuccess@gmail.com. The summit is free to the community. Refreshments will be provided. OCG News intern Candice Guthrie contributed to this report.
“I feel that there have been too many shootings involving our youths.
The DeKalb NAACP will have its general membership and community breakfast meeting on Jan. 25, 10 a.m., at Salem Bible Church, 5460 Hillandale Drive, Stonecrest. Georgia Public Service Commission Chair Lauren “Bubba” McDonough is the guest speaker for the meeting. McDonough will discuss his role and the PSC’s recent approval of rate hikes for Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light customers. New rates took effect this month. According to a news release from the Public Service Teresa Hardy Commission, Georgia Power will collect $1.77 billion of a proposed $2.2 billion increase from 2020 through 2022. DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy said the branch plans to hold the February and March meetings at Salem Bible Church on the fourth Saturday. The organization is looking at other locations for the next quarter and beyond to empower the community at-large, Hardy said. “The whole idea is to get more people to come out and receive information. We will have different guest speakers to educate the public and they will also learn firsthand what the NAACP is doing in the community,” said Hardy. The meetings will focus on voter education, the census and wealth creation. There is no charge to attend the meeting. The City of Stonecrest is sponsoring the breakfast.
Commissioner Steve Bradshaw to host community breakfast meeting DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw’s Quarterly in the Fourth January community breakfast meeting will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m., Stephenson Middle School, 922 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. DeKalb County department representatives will be available to respond to questions and special guest speakers will provide updates, in addition to a demonstration on the new voting machines. There will be a meet-and-greet with DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos.
Commissioner Steve Bradshaw
Commissioner Larry Johnson attends county leadership meeting at White House DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, in his role as the 2nd vice president of the National Association of Counties Organization (NACo), recently represented the county on a national level. Johnson attended a leadership and executive directors meeting in Washington,D.C. and engaged with the Administration in a panel discussion on mental health, deregulation, immigration and community revitalization. Larry Johnson Johnson raised an issue regarding the Community Mental Health Act of 1963. The act was the first of several federal policy changes that helped spark a major transformation of the public mental health system by shifting resources away from large institutions toward community-based mental health treatment programs. “A lot of times the things that we need “Unfortunately, as the nation has experienced a decline in mental institutions, one of the unintended consequences for teens are the limited beds that are available to them,” Johnson said. “The Trump Administration vowed to look at how to increase bed space for teens that are dealing with mental health challenges.”
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH 2020 AT 7:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD, SUITE 155 STONECREST, GA 30038 The following petition(s)/amendment(s) within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above: LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
RZ-19-010 / SLUP-19-009 Browns Mill Enterprises Corporation c/o Battle Law, P.C. 3332 Turner Hill Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) Zoning District Requesting to rezone subject property from R-100 to NS (Neighborhood Shopping) and Special Land Use permit for the development of 16,000 square foot retail center with convenience store with accessory fuel pump and alcohol outlet.
Hillcrest Church of Christ
1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm
BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
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JANUARY 24, 2020 • PAGE 5
DeKalb educator Lonnie Edwards saluted as champion carrying on MLK legacy
L
ong-time DeKalb County educator Lonnie J. Edwards, Sr. was honored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Council with the first-ever Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Award. Edwards was among four honored as community champions at Georgia’s state ceremony celebration for the King Holiday. The awards were presented on Jan. 17 at the State Capitol. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms received the Rita Jackson Samuels Founders Award; Juanita Abernathy received the Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Civil Rights Award; and the Honorable Nadia Theodore, Consul
General of Canada in Atlanta, received the Ambassador Andrew J. Young Humanitarian Award. Edwards has served in the field of education for more than 40 years—from a teacher to a superintendent of schools; as a staff member for the Georgia Department of Education; and as an Educational Consultant with projects, which include focusing on diversity and inclusion. Edwards navigated the opening of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Lithonia in 2001. It is the only high school named for Dr. King in Georgia.
Student filmmakers to unite for second annual DCSD Student Film Festival The DeKalb County School District (DCSD)’s Student Film Festival will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., at the AMC North DeKalb Theater, 2042 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur. Students from 15 DCSD high schools have been working hard to bring creative film works to life. They have written scripts, designed sets, mixed sound, and shot scenes—all to produce the best short film possible. The DeKalb County community will have the opportunity to view the films
before naming the best in the novice and advanced categories. In addition, professional judges from the film industry will be present to judge submissions before naming the best in the beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories. Awards will be distributed in each category for “Best of Show,” “Audience Choice,” “Best Actor,” “Best Screenplay,” “Best Editing,” “Best Directing,” “Best Sound,” and one final “Overall Winner.” Participating schools include Arabia Mountain,
Cedar Grove, Chamblee Charter, Columbia, DeKalb High School of Technology South, DeKalb School of the Arts, Dunwoody, Lakeside, Miller Grove, Martin Luther King, Jr., McNair, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Towers, and Tucker high schools. The DCSD Film Festival will include a red carpet and other festivities. Admission is free. RSVPs are being accepted at eventbrite: http://bit.ly/303QX5Q, and qrpritchett@dekalbcountyga. gov. For more information: 404-371-6341.
Dr. Lonnie Edwards is pictured with his wife, Cynthia Edwards, at the Georgia State Capitol.
DeKalb Citizen Advisory Board to meet Jan. 28 The DeKalb Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6 p.m., at the Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur. Information will be provided on current park improvements and recreation projects. For more information, contact Carol Underwood, administrative coordinator, at 404-371-2927 or cjunderw@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Campfire at Arabia Mountain Nature Center Join Arabia Mountain Rangers for s’mores and hot cocoa by a campfire on Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m. Participants will meet at the Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. The campfire event will be followed by a short hike to the rock outcrop during the twilight hours to see the moon rise. Food and drink supplies are limited Register online by emailing ArabiaRanger@gmail. com (Subject: Campfire). 770-484-3060.
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Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
State of the Clerk’s Office: A Decade in Review January 2020 When I took Office as Clerk of Rockdale Superior cade in Reviewand State Courts in 2009, we were already on the road to court technology advances owing to the foresight of my predecessor, the Honorable Joanne Caldwell, who held the Office for 23 years. She and her Courts and Justice Partners (Sheriff, all Rockdale Courts, and District Attorney) had the wisdom to purchase an integrated Case Management System that linked these multiple agencies. Rockdale was the first in the State of Georgia to take that leap. We were on the Bleeding Edge of Technology because it was so new. The initial implementation had lots of hiccups and shortcomings and the Clerk’s Office did not have the technical expertise to smooth them out. That’s where I came in with 26 years of Technology Leadership experience with AT&T. We have not only smoothed out most of the hiccups, but we have taught this baby a few new tricks as well. Back in the day, you had to do business with us strictly during business hours. If you needed the answer to a specific question, you had to almost hit the lottery to catch that person at their desk. There was no voicemail so you could leave a message any time of day or night. There was no website where you could get most of your questions answered. If you had to pay a traffic citation, you probably had to take a day off your job to come to court.
By Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts Now, most people can pay traffic citations online any time of day or night and not have to personally appear. These days we offer online attorney access to documents and remote electronic attorney filing of Civil Documents. Beyond that, we have automated and streamlined our jury management process. We can now offer remote online access to Real Estate documents. We are much easier to do business with because we have a dedicated website that is a treasure trove of court related information and services. Attorneys are no longer required to come to the courthouse to review their cases because we provide them remote access. That frees them to better serve their clients. And the list of process improvements, new services and conveniences goes on and on. Gone are the days when an
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employee would spend days and weeks putting labels on paper file folders. With the implementation of eFiling, we are much less paper dependent. We receive and generate a lot less paper, which helps to relieve some of the pressure on our limited storage space in our historic courthouse. We have scanned and digitized decades of court and real estate records which protects and preserves them for posterity and also makes them remotely accessible by multiple users simultaneously. We perform multiple backups and most of our infrastructure has moved or will soon move to the cloud. That means cost efficiencies and much greater protections from viruses and network interruptions. The fact that we have our own court technology specialists in-house has made a huge difference in our ability to respond to emerging opportunities and threats. We are diligent stewards of public funds. We implemented Integrated Financial Management Software, upgraded our skills and tools, and developed sound financial policies and procedures. All of this is to protect the public interest and public funds. We have consistently produced 100% clean external audits and grand jury reviews as required by law. We are efficient, transparent, and charitable and create a positive impact on our community. Not all offices can say all of that. All of this progress and preparation for the future depends
upon carefully selected, effectively lead and fairly compensated employees. Change is hard and takes time. It also takes people who are willing to let go of some of their comforts in order to do more and to do better for more of the public. The Rockdale Clerk of Courts Office is fortunate to have a team of change makers and chain breakers. We are no longer tied to the “It’s-alwaysbeen-done-that-way” thinking. We are able to not just work hard, but also to work smart. That translates into effective stewardship of public funds, high-quality customer service, responsiveness to the needs of the courts and treating every individual with respect and courtesy. We have taken extra measures to ensure that our employee body is the best and most capable it can be. I am proud to say that we have a wonderful team who have risen to every challenge put before them. There have been multiple changes in technology, organizational relationships, job descriptions, process improvements, legislation, budget challenges, working conditions and more. Still they perform at a very high level, frequently exceeding the expectations of the public we serve. We love what we do to help the people and agencies we serve. It has been a fulfilling 10 years and it has been my great honor to herve as clerk. We are “Preserving the Past While Preparing for the Future.”
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JANUARY 24, 2020 • PAGE 7
BILL continued from page 1 straightened, saying that the style was more professional and a better fit than the braids she had recently taken out. Williams said she informed the House member that she planned to get braids again because the style was healthier for her hair. “She meant it as a compliment, but it wasn’t a compliment,” said Williams. “I don’t need to assimilate and press my hair out on a daily basis,” said Williams. “We’ve been told in order to be successful we shouldn’t wear our hair the way it comes out of our scalps. I’m not asking you to make your hair look like mine, but don’t ask me to make mine look like yours.” Williams said that while hairbased discrimination is a more subtle form of discrimination, it often appears in stringent company dress code requirements under the guise of professionalism. Williams and Anderson represent a growing number of people speaking out against what is considered “mainstream” and “desired” when it comes to black hair. Opponents of conformity say pressing or chemically straightening black hair damages not only the health of one’s hair, but the culture and the spirit of those with kinky hair textures. “Our hair is an expression of who we are, and conforming is almost no longer the norm,” Anderson said. State Rep. Doreen Carter, whose District 92 includes parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties, praised the
the deep South,'" Carter recalled. "I eventually cut my locks and begin to wear my hair natural (short Afro). They didn't like that either. Black people's hair has been an ongoing conversation. It's ridiculous. Our society has deemed what's considered professional as straight hair." Rockdale County beautician Brittany Bryant of First Generation Hair Salon welcomed the new hair bill as a sign of changing times. Bryant, whose customer base consists mainly of Black women with natural hair, said that despite the rise of the natural hair demographic, hair James “Jamie” Lary said men are not exempt from anxiety is real. hair discrimination and that SB 286 is a positive When choosing hair styles, she step in the right direction toward hair equality for said her clients face a barrage of hair everyone. concerns ranging from general hair health issues such as dryness and bill. Carter, who has worn natural breakage to more complex issues hairstyles for years, said she has such as style longevity, the capacity been ostracized in both, the corporate to withstand sweat during exercise, sector as well as in the political arena, and styles requiring minimal upkeep over her hair. – on top of selecting styles that are "I commend State Sen. Tonya corporate ready. Anderson and State Sen. Nikema “A lot of my clients wear Wiiliams for picking up the mantle to protective styles such as braids and fight this kind of discrimination and I weaves because they don’t have look forward to advocating with them the time or desire to spend copious in supporting this bill," said Carter. amounts of time in the bathroom Carter said that when she was every morning. These are women running for Secretary of State in on the go who wish to express their 2014, she was told by colleagues and unique personalities and look neat,” others that she needed to change her said Bryant. “Managing other peoples hairstyle. preconceived biases when it comes "I had blonde locks at the to black hair is just another thing to time. I was told, 'You have to tone worry about.” that down. You're campaigning in The son of recently re-elected
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, James Lary, weighed in on the hair conversation. Lary, 22, said the proposed law gives him hope for his generation, in particular black men. “I think this bill is going to be huge for women, but will be of significant value to men as well. A lot of men are becoming more expressive when it comes to hair preference, especially in the South. We’ve been told for too long that wearing our hair is “too ethnic” and that in order to succeed and be accepted, we need to conform,” said Lary, who works as an insurance sales agent. Lary said that men are not exempt from hair biases and may actually receive harsher judgment than women. “We live in a society where we are judged on our appearance long before our qualifications are even looked at. Hair is really circumstantial – sometimes I wear it up and sometimes it’s braided. Right now, I’m trying to get it healthier so I’m wearing it more free these days – and that shouldn’t affect my ability to qualify for housing or a job if I’m qualified,” said Lary. Sen. Williams is encouraging citizens to share their hair discrimination stories with her on social media @Senatornikema. “We need your stories. We can’t do this without your voice,” said Williams.
CENSUS continued from page 1 developing ways to push the census count. “It’s very important that our urban communities get involved. DeKalb has about a 15 percent poverty rate. Nineteen percent of the houses in DeKalb still do not have internet services. At least 30 percent only have one book in that house, ” said Johnson. “We’re going to meet the people where they are. We’re going to barbershops, beauty salons, block parties, homeowner associations, funeral homes and churches. The goal is we’re going to go to non-traditional places to educate and encourage them to participate in the census. Johnson said the committee is hosting a winter carnival on Jan. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Miller Grove High School, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Stonecrest. DeKalb’s Complete Count Committee will begin its Neighbor-toNeighbor canvassing on Feb. 1. Faith outreach efforts will occur at various churches across the county from Feb. 26 – April 12, Johnson said. Saint Philip AME Church and The Coalition For The Peoples’ Agenda are on board. To raise awareness, the church and coalition will present a forum entitled “I got my Brother’s Back, Count Me BLACK” on Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m., at Saint Philip’s Family Life Center, 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta. Fred McBride, Ph.D., redistricting and voting rights policy specialist, will be the guest speaker at the forum. McBride will discuss the importance and impact of the census count, how population changes affect redistricting and the impact that redistricting plays on electing members of Congress, state lawmakers, county commissions, city councils and school TAXES boards. The community is encouraged to attend the free event. The “I got my Brother’s Back, Count Me BLACK” forum is hosted by the St. Philip AME Church Lay Organization Social Action Commission. The Rev. William D. Watley, Ph.D., is pastor of St. Philip AME. For updates, specific times and locations of events, visit www. dekalbcounts2020.org.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ENTITLED “THE CITY OF STONECREST CITY HALL URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” AND “THE CITY OF STONECREST GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN” TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 27th day of January 2020, at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall at 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard in Stonecrest, Georgia, the City Council of the City of Stonecrest (the “City”) will hold public hearings on (1) an urban redevelopment plan entitled “The City of Stonecrest City Hall Urban Redevelopment Plan” (the “City Hall Plan”) and (2) an urban redevelopment plan entitled “The City of Stonecrest Government Administration Services Urban Redevelopment Plan” (the “Government Administration Services Plan”). The City Hall Plan sets forth an urban redevelopment project for the urban redevelopment area of approximately 2.642 acres located in the City at 2994 Turner Hill Road. The general scope of the urban redevelopment project set forth in the City Hall Plan consists of the acquisition of real property that is improved by an existing building that was used as a “Sam’s Club” and the renovation of such building for use by the City as its City Hall. The Government Administration Services Plan sets forth an urban redevelopment project for the urban redevelopment area of approximately 15.167 acres located in the City at 8020 Mall Parkway. The general scope of the urban redevelopment project set forth in the Government Administration Services Plan consists of the acquisition of real property that is improved by an existing building containing approximately 135,013 square feet and that was used as a “Sears Department Store” and the renovation of such building for use by the City as its Government Administration Services Building. Any interested person may submit oral or written comments on the City Hall Plan or the Government Administration Services Plan at the hearing. Both plans are on file at City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Boulevard, Stonecrest, Georgia, and a copy of either plan may be obtained from the City Clerk of the City. City Clerk, City of Stonecrest
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