UPW - Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

JUNE 20 - JULY 3, 2022 • VOL. 10 NO. 25

KEN MAKIN COMMENTARY

REAL BLACK FATHERS Mayoral Runoff Race is June 21 Johnson hopes to capitalize on strong Westside support while Kendrick seeks to energize Southside

EL3VATE Convention and Dance Crew Competition is June 30-July 2 PHOTO BY VINCENT HOBBS

caught in the act

Tony Mercedes Music mogul returns to The Garden City

nubag (NEW URBAN BLACK ARTISTS GUILD)

creatives affirm their contributions to Black Art

MUSIA SIERRA • STAR PARKS • DESTINEE LOVE

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

Real Black Fathers M y great uncle passed away last weekend. He was the picture of a great Black father – beloved by his family while being extensively involved in his church and community.

The picture of a great Black father and Black men in general have been under siege for generations. Stereotypes that distort the image of Black males as deadbeats, sexually promiscuous and lazy are all untrue, yet continue to prevail.

Statistics show that whether we are with our children’s mother or not, we are present in our children’s lives. At this moment, however, I need to say more about myself and my brothas.

Being a Black man in this country is an awesome responsibility, and the additional challenge of being a father would be too much for lesser men. Imagine having to endure

fathers, I will not, and WE will not. My prayer is that we not only overcome various adversities, but organize as a strong nation of Black men.

Ken Makin is the host of Makin’ the stereotype of being an ignorant brute, only to show one’s partner A Difference and a freelance writer and children what it means to love and lead.

I could name countless Black men who fit this description, including my own father, who I am glad to say is still with us. It is more important right now to make this personal to the reader. If you are doing your best at this moment, I salute you and I love you. If you believe you can do better, don’t beat yourself up. Now is the time to embrace your true greatness.

This is a time to celebrate the Black father who protects and promotes his individual family. It is also a time to remark at the Black businessman who protects and promotes his own family – and the families of his coworkers.

Where the media fails at promoting the image and reality of Black

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.

2022 Augusta Arts Awards Winners The Greater Augusta Arts Council recently announced the 2022 Augusta Arts Awards winners.

Anila Agha, Morris Eminent Scholar in Art, Augusta Univ. - Artist Award Matt Porter, The Morris Museum of Art - Arts Professional Award Dennis Skelley, Georgia Rehabilitation Institute - Kath Girdler Engler Public Art Award Ashlee Duren, Augusta Magazine - Media Award Blane Bailey, Tranter Grey - Sponsor Organization Award Nelson A. Danish - Volunteer Award Russell Joel Brown - President’s Award The Annual Augusta Arts Awards dinner will be held on June 23 at 6:00pm at The Foundry at Rae’s Creek, 250 Boy Scout Road in Augusta, GA. Tickets are $55 for members or $60 for not-yet members. Reservations can be made online at https://bit.ly/ArtsAnnualAwards2022 or by calling the Arts Council at 706-826-4702.

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

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

CONTRIBUTORS K.L. Gordon • Rickey Jones Jr. Olivia Gaines • Vincent Hobbs Menia L. Chester Frederick Benjamin Sr. Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia

VOTING • 2022

Kendrick’s base is clearly in the Southside and Johnson garnered lopsided support from the 2 Westside Districts

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UPW Political Commentary AUGUSTA With the general election ending in a statistical dead heat, both mayoral candidates, Steven Kendrick and Garnett Johnson, have reason to be optimistic in next week’s runoff election.

A UPW analysis of the general election results from May 24, 2022 show that while both candidates held their own citywide, there were clear significant pockets of support for each of them.

While Kendrick won the majority of the 8 districts (5-3), Johnson’s support from Districts 3 and 7 were “eye opening.”

In District 3 and 7, Johnson supporters prevailed by over 600 and 800 votes, respectively. In contrast Kendrick winning margins were more polite, the largest being 500+ in District 4.

But in a runoff election, all of that gets left on the cutting room floor. It is all about turnout on Tuesday, June 21.

Will the westside districts go back to the polls in great numbers. Will the Marion Williams endorsement of Garnett Johnson amount to any significant votes? There is also a runoff election in Commission District 2 where Stacy Pulliam, the top vote-getter on May 24, faces off against Von Pouncey. How many of those voters will pull the lever for Kendrick and how many for Johnson? Both candidates ran close in that district with Kendrick prevailing by nearly 400 votes.

And then there is a runoff for District 10 which includes 3 districts (5,6, and 8) which pulled mostly for Kendrick.

Both mayoral campaign organizations will be tested on there ability to energize their respective bases.

Results for Mayoral Election from May 24, 2022 Johnson DT DT West South South South West South

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8

1487 * 990 2551 * 1501 1486 1306 2698 * 1834

Kendrick 1336 1300 * 1942 2020 * 1954 * 1665 * 1822 2022 *

* Kendrick Win * Johnson Win UNOFFICIAL RESULTS COMPILED BY UPW STAFF MEMBERS

AUGUSTA R ichmond Count y Sheriff Office deputy Ananias Reese responded to a call in reference to possible gun shots at 2:03 p.m. Sunday at the mall.

“Upon arrival, I entered the mall and spoke with security,A who advised there was no active threat, and no shots were fired,” the report said.

According to the incident report, a 34-year-old female witness said she was eating in the food court when she saw two groups of five to six black males. Members of the two groups got into a verbal altercation and one of them displayed a gun.

At that point, “someone shouted gun and everyone began running away from the area,” the report said.

No one was injured and no property was damaged in the incident, the report said.

EL3VATE Convention and Dance Crew Competition is June 30-July 2 The EL3VATE Convention and Dance Crew Competition (16 and up) is offering cash prizes of $50,000 (first place), $25,000 (second place) and $12,500 (third place).

The EL3VATE by Fusic365 Kids Competition (10 – 15 years old) is offering cash prizes of $5,000 (first place) $3,000 (second place) and $1500 (third place). These events will be held June 30th to July 2nd at the Marriott Convention Center and the historic Miller Theatre.

“We are thrilled to bring together amazing artists and performers to enjoy each other’s talents at our very first EL3VATE Convention and Dance Crew Competition,” says Brodrick Mungo, Founder & CEO at Fusic365. Dance Crew Competition registration will be open until June 23rd. Preliminary competition rounds will begin at the Marriott Convention Center on June 30th. Instructors and judges Include Augusta and Aiken natives Kathryn McCormick, Christopher Wilson, Kayla Frails and Stephen “Stevo” Jones. Fusic365 will also be bringing Junna Yagi all the way from Tokyo, Japan. One of the premier hip hop choreographers in the world. The Dance Crew Competition Finalist will be provided original music by producer Jimmy “Beatsbyjblack” Stanford.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29 Pre-Convention Check-in Adult and Kids Competition Preliminary Rounds Mid-day registration and welcome for ELEVATE attendees Evening meet and greet for invited VIP guests, partners, and sponsors

THURSDAY, JUNE 30 Adult and Kids Competition Preliminary Rounds Dance Workshops and Master Classes Pop-up Social by FUSIC365 FRIDAY, JULY 1 Adult and Kids Competition Preliminary Rounds Dance Workshops and Masterpiece Classes Pop-up Social by FUSIC365

SATURDAY, JULY 2 Dance Workshops EL3VATE Finale at Miller Theater Masterpiece performances at the Miller Theater Vocal performances by Rubi Mar and Sabree For more information and to enter the competition, go to www.fusic365.com

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Mayoral race is Westside vs Southside affair

RCSO: Rumors of shooting at Augusta Mall not confirmed

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Happy Juneteenth 2022

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

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Tony Mercedes “I started my career in Augusta, Georgia.”

UPW caught up with music mogul Tony Mercedes who swept into town last weekend with the Dream Tour which had a date at the Bell Auditorium.

The Dream Tour, which featured Tony Mercedes’ client Kylie Marshall, is committed to open opportunities for unknown artists to see their dreams come true.

An unknown performer gets to open a show on the tour. “I want to give parents a healthier alternative for their entertainment needs for kids 15-years-old and younger,” said Tony Mercedes. “We keep it G-friendly”.

Marshall is a 14-year-old YouTube discovery who was noticed by Mercedes when she had only 100 views on her YouTube video. She has subsequently met with producers LA Reid and Dallas Austin as she embarks on her career path.

The Dream Tour’s next stop will be in Columbia, SC on August 6th. That Girl LayLay is the headline performer.

Augusta natives over the age of 40 are likely to remember Mercedes, a Glenn Hills graduate who got his start in Augusta. He will always acknowledge the Garden City when he is asked about his entry into the music business.

I started my career in Augusta, Ga. where I released my first single, “Daisy Dukes.” I started with $2,300.00. The single became a hit and grossed $15 million in sales. That [was] the birth of Tony Mercedes Records.

And, as they say. “the rest is history.”

Music industry producer Tony Mercedes poses for a photo at the James Brown Arena.

(June 11, 2022 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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My name is MYSIA SIERRA and to say I’m just a model wouldn’t do me justice. I’m a creator in my own respects. The creations the Most High places on my soul, I want to produce and share with the world. Whether I am designing fashion piece, posing as a model, or through my words, my intentions are to do so from my depths of my truth. I have been blessed to have a career in beauty and a passion for fashion where I have the pleasure of serving others to assist In building confidence and self-worth. I am a firm believer that traumas turn into testimony and in our testimonies we’re able to create a beautiful delineation of what we’ve overcome. If I am able to teach and help even one individual with the creativity that God has placed in me, I’ve served my purpose on earth. As a member of NuBag, I am honored to share my talents with the CSRA.

My name is DESTINEE LOVE. I am a growing artist, inspired by the beauty of our culture. I hope my contribution to paint how I feel as a black woman will spark creativity and touch the hearts of many.

nubag

STAR PA norms & historica the esse

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(NEW URBAN BLACK

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K ARTISTS GUILD)

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ARKS: My contribution to Black Art is one that contends societal & vitalizes the genre of Afrofuturism. I pull from the culture ally & from my own subconscious memories to create & depict ence & existence of our people then,now, & in perpetuity.

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Vegan Caribbean Restaurant Grand Opening Meeting the ever-growing demand for healthy, plant-based food in the Augusta area.

S

oca Vegan Kitchen will formally open its doors to the public for the first time on June 30.

The public is invited to celebrate the occasion and to experience the fresh, vegan food firsthand. A ribbon cutting will take place with the Columbia County Chamber at 4.30 p.m., and the Grand Opening event will start at 6 p.m. at 630 Crane Creek Drive, Ste 103.

The grand opening includes traditional and non-traditional items from Trinidad, including doubles, roti and dal. In addition to t-shirt giveaways, the first 200 people receive a coupon for a free entree, and we will enjoy Soca, Reggae, Calypso and Tropical Latin music from DJ Teddy.

“In a midsize city like Augusta

there are an estimated 15,000 people who follow a plant-based diet, and many more who consider themselves healthy eaters,” said Georgia.

“However, in these communities there is, at best, only one strictly vegan restaurant.”

Soca Vegan Kitchen introduces delicious Caribbean flavors, and it celebrates Trinidadian music and culture, as well as family traditions and diversity. The restaurant isn’t just vegan, it’s also a black woman-owned, veteran-owned, local restaurant that honors its Caribbean heritage. Georgia feels some of the skills acquired through her time in the Army will be instrumental in managing Soca, including significant leadership, teamwork, supervisory, logistics and opera-

tional skills.

“My desire to become a small business owner comes from my long-term exposure to business ownership since I was a young child. My father has owned his own successful engineering company for over 30 years,” said Georgia. “We are excited to serve this rapidly growing and massively underserved market!”

About Soca Vegan Kitchen Owned and operated by mother-daughter team, Georgia Alexander and Diane Francis, Soca Vegan Kitchen serves to fill a gap in the

Augusta area market. Originally from San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago where she grew up surrounded and nourished by the food typified on the Soca Vegan Kitchen menu Georgia is a retiring Captain in the US Army and a Trinidadian-American mother of three uniquely smart girls. Her mother, Diane, is the culinary wellspring of the business, providing recipes and cooking techniques native to Trinidad. It is their mission to provide a place that will satisfy every customer’s desire to eat a delicious meal they won’t feel guilty about afterwards.

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#gardencityjazz june 27 : july 25 code: UPW text UPW to (706) 528-6855

Get UPW delivered to your inbox OR your front door.

Subscribe at growingaugusta.co/upw

Vote in the June 21 Runoff Election Mayor of Augusta • Statewide Races • District 2 Commmission

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Latrell’s Slow Cooker Pulled Pork 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. Summertime picnics mean barbeque!

An easy way to make pulled pork is to cook it in a slow cooker or the oven for a few hours.

LATRELL’S SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK INGREDIENTS • 1 (4 pound) pork shoulder roast or Boston butt • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp black pepper • ½ tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp liquid smoke • 1 tablespoon chili powder • 1 large onion, chopped • ½ teaspoon dried thyme • 1 ½ cups of water • Barbeque sauce

Rinse meat then add to the slow cooker. Add water and liquid smoke. In a small bowl, mix dried thyme, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Sprinkle mixture on top of the meat. Cook in slow cooker for five hours or until the meat is tender and falls away from the bone.

When the meat is completely done, remove from the liquid and using two forks, shred the meat, then stir in barbeque sauce. Serve on hamburger buns. (Cut meat into smaller pieces if desired.)

Special Note: The meat can be cooked in the oven in a pan at 225 degrees for 6-7 hours or until it is very tender. Enjoy!

If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or learn about events by Latrell, please visit my website or send me an email.

Website: www.southernjazzandsweets.com Email: southernjazzandsweets@gmail.com

FORUM VOICES

BORN GAY: Gender and sex in its true nature With the recent news of the United Methodist Church splitting apart over LGBT issues, there is one major issue that seems to divide all institutions, believers or non-believers – Are people born gay?

Though masculine and feminine principles exist in all individuals, one principle may appear more dominant than the other. Sex is the physical distinction between male and female, and its sole purpose is to procreate and/or reproduce. Thus, sex and gender are not necessarily the same. For example, a boy is born with dominant feminine characteristics, yet his parents are two heterosexuals. He has the sex organs of a male, but he was born with strong feminine mannerisms. He is a male according to his sex, but he is attracted to the masculine. The boy has the same sex organs as the sex he is attracted to, and he is without a doubt predominately feminine in gender.

The boy was born with dominant feminine gender traits, but his sex assignment is male. Did God make a mis-

take? No. People are born gay, attracted to the same Gender, masculine and feminine.

Let’s take it a step further. The boy becomes a man and is now able to change his sex to identify with his dominant gender. He no longer carries male sex organs and now has female features. His God given feminine personality in the body of a male changed to female, but his gender never changed. The feminine man could have had sex with a woman to procreate, but he doesn’t have to be attracted to women. Attraction was never the assignment. His assigned sex was to simply reproduce. His attraction to the masculine is genuine to the gender he identifies with. Let’s look at another example. A girl is born with a dominant masculine gender, but her sex organs are female. She develops into a woman. She has a womb to carry a child in order to give birth, yet she is attracted to women. Her mannerisms may be masculine; however, she

can give birth without changing her masculine presence. She can date a woman, marry a woman, and look like a man. Her gender is more masculine, yet her assignment is to birth life into this world. She is able to love whom she desires freely without judgment.

Unlike other “animals” humans are unique, born in God’s image; male and female he created them. So, what about those who are attracted to both? Well, they have a neutral balance of masculine and feminine. They may be considered balanced beings. Balance is not necessarily a man attracted to a woman or a woman attracted to a man. Heterosexuals only identify with one dominant side. Balanced individuals are completely aware of their feminine and masculine makeup. The sex organs they are born with does not affect their attraction to both male and female. A “bi-sexual” or balanced person can be in a longterm relationship with the same sex or opposite sex. A feminine woman can be attracted to another feminine

woman. She can also be attracted to a masculine woman, or the opposite sex. The same applies to a masculine man attracted to both sexes. He is masculine, attracted to women, and may marry a woman. He can also be attracted to men, yet fully confident in his masculinity.

Gender is inevitable. Masculine and Feminine are in all. Sex can be altered or changed but its sole purpose remains the same. People’s opinions, structured beliefs, and their inability to distinguish between the two, create discourse - causing shame. It doesn’t matter if a person is more masculine or more feminine. Sex does not define a person’s identity. God is love; Masculine and Feminine. We all are born to love freely and to live life without judgement, hate, or implications. But what if someone is born with both sex organs? Well…

That’s a different discussion for another day.

— Light Truth

Butler named Director of Masters Housing Bureau recently expanded their services and is currently booking for 2022 Peach Jam and 2022 Ironman 70.3 Augusta.

“Over the last two years, Natalie has demonstrated exceptional organizational, administrative and communication skills that make her a perfect fit for this new role,” said Chamber President Sue Parr.

“On behalf of the Chamber Board and staff, we congratulate Natalie on this significant achievement in her career.” Natalie will begin her new position within the Chamber on June 16, 2022.

Prior to the Chamber, Natalie had

CSRA ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AUTHORITY, INC. FISCAL OFFICER Involves the planning, organization, staffing, and operations of the Fiscal Office; within the policy guidelines of the EOA Board of Directors and under the supervision of the Executive Director. The Fiscal Officer is directly responsible for all record keeping, internal controls, and fiscal systems requisite to insure prompt and accurate preparation of all financial data required by the Board of Directors, government agencies, funding sources, and other Agency personnel. The Fiscal Officer is expected to give advice on all fiscal matters, interpret fiscal instructions and data, devise procedural improvements, and maintain a meaningful liaison with related agencies and independent external auditors. The Fiscal Officer is responsible for all compliance and regulatory for Government (federal, state and local) contracts and private grants. Must be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous deadline oriented workforce while managing the fiscal staff.

Plans, organizes, and supervises the work and staff of the Fiscal Office to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions.

Reviews and approve all purchase vouchers, and payroll transactions insuring that all transactions are complete, necessary, reasonable, accurate and are in accordance with the applicable OMB Circular A-122, A-133 and A-110 standards. receipts and disbursements, journal entries. Maintains Chart of Accounts and Project/Contract/Grant Master Files on GMS Accounting System. Handles tax matters, insurance, and bonding (liability, workman’s comp, vehicles, and 990).

A CPA is preferred. A degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field, together with a minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in Fiscal management in preferably non-profit organization; government; or business; with at least five years’ experience in the supervision of Fiscal personnel will be considered. Deep knowledge and understanding of the Office of Management and budget Circulars A-133, A-122 and A-100. Experienced managing finance (accounting, budgeting, controlling and reporting) for a complex non-profit with multiple funding sources including government (federal and state) contracts. Excellent written and oral communication skills, plus demonstrates excellent analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

QUALIFIED persons must apply by July 15, 2022.

We are a drug free workplace. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Detailed job descriptions are available in the Personnel Office, 1261 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Fax 706 722-8565 “AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ---DISABILITY AND VETERAN” Stay connected so you know of available job opportunities. · Visit our website at www.csraeoa.org Click on the employment link to review available positions. Applications are now accepted online!

been with Publix for over 14 years serving in a variety of management, pharmacy tech, training and customer service roles at stores throughout the region. She also worked with a local real estate investment firm as their Dispositions/ Closing Coordinator. Natalie formerly attended USC Aiken and majored in Fitness Management.

She is currently a member of The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement, and will graduate in the fall with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Business and a minor in Public Administration from Georgia Southern University.

Laney Museum of Black History’s Grand Re-Opening The Lucy Craft Laney Museum is holding a Re-opening celebration and Sponsor Meet and Greet on Saturday, June 18th from 6pm-8pm at the Museum, located at 1116 Phillips Street.

The drop-in reception will recognize and thank the Museum’s wonderful sponsors, donors, and supporters. Media is invited to attend. A tour of the newly renovated Museum will be available.

As a part of our Re-opening Celebration, the Museum would like to recognize Bank of America, who supports and gives back to the community, including supporting the reopening of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History by providing 4 weeks of free admission for the community, after the Museum was closed 10 months for major renovation.

“We believe in the power of the arts to help economies thrive, and we are proud to continue our partnership with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum,” said Ora Parish, President, Bank of America Greater Augusta / Aiken.

For more information about the Museum visit our website at www. lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

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The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Natalie Butler, former Leadership Augusta Coordinator, to Director of Masters Housing Bureau. As Director, Natalie will be responsible for overseeing the community’s largest non-profit based rental bureau.

Booking annually for the Masters Tournament, Masters Housing Bureau, a program of the Augusta Metro Chamber, is the Augusta area’s first, foremost and only rental agency associated with and sanctioned by the Augusta National Golf Natalie Butler has been promoted to Club. To better serve the needs of Director of Masters Housing Bureau. our region, Masters Housing has

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