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Black History Month 2021

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black history table
Wesleyan School installed a “Periodic Table of Black History” graphic at school.

Black History Month takes on special significance this year.

It comes just after Kamala Harris was sworn in as the nation’s vice president, becoming the first female, first Black person and first person of South Asian descent to hold the position.

The annual celebration also comes in the wake of last year’s global Black Lives Matter protests for racial justice and the passing in July of civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many of the Black History Month observances typically held in and around Peachtree Corners, sending them into the virtual world or cancelling them all together.

But the celebration will go on at many area schools, including Wesleyan School.

“At Wesleyan, we are seeking to engage in parts of history that are often forgotten, but that were pivotal in creating a better future for current generations,” said Dr. Jennifer Pinkett Smith, the school’s director of diversity. “Students and teachers learn about history that shows the resilience and courage of African Americans who often sacrificed their own safety and lives for equality.”

Here’s a sampling of Black History Month activities planned at schools and elsewhere in the Peachtree Corners area.

Private Schools

Greater Atlanta Christian School

Celebrating Black History Month has been an annual tradition at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), said Charles Edwards, the school’s director of diversity and inclusion.

A dance group performs a hip hop routine at Greater Atlanta Christian School’s Black History Month Chapel in February 2020. From left, Adalia Thomas, Kennedi Milton, Taylor McIntosh, Abagale Payne, Kate Gary, Camryn Marion, Bridget Salter, Taylor Spotts, Zoe Jones, Sasha Niles and Lily Boehm.

“The year 2021 provides an even broader opportunity to share valuable contributions and struggles through historical people and events, alongside today’s headlines,” Edwards said. “America is a land of complicated history and delving into the ‘whys’ with students creates conversations leading to better understanding, respect and appreciation for the diversity we embrace.”

From left, Milani Anderson and Denver Tolson sing a medley of spirituals at Greater Atlanta Christian School’s Black History Month Chapel in February 2020.

Plans now underway include spotlights on Black heroes during the elementary students’ Spartan News Live program, shown in classrooms three days a week. Similar spotlights are in place for Middle and High School with a culminating, schoolwide Black History Month chapel program which will be held in-person and virtually on February 26. The annual program for grades K-12 typically includes music, dance and videos created and presented by GAC students and readings offered by students and a notable guest speaker.

Wesleyan School

Lower School students at Wesleyan School will journey through Black history with the book, “28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World.” Each day they will learn about contributions and the fight for equality that continues today.

Middle school students will journey back to the 1930s and learn about the use of “The Green Book,” a travel guide used by Black people to live and travel safely in America. Students will also learn about visionaries who continue the fight for equality.

High school students will view the Teaching Tolerance lesson “What Counts as History” and discuss how to keep the conversation about black history as a part of everyday history.

Public Schools

The following was compiled from information provided by the Gwinnett County Public School system and individual schools.

Coleman Middle School — Mini-lessons about black history will be made during morning announcements. Project-based lessons ask questions such as “How can we amplify the underrepresented voices of history?” and “How can we develop a character that influences social justice?”

Summerour Middle School — The school plans an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Door Decorating Contest, art displays, essay contest, Black author highlights in the media center and a celebration at the end of the month with student performances.

Duluth High School — The Social Studies Department will record a presentation of student performances that will be shared in classes. Students will also produce daily short videos of alumni, staff and students discussing historical figures, present influencers and their own experiences.

Duluth Middle School — A tribute to HBCU/Greek organizations includes school staffers sharing history and their experiences. Drama students will perform two virtual plays, “Kwanzaa Heroes” and “Freedom Riders.” Students will learn about several historical figures through a “virtual wax museum” and will hear Black History Month facts during daily announcements.

Norcross High School — Individuals who have made significant contributions in science, math, literature, history and other areas will be recognized throughout the month. Videos and sources for additional information will be shared.

Peachtree Elementary School — Historic and impactful Black people will be commemorated during daily morning newscasts and highlighted in ongoing lessons.

Pinckneyville Middle School — The observance will include inspirational videos during morning announcements, student book talks and a virtual museum field trip to one of the museums that offer them such as The Center for Civil and Human Rights and The National Museum of African History and Culture. The school’s annual Black History Month celebration takes place virtually on Feb. 21, featuring student performances and guest speakers.

Paul Duke Stem High School — Social Studies teachers and the Black Student Association plan daily messages highlighting “important and innovative Black leaders” and Black History will be highlighted daily in history classes. Video broadcasting students will create a special video with guest speakers that will be their major project for February. Black History and Culture spirit week takes place February 15-19 with themed dress-up days for faculty and students including Red, Black and Green Day (unity); College Day/HBCUs; Camouflage Day (in recognition of military contributions); Cowboy Day (in recognition of Black cowboys); and Black is Beautiful (wear all black in celebration of Black people).

Simpson Elementary School — The school plans to conduct a series of interactive discussions on Zoom for fourth and fifth graders with speakers from the journalism, legal, government and medical fields who will speak on the history of Black people in their professions.

Stripling Elementary School — The tentative plan for a schoolwide Book Museum includes each class selecting a book and discussing its main character. Students will create a display to post in the hallway and a classroom Google Slide to inform and inspire others. The slides will be compiled and placed on the school’s website.

Community Celebrations

Gwinnett County Public Library — The Grayson branch will offer a program for schools and the public on “The History of African American Voting and Civil Rights, 1865-Present.” The Norcross branch plans virtual programs on February 7, 14 and 21 on how to create your own art piece inspired by a contemporary Black artist’s work using tools and materials you probably have around the house.

The Suwanee and Centerville branches are partnering to do a three-part virtual series on HBCUs, including a program on the history and future impact of HBCUs on March 11 at 9 a.m., a panel discussion with HBCU alumni on March 18 at 6:30 p.m., and an HBCU admissions talk — “What Every Teen Needs to Know” — on March 25 at 6:30 p.m. For more details and links to these programs, visit the library system’s social media accounts or gwinnettpl.libnet.info/events.

United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County — The United Ebony Society actively works to educate, engage and promote community involvement emphasizing the diversity of Gwinnett County.

The organization’s annual display and program at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center will not be held due to the pandemic. Instead, the United Ebony Society is partnering with Gwinnett County Community Outreach and other organizations to host virtual presentations and a service project. Students will be involved in this event.

Topics will include “African American History in Gwinnett County, historical sites, genealogy, and African American pacesetters throughout the African Diaspora.” Details are being finalized and will be available on unitedebonysociety.org and Facebook.

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City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

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Logo for City of Peachtree Corners. Used in announcement of scheduled maintenance and repairs on Town Center parking deck.

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

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City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

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Curiosity Lab 5K Run/Walk logo

The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event

Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.

In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.

The Charity 5K Run/Walk

Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated. 

While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.

Registration for the 5K is open now.

Curiosity Lab Criterium

Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.

Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race.
photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.

The details

The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.

Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

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Community

Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April

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Close-up of a cornhole board and a hand reaching down to pick up blue/green beanbags.

The sun is out, days are getting warmer and spring is on its way. That means more time outdoors and more fun events and activities in and around Peachtree Corners.

From movies and sports to live music and family fun, now’s the time to mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. We’re sharing a few of our April favorites to get you started.

CrossFit on the Green

All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on the Peachtree Corners Town Green, Thursdays at 8 a.m. for a strength and conditioning workout. Bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes. March–November. Admission: free

Peachtree Corners Town Green • 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Cornhole Spring League

Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly beginning March 20 and ends on May 15 with a tournament and trophy. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Friday Night Live

Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Concert schedule will be announced soon. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

A band performing on an outdoor stage. A man with short hair, white t-shirt and sunglasses sings into the mic and points to the crowd. A woman with dark hair and short, black dress is in the background smiling. And other musicians are behind them.
photo courtesy of The Forum at Peachtree Corners

Kids and Parents Gardening Workshop

This gardening workshop presented by nonprofit group DFOWW will share basic gardening information for youth ages 5–12 and their parent or guardian. Seeds, plants and a catered lunch will be provided. Register online. April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 per adult; $10 per adult for low-income families

Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center • 10 College St., Norcross

Forum Flicks

Forum Flicks are back for 2025. Gather on The Plaza and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen on the second Tuesday of each month. Movie schedule will be announced soon. April–October starting at 6 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Spring Plant & Pot Sale

Kick off the spring gardening season with this four-day sale of plants and pots. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and more will be available for purchase. April 19, 21–23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Wednesday.

Peachtree Farm • 356 Research Ct., Peachtree Corners

Close-up or small hands holding a tiny green plant in soil.
photo courtesy of Gwinnett County Public Library

Earth Day Celebration

Learn about the origins of Earth Day and create seed bombs to take home with you at this all-ages workshop. April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Registration is not required.

Peachtree Corners Library • 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners

Mt. Carmel Spring BBQ

Enjoy pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, slaw and desserts. The event will continue until items sell out. Dine in and take out are available. April 25 starting at 11 a.m.

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church • 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners

Wesleyan Artist Market

This annual two-day market showcase features a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from professional artists as well as student artists. April 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Wesleyan School • 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners

Spring Fest!

Welcome spring at CtK’s annual Spring Fest! Families are invited to join in for a day of free family fun, food, face painting, a petting zoo and more. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: free

Christ the King Lutheran Church • 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race.
photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Curiosity Lab Criterium and Charity 5K Run/Walk

This day-long, family-friendly event on April 27 will feature an inaugural charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Following the race, guests are invited to hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, a U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit Race. The 5K starts at 9 a.m.; the bike race begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, DJ and more throughout the day. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

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