UPW - Urban Pro Weekly

Tarika H olland

MAKING AUGUSTA

HER CREATIVE

LAUNCHING PAD

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Lucy Craft Laney Museum announces 2024 events

2024 is off to an amazing start at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center. During the February Community Luncheon, the Laney Museum welcomed as the guest speaker Reverend Kimberly Dunn from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

For the March luncheon, Dr. Sharica Brookins is featured. Her topic will be: Past & Present of Kidney Disease in African Americans. For the April luncheon, we will have Augusta’s Mayor Garnett Johnson; for May a panel of

judges and attorneys to celebrate Law Month; and in June our annual tribute to the caddies of the Augusta National Golf Course.

The current exhibition pays tribute to nearly 50 years of the Augusta Mini Theater. Following the Mini Theater exhibition the Laney Museum will pay tribute to the 60th Anniversary of the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club with Augusta native, guest curator and doctoral candidate at UGA Ms. Brittany Noel Corbin.

In May and June we welcome back

guest curator Ramona Harriet as we bring our annual exhibition of African Americans and golf to life. On March 16th at 5:30 p.m. we will host a book talk and signing with noted author and entrepreneur Dr. Cheryl Corbin. On March 23rd at 5:30 p.m., in partnership with the Augusta African American Historical Society, we will host a book talk and signing by Augusta native Dr. Janaka Bowman Lewis. On May 18th we will have our annual golf tournament, to be held at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course,

known as “The Patch”.

Finally, we are excited to bring back for another year our new authentic experience, Men on the Bag, which tells the amazing stories of the caddies of the Augusta National and Masters Golf Tournament. As you can see there is a lot of exciting happenings at the Laney Museum. And this is only the beginning of the year. For more information on tours, events, or to make a donation to the museum go to lucycraftlaneymuseum.com or call 706-724-3576.

Elite Youth Basketball Tourney set for N. Augusta

Event features some of the best high school players in the nation

The EYBL Scholastic is a preeminent collection of high schools committed to high level, national basketball competition

This week North Augusta’s Riverview Park Activities Center will host an Elite Youth Basketball League tournament.

Some of the top high school players in the nation will square off beginning on March 7 and continuing until March 9. The games begin at 7:30 on Thurs, 5:00 on Fri., and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Riverview Park is located at 100 Riverview Park Drive in North Augusta, S.C. For more information, call 803-4414311.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

NIKE PEACH JAM IN JULY

The Riverview Park Activities Center is also host to the the annual EYBL Nike Peach Jam which is a national ama-

teur basketball recruiting showcase. The Tournament will be on display from July 12 - 21 for the 28th consecutive year. It is one of the most longstanding and prestigious grassroots basketball tournaments on the amateur circuit featuring the best high school basketball players from across the country and Canada..

The tournament will host three age divisions of 17-Under, 16-Under and 15-Under and this tournament will crown the champion of Nike’s summer basketball circuit. All of the teams in attendance had to qualify in the EYBL summer league to make it to the Nike Peach Jam. Competition will be intense as most of the nation’s top ranked high school recruits will be participating with NCAA Coaches in attendance.

The facilities at Riverview Park is home to EYBL events.

NIKE Elite Youth Basketball Event Competing High Schools

AZ COMPASS PREP (Chandler, Az.) • BREWSTER ACADEMY (Wolfeboro, NH.) • CANYON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY (Phoenix, AZ) • IMG ACADEMY (Bradenton, Fla.) • LA LUMIERE SCHOOL (La Porte, Ind.) • LEGACY EARLY COLLEGE (Greenville, S.C.) • LINK ACADEMY (Branson, MO) • LONG ISLAND LUTHERAN (Glen Head, NY. ) • MONTVERDE ACADEMY (Montverde, Fla.) • OAK HILL ACADEMY (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) • ORANGEVILLE ACADEMY (Mono, ON) • SUNRISE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Bel Aire, Kan.) • WASATCH ACADEMY (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) • VERITAS ACADEMY (Santa Fe Springs, CA)

OURTOWNOURGOVERNMENT

MEETINGS

Monday, March 4, 2024 – Public Hearing – Community Conversations

– 6:00 p.m. – A. BRIAN MERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 415 Boy Scout Road, Augusta, Georgia 30909

IMPACTS: GARRETT ES, LAKE FOREST HILLS ES, A. BRIAN MERRY ES, AND WARREN ROAD ES

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 – Public Hearing – Community Conversations

– 6:00 p.m. – Spirit Creek Middle School, 115 Dolphin Way, Hephzibah, Georgia 30815

I MPACTS – DIAMOND LAKES ES, GOSHEN ES, GRACEWOOD ES, MCBEAN ES, HEPHZIBAH MS, PINE HILL MS, AND SPIRIT CREEK MS

Wednesday, March 6, 2024 – Public Hearing – Community Conversations – 6:00 p.m. – Tutt Middle School, 495 Boy Scout Road, Augusta, Georgia 30909

IMPACTS – LANGFORD MS AND TUTT MS

Thursday, March 7, 2024 – Public Hearing – Community Conversations – 6:00 p.m. – Richmond Hill K-8 School, 3420 Julia Avenue, Augusta, Georgia 30906

I MPACTS – RICHMOND HILL K-8/MS, RICHMOND HILL ES, TOBACCO ROAD ES, AND WHEELESS ROAD ES

Monday, March 11, 2024 – Public Hearing – Community Conversations – 6:00 p.m. – Belair K-8 School, 3925 Harper Franklin Avenue, Augusta, Georgia 30909

IMPACTS: BELAIR K-8, COPELAND ES, REYNOLDS ES, BELAIR MS, AND LANGFORD MS

March 12, 2024 – Public Hearing – Community Conversations –3:00 p.m. – Richmond County Board of Education – Central Office, Board Room Auditorium, 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901

IMPACTS – OVERVIEW OF ALL SCHOOLS

TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024 - MARCH 2024 COMMITTEE – 4:00 p.m. (Superintendent’s Mid-Year Evaluation immediately following Committee Meeting), Central Office, Board Room Auditorium, 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2024 - MARCH 2024 REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6:00 p.m.- Central Office, Board Room Auditorium, 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901

Friday, March 22, 2024 – Richmond County Board of Education Spring 2024 Board Retreat – GLRS, Central Office – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 – Richmond County Board of Education Whole Board Training – GLRS, Central Office – 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

EMPLOYMENT

FT Fermentation Process Development Engineer

Manus Bio Inc seeks FT Fermentation Process Development Engineer (Augusta, GA). Develop, test & optimize fermentation conditions & parameters for production of complex natural products. Reqs Master in Biochem Engr, Chem Engr, Agricu & Biosys Engr, Metabolic Engr, Microbio, or rel fld & 3 yrs industrial exp. Must have exp in operating fermenters & improving industrial fermentation processes. Exp w/bacterial fermentation optimization, incl E. coli fermentations. Must have legal authority to work in US. EEOE. Resume to: D. Hicks, Manus Bio Inc, 1762 Lovers Lane, Augusta, GA 30901 dhicks@manusbio.com

BUSINESS MATTERS

Augusta to host an information session for realtors and lenders on down payment assistance programs

Augusta is hosting an information session for realtors and lenders on the various down payment assistance programs offered through the City’s Housing & Community Development Department (HCD). During this free session, attendees will learn how to work with HCD to request funding, get information on down payment assistance programs, and discover the eligibility of potential homebuyers.

TO REGISTER, CALL 706-821-1797.

When: March 13, 2024, from 10am to 12pm

Where: Augusta Public Library, 823 Telfair Street

For more information about this event, the public should call 706-821-

Richmond County schools named 2024 AP Honor Schools by state

Eight Richmond County School System (RCSS) schools were named 2024 Georgia Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools by State Superintendent Richard Woods on February 27.

Dr. Malinda Cobb, Associate Superintendent of Academic Services, says, “We are proud of our schools for being recognized once again for their outstanding AP programs at the state level. Our principals, teachers, counselors, and coordinators are committed to identifying and supporting students who enroll in AP programs and earn college credit while still in high school. We are thankful for their hard work preparing students for college and career opportunities after graduation.”

RCSS schools have earned distinctions on the AP Honor Schools list every year for the past ten years. The AP Honor Schools are named based on the results of 2023 AP courses and exams.

THE 2024 RCSS AP HONOR SCHOOLS ARE:

AP ACCESS AND SUPPORT SCHOOLS:

Schools with at least 30% of AP exams taken by students who identified themselves as African-American and/or Hispanic and 30% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. At least 25 exams must be administered. John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM)

AP CHALLENGE SCHOOLS: SCHOOLS with enrollments of 900 or fewer students and students testing in English, math, science, and social studies and a minimum of 25 total exams administered.

A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet High School, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, and Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School

AP EXPANSION SCHOOLS:

Schools with 25% growth in AP student participation from May 2022 to May 2023 and a minimum of 25

students testing in May 2022.

G. P. Butler Comprehensive High School

AP SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION:

Schools with at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher

John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

AP STEM SCHOOLS: Schools with at least five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses and 25 exams administered.

Academy of Richmond County, A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet High School, Cross Creek Comprehensive High School, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School and Westside High School

AP STEM ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOLS: AP STEM schools with at least 50% of all AP STEM exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

Q&A

UPW: Where were you born and where did you begin your early schooling?

TARIKA: I was born and raised right here in Augusta, GA. I attended a few elementary schools including Jenkins White, John Milledge, and Craig Houghton which was the one I stayed at to complete elementary school. I absolutely loved school and had a passion for learning and leadership. I excelled in academics and had my first introduction to the arts as well.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

TARIKA HOLLAND

ACTOR • MODEL • SPOKEN WORD ARTIST • AUTHOR • DANCER

UPW: Where were you born and where did you begin your early schooling?

TARIKA: I was born and raised right here in Augusta, GA. I attended a few elementary schools including Jenkins White, John Milledge, and Craig Houghton which was the one I stayed at to complete elementary school. I absolutely loved school and had a passion for learning and leadership. I excelled in academics and had my first introduction to the arts as well.

UPW: You are blessed with an array of creative talents. What is your earliest memory of having a gift for expressing yourself creatively?

TARIKA: Yes, thank you, and all glory to God. I feel so lucky every single day. I grew up in a house where music was always playing. I remember dancing to early 2000s music with my mom and Nanny. Nanny likes to joke that she was my first dance teacher, and there is some truth in that! The first poem I wrote was with my mom in elementary school about the dangers of drugs for Red Ribbon Week. In elementary school, I did a few plays, my first lead being Mary in a Christmas show. I also took a visual arts class and was a member of the chorus. Even in my role as president of the student council, I had the opportunity to produce the school dances and our 5th grade prom which allowed me to design and decorate. It was always there!

UPW: How did attending Davidson Fine Arts High School shape your views on your future as a creative artist?

TARIKA: It was a dream come true to attend DFA. When I was in 2nd grade and saw the Black History Show, another world opened up for me, and I knew that it was the place I had to be. DFA gave me the full experience of everything that encompasses an artist’s journey. It taught me a level of professionalism and artistry I would not have gotten anywhere else. I faced a lot of challenges and adversity, and even though it was difficult, I wouldn’t be the woman or artist I am today had I not persevered and learned to love who I was and my artistry.

UPW: Do you think that the art/entertainment scene in Augusta provided ample opportunities for a young performer to gain valuable experience when you were starting out?

TARIKA: Yes, most definitely. Being an artist in Augusta is what you make it. You have to be willing to take a chance and put yourself out there. As an introvert, I know it can be intimidating to network and meet new people, but once you push past the nerves, it is one of the best things for you and your art. Because I felt as though I wasn’t seen or even appreciated in high school because I was so different, that is what pushed me to start performing locally to make a name for myself and share my art with others. Not only did I gain more experience performing, but I began to learn the business side of the arts as well. A lot of my early days performing in Augusta was really to build my portfolio and audience, but as time progressed I truly began to find my community, work with some incredible artists, and started to get paid to do what I love. It was important for me to trust the process and believe in myself and my art. I am living proof that it is all possible.

UPW: By the time you finished high school, which of your talents were you concentrating on the most – acting, modeling, spoken word, poetry, writing or dance?

TARIKA: I was so happy towards the end of high school because I was doing all of these things in one way or another. While I did

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

love dancing and I’m grateful to have had a season where it was leading me on my journey, I never solely wanted to be a dancer. I knew I was meant to be a multifaceted artist. I like to say I was “adopted” by the theater department. They did a production of “A Wrinkle in Time,” and they needed dancers who moved like me. It was such an amazing experience traveling and touring with them, and I learned so much from different angles. Those were some of my happiest memories. It was also so validating and reassuring to know that my artistry was needed and appreciated. I also got to be a part of “Footloose! The Musical”, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, and student directed one-acts. I was secretary of our poetry club. I was also booking shows and gigs of my own outside of school. I was doing everything!

UPW: What impacted your decision to attend Valdosta State University?

TARIKA: Believe it or not, I knew my options were limited because I didn’t have the best grades and I was realistic about my family’s financial situation. I knew I wanted to be close enough in case something happened but far enough to discover who I was outside of my household. I started researching and that’s how I came across VSU. I put all of my eggs in one basket and got really lucky because I truly belonged there for the time being. You can ask my mom and she will tell you that I was there on faith and faith only, but when something is meant for you, there is nothing or no one that can stop it. Being that I faced so many challenges and adversity in high school, I walked into college so hungry and determined. College was where I really realized that I was an incredible artist, not because my family and friends were telling me… but because I simply was! I was the soloist of the fall dance concert my first semester there, and the name of the show was “UNBOUND,” and how fitting. Although my time at VSU was short lived, I got everything that I needed both personally and artistically, and I thank God I was able to experience college.

UPW: How did you meet Anthony Page and what was your experience like undergoing acting training with him in Atlanta?

TARIKA: I knew of Anthony for years because I’ve always been the type of artist to research and know of the incredible artists in my hometown and show my respect. I always heard great things about him, and I loved his work and how passionate he was about the arts. Flash forward to 2021 and he reached out to me via Facebook to be a part of some of his projects, but then he was telling me that he was starting up the Studio Blue Acting Conservatory where actors would train in an immersive and unorthodox program, and we mutually decided that it would be good for me, and that it was! Being a Studio Blue student encouraged me to think outside of the box, to be an outlier, and to have a 360 approach when it comes to my career. Anthony truly pushed us out of our comfort zones and provided us with so many opportunities to apply what he had taught us. It truly helped me heal from my hardships I had faced the past few years. Acting allowed me to do something healthy with those big feelings I tend to avoid or bottle up. My peers inspired me every day to show up as my best self and ready to work. Anthony truly brought magic out of each and every single one of us.

UPW: Your first book is “Through the Eyes of Is0lated Beauty.” What type of book is it and what were the challenges to get into the public sphere?

TARIKA: My first book is a collection of poetry, spoken word, and stream of consciousness that takes you through my teenage years. It gives the reader a deep look into my mind, containing candid stories and thoughts relating to my experiences with love, friendship, heartbreak, mental health, growth, self-love, and self-discovery. I’ve loved books since I was a little girl, so I knew one day I had to write one of my own. Because it was my first, it was a lot of trial and error and figuring out the basics. I had to trust the process. I wanted to be about it, not just talk about it. Because my work is so personal and this collection was also pretty dark, I was nervous about what people would think or say. I had to keep my younger self in mind. This was her redemption. This was how her voice would finally be heard. It takes a lot of courage to be as open and vulnerable as I was to the world, but I rather do it than live with the regret of never trying. Once I pushed past the doubt and fear, everything else became easier even if I faced a roadblock or I had to pivot. My first book is still to this day one of my proudest accomplishments, one of many, and I can’t wait to share the next one.

UPW: Have you developed a personal philosophy for living the creative life? Do you have any role models when it comes to your various creative endeavors?

TARIKA: Mine is pretty simple: Love what you do and do what you love. Everything else flows into place the way that it is meant to. I am also a spiritual woman, so my relationship with God is what keeps me grounded and going as well. Since I was a little girl, I always end my day asking myself, “Am I proud of who I was today? Was I good to others? If this was it, would I be satisfied and proud of what I’m leaving behind? What would others say about me?” It’s heavy to think about sometimes, but if those answers are yes, I am proud, I was good to other people, and they would say good things, then I know I’m on the right path and living as the woman God intended for me to be. I have so many role models when it comes to my art. This feature in UPW is a dream

come true because Julia Nelson and Jena Davis did features back in middle/high school, and it inspired me so much. They were my inspirations and mentors when it came to dance. My family will always be my inspiration. Their ability to persevere, their work ethic and hustle, and the unconditional love they give truly keeps me going. Many of my teachers and professors such as Renee Toole, Betty Walpert, Melissa Pihos, Sarah Wildes Arnett, and Anthony Page and my inspirations as well. Being that I am a teacher now, their passion and how much love they pour into me inspires me to do the same to my students, and it is such an honor to pass on what I’ve learned to them. I’d be naming people all day, but I’m inspired by everyone here in the city, some of whom I have the honor of calling friends or have shared the stage with. Lastly, I’m just inspired by the past. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance, the 70s-90s, and all things vintage/old school. I always find ways to pay homage to those who came before me and paved the way, all while leaving my own imprint on the arts. I pray that I inspire and impact others on my journey. I’m certain that I am creating a legacy, and I don’t even know half of all of the amazing things I’ll do in this lifetime. I thank God for all there is and all there is to come!

UPW: Since you have been back in Augusta, let our readers know what you have been up to and what you might be planning for the near future.

TARIKA: I am continuing to perform here in Augusta, and I’ve also been traveling a lot. I had my debut in Newport News, VA in October of last year! I also have been fundraising to attend the Coco Rocha Modeling Camp in New York City led by Coco Rocha herself that will allow me to train in New York City and learn both the business and art of modeling. I am currently a dance instructor over at The Vault Dance Complex, and it has been such a fulfilling endeavor. I am also co-hosting Spoken Woods over at Back to Nature Garden Center with Walter Santiago. Lastly, I am gearing up to release book two and start working on what will be my debut spoken word album. I am constantly learning and growing. I never pass up an opportunity to be a student. I am doing what I love. I believe that some of my best work is coming out of me. Once again, I thank God for absolutely everything there is and all there is to come!

Tarika Holland, an Augusta-based performance artist, poses for a photo on Broad Street downtown. Holland, whose artist name is IsOlated Beauty, is known for her spoken word poetry and dance performances, as well as her fashion and beauty modeling. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Augusta River Region welcomes March Events

AUGUSTA

Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council are pleased to announce that the 3,210 visitors attending meetings, reunions, events, and sporting events in Augusta’s River Region will generate at least $2,001,745 in total estimated economic impact (EEI) March 2024.

A portion of the total number of events and meetings in Augusta’s River Region in March are listed in the chart below for more event

detail. These are groups Destination Augusta, or the Augusta Sports Council have worked with at some point in the site selection and/or planning phase.

Both Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council agree that recruiting and hosting these various activities play a critical role in sustaining the nearly 30,000 jobs that are part of the Leisure and Hospitality Industry, the fourth largest employment sector in the

metro area.

Total EEI is calculated based on research commissioned by both Explore Georgia and Destinations International in conjunction with globally recognized research vendors, the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. Tourism Economics, a partner company of Oxford Economics, created the industry standard in event economic impact analysis using localized metrics that are updated annually.

Club Car Engineering Recruitment Initiatives featured by Auburn University

AUGUSTA

Club Car®, a global leader in golf, consumer, and utility vehicles, has been featured in an Auburn University article: “Club Car enhancing recruiting relationship with Auburn Engineering.”

Auburn officials highlight Club Car as “a leader in best recruiting practices” signaling the value Club Car places on recruiting top engineering talent to design, test and build the quality and safety Club Car is known for bringing to the market.

“Our partnership with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University has been a tremendous success. Auburn engineering students come to us ready to work and eager to bring fresh ideas to our business. We value the opportunity to provide hands-on experience and to develop future leaders in our industry,” said Dan Schmidt, Vice President of Engineering

and Technology at Club Car.

The article provides insight into the importance of co-op and internship opportunities to build the workforce needed to develop the next generation of engineers to create unique vehicles and experiences like the Club Car CRU vehicle Club Car donated to the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University.

“It is exciting for our training partnership to be recognized by Auburn University,” said Kirsten Patchett, Chief Human Resources Officer at Club Car. “Investing in workforce and talent development is an important part of our human resources strategy to create a pipeline of high performers and leaders to maintain Club Car’s position as an industry leader for the future.”

To learn more about Club Car employment opportunities, visit www. clubcar.com/careers

The DP World Tour announces extension to supplier agreement with

The DP World Tour announced an extension to its long-standing agreement with Club Car®, a global leader in golf, consumer, and utility vehicles.

The new agreement extends the current relationship, which began in 1999, with Club Car to remain as an Official Supplier to the DP World Tour. Club Car vehicles are vital to the staging of DP World Tour events around the globe. The vehicles are used to support numerous aspects of tournament operations and logistics from rules to television production.

“We are very proud of our long and successful relationship with the DP World Tour,” said Marco

Natale, Vice President EMEA at Club Car. “It gives us the opportunity to showcase the quality, versatility and reliability of our vehicles, demonstrating why we are a market leader in the golf market.”

Max Hamilton, Group Commercial Director of the DP World Tour, added: “Club Car has been a trusted partner for over two decades and their products are vital to the smooth operation of our tournaments. Their global distribution network and excellent local support service make them the ideal partner for a Tour that plays in 24 countries. We look forward to continue working together throughout the 2024 season.”

SPORTSVIEW

The Augusta University women’s tennis team defeated Emmanuel College 4-0 during matches held at Newman Tennis Center. (February 23, 2024 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

The Augusta University men’s tennis team defeated Emmanuel College 4-1 during matches held at Newman Tennis Center. (February 23, 2024 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal