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DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Elects New Leadership as Data Center Debate Intensifies

DeKalb County commissioners elect Chakira Johnson as Presiding Officer and LaDena Bolton as Deputy while deferring a key data center zoning vote until July.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | January 14, 2026

DeKalb County entered 2026 with a shift in political leadership and a community still wrestling with one of the most consequential land‑use debates in its history. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners elected new officers while also voting to delay action on proposed data center zoning rules, a pause that reflects both rising public pressure and the county’s struggle to balance economic opportunity with environmental and neighborhood protections.

The meeting drew a packed room of residents from South and East DeKalb, many of whom have spent months demanding transparency, clearer communication, and stronger safeguards as data center proposals continue to surface across the county.

A New Leadership Team for a Critical Moment

Courtesy photo Chakira-Johnson-Presiding-Officer

Commissioners unanimously selected Chakira Johnson (District 4) as Presiding Officer and elected LaDena “Dr. B” Bolton (Super District 7) as Deputy Presiding Officer, a pairing that blends deep engineering expertise with community‑rooted advocacy.

Chakira Johnson: Engineering Mindset Meets Procedural Power

Johnson brings more than two decades of experience in civil engineering, municipal operations, and public infrastructure management. A Georgia Tech graduate with a master’s degree in international relations from Troy University, she is a licensed professional engineer in three states and was named one of Engineering Georgia’s 50 Notable Women in 2022.

Her résumé is matched by her long-standing service in DeKalb: nearly 30 years as a resident and 16 years on the Stone Mountain City Council, including three terms as Mayor Pro Tem. She has been a consistent advocate for STEM education and youth engagement.

As Presiding Officer, Johnson will guide the Board’s procedural direction running meetings, appointing committee chairs, and shaping how and when major issues come to the floor. She emphasized a leadership style grounded in professionalism and public trust.

“I am committed to leading with efficiency, integrity, and respect,” Johnson said. “This Board serves the people of DeKalb County.”

LaDena Bolton: A Community Voice With Scientific Rigor

Bolton, known affectionately as “Dr. B,” enters the Deputy Presiding Officer role during her first year on the commission. A graduate of Avondale High School, she credits her December 2024 election to long-standing community relationships and grassroots service.

Courtesy photo LaDena-Bolton-Deputy-Presiding-Officer

Her professional background includes a Ph.D. in chemistry from Clark Atlanta University, a bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University, and a career as an analytical forensic chemist working in national security, energy sustainability, and health equity.

Bolton’s early initiatives reflect her community-first approach:

March Into a Cleaner Tomorrow, a countywide cleanup effort that mobilized more than 1,000 volunteers and removed roughly five tons of litter in three months.
Youth Aviation Program, the county’s first, offering underserved students hands-on aviation training at DeKalb‑Peachtree Airport and mentorship toward earning pilot licenses.

Her office uses the bee pollinator as a symbol of collective work and community uplift.

“We’re building legacies from the inside out,” Bolton said. “Families, youth, neighborhoods that’s where the work begins.”

Why These Roles Matter Now

Under the DeKalb County Organizational Act, the Presiding Officer and Deputy Presiding Officer shape the Board’s internal structure and public-facing process. They control meeting flow, committee leadership, special session calls, and how major issues like data centers move through the system.

With public trust strained and residents demanding clearer communication, the leadership style of Johnson and Bolton will directly influence how the county navigates the months ahead.

Data Centers: A Debate That Has Become a Community Flashpoint

Beyond leadership elections, commissioners voted to delay action on data center zoning changes until July, when the planning commission is expected to present updated recommendations.

The pause comes after months of intense debate, particularly in South and East DeKalb communities that have historically borne the brunt of industrial encroachment, infrastructure strain, and uneven economic development.

Community Concerns

Residents have raised concerns about noise from cooling systems, water usage in a county already facing infrastructure challenges, environmental impact on nearby neighborhoods, proximity to homes and schools, and transparency in how proposals are evaluated.

Many residents say they are not opposed to economic development they simply want development that respects community health, land use, and long-term sustainability.

Economic Stakes

County officials, including CEO Lorraine Cochran‑Johnson, have noted that a single large-scale data center could generate an estimated $27 million annually in tax revenue, driven by the high value of servers and cooling equipment.

Supporters argue that revenue could support long‑delayed water system upgrades, reduce pressure on residential taxpayers, and strengthen the county’s long-term financial position.

They also describe data centers as essential digital infrastructure the unseen backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and modern communications.

Regulation vs. Restriction

Proposals under discussion include 500‑foot buffers from residential areas, strict noise limits, generator restrictions, environmental impact reviews, and community benefit funds. Commissioner Ted Terry has suggested dedicating a portion of data center tax revenue to libraries, youth programs, and neighborhood improvements.

Statewide Scrutiny: Georgia Reconsiders Its Data Center Boom

The local debate mirrors a broader conversation unfolding at the Georgia Capitol.

A report from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government found that data center projects have generated more than 28,000 construction jobs, over 5,000 permanent positions, and billions in economic impact statewide.

Metro Atlanta led the nation in data center expansion last year, surpassing Northern Virginia, according to CBRE.

But the growth comes with a cost: state utility regulators have approved plans to add roughly 10,000 megawatts of new power generation capacity, much of it to meet data center demand.

State Rep. Ruwa Roman has introduced bipartisan legislation proposing a moratorium on new data center construction through 2027.

“This is permanent,” Roman said during recent hearings. “And if we get it wrong, Georgians will deal with the consequences for decades.”

Looking Ahead: Leadership, Trust, and the Path Forward

As DeKalb County moves deeper into 2026, the election of Johnson and Bolton signals a leadership team that blends technical expertise with community‑centered advocacy. Their challenge will be guiding a divided public conversation while ensuring transparency, fairness, and long-term planning.

The July deadline for data center zoning recommendations sets the stage for a pivotal summer one that will test the Board’s ability to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, neighborhood protection, and community trust.

For residents, the question remains: what kind of development will shape DeKalb’s future and who gets to decide?

For Johnson and Bolton, the months ahead will define not only their leadership but the county’s direction for years to come.

Renew DeKalb Town Hall Highlights Growing Opposition to Data Centers

Moratorium, Monitoring, and Modernization: DeKalb’s Careful Approach to Data Centers

DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson’s Infrastructure and Growth Initiatives

Council for Quality Growth: Development Moratorium Extended Through 2025

Atlanta Regional Commission Sets Future Growth Priorities

Water Infrastructure Upgrades Coming to DeKalb County

Residents Push for Smart Growth in DeKalb

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Renew DeKalb Town Hall Highlights Growing Opposition to Data Centers

Residents packed a Renew DeKalb town hall to oppose data centers in South and East DeKalb, citing health risks, water strain, and zoning rules they say favor developers.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | January 11, 2026

A packed community meeting at the DeKalb Covington Highway Public Library on Saturday underscored a growing resistance to large-scale data center development in DeKalb County particularly in South and East DeKalb, where residents say environmental and infrastructure burdens are already too heavy.

The town hall, organized by Renew DeKalb and led by community organizer Gina Mangham, drew residents concerned that existing zoning rules are too broad and could allow massive, industrial-style data campuses to be built dangerously close to homes, schools, and churches.

Opponents warned that while data centers are often framed as clean, quiet engines of economic growth, the lived reality can be far different for nearby neighborhoods.

“The impact to the community that people are not looking at is the real health impact to nearby residents,” Mangham told the audience, pointing to concerns over air quality, noise, light pollution, and long-term infrastructure strain.

From Homes to Servers

According to Mangham, at least one proposed data center site in DeKalb was previously slated for a residential development of roughly 305 homes. That plan was later replaced with a data center proposal a shift residents say prioritizes developer profits over community stability.

Residents repeatedly emphasized that South and East DeKalb have historically borne the brunt of landfills, industrial zoning, and environmental hazards. Many fear data centers represent the next wave of uneven development.

“This is not happening in a vacuum,” one speaker said. “Our communities are already carrying more than their fair share.”

Water, Sewer, and a Federal Consent Decree

A central theme of the meeting was water and sewer capacity — a sensitive issue in DeKalb County.

In December 2011, DeKalb entered into a federal consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to address chronic sanitary sewer overflows. The agreement required billions in upgrades and repairs over an initial 8.5-year period, later extended due to ongoing compliance challenges.

Residents questioned how the county could responsibly approve water-intensive data centers while still working to meet those long-standing obligations.

Large data centers can consume millions of gallons of water per day, primarily for cooling systems. Speakers also raised concerns about glycol-based coolants, which are recyclable but hazardous if improperly handled.

Unanswered questions remain: How will contaminated cooling water be disposed of? Who pays for cleanup if a data campus is decommissioned decades from now?

Noise, Air, and the Grid

Beyond water, residents cited noise pollution from constant cooling fans, light pollution from 24-hour operations, and air emissions from diesel backup generators.

Studies and community reports from other states show that generator testing can release nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter linked to asthma and cardiovascular disease. Some residents described the sound near data centers as a constant hum approaching the level of heavy lawn equipment.

Energy use is another concern. Data centers place extraordinary demands on local power grids, which can drive up residential utility bills as infrastructure upgrades are passed on to consumers.

Federal Push, Local Pushback

The meeting took place against a backdrop of aggressive federal efforts to accelerate data center construction nationwide.

In July 2025, Executive Order 14318 — “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure” — directed federal agencies to streamline approvals, limit environmental reviews, and offer financial incentives to qualifying data center projects. The order also encourages the use of federal lands, including Brownfield and Superfund sites, for development.

Then, on December 11, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a separate executive order aimed at blocking state and local governments from restricting artificial intelligence development, arguing that fragmented regulation could weaken U.S. competitiveness.

Community leaders warn these federal moves could weaken local oversight just as neighborhoods are trying to assert their voices.

DeKalb Hits Pause

In response to mounting pressure, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted in December to extend a moratorium on new data center applications until June 23, 2026.

The pause temporarily blocks approval of new permits while commissioners work on comprehensive regulations addressing buffer zones, noise, screening, water use, and energy impacts.

· Terry has publicly argued that the moratorium is about responsible, data-driven planning, not stopping economic development outright.

· He has warned about unchecked expansion, rising residential power bills, and the lack of guardrails in current zoning.

· He has framed the pause as time to “get it right,” listen to residents, and build protections.

“This is about making decisions based on data and residents’ lived experiences,” Terry said during prior board discussions, warning that unchecked expansion could raise residential power bills by as much as $20 per month.

Other commissioners echoed concerns about data centers being allowed near schools and residential areas under current zoning rules.

What’s Already Here — and What’s Proposed

DeKalb currently has two operating data centers: a 3,350-square-foot facility run by DC Blox Atlanta and an 88,000-square-foot facility owned by Lincoln Rackhouse.

More significantly, county records show an application from PCC-DeKalb for a 1 million-square-foot data center campus on roughly 95 acres along Loveless Place in Ellenwood. That proposal includes three two-story buildings and an outdoor electric substation, with a vote expected in early 2026.

Two additional sites Bouldercrest Road and International Park Drive previously received zoning certification letters indicating data centers could be allowed, though neither project has moved forward.

Lessons From Virginia

Renew DeKalb organizers also pointed to Northern Virginia, the nation’s largest data center hub, as both a cautionary tale and a roadmap.

Loudoun County now requires special exceptions for all data centers. Fairfax County has imposed strict setbacks, enclosure requirements, and transit buffers. Even in Prince William County where data centers generate tens of millions in tax revenue fierce community opposition has derailed projects.

Virginia’s generous tax exemptions for data centers, which cost the state an estimated $750 million in lost sales tax revenue in 2023, have also drawn legislative scrutiny.

A New Proposal: Sharing the Benefits

In early January, Commissioner Terry introduced a resolution proposing a “DeKalb For the People AI Tech Dividend Fund,” which would dedicate 50 percent of data center tax revenue to community investments and fiscal stability.

The plan includes funding for libraries, seniors, youth programs, environmental buffers, green infrastructure, and workforce retraining particularly for neighborhoods within three miles of a data center site.

Public hearings on zoning amendments are scheduled later this month, with final votes expected in 2026.

A Community on Record

As Saturday’s town hall made clear, many DeKalb residents are no longer willing to be silent.

Speakers repeatedly said they are not opposed to technology or economic development — but they reject what they see as sacrifice zones for an industry that consumes enormous resources while providing relatively few local jobs.

DeKalb Resident Terrance Brooks DeKalb Resident Jackie Malcom

Data Center Town Hall

Moratorium, Monitoring, and Modernization: DeKalb’s Careful Approach to Data Centers

DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran Johnson’s Infrastructure and Growth Initiatives

Council for Quality Growth: Development Moratorium Extended Through 2025

Atlanta Beltline Nears 2030: Infrastructure and Innovation

Atlanta Regional Commission Sets Future Growth Priorities

Water Infrastructure Upgrades Coming to DeKalb County

Residents Push for Smart Growth in DeKalb

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From COLA to Copays: How 2026 Reshapes Retirement Security

Social Security and Medicare changes in 2026 include higher COLA payments, rising premiums, new senior tax breaks, negotiated drug prices, and potential Medicare coverage for weight-loss drugs.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 10, 2026

Americans who rely on Social Security and Medicare entered 2026 facing a series of significant changes that will shape monthly incomes, health care costs, taxes, and access to prescription drugs. From a higher cost-of-living adjustment to the long-awaited launch of negotiated Medicare drug prices, the updates reflect both inflation pressures and years of policy debate.

Here is a breakdown of the most important changes now in effect.

Higher Social Security Payments, Modest but Meaningful

Social Security recipients received a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on January 1, reflecting rising inflation late last year. That increase is slightly higher than the 2.5 percent COLA granted in 2025.

According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly retirement benefit rises by about $56, from roughly $2,015 to about $2,071. While not dramatic, the increase offers some protection against rising food, housing, and medical costs.

Medicare Premiums and Deductibles Rise Sharply

Medicare enrollees are seeing steeper increases.

Medicare Part B premiums climbed nearly 10 percent, rising to $202.90 per month, up from $185 in 2025.
The Part B deductible increased to $283, up from $257.
The Part A inpatient deductible is now $1,736, compared with $1,676 last year.

These increases mean many seniors will see a noticeable portion of their COLA absorbed by health care costs.

Higher Payroll Taxes for Top Earners

Workers continue to pay 12.4 percent of earnings toward Social Security—split evenly between employees and employers, or fully paid by the self-employed. In 2026, however, the maximum amount of earnings subject to that tax increased to $184,500, up from $176,100 in 2025.

The change affects higher-income workers most directly, modestly strengthening Social Security’s funding base.

New Tax Break for Older Americans

A new federal tax deduction aimed at older adults also took effect this year. Eligible taxpayers 65 and older can now reduce taxable income by up to $6,000, or $12,000 for married couples.

The deduction phases out for individuals earning more than $175,000 and couples earning more than $250,000. The provision was backed by AARP and included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed last summer.

Earnings Test Adjustments for Working Beneficiaries

Seniors resources are being squeezed by the cost of living, medicine, food in some instances, taxes

For Social Security beneficiaries who have not yet reached full retirement age—now between 66 and 67—the earnings test threshold also increased.

In 2026, beneficiaries who will not reach full retirement age during the year will have $1 withheld for every $2 earned above $24,480, up from $23,400 in 2025. Once full retirement age is reached, the earnings test no longer applies.

Higher Threshold to Earn Social Security Credits

Workers still need 40 Social Security credits to qualify for retirement benefits, earning up to four credits per year. In 2026, the income needed to earn one credit increased.

You now earn one credit for every quarter in which you make at least $1,890 in taxable earnings, about $80 more per quarter than last year.

Weight-Loss Drugs Poised for Medicare Breakthrough

Beyond core benefits, one of the most closely watched developments involves GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

Roughly 32 million American adults have used GLP-1 drugs, including about one-fifth of women ages 50 to 64, according to a recent report by RAND Corporation. Monthly prescriptions often exceed $1,000, placing them out of reach for many seniors.

A deal announced last fall between the Trump administration and manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk promises sharply lower prices through a new direct-to-consumer platform called TrumpRx, expected to launch in early 2026.

President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 lowering the cost of 10 widely prescribed medications

Officials say prices could fall to about $350 per month through TrumpRx. If the oral GLP-1 drug orforglipron receives approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it would be priced similarly. An initial pill version of Wegovy could cost as little as $150 per month, pending approval.

Under Medicare, officials estimate GLP-1 prices could average $245 per month, with typical copays around $50, a dramatic reduction if fully implemented.

Medicare Drug Price Negotiations Finally Begin

Another landmark change arrived quietly on January 1: the first 10 Medicare Part D drugs with negotiated prices officially became available.

After Congress passed a law in 2022 requiring negotiations between drugmakers and the federal government, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized prices that slash costs for some of the most widely used medications.

Savings are substantial. For a 30-day supply:

Januvia $527 $113 79% reduction
Eliquis $521 $231 56% reduction
Jardiance $573 $197 66% reduction
Enbrel $7,106 $2,355 67% reduction
Jardiance $197 $573 66% reduction
Stelara $4,695 $13,836 66% reduction
Xarelto $197 $517 62% reduction
Eliquis $231 $521 56% reduction
Entresto $295 $628 53% reduction
Imbruvica $9,319 $14,934 38% reduction

Advocates say the move represents the most significant shift in Medicare drug pricing since the program’s creation.

A Year of Tradeoffs

Taken together, the 2026 changes deliver both relief and new pressures for older Americans. Monthly Social Security checks are larger, tax breaks are broader, and drug prices are finally falling—but Medicare premiums and deductibles continue to climb. For seniors living on fixed incomes, 2026 may be remembered less as a year of sweeping reform than one of careful tradeoffs, where every increase comes with a corresponding cost.

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Dickens 2.0: Atlanta Mayor Targets Poverty, Inequality in Second Term

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens begins his second term pledging to defeat poverty and inequality, citing falling crime, housing investment, and a renewed push for neighborhood reinvestment.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 6, 2026

Atlanta entered a new chapter Monday as Andre Dickens was sworn in for a second four-year term, pledging to confront poverty, inequality, and public safety with renewed urgency — and with proof, he said, that the city’s approach is working.

Before thousands packed into Georgia State University’s Convocation Center, Dickens framed his next term as the completion phase of what he repeatedly called Atlanta’s “group project,” a citywide effort to invest in people, neighborhoods, and opportunity without leaving communities behind.

“Atlanta, we are done managing poverty,” Dickens declared. “We are done tolerating inequality. And we are done accepting violence as destiny.”

A second term shaped by results

Dickens, a lifelong Atlantan who grew up in the Adamsville neighborhood, returns to office after winning more than 85 percent of the vote in November. His second inauguration followed an unprecedented three-day Inauguration Weekend that included 61 community service projects across the city — a nod to his role as Atlanta’s 61st mayor and a signal that service, not ceremony, would define the moment.

The Honorable Asha Jackson administers oath of office to Mayor Andre Dickens

During his first term, Dickens said the city invested in people and neighborhoods at a historic scale. Atlanta opened 500 rapid re-housing units and started or completed more than 13,000 units of affordable housing. Youth investments topped $40 million, and more than 19,000 young people were hired at a living wage through city-supported programs.

Those investments, Dickens argued, produced measurable outcomes. Violent crime dropped sharply, with Atlanta finishing 2025 with fewer than 100 homicides for the first time in years. Youth-related crime fell by 56 percent, while Atlanta Public Schools posted its highest graduation rate on record.

The city also earned its first-ever AAA bond rating, raised the minimum wage for city employees to $17.50 an hour, expanded the BeltLine and park access, reduced food deserts, and launched the city’s first municipal grocery store.

“Across every measure,” Dickens said, “the Phoenix of Atlanta continues to rise.”

The unfinished work

Still, Dickens made clear that progress alone is not enough.

“How can we be satisfied when too many of our neighbors still sleep on our streets?” he asked. “How can we be satisfied when too many families live check to check — with more month than money?”

At the center of his second term is the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, aimed at ensuring every Atlanta neighborhood is safe, connected, healthy, and whole. Dickens described poverty and inequality as Atlanta’s modern-day “Goliath” — a persistent enemy that demands a direct confrontation, not incremental management.

He outlined five priorities — “five smooth stones,” as he called them — that will guide the administration: affordable housing, neighborhood investment, youth opportunity, public safety, and ethical, fiscally responsible government.

“Where we’ve thrown those stones,” Dickens said, “the results have been undeniable.”

A citywide audience

The inauguration drew a broad cross-section of Atlanta’s political and civic leadership, including U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, U.S. Reps. Lucy McBath and Nikema Williams, U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, and former mayors Kasim Reed and Shirley Franklin.

City Council President Marci Collier Overstreet speaks

All members of the Atlanta City Council were sworn in alongside Dickens, including incoming Council President Marci Collier Overstreet, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on collaboration entering a politically active year ahead of the 2026 Georgia legislative session.

From Adamsville to City Hall

Dickens’ story remains central to his message. A graduate of Benjamin E. Mays High School, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State University, he often describes his leadership as forged in Atlanta’s neighborhoods long before City Hall.

“Leadership doesn’t begin in the palace,” he said, referencing his upbringing. “It begins in the field.”

That framing resonated throughout the address, which closed with a promise to move beyond what Dickens called a “tale of two cities” — one prosperous, one struggling — toward a future where opportunity is shared more evenly.

“This is not just a slogan,” he said. “It is our promise.”

Why it matters

As Atlanta continues to grow, Dickens’ second term will test whether the city can expand affordability, safety, and economic mobility without displacing the communities that built it. His administration enters 2026 with momentum, measurable results, and heightened expectations — and with a mayor signaling that the next four years will be about finishing the work already underway.

“Now,” Dickens told the crowd, “let’s get to work, Atlanta.”

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History Made in Stockbridge: Jayden Williams Sworn In as City’s Youngest Mayor

Jayden Williams, 22, was sworn in as Stockbridge’s youngest mayor ever, signaling a new era of youth leadership, economic focus, and inclusive growth in Henry County.

By Milton Kirby | Stockbridge, GA | January 2, 2026

Before a standing-room-only crowd and an atmosphere that felt more like a celebration than a formal government ceremony, Jayden Williams was officially sworn in as mayor of Stockbridge, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the office in the city’s history.

Williams, just 22 years old, took the oath of office as cheers filled the room and walk-up music echoed through the chamber. Roughly 250 to 300 residents, family members, elected officials, and supporters packed the venue, many coming specifically to witness a moment that symbolized both generational change and a new chapter for the growing Henry County city.

The ceremony was energetic and deeply personal. Gospel recording artist Jarrett Boyce and saxophonist Richard Shaw, Jr. performed while laughter, dancing, and applause punctuated the proceedings. Williams entered to Young Jeezy’s “Put On,” a nod to Atlanta culture and a signal that this administration intends to bring a fresh tone to City Hall.

When the moment arrived, Williams placed his hand on his late great-grandfather’s Bible, held by his younger sister, as Honorable Judge Holly Veal administered the oath. His parents, siblings, grandparents, and great-grandmothers looked on from the audience, alongside longtime supporters who followed his rise from youth leadership to the city’s highest office.

Williams defeated a two-time incumbent in November, a victory he has said reflected a clear desire for change among Stockbridge voters. At the time of the election, he was still completing his studies in political science at Clark Atlanta University, balancing coursework with door-knocking and community forums.

“I really want to see us grow into something where every single resident feels accommodated,” Williams said following the election. “When I say that, I’m referring to new residents, young professionals, our working families, our teachers, and our seniors. How can we accommodate them to make them feel like they are home?”

A Personal and Historic Moment

During his remarks, Williams paid tribute to his late great-grandfather, recalling family stories about racial tensions that once made Henry County a place to pass through rather than stop.

“My great-grandfather used to warn my grandmother never to stop in Henry County or Stockbridge because of the racial tensions here,” Williams said. “And yet today, in a moment he could only have dreamed of, I was sworn in on his very Bible. If he could see me now, I know he’d be grinning ear to ear. This history matters.”

That theme of history and progress ran throughout the ceremony, as Stockbridge leaders emphasized how much the city has changed—and how much more change lies ahead.

New Council Members Take Office

Williams was sworn in alongside newly elected District 1 Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt and District 2 Councilman Antwan Cloud, both of whom also took their oaths during the ceremony.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Jayden Williams & LaKeisha Gant after being sworn in

“It means our city is growing, our leadership is evolving, and we are embracing every generation as a part of Stockbridge’s future,” Gantt said.

While the evening celebrated all three officials, the crowd’s energy made clear that Williams’ milestone carried special significance for residents who see his election as a signal that Stockbridge is entering a new era.

A Resume Built on Youth Leadership

Long before launching his mayoral campaign, Williams built a reputation as a youth advocate and civic leader. He began community work at just 13 years old and went on to serve as Freshman Class President and Student Government Association Treasurer at Clark Atlanta University. He was twice appointed as a White House Scholar and became the youngest Planning Commissioner in Georgia, currently serving as chair of the Stockbridge Planning Commission.

Williams has also served as State Conference President of the Georgia NAACP Youth & College Division, Youth Mayor Emeritus for the City of Stockbridge Youth Council, and Chairman Emeritus of Youth Leaders of Henry. His work has earned him numerous honors, including ACCG Youth Leader of the Year, the AT&T Climber Award, and a national public speaking award.

An Agenda Focused on Opportunity

In his inaugural address, Williams laid out an ambitious but grounded agenda centered on economic development, youth opportunity, housing stability, and inclusive growth.

“A city cannot rise if its people are locked out of opportunity,” he told the crowd, emphasizing that economic innovation will be a front-and-center priority for his administration.

Williams outlined plans to strengthen small businesses, expand workforce training, revitalize downtown Stockbridge, and align education pathways with real job opportunities in sectors such as healthcare and logistics. He also stressed the importance of youth programming, the arts, and mentorship as tools for long-term community stability.

Quoting Shirley Chisholm, Williams added his own twist to a familiar line.

“If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” he said. “But Stockbridge did something different. We gathered the wood, we built the table, and now together, we’re going to make sure that table is strong enough and welcoming enough for everyone.”

Looking Ahead

Williams said his administration will prioritize affordable housing, public safety rooted in prevention and trust, and infrastructure that supports smart, responsible growth. He also pledged transparency and collaboration, acknowledging that challenges lie ahead.

“Leadership is not pretending everything is perfect,” he said. “Leadership is showing up anyway and doing the work.”

As the ceremony concluded, supporters lingered, taking photos and embracing family members, while the new mayor greeted residents one by one. For many in attendance, the night marked more than a swearing-in—it marked a generational shift and a statement about who belongs in Stockbridge’s future.

A new year, a new mayor, and, as Williams put it, a city that is “all in for Stockbridge.”

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New Year, New MARTA: 2026 Upgrades Aim to Boost Safety, Reliability, and the Rider Experience

MARTA says 2026 will bring new CQ400 railcars, Better Breeze tap-to-pay, NextGen buses, Rapid A-Line BRT, and Five Points upgrades before World Cup crowds arrive

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | January 2, 2026

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is beginning 2026 with a promise riders have been waiting to hear for years: long-planned improvements are finally reaching the system, and many now come with firm timelines.

In a New Year’s Day announcement, MARTA outlined a series of rail, bus, fare, and station upgrades scheduled for rollout through spring and summer 2026. The projects are designed to improve safety and service reliability, modernize the rider experience, and prepare the system for increased demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (MARTA)

MARTA officials say the focus is not just on visitors arriving for global events, but on everyday riders who depend on transit for work, school, and daily life.

“This year is one of the most consequential and exciting in our history,” said Jonathan Hunt, MARTA’s interim general manager and CEO. He described 2026 as a turning point driven by “an unprecedented number of high-impact projects” shaped directly by customer feedback. (MARTA)

Below is what riders should know—and when they should expect to feel the most significant changes.

New railcars begin systemwide transition

MARTA is transitioning from its legacy rail fleet to new CQ400 railcars, which feature open gangways, front- and center-facing seating, charging stations, and real-time service information displays. The new trains are designed to improve safety, accessibility, and capacity during peak travel periods. (MARTA)

Four train sets are currently undergoing testing, with multiple sets expected to enter regular service before the World Cup begins in summer 2026. (MARTA)

Better Breeze introduces tap-to-pay fares

MARTA’s new contactless fare system, Better Breeze, is being installed systemwide. The system allows riders to tap a bank card or mobile wallet at faregates and fareboxes, while new remotely monitored faregates are expected to reduce fare evasion and improve station security. (MARTA)

The customer transition period will run from March 28 through May 2, 2026. During that window, both the old and new Breeze systems will operate simultaneously, allowing riders to use remaining balances and transition to new fare options without disruption. (MARTA)

NextGen Bus Network and MARTA Reach launch this spring

MARTA will roll out its redesigned NextGen Bus Network on April 18, 2026. The updated network is expected to deliver 15-minute service frequency to three times as many metro Atlanta residents as before. (MARTA)

Ahead of the full bus redesign, MARTA Reach, an on-demand transit service, will launch on March 7, 2026. Reach will provide shared rides within 12 defined zones across MARTA’s service area, improving first- and last-mile access for riders. (MARTA)

Rapid A-Line brings Atlanta’s first BRT service

MARTA’s Rapid A-Line, the region’s first bus rapid transit route, will connect Downtown Atlanta to Summerhill and the Atlanta Beltline’s Southside Trail. The line will operate in dedicated lanes with off-board fare payment and level boarding at multiple doors, enabling faster, more reliable trips. (MARTA)

Five Points Station upgrades continue

As part of MARTA’s $1 billion Station Rehabilitation Program, platform improvements at Five Points Station—including new lighting, flooring, and ceilings—are scheduled for completion by spring 2026. (MARTA)

The broader Five Points Transformation Project, which includes removal and replacement of the station canopy at street level, remains underway. MARTA officials say the station will remain open, safe, and accessible throughout construction, including during the World Cup. (MARTA)

Preparing for World Cup crowds—and beyond

MARTA has developed a comprehensive World Cup readiness plan centered on cleanliness, lighting, wayfinding, multilingual signage, and enhanced service. During the tournament, increased deployments of police officers, transit ambassadors, and safety teams are planned to support both visitors and daily riders. (MARTA)

Digital tools get an overhaul

In addition to physical upgrades, MARTA will refresh its digital tools in 2026. New trip-planning and real-time tracking features will be integrated into itsmarta.com, alongside a redesigned mobile app that consolidates functions currently split between MARTA On the Go and See & Say. (MARTA)

For riders, the question now is simple: will these long-promised changes show up consistently on platforms, buses, and trains?

MARTA says 2026 is the year those answers move from press releases to daily experience.

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From Texas to DC: A 2300 Mile Barefoot Walk for Peace

Buddhist monks drew thousands in Decatur as they walked through metro Atlanta on a 2,300-mile pilgrimage promoting peace, mindfulness, compassion, and community connection.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | January 1, 2026

DeKalb County became a place of quiet reflection and shared purpose on Tuesday, Dec. 30, as a group of Buddhist monks passed through metro Atlanta during their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Texas to Washington, D.C.

Thousands gathered across the Decatur area to welcome the monks, who were on day 66 of a 120-day pilgrimage dedicated to promoting peace, loving kindness, and compassion. Clad in flowing saffron and ocher robes, the monks moved deliberately and barefoot through neighborhoods, city centers, and public spaces, drawing residents outdoors and turning ordinary streets into places of connection.

The journey began Oct. 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, and will conclude Feb. 13, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol. Along the way, the monks have crossed the Deep South, walking an average of 25 to 30 miles each day and sleeping outdoors in tents whenever possible.

A peaceful pause in Decatur

The monks entered DeKalb County after walking from Clayton County and made a major daytime stop at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Greater Decatur. There, they shared a simple lunch and greeted a steady stream of visitors seeking blessings, conversation, or a moment of stillness.

Leading the pilgrimage is Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who invited the crowd to take part in a brief mindfulness exercise.

“After you get a piece of paper and a pen, write this down: ‘Today is going to be my peaceful day,’” Pannakara told the audience. “Read it over and over, then read it out loud. Tell the universe that today is my peaceful day. No one can mess it up.”

Following his remarks, attendees lined up to receive white blessing cords from the monks. The cords, tied gently around the wrist, serve as reminders of mindfulness, compassion, and the responsibility to carry peace into daily life.

Onlookers also lined West Trinity Place and other downtown streets, quietly waving as the monks passed. Many said the walk felt especially meaningful at a time when social media and daily news reflect widespread anxiety and division.

Local leaders welcome the pilgrims

As evening fell, a second gathering took place at the Beacon Municipal Complex in Decatur. Though blessing cords were not offered at this stop, the monks led a group blessing and were welcomed by civic and faith leaders from across Georgia.

Those addressing the crowd included Senator Raphael Warnock, Congressman Hank Johnson, Georgia House Representative Ruwa Romman, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, and Mayor of Decatur, GA Patti Garrett.

“It truly warms my heart to see all of you here,” Garrett said. “It is an honor for Decatur to be part of this peace event.”

Warnock, who also serves as senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, reflected on scripture as it related to the monks’ journey.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good,” Warnock said. “And what does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

He added that the monks’ physical pilgrimage gave those words fresh meaning. “We could use more justice,” Warnock said. “We can certainly use more kindness. And they’ve taught us how to walk humbly — literally.”

Why they walk

Pannakara said the idea for the walk came after years of witnessing suffering while operating a global relief nonprofit and traveling across conflict-affected regions.

“I’ve seen a lot of suffering in many different ways,” he said. “That led me to think about doing something for this country and this world, hoping it will heal some people.”

He spoke candidly about the chaos he sees in modern life. “If there is no loving kindness, there is no peace. If there is no compassion, there is no peace,” he said. “If we don’t have peace within ourselves, we cannot expect anyone else to bring us peace.”

The monks come from Theravada Buddhist monasteries around the world. Many had never met before the pilgrimage began, yet their shared discipline and daily walking practice have created a bond that resonates with those they encounter.

The journey continues — with resilience

After leaving downtown Decatur, the monks walked several more miles and spent the night at Tobie Grant Recreation Center in Scottdale. Residents along McLendon Drive watched quietly as the group passed through early the next morning. On Dec. 31, day 67 of the journey, the monks continued on to Snellville.

Their walk has not been without hardship. On Nov. 19, 2025, along U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, a distracted truck driver struck the group’s escort vehicle, which was pushed into two monks walking along the roadside. One monk, Bhante Dam Phommasan, suffered catastrophic injuries that resulted in the amputation of part of his leg. He later returned home to Snellville to recover and has remained in close contact with the group.

Despite the danger and physical toll — including bandaged feet from stepping on glass, nails, and rocks — the monks say mindfulness sustains them.

“What’s made it beautiful is how people have welcomed and hosted us despite not knowing who we are or what we believe,” Pannakara said.

Aloka, the peace dog

Often walking just ahead of the monks is Aloka, a rescue dog whose name means “divine light” in Sanskrit. Aloka first joined Pannakara during a 112-day walk across India in 2022, following the monks from Kolkata nearly to the Nepal border. Once critically ill, the dog was carried and nursed back to health by Pannakara.

Now a beloved companion on the U.S. pilgrimage, Aloka has become a symbol of perseverance and gentleness, inspiring millions of followers online.

“I named him light because I want him to find the light of wisdom,” Pannakara said.

A practice, not a destination

The monks have asked supporters not to walk alongside them for extended distances, but to visit during designated stops and reflect on the message in their own way.

In a statement, the group said they hope the pilgrimage reminds Americans that “peace is not a destination — it is a practice.”

“As the nation faces division, mental health crises, and conflict at home and abroad, this walk offers a simple truth,” the statement read. “Peace begins within the heart of each person and extends outward to families, communities, and society.”

As the monks continue north through Georgia and into the Carolinas, their quiet presence leaves behind something lasting — a reminder that even in uncertain times, peace can still be practiced, one step at a time.

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The Monks Walking Through Georgia

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DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson to Retire After 26 Years of Public Service

DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson will retire Dec. 31 after 26 years of service, with Chief Deputy Nicole M. Golden set to succeed him.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 26, 2025

After nearly 26 years of service to DeKalb County—10 of them as tax commissioner—Irvin J. Johnson will retire effective Dec. 31, 2025, closing a long chapter in county government marked by stability, modernization, and consistent revenue performance.

Johnson announced his retirement while highlighting the work of the office he led through a decade of change. He credited staff for maintaining operations during the pandemic, expanding digital services, strengthening security protocols, and increasing community outreach.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead one of DeKalb’s key governmental functions,” Johnson said in a statement. “We achieved the approval of 10 consecutive and timely tax digest submissions, which supported county and school operations. Those results came from a committed and excellent team.”

Leadership Transition Already in Place

Photo Courtesy Tax Commissioner Nicole Golden

Under Georgia law, the office will transition to Nicole M. Golden, the current chief deputy tax commissioner. Golden will assume leadership to ensure operational continuity. The tax commissioner is an elected position; Johnson was reelected in 2024, with a term that runs through 2029.

Golden brings more than 20 years of legal experience and nine years as chief deputy. Johnson said she is well prepared to lead the office and maintain service levels across all divisions.

A Career Built From the Inside Out

Johnson began his career in the tax commissioner’s office in July 2000 as a network coordinator. He advanced through multiple roles, including supervisor, manager, and chief deputy. In 2016, he succeeded former Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson and was later elected.

Before joining the county, Johnson held leadership roles in the private and nonprofit sectors. His experience included quality systems management at Square D Company, training supervision at Michelin Tire Corporation, manufacturing supervision at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, and job development work with the Shenango Valley Urban League.

Community and Professional Leadership

Beyond his county role, Johnson has been active across DeKalb and the state. He is a past president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club and a former chair of the Georgia Tax Commissioners’ Technology Development Council. He has also served on the board of the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority and on the board of directors at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Tucker.

In 2024, Johnson was named Tax Commissioner of the Year by the Georgia Association of Black County Officials, in recognition of his leadership and service.

An Office With Broad Responsibilities

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office collects and disburses personal and real property taxes, administers homestead exemptions, processes vehicle registrations and renewals, and collects motor vehicle taxes. Johnson said modernizing these services was a priority throughout his tenure.

As he prepares to step away, Johnson expressed confidence in the office’s future. With Golden set to lead and an experienced team in place, county officials say residents can expect continuity in one of DeKalb’s most essential operations.

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Senate Democrats Push $15 Billion Plan to Reconnect Communities Divided by Highways

Senate Democrats introduce the $15B REPAIR Infrastructure Act to reconnect communities divided by highways, prevent displacement, and expand funding for equitable transportation projects nationwide.

By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | December 22, 2025

A bipartisan-backed effort to repair the long-term damage caused by urban highways moved forward this week as U.S. Senate Democrats introduced legislation to reauthorize and expand the federal government’s flagship program aimed at reconnecting communities split apart by legacy infrastructure.

The Restoring Essential Public Access and Improving Resilient Infrastructure Act, known as the REPAIR Infrastructure Act, would invest $15 billion over five years to help cities and towns redesign or remove divisive roadways, restore neighborhood connections, and prevent displacement tied to major transportation projects.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Raphael Warnock, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Sen. Jeff Merkley, building on the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

From Pilot Program to Permanent Policy

Since its launch, the U.S. Department of Transportation has funded 257 projects in 47 states, supporting initiatives that redesign streets, remove outdated highway structures, improve transit access, and spur local economic development. Supporters of the REPAIR Act say those early successes justify turning the pilot into a permanent, fully funded program.

Under the legislation, Congress would authorize $3 billion annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031, funded through the Highway Trust Fund. Of that total, $750 million each year would be dedicated to planning grants, while $2.25 billion would support capital construction projects.

“These projects are about more than concrete and asphalt,” supporters argue. “They are about restoring access to jobs, schools, healthcare, and opportunity.”

Guardrails Against Displacement

A central feature of the bill is its focus on equity and community protection. The REPAIR Act would formally require projects to promote economic development while preventing displacement of existing residents, a frequent criticism of past infrastructure investments.

Projects would be evaluated on whether they include robust community participation plans, partnerships with local organizations, and strategies to preserve affordability. Eligible efforts could include renter and homeowner assistance, affordable housing preservation, mixed-income development, and protections for small businesses.

The legislation also bars grant funds from being used to increase the number of travel lanes on existing highways, signaling a shift away from highway expansion and toward neighborhood-scale reconnection.

Broader Eligibility Across Federal Programs

Beyond direct grants, the REPAIR Act expands eligibility for reconnection projects across multiple federal transportation programs, including:

National Highway Performance Program
Surface Transportation Block Grants
Highway Safety Improvement Program
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program
National Highway Freight Program
Rural Surface Transportation Grants
Carbon Reduction Program

The bill also formally defines “divisive roadway infrastructure,” including limited-access highways and viaducts that act as barriers to mobility and economic activity.

Georgia Examples Loom Large

The legislation carries particular significance for Georgia, where highway construction in the mid-20th century reshaped cities and displaced historically Black neighborhoods. In Atlanta, the Downtown Connector severed once-thriving communities. In Savannah, the I-16 flyover cut through Black business districts near the city’s core.

Backers of the bill say REPAIR funding could help address those lingering impacts while guiding future projects toward community-led solutions.

Broad Coalition Support

The REPAIR Infrastructure Act is endorsed by a wide coalition of planning, environmental, and local government organizations, including Smart Growth America, the National League of Cities, the American Society of Landscape Architects, America Walks, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Rails to Trails Conservancy, along with more than 70 additional national groups.

Supporters argue the bill reflects a growing consensus that transportation policy must balance mobility with health, climate resilience, and neighborhood stability.

What Comes Next

The bill has been referred to committee, where lawmakers will debate funding levels and implementation details. If passed, it would mark one of the most significant federal commitments to undoing the social and economic harms caused by 20th-century highway construction. For cities still living with the consequences of those decisions, proponents say the message is clear: reconnecting communities is no longer an experiment — it is national policy.

The Powerball Jackpot Reaches $1.660 Billion

The Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.660 billion as no winner emerges, fueling nationwide ticket sales and boosting Georgia Lottery education funding ahead of Monday’s drawing.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 22, 2025

The Powerball jackpot has surged to $1.660 billion, placing it among the four largest lottery prizes in U.S. history and igniting another nationwide wave of ticket buying driven by hope, habit, and long odds.

The winning numbers from Saturday, December 20, 2025, were 4, 5, 28, 52, and 69, with the Powerball 20. No ticket matched all six numbers, pushing the jackpot higher ahead of Monday night’s drawing.

As lines stretch across convenience stores and gas stations, the spectacle once again raises a quieter, persistent question: who is actually funding these billion-dollar jackpots—and who benefits most from the system behind them?

A Jackpot Built on Millions of Small Bets

When Powerball jackpots climb into the billion-dollar range, economists estimate tens of thousands of tickets are sold every minute nationwide, with sales accelerating sharply in the final hours before each drawing.

In Georgia, those sales flow through the Georgia Lottery, which operates through roughly 8,500 retail locations statewide. Proceeds support education programs such as the HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant, and Georgia Pre-K.

Since its creation in 1993, the Georgia Lottery has generated more than $25 billion for education, a figure frequently cited by lottery officials as evidence of public benefit. Research shows, however, that the source of those funds is far from evenly distributed.

What the Atlanta ZIP Code Maps Show

Visual mapping of Atlanta-area ZIP codes tells a consistent story seen in academic studies nationwide.

Lower-income ZIP codes in South DeKalb, Southwest Atlanta, and parts of South Fulton show higher concentrations of lottery retailers and higher per-capita ticket purchases. By contrast, wealthier areas in North Fulton, North DeKalb, and suburban communities show lower per-capita participation, even when absolute income levels are higher.

Metro Atlanta lottery retailers – per capita l participation (darker area represented higher participation)

Researchers affiliated with Georgia State University and other institutions have found that lottery spending increases as median household income declines. Retail density, advertising visibility, and consumer participation all rise in economically stressed neighborhoods.

Economists describe this pattern as a regressive funding structure, in which lower-income households spend a greater share of their income than wealthier households.

A National Pattern, Not a Georgia Exception

This dynamic extends far beyond metro Atlanta.

Studies cited by the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution conclude that households earning under $30,000 annually spend three to ten times more of their income on lottery tickets than households earning over $75,000.

Lottery participation is highest where economic mobility is lowest, and where sudden wealth appears most transformative. As jackpots rise, those disparities become more pronounced.

Who Benefits From Lottery Funding

While lottery revenue is raised disproportionately from lower-income communities, the largest education benefits often flow elsewhere.

HOPE scholarships and grants are most frequently claimed by students who complete high school, meet GPA thresholds, and attend college. Those outcomes are more common among middle- and upper-middle-income households, which tend to have stronger academic preparation and access to resources.

The result, economists argue, is an indirect upward transfer of wealth, even when lottery funds are directed toward public education.

Billion-Dollar Winners and Long Odds

The scale of modern jackpots is a relatively recent development. Earlier versions of Powerball included jackpot caps and better odds. Structural changes extended the odds dramatically, allowing jackpots to roll over longer and grow larger.

That evolution culminated in 2022, when a $2.04 billion Powerball ticket sold in California became the largest lottery prize ever claimed. The sole winner, Edwin Castro, opted for a lump-sum payout of $997.6 million, according to the California Lottery.

Those rare wins dominate headlines, while millions of losing tickets quietly sustain the system.

The Lottery’s Counterpoint

Lottery officials and defenders argue that participation is voluntary entertainment rather than taxation, that proceeds fund voter-approved education programs, and that scholarships and Pre-K deliver measurable public benefits across the state.

They also note that without lottery funding, education programs would likely require alternative taxes or face reductions. Critics respond that voluntary participation does not eliminate inequity when spending patterns align so closely with income and geography.

Hope, Math, and Public Policy

For many players, the lottery represents possibility more than probability. Behavioral economists point to optimism bias and financial stress as powerful motivators, especially during billion-dollar jackpot runs.

The math, however, remains unforgiving. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are roughly one in 292 million.

As Georgians line up for the next drawing, the growing jackpot reflects a national reality: billion-dollar dreams are built from millions of small wagers, many placed in communities that can least afford to lose them.

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DeKalb County Launches Real Time Crime Center, Marking Major Shift Toward Technology-Driven Public Safety

DeKalb County launches a $2M Real Time Crime Center, combining drones, cameras, and analytics to improve response times, officer safety, and coordinated public safety efforts.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 19, 2025

DeKalb County officials on Thursday marked a major milestone in the County’s public safety strategy with the official launch of its new Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), a $2 million, high-tech operations hub designed to deliver faster response times, improved coordination, and enhanced officer safety.

The ribbon cutting and press conference were held at the DeKalb County Police Department Headquarters, located at 1960 W. Exchange Place in Tucker, where the RTCC now serves as the County’s centralized hub for live data, analytics, and coordinated response. County leaders described the center as a cornerstone of the Digital Shield Initiative, a comprehensive public safety strategy led by DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.

“These investments represent a bold, forward-thinking approach to public safety,” Cochran-Johnson said. “By leveraging technology, we are strengthening officer safety, improving response times, and reimagining how we protect every DeKalb resident.”

DeKalb Real Time Crime Center Ribbon Cutting

A Central Hub for Real-Time Intelligence

Housed within police headquarters, the RTCC functions as a command center where civilian analysts and sworn officers monitor hundreds of live video feeds and data streams simultaneously. The system is designed to provide officers with real-time intelligence during active calls, giving them critical situational awareness before arriving on scene.

“This center strengthens our ability to prevent crime, support victims, and deliver the level of service that our residents expect and deserve,” said DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick, a longtime DeKalb professional recently promoted from within the department.

Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees toured the facility and observed live demonstrations of the RTCC’s capabilities, including a Drone as a First Responder deployment that showed how drones can be rapidly launched to provide aerial views during emergencies, active pursuits, or missing-person cases.

The Digital Shield Initiative: A Countywide Investment

The Real Time Crime Center is one component of the County’s broader Digital Shield Initiative, a multi-year, $18.9 million investment in public safety technology. The initiative integrates multiple tools into a single operational platform, enabling faster, more coordinated responses across agencies.

Key components include license plate recognition cameras deployed throughout the county to help track stolen vehicles and suspects in real time, an integrated data platform that connects video, alerts, and analytics into one interface, and a dedicated drone program focused on law-enforcement-specific use rather than general surveillance. The RTCC also integrates gunshot detection technology capable of pinpointing the location of gunfire, in some cases, before a 911 call is placed.

County officials emphasized that these tools are intended to support officers in the field, improve response times, and reduce risk during volatile situations.

Partnership With Flock Safety and “Safe County” Designation

A major partner in the RTCC is Flock Safety, which announced during the event that DeKalb County has been designated the first “Flock Safe County” in the nation. The designation reflects a full countywide deployment of Flock technology, connecting law enforcement, fire services, traffic, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods on a shared platform.

“This real-time crime center combines what is truly the most innovative stack of technology a county could imagine,” said Greg Langley, CEO of Flock Safety. “From license plate readers to drones, cameras, and audio detection, all of it is unified in a modern AI intelligence suite.”

As part of the designation, DeKalb County residents and businesses are eligible for discounted Flock Safety solutions and free installation, expanding participation beyond government facilities.

Privacy Protections and Voluntary Participation

County leaders stressed that participation by residents and businesses is voluntary and tiered. Through the Connect DeKalb camera registry, property owners may choose to register the location of their cameras or, for higher-traffic businesses, integrate live feeds accessible only to police during emergencies.

Officials emphasized that the RTCC does not use facial recognition technology. Instead, artificial intelligence tools are limited to identifying objects of interest, such as specific vehicle types or weapons, a safeguard designed to balance effectiveness with privacy and public trust.

Regional Perspective and Proven Results

During the ceremony, Lisa Cupid, Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, shared her experience with Flock Safety technology, which is already in use across Cobb County. Cupid noted that the deployment of Flock’s license plate readers and integrated analytics has contributed to public safety improvements of up to 25 percent, offering a regional example of how real-time intelligence can deliver measurable results.

Her remarks underscored the growing regional trend toward data-driven policing and inter-agency coordination.

Leadership Transitions and Unified Public Safety

The opening of the RTCC follows recent leadership appointments within DeKalb County government. In addition to Chief Padrick’s promotion, former DeKalb Fire Chief Darnell Fullum was elevated to Director of Public Safety, consolidating oversight of police, fire, and emergency services.

County officials also recognized and thanked outgoing leadership for their service during the transition period.

Technology, Youth, and Long-Term Crime Prevention

While technology took center stage, Cochran-Johnson emphasized that digital tools alone cannot address the root causes of crime.

“We understand that investing strictly in technology does not solve the problem of crime,” she said. “Crime is deeply rooted in economics.”

As part of a broader prevention strategy, the CEO outlined a coordinated effort to ensure that by 11th grade, every student in DeKalb County has a designated career pathway. Those pathways align with 18 skilled trades currently offered at no cost through programs supported by the State of Georgia, creating direct pipelines into high-demand careers and long-term economic stability.

The County also highlighted partnerships aimed at youth engagement and prevention, including a recent grant from QuikTrip to the DeKalb County Athletic League to support community-based programming. Additional partnerships with DeKalb County Schools are expected to be announced in January.

What Comes Next

Beginning in January, DeKalb County plans to host public town halls to provide residents with more information about the Real Time Crime Center, privacy safeguards, and opportunities for community participation.

As Cochran-Johnson framed it, the RTCC is more than a facility; it represents a shift in philosophy toward proactive, coordinated, and prevention-focused public safety.

The CEO further noted that the Real Time Crime Center supports the County’s broader Reimagine DeKalb vision — building safer, more connected, and more resilient communities by pairing technology with economic opportunity and community trust.

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From OutKast to Urban Renewal: The Civic Center and Atlanta’s Complicated Progress

The Atlanta Civic Center’s story spans fire, displacement, Broadway, OutKast, and redevelopment — revealing how culture, land, and power shaped one of Atlanta’s most iconic sites.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 14, 2025

For nearly half a century, the Atlanta Civic Center stood as one of the city’s most important cultural crossroads — a place where Broadway met ballet, punk rock met opera, and civic life met national television. Built in 1967 and officially closed in 2014, the venue played an outsized role in shaping Atlanta’s artistic identity during a period of explosive growth and transformation.

Now, more than a decade after its final curtain call, the Civic Center site is entering a new chapter. As of December 9, 2025, a multi-phase redevelopment led by Atlanta Housing is underway, with plans to honor the site’s legacy while addressing one of Atlanta’s most urgent modern needs: housing.

But the story of the Civic Center did not begin in 1967. Long before the first spotlight was raised, this land carried a deeper history — one marked by destruction, resilience, and displacement.

Before the Spotlight: The Land Beneath the Civic Center

The ground beneath the Atlanta Civic Center has been asked to start over more than once.
In 1917, the Great Atlanta Fire tore through this area, destroying more than 1,900 buildings and displacing over 10,000 residents. From the ashes emerged Buttermilk Bottom — a working-class, majority-Black neighborhood that took root in what is now considered Midtown and the Old Fourth Ward.

Buttermilk Bottom was not vacant land waiting for redevelopment. It was a living community defined by churches, extended families, small businesses, music, and culture. Residents built full lives there despite persistent neglect, as city investment flowed elsewhere.

By the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was labeled a “slum” by city leaders and the local press. In 1963, then-Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. unveiled plans to redevelop Buttermilk Bottom using federal urban renewal bonds. Homes were demolished. Businesses were shuttered. A school was closed. Families were forced to move.

Rather than replacing the neighborhood with new public housing, the city cleared the land for a civic complex — an auditorium and exhibition hall designed to project Atlanta’s modern image to the nation. When the Atlanta Civic Center opened in 1967, Buttermilk Bottom was gone. The area was rechristened Bedford Pine.

Protests against the destruction of the neighborhood coincided with national unrest following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, underscoring the racial and economic tensions embedded in Atlanta’s redevelopment choices.The Civic Center rose as a symbol of progress — but one built atop displacement.

A Pattern Beyond One Site

The clearance of Buttermilk Bottom was not an isolated decision. During the same era, Atlanta pursued similar urban renewal projects across the city, particularly in working-class and Black neighborhoods.

Just south of downtown, the Washington-Rawson neighborhood — once a thriving in-town community — was carved apart by expressway construction and demolition. Part of the land was designated for public housing. Another section was set aside for Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, completed in 1965 as the city sought national recognition and a Major League Baseball franchise.

For many residents, the promise was familiar: progress, opportunity, renewal. The result was often the same — displacement without replacement. Together, these projects revealed a redevelopment philosophy that prioritized national visibility over neighborhood stability.

Against this backdrop, the Civic Center took shape — both a cultural achievement and a reminder of the costs of progress.

A City Builds a Cultural Anchor

When the Atlanta Civic Center opened in 1967, Atlanta was positioning itself as the cultural and commercial capital of the New South. City leaders envisioned a modern performance venue capable of hosting national touring productions, large civic gatherings, and televised events.
With a seating capacity of approximately 4,600, the Civic Center was the largest performance stage in the Southeast at the time. Designed to replace the aging Municipal Auditorium, it quickly became a centerpiece of Atlanta’s arts and entertainment ecosystem.
For audiences, the Civic Center symbolized access — a place where Atlanta could experience world-class performances without leaving home.

Broadway Comes to Atlanta

Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the Civic Center became synonymous with Broadway in Atlanta. National and regional touring productions regularly filled its stage, bringing marquee shows to audiences who might not otherwise travel to New York.

Productions such as Two Gentlemen of Verona (1974), George M! (1981), and The Wizard of Oz during its 1999 national tour helped cultivate Atlanta’s theatergoing audience and cemented the city’s reputation as a serious stop on the national touring circuit.

For decades, the Civic Center functioned as a cultural bridge — connecting Atlanta’s growing metropolitan population with the broader world of American theater.

A Home for High Culture

In its early decades, the Civic Center also played a critical role in Atlanta’s classical arts scene. Beginning in 1969, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, along with opera and ballet companies, used the space for major performances.

Before newer, specialized venues emerged, the Civic Center was where many Atlantans first encountered large-scale orchestral music, opera, and ballet. These performances helped establish Atlanta as a city capable of supporting both popular entertainment and high culture — a dual identity that still defines the region.

Television Lights and National Exposure

From 2011 to 2015, the Civic Center reached millions of living rooms as the filming location for Family Feud during Steve Harvey’s tenure as host.

The show’s presence quietly reinforced Atlanta’s growing role in television production, years before the city’s reputation as “Hollywood of the South” fully took hold. The venue also hosted graduations, political rallies, church services, and mayoral inaugurations, strengthening its role as both a cultural and civic gathering place.

SciTrek and a Generation of Curiosity

One of the Civic Center’s most distinctive chapters began in 1988, when SciTrek, an interactive science museum, moved in. For 16 years, until 2004, SciTrek welcomed thousands of schoolchildren from across Georgia.

For many Atlantans who came of age in the 1990s, SciTrek was their first exposure to science beyond the classroom — another reminder of the Civic Center’s adaptability and reach.

From Symphony to Punk Rock

As Atlanta’s music scene diversified, so did the Civic Center’s bookings. In later years, the venue hosted pop-punk bands like All Time Low, punk icons Dropkick Murphys and Rancid, and local artists including Hoodrich Savo and Ms. Honesty.

From opera to punk, the Civic Center became known for its range — a venue willing to host contrasting worlds under one roof.

Why the Curtain Fell

Despite its cultural importance, the Civic Center struggled to remain viable in the 21st century. Operating costs increasingly outweighed revenue. Built in 1967, the facility lacked the amenities and technology expected by modern touring productions.

A $2 million renovation in 2001 offered only temporary relief. As newer venues such as State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened, fewer major acts chose the Civic Center.
By 2014, declining bookings made continued operation difficult to justify. The Civic Center officially closed in October of that year, ending a 47-year run.

A Sale, a Promise, and a New Vision

In 2017, the City of Atlanta sold the 19-acre Civic Center property to the Atlanta Housing Authority for just over $30 million. In December 2025, officials broke ground on a multi-phase redevelopment that will ultimately include approximately 1,500 housing units, 38 percent of which will be affordable.

The first phase is a $60 million project delivering 148 apartments for low-income seniors, scheduled for completion in 2027. Plans for the broader site include retail, office, community, and cultural spaces, a hotel, a grocery store, a public plaza, and the possible creation of an arts-centered high school.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Mayor Andre Dickens reflected not only as the city’s leader, but as someone personally shaped by the Civic Center. He recalled seeing OutKast perform on its stage and later returning to the same space for his own graduation — moments that captured how the venue functioned as both a cultural launchpad and a civic gathering place.

“This is sacred ground, sacred work,” Dickens said. “We made a promise to the people of Atlanta to make this a city where everyone can live, grow, and retire with dignity — a city of opportunity for all — and we intend to keep it that way.”

Once a site of graduations, concerts, church services, and inaugurations, the Civic Center is now part of what city leaders describe as a return to purpose — a future shaped by memory as much as by momentum.

A Legacy That Still Echoes

The Atlanta Civic Center’s story is not simply one of closure, but of evolution. For nearly five decades, it reflected Atlanta’s ambitions, creativity, and contradictions.

From Broadway classics to punk rock anthems, from symphonies to science exhibits, and from civic ceremonies to game-show lights, the Civic Center captured the full spectrum of Atlanta life — even as it stood on land shaped by loss and resilience.

As cranes rise where spotlights once shone, the Civic Center’s physical form may fade, but its meaning deepens. It becomes part of a larger story — of a city continually remaking itself, learning, and, perhaps this time, remembering who was here before.

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DeKalb Targets Illegal Tire Dumping With $250K Initiative

DeKalb County launches a $250,000 initiative to combat illegal tire dumping, removing over 37,000 tires and targeting major dump sites across neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 12, 2025

DeKalb County officials on Friday announced one of the most aggressive environmental cleanup efforts in the county’s history, unveiling a $250,000 initiative that has already removed more than 37,000 illegally dumped tires from neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and private property across the county.

The announcement came during a press conference led by DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who framed the effort as both an environmental response and a community restoration campaign.

“This is not just a cleanup. This is a reclaiming of our communities,” Cochran-Johnson said. “To put this into perspective, if the 37,000 tires we have removed were laid end to end, they would stretch 20 to 25 miles — the equivalent of the entire Atlanta BeltLine loop or the distance from Midtown Atlanta to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. That is what our neighborhoods have been forced to live beside.”

The cleanup is being carried out by DeKalb County’s Sanitation Division and Beautification Unit, with Ricky Crockett serving as the county’s lead coordinator. Crews are targeting some of the most hazardous and logistically challenging illegal tire dump sites in DeKalb, many located on steep slopes, in wooded ravines, or near abandoned structures.

Eight Priority Sites Targeted

County officials initially identified nine priority locations for remediation. One site, at 3747 Presidential Parkway, was previously cleaned by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The remaining eight sites form the backbone of the current initiative.

Four of those sites have already been fully cleared and are scheduled for final inspection and approval on December 3, 2025. The remaining four locations require more complex retrieval methods due to limited access and safety concerns but are projected to be completed by the week of December 24, weather permitting.

The eight priority cleanup sites include:

5986 Marbut Road, Lithonia (behind a residence)
3041 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta (former State Farm property with steep slope)
4221 Covington Highway, Decatur (former tire store)
3590 Covington Highway, Decatur (burned building)
3486 Covington Highway, Decatur (behind rehabilitation facility)
6941 Brannon Hill Road, Clarkston (residential neighborhood)
1785 Continental Way SE (commercial landscaping area)
1700 Corey Boulevard, Decatur (church property)

Officials estimate the total volume of tires removed from these locations is in the tens of thousands, with several sites requiring specialized equipment and extended timelines.

“Organized Environmental Crime”

Cochran-Johnson did not mince words when describing the scale and intent behind many of the dumping incidents.

“We must confront a difficult truth,” she said. “Much of this dumping is not accidental. It is organized environmental crime. We have documented cases where a business drives into our county at night and dumps 3,000 tires in a single incident, leaving taxpayers and communities to pick up the pieces. That is unacceptable.”

Illegal tire dumping poses serious environmental and public safety risks. Stockpiled tires create fire hazards, attract mosquitoes, and often become magnets for additional illegal dumping and criminal activity. County leaders said the cleanup effort is part of a broader strategy that combines enforcement, prevention, and long-term restoration.

Push for Statewide Reform

Beyond local cleanup, DeKalb County is advocating for changes to Georgia’s tire remediation laws to help counties better address widespread dumping.

The county supports amendments to O.C.G.A. § 12-8-40.1 that would allow Solid Waste Trust Fund reimbursements for projected cleanup costs in hard-to-reach areas, permit counties to seek reimbursement on behalf of municipalities when intergovernmental agreements are in place, and provide additional state funding for large counties with populations over 500,000.

County leaders said those reforms are critical to sustaining long-term cleanup efforts and deterring repeat offenders.

Legal Disposal and What Comes Next

Residents are reminded that they can legally dispose of up to 10 tires per trip at the Seminole Road Landfill, located at 4203 Clevemont Road in Ellenwood. Tires are transported from the site to approved recycling facilities. Additional information is available by calling the landfill at (404) 687-4040.

Cochran-Johnson also announced that the county is developing a permanent solution to address tire disposal. In early 2026, DeKalb plans to introduce an option allowing all residents and businesses to legally dispose of tires, a move officials hope will undercut illegal dumping at its source.

The current initiative aligns with the county’s Reimagine DeKalb agenda, focusing on reducing blight, improving safety, and restoring pride in heavily impacted communities.

During a recent drive through Lithonia, The Truth Seekers Journal observed multiple tire dump sites at varying stages, many of which appeared to have begun with just a handful of discarded tires before rapidly expanding. Once visible, the piles often grew rapidly, reinforcing a pattern county officials say underscores the need for swift cleanup and consistent enforcement.

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MARTA Hosts Holiday Market & Customer Appreciation Event at Kensington Station

MARTA and Decide DeKalb host a festive Holiday Market and Customer Appreciation Event at Kensington Station with local vendors, free treats, crafts, music, and family-friendly activities.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 10, 2025

MARTA is bringing holiday cheer to the east side this week. In partnership with Decide DeKalb, the transit agency will host a special Customer Appreciation Event and Holiday Market on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kensington Station.

The plaza outside the station will be transformed into a festive outdoor marketplace, complete with music, local vendors, crafts, giveaways, and a visit from Santa himself.

A Community Market for the Season

The holiday market will highlight DeKalb-based artisans and small businesses, giving customers a chance to shop local while picking up seasonal gifts. Organizers say the curated vendors reflect the cultural mix of the Kensington area and the county at large.

The market is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and accessible — the kind of place where neighbors stop, browse, and say hello.

Free Treats and Family Fun

Visitors will be greeted with free hot cocoa, cider, Coca-Cola samples, and snacks. Music and karaoke will run throughout the event, adding a light, cheerful energy to the station plaza.

There will also be story time led by local community leaders and guest readers, giving families a quiet moment to enjoy together.

Crafts, Photo Booths, and Giveaways

Scraplanta, a popular arts nonprofit known for turning recycled materials into creative projects, will host hands-on DIY holiday crafts for children and adults.

MARTA will also set up a pop-up shop with branded merchandise. A photo booth and several prize giveaways will keep the festive mood going.

And for the kids — and the kids at heart — Santa will be on-site from 3 to 5 p.m. for photos and meet-and-greets.

A Special Appearance: MARTA’s Holiday Buses

MARTA’s decorated holiday buses, wrapped in bright lights and seasonal artwork, will be at Kensington Station for customers to explore. These buses have become a small but joyful tradition across the system, drawing riders who appreciate the splash of color and creativity during the winter season.

Event Details

WHEN:
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE:
Kensington Station
3350 Kensington Rd.
Decatur, GA 30032

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184 Flags, One Community: Inside Your DeKalb Farmers Market’s World of Food

At Your DeKalb Farmers Market, 184 flags, global foods, and round-the-clock operations turn a Decatur grocery into Atlanta’s most beloved, affordable world market for families.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | December 9, 2025

Walk up to the entrance of Your DeKalb Farmers Market on East Ponce de Leon Avenue, and the first thing you notice is the sky of flags. From one end of the roofline to the other, 184 national flags ripple above the parking lot, turning a simple grocery trip into a small United Nations of food and people.

Inside, more flags hang over the produce tables, seafood counters, and aisles of spices and grains. For many metro Atlanta families, spotting the flag of their home country is the start of a familiar routine: a deep breath, a smile, and a walk toward the foods that taste like home.

This is the heart of Your DeKalb Farmers Market — a place where global identity, fresh food, and community all meet under one roof.

A Market That Belongs to Its Neighbors

The story of this “world market” begins in 1977, when Rhode Island native and retail veteran Robert W. Blazer opened a small, 7,500-square-foot produce stand in Decatur.

Before he opened his first location on Medlock Road, Blazer went door to door in the surrounding neighborhood and asked residents a simple question: would you like to have a farmers market here? When they said yes, he dedicated the business to them and chose a name that still appears on the brown facade today: Your DeKalb Farmers Market.

His goal, as he later wrote, was not to build a chain of stores, but to create a direct, affordable source of high-quality fresh food that truly served the community.

Nine years after that first stand, the market moved to its current home at 3000 East Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur, where it has grown into a massive indoor marketplace now known across the region.

Flags as a Map of the World

The 184 flags above the building are not decoration. They are a map.

Photo by Milton Kirby – Your DeKalb Farmers Market Flags

Each one represents a country connected to the market’s shelves, staff, or shoppers. For customers, a flag can be a guidepost: a hint that somewhere inside they will find the cassava, plantains, injera flour, curry pastes, teas, or spices that match their home cooking.

For employees, the flags reflect the market’s workforce — a staff drawn from more than 40 countries, speaking around 50 different languages and dialects. On the sales floor, name tags often list both a worker’s country of origin and the languages they speak, helping shoppers connect in their own tongue and feel at ease.

The flags also send a message to new visitors who may be walking in for the first time. They say: whoever you are, whatever you eat, you can find a piece of yourself here. And if you are curious, you can also discover somebody else’s culture in the next aisle over.

From 7,500 Square Feet to a True World Market

Your DeKalb Farmers Market now covers well over 100,000 square feet and operates seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What began as a simple produce stand has grown into a complex, 24-hour operation that includes:

A sprawling retail floor for everyday shoppers
A busy business services department for restaurants, caterers, and other stores
Large adjacent warehouses and ripening rooms
A wholesale shipping operation that moves produce across the United States

Behind the scenes, roughly half of the building and half of the employees work out of public view. Trucks arrive around the clock. Cold rooms are checked and re-checked. Bananas, plantains, avocados, papayas, tomatoes, and pears are ripened in controlled rooms built with engineering precision.

Blazer’s background in mechanical engineering and discount retail helped him design and build much of the facility himself — with a focus on efficiency, temperature control, and food safety from the ground up.

World Direct: From Farm to Market

The market’s mission is not limited to what happens in Decatur.

Photo by Milton Kirby – DeKalb Farmers Market Florist

Under its “World Direct” registered trademark, Your DeKalb Farmers Market grows, packs, and ships produce from farms in Mexico, Central America, and South America directly to wholesale receivers across the United States. The company prides itself on working directly with farmers, helping them do what they love while building a stable market for their crops.

The market is also known in the produce industry for maintaining one of the best credit ratings available and for operating as a debt-free company — paying for what it buys with its own money and focusing on long-term strength instead of short-term debt.

Blazer’s son Daniel, who speaks Spanish fluently, heads up much of the international growing and shipping program. His work extends the reach of DeKalb’s “world market” far beyond Georgia.

Departments that Circle the Globe

Walk the aisles of Your DeKalb Farmers Market and each department feels like a different chapter in a global cookbook.

Produce: The Heart of the Market
This is where it all began in 1977 and remains the beating heart of the business. Fresh fruits and vegetables arrive several times a week, often directly from growers. The market arranges its own transportation to keep produce moving quickly from field to shelf.

Organic options line up beside conventional items, many of them certified to USDA standards and the standards of their countries of origin. Shoppers can buy familiar staples or explore lesser-known greens, roots, tropical fruits, and herbs, many labeled with their home countries and uses.

Cold-pressed juices made on site — from organic kale, beets, carrots, ginger, apples, pears, and more — offer a quick way to drink those nutrients, using slower juicing methods that protect vitamins and enzymes.

Seafood: From Scottish Lochs to Georgia Kitchens
The seafood department stretches across a long wall of ice and glass, with more than 450 varieties of whole fish, fillets, and shellfish. Live Maine lobsters, Dungeness crabs, and live catfish swim in tanks, turning shopping into a field trip for children.

The selection includes premium Lochlander Scottish salmon, raised in the cold lochs of the Scottish Highlands and Islands under sustainable practices and praised by chefs for its firmness and flavor. Customers can have their fish cleaned and filleted while they wait, then carry it a few aisles over to pick up global seasonings and sauces to match.

Bakery: Real People, Real Dough
In the bakery, real people make more than 150 varieties of breads, bagels, muffins, pastries, and cakes from scratch every day. Many items use organic flours, organic butter, and cage-free eggs. Recipes are built around whole grains, nuts, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners rather than high-fructose corn syrup.

For shoppers with special diets, there is a wide selection of dairy-free baked goods made without milk or eggs, along with items made with gluten-free ingredients (prepared in a shared kitchen), and sprouted-grain breads that treat grain more like a vegetable for digestion and nutrition.

Coffee, Tea, and Nut Butters
The coffee stand roasts and grinds more than 30 varieties of Arabica beans, including Fair Trade Ethiopian coffees from the Yirgacheffe region, Colombian, Kenyan, Guatemalan, Sumatra, Costa Rican, Jamaican, and others. Decaffeinated coffees are processed through the Swiss Water method, which uses water instead of chemicals to remove caffeine while preserving flavor.

Next to the coffee you can watch fresh nut butters being ground — organic peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter — made to order from nuts roasted in the market.

Chinese green teas, black teas, and delicate white teas share shelf space with herbal blends, giving health-minded shoppers a second home in this corner of the store.

Flowers and Gifts
The flower department brings in stems and plants from Europe, Asia, Central America, Hawaii, and the continental United States. Staff create custom arrangements for weddings, holidays, and special occasions and even fill vases and fruit baskets to order. During Valentine’s season, the market sells thousands of dozens of roses.

International Groceries and Specialties
Beyond the fresh departments, the center aisles hold dried fruits from Thailand, Turkish roasted nuts, olive oils from Greece and Spain, coconut water from Sri Lanka, specialty sauces like coconut curry simmering sauces, and Stonewall Kitchen condiments and curds for home cooks who like to experiment.

Shoppers can find gluten-free flours, sprouted ancient grains, sea salts, international pastas, zero-calorie noodles, organic snacks, and a long list of pantry staples that rarely appear together in one store.

The wine and beer section offers more than 700 wines and 500 beers, arranged by geography and type. Many bottles carry ratings from respected wine publications, giving shoppers a reference point as they choose; staff stand ready to talk through regions, grapes, and food pairings.

Serving Families and Businesses

Your DeKalb Farmers Market is more than a place for home cooks. Its business services department opens at 8 a.m. to serve restaurants, caterers, wholesale food distributors, and other retail stores. Once a commercial account is set up, clients can order in bulk, call ahead, and pick up loads packed and processed for them.

This dual mission — retail and wholesale — is part of what keeps the operation humming 24 hours a day. Workers on overlapping shifts receive shipments, process meats and seafood, bake, pack, and stock the floor before most shoppers arrive.

Safety and Air You Can Feel

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the market put in extensive health and safety measures to protect staff and shoppers. Employees working with customers wore gloves and masks; markers on the floor kept customers spaced out; carts and baskets were pressure-washed with bleach.

One feature that stands out is the building’s air-washer system, designed to keep the interior at about 62 degrees with roughly 65 percent relative humidity. All of the air in the production and selling areas cycles through the system roughly every 10 minutes, washing out pollen and particles while constantly adding outside air. Higher humidity makes it harder for certain viruses to travel as easily, and those lessons have carried forward into daily operations.

Even as crowds have shifted and weekends sometimes feel less packed than they once did, the market has stayed focused on keeping shelves stocked and shoppers safe.

A Family Effort and a Bigger “Game”

Blazer, now decades into this work, often says the market is about more than selling groceries. He has long been interested in how people work together — in families, on teams, and across cultures.

His wife, Barbara, joined the business in 1987, bringing her own experience as a successful salon owner with demanding clients. She has helped shape product selection, recipes, and operations, and she speaks openly about the way the market’s “people work” tools have helped employees understand themselves, their children, and their partners at home.

Many of those lessons formed the basis for internal booklets Blazer and his team have shared through the years — reflections on what they believe people have in common and how organizations can move beyond fear and greed to cooperation.

Today, the family’s goal is to keep the market strong and independent long after its founder is gone. The company’s debt-free structure and steady reinvestment in facilities and people are designed to make that happen.

Flags for the Future

On any given day, the parking lot at Your DeKalb Farmers Market still tells its own story. A full lot often means a holiday is coming or bad weather is on the way. Shoppers roll out carts stacked with greens, fish, spices, breads, wine, coffee, and flowers — enough to fill Sunday dinners, family cookouts, Eid tables, Diwali feasts, or Lunar New Year banquets.

Above them, 184 flags wave in the Georgia wind.

They remind Atlanta that this is more than a grocery store. It is a world market rooted in Decatur, built on fresh food, fair dealing, and the belief that people from every corner of the globe can work — and eat — side by side.

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Morehouse and Spelman Glee Clubs Deliver Three-Night Christmas Masterpiece

Morehouse and Spelman’s Glee Clubs delivered a powerful three-night Christmas concert series, blending tradition, harmony, and history in one of Atlanta’s most beloved holiday celebrations.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | December 8, 2025

The holiday season opened in grand fashion this weekend as the Morehouse College Glee Club and the Spelman College Glee Club delivered three unforgettable nights of music, unity, and tradition. The concerts were held Friday through Sunday, December 5–7, and drew capacity crowds to two of Atlanta’s most cherished campus chapels.

Friday and Sunday performances were held at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College. Saturday’s concert took place at Sisters Chapel on the campus of Spelman College. Each night offered a stirring reminder of why this joint Christmas Carol Concert remains one of the most treasured holiday traditions in Atlanta.

TSJ attended the Friday night performance, where the Glee Clubs played to a full house inside the MLK International Chapel.

A Tradition of Excellence

The Morehouse College Glee Club directed by Dr. David Morrow with organist Dr. Joyce F. Johnson, and the Spelman College Glee Club, directed by Dr. Kevin Johnson, performed a rich blend of sacred, classical, traditional, and contemporary holiday selections.

Audiences were treated to familiar favorites, including:
Silent Night, Sir Christëmas, The Savior’s Birth, The First Noel, Joy to the World, This Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful, and Go Tell It on the Mountain.

The choirs also performed lesser-known works that were just as stirring and melodic, showcasing the depth of their repertoire and their ability to breathe new life into both classic and contemporary choral literature.

Spelman’s Legacy of Global Sisterhood

For over 100 years, the Spelman College Glee Club has upheld a standard of musical excellence shaped by harmony, discipline, and pride. With approximately 50 members from various academic disciplines, the ensemble performs most major campus events and maintains a repertoire that spans world cultures, commissioned works, and music of the African diaspora.

Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Johnson, the Glee Club has performed across the U.S. and around the world. Highlights include concerts at the White House, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Faneuil Hall in Boston, the National Museum of American History, and international tours to Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Portugal.

Membership requires a rigorous audition process evaluating tonal memory, pitch matching, vocal quality, and musicianship. Yet beyond the music, the Spelman Glee Club represents community. It is a space where sisterhood, pride, and excellence converge.

Morehouse’s Global Brotherhood in Song

The Morehouse College Glee Club has captivated audiences for more than a century. Their performances have graced presidential inaugurations, Super Bowls, the 1996 Olympics, and homegoing services for national figures including President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Morehouse alumnus.

Dr. Morrow says the Glee Club is more than a performance ensemble. It is a reflection of Morehouse identity and brotherhood.

“It’s remembering that you are part of a community,” Morrow said. “You are more than a member of the Glee Club. You are family. You are part of something great.”

Their musical résumé spans continents, with tours throughout Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and every corner of the United States. The Glee Club has performed with cultural icons such as Aretha Franklin, Jessye Norman, Denyce Graves, Take 6, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson. They are also featured on soundtracks to Spike Lee films and major national broadcasts.

The Glee Club is deeply tied to historical and cultural leadership. Alumni include Senator Raphael Warnock, Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and legendary figures such as Mayor Maynard Jackson and Herman Cain.

A Shared Holiday Tradition

Morehouse and Spelman have long united their voices for this Christmas tradition. Together, they carry an intergenerational message: music is a cultural bridge. Music preserves history. And music, especially during the holiday season, binds community.

Judge Sugarmon, speaking to the educational significance of the Glee Clubs, underscored the moment:
“At a time when DEI is being denied, we must educate our children about our history. It is what made this country what it is.”

And as the music filled the chapels each night, that message rang clear—this tradition belongs to the people, to the campuses, and to the broader community that has embraced it for nearly a century.

A Look Toward the 100th Year

This year marked the 99th Annual Christmas Carol Concert, one of the longest-running holiday traditions in Atlanta. Both colleges promised that the upcoming centennial celebration will be even more spectacular, with expanded performances and special guests.

The joy, reverence, and unity felt this weekend offered a glimpse of what that milestone will hold.

When Morehouse sings and Spelman answers, a century of HBCU excellence fills the room — and the world listens.

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