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NEWS COMMENTARY ARTS ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 11- 17, 2012

The CSRAs WEEKLY

FREE

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Newspaper VOL.2 NO.6

Theodis Ealy & E.V.O.S. Band

The Organic R&B, Soul & Blues Festival

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Theodis Ealy

Is TEE Center Oct. 15 deadline about the vote?

Soul and funk singer Janelle Mone performs at the Westobou Festival. Westobou, an annual event, celebrates film, words, music, visual arts and dance.

Artist on a mission Janelle Mone

Personal and Business Income Tax Preparation Accounting/Bookkeeping IRS & State Problem Resolution

The Wise Choice

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IRS & State Audit Representation Levy/Lien/Garnishment Release Offers-In-Compromise And More

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2012

Politics & more

THE AUGUSTA CONVENTER CENTER on Reynolds Street is just another name for the TEE center. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Is TEE Center Oct.15 deadline about the vote?

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA The October 15 deadline pushed by Augusta Riverfront CEO Paul Simon has raised more than a few eyebrows around town among those who pay attention to what Simon says. Although Simon told commissioners at their last regular meeting that hed like the management contracts approved by mid October so that he could move forward with hiring and training staff, there may be a more important reason why he wants everything tied up by that date the November 6 election. If the pace of the parking deck management negotiation is any indication, coming up with a quick agreement on the details of the TEE center management contract is unlikely. For starters, too many people have pointed out too many problems with the proposed contract right out of the gate. Citizens Watchdog organizations have begun poring over the documents and what they are finding would give any politician ample reason not to rush things for the benefit Paul Simon or the Marriott hotel chain. Writers of the online blog CityStink. net have come across many red flags and have publicized their findings. Hard to ignore would be the exclusive catering contract that Augusta Riverfront LLC is attempting to land. Harder still to square with signed documents is the matter of over a million dollar worth of kitchen equipment that the city apparently paid for without justification. Simon would naturally want all of this glossed over but quickly. Heres what could be worrying Simon. Before the election of Matt Aitkin in 2008, there was a fierce political battle just to get the approval to construct the TEE Center. Of the ten commissioners, five usually lined up in favor of the TEE center and five opposed. A lot of people are putting in a lot of effort to make sure that Matt Aitkin doesnt get re-elected. If Aitkin is not re-elected that would mean that three Tee Center cheerleaders, including Commissioners Jerry Brigham and Joe Bowles would be leaving the city panel. The best that Simon could hope for in that scenario would be for the same five-five split that nearly sunk the entire project prior to 2009. Now if, the contracts are approved on or close to October 15 prior to election day, it wouldnt matter if proTEE-center politicians were elected. Even if Matt Aitkin does lose in November, he along with the other two lame duck commissioners Brigham and Bowles could still vote to approve the convention center contracts before leaving office on December 31, 2012. That, however, would be leaving too much to chance. CityStink writer, long a critic of the Simon-Morris style of public private partnership, outlines just a couple of issues that may prevent commissioners from rushing to rubber stamp the latest management proposal. Owens writes, The unsigned, undated partnership agreement from 2007 says throughout that Riverfront is responsible for kitchen equipment while saying that Augusta is responsible for the kitchen space. Augusta has not been able to show where its City Commission has ever voted to change the partnership agreement, only that Augusta approved the change order to add $1.4 million of equipment to a project that Riverfront agreed to participate in as a builder and operator. Where is Augustas money? A great question. Owens also questions the wisdom to granting Simon and company and exclusive catering deal.

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Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906

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UrbanProWeekly LLC

Publisher Ben Hasan 706-394-9411 Managing Editor Frederick Benjamin Sr. 706-836-2018

Sales & Marketing Phone: 706-394-9411 New Media Consultant Director of Photography Vincent Hobbs

email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com Vincent Hobbs photos@urbanproweekly.com

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HEADLINER: JANELLE MONE

UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 -17, 2012

Paine College Rocks The Vote with Westabou headliner

Entertainer Janelle Mone was in town last week as part of the Westabou Festival. Before her evening performance on Thursday, October 4, the Grammy nominated artist spoke to Paine students about the importance of voting. Because our future depends on it. We are the generation that has to make sure that our next generation is taken care of. I think community is how we get things done, coming together. And one person can do a part. But one person cant do it alone. But when we are collective, our voices are louder and then they become heard and then we are much stronger when we are one, Mone told the students. Student groups at Paine have rallied together to celebrate National Student Day, which was a day promoting studentvolunteerism and social responsibility through a vari-

Soul and funk singer Janelle Mone performs at the Westobou Festival. Earlier in the day, the Grammy nominated singer encouraged students to become more involved in politics. Photo by Vincent Hobbs ties like Janelle Mone lending her support towards events like this to uplift the importance of voting. Four decades of funk and soul explode as hot new singer, Mone joins forces with Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley, pivotal members of James Browns band in the 1960s and 1970s. Janelle Mone has been called a super-musical cross between James Brown, Judy Garland, Andre 3000 and Steve Jobs.

ety of events. The Paine College Student Government Association, Wesley Fellowship, LIONS Activity Board and Greek organizations have hosted voter registration drives since August to ensure all students, faculty and staff exercise their rights in November. Exercising our right to vote is extremely important, said Keyla Connie, president of Wesley Fellowship. We appreciate celebri-

A young crowd enjoys soul and funk singer Janelle Mone as she performs at the Westobou Festival. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Maceo Parker, renown saxophonist for James Brown, George Clinton and Prince, performs at the Westobou Festival. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2012

ASU volleyball player Paige Tuttle (center, #1) tips the ball over the net during a game against Lander University at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Augusta State picked up its first Peach Belt Conference win of the season Saturday afternoon with a 3-0 victory. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Ladys Volleyball ASU 3-0 vs. Lander 10.6.12

ASU volleyball player Leslye Barnette(center, #13) prepares to block during a game against Lander University at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Augusta State University volleyball players celebrate after scoring against Lander Univeristy at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

ASU volleyball player Kristen Koch (center, #8) watches the ball during a game against Lander University at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Meetings

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 -17, 2012

Candidates Forums
The Augusta Branch NAACP will be hosting a Political Candidates Forum and Voter Education Workshop at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, 2012 at the New Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 3237 Deans Bridge Road, Augusta,Ga. There will be a Charter School Amendment Presentation. A representative from the Richmond County Board of Elections will be present. Other presenters will include Board of Education members Venus Cain, Patsy Scott and Barbara Pulliam.

Political Forum and Voter Education Workshop hosted by Augusta Branch NAACP

Second forum added to discuss ASU/GHSU consolidation

AUGUSTA A second open forum will be held with Georgia Health Sciences University President Ricardo Azziz and Augusta State University Interim President Shirley Kenny at noon Monday, Oct. 15, in the ASU Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. The 3 p.m. forum in the Natalie and Lansing B. Lee Jr. Auditorium in the GHSU Auditoria Center will continue as scheduled. In addition to the Presidents remarks, both forums will feature ASU Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Rychly and GHSU Provost Gretchen Caughman presenting consolidation-related milestones. For more information about the consolidation, go to www.asughsu. org.

Districts 1 and District 9 Political Forum

Candidates for the District 1 and District 9 County Commission & School Board Seats are invited to appear at a Candidates Forum at the May Park Recreation Center on Thursday, October 18, 2012, 6 - 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Laney Walker Neighborhood Association.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY
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Early Voting begins Monday October 15

Mail-out absentee ballots are now available upon written request. Requests may be accepted by mail, fax, email, or in person. In-person Early Voting will begin on Monday, October 15, 2012 and Saturday Voting will be on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The last day for Voting by mail and Early Voting will be Friday, November 2, 2012. Additional voter information including confirmation of voter registration status, confirmation of district assignment, the location of your polling place, driving directions to your polling place, hours and locations for Early Voting, sample ballots and more is available on the Secretary of States My Voter Page at www.sos.ga.gov . Voters seeking information may also contact the Board of Elections Office at (706) 821-2340 or www.augustaga.gov .

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COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY

The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, for the following: 1. Vehicle Equipment for School Safety and Security RFQ #12-608 2. Football Helmets for Middle Schools 2013-2014 Bid #317 4. Cafeteria Tables for Various Schools RFQ# 12-611 3. Tilting Skillet for Glenn Hills Elementary School RFQ #12-610 5. Walk-In Cooler for Morgan Road Middle School RFQ #12-612

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Bid speciications may be obtained by contacting Amy Bauman in the Business Ofice at 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org, or at the Richmond County School System, Central Ofice, 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, Georgia 30901. The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities. By: Dr. Frank G. Roberson, Secretary COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2012

For Brier Creek Soil and Christian HaitianFor Augusta Commission Outreach celebrates Workman District 5 Water Conservation
MARY DAVIS WRITE-IN

District and beyond. After spending bets in the dirt, and above all, she CSRA Supervisor AUGUSTA ENOCH Districttime 10 Paine College will host the annual EDwitnessed and taught them about our most offor One) in Haiti and Miami (Vote her One) (Vote fora resident in Augusta and she is now Christian Haitian Outreach (CHO) Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. WILLIAM "BILL" LOCKETT Workmans work has an indelible recently celebrated her 93nd birthCelebration and (Incumbent) founder, honor its day. In this place in O'STEEN Eleanor Mom Workman, on Sunday, CLEVELAND A.Haiti, establishing orphan- HELEN MINCHEW season of her life, she JOHNNY R. STEVENS (Incumbent) October 28, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. in the ages, churches, medical clinics and continues to be a blessing in Haiti, in (Incumbent) schools. The CHO founder has the CSRA community and throughout Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel. Workman began her missionary trained more than 200 pastors who the world. For more information about work in Haiti in 1974 as a caregiver aid in spreading her work. Christian Haitian Outreach, We for the sick and abandoned children. WRITE-IN are depending on the Holy WRITE-IN WRITE-IN She witnessed firsthand the hunger Augusta Commission as He has visit: www.choinc.org For spirit to touch your heart For Brier Creek Soil and more work Water and hopelessness among the chil- touched mine5to support and WRITE-INFor Conservation information For Augusta Commission District dren and she began an orphanage with this for One) said Pastor Albert on Paine College, please visit: http:// (Vote ministry, District James, chairman of the Board of District Supervisor www.paine.edu. ministry. This ministry would rescue 7 (Vote for One) Or contact the Office of Directors and supporter of the CHO. the abandoned babies and children; WILLIAM "BILL" LOCKETT (Vote for One) Eleanor Mom Workman, founder provide for their physical and medical (Incumbent) & Marketing Sustaining the work of her mis- Communications of the Christian Haitian Outreach needs; teach them in her first school sion is possible with the support JOHNNY R. STEVENS at (706) 821-8322, (803) 524-3195 (CHO). or Lsuggs@paine.edu. by drawing the letters of the ECHOLS SR KENNETH J. alpha- of churches and individuals in the (Incumbent)
For Board of Education

(Vote for One)

Brandon honored for excellence in fundraising

AUGUSTA Eileen V. Brandon, Corporations and Foundations Development Director at Georgia Health Sciences, has received the Greater Augusta chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2012 Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award. Brandon, who secures funds to support research, educational and clinical priorities at GHS, will be recognized at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day luncheon hosted by the local AFP chapter in November. The Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award recognizes fundraising professionals who exemplify leadership, competence, achievement, ethical standards and commitment to philanthropy. Eileen is an outstanding fundraising professional and an asset to the Georgia Health Sciences advancement team, said Susan Barcus, GHS Senior Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Affairs and Chief Development Officer. She serves as a model for many in the organization and beyond and we congratulate her on receiving this award. Also receiving awards are Clear Channel for its support of the annual Cares for Kids Radiothon benefiting the GHS Childrens Medical Center and Augusta natives William and Janet McKnight for their contributions to the community, including their leadership in securing support for the GHSU J. Harold Harrison, M.D. Education Commons building campaign.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

WRITE-IN

DONNIE SMITH For Augusta Commission

(Vote for One)

District 7

If youreKENNETH J. ECHOLS SR looking PRODUCTS Charter School Amendment for insurance, DONNIE SMITH Auto WRITE-IN will find the best involvement through more we -1-1 public charter school options. For Augusta Commission Provides for improving student Georgia and South Home House Resolution No. 1162 parental achievement and District 9 CarolinaWRITE-IN insurance Act No. 762 involvement through more (Vote for One) public charter school options. Ga. L. 2012, p. 1364 Business solutions for your For Augusta Commission House Resolution No. 1162 District 9 HAROLD V. JONES II Act Constitution of Georgia be amended Shall the No. 762 needs. (Vote for One) Ga. L. 2012, p. 1364

-1PROPOSED ProvidesCONSTITUTIONAL for improving student AMENDMENTS achievement and parental

Vote NO
WRITE-IN

Bonds

MARION WILLIAMS

HAROLD V. JONES II

Ben Crawford WILLIAMS MARION

1631 Gordon Hwy
(Southgate Plaza next to Terrys) Suite 4 Augusta Georgia 30906 WRITE-IN 706-305-1698 office bcrawford25@gmail.com

to allow state or local approval of public charter schoolsShall the Constitution ofof local amended upon the request Georgia be to allow state communities? or local approval of public charter
schools upon the request of local communities? YES

WRITE-IN

NO

www.gacoverage.com

TUR Paid for by The Richmond County Council of PTAs C

NO
NO

YES

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

TBA
Trowell Builders & Associates Designers Builders Planners

Pick up the latest edition of UrbanProWeekly at a

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

location near your home or workplace.

NO
Paid for by Hephzibah Elementary School PTA

Sanctuary Multi-Purpose Buildings Renovations

P.O. Box 211886 Augusta, Ga 30917 1.800.546.2685 Fax 706.738.6328 email: tbamakedreams@aol.com

Paine College baseball team volunteers at local nursing home

service project is that life is precious and by giving someone a smile and a feeling that you care and appreciate them, will be the best thing that has happened for some of these patients in a long time, explained Melvin Marshall, Paine College baseball coach. It is a blessing for the guys to show respect and love to the patients. The Lions were 29-22 during the 2011-2012 baseball season and advanced to the SIAC Conference Championship Tournament. Their first game of the 2012-2013 school year will be February 2, 2013 at 12noon against Tuskegee University.

Quick Way Flower Shop

1335 Druid Park Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 -17, 2012

The Paine College baseball team will lend their time to the Golden e Living Nursing home of Augusta, Ga, on Saturday, October 6, 2012. t The baseball team is no stranger to volunteer efforts. In September, members of the Colleges baseball team assisted in the painting and yard maintenance of a local Augusta home with Habitat for Humanity. / This project will definitely bring the team bond closer, said Darryl Wilson, a senior business administration major from Waterbury, Connecticut. What I would like for the team to take away from this community

More than just a flower shop

Church Dcor Special Sentiments Wedding Ensembles Seasonal Arrangements Conventions and meetings Funeral Arrangements

Flowers For All Occasions

When in need of flowers stop by to see these lovely people. They do it right! (706) 736-8491 1(888) 239-3999 www.quickwayflowershop.com

Levi and Mattie Bush, owners

RN BALLOT OVER TO CONTINUE VOTING TURN BALLOT

OVER TO CONTINUE VOTING

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2012

OnStage URBANPR0 Entertainment

2212 Entertainment Group presents

Theodis Ealy & E.V.O.S. Band

The Organic R&B, Soul & Blues Festival
Saturday, October 20, 2012, Jessye locations. $25.00. For informaNorman Amphitheater, Augusta, GA. tion, call 404-988-4926 or visit Tickets available at Pyramid Music www.2212entertainmentgroup.com

SPARK competitors face new tapings

The plot thickens and the field narrows as contestants enter another round of tapings in the SPARK television show. SPARK (Speaking Poetically and Remixing Knowledge) is a television program designed to identify young people in the CSRA with exceptional literary and performance talents. The next taping will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Paine College Odeum Music Room. Over the course of Monthly episodes contestants will create and perform original literary works that will be performed and filmed in front of a live audience. The winning talent will receive a prize package valued over $10,000. The show will be televised through Comcast Cable. Contestants will be judged on the following: The unique literary character and quality of their creations; The power, passion and poise of their performance; Their personal sense of style as cultural trendsetters; The social relevance and cultural sensitivity of their work; Their reflection of events around the world and the global bridge they build for the audience. The remaining contestants include some of the most important voices in the CSRA. These young people are culturally aware and have something to say about life, their community and the world at large. They are Andru Champion, Gerald Waller, Kahleel Mathis, Monet Epps, Raheema Johnson, Sassett West, Shaquilla Jackson, and Torrence White. The guest judges include Joey Traina, Passionate,Dorian Harris, and Shaneen Quarles. The theme for Episode 3 is Life Changing Moments. Contestants will consider moments in our lives when an event / situation or circumstance occurs and changes life forever. They have been digging deep and exploring what this is and creating a unique and interesting work on this topic. This is a show of Duets. The pairings are as follows: Gerald Waller and Kahleel Mathis Monet Epps and Shaquilla Jackson Sassett West and Andru Champion Raheema Johnson and Torrence White SPARK is Presented by Blue Bistro Theater; Paine College Department of Media Studies and the CSRA African American Arts Alliance For more information 404-786-3277.

Raheema Johnson, one of the remaining SPARK contestants will be performing at the Paine College Odeum. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

RAFFLE TICKETS $5.00

Win (2) Game Tickets - Sunday, Nov. 4 2012 Atlanta Falcons vs Dallas Cowboys at the GA Dome Drawing on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 @ 5:30 p.m. at the Augusta Mini Theatre Call 706-722-0598

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

NO
Paid for by Murphy Middle School PTA

NO
Paid for by Lamar-Milledge Elementary School PTA

This place matters

Preserving Augustas African-American Communities
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum and Historic Augusta will present This Place Matters: Preserving Augustas African-American Communities for October 19 and 20 at the Sand Hills Community Center, 2540 Wheeler Rd. The Friday night speech and reception will be held at the community center. Keynote lecture will be by Dr. Bobby Donaldson, associate professor of history at the University of S.C.-Columbia. Dr. Donaldson is a native of Augusta, Georgia. Currently, he serves as an associate professor of History and the faculty principal of Preston Residential College at the University of South Carolina, in Columbia. An honors graduate of the Davidson Fine Arts School, he received his undergraduate degree in History and African American Studies from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Ct and his Ph.D. in American History from Emory University. Previously, he served as a visiting professor at Dartmouth College and held a fellowship at the W.E.B. DuBois Institute for African American Research. The Saturday events will start with coffee and refreshments at 9:30 a.m., then a ramble of the Sand Hills neighborhood. There will be a panel discussion of residents starting at 11:30 who will share their stories, photos and history of the Sand Hills neighborhood. Then a luncheon will be held at 12:30 with a summary of the forum by ASUs Lee Ann Caldwell, director of the Center for the Study of Georgia History. The events are free and the Saturday luncheon will cost $10 in advance. To register or gain more information, please contact Historic Augusta at 706-724-0436 or www.historicaugusta.org or the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History at 70 6 -724 -3576 or www.lucycraftlaneymuseum.com.

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 -17, 2012

Reese Library Special Collections celebrates Georgia

Every October, Reese Library Special Collections celebrates Georgia Archives Month
Georgia Archives Month is a way to celebrate the value of Georgias historical records, publicize the many ways historical records enrich our lives, and recognize those who maintain our communities historical records. This also is the ideal time to call attention to your organization or local government and its work in preserving Georgias documentary heritage. This year, Reese Library Special Collections will observe the designated month with two lectures highlighting Augusta State Universitys rich past. Mapping Memories: From Arsenal to ASU Join Dr. Christopher Murphy, professor emeritus of anthropology, as he virtually demolishes the campus and rebuilds it from 1875 to the present day. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m., 160 University Hall Standing on History Take a trip back in time with Bill Wells, local historian, and get ready to see the men, munitions, animals, and living quarters of the working Augusta Arsenal. Friday, Oct. 19, 2:30 p.m., Arsenal Quad. A reproduction of the earliest known Augusta Arsenal Map (1830-1874) also will be displayed alongside other Arsenal and campus maps from Oct. 18-Nov. 1. For more information, about these events or other Georgia Archives Month-related events, contact Carol WaggonerAngleton, Special Collections Librarian, at 706-667-4904 or spcoll@aug.edu.

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Funeral Home
Affordable Prices Traditional Services Direct Burials Cremations Domestic & International Shipping Pre-planning Grief Counseling Notary Public

Peoples

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

Rev. Albert L. Smith Funeral Director/Owner

NO
Paid for by Monte Sano Elementary School PTA

Serving with Dignity and Integrity

706-724-1885
723 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901

Augusta Mini Theatre, Inc. presents

11th Annual Alumni & Friends Chefs Showcase

2012 Participants
A Little Taste of Nawlins Jackie Ms Villa Europa Augusta Mini Theatre Soul Food Corner The Harvest Table Buet Edible Arrangements French Market Grille Rouxs Gourmet Catering Augusta Technical College Culinary Arts Program Dent Creations Ring My Bell to Lillys Cake Southern Grilling & Catering Charlie Williams Cha Sconyers Bar-B-Que Collins Catering Service Sophias Antiques DeShawns Seafood Restaurant Creative Moments Catering The Wife Saver Restaurant (N. Augusta) Ashleys Fish & Seafood Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Custom Cakes Caterer Earline Brown Caterer Julia Jackson Sugies Kitchen Catering Services

Celebrating 37 Years!

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

SUNDAY, OCT. 14th 2:00PM

Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites Two Tenth St., Augusta, GA 30901
Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Georgia Health Sciences University Georgia Power Parade of Quartets/ WJBF News 6 Perry Broadcasting of Augusta Queensborough National Bank & Trust Savannah River Remediation, LLC SunTrust Wackenhut Services, Inc. WKZK 1600 AM & 103.7 FM

(Doors Open @1:30PM)

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

EVENT SPONSORS

ADULTS -$37.00 STUDENTS/CHILDREN- $16.00

(Ages 18 & Younger)

Purchase tickets or tables by calling (706) 722-0598 or visit the oce at 2548 Deans Bridge Rd., Augusta, GA 30906 and SunTrust Bank and Branches

NO
Paid for by Deer Chase Elementary School PTA

www.augustaminitheatre.com

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2012

Events promote domestic violance awareness

Jennifer Norman-Dixon
Independent Cruise & Vacation Specialist
AUGUSTA SafeHomes will be painting the town purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In cooperation with Augusta State Universitys Office of Student Activities, along with several other community organizations and supporters, SafeHomes will be hosting and participating in a variety of awareness events and activities during October. These occasions are designed to not only bring awareness to the epidemic of Domestic Violence, but also to support survivors, bring hope to those still abused, and remember those who lost their lives. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Events Tuesday, October 9, 2012: Lunch & Learn, Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services, ASU JSAC, Hardy Meeting Room 12:30-1:30p

Enjoy a catered lunch while learning about drug-facilitated sexual assault. This event is also a part of Alcohol Awareness Week. This free event is open only to ASU Faculty, Staff, and Students.

Hephzibah, GA 30815 Phone 706-925-2929 Toll Free (877-790-6082 Fax 404-601-4492

Email:jdixon@cruisesinc.com www.cruisesinc.com/jdixon

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Tender Care Training School

State Approved

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

Certified Nurse Asst. Training Phlebotomy Training Pharmacy Tech. Training 1140 Druid Park Ave. Augusta, GA 30904 OFFICE HOURS TUES-FRI. 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Phone: (706)736-9225 Fax: (706)736-0995

NO
Paid for by Barton Chapel Elementary School PTA

NO
Paid for by Diamond Lakes Elementary School PTA

DVA from page 10

Enjoy a catered lunch while learning about dating violence. This free event Wednesday, October 10, 2012: Paint is open only to ASU Faculty, Staff, and the Town Purple, Community Wide/ Students. Regionally Wednesday, October 24, SafeHomes encourages all to wear purple for the day to show support 2012: Intimate Partner/Domestic and bring awareness to Domestic Violence Panel, ASU Campus, Violence, in the hopes of prevention. Building TBA. 6-7:30p Organizations, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to designate as many days during the month as Paint the Town Purple days. Supporters are invited to send pictures of their participation to be posted on SafeHomes Facebook page. For photo submission, please email to: ruthie@safehomesdv.org Wednesday, October 24 - Thursday October 25, 2012: Seans Last Wish, Outside ASU JSAC. All Day The organization Seans Last Wish, Inc. was organized and founded by Seans mother, Elke Kennedy, one week after his murder in 2007. Their mission is to empower the community through educational diversity programs, nonviolent conflict resolution, and community involvement. This powerful display is open to the public, and can be viewed all day. Wednesday, October 24, 2012: Theatrical & Musical Performances, ASU Amphitheater 10-12:00p Enjoy theatrical and musical performances by performers from the local area. This event is free and open to the public. Wednesday, October 24, 2012: Lunch & Learn, SafeHomes, ASU Allgood Hall E258. 12:30-1:30p

Local practitioners will discuss the legalities involved in the process of leaving and/or prosecuting an abusive relationship. This free event is open only to ASU Faculty, Staff, and Students. Thursday, October 25, 2012: Annual Survivors Walk, ASU Campus, Grove area by Fountain 6:30-8:00pm

In partnership with SafeHomes and Augusta State University, the community will honor all survivors of domestic violence as SafeHomes hosts their annual Survivors Walk on the ASU campus. The event features commentary from university, local, and state officials, along with testimonies from survivors, a balloon release, and a march through ASUs History Walk.

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 -17, 2012

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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2012

U black votersCommentary W Will give Obama what

rban Pro
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he needs in Southern swing states?

Black voters who do go to the polls are near-certain to vote for Obama. But in Virginia and North Carolina, concern is rising that the black voters who sealed the deal for Obama in 2008
By Patrik Jonsson Staff Writer When then-candidate Barack Obama won North Carolina by 14,000 votes in 2008, a lot of the credit went to the eye-popping 76 percent turnout rate among African-American voters. Virginia, too, saw its large share of black voters help put Mr. Obama over the top in a state that hadnt supported a Democrat for president since Lyndon Johnson. The results revived Democrats hopes for a new Southern strategy and for a new coalition between traditional black voters and progressive newcomers to the growing knowledge economies of northern Virginia and the Raleigh-GreensboroCharlotte triangle. But in these two Southern swing states, some polling and anecdotal evidence is giving rise to Democratic concerns that African-American enthusiasm for President Obama has slipped as a result of stubborn economic despair, deteriorating inner city conditions, a sense among voters that Obama no longer needs the black vote to win, and disagreements over social issues, including the presidents embrace of same-sex marriage. Heightening those concerns is the recognition by campaign strategists and analysts that, to win reelection, Obama likely needs to get close to the 65 percent of black voters who turned out in 2008 to vote in 2012. The campaigns decision to send

President Obama gives a boy a high-five at a campaign event in Jacksonville, Fla., in July. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters/File First Lady Michelle Obama, Obamas most popular proxy, to several historically black colleges in North Carolina over the last few months suggests in part that a campaign that had grown a little complacent about base turnout in some states is now focusing hard on the grassroots, recognizing that African-Americans represent a very important bloc of the base, says Jason Roth, a Jacksonville, Fla., political consultant who served as the Obama campaigns north Florida field director in 2008. I think the Obama campaign is sophisticated enough to understand the key to winning North Carolina is the African-American vote, says Andrew Taylor, a political scientist at North Carolina State University, in Raleigh. I think theyre really concerned about the fact that there isnt the kind of energy there was in 2008 and in a very, very close election that could be critical. We do have to pay attention to

the enthusiasm factor, says Andra Gillespie, an Emory University political scientist and author of The New Black Politician. Turnout is not going to be as robust as 2008, this is no longer about electing the first black president, but its also very difficult to tease out where black support is right now and whether or not black turnout is going to be depressed. The question is whats the dropoff across the board? she adds. Will Republican turnout be less anemic than Democratic turnout? If everybody is upset in equal proportions, its a wash, but theres a chance that might not happen, meaning one group is more enthused and, thus, more effective. Thats the difference between winning and losing elections. What Obama has done for blacks The presidents supporters argue that Obamas record makes it clear that he has worked for black advancement, as he promised. His signature health-care law will boost the plight of poorer blacks, they say, and his support for public service jobs in the stimulus bill also benefits the community. (According to the University of California, Berkeleys Labor Center, 21 percent of black workers are public employees.) Middle-class tax cuts, too, have helped black families as well as white. Continued on page 10

Why America Needs White History Month

Viewing the past through the lens of privilege obscures who got hurt in the process. White America needs saving from its myopia.
By Mychal Denzel Smith The Republican presidential campaign has persuaded me. Not to vote for Mitt Romney, God no. They have, however, convinced me of something else I previously considered unthinkable. In some ways, the idea betrays my black nationalist inclinations, but having witnessed the GOPs flailing for the past year and a half as theyve tried to mount a campaign to unseat President Obama, Ive finally come around. James Baldwin said: The truth about this country is buried in the myths that white people have about themselves. We need a White History Month. For anyone who speaks on issues of race publicly, the idea has long been a joke a retort thrown at you from frustrated white folks who believe they are being discriminated against because there doesnt exist a special month set aside to celebrate their racial identity. They cry foul at the notion of Black History Month, Black Entertainment Television, Black Enterprise and everything else with black in the title even, sometimes, going so far as to say these things are racist in nature because their names and missions are discriminatory. Its preposterous, but they counter that they need a White History Month to provide balance and equality. After laughing this off for years, Im now on the same page. I dont mean White History in the same way we (attempt) to celebrate Black History during February, or Womens History in March. Where these are intended to correct an imbalance in the way history is celebrated from an overwhelming white male perspective, White History Month need not rehash the tales of great white heroism. We need a different approach here. I mean for us to have a White History Month in the way James Baldwin once suggested a White History Week. During a speech before the National Press Club in 1986, he presented the idea and was later questioned about the seriousness of his remark. He responded: I was not joking about White History Week Im serious about that. White Americans really do not not know their history, and thats one of the reasons theyre in trouble. And when I suggest White History Week, Im not making a parody of Black History Week, but Im suggesting that the truth about this country is buried in the myths that white people have about themselves. These myths have to be excavated and only can be excavated by white people.

Most of the history we learn is built on myths. Even the black history we choose to teach in response to eurocentric learning is centered around myths. But those myths are meant to help a people reclaim a history long denied to them, to instil self-esteem in the face of disempowerment. It may not be exactly ideal, but the rationale is at least noble. The myths of white American history perpetuate oppression and inequality. They instil in white America a false sense of self-imperviousness to facts or logic. When George Washington cant tell a lie, Abraham Lincoln singlehandedly freed the enslaved, FDR lifted the nation out of depression and Ronald Reagan tore down the Berlin Wall with his bare hands its no wonder Michele Bachmann Continued on page 10

Obamas Southern strategy from page 12

And, says Professor Gillespie, likely black voters do not fault Obama for the poor economy, but but the blame instead on what they see as obstructionist Republicans trying to undermine the president at all costs. Ive heard black people say the president would do more, but they wont let him, says Carol Swain, a Vanderbilt University professor who specializes in evangelical politics, and who is herself African-American. They believe that if hes reelected hell do more for them. Black support for Obama could be seen in a California snap poll taken by SurveyUSA shortly after Wednesdays first presidential debate, in which everybody surveyed but AfricanAmericans thought Mitt Romney won. Moreover, in this election, voting for Obama is less about racial pride and more about policy particularly that Republican policies hold fewer specific rewards or distinct promises for the black community, suggests David Bositis, a political analyst at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Washington, in an interview with the Tennesseean newspaper in Nashville. African-Americans are still facing a lot of hardships, he told the paper. But Republicans are offering nothing more than the same of what they had under George Bush, and what they had under George Bush was hard times with no promise of things getting better. Grim numbers for black community Yet the plight of the black community under Obama has by most measures worsened since he took office: The median annual income of black families fell by 11.1 percent over the past three years, about double the decline for white families, and the black poverty rate is now up to nearly 28 percent, up 2 percent from 2009. The black unemployment rate is at 14 percent nationally, but even higher in Southern states, where most blacks live. Urban inner cores in Chicago, Detroit, and other big cities have seen unusual mob lawlessness involving black youth a sign of disaffection and decoupling of blacks from the national economy and the nation as a whole, suggests Ms. Swain at Vanderbilt. Foreclosure rates are higher among blacks than whites, and black homeownership which has traditionally constituted 60 percent of African-American wealth has fallen in percentage terms compared to whites, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. Meanwhile, in May, the presidents decision to openly back same-sex marriage drew cries of protest from conservative black Baptist churches and pastors in the South. While Obamas change-of-heart had the effect of boosting support for gay marriage among blacks for the first time to

above 50 percent, a poll by an antigay marriage group called Coalition of African-American Pastors suggested that 12 percent of previous black Obama supporters would not vote for him again. The danger of over-confidence Conversely, in Virginia, black leaders fear that black voters wont turn out because of over-confidence in Obamas shot at winning the presidency again. The polls show that were ahead, but Im worried about the apathy in the African-American community, Va. State Sen. Henry L. Marsh III told the Howard University News Service last week. A lot of people are not coming to the rallies. If we dont turn out, we still could lose Virginia. They assume the election is over. The Richmond Free Press, the largest black weekly in Virginia, raised similar concerns last week in an editorial titled The danger of overconfidence, which questioned Obamas ability to energize black voters. To be sure, black political experts say likely African-American voters will pull the lever for Obama, not Mitt Romney, while others, including Gene Demby on the Root website, suggest that this hypothetical voter sit-out is not a real thing. The best Republicans can hope for is that those black people who have figured it out and realize theyve been had over four years, that they choose to stay home, because I dont see them voting for Mitt Romney, says Swain.

Apathy has even spread to some 13 black intellectuals. Im going to vote for the other offices that are on the ballot, but Im just not going to cast a vote for the presidency, William Darity, an African-American studies professor at Duke University, in Durham, N.C., told PBS NewsHour this week, to the disbelief of the reporter doing the story. Mr. Daritys concern? Were approaching the kinds of unemployment rates that existed in the United States at the height of the Great Depression in the African-American community in North Carolina. To add to the campaigns worries, studies of voter registration figures indicate that Democrats are struggling to sign up new Obama voters in states across the country, including Virginia and Florida. In part, thats why Democrats have seized on tough new voter ID laws and voter roll purges in states like Florida, Texas, and South Carolina, accusing Republicans of trying to discourage Democratic constituencies, including blacks, from registering. There may be truth to that, but experts say at least part of that voter registration drop is also evidence of an enthusiasm gap among some black voters, with economic travails, potential overconfidence, and concern about gay marriage all playing a role. Such issues ultimately may not dampen support for the president but may lessen turnout, political communications expert Brad Bannon told Politico. ty has appeared in various publications, including The Guardian, Ebony, theGrio, the Root, Huffington Post and GOOD.

UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 -17, 2012

White History Month from page 12

believes the founding fathers fought to end slavery, Newt Gingrich thinks poor black children should be janitors to teach them about work ethic, Rick Perry hunts at Niggerhead and sees no problem, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney can tell jokes about the presidents birth certificate and his campaign co-chair, John Sununu, can refer to the president as lazy and not that bright. The race-baiting and sabre-rattling that has been on display for the duration of the presidential nomination process and now is a part of the national campaign reveal not just a disdain for people of color, but also a deep misunderstanding of what it means to be white. Whiteness has its privileges, and among them is that your view of history is through that of the default, the conqueror, the triumphant. And when you can see history through that lens, you dont have to be burdened with understanding the consequences of your triumph from the perspective of those who were stepped on during the conquest. As the racial and ethnic demographics shift in this countr y, the Republican party has become

writer and social commentator. His work on race, politics, social justice, home to an angry white reaction- pop culture, hip hop, mental health, ary base that feels their privilege feminism and black male identibeing threatened. What a White History Month could teach them is that this is nothing new, and that even their identity as white people has evolved. White immigrants of the 18th and 19th century, particularly those of eastern European descent, experienced discrimination, but gradually gained acceptance as they embraced American racism and the white Anglos needed more among their ranks to ensure they retained power. White America needs their myths interrogated, deconstructed and ultimately replaced with a new history altogether. Like Black History Month, a White History Month would be unable to cover all the territory needed to accomplish such a feat in so short a period of time. One would need to do so around the clock, around the calendar. But this is the United States, and we enjoy our pageantry. Let us observe White History Month and use it to rescue white America from itself. 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited Mychal Denzel Smith is a freelance

Harold V. Jones II
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UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2012

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar set to release debut album
AUGUSTA Augusta native Trey McLaughlin will release his debut album Limitless on Sunday, November 4, 2012 with an Album Release Concert at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 5:00 p.m. Admission is $10 or $20 with Limitless CD. The John S. Davidson Fine Arts School graduate has undoubtedly made a name for himself in the Music industry by performing with gospel greats like William McDowell, Kierra Kiki Sheard, Brian Courtney Wilson, and James Fortune. In 2009, McLaughlin became the founder and director of his own gospel ensemble; Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar. With his expressive tenor vocals and intricate arrangements of contemporary gospel, McLaughlin is one of the brightest new artists on the current gospel scene. McLaughlin and this anointed group released their first single, I Will Praise, earlier this year. The single, available on I-Tunes, is featured on Limitless. I Will Praise, is a war cry that reminds the listener that even in their darkest moments the goodness of the Lord should be on their lips. It testifies that in spite of all you may go through, the knowledge of Gods presence is enough to make you lift your hands and give Him praise! The single, I Will Praise, has been added to Yes Lord Radio, URRedeemed Radio and Gospel Impact Radio rotations. Additionally, it has been added to rotation at WOKB 1680 in Orlando, Florida. Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar is fresh off a competition win for their rendition of Chasing After You, which afforded them a feature on GRAMMY award-nominated artist Vashawn Mitchells Triumphant (Deluxe Edition) DVD. McLaughlin is also an alumnus of an alumnus Columbus State University. He is currently the Music Instructor at the Jessye Norman School for the Arts and is the Associate Director of Barefoot Productions, Inc./Creative Impressions. He also serves as the Minister of Worship and Arts at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Augusta, Ga.

MUSIC: LIMITLESS

To keep up with Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar, visit their website at http://www.treymmusic. com/or follow them on Twitter: @ treymclaughlin and @soundsofzamar; or check them out on Facebook and YouTube!

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

NO
Paid for by Hephzibah Elementary School PTA

NO
Paid for by T. Harry Garrett Elementary School PTA, Inc.

Working Together to Move Augusta Forward

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