🌱 Free Martial Arts Class For Black History Month + Senate Bill 145​

Greetings, everyone! Let's talk about things on this Tuesday. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in Decatur- Avondale Estates, including news about...

• Capoeira Maculelê Decatur hosting a free martial arts workshop in celebration of Black History Month
• Branbury Cross removed from a list of residential roads to be paved
• Bill protecting the use of gas- powered leaf blowers

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 77 Low: 51.

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

1. On Feb. 24, Capoeira Maculelê Decatur, located in Downtown Decatur, hosted a free workshop in celebration of Black History Month. Capoeira Maculele is a family owned, nonprofit, Afro-Brazilian business. Dani Silva and her parents have taught capoeira for 35 years, 20 in Atlanta and 15 in Decatur. Capoeira's is rooted in the history of Brazil, dating back to over 400 years ago and was practiced during slavery. The event that took place is considered to be very sacred. An attendee of the workshop, Tochukwa Akujuo, who lives in Tucker and goes by the nickname Jacare, has practiced capoeira for approximately 12 years. The use of nicknames can be traced back to the days of slavery when the martial arts form was illegal. Those who were enslaved only knew each other by nicknames to protect their identity. (Decaturish.com)
2. The Avondale Estates City Commission removed Branbury Cross from a list of residential roads to be paved. The decision was made at the city commission work session that was held on Feb. 22 . Viscount Court, Nottingham Drive, Clarendon Avenue, and Parry Street were also roads mentioned in the proposal budget of $1.2 million for curb, sidewalk, and pavement repairs. (Decaturish.com)
3. Senate Bill 145 passed on Monday. This bill protects the use of gas- powered leaf blowers. A 37-16 vote passed on Monday, with the inclusion of a sunset clause. State Sen. Shawn Still mentioned the need for the bill due to the less efficient battery-powered electric blowers. The bill also enables local control to the individual homeowner, allowing each to choose for themselves what they want to use in their own backyards. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
4. The East Lake Family YMCA celebrated Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 25. The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable community band performed for YMCA staff and members during the parade. Politicians, local vendors, and community members joined in on the celebration. (Decaturish.com)

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Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• Virtual English as a Second Language (ESL) (9:00 AM)
• Morning Meditation — DeKalb County Public Library (11:30 AM)
• Chamber 101 - In-Person — DeKalb Chamber of Commerce (12:00 PM)
• Cricut Creations — Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library (1:00 PM)
• Book Bunch Book Club — Decatur Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Over 200 environmental activists gathered at Temple Sinai Atlanta to celebrate 20 years of Georgia Interfaith Power & Light. Inspirational leaders spoke about the climate and actions that need to be taken. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)
• Registration for Y'all Rock Camp ATL 2023 is now open. The annual summer camp considered to be a magical space and fun for campers. Those interested can go to the link to register. (Girls Rock Camp ATL via Facebook)
• The Decatur Parents Network is hosting an in-person event on March 9 at 6:45 p.m. This is an in-person event located at Beacon Hill Middle School. The topic of discussion will be the risk of e-cigarettes. (City Schools of Decatur via Facebook)
• The Dekalb County Coalition, The Decatur Education Foundation, and CDS is excited to host it's inaugural Spring Resource Fair. The Community Resource Fair is scheduled for March 16 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (City Schools of Decatur via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Mother Lode's Women's History Month Pop-Up (March 4)
• Minority Men's Health Discussion (March 9)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— 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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