Dedra Walker

Category: Blog

  • Wingate Back-to-School Fair Supports Families and Community Engagement

    Wingate Companies’ Back-to-School Community Resource Fair brought nearly 200 families from Trestletree Village and the surrounding Atlanta community together at The Vision Cathedral of Atlanta on Saturday, July 11. The event helped families prepare for the upcoming school year while connecting residents with valuable services and community resources. Families received backpacks filled with school supplies,…

  • A Day of Wellness, Joy, and Community Connection

    The Free Women’s Health and Wellness Fair, hosted by Penelope’s Pearls of Wisdom, was an inspiring and impactful gathering held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia, Georgia. From 10 AM to 4 PM, the space was filled with energy, purpose, and community as women and families came together…

  • Inspire Author Series Featured Author: Quatillia Latae Byrd

    Author of Tell Your Story to Give God the GloryAuthor | Speaker | Journal Creator About the Author Quatillia Latae Byrd is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur whose work encourages reflection, personal growth, and living with intention. Her journey as a writer began through journaling, which became a consistent practice that helped her process life experiences…

  • Inspire Author Series Featured Author: Kelly Sain Singleton

    Author of The True Friendship Bench: Become A True FriendCounselor | Speaker | Children’s Author About the Author Kelly Sain Singleton is a counselor, speaker, and licensed minister whose work centers on helping individuals—especially children—develop emotional awareness, confidence, and meaningful connections. With a background in business, education, and counseling, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her…

  • Listening to Living History: Truth Telling with Elder Rubye Neal at Hooper Renwick

    A powerful gathering at Hooper Renwick Library reminded the community that the voices of our elders are living history—stories that must be heard, preserved, and carried forward. On Sunday, March 8, the historic Hooper Renwick Library in Lawrenceville became a space for reflection and storytelling as my granddaughter and I joined community members for Truth Telling…

  • Lighting the Way: Honoring Legacy at The Family Gwinnett Black History Program

    An evening of community, remembrance, and celebration highlighting the legendary Ms. Rubye Neal. The room slowly dimmed as small lights began to glow throughout the crowd. One by one, attendees lifted the small lights they had been given during the Emerging Light Ceremony, creating a quiet but powerful moment of reflection. In that soft glow,…

  • 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…