June 25, 2026 Edition - Chakira’s Corner Newsletter
Stone Mountain Community Garden 15th Anniversary Brunch
Community members gathered to celebrate the Stone Mountain Community Garden's 15th Anniversary Brunch and recognize 15 years of growing food, fostering connections, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined fellow gardeners, volunteers, and community members in celebrating the 15th Anniversary Brunch of the Stone Mountain Community Garden, an organization she has proudly supported and participated in for many years.
The celebration brought together longtime members, supporters, and neighbors to recognize 15 years of cultivating not only gardens, but also community connections. Guests gathered to enjoy fellowship, reflect on the garden's history, and celebrate the volunteers and community partners whose dedication has helped the garden grow into a valued neighborhood resource.
For more than a decade, the Stone Mountain Community Garden has provided opportunities for residents to learn, share resources, promote environmental stewardship, and strengthen community ties. Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting initiatives that bring people together and help neighborhoods thrive throughout DeKalb County.
Dancing for Dementia
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson and CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson at the Dancing for Dementia event
Community members of all ages took to the dance floor during Dancing for Dementia, an event that brought people together through music, movement, and dementia awareness.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined seniors, caregivers, advocates, and community members at the Lou Walker Senior Center for Dancing for Dementia, a community event focused on raising awareness about dementia while promoting wellness, connection, and healthy aging.
Through music, movement, and fellowship, participants came together to support individuals and families affected by dementia and to highlight the importance of staying physically, socially, and mentally engaged as people age. Activities such as dancing can encourage movement, coordination, social interaction, and cognitive engagement, making them a meaningful way to support overall well-being.
Recognizing the importance of programs and resources that support seniors and families impacted by dementia, Commissioner Johnson allocated $10,000 to help support these efforts. Commissioner Johnson remains committed to promoting health, wellness, and quality of life for seniors throughout DeKalb County.
A Decade of Dedication: DeKalb Juvenile Justice Council 100th Anniversary Gala
Commissioner Chakira Johnson attended the DeKalb Juvenile Justice Council's "A Decade of Dedication" Gala, celebrating the organization's commitment to supporting youth and families throughout DeKalb County.
The DeKalb Juvenile Justice Council recognized student achievement and community impact during its "A Decade of Dedication" Gala, including scholarship presentations for deserving youth.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined community leaders, advocates, and supporters for the DeKalb Juvenile Justice Council's "A Decade of Dedication" Gala, an event recognizing the organization's ongoing commitment to supporting youth and strengthening communities throughout DeKalb County.
The celebration highlighted the impact of programs, partnerships, and initiatives that help create opportunities for young people through education, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. The event also recognized outstanding individuals and scholarship recipients whose achievements reflect the promise and potential of DeKalb County's youth.
As part of her continued commitment to youth development and positive outcomes for young people, Commissioner Johnson allocated $10,000 to support the DeKalb Juvenile Justice Council's efforts. Commissioner Johnson remains committed to investing in programs and partnerships that help build stronger futures for youth, families, and communities across DeKalb County.
A Home For Everyone
Commissioner Chakira Johnson met with representatives Caroline Hurst (left) and Greg White (right) from A Home for Everyone in DeKalb to discuss housing stability, supportive services, and collaborative efforts to address homelessness and housing needs throughout the county.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson welcomed representatives from A Home for Everyone in DeKalb to discuss ongoing efforts to address housing instability, homelessness, and supportive housing opportunities throughout the county.
A Home for Everyone in DeKalb brings together local governments, nonprofit organizations, service providers, advocates, and community partners to coordinate strategies that help individuals and families access stable housing and supportive services. Through collaboration and shared resources, the organization works to advance solutions that strengthen housing security and improve quality of life for DeKalb residents.
As part of her continued commitment to expanding access to housing and supportive services, Commissioner Johnson allocated $30,000 in funding to support A Home for Everyone in DeKalb's efforts. Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting partnerships and initiatives that connect residents with critical resources and address housing needs throughout DeKalb County.
Board of Commissioners Town Hall Meeting
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined fellow members of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson for the County's Quarter 1 Town Hall Meeting, providing residents with an opportunity to receive updates on county initiatives, services, and priorities.
The Town Hall served as a forum for community engagement, allowing residents to hear directly from county leadership and learn more about projects, programs, and issues impacting DeKalb County. Public meetings such as these help strengthen transparency, encourage civic participation, and foster meaningful dialogue between residents and local government.
Community members who were unable to attend can view a recording of the meeting online.
Candler Crossing Groundbreaking
District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Candler Crossing on behalf of Commissioner Chakira Johnson, joining county leaders, development partners, and community stakeholders in celebrating the start of construction on the transformative mixed-use project.
Located along Memorial Drive, Candler Crossing is expected to bring new housing, retail, and community amenities to the area while supporting ongoing efforts to encourage economic development and investment throughout South DeKalb. The project represents another step forward in creating vibrant, connected spaces where residents can live, work, and access services close to home.
Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting responsible development and community investments that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunities for DeKalb County residents.
Antioch Juneteenth Community Event
A young participant takes part in a historical presentation during Antioch AME Church's Juneteenth Community Event.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson poses with community members at Antioch AME Church's Juneteenth Community Event
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined residents, families, community organizations, and faith leaders at Antioch AME Church's Juneteenth Community Event, a celebration honoring the history, culture, and legacy of Juneteenth.
The event brought the community together for a day of fellowship, entertainment, educational activities, local vendors, and family-friendly programming. Participants reflected on the significance of freedom, civic engagement, and community leadership while celebrating the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting opportunities that educate, inspire, and bring communities together while honoring the people and events that have shaped our shared history.
DeKalb County Juneteenth Celebration
Commissioner Chakira Johnson poses with Morris Day following Morris Day & The Time's performance at DeKalb County's Juneteenth Festival on June 13.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson smiles for a selfie at DeKalb County's Juneteenth Festival while Morris Day & The Time perform on stage in the background at Rainbow Park Amphitheater.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson joined the DeKalb Board of Commissioners and residents from across the county for the 2026 Juneteenth Festival, an evening of music, culture, and community celebration honoring the significance of Juneteenth and the enduring pursuit of freedom, equality, and opportunity.
Hosted in partnership with CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, the event welcomed a packed audience to Rainbow Park Amphitheater for an evening of live entertainment, fellowship, and reflection on the history and legacy of Juneteenth. This year's celebration featured a performance by legendary R&B and funk group Morris Day & The Time, helping create a memorable evening for residents and visitors alike.
Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting opportunities that celebrate culture, strengthen community connections, and honor the diverse histories and experiences that make DeKalb County vibrant and unique.
Coffee with the Commissioner
Commissioner Chakira Johnson speaks to residents during a Coffee with the Commissioner gathering at the East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson hosted a Coffee with the Commissioner gathering at the East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center, providing residents with an opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and engage in conversation about issues affecting the community.
The informal meeting encouraged open dialogue between residents and local government, allowing participants to share concerns, learn about county services and initiatives, and discuss topics important to District 4 neighborhoods. Events like Coffee with the Commissioner help strengthen communication, build relationships, and ensure residents have opportunities to stay informed and involved.
Commissioner Johnson remains committed to creating accessible opportunities for community engagement and maintaining an open line of communication with the residents she serves.
Juneteenth: Freedom, Heritage, Progress
Juneteenth: Freedom, Heritage, Progress brought residents, community leaders, and elected officials together in Stone Mountain for an evening of reflection, education, and celebration honoring the legacy of Juneteenth.
Residents gathered in Stone Mountain on June 19 for the Freedom, Heritage, Progress Juneteenth celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring history, recognizing community leadership, and celebrating the ongoing pursuit of equality and opportunity.
The program featured remarks from local leaders, including Commissioner Chakira Johnson, along with opportunities for reflection on the significance of Juneteenth and exhibits highlighting local history and culture. Community members from a variety of backgrounds came together to commemorate the holiday and celebrate the values of freedom, resilience, and unity.
The event highlighted the importance of preserving history, strengthening community connections, and ensuring future generations understand the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing pursuit of opportunity for all.
Chakira's Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead
IT'S ALMOST HERE!
Join me and the District 4 Team for Chakira’s Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead THIS SATURDAY, JUNE 27—a free, family-friendly celebration of learning, creativity, and community as we prepare DeKalb County students and families for the new school year.
This exciting annual event will feature interactive STEAM experiences, educational resources, health and wellness services, entertainment, and hands-on activities designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.
Families can explore robotics, production technology, civil engineering, mechanics, aeronautics, workforce development resources, and more. Attendees will also have access to school supplies, educational resources, hearing, vision, and dental screenings, school-required vaccinations, free haircuts, community partners, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
We're also proud to continue our Teacher’s Corner initiative, providing classroom supplies and resources for local educators as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Community members who would like to support local teachers are encouraged to contribute through the Teacher’s Corner Amazon Wish List.
I am thrilled and excited for the families of DeKalb. Thank you to everyone who has supported this event through sponsorships, volunteer service, vendor participation, and community contributions. Your partnership helps make this event possible and creates meaningful opportunities for students and families across our community.
Registration is required, and there is still time to get involved. I invite DeKalb County students, families, and educators to join us for this special day.
Parking Information
Parking will be available at Antioch AME Church, located at 765 S. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083.
Complimentary shuttle service will be provided between the church and the event, with return service available until 2:00 p.m.
🗓 Saturday, June 27, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center
4885 Elam Road | Stone Mountain, GA 30083
