UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW

District 5 & District 9 Candidates Profiled

URBAN PRO WEEKLY MAY 5 - 11, 2016 VOL. 5 NO. 31

Happy Birthday Godfather!

GALVIN HAMILTON, along with the band Funk You, performs on stage at Bell Auditorium during the JAMES BROWN BIRTHDAY BASH. The musical event, which honored the memory and birthday of the late Godfather of Soul, was organized by the James Brown Family Foundation. Proceeds from the celebration will benefit the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils (JAMP). (May 3, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 5 - 11, 2016

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Inspiring Fashion For The Distinctive Woman JEWELRY, SHOES, ACCESSORIES

Special Selections in time for Mothers Day! FINE MEN AND WOMEN’S CLOTHES

UPW Urban Pro Weekly

2746 Willis Foreman Road Hephzibah, GA 30815

2439 Peach Orchard Rd. Augusta Ga 30906 706-825-8529

URBAN PRO WEEKLY Publisher URBAN PRO MEDIA 706-836-2018 urbanpromedia@yahoo.com

CEO / Sales FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 editor@urbanproweekly.com

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

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CITY VIBRATIONS

THE AUGUSTA BAND FUNK YOU performs on stage at Bell Auditorium during the James Brown Birthday Bash. The musical event, which honored the memory and birthday of the late Godfather of Soul, was organized by the James Brown Family Foundation. Proceeds from the celebration will benefit the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils (JAMP). (May 3, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Finance seminar addresses the banking needs of small businesses The CSR A Business League, Inc., in conjunction with Augusta First Bank & Trust, will sponsor a Small Business Finance Seminar on Wednesday, May 25, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Augusta - Richmond County Public Library on Telfair Street.

The workshop will feature presentations on Financial Products offered by Augusta First.

Attendees will have the

opportunity to speak one on one with an Augusta First Banking specialist.

For additional information, call 706 722 - 0994 or by email at shirmaineivey@business-league. org.

Register at http://www. eventbrite.com/o/csra-businessleague-inc-9764755139 or call or email us to add your name to the event roster.

GDOT looking heavy equipment operators and CDL-licensed drivers On Tuesday, May 10, the Appling Maintenance Office will hold a three-hour “walk-in” event for serious applicants interested in maintenance professional employment within the six-county Augusta Area.

The session is from 9 a.m. 12 noon. The GDOT Maintenance Office is located at 1800 LonerganHulme Road, Appling, GA. Candidates 18 years of age and

older and with a high school diploma/GED equivalent are encouraged to attend. Applicants must come prepared with a valid Class C driver’s license ready to apply.

It is highly favorable for individuals attending the hiring event to already possess a CDL and the ability to work in adverse weather conditions to be considered for an employment offer pending background and drug testing.

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2016 ELECTION COMMISSION DISTRICT 5 FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE COMMISSION

Former educator, school board member Jefferson makes District 5 bid

Andrew Jefferson

Photo by Ken Makin

AUGUSTA District 5 Commission candidate Andrew Jefferson has an extensive background in education – and by virtue of his service on the Richmond County School Board, experience in politics.

“For 12 years, I served on the school board. Even though that was education, the function of a school board trustee is similar to that of a commissioner,” Jefferson said. “Fifty percent of the city budget goes to education. As a commissioner, I would essentially be working with the other 50 percent – budgeting, personnel issues, items such as those.”

He hopes to turn his various experiences into a successful bid for District 5 Commissioner. He will run against candidate Kelby Walker on Tuesday, May 24.

Jefferson’s platform isn’t just focusing on education and experiences, but on economics.

“I would like to see more major corporations come to Augusta,” he said. “At Augusta Tech, I worked in administration and economic development. Part of our job was to help sell Augusta – inform businesses and

corporations about our work force.”

Jefferson is also touting a vision for South Augusta that will provide opportunities for small businesses.

“I am a lifelong resident of Richmond County. Once upon a time, when I went out in South Augusta, I didn’t have to go but five or 10 minutes for (food or entertainment),” he said. “Over the years, I’ve watched restaurants and movie theaters leave this area. I would like to see South Augusta rise again.”

He also seeks to reduce crime in District 5 through communit y involvement and “safer neighborhoods.”

“I would like to see our citizens become a part of the solution,” he said. “Let’s help (Richmond County) Sheriff Richard Roundtree with community policing. That can help curb some of the violence in our neighborhoods.”

Jefferson, 56, and his wife, Patricia, have two adult children. For more information on Jefferson’s campaign, call (706) 8257828.

— Ken Makin

STEPPING UP TO THE FOREFRONT

No longer behind the scenes, Walker rising to political challenge AUGUSTA District 5 Commission candidate Kelby Walker takes great pride in his introduction to politics.

“My grandmother, who raised me, got me started in politics. She believed that politics and government affect our lives (profoundly),” Walker said. “In 1980, the results of the presidential election between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter came in, and she said some choice words to the TV. “I said, ‘Mama, why are you yelling’? And she explained to me how important voting was,” he added. “That empowered me in such a way where I knew I had to be mindful of who was elected.”

That episode birthed a spirit of community and candidacy in Walker. From there, he worked on various campaigns and diversified himself as a small business owner.

When the seat for District 5 became open because of term limits for Commissioner Bill Lockett, Walker knew it was an opportunity to serve and voice his concerns.

“The question I asked myself was, ‘How can we improve our community?’,” Walker said.

“There’s a lack of opportunity and accessibil-

ity in South Augusta. That’s why I decided to make that transition from advocate to candidate.”

Walker will run against opponent Andrew Jefferson on Tuesday, May 24 for the District 5 Commission seat. He is focusing on empowering the constituency through small business.

“As a small business owner myself, what I realize is that our community needs a creation of wealth,” Walker said. “There are 23 million small businesses in America, which represents half of the workforce. What would it mean to bring (private sector) businesses here to South Augusta? Not just loan offices or Family Dollars, but flourishing businesses.”

He also wants to see Augusta enjoy some of the amenities and opportunities of big cities such as Atlanta.

“I moved to Atlanta for a year, and it showed me some of the things that Augusta can have,” he said. “We have the potential. We just have to realize that potential.”

Walker, 42, has six children. For more information on Walker’s campaign, call (706) 5893461.

—Ken Makin

Kelby Walker

Photo by Ken Makin

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2016 ELECTION COMMISSION DISTRICT 9

Love him or hate him, incumbent Williams has the people’s ear AUGUSTA A local political career that spans almost 20 years hasn’t come without some adversity – and controversy – for Marion Williams.

Yet the Super District 9 Commissioner takes it all in stride – and takes pride in the response of his constituency.

“I think the people realize that I am upfront with them, and I tr y to keep them informed,” Williams said.

“People think government is smooth, and it’s really not. Politics is crooked and dirty.

“Some people have been told for years they would get something, and they haven’t,” he added. “So they don’t always trust government. But the people trust me (as their representative).”

Marion Williams

Photo by Ken Makin

On Tuesday, May 24, Williams will find himself in the political fray once again, doing battle with candidate Ronnie Battle. In terms of campaigning, Williams said his work speaks for itself.

“I’ve been campaigning my whole career through ( public ser vice),” Williams said. “It’s like the song says, if you don’t know me by now, you’ll never, ever know me.”

Williams ack nowledged that he is of ten asked about the work ing relationship of the Commission – and the tensions that may ensue. He said it is all part of moving the cit y forward.

“How can you look at our city and see how bad it is on one side of the community, and how good it is on the other side of the community?”

Williams said. “The economic pie has not been shared. I want to change hat.

I want to see this city move forward in economic development (all over Augusta).”

Williams, 67, has three adult daughters. For more information on Williams’ re-election bid, call (706) 664-1496 or (706) 210-2580.

— Ken Makin

THE POLITICAL PARADIGM SHIFT

Battle seeks to bring fresh face, ‘fresh eyes’ to Super District 9 AUGUSTA In anticipation of a run toward political office, Super District 9 candidate Ronnie Battle has focused his gaze on city politics and involved himself in various organizations and entities.

As a result, he has pinpointed an alliterative quartet of reasons why Augusta has stalled in growth over the years.

“Prominence, prestige, popularity and prosperity. (Our leaders) think it’s all about them, and not about others and giving back,” Battle said. “We need something different.”

His solution to traditional Augusta politics is service – and a fresh start.

That’s why he will run against incumbent Commissioner Marion Williams on Tuesday, May 24 for the Super District 9 seat.

“There’s so much that can happen here, but we have entities here who are making this place stagnant,” Battle said. “When we can’t be progressive or forward-thinking, it kills the spirit of this city.”

Battle’s platform will focus on functioning government, credibility, image

and fiscal responsibility, which includes discussions about the stormwater fee and the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

“The stormwater fee is needed, and it’s irresponsible to take the position of ‘we don’t need it,’” he said. “We have people who have dealt with f looding for (decades). …We are mandated by state and federal government to have a stormwater program, and to have a funding mechanism for that program. Other communities around us have been doing that for years.”

He also wants to ensure that transparency is a part of the political process.

“If there is underhandedness, I will let the public know,” he said. “How can you take taxpayers’ money, say it is designated for a (specific) project, and then divert it elsewhere? It’s unconscionable.”

Battle, 62, has an adult son. For more information on Battle’s campaign, call (706) 399-4530 or email rbattle318@ gmail.com.

— Ken Makin

Ronnie Battle

Photo by Ken Makin

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 5 - 11, 2016

CONTROVERSY — AND CONSTITUENCY

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FASHION WATCH

Zaccheus Miles Trunk Show AUGUSTA, GA

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EAST MEETS WEST

(Above) Calandra Parks (in front) walks down the runway along with other models during the “East Meets West” portion of the Zaccheus Miles Trunk Show held at the Doris Building. The Augusta fashion designer presented his latest creations during the event. (April 30, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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SPORTS HS Lacrosse (Above) Greenbrier’s Mackenzie Smith (L, with ball) moves down the field as Lakeside’s Maggie Horner (R) defends during a lacrosse game held at Lakeside stadium. The Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Wolfpack 10-7 in the final score of the game.

(April 26, 2016 - Evans, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Lakeside vs Greenbriar Greenbrier’s Rachel Doxey looks to pass the ball during a lacrosse game against rival school Lakeside. The Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Wolfpack 10-7 in the final score of the game.

(April 26, 2016 - Evans, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Augusta Chorale performs at Paine

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Lead vocalists Kira King Dittfurth and Washington Isaac Holmes perform during the Augusta Chorale’s 33rd Season Spring Concert, held last Sunday at the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel of Paine College.

The Chorale is under the direction of Dr. Phyllis W. Anderson. Photo by Ken Makin

Reboot For Change!

May 14, 2016 • Bernie Ward Community Center

Hip Hop Gospel Concert “Reboot For Change” is a gospel Hip-Hop Concert followed by a worship service.

Workshops starting at 8:30 am will jumpstart the event. Headliners include Pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen from the Crossover Church in Tampa, FL. Also, Grammie-Award-winning producer Herman Little and “Blessed to be a Blessing” Jason Lutes, both from NU Royal Group in Atlanta will be on hand.

The inspirational, motivational, Teka Downer will be there to RE-ME the public.

At noon it’s going down with Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen, Diversity, PSMITH, Mike “Sarge” Manning, and Pastor Derwin Jackson and the Experience will perform. It’s all for the glory, praise, and honor of worshipping God, in a HIPHOP kind-of way. Vendors, refreshments, and voter registration activities are scheduled. Event sponsored by Imago Dei Community Development Inc.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

A NDREW

J EFFERSON

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 MY PRIORITIES FOR DISTRICT 5 WILL BE TO SUPPORT

ECONOMIC GROWTH • SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS SMALL BUSINESSES OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH-WAGE JOBS

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UrbanProWeekly - MAY 5 - 11, 2016

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin CORRESPONDENTS, CRAZIES AND COLUMBIA COUNTY

Chronicling a controversial week-in-review Faithful readers! Thanks for your comments and continuing support.

Normally, I focus on a singular topic as a focus of my columns. This week, so much has taken place, I feel compelled to speak on various issues. And so, I will talk about the transition of urban events from Richmond County to Columbia County, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and Trump’s direct line to the Republican nomination for President. *** The soul has left Augusta.

It wasn’t always like this. Before the ice storm of 2014, there were a number of soul-based events held at the Augusta Exchange Club Fairgrounds – in Richmond County.

After the ice storm, there was so much damage and debris. Do y’all remember where much of that debris went? That’s right, it was placed at the fairgrounds, which devolved for that period of time into a heap for tree limbs and fallen timber.

Eventually, those big trucks and the clean-up site left town. And so did the soul.

Before the ice storm, the city’s “family reunions” and “soul food festivals” had a home in Richmond County.

After the ice storm, those events have been held in Columbia County, and show no signs of returning.

Why is that important? It’s an issue of economic empowerment and opportunity. The “soulful” events in question made sense in Richmond County, because of our constituency and market. It was a way to bring people out in the spirit of entertainment – and economy.

Now residents have to drive some 15-20 – even 30 minutes to the Lady A Amphitheater to enjoy these types of events. It’s very disheartening. It also displays who gets it and who doesn’t get it in the Black community when it comes to improving the quality of life for Augustans.

Lady A – sounds a lot better than Lady Antebellum, true? Let’s talk about the definition of that word for a second – “antebellum.” Antebellum

describes culture or memorabilia occurring or existing before a particular war, especially the American Civil War. What kind of history did African-Americans know during and before the Civil War? It was not a kind history, that’s for sure. That name only adds irony to tragedy.

I pray for my people to understand economic empowerment. I pray for my people to understand that keeping soul festivals and urbanbased events in Richmond County is important.

I pray we get our soul back. *** Quite simply, I could well exceeded my word limit for this column talking about Donald Trump. I will simply say this – the Republican Party is a joke. The two-party system is a joke. I’m not voting for Trump, obviously. Nor am I voting for Hillary Clinton. I challenge everyone reading this column to learn about candidates from other political parties. I’m also encouraging you to go vote – in May AND in

November. You don’t have to choose between Don Chump and Hillary, Queen Panderer. *** Let’s talk about the “N-word Heard ‘Round The World.”

During Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, comedian Larry Wilmore flippantly referred to President Barack Obama as “my n—a” during a series of jokes aimed at the President.

Some saw Wilmore’s display as “political satire.” That may have been true – up until the point that he referred to the Commander-In-Chief as the N-word.

Worse off, it appeared that the President was in concert with this buffoonery. He gestured toward Wilmore in a “brotherly” fashion after the controversial comment, and later shared a well-meaning embrace.

First of all, I don’t think there’s any place for the N-word. And certainly, if that word would be uttered, it should not be in the direction of the

man recognized as our nation’s first African-American president.

However you may feel about President Obama, this was a misstep.

I applaud his character under fire and the spirit of his policies. I also believe this particular incident is not only a slap in the face to the image that President Obama and his family projects, it is a slap in the face to those individuals, past and present, who worked toward his ascension to the White House.

Also, save your comments about the duality of the N-word. I know it can be used as a term of endearment.

But let me ask you this, how would you feel if Wilmore had called First Lady Michelle Obama the B-word?

Mic drop. Makin out.

Ken J. Makin is the host of “Makin’ A Difference,” an internet radio program available at soundcloud.com/ makinadifference. Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/ makinadifferenceshow. You can also reach Ken by email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com, or via Twitter @differencemakin.

E L E C T  SHEILA CLARK NELSON FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 125

NEW VOICE, NEW VISION

A Candidate that is Honest and Trustworthy www.sheilaclarknelson.com

WORK TO HELP INCREASE TOURISM HELP IMPROVE LOCAL JOB MARKET LISTEN TO AND ADDRESS CONCERNS OF CITIZENS CAMPAIGN DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO: P.O. BOX 5544 • AUGUSTA, GA 30916 PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT SHEILA C NELSON

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UrbanProWeekly - MAY 5 - 11, 2016

ARE YOU AT RISK?

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UrbanProWeekly - MAY 5 - 11, 2016

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