Uncovering Legacy: Restoring Stories at Anderson Cemetery

Two weathered gravestones and a tree stump surrounded by foliage in a wooded area.

As morning broke, we gathered with a shared purpose to honor the lives that once walked in the very roles and shoes we do today. Soft light stretched across Anderson Cemetery, awakening a space that has always held more than silence. It holds legacy.

Group of people smiling and posing in a wooded area, some kneeling, wearing casual clothes and outdoor gear.

Anderson Cemetery is an historically African American burial ground, shaped by our nation’s history of segregation and discrimination. When Black families were denied dignity in life and in death, they created sacred spaces of their own. This land carries that truth. It carries resilience.

In partnership with DeVine GA, Washington Memorial Gardens, and the DeKalb History Center, over fifteen volunteers showed up ready to work. We picked, pruned, and pulled back years of overgrowth. Wisteria and ivy had nearly swallowed entire sections. By the end of our time, we had only cleared about ten percent, but what we uncovered mattered.

Weathered gravestone partially sunk in a forest floor surrounded by leaves and ivy.
Volunteers working on forest conservation, clearing undergrowth in a sunlit wooded area.

Because beneath the surface, stories are waiting.

The most powerful moment came when the Bussey family arrived, hoping to find their relatives. For two hours, we worked together clearing vines, dirt, and debris. Then it appeared. Marble headstones, grandparents born in 1885, unseen for over 30 years. Watching that family reconnect with their history was unforgettable. Joy, gratitude, and restoration all in one moment.

Two people clean a weathered gravestone outdoors, surrounded by dirt and foliage, tools nearby.

This work is bigger than a cleanup. It is restoration. It is remembrance. It is justice.

Our commitment is clear. We will continue uncovering graves, documenting them with the DeKalb History Center, and reconnecting families with their loved ones.

Because when we honor those who came before us, we reclaim our story.

Commissioner Terry smiling while holding garden loppers, standing in a forested area wearing a cap and jacket.

And at Anderson Cemetery, we are just getting started.

Resilient DeKalb Launches a New Chapter for Environmental Justice in DeKalb County!

Resilient DeKalb" text with sunflower and wildflowers emphasizing local sustainability and environmental resilience.
Resilient DeKalb" text with sunflower and wildflowers emphasizing local sustainability and environmental resilience.

On Saturday, March 14, DeKalb County residents joined the Super District 6 team at the Gresham Park Recreation Center for the introduction of Resilient DeKalb, a renewed effort by Commissioner Ted Terry to strengthen environmental justice and civic engagement across DeKalb County. Resilient DeKalb builds on the foundation of the DeKalb Green New Deal while reshaping the focus to emphasize community resilience, transparency, and stronger collaboration between residents and county leadership.

Why Resilient DeKalb?

Candidly, some of DeKalb’s greatest issues stem from environmental injustices, including failing water and sewer infrastructure, repeated sewage overflows into creeks and neighborhoods, rising utility costs, and the loss of safe green space, problems that disproportionately affect lower-income and historically marginalized communities. 

Environmental justice means every resident, regardless of race, income, or background, deserves affordable energy, clean water, safe neighborhoods, and a voice in environmental decisions. It acknowledges that some communities have faced greater pollution burdens, higher utility bills, and fewer resources for decades, resulting in inequitable health outcomes. Building a Resilient DeKalb means creating healthier, resilient neighborhoods for all residents

Road with colorful wildflowers, surrounded by trees, with text promoting resilient neighborhoods in DeKalb.

What is Resilient DeKalb?

Resilient DeKalb is a people-powered initiative that aims to correct these imbalances to reduce environmental injustices by 

  1. advancing sustainable land-use practices including protecting green spaces, improving zoning and development practices, and promoting land use that supports healthy neighborhoods and long term environmental resilience.
  2. advocating for clean, affordable, and reliable utilities and services to reduce energy burdens caused by environmental injustices
  3. building community power for environmental justice by expanding access to county programs and resources that make it easier for residents to participate in critical decision making processes
Resilient DeKalb initiative highlights sustainable land use, clean energy, and community building for environmental justice.

How Can We Work Together to Achieve a More Resilient DeKalb?

The County Commissioner’s office plays a central role in addressing environmental justice challenges by setting local policies, allocating resources, and advocating for programs that protect residents’ health and the environment. By engaging with the office through attending town halls, submitting public comments, or joining community coalitions, residents can help guide decisions that reduce pollution, improve water and energy systems, and keep neighborhoods safe and resilient. To find out who represents you, visit the county’s website and enter your address in the Find My Commissioner tool. Your commissioner is your direct line to local policy that affects your home, your health, and your community.

Highlights From Our First Resilient DeKalb Meeting

Led by Commissioner Ted Terry, participants learned about how local government decisions affect environmental outcomes and why county policy plays such a critical role in shaping community resilience. To make the discussion interactive, attendees played a trivia game and created a world cloud describing what “Resilient DeKalb” meant to them. The responses highlighted themes like community, sustainability, equity, and long-term planning.

Participants raised several local concerns and ideas during the discussion portion of the event, including:

  • The need for clearer communication about BOC agendas and decisions, along with more accessible information to help residents stay informed and participate in county government. 
  • Requests for information about composting programs, environmental plans, and local sustainability resources
Community meeting in a gymnasium with a presentation on environmental justice, attendees seated in a circle.
Word cloud featuring "strong" and "sustainability" about "Resilient Dekalb".

What Happens Next?

We hope to address the concerns of residents collaboratively and with transparency. This begins with forming a Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee to help guide the progression of our initiative, followed by educational workshops and discussions. 

We encourage you to:

  1. Join the Resilient DeKalb Steering Committee
  2. Attend our upcoming events
  3. Fill out the Resilient DeKalb Interest form to stay updated and attend our important upcoming events

April 28 — Earth Day Proclamation at the Board of Commissioners Meeting

Celebrate Earth Day at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 28! This year, we’re presenting a proclamation to the people of DeKalb for their tireless commitment to the Earth and environmental advocacy. We hope you can attend to be recognized and show DeKalb County residents want climate action now.

Click here to RSVP!

This is part of the Board of Commissioners regularly scheduled meetings and is open to the public.

May 1 — FREE Environmental Movie Night: The Tree Economy

Commissioner Terry and the Super District 6 Team are excited to present an environmental movie night featuring The Tree Economy directed by James Schroder.

Environmental films can turn complex issues into real stories that spark curiosity, build community, and invite us all to take action. We hope you will join us for this timely and thought-provoking film that explores local climate action and asks us to brainstorm next steps for DeKalb County.

The Tree Economy

The City of Atlanta has the largest urban tree canopy of any major city in North America. The Tree Economy follows the forces of development, economics, and politics threatening to erase the defining characteristic of one of America’s great cities.

Through the voices of tree activists, arborists, urban designers, elected officials, and developers, filmmaker James Schroeder documents a city at a crossroads.

The Resilient DeKalb Launch event marks the beginning of a broader engagement effort for Resilient DeKalb. With continued collaboration between residents and local government, Resilient DeKalb aims to build a stronger and more sustainable future for all communities across the county.

Click here to RSVP

Resources

Tax Exemptions can Save Thousands. Are you eligible?

Wooden blocks spelling "TAX" on stacked coins beside a toy house, symbolizing property tax.

The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office recently began mailing over 19,700 homeowners who may be eligible for a new senior exemption or a basic homestead exemption for the current tax year.

Whether you’re a new homeowner, a senior, disabled resident, disabled veteran, homeowners should check their exemption status and apply before the April 1 deadline. Filing early minimizes confusion and avoids delays and when tax bills are mailed later in the year.”

Homestead exemption applications can be filed online until the April 1 deadline. Applications are also accepted in person year-round at all office locations during business hours. Special exemptions are available for eligible seniors, disabled residents, disabled veterans or surviving spouse, surviving spouse of a U.S. service member, and surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for senior exemptions.

Once an exemption is granted, it automatically renews as long as the owner resides at the property, or until a different exemption is filed and granted. DeKalb County homeowners who do not have a homestead exemption, or who may qualify for a senior, disabled veteran or disabled resident exemption, are encouraged to apply online before the April 1 deadline.

How to check your exemption status:

  • Access your property information at publicaccess.dekalbtax.org.
  • Look for the “Exemption Codes” field. If there is no code, look for the green button in the “Owner Information” area on the page and click “Apply for homestead exemption”.
  • If you’re a senior ages 62+ by January 1, and have an H1 exemption, you may apply online for a special exemption.
  • If your exemption status indicates an H3, H4, H9, H10 or A6, no further action is required.

For more information on how to check your homestead exemption status online or to apply, visit DeKalbTax.org or call 404-298-4000 for assistance. Follow @dekalbtaxga on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Bluesky for updates from the DeKalb County tax commissioner’s office.

In case you missed it: DeKalb Prepares to Launch Women-Owned Business Guide

diverse group of women smiling

DeKalb is shining a spotlight on local entrepreneurship with the launch of the DeKalb Women-Owned Business Guide, an initiative led by Decide DeKalb to celebrate and support our very own women business leaders. This effort is fitting as we bring in International Women’s History Month for 2026.

With more than 3,900 women-owned businesses operating in DeKalb County, this guide will connect residents with local businesses across industries including food, beauty, arts, professional services, education, and real estate.

Women-owned businesses based in DeKalb County are encouraged to apply. To qualify, businesses must have a valid business license, a website, and at least one active social media account.

Applications will be accepted throughout March, and the guide will be released May 4 to kick off Economic Development Week.

Scan the flyer’s QR code below to learn more and apply.

The DeKalb Women-Owned Business Guide_FlyerDownload

An Evening of Unity at the Masjid Al Momineen Iftar

Masjid Al Momineen congregation

Our office was honored to attend the Masjid Al Momineen Iftar Ramadan Reception Dinner, an evening centered on prayer, fellowship, compassion, and community. During this sacred time of reflection and fasting, the gathering served as a meaningful reminder that unity across cultures and faith traditions strengthens the fabric of our community.

members of Masjid Al Momineen Iftar gathered sitting and smiling during Ramadan

Guests were welcomed with warmth and hospitality by members of the Masjid Al Momineen congregation. Young members of the community helped guide attendees and demonstrated the spirit of respect, service, and leadership that defines this faith community.

five attendees standing and smiling at Masjid Al Momineen Iftar

The evening brought together local leaders, community advocates, and residents from Clarkston and across DeKalb County. Representatives from municipal leadership, faith institutions, and community organizations gathered to share a meal, strengthen relationships, and reaffirm a shared commitment to collaboration and service.

women sitting and smiling at Masjid Al Momineen Iftar

As the community broke fast together, faith leaders reflected on the deeper meaning of Ramadan: gratitude, compassion, reflection, and collective prayer. The evening highlighted the power of coming together in fellowship, especially at a time when peace and unity remain essential around the world.

Super District 6 Outreach Director Sadee Head and Masjid Al Momineen congregation member

We at the Super District 6 Office are grateful to the Masjid Al Momineen congregation and community partners for hosting such a meaningful event. We remain committed to supporting opportunities that bring neighbors together across cultures and faiths as we continue building a stronger, more connected DeKalb County.