VOLUME 22 NUMBER 15
FREE
JULY 9, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Fatal police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota spark outrage locally and across nation By Mackenzie N. Morgan
The latest news of two police-involved shootings that left two black men dead—one in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the other in Falcon Heights, Minnesota—has prompted protests, anger and cries for justice from across the nation. Alton Sterling, 37, was fatally shot by police outside a Baton Rouge convenience store on July 5. Police say two officers responded to an anonymous caller who said a man selling CDs outside the store threatened him with a gun. After police arrived, a struggle ensued and Sterling was shot. The shooting sparked protests by angry residents in Baton Rouge and prompted the U.S. Justice Department to conduct a civil rights investigation. Philando Castile, just days away from his 35th birthday, was fatally shot on July 6 in Falcon Heights,
Congressman Hank Johnson
Mawuli Daivs
just northwest of St. Paul, Minnesota, after he and his girlfriend were pulled over for a broken tail light. Castile told police he had a gun and a permit. He was shot as he complied with police to produce his license. Castile’s girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, livestreamed the incident via Facebook as her 4-year-old daughter watched the shooting and cried in the back seat of the car. The video shows Castile slumped over the steering wheel bleeding profusely from multiple gunshot wounds. Castile became the 559th person to be killed
Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson
Amos King
by a police officer this year. Officers involved in both incidents are on paid administrative leave pending an investigation, authorities said. Congressman Hank Johnson, who lives in DeKalb County and represents Georgia’s Fourth District, criticized police for being quick to tlanta will become a sea of pink and green as Alpha pull the trigger when it comes to Kappa Alpha Sorority blacks. (AKA) sisters from around the world “Nowadays everybody has a converge on the city for its internagun…but there’s still a problem for tional convention July 9-16. More than 22,000 members of the organization, known for their signature pink See Fatal Police Shootings , page 10 and green attire, are expected during the organization’s 67th Boule, which will honor the late Dr. Mary Shy Scott, a prominent educator and motivational speaker who served as the sorority’s 23rd international president. Members from as far away as Germany, Japan, South Korea, Liberia, South Africa and Dubai are expected to attend the convention, which will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, as well as several other hotels in the metropolitan area, organizers say. Atlanta was selected as the host site for the conference because of its deep Civil Rights roots and historical significance to the sorority, members said. The city has served as home to icons such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Alpha Kappa Alpha founder Marie Woolfolk Taylor, who is buried in Atlanta; and the late Dr. Scott. Led by AKA’s International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, attendees will join hands to uplift the needy through the organization’s planned “23 Moments of Service.” Members will package 100,000 meals in collaboration with Stop Hunger Now, participate in five playground restoration projects at local parks and schools, hold a school ancestral home of the Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr., who was supply and backpack donation drive Tucker’s great-grandfather, will be rededicated during and receive hands-on CPR training, the reunion. Byrant donated the house, built in 1917, to among other service activities. Reachthe Archives to house the collections of the Flat Rock ing beyond Atlanta, they also will be community, Waits said. participating in the “Little Dresses “DeKalb County was born in 1822 and had a popu- for Africa” project. Sorority sisters lation of 10,000. Our family was part of the 2100 slaves from all around the world are creating who were here at the time,” said Waits, who guides 29,000 pillowcase dresses for girls visitors who come to the Flat Rock Archives through a in Africa and bringing them to the history of the African American community including a biennial conference. The dresses will slave cemetery. be sent to villages in Tanzania, South Waits said family members are coming from Wash- Africa, and Liberia. ington, California, Texas, Ohio, New York and Illinois to attend the reunion. The Flat Rock Archives is located at 3956 Crossvale See AKA Convention , page 10 Road, Lithonia.
Flat Rock reunion to celebrate DeKalb’s oldest African American families
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eKalb County’s oldest African American families, which include the bloodlines of comedian/actor Chris Tucker, Warren Moon and Willie Gault, will be celebrated at a family reunion hosted by the Flat Rock Archives in unincorporated Lithonia on July 22-23. “All three of them (Tucker, Moon and Gault) are coming to the reunion,” said Johnny Waits, who is a cousin of Tucker and president of the Flat Rock Archives. “We’re very excited about recognizing our family members. We’re hoping to make the reunion a bi-annual event.” Although the reunion will be private, Waits said he wants the community at large to know about the event because of the families’ historical importance to DeKalb. The Flat Rock Archives, which is housed in the
22,000 AKA members to converge on Atlanta for international convention
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@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
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Gwinnett Probate Court offering fingerprinting for weapons-carry applicants Gwinnett County Probate Court is now offering fingerprinting for weapons-carry license applicants Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Previously, applicants had to visit another office in a different building to be fingerprinted. Because the weapons-carry license application is a threestep process, applications must be received each day no later than 4 p.m. The fee for firsttime applicants is $72.50; there is no additional cost for fingerprinting. The fee for renewal applicants is $30; renewal applicants are not required to get fingerprinted. Probate Court accepts cash, personal check, money order, and credit card (separate fee for credit card transactions apply). For more information about obtaining a weapons carry permit in Gwinnett County, visit www.gwinnettcourts.com.
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Conyers Police officer helped identify serial robber Avery Frazier
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very Frazier, convicted has a serial robber, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for a series of violent armed robberies of title loan stores in Rockdale and Cobb counties. Frazier, 49, of Douglasville, robbed 34 stores between 2013 and 2014 to support a gambling habit at a North Carolina casino, authorities said. He was caught after a Conyers Police Department officer captured his license plate as he fled the scene of a robbery at the Title Bucks store in Conyers. “Frazier repeatedly traumatized hard working people at gunpoint,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “He sowed fear throughout our communities, robbing multiple title loan stores over time. Thankfully, a quick police response helped identify his vehicle and, ultimately, led to his arrest.” “The FBI is proud of the role that it played in bringing Mr. Frazier forward for federal prosecution. The lengthy prison sentence in this case is reflective of the serious nature of the repeated violent robberies committed and the emotional victimization left in his wake,” said J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office. “Frazier’s actions during these robberies were terrifying to his victims,” stated City of Conyers Chief of Police Gene Wilson. “We appre-
ciate how the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office took this case to its conclusion and this sentence will help keep the citizens safe for a long time to come. Because this case was prosecuted in federal court, Frazier got the sentence he deserved.” Horn said between 2013 and 2014, 34 robberies of title loan stores occurred in different areas of the metropolitan Atlanta area. In each, the robber would wear a mask, enter a title loan store brandishing a firearm at employees, and demand the business’s cash. He would then force employees to move to the rear of the store. Eventually, he started forcing the employees to remain in a bathroom or storage room until he left. The robber also threatened store employees by telling them at gunpoint that they must follow his directions or risk never seeing their families again. In early 2014, local law enforcement officers from several metro Atlanta police departments formed a task force and began working with the FBI to identify the robber. On Oct. 30, 2014, a local Conyers Police Department officer, who was responding to a call for assistance at a different location, captured Frazier’s license plate as Frazier fled the scene of a robbery at the Title Bucks store in Conyers. After further inves-
tigation and information sharing among the FBI and local police departments, Frazier was identified as the suspect in the series of armed robberies. Conyers Police Department officers obtained a warrant for his arrest, and Frazier was arrested on Nov. 5, 2014. The investigation revealed that during the time frame of the robberies, Frazier was a serious gambler at a casino in North Carolina, and he was making purchases of tens of thousands of dollars of casino chips in the weeks surrounding the robberies. Frazier was sentenced to 20 years in prison to be
Avery Frazier
followed by three years of supervised release, and restitution of $14,218. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary L. Webb and Angela Marie Munson prosecuted the case.
Avery Frazier’s Robeery Spree On April 19, 2016, Avery Frazier pled guilty to the following four armed commercial robberies: • Feb. 17, 2014 - Frazier robbed the employees of the Georgia Auto Pawn in Conyers, Georgia, while brandishing a firearm. • May 20, 2014 - Frazier robbed the employees of a Title Max in Smyrna, Georgia, while brandishing a firearm. • Oct. 7, 2014 - Frazier robbed the employees of a different Title Max in Smyrna, Georgia, while brandishing a firearm. He told these employees that they had to go into a back room of the store and stay in the room if they wanted to see their families again. • Oct. 30, 2014 - Frazier robbed the employees of a Title Bucks in Conyers while brandishing a firearm. During the robbery, Frazier ordered two employees and a customer to go into a back room of the store and to wait 10 minutes. He shut them in the room and left the store with the cash. It was in leaving this robbery that Frazier’s license plate was picked up by a local Conyers officer’s license plate reader.
City of Lithonia announces finalists for City Administrator The City of Lithonia has completed its search for the position of City Administrator and has selected two individuals for the final interview process for its top staff position. There was a third candidate under consideration that recently withdrew for personal reasons. The Mayor and City Council will make a decision on the final candidate this month. The mayor and council have conducted a thorough
search and have evaluated multiple candidates that match the requirements for the position. The mayor and council are pleased to announce the following as their final panel of candidates: Cheryl Foster and Kelly Kautz. The City of Lithonia is one of DeKalb County’s smaller municipalities with a population of approximately 2,000. It is governed by an elected mayor and five council members.
Head Start program recruitment under way in DeKalb, Rockdale The Partnership for Community Action, Inc. (PCA) is recruiting families with children birth to 5 years old to enroll in its Head Start/Early Head Start Programs. Head Start is a high-quality comprehensive Pre-Kindergarten program preparing children and families for school readiness and success. The Partnership for Community Action wants to connect with you to provide these Head Start services for your child and your community! The Partnership for Community Action also
provides Georgia Pre-K slots in its Head Start classrooms. Children must be four-years-old by Sept. 1, 2016 for enrollment consideration for Georgia Pre-K slots. To qualify for Head Start, Early Head Start, and Georgia Pre-K programs, contact the Partnership for Community Action at 404-929-2503 or stop by 815 Park North Blvd., Clarkston.
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Stonecrest Library “Scribes and Vibes” brings bestselling author , spoken word
Coming Up
Join best-selling author Tia McCollors for a free writer’s workshop on Saturday, July 9, 1 – 4 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. McCollors will present a writer’s workshop and provide readings from her contemporary fiction titles from 1 to 2 p.m. After the workshop, enjoy an intimate reading and purchase autographed books to support the Friends of the Stonecrest Library. The program, hosted by Blu and El Uno, will feature spoken word by Aerielle Tuggers with open mic performances by various poets and musicians from 2 – 4 p.m.For more information, call 770-482-3828.
“Get Fit & Be Healthy” family fitness expo at South DeKalb
Field Day for adults: relay races, scavenger hunts and other wacky fun
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he Atlanta Sport and Social Club and Creative Loafing will team up to present Atlanta Field Day on Saturday, July 16, 12 – 5:30 p.m., at the Historic Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta. Bring your team of up to eight people for a day of fun in the sun and a chance to compete for the King of the Field title. Leave the kids at home – this field day is for grownups. This year’s event will feature Field Day classics such as tug of war, a relay race, obstacle courses as well as a variety of new games created by the Field Day team including Grass Twister, Backyard Wheelbarrow Race, Photo Booth Scavenger Hunt, Giant Paper Airplane Toss, and even eating contests. There will be food trucks and a cash bar on site. Parking is extremely limited. Event organizers recommend carpooling or ridesharing via Lyft or Uber. Sunscreen, sneakers (no cleats allowed), shorts and T-shirts/tanks are recommended. Also, please be prepared to get a little wet. Team costumes are strongly encouraged and will have a chance to win. For more information, visit tickets.atlfieldday.com.
The Gallery at South DeKalb is hosting a family fitness event Saturday, July 9, 12 – 4 p.m., 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. Presented by V-103’s Patty Richards, the “Get Fit & Be Healthy” free event will feature fitness activities for the whole family and food courtesy of the Georgia Department of Health WIC program while supplies last. Guests will be able to participate in circuit training, Zumba and fun fitness activities for the kids courtesy of The Atlanta Dream.
GWINNETT
Bethesda Park Senior Center to host movie matinee Bring a friend and enjoy a bargain movie with popcorn and drink included. Admission for Gwinnett County residents is $2 per person. To attend, you must pre-register. Call 678-277-0179 for movie selections and reservations.
Run through the park Enjoy a scenic run on Sunday, July 10, 7 a.m. at Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville. The entire course will be run on a wide paved path in a beautiful scenic park. Participants have the option to run a half marathon, 10K or 5K. There will be an aid station at the start and finish area at the pavilion. All runners will get a shirt and a medal.
ROCKDALE Atlanta
Westside Arts District to present Art Walk The Westside Arts District will be hosting an art walk on Saturday, July 16, noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy a talk and tour of six dynamic art spaces including the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, Emily Amy Gallery, Get This! Gallery, Octane Coffee Bar & Lounge, (Poem 88) and the Sandler Hudson Gallery, The Westside Arts District hosts the Art Walks every third Saturday of the month to promote the arts and inspire the public. The Westside Arts District is an alliance of commercial galleries and non-profit art spaces located in Westside Atlanta. For more information, visit http://wadatlanta.wordpress. com.
DeKalb
Arabia Mountain to host “Movie in the Park” Bring your family to enjoy a free movie in the park at the Davidson Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Saturday, July 9, 8:30 to 10 p.m.,, in the back of the nature preserve, 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia. The featured movie is “Zootopia” (PG). The event is open to the public and is first come, first served. Popcorn will be served and guests are welcomed to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Frank Ski hosts Tastemakers Thursday at Coaxum’s Join the Peoples Station and Frank Ski of V-103 for Taste Makers Thursday on July 14, 7 –9 p.m., at Coaxum’s Low Country Cuisine, 1300 Iris Drive, Conyers. Taste Makers Thursday is an opportunity to sample a variety fine wines and premium liquors. After the tasting, stay for dinner and experience Coaxum’s modern Southern low country cuisine. For reservations, call 770648-8677 or log on to www.clccusine.com.
Cooking at the library Join the Conyers Rockdale Library System and Chef Carlin Breinig to learn to cook a new, bold and healthy dish perfect for the summer. The free class will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2 to 3:30 p.m., on the lower level of the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St SW, Conyers. On the menu is angel hair pasta with roasted grape tomatoes, spiced tilapia with peach salsa and fresh fruit with lemon cream. Register with the Adult Services Department. For more information, call 770-388-5040.
This week’s Coming Up was compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan. Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers. The calendar is published weekly as space permits.
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JULY 9, 2016 • PAGE 5
Sutton to host community discussion on Memorial Drive Overlay District DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton will host a community meeting to discuss county plans for the Memorial Drive Overlay District. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 6 to 8 p.m. at the training room of the DeKalb County Sanitation Department, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. Residents are invited to learn more about the overlay district and why community involvement is important. For more information about the meeting, call Commissioner Sutton’s office at 404-371-4907.
Sharon Barnes Sutton
Sen. Van Ness to host town hall for educators
State Sen. JaNice Van Ness is hosting a town hall meeting for educators on Tuesday, July 12, 6 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy. Teachers will hear about the 2016 legislation related to changes in education and ideas for changes in 2017. Public, private, and retired educators are welcome to attend and get better informed as well as participate in a question and answer format. SenJaNice Van Ness ator Van Ness is an appointed member of the Senate Education and Youth committee and has over 25 years of experience in the field of education. She strives to get feedback on issues that will create opportunities for students to reach their fullest potential and increase state graduation rates.
Our Seeds Tomorrow seeks donations for Back-to-School event
Our Seeds Tomorrow is seeking donations for its Back-to-School event and health fair, which will be held on July 30, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ebester Recreation Center, 105 Electric Ave., Decatur. Backpacks, which will be filled with school supplies, may be purchased for $17 each for donors who would like to participate. The backpacks will be given away to about 500 children. For more information, call 470-257-2600 or email dazio@ourseedstomorrow.org.
Conyers launches “Operation Safe Summer”
Conyers Police Officers have a new initiative this summer: They’re issuing coupons to children and teens in Conyers spotted doing positive things such as using crosswalks, moving out of the way of vehicles while playing in their neighborhoods, wearing helmets while riding their bikes, and wearing seatbelts if they are in a car that has been pulled over. Special thanks to McDonalds, Dairy Queen and Chick Fil A for donating coupons for free items at their locations so children can be rewarded for their good deeds with a tasty snack. “We want children to know that there are rewards for doing positive things,” Chief Gene Wilson said. “Even though it may seem like it’s something small, we appreciate their good actions and feel that they should be recognized.”
Youths set to spend Community Day with DeKalb Sheriff
The 7th Annual Community Day with the Sheriff will be held Wednesday, July 20, starting at 9 a.m., at the Stars and Strikes bowling center, 1741 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. The annual event brings together more than 100 DeKalb County youths with representatives from law enforcement agencies for a morning of bowling and words of encouragement to start the new school year. In addition to free bowling, pizza and soft drinks, all youths receive a packet of back-toschool supplies. The objective is to build rapport and mutual respect between youths and law enforcement agencies. The event is sponsored by “Save Our Youth,” whose mission is to present positive role models, build community support for law enforcement representatives and minimize incidents of juvenile delinquency in communities and schools. Participating agencies include offices of: DeKalb County Sheriff; DeKalb County Solicitor-General; DeKalb County District Attorney; DeKalb County Police; DeKalb County School District Office of Public Safety; and Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
Gwinnett Probate Court offering fingerprinting for weapons-carry license applicants
Gwinnett County Probate Court is now offering fingerprinting for weapons-carry license applicants Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Previously, applicants had to visit another office in a different building to be fingerprinted. Because the weapons-carry license application is a three-step process, applications must be received each day no later than 4 p.m. The fee for firsttime applicants is $72.50; there is no additional cost for fingerprinting. The fee for renewal applicants is $30; renewal applicants are not required to get fingerprinted. Probate Court accepts cash, personal check, money order, and credit card (separate fee for credit card transactions apply). For more information about obtaining a weapons carry permit in Gwinnett County, visit www.gwinnettcourts.com. KES, INC.
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Decatur designated as Georgia’s first Bee City, honeybee gardens planned By Erica Hubbard OCG Intern
The City of Decatur, known around the nation as a “Tree City,” walk-friendly community, and for its planned development and revitalization efforts, has a new designation: It’s Georgia’s first Bee City. With the new designation by the Bee City USA program, the city plans to establish community gardens where honeybees and other pollinators such as butterflies and wasps will be protected. The gardens will serve as a place where beekeepers can breed honeybees and children and others can learn about the importance of honeybees. The city applied for the designation in June to support its efforts in urban gardening opportunities Deborah Palmer, a beekeeper and resident of the Oakhurst community, helped the city get the
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designation. She was outraged after seeing a mural on a building in the Oakhurst community that depicted happy children with animals and
bees. The mural was paid for by the Bayer Corporation, which is reportedly linked to producing pesticides that is killing off bee populations
around the world. “I wanted to put my energy into making Decatur a Bee City. It was personally important to transform my anger into something positive to help my community,” Palmer said. The Wylde Center, a nonprofit that cultivates green spaces and has two community gardens in the city, will oversee Decatur’s bee gardening programs. India Woodson, the city’s landscape infrastructure coordinator, will be the liaison for the program. There will be annual celebrations to promote the city of Decatur as a Bee City including during Earth Day, said J.C. Hines, green space director for the Wylde Center. A city resolution also requires that Decatur keep tabs on “pollinator friendly activities” in the city and that it observe National Pollinator Week, which is the third full week in June.
Toiletry drive supports homeless vets across Georgia
he 5th annual Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive for Georgia’s homeless veterans will take place July 4 through Sept. 5. Sponsored by the Georgia district Pilot International Clubs and Georgia Cancer Specialists, affiliated with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, the drive collects much-needed toiletry and personal care items to fill “comfort bags” for veterans who attend Stand Down events throughout North and Central Georgia. “Stand Down” is a military term that refers to the time when troops are brought back from the battlefield for rest and recuperation. Each year, Stand Down events across the country provide health care and other services to help thousands of homeless Veterans get back on their feet. The 2015 Stand Up for Stand Down drive collected toiletry items to fill more than 1,500 comfort bags for homeless vets in Georgia. Travel/sample-size toiletry and personal care items are needed including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, combs/brushes, body wash/soap, shampoo and conditioner, lotion and feminine products. Donations can be dropped off at any of the 27 Georgia Cancer Specialists locations in Georgia. Some of the locations include: 5700 Hillandale Drive, Building 200, Suite 250, Lithonia, 770-981-5431 1501 Milstead Road, Suite 110, Conyers, 770-760-9949
2712 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur,(Stemmer Building) 770-496-5555 550 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 1185, Atlanta, 404-223-0792 For a list of all of locations throughout the state, visit www.gacancer.com (see locations). For more information about the Stand Up for Stand Down drive, call 770-8645347 or visit www.facebook.com/SU4SD.
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AHA hires 13 summer interns for White House initiative
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he Atlanta Housing Authority has hired 13 interns as part of the White House 2016 Summer Opportunity Project. The initiative provides 1,000 or more youths, ages 16-21, with job-readiness and summer employment opportunities. “The Department of Housing and Urban Development asked each public housing authority to hire at least one youth in support of the White House initiative,” said Joy Fitzgerald, president and CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority. “As a Moving to Work authority, we felt it only appropriate to go all out for this great initiative and hire 13 summer interns.” “We’re delighted to have our summer interns, and their work will provide meaningful opportunities for them to learn new skills,” said Catherine Buell, AHA’s chief operating officer. “Interns will be included in our dayto-day business operations, and each department will be asked to identify specific learning objectives for our interns.” The internships began June 13 and will end July 31. Participants were selected from the Choice Neighborhoods Community, Housing Choice Voucher Program and former University Home residents. AHA’s summer interns are:
Keairra Brown, Georgia State University Karemma Brown, Georgia State University Jaela Clark, Spelman College Autumn Griffin, Albany State University Jada Hairston, Spelman College Kavia Lowe, Therrell High School Melanie McCammon, Henry W. Grady High Sydne Pettaway, Arabia Mountain High Kennedy Prothro, Spelman College Breanna Rice, Spelman College ReAna Thompson, Oakwood University Essence Ware, Spelman College Tyler Wilder, Woodland High School
Anytime Notary Call to schedule your appointment
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OCG News welcomes intern Erica Hubbard, graduate of Arabia Mountain High
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rica Hubbard, a 2016 graduate of DeKalb County’s Arabia Mountain High School, joined On Common Ground News this summer as an intern to hone her writing and research skills. Hubbard plans to become a screenwriter and director. Hubbard will be attending Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia to study drama and theatre. Hubbard was vice president of Arabia Mountain’s Drama Club. She has participated in International Club, studying cultures from around the world; Future Business Leaders of America; and she has volunteered with Delta Sigma Theta and a cat adoption center in Stone Mountain. Hubbard is the daughter of Eric and Kendal Hubbard.
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ELECTIONS 2016
Your Vote Counts: Early Voting July 5-22 Election Day Runoffs July 26 PRISM candidates’ forum set July 14 Pride Rings In Stone Mountain (PRSM) will host a forum for the DeKalb County run-off candidates and the District 7 Commission special election candidates on Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m., Saint Timothy United Methodist Church, 5365 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain. Contestants in the July 26 run-off include: Irvin Johnson and Susannah Scott, who are vying for DeKalb Tax Commissioner. DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton, who faces challenger Steve Bradshaw for the District 4 seat. The candidate elected will be the Democratic contender in the November General Election. Tonya P. Anderson and Dee Dawkins-Haigler, who are running for State Senate District 43. Vernon Jones and Rhonda Taylor, who are running for State House District 91. In addition to the runoff candidates, eight candidates running in November for the DeKalb Commission District 7 special election have confirmed participation in the forum: Greg Adams; Diane Adoma; George Chidi; Faye Coffield; Jerome Edmondson; Edward Patton; Rita Robinzine; and John Tolbert.
IMPACT to host Rockdale candidates’ forum July 9 IMPACT (Interdenominational Movement for Pastoral Accountability, Collaboration & Training) will host a political forum for the Rockdale run-off candidates on Saturday, July 9, 6 p.m., at Bald Rock Baptist Church, 2284 Old Covington Road, Conyers. Candidates from the six contested races have been invited: State Senate District 43: Tonya P. Anderson and Dee Dawkins-Haigler House District 91: Vernon Jones and Rhonda S. Taylor Rockdale Board of Commissioners Chairman: Richard A. Oden (Incumbent) and Oz Nesbitt Rockdale Board of Commissioners, Post 1: Phyllis D. Hatcher and Sherri Len Washington Rockdale Probate Judge: Charles Mays (Incumbent) and Clarence Cuthbert Board of Education Post 4 (Non-Partisan): Cassandra Barker-Carr and Heather Duncan
Rockdale Democratic Party to host candidates’ forum The Rockdale Democratic Party will host a forum for the Rockdale runoff candidates on July 16, 9 a.m., at the Party’s headquarters, 1264 Parker Road. The community is invited to hear the candidates’ platforms and learn more about them. The runoffs will be held July 26, although early voting is under way now. The Party is providing rides to the polls to senior citizens who would like to early vote. For more information, call 770-331-2537.
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Ursula Yvonne Keyes, mother of former DeKalb District Attorney Gwen Keyes, to be laid to rest
Mrs. Ursula Yvonne Keyes, mother of former DeKalb County District Attorney Gwendolyn Keyes, passed away on July 2 in Loudoun County, Virginia. She was 84. Ursula Keyes was the wife of Andrew J. Keyes, Sr., a former Tuskegee Airman, who preceded her in death. They were married 41 years and had two children, Gwendolyn and Andrew, Jr. Mrs. Keyes, a retired registered nurse who provided compassionate care to others over a 28-year career, Ursula Yvonne Keys was a member of the Presbyterian Church both in Succasunna, New Jersey and Stockbridge, Georgia. Mrs. Keyes is survived by children, Gwendolyn (Randal Fleming), Andrew Jr., Deborah (Dean Angelos) and Carlton; grandchildren, Corey, Kyle, Jermaine, Lauren, and Damien; sisters, Gloria Celeste Robinson and Hyacinth Francis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives. Visitation for Friends and Family will be held at Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home South DeKalb Chapel on Friday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a family hour from 6-7pm. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m., at Stockbridge Presbyterian Church, 4740 North Henry Blvd, Stockbridge, GA. Senior Pastor Susan Bennette, Eulogist. Mrs. Keyes’ remains will lie in state from 10 a.m. to the hour of service on Saturday. She will be laid to rest at Hillandale Memorial Gardens, 6201 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes, Inc.
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In the Mail: Your thoughts and opinions
As Atlanta’s baby boomers age, Alzheimer’s Disease is soaring
As president of the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, I am constantly reminded of the disturbing facts about the Alzheimer’s and dementia. There are more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 130,000 here in Georgia.
Since age is considered the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s and baby boomers are aging I know that the number of people with Alzheimer’s is going to escalate at an alarming rate, particularly here in Metro Atlanta. As a wife to a wonderful man whose mother has Alzheimer’s, I see the emotional turmoil the disease brings. When my mother-in-law was first diagnosed, I brought my husband in to our office and together we met with a Master’s level counselor. She asked him about his specific concerns and helped map out a plan to address the issues.
He came away more peaceful and with hope that he could help his family care for his mother throughout the disease.
I watch others come into our office and get help – both people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s and family members and I am truly grateful that we can help all of these people. But, even with the best of help from us, from physicians and other professionals, Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that takes a toll on the person with the disease, the family and on our nation’s economy. Alzheimer’s is the most expensive condition in the nation, costing $236 billion a year. Nearly one in every five Medicare dollars is spent on people with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. These costs will continue to increase as baby bombers age, soaring to more than $1 trillion in 2050. The greatest hope we can give families
touched by the disease is a future without Alzheimer’s. When the National Alzheimer’s Plan was drafted, the nation’s experts told us it would take $2 billion annually in research funding to meet the goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s by 2025. Alzheimer’s research through the National Institute of Health is currently funded at $991 million and the Senate Appropriations Sub-committee has just appropriated $400 million in additional funding. This amount will help make great strides in our efforts to end Alzheimer’s. I want to personally thank Representative John Lewis in District 5 for his support of funding for Alzheimer’s research and to ask to support the $400 million increase when the House votes on the funding request. Leslie Gregory, CEO and President of the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter.
Fatal Police Shootings, continued from page 1
black folks who want to arm themselves. We (police) automatically develop a trigger finger. Weapons have proliferated into our society and we are now at war – not with a foreign enemy, but with ourselves,” Johnson said during a speech on the House floor posted on his Facebook account. Social media platforms around the country lit up with thousands reacting to the shootings, expressing grief, fear and anger. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. took to Twitter saying, “The shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge is a legal lynching. Justice must prevail.” Underground Atlanta rapper Adaniyah from PVM had this to say: “This has to stop. The black man is on the extinction list. They killed that man in front of a child and his girlfriend. That’s the most disrespectful thing ever. He went to school, had a registered firearm and they still killed him.” Civil Rights attorney Mawuli Davis of the Davis Bozeman Law Firm in Decatur said the latest police-involved shootings underscore the fact that blacks continue to die more frequently at the hands of police than whites. “There’s no consequence for law enforcement killing black Americans. The system devalues and criminalizes black life and these events are the outward and most violent expressions of institutionalized racism and white supremacy. That’s a hard pill for us to swallow as we come off the celebration of the 4th of July,” said Davis. “Systems create mindsets and culture and the culture is one of being afraid of black people. We must teach our young people to comply with police, but the system of white supremacy must be confronted and dismantled. I think it’s less about the law, and more about the culture that allows for us to be disposable, profiled, disenfranchised and brutalized without consequence.” Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, international president for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, issued a news release, expressing dismay on behalf of the sorority’s 283,000 members. She said police brutality disproportionately affects African Americans and called for justice. “The names change, but the circumstances are tragically similar,” said Wilson. “We join the call for a transparent and comprehensive investigation that
delivers justice to the victims’ loved ones and the community at large.” Community activist and military veteran, Amos King, of Rockdale said: “We have to be smart these days. It’s about survival. Police have a license to kill. Don’t get smart and live another day. If you have a problem get his name and badge number and deal with it later.”
Rockdale Chairman Richard Oden to lead Town Hall in aftermath of police shooting
Rockdale County Chairman Richard Oden is inviting the public to join him for the “Community-Oriented Policing Town Hall” on Tuesday, July 12, 6 to 7 p.m. in the county’s Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers. The town hall will provide an opportunity for government and law enforcement leadership together to dialogue with the community not only about police-involved shootings across the nation, but to discuss positive solutions to work on community-oriented policing locally. “As I reflect on what is happening across our country with respect to citizens being shot and killed by law enforcement officers, I felt deeply that it is imperative I host this gathering now,” Oden said. Oden said the town will give residents a chance to ask questions of law enforcement officials as well as learn about various tools and ways they can become proactive partners in Conyers-Rockdale. Oden said it is important for local youths to engage with law enforcement to build trust and confidence in the justice system. He said efforts such as having a Citizens Academy to learn about law enforcement and government are extremely critical. “I believe the community needs to know we care and are just as concerned about safety and unity of citizens and officers, in addition to keeping our streets and residents safe from crime,” Oden said. For more information about the town hall meeting , call 770-278-7050
AKA Convention continued from page 3
AKA President Wilson said she is proud of the global community service work the organization has rendered and continues to do. “For more than 108 years, service has been at the forefront of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission,” said Wilson. “During Dr. Scott’s administration, she identified creative strategies to address the local and global challenges faced by those most in need. Dr. Scott embodied this mission of service and in her memory we are putting some of her same strategies to work in Atlanta.” Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will be joined by several partners that are working under its national program’s theme, “Launching New Dimensions of Service: the American Heart Association; Alzheimer’s Association; the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA); Africare; and KaBoom! The partners and Atlanta area community members will perform an unprecedented number of service hours throughout the conference. The “23 Moments of Service” projects are aligned to Alpha Kappa Alpha 2014-2018 International Program, Launching New Dimensions of Service Members and chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, are addressing community needs with programs in five target areas including: Educational
Enrichment; Health Promotion; Family Strengthening; Environmental Ownership; and Global Impact.
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek letter organization established by African-American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of more than 283,000 members in 993 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, Liberia, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, South Africa and in the Middle East. Led by International President Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, L.H.D., Alpha Kappa Alpha is often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African-American women.” For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its programs, visit AKA1908.com.
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