Aya Tower in downtown East Point will soon welcome residents to their new homes. As part of its redevelopment, the building’s exterior will feature art to honor someone whose service had significant impact toward the city’s present successes.

Housing Developer The Vecino Group and the East Point Housing Authority (EPHA), partners on the redevelopment, have commissioned a mural honoring former East Point Mayor Patsy Jo Hilliard.

“In addition to providing affordable homes, Aya Tower offered a unique opportunity to create something truly positive and impactful through art. Being able to connect the Vecino Group’s Creative team with East Point Public Arts Coordinator Christopher Swain really was the spark,” said Michael Spann, EPHA Executive Director.

Through her public service from 1993 through 2006, Mayor Hillard was instrumental in uniting the community to enable enduring positive impact: revitalizing the public library, delivering the city’s first community health clinic, and fostering relationships with civic and business leaders to bring growth opportunities to East Point just to name a few. Its longest-tenured Mayor to date, in 1993 she made history as the first female and first African-American to hold the office in the history of East Point—as well for the State of Georgia.

Additionally, Mayor Hilliard and her late husband Asa Hilliard were life-long educators, which included teaching students in both Ghana and Liberia beginning in 1964.

“Mayor Hilliard was—and is—a people-minded leader for East Point, so it’s especially meaningful to be able to honor her on Aya Tower,” said Christopher Swain.

The artwork—created by Atlanta-based artist Erica Chisolm—combines Adinkra symbols with a vibrant portrait of Mayor Hilliard as well as her favorite saying “Be True To Thyself”. The team also includes the Atlanta-based art collective Living Walls, who specialize in large-scale, culturally-inspired public art. The seven-story piece—all painted by hand—is scheduled for late Spring.

Mayor Hilliard, with her daughter Robi by her side, received the news of the honor earlier this month.



Upon seeing the artwork she said “I can’t believe it. But it wasn’t just me. There were so many people—everyone worked together to accomplish things. My goodness. I am just overwhelmed.”

Flux Projects presents Ghost Pools, a multi-media installation by East Point writer, urban designer and historian, Hannah Palmer that explores the legacy of public swimming through temporary memorials to two pools in East Point that became a battleground over integration and were eventually abandoned, leaving the city without a pool to this day. The exhibition runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, in keeping with the traditional season of public pools.

“What happened to the pools in my neighborhood was part of a pattern across the nation, a sad but common history,” said Palmer. “I want to present this as a guide to what could be possible if we shared an understanding of what happened to these public spaces.”

Of the two pools, one was restricted to white residents (now under the East Point Historical Society site) while the other was built for East Point’s segregated Black neighborhood (today an overflow parking lot for the John D. Milner Athletic Complex). Both sites are now owned by the City of East Point, and Flux Projects will be collaborating closely with the city on this project.

“This is a horrible part of our history that will now be told truthfully,” said Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham. “I applaud Hannah Palmer and her team for creating this impactful and engaging initiative to tell the full picture of East Point’s past with the hopes that we will right wrongs and continue to embrace, celebrate and gain strength from our diversity moving forward.”

Through Ghost Pools, Palmer attempts to set the historical record straight, creating a shared understanding of what happened to East Point’s Jim Crow-era swimming pools – how they were funded, designed, sited, segregated, litigated, defunded and ultimately abandoned.

Two hard truths emerge from Palmer’s work: Public pools across the nation were lost in the process of desegregation because cities elected to close them rather than deal with the prospect of “mixed bathing,” and the unequal access to public pools since Jim Crow has created a disparity in the number of Black drowning deaths in comparison to white swimmers.

Palmer will collaborate with visual, sound, and performance artists to transform the former sites into an inviting space for the community to explore and reflect on this complicated, often painful history. In addition, Palmer plans to speak at venues across the city to reflect on this little-known era.

“We hope the community will join us in our attempt to reclaim these formerly segregated spaces in a way that acknowledges the past while looking towards the future,” said Anne Dennington, executive director of Flux Projects. 

Beginning April 3, 2023, each resident will have two (2) FREE bulk waste pick-up opportunities throughout the entire year of 2023. At your convenience but BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, you must schedule your pick-up date prior to placing your bulk waste items at curbside. Do not place bulk waste beyond the curb into the street, otherwise you may be subjected to receiving a citation. Pick-up will be at your selected date(s), twice a year maximum and FREE of CHARGE. 

Permissible bulk waste items for pick-up are as follows: 

 Furniture (sofas, chairs, desks, mattresses, etc.)

 Refrigerators (must have freon and door removed prior to disposal)

 Washers and dryers

 Hot water heaters (must have water removed inside tank prior to disposal)

 Stoves

 Lawn mowers (must have gasoline and oil removed prior to disposal)

Bulk waste items not permitted for pick-up are as follows:

 Propane Tanks, oil

 Hot ashes, coal

 Branches/Tree Trimmings, sod, dirt, rocks

 Flammable materials

 Construction debris (new, renovations, demolition, concrete, asphalt, wood, etc.)

 Tires

 Paint 

Please contact Solid Waste main office at 404-270-7140 if you have additional questions. 

Congratulations to East Point's Public Art Coordinator Christopher Swain on his appointment to serve on the MARTA Council for the Arts. Swain will serve on Artbound, MARTA's Public Art Program, dedicated to helping riders enjoy the ride to their destination with engaging visual art, dance, theater and live music.

“I’m deeply honored and equally excited about being selected to serve this two-year appointment with MARTA Artbound and their impactful artistic contributions with the community,” said Christopher Swain, East Point’s Public Art Coordinator. 

The Council meets quarterly to provide perspective to MARTA’s public art programming, helping amplify the work of Artbound and advocate for public art and transit. Swain has served as the City's Public Art Coordinator for three years and has spent over 25 years traveling throughout Africa, documenting African music, dance, sculpture, costume, painting, and other visual and performance art forms. He is responsible for bringing various cultural events to the City of East Point such as Día de los Muertos, the Native American Festival and Salsa In The City. He’s also partnered with Challenge The Stats, the Atlanta Symphony Orhcestra Talent Development Program and Ballethnic to expose the community to various musical genres and talents. 

Mayor Ingraham has joined Mayors across the country in the "Move With the Mayor" adult vaccination initiative focused on keeping their communities safe and healthy. This initiative is on behalf of the National Forum of Heart Disease and Stroke to promote the importance of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. The initiative also encourages residents to work together to reduce respiratory infections with precautions such as handwashing, covering up coughs and sneezes, wearing masks and remaining in open spaces whenever possible. See the video below of Mayor Ingraham's PSA!

The City of East Point is excited to announce an additional measure to help the required film notification process go more smoothly and effectively. You will now begin to be greeted by your friendly film location team members handing out notifications wearing these green “Film Pro” vests and displaying the “Film Pro” magnets on their car! Production companies will check-out the City of East Point issued vests and car magnets prior to distributing the required notifications. This new measure will help residents and business owners more quickly identify the film production team members in their neighborhoods/around their place of business. The front of the vest has a clear pocket for the team member to display their specific film production company’s name, as well as their name, so that they are more readily identifiable. The car magnets will be displayed on both sides of the team member’s car so that it is easily recognizable as well. As always, any non-emergency related filming issues that arise while a production company is in town can be directed to the Camera Ready contact for the City, Erin Rodgers, at erodgers@eastpointcity.org or 404-323-3071. Thank you for helping us grow this dynamic industry in Georgia and let’s continue to work together to keep East Point Film Friendly!

Taco Pete is expanding their footprint on Main Street in Downtown East Point! Demolition is complete and construction of their new building at 2957 Main Street is underway. In addition to an expanded internal footprint for the restaurant operations/equipment, their new building will feature a covered walk-up ordering area with seating for outdoor eating! They are hoping to re-open to serve the community by this Summer. More info will be shared as the date gets closer for their grand opening!

Do you know a restauranteur looking to expand or perhaps you are ready to take your culinary business to the next level in a brick-n-mortar space? Be sure to check out this great restaurant space in Downtown East Point, right by the East Point PATH model mile! This property is adjacent to Tri-Cities High School, Dairy Queen, Jefferson Park Neighborhood and Jefferson Park Recreation Center. The restaurant comes fully equipped - everything shown in the photos comes with the space: kitchen equipment, cooktops, refrigerators, serving buffet bar, tables, chairs, decor, etc. Ready for a new restaurant to move in and open for business! Please reach out to economicdevelopment@eastpointcity.org to learn more about the steps needed to open your business in this space, to learn about other available properties in the City or for information about the many small business incentives potentially available! 

• Restaurant Space - 1509 Norman Berry Drive
• $2,000/month - Fully Furnished - 404-242-5376

On February 24, four students graduated from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Workforce Development Program in partnership with the City of East Point and Clayton State University. The students completed 12-weeks of course work and field work focused on acquiring skills in the environmental industry. Please congratulate the following graduates:

• Kendall Brinson
• Bashon James
• Denier Smith
• Kawoska Wallace

This is the third cohort to complete this program. Additional cohorts will be announced at a later date.

Councilwoman Josette Bailey, Kendall Brinson, and Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire

Councilwoman Josette Bailey, Bashon James and Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire

Councilwoman Josette Bailey, Denier Smith and Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire

Councilwoman Josette Bailey, Kawoska Wallace and Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire

For the month of February, the City of East Point partnered with the Fulton County Library System to host programs for Black History Month. This year's theme was "East Point's Black Renaissance." The following programs were free and open to the public:

"Stories From the Soil": A Discussion on Lynching in Fulton County

This was an initiative of the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition in partnership with the City of East Point Public Art Division. It was moderated by Ann Hill Bond (Journalist and Preservationist) and Christopher Swain (East Point's Public Art Coordinator).

It's All in the Soil": A Black Farmer's Renaissance

This discussion with farmers explored black farming in urban agriculture. The panel included Tenisio Seanima (East Point's Urban Agriculture Manager) and Jasaan "Lovey" Gilliam (Owner & Founder of Gilliam's Community Garden and Leafy Greens Market). The discussion was moderated by Valerie Dixon, Librarian with the Fulton County Library System.

Film Screening of "Bo Legs" Documentary

Councilmembers Lance Robertson and Joshua B. Butler, IV, hosted a free screening of the "Bo Legs" Documentary, which chronicles the life of Marvin Arrington, Sr., one of Atlanta's most transformative political leaders.

Black History Trivia Night

The community came dressed as their favorite black historical icon and tested their knowledge of black history at Trivia Night held at the East Point Library.

Iris Jessie (East Point Human Resources Director)

Angela Davis, Political Activist

Shannon Wiggins (East Point Public Information Officer)

Florence Griffith Joyner, Olympic Track and Field Runner

Councilwoman Josette Bailey, Ph.D.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Dr. Masani (East Point Resident)

Sojourner Truth, Abolitionist

Jon'a Balkum (East Point Communications Coordinator)

Pam Grier, Actress

Valerie Dixon (Librarian)

Marie Laveau, Practitioner of Voodoo and Herbalist

Rep Your HBCU, Sorority or Fraternity Day

East Point City leaders and staff represented their HBCUs, Sorority or Fraternity in style!

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Regina Carter, Economic Development Specialist

Josette Bailey, Ph.D., Ward B Councilperson

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Myron Cook, Ward C At-Large Councilperson

Jase Smith, East Point Police

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Lt. Penny Cavin, East Point Police

Geneasa Elias, Deputy City Manager

Shaquita Barnes, Grants Manager

Jeri Garrison, Public Works Officer Manager

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Kyle Cooper, East Point Fire

Shannon Golden, Interim Assistant Finance Director

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Ryan Dublin, East Point Fire

Atlanta University Center (AUC)

Councilwoman Josette Bailey and Nichelle Bailey- Spelman College Graduates

Councilman Myron Cook- Morehouse College Graduate

Ryan Dublin- Clark Atlanta University Graduate

Florida A&M University (FAMU)

Tron Jones, Contract Specialist

Derman Lawrence, Contract Specialist

Sonia Price, Customer Resource Specialist

Monique Melett, City Clerk Office Manager

Angela Blatch, Senior Planner

Jeri Garrison, Public Works Officer Manager

Jackson State University

Shaquita Barnes, Grants Manager

Lane College

Jase Smith, East Point Police

Savannah State University

Shannon Golden, Interim Assistant Finance Director

North Carolina A&T

Jeffrey Jackson, Tax Coordinator

Regina Carter, Economic Development Specialist

Cadell Hall, Public Works Assistant Director

On February 9, the City of East Point partnered with Microsoft to host a 4th community meeting on the Microsoft Data Center at the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Airport West. Click the link below to view the meeting.

On February 11, staff in East Point's Planning & Community Development Department hosted a town hall meeting to address questions and concerns from residents regarding permitting. Click the link below to watch the meeting.

On February 14, the Human Resources Department announced the winners of the New Year Step Challenge launched by Humana. The challenge encouraged employees to start their new year on the right foot by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Between January 17- February 14, East Point employees used the Go365 app and a fitness tracker to track their steps and win bragging rights as a team and as an individual. See the top 5 individual walkers below!

• 1st Place: Quintavius Hill- 414, 685 steps
• 2nd Place: Marcus Anderson- 412, 366 steps
• 3rd Place: Yunkeia Price- 377, 702 steps
• 4th Place: April Scott- 373, 448 steps
• 5th Place: Tameka Richardson- 373, 096 steps

On February 14, youth and their families dressed in style with their unique "kicks" at the inaugural Sneaker Ball hosted by East Point Parks & Recreation Department. The Valentine's Day themed ball had music, games, a photo booth, Tik Tok Challenge, awards and more! Check out video from the Sneaker Ball below!

2023 Sneaker Ball

 On February 17, the East Point Human Resources Department celebrated employees born in the month of February with sweet treats and gifts! The City of East Point wishes a Happy Birthday to the following employees:

• Hugh Watts – Public Works (Roads & Drainage )
• Ebony Ransby – Water and Sewer
• Thaddius Earls – Public Works (Roads & Drainage)
• Jason Turner - Fire
• Shaquille Weaver - Fire
• Gary Russell – Solid Waste
• Wesley Bean – Public Works (Buildings & Grounds)
• Christopher Worden - Police
• Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham
• Annette Callaway – Customer Care
• Charles Barnette - Fire
• Jamerson Carthan – Solid Waste
• Ellis Richardson - Fire
• Sammie Cole - Fire
• Calvin Ponder - Police
• Tanya Kebe – Water & Sewer
• Alejandro Laguna Medellin - Electric
• Anthony Shuler – Solid Waste
• Devin Peurifoy – Customer Care
• Devan Weary – Solid Waste
• Darion Crawford - Fire
• Nicole Anderson – Police (Detention)
• Ramon Frazier – Water & Sewer
• Dreshaun Hargrove - Electric
• Frank Harris – Public Works (Buildings & Grounds)
• Renita Shelton - Fire
• Lexis Cunningham – Water & Sewer
• Malik Smith - Police
• Franklin Hollie - Police
• Edward Hall - Electric
• Tyrek Statham - Police
• Francisco Garcia – Public Works (Roads & Drainage)
• Ernest McGee – Police (Code Enforcement)
• Robert Bell – Police

Ernest McGee- Police (Code Enforcement)

Tanya Kebe- Water & Sewer

Edward Hall- Electric

Wesley Bean- Public Works (Buildings & Grounds)

East Point Firefighters participated in School Career Day at Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School on Friday, February 3, 2023. Students were shown how Firefighters quick dress, donning their Bunker Coat, Pants, Boots, Nomex Hood and Helmet. There were also demonstrations of how a handline is deployed and used to attack and extinguish a fire.

(Photos taken by Renita Shelton) Firefighters address students at Hamtilon E. Holmes Elementary School

Firefighters demonstrate use of Handline to extinguish fire

Firefighter demonstrates quick dress, donning of gear

Fire Safety Education Specialists, Renita Shelton visited youngsters at Childcare Network on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 to share her love of reading. Shelton who also serves as the Fire Department’s Public Information Officer will be visiting Daycares in East Point as part of an effort to encourage youngsters to read. “Reading is vital to doing well in school and building confidence,” said Shelton. “I thought it would be a great idea for both Fire and Police to partner in this effort to not only bring attention to reading, but also to form relationships, build bonds and become role models for school aged children in the community.” Shelton said this is just one of the joint efforts that Fire and Police are working on to extend their reach into schools.   

Fire PIO Shelton and Sgt. Bridges at Childcare Network

Sgt. Bridges Reading to Kids at Childcare Network

Sergeant Donna Bridges, Investigator Broussard, and Canine Rex at Career Day at Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School on Friday, February 10, 2023.  

On February 22, The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team at The Home Depot facility located in the Camp Creek Business Center (East Point DFC/MDO 5860) hosted a Black History Program in partnership with Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon and the Men of Intelligence Association. The program focused on "What Black History Means to Me" and featured musical performances by R&B Singer Glenn Jones, theater students at Fulton Leadership Academy, the Tri-Cities High School Jazz Ensemble, and spoken word from Home Depot staff. Organizers also interviewed Councilman Joshua B. Butler, IV., representatives from Congresswoman Nikema Williams Office and Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars LLC) about their journeys to becoming leaders in our community. Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., current President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), also served as a keynote speaker.



East Point Councilmembers Stephanie Gordon & Joshua B. Butler, IV., presented the Home Depot Team with the "Care Champion Award" in appreciation for their outstanding community service and continuous contributions to the City of East Point. 

Home Depot Black History Program Video

On February 25, East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan was one of several keynote speakers to attend the East Point Safety Summit hosted by East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church. Other speakers from the East Point Police Department discussed Elder Abuse, Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence.