Summer of Peace Weekend Returns to Stonecrest
Education, Celebration, and Community Connection Mark This Back-to-School Event
Stonecrest, GA – July 22, 2025 — The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, in partnership with DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Priví Stonecrest, the City of Stonecrest Office of the Mayor, Peace Baptist Church, and a coalition of local partners, will host Summer of Peace Weekend 2025 from August 1–3. This three-day, back-to-school celebration is designed to promote peace, inspire learning, and unite families through meaningful programming, cultural engagement, and community-building.
Now in its latest evolution, the Summer of Peace event serves as a capstone to a season of youth development and neighborhood collaboration. The 2025 theme, “Keeping it 100 for Peace, Unity, and Empowerment,” reflects a renewed commitment to reducing violence and investing in the next generation.
“This back-to-school weekend, Summer of Peace is our gift to the community—a celebration of unity, family, and hope. We believe that when we invest in our youth and create spaces for all generations to come together, we build stronger, safer, and more empowered neighborhoods. This is what giving back looks like,” said Troy Vincent, President and Chairman of the Board of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, August 1 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Priví at Stonecrest Mall, 8020 Mall Parkway (Lot 1C), Stonecrest, GA
The weekend begins with a series of interactive workshops and classes designed to educate, inspire, and uplift youth and families. Class offerings include:
- Peace Education Workshop – Led by members of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb, this course focuses on youth violence prevention, conflict resolution, and emotional wellness.
- African American History Class – A youth-centered learning session exploring Black excellence, legacy, and cultural resilience.
- Grow with Google – Digital skills training designed to prepare students for success in school and career pathways.
- Blend It Up (Garden Life Juice Bar) – A smoothie-making and wellness class highlighting nutrition, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
- PrivíCast Studio Experience – A guided podcast production session introducing youth to planning, recording, and storytelling.
- SeaQuest Animal Encounter – An immersive wildlife program featuring exotic animal education and conservation insights.
- Picasso’s Splat Room – A colorful hands-on art experience that fosters creativity and expressive freedom.
- The Fabled City of Pali (Akoma Books) – A storytelling circle rooted in West African tradition focused on teamwork, leadership, and imagination.
- Drone Soccer (Georgia First Soccer League) – A full-contact esports experience that teaches students how to build, program, and fly drones.
- Grief Share (South Candler Neighborhood Advocates) – A healing session offering space for students processing the loss of a loved one.
Additional Friday highlights include free back-to-school haircuts.
All classes are free, but registration and waiver completion are required.
Visit www.privistonecrest.com/summerofpeace to sign up.
Saturday, August 2 | 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Priví at Stonecrest Mall, 8020 Mall Parkway (Lot 1C), Stonecrest, GA
Families will enjoy an engaging day of community performances, youth showcases, and family activities. The day will also include:
- 100 Black Men Induction Ceremony
- Peace Pledge Banner Signing
- Headline Concert by The Red Sample Band (6:00–8:00 p.m.)
- Vendor Marketplace and Food Trucks On Site
