Georgia Democrats celebrated late Thursday night after state Senate Republicans tabled a bill that would’ve pulled government funding from public schools and colleges that maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Senate Bill 120 made headlines earlier this week after it advanced out of committee, sparking fears among some that initiatives aimed at increasing and promoting […]
Education
Posted inEducation, Politics & Policy, State Politics
Georgia Rejects Summer EBT, Leaving 1.2M Kids Without Food Aid
Georgia will not participate in a summer program that would help feed children in need as the state has failed to opt in prior to this year’s final deadline. Summer EBT, also known as Sun Bucks, provides qualifying families with $120 for each eligible child in their household for the summer months. Congress approved the […]
Posted inEconomy, Education, Housing, Politics & Policy, State Politics
How Georgia Lawmakers Plan to Address the Needs of Black Voters in 2025
Addressing Black voters’ economic concerns, including the higher cost of housing and child care, is among the top priorities for state Democratic lawmakers ahead of the Georgia General Assembly’s upcoming legislative session, which begins Monday. Democratic Party leaders in the state legislature, including state Rep. Carolyn Hugley, D-Columbus, say their largely Black voting base made […]
Posted inEducation, K-12
Why Black Students at One Atlanta School Are Excelling in Reading
When Heather Perry asked her third grade class at Warren T. Jackson Elementary last week what they love about her literacy lessons, a sprinkling of hands shot up into the air. One student noted the way Perry uses mnemonic devices like songs, chants, or popular TV characters to aid in conveying and retaining information. Another […]
Posted inClimate, Criminal Justice, Education, LGBTQ, Politics & Policy, Reproductive Health
The Dawn of a New Trump Era Begins. What It Means for Black Atlantans in 2025.
The dread many Black people in Atlanta feel about Donald Trump’s triumph in the 2024 presidential election isn’t misplaced: He organized his reelection campaign against Vice President Kamala Harris around revenge — around how he and his allies can inflict the greatest amount of suffering on vulnerable groups and on those he considers enemies. Making […]
Posted inEducation, Public Safety
Air Quality Concerns Prompt Virtual Learning for Rockdale County Students
Rockdale County Public Schools officials said the district will operate virtually through the first half of next week due to the aftermath of the BioLab chemical fire that displaced 17,000 residents in Conyers on Sunday. RCPS students were set to return to school this upcoming Monday after spending this week on recess for a pre-scheduled […]
Posted inCulture, Education, History
Georgia’s First High School for Black Students Celebrates 100-Year Legacy
The first-ever Georgia high school to serve Black students got its flowers in an elaborate centennial celebration hosted in the atrium of Atlanta City Hall last week. Dozens of Booker T. Washington High School alumni gathered on Sept. 16 to pay homage to the Atlanta school’s 100-year history, which includes graduating icons like Martin Luther […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Education
APS Board Greenlights Redevelopment of Former Lakewood Heights Elementary Site
Renovations will soon be underway at the former site of Lakewood Heights Elementary after the Atlanta Board of Education voted in favor of addressing deteriorated conditions of former APS learning sites. Board members voted last Tuesday to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation to determine recommendations for the former school grounds’ […]
Posted inEducation, Public Safety
Father of Suspected Apalachee High School Shooter Arrested as Atlanta Parents React
The father of the 14-year-old boy accused of opening fire at Apalachee High School in Winder and killing four people on Wednesday was arrested Thursday and charged with murder for allegedly allowing his son to possess a gun. Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, […]
Posted inEducation, Public Safety
4 Killed in Apalachee Shooting; Local Atlanta School Districts Boost Safety Measures
Local school districts in Atlanta say they are preparing for the days ahead with heightened security after a deadly shooting at a Georgia high school 45 miles outside of Atlanta left four dead and nine injured Tuesday morning. A 14-year-old student has been identified as the shooter at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, according […]