UPW Urban Pro Weekly

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COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

The 4TH OF JULY: IS IT REALLY FOR US?

URBAN PRO WEEKLY JULY 6 - 19, 2017 VOL. 6 NO. 18

Illustration by Vincent Hobbs

the new campus reality guys, gals & “gats” Millette Green is the new LADY JAGS basketball coach

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Augusta U. hires Millette Green as women’s basketball coach & Mary in Williamsburg, Va. With Green courtside, the William and Mary Tribe recorded one of its best seasons in school history in 201617. W&M tied a school record with 20 wins, won a CAA Tournament

game for the first time since 2009, and advanced to the CAA Semifinals for the first-time since 2001. The Tribe won 11-straight games, which is the longest single-season streak in school history, from Nov. 18, 2016 -

Jan. 2, 2017.

In the 2015-16 campaign, the Tribe raced out to its best start in school history with an 11-2 record, and posted the fourth most wins in school history with 15.

Millette Green joins the Jaguars after a record-breaking season at the College of William and Mary.

AUGUSTA This week, Augusta University Director of Athletics Clint Bryant introduced Millette Green as the next head coach of the Jaguar women’s basketball program.

Green becomes the ninth head coach in the 43-year history of the program.

“Augusta University is very fortunate to have a coach join us with the caliber of Millette Green,” Bryant said. “She comes to us with a wealth of experience and noted success in recruiting many parts of the country. She will also serve as a tremendous role model for our students and young people throughout our area to emulate.”

“I’m anxious and ready to get started,” Green said. “This is a busy time for college coaches right now with July recruiting. I have to take care of some things on campus, but I am looking forward to getting out there and recruiting future players to Augusta University. I’ve had at least one conversation with everybody on the team right now, so I have an idea of what we need to do moving forward.”

Green joins the Jaguars after spending five seasons as the top assistant at the College of William

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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

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

THE NEW LOOK ON GEORGIA’S COLLEGE CAMPUSES

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Whether it is the ultimate homeland security remedy or loco right-wing paranoia, HB 280 is now the law of the land and the only question now is, “Are you strapped?”

By Vincent Hobbs Special to UrbanProWeekly The serene landscape of most college campuses brings to mind challenging classrooms, mind-stimulating lectures, quirky professors, student interaction and activities, GPA’s and college sports. As of July 1st, in the state of Georgia at public colleges and universities, you can add concealed, loaded handguns to that list.

HB 280 is now in full effect.

The popular campus homecoming queen or the brilliant scholar, whose research is garnering national attention, could very well be packing a concealed Glock G43 in the seat next to you.

Steve Wrigley, the University System of Georgia Chancellor, distributed guidelines for the implementation of the new law to all public colleges and universities at the end of May. Those guidelines include areas that are exempted from the law, including dormitories, sorority and fraternity house, athletic sporting event facilities, administrative and faculty offices, childcare spaces, disciplinary hearings and rooms that are being used for classes in which high school students are enrolled.

On the USG website, it is made very clear that the law will be fully implemented. “It is important to reiterate that House Bill 280 establishes that anyone who is licensed to carry a handgun may do so – in a concealed manner only – anywhere on Georgia’s public college and university campuses, except in certain areas that are specifically listed in the law. If an area of campus is not mentioned in one of those exceptions, license-holders may carry guns there.”

“Faculty members may not ask license-holders to reveal that they are carrying concealed handguns or in any way discourage them from doing what they are legally allowed to do.”

Georgia now holds the distinction of being one of ten other states (Texas, Wisconsin, Oregon, Utah, Mississippi, Kansas, Arkansas, Idaho, Tennessee,

“Faculty members may not ask license-holders to reveal that they are carrying concealed handguns or in any way discourage them from doing what they are legally allowed to do.” and Colorado) that allows concealed a professor? He gets agitated to the handguns on public college and uni- point that he feels compelled to use his firearm, and then he does. Who versity campuses. should be held accountable? Finally, the adage that the solution to a bad OPINIONS ON THE NEW LAW guy with a gun is a good guy with a ARE WIDE-RANGING. gun, with a few exceptions, doesn’t Recent Augusta University gradu- hold true. The police shootings in ate Ashley Black, is more worried Dallas last year proves that. The shootabout the lack of thorough back- er was still able to inflict damage in the ground checks for gun purchasers. presence of dozens of weapons-carry“It’s not whether being able to carry ing law enforcement officials.”

Angelena Fielding, a former law on campus or not that’s an issue for me, it’s the lackadaisical background enforcement officer, is concerned check that concerns me. I think stu- about the lack of firearms training dents should be able to carry because and overall immaturity of college stuI’ve been attacked before and pepper dents. “I don’t feel guns should be spray and a stun gun didn’t protect allowed on college campuses,” the mother of four shared. “How will it me,” she said.

Torrance M. Jones, a father of three be regulated in deciding who will and a military veteran, is familiar with be able to have them? I do not the big campus lifestyle after attend- feel comfortable with the thought of ing the University of Georgia. He also new high school graduates possessing weighed-in on the new campus carry weapons or having access to them in law. “I think it’s a bad policy. I fail an environment where young people to see how it would make campuses are not always making rational decisafer. If an active shooter occurs, sions. The college life involves little what is likely to happen? Worst case supervision; there is easy access to scenario, a ‘good guy with a gun’ alcohol and many immature actions would try to be a hero and possi- are fueled by emotions.”

“Allowing guns on campus, possibly bly endanger himself and fellow stuby untrained individuals, is a ticking dents,” Jones said.

“The first impulse should be to put time-bomb waiting to blow. I pray I distance between himself and the situ- am incorrect.”

Josh Hobbs, a Lakeside High School ation and seek protection, not to play the hero. Furthermore, what about graduate who attends Rice University the potential of a student having a (Texas), is concerned about the mix of conflict with another student or even guns and alcohol. “We hear about situ-

ations where people unfortunately get injured or killed due to playing with guns while drunk. While I do respect the right to carry, that is just my main concern. Personally, I would feel less safe on campus. Young adults don’t make the best decisions while intoxicated – I could easily see an accident happen if guns were easily accessible.”

Olivia “Cookie” Pontoo is concerned about the lack of psychological screenings in order to purchase a gun. “I have mixed feelings about the new campus carry law. I definitely feel like we have a right to protect ourselves, but seeing how those who can register to carry a gun don’t have psychological background checks, I am slightly skeptical. Ideally, those who carry are mentally-capable of making rational, sane decisions in regards to the use of their weapon. Realistically, we know that this isn’t always the case, “she shared. “This is a hard one.”

Many of our neighbors across the ocean are puzzled by the gun culture in America. For students to be in learning environments where guns are accessible and permitted by law, it is simply astounding.

Catalin Soare is a resident of Romania, a member country of the European Union. Soare, who covers international sporting events as a photographer, has a law enforcement background and is perplexed at the gun culture in the USA. “If guns were allowed on college campuses here, of course I won’t feel safe. Because you don’t know what’s in the mind of the guy in front of you,” he said. “Anyone in Romania who is authorized to have a gun, including police, are psychologically tested. If they don’t pass the test, they cannot carry a gun.”

“Everything is checked here. The citizens go through regular psychological testing for gun ownership, even more than law enforcement. I feel safe on the streets in Romania, both night and day.”

The state of Georgia, with the enactment of HB 280, will soon find out if the presence of concealed guns on campus will add or detract any level of safety for students.

UrbanProWeekly •JULY 6 - 19, 2017

Pistol-packing students get clearance

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Guitarist Casey Ward performs during Fourth of July festivities at the Augusta Common.

(July 4, 2017 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

A Festive FOURTH A dancer with Sho Fusion Dance Arts Studio performs with a sword during Fourth of July festivities at the Augusta Common. (July 4, 2017 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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Soiree: Jazz+Wine 4th Saturdays, 7:30 pm Venue: Jessye Norman School of the Arts Enjoy classic and contemporary jazz music, wines selected by the host, and a platform for up & coming musical voices. All presented with state-of-the-art sound and lighting in a beautiful, historic building. Live Jazz. Lovely People.

Dress like you mean it. Info: www.jazzsoiree.com (762) 233-5299 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz August 18, October 20; 7:30 pm Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz is a four-event concert series, with each concert featuring two performances, ranging from Latin jazz to vocal standards to Dixieland. It’s a musical celebration of art in nature. Artists will perform several selections representative of the season. Info: www. uuaugusta.org (706) 733-7939 Saturday Morning Swing: Music at The Augusta Market Thru November 25, 2017 Venue: Eighth Street Plaza, 8th & Riverwalk A partnership with The Augusta Market since 2010, Saturday Morning Swing brings local jazz musicians and performing arts groups to the Riverwalk for early afternoon shows each weekend. The Market features local produce, artisans, music, all in a family- (and pet-) friendly space.

Info: www.theaugustamarket.com (706) 6270128

Candlelight Wine&Dine Concert Series July 15, August 19; 7:30 pm Venue: Columbia County Amphitheater Candlelight Wine&Dine, a new addition to the Augusta River Region, is a celebration of music and community. Bring your own seating and picnic and enjoy jazz, soul, R&B, spoken word, rock, funk, and gospel music; and live art demos. Children ages 12 & under admitted free.

Info: www.gardencityjazz.com (762) 233-5299

Labor Day Jazz Weekend September 1-3, 2017 Venue: The Augusta Common, Columbia County Amphitheatre, The Augusta Market, etc Garden City Jazz presents a fun weekend of jazz music and art that all ages and music lovers can enjoy. Conceived as a capstone event for the popular Candlelight Jazz Concert Series, this celebration of music, art, and community has now come into its own as a family festival and fundraiser for various charitable organizations.

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Garden City Jazz Calendar

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin THE IDEA OF BLACK INDEPENDENCE

Here’s why the 4th of July isn’t for us “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are, to Him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy-a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour.”

— an excerpt from “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” by Frederick Douglass, 1852 What is freedom?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it is “the quality or state of being free.” The dictionary also defines it as “a political right.”

Now, let me ask you this: What is freedom to Black people in America?

More than 165 years after Douglass

LETTERS Certain greedy Republicans hate taxes more than skin cancer. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act imposed a 10 percent federal excise tax on the sale of indoor tanning services.

However, Georgia’s 12th District U.S. Representative Rick Allen objects and is seeking to repeal the tax. He is co-sponsoring bill H.R. 2698, Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2015, which amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the 10 per-

wrote this address, we still can’t get a decent answer.

Financial freedom? Not for Black people.

The average Black household’s net worth is just over $7,000, compared to white households with more than $111,000, according to a study called “The Ever-Growing Gap,” which was released August 2016 by the Corporation for Enterprise Development and the Institute for Policy Studies.

What can fix the wealth gap?

Attending college doesn’t close the gap. Raising children in a two-parent household doesn’t close it. Working full-time? Spending less? Nope. So much for those respectability politics.

Where is the freedom in economic wealth disparity?

Freedom from persecution in the media and in the streets? We are demonized in the media and victimized at traffic stops.

Philando Castile, bless his soul, did everything the right way. That didn’t matter to this murderous system, where police brutality is rewarded with paid vacations.

Still, Castile was a licensed gun owner. Surely, he could posthumously find support and refuge from the National Rifle Association!

Think again.

A recent ad from the NRA started out with the following: “They use their media to assassinate real news.

They use their schools to teach chil-

dren that their president is another Hitler. They use their movie stars and singers and comedy shows and award shows to repeat their narrative over and over again. And then they use their ex-president to endorse the resistance.”

Good luck finding freedom from those types of lobbyists, who dictate public policy on gun regulations.

Good luck finding freedom from a media that makes it acceptable to treat Black people as second-class citizens.

Truth be told, we’re not even free to be ourselves — beautiful, Black people.

We’re divided by not only race, but religion. Sexual preferences. You name it. Everything is taboo when it’s done by me and you, brothers and sisters.

So, what ARE we celebrating on the Fourth? That’s what Douglass asked.

It’s what I’m asking right now — with an addition.

Why don’t we celebrate Black independence days? Where was the love for Juneteenth on June 19? Where was the love for Malcolm X Day on May 19? It’s historically delusional to celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation (of 1863) without understanding that Texas warehoused slaves until 1865.

It’s similarly delusional to celebrate Dr. King without celebrating his rivalturned-brother, Malcolm X. You may be asking — why does it matter why or what we celebrate?

Simple — awareness and self-worth.

Americans feel pride on the Fourth of July. We celebrate the idea of independence. Black folks’ pride comes out of struggle. There’s certainly progress mingled in, but for the better part of our time in America, we have struggled. And that struggle is systemic — orchestrated. I long for a time where my people are truly free.

In order to achieve the freedom I speak of, though, we require a holistic independence. It is imperative that we work and challenge ourselves to attain social, financial, political and spiritual freedom. This will not come our way without knowledge, and most importantly, the application of said knowledge.

A special message to Black veterans reading this passage — I thank you for your service and your sacrifice to validate and protect this country’s independence. I only wish America fought as hard for you and Black folks as you all fought for America.

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 via email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com or via text at (803) 270-2331.

The GOP prefers skin cancer cent excise tax on indoor tanning services. It appears Congressman Allen is more concerned with protecting business interests than the physical health of his constituents.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation.org website, JA M A Dermatology released a study, International Prevalence of Indoor Tanning –A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. The study found, “The number of skin cancer cases due to

tanning is higher than the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking.”

The Skin Cancer Foundation went on to add, “Despite the well-established dangers of indoor tanning, teenage and young adult women continue to use tanning beds at an alarming rate…People who first use a tanning bed before are 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent. In all, more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. are linked

to indoor tanning.”

Perhaps Congressman Rick Allen should have done more research on the risks of indoor tanning before agreeing to co-sponsor a bill which encourages risky behavior. Or, maybe he should have been more sensitive to skin cancer prevention and less sensitive to a measly tax.

Kevin Palmer, Martinez, GA,

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ARE YOU AT RISK?

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