‘Colored only' signs at school draw outrage, GA parents say. District responds
A Georgia school district is investigating after parents raised concerns over segregation-era signs displayed inside an Atlanta-area elementary school, news outlets reported.
Signs reading 'For Whites Only' and 'For Colored Only' were reportedly posted in a cafeteria and above water fountains at Honey Creek Elementary School in Conyers, parents told WSB-TV.
School leaders explained the signs were part of an unapproved social studies activity, but it did little to quell public scrutiny, WXIA reported.
Parents voiced their concerns at a recent Rockdale County School Board meeting, prompting district leaders to take a closer look at the incident, the station reported.
In a statement, Rockdale County Public Schools said it has taken 'appropriate action to address the reported information' but declined to comment on the matter further, according to WANF.
Principal Adriene Lanier addressed the incident in a letter to parents on April 23, saying it involved a social studies lesson on civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, WSB-TV reported. Bridges was the first Black child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana in 1960.
'The district provides teachers with curriculum documents that include recommended and vetted resources and activities,' Lanier said, as reported by the station. 'In this instance, the teacher did not adhere to the approved resources or recommended lessons provided by the district.'
It's not clear if the teacher will face disciplinary action.
McClatchy News reached out to Rockdale County Public Schools for more information April 24 but didn't immediately hear back.
District leaders said the teacher had no ill intent but acknowledged the classroom lesson wasn't appropriate, according to WXIA.
In a statement, The Georgia NAACP said it was 'deeply disturbed' by the incident and argued that the signage evoked a 'painful legacy of segregation and racial injustice.'
'We call upon the Rockdale County School District to take swift and transparent action — not only to hold those involved accountable but to implement district-wide anti-racism education, cultural competency training for staff and students, and spaces for open dialogue led by trusted community leaders,' the organization said.
Conyers is about a 20-mile drive southeast from downtown Atlanta.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tampa City Council member Gwen Henderson dies at 60
Gwendolyn Henderson, a Tampa City Council member, has died, a council member confirmed with the Tampa Bay Times. She was 60 years old. Henderson went to Florida A&M University for her bachelor's degree in education. She went on to receive a master's of education and an education specialist degree from Saint Leo University. She was the chairperson of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency board and was a board director on the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. Council member Luis Viera said Tampa administrators notified him and other council members of Henderson's death. He didn't have information on the cause of death. 'Gwen had a passion for Black History - from 1619 to today. If you wanted to see the beauty of Gwen's heart, you should stop by her dream realized - her Black English bookstore,' Viera wrote in a text message to the Times. 'That bookstore was about the pride she had in the journey of her family and families like hers. It showed a beautiful heart. Gwen's life and values were intertwined in the journey of Black Tampenos.' Council member Lynn Hurtak said in a statement she was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Henderson's death this morning. Hurtak said Henderson, similar to herself, was a neighborhood advocate. 'She dubbed me 'Fifteen,' and I in turn called her 'Sixteen' in reference to our places in the sequence of the very few women to ever serve on city council,' Hurtak wrote. 'I deeply regret that I will no longer be able to enjoy her laughter, infectious spirit, and boundless energy as we continue our work to build a Tampa that works for everyone.' This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Check back at
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Awards $1.0 million to 31 Churches and Nonprofits Across Texas and New Mexico
Grantees Build Resilient Ecosystems of Generosity that Drive Meaningful Transformation AUSTIN, Texas, June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Methodist Foundation has awarded $1.0 million in grant funding to 31 churches and nonprofit organizations across Texas and New Mexico. These recipients, selected as part of TMF's Spring 2025 grant cycle, are driving meaningful transformation in their communities, offering spiritual guidance, educational empowerment, and holistic renewal to thousands of individuals. Spring 2025 grantees we're proud to support: TMF Partners in Ministry "These ministries are meeting complex challenges head-on with creativity, compassion, and deep faith, and we are honored to support their missions," said Wendolyn Abel, TMF's vice president of Grants Ministry. "From early childhood education to food co-ops, mental health support, and workforce development, their work is reshaping lives and communities." Each of the selected organizations demonstrates a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities rooted in faith and service. These grantees include: BridgeBuilders in Dallas, Texas, serves over 3,500 households in South Dallas, building bridges of access and opportunity for students, neighbors, and their community. With over 200 active volunteers, the ministry addresses urgent needs, including food insecurity and housing support, while investing in long-term development initiatives such as job training and family wellness checks. Ciudad Nueva in El Paso, Texas, empowers downtown El Paso's youth, families, and seniors through a robust mix of mentorship, after-school programs, leadership development, summer camps, and a community food co-op. Their deeply relational model fosters belonging and dignity for over 700 community members annually. Finding Hope Wellness Center in Lakeway, Texas, promotes mental and spiritual wellness through trauma-informed care, support groups, faith-based training, and professional referrals. It connects individuals to safe, compassionate mental health resources, reduces stigma, and fosters healing, equipping people and communities to thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Neighbors in Action in Port Houston, Texas, empowers families through education, spiritual growth, and basic needs support. Programs include tutoring, adult education, summer camps, college prep, and emergency assistance. With a commitment to dignity and community transformation, they foster hope, opportunity, and long-term success for all. Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, remains a beacon of education and social justice. Wiley University—a historically Black college founded in 1873 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church—champions leadership and service through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum and workforce development. The university nurtures students as agents of change in a supportive and spiritually grounded environment. "These organizations are living out God's love in tangible and powerful ways," said Justin Gould, TMF's chief philanthropy officer. "They're not just doing good — they're building resilient ecosystems of generosity and transformation. Supporting their efforts helps us all move closer to the world God imagines." About Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry empowers innovative churches and nonprofits that provide evangelism with social impact and community programs and services that improve the conditions of those living in poverty across Texas and New Mexico. Our ministry is made possible by a cycle of generosity that begins with investors and donors, empowering a unity of faith and funds to meet the needs of the church and the communities it serves. In 2024, the ministry distributed over $1.8 million in grants to 99 churches and nonprofits, supporting individuals and families and strengthening local communities. To learn more, visit About Texas Methodist Foundation Texas Methodist Foundation is a ministry partner to the church, the body of Christ, helping bring about the loving world God imagines through cultures of purpose, generosity, and courage. Founded in 1938, Texas Methodist Foundation helps strengthen churches and nonprofit ministries through Impact Certificate and market-based investments, loans, gift planning, endowment services, and grants. Texas Methodist Foundation's leadership ministry, which began in 2002, is known nationally as a convener and conversation partner on the future of the church, courageous leadership, and innovation across the spiritual landscape. Texas Methodist Foundation serves organizations throughout Texas and New Mexico. Based in Austin, Texas, the organization is led by President & CEO Rev. Lisa Greenwood, who is also President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Janet M. MitchellChief Marketing OfficerTexas Methodist Foundationjmitchell@ 512-583-1942800-933-5502
Business Wire
6 hours ago
- Business Wire
Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Awards $1.0 million to 31 Churches and Nonprofits Across Texas and New Mexico
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Texas Methodist Foundation has awarded $1.0 million in grant funding to 31 churches and nonprofit organizations across Texas and New Mexico. These recipients, selected as part of TMF's Spring 2025 grant cycle, are driving meaningful transformation in their communities, offering spiritual guidance, educational empowerment, and holistic renewal to thousands of individuals. 'These ministries are meeting complex challenges head-on with creativity, compassion, and deep faith, and we are honored to support their missions.' Share Spring 2025 grantees we're proud to support: TMF Partners in Ministry 'These ministries are meeting complex challenges head-on with creativity, compassion, and deep faith, and we are honored to support their missions,' said Wendolyn Abel, TMF's vice president of Grants Ministry. 'From early childhood education to food co-ops, mental health support, and workforce development, their work is reshaping lives and communities.' Each of the selected organizations demonstrates a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities rooted in faith and service. These grantees include: BridgeBuilders in Dallas, Texas, serves over 3,500 households in South Dallas, building bridges of access and opportunity for students, neighbors, and their community. With over 200 active volunteers, the ministry addresses urgent needs, including food insecurity and housing support, while investing in long-term development initiatives such as job training and family wellness checks. Ciudad Nueva in El Paso, Texas, empowers downtown El Paso's youth, families, and seniors through a robust mix of mentorship, after-school programs, leadership development, summer camps, and a community food co-op. Their deeply relational model fosters belonging and dignity for over 700 community members annually. Finding Hope Wellness Center in Lakeway, Texas, promotes mental and spiritual wellness through trauma-informed care, support groups, faith-based training, and professional referrals. It connects individuals to safe, compassionate mental health resources, reduces stigma, and fosters healing, equipping people and communities to thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Neighbors in Action in Port Houston, Texas, empowers families through education, spiritual growth, and basic needs support. Programs include tutoring, adult education, summer camps, college prep, and emergency assistance. With a commitment to dignity and community transformation, they foster hope, opportunity, and long-term success for all. Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, remains a beacon of education and social justice. Wiley University—a historically Black college founded in 1873 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church—champions leadership and service through a rigorous liberal arts curriculum and workforce development. The university nurtures students as agents of change in a supportive and spiritually grounded environment. 'These organizations are living out God's love in tangible and powerful ways,' said Justin Gould, TMF's chief philanthropy officer. 'They're not just doing good — they're building resilient ecosystems of generosity and transformation. Supporting their efforts helps us all move closer to the world God imagines.' About Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry Texas Methodist Foundation's Grants Ministry empowers innovative churches and nonprofits that provide evangelism with social impact and community programs and services that improve the conditions of those living in poverty across Texas and New Mexico. Our ministry is made possible by a cycle of generosity that begins with investors and donors, empowering a unity of faith and funds to meet the needs of the church and the communities it serves. In 2024, the ministry distributed over $1.8 million in grants to 99 churches and nonprofits, supporting individuals and families and strengthening local communities. To learn more, visit About Texas Methodist Foundation Texas Methodist Foundation is a ministry partner to the church, the body of Christ, helping bring about the loving world God imagines through cultures of purpose, generosity, and courage. Founded in 1938, Texas Methodist Foundation helps strengthen churches and nonprofit ministries through Impact Certificate and market-based investments, loans, gift planning, endowment services, and grants. Texas Methodist Foundation's leadership ministry, which began in 2002, is known nationally as a convener and conversation partner on the future of the church, courageous leadership, and innovation across the spiritual landscape. Texas Methodist Foundation serves organizations throughout Texas and New Mexico. Based in Austin, Texas, the organization is led by President & CEO Rev. Lisa Greenwood, who is also President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners. To learn more, visit
