Hello Savannah August Edition 2023

President andChief ExecutiveOfficer JuliusP. Hall

VicePresident CharlieBrown

ExecutiveEditor ChantayeMcLaughlin

ManagingEditor Epiphany L. Williams

Director of Information Technology ChrisSmith

ContributingWriters Dr. Amir Toure?

Sharon Butts

CraigButts

AndromedaGibbons

AshaDickerson

Harrison Davis

ArtemusGibbons

ChantayeMcLaughlin

Anderson Aries

Tori Anderson

JuliusP. Hall

cont ent s

by Tori Anderson

by Julius P. H all

by Craig and Sharon Butts

by Androm eda Gibbons

by Julius P. H all

ArtumusGibbons

by D r. Robert Bryant

by

Chantaye M cLaughlin

Androm eda Gibbons

by D r.Asha D ickerson and D r. H arrison D avis

by Anderson Aries

7.SCCPS-WelcomeDr.DeniseWatts

12.NewBlackWallStreet -lithionia,Ga

14.No50/50Relationships

18.KNowThis

19.poem-LoveIs

22.Health&Wellness

24.YamacrawVillage

by

28.AffirmativeAction

30.SavannahSports by

31.Mental HealthInTheBlackCommunity

Our Black M edia

32.Poem-If StarsCouldSay

26.EmpoweringSavannah

FROM THE CEO

Welcome to OUR magazine. We are a monthly publication that will be bringing information and content to Our community to better inform Our citizens. Each month we hope to cover the subjects you want to read more about. Unlike the mainstream media, at OUR Black Media, we will highlight positive events, progressive leaderships, and movers and shakers in our community, our state, and our nation

Our monthly publications will thrive to showcase fairness, openness, and transparency. We inform, you decide. Please stay with us while we're in our infancy, and join our growth by letting us know what is important to you in a publication like this. All advice is welcomed, and we also accept letters to the editor.

Our main goal is to bring information that uplifts and moves all of us forward In the long term, we hope to start a dialogue that will begin to create ans Agenda for America Not just a Black Agenda, but a People's Agenda

Our first two digital magazines, The Port City Review and Hello Savannah, currently goes out to over 50,000 emails in our area. We're projecting an August 5th date for Hello Atlanta and Hello Jacksonville, our newest publications.

Each month will be something you'll be excited to turn the pages of This month?s issue is filled with informational articles from Mental Health in the Black Community to rhe New Black Wall Street Market.

WE hope through this publication we show our readers the greatness of OUR community in every aspect, from politics to community activism, sports to entertainment, and from finance to love and relationships.

This publication is only available to the general public in a digital format now, with a limited number of printed hard copies. Coming very soon, you'll be able to subscribe to get your hard copy in the mail.

So stay tuned, and as always, share, share, share.

Julius Hall, President OUR Media Group

wel comet o Savannahchat hamcount y publ ic school syst em

208 Bull Street

Savannah,Ga 31401

superintendent@sccpss.com

Dr Denise Watts is a passionate and committed education professional, practitioner and consultant Her experience and track record as a leader at the school and district level has focused on significantly improving the quality and culture of education for school-age children, especially those in traditionally underserved communities

Watts' 20-year career has focused on serving children As a teacher, athletic coach, principal, and school district leader, she has demonstrated an unrelenting dedication to cultivating the conditions in which children can maximize their limitless potential in school and in life

Prior to joining the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Dr. ?Watts served as Chief of Schools for the Houston Independent School District, serving over 194,000 students in 274 schools. She supervised principals, managed magnet schools and led innovation and strategy for the district. Prior to joining the HISD staff, she was the Chief of District Support for the University of Virginia?s Partnership for Leaders in Education. In this role, she worked to assist school districts from around the country in efforts to improve student outcomes through innovation and best practice.

Formerly, Watts was employed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as the leader of Project L.I.F.T. (Leadership and Investment for Transformation), a philanthropic initiative composed of leaders from Charlotte?s largest community and family foundations aiming to accelerate student achievement in up to 29 schools serving the district?s most educationally and economically disadvantaged students Under the leadership of Dr Watts, Project L.I.F.T. schools were among the first in the nation to implement Opportunity Culture, a model that leverages district support systems to re-design career pathways and compensation to extend the reach of excellent teachers to more students within budget This strategy yielded a positive impact on student achievement as well as the recruitment, retention and development of teachers in Project L.I.F.T. schools. It is now being replicated in CMSand over 20 districts across the country

Dr. Watts was recognized for her leadership as North Carolina?s NASSPMiddle Level Principal of the Year in 2008 In her first year as a principal, she led Mint Hill Middle School to become a National School to Watch. In 2019, she was also tapped for Strategic Staffing, CMS?s nationally recognized turnaround initiative that placed top leaders and teachers in its most challenged schools

best wishes for a Successful school year !

To see this article, please visit: https://www.sccpss.com/super/Pages/default.aspx

Code Compliance Manager

Community Program Specialist - Human Services

Firefighter Trainee

ITSSystems Engineer

Loan Officer - Housing & Neighborhood Services

Maintenance Supervisor - Water Reclamation

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Police Officer Trainee or Police Officer Sworn

Revenue Director

Senior Accounting Clerk - Billing

Senior Civil Engineer - Traffic Engineering

Traffic Signal Technician - Traffic Operations Division

Utility Services Director

By Craig & Sharon But t s of Taking The Journey Toget her

Maintaining balanced and healthy relationships is a constant journey that requires effort, understanding, and the cultivation of essential qualities such as energy investment, kindness, and patience. In this article, we will explore the significance of these elements and how they can be quantified to foster harmonious connections. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of developing plans to support one another when energy levels are not at 100%. Let's dive in!

Energy Invest m ent : Giving Our Best

Energy investment refers to the emotional, mental, and physical effort we put into our relationships. It's about showing up, being present, and actively engaging with our loved ones To quantify energy investment, we can use a scoring system that helps us gauge the balance between positive and negative contributions For instance, the kindness score measures the number of times we authentically express kindness divided by the sum of unkind acts and artificially kind acts in a day By tracking our energy investment, we become more aware of our behaviors and can strive to increase our kindness score

Kindness: The Foundat ion of Healt hy Connect ions

Kindness is the cornerstone of any thriving relationship. It involves demonstrating genuine compassion, consideration, and empathy towards others. Acts of kindness create a nurturing environment where trust and emotional well-being can flourish By quantifying kindness using the scoring system, we become more conscious of our actions The number of authentically kind acts we perform in a day contributes to our kindness score This practice encourages us to prioritize acts of genuine kindness and cultivate a positive impact on our relationships

Pat ience: Nurt uring Grow t h and Underst anding

Patience plays a vital role in maintaining balanced relationships It is the ability to remain calm, understanding, and tolerant in the face of challenges, disagreements, or difficult situations Patience allows us to listen, empathize, and gives space for growth and development in our relationships It nurtures understanding and fosters an environment where conflicts can be resolved peacefully Though patience cannot be quantified in the same way as energy investment or kindness, it is an indispensable quality to cultivate and prioritize in our interactions

Developing Plans: Support ing Each Ot her

In any relationship, there are times when both partners may not be able to reach 100% energy investment During such periods, it becomes crucial to create plans that support and uplift each other. A partnership is about understanding and acknowledging that we can carry each other's burdens when needed This involves open communication, empathy, and straetgizing ways to prevent hurting one another. By proactively developing plans, we ensure that our relationships remain balanced and nurturing, even during challenging times.

Here's a valuable example of how a plan can be implemented in such a situation Let's say one partner is going through a challenging time and can only invest 70%of their energy. The other partner can step in and carry the additional 30%to maintain balance They might take on more household chores, offer emotional support, or plan activities to uplift their partner's spirits. It's all about finding creative ways to be kind and understanding

Conclusion:

Balanced relationships thrive when we invest energy, prioritize kindness, and practice patience By quantifying energy investment and kindness, we gain insight into our contributions and can make conscious efforts to increase positive engagement Additionally, developing plans to support one another when energy levels are not at 100%fosters understanding and prevents harm within the relationship. Remember, nurturing balanced relationships is an ongoing process, and it requires continuous effort and dedication. By embracing the power of energy investment, kindness, and patience, we can create connections that flourish and bring joy and fulfillment into our lives

When both partners cannot reach 100% together, it is essential to come up with a plan to be kind to one another A partnership means supporting each other and carrying the load when needed When energy levels are not at their peak, having a plan in place ensures that no one is hurt, and that the relationship remains strong By focusing on energy investment, kindness, and patience, we can foster healthy and balanced connections that stand the test of time.

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K N O W T H I S

1. Takecareof your body.Remember,health isanother form of wealth.

2. Normalizewalkingsomepathsalone,becausegoalsarepersonal.

3. Don? t wasteyour energy tofear. Useyour energy tobelieve. Learn. Create. Grow.

4. If you want tobehappy,alwayshavezeroexpectationsof others.

5. Tell nooneabout your plans,level up in private.

6. You won? t beyoungforever,sodowhat makesyou happy everyday,but makeit count.

7. Bematureenough tocontrol your emotions,learn toreact less.

8. Freeyourself from society?sadvice,most of them havenoideawhat they aredoing.

9. Don? t try tochangeanyone,changehow you deal with them.

10.Your circleissupposetobeproud,not jealous.

11.Doyourself afavor,get rich.Lifegetseasier with money,not with time.

12.Master self-discipline& consistency,and watch your lifechange.

13.Thefamily you create,ismoreimportant than thefamily you come from.

14.Don? t gobroketryingtoimpressbrokepeople.

15.Besmart enough toknow that very few peopleget rich from asalary

by: Julius P. Hall

Love is not a game and love is not war, Love is not anything played to keep score

Love is not hard and cold, love is soft and warm, Love is feeling safe, while wrapped in your arms

Love is not tart and love is not sour, Love is not having you on my mind from hour to hour

Love is not bitterness, love is tender and sweet, Love is what I have for you, and it?s not discreet

Love is not a secret, for love is to be shown, Love is like a ring; it?s made to be worn

Love causes jealousy, love causes spite, Love is so wonderful when it?s all done right.

Love is trusting, love is enduring, and love is patience, Love is everything when it makes any sense

Love brings heartache, love sometimes brings pain, But love can be as sweet as a sugar cane.

Love does to the soul, what sex does for the body, It erases all bad feelings without making you feel sorry Love is not a topcoat, love is very deep down, Love comes from the heart, and not from the sound.

Love is being there for someone, when no one else would, Love is not questioning whether you shouldn? t or should.

Love is a letter, because love is what you write with your pen, Love is always a beginning, never an end.

Love is a phone call, but it shows more in a visit, You can? t buy true love and you damn sure can? t rent it Love is giving, when you really want to receive, Love means to show, not to deceive.

New Book Releases JuliusP. Hall

EMPOWERING SAVANNAH

ENCOURAGING BUSINESS OWNERS TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

BY: CHANTAYE MCLAUGHLIN

Corporat ions and com panies in t his Cit y, t hat w e support , and t hey do very m inim al t o give back t o t he com m unit y

Savannah, Georgia, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and warm Southern hospitality The city's diverse community has fostered the growth of numerous businesses that contribute to its economic prosperity However, it is essential for business owners to recognize the significant impact they can make beyond the confines of their profit margins By actively giving back to the communities that support them, Savannah's business owners can play a pivotal role in uplifting the city and creating a more sustainable and inclusive environment for everyone

Social Responsibilit y

Business owners in Savannah, like in any other city, have the potential to influence positive change in their communities By embracing social responsibility, businesses can improve their reputation and create a lasting impact on the lives of their employees and customers. Demonstrating concern for social issues can lead to increased customer loyalty and trust, benefiting businesses in the long run.

Support ing Local Init iat ives

Savannah is home to numerous local initiatives and non-profit organizations that aim to address various societal challenges. Business owners can actively participate in these initiatives by offering financial support, volunteering their time and expertise, or even collaborating on community-based projects By contributing to causes that align with their values and the needs of the community, businesses can help address pressing issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare access

Invest ing in Educat ion

Education is the foundation for a strong and prosperous community Business owners in Savannah can contribute to educational initiatives by providing scholarships, internships, or sponsoring educational events Collaborating with local schools and colleges can also foster a more skilled and talented workforce, benefiting businesses and the community alike

Prom ot ing Environm ent al Sust ainabilit y

Savannah's unique ecosystem is part of what makes the city so special. Business owners can take steps to minimize their ecological footprint by implementing sustainable practices within their operations This could include reducing waste, promoting recycling, and using eco-friendly products By adopting environmentally responsible practices, businesses can help protect Savannah's natural beauty for future generations

Local Art s & Cult ure

Savannah boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene that adds vibrancy to the community Business owners can support local artists, musicians, and cultural events through sponsorships or partnerships Investing in the arts not only enriches the community's cultural fabric but also helps attract tourism and boosts the local economy.

Em pow ering Em ployees t o Volunt eer

Encouraging employees to participate in community service can be a powerful way for businesses to give back Offering paid volunteer leave or organizing team-building activities centered around community service can foster a sense of camaraderie among employees while making a meaningful impact on the community.

by Dr. Robert Bryant

Our everyday rights that afford us freedom is being slowly taken by government strategies Roev. Wadewas the starting line for the Supreme Court to revisit long standing rulings that became cemented in the national norms of life. Citizens of the United States developed their way of living as the initial decision created a space for women to make responsible decisions about their bodies. Reproductive rights were not the only structures challenged by the courts, creating a much broader conversation that spilled into 2023.

This past month we witnessed the Supreme Court make another significant shift with the decision to roll back major gains in higher education. The removal of affirmative action in higher education was a significant blow to the institution of civil rights, creating a setback for communities of color The court?s decision on affirmative action opens the door to educational organizations, and others, to limit marginalized communities using racial bias for access.

Affirmative Action is a conceptual term that can be used to develop public policy and develop models for organizations to use.The Affirmative Action organizational model is a framework used to understand the functionality of the conceptual term within an organization The Affirmative Action Model seeks to remedy the ills of past discrimination in higher education and was born from legislative acts and political protests of the 1960?s and 1970?s (Williams & Clowney, 2007; Williams & Wade-Golden, 2007). At the heart of this model is a decrease in visible discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace Programs and initiatives will likely relate to compliance and remedial concerns. The model does not attend to core institutional issues of diversity or respond to processes in staff and faculty practices The Affirmative Action Model only accomplishes a portion in the organizational change process (Williams & Clowney, 2007) not including the institutional culture.

continued on page29

Cultural paradigm shifts are hopeful as we seek better chances for equality and equal access to opportunities Post secondary education is an opportunity to develop stronger social mobility, in addition to providing greater economic potential for graduatesThe opportunity gap still exists in the USA, creating more of a need for affirmative action policies in higher education and other institutions where communities of color are limited in representation.This was the concern when the use of race was questioned in the Universityof California v. Bakke case in 1978 The decision of the Supreme Court opened the doors of opportunity for individuals who were in marginalized communities based on factors they could not control. Race is the leading identity characteristic that is mostly considered in the affirmative action conversation because it is the factor that allows the concept of diversity to be achieved

The nation is taking the foundational constructs backwards through the erosion of public policies that were used to make us stronger It is not only the higher education spaces that are impacted with decisions like the recent one this summer, striking down the use of race for access purposesThe spaces that were created for the majority will now be given the authority to restrict individuals by using the same construct of race to limit access, creating a step in the wrong direction for our nation.

Ment al Heal t h

In The Bl ack Communit y

by:Dr,AshaDickerson and Dr.Harrison Davis

There is a st ill a st igm a regarding m ent al illness in t he Black com m unit y Are w e m ore aw are of m ent al healt h issues? Yes Are t here m ore Black people going t o t herapy? Yes Did t hat erase t he st igm a? Absolut ely not !Many of us can ident ify fam ily m em bers t hat m ay have st ruggled w it h m ent al illnesses, and w e m ight also rem em ber t hem being isolat ed from t he fam ily inst ead of receiving t he help t hat t hey needed People w ould describe panic at t acks as, ?Nervous breakdow ns,? and depression as a lack of fait h New effort s have shed light on longst anding problem s and given insight int o w ays t o address t hem

For decades, t he African Am erican com m unit y had t he low est rat e of suicide. Before t he pandem ic even began, suicide rat es began t o increase in t he Black com m unit y.During t he pandem ic, t hings such as w age and healt h disparit ies added t o t he issues black people faced.Many people w orking in low er paying posit ions (Black people) w ere forced t o cont inue t o w ork out side of t he hom e. Those w it h pre-exist ing healt h condit ions died at alarm ing rat es. In t he m idst of all of t his, in our isolat ion, w e w ere bom barded w it h im ages of Black people being m urdered w hile doing even t he sim plest act ivit ies like running.

As disheart ening as m uch of t his is, it has brought our at t ent ion t o our m ent al healt h and w ellness Various celebrit ies have been w illing t o chronicle t heir journeys t o m ent al healt h and fund m ent al healt h services The last few Essence Fest ivals have given special at t ent ion t o our m et al healt h and Dr Joy Harden Bradford (Our 1st ever guest on Tw o Therapist s and a Microphone) founded Therapy for Black Girls, t o help spread inform at ion about issues affect ing Black w om en and t o help connect t hem t o Black t herapist s There are st at ist ics all over t he int ernet t hat say about 25% of Black people seek t herapy w hereas 40% of w hit e Am ericans do Here is t he t hing t o keep in m ind: There does not have t o be anyt hing w rong for som eone t o seek t herapy Therapy can be prevent at ive Som e people never seek a m edical doct or unt il t hey are in pain, but w e know t hat t hat is not best pract ice Our m ent al healt h is sim ilar Taking care of your m ent al healt h includes set t ing boundaries and decom pressing aft er a difficult w eek Black girl m agic requires not , ?Pouring from an em pt y cup ?

Many of your jobs offer insurance and Em ployee Assist ance Program s (EAP) t hat cover a few sessions every year.Maybe you haven? t been able t o find a Black t herapist near you.No w orries! You can see a t herapist virt ually now. The Black com m unit y m ust cont inue t o priorit ize t heir m ent al healt h. Consider using your benefit s or invest ing in yourself by paying out -of-pocket for t herapy. You can even find discount ed care t hrough Open Pat h Collect ive. Ment al Healt h in t he Black com m unit y is increasingly m ore popular and accessible but w e have t o be w illing t o use t he t ools t hat w e have.

School Calendar 2023-2024

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System

School Holidays St art s Finishes

Mr Roger Moss

Mrs Denise R Grabow ski

Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brow n

Mrs Cornelia H Hall

Mr. Paul E. Sm it h

Dr. David A. Bringm an PT DPT

Mr Michael Johnson Dr Tonia How ard-Hall

Mr Shaw n A Kachm ar

2023 SEASON