Events and Programs
DHC hosts a wide variety of educational and fun events throughout the year. Please join our e-mail list to get timely updates.
March LUNCH AND LEARN, with Carolyn Glenn
How it all started – The story of The Champion
Co-owner and co-publisher Carolyn Glenn will tell the story behind the newspaper she publishes with her husband, Earl Glenn. There’s a sign on the wall in Carolyn Glenn’s office at The Champion that reads, “All because two people fell in love.” That’s the short version of what is actually one of the most compelling stories in Georgia newspaper history. In the past 20 years, The Champion has grown from a publication created to spotlight the achievements of south DeKalb’s African-American community to the county’s newspaper of record. It is the first—and so far the only—African-American-owned newspaper in Georgia to achieve that distinction. They started in 1991, working in a back room of Earl’s dental office, and the first issue was published on July 4 that year. Initially, the Glenns were the writers, designers, editors and advertising salesmen—even the clerical staff—at a time when few newspaper functions were done by the computer.
John Hewitt, now The Champion’s chief operating officer, convinced them that the newspaper had a good shot at becoming the county’s legal organ. It took an uphill battle in the courts, but in 1997 The Champion became the official newspaper of the state’s second largest (now the third largest) county. With its new designation, The Champion also had a new mission. No longer directed primarily toward the African-American community, The Champion started to reflect the fact that DeKalb is Georgia’s most ethnically diverse county. Learn the incredible story of this award-winning paper – which has grown to a staff or 20 – from the woman who truly knows it.
Carolyn Glenn devoted 20 years serving the communities of Dalton, Atlanta and DeKalb County as a secretary, business teacher, vocational coordinator and a high school administrator. In 1988 she retired from DeKalb County Schools to raise her young son and assist her husband in building his dental practice. The impact Dr. Earl and Carolyn Glenn have on DeKalb County goes beyond their roles as founders of The Champion Newspaper. They are involved community leaders who have helped shape our growing and diverse county.
Free - bring your lunch!
Tuesday, March 18, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030, Second Floor, Superior Courtroom
Annual Meeting and Silent Auction
We will host our Annual Meeting and Silent Auction on Friday, March 21 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Enjoy an evening of wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres and music while bidding on fantastic items donated by generous local businesses.
Silent auction packages may include event tickets, golf, dinner certificates, art, jewelry, hotel stays, special tours, books, professional services, children’s activities, fitness opportunities and more. We are currently gathering items for the Silent Auction. If you'd like to donate, please contact Nicole at carmolingo@dekalbhistory.org.
Join these Businesses and individuals who support the History Center!
Alliance Theater, ART Station Theatre, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Preservation Center, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta’s United Taekwondo, Bash Atlanta, Bhojanic, Bicycle Tours of Atlanta, bloom floral design, Mark G. Burnette, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Cason Photograph, Center for Puppetry Arts, CertaPro Painters, Dr. George Coletti, The Cook’s Warehouse, The Corner Pub, Dad’s Garage, Decatur Estates, Decatur Family YMCA, Decatur Ghost Tour, Decatur Pure, Decatur School of Ballet, Decatur Yoga and Pilates, DogFeathers, Doc Chey’s Noodle House, Eagle Eye Book Shop, Farm Burger, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hair Brain Salon, Harbour Bar & Fish House, High Museum of Art, Michelle Hiskey, Historic Oakland Foundation, The History Press, Inside CNN Studio Tour, Jazmin Spa, Jekyll Island Authority, Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Know Thyself Healing Center, Ginger Krawiec & Jack Regan, Leon’s Full Service, Little Shop of Stories, Maxim Barbers, Oakhurst Market, Pets Playhouse on Ponce, Raging Burrito & Taco, Six Flags Over Georgia, Skip’s Chicago Dogs, Stone Mountain Park, Claudia and Carl Stucke, Taco Mac, Variety Playhouse, Wahoo! Grill, World of Coca-Cola, Young Chef’s Academy, Stuart Zola
This annual fundraiser features food from Badda Bing, Endive Fine Catering, LowCountry Barbecue, Soiree Catering, Sun in My Belly, and Zest Atlanta. Décor or services provided by 2,000 AD, Inc., Concepts in Floral Arts, Chelsea Patricia Photography, Eagle Rock, and Spectrum Entertainment & Events.
Free and open to the public!
Friday, March 21, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030, Second Floor, Superior Courtroom
Stories of Decatur Family Day - A Living History Tour of the Swanton House and Lecture
Take a living history tour where you will visit the cabin of Zenith Twilley, a free African American woman who lived in DeKalb County in 1850. Learn about her life and daily struggles working as a weaver, seamstress and washer-woman. Also meet Benjamin Swanton, who welcomes you into the oldest home in DeKalb County (circa 1825) and learn about the early industries in the area and why people settled here. Owners of a tannery, brickyard, blacksmith shop, and grist mill, the Swantons were entrepreneurs whose daily lives were full of activity. Also meet Mary Gay, who worked tirelessly during the Civil War to support Southern troops.
At 3 p.m., George Coletti, local historian and scholar, will talk about life in Decatur and DeKalb county during the Civil War. Dr. Coletti is the author of Stone Mountain: the Granite Sentinel.
For information and to RSVP please call 404-373-1088 ext 20 or email goldemund@dekalbhistory.org
This event is made possible through support from the Georgia Humanities Council.
Free and open to the public!
Saturday, March 29, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
The Benjamin Swanton House: 720 West Trinity Place , Decatur GA 30030
