A smile is such a simple gesture, yet it holds so much power. It is innately human - a universal way to convey happiness, greet one another and signal that we're nice people. Smiles communicate how we're feeling and are great for breaking the ice or awkward moments. A good-natured smile moves mountains, but if you're like the average person, it may not be perfect. And that's okay. But is it healthy?
Studies from the CDC show that 1 in 4 U.S. adults from 20 to 64 have cavities. Perhaps even more surprising is that approximately 34 million school hours are lost every year due to emergency dental care. For children, missing time could mean the difference between moving forward and being held back.
If you're one of the many people who feel ashamed about their teeth, need preventative oral care, or suffer serious issues like tooth decay, it's time to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, Merchants Walk Dental is here to serve you with the highest quality dental work in East Cobb, from preventative care to cosmetic dentistry.
At Merchants Walk Dental, your healthy teeth and gums are our passion. Our dentists and hygienists are committed to providing you with the best dental care possible in a comfortable, stress-free setting. Since opening in 2017, we have become the premier dentist in Mountain Park, GA, offering many dental services such as:
As experts, we know how important oral hygiene is for your health. We feel that it's important to go the extra mile to speak with our patients about the best practices involved with brushing, flossing, and healthy gums. We know what an impact a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are so dedicated to providing our patients with cleaner, straighter teeth than ever before.
Having served Georgia and East Cobb for years, we understand that no two patients will ever have the same needs. That's why we provide personalized services like cleanings and root canals tailored to each patient's unique needs. We also know that money doesn't grow on trees, so we accept most major dental insurance plans to ensure you can keep your teeth clean and healthy all year long.
If you're searching for an expert team of friendly dentists and hygienists, look no further than Merchants Walk Dental. We pride ourselves on the best dental care coupled with warm, engaging customer service. You can rest easy knowing you're in capable, welcoming hands whether it's your first or fortieth visit to our office.
Here at Merchants Walk Dental, we understand that getting your teeth cleaned isn't something everyone looks forward to. However, getting regular teeth cleanings performed by a trustworthy dentist is the best way to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral hygiene issues. And while it's easy to avoid the dentist, doing so for too long can be bad for your overall health.
Studies have linked poor oral hygiene to serious problems like cancer, cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and strokes. If you're flossing and brushing at home twice a day, that's great. Doing so is the best way to get a leg up on critical oral hygiene problems. However, getting your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist helps ensure your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, healthy, and protected.
It's a question we get all the time - what is periodontal treatment? This treatment focuses on your gums and preventing the common diseases that attack them. When left unchecked, plaque accumulates and hardens, forming hard-to-remove tartar. This tartar irritates your gums and will eventually lead to a litany of problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, and more.
During your teeth cleaning session at Merchants Walk Dental, we'll examine your gums closely to ensure they're healthy and functional.
Each of our teeth cleaning appointments has comprehensive check-ups, including:
The only surefire way to prevent tartar buildup and, by proxy, gum disease is by brushing and flossing diligently at home. If you have been slacking on regular brushing and have not visited a dentist recently, your gums could be suffering. If you have any of the following signs of gum disease, contact Merchants Walk Dental to schedule a dental exam in Mountain Park, GA:
If you have had a cavity filled before, you're not alone. Tooth decay affects more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 - a stunning statistic that, in many cases, is entirely preventable. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use composite resin fillings to keep our patient's teeth healthy and functional. Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more discreet, match the color of your teeth, and are free of mercury.
While fillings can have a few uses, our doctors typically use fillings to “fill†a part of your tooth that is decaying. This hole of decay is called a cavity. Sometimes, fillings are also used to fix broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth from grinding and nail-biting. Fillings are a great way to restore decaying teeth to their normal shape and function while preventing sensitivity and inhibiting further decay.
During your dental exam at our office in East Cobb, your dental hygienist will check for signs of cavities and tooth decay to ensure your oral hygiene remains in peak condition.
Abscesses- Without professional dental treatment, infected teeth lead to dental abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Nerve Pain- When your tooth is cracked and left without treatment, it can make its way to your nerve, resulting in extreme pain and damage.
Substantial Decay- If you leave an infection to fester without having a root canal, the infection can spread to other teeth in your mouth. If you don't address the initial signs of decay, you'll have to undergo treatment for multiple teeth.
Tooth Loss- Extensive decay and trauma often cause damage to your tooth's pulp. Our root canal treatments in Mountain Park remove this infected pulp. However, if you choose to ignore the problem, the infected pulp will rot your entire tooth, causing you to lose it forever.
One mention of the word root canal can send shivers up the spine for many people. Root canals get a bad rap, but the treatment has come a long way over the last decade.
When tooth decay and infection are left to fester, it can wreak havoc on your oral hygiene. Often, root canals in cityname, GA, are the best choice for patients with extensively diseased teeth. The goal of a root canal is to save and repair teeth by removing the infection from the pulp and nerve of the tooth.
Signs of tooth decay that may require a root canal include:
When a substantial cavity threatens a person's tooth and fillings aren't working, many dentists will use crowns to fix the problem. A crown is an aesthetic cap or a tooth-shaped covering placed over another tooth or implant for stability. Typically, crowns improve appearance and strength of a patient's teeth.
Crowns are also used to restore the size and shape of damaged or chipped teeth. When used for this purpose, dental crowns are usually bonded to the tooth using dental-grade cement.
During your dental exam and cleaning, your hygienist will keep a sharp eye out for signs of tooth decay, which may require a crown. Benefits of dental crows from Merchants Walk Dental include:
Restorative dental treatments can be complicated, but dental crowns are straightforward and minimally invasive. During the process, your tooth's enamel is cleaned, and your damaged tissue is removed. Once that process is complete, we'll cast a custom crown for your tooth. While the crown is created, Dr. John Bishara or Dr. Milli Patel will provide you with a temporary crown for normal functionality.
Damaged enamel or structural damage can cause pain and sensitivity. Having a dental crown installed will help alleviate a good amount of your pain.
Our dental crowns are made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. With proper care and regular check-ups, they can withstand years of chewing, biting, and grinding.
When you lose one or more teeth, whether due to decay or another factor, it's important to fill the space where the tooth is missing. That's where dental bridges come in. Bridges are essentially fake permanent teeth used to fill holes caused by missing teeth. The false tooth is fused between two dental crowns giving it the bridge concept. Dental bridges are then typically anchored to healthy teeth using resin and cement.
The health of your teeth, their position, and the state of the surrounding bone will help our team determine if bridges are right for you. If not, dentures in Mountain Park, GA, might be a better option. Dentures come in two forms: partial and complete. Dentures are best for patients who have missing teeth but aren't able to use bridges. Complete dentures all your missing teeth, while partial dentures replace one or two teeth.
Getting cosmetic dentures can be a life-changing experience. It often requires physical and emotional preparation. At Merchants Walk Dental, our team will take as much time needed to consult with and prepare you for your denture procedure.
Whether you need dental bridges or cosmetic dentures, we're here to help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth, but you cannot or will not get crowns, bridges, or dentures. Failing to replace a lost tooth will cause a bevy of problems as time goes on. For many patients, dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, you can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. A dental implant serves as a permanent artificial root anchored into the jawbone.
When our team puts a dental implant in place, your jawbone grafts itself to the titanium post making it as strong as your original root and tooth. The result is a natural, beautiful, fully-functional set of teeth that lasts for years.
Establishing healthy dental habits early in life is key for long-term oral health and confidence. The best way to learn those habits is at home and in a dentist's office.
At Merchants Walk Dental, our goal is to foster long-lasting relationship with the families in our community who trust us to care for their children's dental health.
When you choose Merchants Walk Dental as your child's dentist, you can rest easy knowing we treat your loved one just like ours. Our professional hygienists and experienced doctors are trained and certified to give your kids a comfortable dental experience. We like to mix fun with education, putting your child at ease while helping them understand the importance of proper dental care.
Common habits like teeth grinding and thumb sucking can have profound effects later in life. Our doctors are keenly aware of these habits, and work hard to help you and your child develop creative solutions to halt that behavior.
Our pediatric dental services improve the health of your child's teeth and gums with:
Dental Surgery, DDS
Dr. John Bishara, DDS was born and raised in Nazareth Israel. His last name, "Bishara" translates to the annunciation, which is the announcement of the incarnation by the angel Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
Dr. Bishara attended Valdosta State University, where he received his Bachelors degree of Science in Biology with honors. He then pursued his education at the University of Detroit Mercy to earn his Doctoral Degree of Dental Surgery, DDS.
Since earning his degrees in 1999, he has been practicing General and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Bishara spent his first four years practicing dentistry in St. Simons Island before moving to Marietta, Georgia to establish his own practice. In 2010, Dr. John Bishara completed a one year residency at MCG, specializing in dental implants.
Dr. John Bishara has proven to be an exceptional dental practitioner by creating a dental environment perfect for any individual and family, while offering an array of services to meet each of their needs. He takes pride in creating beautiful, confident smiles on a daily basis. Dr. John Bishara is dedicated to a lifelong career in Dentistry by furthering his education in every way possible.
Having served the East Cobb and Mountain Park for years, we know your dental needs are unique and different from your neighbor. That's why we offer a variety of dental services to address each patient's special circumstances, from standard cleanings to complex root canals. By using the latest innovations and techniques in dentistry, we can better serve each client on an individualized level, leading to better comprehensive dental care.
We're taking new patients and accept most major forms of dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy and clean without breaking the bank. Contact our office today to schedule your dental exam and learn more about our history!
770-691-5051
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A bill has been introduced to remove Stone Mountain Park as a Confederate Memorial designation by three DeKalb County legislators.State Representatives Billy Mitchel (D-Stone Mountain), Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), and Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) are trying to remove the word " Memorial” from the park’s official title by introducing House Bill 794.“We have been waiting too long for action by the Stone Mountain Memorial Authority to act on needed changes to the false...
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A bill has been introduced to remove Stone Mountain Park as a Confederate Memorial designation by three DeKalb County legislators.
State Representatives Billy Mitchel (D-Stone Mountain), Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), and Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) are trying to remove the word " Memorial” from the park’s official title by introducing House Bill 794.
“We have been waiting too long for action by the Stone Mountain Memorial Authority to act on needed changes to the false history of the park and the carving,” said Rep. Mitchell, whose district includes the park. “We do not understand the delay and wish to set forth the changes that we see as necessary.”
“I am a native of Georgia and DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain has been a part of all the stages of my life,” said Rep. Oliver. “The park is an important asset for our county and state and enjoys enormous popularity and use. As such, the park needs to change its statutory history of honoring the Confederacy and adhere to a ‘lost cause.’ This legislation is consistent with recommendations from other groups and historians who wish to set forth a more accurate history of Stone Mountain Park and its carving.”
RELATED: Counter-protest planned after Confederate event approved at Stone Mountain Park
They propose the name change to “Stone Mountain Park Association” from its current name “Stone Mountain Memorial Association.” This change will also remove the requirement to sell ad stock confederate memorabilia. The removal to preserve the carvings of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson on Stone Mountain.
“I’m a proud product of DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain was integral to my development,” said Rep. Crawford. “The diversity of DeKalb County is an under-amplified gem in the great state of Georgia. Our ability to work together, despite our diversity, is what makes DeKalb County unique. Honoring any Confederate history in an area with so much diversity is inconsistent with DeKalb County’s present-day values. It is time that our park reflects our evolution.”
There were other state legislators that have co-sponsored this bill, including the following; Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Karen Lupton (D-Chamblee), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta), Imani Barnes (D-Tucker), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Saira Draper (D-Atlanta), Shea Roberts (D-Atlanta), Long Tran (D-Dunwoody) and Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers).
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Explore Georgia’s most-visited attraction all year round.Just 16 miles southeast of Atlanta lives the world's largest exposed granite outcrop: Stone Mountain.The name of this ...
Explore Georgia’s most-visited attraction all year round.
Just 16 miles southeast of Atlanta lives the world's largest exposed granite outcrop: Stone Mountain.The name of this natural wonder is more than fitting; Stone Mountain weighs more than a trillion pounds and covers 583 acres, with only about a third of its mass visible on the surface. Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most-visited attraction, with a wide variety of events and activities going on all year round. No matter what season you find yourself at the park, there’s always something to do; we’ve gathered some of the best ways to spend the day at Stone Mountain any time of the year.
Hop on the Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car that takes guests on a half-mile trip all the way to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, you’ll be able to see a great view of the Atlanta skyline and more from over 45 miles away. This activity is safe for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
All aboard! Grab a seat on the park’s 1940s train that goes five miles around the mountain for stunning views. The train has open-air cars and will take you on a trip that lasts about 30 minutes. If you’re looking for some time to sit down and relax, this is the perfect opportunity that all ages will enjoy.
If you're in the mood to get your blood pumping, you can take on one of the six hiking trails in the park, including a mile-long trail up to the top of the mountain. Stone Mountain Park has 15 miles of hiking and walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. You can enjoy the five mile Cherokee Trail around the base, the 3/4 mile Nature Garden Trail around an oak-hickory forest, and more.
Go back to Jurassic times with Dinosaur Explore, a walk-through collection of 20 life size dinosaurs. You’ll start your exploration with a trip through a time machine and come across dinos like the T-Rex, Triceratops, and more. There are also interactive paleontology tents, photo ops, and a dinosaur feeding wall to keep the kids entertained.
Pop into the 4-D theater for a movie experience like you’ve never seen before. The 4-D films change every season and are typically less than 15 minutes in length, so it’s an easy stop and a great way to grab a seat for a little bit.
If you’re headed to Stone Mountain for a fall weekend, the Pumpkin Festival is not to be missed. During the day, the park is beautifully decorated for the season and offers character meet-and-greets, storytelling with Mother Goose, comedy shows, and even a pie eating contest.
The real stars of the show happen once the sun goes down; you’ll be able to experience the world’s largest pumpkin light show displayed on the side of Stone Mountain, a captivating drone show, and a parade to celebrate the season.
Stone Mountain Park during the holiday season is something that locals and visitors look forward to all year. While all of the year-round activities are open during the day, the nighttime offers special experiences for holiday magic.
Find a spot on Memorial Lawn and experience the world’s largest Christmas light show displayed on the side of the mountain, as well as a Christmas drone show that lights up the sky with some of your favorite holiday motifs. After the shows, you can meet Santa Claus himself, catch the holiday parade, and even hear from renowned carolers to put you in the Christmas spirit. There will be a great selection of food and beverage options including traditional holiday treats, hot drinks, and other seasonal favorites. It's a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
Many people claim that spring is the best season to visit Stone Mountain Park. During the spring, you’ll see colorful blooms all around the park. From cherry blossoms to azaleas, the park is covered in seasonal growth that make for many beautiful areas to relax and enjoy the weather. With multiple spots around the park like the Woodard Pavilion and Studdard Picnic Area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery. Both of these sites have charcoal grills available for a cookout.
To many Atlanta residents, the Stone Mountain Lasershow Spectacular was the most iconic activity at Stone Mountain Park–especially in the summer months. After 40 years of lighting the mountain with colorful lasers and fireworks, the park introduced a new Music Across America Drone & Light Show in summer 2023 that offered just as much energy as the classic show. This new immersive show included ten times more lumens, ten times larger video projection, and ten times more laser beams than the Lasershow.
Stone Mountain, GA — The annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park returned for the 22nd year on Nov. 2 for four days of traditional dancing and drumming, storytelling, and interactive demonstrations.Fancy Dancer Robin Jumper performs during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.Aztec dancers perform during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on F...
Stone Mountain, GA — The annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park returned for the 22nd year on Nov. 2 for four days of traditional dancing and drumming, storytelling, and interactive demonstrations.
Fancy Dancer Robin Jumper performs during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Aztec dancers perform during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Jenni Blake from Lone Wolf Trading Post with hand-made Native American art for sale during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Primitive Demonstrator Kenneth “Buck” Windsor shares his knowledge about the ways of the ancestors during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Hippie Mike talks with visitors about a replica of a Lakota Sioux style tipi from the 1800s during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Silver Ridge Singers drummers provide a rhythm for the dancers during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Silver Ridge Singers drum and dance group performs during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Silver Ridge Singers drum and dance group performs during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
A closeup of dancer Dakota Shaw-Oliver’s jingle dress as she waits to perform during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Jingle dress dancer Dakota Shaw-Oliver performs during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Primitive Demonstrator Brian Schnurpel shares his extensive knoweldge of Lakota Sioux style tipis and the materials used to make them during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Market vendor Jose Cushcagua sells his merchandise during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Market vendor Rachel Cook of Journey to Venus offered hand rolled incense, sage and other items during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Pow Wow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
Jason Clark from Southeastern Reptile Rescue holds a king snake while giving a demonstration during the 22nd annual Native American Festival and Powwow at Stone Mountain Park on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo by Dean Hesse.
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House Bill 794 would remove the park's official designation as a Confederate memorial.STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Three state legislators have introduced a bill to remove Stone Mountain Park's designation as a Confederate Memorial.House Bill 794 would remove the official designation and remove the word "Memorial" from the park's official title. The bill was introduced by State Representatives Billy Mitchel (D-Stone Mountain), Mary Margaret Ol...
House Bill 794 would remove the park's official designation as a Confederate memorial.
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Three state legislators have introduced a bill to remove Stone Mountain Park's designation as a Confederate Memorial.
House Bill 794 would remove the official designation and remove the word "Memorial" from the park's official title. The bill was introduced by State Representatives Billy Mitchel (D-Stone Mountain), Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) and Omari Crawford (D-Decatur).
“I’m a proud product of DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain was integral to my development,” said Crawford. “The diversity of DeKalb County is an under-amplified gem in the great state of Georgia. Our ability to work together, despite of our diversity, is what makes DeKalb County unique. Honoring any Confederate history in an area with so much diversity is inconsistent with DeKalb County’s present-day values. It is time that our park reflects our evolution.”
In April of 2021, Pastor Abraham Mosely became the first Black chairmen of The Stone Mountain Memorial Association after he was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp.
During the association's first meeting under their new leader, the park's CEO proposed new ways to "move Stone Mountain forward," such as moving Confederate artifacts and monuments as well as renaming Confederate Hall as Heritage Hall.
And in August of the same year, the officials announced a vote had determined a new logo would exclude the park’s giant mountainside carving of Confederate leaders.
However, some believe more needs to be done to address the park's Confederate legacy.
“We have been waiting too long for action by the Stone Mountain Memorial Authority to act on needed changes to the false history of the park and the carving,” said Rep. Mitchell, whose district includes the park. “We do not understand the delay and wish to set forth the changes that we see as necessary.”
Removing the park's official designation would result in a number of changes.
The Stone Mountain Memorial Association would be renamed The Stone Mountain Memorial Association. House Bill 794 would remove the requirement for the association to stock and sell Confederate memorabilia at attractions such as Memorial Hall or the Skyview gift shop.
However, the biggest change would be the removal of the requirement to preserve the carvings of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson on the front of Stone Mountain.
“I am a native of Georgia and DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain has been a part of all the stages of my life,” said Rep. Oliver. “The park is an important asset for our county and state and enjoys enormous popularity and use. As such, the park needs to change its statutory history of honoring the Confederacy and adherence to a ‘lost cause.’ This legislation is consistent with recommendations from other groups and historians who wish to set forth a more accurate history of the Stone Mountain Park and its carving.”
According to the Georgia House of Representatives, these are the other DeKalb County state legislators who have co-sponsored the legislation: Dar'shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Karen Lupton (D-Chamblee), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Becky Evans (D-Atlanta), Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta), Imani Barnes (D-Tucker), Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia), Saira Draper (D-Atlanta), Shea Roberts (D-Atlanta), Long Tran (D-Dunwoody) and Rhonda Taylor (D-Conyers).
Primary ContentCaptionStone Mountain is Georgia's most visited tourist attraction and is also a lightning rod for controversy. In the namesake city outside the state's Stone Mountain Park, protesters clashed downtown in 2020.Credit: Lynsey Weatherspoon / Georgia RecorderEvents planned for Confederate Memorial Day at Georgia’s Stone Mountain are again drawing criticism and the prospect of opposing demonstrators at the state-owned park on Saturday.Several groups are calling on Gov. Brian Kemp to cance...
Caption
Stone Mountain is Georgia's most visited tourist attraction and is also a lightning rod for controversy. In the namesake city outside the state's Stone Mountain Park, protesters clashed downtown in 2020.
Credit: Lynsey Weatherspoon / Georgia Recorder
Events planned for Confederate Memorial Day at Georgia’s Stone Mountain are again drawing criticism and the prospect of opposing demonstrators at the state-owned park on Saturday.
Several groups are calling on Gov. Brian Kemp to cancel the event.
Gerald Griggs, president of the Georgia NAACP, said that changes at the park, which is designated by state law as a Confederate memorial, aren’t happening quickly enough.
“They’ve been talking about reimagining Stone Mountain and the only thing they did is change the logo,” Griggs said. “They haven’t removed the Confederate flags from the base of the mountain. They have done nothing.”
The Sons of Confederate Veterans will lead the event on Saturday, which is scheduled to feature keynote speaker John Weaver.
Weaver is a member of the Council of Conservative Citizens, an organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center has identified as a hate group.
Two years ago, Kemp appointed Athens pastor Abraham Mosley to be the first Black person to chair the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, the board that oversees the park.
Mosley said that the Confederate flags can’t be removed except by state law.
“There was a time in history when things went on, and I wish they hadn’t went on, but it’s history,” Mosley said. “And I think for people to come to honor their ancestors and what have you, I have no problem with it.”
In the recent past, events that drew opposing demonstrators to the park and the nearby city of Stone Mountain have gone smoothly, while others have ended in fist fights and park closures.
The Stone Mountain Action Coalition, one of the groups calling for the event’s cancellation, cited public safety concerns in a statement released this week.
The statement said that “While the study of the Civil War is legitimate, a Lost Cause shrine glamorizing the Confederacy that has no historical connection to the Civil War is a clear and dangerous threat to our American democracy.”
Confederate symbols have been a flashpoint in Georgia for decades.
Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of the day when the Georgia legislature voted to redesign the state flag to exclude the Confederate battle emblem.
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