🌱Body Camera Connected To Death Of Manuel Teran + $2.9 Million Grant

Hi there, Decatur-Avondale Estates! I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Because community information is power! In today's briefing, you'll read about these stories and more...

• The Atlanta Police Department released body camera video surrounding the shooting death of 26-year-old activist Manuel “Tortuguita” Esteban Paez Teran
• Ongoing issues at the Villas Apartment complex being addressed
• School-Based Mental Health Services receives $2.9 million grant award

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy, a little rain. High: 58 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

1. Aaron Kimble, the director of the multi-family task-force unit at the DeKalb County Office of Code Compliance, is addressing the ongoing issues at the Villas Apartment complex located in Decatur. Residents have been forced to call code enforcement and social services regarding issues of broken mailboxes, missing paychecks, W2's, and prescriptions, faulty plumbing and a lack of heat and air conditioning as well. Shuntaye Cooley has been one of the most vocal residents and Kimble stated that he is looking into helping her and her family gain access to a more livable unit within the complex. Kimble also stated that he has been in contact with the complex and a plan has been set in place to help resolve the issues within the complex. (11Alive.com WXIA)
2. The Atlanta Police Department has released body camera video taken from the Jan. 18 shooting death of Manuel “Tortuguita” Esteban Paez Teran. Teran, an activist, was 26 years old at the time of his death and was shot and killed during a raid close to the police and fire training facility, known to Activist as "Cop City." Prior to the release of the body camera video, law enforcement's investigation alleged that the 26-year-old activist shot and injured a state trooper, causing officers to shoot back, resulting in Teran's death. Post body camera release, the story looks a bit different, according to reports. An officer is heard saying, “Man…you f#$!ed your own officer up.” A spokesperson for the GBI stated that despite what is heard in the video, that isn't what actually happened. Several other officers are also heard on the video as they approached the area of the shooting. (Decaturish.com)
3. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Services has made an announcement regarding the School-Based Mental Health Services grant award. The $2.9 million grant will cover the school years of 2023-2028, according to reports. The funds are said to go towards the “Recruit-Train-Retain” project. The district is looking forward to the recruitment of 23 students who are studying psychology. (Decaturish.com)
4. Georgia State University Prison Education Project (GSUPEP) has been awarded a $300,000 grant from The Georgia Power Foundation. The grant's duration will be 3 years and will support the expansion of a variety of initiatives including the expansion of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice courses and the start-up of a citizen's center at Georgia State’s Perimeter College. (Georgia State University News)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Blind Date with a Book — DeKalb County Public Library (All Day)
• Take & Make Black History Month Collaborative Poster Kit (All Day)

From my notebook:

• The TGIP listened in on the speech given by Vice President Kamala Harris. They also heard talks surrounding the House Bill 71. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• The saga continues at the McCain Library. Their lurking owl is still present hanging in there. Reports are in that the owl is healthy and has been sleeping most of the time. Soon they might need to name it. Who can think of a name for it? Who? (McCain Library, Agnes Scott College via Facebook)
• McCain Library, Agnes Scott College: "For our owl fans, our feathered visitor remains aloft, 60 feet up, mostly sleeping or leaving us mementos below his perch." (McCain Library, Agnes Scott College via Facebook)
• The month of February is "Love the Bus" Month and the City Schools of Decatur is asking folks to join their efforts in supporting bus drivers. CSD also sent out a reminder for another early release day today. (City Schools of Decatur via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Shoe Fundraiser — Drive By Drop Off - Briar Vista Elementary School (February 11)
• Healthier, Happier and more balanced life with Coexistence Symposium (February 11)
• "Themes, Variations, Memories" DeKalb Symphony Orchestra (DSO) (February 14)
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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters

About me: Cherryl Young DBA MamaNyeMatters. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Georgia in 2017. My first children's book, You Are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow was published in 2021. https://www.mamanyematters.com... I've worked in Atlanta and Gwinnett County Public Schools assisting children who have special needs. I studied Community Development @ Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. My Purpose In Life Is To Connect, Create, Inspire, Write, and Expand and I am ELATED to Be Here as a Contributing Writer @ Patch! Journey With Me...

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