UPW - Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

AUGUST 15 - 28, 2022 • VOL. 11 NO. 1

Maurice McDowell, director for Richmond County Parks and Recreation, near the swimming pool at Fleming Park. His department manages over 1,500 acres of parkland, 60 park sites and community centers, swimming pools, athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, dog parks, and a campground.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

KEN MAKIN COMMENTARY

On Forgiveness and Justice AUGUSTA TRANSIT DEPARTMENT

Reduced fares for at-risk riders

PARKS & REC.

CZAR

MAURICE MCDOWELL community centers cemeteries parks riverwalk augusta commons amphitheatre the boathouse julian smith casino campgrounds dog parks GETTIN’ IT DONE

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

Forgiveness has its place but not in place of justice

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lack folks are forgiving people – almost to a fault. I only need to look at our forced migration to this piece of land and our labor to prove this fact. It is this nature of forgiveness which made the recent commentary from Marcus Arbery, the father of our slain brother Ahmaud, all the more compelling: It was hard to look at them every day as a father. And they showed no morals for how they took his life.

That’s the thing that really bothered me real bad. And then they asked for mercy. They didn’t give him no

mercy that day, so we don’t want no mercy for those McMichaels. They didn’t give us none, they didn’t give him none neither. None at all.

Arbery somberly and bitterly expressed this sentiment after the three men chiefly responsible for his son’s death were sentenced for federal hate crimes earlier this week.

It is a sentiment that might not play well in our local churches or even in a society where people think Black folks should “grin and bear it.” I’m inclined to agree with Mr. Arbery – mercy doesn’t suit this case.

I can’t help but think about Breonna Taylor, and a report that the warrant which led to her death was connected to a gentrification plan in Louisville, Ky. It suggests that the reckless behavior of law enforcement wasn’t just limited to the actions of police officers, but of their corporate overlords – wealthy people in power.

In the face of anti-Black violence and racist policies, forgiveness can be a passive measure with the intent of satisfying our oppressors. I can assure you that forgiveness does not satiate the unrelenting. Where we

desire to forgive, we should also be unafraid to tell the truth about the awful things which happen to our people, and fight to assure that such things don’t continue to happen.

Ken Makin is the host of Makin’ A Difference and a freelance writer for ESPN and The Christian Science Monitor, among other outlets. Look him up on Facebook at Makin’ A Difference, and you can also send him an email with your thoughts at makinadifferenceshow@gmail. com.

1970 Augusta Riot Exhibit Now OPEN To The Public

Fresh off of the success of the Grand Opening on July 29, the 1970 Augusta Riot Exhibit is open to the public!

Those that are interested in touring the exhibit may call to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you soon!!

NEFERTITI ROBINSON, EXHIBIT MANAGER • 706.250.1179 AUGUSTA MINI THEATRE • 706.722.0598

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

The public was treated to tours of the 1970 Augusta Riot Exhibit during its grand opening on July 29. The exhibit combines research and personal testimonies to tell the story of the 1970 Augusta Riot from the perspective of the community and from oral history interviews. Nefertiti Robinson, Exhibit Manager for the 1970 Augusta Riot Exhibit, said, “It will serve to provide a space for remembrance and education for generations to come.”

Organizers say that the exhibit includes historic photos, biographies of eye witnesses and victims families, and original art with created from oral history interviews.

PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (762) 233-5299

CONTRIBUTORS • K.L. Gordon • Ken Makin • Vincent Hobbs • Menia L. Chester • Frederick Benjamin Sr. Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia

FARMING MATTERS

Congressman Sanford Bishop Jr. FSA Legislator of the Year award recipient.

Bishop named Farm Service Agency Legislator of the Year The National Association of Farm Service Agency County Office Employees (NASCOE) presented Congressman Sanford Bishop Jr., D-Ga., its Legislator of the Year award during its national convention in Savannah. Farm Service Agency county office employees are the bridge between U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and farmers as well as ranchers.

NASCOE’s mission is to assist in an way possi-

ble to assure successful operation of FSA and the attainment of FSA’s objectives, to cooperate with other groups and organizations, to conserve and improve America’s soil resources, to secure equitable salaries, working conditions, and retirement provisions for all county office employees, and to promote the professionalism of FSA county office employees.

Congressman Bishop supported increases in

funding for FY 2022 FSA salaries and expenses and helped NASCOE secure a specific amount of those funds to be used for hiring county office staff. Recently, he assisted NASCOE with securing a $68 million increase in FY 2023 FSA salaries and expenses. Congressman Bishop is an advocate for employees of the Farm Service Agency and has worked with NASCOE to secure needed funding for staff.

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“These programs help farmers get through another planting season, recover from a natural disaster, and meet the many challenges faced by those in the agriculture industry. That is why I will continue to work hard in Congress to support these vital federal programs as well as the FSA offices and staff who make these programs work for our communities.”

— Sanford Bishop, D-Ga.

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City offers discounted fares to seniors, Medicare recipients, and mobility-challenged To better serve the community, Augusta Transit is offering discounted fares to seniors, Medicare recipients, and mobility-challenged persons, including physically, visually, or hearing impaired persons.

Discounted fares and passes will take 50% off regular fares. For example, a regular fixed route single fare is $1.25 and the discounted equivalent fare will be 60

cents.

Seniors 65 years and older need only to show proof of age when getting on the bus to receive the discounted fare. Seniors can also obtain a Senior Transit ID card by calling 706-821-1721 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Medicare riders must show their valid Medicare Card to the bus operator when getting on the bus to receive a discounted fare.

Mobility-challenged riders may be eligible for Augusta Transit’s paratransit service, which includes transportation to meet the individual and take them to their destination. To determine eligibility and register for this service, call 706-821-1721 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

To find a bus route and bus schedules, call 706- 821-1719 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday–Saturday.

Patients needed for Dental Hygiene Student Clinic Augusta University Dental Hygiene students provide quality dental cleanings in the dental hygiene student clinic under faculty supervision. All services are provided at reduced fees.

For more information, please email jflanigan@augusta.edu Becoming a patient in the dental hygiene clinic does not guarantee admission into other clinics in the Dental College of Georgia. For information about dental clinics, please call 706-721-2371.

UMOJAVILLAGE

COMMUNITYWELLNESS

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Voting Matters: Suppression and Disenfranchisement Thursday, August 18, 7 pm USC Aiken, Etherredge Center 240 Scholar Loop, Aiken RSVP free at AikenVoicesAndVotes.Com A panel of civil rights experts will discuss the history and present enforcement of voter suppression and disenfranchisement tactics and policies in South Carolina and the Southern United States.

LEON RUSSELL, National Board Chairman of the NAACP EUGENE WHITE, President, Aiken County Branch of the NAACP LYNN SHULER TEAGUE, Vice President for issues and Action, LWV-SC Moderator: Stephanie Franklin, USCA Inclusion Advisory Council

Q&A

Maurice McDowell

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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Director Richmond County Parks and Recreation UPW: How is the Richmond County Parks and Recreation Department organized?

McDOWELL: The Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of three divisions: The Operations Division manages all administrative functions of the department. This includes managing the budget, coordinating the Human Resources elements, capital planning and purchasing of items for the department. The purpose is to achieve maximum efficiency to ensure objectives are met.

The Parks and Maintenance Division is responsible for all maintenance tasks such as maintenance of indoor and outdoor facilities, maintaining all landscaping assigned to the department including our cemeteries, while promoting safety for all users.

The Support Services Division is where all efforts related to community engagement and public relations are coordinated. Special events and public-private partnerships are managed in this division. The goal is to build relationships with local entities by creating opportunities for active participation and fostering a community of inclusion.

UPW: How long have you been with the Rec. and Parks Department and how long have you been its director?

McDOWELL: I was initially hired via Augusta, Georgia’s Parks and Recreation Department in 2011 and spent my first 5 years of employment there. In 2016 I was pro-

moted to Capital Projects Manager in the Administrator’s office and later promoted to Interim Deputy Administrator. Parks and Recreation was one of eight departments I managed. I quickly recognized the need for some clear vision, accountability and stability for the Department.

That is why I made the decision to solely focus on the one department. In Fall 2020 the Augusta Commission approved my hire as the director of Parks and Recreation.

UPW: How many employees are there in the department and what areas of expertise or experience do your managers require.

UPW: Tell us about the importance of what you do for the local environment.

UPW: How does one go about renting one of the city’s facilities?

McDOWELL: Parks and Recreation at its core is about providing a great quality of life for all citizens. For most local communities, public parks and green spaces are the catalyst for measuring the healthiness and safety of that community. The programs offered for the youth, adults and seniors promote friendly competition and socialization for all those involved. The value of the resources of Parks and Recreation are immeasurable but are vital for all healthy communities.

Our mission is to provide fun and innovative leisure experiences for the Augusta Community through high-quality programs, events, parks, and life-long opportunities for learning, development and well-being.

McDOWELL: We have currently solicited the services of a consultant to review all of Parks and Recreation fees for programming as well as rentals. The consultant will also review our current rental policies and procedures to assist us with streamlining the process. Currently, if someone wanted to rent one of our facilities such as a community center, they would go directly to that facility to book the rental. Other facilities such as the BBQ Pit or Julian Smith Casino would be rented via our rental coordinator, whose office is located at the Augusta Common.

McDOWELL: We have approximately 130 budgeted full-time positions with an additional 50-60 parttime employees when we are at full capacity. Management positions require a high level of efficiency in the areas of managing people and processes, customer service skills, experience with programming for youth, adults and seniors. We proUPW: Does the department have mote a culture of accountability and responsibility to the citizenry of our long-range goals?

McDOWELL: The Department’s shortcommunity. term goals are to improve our aging UPW: How many parks and rec- infrastructure and to increase participareation facilities are currently in tion in all our programs and event. The long-term goals would be to become your care? accredited via The National Recreation McDOWELL: We are responsi- and Parks Association (NRPA) and ble for a total of 50 plus parks, 3 nationally recognized, which is reflected cemeteries, and various other pub- in our Vision Statement: “As a nationally lic green space areas, to include accredited leader in recreational experithe Augusta Common and the ences, we make Augusta the place to live, Riverwalk. In addition, we oper- work and play by seeking and deliverate and maintain approximately 20 ing excellence, continuous development, community centers and rental facil- and improvement in all our programs and activities.” ities combined.

UPW: Tell us a little about the camp sites that the county operates.

McDOWELL: Parks and Recreation only has one campground site which is at the Diamond Lakes Regional Park. It offers 25 full hook-up sites to include electricity, water and sewage connections. The cost is $30 per night, $25 for seniors (62+) and $15 for tents (max of 4 people).

UPW: How does one become an employee of the department?

McDOWELL: Augusta’s website is the place to seek employment with the Parks and Recreation Department.

Please visit www.augustaga.gov for vacancies and more information. The Human Resources Department coordinates all hires.

YOUTHWATCH

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EXCERPT FROM ALEXANDER MARSHALL’S

“The Single Garment of Destiny”

M

artin Luther King Jr. established that, “There are two types of laws: just and unjust.” The first Three words in the preamble of the constitution is “We the People.” This forces the question, who are the people?

The people mentioned in the constitution are rich white men with property and no one else until the signing of the 14th amendment; but why?

Black people are people too. What about the women and the rest of the white men? If you did not have property, you had no power. Slaves were considered chattel or movable property and it would stay that way until the 14th amendment.

The Constitution is the foundation for every law in America and if the foundation that every law stands on is unfair, does that not raise doubt among the other laws as well?

But as the late actor Chadwick Boseman stated in the movie Marshall, “The Constitution was not written for us. We know that. But no matter what it takes, we are going to make it work for us. From now on, we claim it as our own.”

This statement shows how African Americans where never provided the opulence of “equal protection under the law” and how Black people always had to work harder for what they had. Or, in other words, make something out

of nothing.

Moreover, it should be noted that the unjust laws that Dr. King spoke of were the “Jim Crow Laws” of the Deep South put in place after the Supreme court case Plessy v Ferguson which had established the “separate but equal” doctrine.

These laws would haunt Black people for years and was the cause of many deaths and injuries. Dr. King fought to eliminate these laws by peacefully protesting because he felt obligated to do so. Dr. King wrote in his Letter from Birmingham Jail that “All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” He felt that the problems and the situations of others were everyone’s problem.

This helped to establish a sense of unity in the community among Black people. He felt that if any progression is made in the black community, all have progressed and shared the same victory.

This is what Black History is all about looking back at the past achievements of others and having pride in it. It is important because it helps create a sense of identity among the black community that they are more than their situation and that just because there is a wall does not mean that you cannot get to the other side.

DORIANE SKALES is the owner and creator of a developing character company for people of color.

Though she offers Disney characters of color (i.e.

Tiana, Moana, Black Panther, etc.), she has also created her own characters and is currently working on casting.

Alexander Marshall, 17, is an Augusta native and is a senior at Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School. At RCTCM, he studies Cyber Security and plays golf and tennis. Outside of school, he is a Boy Scout, and a disciple of First Providence Baptist Church in North Augusta.

“I am focused on advocacy, community engagement, and getting people what they need. I enjoy helping others get what they need by informing those who can make it happen. I plan on pursuing a career in public service and using it to invoke positive and proactive change into my community.”

Scholarship Recipients On July 27, Augusta Mini Theatre, presented its Mariah McKie Butler Memorial College Book Scholarship to its two 2022 high school graduates.

The scholarship, since 1984, has been given to students enrolled in Augusta Mini Theatre for four or more, consecutive, years at graduation of high school.

The two 2022 graduates are DeShay Coley, of Performance Learning Center, who will be attending Georgia Military College and Jordyn Neely, of the Academy of Richmond County Comprehensive High School, who will be attending Clark Atlanta University.

Teresa Highsmith, The family

DeShay Coley and Jordyn Neely (in memory) of Thomas Henry, and Mariah McKie Butler family and Mini Theatre supporters raised the funds needed to give the $400 scholarships.

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Mark Your Calendars for the 40th Anniversary of Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival For forty years Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival has been bringing Augustans together to celebrate our wealth of arts, amazing cultural diversity, and of course, food.

On September 16-18, 2022, Augusta is one of the few places in the South where you can literally eat your way around the world in two and a half days.

This year the Festival will be bigger and better than ever with an additional city block added! It will encompass the Augusta Common and the 600, 700, 800 and 900 Blocks of Broad Street. The unique Global Food Village has authentic cuisine from 18 countries, while the Artists Market boasts over 100 juried Fine Artists booths.

There are 5 stages of non-stop performances on the Global Stage, the Community Stage, the Jazz Stage,

the Family Stage and the new Soul Suite Stage. Local songwriters will take the Global stage after Opening Ceremonies on Friday as part of The Augusta Press inaugural Press Play songwriter competition. Seventeen songwriters submitted entries. The top six will take the stage to each perform a 20-minute set with the winner receiving $500; second place will get $250 and third will win $100.

Featured performers on the Global Stage this year include Swanee Quintet on Sunday evening and Wycliffe Gordon performing with the Wayne Hoey Band on Friday.

Impulse Ride hits the Community Stage on Saturday, and TGLive is on the Jazz Stage Friday. The Family Stage has lots of great family-oriented performances including Savannah Winds Middle Eastern

Dancers, and the new Soul Suite Stage which is booked with spoken word and music features Is0lated Beauty on Sunday.

Advanced Festival badges are $12 per person and available online.

Children 10 and under are admitted to the festival free. Badges are $15 per person starting Sept. 16th both online and at the Festival entrance gates. Printed online tickets can be exchanged at the Festival gates for a collectible 40th Anniversary Festival Badge.

A limited number of advanced discount badges are also available in at the following locations in Augusta: Richmond County Tag Offices, Tax Commission Office, Vintage Ooollee and at Augusta and Co. Addresses and hours of operation provided on the Festival website.

A large inter-active Family Area with street performers and handson activities for children will be on the 600 block of the Festival.

The popular Young Artists Market, where children and youth can sell their creative wares, also returns to the Family Area. Young Artists Market applications are available online on the Festival website.

Volunteer applications are also available online.

Festival details, schedules, maps, menus and updates are available at www.ArtsinTheHeartOf Augusta. com. Follow the Festival on Facebook and Instagram for more details on performers, artists and news announcements. Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival was named the Top Festival of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2020.

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#gardencityjazz june 27 : july 25 code: UPW

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Augusta Landfill has new Operating Hours To streamline services at the Augusta Landfill, Augusta, Georgia’s Environmental Services Department has updated the operating hours at the landfill. View the new schedule below, which will go into effect on August 1, 2022.

Monday – Friday Saturday Saturday

5:00am to 4:00pm 6:00am to 10:00am 6:00am to 12:00pm

All customers Landfill Field Operations only Customer Drop Off only

The Augusta Landfill is located at 4330 Deans Bridge Road. For more information, call 706-592-3200.

TAKE NOTE

HOUSING: The Augusta Housing Authority announces applications being accepted for conventional public housing for three, four, and five bedroom housing. This wait list is open indefinitely or until further notice. Apps also accepted for the Project-Base Voucher program for one and two bedrooms at The Legacy at Walton Oaks, for seniors 55 and older. This wait list is open until Dec. 30, 2022. Submit preliminary online applications for either program on www. augustapha.org or call 706-3123173 if you need assistance.

MAKE PLANS TO VISIT AUGUSTA MINI THEATRE ON OCTOBER 8, 2022!

This year, Augusta Mini Theatre celebrates 47 years of service!!! Our Drive Thru Celebration will be a festival of jubilation!!

With fun activities, and special surprises, throughout the event, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

B-21-019-0104 Wilkinson Gardens ES HVAC Upgrade

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Wilkinson Gardens ES HVAC Upgrade by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, August 30, 2022 at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period will be made.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held August 9, 2022 at 1:00p.m. local time in the Media Center of Wilkinson Gardens Elementary School, 1925 Kratha Dr, Augusta, GA 30906.

Drawings and project manual on this work may be examined at the Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 2956 Mike Padgett Highway, Augusta, Georgia 30906.

Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Engineer: Smart Building Systems, Inc.: 1456 McLendon Dr, Ste C, Decatur, GA 30033, Telephone: 404-474-1628. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $125.00 per set should be filed promptly with the Architect. Bidding material will be forwarded (shipping charges collect) as soon as possible. The full amount of deposit for one set will be refunded to each prime contractor who submits a bona fide bid upon return of such set in good condition within 10 days after date of opening bids. All other deposits will be refunded with deductions approximating cost of reproduction of documents upon return of same in good condition within 10 days after date of opening bid.

Contract, if awarded, will be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for 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 the base bid. Personal checks, certified checks, letters of credit, etc., are not acceptable. The successful bidder will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.

To promote local participation, a database of Sub-contractors, Suppliers, and Vendors has been developed by the Program Manager, GMK Associates. Contact Jeanine Usry with GMK Associates at (706) 826-1297 for location to review and obtain this database.

Bids shall be submitted and addressed to: Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. Bobby Smith, CPA, CFO

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GRIEF SUPPORT: Children 6-18 years old are welcome to attend a free 8-week grief support group (not therapy) entitled “Tia’s Corner,” founded by our own Ms. Shirley Norman. The support group is for children dealing with grief or experiencing crisis from loss. Sessions are every Saturday through August 13th, 11:30AM-1PM, Friedman Branch Library, 1447 Jackson Road, Augusta. To register, call 706-284-2124.

RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Bond Issue Program

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