VOLUME 21 NUMBER 34 FREE NOVEMBER 21, 2015

Published Since April 1995Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews

Bouquets of flowers were placed near a tree in the Wal-Mart parking lot where Marsha Penn Johnson, 65, was killed during a purse snatching on Nov. 16. Another makeshift memorial was set up in the garden area of the store. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG

Rockdale County Public Schools marked the Thanksgiving season with performances, food

drives, and of course, food. Lorraine Elementary

kindergarteners held musical performance celebrating the country’s first Thanksgiving. The performance, which was held on Nov. 10 at the school’s “Night at the Museum,” showcased lessons in history, math, science, social studies and more integrated through the arts.

The third grade classes of Brandy Payne and Julia Mosely at Lorraine Elementary sit down for a full Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 12.

Giving Thanks

Woman killed in Wal-Mart hit-and-run purse snatchingBy Amber Pittman

Marsha Penn Johnson had just retired from her job as a lab tech for CR Bard where she had worked

since 1970. She had lost her husband just a few months ago, and prior to that she cared for her sick mother who also passed away. After months of hard times, she was looking forward to enjoying her retirement. But all that was taken from her Nov. 16, after a man snatched her purse, knocked her to the ground and ran over her in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart at 10300 Industrial Blvd., just off Exit 95 on I-20 in Covington.

Johnson, 65, was loading groceries into the trunk of her car around 7:45 p.m. when surveillance video show a man driving a Honda Accord pull into a nearby parking space. The man can allegedly be seen watching Johnson, before walking up behind her as she tries to get in her car and attempting to grab her purse. Initially, Johnson refused to let go of her purse. The suspect pulled her to the ground, however, snatched the purse and then jumped into his car.

Johnson ended up behind his vehicle and when the suspect backed

out and pulled forward Johnson was trapped underneath the car. The suspect drove over her more than once as he escaped, police said.

“He couldn’t get the car all the way out, so he ended up being on top of the victim with the vehicle three

or four times,” said Covington Police Department Capt. Craig Treadwell. When police arrived, Johnson was in critical condition. She later died at Newton Medical Center.

Surveillance videos reportedly show several others in the parking lot

attempting to stop the suspect from leaving, but they were unsuccessful.

“Why would they take an innocent woman’s life when she hasn’t did nothing to nobody?” Johnson’s 13-year-old nephew, Joseph Thomason, said on 11Alive news. “They can’t have a conscience, a defenseless woman, you go and take her life.”

Johnson’s niece, Jamie Johnson, urged the suspect to turn himself in.

“If you have a heart at all, turn yourself in. face your consequence,” she told WSB-TV. “This woman right here would give you the shirt off her back.”

Witnesses described the suspect as a heavyset (around 250-300 lbs.) Hispanic male in his 20s-30s with a black goatee-style beard, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white tennis shoes. A woman was in the passenger seat of his car, according to police.

Police describe the suspect’s car as a four-door late-1990s to mid-2000s Honda Accord, silver or light gray in color with damage on the driver-side door. It had either a temporary tag or an out-of-state tag.

If you’ve seen the vehicle or the man in question, you’re urged to contact the Covington Police Department at 770-786-7605.

See Entrepreneurs, page 7

By Valerie J. Morgan

There were plenty of high heels and handbags among the sea of women

who flooded the Gold Dome on Nov. 19. The women shared their stories about launching their careers and companies, they networked and they fellowshipped during Women’s Entrepreneurship Day at the Georgia State Capitol.

State Rep. LaDawn Jones (D-Atlanta) and Nicole Garner Scott, founder of 100 Female Entrepreneurs Inc., hosted the event, which drew women from an array of business sectors from across Georgia.

Every year, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is held during Global Entrepreneurship Week and is designed to celebrate the work of women. Indeed the Peach State has something to celebrate. Georgia tops the nation in the growth of women-owned businesses between 1997 and 2015 (132 percent), according to the most recent American Express State of Women-Owned Business Report. Texas came in second with 116 percent and North Carolina came in third with 98 percent.

Jones made it her business to meet as many of the participants as she could at the Women’s

Entrepreneurship Day, trading business cards and posing for pictures as the women sent out selfies on Instagram, Facebook and other social media.

“I am so honored to have you all come down to your Georgia Capitol,” said Jones. “I want you all to understand how monumental this is: In over 144 countries around the world, there are women celebrating the gift of being a boss and a business owner. Here in the state of Georgia, if you look around at these windows, these halls, these bannisters, there was a

Women entrepreneurs converge under Gold Dome to celebrate business

Participants of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day pose in the South Wing at the Georgia State Capitol. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

PAGE 2 •NOVEMBER 21, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

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In preparation for severe winter weather, DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May along with the DeKalb Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) officials are encouraging all DeKalb residents and stakeholders to sign up for the county’s high-speed notification system, CodeRED.

The emergency notification system has the ability to quickly deliver time-sensitive messages via voice, email, and text to targeted areas or the county during emergency situations or disasters.

“We have a severe storm system headed

toward us presently. If it happens that we need to notify the public about public safety hazards such as weather – now or in the future - CodeRED is one of the tools we will use to reach people directly,” said May.

To sign up for CodeRED, residents and businesses should visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov and follow the link to the CodeRED Community Notification Enrollment page. Those without internet access should call DeKalb Emergency Management at 770-270-0413, Monday – Friday, 8-5 p.m. to register via

phone. Required information includes; First and last name, physical street address, and primary phone number. To receive weather warnings, subscribers should be sure to select the Severe Weather Warning link.

Businesses are encouraged to register for CodeRED, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number.

Rockdale Clerk of Courts warns about jury scam calls

DeKalb residents, businesses urged to sign up for CodeRED

Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson is warning the public to be on the alert for a telephone “jury scam.” Scam artists are calling the unwary attempting to trick them into revealing their personal information by telling them they’ve failed to report for jury duty and warrants for their arrest are being issued unless they pay a fine.

The victim will often respond they never received the jury duty notification. The scammer then asks the victim for confidential information for “verification” purposes, Wilson said. Specifically, the scammer asks for the victim’s Social Security number, birth date, and sometimes even for credit

card numbers and other private information.

Wilson said the clerk’s office never calls anyone to ask for Social Security Numbers and other private information. If the clerk’s office does call, it is in response to messages citizens leave or emails sent to them.

“This jury duty scam is just one of a series of identity theft scams where scammers use the phone to try to get people to reveal personal confidential information,” Wilson said. “Your privacy rights are important to us and we make every effort to protect the documents and information you provide in interacting with the Courts,” Wilson said.

Wilson advises that you:§Never give out your Social

Security Number, credit card numbers or other personal confidential information when you receive a telephone call.

§If such a caller insists upon “verifying” your information with you, have them read the data to you from their notes, with you saying yes or no to it rather than the other way around.

§Examine your credit card and bank account statements every month, looking for unauthorized charges. Immediately challenge items you did not approve.

Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson

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PAGE 4 •NOVEMBER 21, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Coming Up

Annual Children’s Christmas Parade to feature holiday floats Get ready to see the holiday floats, marching bands and helium filled balloons as the

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation presents the annual Children’s Christmas Parade. The Midtown Atlanta parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m., starting at Peachtree and 16th streets and ending at Peachtree and 5th St.

The parade, which takes place rain or shine, is billed as the largest holiday parade in the Southeast. Along with a television audience of more than 500,000 viewers on WSB-TV, hundreds of thousands of spectators will be lined up along the streets awaiting the arrival of Santa and the official beginning of the holiday season in Atlanta.

ATLANTA

Ponce City Market to present Holiday SpectacularAtlanta’s Ponce City Market’s inaugural Holiday Spectacular will usher in the holiday

season on Nov. 28. A family affair, the Holiday Spectacular will offer festive fun for all ages throughout the day. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Santa Claus will be visiting with guests and posing for photos on the second floor of the Central Food Hall.

Additional activities include local groups serenading guests throughout the Central Food Hall after 3 p.m., a gingerbread making competition display, a live chalk artist, reindeer face painting, elf sightings and more holiday surprises. Drawing inspiration from the beloved lighting of the Great Tree at Rich’s in downtown Atlanta, Ponce City Market will also host the first lighting of the tower at 7 p.m. Guests will gather outside for front row views as the iconic tower atop The Roof is illuminated for the first time in the building’s history, bringing a touch of holiday magic to the Atlanta skyline.

Ponce City Market is located at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta.

“Blanket Atlanta With Love” event to provide warmth to needy Join Fulton County Commissioner Marvin S. Arrington, Jr., Outside Looking In, Porsche,

and the Chick-fil-A Foundation for Blanket Atlanta With Love, an annual clothing drive for the homeless.

New or gently-used blankets, coats and ponchos will be distributed to the needy during a pre-Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Atlanta Recovery Center, 169 Trinity Ave. SW., Atlanta.

DEKALB

Women In NAACP, Larry Johnson to give away 350 turkeysThe Women In NAACP—DeKalb County branch and DeKalb County Commissioner

Larry Johnson will present the third annual Holiday Turkey Giveaway for needy families on Saturday, Nov. 21, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event will be held in the parking lot of the Gallery at South DeKalb mall, (near Metro PCS), 2801 Candler Road, Decatur.

Each family will be given a number to receive one free turkey while quantities last on a first-come, first-served basis.

About 350 turkeys will be given away. Sponsors “HUGLIFE” and radio station STREETZ 94.5 will provide a ” live remote broadcast.”

For more information, call the DeKalb NAACP at 404-241-8006.

Thanksgiving baskets to be given away at Crossroads PresbyterianFamilies who would like a Thanksgiving dinner basket may get one while supplies last

on Monday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 5587 Redan Road, Stone Mountain.

Deskan Institute & Training, Inc., which is organizing the giveaway, is asking the public’s help in providing financial donations or the following items so needy families may prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner:

turkeys, hams, chicken, rolls, cornbread mix, stuffing, green beans, corn, collard greens, sweet potatoes, boxed mashed potatoes, packages or jars of gravy, desserts, fruit salad and cranberry sauce.

For more information, visit www.deskan.net or call 770-498-2152| 678-600-5579.

Art Stroll to kick off holiday festivities in Stone MountainIf you’re looking for handmade gifts and works of art, head to downtown Stone Mountain.

The city’s Holiday Art Stroll kicks off on Main Street on Nov. 21, 6 to 8 p.m. Candlelight shopping will be held every Thursday evening until 9 p.m. in December.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Stone Mountain Village Christmas Parade and Fireworks on Nov. 27. Festivities start at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street.

Tree lighting, Santa Dee and caroling in Lithonia The city of Lithonia will host its annual tree lighting and holiday celebration with Santa

Dee on Dec. 6, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Kelly Park, corner of Main and Max Cleland Blvd. in downtown

Enjoy refreshments, Christmas carols and local vendors. For more information, contact Lithonia City Hall at 770-482-8136 or Nia.Harper@

lithoniacity.org or Leah.Rodriguez@lithoniacity.org.

Enjoy lights, sweets, Santa and caroling in Avondale The Avondale Estates Christmas celebration begins with the annual lighting of the

Christmas Tree, located at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale Road. This year’s event will be held Monday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.

Boy Scout Troop 6 gives away cookies and Girl Scout Troop 24433 sells homemade chili to support troop service projects and activities. The Avondale Estates First Baptist Church sings carols, the tree lighting follows and cider and doughnuts are served at approximately 7 p.m. Santa Claus also makes an appearance for the occasion.

GWINNETT

Annual lighting will feature 30-foot Norway spruce, SantaGwinnett County Parks and Recreation will host the 28th annual Lighting of the Tree on

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 5:30 p.m., at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan St., downtown Lawrenceville.

Families will gather on the grounds before the flick of the switch at 6 p.m., which will illuminate 30,000 lights on a 30-foot Norway spruce. The evening’s entertainment will include Class Act Band, Cheyenne Knight, and Katie Wolf. Food vendors will be on hand to offer sweets, treats, and warm beverages. Kids’ activities include face painting, Whoville hair, and crafts.

Santa’s sleigh will be on display on the East Lawn, on loan from the North Pole, and parents can take photos of their little ones with Santa once he arrives. The East Lawn will also feature musical performances by Buford High School Theatre Club.

Event sponsors include the City of Lawrenceville, Hayes Chrysler, Gwinnett Daily Post, and Wall Heating and Air Conditioning.

Breakfast with Santa set at Historic CourthouseTake the kids to have breakfast with Santa on Saturday Nov. 28, 8:30 a.m., at the

beautifully decorated Superior Court Ballroom at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, visit with Santa and give him your list, plus get a keepsake photo.

The event is $11 per person (infants 12 months and younger are admitted free with a paid adult). You must pre-register by Nov. 20. For more information, call 770-822-5450.

Head to fairgrounds for Christmas Extravaganza Lift Up Atlanta’s Annual Christmas Extravaganza will be held on Dec. 5, noon to 6

p.m. at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall Building, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.

There will be live entertainment, Santa, a magic show, and comedy show, games and activities, vendor shopping and more Admission is a donation or a new toy. For more information, email liftupatlanta@yahoo.com.

Polar Express Storytime set at Snellville bookstoreGet on board for the Annual Polar Express Storytime in Snellville. Parents are invited

to take the kids to storytime on Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, at the Shoppes at Webb Gin, 1350 Scenic Highway, Snellville.

ROCKDALE

Hometown tree lighting, Holiday Christmas Parade set

Enjoy some old-fashioned fun at the Hometown Holiday Christmas Parade on Dec. 5, 4 p.m. in Conyers.

The parade, which includes Santa making his official debut at the end of the parade, kicks off at Rockdale County High School, winds through Olde Town Conyers and concludes at the Rockdale County Courthouse on Milstead Avenue. The parade features more than 75 floats and entries. Rockdale High School is located at 1174 Bulldog Circle, Conyers.

The county’s annual tree lighting celebration will begin immediately after the parade, around 5:30 p.m. at the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers.

For more information, call 770-602-2606.With this year’s theme, “Christmas Candyland,” the free program will feature

performances by local dance groups, elementary, middle and high school choirs, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will light a large, beautifully-decorated Christmas tree on stage in front of the audience.

The Rockdale County Fraternal Order of Firefighters will be on site outside the Auditorium selling hot snack items and hot chocolate. Proceeds will help financially-struggling families with their holiday needs.

This year, the County will begin a new tradition of decorating a newly-planted outdoor tree adorned with multi-colored LED lights located next to the Courthouse on Milstead Avenue near Main Street for citizens to enjoy through the holiday season. The lights on the new outdoor tree will be turned on after the indoor tree lighting celebration. The new outdoor tree replaces an aging, overgrown tree in the Courthouse parking lot that will need to be cut down.

For more information on the parade, call 770-602-2606.

BOC invites public to Holiday Open House

The Rockdale Board of Commissioners will have its holiday open house on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5-7 p.m., at the BOC office, 962 Milstead Ave., Conyers.

Hosted by the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, the informal, drop-in event will provide the public with an opportunity to meet elected officials, county leaders and staff.

Attendees can enjoy festive holiday music and refreshments and beverages.The event is free and open to the public.For more information, contact Tonya Parker at 770-278-7050 or tonya.parker@

rockdalecountyga.gov.

Springfield Baptist prepares for holiday food giveaway Springfield Baptist Church,1877 Iris Drive SE, Conyers, will host a free holiday food

giveaway Dec. 8-11. The food distribution is open to the public and all the food will be given away until it runs out. Distribution Dates and TimesTuesday Dec. 8 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Wednesday Dec. 9 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Thursday Dec. 10 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Friday Dec. 11 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, contact the church office at 770-929-1111 or visit www.sbclive.org.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS NOVEMBER 21, 2015 • PAGE 5

On the Scene with Dr. Green” DeKalb superintendent talks set

State Rep. Kendrick to host meeting to discuss key issues

Stone Mountain Deltas to observe World AIDS Day

DeKalb students show significant progress in Georgia Milestones test

R. Stephen Green, DeKalb County Schools Superintendent

State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick

R. Stephen Green, superintendent of the DeKalb County School District, will continue his talks in the community, “On the Scene with Dr. Green: Community Conversations with Dr. Green.”

Parents, students, residents and other stakeholders are invited to talk with Dr. Green about issues, concerns, and other important topics concerning the district on the following dates:

• Thurs., Jan. 21, 2016, 7 – 8 p.m., Columbia Middle School• Tues., Mar. 29, 2016, 7 – 8 p.m., New Fernbank Elementary School• Tues., April 12, 2016, 7 – 8 p.m., Lithonia High School

State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D- Lithonia) will host a Legislative Hack-a-thon on Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at ITT Tech campus, 485 Oak Pl., Suite 800, Atlanta.

The event aims to get citizens across the state involved in the policy making process by giving them the opportunity to meet with industry experts, legislators, attorneys and community activists to examine key issues facing Georgia, and develop legislative solutions to address them. Topics to be discussed include: Child Support Reform, School Discipline, Mental Health and the Police, Technology Skills and Jobs, and Treatment of the Homeless.

This event is supported by a host committee, which includes: Jennifer Young, Ashlyn Shockley, A. Fitzgerald Breland, Theron Johnson, Travis Stegall, Travis Townsend, and Former State Rep. Yasmin Neal (ITT Tech Criminal Justice Advisory Board Member).

Registration is required for this event and spots are very limited. To register, visit

www.kendricksforgeorgia.com. For more information,contact Rep. Kendrick at 404-697-8006 or email dkendrick@kendrickforgeorgia.com (mailto:dkendrick@kendrickforgeorgia.com).

The Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter (SM-LAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will observe World AIDS Day by offering free HIV testing for the community on Sunday, Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., New Bethel AME Church, 8350

Rockbridge Rd., Lithonia.“The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to

adversely impact the black community,” said SM-LAC President Pamela Lee. “Our goal is to empower as many people as we can to know their status, educate them on how to prevent the spread of the disease, and to connect them with the

appropriate community resources.”According to the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, African Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV. In addition, the rate of new HIV infection in African Americans is 8 times that of whites based on population size.

SM-LAC is partnering with Sister Love, Inc. to provide oral swab tests, which produce HIV results in as little as 20 minutes. A non-profit organization, Sister Love offers free HIV testing and counseling, and focuses on health education, advocacy and prevention for women of color.

The DeKalb County School District’s Georgia Milestones End-of-Course and End-of-Grade test scores highlight student progress in academic proficiency across the district.

• In language arts, 29 elementary schools met or exceeded the state average in the percentage of students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, scoring in the two highest categories, Proficient Learner and Distinguished Learner. There are 10 Title I elementary schools.

• Likewise, 21 elementary schools met or exceeded state averages in the percentage of students in the highest scoring bands for mathematics. On average, over 20 elementary schools scored in the highest bands of performance for both science and social studies. There are 85 elementary schools in the District.

• In school language arts, eight middle schools showed significant proficiency in the percentage of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades by scoring in the Proficient Learner or Distinguished Learner performance bands, either meeting or exceeding state averages. Four middle schools are designated for Title I. There are 19 middle schools in the District.

• On average, 59 percent of students in the District scored within or above the scoring range for Lexile Levels, a scale for measuring the reading ability of a student.

• Across the district, at least 30 percent of high school students completing the Ninth Grade Literature, U.S. History, and Economics Spring 2015 End-of-Course assessments scored in state’s highest performance categories, illustrating significant proficiency in the mastery of content standards. The District’s increase of 10.6

percentage points in high school graduation rates for School Years 2014 and 2015 also supports positive performance among our high school students. There are 22 high schools in the District.

Schools exhibiting 80 percent or more of their students scoring in the highest performance levels in one or more content areas include:

• Austin ES• Chamblee Charter HS• DeKalb School for the Arts• Kittredge Magnet• Vanderlyn ES• Wadsworth Magnet

“With this new, more rigorous test and first-time online testing for many students, we anticipated these scores, which will form a baseline for future years’ comparison,” said Superintendent R. Stephen Green. “Together with earlier improved results in SAT scores and graduation rates, our students are demonstrating significant important growth and we anticipate even greater achievement in the future with our laser focus on classroom instruction and curriculum.” For those schools that need significant improvement, the District has undertaken a number of initiatives to support and improve student academic outcomes including rebuilding teaching foundations to ensure rigorous instruction in all classrooms, parent involvement programs and wrap-around services that address the social-emotional impacts of the learning process.

Georgia Milestones measures how well students in third grade through high school have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

PAGE 6 •NOVEMBER 21, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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Rockdale’s Alpha Academy welcomes Georgia Attorney General, GBI official

Left to right: GBI Public Affairs Deputy Director Melly Niles, Open Campus Principal Frank Daniels, Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens

Rockdale County Public Schools’ Open Campus and Alpha Academy received two special visitors for Red Ribbon Week: State Attorney General Sam Olens and Georgia Bureau of Investigations Public Affairs Deputy Director Melly Niles. The two met with students and spoke about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

The theme for Rockdale Open Campus’ Red Ribbon Week this year was “Rise Above the Issues.” The school looked at the following issues that impact teen health and safety: texting and driving, prescription drugs, smoking and bullying.

Representatives from the Rockdale Health Department spoke on the dangers of smoking, and the school held a character education mentoring session on respect and how respect for oneself and others reduces conflict and builds character.

RCPS wins electronic media awardRockdale County Public Schools

(RCPS) was awarded a silver medal by the Georgia School Public Relations Association (GSPRA) in the Electronic Media category for its video, “Welcome to RCPS.”

The award was presented by GSPRA President Laura Nurse (left), Gwinnett County Public Schools director of publications and public information, to RCPS Chief of Strategy and Innovation Cindy Ball at the annual GSPRA Conference.

GSPRA is a professional organization for school communicators and school-community relations specialists.

Rockdale’s Open Campus students demonstrate spirit of serviceRockdale Open Campus students have been busy serving and giving back to

the community. Open Campus Interact Club students kicked off this fall’s service projects with a breast cancer awareness campaign in October, conducted the Purple Pinkie Project to fight polio, which raised $60 to save 60 lives, held a Chick-Fil-A Calendar fundraiser to help families in need during the holidays and raised enough to provide 10 families with a Thanksgiving basket and a turkey and helped purchase hygiene products for a woman shelter.

Open Campus Interact Club students, Interact Club Adviser Jeannine Purvis, and Rockdale Rotary Club Youth Services Chair Cheryl Cooper attend the Oct. 28 Rockdale Rotary Club meeting.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS NOVEMBER 21, 2015 • PAGE 7

Entrepreneurscontinued from page 1

Hudson, “Dr. E.” to offer youths strategies at free motivational event

Chess master and motivational speaker Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson and expert emotional educator “Dr. E.” Erik Fisher, Ph.D are teaming up to help tweens and teens find their way in life by connecting the game of chess with the “games” of emotion.

Registration is under way now for the free motivational event, which will take place Dec. 19, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fairfield inn and Suites-Stonecrest in Lithonia.

Both Hudson and Dr. E. have been featured on networks such as CNN, NBC, FOX, ABC and in print outlets across North America. Dr. E. appears monthly on Good Day Atlanta, providing his unique insights on parenting and families.

With simple tips and tricks, Hudson and Dr. E. say they hope to provide participants skills that will help them feel empowered and more successful in the game of life.

RSVP at orrin@besomeone.org or for more information, call 770-465-6445.

District Attorney Robert James hosted a community forum on gangs Nov. 14 at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur.

Dr. E. Erik FisherOrrin Hudson

Federal grant to assist District Attorney’s Office in combatting gangsThe DeKalb County District Attorney’s

Office received $385,118 to combat local gangs through technology. The grant, awarded from the United States Department of Justice, provides the District Attorney’s Office with software that interfaces with local law enforcement organizations as well as federal and nationwide agencies.

“Gang violence and crimes have become an ever growing problem,” said District Attorney Robert James. “The ability to share data, leads and information is a critical step in our office curbing gang-related crime.”

The Technology Innovation for Public Safety (TIPS) grant will help purchase the IBM i2 Analysis software, which is currently used in other jurisdictions throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area. This data-centric software shares

information across jurisdictions and enables law enforcement to connect related gang and violent crime activities.

In 2013 and 2014, the DA’s Office handled more than 30 gang cases charged under the Street Gang Terrorism Prevention Act. Earlier this year, the office announced a 45-count indictment against an alleged street gang known as the Hate Committee. Other identified gangs in the metropolitan Atlanta area includes: Bloods, Crips, Gangster Disciples, Latin Kings and Vice Lords – all with national affiliations.

“The gangs in DeKalb range from local hybrid organizations all the way to highly, sophisticated criminal enterprises,” said James. “In order to combat this problem, we have to arm ourselves with the information and technology to stay one step ahead of these gangs.”

DeKalb promotes 32 from DeKalb Fire AcademyThirty-two new DeKalb County firefighters are getting their new assignments,

after graduating from the DeKalb Fire Academy.The 103rd and 104th graduating classes spent nearly 17 weeks in firefighter

training and approximately 7 months in Emergency Medical Training. The new firefighters were honored by DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May and Presiding Officer Commissioner Larry Johnson. Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.

Billie Lusk was very excited to see ICEO May deliver food to her.

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May addresses the 103rd and 104th graduating classes

Interim CEO Lee May delivers meals to seniorsInterim CEO Lee May, with the help of Senior Connections, delivered food

to the homes of DeKalb County’s elderly. Senior Connections invited May to join them in their outreach, and he happily accepted.

“We should always serve those who have paved the way for us”, said ICEO May. “And this holiday season, it is time for everyone to come together to give back.”

For more information about Senior Connections, go to https://www.seniorconnectionsatl.org/

time when women couldn’t even come in. They couldn’t vote and they certainly could not make policy. But now we have progressed. And with that progression, we have you.”

Jones issued a call to action, urging those in attendance to not only pursue their business goals but to get involved in their communities. The CEO of the LBJ Law Group, she herself juggles a business, her work at the Capitol and life in the community.

“I implore you to make service a part of your bucket list just like traveling, just like raising a family… We need you in our school boards, our city councils and here down at the Capitol,” Jones said.

Jones was followed at the podium by Garner, who helped organize the event. Garner talked about having an entrepreneurial spirit since she was a child. She encouraged the women to team up to go after contracts and other procurement opportunities.

“So many times we hold onto our contacts when together, we can hit through the glass ceiling,” said Garner,

principle of The Garner Circle PR. A product of Georgia State University

and New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Garner’s marketing agency handles high profile events planning, fashion, lifestyle and public relations. Just as she founded 100 Female Entrepreneurs Inc. to empower women, Garner founded the Pink Lemonade Stand, a non-profit, to empower young girls and mentor young women like Tiara Johnson, the daughter of DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson and Dr. Tanisha Johnson. Tiara Johnson, founder of TLJ, helps to promote both young girls in business and women.

“We would like for you to take the messages you’ve learned here today back to your communities,” Tiara Johnson said.

Tami Reed, who blogs as “Talking with Tami,” told the women not to let adversity get in the way of pursuing their dreams. Afterall, she didn’t.

“My mother was incarcerated, my sister just got out of prison on my birthday last year. I did not know my dad. All of this still did not deter me,” said

State Rep. LaDawn Jones presents Nicole Garner with a proclamation. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

PAGE 8 •NOVEMBER 21, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

CELEBRATING VETERANS DAY

Lou Walker Senior Center hosts hundreds of vets for dinner and program

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan

DeKalb County’s Lou Walker Senior Center welcomed hundreds of disabled and homeless military veterans from across metro Atlanta to the Lou Walker Senior Center on Nov. 15. The men and women

attended a dinner and program coordinated by the Disabled American veterans, Chapter 91.

The center’s new executive director, Bettye Davis, brought out hot cornbread and rolls while DeKalb Clerk of Courts Debra Deberry helped serve plates filled with turkey, ham, dressing, string beans, yams and cornbread. They were among the dozens who came out to support the event, which included radio personality Wanda Smith and greetings and entertainment by vet Val Green.

Georgia Democratic lawmakers launch ‘A Promise Kept’ to help vets The Georgia House Democratic

Caucus has launched a new initiative, “A Promise Kept,” to hear firsthand of the critical issues facing Georgia military veterans and their families.

Over the next several months, state lawmakers plan to travel across the state and hold listening sessions to learn how they can improve on critical issues ranging from consumer protection, healthcare and employment to housing, childhood education and workforce development.

“Georgia military families and veterans make enormous sacrifices to serve our country and they are integral to the economic future of our state, but we must do more to support them,” said Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams. “We can and must take the necessary steps to ensure that these families are stronger, healthier, and more economically secure.”

Legislation will be filed in the coming weeks, centered both around known issues facing the military community as well as those learned about through statewide testimony, the Caucus said.

“We need to work harder as a state to protect our military bases and ensure that military families have access to the opportunities they work so hard

to protect – a good education, quality health care, a well-paying job, and a secure place in our middle class,” said State Rep. Al Williams, who is a veteran.

Georgia is home to 10 active military installations and more than 750,000 veterans. With over 105,000 active duty military personnel and

civilians, Georgia’s active military population is the 5th largest in the United States.

“Georgia plays a critical role in our nation’s defense and is the home to strategically important military bases. We need to share our story about the great work that is happening at our installations,” said State Rep. Scott

Holcomb, who served with the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Georgia’s military bases serve as economic engines for the state and account for $21.4 billion annually in economic impact. In the Augusta area, Fort Gordon creates approximately 54,000 military, civilian and community jobs with an estimated annual economic impact is over $2.3 billion. In the Columbus area, Fort Benning generates about $5.5 billion in annual economic impact, according to military officials. Georgia’s military bases also generate millions of dollars annually for local school districts in impact aid.

“As a veteran and military family member, I am proud of our Democratic leaders for taking on this initiative. This is a critical time to support the needs of our returning veterans and to build upon Georgia’s support for our military communities. By listening first to veterans and military families across the state, they are taking the right approach. I hope all members of our military community will participate,” said Keen.

To learn more about the Caucus’ initiative, visit www.apromisekeptga.com

South DeKalb Rotarians demonstrate acts of kindnessSouth DeKalb Rotary Club members Bert Miller and Ceasar Gaiters put a little

sweetness into Veterans Day by helping 19-year Marine veteran Laveda Bennett pass out donuts and coffee at the women’s clinic at the VA Hospital. Bennett is the Women’s Veteran Volunteer Representative with over 15,000 volunteer hours served since 1996 to present. She is the last of the original volunteer committee members still serving at the VA.

General Ray Davis Middle School in Rockdale County presented a special Veterans Day Program on Nov. 11 featuring “Rosie the Riveter” (storyteller Carol Cain), writer Pete Mecca, Heritage High MJROTC, performances by the DMS Chorus, Dance Company, Band, Orchestra, Cheerleaders, Color Guard, a Huey helicopter brought by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and a WWII-era Stearman biplane squadron flyover.

Superintendent Richard Autry and storyteller Carol Cain

Frank Speights of the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation

Veterans Day at Rockdale’s General Ray Davis Middle

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS NOVEMBER 21,2015 • PAGE 9

Daniel Omotosho Black, who presently serves as a professor in Clark Atlanta University’s Department of African-American Studies, will discuss his fifth and newest novel, The Coming (St. Martin’s Press, 2015), during a community conversation on Monday, Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m. in the university’s Davage Auditorium. A book signing will follow.

The book unveils one of the most horrifying chapters in history, the Middle Passage, through the eyes of the brave souls who survived it. During the Middle Passage, Africans by the thousands were captured, kidnapped from their homelands, and forced into shocking conditions for the sole purpose of enslavement.

Marc Lamont Hill, journalist, author, and TV personality, was so moved after reading The Coming that

he decided to engage Black in the upcoming community conversation of the book, which is being hosted by CAU President Ronald A. Johnson.

The Coming, Johnson says, is a “timely, clarion call from the darkest chapters of our past to our youth in a time when racial injustices and the rampant onslaught of violence against African-American youth continue to accelerate despite compelling evidence that has been captured through the use of new technologies. This book is quintessentially an idea that matters and our obligation is to embrace and apply it—with urgency and intentionality—toward solutions than will heal and build up our communities and our nation.”

Reared in Blackwell, Arkansas, Black earned a full scholarship to Clark College (now CAU) and majored in English, graduating magna cum laude in 1988. He was awarded the prestigious Oxford Modern British Studies Scholarship and spent his junior year studying at Oxford University in England. He subsequently was granted a full graduate fellowship to Temple University where he earned the Ph.D. in African-American Studies.

In addition to The Coming, Black is the author of They Tell Me Of A Home, The Sacred Place, Twelve Gates to the City and Perfect Peace, which was named the Arkansas State Library’s 2014 selection for “If All Arkansas Read the Same Book.”

TO CONTACT USBY PHONE: 678-526-1910BY FAX: 678-526-1909BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS.COMVISIT ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

People Movers & Shakers in the Community

Tau Pi Omega AKA inducts 23 who are ready to serve

CAU professor to discuss Middle Passage, subject of his latest bookEach of the new AKA members proudly don a pink or green scarf to represent the sorority’s colors at their

induction.

Nov. 8 was a special day for the Tau Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., which serves the Stone Mountain and Lithonia communities. The sorority inducted 23 new members during a luncheon, which was held at the Holiday Inn Atlanta Airport North.

Some of the new members already have begun working with the chapter to plan a “War on Hunger” along with members of the DeKalb County Pan Hellenic Council. The initiative will provide holiday turkeys to hundreds of families who are considered to be food insecure.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded on Jan. 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University as the

Daniel Black, Ph.D.

The newly-inducted AKA members include: DeKalb Solicitor-General Sherry BostonCheryl Chew-RenderArmanda L. DavisVontrice L. DericoWanda M. EmersonLindsay P. Ezell,Tiffany L. FarmerKahla FranklinKim GoldthwaiteQuanecia M. KellyJanice Kitchens-Sneed

Fonda D. Martin, M.D.Jacqueline McMillanBrandy R. MoodyMelanie Y. MooreTaneisha Moss,Vinesha C. PegramPamela V. SaulsburyIkeranda SmithJasmine C. ThompsonKachelle L. WhiteDanielle T. Williams Demetria R. H. Wright.

first sorority created for black women in the United States. The Tau Pi Omega Chapter was chartered on Jan. 23, 1993 with 30 members. The chapter has 169 members today.

PAGE 10 •NOVEMBER 21, 2015 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Business News

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ABL’s 92 Annual Meeting features “Money in the Movies” panel

The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Legislative Breakfast and toy drive on Dec. 9, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., This Is It banquet room, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. The guest speaker will be DeKalb Superintendent of Schools R. Stephen Green. Additionally Lisa-Marie Haygood, president of the Georgia PTA, will bring greetings and local elected officials have been invite.

Members may attend the breakfast for free with advance registration($10 at the door) and guests may attend for $20 with advance registration ($30 at the door).

This event is the Chamber’s toy drive and everyone is asked to bring an unwrapped toy. All of the toys will be donated to Chamber member, KES, Inc. for distribution.

To register for the breakfast, visit www.greaterlithoniachamber.com.

The Atlanta Business League(ABL) presented a panel on the movie industry in Georgia at its 92 Annual Meeting on Nov. 17 at the downtown Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel.

The panel, “Money in the Movies: How You Can Profit in Hollywood South,” included Moderator Tirrell D. Whitley, CEO and Principal Liquid Soul; Roger Bobb, producer and president and CEO of Bobbcat Films; Brett Dismuke, president and COO, The Swirl Group; LaRonda Sutton, general manager of the Mayor’s Office of Entertainment, City of Atlanta; and Terri J. Vaughn, actress/producer, co-founder of Nina Holiday Entertainment.

Leona DaBarr-Davenport, president and CEO of ABL, welcomed members and guests to the program, which also included a year-end review and recognition of this year’s officers and board of directors. And hree inductees into ABL’s Business Hall of Fame: Accolades Inc, Perfect Image and Simon Sign Systems.

On Common Ground News was a media sponsor for the event. Panelists discuss the growing film industry in Georgia. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

The East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District (CID) is hosting a briefing to update commercial and industrial property owners of the projects and initiatives the CID has accomplished during 2015.

Interested business owners and other community stakeholders should mark their calendars for the meeting, which will be held Dec. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia.

GLCC to present DeKalb schools chief R. Stephen Green East Metro CID to present briefing update

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS NOVEMBER 21, 2015 • PAGE 11

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