Community updates, events, and resources across District 4

Cedar Park Ribbon Cutting

Group photo at a ribbon cutting ceremony at Cedar Park. Several community leaders and attendees stand behind a red ribbon outdoors on a sunny day while one person cuts the ribbon. Trees and park features are visible in the background.

Community members, county representatives, and project partners gather for the ribbon cutting celebrating the reopening and improvements at Cedar Park.

Audience members sit on stone seating during the Cedar Park ribbon cutting event. Attendees watch speakers and camera crews gathered near the front of the park’s amphitheater-style seating area.

Residents and guests attend the Cedar Park ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration.

Four-photo collage showing improvements at Cedar Park. Images include a rope climbing structure, a playground with green slides, a covered picnic pavilion with tables, and an outdoor gathering area surrounded by trees and landscaping.

New features at Cedar Park include upgraded playground equipment, shaded seating areas, picnic pavilions, and improved gathering spaces for residents and families.

District 4 Chief of Staff Alesia Brooks attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on behalf of Commissioner Chakira Johnson, celebrating the completion of renovations and improvements at Cedar Park in Scottdale.

The updated park features a new playground, upgraded basketball court, refreshed landscaping, and a new pavilion designed to create a more welcoming and engaging space for residents and families. The improvements reflect ongoing investments in parks and recreational amenities that support neighborhood quality of life and community connection.

Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting projects and partnerships that enhance public spaces and create opportunities for residents to gather, play, and enjoy their community.

Active People, Healthy DeKalb Month Proclamation

Group photo inside a DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting room. Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, Dr. Asia Foster, Erika Cotton, Jacquelyn E. Bridges, Dr. Sedessie Spivey, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, Stefani Carter, Dr. Christiana Johnson, District 3 Commissioner Nicole Massiah, District 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick, and Deputy Presiding Officer Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton stand together following a proclamation presentation recognizing DeKalb Public Health. One participant holds a framed proclamation while the group poses in front of the dais.

(L-R) Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, Dr. Asia Foster, Erika Cotton, Jacquelyn E. Bridges, Dr. Sedessie Spivey, Presiding Officer Commissioner Chakira Johnson, Stefani Carter, Dr. Christiana Johnson, District 3 Commissioner Nicole Massiah, District 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick, and Deputy Presiding Officer Super District 7 Commissioner Dr. LaDena Bolton pose with DeKalb Public Health representatives following a proclamation presentation.

Commissioner Chakira Johnson presented a proclamation recognizing May as Active People, Healthy DeKalb Month to DeKalb Public Health and its LEAD DeKalb team during a recent Board of Commissioners meeting.

The proclamation supports the Walk It Out physical activity campaign and the CDC’s national Active People, Healthy Nation initiative, which aims to help more Americans build healthy habits through regular movement and physical activity. During the presentation, public health leaders highlighted the importance of creating safe, accessible opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds to stay active and improve their overall well-being.

Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting efforts that promote healthier lifestyles, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for all DeKalb residents.

Visit the DeKalb Public Health website

DeKalb United Council Countdown

Graphic featuring a soccer ball covered in international flags against a blue background with flowing red, white, and blue ribbon-like streaks. Large white text reads “2026.” Flags visible on the soccer ball include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Germany, England, Australia, Morocco, Argentina, Portugal, and others, suggesting an international soccer or FIFA-related theme.

Representatives from Discover DeKalb and community stakeholders recently participated in a DeKalb United Council Countdown Meeting to discuss preparations and opportunities surrounding the upcoming FIFA events taking place in metro Atlanta this summer.

The conversation focused on regional collaboration, tourism, economic impact, and ways DeKalb County can continue positioning itself as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors during one of the world's largest sporting events.

Discover DeKalb, the county's official tourism organization, plays an important role in promoting local destinations, cultural attractions, hospitality partners, events, and economic development opportunities throughout the county. As the region prepares to welcome visitors from around the world, organizations like Discover DeKalb continue working to showcase the unique experiences and opportunities available throughout the county.

Commissioner Johnson remains committed to supporting initiatives and partnerships that strengthen DeKalb's visibility, economic vitality, and community engagement.

Learn more about Discover DeKalb at https://discoverdekalb.com.

Visit the DeKalb United website

Chakira's Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead

Colorful flyer promoting “Chakira’s Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead,” scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center, 4885 Elam Road, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. The event will feature food and cold refreshments, educational supplies for students and teachers, a live DJ, interactive learning stations, school-required vaccinations, and health screenings. The flyer encourages residents to register at bit.ly/chakirascookouteventregistration and includes a QR code for registration. Background graphics include rockets, science beakers, planets, DNA strands, and art supplies reflecting the STEAM theme. Sponsor and partner logos appear along the bottom, including DeKalb County Human Services and DeKalb County RPCA. Commissioner Chakira Johnson’s portrait appears in the lower right corner.

Join me and the District 4 Team for Chakira’s Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead — a free, family-friendly event designed to inspire learning, creativity, and opportunity ahead of the new school year.

This annual community celebration will bring together students, families, educators, local organizations, and community partners for a day filled with interactive STEAM experiences, educational resources, entertainment, health services, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Featured activities will include robotics, production studio technology, civil engineering, mechanics, aeronautics, workforce development resources, and more. This year’s event will also include a special Teacher’s Corner initiative, where educators can access classroom supplies and resources ahead of the new school year. Community members who would like to support local teachers are encouraged to contribute items through the Teacher’s Corner Amazon Wish List.

Additional event highlights include:

  • Interactive STEAM learning stations

  • School supplies and educational resources

  • Food, refreshments, and live entertainment

  • Community vendors and family activities

  • Health screenings and school-required vaccinations

Chakira’s Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead continues to create opportunities for students to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in fun, engaging, and accessible ways while connecting families with valuable local resources and services throughout DeKalb County.

I am thrilled and excited for the families of DeKalb. Thank you to everyone who has joined us through vendor participation, sponsorships, and volunteer commitments. Your support will help make this an amazing event for our community.

Registration is encouraged. Community members interested in attending, volunteering, or supporting the event are invited to register and get involved. To learn more about sponsorship or vendor opportunities, contact Alesia Brooks at adbrooks@dekalbcountyga.gov.

🗓 Saturday, June 27, 2026

⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

📍 East Central DeKalb Community & Senior Center

4885 Elam Road | Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Email letter footer graphic featuring Commissioner Chakira Johnson’s gold signature on the left and the official DeKalb County, Georgia seal on the right.
Chakira's Cookout: Full STEAM Ahead Registration
Purchase Supplies for Teachers

Juneteenth Celebration

Flyer promoting the DeKalb County Juneteenth Festival 2026. The event will take place Saturday, June 13, at Rainbow Park Amphitheater, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA. Gates open at 5:00 PM and the festival begins at 6:00 PM. The flyer states “Embracing Unity as We Celebrate” and features a live performance by Morris Day & The Time with Klymaxx. A QR code and shortened ticket link are included for ticket purchases. The design uses red, yellow, green, black, and white colors associated with Juneteenth celebrations and includes photos of the musical performers. Logos for DeKalb County officials and commissioners appear along the bottom of the flyer, including Commissioner Chakira Johnson.

🎉 Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the DeKalb County 2026 Juneteenth Festival!

Join DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson, and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners for an evening of live music, celebration, and family-friendly fun as we honor the legacy and significance of Juneteenth.

🎶 Live performance by Morris Day & The Time

✨ Featuring Klymaxx

🗓 Saturday, June 13, 2026

⏰ Festival begins at 6 PM

🚪 Gates open at 5 PM

📍 Rainbow Park Amphitheater

3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA

Celebrate with music, food, culture, and community as we come together to recognize freedom, resilience, and unity.

🎟 Free admission | Registration required

*Please note: One ticket per person. Guests should register individually.

Register to attend the Juneteenth Festival

Early Voting for the General Primary Runoff Begins June 6 in DeKalb

“Vote” button displayed on an American flag, representing civic participation and voting.

Make your plan ahead of the June 16 Runoff Election

Early voting for the June 16 General Primary Runoff will take place June 6 through June 12. DeKalb County voters are encouraged to plan their participation and choose the voting option that works best for them before Election Day on June 16.

To check your registration status, view a sample ballot, and find official election information, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov

DeKalb Voter Registration & Elections Page

Flyer encouraging DeKalb County residents to share feedback about crime and safety in their community. The flyer features four smiling young adults standing together outdoors. Large text at the top reads “Share Your Views on Crime in Our Community.” Additional text states: “We want your feedback! Complete our survey about crime and safety in your neighborhood.” A QR code is included linking residents to the community survey. Survey link: https://bit.ly/4tBHMXo

🗣️ Share Your Views on Crime and Safety in DeKalb County

Community input is being gathered as part of DeKalb County’s Community Violence Intervention planning efforts, and residents are encouraged to participate in a public survey focused on crime and neighborhood safety.

The survey will help identify community concerns, better understand local needs, and support ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety initiatives across DeKalb County.

Residents from all areas of the county are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives.

🔗 Take the survey: https://bit.ly/4tBHMXo

Community feedback will continue to be collected through late summer.

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.

“Get involved! Board Members Needed” graphic over a background of gold gift bags labeled “Difference Maker,” encouraging residents to apply for county boards.

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 Advisory Council

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.

Watch or listen to the Chakira's Corner Podcast

Stay Connected

📧 Email: chakira@dekalbcountyga.gov
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @CommissionerChakiraJohnson
🐦 Bluesky & X: @CommissionerCJJ

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Engineering Progress for DeKalb

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