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Coyote nightclub owner ignites social media firestorm after ‘banning’ black spoken word artist

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016 VOL. 6 NO. 4

Q&A: Jasmine Robinson Richmond Academy basketball standout Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Regency Mall Shadows & Memories VINCENT HOBBS : Augustans recall the once-vibrant Southside destination

UrbanProWeekly -DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016

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GirlTrek gets the feet moving on Sat. Eight women and two girls laced their sneakers and braved the cooler temperature on Saturday, December 3, 2016 to trek in Pendleton Park. They are GirlTrek’s Feet Movers of Augusta. GirlTrek is a nonprofit organization that encourages black women to walk. They walk on their own thirty minutes every day and walk once a week as a group. Feet Movers of Augusta walk every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. For more information about GirlTrek visit GirlTrek.org and join the movement. GirlTrek welcomes all women. If you are interested in trekking with Feet Movers of Augusta on Saturday mornings, contact Team Leader, Caffee Wright at wcaffeew@comcast.net.

UPW Urban Pro Weekly

2746 Willis Foreman Road Hephzibah, GA 30815

2017 GOAL Winner named Jesstin Chandler, a Design and Media Production Technology student at Augusta Technical College, has been named as the college’s winner of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL).

Chandler was chosen by a panel of local leaders from The Optimist Club of Augusta and the Augusta Technical College Foundation Board over three other nominees for the award. The runners-up were: Mr. Christian Dueberry, Computer Programming; Ms. Marianne Duckworth, Environmental Horticulture; and Ms. Julissa Sanchez, Early Childhood

URBAN PRO WEEKLY Publisher URBAN PRO WEEKLY MEDIA 706-306-4647 urbanpromedia@yahoo.com

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

Care and Education.

The announcement of Chandler as the winner was made by President Terry D. Elam at the college’s GOAL Award Luncheon on Monday, November 28, 2017. The luncheon is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Augusta.

GOAL, a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia, honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of the state’s 22 technical colleges, as well as one Board of Regents college with a technical education division.

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

REBUKE OF SPOKEN WORD ARTIST SPARKS CALL FOR BOYCOTT OF SOUTHSIDE NIGHTCLUB

“This is where our power lies. They may not respect us as a people, they may have opposing views, but they must definitely respect the power of our dollars.”

Wright will be performing this Saturday at 9:15 p.m. at the Private I Sports/Entertainment Complex, 2507 Thomas Lane in Augusta.

by Ken J. Makin Special to UrbanProWeekly AUGUSTA A club owner’s response to a poem about “Black Lives Matter” and police brutality, among other politically and socially charged issues, has sparked a conversation about expression – and economics.

When Trav “Godbrotha” Wright, a local spoken word artist and activist, performed his piece “Numb” at Coyotes Augusta nightclub last Saturday, the response from the “mostly African-American crowd” in attendance was good.

However, as Wright continued, he explained that one of the individuals affiliated with the promotion team for the event approached his wife. The implication was that his poetry was “too politically charged and inappropriate,” and that the owners were upset.

“I can only assume what specific words set him off, because the owner himself never approached me or my wife directly. My wife and I remained through the night, and never heard a word from the owner,” Wright said.

“The following day, I shared a partial clip of the performance on my page.

As a caption, I explained that this was the piece that made the owners upset.

“At that time, the owner himself, who responded on the ‘Coyotes Augusta’ Facebook page, stated that my speech ‘does not represent the views of the bar’ and that I’m not welcome at any of their establishments,” Wright continued. “I shared that comment on my page, and that created the social media firestorm.”

The social media response created dialogue and disgust toward Charlie Sconyers, who is the club owner of Coyotes Augusta. Additionally, a group known as the League of Collective Commonwealth, an economic thinktank established in Augusta and the CSRA “to evolve the community into a prosperous asset of human culture,” issued a community challenge and economic boycott.

“We the Dear Citizens of Augusta, GA charge ‘COYOTES AUGUSTA’ Bar and Venue with the following civil

Trav “Godbrotha” Wright, a spoken word artist and activist, recently experienced a negative backlash from a local club owner after he performed a politically-charged piece entitled “Numb.” Photo by Vincent Hobbs injustices and unethical acts of business against ART & PEOPLE,” stated the flyer, with claims of “passive racism,” “active racism” and “unethical commerce.”

Wright said he supports the boycott.

“I support the boycott, as I have been personally told by the owners to never visit any of their establishments,” Wright said. “The community is saying if Brotha Trav is not welcome because of his artistry and beliefs then obviously we are not welcome either.”

Wright noted that while the club owner has removed his initial comment from Facebook, and apologized both publicly and privately, this incident should challenge and inspire the black business community.

“There are many lessons to be gained from this occurrence,” Wright said. “The black business community is doing a great job at offering options in all aspects of business. What I am hopeful for is for the community to now become more aware of supporting black business or at least those that support the community.

“The owner’s apologetic stance is likely in response to the overwhelming threat to discontinue patronage with his businesses,” he continued.

Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference,” a media conglomerate that incorporates podcasting/radio, social media and commentary. The podcast is available at soundcloud.com/makinadifference. Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached by email at makinadifferenceshow@ gmail.com or by text at (803) 2702331.

The League of Collective Commonwealth, a local economic think-tank established in Augusta and the CSRA “to evolve the community into a prosperous asset of human culture, created this flyer to protest.

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016

White club owner objects to poetry reading, “bans” spoken word artist from his businesses

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People • Events • Celebrations

Rev. Dr. William Barber II

NAACP activist Barber to be featured speaker at Interfaith MLK Celebration AUGUSTA The Progressive Religious Coalition will be hosting the 10th Annual Interfaith Celebration program on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Tabernacle Baptist Church.

The keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. William Barber II. The Rev. Barber is co-author of The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics and the Rise of a New Justice Movement, published in January 2016 by Beacon Press. In January 2016 he also began filing regular dispatches from the

southern movement for racial justice for The Nation magazine, resuming a role Martin Luther King Jr. once filled for the magazine.

Rev. Barber is the architect of the Forward Together Moral Monday Movement, president of the North Carolina NAACP and pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Goldsboro. He is also president of Repairers of the Breach.

He is the 2015-2016 recipient of the Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship.

Augusta Chorale annual Christmas Concert AUGUSTA On Sunday, December 11, 2016, the Augusta Chorale celebrates its 34th concert season with its 2016 Annual Christmas Concert featuring Kathye J. Gary (Soprano) and Pamela Dillard (Mezzo Soprano). The Aiken Civic Orchestra under the direction of Adam DePriest, will accompany the Chorale.

Dr. Anderson, artistic director of the Augusta Chorale, will conduct the production and Ms. Angela Arrington will accompany the Chorale.

The performance will be held at the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel of Paine College at 4:00 p.m.

The Chorale will feature holiday season favorites such as: “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah;

and “Let There be Peace on Earth” arranged by Sy Miller, Jill Jackson & Jay Rouse.

The Chorale together with audience will sing traditional carols, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Contemporary holiday favorites such as “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child” arranged

by Mark Hayes, and “Joy to the World” (from the motion picture The Preacher’s Wife) will complete the performance.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students will be available at the concert. Please call 706.830.0991 for tickets in advance and information.

For more information about and booking the Augusta Chorale please call 706.830.0991 or 706.836.9426 or visit our website www.augustachorale.org

Bakari Sellers

Mark Oliphant

Bakari Sellers to be keynote speaker for Aiken Community MLK, Jr. Celebration

Augusta native to co-star in new film: Dirty South House Arrest

AIKEN, SC Bakari Sellers, an attorney and CNN political commentator, will be the keynote speaker for the 2017 Aiken Community Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration presented by Aiken Technical College and University of South Carolina Aiken.

The celebration will be held Sunday, Jan. 22 at the University of South Carolina Aiken Convocation Center, 375 Robert M. Bell Parkway in Aiken.

A service fair featuring area nonprofits will kick-off the event at 2:30 p.m. followed by the program at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s theme is: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”, a quote by Dr. King.

“One of the unique aspects of this annual event is challenging the keynote speaker with a topic based on a quote from Dr. King. I am sure Mr. Sellers will be dynamic!” said Stephanie Franklin, the event chairwoman.

His accolades include being named to Time Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list and The Root’s “100 Most Influential African Americans” list.

Sellers currently practices law with the Strom Law Firm, LLC in Columbia, SC. In addition to CNN, he has provided commentary and analysis on MSNBC. He also now serves on AIPAC’s National Council.

ATLANTA Producer Daphne Pittman-Hayes will make her writing and directorial debut with the highly anticipated film, Dirty South House Arrest. Best known for her creative work on The Game, The Blind Side and Vampire Diaries, PittmanHayes is now honing in on her desire to help youth and young adults change their perspective of life and think critically. Dirty South House Arrest is a story of love, life, and valuable lessons that target the millennial generation.

The Atlanta based film features Mark Oliphant, LaTavia Roberson (Original Destiny’s Child Member and R&B Diva), comedians DC Young Fly, Rodney Perry, Emmanuel Hudson, Diva Tyler and Comic Pierre.

“The characters of Dirty South House Arrest live a life that many face today,” says Pittman-Hayes, “We make silly, snap decisions that can change our entire life.”

This original film tackles real life issues in such a humorous way that will leave you wanting more. The screening of Dirty South House Arrest is taking place on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 6pm at Regal Cinemas-Atlantic Station, located at 261 19th St NW in Atlanta, GA. This will be a Red Carpet event to include many national VIP guest.

The general public may RSVP online at https://dirtysouthhousearrestmoviescre.splashthat.com.

AUGUSTA Barefoot Productions, Inc./Creative Impressions will present its annual “Behold The Star” production on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The performance will take place at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta University. General admission for the matinee performance is $15 and $20 for the evening performance.

Student, youth, military and group rates are also available.

“Behold The Star” is a spectacular four set musical and dance production that mixes classical and contemporary selections from Peter J. Wihousky to Kirk Franklin. Each performance celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and

embodies the spirit of Christmas. This year’s performance will also feature special guest performances.

“As we celebrate 20 years of inspiring our youth, helping them to express themselves creatively, and providing them with the tools they need to succeed, we are excited about what is to come,” said Creative Impressions Board of Directors, President, Shanita Tolbert Newton. We are also proud of what current members and alumni have gone on to accomplish. We hope to continue to change the world, one life at a time.”

Barefoot Productions, Inc./ Creative Impressions Celebrating 20 Years!

This year, Barefoot Productions,

Inc. Creative Impressions is celebrating 20 years. Barefoot Productions, Inc./Creative Impressions was founded in 1996 by Evelyn D. Ellis. The choral ensemble consists of teenagers of diverse backgrounds led by a local music education professional who is assisted by parents and other professionals and community leaders.

The vision of its participants is raised as the youth advance to seek higher educational goals and other positive life experiences.

Through weekly training sessions, a focus on excellence, a belief in youth development, community support, hard work, and committed leadership, the organization is turning visions of possibilities into exciting

realities.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre Box Office at 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA. You purchase tickets online by visiting http://www.gru. edu/maxwelltheatre/.

Tickets can be purchased at Unique Vision Hair Salon located 2326 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA, 30904.

You can also purchase tickets by contacting Shanita Tolbert Newton at (706) 664-9022 or Gayle McLaughlin at (706) 589-8214. For more information about Creative Impressions, visit www.creative-impressions.org.

This year’s production is sponsored in part by Greater Augusta Arts Council.

Cutno Dance Center: Nutcracker In the South

AUGUSTA For ten consecutive years, dancers from Cutno Dance Center light up the stage in their Winter performance, Nutcracker In the South.

This beautifully choreographed updated version of Tchaikovsky classic uses Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker

Suite and other recognizable Holiday classics to tell the story. The audience will be mesmerized and filled with the Holiday spirit as they watch dancers of all ages, from preschool age to adult in this spectacular performance.

Showtime will be at 4:00 p.m.

on December 10, 2016, at Augusta University, Maxwell Theatre. This is a must-see event for the entire family.

Cutno Dance Center was founded in 1995 by Ferneasa Cutno. The Cutno Dance Center offers culturally diverse quality dance instruction, from Ballet to Hip Hop, to children

and adults in the CSRA. For Nutcracker tickets or for more information, please visit http://www. cutnodance.com/ Contact person: Monifa McCarther, Nutcracker Coordinator. Please call 706-364-3442 for interviews, photos, or additional questions.

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Barefoot Productions: “Behold The Star”

UrbanProWeekly - December 1 - 7, 2016

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In its heyday, Regency Mall was the premiere designation to shop and spend time with friends, especially among the teen set. Decades before the advent of social media, “hanging out” at the mall defined the social life of many CSRA teens. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Regency Mall – Shadows and Memories

By Vincent Hobbs Special to UrbanProWeekly It was once heralded as the largest shopping mall in the state of Georgia and was the first mall to open in Augusta. The year was 1978. Regency Mall ushered in a new way of shopping to the community, an indoor open space where 139 stores would eventually set up shop. In its heyday, Regency Mall was the premiere designation to shop and spend time with friends, especially among the teen set. Decades before the advent of social media, “hanging out” at the mall defined the social life of many CSRA teens.

“I moved here in ‘79 and the mall was ‘the place to hang out’ during that time as a teenager,” reflected independent business contractor and for-

mer educator Olivia “Cookie” Pontoo.

“There really wasn’t too much going in Augusta back then for us to do, so the mall was the ‘meeting place’.”

Pontoo was inspired by the fashions she would see in the stores. “I used to always come in through Cullum’s, a more upscale store and browse through the items thinking, ‘One day I’ll be able to buy some things out of here’. I’m glad to say that as I got a little older, I eventually did!”

Trip Jennings, a former Augusta Chronicle reporter who currently runs the nonprofit media organization “New Mexico In Depth”, amuses his kids with tales about his foray into the Rocky Horror culture at the Regency Mall Theater. The Rocky Horror Picture Show audience members would perform during the movie (dressing up as screen characters,

reciting lines). Jennings became an active participant, watching the film over a half-dozen times. “I think I was a senior in high school. A few times I wore a raincoat to look like one of the characters Riff Raff. People would bring water pistols to simulate rain like in the movie, act out the movie, throw toast, and do the Time Warp.

It was so fun and left me with some great memories!”

Navy veteran Ranzy Weston, Jr. remembers Picadilly’s as a place to get a good cafeteria-type meal and the young ladies of the JB White Fashion Board wrapping presents for customers during the holiday season. Weston was encouraged by the growth he saw in the area as a result of the mall’s presence. “Don’t forget that the mall brought people and soldiers to the area, “he reflected. “The movie the-

aters, Krystal, and other restaurants did well for a long time.”

Mark V. Oliphant, an Augusta native who is currently acting in film and television in Atlanta, also has distinct memories of Regency Mall. The mall was walking distance from Oliphant’s old neighborhood.

Sometimes he would jump into his Mom’s old Corolla wagon to make the trip. Music, fashion and food were the focus upon arrival.

“The place to be on a Saturday was Regency Mall, especially for us teens.

My typical Saturday there, besides hanging out with friends, was going to browse and sometimes buy the latest hit cassettes, 45’s or 12-inch vinyl at Musicland and Camelot Music,” Oliphant reflected. “Next, we would check out the latest styles in baggy pants, pleated slacks, wing-tip shirts,

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A single beam of light luminates from the the ceiling in this view from the lower floor of Regency Mall.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs and Playboy or Pierre Cardin shoes at Preston’s.” Oliphant and his friends would also make stops at Spencer’s, Oh Calcutta!, The Gap , JB Whites, Belk and Montgomery Ward, “finally capping the night off with a Sicilian slice of pizza from Dino’s”.

One of Oliphant’s fondest memories is when New Edition visited the mall. The group was to perform later at the Civic Center (now the James Brown Arena) downtown.

“This was their first time in Augusta on tour promoting their debut album “Candy Girl“. They strolled in rocking their black baggy pants, wing tipped shoes, white wing-

tipped shirts, suspenders and their signature saucer hats,” Oliphant shared. “Funny part about it, they barely were able to stay in the mall. The girls went crazy so that security and the Sheriff’s department had to run them out of there for their safety!”

The memories of fun times, great shopping and spending time with friends will always linger in the Regency Mall building, even as it now stands as an empty shell of its former self.

A view from the upper floor near center court of Regency Mall.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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Meet Jasmine Robinson Q & A BY VINCENT HOBBS Jasmine Robinson, known as “Jas” to her coaches and teammates, is known as a powerhouse on the basketball court. Currently averaging 22.5 points per game, with 5.8 assists and 7.2 rebounds, Robinson’s talent caught the eye of coaches at Troy University in Alabama. The 5’6” senior recently signed a letter of intent to play for the Trojans, a Sun Belt Conference member school sanctioned as NCAA Division I. UPW reached out to Robinson for her thoughts on her decision.

How does it feel to sign with an NCAA Division I school?

It feels great; it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time! It’s something I’ve been working toward with my Dad and we’ve put in so much time, effort and blood-sweat-and-tears.

It’s a great accomplishment!

Why did you pick Troy University to sign a letter of intent?

I love their fast-paced game, they love to run, they get out there and they score all of the time.

I love the coaches, the coaches are awesome. The family atmosphere around the girls is amazing. I just love this school.

Why did you start playing basketball?

I started playing basketball around 6 or 7 yearsold in a rec league. I grew up playing basketball.

I have a passion for the game; it’s something that I have really have a love for. If I didn’t play basketball, it just wouldn’t feel right.

What is your long-range goal at Troy?

I hope to make it to conference and accomplish a title as a team. I also want to improve myself, learn everything I can and go as far as possible.

Any interest in heading toward the WNBA? Yeah, I’m definitely looking towards it!

Who is your current favorite basketball player?

Asia Durr. She’s a college player right now, but she’s my favorite! (Editor’s note – Durr plays for the University of Louisville Cardinals) What are some of your hobbies when you’re not on the basketball court?

I love to draw, listen to music and hang out with my team.

Academy of Richmond County senior Jasmine Robinson poses for a photo in front of the ARC gym. Robinson, who currently averages 22.5 points per game, recently signed with Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Troy is a Division 1 NCAA school that is part of the Sun Belt Conference. Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

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LESSONS FROM THE ELECTION - PART 2

How Trump chumped us all Well, brothers and sisters, (President-elect Donald) Trump’s America is not a bad dream. It is a reality and a recurring nightmare. So, how did we get here?

During the first part of this column, I expressed the failures of the two-party system, as well as Democrats’ inability (and lack of authenticity) in engaging African-Americans through the political process.

Now, I will review the two previous truths, and share with you two additional truths that have led to the current state of affairs: 1) The two-party system is a complete and utter failure.

Clinton versus Trump? Really?

That’s the best this country can do?

Of course not. These two individuals rose to their respective nominations because the “two-party system” is nothing more than the left and right wings of a “bird” known as corporate interests (big money, y’all).

2) Democrats do not care about Black people.

Despite the significant amount of African-American elected officials who affiliate themselves with Democrats, I still maintain this stance.

Hillary Clinton’s campaign was a jaunt among the Black bourgeoisie, whether it be celebrities, Black elected officials or clergy.

It was world-class pandering, and too many of us fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Meanwhile, we didn’t realize the ramifications of this alienation: • Democrats didn’t advertise with Black media, nor did they solicit support from Black businesses; • Democrats settled for status quo (Clintons, etc.) instead of the anti-establishment movement (Bernie Sanders); • Democrats presented no real policy, outside of “fear Trump.”

3) We waited too late to hold President Obama accountable.

I won’t spend too much time here because any measure of holding

President Obama accountable is still thought of as ill will from too many Black folks. It’s as if we, as a people, don’t understand that we can love someone AND constructively criticize them.

We let the President off the hook during the first term when it came to “Black issues,” and by the time we sought profound changes from him in the Black community, there was the built-in excuse of the all-Republican Congress.

I’m still left wanting two very important things from an Obama presidency. The first – legislation that demands accountability for the continuing culture of police brutality. Whatever happened to the Department of Justice’s federal probe of Ferguson? We all know Ferguson is a speck of dust in the Greater St. Louis area, much less this country, yet the problems of Ferguson when it comes to law enforcement are also problems across this country.

With this understanding, why didn’t our President speak boldly, using his bully pulpit to demand law enforcement officials to get their stuff together?

I also have some angst regarding our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs. Our colleges are struggling right now. Some people will yell, “Mismanagement!”

Understandably so.

Understand this as well – a lot of our HBCUs have not received the federal funding promised to them, largely because there has not been enough pressure placed on state (and federal) governments to pay what they owe! If our President can speak at commencements and tell our kids to pull their pants up (a measure of respectability politics that I don’t agree with, by the way), surely he can tell legislators to stop playing politics with our beloved HBCUs. In terms of imagery, the Obamas have been and will continue to be second-to-none. They are a shining example.

Imagery alone isn’t enough, though.

We needed some profound policy to

help our community.

4) Voter apathy yields political anesthesia, which yields community amnesia.

In all honesty, number four should be number one.

Our primary issue as a community in terms of politics is that we are not perpetually involved in the political process. As a result, we invest all of our political shares into the presidency, and when the results don’t go our way, we enter into a hysteria. The same thing happened when George W. Bush was elected (twice).

As a community, we have a political culture (and destiny) of selecting the “lesser of two evils.” We do so because we forsake this very important adage and ideal: “all politics are local.”

We must build a local political awareness as the foundation of our community understanding. That means more than just going to vote.

We have to go to local meetings. We need to understand what’s going on in these meetings and have regular conversations with our friends and families about what’s going on.

Why? Because local politicians and city officials are often responsible for the day-to-day decisions that affect our lives. Long before we feel the effects of federal policy, we are affected on a local and state level.

This is why low voter turnout in local elections — really, ANY election — is no longer acceptable. Voting because we don’t feel as if our influence matters is no longer acceptable.

As a community, that hopelessness leaves us in the proverbial coma.

And when we come to ourselves, we forget the lessons of the past, make foolish decisions in the present and wonder why the future is so bleak.

Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference,” a media conglomerate that incorporates podcasting/radio, social media and commentary. The podcast is available at soundcloud.com/makinadifference. Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached by email at makinadifferenceshow@ gmail.com or by text at (803) 2702331.

LETTERS: Mad Dog Mattis?

President-elect Donald Trump should rethink his selection of retired Marine Corps General James “Mad Dog” Mattis as his Secretary of Defense. In spite of his stellar military service record, Mattis is not statutorily or politically qualified to serve as defense secretary.

Statutorily, Mattis is ineligible for appointment, unless he is granted a congressional waiver. Amendments to the National Security Act prohibit commissioned officers from serving as defense secretary for a period of seven years after retirement. Currently, Mattis has been in retirement for only three years.

Politically, Mattis is inexperienced in civilian politics and diplomacy.

Militarily, he has been a knight in shining armor. However, in politics, a knight in shining armor is a person who has never had their metal tested.

Experience matters. That is why there has only been one waiver granted since the passage of the National Security Act in 1947. In 1950, a waiver was granted for the appointment of retired Army General George C. Marshall as Secretary of Defense.

Unlike Mattis, Marshall possessed an exceptional political body of work.

Between 1947 and 1949, Marshall served as Secretary of State. In 1947, he proposed the European Recovery Program which became known as the Marshall Plan. Later, for his contributions to the economic reconstruction of Europe and promotion of world peace, Marshall was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.

James “Mad Dog” Mattis is no George C. Marshall.

Kevin Palmer, Martinez, GA,

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

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Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild Exhibition NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 30, 2016 The Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild of Atlanta, GA is a diverse group of AfricanAmerican quilters from all over the metropolitan area. The crafters of this guild have gained popularity both regionally and nationally. This is their fourth visit to the museum, becoming a staple of the November to December schedule. The Annual International Doll Exhibition will accompany the quilts.

RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Phase V SPLOST Building Program

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Grading & Sitework Construction for the New Dyess Parkway K-8 School project by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, January 5, 2017 , 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 December 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. local time at the proposed project site located off of Jimmy Dyess Parkway.

Drawings and project manual on this work may be examined at the Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 1781 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.

Bidding documents may be obtained at the office of the Architect, Cheatham, Fletcher Scott Architects, 420 ½ 8th Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $250 (payable to the Architect) 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.

December Senior Luncheon DECEMBER 14, 2016; 11:30AM-1:00PM The Augusta Chorale also launches the Museum’s Christmas season with their annual appearance at the December Senior Luncheon. The elegant ensemble consistently generates a large audience. Please ensure your catered meal by RSVP no later than December 4th. The cost is $11.00. Please call the museum at 706-724-3576

Arts Council Brand Identity Ribbon Cutting On Thursday, December 15, join the Greater Augusta Arts Council and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting to celebrate our new brand identity.

The ribbon cutting will be hosted at the Greater Augusta Arts Council offices in the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, 11:00am-12:00pm. RSVP at the link below.

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 & informalities.

BID LIST: The Richmond County Board of Education maintains a bid list for many categories that are let for bid each year. If your company wishes to remain on our bid list, we must receive a response either through a bid or by a no bid response. If we do not receive a response, your company’s name will 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 with GMK Associates at (706) 826 -1127 for location to review and obtain this database.

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

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY WE TAKE

• Georgia medicaid • Insurance plans • Charge cards • WIC vouchers

Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

B-16-043-1885 NEW DYESS PARKWAY K-8 SCHOOL

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-722-7355

Dr. Cal Brice

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11 UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016

Swimmers from Evans High School compete during a meet held recently at the Augusta Aquatics Center. Swim competitors also included Lakeside and AR Johnson. Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

Augusta Sports Journal • ROUNDUP (At Left) Paine College’s Tierra Boykin (center) heads for the basket in a game against Central State University (Ohio), held at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Dec. 3. The Lady Marauders defeated the Lady Lions 83-66 in the final score.

(Below) Paine College women’s basketball head coach Willie Adams talks to the team during a time-out in a game against Central State University (Ohio), held at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Lady Marauders defeated the Lady Lions 83-66 in the final score.

Photos by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

UrbanProWeekly -DECEMBER 8 - 14, 2016

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