Closing Out Black History Month Strong in Sandy Springs
Residents from across Sandy Springs gathered at Rivercliff Lutheran Church to close out Black History Month with an evening of reflection, community, and conversation about the lessons of the past and the opportunities ahead.
Some events take months to organize. Others come together in a matter of days.
This was one of those moments.
When the call went out to gather, learn, and reflect, the community responded. Residents from across Sandy Springs came together at Rivercliff Lutheran Church to close out Black History Month with an evening focused on history, truth, and connection.
I’m grateful to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make the event possible. I’m especially thankful to the leadership of Rivercliff Lutheran Church for opening their doors and partnering with us to create a space where meaningful conversations could take place.
Black History Month is about more than looking back. It is an opportunity to understand the sacrifices, struggles, and achievements that helped shape our community and our country. It is also a reminder that each generation has a responsibility to continue moving forward.
As I shared during the event, the best way to honor our ancestors is to build a future worthy of their sacrifice.
Thank you to everyone who helped us close out Black History Month strong in Sandy Springs.
Photo Credit: TraShawn Wade
Graduating Citizens Police Academy: Why Showing Up Matters
Public safety is strongest when residents stay engaged. After completing Sandy Springs’ Citizens Police Academy, Dontaye Carter reflects on how civic involvement helps shape better policies, stronger departments, and safer communities.
Last April, I graduated from the Sandy Springs Citizens Police Academy.
This wasn’t my first Citizens Police Academy, and it wasn’t about earning a certificate or proving a point. It was about continuing to show up.
Over the years, I’ve participated in Citizens Police Academies in nearly every city I’ve called home. I believe that informed residents make stronger communities, and that meaningful change happens when people engage directly with the institutions that serve them.
As I worked through the Sandy Springs program, I noticed something encouraging: some of the public safety improvements I’ve advocated for in Sandy Springs over the years have become reality.
Stronger background checks.
Greater scrutiny of officer history and prior conduct.
Higher compensation to attract and retain the best talent.
Today, Sandy Springs Police Department is one of the highest-paid departments in Georgia. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because residents, elected officials, and law enforcement leaders stayed engaged and worked toward solutions.
Public safety is not something we can take for granted. It requires partnership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
I’m grateful for the officers, staff, and volunteers who make this program possible and for the opportunity to learn more about the work being done every day to keep our community safe.
The lesson remains the same:
Change doesn’t come from the sidelines.
It comes from showing up.
Learning History by Walking Through It: Boys Club Visits Savannah
What began with lessons on tying ties, shaking hands, and career exploration led to a powerful day of learning in Savannah, where students experienced Georgia history firsthand and gained a deeper understanding of their place in the story of our state.
Dunwoody Springs 4th and 5th Graders Take Historical Trip to Savannah
At Dunwoody Springs Elementary, we believe leadership starts long before adulthood.
Throughout the year, our Boys Club has focused on the fundamentals—teaching young men how to tie a tie, make eye contact, shake hands with confidence, and learn from professionals about different career paths. These lessons are about more than manners. They are about building character, confidence, and a vision for the future.
On Saturday, we took that learning beyond the classroom.
A group of our young boys traveled to Savannah, one of Georgia’s most historic cities, to experience history firsthand. We visited sites that helped shape our state and our nation, giving our students the opportunity to connect what they learn in books to the places where history actually happened.
There is something powerful about standing where history was made. It transforms lessons into experiences and encourages young people to see themselves as part of a much larger story.
Our goal has always been to expose our students to new opportunities, broaden their perspectives, and help them understand that their future is not limited by their zip code or circumstances. Whether learning professional skills, exploring career opportunities, or walking through historic landmarks, every experience is designed to help them grow into the next generation of leaders.
I am grateful to the volunteers, educators, parents, and community partners who continue to invest in these young men. When we pour into our children, we strengthen our entire community.
The future of Sandy Springs is bright because of the young people we are helping prepare today.