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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 12
JUNE 21 2019 Stay connected
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“When They See Us” shines spotlight on injustice, local leaders react By Sarita Mason For On Common Ground News By the time people got home from work on the East Coast, the documentary, “When They See Us,” had shot to No. 1 and it stayed there all night, said Director Ava DuVernay. The four-part trending Netflix series has sparked renewed demands for criminal justice reform locally and throughout the country. The documentary re-enacts the lives of five boys ages 14 to 16 who became known as the Central Park Five, after they were wrongfully convicted of the rape of a white jogger in New York City in 1989. All five were exonerated on Dec. 19, 2002 after Matias Reyes, a convicted murderer and rapist, admitted that he alone was responsible for the attack as well as another rape near Central Park days earlier, according to The Innocence Project. State Rep. Doreen Carter, whose District 92 includes parts of DeKalb County and Rockdale County, said she was extremely disturbed by the film, which she says must serve as a wake-up call for parents. “I have three sons of my own and I have had to have another whole conversation about how they should interact with the police,” Carter said. “Seeing how those boys were coerced into making untrue statements under the guise that they would be allowed to go home if they cooperated, we have to tell our children to keep their mouths closed and do not admit to anything that they have not done.” Carter said corrupt law enforce-
State Rep. Doreen Carter
State Rep. Billy Mitchell
DeKalb NAACP President Teresa Hardy
Orrin Hudson
Mae D. Johnson
Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock
ment and those in the judicial system also should be held accountable for their actions. Four of the teens in the Central Park Five case—Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Antron McCray and Raymond Santana—spent between 5 to 10 years incarcerated. Korey Wise, the only one tried as an adult,
served 12 years in prison. The Innocence Project, a non-profit organization that exonerates people who are wrongfully convicted through DNA testing, helped the men to receive compensation for time served. The men received a $41 million settlement from the City of New York in 2014—30 years after their conviction. Kee Strane, a Conyers business owner who has two sons, ages 14 and 20, said there is no amount of money that can replace what the men lost as children. “As soon as I heard what it was about, I couldn't stand to watch it. I know they suffered a lot and it's really sad that they missed so much of their lives. Teresa Hardy, president of the DeKalb branch of the NAACP, said the movie was difficult to watch but it “had to happen.” “The scariest part of the movie was when the boys were taken in for questioning and didn’t have a clue as to what their first right was as a citizen: You have a right to remain silent and rights to a lawyer and attorney,” said Hardy. “The fact that they weren’t knowledgeable means we have work to do. We must transform our community by educating our youth and ourselves on issues like these.” Orrin Hudson, motivational speaker and founder of Be Someone, a DeKalb County-based mentoring program, said the judicial system must be overhauled. “I think that black males have caught hell in the judicial system. For many years, the black man has been executed in the courtroom.
SEE SPOTLIGHT page 10
Gregory B. Levett and wife, Betty Levett
Master mortician, businessman Gregory B. Levett receives honorary PhD By Mackenzie N. Morgan For nearly 40 years, Gregory B. Levett, Sr., founder of Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, has been helping metro-Atlanta families celebrate the lives and memories of their loved ones. The community recently came together to celebrate a new milestone for Levett who recently received an honorary doctoral degree from Allen University, located in Columbia, SC, for his hard work as a businessman and philanthropist in the community. Levett, who was nominated by his pastor, the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley of Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta, said he was surprised and delighted when he found out about the prestigious honor. “It’s indescribable. I had limited education and got a lot of my education from training and experience,” said Levett, a third-generation funeral home owner who is a native of Conyers, Georgia. Read the full story inside On Common Ground News’ Churches Now special section.
GOV. KEMP ANNOUNCES TWO APPOINTMENTS Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced two appointments, selecting Tadia D. Whitner to serve on the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit Superior Court and Jessica M. Simmons to serve as Deputy Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Revenue. Kemp said Whitner brings “invaluable leadership and legal expertise” to the bench having served as a prosecutor, private attorney, and judge for municipal and juvenile court. “… I am honored to appoint her to the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit Superior Court where I am confident that she will govern her
Tadia D. Whitner
courtroom with the utmost integrity and impartiality,” Kemp said in a news release.
Jessica M. Simmons
Whitner received her bachelor’s and law degrees from Howard University then went on to serve as
an attorney and earned the rank of Captain in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. Following her military service, Whitner prosecuted cases for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Justice and Florida Office of the Attorney General, represented clients through the Savannah Office of the Public Defender, and served as a staff attorney for the Chatham County Juvenile Court. From 2009 to 2011, Whitner was a solo practitioner at the Whitner Law Firm and later became the managing partner of Porter and Whitner Law Group, P.C. Whitner also served as
an associate judge for the Municipal Court of Snellville and a juvenile court judge for Gwinnett County. She is a member of Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2019 and involved in the Air Force Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Georgia Association of Women Attorneys, Gwinnett County Bar Association, National Council of Negro Women, and United Way of Greater Metro Atlanta. She is also a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett’s Class of 2018 and award recipient, including Howard University Alumni Association - Atlanta Chapter’s “Distinguished
SEE APPOINTMENTS page 10
PAGE 2 • JUNE 21, 2019
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Rainbow Park to get new amphitheater, trails + gardens DeKalb County officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for an amphitheater, walking trails, gardens and open meadows at Rainbow Park on Monday, July 1, at 10 a.m., 3171 Rainbow Park Drive, Decatur. The new amphitheater will seat up to 1,000 people and will be an open-air venue for DeKalb residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of live music performances, movies in the park and other county-sponsored events. David Manuel, executive director of the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in DeKalb County, said is excited about the new amphitheater as an addition to the arts in DeKalb. “This amphitheater is an opportunity to expand our offerings to the community and to continue to showcase and attract the best talent for our county,” said Manuel. The public is invited to join DeKalb’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, park staff and other county officials at the ceremony. Attendees also will learn more about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. There also will be a special performance by Stepp Stewart’s Motown Revue.
Stonecrest hosts community chats Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary and city officials are taking city government to communities, fulfilling a promise the mayor made during his State of the City Address in May. A meeting was held on Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m., at the Springlake subdivision. Staff such as Code Enforcement, Parks and Rec, DeKalb Police and Planning and Zoning will attend so that citizens can meet them and ask questions. Residents who want to schedule a meeting may email the mayor at JLary@stonecrestga.gov or Community and Cultural Affairs Director Al Franklin at afranklin@stonecrestga.gov. The Stonecrest City Council’s June 24 meeting has been canceled due to the Georgia Municipal Association Conference.
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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
richardhill@ocgnews.com
STAFF WRITER Mackenzie 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 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com
JUNE 21, 2019 • PAGE 3
DeKalb sets open houses for public input on Memorial Drive revitalization
DeKalb County has scheduled the first of four open houses that will be held to gather public input about the future of the Memorial Drive corridor. The first open house is scheduled Tuesday, June 25, 6 to 8 p.m., at the DeKalb County Watershed Management Office, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur. DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw, District 4, is hosting the workshops. In 2018, Bradshaw allocated $140,000 of District 4 reserves for a study. That was augmented by a $34,500 allocation from the DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability Department, which, along with the POND consultant
DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw
planning team, is developing strategies to enhance the long-term economic viability of its Memorial Drive corridor. “I look forward to broad participation in this process and receiving the insights and suggestions from various stakeholders,” Bradshaw said. The county’s Department of Planning and
Sustainability and POND consultant planning team is developing strategies to enhance the long-term economic viability of its Memorial Drive corridor. The Memorial Drive corridor is a major thoroughfare, with access to bus and massive rail transit as well as access I-285 and US-78, a college and a university, more than 100 acres under government ownership, and several large underdeveloped tracts under private ownership. To create a plan that reflects the community, DeKalb will collect public input through public meetings, an online survey and website, interviews with corridor residents, customers
and visitors, and the formation of a Business Development Advisory Committee. The plan is anticipated to include initiatives for beautification, private sector investment, mixed-use development, and living wage employment opportunities. The Revitalization Plan will also establish initiatives for creating a “sense of place” upon entering the corridor from Atlanta or Gwinnett County. The planning process is estimated to conclude in November 2019. To learn more about the plan and take an online survey, please visit www. dekalbcountyga.gov/memorialdrive.
DeKalb Sheriff’s SWAT Unit arrest Anthone Banks for assault, family violence The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office S.W.A.T. Unit has arrested 37-yearold Anthone Lorenzo Banks of Lithonia. Banks was charged with felony aggravated assault strangulation, misdemeanor family violence battery and misdemeanor child cruelty
third degree in an incident that took place at his residence on June 18, 2019. According to warrants, Banks allegedly assaulted Marquita Farmer by striking her in the face with a closed fist, placing her in a headlock and strangling her. The warrants state that two
minor children were present during the altercation in the residence Banks and Farmer have shared for five years. Sheriff's investigators apprehended and arrested Banks at his residence without incidence. He was transported to the DeKalb County Jail.
Anthone Banks
Accreditation site visit set for Conyers Police Department A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), will arrive on June 24 to examine all aspects of the Conyers Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations and support services, Police Chief Gene Wilson announced. Verification by the team that the Conyers Police Department meets the Commission’s best practices and model policies is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation – a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence, Chief Wilson said. As a part of the site based assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Tuesday, June 25. The session will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the City of Conyers Council Chambers, 1194 Scott Street, Conyers. Individuals who cannot speak at the public information session but would still like to provide comments to the assessment team, may do so by telephone. The public may call 770-929-4252 on Wednesday, June 26, between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the Conyers Police Department’s ability to comply with CALEA® standards. Copies of the standards are available for viewing at Conyers Police Department Headquarters, 1194 Scott Street, Conyers. The contact is Captain Tanya Yvette Young Perry. Captain Perry can be reached at 770-785-6684. Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Conyers Police Department’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write: The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA®) 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320 Gainesville, VA 20155 or www.calea.org. The Conyers Police Department must comply with 484 standards in order to gain accredited status, Chief Gene Wilson said. Accreditation is important because it shows that our operations, policies and training procedures meet model policies and high standards established by CALEA
SEE POLICE page 11
DeKalb County Board of Health Provides Back-to-School Services
We are Here for Your Health! Friendly, affordable health services, including: • • • •
Childhood Immunizations (Form 3231) Hearing, Vision, Nutrition, and Dental Screenings (Form 3300) Birth Certificates for Children Born in Georgia Sports Physicals Extended Hours for ALL Services at ALL Centers Saturday, July 13 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Mon., July 29, Tues., July 30, & Thurs., August 1 Mon., August 5, through Wed., August 7 8:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Normal Business Hours Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Clifton Springs Health Center East DeKalb Health Center North DeKalb Health Center T. O. Vinson Health Center
(404) 244-2200 (770) 484-2600 (770) 454-1144 (404) 294-3762
For More Information: (404) 294-3700 www.dekalbhealth.net
PAGE 4 • JUNE 21, 2019
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YOUR SUMMER GUIDE TO FAMILY EVENTS Reptile Wrangler Ken Panse June 25, 2 to 3 p.m. Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest The Reptile Wrangler is bringing his wildest friends with him. If you have ever wanted to see or touch some wild critters, head to the Stonecrest Library. The program is open to the first 60 participants, ages 5 to 12. Tickets for free admission will be available one hour prior to the start of the program. Supported by DeKalb Library Foundation. 770-482-3828.
Hike at the Stonecrest Library June 29, 9 a.m. to noon Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road
Celebrate Community Parade June 29, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Olde Town Conyers, 901 Railroad Street, Conyers
Take a one-mile hike from the Stonecrest Library entrance to the paved Arabia Mountain PATH and return to the library for a refreshment. Meet in the library’s lobby. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a bottle of water. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Funding provided by the Friends of the Stonecrest Library.
Bring your patriotic-decorated bicycles, golf carts, wagons, pets and more to stage at Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 N. Main Street, for a neighborhood parade. Prizes awarded in several categories following this third annual parade. 770-602-2606.
Movies in the Park Jun 29, 8:45 to 10:45 p.m. Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 Bring your blanket or chairs and enjoy the outdoor family movie on the park’s jumbo screen. Concessions will be available for purchase from the Friends of Panola chapter. $5 parking fee is required per vehicle. 770389-7801.
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
PARADE
Saturday, June 29th at 10 a.m. Join us at the Conyers First United Methodist Church parking lot (921 S. Main Street NW) with decorated golf carts, bicycles, wagons, pets and you!
RED WHITE & BOOM! H presented by
WEDNESDAY JULY 3, 2019 6 P.M. - 10 P.M. HHHHH
LIVE on Commercial Street June 29, 5 to 11 p.m. Olde Town Conyers, 901 Railroad St., Conyers Enjoy LIVE entertainment every Saturday this summer on Commercial Street in Olde Town Conyers, featuring “Universal Sigh,” outdoor dining, games and family fun in the street. Commercial Street will close to vehicle traffic and open for an evening of fun beginning at 5 p.m. Sponsored by Tin Plate, The Celtic Tavern and Sweet Treat Depot. 770-602-2606.
CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 2ND 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JULY 22ND 2019 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD 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-19-005 Jose Ayala 2193 Panola Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Applicant is requesting to rezone 2.6 acres to C-1 (Local Commercial) for the development of a commercial building.
Celebration H H H H H
in Olde Town Conyers
H FOOD TRUCKS H BEER GARDEN H LIVE MUSIC H ENTERTAINMENT THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
H KIDS ACTIVITIES H FIREWORKS AT DARK
RED WHITE &
BOOM! 949 S. Main St., Conyers, GA 30012 H 770-602-2606 H VisitConyersGA.com
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JULY 8, 2019 AT 7:00 PM CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BOULEVARD STONECREST, GA 30038 The Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission has completed the regional review of the Revised 2019 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Stonecrest. DCA/ARC determined that the Revised Comprehensive Plan 2038 conforms to the Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning. The Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing to adopt the approved Plan at its regularly scheduled meeting. Congratulations to Stonecrest’s leadership, staff and The Collaborative Firm for the development of its very first Comprehensive Plan! For more information, contact Plez Joyner, Assistant City Manager with the City of Stonecrest at pjoyner@stonecrestga.gov, or Mary Darby, Director of Planning with The Collaborative Firm at mdarby@tcfatl.com.
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JUNE 21, 2019 • PAGE 5
A Special Supplement to
.org
Featured Pastors. Featured Artists. Local and World Church News. Wedding Announcements. Baby Births +Dedications. Obituaries. For more information: 678-770-7851
Rockdale County
PAGE 6 •JUNE 21, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
DR. GREGORY B. LEVETT Master mortician, businessman Gregory B. Levett receives honorary PhD By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer regory B. Levett, Sr., founder of Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, often refers to himself as a “country undertaker” who prides himself on caring for metroAtlanta families during one of their greatest times of need—the death of a loved one. Recently, the man who has been serving families for 40 years received a special tribute—an honorary doctoral degree from Allen University, located in Columbia, SC, for his hard work as a businessman and philanthropist in the community. Levett, who was nominated by his pastor, the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley of Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta, said he was surprised and delighted when he found out about the prestigious honor. “It’s indescribable. I had limited education and got a lot of my education from training and experience,” said Levett, a thirdgeneration funeral home owner. Levett, a native of Conyers, GA, started working in the funeral home business at 10 years old as an apprentice under his father, the late George W. Levett, Sr., who was taught by his father. An honorary doctoral degree is awarded in recognition of one’s life experiences and is denoted by the letters “h.c.”, short for “honoris causa” (for the sake of honor) and is often bestowed upon distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions in a given field or profession. The celebration for Dr. Levett took place at Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta amidst a gathering of family, friends, clergy, business people and special guests. The accomplishment comes on the heels of a very busy year and several projects being curated by Levett’s team, which includes wife, Betty Levett, sons Bernard and Lanier Levett; and daughter, Deana Levett; nearly 100 staff members and 10 licensed funeral directors who are on call 24 hours a day. The funeral home is
G
Gregory B. Levett
currently offering free grief counseling and financial planning seminars to the community in an effort to help families weather the storm of loss and plan ahead for their families’ future legacies.
documentary entitled “The Last Man You Meet.” The documentary is narrated by Gregory Levett and gives viewers a glimpse into the life and work of a black Southern mortician and tells the story of how Levett came to be a leader in the death care industry. The documentary has been featured in seven film festivals across the country to date. “The funeral business is not for everyone. It’s a ministry to me and my family. It can be draining, but when you have an opportunity to lift a person up when they are at the weakest point of their life and help that transition and celebration, it makes all the difference in the
“The funeral business is not for everyone. It’s a ministry to me and my family.” - Gregory B. Levett Levett & Sons prides itself on offering families of all backgrounds and traditions with first class, compassionate care during their time of bereavement. Levett has worked tirelessly to build relationships with an impressive network of churches and other organizations, which he said has been instrumental in the funeral home’s success. “Getting involved in the community was key to my success. I gave my talent, my time and my money and I got all my employees on board in helping churches in the community. I went in to serve and the business came,” said Levett. Still, the Levett legacy’s involvement within the community extends far beyond caskets, cremations and chapels. In an effort to redefine people’s perception of the death care industry, Levett and daughter, Deana, who serves as vice president and director of public relations and marketing for the funeral home, co-produced a short
world,” Levett said in the documentary. Gregory B. Levett & Sons is headquartered in Scottdale, Georgia and has three other state-of-the-art chapels—Decatur, Conyers and Lawrenceville—as well as a full-service crematory. Among Levett’s many philanthropic initiatives, he most recently unveiled the Veterans Memorial Garden at his 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway funeral home this past Memorial Day weekend in honor of U.S. soldiers. The memorial garden is a haven for veterans, families, friends and the local community to reflect on the lives and sacrifices of those who have served in all branches of the U.S. armed forces. In addition to the many community initiatives, the Levett Funeral home has hosted a back-to-school community picnic and school supply drive for the last three decades and most recently, a senior prom this past spring where hundreds of local senior citizens came out
Gregory B. Levett and wife, Betty Levett
for an evening of dining, dancing and live music. Event proceeds benefitted a scholarship fund for local minority youths. The event took place at South Gwinnett High School and was hosted by V103’s Sunday morning radio host Larry Tinsley. While philanthropy remains a mainstay in the Levett family business model, promoting entrepreneurial stewardship is another cause the Levett family takes pride in. Last fall, Levett hosted the “Beyond Dreaming” Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar at the Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort in Stone Mountain. The twoday conference gave current and aspiring business owners the secrets to success in creating their own successful multigenerational enterprises. Levett was named the Funeral Director of the Year by the trade magazine, American
Funeral Director in 2015. The magazine judged candidates for the award based on their success in business, challenges they have overcome, community involvement and relationships with community members. Gregory and Betty Levett, Sr., owners and CEO of Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, have been serving families throughout the metro Atlanta area for almost 40 years. The couple opened its first chapel in August 1980 in Scottdale. The family business has since expanded to include three additional chapels in Decatur, Lawrenceville and Conyers and a full-service crematory. Levett sits on several boards including the Emory Hospital board of directors. He is a member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb. The Levett legacy of providing traditional, thoughtful and dignified funeral services spans over four generations.
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JUNE 21, 2019 • PAGE 7
Photo:Honor
Rockdale County, Salem Christian Church to host Back-to School Bash Rockdale County, in partnership with Salem Christian Church, 3130 Salem Road, will host its Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 13. Rockdale residents are invited to the event, which will be held at Salem Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until supplies exhaust. Residents are encouraged to come out and enjoy free food, music, health information and school supplies for the children. Rockdale students return to school for the 2019-2020 school year on July 29. Each year, Rockdale County partners with a community organization to host a back-to-school event. In 2018, Rockdale County partnered with Voices of Faith Ministries. More than 200 Rockdale students received materials needed for the first day of school at the event. Participants enjoyed hot dogs, ice cream and fun activities. To donate school supplies or other educational materials for this year’s event, contact Salem Christian Church at 770-318-2965 or by email at scchurcheagles@gmail.com. For more information about the 2019 Back to School Bash, contact Felicia Glover at 770-278-7059 or Felicia. Glover@RockdaleCountyGa.GOV.
L-R: Pastor Marty Barrett, Ms. Bertley Bernard, Jerald Bryant and Pastor Mauricio Sonny. Photo provided.
Honor Thy Father, Inc. honors three men for supporting single parents in DeKalb Honor Thy Father, Inc., a DeKalb County nonprofit, hosted an awards dinner to recognize three outstanding community volunteers on June 15 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Tucker. Jerald Bryant Jr., a school football coach, Pastor Mauricio Sonny and Pastor Marty Barrett were recognized for the guidance and counsel they have provided to numerous individuals and single-parent households headed mainly by mothers. For the third consecutive year, during the Father’s Day Weekend, Honor Thy Father Inc. honored men who have tirelessly cared for the future generations by supporting single mothers in raising their children. The annual awards dinner is named in honor of Eric N. Clark, who has mentored countless young men for more than 25 years. Honor Thy Father Inc. was founded by Ms. Bertley Bernard, chief executive officer of the organization. “It was not my plan to be a single mother but as life’s circumstances would have it, I was a single mom of four boys,” Bernard said. “Although I worked very hard to provide them with what they needed, I couldn’t teach them to be men. I was blessed by a community volunteer who offered to assist in instilling values in my sons. Years later, the Lord impressed upon me to recognize men like Mr. Eric Clark who are often overlooked.”
SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
Hillcrest Church of Christ
1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 Hillcrestcoc.net
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES 7:30AM: WORSHIP SERVICE 9:30AM: SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:00AM: WORSHIP SERVICE 1877 IRIS DRIVE, SE, CONYERS GA 30013 PHONE: 770.929.1111
VOICES OF FAITH MINISTRIES
WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm
PASTOR ERIC WENDEL LEE, SR.
Antioch-Lithonia Baptist Church
BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am
Come join us in celebrating our 74th Anniversary on Saturday June 22nd from 3 to 6 pm for an Acapella Concert featuring The Hillcrest Singers.
STONE MOUNTAIN CAMPUS SUNDAY @ 8AM & 11:30AM WEDNESDAY @ 7:30PM 2500 ROCKBRIDGE RD SW STONE MOUNTAIN, GA 30087 770-498-5850 ROCKDALE CAMPUS SUNDAY @ 9:30 WEDNESDAY @ 6PM 1290 SIGMAN RD CONYERS, GA 30012 678-374-5040
BISHOP GRAY HAWKINS, SR./ FOUNDER & OVERSEER
Join Us For
Worship Sundays 10AM Thursdays 7PM
James C. Ward, Pastor First Lady Idell Clark Ward Sunday morning Services 7:30AM & 10:30AM Bible Study Wednesday 12 Noon & 7:00PM
2152 Rock Chapel • Lithonia, GA 30058 • 770-482-1277
“Where the Spirit of God Lives”
Founder & Senior Pastor Vincent Harris, Sr. First Lady LaTonya K. Harris
1140 Reynolds Street 2nd Floor Covington, GA 30014 770-362-6178 | houseofbethelcc.org
Your ChurCh Ad here!
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experiences, Bible Study, Vacation Bible We arespecial running an advertising special Study, events such as your that includes an onlineconferences, photo slide anniversaries, revivals, presentation, video and display ad on concerts, missionary trips, Men’s and churchesnow.org. Women’s Day, etc. BONUS: 3x3 print ad runs in On
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BLAZING A PATH FOR HBCU ACHIEVEMENT
Join six future Black media stars as they begin their journey. Head to www.nnpa.org/chevydtu and be there at the beginning.
JUNE 21, 2019 • PAGE 9
PAGE 10 •JUNE 21, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
SPOTLIGHT continued from page 1
China-U.S. Exchange Foundation, delegation brainstorm ways to attract minorities By Valerie J. Morgan More African-American students in Atlanta, DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties could have a chance to learn Mandarin at an early age, helping them gain a more competitive edge to participate in cultural exchange programs with China. The idea is one that was discussed recently at a forum co-hosted by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF) and Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents the Fourth District, at Clark Atlanta University. A delegation of elected official held the roundtable to develop ways to expose African-American students to China, the second-wealthiest country behind the U.S. About two-dozen invited guests attended the meeting, among them officials from the offices of Congressman John Lewis, Congresswoman Lucy McBath and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Representatives from the Fourth Congressional District including the Rockdale, DeKalb and Gwinnett school districts, the YMCA, Atlanta’s King Center and educators who teach English to students in China also attended the forum. Congressman Johnson, who was in Washington, D.C. when the June 12 meeting was held, greeted attendees by video. “I’m determined to do all I can to help students not just read about other nations and cultures, but travel there themselves to better understand their world and the endless possibilities it provides,” Johnson told the audience. According to attendees at the meeting, African-American students have lagged behind as cultural exchange students to China namely because of the language barrier and lack of exposure to China’s culture and career opportunities. Attendees said providing Mandarin classes early—well before students become high school juniors and seniors—would be extremely beneficial to experiencing China. The perception that po-
Alan Wong
litical conflict exists between the U.S. and China also may have deterred a number of African American students from traveling to China, attendees at the meeting said. In addition to breaking down those barriers, Jared McKinley, a representative from Congressman Lewis’ office, suggested having CUSEF participants share their experiences with local students to encourage them to become exchange students. Alan Wong, special advisor and former executive director of CUSEF, and Julia Wilson, CEO of Wilson Global Communications, a partner with the exchange program, provided background information on China. Wong said there are roughly 500,000 students from China in America pursuing career and educational opportunities. Wong said China is populated with 1.3 billion people, which is approximately four times the number of people in America. The China-United States Exchange Foundation is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental foundation committed to the belief that a positive and peaceful relationship between the strongest developed nation and the most populous, fast-developing nation is essential for global wellbeing and prosperity. Founded in Hong Kong in 2008 and privately funded, CUSEF builds platforms to encourage constructive dialogue and diverse exchanges between the people of the U.S. and China.
This whole idea of just locking up any black male—even if there is no evidence—has to stop,” said Hudson. “It’s the people who sit on the sidelines and allow things to happen is why we end up with cases like this. Santana, McCray and Salaam, who now live in Georgia, as well as Richardson, who lives in New Jersey, and Wise, who remains in New York, all continue to fight injustice. In fact, over this year’s Father’s Day weekend, Salaam, partnered with rapper and activist T.I and the Rev. Raphael G. Warnock of Atlanta’s Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in a bailout initiative to help fathers who were locked up in Atlanta for misdemeanors to get out of jail. Rev. Warnock honored all five activists with the Ebenezer Baptist Church Freedom Fighter award on June 17. Mae D. Jones, former executive director of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, a mentoring organization that focuses on helping African-American youths to succeed, called the documentary “powerful.” She said she has been watching news stories closely about the case as well as comments on social media. “When They See Us” should resonate with every African American person of how far we have come, yet, how far we still have to go,” said Jones. “In the aftermath of the exoneration, the financial settlement, and the public appearances, the men will always be known as the “Central Park Five,” an infamous title that will follow them to their graves.” State Rep. Billy Mitchell, District 88, said the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus plans to honor the “Exonerated Five” at its annual legislative conference Sept.27-28th at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. Mitchell said the men survived a nightmare. “Their experience was even worse than I can imagine. They deserve to be honored as the “Exonerated Five” for their strength, hard work and experience that has highlighted policies for interactions with the police and the subject of mass incarceration,” Mitchell. According to the Georgia Innocence Project, there are an estimated 88,812 people who are innocent in the U.S. and an estimated 1,591 people innocently imprisoned in Georgia. Staff Writer Mackenzie N. Morgan contributed to this report.
APPOINTMENTS continued from page 1 Alumni Award” and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity - Gwinnett Chapter’s “Outstanding Leadership Award.” Whitner lives in Lawrenceville with her husband and two children. Kemp also expressed his confidence in appointing Simmons as Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Revenue. “Jessica Simmons is a trusted leader with a remarkable attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence,” Kemp said. “Over the years, she has demonstrated effective leadership in every one of her roles, and I know that she will make a lasting, positive impact at the Department of Revenue by streamlining operations and eliminating burdensome red tape. Jessica is an invaluable asset to my administration.” Simmons, a native of Marietta, holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. Simmons began her career in public service in the Office of the Georgia Secretary of State where she focused on customer service and constituent affairs. After working in Washington, D.C., Simmons returned to Georgia as the Assistant Director of the Georgia Elections Division. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff in the Secretary of State’s Office. Simmons and her husband, Matt, live with their daughter in Sandy Springs and attend St. Jude’s Catholic Church.
Three Rockdale Magnet Science and Technology students honored at Natural Conservation Summer Workshop Three Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology students were honored this month at the Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation summer education program. Danielle Nguyen, Jose Refujio Ayala and Sydnee Nicole Hairston were brought home top honors from the Natural Resource Conservation Workshop, which was held June 9-13 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, Georgia. Out of 159 counties in the state of Georgia, Rockdale had 17 students—the largest group this year—to participate this year, said Kenny A. Johnson, board chairman and district supervisor for Rockdale Soil and Water
Conservation. Johnson said he worked with Rockdale Magnet teachers, Shelley Seagraves and Lynette Clark, to get the students to apply for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Rockdale Soil and Water Conservation paid for travel, meals and dormitories for the students, Johnson said. At the workshop, Rockdale Magnet student Nguyen received a first place medal in mining and $1,000.00 scholarship toward the college or university of her choice; Ayala received a first-place medal in natural science; and Hairston received a $500 scholarship toward the college or university of her choice.
Danielle Nguyen
Jose Ayala
Sydnee Hairston
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JUNE 21, 2019 • PAGE 11
Chamblee State Champs
Chamblee Girls
Chamblee Boys
Chamblee High takes home third consecutive DCSD All-Sports Award Southwest DeKalb and Lakeside place second and third respectively By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist
and girls’), wrestling and baseball. The Panthers’ athletics program finished second behind Chamblee Three state titles propelled for the second consecutive season the Chamblee Bulldogs’ athletic and in the Top 10 for the 29th year program to the top of the DeKalb in a row. County School District’s All-Sports Lakeside finished third in the Award standings for the third constandings with 301.0 points to come secutive year. and in the Top 5 for all 38 years of Collecting Class 5A state cham- the award. The Vikings’ total was pionship trophies in girls’ tennis built behind a Region 7-7A boys’ (third consecutive), boys’ tennis and soccer title (and state runner-up fingirls’ swimming helped the Bulldog ish) along with county titles in boys’ program to score 352.0 All-Sports swimming and girls’ gymnastics. points to outdistance second place Dunwoody came in fourth with Southwest DeKalb (307.0) and third 296.5 points moving up three spots place Lakeside (301.0) in the stand- from seventh a year ago. The 2018 ings. season was the lowest finish in the Chamblee also collected six Re- 38 years of the award for Dunwoody gion 5-5A titles in tennis (boys’ and which has finished no lower than girls’), girls’ soccer, volleyball, girls’ sixth in the other 37 years. The cross country and fastpitch softball Wildcats Top 5 finish was clinched along the way. by a Class 6A girls’ state track Southwest DeKalb’s second championship. place finish with 307 points was Druid Hills edged Tucker for fueled by five Region 5-5A titles the fifth spot 289.0 to 286.5 as the including football, basketball (boys’ Red Devils’ program picked up its’
first Top 5 year since 2009. Druid Hills has been a consistent Top 10 program for the past 23 years. DeKalb initiated its first boys’ and girls’ All-Sports Award this year with Tucker picking up the boys’ title and Chamblee the girls’ trophy. The Tucker Tiger boys’ program won three region titles in 2019 including the Region 4-6A titles in cross country title, basketball (state runner-up) and soccer to aid a total of 168-5 total to get past Southwest DeKalb’s 164.5. The boys’ total helped Tucker finish sixth overall and in the Top 10 for the 15th consecutive season and 35 seasons out of 38. Region and Area 5-5A titles in football boys’ basketball, baseball and wrestling were keys to the Panthers’ runner-up finish. Chamblee rolled to the girls’ award with 212.5 points to outdistance second place Dunwoody (159.5) by 53 points. The Lady Bulldogs won the Class 5A state
tennis title for the third consecutive year and won the schools’ first girls’ swim title and DeKalb’s first since 1987. OVERALL SCHOOL TOTAL 1) Chamblee 352.0 2) Southwest DeKalb 307.0 3) Lakeside 301.0 4) Dunwoody 296.5 5) Druid Hills 289.0 6) Tucker 287.5 7) Arabia Mountain 283.0 8) Stephenson 237.5 9) Cedar Grove 207.5 10) Clarkston 192.5 11) Martin Luther King Jr. 189.5 12) Miller Grove 160.0 13) Lithonia 159.0 14) Redan 155.5 15) Stone Mountain 150.0 16) Columbia 149.5 17) Towers 93.5 18) McNair 85.0 19) Cross Keys 83.0
POLICE continued from page 3 according to Chief Wilson. The CALEA Program Manager for Conyers Police Department is Vincent Dauro. He said the assessment team is composed of public safety practitioners from similar, but out-of-state agencies. The assessors will interview individuals, and visit offices and other locations where compliance can be witnessed. “The benefits of having an accreditation far outweigh what happens when you don't. You don't have that written trail of paper work showing you're doing the right thing," according to
Dauro. The assessors are: Chief Gary Vest, Powell Police Department (OH) and Assistant Chief Richard Winstanley, Hurst Police Department (TX). Once the CALEA Assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will then decide if the Agency is to be granted accredited status, Dauro stated. Accreditation is for four years, during which time the agency must undergo a remote review of files annually, submit annual reports, attesting
continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. please write the Commission at: The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, Inc. (CALEA®) 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia 20155 or call 800-3683757 or (703) 352-4225 or email calea@calea.org
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