UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY JULY 20 - 31, 2017 VOL. 6 NO. 19
Photo by Vincent Hobbs
He Say She Say :
The Unspoken Conversation NATHAN ROTHWELL (L) AND OLAUNDRA GRACE (R) at the Imperial Theatre on Broad Street. The acting/writing duo are founders of Achemistry Productions, which is producing a stage play entitled HE Say SHE Say - The Unspoken Conversation on August 5.
UrbanProWeekly - JULY 20 - 31, 2017
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SENIOR SENIOR PROM The Great Gatsby Dinner Dance Come as a flapper or come as you are. Dress as a gangster or silent film star. It’s going to be fun no matter the dress. Just bring yourself and we’ll do the rest! Join us for a roaring good time at our Senior Senior Prom on Friday, August 4, 2017, from 7 pm to 10 pm at the Headquarters Library (823 Telfair St., Augusta). This 1920s-themed dinner dance is for adults who are at least 50 years young. Tickets are only $10 per person and must be purchased in advance at any AugustaRichmond County Public Library System branch or online at bit.ly/srsrprom17 This event is sponsored by the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System, Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services, and AARP Georgia.
Art Cart Call for Artists re-issued The Public Art Advisory Panel has decided to re-issue the call for artists for the prototype Art Cart design. The new submission deadline set on August 17. New: Email submissions WILL be accepted. Learn more about the Art Cart and view the application and guidelines at augustaarts.com/art-in-augusta/public-art/
UPW Urban Pro Weekly Hephzibah, GA 30815
URBAN PRO WEEKLY Publisher URBAN PRO WEEKLY MEDIA 706-306-4647 urbanpromedia@yahoo.com
CEO / Sales FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 editor@urbanproweekly.com
Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist
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THE ARTS ONSTAGE
OLAUNDRA GRACE (L) AND NATHAN ROTHWELL (R) share a laugh near the Imperial Theatre on Broad Street. The acting/writing duo are founders of Achemistry Productions, which is producing a stage play entitled HE Say SHE Say - The Unspoken Conversation. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Acting duo share writing & production duties
Nathan Rothwell and Olaundra Grace will launch their new production company Achemistry Productions with an innovative play series titled: HE Say SHE Say: The Unspoken Conversation. The production is presented by Maryland Fried Chicken and will premiere at the newly-renovated Imperial Theatre on August 5th at 7pm. In the production the pair of established actors will portray five different characters in a play series that includes five one-act stage plays. In the world of theater, this will be a rare accomplishment, particularly since the pair have also written the works and are the series’ producers.
What is Achemistry Productions and why was it created? We are an Augusta-based, privately–owned production company whose purpose is to inspire and motivate others with the arts through theater and film as the platform. Achemistry Productions will present stage performances and film exhibiting real life relationship dynamics, social issues, and taboo subjects. Ultimately, it is our goal to provoke an open dialogue between individuals that will reveal truth and clarity about real issues that affect our everyday lives. Achemistry Productions was created because it gave us control of our destiny concerning our passion for the performing arts. Achemistry Productions was created from a place of passion
Why has acting been such an important creative endeavor for each of you and share some of your recent experience locally? We see ourselves as Artists who are determined to work effortlessly to encourage others that nothing is impossible. Collectively we have been in several stage plays such as: Is God Working Miracles, Unavailable, Double Lives, Shades of Love, Somewhere In Summerville. Also, in 2016, we both made our directorial debut with an original one-act stage play entitled, “CAPTIVE” and “It Ain’t Always Him.” It is our desire to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. We wouldn’t trade this experience for any-
thing. Every tear, every late night, every early morning, every mountain has been all worth it. Who are some of the local folks that inspired you to launch Achemistry Productions? We have been inspired by various Playwrights/Directors/Producers locally and nationally. Locally, RaisinAJ Productions (MissMonique, Playwright and Radio Personality for iHeartRadio), Blue Bistro Creative (Anthony Page, Film, TV and Theater Producer, Writer and Director) and Eugene Beverly (Writer, Director, and Producer). Nationally, Donald Gray (Playwright, Director, and Producer). Continued on next page
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THE ARTS MUSIC
THE JAMES BROWN ACADEMY OF MUSIK PUPILS (JAMP) performs during their annual “Jampcert” held at the Augusta Musem of History on July 14. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
He say, She say from page 3
ing, unforgiving, and deceptive. But at the end of the day, Truth should be the force that defines what is real. Sometimes it’s the “Unspoken” piece that we choose to keep silent, it’s the conversation that we would rather not discuss, but in truth, “The Unspoken Conversation” does have a voice that needs to be heard. It’s the conversation that ultimately brings healing. It is our desire that HE Say SHE Say: The Unspoken Conversation will provoke open dialogue between others that will reveal truth and clarity about real issues that affect our everyday lives. When creating this project, it was our desire to challenge ourselves as Actors and Writers. Therefore we created a five one-act stage play that portrays five different characters. Each Act has it’s own beat and theme which enhances the creativity of each character.
Producing plays is an exhaustive endeavor. What do you think prepared you for such an ambitious undertaking? Ultimately, it has been our FAITH. If we would have waited for everything to be perfect, for the money to be right, or for everything to make to sense, we would have never gotten to the place we are now. Truly this project has been a leap of Faith. We are both the writers of this production. This project began unfolding in August 2016. Through a series of conversations, we discussed various topics and HE Say SHE Say: The Unspoken Conversation was born. Although we had different views on certain topics, we respected each other’s Why have you selected Anthony R. truth. It was at this moment we realized that conversations can sometimes be Page to direct He Say, She Say? Having a Director is essential to simple, complex, loving, heart wrench-
producing a successful show. Finding a director who truly embraces the art, who sees beyond what has been created, and still respects what has been written is absolutely everything to the Producer. We are so thankful to know that Mr. Anthony Page is that Director! He also challenges us as the Actor, Producer, and Writer to go deeper with each character. Achemistry Productions truly appreciate the gift of Mr. Page. What’s next for Achemistry Productions? What role do you see the company playing in future local, regional, or national projects? Achemistry Productions is preparing a 10-city tour with HE Say SHE Say: The Unspoken Conversation. Who are some of the individuals that have been instrumental in the creation of Achemistry and the upcoming production? We would like to thank Bogart
Graphix (Roger Evans) for assisting us with the creativity of our logo. Our colors red, blue, and purple speaks of who we are collectively. Red symbolizes our PASSION and DETERMINATION to go the distance and work effortlessly on all that we put our hands to. Purple speaks of the MAGIC and CREATIVITY that happens when both parties come together and blue focuses on our FAITH and dependency on God. We are so excited to have Radio Personality, Selena Soul and Musician/ Singer, Matthew Davis to host this event. Also, having the dynamic Comedienne Poncere apart of this production has been absolutely amazing!
IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND Tickets can be purchased at the Imperial Box Office Tuesday – Friday, 10 am to 4 pm or go to www.imperialtheatre.com. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and VIP seating is $40 which includes the After Party at the Cotton Patch Jazz and Blues Café.
Garden City Jazz Calendar
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Soiree: Jazz+Wine 4th Saturdays, 7:30 pm Venue: Jessye Norman School of the Arts Enjoy classic and contemporary jazz music, wines selected by the host, and a platform for up & coming musical voices. All presented with state-of-the-art sound and lighting in a beautiful, historic building. Live Jazz. Lovely People. Dress like you mean it. Info: www.jazzsoiree.com (762) 233-5299 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz August 18, October 20; 7:30 pm Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta 4 Seasons Chamber Jazz is a four-event concert series, with each concert featuring two performances, ranging from Latin jazz to vocal standards to Dixieland. It’s a musical celebration of art in nature. Artists will perform several selections representative of the season. Info: www.uuaugusta. org (706) 733-7939 Saturday Morning Swing: Music at The Augusta Market Thru November 25, 2017 Venue: Eighth Street Plaza, 8th & Riverwalk A partnership with The Augusta Market since 2010, Saturday Morning Swing brings local jazz musicians and performing arts groups to the Riverwalk for early afternoon shows each weekend. The Market features local produce, artisans, music, all in a family- (and pet-) friendly space. Info: www.theaugustamarket.com (706) 627-0128. Candlelight Wine&Dine Concert Series August 19; 7:30 pm Venue: Columbia County Amphitheater Candlelight Wine&Dine, a new addition to the Augusta River Region, is a celebration of music and community. Bring your own seating and picnic and enjoy jazz, soul, R&B, spoken word, rock, funk, and gospel music; and live art demos. Children ages 12 & under admitted free. Info: www. gardencityjazz.com (762) 233-5299 Labor Day Jazz Weekend September 1-3, 2017 Venue: The Augusta Common, Columbia County Amphitheatre, The Augusta Market, etc Garden City Jazz presents a fun weekend of jazz music and art that all ages and music lovers can enjoy. Conceived as a capstone event for the popular Candlelight Jazz Concert Series, this celebration of music, art, and community has now come into its own as a family festival and fundraiser for various charitable organizations.
MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY WE TAKE
• Georgia medicaid • Insurance plans • Charge cards • WIC vouchers
Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist
FREE DELIVERY SERVICE
706-722-7355
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 9, 2017, for the following: 1. Employment Services Request for Qualifications RFQ#17-789 2. Grass Management RFP#2017-016 3. Tutt Middle School Softball Stairway RFP #2017-017 Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Cecilia Perkins in the Business Office at perkice@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us or 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org/bids, or at Richmond County School System, Central Office 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, GA 30901. The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY By: Dr. Angela D. Pringle, Secretary
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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE BLACK BUSINESS
Why don’t we support our own? When I’m not writing columns for Urban Pro Weekly, I work as a freelance photographer with a modest, small business. My experiences with taking pictures for individuals, groups and organizations have been mixed. There are people who appreciate professional photography. They appreciate the time and the cost of my work, which is reflected in their financial investment, and in some cases, spreading the word about my services. There are some folks who do not appreciate my time and my work. It is reflected in comments like these: “Can you waive your photography fee? This is a fundraiser, you know.” “You know we don’t have a lot of money.” “C’mon, hook us up with a discount!” The idea of “something for nothing,” especially as it relates to Black business, isn’t only dangerous, it’s destructive. At first, I looked at it from the hierarchy of event planning. Let’s face it, the most important items for any event are food and location. While I don’t agree with photography falling under these two items, especially since pictures will last much longer than a hot plate or a warm venue, that is simply a way of thinking for most folks. However, there were some proud Black-affiliated organizations that made me take a deeper look.
First, it seemed that these Black pillars of the community spared no expense when they locked down a venue — particularly a white-owned venue in a predominately whiteowned community. I’ll make this perfectly clear — we have a significant number of cases of Black folks holding Black events in white folks’ backyards (psst, Columbia County). This idea of “white folks’ ice being colder” is burdensome enough, but it also comes at the expense of (small) Black businesses. How so? It’s simple. While white folks get the lion’s share of the resources from the “Black elite,” Black entrepreneurs have to rely on table scraps and bottom-barrel deals that trivialize their professionalism. There are many organizations guilty of this economic sin – including the church, Black Greek organizations, even successful and well-known Black-affiliated entities. Let’s take an educated look at the statistics relating to Black business. Y’all know I love numbers, and I sense you do, as well. A September 2016 article from Fortune magazine (yes, home to the Fortune 500) explained that only 2.1% of American businesses with at least one employee were blackowned in 2014. About 14% of those black-owned businesses were operating for less than two years. The data projected that people of color (POC) owned more than
949,000 businesses in 2014, and roughly 11% of those (POC) were African-American. Then, about 32% of minority owners were Hispanic and about 53% were Asian. Businesses owned by people of color accounted for $1.1 trillion in receipts in 2014, accounting for only 3.3 percent of employer receipts vs. 96.7 percent for their white counterparts. It is chump change by comparison. It gets worse. While the starting of new businesses has declined steadily over the last three decades, recent research from the Kauffman Foundation revealed that POC now make up an increasing segment of the entrepreneurial community. Forty percent of new businesses started in 1996 have African-American, Latino, or Asian owners, compared to 23 percent two decades ago. Black-owned businesses increased 60 percent from 2002-2007, according to the National Black Chamber of Commerce, but the 2008 financial crisis stifled that trend. Research suggests what I can tell you from first-person experience — Black entrepreneurship isn’t just a hobby, it’s a NECESSITY. Seemingly every column, I write about economic disparities and the serious financial plight of our community. This commentary is in that same vein. Investing in Black businesses is about more than being cool and
being conscientious — it is a matter of economic survival. It is inexcusable, and quite simply, an indictment, of Black folks that we don’t support our own businesses with regularity. I know the excuses, and I’m here to tell you that there are a formidable amount of local businesses who are at the top of their game and that are professional in every way. So, the million-dollar question — why don’t we support our own? We don’t support our own because, as an extension of Black folks being treated like second-class citizens in America, we treat Black business as a secondary option. This is unfortunate and inhibits Black empowerment. I have faith in a familiar and faithful idea, though: that when we know better, we DO BETTER. With that in mind, do me a favor — support Black business and Black media! Then, tell a friend about it, especially if folks are doing a great job. Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference,” which includes a radio show, social media features and commentary. The podcast is available at soundcloud.com/makinadifference. Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/ makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached via email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com or via text at (803) 270-2331.
LETTERS
The Republican anti-American job bill For some Republicans, the America first political slogan is code for loyalty to any lobbyist who makes the highest contribution. That could explain why Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson sponsored a bill that is clearly anti-American. In June 2015, Senator Isakson introduced bill S.1547, Partner with Korea Act, which will set aside 15,000 high paying jobs each
fiscal year for Korean immigrants. Specifically, The Partner with Korea Act “Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create an E-4 treaty trader visa category for up to 15,000 nationals of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) each fiscal year that are coming to the United States solely to perform specialty occupation services.” According to the OnlineVisas.
com website, examples of specialty services “include those professions involving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). STEM professions overwhelmingly require a minimum bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree.” Apparently, Senator Isakson has lost faith in American college graduates. Sadly, when politicians become
dependent on lobbyists, service to country gives way to self-preservation. That is how American politicians like Isakson convince themselves that employing college educated Korean immigrants is more important than employing college educated American citizens. Kevin Palmer Martinez, GA,
Stress Physical Inactivity amily History of Cardiovascular disease Obesity Stress Physical Inactivity Diabetes Family History of Cardiovascular disease High Blood Pressure Obesity Diabetes High Cholesterol High Blood Pressure Cigarette Smoking High Cholesterol Cigarette Smoking
HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK East Central Health District HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK Hypertension Management Outreach Program East Central Health District Hypertension Management Outreach Program
Richmond County Richmond County Health Department 706.721.5800 Richmond County 706.721.5800 706.721.5800 www.ecphd.com
UrbanProWeekly • JULY 20 - 31, 2017
ARE YOU AT RISK?
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Augusta’s Premiere Reggae Celebration • The 20th Annual
Bob Marley Tribute Friday, JULY 28 ALL LIVE • ALL NITE • ALL BOB
Lady D Pa s s i o n at e
2017
SKY CITY
1157 Broad St. Augusta For Info 706-836-2018
RAS SHALIMAR • DJ SPUDD https://www.eventbrite.com/e/20th-annual-bob-marley-tribute-tickets-35733638274