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21st Century Blaxploitation Trump & The Black Pastors COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015 VOL. 5 NO. 14

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

GOAL ORIENTED

Cross Creek’s Valen Avery prepares to shoot the ball during a game held at the Josey gym. The Lady Razorbacks triumphed over the previously-unbeaten Lady Eagles, in a final score of 67-37. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

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COMMUNITY

HAPPENINGS

Real Estate developer chosen as Augusta U. fall commencement speaker AUGUSTA Real estate developer and Augusta native Barry Storey will address the first graduating class of Augusta University during the institution’s commencement ceremony at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 12 at the James Brown Arena.

Storey’s 30-year career in real estate began after he graduated from the University of Georgia in 1982 and joined AFCO Realty Associates in Atlanta as an industrial leasing associate. In 1993, he returned to his hometown of Augusta and co-founded the real estate acquisition, management and development company Hull/Story Development LLC., now known as the Hull Property Group.

Storey is a well-known philanthropist whose support for the community has garnered him many accolades such as the Family Y’s Linda H. Walter Leadership Award and the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Augusta’s Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Storey and his family share a connection with Augusta University as the

UPW

Barry Storey institution’s cancer research facility will become the GRU Cancer Center M. Bert Storey Research Building in recognition of Storey’s father, who is also a longtime university supporter.

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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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Christmas Caravan Paine College Interim President Dr. Samuel Sullivan welcomes visitors at the start of the 2nd Annual Christmas Caravan, held at the 15th Street entrance to the college. Paine partnered with the Golden Harvest Food Bank, Toys for Tots, and Infiniti of Augusta to host the event, which collect toys and food for those in need during the holiday season.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

IN THE SPIRIT

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

21st Century Blaxploitation starring Donald Trump

Leading GOP candidate has no shame; nor do the people who support him Before I start my commentary, there are two things that I need to say about Donald Trump: Number one – it is with great regret that I have to write about this racist, evil and xenophobic megalomaniac.

However, Trump is the leading candidate for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in 2016. This is an indictment on the Republican Party, mass media and Americans at large. Trump’s political presence underscores the reason why we must become more aware of media presentation and why we must vote in every single election.

Many people are making a mistake in regards to Trump’s political endeavors – they are underestimating the stupidity of Americans who believe his dangerous rhetoric. This is not a game any more, this is a very serious matter.

Number two – make no mistake about it, Donald Trump is an entertainer. He is more public spectacle than public servant; more comedian than community partner. The scary thing about his brand of “entertainment,” though, is while people may know him from “The Apprentice,” Trump is becoming a master of controversy and exploitation.

When it comes to outlandish comments and exploiting folks, Trump targets people of color and Muslims.

Here are a few of his comments about Black folk: • “Our great African American President hasn’t exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore.”

• “And if you look at black and African American youth … they’ve never done more poorly. There’s no spirit.”

Trump says the organizers behind “Black Lives Matter” are “looking for trouble.” When a BLM protester was attacked at one of his campaign rallies, his reply was “maybe he should have been roughed up.”

And if you think that’s bad, Trump’s thoughts on Muslims are unforgivable.

“Think about it – the fight for civil rights started in the Black church. And now, we have a small group of ‘community leaders”’that would stand and pray with this imbecile!”

In one stroke, he says all the mosques in the country should be shut down.

In the next, he says all Muslims should be ID’d. Just this week, he said all Muslim travel to the U.S. should be “banned.”

Here’s the sad irony of Trump’s angry words – just because he seemingly despises people of color doesn’t mean he won’t use them for his amusement and/or personal gain.

Take the “Black pastors” who met with Trump last week. Or the “Stump For Trump Girls” who met with him at one of his campaign rallies.

Those individuals should be ashamed – and not just because they’re black. They should be ashamed for backing a man who clearly does not care about their community and

their ideals.

Think about it – the fight for civil rights STARTED in the Black church.

And now, we have a small group of “community leaders” that would stand and pray with this imbecile! Do you think the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King would stand with Trump? Of course not!

I am using the term “blaxploitation” – the exploitation of blacks – to describe this turn of events, but I could just as easily call it “blackface.” And while we may fondly remember some of the great blaxploitation movies from decades ago, ultimately, people criticized those films because of the stereotypes they promoted. The actions of these pastors and the “Stump” women are no different.

Of course, stereotypes don’t matter to an entertainer like Trump. They only empower him.

There is only one thing profound about Trump – and that is the raw, ugly hatred that he elicits from people. The fact that a man who cares so little about people is a leading candidate for President shows that America isn’t as “post-racial” as some people care to think.

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

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JILL SCOTT IN AUGUSTA: “All in all, it was a performance that was breathtaking and left everyone in attendance wanting more.”

The Jill Scott Experience in Augusta

By Ken Makin makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com AUGUSTA As a native Augustan and a fan of rhythm and blues, I have often wondered what a live James Brown concert would be like.

Oh, I’ve seen the live performances on social media and on TV. But what would it be like to be there in person? The EXPERIENCE of it all?

On Sunday night, I believe I may have gotten as close as I will to having that experience in this lifetime during the Jill Scott concert at the Bell Auditorium.

Soul Brother No. 1, meet Soul Sister No. 1.

Of course, “Jilly From Philly” is all too familiar with the Godfather of Soul. After all, she played the role of Deidre “DeeDee” Brown, the Godfather’s second wife, in the “Get On Up” film starring Chadwick Boseman. I would like to believe that in the aftermath of that role, Ms. Scott saw fit to play Augusta.

How did the community respond to news of her arrival? By packing the house like a baptist church on Christmas. It seemed like all of Augusta was in the building.

When Jill came out to begin a roughly 90-minute

spot, the crowd welcomed her with a full roar. In full control of the moment, she jumped right into a performance of “Gimme,” and even provided a full mimicry of the live instrumentation – a James Brown staple.

The concert itself was a lot like Jill herself – simultaneously sensual, spiritual and socially aware. This wasn’t a veteran musician and artist rehashing her hits. Oh no, it was as if she recreated those hits on the spot.

Pick your favorite Jill Scott song – “The Way,” “Whatever,” “Golden.” She remixed it as she maintained the original integrity of the song.

One of the highlights of the concert was the way Jill interacted with the audience. Her response to front-row concertgoers incessantly snapping pictures? She and her band mates posed for pictures.

One of the luckiest guys of the night was a gentleman named “Eric,” who was the source of good-natured ribbing by Jill as she masterfully weaved her new single, “Closure,” with an oldie-but-goodie, “Cross My Mind.”

About 30 minutes in, there was a haze over the crowd, which had the look and feel of an oldschool juke joint. You could see the silhouettes of people dancing joyously, along with the maestro who was responsible for the scene.

From there, the concert went from sinfully good to socially aware and ultimately, spiritually sound. During one take, Jill challenged pastors to be more aware of what’s going on in the community and less concerned about material things.

“Your parishioners are being beaten by police,” she said, almost sternly, as the crowd shared her spirit of protest.

And yes, Jill was candid and honest as only she can be. After she performed “Say Thank You,” one of the singles off of her latest CD, “Woman,” she said the song was for those of us who are going through a tough time, but are still thankful for God’s blessings.

“Sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and say, ‘Thank you,’” she said, with a mixture of petulance and penitence.

All in all, it was a performance that was breathtaking and left everyone in attendance wanting more.

“Thank you! Blessings to you!” tweeted Deanna Brown-Thomas from her handle, @ JamesBrownGirl, soon after the concert.

Had the Godfather himself been there, there’s no doubt in my mind of what he would say: “Thank you.”

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

IN CONCERT

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

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SPORTS JOSEY vs CROSS CREEK

JOSEY 67 CROSS CREEK 37 (Above) Cross Creek’s Nya Daniels (L) looks to pass the ball during a game against opponent T.W. Josey at the Josey gym. The Lady Razorbacks triumphed over the previously-unbeaten Lady Eagles, in a final score of 67-37.

(Far left) Cross Creek’s Alan Davis (L) and T.W . Josey’s Breanna Wilson (R) battle for control of the ball during the game tip-off at the Josey gym. .

(At left) T.W. Josey cheerleader, Jazlyn Hughes, performs during a game against Cross Creek at the Josey gym. T. Photos by Vincent Hobbs

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AU vs BOWIE STATE

Augusta University head men’s basketball coach Dip Metress exchanges words with a referee during a game against Bowie State University at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jags suffered a 91-81 loss against the Bulldogs in a non-conference game. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

AUGUSTA STATE 81 BOWIE STATE 91 AU senior Tommy Williams prepares to shoot the ball during a game against Bowie State University at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Augusta University freshman Aaron Byrd (L) goes for a layup as Enuoma Ebinum (R) tries to block during a game against Bowie State University at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jags suffered a 91-81 loss against the Bulldogs in a non-conference game. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

SPORTS

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

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Local visual artist Daphne Taylor, also known as Ajibola, will exhibit her original paintings January 7th - February 26th 2016 at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center.

On Thursday, January 7th 2016 from 5pm to 7pm there will be an opening reception and discussion Ajibola recreates images showing the dignity, challenges and spirituality of African people, so they may see themselves through her art. Ajibola’s passion is to inform, instruct and inspire all who view her work and she is dedicated to sharing origins of African culture wherever it may be in the world.

Sacred Heart Cultural Center serves individuals from across the Central Savannah River Area and visitors from throughout the Nation and beyond.

Deputy arrested AUGUSTA Sheriff’s deputy Anthony Bottom has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested this week for an incident of “domestic violence.”

According to a report issued by the Richmond A. Bottom County Sheriff’s Office, “...Deputies responded to the 2500 block of Georgetown Drive in reference to a Domestic Violence incident. After investigation, Deputy Anthony Bottom was arrested for the following charges: Domestic Violence – Simple Battery; Domestic Violence – Criminal Trespass.”

Deputy Bottom has been on the force since September, 2011 and is currently assigned to the Road Patrol Division.

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IN THE SPIRIT

Paine College student Sakeem Freeman, aka “Dr. Phusion”, performs with the sax the 2nd Annual Christmas caravan, held at the 15th Street entrance to the college. Paine partnered with the Golden Harvest Food Bank, Toys for Tots, and Infiniti of Augusta to host the event, which collect toys and food for those in need during the holiday season.

Photo

by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

Ajibola Exhibition

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Radiothon pulls in $205,000 for hospital

UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

The 15th annual Cares for Kids Radiothon, one of the largest fundraisers for the not-for-profit Children’s Hospital of Georgia, concluded at noon Saturday with a “big check presentation” marking $204,469.71 in donations and pledges received in support of the hospital over the three-day event.

Local iheart radio stations and Cares for Kids partners 104.3 WBBQ, 96.3 Kiss FM, and G 105.7 began broadcasting early Thursday, asking listeners to call in and become “miracle makers” for the area’s only children’s hospital. Also during the broadcast, patients, families and staff shared inspirational stories about the care they have received at Children’s Hospital of Georgia, one of the nation’s best for pediatric care.

The Cares for Kids Radiothon is the largest single Children’s Miracle Network

Hospitals fundraiser for CHOG. After the photo was taken, more donations came in raising the total to $205,079, which is $35,000 more than was raised last year.

Pledges to CHOG can be made year-round. Call 706-721-4004 or email castewart@gru.edu for more information.

The 154-bed not-for-profit CHOG is the second-largest children’s hospital in the state, providing the highest level of pediatric critical care and neonatal intensive care, as well as a wide range of general and complex health care for children. CHOG was recently ranked as the nation’s top performing hospital in pediatric quality and safety by the University HealthSystem Consortium of academic medical centers. Visit facebook.com/GAChildrens or follow on Twitter at twitter.com/GAChildrens

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UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2015

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