Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Recently, I wrote about the tragedy of 10th-grade English teacher Keenan Anderson, and the distance we’ve placed between ourselves and the summer of 2020. George Floyd’s death sparked a movement, one that challenged governments to “defund the police.”
Nearly three years later, we are moving in the opposite direction, and the evidence of that reality is right in the middle of Georgia.
The city of Atlanta, which has the largest wealth inequality gap in the country, has nevertheless proposed an 85-acre police training center that would cost $90 million. The proposal has been called “Cop City,” because part of the facility will include a mock city.
Despite the overwhelming disapproval of residents, the city has nevertheless moved forward with the proposal, and it has created yet another “us versus them” scenario in the matter of policing versus the people. Sponsors for “Cop City,” which would be under the auspices of the Atlanta Police Foundation, include Delta, Home Depot and Waffle House.
The irony of corporations coming together for a political exercise to fund police exercises does not escape me. Corporatism doesn’t employ police to “serve and protect” the people, it only sends the police out as foot soldiers to protect property and wealth. This is why politicians and other members
of the establishment were up in arms over last weekend’s protests, which involved damaged property, yet were virtually silent at an earlier death of protestor Manuel “Tortuguita” Teran.
I will never forget the death of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta – how it rightly drove separatist attitudes in the city, and how a Black sheriff near Augusta said an officer was “justified” in killing Brooks. In that moment, and many others, we saw how the police have historically operated when it comes to Black men. We think Black men with a badge might employ some type of empathy, but one only has to look at the fate of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. The short-term solution is to get
back to the language and actions of “defund,” which will require the same type of protest and policy that it did in 2020. Our “two-party” system is hopelessly corporatist and pro-police, so we must press the issue once again on a nationwide front.
For Georgians, there’s no more watching and waiting as violent police culture perpetuates itself across the nation. Cop City is in your backyard.
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.
The Augusta Human Resources Department will host three hiring events in February to allow the community to apply for jobs with their local government. View the complete schedule below and all meetings will be held from 10am-1pm in the Linda Beazley Room in the Augusta Municipal Building, located at 535 Telfair Street.
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Participating departments include Augusta Animal Services, Augusta Fire Department, Augusta E-911, Richmond County Correctional Institution, Richmond County Marshal’s Office, and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Participating departments
include Augusta Engineering and Environmental Services, Augusta Parks & Recreation, Augusta Regional Airport, Augusta Transit, Augusta Utilities, and the Central Servcies Department.
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Participating departments include the Augusta Human Resources Department, Augusta Information Technology Department, Augusta Law Department, Finance Department, Planning and Development Department, and the Procurement Department. Attendees should bring a current resume and be prepared for possible on-site interviews.
For more information, the public should call 706-821-1006.
Augusta is hosting a local small business development workshop series to help entrepreneurs ensure business success. The seminar is titled The ABC of Business Success and will be held from 6pm-8pm on February 22, 2023, in the Linda Beazley Community Room in the Augusta Municipal Building. Session topics include marketing and branding, market research and competitive analysis, and project preparedness and readiness. This event is free, but registration is required. Seating is also limited. Click here to register, and residents can email Dr. Yolanda Jackson at yjackson@augustaga.gov or call 706-821-2406 for more information.
The Lyceum Series welcomes Step Afrika! back to the Maxwell Theatre stage to round out Augusta University’s Homecoming celebration. Step Afrika! is the first professional company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
Over the past 20 years Step Afrika! has grown to become one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US and Washington DC’s largest African American arts organization. Step Afrika! began as an exchange program with the Soweto Dance Theatre of Johannesburg, South Africa, and has expanded to become a national and international touring company presenting performance, residencies and workshops worldwide.
2500 Walton Way Augusta GA 30904
Guided tours through the museum’s permanent exhibitions – the Lucy Craft Laney Exhibition, the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Exhibition, the Alice Davis Collection, and the Augusta Ebony Legacy Collection-provide visitors with an overview of Black Augustans’ contributions at the local, state, national, and international levels. The museum also displays a number of rotating exhibitions which feature well known and emerging artists; and, educational forums with community leaders. The Annual Lucy Laney Craft Quilt Exhibition showcases regional fiber artists. Special exhibitions about entertainer James Brown, golf, and historical milestones are also popular attractions.
Guided tours are offered Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 10:30am; 11:30am & 2:30pm. Self-Guided tours are available Wednesday & Friday at 10:30am; 11:30am & 2:30pm. Reservations are required.
Golden Blocks Tour takes visitors to the various key locations that comprise The Golden Blocks in the historic Laney Walker District. To make a reservation please call 706-724-3576.
During a recent news conference at a Baltimore area church, leaders of a New York-based, pro-Black global organization, announced plans to hold a major summit in Baltimore, this Spring.
‘The State of the Black World Conference V’, is scheduled for April 19-23, at the Baltimore Convention Center and Hilton Inner Harbor Hotel, according to Dr. Ron Daniels, president of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century, and part of a national African American Reparations Commission. His organization is responsible for staging the summit.
Dr. Daniels, a longtime civil rights activist and TV personality formerly based in Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, said the convention will target a theme of “Global Africans Rising, Empowerment, Reparations and Healing.”
A major goal of the five-day conference is to strengthen the surging U.S. and global reparations movement, said Dr. Daniels.
Of equal importance, the conference will explore strategies and models to effectively address issues of vital concern to Black America and the Pan African world, e.g., the “War on Drugs, mass incarceration, gun violence and fratricide, gentrification, environmental justice, climate change, safe, clean and accessible water,” he said.
Dr. Daniels says he expects the event to attract at least a thousand participants from various social, civic, political and religious groups nationwide.
He said the Nation of Islam, the National Action Network, the NAACP and international leaders from Africa and the West Indies will participate in the confab.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, is scheduled as an invited speaker, along with honorary chairman, Dr. Julius Garvey, the esteemed son of historic Jamaican icon, Marcus Garvey.
IBW headquarters are located in New York City, but the non-profit group isn’t considered a typical membership-based entity, Dr. Daniels said.
“In addition to registration fees from the events we convene, we also accept tax-deductible contributions from organizations and individuals,” he said. Registration fees range from $200 to $350.
The Spring summit will be open to the public but will require registration fees to access some parts of the conference. Three town hall meetings are free and open to the public and to registered participants.
“All roads lead to Baltimore,” said Dr. Daniels, during the press conference held at the Empowerment Temple AME church in Baltimore. noting that the inaugural IBW convention occurred in 1994 at the now closed Baltimore-based Sojourner Douglas College. A second Baltimore summit followed at the same location in 1997. In 2001 and 2002, the conference relocated to Atlanta.
Empowerment Temple was founded by Pastor Jamal Bryant, before he took over reigns at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta in 2018. Pastor Robert Richard Allen Turner of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is now pastor of Empowerment Temple.
This year’s IBW event, the fifth conference, will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the organization.
For more information about the IBW Conference, contactCarolyn McClair at 212.721.3341.
Sunday, February 5, 2023 3:00 PM 5:00 PM
Lessie B. Price Senior & Youth Center
841 Edgefield Avenue, NW, Aiken, SC 29801
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-umoja-village-black-history-month-community-celebration-registration-491427521947?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation & Tourism Dept. will host the 13th Annual Black History Concert
1 song can bring back 1,000 memories!
PRESTON & WESTON
Saturday, Feb 25, 2023
The event will be from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
To purchase tickets, visit the Odell Weeks Activities Center, SmithHazel Recreation Center, or the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. This program has a limited capacity, and we encourage participants to purchase tickets in advance. This year’s event will have a catered meal, and a door prize raffle! For more information, call 803-642-7634.
Hunt for History
Scavenger Hunt
Augusta
African Americans
Feb. 4, 12:30 pm; Voices of the Past: The Other Tubmans
Feb. 5, 1 pm; Family Fun Day: Games, Crafts, Live Music, Story & more
Feb. 5; 2:30 pm; Music at the Museum: Created 2 Play Drumline
Feb. 5, 13, 20, 26; 2 pm; Film Screening: And They Went Down Both to the River
Feb. 8, 12:30; Brown Bag Lecture: The Completion of Springfield Village Park, Dr. Bobby Donaldson
Feb. 18, 12:30 pm; Voices of the Past: Augusta Civil Rights Activist
Feb. 26, 3 pm; Creative Impressions, Genius in Chains
FELINA MARTIN is the Co-CEO of be. in_ marketing, an event marketing company that she launched with her son in December 2022. The company provides inventive solutions that inspire inclusivity in environments that traditionally lack representation from marginalized communities. In addition, she has a wearable art clothing line and author of the book, Sunshine in Hell, which will be released on National Ex-Spouse Day on April 14, 2023.
Martin is the former Director of the HUB for Community Innovation, a $20 million investment start-up nonprofit organization in Augusta, Georgia. Martin previously served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence (INIE) in Tallahassee, Florida. While at INIE, she launched multiple initiatives including the Revenue Research Center, that in its first year assisted nonprofits with over $8 million in grant funding leads and generated $100,000 in capacity-building investments from the county and city.
She has served in progressive leadership roles in both the nonprofit and business sectors that included director of healthy living for the YMCA, the division director for the March of Dimes, corporate outreach manager with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and member services director at the University Center Club.
During her 16 years in Tallahassee, Florida, Martin served as the CEO and founder of Eventions, an event planning company that designed festivals, conferences and special events for nonprofits, universities, city municipalities, Greek organizations, and others. Her talents and achievements have been recognized in various sectors including BizBash Florida Magazine as Event Planner of the Year and SBDC of Florida Regional Volunteer of the Year.
Martin is a graduate of the University of West Florida, where she earned her degree in Marketing and a graduate of the Harvard Business School Nonprofit Leadership Program where she earned her certificate in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management. She was an ambassador of the YMCA South Africa Coalition in which she participated in an immersive leadership learning experience for 15 days.
UPW: We’re fortunate in this interview to actually have a theme to guide the narrative. Tell us about what you call your Delayed Dreams and why now is the best time to be talking about them.
FELINA MARTIN: I refer to “delayed dreams” as those dreams that you have never pursued for one reason or another. That dream (or dreams) have continued to percolate in your spirit. So, “why now?” There is no time like the present to release your dream. “Time” is not guaranteed to us so move beyond the thought and talk to act on your dreams.
When I was a little girl, I lost a close aunt. She was beautiful and full of life. Her loss taught me that life is precious and it can be lost in a moment. During the 70’s, there were few, if any, black women represented in the dreams that I wanted for myself. I had dreams to become a fashion designer, but I was discouraged by both the lack of representation and words from my mom. I wanted to be an airline pilot, and that
dream quickly fizzled as I was told by school counselors about the expense, testing and more. I have been told of obstacles to my dreams for most of my youth. At age 16, I fell in love with a man that encouraged my dreams. At age 50, my son reignited my dreams. And I have been dream-catching ever since.
“If not now, then when?” – John Lewis
And a “dream delayed is not a dream denied.” -
Sihlangule SiwisaUPW: Let’s get into more detail about your three primary initiatives that comprise the delayed dreams — tell us about the genesis of pamoja na.
MARTIN: Funny, I have been on a journey from dream-catching to dream-crushing over the last few years. So, I’m glad that you stated “three primary initiatives”. Pamoja na is fulfilling the dream of “fashion
Continued on next page
FELINA MARTIN: The former organizational strategist has converted long-standing interests into enterprises that present new challengesFelina Martin, artist, owner and designer for pamoja na , poses for a photo in front of several of her original design pieces. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
design”. I find that after experiencing trauma in my life, I retreat to creative arts. In December 2021, for the first time in my advancing 50-year career, I was fired from a job. It was one of the most toxic work environments that I had ever experienced. I had left a job that I loved in Florida to relocate to Tennessee for what I thought was a great career move. As a result of the overt discrimination, microaggression and micro management that I had experienced on the job, I painted. I painted a piece of artwork that I call “Diversity Chattanooga” that reflected the pain and possibilities that I experienced living in the city. The painting inspired me to pursue researching a company to print the artwork on other materials and I discovered the Canada-based company, Le Galeriste. With their predesigned options and online platform, I was able to replicate the artwork onto a variety of products while hosting an online shop that sells everything from clothing to pillows to bags. I see Pamoja na as an opportunity to share my story and painting through wearable art. I am also able to channel my lineage to Ghana through the brand name and logo. In Swahili, Pamoja na, means “together with” and the symbol in the logo is Adinkra and translates to “unity and diversity”.
UPW: You are the co-founder of a marketing event company, be.in_ marketing LLC. Why do you feel that
this type of service is so important at this point in history
MARTIN: I believe that any service or product that ethically and responsibly promotes diversity, equity and inclusion as a way of life is important in shaping the future. Be. in_ marketing LLC is an event marketing cooperative that provides inventive solutions that inspire inclusivity in environments that traditionally lack representation from marginalized communities. I have over 20 years of experience in event production and program development. I have planned events for nonprofits, universities, city municipalities, Greek organizations and more. If done strategically, an event can provide an immersive opportunity to learn, connect, innovate, and escape. Be. in_ marketing designs events that are part of a movement, not just a moment.
UPW: And this is a family affair. Tell us about your son’s involvement?
MARTIN: My son, Kendall Martin, is the Co-CEO/Founder of be. in_ marketing. He has witnessed his parents as business owners his entire life. The fact that he founded a nonprofit organization in 2019 while in college is not surprising. It is called WeClimb whose mission is to use rock climbing as a tool to help underserved youth become better versions of themselves and to increase diversity in the climb-
An original art piece titled “Diversity Chattanooga” was created by Felina Martin. The painting is featured as wearable art on fashion apparel designed by Martin, who is the owner and designer for the brand pamoja na.
ing world. When I lost my job in 2021, I jokingly mentioned to him that “we should start a marketing company”. I never thought that he would be interested in going into business with his mom but he replied “we should”. A year would pass, and I would relocate to Augusta for another “great career move”. That job did not work out. A year later, Kendall had now witnessed another unsuccessful career move. So, Kendall and I revisited the idea of working together and more importantly answering the question of “What can we do to influence a more inclusive environment?” During Kendall’s visit to Augusta over the Thanksgiving break, we spent four days pondering a company vision, name and branding. And be. in_ marketing was born. We have established our other business endeavors under the brand and are currently harnessing our respective networks to grow our clientele. Kendall is leading the creative efforts for the companies digital marketing, that will include launching a podcast series of inspiring stories of triumph over tragedy for people of color in underrepresented environments.
UPW: You have a new book coming out in April. Tell us about what led to the writing of Sunshine in Hell, a personal memoir.
MARTIN: Writing Sunshine in Hell
is a dream that has been simmering for over 15 years. It had taken years of soul-searching, praying and therapy to recover from the betrayal of my husband to sex addiction. What led me to finally finishing the book and releasing it was having the time to edit it.
Writing this memoir has been the most difficult journey of my life. Intentionally trying to recall hurtful words, conversations and acts has been an emotional rollercoaster. I would like to think that I poured myself into work over the last 15 years, that I did not have the time to write the book. But I would be lying to myself. Initially, I avoided writing the book and releasing it to the public because of the shame associated with sex addiction. All of those associated with the addict become the victim of the addiction. After I became aware of his addiction, my husband’s shame became mine. Besides of a fist-full of people whom I could trust and loved me, my story was an isolated scar in my journey. Sharing the story will hopefully help to heal at least one heart and to let them know that they are not alone.
The book will be supported by a monthly online talk show with myself, licensed mental health therapist and website with resources for assistance in healing. The book will be released on April 14th, which is National Ex-Spouse Day.
Live your best life! That is my motto. My name is Menia L. Chester, I am a chef and owner of Desserts by Latrell and Southern Jazz and Sweets. My goal is to teach you about food, finance, anything about the home, gardening, and healthy living. As football season is coming to a close, we all know and anticipate what is next…Superbowl Sunday. There are an increasing number of people who do not eat meat but that does not mean that they cannot enjoy appetizers too!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are easy to make and they are simply delicious. These wonderfully spicy veggie bites can be fried or baked. Here is my recipe for an easy baked version. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
· cooking spray or vegetable oil
· 1 ¼ cup water
· ¾ cup self-rising flour
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
· seasoning salt to taste
·
2 heads cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
· 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
· 3/4 cup hot sauce
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or vegetable oil.
2. Whisk together water, flour, garlic powder, seasoning salt, in a large bowl until batter is smooth and somewhat runny. Add cauliflower pieces
to batter and mix until evenly coated; spread onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven.
4. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat; stir in hot pepper sauce. Brush hot sauce mixture over each cauliflower piece, reserving a bit to drizzle over the top.
5. Return to the oven and bake until cauliflower is browned, about 10 minutes. Drizzle remaining sauce over the top. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve with
your favorite blue cheese dressing or tzatziki sauce.
Tips
Gluten-free flour can be used in place of self-rising flour if desired. Since gluten-free flour uses less liquid than wheat flour, the amount of liquid used in the recipe may need to be adjusted.
If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or would like to learn about events by Latrell, please visit my website and send an email via the contact form.
Website:www.southernjazzandsweets.com
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
www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com
The U.S. Small Business Administration appointed Greg Hill to the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. On the committee, Hill represents G.B. Hill Medical Supply, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business he founded in 2018. Hill will serve a three-year term on the committee that advises and makes policy recommendations to federal administrators and elected leaders.
“The ACVBA serves as an independent source of advice and policy recommendation to the SBA Administrator, SBA Associate Administrator for the Office of Veterans Business Development, Congress, the President, and other U.S. policymakers on programs affecting veteran-owned small business from all segments of American society,” said Isabella Casillas Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration.
G.B. Hill Medical Supply is a successful e-commerce business that Hill has grown with plans to expand to a storefront this year. “It is an honor to be
Greg Hill, G.B. Hill Medical Supply
appointed to serve in a capacity that will influence policy and advocate for veteran owned business and private enterprise to grow,” said Hill about the appointment. “I look forward to working with leaders in Washington to advance growth opportunities for business owners like me in Augusta, in Georgia and across the country.”
For information about G.B. Hill Medical Supply or to support the business by placing an order, visit www. gbhillmedical.com.
Ed Lowery was the first out of the gate to announce that he is a candidate for School Board District 6. However, two others joined the contest before the qualifying period ended. Lowery will be joined by Laura Green and William Johnson Jr. on the special election ballot.
The seat, was won by Tyrique Robinson in the Nov., 2022 election, but Robinson died before he could take office.
Currently, the District is being represented by A.K. Hasan, its former representative. He will serve until a new person is elected and sworn in.
Ed Lowery, candidateThe Richmond County Board of Elections has voted to hold a special election March 21 to fill the empty seat.
Bond Issue Program
PROJECT NAME: Central Office HVAC
Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Central Office HVAC, Project by the Board of Education for Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, February 8, 2023, 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 January 26, 2023 @ 11:00 a.m. local time in the First Floor Board Conference Room, Richmond County Board of Education, 864 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901.
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: ING Consulting, 550 11th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $100 per set should be filed promptly with the Engineer. 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.
In accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, and the General Wage Determination’s available from the DOL for Richmond County (www.wdol.gov), the Contractor will be required to comply with the wage and labor requirements and to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedule of wage rates established by the United States Department of Labor. The highest rate between the two (Federal and State) for each job classification shall be considered the prevailing wage.
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
Celebrate the holiday with a tour of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson, a National Historic Landmark and one of only three presidential sites in Georgia. President Wilson grew up in Augusta from 1858 until 1870, while his father was pastor of First Presbyterian Church. His residence in the Presbyterian Manse began in 1860 and spanned nearly eleven years, the longest time the future President spent in any house over his lifetime. These formative years included his earliest memories; his impressions of the Civil War and Reconstruction; and the beginnings of his education and leadership skills.
A special offer of buy one get one (of equal or lesser value) free will be available for the Presidents’ Day holiday only, on Monday, February 20th.
For more information, contact Historic Augusta at 706.724.0436 or visit www.wilsonboyhoodhome.org. The Wilson House is located at 419 Seventh Street in downtown Augusta, Georgia.
