UPW - Urban Pro Weekly

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

APRIL 29 - MAY 12, 2021

VOL. 9 NO. 17

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UPW

ROBERT FLASH GORDON REMEMBERED

JAMES BROWN BLOCK PARTY Downtown Augusta celebrates the birthday of the Godfather of Soul

Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800

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FOOD • FARMING • COMMUNITY

FoodCorps is looking for FoodCorps GA AmeriCorps Service Members!

Serve one year in GA elementary schools teaching hands-on interactive lessons based in nutrition and garden education. Members receive a Segal Education Award upon successful completion of term requirements. We are looking for Members to serve in Baldwin County, Burke County, Carrollton, Jackson County and Atlanta Public Schools.

New this year: GA is piloting a district-level nutrition leader service position in 2021-2022!

Candidates with demonstrated experience or interest in serving up change in school food systems that will enhance meal quality and deepen the impact of Farm to School practices are invited to apply.. https://foodcorps.org/apply/ Please contact tasha.gomes@foodcorps.org.

— Posted by Tasha Gomes at Farm to School and Farm to Early Care & Education Summit via Whova event app

Farmer’s market set to open for monthly activities in McDuffie County The American Heart Association of the CSRA is proud to announce their grassroots efforts to establish a farmer’s market in McDuffie County, in partnership with the Town of Dearing and Advanced Pest Control Services. Our combined goal is to provide access to fresh produce, meat, and dairy from some of the most highly regarded farmers in the CSRA. This market will be open the third Friday of every month from 4:30 to 7 pm, beginning Friday, May 21.

Food insecurity is a major challenge for communities in need.

One in seven people in the CSRA are faced with chronic hunger every day and 54% of our community does not have access to healthy food options. This market is designed to increase social and economic access to our community’s most healthy foods for community members of all income levels, but specifically we believe the market will help to provide proper nourishment to our most

vulnerable populations. The market will be open to all.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart. org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

If you would like to participate as a vendor in our market, please email Catherine.martin@heart. org, or call 901-246-5047 no later than Monday, May 17. We have room for an additional 5 vendors at this time. Please indicate in your email if you can accept credit cards or if you will be cash only at this time.

UPW

PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co +1 (706) 751-2537

URBAN PRO WEEKLY SALES & MARKETING

http://www.growingaugusta.co/upw +1 (762) 233-5299

CONTRIBUTORS K.L Gordon, Denise Tucker Kimberly Beasley, Ronic West Rickey Jones [editing] Layout/Design by urbanpromedia

IN TRIBUTE

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Robert “Flash” Gordon died in March. Gordon was a legendary broadcasting personality, iconic business owner and former manager of the James Brown Arena.

The following is excerpted from the 4/12/2012 edition of UPW. Robert “Flash” Gordon,

a Lucy Laney H.S. and Paine College alum, began his career in the music industry in December 1964. After graduating from the New York School of Announcing and Speech.

After returning to Augusta he was employed as an announcer at radio station WAUG. After working there he worked at WJBE in Knoxville, Tennessee.

He later became National Program Director for WJBE in Knoxville, WRDW, here in Augusta and WEBB in Baltimore, Maryland. The Godfather of soul James Brown owned all these stations.

After many years at this job he returned to announcing and worked at WOIC in Columbia, South Carolina, and WTHB in North Augusta. While working at WTHB, he decided to open his first record store, “Flash’s Big G”. This was in August 1971.

In 1972 he was named Southeast Regional Promotions manager for Mercury Records, in Chicago Illinois where he promoted and worked various recording artists.

Including Jerry Butler and the Ohio Players. After 2 years then he decided to devote his attentions full time to his own business.

In August 1976, Flash wife Jephery, opened Pyramid Music & Video, at 826 Broad Street, and Pyramid II in October 1987.

Robert “Flash” Gordon at his South Augusta Pyramid Music location in 2012. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

FLASH GORDON At the top of the Pyramid UPW: Pyramid Music is a local and regional institution. Why do you think you have been able to survive for so long at two locations?

FLASH: Pyramid Music has been able to stay in business over 40 years because we cater to the African-American consumer.

We specialize in Afrocentric products and music that are not found in big box stores and so-called mainstream markets.

UPW: So much of your personal history has been interwoven with that of the late James Brown. When and where did that unique relationship begin?

FLASH: Mal Cook, who gave me my first job in radio, introduced me to James Brown. Mal was a promoter for James Brown’s shows in Augusta and he hired me to work at WAUG in December, 1965. I first met Mr. Brown in 1966. I also worked at WOIC in Columbia, S.C. In 1968, Mr. Brown sent me to work at his Radio station WJBE in Knoxville, Tennessee. Soon after, he made me National Program Director for his stations, WEBB in Baltimore, Md. and WRDW here in Augusta.

UPW: The arc of experience in your

pop/gospel/r&b experience has been quite extraordinary. You have done radio, TV, event planning and promotion and merchandising. Did you plan any of this or have things just happened?

FLASH: While attending school in New York, we were trained to do other things relating to Broadcasting, including emceeing live shows and hosting dance parties (or record hops) as they were known in that era. I did many record hops in the CSRA and soon produced a live television dance show called “The Soul Express.” From my connections as Program Director, I met many recording artists and formed relationships with many record companies. This led to my work as a concert promoter.

UPW: How many years have you been on The Parade of Quartets and how has that experience affected your sales and marketing strategy for Pyramid Music?

FLASH: I have been on the Parade of Quartets for over 20 years. It is the longest running gospel show in the CSRA and possibly the nation. The show has so

many loyal fans and it helps us to reach customers who don’t have a music or video store in the area that carries what we sell.

UPW: Pyramid Music has a lot of family involvement. Has it always been that way?

FLASH: Pyramid grew from “The Big G Platter Shop” ion 1971. They called records “platters” back in the day. My wife Jephrey opened the first Pyramid in 1976 on Broad Street. All three of my girls have worked there. Noura, the baby girl, now runs the Broad Street Store; Camille and Mona work part time at both stores.

Pyramid No. 2 opened October 10 1987.

UPW: Are you a creative artist or performer in any fashion?

FLASH: I have always love music and wanted to be a recording artist when I was younger. During my twenties, I sang with two groups – the Four Roses and The Pearls. We sang doo-wop songs in Atlantic City for a short time. I now sing in the choir and male chorus at Tabernacle Baptist Church. I have samples of two of my songs in the movies Dodgeball and Big Bully.

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RISING TEENS ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS

W

illiam McClain is a graduating senior from Augustus R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School with an academic ranking of 2 in the Class of 2021 (4.273 GPA).

William decided to graduate high school one year early, after the defunding of the Early College Academy.

William will be attending Stanford University in Palo Alto, California in the fall of 2021. He intends to double major in Public Policy and Business Management on the Pre-Law track with the goal of completing a co-terminal degree, which is a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years.

During high school, William participated in Varsity football and tennis, represented the Early College Academy and A.R. Johnson on the Superintendent Student Advisory Board, served in Student Senate and Student Council, and founded the William McClain Youth Platform. The William McClain Youth Platform is a 527 political organization that strives to enhance the knowledge of American citizens about the policymaking process. William established the political organization to raise awareness and constituents’ engagement in local and state elections. William McClain will be attending Stanford University on a full-ride scholarship.

For only $25, enjoy a limited livestream performance with Russell Joel Brown and his special guests! Relive the magic of this soldout 2004 Broadway performance from the comfort of your home!

Don’t be late...purchase your ticket NOW at the link below! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-mozart-to-motown-an-evening-withrussell-joel-brown-tickets-145517906977 ********

HONORS: Questbridge National College Match Finalist, Augusta Exchange Club Student of the Year Nominee from ARJ, Daughters of the American Revolution Nominee from ARJ, Foreign Language Alliance for International Rapport (FLAIR) member SCHOLARSHIPS: Noble Felton Neely Scholarship ($500) and Marion E. Barnes Scholarship with Peach State Federal Credit Union ($2,500).

Mobile Hotspots and Virtual Meeting Rooms at the Augusta Library Virtual Hot Spots: Take the Internet with you through the new Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System’s mobile hotspot lending service. Borrow a hotspot for Internet access at home or wherever you may go. Learn more at arcpls.org/hotspots. Need to hold a virtual meeting? Use the AugustaRichmond County Public Library System’s virtual meeting room ser-

vice. Host a meeting up to four hours for 100 people – free with your library card! To schedule your meeting visit arcpls.org/meetings.

Call at 706-821-2600 for further details.

These programs are partially assisted with funds from the Library Services and Technology Act through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

RCSS 2021 Fine Arts Summer EnrichmentCamp RCSS students in 3rd - 8th grades interested in

Celebrate your graduate in our special “School’s Out” Edition Send photos to: urbanproweekly@gmail.com

Art, Music, Dance and Band Live in-person instruction Dates: June 28 - July 16 Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Richmond Hill K-8 School Cost: $150 per student Registration Deadline: May 12, 2021 To register and for more details, visit www.rcboe.org/FineArtsCamp

cation: Richmond Hill K-8 SchoolCost:$150perstudent

5 UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 29 - MAY 12, 2021 Graphics for the “James Brown Journey” displayed in the following pages are courtesy of the ACVB. ********

RIDE IN COMFORT The James Brown Family Historical Tour The 25-passenger seated capacity and temperature controlled bus provided by T and T Transportation will take fans of Mr. James Brown on a narrated tour, making stops at places that are significant to the history of Mr. Brown’s life growing up and living in Augusta, GA. Highlights include such sites as the elementary school that James Brown attended, the home where he lived as a child, businesses owned by James Brown, James Brown Statue, James Brown Arena and much more! The James Brown Family Historical Tour price is $15 and includes admission to the Augusta Museum of History where the largest collection of James Brown memorabilia is located. Souvenirs can be purchased at the museum after the tour.

The James Brown Family Historical Tour will run once per day on Saturdays from 11:00am to 12:45pm year round. Reservations are made by calling 803-6402090 and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

The James Brown Family Historical Tour is available for private bookings and group rates.

For information: www.jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org or 803-640-2090.

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The”’Godfather of Soul”, James Brown (L), presents one of his personal outfits to the Augusta Museum for the museum’s permanent collection. Brown’s wife Adrienne (center) applauds as museum president Dr. John Reynolds thanks Brown for the gift.

December 26, 1986 (Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs (archives)

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JAMP SUMMER SESSION The Augusta Museum of History 6th and Broad St. Augusta, GA 30901 JUNE 1 - JULY 9 Students to be grouped by age.

4-6; 7-11; and 12-18 Students may bring their own instrument or one will be provided. Lunch will be provided or student may bring their own lunch.

9am Check in/watch video 9:30am-9:50am Health walk 10am-11:45am Music class.

(10 min break at 11am) 11:45am Round up 12noon Lunch 12:30 pm Health walk 12:50pm-1:45pm sectional (students work on instruments of their choice) 1:45pm Round up 2pm Dismiss Students must wear a mask, wash hands before and after class. Staff will wear masks and provide sanitizer. Social distancing will be required.

Siblings/family members do not have to social distance.

Applications can be found on “Jamp downloads” and are due May 24th, along with deposit to secure your child’s attendance.

Please refer to “Jamp downloads” for summer fees. For more information please email jamp@jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org or call 803-640-2090.

Navigating the Pandemic with PPP & EIDL changes made in the last few months.

The PPP program as had several key changes since February of 2021: • Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants.

• Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal.

• Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make student loan payments by eliminating student loan debt delinquency as a disqualifier to participating in the PPP; and • Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP. • The new rule modifies the loan formula for Schedule C filers to allow the use of gross income when calculating the amount of the loan.

GABCC is tracking business owners who have applied for the PPP and many have had more success with applying with an alternative lending sources such as womply.com or goblueppp.com rather than traditional banks. While the PPP is scheduled to end on May 31st , it is expected to be depleted by the middle of May unless funding levels are increased. Apply now. Do not hesitate.

The Small Business Association (SBA) reports an 88% forgiveness rate with $100B having been forgiven so far. We are seeing many changes in rules and even borrowers being knocked out of other programs for applying for forgiveness too early.

Borrowers have up to ten months to apply for forgiveness, per the SBA. Second, the EIDL loan and EIDL advance.

The EIDL advance is the grant portion of the EIDL program, be sure to search your email to ensure you have not missed your opportunity to submit information to apply for the additional Targeted EIDL Advance. The email would have come from targetedadvance@sba.gov. This program now includes an additional supplement of $5k. The SBA also announced the

year, you may be eligible for a loan increase. SBA increased loan values from 150k to 500k. Search your email inbox for a message from sba-oda@ updates.sba.gov.

Always refer to sba.gov for the latest information regarding PPP, EIDL, and other items to have knowledgeable conversations with your lender.

Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce is here to service business owners in the CSRA community through advocacy, education, programming and more. Visit www. mygabc.org and follow on social media at @mygabc - Ronic West, President/ Co-Founder GABCC

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By Ronic West, President GABCC Many business owners are entering their second year of the pandemic and working through navigating their businesses through short falls in revenue, changes in staffing, being agile in their process & procedures, and navigating through vendor shortages, delays, or even halts in production.

There are two sides of the Pandemic where some business owners haven’t felt its effects, and the other side where many business owners are figuring out how to navigate daily through the challenges. It is projected that 40% of black owned businesses or more may close due to Covid-19.

Even Secretary (Janet) Yellen understands the differences in the dynamics, stating “During the early days of the pandemic, African-Americans were the first to lose their small businesses. They were the first to lose their jobs,” Yellen said in a virtual meeting she and Vice President Kamala Harris held with dozens of members of Black Chambers of Commerce.

The effects of Covid won’t be known for years to come, but we must be intentional about assisting and creating innovative programs to soften this blow. We must also ensure that business owners are armed with the most accurate information possible to maintain, transition, or to stay in business.

There is a lot of information on the internet regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance, and EIDL loan. One thing I would like to stress is assistance with the above items should never come with a cost. The great thing is the SBA & many federal legislators have been given the directive to ensure those hardest hit and in underserved communities are being served, by increasing its efforts with Black, minority, and culturally specific organizations across America.

The Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce (GABCC) is excited to see what initiatives will be rolled out to ensure that, no matter how small or large a business or organization is, they are provided with the equity to thrive and serve at a greater capacity - per Biden’s executive order on Advancing Racial Equity and Supporting the underserved community.

First, the PPP program and the

opportunity to be reconsidered for the advance by emailing targetedadvancereevualtion@sba.gov if you were denied before. When emailing the SBA use the subject line of “Reevaluation Request for (insert your 10-digit application number). In the body of the email include identifying information for the application such as application number, business name, business address, business owners, name(s), and phone number. Be sure to also include the reason for the decline within your email. Businesses must be in low-income area and have experienced at least a 30% decline in revenues in any 8-week period in 2020(vs. 2019).

If you received an EIDL loan last

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ALL ABOUT FASHION by Kimberly Beasley

MADE TO MEASURE

BY KEITH JONES

F

rom Afternoon of Style, to Made to Measure by Keith Jones, He has stood out and branded himself as the Subject Matter Expert of suits. Keith Jones has styled some of the Who’s Who in Augusta and around the surrounding area effortlessly. Whether it’s for a wedding, prom or just because it’s Wednesday, you want Mr. Jones in your corner because he ensures your suits are made to measure. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the father of three and grandfather of three to discuss suits and all things fashion. I present to some, and introduce to others Mr. Keith Jones.

How did Made to Measure by Keith Jones happen?

It was kind of an interesting evolution. I’ve always appreciated style, enjoy dressing up, and looking my best. That was instilled in me by both my parents. They were always put together, and they impressed upon me when I’m presenting myself - particularly as a black man - that I make the best impression possible. You only get one time to make a first impression.

I was the style guy, and then I branded myself with the lapel flowers. I heard about a company that was doing custom suits, so I decided to buy in the company. Once I received the initial order, I was very disappointed in the quality. It was very heartbreaking for me, because I was so excited about what seemed to be a perfect fit for what I wanted to do. In 2017, I started off again as the style guy, and at this time I took on a partner. But after some creative differences, we decided to part ways.

At this point, I decided I had to be all the way in, put my name on it, launch this business, and go all the way. I wanted to have more control over the branding and the manufacturing.

Some people may think this style of dress is for the old heads or the uncles. How are you able to make it relevant through different age groups?

Trends come and go, but true fashion never goes out of style. My goal is to help people build their wardrobe.

Constantly spending a lot of money on the latest, bad fashion, instead of investing in quality is no good. Getting those staple pieces and taking care of them will help you in the long run.

What do you see as trending styles for men this season?

Green is hot!! I’ve done a lot of green for weddings - that’s probably one of the more requested colors this season.

If you had someone that was trying to get in the business, what suggestion would you make?

I would say do your research. Look at people who are doing it and where you want to be. Start at the top and work your way down. Look at every level of what you want to do. Also, look at local or regional designers that are on the rise, people that you can actually talk to and follow on Instagram. Be committed and go all in.

What’s next for Keith Jones?

What’s next for the business?

I want to be able to offer everything, including men’s accessories. I want Made to Measure by Keith Jones to be a one stop shop. Maybe in the next 3 to 5 years being mobile.

Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/keithjonesmtm/

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES?

The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 20, 2021, for the following: 1. Request for Qualifications #21-990“Photovoltaic Generation Consulting/Construction Services” 2. Request for Qualifications #21-991“Professional Mechanical Design Services”

RISK FACTORS: BEING OVERWEIGHT

45 YEARS OR OLDER

LACK OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY RACE

GESTATIONAL DIABETES PREDIABETES

FAMILY HISTORY

For additional call: F o r a d d i t i oinformation n a l i n f o r m a t ion o n Type a b o u t2TDiabetes ype 2 D i Your a b e t e sLocal c a l l yHealth o u r l o c Department al Health D e p a r t mDisease e n t , C h rPrevention o n i c D i s e a s eProgram Chronic P r e v e n t i o n P r o g706-667-4283 ram at 706-667-4283

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/bids 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. Kenneth Bradshaw, Secretary

IT’S ONLY FITTING THAT WE SAY THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMERS AS WE CELEBRATE!

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

UniversalPlumbingInc.com • 706.738.4424

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COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY

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