Urban Pro Weekly

U W rban Pro NEWS • COMMENTARY

ARTS

eekly

Building The CSRA’s Community FREE

The CSRA’s FREE WEEKLY WEEKLY

Newspaper Newspaper VOL.2 NO.20 VOL.2 NO.18

ENTERTAINMENT JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Youth, Growth & Movement at Tabernacle Baptist Church Photos by Vincent Hobbs

The Reverend Charles

E. Goodman, Jr. aka ‘PG’ vPersonal and Business Income Tax Preparation vFees start at $55.00 vIRS & State Problem Resolution

The Wise Choice 2664 Tobacco Rd., Ste A, Hephzibah, GA 30815 www.taxwize.net

vIRS & State Audit Representation vLevy/Lien/Garnishment Release vOffers-In-Compromise And More

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

2

Give Kids a Smile Day

Local children to receive free dental care Feb. 1 AUGUSTA Students from Georgia Regents University’s Colleges of Allied Health Sciences and Dental Medicine will provide free dental treatment to local elementary school students at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1 as part of the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile Day. More than 100 students from Collins Elementary School in Richmond County will receive complimentary screenings, fillings and preventive treatments such as sealants from GRU dental and dental hygiene students, said Dr. Tara Schafer, director of the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program.

The ADA began the program in 2003 as a way for members to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. It began as a one-day event, but it has since grown to local and national events that happen year round. Dentists and other team members volunteer their time and services to provide dental education and treatment to children throughout the United States. Each year, approximately 450,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, Schafer said.

“It’s a way for dentists to join with others in the community to provide dental services to children who may not otherwise have access to care,” Schafer said. “We really enjoy the chance to give back, and it’s a great day for all involved.”

In addition to being a chance to give back to the community, the day often creates learning opportunities for students, said Ana Thompson, Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene.

“Give Kids a Smile Day is an opportunity for dental and dental hygiene students to work together providing basic care to a large group of children with diverse dental needs,” she said. “But the best part is that children also learn about oral hygiene and prevention of dental disease while having a good time.”

For more information, visit www.givekidsasmile.ada.org.

Wheeler, oversight group at odds AUGUSTA Former members of the Citizens Advisory Board for Augusta Housing and Economic Development called a news conference on Thursday, Jan 17, to dispute the city’s version of why the oversight panel was dissolved.

A core complaint of the group is that Chester Wheeler, director of the city’s housing and development division, never fully worked with the group and ignored his duties to that group. Eventually, there was no longer a working relationship between Wheeler and the advisory group.

Advisory board member Barbara Gordon, publisher of The Metro Courier, hosted the meeting and read from prepared remarks before fielding questions.

“In recent months, we have watched and listened to HD Chester Wheeler

and City Admin. Fred Russell, work to totally control the operation of Housing & Economic Development without oversight and input from anyone, including the commissioners,” Gordon read.

“In their attempt to do so, they are trying to malign and discredit the 10 members of the CAC. We are here today to tell you that we are offended and insulted.”

Advisory Board members Irma Williams and Charles Rouse also participated in the news conference. ““We had to pay money back. We were set up under HUD guidelines.

We did not want to be paying money back,” told reporters.

The group blasted the “agenda” of Wheeler and Russell which included, “a full-blown effort to change the dynamics and complexion of the inner city.”

The news conference was attended by commissioners Alvin Mason, Bill Lockett and Marion Williams. The three are in favor of a more intimate relationship between the housing department and the advisory committee.

Last week, the city voted down a motion for the city attorney to revise the bylaws that govern how the committee is to work with the director of the housing and development division.

According to the city’s legal spokesman, the citizen’s advisory committee still exists and commissioners can appoint members if they wish.

Statements by Wheeler and Russell suggesting that they have no problem with a community panel, were aggressively denounced by the advisory board members.

Trust the experts

for your income taxes •Outstanding Service •Same Day Tax Preparation •No wait Express Drop-Off Service •One Day Refund Anticipation Loans •Electronic Filing Service with NO up-front fees •Free State Tax Return Preparation with Federal Return

1139 Druid Park Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904-5849 (706) 736-4601 438 Hampton Avenue Aiken, South Carolina (803) 502-0149

Augusta Tutoring Center 1-800-417-0968 We at Augusta Tutoring Center pride ourselves in helping each child reach his or her true potential.

We offer:



Hands on Tutoring in All Subjects Grades K-12



Homework Help

Test Prep

The Reverend Charles E. Goodman, Jr. • Pastor/Teacher, The Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

Building Community

We’ll always be a church that speaks truth to power and takes a stand against injustices to anyone.

— PG UrbanProWeekly: You’ve been at Tabernacle for six years now. In a 2008 interview, you expressed a feeling of humility and awe at being selected to lead a church with such a rich history. How do you feel today after being at the helm for a few years?

Pastor Goodman: I still feel the same way today as I did six years ago. I am so humbled that God would allow me to lead and shepherd this great church. I know that there are so many other gifted men and women of God who could have been given this assignment, but God chose me.

UPW: You’ve praised past pastors at Tabernacle (C.T. Walker, C.S. Hamilton, Leon Lowery, Leander A. Pinckston, and Otis Moss III) as being great preachers as well as revolutionaries in their own time. Are you comfortable with that role?

Pastor Goodman: I’ve accepted the fact that it is what it is. Having such a prominent congregation as Tabernacle, I am aware that by default I am seen as a community leader as well as a spiritual leader.

It can be unnerving, but I do it with the grace of God and the prayers and support of this wonderful congregation.

UPW: Traditionally, the black church has always been in the forefront of the people’s struggle for a better life. Has that changed?

Pastor Goodman: No, it has not changed. The black church is still a beacon of light and an oasis of

opportunity for African Americans.

Black churches do ministry in context while still remaining true to the Church’s mission which is grounded in the belief of Jesus Christ. Still today the black church encompasses our greatest hopes and dreams for a better life. .

UPW: The media is omnipresent in current society. A few years ago the Rev. Jeremiah Wright was criticized in many quarters for some remarks made from the pulpit. Do you have to rein in your oratory in fear of being misunderstood by those who may read or see a video of a sermon in the years to come?

Pastor Goodman: I am aware of social outlets and the influence they have over society. I think there’s always the threat of being misunderstood, because there is always the chance that people will hear something different than what was said.

I do not let that fear keep me from spreading the gospel. It has always been and will always be my responsibility as pastor to keep God’s people informed of societal issues and how they impact the kingdom.

UPW: How has technology influenced the way you approach your public?

Pastor Goodman: Through social media, we have unlimited access to more people and information than ever before. Technology has afforded us the capacity to go global from Augusta, Georgia. Through the church’s website, Streaming Faith, and social media outlets like You Tube, Facebook, Twitter, etc., we can

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

The Reverend Charles E. Goodman, Jr. a native of North Carolina, serves as the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. Dr. Goodman commenced his preaching ministry at the age of 21 and Pastoral ministry at 23. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he graduated with honors.

He graduated from Candler School of Theology on the campus of Emory University in Atlanta in May 2005 with a Master of Divinity Degree and completed the Doctor of Ministry Program at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Dr. Goodman was inducted into the prestigious Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College in April 2008. He was recognized by the African American Pulpit as one of the “20-to-Watch” Young Preachers under the age of 40 in the Summer 2008 issue at the age of 28, one of the youngest to ever achieve both of those distinctions.

Dr. Goodman became Pastor/Teacher of The Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church of Augusta, GA in December 2006 at the tender age of 27.

Due to the tremendous growth, additional staff has been hired to help meet the needs of his congregation which now exceeds 4,100 members. Dr. Goodman can be seen weekly on the “Kingdom Living” television broadcast and heard daily on the Perry Broadcasting radio stations in the CSRA with his “Spiritual Vitamin from PG” series.

3

communicate, share and dispense church announcements, advertise events, and view services. By utilizing technology and social media it creates a platform that enables God’s people to gain a Word directly from the pulpit and their pastor! I thoroughly enjoy the fact that I can have meaningful dialogue with so many that perhaps do not have access, which expands the boundaries of pastoring and leading. I understand that I “pastor” more than those that attend our church.

UPW: Another Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is upon us.

You didn’t grow up in the civil rights era and there are a host of new problems which constantly demand our attention. What are some of the issues that your generation is facing and how is Tabernacle addressing them?

Pastor Goodman: Although I didn’t grow up in the Civil Rights era, I was raised by my grandparents who kept me abreast of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before me.

I believe that there are still many issues that we currently deal with such as racism, sexism, and classism.

At Tabernacle, through our outreach initiatives and church programs, we work diligently to address these issues in innovative ways. For example, our women’s ministry raises funds for breast cancer awareness and do coat drives. During Thanksgiving we collect canned foods to give to local charities. When the church caters big events, we intentionally make sure the local soup kitchen gets food after Continued on next page

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

4

Pastor Goodman from page 3 the event is over. During Christmas the church purchases clothes and toys for needy families. As a black church we celebrate our culture through Black History Month presentations and Kwanzaa. We are also an equal opportunity leadership church that ordains women as ministers and deacons. Through the life of the church we tackle these issues. We have the immutable belief that we have not only a responsibility to address the spiritual welfare of our neighbors, but also that of our people’s plight for equality overall. We’ll always be a church that speaks truth to power and takes a stand against injustices to anyone.

UPW: You’re a member of the hip-hop generation. How do you get the youth to take an interest in what you might have to say?

Pastor Goodman: I strive to be relevant and relatable while maintaining the integrity of the Gospel whenever I preach. I believe this is what attracts The Rev. Charles E. Goodman, Jr. has completed six years as pastor of Tabernacle. Photo by Vincent Hobbs young people. My membership to the hip-hop generation allows me to have a more diverse vocabulary to preach and minister with. Yet, my life experiences and my own childhood make UPW: How do your specialized for great attention catchers for young our change, we will not just influence has given us. The Bible is clear in its people. So, infusing hip-hop culture the world, but make an impact on it. stance when it states, it’s a shame to offerings such as the Children’s with the Gospel through my narrative gain the whole world and lose one’s Church and Nursery services affect UPW: All families face challeng- soul. attendance? lens, I feel gets their interest. es. As a counselor what are some Pastor Goodman: Our congregaUPW: Do you sense a difference of the more valuable lessons that UPW: A recent survey indicates in the way white churches and you have to pass on to those in that Tabernacle has experienced tion is made up of a lot of families, your congregation? black churches approach Jesus? significant growth. Is that why you and to them the Children’s Church have moved to include an addi- and Nursery is a draw. Parents want to Pastor Goodman: In my role of a tional Sunday service? come because their child will be minPastor Goodman: I think there’s istered to as well. In some cases the so much diversity now in the way Pastor, I provide spiritual guidance all Christians worship the Lord that for a myriad of issues. When it comes Pastor Goodman: Yes. God has youth drag their parents to church. It it cannot be broken down by racial to a family, I always try to expound favored us in a major way, but we also allows us to do full family ministry. We lines. Not all black churches wor- the love ethic while being aware that desire to reach different demograph- take pride in the quality programs our ship the same and not all white each family brings with it, its unique ics. In the past, individuals made Nursery, Children and Youth Ministry, churches worship the same, and in issues and concerns. I do believe that their schedules around the church. as well as our Child Development some churches they worship together. a lot of our family issues come from Presently, the Church strives to be Center produces. Our church is busy What’s so beautiful about the Lord a tension between love and respect. more convenient and understanding on Sundays and Wednesdays with stuff is that worship cannot be contained The inability to love ourselves causes to the demands (home, family, careers) for the youth. We even have an annual by race, genre, gender, or denom- us to have a dysfunctional perspec- of its members. People are more time Youth and Young Adult Conference ination. Jesus and his message of tive of others and our view of what conscience now than they once were. that we have been hosting since I have love and redemption transcend all, love is. Because the family is simply We offer a third service to accommo- been pastor. We make an effort to which should be the foundation of a collection of relationships, if we date those individuals who wish to engage our youth and raise them in don’t have a strong sense of who we worship with us and expand our king- the Word of God. any Christian church. are and whose we are, it can cause a dom reach.

UPW: What is your long-term UPW: America is a Christian breakdown of how we treat ourselves UPW: In 2008, you were just goal for Tabernacle? nation, yet it does some very and others. unchristian like things on the breaking ground for the Family Pastor Goodman: The long-term UPW: Some folk equate hav- Life Center which has now been world stage. Does the black Church have a duty to instill Christian val- ing material possessions as being completed. What are your plans goal for Tabernacle Baptist Church is to continue on the same trajectory of favored by God. Where do you for future capital improvements? ues for the benefit of the world? being a kingdom-minded, kingdomstand on that issue?

Pastor Goodman: That’s a lot of Pastor Goodman: It’s always focused church that impacts our compressure to put on one entity. It is the Pastor Goodman: I don’t believe that been our vision to have a Tabernacle munity. We just want to continue to responsibility for all believers to live our quality of relationship with God or Baptist Church Campus. We desire to be led by God, love people, advance out the ethics of the Living Word. All how God sees us is found in tangible one day have a Christian Preparatory the kingdom agenda, and be a parabelievers should strive to live lives of items. I do not prescribe to the pros- School, and multiple sites/campuses digm of excellence in ministry. Even if love and peace. I’ve always said ser- perity or poverty gospel completely. I to do more kingdom focused minis- we never build another building, our mons don’t change the world, changed believe God calls for us to be content try and make a kingdom impact. desire will always be to build other people change the world. And through with the portion and allotment God people and communities.

Even if we never build another building, our desire will always be to build other people and communities. – PG

U W rban Pro

eekly

UrbanProWeekly LLC Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906

Publisher Ben Hasan 706-394-9411 Managing Editor Frederick Benjamin Sr. 706-836-2018

Sales & Marketing Phone: 706-394-9411 New Media Consultant Director of Photography Vincent Hobbs

email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com Vincent Hobbs photos@urbanproweekly.com

S

5

Jennifer Norman-Dixon Independent Cruise & Vacation Specialist

I pay cash for unwanted cars, batteries, aluminum and more

706.832.6422 Reginald Sweatman Sr.

Hephzibah, GA 30815 Phone 706-925-2929 Toll Free (877-790-6082 Fax 404-601-4492

Email:jdixon@cruisesinc.com www.cruisesinc.com/jdixon

The Computer Guy Computers Done Right, Free Diagnostic Check Clarence PC TECH

2658 C Barton Chapel Rd. Augusta, GA 706.814.7188 computerguyaugusta@live.com

2013 SPONY SPECIAL “Choose Your Own Price . . .”

Come in for any of our services and choose the price you pay for: Relaxers, Colors, Blowouts, Demi, Shampoo & Style, Cuts, Thermal Press, Massage services...

Tuesday and Wednesday ONLY!!

Call now for your appointment

706-364-6413 or visit us at 712 Bohler Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (located directly behind GA Power on Walton Way) Walk-ins welcomed

COLON HYDROTHERAPY {First Colon Cleansing Center In Augusta} CONDITIONS RESPONDING TO COLON HYDROTHERAPY Cited by Rheumatologist, Arthur E. Brawer, M.D. Enhances Weight Loss • Allergies • Acne • Constipation • Irritable Bowel • Gas/Bloating • Asthma • Chronic Fatigue • Spastic Colon • Potbelly Shanta Johnson

• Body Odor • Headaches • Improves Sexual Health

ESSENTIAL CLEANSING CENTER 2045 Central Avenue, Augusta

706-733-5000

coloncleansingaugusta.com • essentialcleansingcenter.com

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY WE TAKE: •Georgia medicaid •Insurance plans •Charge cards •WIC vouchers Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-722-7355

Harold V. Jones II ATTORNEY AT LAW

Criminal Law • Divorce • Personal Injury • Employment Law

SHEPARD, PLUNKETT, HAMILTON & BOUDREAUX, LLP 429 Walker Street Upper Level Augusta, GA 30901

Phone 706-722-6200 Fax 706 722-4817 hjones@shepardplunkett.com

You don’t have to live with BACK PAIN

or any other kind of discomfort, including headaches, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, muscle tension, sleep ������������������������������������ 706-736-5551

2 Locations: 1125Available!

Druid Park Ave.•�� Road ACCEPTED M2583 OSTTobacco INSURANCE Drug Testing Now Augusta, GA 30904 Hephzibah, GA 30815 1132 Druid Park Ave, Augusta, GA

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

Rt tJ Trinity

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

6

Picture perfect Paine pounds Fort Valley

Paine College player Jerel Stephenson (Guard/Forward, #22) goes for a layup as Fort Valley State University players watch in dismay. The game took place at the HEAL Complex on Saturday, (Jan. 19) with the Lions winning with a final score of 89-70 over the Wildcats.

Photo by LeRoy Mundy/RebelShots/Special to UPW

Paine College center Kiara Johnson (#42) attempts to score during a game against the Fort Valley State University Lady Wildcats at Paine’s HEAL complex on Saturday (Jan. 19). The Lady Lions crushed the Wildcats with a final score of 95-86.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Paine College vs Fort Valley State January 19, 2013 Women’s Game 95-86 Men’s Game 89 -70 Paine College cheerleaders rally the crowd during a game against the Ft. Valley State University Lady Wildcats.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Paine College women’s basketball coach Willie Adams diagrams a play during a time-out in a game against the Ft. Valley State University Lady Wildcats at Paine’s HEAL complex. The Lady Lions crushed the Wildcats with a final score of 95-86.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

AUGUSTA The Paine College Honda Team will be hosting its first annual Paine College Honda Campus AllStar Challenge Team High School Invitational to area high schools on Monday, January 21, 2013. The event will take place at 11:00 am in the Candler Memorial Library building on the campus of Paine College. The

Honor A female hero by nominating her as a SHERO AUGUSTA Cher’s Sisters Only Club (SOC) hosts their 7th Annual Shero Awards on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Kroc Center.

The purpose of the Shero is to honor outstanding women in the Central Savannah River Area making a difference in the lives of others and doing extraordinary things.

The awards ceremony will recognize seven women in the categories of Health and Social Services, Arts, Law and Government/Armed Forces, Community Service, Business, Faith and Spirituality, and Education. Two nominees will be selected for the special categories of 96.3 Kiss FM Vision Award and Woman of the Year.

The SOC is currently taking nominations for the Shero Awards until 6:00 p.m. on February 16, 2013.

Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.sistersonlyclub.com.

academic competition will feature Richmond County high school students, competing in the game play format used by the Honda Campus All Star Challenge.

The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is the first-ever academic competition between students at America’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Now in its 24th sea-

experience that is the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge. This year’s inaugural high school competition will coincide with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to celebrate the intellectual excellence that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. exemplified in his own life.

For more information please contact Uzetta Gresham at (706) 8218387 or ugresham@paine.edu.

The Place . . . is the place to be!

Your choice for comprehensive long or short term nursing care and rehabilitation services. Open for admissions 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

The Place At Deans Bridge 3235 Deans Bridge Rd. Augusta, GA 30906 706-798-1430

Nursing and Rehabilitation

The Place At Martinez 409 Pleasant Home Rd. Augusta, GA 30907 706-863-6030

MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to provide excellent quality of care and services to our residents, families and community.

THE COUNSELING GROUP Outpatient Therapy Program

Sometimes life becomes unmanageable and professional intervention is needed.

Caffee Wright is the owner of The Counseling Group. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified School Counselor in the state of Georgia, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and a Master Addiction Counselor.

son, nearly 100,000 HCASC players have demonstrated their incredible intellects and fast recall, and for their efforts, have earned over $7 million in grants from Honda for their institutions.

Paine College has competed in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge for 23 years and would like to expose local area high schools to exciting

Individual Therapy Family Therapy Staff Development Workshops Consultation Foster Parent Training Multiple Offender Treatment Group Counseling Clinical Evaluations Family Violence Intervention

Inga N. Hicks, PC Attorney At Law Uncompromised Representation and Unmatched Results

Criminal Defense Personal Injury Family Law Wills

3026 Deans Bridge Road • Augusta, GA 30906

706-814-5998

Insurance, WellCare, and Amerigroup provider

4137 Columbia Rd., Suite C, Martinez, GA 30907

(706) 772-7500

7 UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

Paine College Honda Team will host academic competition for area high schools

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

8

Paine added to National Registry of Historic Places Paine College has been designated as an historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In order achieve this distinction, the College had to demonstrate that many of its facilities met and exceeded the National Registry’s requirements and guidelines. Paine College has many historical landmarks which include Candler Memorial Library, Mary Helm Hall, Epworth Residential Hall, the original bell that was installed in the Haygood Holsey Hall tower, Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel and many other buildings located on the campus.

It’s here again!

The 2nd Annual Lillie J Tanksley Foundation 4 Ovarian Cancer Fundraiser Ball will be held on Friday, Feb 8 at The Boathouse Community Center.

The Lillie J Tanksley Foundation 4 cancer 5k run/walk will be on Saturday, February 9 at Lake Olmsted Park.

Tickets for both events can be purchased online at www.lilliejtanksleyfoundation.com.

Tender Care Training School State Approved

Certified Nurse Asst. Training Phlebotomy Training Pharmacy Tech. Training 1140 Druid Park Ave. Augusta, GA 30904 OFFICE HOURS TUES-FRI. 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM Phone: (706)736-9225 Fax: (706)736-0995

TBA Trowell Builders & Associates Designers • Builders • Planners

Sanctuary Multi-Purpose Buildings Renovations

PRODUCTS

Auto Home Business Bonds

If you’re looking for insurance, we will find the best Georgia and South Carolina insurance solutions for your needs.

Ben Crawford 144 DAVIS ROAD

Augusta Georgia 30907 706-305-1698 office bcrawford25@gmail.com

P.O. Box 211886 Augusta, Ga 30917 1.800.546.2685 • Fax 706.738.6328 email: tbamakedreams@aol.com

www.gacoverage.com

rban Pro

eekly

OPINION

MLK Injustice Index: racism, materialism and militarism

by Bill Quigley “We as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values…when machines and computers, profit motives and property rights, are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr., April 4, 1967 While the US celebrates the re-election of its first African American President and the successes of numerous African Americans in all walks of life, there remain troubling challenges.

While remembering how far this nation has come since Dr. King was alive, we cannot forget how far we have still to go to combat the oppressions of racism, materialism and militarism.

Racism Whites have 22 times more wealth than blacks and 15 times more wealth than Latinos. Median household net worth for whites was $110,000 versus $4,900 for blacks versus $7,424 for Latinos, according to CNN Money and the Census Bureau.

African American students face harsher discipline, have less access to rigorous high school classes and

are more likely to be taught by less experienced and lower paid teachers according to a government sponsored national survey of 72,000 schools.

13% of whites, 21% of blacks and 32% of Hispanics lack health insurance, according to a Kaiser Foundation study.

The latest Census analysis shows 9% of white families below the US poverty level and 23% of Black and Hispanic families below the same levels.

Materialism The chairman of Goldman Sachs was awarded $21 million in total pay for 2012, according to the Wall Street Journal.6 From 1978 to 2011, compensation for workers grew by 5.7 percent.

During the same time, CEO compensation grew by 725 percent. In 1965 CEO earned about 20 times the typical worker. In 2011, the typical CEO “earned” over 200 times the typical worker.

The top 1% of earners took home 93% of the growth in incomes in 2010, while middle income household have lower incomes than they did in 1996, according to Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz.

Student loan debt is now higher than total credit card debt and total

auto loan debt.

Over 2.8 million children in the US live in homes of extreme poverty, less than $2 per person per day before government benefits. This is double what it was 15 years ago.

Nearly one in six people in the US live in poverty according to the Census.

One in five children live in poverty.

Latest information shows 17% of white children in poverty, 32% of Hispanic children and 35% of black children.

Militarism The US spends more on its military than any country in the world. The US spends more on its military than the next 10 countries combined! More than China, Russia, UK, France, Japan, Indian, Saudi Arabia, German and Brazil together.

The 2013 military budget authorizes spending $633 billion on our military defense, not including money for the Veterans Administration. The VA budget submission for 2013 is $140 billion. To compare, total federal spending on Social Security for 2012 was about $773 billion.

The US has 737 military bases outside the US around the world and over 2 million military personnel, including Defense Department and local

hires.

The US leads the world in the sale of weapons in the global arms market.

In 2011 the US tripled sales to $66 billion making up three-quarters of the global market. Russia was second with less than $5 billion in sales.

45% of the 1.6 million veterans from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are seeking disability benefits from physical and mental injuries suffered while in the service.

Suicides in active US military, 349 in 2012, exceeded the 295 total combat deaths in Afghanistan in 2012, according to the Associated Press.

Conclusion These are challenges we should face with the hope and courage Dr. King and so many others have taught us as we celebrate his accomplishment and his inspiration.

Bill Quigley is Associate Director of the Center for Constitutional Rights and a law professor at Loyola University New Orleans. He has been active in human rights in Haiti for years. He volunteers with the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH). Contact Bill at quigley77@ gmail.com

LETTERS

How to truly celebrate Dr. King’s legacy Today we celebrate the birthday and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as the 2nd inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama II. Even at this hour thousands of people are braving the extreme cold to personally take part in one of the most historic moments in our country’s history on the birthday of one of our most celebrated civil rights leaders. There is no doubt that most of the participants will leave Washington with a sense of purpose, hope, and some may even have a new determination to actually continue the work of Dr. King.

Sadly, however, this warm fuzzy feeling that most will have will only last as long as it takes to re-enter the chaos of everyday life. Most will quickly forget about the resolution they made when standing in the jubilant crowd, sharing that sense of oneness with their fellow Americans and international neighbors.

That resolution to go back home and commit to change the oppressive policies and conditions that still exist to this day for the poor and, far more disproportionately, for people of color.

Recently I spoke with an attorney here in Augusta in regards to the issues surrounding the disproportionate use of the local private probation company, Sentinel Offender Services, among the poor and minority citizens of our county.

At the time of the conversation a local non-minority attorney had taken on the cause of challenging the use of such services in the county. While some in the black community have questioned this attorney’s motives, there still stands the fact that he is attempting to do something

that is extremely important to the black community. The attorney to whom I was speaking stated that, there was simply no money in going after such an issue.

At the time he made the statement I was completely shocked by his candor and, what I perceived at the time, his acquiescence to the oppressed conditions that exist in certain parts of Augusta.

However, after I had time to reflect on his statement, I realized that what he said was in its self a reality of one of the conditions that has led to the systemic loss of many of the gains achieved by the civil rights movement. Because of the everyday grind just to make ends meet in most minority communities, one barely has time to give much thought to their condition and even less thought to how to change those conditions. The task seems just too overwhelming.

History has shown us, time and time again, when we work together as one, we are able to overcome the obstacles that are meant to keep us divided and oppressed. We cannot leave it to President Obama and some of the few champions of our day to fight every battle while we sit within our comfort zones and then complain when change seems to have passed us by. We must now commit ourselves to a lifelong resolve that we will not allow Dr. King, and so many others before and after him, to have died in vain.

How can this be done?

While the answer to this would require significantly more insight than just my own, I can offer that a good start would be to look to resurrecting the NAACP in every city that has a need. Needless

to say, for many years the NAACP has become extremely marginalized and many question whether or not the organization is even relevant anymore. I have had to struggle with this question myself over the last few years -- especially since I have been here in Augusta. One only has to look at the true record of our local branch to see why one would question its relevance.

I have pored over numerous historical branch documents, including president’s reports, executive committee meeting minutes and general membership minutes and have yet to find one authentic civil rights action taken on by the branch under its current leadership. Regardless of the numerous awards that have been bestowed on the current president, by the National & State NAACP for his leadership and civil rights endeavors, there are no actual facts to support these so-called accomplishments, other than the self reporting of the current president.

Recently when I visited his office I was astonished to see the amount of awards that covered the walls. One would quickly reason that this man has truly been an advocate on every battlefield of injustice in Augusta. Sadly, though, this has not been the case and because the Augusta branch pays its dues to the National NAACP, it seems that they have turned a deaf ear to the complaints that have been made about his dictator type leadership over the years. So much so that it will certainly do nothing when it learns that as recent as its last executive meeting the president called the police on an 80 year old, lifelong

member of the NAACP, when she would not turn off a tape recorder she had at the meeting so she could take accurate notes. He actually wanted the officers that responded to arrest her for her disobedience. Let’s reflect a moment...civil disobedience...police...NAACP. Does anyone see the hypocrisy in this?

I encourage everyone to take a new look at how we can save the NAACP from its current stigma of a social organization and bring its focus back to social justice.

We have to look at the internal problems of the minority community and how to resolve these problems before we can tackle the external systemic influences of oppression. Saving our local branch would allow for numerous participants to take on the issues without overburdening any one person. The attorney I mentioned earlier would be able to bring his expertise to the branch without being overwhelmed by the challenges that arise in running a successful law practice.

Working together in unity to create better conditions for all oppressed people is not just a vision of those who have gone before us. In fact it was the reality of Dr. King, Medgar Evers, Dr. Du Bois, Carter G. Woodson and countless others. After this day has passed and tomorrow has come with a new work day, I pray that all of you will join me in keeping the legacy of Dr. King alive through the resurrection of our local branch of the NAACP to authentically continue the commitment for which many before us sacrificed their lives.

Jesse Willard Jr. Augusta

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

U W

9

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

10

Exhibit highlights Negro Baseball Leagues “Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience” For the first time, Augustans got the rare opportunity to view memorabilia and paraphernalia from the Golden Age of the Negro Baseball Leagues.

The exhibit “Pride and Passion: ‘The AfricanAmerican Baseball Experience” debuted in Augusta at Georgia Regents University’s Reese Library on Friday, January 18. Negro Leaguers Carl Long and Clifford Layton were on hand to sign autographs and chat with visitors.

The exhibit, organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and museum and the American Library Association Public Programs Office, will be on display until Feb. 21, 2013.

AT LEFT: Carl Long, a former baseball player with the Birmingham Black Barons, shares a laugh while signing autographs for Lillian Wan (L).

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

ABOVE: Clifford Layton (R), a baseball player with the Indianapolis Clowns and the NY Black Yankees, talks to a fan during the unveiling of the exhibition “Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience” at GRU’s Reese Library.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

CSRA EOA

OF RICHMOND COUNTY

RICHMOND, EMANUEL, SYLVANIA AND HARLEM HEAD START

The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2013, for the following:

1. Student Information System RFP #13-625 Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Amy Bauman in the Business Office at 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org. or at the Richmond County School System, Central Office, 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, Georgia 30901.

The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY By: Dr. Frank G. Roberson, Secretary

TEACHER ASSISTANT GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Plans daily activities with the teacher. Responsible for the physical arrangement of the classroom and mealtime preparations. Works with the teacher to implement daily activities and supervises outdoor activities.

Supervises loading and unloading of the buses, makes the required home visits, conducts the individual child assessment, and performs other duties as assigned.

Must have a high school diploma with vocational training in Early Childhood Education plus three years experience working with pre-school children. CDA Certificates will be required within first year.

RICHMOND AND SYLVANIA COUNTY HEAD START

TEACHER GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Works directly with the children using various techniques and experiences to help each child develop socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Develops and implements group and individual lesson plans which will meet the individual needs of the children weekly. Post lesson plans daily. Makes required home visits. Makes a complete assessment of each Child’s individual needs.

Must have AA degree in Early Childhood Education and three years experience.

QUALIFIED persons interested in applying for these positions must send a written notice to the Personnel Office no later than February 4, 2013. Please include an outline of your qualifications for this position, which meet the requirements above. Detailed job descriptions are available in the Personnel Office, 1261 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Fax 706 722-8565 “AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”

11

DESIGN - BUILD LLC

“One-Stop Construction” Our Office Provides: Architectural Drafting & Construction House Plans • Church Plans Renovation Projects • Metal Buildings Larry L. McCord Can Provide All Your Design and Construction Needs All Under One Roof 2016 Highland Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904-5352 Office: (706) 733-2931 Cell (706) 267-7998 Email: llmccord@comcast.net

Dollars $ Sense Bookkeeping LLC

Debra H. McCord Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor ®

UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

LARRY L McCORD LLC

706/564-4898 CALL NOW . . . TAX TIME IS NEAR! Small Business / Individual 23 Years Experience Email: d.mccord25@comcast.net

Website: www.dollarsandsense-augusta.com 2016 Highland Avenue; Suite C Augusta, GA 30904-5352

PAINT BODY S

1850 Gordo Suite A Au GA 309

706-733-

Fax: 706-733

Ms. Adrian W

PAINT & BODY SHOP Deductible Assistance Available 1850 Gordon Hwy., Suite A Augusta, GA 30904

706-733-7115 Fax: 706-733-7143 Ms. Adrian Wright

12 UrbanProWeekly • JANUARY 24 - 31, 2013

THE LAW OFFICE OF

Frails & Wilson ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Experienced Representation

Real Estate Transactions Personal Injury Bankruptcy Social Security Disability Probate • Domestic Randolph Frails

Edwin Wilson

Criminal Defenses

Aimee Sanders

706-855-6715

211 Pleasant Home Road • Suite A1 • Augusta, GA

Need Credit Help?

Providence Place 706-793-2664

2205 Southgate Dr. • Augusta,GA 30906

J Sears Company LLC

$150.00 OFF FIRST MONTH’S RENT 1 bedroom/1 bath $415 2 bedroom/1 bath $475 2 bedroom/1 bath $475 energy efficient

DIRECTIONS Take I-520 to Deans Bridge Road North.

Turn right on Richmond Hll Road.

Property is on the left.

OFFICE HOURS Mon-Fri 9-5:30; 1st Sat of month 10-3

Don’t Let A Low Credit Score Don’tThe LetDoor A Low Credit Score Close To Your Future!!!

2 bedroom/ 1 1/2 bath Townhome $550 *Certain restrictions may apply Call office for details

•Fully equipped kitchens NACCURATE •Mini-blinds •Pool •Laundry facilities •Total electric central heat and air •Washer and dryer connections in some •On-site courtesy officer •Near Ft. Gordon •Gas heat/hot water heaters •Playground •Picnic area/grills •Prices are subject to change

Close The Door To Your Future!!!

· · · · · ·

INACCURATE BANKRUPTCIES INCOMPLETE INFO TAX LIENS STUDENT LOANS INCORRECT INFO CHARGE OFFS

· · · · · ·

www.jsearscompany.com

OUT OF DATE INFO JUDGMENTS MEDICAL BILLS COLLECTIONS INQUIRIES & MORE……….