UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW

KEN MAKIN: What does that South Augusta brawl caught on video say about the media and local policing?

URBAN PRO WEEKLY APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 VOL. 5 NO. 27

Nancy Lopez

plays Augusta

Michelle Obama visits Burke County HS.

PRO GOLFER NANCY LOPEZ ATTENDS THE MAYOR’S MASTERS RECEPTION, held at the Augusta Common. Lopez is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, with 48 LPGA Tour wins and 3 major LPGA Tour championships. She is also the first female golfer to be honored at the Mayor’s reception. The event featured food vendors and musical performances. (April 4, 2016 Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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UPW

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

Urban Pro Weekly

2746 Willis Foreman Road Hephzibah, GA 30815

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 NEWS

FIRST LADY TO BRING GREEN THUMB TO BURKE COUNTY

Michelle’s ‘Garden Tour’ will visit Burke County Middle School Mayor’s Masters Reception Vocalist Genevieve Borges Ahkuoi, with the music group The A-Town A-List, performs during the Mayor’s Masters Reception, held at the Augusta Common. The event featured food vendors and musical performances.

(April 4, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

BURKE COUNTY Local students’ STEM-based schooling has gained the attention of the country’s highest office.

As a part of her American Garden Tour, First Lady Michelle Obama will visit Burke County Middle School today (Thursday) and join students to plan the school garden.

According to a press release from whitehouse.gov, Rural Burke County has a “Farm to School” program that provides farm fresh produces to students on a daily basis. As a result of offering local fresh fruits and vegetables, the Burke County school district found that students’ consumption of fruits and veggies doubled.

The middle school is also the

home of the county’s STEMbased learning garden, where students are writing a cookbook that incorporates food from the community garden. The district also offers a bi-monthly farmers’ market at the high school that showcases the locally grown food, and the district provides cooking demonstrations in class to reinforce the healthy habits being taught in the lunchroom.

The American Garden Tour is a part of the First Lady’s “Let’s Move!” initiative. Eight years ago, the focus on gardening kicked off after Mrs. Obama planted a vegetable garden on the South Lawn to initiate a national conversation around the health and wellbeing of our nation—a conversation that evolved into the health-based initiative.

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin DEATH BY ASSOCIATION

Aftermath of Hephzibah fight video reveals failures all around

I

started to write a column like this over a month ago. There was a fight at the Augusta Mall that was poorly reported by local media in terms of accuracy, yet overly hyped throughout the community.

At the time, I planned to outline the media’s inclination to present a “juicy” story, facts be damned. I figured another fight video would be overhyped and thrust into public conversation.

I was right.

In case you haven’t heard, here are some of the details of a fight that occurred on March 18, 2016, and led to the stabbing death of 18-year-old Demajhay Bell: • According to reports, the fight stemmed from inappropriate videos and pictures sent from a male to female, which were later posted to Facebook; • According to reports, a relationship/love triangle that led to heightened tension between the opposed parties was a factor; • According to reports, mothers on opposite sides of the conflict instigated the situation through an invitation to their respective neighborhoods.

To top it all off, the conflict was recorded on video, which has factored greatly into the story’s ascent into national news. The combatants and the victim are AfricanAmerican.

Those are the details. Now, here are the facts from a community perspective.

This incident, contrary to popular belief, is NOT a sweeping indictment of Black people. It IS an indictment of the media; and, in the aftermath of Sheriff Richard Roundtree’s decision to issue murder charges to participants/parties associated with the fight, an indictment of a system that cares more about image than individuals.

Demetrius Harris is caught on camera wielding a knife during the fracas, as the two girls continue to brawl behind him. He was later charged with the stabbing murder of Demajhay Bell, 18, who was knifed in the neck.

Here’s my first question: Why did the media harp on this story? Simple – it’s click-bait and a money-making mechanism. Black pain and violence generate big dollars for mostly-white media entities. As a result, majority media doesn’t mind bringing stereotypes to life and reinforcing those stereotypes.

The response to the media’s presentation is so predictable. From one perspective, you have (mostly white) folks calling these individuals “thugs,” or, as I like to call it, the new N-word.

From another perspective, you have Black folks saying how these individuals are a “disgrace to the race.”

I say SHAME on both parties.

What happens in a street fight is not representative or me or my community, nor is an excuse to spout racially-charged and insensitive rhetoric.

I also say shame on Sheriff Roundtree, whom I respect and see as a great leader with wide-ranging

success. That’s why his decision to issue sweeping murder charges (10 as of last Friday) goes against his actions and ideology in terms of fair jurisdiction and community service.

All these murder charges are nothing more than a political stunt to satiate the media and the “angry mob.”

Oh, I can hear the responses now.

“Ken, don’t you care about ‘Black Lives Matter’?” “Shouldn’t our law enforcement officials be tough on crime?”

First of all, our law enforcement officials ARE tough on crime. The Sheriff recently touted his record in a local publication that highlights the actions of criminal offenders, where he noted that violent crime and property crime have dropped by more than a third since he has taken office.

In terms of Black Lives Matter, I grow weary of people who act

like they care about social movements. I have come to accept and understand that when it comes to profound social change, there will always be few foot soldiers. History makes it seem that society banded together during the Civil Rights Movement. The devil is a liar. There were modest handfuls, small pockets of people who risked their lives and livelihood to make this world a better place.

People don’t authentically care about Black lives, or all lives, for that matter. They care about their own lives. That’s why people are noticeably silent in the face of government corruption and police brutality. And quite frankly, I’m sick of it.

Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond disappointed and incensed with the lack of parenting and the turn of events that led to a young man’s death. I just refuse to address the symptoms of abnormal social activity, while letting the system that perpetuates it get a free pass.

The “Black elite” gain access to a few golf clubs, a few high rises, gain political office and forget about the poor and uneducated. The “Black bourgeoisie” simultaneously seek to leave their brethren in skin behind, while refusing to understand that the White folks they seek to imitate and gain the approval of lump both the rich and poor of color together.

It is truly death by association.

And disassociation.

Ken J. Makin is the host of “Makin’ A Difference,” an online radio program available on iTunes and Soundcloud (soundcloud. com/makinadifference). Updates on the show are available atfacebook.com/makinadifferenceshow.

You can also reach Ken by email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail. com, or via Twitter @differencemakin.

Annual Community Job Fair to be Held April 13

ARC grad selected to Collegiate Who’s Who

AIKEN Aiken Technical College will host its annual Community Job Fair on Wednesday, April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the gymnasium (900 building). Employers from across the area will participate.

Thus far, more than 35 employers and organizations have registered to participate including Augusta University Health Systems, The Family Y, Walmart, Bridgestone, Georgia Department of Corrections, Lexington Medical Center, Michelin

Oxford College of Emory University has selected Mark G. Walden to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Oxford faculty and staff nominated and selected Mark along with nineteen other students based upon academic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success.

Students selected for Who’s Who at Oxford join an elite group of students from more than 2,000 institutions of higher learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several foreign nations.

Mark is a graduate of The Academy of Richmond County High School (ARC) International Baccalaureate Program and a sophomore at Oxford College and son of Michael and Brenda Walden of Augusta Georgia.

Lexington Manufacturing, Savannah River Site and Unisys.

Employers and organizations interested in participating should visit www.atc.edu to register or contact Fowler at (803) 508-7381 or fowlerkf@atc.edu. There is no fee to participate.

Those attending the job fair should dress professionally and bring several copies of their resume to share with employers. A full list of participating employers is available at www.atc.edu.

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1139 Druid Park Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904-5849 (706) 736-4601

The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2016, for the following: 1. Custodial Supplies and Support ServiceRFP#411 2. Emergency Generator Inspection and Maintenance Project No.P2016-004 3. Fire Alarm Inspection Services Project No.P2016-006 4. Fire Sprinkler Inspection and Maintenance Project No.P2016-005 5. Replacement School Bus TiresRFP#16-891 6. Replacement Tires For Cars, Light Trucks, and VansRFP#16-892 7. School Bus Engines: Replacement and InstallationRFP#16-889 8. School Bus Seat Repair SuppliesRFQ#16-893 9. School Bus TransmissionsRFP#16-890 10. Speech and Language Pathology ServicesRFP#16-750 11. Towing Service RFP#16-894

Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Cecilia Perkins in the Business Office at perkice@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us or 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org, or at Richmond County School System, Central Office 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, GA 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. Angela D. Pringle, Secretary

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MARK G. WALDEN

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Westside vs.

Aquinas

WESTSIDE’S ANNE SUTTON WRIGHT swings at the ball during a tennis match against Aquinas’ CECILLIA MCMANUS at Newman Tennis Center.

(March 30, 2016 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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SPORTS HS Tennis

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SPORTS HS Soccer

JOSEY’S IMANI ALSTON runs down the field following the ball during a game against Westside at Josey stadium. The Lady Patriots won the match 4-1.

(March 29, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Westside vs. Josey JOSEY’S GOALKEEPER DAQUISHA WASHINGTON celebrates after the Lady Eagles score a point during a soccer match against Westside at Josey stadium. The Lady Patriots defeated the Lady Eagles 4-1.

(March 29, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

9 UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 WESTSIDE’S KAYLA THIGPEN (#11, center) moves the ball down the field during a game against Josey at the Eagles home field. Also pictured are (L-R) LIZZIE BERNIER (W), TAMIA BING (TWJ), IMANI ALSTON (TWJ) and KATIE MERCER (W). The Lady Patriots won the match 4-1.

(March 29, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

SPORTS HS Soccer Westside vs. Josey WESTSIDE’S LIZZIE BERNIER focuses on her throw-in of the ball during a soccer game against Josey at Josey stadium. The Lady Patriots defeated the Lady Eagles 4-1.

(March 29, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo

by Vincent Hobbs

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SPORTS HS Soccer

GLENN HILL’S SHADARRIA HOLLOWAY (R) takes control of the ball as a Laney player defends during a game held Laney stadium. The Lady Spartans won 4-3 in overtime.

(March 24, 2016 Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Glenn Hills vs. Laney GLENN HILL’S DESTINY JONES prepares for a throwin of the ball during a game against Laney at the Wildcats stadium. The Lady Spartans won 4-3 in overtime.

(March 24, 2016 Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

11 UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 7 - 13, 2016 Josey and Butler soccer players (L-R) TRAEQUAN CAPERS (TWJ), DARTANION RAIFORD (TWJ) and RASHAUN WALKER (B) keep the ball moving down the field during a soccer match at Butler stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Eagles 5-2.

(March 31, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

SPORTS HS Soccer Butler vs. Josey BUTLER’S AARON ST. CHARLES kicks the ball during a soccer match against Josey at Butler stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Eagles 5-2.

(March 31, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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SPORTS Collegiate SOFTBALL

AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S ASHLEY BOYD catches a strike ball during the second game of a double-header against USC Aiken. The Lady Jags, playing on their home field, crushed the Lady Pacers 3-0 in the first game and 7-1 in the second. (March 30, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo

by Vincent Hobbs

Augusta U. vs. USC Aiken AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S CAROLYN EDWARDS returns to first base after consulting with her teammates at the pitcher’s mound during the second game of a double-header against USC Aiken. The Lady Jags, playing on their home field, crushed the Lady Pacers 3-0 in the first game and 7-1 in the second.

(March 30, 2016 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Who needs Masters’ exclusivity?

by Thurman K. Brown Many avid golf fans and visitors from across the world,will be in the “Garden City” this week, as the 80th Masters Golf Tournament tees off. However, one immediate issue comes to mind: Why does the world’s most prestigious and covetous sporting event require one to be on a waiting list to get a ticket to see this “jewel” of a course that’s in our own backyard?

It’s simple.

The Augusta National Golf Club is a private and exclusive club. It still excludes. Let’s face it folks. If you have to ask, you’re not welcome. It’s by invitation only.

The “Old-Country Club” mentality is still present. It’s the mindset of servitude to an elite entity, not so much the opportunity to see professional golf played on the world’s most beautiful course.

This issue has always been a problem for me: The process of being placed on a waiting list to attend a major sporting event is beyond reproach.

Suppose other sports such as professional football, baseball, basketball, and tennis would require a waiting list just to get a ticket or a badge.

The Masters Golf Tournament should be an open sporting event for anyone who is willing to pay to see it without any stipulations of membership or a waiting list. You’ve got to be kidding me, Augusta!

Happenings at Humanitree House LOVE POWER! SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH SACRED SENSUALITY AND THE POWER OF WOMAN! Sister Circle . Gathering . Dinner .

Wine . Discussion • $15

Finance Seminar gives community to meet with bankers 13 The CSRA Business League, in conjunction with the Wells Fargo Bank, will sponsor a Finance Seminar on Tuesday, 19 April 2016 beginning at 5:30 pm at the Augusta Public Library at 823 Telfair Street.

The workshop will feature presentations on Lending Programs and Financial Products offered by Wells Fargo.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak one on one with a Wells Fargo Banking specialist.

Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend.

Please contact us at 706 722 - 0994 or by email at shirmaineivey@business-league.org for additional information.

To register go to https://www.

eventbrite.com/e/small-business-finance-seminar-tickets-24109452020 or call or email us to add your name to the event roster.

The CSR A Business League, Inc., a not for profit, 501 © 3 organization that has supported small businesses, women, veteran and minority owned businesses in the CSR A since 1970

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors w ill be received for t he Hephzibah High School Renovations by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, Thursday, April 28, 2016, at w hich time the bids w ill be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period w ill be made.

A Pre-Bid Conference w ill be held at 3:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Hephzibah Comprehensive High School Media Center, 4558 Brothersville Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815. Phone: (706) 592-2089.

Draw ings and project manual on this w ork may be examined at t he Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 1781 15 th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.

Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Architect: Woodhurst Architects 607 15 th St. Augusta, GA 30901 (706) 724-4343. Applications for documents together w it h refundable deposit of $200 per set should be filed promptly w ith the Architect. Bidding material w ill be forw arded (shipping charges collect ) as soon as possible. The f ull amount of deposit for one set w ill be ref unded to each prime contractor w ho submits a bona fide bid upon return of such set in good condition w ithin 10 days after date of opening bids. All other deposits w ill be refunded w ith deductions approximating cost of reproduction of documents upon return of same in good condition w ithin 10 days after date of opening bid.

Contract, if aw arded, w ill be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be w it hdraw n f or a period of 35 days after time has been called on the date of opening.

Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount not less than 5% of t he base bid. Personal checks, certified checks, letters of credit, etc., are not acceptable. The successful bidder w ill be required to furnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal t o 100% of t he contract price.

The Ow ner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to w aive technicalities and informalities.

BID LIST: The Richmond County Board of Education maintains a bid list for many categories t hat are let for bid each year. If your company w ishes to remain on our bid list, w e must receive a response either through a bid or by a no bid response. If w e do not receive a response, your company’ s name w ill be removed from our bid list. Please call the bid office at 706-826-1298 if you fail to receive a post card.

To promote local participation, a database of Sub-contractors, Suppliers, and Vendors has been developed by the Program Manager, GMK Associates. Contact Jeanine Usry w ith GMK Associates at (706) 826-1127 for location to review and obt ain this database.

Bids shall be submitted and addressed to: Dr. Angela Pringle County Board of Education of Richmond Count y Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. C. Gene Spires

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NEIGHBORHOODS

Shotgun houses focus of community transfer AUGUSTA Historic Augusta has successfully transferred ownership of 1421 ½ Picquet Avenue, a modest 1916 shotgun style house in Augusta, Georgia, to the Laney Walker Development Corporation. The house was initially donated to Historic Augusta by Elizabeth Gordon of New York City who inherited the property from her mother, Lucy Bell White.

The house is a fine example of the shotgun house type which was prevalent throughout the South in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.

Shotgun houses have long narrow plans, usually one- story, with a long hall on one side, and a series of two to four rooms on the other side. This house was constructed in 1916 by William Carpenter, Sr., a prominent African-American grocer and entrepreneur in Augusta. It remained in the Carpenter family as an investment

On Stage Blue Bistro production starts April 15th AUGUSTA Anthony R. Page / Blue Bistro Theater will present The Blue Series - Metamorphisis on April 15th, 16th and 17th at the black box theater space located at 601 Broad Street in downtown Augusta, GA. ‘The Series’ includes 6 live performances from a collection of one-act plays written and directed by 6 actors, who are all making their directorial debut in the realm of professional theater.

In addition to these 6 productions, Anthony R. Page will present a special one-act performance of The Commitment.

The Commitment is a moving relationship drama that examines the complex nature of love between a husband and his wife. This production features actors: Victor Corley, Cierra Mitchell & Tyeasha Vanburen.

property until 1960.

The Bethlehem Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places December 1, 1997 and is recognized as a significant historically African American urban neighborhood.

The neighborhood has suffered considerable blight and disinvestment over the past twenty years, but recent new construction including the Powell Pointe development on nearby Twiggs Circle has gained momentum and renewed focus from

both the public and private sectors.

Historic Augusta will work closely with Laney Walker Development Corporation, which will rehabilitate 1421 ½ Picquet Street for residential housing following preservation standards.

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UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 7 - 13, 2016

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