UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY MAY 19 - 25, 2016 VOL. 5 NO. 32

“Peaches” Stephens develops athletes for a living

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

3 UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016 ARC Coach “Peaches” Stephens loves coaching and developing athletes, but acknowledges that academic achievement is crucial to an athlete’s full development. (May 15, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

“Peaches” Stephens: A life of developing athletes INTERVIEW BY VINCENT HOBBS If you have ever attended a volleyball game, girls basketball game or track meet where ARC (Academy of Richmond County) was competing, you have probably seen the 5’ 3” petite ball of energy on the sidelines, watching the game intently, shouting endless instructions and words of encouragement to the players. You will have observed her infectious enthusiasm, spurring the Musketeer athletes to push a little harder, to run a little faster, to control that ball and to orchestrate the score. Or even to set a new record. Meet ARC coach and sports athletic director Chequita “Peaches” Stephens – simply and affectionately known as “Coach P” to the student-athletes who have the distinction of competing under her expert advice. Stephens earned her accolades as a power athlete for Butler High School, garnering state track and field championships (individual and team) in 1995 in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 4 x 100 meter and 4 x 400 meter races on the oval asphalt. She is also a seven-time All-American college athlete, with four indoor and three outdoor NCAA top performances. Those early years cemented Stephens’ love for coaching, which extends beyond her contributions to ARC. She also coaches her elementary school-age son, Donavon, and makes

herself available for coaching to any student-athlete, up to college level, free of charge. She considers her gift of coaching to be part of her ministry, to help others. Her husband Jonavon also coaches and is the assistant athletic director at Paine College. UPW spent some time on the ARC campus to get more insight on the phenomenon of Coach P. Where did you get your education? I attended elementary school in Augusta and I graduated from Butler High School. I earned my Bachelor’s degree (Therapeutic Recreation) from the University of Florida, my Master’s degree (Foundations of Education) from Troy University in Augusta, and Education Specialist degree (Leadership) from Liberty University. Which sports did you participate in during high school and college? In high school, I played softball, basketball and I ran track. Collegiately, I was blessed with an athletic scholarship to compete in track in field for the University of Florida. Go Gators! Why did you decide to become involved in coaching? I love sports and I also enjoy working with others. I’m a giver. My idea is to give back as much as I can. I can’t always give in a monetary way, so I

give my time. I feel I’ve been blessed, so I try to be a blessing to others.

was not personal or to hurt them, but rather to help them.

What are your favorite sports to coach? Whatever my current season is!

What is one thing that you would like to see improved for student-athletes in the county? I would like to see more emphasis being placed on the academic side of “student-athlete”. We should put just as much into studying and excelling academically, as we do with athletics alone. An academic scholarship earns a degree as much as an athletic one. Even more so, if a student doesn’t have the right grades, they can hurt their chances of earning an athletic scholarship.

Why do you think it is important for students to participate in athletic activities? Being involved in sports isn’t just about the sport — they learn so much more! Hopefully, I can help develop character, teamwork, how to handle adversity, discipline, work ethic and goal-setting. Those are the things that they will keep forever, even when their sports careers end. What are your past and current positions at ARC? I teach health and physical education. As far as coaching goes, I coach volleyball, girls’ basketball and track and field. I also serve as the school’s athletic director. Give us a student success story. Believe it or not, it comes from two students that I ended up cutting from one of my teams, after having played previous years. Each of these students either emailed me or came to me in person and apologized for their actions in high school. They understood that being cut from the team

How can the community be more effective in supporting our student-athletes? Support us! Anyone who enjoys sports should come out to support the students. They work hard and are very talented. It is helpful in two ways to have the stands filled. The students are motivated by it. It also helps to financially support the programs when fans buy tickets for games. What are some of your hobbies? Coaching! My work is my play and my play is my work. When you love what you do and enjoy it more than anything else, you’re always having fun!

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

2016 ELECTION - SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE THE VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

Incumbent Brown guides campaign with moral, spiritual conscience AUGUSTA Whenever Superior Court Judge Carl C. Brown makes a decision on the bench, he says it is the ideals that unify this country that governs his steps. “My platform is this – we are a nation under God, and it’s in God we trust,” Judge Brown said. “So the conclusion is, ‘Help me, God.’ Help me be full of wisdom, understanding and patience to do those duties I am required to do.” The incumbent Judge Brown will run against attorney Christopher Nicholson in a race slated for Tuesday, May 24. Brown touts the successes of the Augusta Judicial

Circuit (AJC) and highlights new innovations on the way in Richmond, Burke and Columbia counties. “We are real proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the Augusta Judicial Circuit,” Brown said. “We have a brand new courthouse in Augusta – a $67 million facility with 17 courtrooms. “In Columbia County, we have a very modern facility to accommodate citizens. We are preparing to build a facility in Burke County,” Brown continued. “The point of that is my colleagues and I work hard to make sure that we promote fairness and accessibility, and we

are proud of that.” Recently, critics of the AJC have said the circuit needs reform. In response, Judge Brown said the hallmark of the circuit is its fairness in dealing with the residents in the tri-county area. “I want to try to continue to render fair and impartial justice to all of our citizens,” Brown said. “That’s what I strive for.” Brown, 67, and his wife, Dalline, have five adult children and seven grandchildren. For more information on Brown’s campaign, email judgecarlbrown@gmail.com. — Ken Makin

Judge Carl Brown

DEMANDING JUDICIAL REFORM

Attorney Nicholson wants to see shift in local judicial circuit AUGUSTA Superior Court Judge candidate and attorney Christopher Nicholson is a second-generation law yer and has admittedly been around law “all of my life.” By virtue of his life’s experiences, he has serious concerns about the Augusta Judicial Circuit. “I’ve been around the law, watched what goes on in the (Augusta Judicial Circuit), and I believe it’s time for some reform,” Nicholson said. “It’s running rampant in what it does, it violates litigants’ rights, and I believe I can make a difference because of my Crhis Nicholson philosophy and overall expertise.” When he meets opponent and on Tuesday, May 24, he will do incumbent Judge Carl C. Brown so on a platform that demands

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2746 Willis Foreman Road Hephzibah, GA 30815

change within the local circuit – and on a much broader scale. “We need to do away with this connotation of being a convict – a felon,” Nicholson said. “You could make (one mistake) and you have this stigma of being a felon, and the system does away with your civil rights. “I have an interest in people,” Nicholson continued. “I don’t want to see them going to jail, and anything I can help them with, I’m going to do it.” A side from judicial reform, Nicholson explained in a video on his Facebook page that fairness is vitally important to his philosophy. “Whether you’re rich or poor, it

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makes no difference,” he said. “I would operate under a presumption of innocence, and ensure that ever yone has the right to a fair trial.” Nicholson, 68, has one adult son. For more information on Nicholson’s campaign, visit the Facebook page entitled, “Chris G. Nicholson for Superior Court Judge for Augusta Judicial Circuit.” — Ken Makin

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

FLYTHE’S PHILOSOPHY

‘Firm, but fair’ is the ideology that powers state court Judge’s campaign AUGUSTA A simple, yet effective credo effectually inspires the jurisdiction of State Court Judge John Flythe – “firm, but fair.” “I am proud of my record, and I am proud of my reputation,” Judge Flythe said. “I think that the people of the (Augusta Judicial) Circuit want someone who is experienced in these types of cases.” Fly the’s campaign emphasizes “unmatched experience” and being “tough on crime.” As Flythe prepares to take on Evita Paschall for the Superior Court seat vacat-

ed by Judge Carlisle Overstreet, he is banking on his experiences to endear him to voters. The election is slated for Tuesday, May 24. “My work as an assistant district attorney, my work as a municipal court judge and in my private practice have prepared me on a professional level to be a Superior Court judge,” Flythe said. “I enjoy the challenge of people coming to you with a problem, and being able to help them resolve it.” Flythe is running on a platform of experience, community service and a rapport with the ti-county area to include Richmond, Burke

and Columbia counties. “I’ve received calls from people who were clients 10 years ago, and they asked how they could help with the campaign,” Flythe said. “You really don’t know if a client appreciated or approved of your service, so when they call and want to help, it’s ver y humbling.” Flythe, 43, and his Mandy, have t wo children: Hailey, 14, and Andrew, 11. For more information on Flythe’s campaign, visit w w w. electjohnf lythe.com. — Ken Makin

John Flythe

THE QUEST FOR DIVERSITY

Paschall touts diversity and compassion in run for Superior Court AUGUSTA Evita Paschall, a candidate for the Superior Court seat vacated by Judge Carlisle Overstreet, has a strong motivating desire behind her campaign. It’s a desire for diversity – the need for more women and AfricanAmericans in positions of jurisdiction.

face off against John Flythe in an election that will decide who will join the Augusta Judicial Circuit as a Superior Court judge. Paschall says her sense of compassion and fairness make her a unique candidate. “Why is it important for the court to reflect the population? Because the ruling reflects the experiences of the person (presiding),” Paschall said. “It’s not to say that that someone who isn’t female or AfricanAmerican won’t rule properly or will rule unjustly, it’s just the idea of making sure people are represented.”

“Women and African-Americans are underrepresented in the Superior Court judgeships,” Paschall said. “There are eight fulltime Superior Court judges and three part-time Superior Court Evita Paschall judges. (Of those 11), there is one Paschall’s platform focuses on judiwoman and one African-American. that.” On Tuesday, May 24, she will cial diversity, fairness, as well as jusOur population doesn’t match

LETTERS:

Reader urges citizens to vote

Voting means inclusion. For this reason, the voter who votes is the most inclusive club in America. Moreover, the right to vote cannot be purchased for any price. That’s why voting is the great American equalizer. Every eligible citizen has one vote. Bill Gates, net worth $75 billion, has one vote. Warren Buffett, net worth $60.8 billion, has one vote. Mark Zuckerberg, net worth

$44.6 billion, has one vote. Oprah Winfrey, net worth $2.9 billion, has one vote. Michael Jordan, net worth $1 billion, has one vote. Eighteen year old fast food worker, zero net worth, has one vote. Therefore, instead of whining about the inclusion that should exist, celebrate the inclusion that does exist. Vote! Kevin Palmer, Martinez, GA,

tice “you know and trust.” She says it is incumbent that people come out and vote in such an important election. “Now is the time to make a decision about the t ype of judge that you want,” she said. “We don’t feel (what happens in the court system) when it’s not our relative, but when it’s our son, daughter, brother, sister, then it resonates. But at that time, it’s too late.” Paschall, 64, and her husband, Felix, have three children. For more information on Paschall’s campaign, visit www.votepaschall2016. com. — Ken Makin

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

2016 ELECTION - SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

VERSATILE JAZZ

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

City of Augusta Recreation and Parks presents the Candlelight Jazz Series, a series of evening of Jazz concerts, beginning on Sunday, May 1st at 7:30pm at the Augusta Common, Downtown. The concerts are held on every Sunday from May 1st – August 28th and will feature a few of the

area’s most popular jazz bands. The community and visitors are invited to the Augusta Common on every Sunday to meet up with friends, dance and enjoy great evening of music. Bring seating, blankets and picnic. Concession vendors will be available.

A drummer with The Versatility Project performs during the Candlelight Jazz Series concert over the weekend. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

A saxophonist with The Versatility Project performs during the Candlelight Jazz Series concert held at the Augusta Common. (May 15, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Candlelight Jazz Series SUNDAYS 7:30-9:30pm $6.00 Admission (Kids 13 & Under Free) Augusta Common • 836 Reynolds St. (Across from the James Brown Statue)

Jazz fan Danielle Brown takes a selfie photograph with her father Keith Brown during the Candlelight Jazz Series concert recently. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

i M a b t c i b t w C t o f a

HAPPENINGS

Tabernacle Baptist to host Kingdom Living Conference

Tabernacle Baptist Church will host its annual Kingdom Living Conference May 26 – May 29. The conference is an all-inclusive event for each member of the family. The conference theme is “Setting The Standard.” The conference is designed to help families’ triumph over the things that bind them whether spiritually, emotionally or physically. The conference will be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church - Main and registration for the Kingdom Living Conference is open to all. Registration for the conference is $5 per child, $10 per adult and $20 per family. The conference will kick off on

May 26 with Rev. Dr. E Dewey Smith of The House of Hope Atlanta & Macon Ga. at 7:00 p.m. This service will take place in the sanctuary located inside Tabernacle Baptist Church and is FREE and open to the public. The conference will continue through the weekend to include Outdoor Family Movie Night” on May 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Tabernacle Family Life Center and is FREE and open to the public. The Kingdom Living Conference will be May 28 at 8:30 a.m. featuring a group of dynamic speakers including Rev. Dr. Charles E. Goodman, Jr., senior pastor/teacher

of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Pastor Anthony C. Maclin and First Lady Rev. Peggy Maclin of The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square, Capitol Heights, Md. Conference registration/checkin will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Tabernacle Family Life Center. You can also register in advance online at www.tbcaugusta.org. The Kingdom Living Conference weekend will conclude on May 29. Pastor Maclin and First Lady Rev. Maclin will serve as guest preachers at the 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. worship experiences at Tabernacle Baptist Church Main and West locations and is FREE

and open to the public. The conference weekend will also feature Stellar Award Winning Recording Artist, Jonathan Nelson. Nelson will be the guest at 9:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. worship experiences and is FREE and open to the public. For more information, call (706) 724-1230 or visit Tabernacle Baptist Church website at www.tbcaugusta. org. Tabernacle Baptist Church – Main is located at 1223 Laney Walker Blvd. Augusta, Georgia 30901 and Tabernacle Baptist Church – West is located at 702 N. Belair Road, Evans, Georgia 30809.

Movies on the Common May 27 Inside Out June 17 Minions July 22 The Good Dinosaur Aug. 19 Aladdin

Movies on the Augusta Common will feature movies for the entire family to enjoy. Get to the Augusta Common early for some fun pre-movie activities starting at 7:30p.m. and to get your seat. Vendors will be available for concessions. For Movie Listing, please call City of Augusta Special Events Office 706-821-1754. The Commons is located at 836 Reynolds Street (Downtown Augusta)

For more information contact: City of Augusta Special Events Office 706) 821-1754 • www.augustaga.gov

Community Block Party The 2016 Community Block Party will be held at the Carrie J. Mays Community Center Gymnasium located at 1014 11th Ave. on Friday, May 20th from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Festivities include free food, free drinks and bicycle and helmets giveaways for children ages 14 and under. For more information, please contact the City of Augusta Special Events at 821-1754 or JR’s Stop and Shop (706) 722-5613. Sponsored by the Augusta Recreation, Parks & Facilities Department , JR’s Stop and Shop and Perry Broadcasting

E L E C T  SHEILA CLARK NELSON FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 125

NEW VOICE, NEW VISION

A Candidate that is Honest and Trustworthy www.sheilaclarknelson.com

WORK TO HELP INCREASE TOURISM HELP IMPROVE LOCAL JOB MARKET LISTEN TO AND ADDRESS CONCERNS OF CITIZENS CAMPAIGN DONATIONS CAN BE MADE TO: P.O. BOX 5544 • AUGUSTA, GA 30916 PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT SHEILA C NELSON

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

COMMUNITY

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin UNFETTERED: A YOUNG BROTHA’S POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS

The truest definition of “unbought and unbossed” There are people who say they don’t like the political season – all of the tv and radio advertisements, the people constantly at your door, all of the folks leaving flyers on your car. Well, I LOVE political season. I love having conversations with incumbents and candidates. I enjoy researching important issues and community concerns. Truth is, a lot of people have this type of love for politics. They just don’t always have the VOICE and FREEDOM to express themselves. I’m glad to say that this is no longer the case for yours truly. I like the word “unfettered.” I first heard it to describe Wakanda, the fictional land of Marvel Comics fame, which is presided over by Black Panther. It is mentioned in the comics as a self-sufficient, Africa-based country “unfettered by Western civilization.” With the endorsements I am about to present, I am proud to say that my comments are unfettered by political influences – financial, social or otherwise. These are convictions established through results and research – not by tradition, but by my truth: STATE COURT JUDGE Without a doubt, this is the most intriguing local race. There are three worthy candidates in Kellie Kenner McIntyre, Monique Walker and Bo Hunter. Hunter has the most experience of the group. Walker’s surname and influence are imposing in terms of campaigning. With that said, my choice for State Court Judge is KELLIE KENNER MCINTYRE. She has all of the attributes necessary to complete the task at hand – she has a familiarity with the position through her work as Solicitor General. She has an understanding and desire to provide alternative sentencing. Finally, she feels so strongly in her conviction that she is willing to risk her position as Solicitor General to make a difference as State Court Judge. AUGUSTA COMMISSION There are three races up for grabs on the Commission – Districts 1, 5 and 9. My choice for District 5 is ANDREW JEFFERSON. Kelby Walker is a voice for the future. Andrew Jefferson is the voice for right now. The endorsement and support of Commissioner Bill Lockett also bodes well for Jefferson. Districts 1 and 9 are open to interpretation, as there are various community concerns. In District 1, if you are satisfied with the steady progress in terms of flood prevention and community awareness, your choice is incumbent BILL FENNOY. The incumbent is also your choice if you have

concerns about the racial balance on the Commission. If you are not satisfied with the leadership in District 1, your choice is MICHAEL THURMAN. He is an established businessman with years of experience and brings innovative ideas to the position. Denice Traina is an intriguing candidate with Bernie Sanders-like appeal, but is better suited to the grassroots movement in Augusta. In District 9, while I have an idea of how this race will go, I understand there is a faction of the community that wants change. MARION WILLIAMS can reach his constituency in a way that I don’t see with anyone else on the Commission. It’s also worth mentioning that Williams’ personality causes friction on the Commission at times, which leaves the door open for RONNIE BATTLE. If conflict on the Commission doesn’t bother you, Williams is your choice. If you believe a fresh face on the Commission is needed, then Battle is your man. MARSHAL As soon as RAMONE LAMKIN announced that he would run for

the Marshal’s Office, he had my vote. I heard Lamkin speak candidly at a NAACP event that focused on the relationship between law enforcement and the community. He maintains the integrity of law enforcement while having a heart for the community. I believe Lamkin’s spirit transcends Marshal Steve Smith’s experience. HOUSE DISTRICTS 124 AND 125 In the House District 124 and 125 races, my endorsement goes to the incumbents. In House District 124, WAYNE HOWARD has been a consistent voice in the community for years. While I look forward to hearing more of Greg Hill’s innovative ideas, it is clear that Howard’s vision and ability to work with his constituency and colleagues are important for the city and county’s development. In District 125, EARNEST SMITH’s resume and accomplishments speak for themselves. Sheila Clark Nelson is presenting herself as a “new voice” in the district, but the voice that currently resides and resounds in the district contains a clear economic path for

the future. SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE In the race between Evita Paschall and John Flythe, my endorsement goes to EVITA PASCHALL – after an extensive series of research and dialogue. The difference, quite frankly, is diversity. Paschall is not only qualified, she has campaigned with an understanding of what her election would mean to a predominately African-American community.

In the race between incumbent judge Carl Brown and Christopher Nicholson, my endorsement goes to CARL BROWN. Nicholson’s push for judicial reform is necessary, but should come under the leadership and experiences that Judge Brown provides.

Ken J. Makin is the host of “Makin’ A Difference,” an internet radio program available at 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.

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2016

A NDREW

J EFFERSON

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 5 MY PRIORITIES FOR DISTRICT 5 WILL BE TO SUPPORT

ECONOMIC GROWTH • SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS SMALL BUSINESSES OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH-WAGE JOBS

9 UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

VOTE May 24, 2016

MARION WILLIAMS Super District 9 Commissioner A leader that you can count on to speak for you in Augusta

“Leadership You Can Depend On”

Can I have your Vote? Tel:706.664.1496 (c) - 706.736.8025 (h) E-mail: wmarion93@yahoo.com Mail Donations to: P.O. Box 9636, Augusta, Ga 30904 Paid for by the Committee to Elect Marion Williams

UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

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COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 8, 2016, for the following:

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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, 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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UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

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UrbanProWeekly - MAY 19 - 25, 2016

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