UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY APRIL 28 - 30, 2016 VOL. 5 NO. 30

Santiago leads the state in scoring Jazmine Santiago leads Glenn Hills to 3AAA Championship

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

SPORTS HS Soccer

Lady Spartan Jazmine Santiago stands near the bleachers at Glenn Hills stadium. The junior soccer standout helped lead the girls team to a Region 3AAA championship and she is also ranked as the leading scorer in all Georgia public high schools. Santiago has racked up 106 points, with 46 goals and 14 assists this season. (April 25, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Jazmine Santiago leads GHHS to the top INTERVIEW BY VINCENT HOBBS Jazmine Santiago was still a small toddler when she made her first attempt to play soccer. “I started playing soccer when I was two,” the Glenn Hills junior shared with UPW. “My dad (Khalif Ibere) would have my sisters and brothers out there playing and training and I would try to get into the drills and I would just get in the way because I was so little. He would tell me to sit down,” she chuckled. “He would then take my hand and start me with the drills.” Santiago may have gotten in the way as a youngster trying to emulate her siblings - but now players get out of her way as she swiftly moves

down the soccer field making dramatic scores during games. Her signature style of deftly controlling the ball as if she were a puppet master holding the strings has rocketed the Lady Spartan mid-fielder to become the best scorer in soccer in Georgia’s public schools (over 375 schools). Santiago has been awarded Maxpreps.com’s NSCAA Player of the Week three times this season; the National Soccer Coaches Association of America selected her for the honor as one of the nation’s best soccer players. Her varsity career accomplishments include a total of 229 points scored with 102 goals and 27 assists. This season alone, Santiago has scored 106 points, with 46 goals and 14 assists.

“I like the competition,” she mused. “You have a goal to accomplish and you have other players trying to stop you – and I’m thinking, ‘You’re not going to stop me, because I have to get to where I have to go.’ “ Santiago’s competitive focus on accomplishment has ushered the Lady Spartans into an undefeated 3AAA regional championship, with a total of 14 wins, no losses. “I love winning,” she said with a toothy grin. “It’s fun when you win! I’m always having fun, that’s the main point. Win or lose — as long as you did your best.” The young soccer star exudes an air of confidence, perfectly tempered with a gift of humor – and humility. It is easy to envision the player as the big sister to her

teammates. Santiago’s achievements in the game of soccer, now being recognized throughout the state, reveal a dichotomy between the player and the accolades. “It’s awesome knowing the stats, but I don’t really focus on that type of stuff. I just like to play.” As a student, Santiago flourishes in science-related studies. When she’s not playing soccer, a love for art and music fill her down-time. This summer will see the 17-year-old return to playing travel soccer for the Augusta Arsenal. Glenn Hills soccer coach Ray Wilson believes that Santiago is the Continued on page 3

Soccer champs from p.2

A RANKING DETAIL

Coach Ray Wilson shared his concern about how player stats are ranked; an issue that he considers to be “significant” in terms of maintaining accurate stats for players. He believes that Glenn Hills and other GHSA public schools that participate in soccer do have some challenges when it comes to having an entirely level playing field in terms of scoring stats, due to what is known as the “mercy rule”. Basically, the game will conclude if one team has a 10-goal lead by the first or second half (100 at half-time ends the game). This shortens the amount of time that a star player, such as Santiago, can rack up points which are reflected in her stats. Private schools, under GISA (Georgia Independent School Association), also have a mercy rule, but that score is 15, rather than 10. Thereby, a soccer player at a private school in Georgia can accumulate more points for her stats, due to more playing time. There is a strong possibility, according to Wilson, that Santiago would be ranked as the top girls soccer player in all Georgia schools, both public and private, if the mercy rules were applied equally throughout the state. She is currently ranked at #2 in all Georgia schools on the Maxpreps.com website.

Glenn Hills’ Jazmine Santiago (L) takes control of the ball as Hephzibah defender Alexandria Newman (R) runs behind her during a game held at the Glenn Hills stadium. Santiago is ranked #2 in the state for points scored by Maxpreps.com, with 106 points. The Lady Spartans, who are undefeated, crushed the Lady Rebels 9-0. (April 21, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Glenn Hills soccer player Shadarria Holloway (L) takes control of the ball as Hephzibah’s Sheila Duarte (R) defends during a game held at the Glenn Hills stadium. The Lady Spartans, who are undefeated, crushed the Lady Rebels 9-0. (April 21, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

type of player who should turn professional. “She’s got the skill set; she’s mastered those skills – now it’s just a matter of someone giving her the opportunity beyond high school and offering her some scholarships.” Wilson is confident that Santiago will see her talent propel her to a national and international level. “I think that she can do great things. Maybe even the Olympics or the US women’s soccer team.” In sports, a strong leader, one who can encourage and motivate her teammates, can see stepby-step progression within the team as skills are honed and victory comes, one game at a time. That sort of methodical accomplishment is future focused – yet it can even take the most disciplined athlete by surprise when a major victory comes their way. Santiago admits that the team’s undefeated 3AAA championship status was totally unexpected. “It’s really a sort of shock. We’re still gaining experience; we’re not as experienced as some of the other teams.” Coach Wilson also shares Santiago’s amazement with the region win. “It’s great, it’s fantastic! I was a little surprised but I have to give a lot of credit to the commitment that the girls have shown. Their respect for each other and their patience is a great thing, it’s just unbelievable.” Santiago agrees. “We’re all like sisters; we have each other’s back all the time. We push each other to do better. It’s a good environment.” The Lady Spartans will be taking on the Rutland Lady Hurricanes (Macon) at Glenn Hills stadium in Round 1 of the GHSA state girls soccer playoffs on Friday 4pm. The boys also play Rutland on Friday at 6pm in their playoff game.

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

2016 ELECTION MARSHAL CANDIDATES MARSHAL’S LAW

Smith touts experience and leadership in his re-election bid AUGUSTA A nearly 40-year career in law enforcement began modestly for Marshal Steve Smith – he was simply a young man inspired by the community leaders around him. “I had a friend whose dad was a deputy sheriff, and as I spent time at his house and listened to his father relate his stories, it caught my interest,” Marshal Smith said. Four decades later, he finds himself as the head of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office – and in a re-election bid where he is emphasizing the importance of experience and leadership. “Not long after I took the this position, a friend told me to use the office as a way to help people,” Smith said. “I feel my most important duty to select the appropriate candidates to wear our uniform and represent (this office) in the public eye.”

The incumbent Smith will face off against Ramone Lamkin in an election scheduled for Tuesday, May 24. Since he was elected as Marshal in 1987, Smith has focused on making sure benevolence comes hand in hand with law enforcement. “Although enforcing the laws of the land is our responsibility, we should always do this with mercy and fairness,” Smith said. “All too often our officers today tend to be less flexible and fixed on making arrests than helping victims. …Primarily it appears that special training is lacking many areas.” The Marshal is combating those challenges, not only through his department, but through an extensive platform that focuses on community awareness, volunteerism and transparency. “Our city in general is working

Marshal Steve Smith toward a program to make most all records available online including all of our budgets. We have had our log sheets (computer records) online for several years,” he said. “Just about every official action we take is recorded in some way on a computer. All of our security check

Photo by Ken Makin points are (recorded on video) and some with audio to protect both citizens and our officers.” Marshal Smith and his wife, Toni, have two adult children. For more information on Marshal Smith’s campaign, visit www.keepstevesmithmarshal.com.

A HEART BEHIND THE BADGE

Lamkin cites community concerns and compassion in marshal bid

Ramone Lamkin AUGUSTA Ramone Lamkin, a candidate for Marshal, has a fundamental approach to law enforcement – “walk a mile in

“What if that was your mom, your brother, your sister in that situation? If you have a concern for the other person and watch how you treat people, things will be OK.” This approach – which was on display at a NAACP community forum last summer – has endeared him to the community. He hopes to turn that momentum into a successful bid for Marshal. “Law enforcement should be with the people – not above them, but with them,” he said. “The days of the past – where law enforcement was in one place and the community was in another – are long gone. We are here to help and serve, and I encourage officers to take that to heart.” Lamkin, who currently heads the Traffic Safety Division for the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, is running against an incumbent, Steve Smith, in a Photo by Ken Makin race slated for Tuesday, May 24. Transparency is a key point of reference for Lamkin, who says he wants the other person’s shoes.” “My mother always told me – put to bring the Marshal’s Office to the yourself on the other side and see forefront of the public. He compared what they’re thinking,” Lamkin said. his vision for the Office to that of

the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, which has seen great gains during the tenure of Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree. “I love the way we operate in the Sheriff’s Office, and I want to bring that to the Marshal’s Office,” Lamkin said. “I want us to be visible in the community. It’s not enough to be the Marshal. People need to know who the Marshal is, and that he’s accessible.” Visibility isn’t the only part of Lamkin’s platform. He’s also focusing on accessibility, accountability and leadership. “It’s important to be accountable to our citizens and to this agency. That’s why I am focusing on national accreditation for the Marshal’s Office,” he said. “If you go to the hospital, do you want a hospital that’s accredited, or one where people are just working on you, with no certification? If you look at it like that, you would always choose the (facility) with accreditation.” Lamkin and his wife, Charlotte, have three children: Hailey, 11; Amelio Jr., 9; and Brooke, 8. For more information on his campaign, visit www.lamkinformarshal.com.

The James Brown Family Birthday Bash, which view, a tented VIP section with tables, beer, wine & liquor, and private George Claussen at 706.373.2223 or will reunite 13 members of the James Brown chairs, catered food, open bar with restrooms. For information, call email: clausseniv@me. com. Band with special guests on May 3, will now be free to the public thanks to the generosity of title sponsor, Copenhaver Consulting. The event will at the Augusta Common at Broad St. (between 8th & 9th St.) Special guests include Sharon Jones, George Porter Jr. (The Meters), Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk), Ty Taylor (Vintage Trouble), Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band), Chris Rob (Nasty Delicious), Gavin Hamilton (Funk You) and Greg Hester. The concert is a charity benefit for James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils (JAMP), a local non-profit, which furthers music education for Augusta’s youth through the music of James Brown. JAMP was founded in accordance with the wishes of Mr. Brown himself. The JAMP Masters will take the stage directly before the James Brown Band to pay a fitting tribute to the life, legacy and music of “the hardest-working man in show business.” CONOMIC GROWTH • AFE EIGHBORHOODS Doors open at 5:00 PM. Funk You and the JAMP Masters will perform prior to the James MALL USINESSES Brown Band taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. VIP Tickets are available for purchase PPORTUNITIES OR IGH- AGE OBS at JBfamilyBash.com and include preferred stage

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UPW Urban Pro Weekly

2746 Willis Foreman Road Hephzibah, GA 30815

2439 Peach Orchard Rd. Augusta Ga 30906 706-825-8529

URBAN PRO WEEKLY Publisher URBAN PRO MEDIA 706-836-2018 urbanpromedia@yahoo.com

CEO / Sales FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 editor@urbanproweekly.com

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

JB Birthday Bash now free to public

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

SPORTS HS Lacrosse

Lakeside vs MLK Lakeside’s Anna Parviainen (R) knocks the ball loose from MLK High School (Atlanta) lacrosse player Courtney Robinson (center) as they run down the field during a game held at Lakeside stadium. The Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Lions 21-5 in the final score. (April 23, 2016 - Evans, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Evans vs Lakeside Evans’ defender Izzy Russell (L) battles with Lakeside’s Caitlyn Cox (R) for control of the ball during a lacrosse game held at Evans stadium. The Lady Panthers pounced on the Lady Knights with an 18-1 victory in the final score. (April 21, 2016 Evans, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Members of Team Georgia and Team South Carolina received individual superlatives following the 17th Annual CSRA Girls’ High School All-Star Game held April 16 at Paine College’s HEAL Center. (L-R) Kaleah Hires (6 - won for Academic achievement) Kwajelin Farrar (16) of Grovetown High School received the Most Outstanding Player Award, Maria Gaffney (Team MVP), and Jazmine Holman of Laney was recognized for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Photo by Anthony Hooker

17th Annual CSRA High School All-Star Games

TEAM GEORGIA ALL STARS Members of Team Georgia take a celebratory picture following a victory over Team South Carolina at the 17th Annual CSRA High School All-Star Games. Team Georgia defeated Team South Carolina in the boys’ and girls’ basketball games. Photo by Anthony Hooker

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

INDIVIDUAL STANDOUTS

Reboot For Change!

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

Hip Hop Gospel Concert May 14, 2016 Bernie Ward Community Center Billed as the most phenomenal event of the year, “Reboot For Change” is a gospel Hip-Hop Concert followed by a worship service. Workshops starting at 8:30 am will jumpstart the event. Headliners include Pastor Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen from the Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida. He’s amazing. Also, Grammie-Award-winning producer Herman Little and “Blessed to be a Blessing” Jason Lutes, both from NU Royal Group in Atlanta, Georgia will be on hand. The inspirational, motivational, Teka Downer will be there to RE-ME the public. At noon it’s going down with Tommy “Urban D” Kyllonen, Diversity, PSMITH, Mike “Sarge” Manning, and Pastor Der win Jackson and the Experience will perform. It’s all for the glory, praise, and honor of worshipping God, in a HIP-HOP kind-of way. Vendors, refreshments, and voter registration activities are scheduled. Event sponsored by Imago Dei Community Development Inc.

Mega Book Sale Sat. April 30 - May 1 The Friends of the AugustaRichmond County Public Library System (FOAL) is having their Spring Mega Book Sale on Saturday, April 30th from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm and Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Popular mysteries, humor, history, biography, medical, arts, crafts and hobby books are just some of the subjects covered in the used book inventory. Shoppers can also join the auxiliary organization at this event. All proceeds from the sale go to benefit the AugustaRichmond County Public Library System and its various communitybased initiatives. For more information about the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System, go to www.arcpls. org.

RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Bond Issue Program

B-14-028-1062 Rollins Elementary School Addition and Renovations

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Rollins Elementary School Addition and Renovations, Project # B-14-028-1062 by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 P.M. local time, _Thursday, May 19th, 2016______, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period will be made. A NON-MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held _Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 3:00 pm_ local time in the _Cafeteria__ at Rollins Elementary School, 2160 Mura Drive, Augusta, GA 30906. Drawings and project manual on this work may be examined at the Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 1781 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901. Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Architect: Virgo Gambill Architects, 2531 Center West Parkway, Suite 200, Augusta, GA 30909. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $100.00 per set should be filed promptly with the Architect. Bidding material will be forwarded (shipping charges collect) as soon as possible. The full amount of deposit for one set will be refunded to each prime contractor who submits a bona fide bid upon return of such set in good condition within 10 days after date of opening bids. All other deposits will be refunded with deductions approximating cost of reproduction of documents upon return of same in good condition within 10 days after date of opening bid. Contract, if awarded, will be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 35 days after time has been called on the date of opening. Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount not less than 5% of the base bid. Personal checks, certified checks, letters of credit, etc., are not acceptable. The successful bidder will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities. BID LIST: The Richmond County Board of Education maintains a bid list for many categories that are let for bid each year. If your company wishes to remain on our bid list, we must receive a response either through a bid or by a no bid response. If we do not receive a response, your company’s name will be removed from our bid list. Please call the bid office at 706-826-1298 if you fail to receive a post card. To promote local participation, a database of Sub-contractors, Suppliers, and Vendors has been developed by the Program Manager, GMK Associates. Contact Jeanine Usry with GMK Associates at (706) 826-1127 for location to review and obtain this database. Bids shall be submitted and addressed to: Dr. Angela Pringle County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. C. Gene Spires

9 UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

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UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin IMAGERY WITHOUT SUBSTANCE

Let’s analyze Black history to make sure what we like on the surface has true value

few months ago, I was invited to appear on a local television show. During that broadcast, I made a “controversial” comment about Black History Month (BHM). “We should do away with Black History Month,” I said as the live studio audience looked at me with surprise and horror. Then, I provided context. “Carter G. Woodson created Black History Month with the intent that it would eventually be taught as a part of our children’s everyday curriculum,” I said, to the sound of applause. “Additionally, we have to make sure that Black history is taught in our homes and churches on a consistent basis.” Sadly, BHM has become the perfect example of imagery without substance. On the surface, it is an opportunity to celebrate Black icons and Black culture. What it has devolved into is 28 (or 29) days of “learning” about a central cast of individuals, without a real connection to the present. You might not agree with me, but the dynamic holds true. We have gone through the motions with BHM to the point where it has lost its flavor, its essence, its INTENT. Last week, there were various reports that the U.S. Treasury would replace Andrew Jackson’s face with Harriet Tubman’s on the twenty-dollar bill. The response was predictably and unfortunately polarizing. And on the surface, it appeals to my senses. Replacing a slaveowner with a woman who herself gained her own freedom and that of so many others? Beautifully ironic. Ultimately, it’s imagery. While we debate the merits of whose face should appear on a dub, the racial wealth gap continues to grow. A recent CNN report highlighted federal data from 2013, which reported that the median health for white families was around $141,900, compared to Black families at about $11,000 and Hispanics at about $13,700.

“Ultimately, it’s imagery. While we debate the merits of whose face should appear on a “dub,” the racial wealth gap continues to grow.” Here are some more statistics: • While 44% of all Americans have less than three months worth of income saved, 67% of blacks and 71% of Hispanics lack adequate savings, compared to 34.7% of whites. • On average, 71% of whites own a home, compared to 41% of blacks and 45% of Hispanics. • Nationwide, 46% of white families are cost burdened compared to 57% of black families and 56% of Hispanic families. In the face of those statistics, when it comes to whose face appears on the $20, in the words of the late Prince Rogers Nelson, “Money Don’t Matter 2 Night.” African-Americans must be ever vigilant, even in the midst of recognition. We literally can’t afford to rest on our laurels, because we live in a society that has sought to oppress us for centuries. Imagery without substance becomes fruitlessness. And those slow gains – or no gains – quickly become frustration. Allow me to give this topic some local perspective. The Augusta Commission has six Black commissioners and a Black mayor. At this time, what would be the approval rating of these gentlemen? The imagery of it all is awesome. The effectiveness? That is another matter entirely. I understand this is a tough analysis. Yet we as a people have gotten lost in imagery and symbolism for decades. It has created an unhealthy culture of respectability politics. We don’t even see the connection, some 50 years apart, between the ideas of “Black

Power” and “Black Lives Matter” – both essential cries against white supremacy. We have allowed an unprecedented amount of Black politicians to take office – and essentially do nothing for our communities in need. There was a series of Sprite commer-

cials geared toward the urban community in the early 90s with a theme applicable to this topic: “Image is nothing. Thirst is everything. Obey your thirst.” Let us thirst as a community for substance beyond the surface.

Ken J. Makin is the host of “Makin’ A Difference,” an online radio program available on iTunes and Soundcloud (soundcloud.com/makinadifference). Updates on the show are available atfacebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. You can also reach Ken by email at makinadifferenceshow@ gmail.com, or via Twitter @differencemakin.

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UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

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UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 28 - 30, 2016

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