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Commissioner Chakira Johnson's YouTube Channel

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In the April episode of the podcast, Commissioner Chakira Johnson joins DeKalb County Public Library Director Alison Weissinger for a virtual conversation highlighting the wide range of resources available across the county’s 23-branch system. From early literacy programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten to free Wi-Fi hotspot loans, LinkedIn Learning, Mango Languages, and complimentary access to The New York Times, the episode showcases services many residents may be missing.

They also discuss how libraries tailor services to their communities, address challenges related to unhoused residents, and explain why federal funding threats matter. Whether you have a library card or not, this episode makes a strong case for taking full advantage of what your local library offers.
Clickable image link to watch the full conversation on YouTube. Three-person virtual podcast layout for Chakira’s Corner. Top left: Commissioner Chakira Johnson, a Black woman with glasses and braided hair, wearing a magenta top, smiling against a light background. Top right: Alison Weissinger, a white woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and glasses, wearing a dark blazer, seated in an office with windows and shelves behind her. Bottom center: Matt Shedd, a white man with short dark hair and facial hair, wearing a white shirt, speaking into a microphone in a home office setting. Branded teal background with “Chakira’s Corner” graphic and DeKalb County District 4 logo.

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra Outreach Concert
Composite image of a DeKalb Symphony Orchestra performance and event flyer. Top: a female violinist performs a solo on stage, surrounded by orchestra members with music stands. Bottom left: a wide view of the orchestra performing in a church sanctuary with a conductor and seated audience. Bottom right: flyer for “Eastern Echoes,” conducted by Paul Bhasin, featuring works by Glinka, Bruch (Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26, featuring Emily Smith), and Kodály. The concert was held Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 7:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Decatur.

On March 24, the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra delivered an inspiring performance at Northlake Church of Christ in Tucker, reaching underserved communities and refugee families. Featuring Glinka, Bruch, and Tchaikovsky, the concert provided a rare opportunity for many to experience live orchestral music. Commissioner Chakira Johnson contributed $2,000 to support student and community participation, helping expand access to the arts and strengthen community connections across DeKalb County.

Phenomenal Women of the 5th
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson (District 5), and Commissioner Chakira Johnson (District 4) stand together smiling at an indoor event. CEO Cochran-Johnson wears a black suit and large black glasses. Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson wears a green and yellow floral dress with a headband. Commissioner Chakira Johnson wears a blue floral dress and glasses. Behind them is a District 5 banner and a column of pink, gold, and purple balloons.

From left: CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, and Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson

Commissioner Johnson joined fellow leaders and community members for the Phenomenal Women of the 5th celebration, recognizing the outstanding contributions of women across the region. She provided welcoming remarks highlighting the leadership, service, and the lasting impact women continue to make in DeKalb County and beyond. Commissioner Johnson remains committed to uplifting and supporting women in leadership and throughout our communities.

DeKalb Day at the Capitol
Commissioner Chakira Johnson and DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson speak with Rick E. Cunningham at an indoor event. Commissioner Johnson, wearing a blue top and dark blazer with glasses and braided hair, stands on the left. CEO Cochran-Johnson, wearing a black suit and large black glasses, stands in the center, smiling as she engages in conversation. Cunningham, wearing a gray blazer, gestures while speaking on the right. Several attendees and officials are visible in the background, including a uniformed officer, with a display of blue bottles on a table behind them.
A woman in a pink blazer speaks at a podium with the State of Georgia seal during DeKalb Day at the Capitol. Behind her, Deputy Presiding Officer Dr. LaDena Bolton (Super District 7) and Commissioner Ted Terry (Super District 6) stand with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who holds a framed proclamation. Commissioner Chakira Johnson (District 4) stands at right, applauding. The group is gathered in a formal government setting with a large portrait in the background.
Group photo of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners during DeKalb Day at the Capitol. Seven commissioners stand together on a grand staircase inside the Georgia State Capitol, smiling and facing the camera. Front row, left to right: Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton (Super District 7), Commissioner Chakira Johnson (District 4), DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Commissioner Nicole Massiah (District 3), and Commissioner Michelle Long Spears (District 2). Back row: Commissioner Ted Terry (Super District 6) and Commissioner Robert Patrick (District 1). The group is dressed in professional attire, posed in a formal government setting with white marble steps and ornate railings.
Large group photo at DeKalb Day at the Capitol showing dozens of students, community members, and local officials gathered on a grand staircase inside the Georgia State Capitol. The group fills the steps from top to bottom, with adults and youth standing closely together and facing the camera. At the front, several officials and organizers stand in a row, while additional attendees line both sides of the staircase and upper level. The setting features marble floors, ornate railings, and decorative lighting.

Commissioner Johnson participated in DeKalb Day at the Capitol, joining local officials, partners, and residents to advocate for DeKalb County at the state level. The day focused on strengthening relationships with state legislators, highlighting county priorities, and ensuring DeKalb’s voice is represented in ongoing legislative discussions. DeKalb County Governing Authority was presented with two proclamations from the State House and Senate Legislators.

Food Giveaway
Flyer promoting the “2026 GA State Conference Community Food Giveaway,” featuring fresh produce including tomatoes, apples, avocados, green onions, and a pineapple. The event was held Wednesday, March 25, 10am–12pm at New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church in Decatur. Sponsored by Commissioner Chakira Johnson, whose photo appears in the bottom right.
Photo collage from the 2026 GA State Conference Community Food Giveaway event. Top left: District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks takes a selfie outdoors with District 5 Chief of Staff Demetrius McCoy, who is wearing a yellow baseball cap and black sweatshirt, with a church building in the background. Top right: Brooks stands smiling with Bishop Tracy Boles, who is wearing a gray knit cap, in a parking lot. Bottom: volunteers and community members gather around tables distributing bagged food to people in a drive-up line of cars.

Pictured clockwise from left: District 4 Chief of Staff, Alesia Brooks with District 5 Chief of Staff, Demetrius McCoy; Bishop Tracy Boles Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of Georgia with Alesia Brooks

Supporting Families in DeKalb County

District 4 was proud to support a recent community food distribution at the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of Georgia.

With a $2,500 contribution from Commissioner Johnson’s office, this effort helped provide groceries and essential items to families across DeKalb County.

We appreciate the collaboration that makes initiatives like this possible and remain committed to supporting efforts that serve residents across our community.

Celebrating Women’s History Month hosted by CEO
Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson stands smiling in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring DeKalb County and CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson seals during a Women’s History Month event. She wears a green dress and glasses and holds a small booklet and a leopard-print purse. The setting is indoors with tiled flooring.
Group of women pose together on stage during a Women’s History Month event. They are dressed in formal attire, including suits and dresses in shades of black, white, and lavender, and stand smiling for a photo. A woman in a red outfit stands at a podium to the left. Behind them, a large screen displays a portrait, and chairs are arranged on stage in a modern auditorium setting.

Commissioner Johnson attended Celebrating Women’s History Month hosted by CEO event celebrating the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women in our community. The event served as an opportunity to reflect on progress made and reaffirm the importance of continuing to create equitable opportunities for women in DeKalb County.

Hustle to Higher Education Empowers DeKalb Students
Four people stand together smiling at the “Hustle to Higher Education” event hosted by Georgia Piedmont Technical College. From left to right: Project Manager Michelle Byrdsong; Deputy Presiding Officer Dr. LaDena Bolton (Super District 7); Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Tavarez Holston; and District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks. A “Hustle 2 Higher Ed” Georgia Piedmont Technical College graphic appears in the top left, and the group stands in a meeting room with chairs and tables in the background.

From left: Georgia Piedmont Technical College Project Manager Michelle Byrdsong; Deputy Presiding Officer, Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton; Georgia Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Tavarez Holston; and District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks.
Table display for Georgia Piedmont Technical College at the “Hustle to Higher Education” event, featuring brochures and informational materials about academic programs and career pathways. The table is covered with a branded tablecloth displaying the college’s name and lion logo. Staff and attendees are visible in the background inside a meeting room.

District 4 is Investing in the Future Workforce

Commissioner Chakira Johnson allocated $25,000 to support the “Hustle to Higher Education” initiative, helping DeKalb County graduates access career pathways. Hosted at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Clarkston campus, the event welcomed an estimated 1,000 graduating seniors.

Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks attended on behalf of the Commissioner and witnessed students engaging with industry professionals and exploring high-demand fields.

Commissioner Johnson extends appreciation to Dr. Tavarez Holston, President, and the Georgia Piedmont Technical College team for their leadership and successful execution of the event.

Looking ahead, Commissioner Johnson and Dr. Holston will partner to host “One DeKalb Day” at the Clarkston campus on Saturday, September 26, connecting residents to valuable resources and services.

Blight Removal Clears Path for New Beginnings
A fire-damaged, abandoned house with boarded and broken windows sits on a lot in Stone Mountain prior to demolition. The structure shows visible burn damage and deterioration, with debris scattered around the yard. The home was located at 5022 West Mountain Street and was demolished on Friday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. as part of a blight removal effort.
Commissioner Chakira Johnson speaks at a podium during a press event announcing a blight removal project at 5022 West Mountain Street in Stone Mountain. Behind her, DeKalb County officials, public safety personnel, and community partners stand together, including Director of Community Development Allen Mitchell at far left wearing a white baseball cap. A fire-damaged house and an excavator are visible in the background, indicating the ongoing demolition, with additional staff from Community Development present among the group.
Partially demolished, fire-damaged house at 5022 West Mountain Street in Stone Mountain during a blight removal operation. An excavator tears into the burned structure while a worker in a safety vest and hard hat stands nearby. Debris is visible as the home is actively being taken down. The demolition took place Friday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Chakira Johnson welcomed the scheduled demolition of a long-blighted property at 5022 West Mountain Street in Stone Mountain on Friday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m.

“This property has affected the community for years, so I’m glad to see it finally being addressed through county-led demolition efforts, thanks to Community Development Director Allen Mitchell and his team,” she said. “I look forward to its redevelopment and to seeing it once again become a home for a family.”

Since 2019, DeKalb County has demolished or abated 468 blighted properties as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.

To learn more about the Community Development Department and what they do, visit https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/community-development.

Community Connection Breakfast April 18
Flyer for “Community Connection: A Quarterly Breakfast Meeting” hosted by Commissioner Chakira Johnson (District 4). Event details: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9am–11am at Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale. Special guest Damon Scott, DeKalb County Director of Human Services. Includes information about breakfast, community updates, and meeting local leaders. Click image to view additional event details and upcoming events.

Our next Community Connection Quarterly Breakfast will take place on Saturday, April 18 at Tobie Grant Recreation Center.

This is an opportunity to connect with Commissioner Johnson, meet District 4 neighbors, and hear directly from county departments and partners about services and resources available to you. Special guest Damon Scott, Director of Human Services, will also be joining the conversation. To learn more about DeKalb Human Services visit https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/human-services.

We hope you’ll join us in person or tune in virtually.

Dancing with the DeKalb Stars – Join the Cause
Flyer for “Dancing with the DeKalb Stars” fundraiser supporting domestic violence survivors. Event details: Saturday, April 18, 5pm–9pm at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. Includes community resource fair at 5pm and dance competition at 6pm. Features photos of participants and a central QR code. Click image or scan QR code to purchase tickets, sponsor, or learn more.

Commissioner Chakira Johnson has allocated $2,500 to support the upcoming 6th Annual Dancing with the DeKalb Stars, hosted by the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office.

Set for April 18 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, the event brings together community leaders, local stars, and professional dancers for an exciting evening—all in support of survivors of domestic violence. Proceeds benefit International Women’s House and the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.

Commissioner Johnson thanks Solicitor General Donna Coleman-Stribling and her team, the sponsors, and the dancers for their dedication to this important cause. Residents are encouraged to attend, purchase tickets, or become sponsors to help make a difference in the lives of families across DeKalb County.

You can view all the dance teams, purchase tickets, place an ad, or become a sponsor here: https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/dekalbstars

DeKalb County Summer Youth Employment Program Returns for 2026
Flyer for the 2026 DeKalb Summer Youth Employment Program (DSYEP) with the theme “Earn. Learn. Grow.” Program runs June 1 through July 10, 2026, with pay of $15 per hour and 450 positions available. Eligibility includes DeKalb County residents ages 16 to 24. Application period closes April 24, 2026, with limited spots selected by lottery. Includes a QR code and link to dekalbcountyga.gov/dsyep. Click image or scan QR code to apply and learn more.

Applications Closes April 24 for Summer Youth Opportunities

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, in partnership with the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and WorkSource DeKalb, announces the return of the DeKalb Summer Youth Employment Program (DSYEP) for 2026.

The program will run from June 1–July 10, 2026, providing 450 youth interns across DeKalb County with valuable work experience and professional development opportunities in industries such as healthcare, education, technology, retail, and government.

DSYEP is designed to prepare young residents for the workforce by offering hands-on experience, skill development, and exposure to career pathways that support long-term success.

Program Highlights:

Program Dates: June 1–July 10, 2026

Participants: 450 interns

Compensation: $15 per hour

Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday, up to 24 hours per week

Selection Process: Random lottery system to ensure fairness and equal opportunity

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a DeKalb County resident

Ages 16–24

Must complete all required onboarding steps, including applicable screenings

Application Period:

Applications for the 2026 DSYEP will open on Friday, April 3, 2026, and close on April 24, 2026. Interested participants can apply online at: dekalbcountyga.gov/dsyep

“Our youth are the future of DeKalb County, and the DeKalb Summer Youth Employment Program is a powerful investment in their success,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “By providing meaningful work experiences and exposure to career opportunities, we are helping to build a stronger, more prepared workforce for tomorrow.”

For more information or help with registration, please visit dekalbcountyga.gov/dsyep or contact Alanna Hicks-King, Workforce Development Manager, at ahicksking@dekalbcountyga.gov or (470) 572-8229.

DeKalb County's New Website
Promotional graphic announcing the newly redesigned DeKalb County website at www.dekalbcountyga.gov . The image shows a laptop and smartphone displaying the updated homepage with navigation options such as Government, Departments, Services, and Transparency. The DeKalb County seal appears on the left. Click image to visit the new website.

DeKalb County's redesigned website is on its way, built to better serve every resident, business, and employee who calls this county home.

This isn't just a fresh coat of paint. The new dekalbcountyga.gov represents a major step forward in how the County communicates, delivers services, and connects with the community it serves.

We want to hear from you
Graphic reading “Click here to take our Prioritizing Support & Resources Survey.” Commissioner Chakira Johnson is seeking community input to help prioritize needs and guide resources toward programs and projects that matter most to residents. Click image to take the survey.

Commissioner Chakira Johnson is seeking your input to help prioritize community needs and ensure resources support the programs and projects that matter most to residents.

Take the Funding Allocations Survey

Help Shape District 4 — Board Openings

District 4 has openings on several DeKalb County advisory boards. Residents interested in getting involved in local government are encouraged to apply.

Click the board names below to learn more and apply.

Community Development

Environmental Justice and Sustainability Resident Review Group

Please send your notice of interest to Alesia Brooks at adbrooks@dekalbcountyga.gov once you have completed your application.

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