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KEN MAKIN COMMENTARY

The mayor’s move: politics as usual?

Airport lands $3 million terminal grant

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

FEB. 27 - MARCH 12, 2023 VOL. 11 NO. 14

RE-IMAGINING our role in securing healthy food CASSANDRA LOFTLIN Q&A with Chef Cassandra Cassandra Loftlin, a local chef, stands on a path along the Lake Olmstead Trailhead.

Known for her culinary contributions to “America’s Test Kitchens”, she also teaches culinary skills, caters events and develops recipes. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Why can’t Lake Olmstead Stadium be renovated?

Lake Olmstead Stadium, the former home of the Augusta Green Jackets, needs repairs and is not being used at all. A lawsuit had been filed to determine who has the obligation to renovate the property. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

The mayor’s power play and ‘politics as usual’

I

distinctly remember the weekend before last June’s mayoral election runoff in Augusta. I walked out to my car after Sunday service at a local church and saw a flier underneath the windshield wipers. It was a political ad from soon-to-be-mayor Garnett Johnson.

The ad criticized the “politics-as-usual” approach from his opponent, Steven Kendrick. The idea was to portray Kendrick as a shifty politician, and presented Johnson as the change Augusta needed. The mayor-to-be didn’t exempt Hardie Davis’ SUV controversy either when he said he didn’t need a city vehicle.

It was political gamesmanship, part of the strategy that yielded a victory for Johnson. It was also the precursor to politics as usual.

Only weeks after he was sworn in as the mayor of Augusta, Johnson made a personal push for political power. Specifically, he wants to be able to vote on every decision the Augusta Commission makes, not just in the case of a tiebreaker. That decision would require a change to the city charter, which means he would need seven commissioners to cosign the power shift.

Or does he?

The proposal has already made its way to the Georgia Senate,

which is to say that Johnson’s cozying up with Brian Kemp might pay dividends sooner rather than later.

What does it all mean for Augusta?

The answer is complicated.

For starters, it’s a sign that the politics of consolidation that have defined Augusta for decades are outdated. Certainly, the racial angst in Augusta politics is as relevant as ever, but the assumption that we can solve that angst with a 50-50 split trivializes the realities of Black politics and Augusta’s mostly Black constituents. Political affiliations are less important in a city where residents get the short end of the stick, regardless of whether a politi-

cian leans Democrat or Republican.

Believe it or not, politics is more about what you do than what you say. This fact is lost on many of us because of the power of political rhetoric. With that said, when mayors choose to engage in power grabs for votes or fuss about fleet vehicles, it shows they are largely unserious about serving the people.

Johnson’s power play might not create a “strong mayor” form of government, but it does send a message about what the next few years will look like. And for the record, the strongest mayors leave a legacy of service, not one of selfishness.

Airport receives $3 million grant

Scott receives national appointment

AUGUSTA Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) is the recipient of a $3 million Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant. The ATP is part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). It is a five year 5-Billion-dollar competitive discretionary grant program aimed at infrastructure enhancements at our nation’s Airports. One of the goals of the program is to help meet the growing demand of air travel and invest in airport improvements.

According to airport media reports this money will be used to help fund a portion of the Airport’s Terminal Gates 3 & 4 Rehabilitation/Expansion Project. The AGS project was one of 104 selected from 99 airports.

The primarily goal of this project is to reconfigure two terminal aircraft gates to install passenger boarding bridges in lieu of ground board-

Commissioner Francine Scott has been appointed to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee.

In this one-year appointment, Scott will provide strategic direction and guidance on matters pertaining to criminal justice and public safety systems, including criminal justice planning, law enforcement, courts, corrections, homeland security, community crime prevention, juvenile justice and delinquency prevention, emergency management, fire prevention and control, and civil disturbances.

Throughout the year, committee members will participate in monthly conference calls and attend NACo conferences to stay informed of developments from Capitol Hill and provide a platform to discuss county

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

ing (walking outside). AGS currently has operational passenger boarding bridges at two of six aircraft gates.

“We are extremely grateful for the federal support and thank all those who worked and advocated for us.”

Said Mr. Herbert L. Judon Jr. Airport Executive Director. “These funds will provide for a large portion of the construction of our Terminal Improvement Project. Once complete, we will add extra square footage, new amenities, and two additional passenger boarding bridges.

This very important endeavor will further modernize our terminal facility, increase functionality, and significantly enhance the customer experience.”

The Airport is slated to begin the terminal construction in mid-summer 2023 and it is projected for completion in the first quarter of 2024.

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

Commissioner Francine Scott issues with their colleagues across the nation.

For more information on NACo’s steering committees, visit https:// www.naco.org/.

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

CITYUPDATE

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AUGUSTA The Augusta Development Authority has filed a civil suit in the Superior Court of Richmond County against C4 Live, the organization responsible for the Lake Olmstead stadium’s redevelopment. The authority is seeking in excess of $1 million.

According to the authority, C4 Live has failed to live up to the terms of their sub-lease agreement, citing failure to make multiple annual operational payments, refusing to make the necessary improvements at the stadium after it was “abandoned” last year, and failure to surrender the stadium and its parking areas in good order and repair.

In 2020, C4 Live agreed to lease the stadium and its land from the

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Who is responsible for the Lake Olmstead stadium fix?

The former home of the Augusta Green Jackets at Lake Olmstead, 78 Milledge Road, sits abandoned and unused. Photo by Vincent Hobbs City of Augusta. It seemed like a good deal in that C4 was responsible for and paying for the total renovation of the stadium, turning what used to be the Augusta GreenJackets old playing field into a state-of-the-art venue space. In exchange, Augusta would not pay a dime, but give C4 the event space for 10 years worth of events.

The first event was scheduled

to be XPR Augusta, a multi-night performance featuring headliners Nelly, Blake Shelton, Pitbull, Tim McGraw and Jimmy Buffett. The show was scheduled to kick off during the Masters Tournament last year, but was canceled days before it was to begin.

C4 reported at the time that the problem came up when they found the soil to be unstable, but

the development authority claims they knew this the whole time. It was reported in 2019 during the Papa Joe’s Banjo-B-Q Music Festival when a truck was observed sinking into the dirt.

In the wake of the canceled event, there have been multiple failed attempts to reach C4 Live for comment and no activity has been or heard out of the historic stadium.

Mayor seeks greater role at meetings

By F/Benjamin Sr. Special to UPW AUGUSTA Five Augusta commissioners have recently endorsed Mayor Garnett Johnson’s request to be given the same voting power as sitting commissioners. Five other commmissioners are questioning whether or not the mayor has gone about his request in the best manner. The five commissioners

who supported Johnson’s resolution which would allow local voters to determine whether or not he should have an equal vote included Alvin Mason, Brandon Garrett, Catherine Smith McKnight, Sean Frantom and Wayne Guilfoyle., Here is what some of the commissioners who were “outside of the loop” on this issue have had to say.

“I have not heard from the mayor nor anyone one in his office about this

plan, haven’t heard from anyone about the intention,” said Comm. Jordan Johnson.

“If half this commission was not informed, not brought on board, is that right? Absolutely not, even if he got a no, I think he should have, and he could have forged ahead,” said Comm.

Francine Scott.

Longtime city watchers are suggesting that although the mayor made his intentions known prior to being elect-

ed, and that mayoral candidate Steven Kendricks had also expressed interest in such an arrangement, the way the mayor has gone about seeking support was tantamount to “drawing a political line in the sand.”

Presently, the city’s charter allows the mayor to preside over meetings of the Augusta Commission, but only votes in the event of a deadlock.

Johnson insists that this is not a “power grab.”

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ART&COMMUNITY

Laney Museum of Black History Emerging Artists Exhibition The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is excited to welcome a first-time exhibit entitled “Emerging Artists” on display through March. This new exhibit highlights a lot of the new artistic talent in the River Region. It also includes a selection of more recognized artists. The mixture of new and established will give the newer artists an opportunity to learn more about Augusta’s arts community.

A list of the artists that have artwork on display include: Chase McKai Young (Featured Artist) - Greenbrier High School Sara Conner Evelyn Gibson Carolyn Walker O’Dell Francie Klopotic Si-Long Chen Hannah Mae Price John Cannon Devin Lovett Oliver Josue Lopez Reyes - T. W. Josey Comprehensive High School

Nadia Clark - T. W. Josey Comprehensive High School Justis Davis Zyrianna Williams - T. W. Josey Comprehensive High School Keelan Gordon Tony Cerna T. W. Josey Comprehensive High School Zykira Blockett - T. W. Josey Comprehensive High School Rhian Swain Pat Cummings The featured emerging artist for the showcase is Chase McKai Young, a 10th grade Greenbrier student. Chase’s passion for art started when she was a little girl. She was inspired by her older sister. Her artworks depict black women in different capacities. Chase says “in one, she is mystifying and a being who is unattainable. In the other she is being oppressed and is struggling to fight back.”

“Emerging Artists” will be on display at the Laney Museum in February and much of March 2023.

The T.W. Josey Lady Eagles defeated the Vidalia Indians 52-22 at the Eagles home court during a GHSA state championship playoff game. The Eagles ended their regular season 13-1, and are ranked first in Region AA-4B. With their victory over Vidalia, the Lady Eagles advanced to the second round of playoffs.

Josey continued their progress in state playoffs, with subsequent wins over Dodge County (47-40) and Murray County (47-38). The Lady Eagles will play for the state title in the Final Four championship games on Saturday, March 4th at 2pm at Georgia College and State in Milledgeville, GA. (Feb.21, 2023 - Augusta, GA) Photos by Vincent Hobbs

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SportsVIEW

Josey’s Lady Eagles end season 13-1 and advance to championship round

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R E - I M AG I N I N G

our relationship to our land, food and history CASSANDRA LOFTLIN AKA CHEF CASSANDRA

UPW: How did cooking and gardening become central in your life?

CHEF CASSANDRA: Driven by my desire to gain a better understanding of how to prevent diseases, I made the decision to pursue culinary education and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu. With a unique blend of academic knowledge in Anthropology, Religious Studies, and Culinary Arts, my goal was to -position myself to explore the intersection of food, culture, and health. My focus has always been on giving back to the community and along the way, I worked in several health and environmental education programs. I eventually became a Schoolyard State Master Gardener through a program at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. I am an avid gardener with an interest in farming and edible landscapes.

UPW: Please explain the importance of Ark Republic and Black Farmers Index and how you were attracted to their activities.

CASSANDRA: In 2017, I made the move to New Jersey to help open a restaurant chain focused on healthy, farm-to-table soul food. During my time there, I reconnected with Dr. Kaia Shivers, a professor at NYU in liberal studies and a journalist, who was a friend, classmate, and confidant from our days at Clark Atlanta University. We shared a passion for advancing the Black community and brainstormed ways to push the movement forward. One night, in her living room, Dr. Shivers gave birth to the idea of Ark Republic. Moving forward with a small group of friends, family, artists, and community activists, she set out to document the Black experience on the ground

and report relevant news stories.

I was a supporter of Ark Republic from the beginning and during the pandemic, Dr. Shivers asked the question, “How can we help Black farmers who have lost access to direct-to-consumer sales?”

Dr. Shivers launched the Black Farmers Index, the most comprehensive free directory of Black farmers across the United States. The BFI connects a hungry public directly to traditional and non-traditional Black farmers, building stable food networks while addressing a long history of injustice against the very people who have been the bedrock of this country.

Setting the stage for the sociopolitical backdrop of her two brainchildren, Dr. Shivers weaves a story of building up the Black farming community in the context of reimagining entirely new ways of relating to each other, our history, and the land. In my work, I am an advocate and champion for the home cook. Her focus on farmers sparked a question in my head, who was in more trouble during the pandemic: the Black consumer or the Black farmer?

I became a contributor to Black Farmers Index and recently started a column for Ark Republic called “Fcuk the Food System,” which explores how everyday people, activists, and community leaders are trying to address issues in the food system that affect Black people.

The Black Farmers Index and Ark Republic are important tools for advancing the Black community and promoting social justice. They are examples of how individuals can come together to create meaningful change and make a difference in the lives of others.

Continued on next page

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

CHEF CASSANDRA IS AN ANTHROPOLOGIST, WORLD-TRAVELING CHEF AND FARMER WHO DIGS INTO HER EXPANSIVE ARCHIVES FOR FUN AND TASTY RECIPES

CASSANDRA LOFTLIN earned an Anthropology and Religious Studies from the University of South Carolina. During her academic journey, she had the opportunity to delve deeply into the study of African Traditional Religion in three communities in the United States, including Augusta..

Initially, her plan was to become a professor of African American Studies, which led her to enroll in the PhD program in African Women’s Studies at Clark Atlanta University.

During her time at Clark Atlanta University, she worked on a research project in collaboration with the Student Health Center that examined chronic diseases among the student population on campus. Through this research, she discovered that seven out of the ten chronic health issues were food-related.

This realization marked a turning point in her research interests as she recognized the importance of preventing diseases rather than simply treating them.

UPW: What are some of the things that are on your “front burner” that we may get the opportunity to support in the coming months.

CASSANDRA: As the pandemic forced the shutdown of my workplace at America’s Test Kitchen, I returned to my hometown of Augusta, Georgia to check on my family and continued to work remotely. As a chef and cookbook author, I was frustrated by the lack of access to fresh ingredients in my community, which had become a food swamp. It was then that I realized the need for food sovereignty and a solution for East Boundary, where I grew up.

Despite still working on cookbook projects, I have shifted my focus towards creating a solution for my community. I completed a feasibility study and am currently in talks with two major investors to bring a grocery store to the area. While the process may take 3-5 years to come to fruition, I am also working with Growing Augusta and a group of Food Access Stakeholders to find shortterm solutions.

As a chef and food activist, I am committed to addressing issues of food insecurity and supporting Black farmers. That’s why I was excited to work on the Vittles Box, a collaboration between Ark Republic and Black Farmers Index, that highlights value-added products from Black farmers.

The Vittles Box is a gift box that features unique and delicious products from Black farmers, including pecans from Samora Vineyards and dried mushrooms from SomeDay Farms, two local farmers who are doing important work in our community.

By promoting the products of Black farmers, we can help to build stable food networks and address the long history of injustice against these farmers. The Vittles Box is just one way that we can support Black farmers and promote a more equitable food system for all.

I am dedicated to creating sustainable food networks and ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, healthy ingredients regardless of their location. My hope is that this work will

“Many people are recognizing that the dominant food system is environmentally unsustainable and socially unjust, and are seeking alternative models that prioritize ecological health, community well-being, and racial equity.” not only benefit East Boundary but serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.

UPW: How can you explain the explosion of interest in issues where black farms and farmers play key roles?

CASSANDRA: Firstly, there is a growing recognition of the historical and ongoing discrimination faced by black farmers in the United States.

For generations, black farmers have faced systemic barriers in accessing land, credit, and government support, which has resulted in a significant decline in the number of black-owned farms over the past century. This history of discrimination has come to the forefront of public awareness in recent years, sparking a renewed interest in supporting and uplifting black farmers.

Secondly, there is a growing concern about the sustainability and equity of our current food system. Many people are recognizing that the dominant food system is environmentally unsustainable and socially unjust, and are seeking alternative models that prioritize ecological health, community well-being, and racial equity.

Supporting black farmers and promoting food sovereignty can be part of building a more equitable and

sustainable food system.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of our food system, and the importance of local food production and distribution. Black farmers and other small-scale producers have been particularly affected by the pandemic, as they often rely on direct-to-consumer sales and have limited access to larger markets. Supporting black farmers and promoting local food systems can help to build more resilient and equitable food systems that can withstand future shocks and crises.

UPW: OK, so tell us the Chef Cassandra story. What do you do and why -- and how can we keep up with your every step?

CASSANDR A: Growing up in Augusta, Georgia, food was always an important part of my life. My family had a garden in our backyard, and my grandmother would often take me to the farmers’ market to pick out fresh produce. However, it wasn’t until my time at Clark Atlanta University that I truly understood the importance of food and its impact on our health.

As a student, I worked on a research project with the Student Health Center that focused on chronic diseases among the student population.

It was eye-opening to discover that seven out of the ten chronic health

issues we studied were related to food. This realization made me think deeply about the role of food in our lives and how it can either heal or harm us.

I started to pay closer attention to the food I was consuming and the impact it had on my body. I began experimenting with different recipes and ingredients, trying to find ways to make healthy food taste delicious. I found that I had a real passion for cooking and creating dishes that were not only nutritious but also satisfying and flavorful.

As I continued to explore my interest in food and its connection to health, I realized that becoming a chef could be my way of making a positive impact on people’s lives. By creating healthy, delicious meals, I could help people prevent chronic diseases and improve their overall well-being. Armed with my knowledge of food and health, I began developing recipes and writing cookbooks that focused on healthy, delicious food.

Today, I am a chef and food activist working to promote food sovereignty and access to healthy food in underserved communities. My passion for food and health has led me down this path, and I hope to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives through my cooking and advocacy work.

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The Black Farmers Index and Ark Republic are important tools for advancing the Black community and promoting social justice.

I can be found here: Twitter @chefcassandra Instagram:@ FcukTheFoodSystem Facebook FcukTheFoodSystem Email: chef.cassandra@gmail.com Office Cell:: 678-995-FOOD (3663) Media:www.ArkRepublic.com search

Keep an eye out for the Spring Vittles Box From Black Farmers Index. Story here: https://www.arkrepublic.com/2022/12/28/ vittles-sown-with-soul-is-the-tastiest-write-off-youll-eat-all-yearfeaturing-black-growers-across-the-u-s/

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IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

Latrell’s Spring Cleaning Tips Live your best life! That is my motto. My name is Menia L. Chester, I am CLEAN YOUR KITCHEN! a chef and owner of Desserts by Latrell and Southern Jazz and Sweets. My · Clean out pantry—get rid of expired canned food goal is to teach you about food, finance, anything about the home, garden· Deep clean the oven and stovetop ing, and healthy living. · Vacuum and mop behind the refrigerator—clean it inside as well This month is Women’s History Month. We have to celebrate one of the pioneers of Home Economics (Family and Consumer Sciences)…

GREEN CLEANING PRODUCT RECIPE Margaret Murray Washington (b.1865-d.1925) she was the wife of Booker Please Note: T. Washington. Mrs. Washington was the principal of Tuskegee Normal DIY green cleaners are not recommended for disinfecting against the SARSand Industrial Institute (now Tuskegee University). She was also the CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. leader of the Domestic Science department. The was a great accomplishment during this time. In honor of Mrs. Washington and her work All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe in the science of the home, this article will focus on Spring Cleaning Ingredients tips and green cleaning product recipes. I am a proud member of the · 1/ cup vinegar American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and I love Home · 10-18 drops essential oil Economics! · 1 tsp castile or phosphorous-free dish soap or washing soda Special thanks to Dr. Pam and Ms. Sharon for the green cleaning inspi· 2 ½ cups boiled or distilled water ration! Feel free to add your own items to the list and share it with your friends.

DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients to an empty spray bottle . Shake well and use within one SPRING CLEANING LIST week. Be sure to label the bottle with the name of the product and the ingre· Wash Baseboards, door ceilings, windowsills, doors, and walls dients. Happy cleaning! · Vacuum and wash vents · Clean window treatments and dust blinds.

If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or would like to learn · Wash Windows - inside and out about events by Latrell, please visit my website and send an email via the con· Dust ceiling fan tact form. · Clear out the spider webs · Dust and/or vacuum light fixtures and lamp shades Website: www.southernjazzandsweets.com

EXPLORE CHARLESTON WITH US Get UPW delivered to your inbox OR your front door.

Subscribe at growingaugusta.co/upw

Laney Museum Charleston Day-Trip Join The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History on its out of town day-trip to Charleston, South Carolina on Saturday, April 22nd.

Enjoy the featured destination of the newly opened International African American Museum! Also shop and enjoy lunch in the Charleston City Market. Bus leaves from and returns to the Laney Museum of Black History.

Early Bird Cost is $85 Cost AFTER February 1st is $100 Register by calling 706-724-3576.

Deadline to register and pay is April 11th.

If you have questions please email cynthia@ lucycraftlaneymuseum.com 1116 Phillips Street, Augusta, GA 30901 706-724-3576 www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com

ACADEMY OF RICHMOND COUNTY SITEWORK FOR MODULAR CLASSROOMS

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received by The Richmond County Board of Education for the Academy of Richmond County, Sitework for Modular Classrooms project until 3:00p.m. local time, March 30, 2023. This will be a public bid opening, read aloud in the Richmond County Board of Education Conference Room located at 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Ga. 30901. No extension of the bidding period will be made.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. local time on the project site, Academy of Richmond County Cafeteria, 910 Russell St, Augusta, GA 30904.

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 Hwy, Augusta, Georgia 30906, Tel: (706)737-7189.

ELECTRONIC BIDDING DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED DIRECTLY FROM THE ARCHITECT. REQUESTS MAY BE MADE BY PHONE OR EMAIL BY CONTACTING JACKIE PARISH AT 706-722-7488 OR JPARISH@DICKINSONARCHITECTS.COM. A LINK WILL BE PROVIDED FOR IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS. ONLY REGISTERED PLAN HOLDERS REQUESTING THE DOCUMENTS FROM THE ARCHITECT WILL BE NOTIFIED OF PUBLISHED ADDENDA. Applications for documents together with

refundable deposit of $50.00 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.

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) 826-1127 for location to review and obtain this database.

Bids shall be submitted:

Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. Bobby Smith, CPA

With six years of continuous commitment, Princesses, Pearls, and Puberty (P3 Party), a non-profit organization, is a national and internationally recognized puberty education organization.

This year P3 will be hosting our AchiveHER Tea Party on Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at 12PM until 2PM at 1250 Reynolds Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Tickets are only $10.00 per person. This year’s speakers will include P3’s Founder, Symphony LeGrant, Youth Achiever of the Year in Atlanta, GA. P3’s mission is to educate girls about their bodies by empowering them with accurate knowledge about puberty and confidently normalizing conversations regarding women’s healthcare issues, including bringing awareness to period poverty in the inner cities.

We have quickly become CSRA’s most prominent and favorite puberty seminar for girls and their parents. We have given out over 1000+ sanitary napkins, including pantyliners, to participants at the party and women experiencing homelessness. And we are happy to announce our organization expanded into North Carolina in 2022 and has plans to expand into Atlanta, GA, in 2023.

Parents and their daughters are encouraged to wear shades of purple to this event. According to Yannik Mckie, the Senior Pastor at Chosen: “The Princesses, Pearls, and Puberty event was Amazing!

MAN! Teaching young women their value, how to protect themselves, and navigate puberty...

Powerful!”

For more information about this event and how to register, please go to www.p3partyforgirls.com or visit our social media pages, P3 Party For Girls, on Facebook or Instagram.

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RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Bond Issue Program

Princesses, Pearls, and Puberty, Inc. celebrates six years of educating adolescent girls and their parents

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Divante “The Dominator” Jones at the Augusta Boxing Club on Walton Way early in his career in 2015. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

DIVANTE ‘THE DOMINATOR’ JONES BRANCHES OUT WITH MEDIA PROJECTS On March 3, 2023 Creed III will open in theaters. Local, professional boxer, Divante’The Dominator’ Jones appears on the big screen in movie starring Michael B. Jordan who is also making his directing debut.

On 3/3/23 there will be a Red Carpet Event at the Riverwatch Movie Theater starting at 6:00pm.

Additionally, Divante will starring in a reality show, Celebrity Making of a Champion (CMOAC).

Divante Jones (L) and CREED III director Michael B. Jordan.

Photo courtesy of Divante Jones

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