Author: Dedra Walker

  • INSPIRE AUTHOR SERIES SPOTLIGHT: Author: Dr. Sharon J. Willis

    Featured Author: Dr. Sharon J. WillisAuthor of Vine City Blues Composer | Conductor | Lecturer | Soprano | Pianist | Author About the Author Dr. Sharon J. Willis is a distinguished composer, author, and educator whose career spans music, literature, and cultural preservation. She served as Chair of the Music Department at Clark Atlanta University…

  • INSPIRE AUTHOR SERIES SPOTLIGHT:  Author Thomas E. Brown

    Featured Author: Thomas E. Brown Author of Crossing BridgesPublic Servant | Leader | Legacy Builder About the Author Thomas E. Brown began his public service career in Atlanta as a firefighter before becoming the first African American Fire Chief of DeKalb County. His leadership journey expanded in 1989 when he was appointed Public Safety Director of DeKalb…

  • Among Giants:

    Among Giants: Councilwoman Marlene Taylor-Crawford and Councilman Austin E. Thompson Jr Councilwoman Marlene Taylor-Crawford and Councilman Austin E. Thompson Jr. led the City of Lawrenceville with clarity, honesty, and a genuine commitment to the people they served. Their leadership is not measured merely by policy or procedure, but by presence, integrity, and compassion in action.…

  • Dedication Ceremony Honors the Legacy of Mary Ford Sims

    On November 13th, the Winder Public Library dedicated its newly named Young Adult section to honor the life and legacy of Mary Louise Ford Sims, an influential educator, mentor, and community leader in Barrow County. The ceremony held special meaning for me. I worked at the Winder Public Library in high school, and when I…

  • Opening Night: Energy on the Ice

    The Atlanta Gladiators took to the ice on Saturday, October 18th at Gas South Arena, facing off against the Utah Grizzlies to open the 2025–26 season. Puck dropped at 7:10 PM EDT, and from the stands, the energy was immediate and electric. We love capturing not just the plays, but the atmosphere — the sharp edges of the blades, the sound of…

  • Brrr… it’s that time of year again!

    The Atlanta Gladiators are gearing up to return to the ice, kicking off a brand-new season on Saturday, October 18th at Gas South Arena. Puck drops at 7:10 PM EDT, when the Glads face off against the Utah Grizzlies — and it’s shaping up to be an exciting start to the season. We had the opportunity to attend training camp media…

  • Words That Build Bridges

    Words That Build Bridges — A Conversation with Andrew SnortonPresented by Dedra Walker and hosted by the Winder Public LibraryThursday, October 23, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 PM | Winder, GAA celebration of stories that inspire connection and community. Inspire Author Series: Words That Build Bridges — A Conversation with Andrew Snorton At the Inspire Author Series,…

  • Finding Purpose Through Preparation

    Finding Purpose Through Preparation — A Conversation with Valisha JPresented by Dedra Walker and hosted by the Winder Public LibraryThursday, October 23, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Winder, GA A celebration of stories that inspire connection and community. Inspire Author Series: Finding Purpose Through Preparation — A Conversation with Valisha J At…

  • Community Comes Together at the Superheroes for Seniors 5K

    Community Comes Together at the Superheroes for Seniors 5K

    Community Comes Together at the Superheroes for Seniors 5K The Superheroes for Seniors 5K Walk/Run, hosted by Mending the Gap, was a beautiful reminder of what community looks like when people come together with purpose. More than 150 participants, along with sponsors and volunteers, filled the day with energy, generosity, and compassion. The weather couldn’t have…

  • Gladiators Take Down Bison 3-1 on Women in Business Night

    DULUTH, GA – The Atlanta Gladiators delivered a strong performance on Women in Business Night, earning a 3-1 victory over the Bloomington Bison. The first period was full of energy as both teams came out fast, but neither could find the back of the net. The goaltenders made key saves to keep the game scoreless heading…