‘Patch’ battle lines drawn
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Dueling philosophies: privatization vs. public service for municipal golf course
rban Pro NEWS • COMMENTARY
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Building The CSRA’s Community FREE
The CSRA’s FREE WEEKLY WEEKLY
Newspaper Newspaper VOL.2 NO.21 VOL.2 NO.18
ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2013
Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Sheriff Roundtree on the city’s
DEADLY FORCE POLICY
Community policing initiative proceeding as planned
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3 UrbanProWeekly • FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2013 Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Sheriff Richard Roundtree In inaugural mode. This week he reaffirmed support for current police policies.
Roundtree: No need to alter ‘deadly force’ policy Lack of community policing training had no effect on lethal shooting. By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA Barely 30 days into his inaugural term as Augusta’s new sheriff, Richard Roundtree’s philosophical shift toward community policing has had to contend with the hand wringing associated with a shooting incident where a white officer encounters a young black man and the young black man is shot to death. The recent “death involving an officer” incident which claimed the life of 21-year-old Chaz Williams throws into stark relief the complexities inherent in any attempt to implement community policing and become an agency that views problem solving as vital as enforcement. The fact that there has not been a significant public outcry from the black community such as was the case with Alfaigo Davis in 1998, and more recently with the shooting death of Justin Leonard Elmore in 2008, has more than a little to do with the fact that, this time, the sheriff is a black man. In fact, it can be argued that Roundtree’s political capital is very much in play here. If there is a doubt, he going to get the benefit of it from the black community. However, the lack of protests has not masked the undercurrent of resentment that surfaces when encounters with the police take a deadly turn.
There will always be those who feel that violence on the part of police should be limited except in the most extreme cases. The most obvious question that surfaces among those who have watched the police operate in Richmond County for all these years is simply – Was deadly force necessary and was this the type of incident that might have turned out less lethal had the officers involved had been trained in “community policing” methods? We questioned Sheriff Roundtree on these and related issues and our questions and his responses follow. Urban Pro Weekly: The “deadly force” incident that occurred recently happened before your department could fully implement its community policing initiative. Do you think that these types of situations could be avoided in the future once the department implements its community policing initiatives from top to bottom? ROUNDTREE: I do not believe that this particular incident resulted from my Community Policing initiatives not being in place. Based on information from the family, the subject had some mental illness issues and had threatened to harm himself in the past. It is extremely unfortunate that treatment for those issues could not have been provided prior to a confrontation with Law Enforcement.
UrbanProWeekly: Does the Richmond County Sheriff ’s Office (RCSO) currently have a written “deadly force” policy and, if so, is it likely to be modified moving forward? ROUNDTREE: There is a Deadly force policy in place. I do not foresee any changes in it as a result of this incident. If a person believes that life is in jeopardy, they are justified in using any force necessary to stop the threat — to include deadly force. UrbanProWeekly: I know that it’s automatic for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate these types of shootings, but does the RCSO do its own internal investigation? ROUNDTREE: In an officer involved shooting, we are required to use an outside agency. We have chosen to use the GBI. We also conduct an Internal investigation as a matter of record. UrbanProWeekly: I was reported in the media that the officer who did the shooting must attend some “counseling” session before returning to duty., Is this true and, if so, what is the nature of these sessions? ROUNDTREE: Any Officer with our agency is required to speak with an outside counseling Continued on next page
UrbanProWeekly • FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2013
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BEN HASAN’S THINK TANK *
Ideas & Issues that build community
The prospect of increased minority participation in TSPLOST projects should be on everyone’s agenda – but it won’t be easy On July 31, 2012, we, as voters, approved the 1% transportation special-purpose local option sales tax (TSPLOST) that will fund local projects, which includes Richmond, Columbia counties and 11 other counties in the state. It has been stated that the T-SPLOST will create new money, new roads, and new jobs for minority workers. I quote Don Grantham (10 District - Georgia Department of Transportation - GDOT), “The T-SPLOST will allocate10% in construction participation, 5% in overall design and engineering type of work.” This sounds great for Augusta -Richmond County tax payers, given
the fact that tax payers paid over $530,000 for a disparity study presented by NERA Consulting company in 2009. The study indicated Augusta had discriminated in their procurement opportunities with minorities by 35 percent. Recommendations were given, however, to date, only a couple of them has been implemented to correct the disparity identified in the study. Additionally, the Augusta Disadvantaged Business Department has been enjoined from applying any race gender conscious remedies to the city’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program. Both the study and the judicial enjoinment
can be viewed at www.augustaga.gov website. The question each of us must ask is, “How will Augusta Richmond County or GDOT accomplish meeting their goal of fifteen percent participation and what agency will guarantee this participation over ten years?” This is an opportunity for Augusta Richmond County to move toward correcting the discrimination identified in the study by implementing an inclusive program which addresses each area. This can be accomplished by placing accountability on each prime to ensure that they bring local minorities to the table as subcontractors. A percentage goal should also be
placed on local participation for subcontracting opportunities. Research shows that providing opportunities to small business owners will improve Augusta’s economy. Primes should work with the local unions, technical colleges, and unemployment office to ensure hiring skilled minorities. This would decrease unemployment in Augusta. Lastly, there needs to be a reporting system implemented to ensure the primes are adhering to the committed 15 percent. I am soliciting each of you to contact your legislative delegates to ensure the resolution include language requiring minority participation.
New commissioners, same old story on ‘The Patch’ By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA Controversy continues to swirl around Augusta’s municipal golf course known affectionately as “The Patch.” On Tuesday, at the regular commission meeting, commissioners failed to enter into an operating agreement with a Virginia firm (Virginia Beach Golf Management) who wanted to manage and operate The Patch for a profit. Five commissioners voted for the operating agreement, four opposed and one abstained. On Wednesday, WRDW-News reported that the firm has withdrawn its bid and will begin concentrating its energies into other projects. That move makes it much more likely that “The Patch” will remain in-house, at least, for the near future. Commissioners can’t decide whether they want to designate The Patch an “enterprise” project which is expected to make a profit or to fold the operating costs into the city’s general fund
and operate it like many other city service which doesn’t “make money.” The debate is similar to the one which had played out during the term of the last commission. After the 2012 elections, four commissioners were forced to leave. Then, there were always six commissioners who favored leasing the course to a private operator. The pro-privatization forces have been weakened by the loss of former District 1 Commissioner Matt Aitken. Aitken’s replacement, Bill Fennoy, had campaigned on his resistance to unnecessary privatization. Newly elected commissioner Marion Williams has also expressed wariness of privatization schemes. However, new commissioners Mary Davis and Donnie Smith fell right into line with the stance of their predecessors — favoring outsourcing of “The Patch.” Commissioners Bill Lockett, Alvin Mason, Fennoy and Williams will likely hold the line against leasing out the course. Mayor Protem Corey Johnson, however, has said that he was not against the concept of leasing
R N A s A E a m a m m a TO LEASE OR NOT TO LEASE: That is the question that commissioners must grapple with — and quickly, if they want to lure back former customers. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
the course to the Virginia firm, but preferred to wait until he could have the input from the yet-to-be-hired Recreation Director. City Administrator Fred Russell told commissioners that the course could be maintained by using city workers creditation of Law Enforcement at current workforce levels, but that, ultimately, they would have to make a Agencies (CALEA). decision to lease or not. ROUNDTREE: Our initiatives are “Patch” Loyalists Playing Other progressing well. We start our first Citizen Police Academy on the 25th of Courses While the fate of The Patch is a big this month and have already started our Sheriff ’s Counsel for employees. question mark, what is certain is that We plan to reach State Accreditation fewer people are bothering to “tee within the next year and half then we up” there for a round of golf. Windell Scott, a longtime “Patch” will seek National Accreditation.
ROUNDTREE from page 3 agency. It is then up to the Deputy and the counseling professional to determine when he returns to regular duty. UrbanProWeekly: How is the community policing initiative progressing? Is the department headed for national “accreditation”, for example through organizations like the Commission for the Ac-
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UrbanProWeekly LLC Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906
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
member stung by the loss of his dues when the first outsourced operator reneged on his contract and left paidup members holding the bag, has moved on to play at other courses in the area. “I haven’t been to The Patch in about six months. When I do go it’s just to hit,” Scott said. “At a certain point you get tired. I requested my dues back from the city around about June or July and I haven’t heard anything from them. I really don’t know anyone who plays there anymore.” Scott and others are playing other area courses including Goshen Plantation, Forest Hills and Pointe South.
email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com Vincent Hobbs photos@urbanproweekly.com
Paine Founders’ Day Convocation to feature Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson AUGUSTA Dr. Cynthia Bond-Hopson will deliver the 131st Founders’ Day address on Friday, February 8, 2013. The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel on the campus of Paine College. Dr. Hopson is assistant general secretary of the Black College Fund and Ethnic Concerns at the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville. In her work she interprets, promotes and manages funding for the 11 United Methodist-related HBCU. The Fund, which has been in existence since 1972, supports Bennett College, Bethune Cookman, Claflin, Clark Atlanta, Dillard and Huston Tillotson Universities, Meharry Medical College, and Paine, Philander Smith, Rust and Wiley Colleges — the United Methodist Church has more HBCU than any other religious denomination. Hopson’s Touched By Grace Professional Communications Ministry offers women’s retreat leadership, diversity consultation and
Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson training, writing, musical and public speaking services to businesses, churches and educational organizations. She is author of seven books: her latest, The Women of Haywood: Their Lives, Our Legacy, was published in 2012.
Augusta Regional Airport’s Diane Vance was grand prize winner.
Augusta Regional wins ANTN award of excellence for training For the second year, Augusta Regional Airport has won the Airport News and Training Network (ANTN) Award of Excellence for training presented by American Association of Airport Executives . The Award of Excellence plaque is given to those airports demonstrating their commitment for improving operations, safety and preparedness by completing FAA mandated airport-specific training material as well as annual recurrent and advanced training curriculum.
Augusta Regional Airport is one of 57 airports nationwide to earn the award for 2012. One ANTN member, Diane Vance, has won the Airport Training and Safety Institute (ATSI) Grand prize for successfully completing 367 ATSI tests and watching 617 videos. Of 8,000 members, she was the second highest score in the ANTN ATSI Hall of Fame for 2012. She won a Certificate of Excellence, one free AAE Conference Registration, and an Apple iPad.
Pipeline programs aim to diversify health care workforce
Mr. & Miss Paine College crowned
AUGUSTA Two pipeline programs aimed at diversifying the health care workforce are planned in the upcoming months at Georgia Regents University. Applications are being accepted now for a summer enrichment program designed to help under-represented minority, underprivileged and non-traditional students find their way to the health professions. The Summer Educational Enrichment Program, or SEEP, helps diversify the physician workforce by exposing participants to life as a “student” at Georgia Regents University’s Medical College of Georgia. Students live on GRU’s Health Sciences campus in Augusta during the seven-week program and take courses in the biomedical sciences, prepare for admissions exams, gain hands-on experience in labs, shadow health care professionals and receive networking opportunities and exposure to insightful guest speakers. The Pre-College SEEP program serves current high school juniors and seniors in Augusta and the surrounding area. The College program
AUGUSTA The coronation of Mr. and Miss Paine College 2012-2013 happened this week at a coronation ceremony in the Gilbert-Lambuth Memorial Chapel on the campus of Paine College. Mr. Michael Igbonag wam and Miss Corie Coleman will take their places as student ambassadors for the academic school year. Miss Corie Coleman is a native of Inglewood, California. She is the daughter of Doris Rutledge and James Coleman. The senior Mass Communications with an emphasis in drama major, followed with a minor in Spanish, has been involved in many campus organizations. These include Resident Hall Assistant for 2 years, Cross-Country, Track and Field, Chairperson of Student Athlete Advisor y Committee, Student Government Association member, and teaming up with Mr. Paine as members of the Food Service Committee. Coleman was also crowned Miss Omega Psi Phi 2010-2011. A f ter graduation, Coleman
serves students who are sophomores, juniors, seniors or recent graduates. The Office of Diversity Affairs in GRU’s Medical College of Georgia will also host Igniting the Dream, an all-day conference on Feb. 23 for undergraduate and high school students that will focus on preparing them to apply to medical school with workshops, hands-on activities and more. “One of our goals is to make students who are truly interested in attending a health sciences university more competitive in the admissions process,” said Dr. Kimberly Vess Halbur, MCG Associate Dean for Diversity Affairs. According to government statistics, 10 of the 20 fastest-growing occupations are health care-related. The Igniting the Dream conference is $15 and registration is due by Feb. 15. Applications for the SEEP program, due by March 1, are available athttp://www.georgiahealth. edu/careers/specop/apply.html. For more information, call the MCG Office of Diversity Affairs, 706-7212522.
Miss Corie Coleman and Mr. Michael Igbonagwam coronated this week.
plans to attend graduate school in Costa Rica to pursue her Master’s degree in performing arts and International Broadcasting. Mr. Michael Igbonagwam is a graduating Senior Sociolog y major from Atlanta, Georgia. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac and Jennifer Igbonagwam. He has two older siblings, Isaac and Sarah, as well as a younger sister, Hope. Mr. Igbonagwam has been very involved on the Paine College campus from the time he started in the fall semester of 2009. He is currently a member of the Student Government Association Executive Board. Additionally, he ser ves this community in the capacity of president of the Brother 2 Brother Mentoring Program. This particular organization has been recognized nationally by the Michael Baisden One Million Mentors Program and was developed to allow Paine College male students to serve as positive male role models and mentors for young males in the CSR A Community.
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Artist David M. Walker stands near an exhibition of his artwork during First Friday festivities at Oddfellows Art Gallery on Broad Street. Walker has been doing art since he was a young child. The artwork on the left is an homage to the movie “Barbershop.” Photo by Vincent Hobbs
GRU hosts lecture on 1970 Riot of Augusta AUGUSTA Georgia Regents University’s Department of Communications will present a panel discussion on the 1970 Augusta riot on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at Maxwell Theatre and Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library, 823 Telfair St. The programs are free and open to the public. The panel discussions are part of an ongoing project by Communications Instructor Sea Stachura, Recovering History: Oral Histories of Augusta’s Forgotten 1970 Riot. Stachura received a grant from the Georgia Humanities Council in November to transcribe testimonials from Augustans who can provide firsthand historical accounts of the riot, which occurred in downtown Augusta following the death of Charles Oatman, a mentally challenged black teen being held in the Richmond County jail. Guest speakers will include Grady Abrams, a former city council member and community leader, and Bill Coleman, the lawyer who represented those arrested in the riot. Other panelists are GRU Assistant Professor and Civil Rights Historian Perzavia Praylow and Stachura, who will serve as moderator. Stachura hopes the February events will raise awareness about the riot and help put her in touch with more people who can talk about the historic event. “The idea is to spark conversation about race relations in the city and about the city itself. This is a part of our history, and yet it’s something that we’ve never taken the opportunity to openly discuss,” she said. “People who are from that time remember it, but otherwise, no one really knows about it. So it’s really our last opportunity, 43 years later, to take advantage of the people who are still living, gather their memories and connect this event to what we understand about attitudes on race and the city of Augusta itself.”
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Livin OutLoud
Artistic Commentary Provided by LadyVee DaPoet
‘Wanted in High Demand’: The Artistic Professional’
There are two distinct extremes when it comes to people who make their career in the arts. Even to the untrained eye, most people can spot each personality type a mile away. Either through your online presence or your physical image, you build either a negative or a positive portfolio by each statement you make and every event that builds your resume. Let’s explore the two extremes for education and clarity. The first artistic personality / stereotype is the artist that is extremely creative…but highly unorganized. This artist shows up to his or her own show late most of the time (claiming to “make an entrance”) and never rehearses their act. They believe they will just make it up as the night goes on or think of what to say minutes before they take the stage. In the
spoken word arena, I’ve noticed that this artist usually comes to the show late, takes the stage, and then leaves the venue. He/she believes that their talent can’t be inspired by anyone else so there’s no need to stay and listen. This artist’s idea of “networking” is chatting up attractive people at the venue in an attempt to get their number in a cell phone to call later. Who needs business cards and flyers? No matter where the event is taking place, this artist doesn’t care about his/her wardrobe – jeans and a t-shirt is fine for a school function and also fine for performing for the President. These artists book feature acts with event promoters without having any product to sell and don’t promote themselves or the show because, in their mind, that’s the job of the show host! Regardless of how tal-
ented this artist is, many people that can advance his/her art will not waste time working with them. If they do, by accident, a mental note is made to the detriment of the artist’s career. The second artistic personality is the artist that is very creative and takes pride in their art. You can immediately tell that an artist cares about their craft when they have professional promotion materials made (flyers, business cards, etc.) and even go outside the box and have t-shirts, hats, bookmarks, and any other extra items to spread the word about their talent. This artist is the 2nd person to the venue on a show date (the host should be first) and also the last person to leave because they are shaking hands and building friendships with the audience (potential customers). This artist, when asked to present
their work at a show, works closely with the event promoter or host to make sure all the details are in line weeks before the show. They have an excited fan base to market to and this artist sees the show as an opportunity for exposure to a new audience, not just an opportunity to get paid. In the performing arts industry and in the business arena in general, you will come across people that you will feel confident to support their craft. Then there are those that, by their presentation, make you more hesitant. The world wants to be exposed to exciting and unique new offerings in visual art, spoken word, sculpture, live theater, etc. Love and care about your art enough to put forth the extra effort. Be the ‘Artistic Professional’ and people will gladly support your hard work and dedication!
Award honors memory of Frank Yerby
Local authors vie for Augusta Literary Festival Award By Core;y Washington On Sat. March 2nd, Augusta will once again host the second annual Augusta Literary Festival (ALF). This event will be at the Main Library branch (823 Telfair St.) from 10 am – 5 pm, in the heart of downtown Augusta. Last year was a huge success with 4,000 attendees and 50 plus authors. This year will be even bigger with 100 authors and the inauguration of a new literary award. The ALF award for Fiction, “unofficially” known as the Yerby, was designed to pay homage to one of the greatest African-American novelists to ever live, Frank Garvin Yerby. Frank Yerby was the first AfricanAmerican author to : Become a millionaire from his pen Have a book sell a million copies Foxes of Harrow Have a book purchased by Hollywood and made into an Oscar nominated movie Foxes Mr. Yerby has sold over 55 million books, which makes him one of the highest selling authors of any ethnicity. Should we rely on Spain, Fisk University, or the University of Chicago to create a literary award for such a distinguished Augustan? Why not get the ball rolling here in his birthplace and seminal educational launching pad? (Haines Normal Institute and Paine College) In addition to the Yerby award, we will have an author’s reception on Friday March 1st, from7-9pm at the main library. The purpose of this gathering is to let the authors mingle and enjoy each others fellowship, and to reveal the three winners of the Yerby award. Renown Yerby scholar, Dr. Eugene Stovall, will be flying in from San Francisco to lend his expertise, as well as be an author at the ALF. Dr. Stovall has set up a website where you
can learn more about Frank Yerby at: www.frankyerby.com The awards ceremony will be overseen by the ALF Award chair, Dr. Marge Stockard. To accent this wonderful evening, we will have jazz music by Garden City Jazz, headed by Karen Gordon. The field of authors for the Yerby has been dwindled down to five very diverse and more importantly, extremely talented authors: Bob Young (Former Mayor of Augusta) The Treasure Train Ruth P. Watson (published author from Atlanta) Blackberry Days of
Summer Hawk Mackinney (local award winning author) The Lady of Corpsewood Manor Ted M. Dunagan (multiple GA author of the Year) Trouble on the Tombigbee Janie Dempsey Watts (award winning author) Moon over Taylor’s Ridge If you come out to the ALF, you can expect to have an unforgettable experience filled with fun and knowledge. There will be authors for all ages and interests. Prizes, author led discussions, and cool mementos will all be
par for the course. As the founder of the ALF, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the behind the scenes “heavy lifters”. These two women are the driving force behind the ALF. They have certainly clocked in countless hours to ensure that the C.S.R.A. Is represented well on the literary map. Thanks goes to Cheryl Corbin, a true organizational savant, and Sherryl James, the straw that stirs the drink. (Thanks Reggie Jackson) For more info, check out our website at: www.augustaliteraryfestival. com
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9 UrbanProWeekly • FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2013 The Diamond Jags’ freshman pitcher Haley Birckle winds up for the pitch during the second game of a softball double-header at Jaguar Field against Anderson University. The Augusta State softball team lost the season-opening doubleheader 5-0 and 9-2 to the Trojans. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
ASU drops double opener to Anderson 2.2.13
The Diamond Jags’ Nichole Lyday, catcher for the team, keeps her eye on the ball as she prepares to bat during the second game of a softball double-header at Jaguar Field against Anderson University. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
The Diamond Jags’ Gabi Medina throws the ball from 3rd base during the second game of a softball double-header at Jaguar Field against Anderson University. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
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Truth Behind the Streets Forum to address community violence
UrbanProWeekly • FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2013
The 1st Annual Truth behind the Streets Forum will be held on February 23, 2013. The event, hosted by Sisters on a Mission, is viewed by them as a way to attack the recent rash of violence in our community. We feel it is imperative to give important information to the community in regards to what
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happens after an act of violence has occurred. The lineup includes, Sheriff Richard Roundtree, Ms. Robin Fuewell (Community Activist), community leaders. The event will be held at 730 East Boundary at the Oak Pointe Community Center @ 2:00 pm.
Jazz artist honored for commitment Karen L Gordon recently received the Umoja/Unity Award from Humanitree House at the December 2012 Kwanzaa Cultural Community Celebration in Augusta, Georgia. The award reads, “for your undying commitment to uniting the community at large. Your work
has united people from all cultures and backgrounds together all in the name of arts, music, unity, and love. You embody the spirit of UMOJA.” Humanitree House presented awards for all seven Kwanzaa principles to community leaders.
Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar to perform with Grammy nominated Canton Jones AUGUSTA Augusta gospel recording artists Trey McLaughlin & the Sounds Of Zamar will perform LIVE with Grammy nominated gospel hip-hop artist, Canton Jones. The concert will be held on Sat. Feb. 16th at Burke County High School’s James D. Smith Auditorium in Waynesboro, Ga. Jones’s fifth and most highly anticipated album for him and for CAJO Records, Dominionaire, was released on February 1st, 2011. Three singles were released prior to the albums release, “In da Club”, “Window”, and “GOD”; only the first two listed were released on iTunes. Later in 2011 Dominionaire Remixed was released, featuring artists like D-MAUB, Messenja and Erica Cumbo. In early 2012 he released a live album and DVD. In October 2012 Kingdom Business Pt. 4 was released, along with a mixtape called All Day Jesus and a five-song EP entitled Short Fuse. Pastor Brock Taylor & the United Voices of Christ will also join Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds Of Zamar. Tickets start at $15 and VIP Passes are $125. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.itickets. com. Group rates are available. “Performing with Canton Jones is exciting for us. We’re always excited to be in the presence of artist that glorifies God through music that resonates with a different generation,” McLaughlin said. Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar released their first single, “I Will Praise,” earlier this year. The single, available on I-Tunes, is featured on their debut album “Limitless,” which was released November 2012, which available on itunes, amazon and local Pyramid Music locations. To keep up with Trey McLaughlin and the Sounds of Zamar, visit their website at w w w.treyMmusic.com or follow them on Twitter: @treymclaughlin and @soundsofzamar; or check them out on Facebookand YouTube. For more information, please contact Natasha Carter at (706) 680-6712 or email at carterbeachem@gmail.com Visit www. carterbeachem.com
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Revolution hits the universities The advent of online university education could unleash the brain-power of the planet. By Thomas L. Friedman Lord knows there’s a lot of bad news in the world today to get you down, but there is one big thing happening that leaves me incredibly hopeful about the future, and that is the budding revolution in global online higher education. Nothing has more potential to lift more people out of poverty — by providing them an affordable education to get a job or improve in the job they have. Nothing has more potential to unlock a billion more brains to solve the world’s biggest problems. And nothing has more potential to enable us to reimagine higher education than the massive open online course, or MOOC, platforms that are being developed by the likes of Stanford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and companies like Coursera and Udacity. Last May I wrote about Coursera — co-founded by the Stanford computer scientists Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng — just after it opened. Two weeks ago, I went back out to Palo Alto to check in on them. When I visited last May, about 300,000 people were taking 38 courses taught by Stanford professors and a few other elite universities. Today,
For relatively little money, the U.S. could rent space in an Egyptian village, install two dozen computers and high-speed satellite Internet access, hire a local teacher as a facilitator, and invite in any Egyptian who wanted to take online courses with the best professors in the world, subtitled in Arabic. they have 2.4 million students, taking 214 courses from 33 universities, including eight international ones. Anant Agarwal, the former director of M.I.T.’s artificial intelligence lab, is now president of edX, a nonprofit MOOC that M.I.T. and Harvard are jointly building. Agarwal told me that since May, some 155,000 students from around the world have taken edX’s first course: an M.I.T. intro class on circuits. “That is greater than the total number of M.I.T. alumni in its 150-year history,” he said. Yes, only a small percentage complete all the work, and even they still tend to be from the middle and upper classes of their societies, but I am convinced that within five years these platforms will reach a much broader demographic. Imagine how
his social skills, attention deficits or force him to look anyone in the eye, enable him to better manage his autism. Koller shared a letter from Daniel, in which he wrote: “Please tell Coursera and Penn my story. I am a 17-year-old boy emerging from autism. I can’t yet sit still in a classroom so [your course] was my first real course ever. During the course, I had to keep pace with the class, which is unheard-of in special ed. Now I know I can benefit from having to work hard and enjoy being in sync with the world.” One member of the Coursera team who recently took a Coursera course on sustainability told me that it was so much more interesting than a similar course he had taken as an undergrad. The online course included students from all over the world, from different climates, incomes levels and geographies, and, as a result, “the discussions that happened in that course were so much more valuable and interesting than with people of similar geography and income level” in a typical American college. Mitch Duneier, a Princeton sociology professor, wrote an essay in The Chronicle of Higher
this might change U.S. foreign aid. For relatively little money, the U.S. could rent space in an Egyptian village, install two dozen computers and high-speed satellite Internet access, hire a local teacher as a facilitator, and invite in any Egyptian who wanted to take online courses with the best professors in the world, subtitled in Arabic. YOU just have to hear the stories told by the pioneers in this industry to appreciate its revolutionary potential. One of Koller’s favorites is about “Daniel,” a 17-year-old with autism who communicates mainly by computer. He took an online modern poetry class from Penn. He and his parents wrote that the combination of rigorous academic curriculum, which requires Daniel to stay on task, and the online learning system that does not strain Continued on next page
GUEST COMMENTARY The Second Time Around –
Thoughts on attending Obama’s Inauguration As I continue to ride on the cloud of excitement from the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, I cannot help but think about my ancestors who would have been filled with joy when they heard the words “Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States!” Hearing these words for the second time around as President Barack Obama was introduced, gave me the most amazing feeling of pride and joy that I’d ever experienced. It was the same feeling that I had on January 20th, 2009 in Washington, DC at the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. I wanted to be there to witness the swearing in of the first African-American President. I also wanted my son, who was 11 years old at the time, as well as my two nephews, who were 11 and 14 years old, to be able to witness this momentous occasion. My sister and I knew that we needed to be there and we were willing to do what was needed to make that journey to Washington. I remember stories from my childhood that were recanted of the civil rights movement by my late cousin Dr. James Farmer Jr. He shared his experiences with our family about the movement, which included the organization of the 1961 Freedom Rides and his work with CORE (Congress of Racial
Equality). His autobiography, entitled “Lay Bare the Heart”, tells of the events that unfolded during the time period that surrounded the civil rights movement. I can imagine how he would have felt knowing that America had reached such a milestone. During the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, I was able to stand within the National Mall area and watch as the President accepted his oath of office. It was below freezing, we arrived extremely early, and it was very crowded. There were people from everywhere waiting to witness the swearing in of our new president. Despite the circumstances, I was warmed with an inner flame knowing that I, along with over 1.8 million other people, was actually standing in the National Mall where slaves were once purchased and sold. We were standing on behalf of those who stood there before us, those who stood by force and not by choice. We chose to be there that day. We needed to witness the swearing in of President Barack Obama. Although this year’s inauguration had taken place 50 years after the historic March on Washington in 1963, it still had a significant meaning to me and why I wanted to be there to take part in this moment in history. I know that many
of my forefathers sacrificed so much to be able to participate in the March on Washington for jobs and freedom, which attracted nearly 250,000 men and women, comprised of both blacks and whites. James Farmer Jr., one of the “Big Six” organizers of the march, could not make it due to his arrest in Louisiana while leading a march protesting police brutality. We needed to be there to witness the 2nd Inauguration. We needed to walk the path of those who marched from the national mall to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. We needed to walk the path for those Freedom Riders who were beaten and left for dead, or even killed in their quest for a better America. We stood where Dr. King once stood and delivered his famous “I Have a Dream Speech.” Dr. King spoke of hope 50 years ago and President Obama hoped for “change that we could believe in” as we approached 2009. Both inaugurations celebrating our President, as with the March on Washington, drew in people of all races and this is the America that was hoped for by those who dreamed of a better tomorrow. As I looked around and noticed those who stood with us, the same expectations of hope were still there that were displayed 4 years ago. This time, it wasn’t as cold as
before, we didn’t arrive as early as we did the morning of the previous inauguration, and it was still very crowded…over 1 million people. We were gathered together to witness the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama. – Dwanette J. Pullings
Education in the fall about his experience teaching a class through Coursera: “A few months ago, just as the campus of Princeton University had grown nearly silent after commencement, 40,000 students from 113 countries arrived here via the Internet to take a free course in introductory sociology. ... My opening discussion of C. Wright Mills’s classic 1959 book, ‘The Sociological Imagination,’ was a close reading of the text, in which I reviewed a key chapter line by line. I asked students to follow along in their own copies, as I do in the lecture hall. When I give this lecture on the Princeton campus, I usually receive a few penetrating questions. In this case, however, within a few hours of posting the online version, the course forums came alive with hundreds of comments and questions. Several days later there were thousands. ... Within three weeks I had received more feedback on my sociological ideas than I had in a career of teaching, which significantly influenced each of my subsequent lectures and seminars.” Agarwal of edX tells of a student in Cairo who was taking the circuits course and was having difficulty. In the class’s online forum, where students help each other with homework, he posted that he was dropping out. In response, other students in Cairo in the same class invited him to meet at a teahouse, where they offered to help him stay in the course. A 15-year-old student in Mongolia, who took the same class as part of a blended course and received
a perfect score on the final exam, added Agarwal, is now applying to M.I.T. and the University of California, Berkeley. As we look to the future of higher education, said the M.I.T. president, L. Rafael Reif, something that we now call a “degree” will be a concept “connected with bricks and mortar” — and traditional on-campus experiences that will increasingly leverage technology and the Internet to enhance classroom and laboratory work. Alongside that, though, said Reif, many universities will offer online courses to students anywhere in the world, in which they will earn “credentials” — certificates that testify that they have done the work and passed all the exams. The process of developing credible credentials that verify that the student has adequately mastered the subject — and did not cheat — and can be counted on by employers is still being perfected by all the MOOCs. But once it is, this phenomenon will really scale. I can see a day soon where you’ll create your own college degree by taking the best online courses from the best professors from around the world — some computing from Stanford, some entrepreneurship from Wharton, some ethics from Brandeis, some literature from Edinburgh — paying only the nominal fee for the certificates of completion. It will change teaching, learning and the pathway to employment. “There is a new world unfolding,” said Reif, “and everyone will have to adapt.”
Computer Literacy Course at New Bethlehem
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A computer literacy course for adults will be offered at the New Bethlehem Community Center in collaboration with the Augusta-Richmond County Library - Adult and Senior Programming The course entitled Introduction to Microsoft Office will start on Tuesday, March 5 and end on Thursday, March 28. The course time for the Tuesday and Thursday classes will be 10 am to noon. Registration is ongoing through February 27. The courses will be held at the New Bethlehem Community Center located at 1336 Conklin Avenue, Augusta, GA 30901. Call 706-722-0086.
UrbanProWeekly • FEBRUARY 7 - 13, 2013
REVOLUTION from page 12
Course work includes: Microsoft Word (4 hours); Microsoft Excel (4 hours); PowerPoint (4 hours) and Publisher (4 hours). A Driver’s License or State ID is required at the time of registration. A $25.00 fee is due at time of registration. The instructor is Sheryl James, AugustaRichmond County Library, Adult and Senior Programming; Administrative Support will be provided by Sheridan Glaze, Executive Director, New Bethlehem Community Center. A certificate of participation will be given upon completion.
EAST AUGUSTA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
SUMMER CAMP The East Augusta Community Organization will hold a Summer Camp at May Park Commujnity Center for studentswe in grades 5-8 and 9-12 from June 10, 2013 - July 19, 2013. This Summer Camp will strengthen academic skills, promote community awareness, and provide participation in a team sport, such as basketball. The unique set of academic, cultural, and athletic experiences wil enhance the participants’ self-estem, expand their critical thinking skills, and improve their physical fitness. All students in the Augusta community are encouraged to apply. If you need additional information, please call (706) 231-4937 or (706) 8609872. If no one answers, please leave your name and number and you will be contacted. Please sent you name, address, and telephone number to the address below: East Augusta Community Organization P.O. Box 6366 Augusta, GA 30916
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