Good Afternoon Everyone: Today I will begin by reporting that our Back-to-School Supply Drive on July 17 was a big success. First, I would like to thank my partner in this endeavor, School Board Chair, Vickie Turner. Chairwoman Turner was a pleasure to work with throughout this process and we make a good team. This partnership underscores my intent to work more collaboratively with our school board colleagues and other elected officials in DeKalb County. I would also like to thank Pastor Karl D. Moore, First Lady Angela Moore, and all the folks at Clarkston First Baptist Church for being such wonderful host for the event. That day we gave out 500 back packs. Fresh on Dek provided 450 Produce Bags. And 19 COVID – 19 vaccines were administered. It was a glorious day. And I was overjoyed by all the organizations who were there to support the event: Cheryl Watson Harris, DeKalb County School Superintendent Mayor Beverly Burks, City of Clarkston Chakira Johnson, Council Member City of Stone Mountain Dr. Sandra Valenciano and her team lead by Don Brondage from the DeKalb Board of Health Damon Scott and his team led by Bette Davis from the DeKalb County Human Services Department Theresa Austin-Gibbons and her Staff from Work Source DeKalb Dorian DeBarr and his staff from Decide DeKalb Andre Deas and members of 100 Black Men of DeKalb Jamilah Gilmore and her team from Fresh on Dek Farmer’s Market Diamond Lewis and staff at DCTV Sharon Dowdell, Photographer Arisa Hara, District 4 Social Media Consultant International Rescue Committee Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) Urban League of Greater Atlanta All In COVID 19 Vaccination Kid Doc on Wheels Phi Kappa Kappa Charter Omega Psi Phi and Chef Jess McNair from Clarkston High School Calvin Carter aka DJ “SUGA Bear” GEORGIA Muslim Voter TRANE Amorous Tacos Kona Ice And all of the volunteers who packaged bags and showed up for the event. Pulling off an event of this magnitude is a team effort. And it would not have been possible without all of these wonderful people and organizations. I am so grateful.
On July 23rd, I held my regular DeKalb Mayor’s Roundtable meeting. This is an initiative that I started during my second year in office for the purpose of sharing information and strengthening the lines of communication between DeKalb County and our municipal leaders. As usual, we engaged in a robust discussion on several important issues. And I enjoy hearing about the positive things that are going on in our cities. I would like to thank the attendees for taking time out of their busy schedules to participate: Avondale Estates Mayor Jonathan Elmore, Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson, Clarkston Mayor Beverly Burks, Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett, Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch, Pine Lake Mayor Melanie Hammet, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, and Tucker Mayor Frank Auman. I will continue to host these meetings for as long as the mayors see value in doing so.
On July 24th, we held our regular Quarterly in the Fourth Community Breakfast meeting, virtually. This is also an initiative that I started during my second year in office. The primary purpose of the meeting is to make myself available to the citizens of District 4, to listen to their concerns, and share important information about what is going on with their government. As usual, there were plenty of important issues that were raised by the attendees. And I thank them for participating on a Saturday morning. I also want to thank all the DeKalb County Department representatives who were there to support us and answer questions. I really appreciate it. The next Q4 meeting will be held in October. More details will be available across our communications platforms. On July 26th I was able to do a site visit at Project Transformation North Georgia. This organization is doing great work in Stone Mountain and I got to witness part of the 8-week Summer Literacy Day Camp. This program is designed to help 1st through 6th graders retain what they learned over the school year during summer break. This is an outstanding program. And I commend Executive Director, Diane Ward and her entire team for the outstanding service they are providing for our community. And I thank them for affording me the opportunity to visit.