Highlight Issue 5: The Black Vote

COME read THE

AMAZING

HIGHLIGHT MAGAZINE Presenting Candidates Seeking

THE BLACK VOTE

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3RD CANDIDATES BRING YOUR BEST PROMISES! WE STILL ACCEPT GRANTS, MINIMUM WAGE JOBS, REPARATIONS, ART PROJECTS, REMOVAL OF MONUMENTS, 50/10 PLAN, LINNENTOWN, THE PROSPERITY PACKAGE. NO GUARANTEES, NEIGHBORHOOD JOBS, AND BIKE LANES BUT THESE ARE...

VERY FEW WORKING IDEAS WHAT THE community

WANTS LIVING Wage Jobs, Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Quality Education, SAFE Law Enforcement, Wifi, and our own MONUMENTS!

ALL OF IT WHILE NOT BEING TAXED OUT OF OUR HOMES. NO REFUNDS! ALL PROMISED POLICIES ARE FINAL!

Wear a face cover in Athens-Clarke County whenever you are going to be around other people. Face covers help slow the spread of COVID-19 by protecting you and other people around you. Even when wearing them, stay six feet away from others whenever possible.

• Medical grade masks are not necessary for most uses.

• Face covers may be made from household items such as scarves, bandanas, or other suitable fabrics.

• Face covers should cover the mouth and nose.

• Follow CDC guidelines for putting on, removing, and washing cloth face covers.

ACCGov is distributing some reusable cloth face covers through: • Athens-Clarke County Library • Athens Community Council on Aging • Athens Free Clinic mobile testing unit • Clarke County School District food distribution pods • Leisure Services Community Centers, Parks, and Facilities • Police Headquarters • Transit Multimodal Transportation Center and on buses • Water Business Office

Free Testing Options for COVID-19 Anyone can be tested for COVID-19, whether or not you have symptoms. Residents without a doctor or primary care provider can visit an urgent care center or federally qualified health center, use the Augusta University ExpressCare app, or contact the following to make a testing appointment. Hours and days may change.

Athens Neighborhood Health Centers 706-546-5526 - 675 College Ave. 706-543-1145 - 402 McKinley Dr. • Call to schedule a test • Health Centers are open: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - Noon & 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. - Noon & 1:00-7:00 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Saturday (McKinley Dr. only): 8:00 a.m. - Noon

Please wear a face cover around others.

We’re all in this together.

GA DPH Northeast Health District publichealthathens.com 706-340-0996 •

Schedule a test online or by phone for Athens (Mon.-Fri.) & Winterville (Sat.) sites

•

Phone line is open: Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Athens Free Clinic Mobile Unit 706-308-4092 • For residents without transportation or who have barriers to care.

Letter from the Publisher Greetings Athenians and Readers,

The highly anticipated 2020 election year is upon us! There are many faces and voices that want to represent our city, state, and country. This is neither a light decision to make nor a trivial discussion to have in Athens.

Mayor Kelly Girtz and the commission have had their hands full. From things like elimination of cash bail to mandatory masks, our officials have made and will continue to make decisions that change our fundamental experience of Athens.

That alone justifies every citizen utilizing their right to vote for someone who represents them-someone who advocates for the life and ethics they most value. I am not here to tell people how to vote. I intend only to provide information necessary to help readers make informed, reasonable decisions at the ballot.

Growing up my most memorable experiences with politics was through television. I remember waking up to my mom cheering in her Trinidadian accent "Obama won!" My dad in celebration named his brand new pitbull "Cassie Obama" the day of President Obama’s inauguration. Seeing President Obama win gave me confidence to do the things that seemed to be hard. I was in the sixth grade at Burney Harris Lyons Middle School then. The very first time I voted was during my tenure at Savannah State University in 2016. I remember my mom told me to vote for Hillary. My dad on the other hand, had no intentions of voting. If he had, I believe he would've voted for Trump. He said he learned from Obama's Presidency that no matter who is in office we are governed by laws that limit how we own land and grow economics.

Being in the middle of my parents’ political beliefs, I saw and heard a lot of different narratives on how each party affects the black community. I felt lost in the narratives. I didn't think they were wrong. It just seemed both sides painted their own image of what a black person should be, do, or need. Politicians like Joe Biden and Donald Trump have played their parts in this modern day slave auction for what some might call “the souls of black folk.” It’s not just voters in general to whom they appeal. Parties and their candidates literally label this crucial,

presumably singular collective of African American voters “The Black Vote.”

My first time being involved in local politics was as director of communications on Harry Sims’ mayoral campaign. At twenty one, I got a front row seat to what it’s like to be black and run for office in Athens. I also saw how local media lacked unbiased reporting of the mayoral race.

Largely because of that experience, I present this issue of Highlight as an open forum for local candidates to share their ideas with readers.

We see that our government is willing to make changes in the name of the black community. For example, the memorial to those who fought and died to build an independent nation of states guaranteeing the right and privilege of race based, chattel slavery was removed. I don’t condemn the removal of the downtown monument, but I don’t understand the overall effectiveness of the decision. It wasn’t destroyed, mind you. The alternative--transporting it to a local cemetery--cost over four hundred thousand dollars that could have been put to better use. It could have funded the North East Georgia Business Alliance Small Business Grants in order to keep more black owned businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Those funds could have been used to put youth programs like Chess and Community or Athens Alliance Coalition directly in communities where it's most needed like Athens Gardens, Bethel Homes, or Clarke Gardens. Yet another major investment for these funds might have been providing our students in need with access to quality technology and internet while attending school from home.

In closing, there are many things we still need and I know our government is open to discussion. Organizing and discussing changes made by the mayor and commission or state legislation should be common practice in our community. These candidates lay out their intentions and, as citizens, it is our duty to hold them accountable in this and all elections. Go Vote Athens!.

Thank You, Ron Lamon Carson Jr.

Highli Hi ghlight ght Mag Ma gazine Owner/Publisher Ron Lamon Carson Jr. Copy Editor Troy Copeland

CONTENTS Letter from the publisher

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spencer frye 2 Mokah J. johnson 4 houston gaines 8 john q. williams 10 robert hare 14 Deborah Gonzalez 18 brian patterson 20 james chafin 22 Seeing Double 24 Troy Copeland Letter to the 29 publisher charles hardy Around town 30

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spencer frye D Why are you running to be a Georgia Legislator?

Having served my community for 13 years in the affordable housing arena, I ran for State Representative in 2012 in order to amplify our community’s voice at the state level and offer the citizens of Athens a place at the table and an opportunity to make our city stronger and healthier.

Our work is not yet completed, and this is why I’m running in 2020.

What do you believe are the most crucial issues that are facing the state of Georgia that can be addressed by the Georgia House?

Racial justice and judicial reform, the poor response to the Covid-19 pandemic, poor access to healthcare, and rebuilding our economy by putting more money in the hands of hard working Georgians through raising the minimum wage and educating our children to be successful in life no matter what it takes are some--but not all--of the crucial issues we should address.

What do you believe are the most crucial issues facing Athens, Georgia that can be addressed by the Georgia House of Representatives?

As stated in response to the last question, these same issues are important to Athens. We have a long history of racial injustice in this country and community.

We didn’t pass a Hate Crimes bill in Georgia until June of this year and when it came up for a vote last March, many elected officials from the Athens area voted against it.

Athens was a town made for rich, white men and it still remains so, today. Racial injustice from failed federal housing policies of the past 70 years has created a wealth gap that we need to continue to address. Economic justice can only be realized when we can offer opportunities to create generational wealth for those who have been placed on the sidelines by the ruling class.

The private prison system in our state should be abolished as private prisons are a form of modern day slavery and human trafficking. We should work to get at the root of the issues and encourage education and rehabilitation within the system while not encouraging investors to make money on the citizens they incarcerate. Jailed citizens are not products to be traded on a stock market, but some people believe they are.

The hourly wage in Georgia is the lowest in the nation. Trickle-down economics is a busted myth. Putting more money in the hands of families through raising the minimum wage is the best way to strengthen the economy and create a middle class. It’s the best way to put food on the table and it’s the best way to ensure a strong future for our children.

The wealth gap has a direct effect on our education and healthcare issues as well. What we have now is

Candidate for State house district 118

a boutique healthcare system that only serves the wealthy.

No one should have to choose between bankruptcy and good health. Our underserved public schools have been attacked constantly by those who would choose to segregate their children rather than participate in community building through shared educational opportunities.

Why do you believe you can be effective at drafting legislation, working across party lines, and building consensus around legislation that can benefit Athenians?

What is your track record/strategy for working effectively with members of a different political party to help pursue and enact beneficial legislation?

My track record for working effectively in the general assembly is reflected in the number of bills I sponsor or cosponsor and the number of committees I serve on.

Even while serving in the Democratic minority for 8 years as a representative, I have been able to work on many pieces of legislation that have been signed by two different governors. Working across the aisle, as they say, is a dying art but--at the end of the day--good policy is good policy.

I am fortunate to have a seat at the table on several committees where a great deal of work is done on the legislation to fix previous, unintended consequences and craft the best outcome of the legislation for all Georgians. I serve on two Health committees, Ways and Means, Transportation, Game, Fish and Parks, and I am the Vice Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight committee.

Do you believe Georgia’s law enforcement and criminal justice system are effective in creating and maintaining public safety?

Certainly the law enforcement profession has been under fire. The idea that it is easier for me to feel safe being pulled over at a traffic stop than most anyone of color is something that shows deep rooted issues within our current system. I am not afraid my son will be racially profiled or accused of being in a gang, but some of my friends are.

These fears are based on systematic racial issues and need to be addressed.

Currently law enforcement officers are asked to be negotiators, social workers, conflict resolution professionals, psychologists, psychiatrists and then police officers.

Through better training and partnerships with professional organizations who function in those capacities, we would see a decline in the number of individuals who are taken to jail for mental health issues, a decline in violent incidents due to third party presence and a reduction in costs associated with domestic calls.

We should screen for racial bias through proven psychological testing methods and strict rules of engagement should be adhered to as in the military.

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MOkah Johnson D

Candidate for State house district 117

What do you believe are the most crucial issues that are facing the state of Georgia that can be addressed by the Georgia House?

I launched my campaign with a rally calling on our leaders to #UniteAgainstHate and pass HB426--a bipartisan hate crimes legislation. I will continue to stand up against racism, discrimination, and hate in all forms. Georgia has one of the highest rates of uninsured citizens in the country—only heightened by COVID-19.

With skyrocketing unemployment, we need action, now--from increasing the minimum wage to expanding Medicaid. In June, I organized the Justice for Black Lives rally. I am committed to building on Georgia's successful bipartisan criminal justice reforms and leading statewide efforts to end police brutality, cash bail, and mandatory minimums. From purging voters from the rolls to cancelling DA elections, the rampant voter suppression and corruption in Georgia is unacceptable. I fought to protect voting rights on the Athens Board of Elections, and I'll continue that fight in office.

eye to eye with them on every issue, but the movement for criminal justice reform is about more than party politics. It’s about finding common ground and getting to work. When I started the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, our membership represented a wide array of perspectives. We focused on the issue at hand.

By setting aside our differences, we successfully pushed for an anti-discrimination ordinance for downtown bars. I have done this my whole life and have made major progress for civil rights and criminal justice reforms on a local level.

Why do you believe you can be effective at drafting legislation, working across party lines, and building consensus around legislation that can benefit Athenians?

In 2016, my husband and I founded the Athens AntiDiscrimination Movement to fight for racial and economic justice.

I'm proud of leading a movement to pass a local anti-discrimination ordinance for ending cash bail for nonviolent offenders. I have consistently worked across party lines and with all community members to make progress. To demand police accountability, I have worked with Chief Spruill and local law enforcement to host conversations on race relations and policing. As the chair of the police accountability task force, I work with law enforcement, leaders, and community members to build consensus. I recognize that everyone has different perspectives and solutions, but I am committed to representing the people, not myself. Thus, I will continue to listen first and then act.

To end cash bail in Athens, I successfully worked in partnership with the Libertarian Party of Athens. I do not always see

Do you believe Medicare/Medicaid should be expanded in the state of Georgia? What effect do you believe this will have on future state budgets, the sustainability of rural hospitals, and the quality of care delivered to citizens?

All Georgians should have access to quality health care.

Georgia ranks 41st in the country for health care access, and the latest estimates show that there are nearly 1.5 million people in our state living without health insurance. With seven rural hospitals closing in Georgia since 2010 and an eighth on the horizon, we must act now to do what we can to improve health outcomes for all Georgians. I am especially concerned about the effects of these closures during a worsening global pandemic as our hospitals must work at the limits of their resources. We can start by expanding Medicaid immediately. In doing so, we gain access to the $3 billion per year that our legislators are currently refusing.

With that expansion, we can expand access to prenatal, pediatric and maternal health resources.

Do you believe Georgia’s law enforcement and criminal justice system are effective in creating and maintaining public safety?

As it stands, our system does not maintain public safety for everyone. In Georgia alone, the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Rayshard Brooks and countless others show how our status quo puts Black lives in danger. Black bodies are being killed and no one is being held accountable. We need to end qualified immunity, repeal Georgia’s Citizen’s Arrest Law, and establish independent What do you believe are the most crucial issues facing oversight mechanisms.

Athens, Georgia that can be addressed by the Georgia House of Representatives?

How has experience helped you strategize to make doing

Our lives have been completely turned over by COVID-19, business in Georgia easier, more profitable, and more impacting our schools and our jobs. From personal experience, common?

I know that when families lose their jobs, access to healthcare, In 2017, I helped launch the Swadeshi Black Market and affordable housing, and basic necessities, all become more Co-op to promote local and minority-owned businesses. Many difficult. Our leaders have failed to support us, extending a pan- times, the cost for businesses to purchase space at events is too demic by months that could have been effectively controlled by expensive. With this market, we provide a low-cost opportunity for the summer. Beyond that, with UGA’s failed reopening, a local businesses to promote and sell their products. I hope to continue outbreak of COVID-19 put our entire community at risk. COVID-19 to build on the success of this market by seeking new, innovative has shown that our healthcare system needs to be reformed, start- opportunities to bring more life to business in Georgia. ing with Medicaid Expansion. By expanding Medicaid, something I am a businesswoman. Upon arriving in Athens, I founded that should have been done years ago, so many more families will the Athens Hip-Hop Awards, which showcased the work of local be able to obtain insurance and access healthcare. Voter suppres- artists. My husband and I own a production company. The events sion is also a major issue in Athens. Currently, Governor Kemp is we produce, from Athens in Harmony to the MLK Day Parade and trying to disenfranchise the voters of Athens and Oconee counties Music Fest, bring business to Athens and help provide venues to by denying the community our right to elect our District Attorney. local businesses. Using my influence as an activist and producer, I Luckily, Deborah Gonzalez sued Governor Kemp successfully, but also make sure to support Black-owned businesses in any events he continues to appeal the decision and cancel the election. We I host. We must continue to support our entrepreneurs and busialso see voter suppression in other forms--from the exact match nesses by making access to low-interest loans available. Often, policy that purges voters from the rolls to attempts from our own the startup of businesses is too expensive for many people, and state representative to limit our access to absentee ballots. Voting we need to do everything we can to make business thrive in our reform can be addressed by the House of Representatives. community.

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STACEY ABRAMS knows Criminal Justice Reform is important.

That's why she endorses Deborah for District Attorney

Leaders Trust Deborah Gonzalez to Be a District Attorney who leads with HEART End mass incarceration by supporting diversion and second-chance programs while focusing on serious crime Uplift our kids, ending the school to prison pipeline by investing in and being active in our community Finally address systemic racism and bring needed change to our criminal legal system in Athens and Oconee

Endorsed by Dekalb DA Sherry Boston, Former Governor Roy Barnes, Reps. Bob Trammell (Minority Leader), Spencer Frye, Sam Park, Brenda LopezRomero. Mayor Kelly Girtz, Commissioners Patrick Davenport, Mariah Parker, Melissa Link, Allison Wright, Russell Edwards, Tim Denson, and Ovita Thornton.

Commissioners-Elect Jesse Houle and Carole Myers

Provide resources and support to victims of violence and their families by leading with compassion

www.DeborahforDA.com Paid for By Deborah Gonzalez for District Attorney

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Jasmine Johnson Will fight for The people.

A mother, educator, & founder of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement, Mokah fights every day for racial and economic justice...

Mokah led the fight to...

End cash bail for nonviolent offenders.

✓ - Her opponent co-sponsored bill to undo cash bail reform. ✓ Create a police accountability task force, which she chairs.

- Her opponent voted to weaken police accountability measures. ✓ Remove the Athens confederate monument from the city center.

- Her opponent voted to make it more difficult to move symbols of slavery. ✓ Pass an anti-discrimination ordinance for downtown bars.

- Her opponent voted against the bipartisan hate crimes bill.

And, she'll continue to fight to end mass incarceration, stand up to hate, and demand justice for Black lives.

These leaders, community members, & organizations trust Mokah to be our next representative for House District 117. So can you.

✓ President Barack Obama ✓ Stacey Abrams ✓ Attorney General Eric Holder ✓ Fair Fight ✓ Collective PAC for Black political power ✓ Georgia Association of Educators ✓ AFL-CIO & United Campus Workers ✓ Working Families Party ✓ New Georgia Project

✓ Athens State Rep. Spencer Frye ✓ Former 117th Rep. Deborah Gonzalez ✓ Commissioner Tim Denson ✓ Commissioner Mariah Parker ✓ Commissioner Melissa Link ✓ Commissioner Patrick Davenport ✓ Linda E. Davis, Clarke County School Board ✓ Ken Dious, Human Rights Attorney ✓ Marcel Mincey ✓ Fred Smith Sr.

See full list of endorsements and learn more about Mokah & her platform at mokahforgeorgia.com.

Bold Progress. Fearless Leadership.

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Mokah Jasmine Johnson

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Houston Gaines r What do you believe are the most crucial issues that are facing the state of Georgia that can be addressed by the Georgia House?

Our number one issue right now is the fallout from the ongoing pandemic--the health and economic impacts. In the General Assembly, we have to tackle this issue head on and work together to find common ground to keep our state healthy, grow jobs and ensure economic opportunity for everyone. I believe it’s more important than ever that we work in unison to address the challenges during this time. I know our community has the character to rebuild. We also have significant other issues to address--healthcare, criminal justice reform, and much more.

I’ll continue to work to lower the cost of healthcare, increase access to care and support criminal justice reform while working to continue making our region a great place to work, live and raise a family.

What do you believe are the most crucial issues facing Athens, Georgia that can be addressed by the Georgia House of Representatives?

Our community is facing serious challenges. Athens is an incredible place, and I’m proud that this is my home. Yet, we have work to do--work to grow economic opportunity for everyone, work to ensure our community moves forward during this difficult time. In the State House, I will remain laser focused on helping this community I love so much by partnering with those in our community to find solutions to our most critical needs. Our poverty rate is far too high. Many are unemployed and underemployed. We need to work to create more economic development in our area to raise wages, and we need property tax relief in Clarke County to keep individuals in their homes.

We also have to continue working to keep our community safe during these difficult times - wearing masks, social distancing, washing our hands and being smart. In the General Assembly, we must support workers and employers during the pandemic as so many are struggling. Earlier this year, we passed legislation to incentivize the production of PPE. I also passed legislation to cut the pay of politicians so we could prioritize more important needs.

Why do you believe you can be effective at drafting legislation, working across party lines and building consensus around legislation that can benefit Athenians?

My record is absolutely clear on this--I’ll work with anyone to get things done and to advance legislation that will benefit our community. Look at every single bill I’ve passed; I’ve had overwhelming bipartisan support for my bills because I’ve worked to bring folks together, not tear us apart. I’m proud to have passed legislation to cut the cost of healthcare, fight against human trafficking and the opioid epidemic, and give Georgians a second chance through historic criminal justice reform by bringing individuals from across the political spectrum together to advance good public policy. I believe in working together, and I’ll continue to do so moving forward.

My track record is one that is proven and effective-sitting down with leaders from my own party and across the

candidate for state house district 117

political spectrum to get things done. By focusing on people instead of politics, we’ve passed significant and meaningful reforms to move our community forward. I’m always willing to work with anyone to make our area and state an even better place.

Do you believe Georgia’s law enforcement and criminal justice system are effective in creating and maintaining public safety?

Reforms are necessary to our system, and I look forward to working together to find areas of agreement to solve the issues in our current system. This year, I led the effort for historic criminal justice reform by working across the aisle to pass one of the most important criminal justice reforms we’ve seen in our state in recent years. To give Georgians a second chance, our legislation passed this year will allow individuals to have non-violent misdemeanors restricted from their records for employment, housing, and education purposes after not reoffending for four years. These are the sorts of reforms we must advance. But let’s be clear--defunding the police is not the solution. If such a proposal were to move forward, it would hurt the least among us--those with means will have protection, but those who are most in need will be without public safety. Let’s make the necessary reforms, support community policing and move our community forward.

How has experience helped you strategize to make doing business in Georgia easier, more profitable, and more common?

Georgia was recently, once again, named the best state in the country for doing business, but we have more work to do.

I’ll continue to support small businesses and our employers--our job creators--as they work to do what they do best: create jobs.

We need to reduce regulations and red tape stifling economic growth, lower taxes for working families so folks can keep more of their hard earned income, and do all we can to support employees and businesses during this incredibly challenging economic time.

Do you believe Medicare/Medicaid should be expanded in the state of Georgia? What effect do you believe this will have on future state budgets, the sustainability of rural hospitals, and the quality of care delivered to citizens?

Last year, we passed the Patients First Act to create a Medicaid Waiver in Georgia. Our goal was to increase accessibility to care, ensure greater affordability and improve the quality of the care delivered. This legislation will lower costs and increase access for all Georgians. Part of the waiver is designed to help those under 100% of the federal poverty line by providing access to Georgia Medicaid. For those between 100-400% of the federal poverty line, the waiver will work to lower premium costs on the exchange for individuals and small groups. This legislation will also work to lower insurance premiums for everyone across the state by creating a reinsurance program. We will always protect individuals with pre-existing conditions. This proposal will work to help millions across our state as we all partner together to create better healthcare in Georgia.

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John q. Williams D It has been reported that the Clarke County Sheriff's Office is severely understaffed. Do you believe this is true, and what is your strategy to correct it?

This will require a shift in perspective. Morale is low. Pay is not competitive relative to agencies in surrounding areas. There is a perceived lack of support. I do have to acknowledge there is a shortage across the nation when it comes to law enforcement. My plan to address this starts with training and education, both of which will lead us to improvements in the culture. The changes I want to make to the training program will revolve around understanding and embracing emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. We want to build problem solving skills. It is important to train your staff, but also empower them. That is why I plan to create an advisory board to give the people I work with a voice in the day to day operations. I want to provide all of my staff with the necessary tools to develop into leaders, instead of simply creating extensive policies that tell them exactly what to do in every situation. When people are given a voice, they tend to have more buy-in, and as a result, they often assist in solving problems in ways that are innovative. I want that voice and buy-in to extend to the community as well. Sheriffs are accountable to the people that put them into office. The people definitely have a role in the safety of our community. We will foster positive community relationships through community outreach programs. Deputies will get out in the community more to engage with our citizens and understand the issues that are present. Those interactions will be what helps bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. Beyond that, I will have an entire team dedicated to recruitment and retention. We will seek out qualified candidates and not just wait for applicants to come to us.

Through our community partnerships, I hope to identify many people from our own community that have the dedication to serve where they live. Once we improve our relationships within the community and get staffing levels up, the cultural changes will solidify.

Last, but certainly not least in importance, I will address overtime and pay concerns. Clearly, improving staffing numbers will reduce the need for overtime. I want to make sure our deputies get more time off the clock, time to spend with loved ones.

Do you believe sheriff’s deputies are spending the appropriate amount of time and resources on efforts to make our community safer and more secure?

I do not believe the appropriate time and resources are currently spent building community relationships and public trust. With that said, there are several reasons why that is the case. This clearly is related to the staffing levels, but also involves some leadership issues and the culture of the agency itself. When we get staffing levels up, we can devote more time to those efforts, but, even now, it’s important to make sure staff at every level are aware of the need for good partnerships with our community. One thing that can change how resources are allocated will be reallocating some duties. There

Candidate for the ACC Sheriff's office

are deputies performing tasks that don’t necessarily have to be performed by sworn personnel. If we can shift some of those duties to clerks or other staff, we can free up deputies to perform more duties specific to their roles. This would also potentially create more positions for civilian employees, while also helping give deputies more options when it comes to career paths. This, I mentioned, is a key to improving retention.

What are the top five issues affecting employee recruitment, morale, and retention in the sheriff’s department?

Pay and benefits, leadership, training, community involvement, and varying career paths are probably the most obvious issues.

These have been areas current employees have wanted addressed when I spoke with them. All of these are on my list of issues to assess and begin developing plans to improve during my first 90 days in office. Some will be addressed at the very beginning, and all will be continually monitored.

How should the sheriff’s department balance the unique needs/ conditions of the undocumented immigrant community with public safety and state/federal law?

Right now, there is a consistently divisive tone in our nation as a whole. The sheriff's department can’t be a conduit for that narrative.

It is important to speak out and show support for all of our community members. We need to continue to have important conversations, whether they are difficult or not. Most of our immigrant community members are here trying to make a living and provide for their families.

We should not be a source of fear to them. Again, treating people with dignity and respect does not only apply to some people, but all people--regardless of what documentation they can present at a given time.

Do you believe law-enforcement in Athens is intentionally and specifically disproportionate based on the race of the complaint, victim or suspect?

When it comes to law enforcement in the Athens community, I do not believe the disparities are intentional. While I do agree that there are certainly issues that are tied to systemic problems, I believe that we are ahead of law enforcement in many other areas. Yet, we still can continue to grow and get better. I will make sure our culture is one that values people and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Having programs that reduce the likelihood that people that are arrested will not reoffend is important to helping combat these issues. I will work to expand GED programs, mental health services, and programs that help with development of life skills. I will develop partnerships with local groups that already offer many services and want to bring those services to help all of Clarke County. We can’t arrest our way out of all problems. We have to be willing to look at the root causes of those problems and come up with real solutions.

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robert hare r It has been reported that the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office is severely understaffed. Do you believe this is true and, if so, what is your strategy to correct it?

The Sheriff’s Office is severely understaffed and has been for a long time. During my time with them, we have been close to full staffing twice, and both times recruitment had slowed or stopped. The Sheriff’s Office has lost a lot of great deputies to other agencies or other career choices.

Because of that, the current staff have been working a lot of overtime and not spending time with their families. Working in the jail, each shift has to have a minimum number of deputies to operate safely. However, when the deputies are working 60%–75% of their time off in overtime, safety becomes a factor.

It is my plan to announce the creation of a permanent recruitment team. That team will be attached to the Training Department with a Sergeant supervising. A Lieutenant will be assigned to supervise both training and recruitment sections. I believe this has been a long time coming and will be a great asset to the Sheriff’s Office.

As we start filling the vacant positions, we will be sending deputies who want to enhance their career to various advanced training programs. This training will be designed to help the deputies either advance or transfer to various positions within the Sheriff’s Office. Training requirements will also be reviewed for promotional opportunities as well.

Do you believe sheriff’s deputies are spending the appropriate amount of time and resources on efforts to make our community safer and more secure? How would you change the allocation of deputies’ time versus the current practice?

I don’t think time and resources are being effectively utilized within the community. The Sheriff’s Office receives on average of twenty new criminal warrants per day. According to the current practice, the deputy cannot attempt to apprehend that individual(s) until that warrant has gone through the verification process. That can sometimes take up to a week or more to be entered into the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) system and then verified.

To add more to the delay, the Warrant/Civil Section deputies do not work 24 hours per day. What does that mean for the community? If any of those warrants are violent offenders, the victim doesn’t feel safe. And if the warrant is for a sex crime (i.e. rape, child molestation, etc.), then the community is not safe.

In addition to creating a recruitment team to fill our vacant positions, I am looking at increasing the hours of operation for the Warrant/Civil Section. Those deputies should not be under time restraints when searching for an offender. These warrants need to be served in a timely fashion and the community needs to be aware when violent offenders, sex offenders, or repeat offenders are taken into custody. The more the community knows what the Sheriff’s Office is doing, I believe they will have a better sense of safety. To create a domino effect, if the community feels

Candidate for the ACC Sheriff's office

safe, more people will come to our city instead of going to our neighboring counties.

What are the top five issues affecting employee recruitment, morale, and retention in the sheriff’s office?

Lack of leadership amongst the ranks.

Lack of proper training with our new deputies.

Lack of support from the ranks.

Lack of proper disciplinary procedures when an inmate gets out of hand with the deputies.

Lack of empathy from the Command Staff in regards to the amount of time the deputies are required to work (i.e. overtime). The myth is many deputies left to work with other agencies for more money. That is further from the truth.

Many of our deputies went to other agencies while making an average of $15,000 less per year.

How should the sheriff’s office balance the unique needs/conditions of the undocumented immigrant community with public safety and state/federal law?

As a Sheriff, I acknowledge that we are mandated by law to enforce the laws in the State of Georgia (Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.)), the Georgia Constitution and the Constitution of the United States. One of those mandates in the O.C.G.A. concerns immigration. With that being said, I will be ensuring that the agency follows, not only the duties of the Sheriff as stated in the O.C.G.A., but those mandated code sections as well. We are law enforcement officers. We don’t get the luxury of picking what laws to follow and which ones not to. We will enforce all laws.

Do you believe law enforcement in Athens is intentionally and specifically disproportionate based on the race of the complaint, victim or suspect? If you believe it is, what specific steps would you take to change this?

With the Sheriff’s Office not being a full service agency, that question is very hard to answer. I will tell you that the deputies are more respected than many other agencies in the community. The reason for that is because all new deputies, regardless of experience, start off at the jail.

During that time of training, you learn how to talk with the inmates, you get to know them more and in some cases, you get to know their families as well. I am a firm believer that every person that wants to get into law enforcement needs to start in the jail. When I was promoted to Sergeant and transferred back to the jail, I would make this very comment to every deputy: “How you treat these inmates today, is how you will be treated in the community tomorrow.”

Being part Hispanic and growing up in the Hispanic culture, I can guarantee one thing: if it is happening, or begins to happen during my tenure, I will ensure that it will end. The deputies will go through additional cultural training in addition to what the State requires and if it doesn’t help, additional action will be taken--up to and including termination. It will NOT be tolerated under my watch.

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Dear Neighbors and friends, Politics is a strange business.. Too often, politicians say what we want to hear with too little ability to follow through.

They may be sincere in hearts but often do not know or possess the ability to get things done in the political arena.

In politics, which governs the lives of this nation, this state and this city, the best choice is one that is willing to serve all of the people that they represent all the time. .

The wise choices have always been ones that can and will accomplish the best for the most.

In the years that I have known Houston Gaines, he has time after time shown that he is a true representative of those that he serve.

Let me make this very clear. Houston Gaines is his own person. He is beholding to no one but the citizens of the 117th House District and the State of Georgia..

His legislative efforts have focused more on mental health and treating substance abuse (something he’s won an award for) .

He sponsored the Second Chance bill that passed unanimously that gives Georgians the ability to have their criminal records expunged .

There is a bitter divide on the national level and to somewhat on the state level.

Those of us in the 117th can do little or nothing to change political parties politics deviousness but within our own House District, we can do the right thing.

Houston knows Athens and it’s many complexities. Living and educating here has made him wiser, humbler and more observant than most. He has developed friendships across economic, racial and ideological lines. When it comes to representing District 117, Houston represents the whole community..

He’s young. That’s true. his experience and upbringing is very different than many of those of the 117 District but he is concerned about the whole community.

He tends to be quiet, thoughtful and considerate. There is not doubt that his focus, interest and heart is with the all the people of Athens as it always has been.

It is time that we, the voters of the 117th district put into practice what Reverand Doctor Martin L. King Jr. wanted to come to pass., When a person would not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character. Houston Gaines deserves this consideration, desires this consideration but above all, HE HAS EARNED IT.

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deborah gonzalez Do you believe that eliminating cash bail in Athens/Clarke County has resulted in a safer or less safe community? Why?

I do want to point out that all cash bail has not been eliminated from ACC. I am hopeful that what we’ve seen so far, as judges undertake the decision to not demand cash bail in specific cases, will continue to expand to become the norm. However, most of this change of not seeking cash bail has occurred for misdemeanor cases under the jurisdiction of the Solicitor General. I am currently monitoring new programs around the country where cash bail is being eliminated in felony cases as well--for example, in San Francisco under the new DA who recently took office. As the national research continues to find that cash bail is not an effective mechanism to ensure individuals show up to court (the main justification for its use), it seems imperative that we seek alternatives that would achieve that goal in an efficient manner. As I understand it, we have no statistics as to whether cash bail has resulted in a safer or less safe community. In fact, we have little data about our criminal legal system, the strategies implemented in that system, and results of those strategies and policies. This offers an opportunity for transparency to have that information in a readily available format for the public--how many cases resulted in no cash bail from last year to this year, how has the crime rate changed (or not) from the time that the new policy of no cash bail has taken effect, etc? What we do know works and leads to a safer community is electing a District Attorney who is progressive and forward-thinking. Keep in mind, as well, we are in a unique period of time due to the COVID pandemic. So, direct correlations between no cash bail and changes in crime rate would be difficult to assess; it may be impossible to provide definitive answers. In short, we need more time to be able to ascertain the results.

Do you believe that defendants in Athens/Clarke County Court are regularly over charged in order to initiate a plea bargain?

As District Attorney, what measures would you take to change the circumstance?

From my numerous conversations with various stakeholders in the Athens court system--including prosecutors, public defenders, private defense attorneys, judges, victims, defendants and community leaders among others--and what I’ve witnessed in observing the different legal proceedings in our courts--we do currently have a problem with defendants being over-charged so that a plea negotiation will go in favor of the prosecution and a guilty plea be obtained.

As DA I am committed to changing the culture of the DA’s office by changing the way the attorneys in the office are evaluated on their performance. For example, instead of just focusing on the apparent “wins” of a plea deal, focus on the actual process and decision making of the attorney, such as comparing what the original charges were to the charges the defendant was finally charged with. Another example would entail determining whether the charges were modified or dropped, and when--in the process--it happened.

Will you please cite your experience in organizational management? Do you believe that the district attorney should have a proven ability in organizational management? Why?

Throughout my professional career I have served in various management and leadership positions. I’ve developed and led academic programs, such as a Master’s in International Diplomacy for Fairleigh Dickinson University for United Nations diplomats--a program that has been going strong for over 14 years. I served as Director for UGA’s Diversity and Equity Office (EIO) and Associate Vice President at Georgia Perimeter College--both of these positions required excellent management skills to get team members to achieve organizational goals together. Recently, I was able to organize, train and lead a group of over 80 legal observers in response to the tear gassing of peaceful protesters in Athens. I am proud to see that group

candidate for athens district attorney

has now formalized as Athens Legal Solidarity.

Prosecuting in a court and leading an office require different skill sets. During my conversations with DAs from around the country they have often emphasized these differences and commented that the skills from the courtroom did not necessarily translate to the skills they needed to lead their teams. They recognized that, in becoming DA, their role changed from a litigator focused on a particular case to a leader making policy and decisions that affect the larger community, starting with those who work in their office. An effective leader should inspire trust, create vision, executive strategy and help each member of the team reach their potential. Having a proven track record of organizational management helps instill confidence in the person who is elected DA. I’ve led many teams to success and will continue to do so as the next elected DA. Do you believe the proposed 50/10 plan that would dramatically alter funding and operations of the Athens Clarke County Police Department would result in more or less safety in the community? Why?

One of the first things I did when I was elected state representative was to speak with as many of the police chiefs and sheriffs of the counties I represented as I could. One thing they all told me was that the jails had become the number one mental health facility in the state and they were ill equipped to deal with it. They did not have the expertise nor the resources to help these individuals without retraumatizing them, causing more harm. In Athens we now have co-responder units – pairing a law officer with a social worker from Advantage Behavioral Health. This has cut down on the number of the mentally ill in our jail. That program costs money – from the grants that the program has received, to the salaries of the law enforcement officers who participate. But everyone in the program agrees – it is worth every cent. To me the 50/10 program is one option of how to continue this process of moving part or all of a responsibility from the shoulders of law enforcement who shouldn’t be dealing with the issue to begin with, to the experts who can address the problem more effectively, leaving law enforcement to handle the situations where law enforcement is required to ensure public safety. It would alleviate some of the tension between the police and the community by reducing the stress of uncertainty for the police officer. It will also reduce the distrust of the community towards the police due to recent incidents of violence and misconduct. Is the 50/10 program the only option?

No, in fact there were two others proposed – SMART and a hybrid.

It is, however, the start of the conversation. And one thing I learned in the legislature is nothing ends up exactly how it is proposed.

Do you believe law-enforcement in Athens is intentionally and specifically disproportionate based on the race of the complaint, victim, or suspect? If you believe it is, what specific steps would you take to change this?

I believe the criminal legal system in our country, our state, and in Athens was designed and built on systemic racism with the purpose of perpetuating the oppression of a specific group of people – black, brown and poor. Because it is in the system, it must be changed – transformation and sustainable change. It begins with the right leadership in place--leadership that acknowledges the role of systemic racism in the system and commits to address it. One of the first things I will do as DA is call for the office to be audited. I will create a data transparency unit to finally have the data we need to see what is happening, to whom, and why. With this information we can see what changes need to be implemented and how – whether through policies, strategies, incentive measures, etc. I will evaluate the training currently given to members of the DA office and check the attorneys’ history of their legal cases to see who has done what.

If training needs to be added or changed, I will get it done.

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Brian Patterson Do you believe that eliminating cash bail in Athens/ Clarke County has resulted in a safer or less safe community? Why?

Judges still impose bail in some felony cases.

Superior Court Judges and Magistrate Court Judges, not prosecutors, set bails as well as the terms and conditions of release pursuant to statute. Judges are authorized by law to release a person on bail when certain factors are met. Bail is simply a tool that Judges use to ensure that a person will return to court when summoned. Many persons are released on their own recognizance and without having to post bail.

Do you believe that defendants in Athens/Clarke County Court are regularly over charged in order to initiate a plea bargain? As District Attorney what measures would you take to change the circumstance?

Absolutely not. This is a false narrative created by the Deborah Gonzalez campaign to further her political interest. I value fair and impartial justice above all else, and--as District Attorney--I ensure that every case meets that standard. Cases are charged based on admissible, persuasive evidence. That is why criminal cases are routinely negotiated in favor of accused persons, and why, on my watch, no person is ever coerced into pleading guilty. Everyone has a constitutional right to a jury trial if they so elect. All persons are presumed innocent, and the prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Elected judges, not prosecutors, enter sentences.

Candidate for ATHENS DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Will you please cite your experience in creating and executing legal strategy in trial? Do you believe the district attorney should have a track record in trial and legal strategy? Why?

I am the most seasoned prosecutor and trial lawyer in the DA race and in the District Attorney’s Office. Being the District Attorney requires significant prosecutorial and legal experience. It is a serious legal job. I have literally prosecuted thousands of criminal cases. I have personally tried over 100 felony and misdemeanor trials to a jury verdict, and I have litigated over 150 appeals, including over 80 published opinions. Over the past 13 years, I have been responsible for prosecuting and trying the most serious and complex criminal cases in our community. The District Attorney should have the proven experience to lead other prosecutors in developing fair, just, and effective legal and trial strategies. A person can’t lead the District Attorney’s Office if he or she has never done it and knows nothing about it. As District Attorney, I will continue to do trial work. I will not simply be a figurehead.

Do you believe the proposed 50/10 plan that would dramatically alter funding and operations of the Athens/Clarke County Police Department would result in more or less safety in the community?

Why?

The funding of the police department is a decision for the Athens-Clarke County Commission, not the District Attorney. However, the police department is currently understaffed, and I am concerned that the Will you please cite your experience in organiza- recent proposal could hurt public safety and disproportional management? Do you believe that the district tionately impact parts of the community that need and attorney should have a proven ability in organiza- desire proactive policing the most. I support keeping our neighborhoods safe. tional management? Why?

I have 18 years of proven experience, leadership, and commitment that qualify me to be the next Do you believe law-enforcement in Athens is intenDistrict Attorney. I have been a leader in the Office of the tionally and specifically disproportionate based on District Attorney for over 15 years, and I have handled all the race of the complaint, victim or suspect? If you facets of the District Attorney’s Office. As Acting District believe it is, what specific steps would you take to Attorney, I supervise an office of 39 employees, includ- change this?

Law enforcement decisions based on race are ing 18 Assistant District Attorneys, and I administer a $1.5 million dollar budget. For 12 years, I was the Chief intolerable, and the race of a person is never considered Assistant District Attorney during which time I led and by the Office of the District Attorney. For over 18 years, guided the day-to-day decisions of other prosecutors, I have independently reviewed the work of the police. I investigators, and victim advocates. I have also led have a proven record of holding the police and governour Oconee County office and handled juvenile court. ment officials accountable when they break the law or Without actual, proven experience, the District Attorney abuse their discretion, and I will continue to do so. I am can’t lead and guide others, can’t keep the community also proud that the Office of the District Attorney has safe, can’t safeguard our rights and liberties, and can’t a highly diverse workforce, including women, Africanmake the tough decisions necessary to fairly, justly, and Americans, and other persons of color. equally enforce the law.

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James Chafin

Do you believe that eliminating cash bail in Athens/Clarke County has resulted in a safer or less safe community? Why?

The elimination of cash bail only applies to low level cases that are prosecuted by other county offices. The cases that are prosecuted by the District Attorney’s office in Athens/Clarke County arise from felony charges. In general, our office would not be involved with cases where cash bail was eliminated.

Do you believe that defendants in Athens/Clarke County Court are regularly overcharged in order to initiate a plea bargain?

As district attorney what measures would you take to change the circumstance?

I do not believe that people are being overcharged in order to initiate a plea bargain. I think that idea comes from a lack of understanding of the criminal court procedures that a person goes through when being charged with a crime. Initially, a police officer arrests a person for certain charges and asks a Magistrate Judge to sign arrest warrants for those charges. The Magistrate Judge then decides what arrest warrants to issue based on whether or not probable cause exists.

If the Magistrate Judge issued only misdemeanor warrants, the case goes directly to the Solicitor General’s office and the District Attorney’s office is not involved in that case. If the Magistrate Judge issued felony warrants, then the case goes to the District Attorney’s Office. Formal charges are brought through accusation or indictment in front of a Grand Jury. The Grand Jury hears sworn witness testimony and determines if there is probable cause to bring each charge. If probable cause does not exist, then those charges are not brought against that person. The Grand Jury has no interest in plea bargaining and only charges an individual if probable cause exists. It has been my experience that the majority of the time a person is indicted for the same charges that a Magistrate Judge issued warrants. As District Attorney, I will work with law enforcement to ensure that we are charging people who commit crimes appropriately.

Will you please cite your experience in organizational management? Do you believe that the district attorney should have a proven ability in organizational management? Why?

Over the 14 years I have been with the District Attorney’s office, I have had an ever-increasing role in the management of the office. For the first ten years I was in the office, I managed various sections. I was the lead prosecutor assigned to Judge Sweat when I first joined the office. I was responsible for coordinating our work between attorneys, advocates and investigators as it related to trying cases in the courtroom and working effectively as a team. I then became the Oconee County Assistant District Attorney which meant that I managed the District Attorney’s Office in Oconee County. This consisted of overseeing all of the cases for Magistrate, Juvenile and Superior Court in Oconee County. I was then promoted to the Special Victim’s Unit. Part of my duties in that unit included supervising, training and mentoring new attorneys.

Finally, in 2016, I was promoted to Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney. While still continuing to try cases, I also participated in the overall management of the organization. I was involved in the hiring of new employees, managing courtroom assignments for employees, and overseeing the work of all trial attorneys. I believe the District Attorney should have proven ability in organizational management as it pertains specifically to a prosecutor’s office.

There are many different functions that a prosecutor’s office has to accomplish, and understanding the role of each employee in that organization is important.

I have extensive experience in creating and executing

Candidate for ATHENS DISTRICT ATTORNEY

legal strategy at trial. For 21 years I have been trying cases in front of juries. I have tried over 100 cases in my career. Each case had different legal and evidentiary issues that had to be dealt with by a trial attorney who knew what they were doing in a courtroom. A District Attorney has to have a proven track record in trial and legal strategy, as the public expects the District Attorney to be in court representing the community. In the biggest cases in each community, the District Attorney is either trying the case, or highly involved in the trial. Victims often want to discuss their case with the District Attorney. That person has to know what the issues are that could impact the case and has to be able to directly speak to victims about those issues. The District Attorney also has to oversee the work of the Assistant District Attorneys. Even if the District Attorney is not directly handing a case, the District Attorney has to be able to know if the employees are making good strategic decisions on the cases and during trials. In most District Attorney offices, the District Attorney is often one of the most experienced trial attorneys, and that is not by coincidence.

The less experienced trial attorneys need to be able to go to their employer for advice on trial strategy and know that they can trust the District Attorney’s skill and expertise. The citizens of the community need to be able to trust that the District Attorney is a skilled and experienced attorney in criminal law who is using their knowledge and expertise to seek justice on behalf of the community.

Do you believe the proposed 50/10 plan that would dramatically alter funding and operations of the Athens/Clarke County Police Department would result in a more or less safe community? Why?

I believe that this proposal would result in a less safe community. Cutting funding in half does not just mean less police. It means less funding to train police officers. It means less detectives working to solve cases. It means less experienced police officers are left to do the job when experienced officers decide to step away or move to other communities to work at other police departments.

It does not mean less calls come in to 911. It does not mean less crime. It means less crime prevention.

According to an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution from September 25, 2020, the mass exodus of law enforcement officers in the city of Atlanta in 2020 has coincided with a 40% increase in murders from last year and a 29% increase in shootings. According to this article the same issues are happening in Chicago, Minneapolis and Seattle. Police officers are leaving and crime is going up. Our police department is a forward-thinking department that has shown a willingness over the years to listen to the community. For example, they have a co-responder program where a highly trained uniformed officer responds with a mental health clinician to deal with emergency calls pertaining to those experiencing a mental health crisis. We need our community leaders to work with law enforcement to recommend and implement plans that will improve the services that our police department provides.

Do you believe law-enforcement in Athens is intentionally and specifically disproportionate based on the race of the complaint, victim or suspect? If you believe it is, what specific steps would you take to change this?

I do not believe law-enforcement in Athens is intentionally or specifically disproportionate based on the race of the complaint, victim or suspect. I believe police, prosecutors, judges and jurors act based on the law and the evidence in each individual specific case.

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Seeing Double Double

An Asian American friend once asked me bluntly, "So, really. I've heard you say that being of African descent is genetic while being Black is more like a way of thinking.

A way of interpreting experience. Could you explain? If not strictly about being of African descent, what would you say it means to be Black?"

As an English teacher, I thought I was supposed to be good at handling questions. And I am Black. So, I attempted to answer. But I started and stopped. Started again. Stopped. Then sighed.

"Being Black." I sighed. "Being Black is when you are expected to have an answer to that question. Especially when you expect that answer of yourself."

Upon further reflection, I might have said, “It’s when your attempt to assume a meaningful and productive place in the history of a civilization you claim as your own—one that has politically, theologically, and philosophically othered you as non-human or sub-human before desperately endeavoring to re-invest you with the humanity it never had the authority to deny you in the first place—compels you to have an answer to that question in order to perform a legitimate sense of belonging.

I think about that now and it takes me back to childhood down in middle Georgia—back to the barbershop, in fact.

When the barbers activate their clippers, they snap-pop into a hive-like drone. Whirring blades snarl and crackle, peeling the frizzy or curly wool or cotton into cumulus clumps that collect around the bases of the swivel chairs.

The older men preferred their hair shaped in some contemporary version of the spherical afro. We boys preferred high top fades--vaguely architectural, three dimensional, angular features that thrust, sloped or rolled skyward from the crown of an otherwise clean shaven scalp. That's if we didn't prefer a simple "fade," after all. In that case, a

By: Troy Copeland

mere one or two guard's shadow covered the head's dome before it gradually "faded out" to the naked flesh near the ears or the nape.

By Saturday afternoon, the shop was always crowded.

If winter, the old gas heater clunks and thunks occasionally-its broken toothed grill singing with flame. Barbers ply their trade throughout Greentown, Holy Hill, Triggville and the projects—self-made artisans devoted to sculpting what most signatures and underscores the Eurocentric African body as a site and locus of human difference. They work on porches and dens--a friend of mine even "cut hair" in an old abandoned church where a jagged maw gaped like a Sarlacc pit in the floor. But there was only one barbershop.

The candy cane out front of the shambling, flaking building marked it. Next door, on the other side of the wall against which the patron's benches were lined, dead men slept.

The old man who owned the shop also owned the morgue.

It makes sense, somehow, in a vaguely medieval way.

Whether for death or life--passively or actively participating in discourse--his old building was for grooming African bodies. It was for cultivating identity. And, in its essence, there’s ultimately nothing more political or spiritual.

This was a kind of communion. Living men marked the occasion with conversation.

Loud, boisterous conversation.

Men of all sorts--some wearing broghams, some wearing Florsheims. Some half-drunk already. Some hungover still.

Some brooded dangerous, violent tendencies. Others were ministers like my father.

Or teachers. But most were hard, blue collar, factory and railroad workers. Farmers. Veterans of Korea and Vietnam.

Fathers, husbands, lovers. Indeed, everyone had a story.

Everyone shared in turn. This was a kind of sacred space.

Everyone acknowledged everyone else’s place and his own.

There was this man named “Red.” The most strident and outspoken of the Vietnam vets. A brass complexioned,

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bookish, battle scarred prophet of rage. His story didn't it." change much. Drafted, he left to fight for an America he I vaguely knew what he meant. And I shuddered. tried to love though it never loved him. An America that Images from my earliest childhood surfaced in the dark loathed him. Feared him. I didn't entirely blame America. I room of my mind. I saw flashes of the television series based was a little afraid of Red, too. Everyone was. Those blazing on Alex Haley's Roots. I saw living African bodies like those eyes, man. That way he paced the concrete floor between of my father, my mother, my sisters, my cousins and friends. the benches and the old, torn leather-bound chairs where Me. Writhing. Tortured. Their steely eyed captors leering. the barbers sculpted. I could never tell if Red particularly Laughing. Those heartless devils looked a lot like many of cared for my father--conservative, traditionalist Christian my friends at school. White people. I didn't want to think that he was. He seemed to respect him, though. Whatever about it. I wasn't ready to think about it. the case, my dad didn't particularly care. And when he As noted, I'd had my battles with racism. Punching, sent me to the barbershop alone--when he stayed behind kicking cursing playground and school yard battles, even. to study because he had himself gone to the shop the eve- As early as first grade and kindergarten. But over the years ning before--he knew that he was sending me to face Red since, I'd been stuck in accelerated classes in which I was and all those other performances of manhood that rivaled usually the only black male. I had become a star in that role. his own. Star Wars geek that I was and am, I imagined that I knew how to play it. Something like several wildly popular it was much like sending a fourteen-year old Luke to face 80's sitcoms--white society adopts black kid, raising him Vader. Except, in my case, Vader was not my father--unless, as one of their own. Except, in my case, it was school and of course, he was. Some figuratively dark, shadowy aspect not a family. And I rushed home to a segregated, working of shared experience that Dad could never show me of him- and middle class Black neighborhood teeming with family self so long as he was also my minister. Some element of and friends. I loved that world. what it ultimately means to be Black and male that no good Here's the thing. For different reasons and many Christian preacher man could articulate. As he understood of the same, I loved both worlds. I belonged somewhere and performed it, that role belonged more to a war veteran between them, I thought. I was mostly an audience to this who proclaimed himself a Rastafarian, a Black Muslim…a race thing. And like any child, I acknowledged no contradictions in the most Black Panther. ' "You don't profound opposiProtect Yourself from know much about tions so long as Coronavirus AND your Black histhey belonged to YOUR WIPES! tory," Dad told stories. To me, Avoid Sewer Backups. me on the more history was such than one occaa story. Like any sion. "You talk text—like my fantasy adventure about Alexander Even the novels--I moved the Great. You Flushable through it without talk about Julius Ones! being a part of it. As Caesar. But you don't know about though the moment Black history. You of my life were a should read." bubble floating in "I read the sea between shores. This, I now all the time!" I retorted. understand, was

"You read identity, too—an identity of integrafantasy books. tionist production. I You read about dragons and wizwould learn to call it ards and that sort what Dubois called of thing. I'm talking it—the Double about real life. I'm Consciousness— talking about the an awareness of Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department world you actually belonging to the world of Alexander and Julius as well as the worlds of a live in, how it came to be and where it’s going."

"I know Dr. King" I insisted. "I know Booker T. Wash- plundered Africa and its diaspora. ington, George Washington Carver..."

Either way, Red loathed my ambivalence. Consider "There's more," Dad said. "I haven't read a lot of ing it childish--even effeminate--he was a great deal harsher it myself. I primarily study the Bible and books about the than my father when he glared directly at me in his pacing Bible. But there's a lot more. And a boy growing up to be and ranting about the need for nationalist militancy. He said, an educated man should read it and be able to talk about "We don't know who we are anymore. We've lost our way.

TRASH

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HIGHLIGHT 25

We've got no idea of what it means to be Black." more, indeed, than "the color of his skin." But Malcolm X

Red had a point. I didn't always know who I was. personified conceptual Blackness. To him, the African That is to say, I didn’t always know how to characterize the heritage was the content of his very character. As though exclusively “African American” part of my psychological character were fundamental. Inveterate. Core. And bodies binary, the part that centuries of European colonialist culture were performances. As though we were watching ourselves had rendered “Black” in order to best create and perform in the passage of time from some existential plane that was the ideological antithetical “Whiteness” privileged by the always the Africa from which our bodies had been stolen social contract of the nation’s founders. One Saturday he or betrayed. He was right. And wrong. At once. And I think handed me an old dog-eared copy of the The Autobiogra- he knew it. That's why he didn't allow anyone to check for phy of Malcolm X. “Your father,” he said, “May not approve. weapons the night of his assassination. For all the early But you should read this.” And I did. After that I knew, for talk about White people being a race of devils for which he later openly repented in the maturity of his thinking, he the first time, that I wanted to know much more.

My father was not a fan of Malcolm or his Black Pan- still believed Black people could find their goodness and ther proteges. Upwardly mobile, self-made integrationist, efficacy only in identifying with the idea of being Black. To he saw Black Nationalism—the idea of establishing an eco- him this was a deeply spiritual as well as a political truth. nomically, politically,

No white Over 100 5 Star Reviews on Zillow! and philosophically people attended Malcolm’s speech independent Black at The Audobon polis within the the evening he was United States as a killed. Because he less viable alternative to King’s vision had been exiled by the Black Musand the legacy of lims, marked for the Southern Christian Leadership death, he died trying to prove that Conference. Dad was a member of the he was, despite NAACP, as a matter their judgment, of fact, and paid for a Black man. He my membership, too. had to prove that But he is a complihe was "Blacker," cated soul. No longer even. For that—I would I watch from suspect--Black my place of compamen had to kill him. rable privilege in a He wouldn't give lower middle class white racists the family. Anti-nationsatisfaction. Only alist that he was, he then could Black would have me burst men claim his life, my own bubble and death and potential 8851 Macon Hwy | 706-607-6226 | office@naborealty.com join “Black History's” for rebirth as their Practicing Radical Neighborliness Ever y Day. cast of characters. I own. But what is it, would no longer be just a boy becoming a man. I would exactly, about African Americans that has to die in order for be a Black man. Unequivocally. That's what Malcolm was. African Americans to embrace it most fully and consciously?

That's where Red got his cues. Martin Luther King, Jr. had What is the rejected stone that must, in the end, be the been a man who insisted that he only happened to be Black. cornerstone? Is it the commitment to esteem for our own And, for all my dad’s admiration of his integrationist ideas, difference? Must it be crucified before it rises from the tomb my dad obviously didn’t entirely believe that “Blackness” as the foundational paradox that it must ultimately become was a mere modifier of experience and character. On some in an ethnically diverse but indivisible nation? level, he considered it the essential and indispensable thing Much like I learned at the barber shop, racial identity that our ongoing attempt at successful integration could not and racism as we know it has always been bound up in the cost us. It was the thing, you might say, without which there concept of body. After thousands of years of slavery in could be no effective or productive integration. nearly every agricultural culture around the globe, the Eng As integrationism has developed in the wake of lish colonists at Jamestown finally defined a potential slave King’s assassination, many who claim devotion to it in the as someone who "looked" a certain way. Dark skin. Broad, name of conservative politics have insisted that meaning- rounded nose. Full lips. Coarse, frizzy or curly hair. This was ful differences disappeared with the legally segregated the basis for what was also presumed to be existential difschools and other public facilities, the presumed achieve- ference. White people were more than mere bodies. Black ment of equal recognition of human rights, etc. After all, people weren’t. according to King’s rhetoric, race was merely topical. No It was absurd. And Europeans knew it. Thus, to

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rationalize it, they invested these anatomical features with were those inhabiting vast empires. There were the armored the potential and reality of the unclaimed physicality and legions of mighty kings and queens with cavalries to rival instinctuality they feared and resented in themselves. A and exceed those of “great” Alexander. There were cities person who looked African was incapable of anything flowing with the commerce of staggering wealth conducted their captors were willing to acknowledge as human. They by the most intellectually advanced people on the planet. only resembled humans physically. And the human body, But Enlightenment era political discourse reduced people according to Descartes in the tradition of Plato, was bestial. to mere bodies. And that political discourse we have to find Animal. In and of itself, soulless. This is poignant. With the ways to fully inhabit and perform as whole persons. Whole Enlightenment’s rhetorical executing of any sense of inher- people. Black and yet more than only people of African ent meaning in physical reality, the European body--gutted descent—more than people created by abuse and oppresby ideology--tumbled into an ideological Abyssinia from sion, even. Africans in descent and Americans in practice. which it re-emerged in unconscious association with those Something everyone can access and understand. Somethey called "Negroes" from a continent they called "Africa." thing they should, even, in order to be whole themselves.

So, how do we get there? And is this ultimately To reclaim its essence--to repossess the concept of body without which ideology is a question for millions of mere ghostly verbiage--marks people or is it a question for This practice will transform your life. individuals? Or both? the essence of Europe’s ambivalence towards "blacks" This election year, vote your Mind. Body. Soul. and other colonized people. most informed and deeply It's why I had to fight those moral conscience for who nth o M bullies in elementary school. allows us First ited It’s why those who lynched the best opportunities for Unlim $59! our forefathers often robbed finding answers to this quesr es fo s s a l C their carcasses of their genition and those like it. We talia and stored these grisly might have more important, trophies in big jars of formalmore immediate problems to dehyde. It’s why the causes discover and engage, even. of lynching were always arbiBut all begins and ends with trary. The act was a public clarifying who we are and ritual that openly shamed and what that mocked the “Negro” body means. What policies best with violence that signified facilitate our attempt to and emphasized its differdefine and express that? ence. If you notice, many of To the extent that the exisHot Yoga, Hot Pilates, Yin, Vinyasa, Meditation the photographs depicting tential question of a shared In Studio, Outdoor & Virtual Classes lynchings feature white men, We believe in making yoga accessible to everyone. If you've recently lost identity born through and women and children dressed in response to the struggle your job, are a healthcare worker on the front lines we also offer up in their Sunday best. against oppression matters scholarships - Email us hi@fuelhotyoga.com Adorned in such costumes, at www.fuelhotyoga.com this was, indeed, like church. least as much as what They were able to perform the we want out of life as role of flesh that is more than mere. Meanwhile, by mutually individuals— constructive contrast, the mere flesh was being tortured what we think we deserve and what we are willing to do and burned. Sacrificed. to achieve and acquire it—we demonstrate the story of

This was transference according to psychoana- Americans of African descent at our best and most selflytical theory. Projection, even. By ritually killing African aware. And that, my friends—my brothers and sisters of Americans, tidy, presumably God-fearing citizens were all ethnicities—is what it means to be Black. symbolically crucifying Descartes’ Platonic animal—the Upon that rock we can gather and build a new PlymChristian devil or, at the very least, the site of sin, even—in outh. We can yield a colony of the soul sworn to serve a themselves. It was punishment for guilt far more existen- sovereign common good. tially profound than any broken law could reflect. In a world believed to be corrupt and full of evil, someone has to play “Won’t it be grand?” As the old spiritual asks. Indeed. the part and pay the price for the degree to which human- And America will know a greatness it has never known. ity belongs to the world—to nature and instinct, pathology and mortality. By contrast, the symbolism allows others to play a different role—a role comparably free of limitations.

People couldn’t be white…they couldn’t be free—unbound by nature, as it were--otherwise.

Upon taking my father’s advice, I learned a lot about the African past. Among the ancestors of African Americans HIGHLIGHT 27

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Letter to the Publisher: Charles hardy

Starting the organization back in 2018, Athens Alliance was founded based on the core values of choice, equity, and integrity. The choice for the youth community to become successful in any avenue, with equitable resources to build positive and integrative outcomes for the Athens community and beyond. Therefore, it it’s been our mission to exercise these values for our youth and with our youth, all with the help of the Athens government and community.

It’s why in early September of 2020, I had a meeting with Athens mayor, Kelly Gritz, Chief of Police, Cleveland Spruill, and School board members Patricia Yager, and Antwon Stephens, along-side others, to discuss community issues and figuring ways to bridge the gap between the Athens community and elected officials.

The first step to ensuring our youth community is well-equipped and given a sense of value, is strengthening the unity within the Athens Community. In this current term, I feel as though the community involvement from local commissioners have been substandard, and their objectives and goals for Athens Clarke county doesn’t align with the true and vital needs of the community—actually listening and actively participating in community events and developing core resources to help the community thrive, outside of the influence that University of Georgia has on their decision making. For example, Athens-Clarke county’s poverty rate is 35%, and it’s due to the lack of jobs and/or opportunities to excel, which stems from students of the University of Georgia acquiring most, if not all, of the working-class jobs every year. Therefore, there are

thousands of permanent Athens-Clarke County residents that are left with jobs that aren’t substantial enough for basic needs. This then plays into a domino effect where this leaves youth to be impoverished and affected as well.

In fact, out of that 35% rate, over 8,000 of them are under the age of 18, and are more than likely to have the same obstacles that their parents are having because it seems to be an endless cycle, but it’s a cycle that Athens Alliance is striving to break. Striving to implement programs that teach youth entrepreneurial or trade careers, that they’re able to build on their skill sets, and hopefully be able to bring revitalization into the Athens Community, in more ways than local government official try to give the University of Georgia accreditation for. Within the next election it would be more than helpful—but impactful for local Commissioners to be actively involved rather than just passing ordinances and administering them. There’s a need for commissioners to be more involved hands-on with core issues that affect our community and youth, such as the recent events locally and nationally in regard to racial tensions and prejudices, or even implementing career fairs for permanent AthensClarke county residents only, once or twice a year so that we can give the true residents of Athens-Clarke county only, to begin to fix the core issue in our community, no matter what stance, poverty. Alongside the help of a strong, equipped, and active commissioner board and local officials, Athens Alliance and the community can implement programs to revitalize our county, strengthen our community, and empower our youth---but it starts from within.

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AROUND TOWN ATHENS ALLIANCE COALITION COMMUNITY FORUM

On Wednesday, September 30th 2020, Athens Alliance Coalition's President, Charles Hardy, organized a "Community Collaboration" public fourm at Lay Park to discuss some of the issues that Athens Clarke County is currently facing and ways that city officials and community leaders can work together to come up with solutions. Some of the city officials that were present are Athens Clarke County's Mayor Kelly Girtz; ACC's Police Chief,Cleveland Spruill; ACC's Sheriff candidate, John Q.Williams. ACC's District Attorney candidate, Deborah Gonzalez; several members of the school board and many other community leaders.

Women's emp owermen t brunch

Photos by William Breeding

On Saturday October 3rd, 2020 the Fearless Queenz hosted the Woman Empowerment Brunch. All participants were engaging with passion to really fight for a better them. Learning about their inner self. Conversation Amongst Queenz is the show host at their Royal Roundtable. Fearless Queenz members focus is on learning their purpose and why. They provide session,workshops and creative art in hopes to inspire, encourage, and learn to become a better them while working together. In order to learn more reach out to fearlessqueenz706@gmail.com.

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Clarke Central Gl adiators game 5 Kickoff

On October 9, 2020 The Clarke Central Football team defeated Jackson County 38-10 in the first home game of the season bringing their record to 3 – 2. Fans in attendance saw the first game played on the remodeled state of the art football and track fields. During half time the alumni teams of 77, 79, and 85 were recognized for being State Champions during their respective years.

The team of 79 was also National Champions. A lite mist occurred as it was announced that a jersey with the numbers 00 will be retired in honor of David Jones.

Central fans knew him by the name of “Dr. Love”. A well deserving name for a man who gave 40 years of unpaid service. May he rest peacefully.

Photos by William Breeding

L Eague of step Prepares for step showcase

The League of Step team prepares for their October 24th showcase. They use the art of stepping as a tool, as an incentive, and as an outlet of expression. They mentor, tutor, and support those youth that are in need, host and sponsor events, community service, and help fundraise for upcoming step teams. Their goal is to teach students to become self-sufficient member of society. Learning how to accomplish their goals together. Their kids practice twice a week at the LOS studio. They are always looking for interns to add to the team and volunteers to help out. For more go to.www.theleagueofstep.org

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Minority Business Directory The small business community in Athens has seen better days due to COVID-19. With this directory, Highlight Magazine intends to help support Black and other minority businesses. Athens is full of entrepreneurs. Call them, tell them Highlight sent you, and support those that make our community a better place. Go to www.highlightathensga.com to find more or register a business.

Business Name

Specialty

Location

Contact

Aaron Locksmith LLC Chalises Heavenly Inspired Deans Barber Shop

Locksmith

Athens, Ga

(706) 765 - 8445

Luxury Bath & Body Products

Athens, Ga.

(706) 424 - 8963

Barber / Beauty Shop

Athens, Ga.

(706) 372 - 9843

Eat - A - Bite

Southern Barbeque Catering

Athens, Ga.

(706) 389 - 0846

Affordable Fresh Produce

Athens, Ga.

(706) 850 - 4169

Hair & Beauty

Athens, Ga.

(706) 540 - 4432

Farm to Neighborhood Gansiry Mireya Braids Grizzly Delivery Her Fashion House Jimmy's Automotive Repair Lil Ice Cream Dude Mcrae Family Dental MEU Radio Nichols Moving & Hauling Payne Construction Commercial Peachy Green Clean Co-op Peerless Financial Group Prominence Hair Company Rashe's Cuisine Ron L Carson Jr. & Associates Sebastian Salon Spiffo Made It Studios The Superior Shine Trend'Setta Kutz

Transportation Services

Athens, Ga.

(706) 352 - 3638

Custom Fashion

Athens, Ga.

herfashionhouse.com

Auto Repair

Athens, Ga.

(706) 850 - 9298

Ice Cream Shop

Athens, Ga.

(706) 308 - 8885

Dentist

Athens, Ga.

(706) 546-8480

Internet Radio

Athens, Ga

meuradioathens.com

Home Mover

Athens, Ga.

(470) 258-8379 - 9966

Engineering

Athens, Ga.

(706) 552 - 3911

Cleaning Services

Athens, Ga.

(706) 248 - 4601

Financial Advisor

Athens, Ga

(404) 901 - 7503

Hair Vendor

Athens, Ga.

prominencehairco.com

Catering Services

Athens, Ga.

rashecuisine.com

Photography / Videography / Marketing

Athens, Ga.

(770) 744-6403

Hair Salon

Athens, Ga.

(706) 224 - 8114

Audio Production

Athens, Ga.

(706) 207 - 9023

Car Detailing

Athens, Ga.

(706) 248 - 5596

Mobile Barber

Athens, Ga.

(706) 207 - 1519

Troy Copeland

Copy Editing / Script Writing

Athens, Ga.

troyofathens36@gmail. com

Val's Daughter

Southern Meal Prep/Catering

Athens, Ga

(404) 661 - 6108

Building Careers and Relationships in Athens since 1979. www.bosstaff.com BOS_HighlightsAd_7.45x2.25_FINAL.indd 1

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