UPW
Red, Black & Greens Food Fight For Your Life ......
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
URBAN PRO WEEKLY
APRIL 1-15, 2021
VOL. 9 NO. 15
CR EAT AD IVE A S P TI TO THE NG NEW NO RM AL Local artists talk about challenges to their ability to Create and Inspire during the Covid shutdown
Nefertiti
Trey McLaughlin
AE The Cool
Art ‘the Artist’ Abdon
Baruti Tucker
Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800
Movers & Shakers
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ORETTA ADDERSON, a trail-blazing Georgia farmer who claims numerous contributions to organic agriculture and Farm to School in Georgia, has been elected to the board of directors of Georgia Organics. Loretta and her husband Samuel Adderson, recipients of the 2018 Georgia Organics Land Stewardship Award, are third-generation family farmers with over 70 years of growing experience. They have been farming together for 14 years in Keysville, GA, where they are pioneers in organic agriculture and have served as mentors to many other aspiring organic farmers in the area. Their farm was the first to be USDA-certified organic in the Central Savannah River Area in 2011. It takes true grit, resilience, fortitude, and dedication to organically produce food from the earth, especially here in the South. On top of that, to go the extra mile and actively participate in her local school system’s farm to school program is a truly generous investment in our
state’s future. It is not an easy job, but Loretta Adderson knows that it is as important as it is challenging. We are truly grateful for Mrs. Adderson and the legacy she is growing as she paves the way for future generations of organic farmers in Georgia. You can find the Addersons’ organic produce at the Laney Walker Farmers Market, the Veggie Park Farmers Market, the Augusta Locally Grown Online Market and On-Farm Popup Markets. Georgia Organics is a member-supported, non-profit organization with the mission of connecting organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families. Georgia Organics champions organic agriculture and healthy families by prioritizing farmer prosperity, engaging children with good food in their cafeterias and classrooms, and convening local leaders to address food access issues by making organic and local food accessible to all. SOURCE: Georgia Organics “The Dirt” newsletter
Got a ‘Mover & Shaker in your family, business, church or community organization? UPW wants to know about it. Send us a message on the UrbanProWeekly FaceBook page.
BY WALKER THOMAS
M
an, there’s something about walking into a new year and the requisite self-evaluation. It’s no picnic. I’m struggling with this issue — this thing. It’s not about parenting, but this issue directly affects how I parent my kid in the fine city of Augusta, Georgia. This ‘thing’ directly impacts how I move throughout this community and interact with local leaders. And it determines the language that I use when talking to creatives and entrepreneurs who find themselves at a crossroads in life and career. Rhetorical question? Perhaps. Hypothetical? Could be. At its core, it’s a relationship question…. Let’s get into it. I’ve a friend. She has a cool life, lots of friends, great family (of course, because ME), makes decent money…. no ‘real’ problems. They ain’t crazy, no criminal record, never went off the rails (as far as I know) — just your average guy. Single, not looking. She has this ”suitor” who lives in another city…. is quite wealthy, and comes to visit, albeit rarely. He is special, of course, we know that. He whisks her off to faraway places to do the stuff that fantasies are made of. The suitor’s entourage
grantS her every desire, and all she has to do is snap a finger. All of us — her friends — know this. However… when said suitor announces his visit, my friend gets REAL extra. She doesn’t answer her phone or email. If I need to talk, she’s unavailable. I understand this, so I don’t expect anything to change. I still love her though. We all still love her. After her ‘vacation,’ we still show up with hugs and wine, listening to stories about things we’ll never experience…. hearing about how exhausted she is, how she’s glad it’s over, but knowing that she is counting down the days til next time. We wonder why she doesn’t speak of US in such loving terms. because, we’re here with and FOR her the other 51 weeks, even as she spends inordinate amounts of time, money, and energy to impress someone who has enough money to buy her affection and adoration, but will never truly appreciate who she really is. WE are still here, holding her hair … once the glitter has faded and champagne has gone flat. My friend: CITY of Augusta (leadership) Suitor: Big Golf Tournament My friends & I: CITIZENS of Augusta Can’t you just hear the citizens of Augusta channeling Biz Markie, leaving voicemails on 311, singing “You… got what I need… but you say he’s just
a friend…..” We are still here when heavy rains flood our streets and our homes. We are still here, counting the homeless population in 20-degree weather without a concrete plan for how we will serve them. We are still here, as we move forward with a downtown parking management plan that no one truly knows how to implement. We are still here, as our solution to a failing public education system seems to be ‘change the test’ or ‘blame the parents’. We are still courting charity rather than demanding equity. We are STILL HERE…. We are STILL HERE as our leadership continues to sing that hook on repeat, that our City is known for golf, yet our citizens cannot set foot onto that storied patch of land on Washington Road. And STILL… we cannot figure out a way to properly honor James Brown, a man who proudly represented Augusta 52 weeks a year, from wherever he stood — whether mountain or molehill. We are still here… asking my girl if a hot date and a fat check once a year is the same as or better than love and respect year-round. Why? Because we love her? How did we get to this place? Are we good with it? “I don’t need nobody to give me nothing. Open up the door. I will get it myself” James Brown
SHATTERED VENUE OPERATORS GRANT
SBA directing billions of dollars toward operators of hard-hit venues The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to HardHit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is
reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.
gible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements
WHO CAN APPLY
The SBA will begin accepting SVOG applications on April 8. The SBA has launched a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal in anticipation of opening grant applications for the critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8. You can now receive both a PPP loan and an SVOG (but apply for the PPP FIRST). To ensure eligible venues do not
Eligible entities include: o Live venue operators or promoters o Theatrical producers o Live performing arts organization operators o Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria o Motion picture theater operators o Talent representatives o Each business entity owned by an eli-
UPW
PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co +1 (706) 751-2537
miss a window to receive assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, the American Rescue Plan Act amended the SVOG program so entities that apply for a PPP loan after Dec. 27, 2020 can also apply for an SVOG, with the eligible entity’s SVOG to be reduced by the PPP loan amount. The PPP loan applications have been updated to reflect this change. However, under the law, entities will be ineligible for a PPP loan after they receive an SVOG. SOURCE: SBA website
URBAN PRO WEEKLY SALES & MARKETING
http://www.growingaugusta.co/upw +1 (762) 233-5299
CONTRIBUTORS K.L Gordon Denise Tucker
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(but you say he’s) Just a Friend….
COMMENTARY
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ALL ABOUT FASHION by Kimberly Beasley
A
s a Mom, Stylist, entrepreneur, Costumer and Buyer at Tyler Perry Studios; PRINCESS WHITE manages to juggle it all. The Hephzibah High School and Paine College alum has an infectious smile and down-home demeanor that make her so relatable. As she climbs the ladder of success, she never forgets about her love for Rendezvous at Three (yes, she still bartends there) and those who hold her up so that she can be the true queen she is. We sat with Princess to discuss all things fashion: How did you fall in love with fashion? I honestly don’t remember what point at all, it’s so cliche, but I just have always loved it. And before I went to college, I wanted to major in fashion merchandising. But, at that time, it was not at the forefront, so I choose another direction. A friend of mine who owned SDA Modeling gave me my first wardrobe styling job through her Atlanta agency. Tell me about your business, Wire Hanger. How did that come about? Back in my college days, I was really heavy into thrifting. I would really get a kick out of going to the thrift store and putting the different looks together. After college, Derek Blanks would have Power Shoots, where those that were interested
in the fashion industry could come and observe the shoots and even style if given the chance. I became interested in starting my own business, and, at the time, there was no one doing online boutiques in my area. So I decided to start my own. The name came to me while I was sitting on my bed thinking. I looked over at my clothes racks at the wire hangers I was using. And there it was.... I named it Wire Hanger. So, let’s talk about Tyler Perry studios, how did you land working there? About seven or eight years ago, I took vison board class from Shun Melson, and I put a picture of Tyler Perry on the board, along with the words “costume designer”. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I just knew that I was going to work for him. I had sent my resume out several times but never heard back. But, in 2019, I finally got a callback – three of them, actually. The first time, I didn’t meet the requirements. Second time, I was sick. The third time, it all worked out, and I’m coming up on my 2-year anniversary this summer. Tyler Perry studios is so historical, what does it feel like to be a part of history? It’s a surreal feeling, you know - I’m like, wow. Tyler Perry has been a staple in the Black community for some time now, so I can’t really put
RISING TEENS ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS
GRAY CREWS, 15, has been accepted into the coveted South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, where she will complete her junior and senior years of high school with a focus on dramatic arts. The mission of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is to serve the artistically talented high school students of South Carolina through programs of pre-professional instruction in an environment of artistic and academ-
ic excellence. This comes on the heels of Miss Crews being crowned Miss Sophomore and Miss Sweetheart at North Augusta High School. Additional accomplishments include: BETA Club, Student Council President, SC Midlands Regions Orchestra (violin), SC All-State Orchestra. Gray is the daughter of Reginald & Ordean Crews and has dreams of becoming a Broadway star.
PRINCESS WHITE: “Even after two years, it’s still very surreal that I’m getting paid to do what I love.” it into words. But I’m just so grateful (that) something that I put in my vision board came to fruition. That’s why I’m very big on telling people to put things out into the universe. Even after two years, it’s still very surreal that I’m getting paid to do what I love. It’s amazing. Check out the rest of our sit-down with Princess White at Urban Pro Weekly facebook page.
Artist Check In
WE TOOK SOME TIME TO SPEAK TO SEVERAL LOCAL ARTISTS ABOUT HOW COVID 19 HAS AFFECTED THEIR ABILITY TO CREATE AND INSPIRE.
BARUTI TUCKER Visual Artist How have you managed to stay focused and progressive during this pandemic? The timeline data is really important to my creative process. I try not to depict the current events with a definitive eye. COVID is an historical event socially, politically and, most of all, allegorically potent. Therefore, I delve more into the spiritual relationship as opposed to the obvious layer in terms of health, recession and the continuation of rogue policing in this country. Painting black wearing a mask while being shot by a “Cop” is not my style of telling the story. So I go higher. The emotional impact of loss doesn’t inspire me to paint but my relationship with the Creator moves me to go higher. I painted a series called MANSCAPE. I painted 9 pieces within a month. One of the pieces is called “Divine”. The story speaks to the DIVINE MASCULINE that is a part of the “MANSCAPE series I created during the 1st wave of the pandemic. 1 of the 9 pieces in the series is called “DIVINE”- which focuses on the value of purpose, strength, beauty. intelligence humility, and leadership, even in the midst of chaos and destruction. I paint the BLACK MAN
to be illustrated physically beautiful, wise, confident, soulful and most of all divinely LOVED What would you say was the most challenging during this last year? Are you satisfied at the support your received at the onset of the pandemic to present? I get a lot of support from the community and I’m always searching for new ways to market my work so that it also affordable for the local collector. Now that things are beginning to level out and we are getting used to the new normal, how to you plan to move forward? I’m going to to continue to create another “body of work” that reflects the spiritual algorithms, and keep my ears close to humanity so that I can learn something, then execute something meaningful, AND ALWAYS keep my heart open for the charge of GOD, and what God instructs me to paint. Additionally, I encourage all creatives to write read what you wrote, or see what you drew because in a journal or have a sketch pad, go back and THAT’S where the genius IS.
AE the COOL Singer / Songwriter As an artist how have you managed to stay focused and progressive during this pandemic? Since I couldn’t perform, I had to focus on creating content. I turned my focus to my social media platforms and live virtual performances. I started doing covers and mash-ups on instagram and called it #AEsQuarantineCorner. Then put my feelings about all the craziness of the world and created the EP “Doras’s Soul”, connecting with some amazing artists from my community. I have also been using the down time to work on my overall craft, as well as take time for self care. What would you say was the most challenging during this last year? So many event cancellations. As an independent artist, most of my income and exposure came from performing. I had to figure out how to make up for the lost income, and also get comfortable with sharing more or social media to connect with the world, relying more on myself and not solely my talent like I have in the past. It really required me to stretch and face what areas I was lacking in. Are you satisfied at the support your received
at the onset of the pandemic to present? Considering the fact everyone was affected in some way by the pandemic, I have so much gratitude for anyone who took the time to listen to my music, purchase merchandise, or watch my watch my content. I released Dora’s Soul summer of 2020, and People were very supportive of the virtual concerts I put together. I also received Artist emergency relief funding provided by the Greater Augusta Arts Council. Now that things are beginning to level out and we are getting used to the new normal, how to you plan to move forward? Performing Live! I miss the feeling of putting on a concert and connecting with people in person. I can’t wait. Additionally, I just want to reiterate how grateful I am for those who support “the Cool” movement, even through a pandemic. For anyone else who wants to connect with me, you can follow me @aethecool. My music can be found on all streaming sites, as well as my Youtube content by searching AE the Cool.
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Navigating the New Normal
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Artist Check In NEFERTITI Writer & User thoughts and songs
NEFERTITI
As an artist how have you managed to stay focused and progressive during this pandemic?
Are you satisfied at the support your received at the onset of the pandemic to present?
I believe the pandemic and pressure of it all pushed me into a place where I could no longer keep things bottled up. I wouldn’t call it inspiration, but necessary for my wellness.
I am satisfied, I haven’t done much because I’ve had to shift my focus, and also because I lost my voice for a while. But the community is so supportive.
What would you say was the most challenging during this last year?
Now that things are beginning to level out and we are getting used to the new normal, how to you plan to move forward?
The most challenging thing about this year was how financial strain intensified, and how that impacted my wellness and headspace.
Now that I realize how vital creative expression is for my health, I want to become more disciplined in making space in my life for it
NOW THAT I REALIZE HOW VITAL CREATIVE EXPRESSION IS FOR MY HEALTH, I WANT TO BECOME MORE DISCIPLINED IN MAKING SPACE IN MY LIFE FOR IT
TREY McLAUGHLIN Singer / Musician As an artist how have you managed to stay focused and progressive during this pandemic? I’ve taken this time to really focus on my craft(singing/playing) and expand my virtual presence. What would you say was the most challenging during this last year? The most challenging thing I’ve experienced during this last year has been keeping my virtual foot print solid. Figuring out algorithms suddenly became vital to my ability to make money. With the cancelation of live performances, I had to find a ways to generate revenue. TREY McLAUGHLIN
I’M EXCITED ABOUT THE THINGS I’VE BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE IN SPITE OF THE STATE OF OUR WORLD.
Are you satisfied at the support your received at the onset of the pandemic to present? I was definitely encouraged and pleasantly surprised by the support from my musical colleagues and the community. People were really kind and thoughtful. Now that things are beginning to level out and we are getting used to the new normal, how to you plan to move forward? I think the new normal for me will probably involve a hybrid of live events and virtual content. I’m excited about
ART ‘the Artist’ ABDON Visual Artist In Multimedia (digital art, acrylic on canvas, a muralist and live painting) As an artist how have you managed to stay focused and progressive during this pandemic? As an artist, I had to pivot and challenge myself to make some changes. Before I painted and taught after school art classes, but when the lockdown began, I started going on social media live and teaching online classes every Tuesdays. I called the program “Happy Artooning Toosday!” This helped me to get my mind off of what was happening and also tried to help the children get active in the arts as well. I also volunteered at different locations, like the downtown library. After a while I was able to help the Jessye Norman School of the Arts and Gertrude Herbert Institute of the Arts with some online classes teaching children the basics for drawing comic book characters and more. What would you say was the most challenging during this last year? Learning how to use most of the live streaming services in a short amount of time was a big challenge. Also, I had to figure out if I should volunteer or charge for my services. I had to balance doing my artwork, teaching, and spending time with the family, without burning myself out. Are you satisfied at the support you received at the onset of the pandemic to present? I am satisfied with help, support, and information I received from the community leaders, organizers, and nonprofit organizations. I really never received any extra money as far as relief, but I was still able to work the same amount or more with certain schools.
Now that things are beginning to level out and we are getting used to the new normal, how to you plan to move forward? This next year, I am glad we are able to move slowly back to in-person settings and social events. This is something I did not want to rush. I hope to maintain hybrid meetings, moving forward. I am unable to go and meet in-person all the time, but if there is an event or meeting, I really want to be at, it would be great if I can still visit virtually, or someone can see my artwork virtually. This moment in history caused a lot of changes for artists and I hope we can adapt to some of the changes that will allow us to meet other artists from around the world and be able to sell more art all over the world. Additionally, I am a person that always looks out and advocates for my fellow artists, so I just want to pass on some advice I hope you can hold on to. We can be a greater arts community by staying connected. We can keep each other accountable & challenge one another to more than just art, but to learn and do better business practices that help our business as artists to grow. I mean step out of our comfort zone, out of the visual artist box, and expand into different areas, in music, dance, drama, & technology. Go into teaching some art classes, get into mixing your art with digital art, or taking digital photos of your art. We need to see how the latest technology can help get our artwork to new clients around the world, and integrate art into other products, like stickers, 3D objects, videos, augmented reality, books, movies, apps, and cryto-art.
The CSRA Business League, Inc. will sponsor one of most popular sessions in regards to Small Business funding entitled “Let Me Count the Ways on how to Fund Your Business” featuring Mr. Gregory L. Carter, CFF, ASBC® of Carter Financial Architects, who along with his co - presenters have provided information and resources to our clients in his three previous presentations to the CSRA. Mr. Carter will virtually on Tuesday, 13 April 2021 at 6:00 PM via ZOOM Webinar provide everyone in attendance with information that will
be beneficial to your future growth and expansion. To register click on “Let Me Count the Ways on how to Fund Your Business”<https://us02web.zoom. us/webinar/register/ WN_hdMicMiwTTOfczAPa1wa6Q>, we also ask that you share this email with a friend who may not be on our distribution list so they may also register and find out various ways to have their Business funded. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing all the information needed in regards to joining the webinar.
AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S CLARA BASCUNANA deMiguel returns the ball with a backchand during a conference tennis match against Lander University. The Lady Jags suffered a 6-1 loss against the Lady Bearcats at Newman Tennis Center. (March 27, 2021 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs
New public art picnic tables There’s a new addition to all the fun public art happening in Downtown Augusta! After reading about art loving cities placing painted picnic tables around their downtown areas, Margaret Woodard, Director of the Downtown Development Authority and Brenda Durant, Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council realized it was a perfect solution to encourage dining at local restaurants in Augusta while adding even more color to our vibrant city center. The Rotary Club of Augusta agreed to support the project and purchased five unfinished wooden picnic tables. The tables needed to be painted, so Kendrick Paint & Body on Broad Street agreed to help and paint the base coat. Clint
Hill, Refinish Technician at Kendrick Paint & Body went the extra mile by sanding the rough tables and painting a second coat, so the tables would be smooth. No splinters on his watch! Designing the tables was the next step. They were decorated by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Augusta, Augusta Museum of History, Lillie Jester (Augusta University student), as well as Edward and Brenda Durant. A huge thank you goes out to all the participants who took time to decorate a picnic table. All five tables have found their home on the Augusta Common on the Reynolds Street side, ready for our citizens to enjoy a meal. Each picnic table has a helpful sticker with the web address of restaurants, for ease of ordering.
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Community Watch
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Red, Black and Greens….. Food Fight for your LIFE!
FOOD
T
he holidays are a tricky time: With all of the heavy food that seems to be passed around the family table, it’s hard to find healthy things to eat. From Easter Sunday until the end of the year, all bets are off as far as sticking to any kind of healthy eating regime goes. Throw in a couple of holiday parties and midnight turkey sandwiches, and you’ve gotten to a point where you’re craving something on the lighter side. You can take control and put yourself back on the right track. I used to think of pork as a life-giving food. One of my happiest childhood memories is shaking a pork chop in a brown paper bag full of white flour and seasoning before my grandmother slapped them on a plate and dropped them in hot bubbling grease. Some minutes later, she’d pull out the crispy, slabs and pile them on a plate like a stack of golden bricks, a testament to the abundance of meat in my childhood home. It was everywhere, in every meal: smoked turkey, barbecue ribs, fried chicken — all of it accompanied by delicious, dairy-heavy sides like my mama’s macaroni and cheese and my daddy’s macaroni salad. I never thought I’d willingly give it up. But 25 years ago, I rejected meat and dairy in favor of a plant-based diet. Coming from a family full of nurses, they feared for my physical health — plantbased eating went against what many of us had been taught about nutrition— and they also feared for my happiness, since my new lifestyle didn’t accommodate the food traditions that had always brought me joy. African American plant-based eaters today have been galvanized by the frightening statistical pattern of life-threatening illnesses connected to diet and nutrition that affect our community at higher rates than other groups: cancer, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, to name a few. Black people receive lower-quality medical care and less access to preventive treatments than other races, and African Americans suffer losses from these illnesses more than most; non-Latino Blacks, have higher rates of premature death from stroke and heart disease than whites. And now, the COVID-19 pandemic is providing an ongoing case study in how a deadly disease disproportionately affects the Black community. As a community it is our job to help facilitate change through agriculture, diet and nutrition. However, it starts with the foods we love done in a healthier way. The long history of plant-based eating in Black culture is a revolution because it provides an alternative way to be Black in America — a blueprint for resisting some of the many forms of oppression we endure, allowing us the freedom to move forward. I’d like to think that for us, who have been searching for a home since we arrived in this country, plant-based eating, and its call to self care, can be one of the most beautiful statements our people can make in protest of the lifestyle that is expected of us. ~MaChere
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 35 minutes Total Time 50 minutes Servings 4 people Calories 381 cal Ingredients 1 1/2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or preferred oil) 1 large red onion , diced 3-4 cloves garlic , minced 1 large sweet potato , peeled & cut into ½” pieces 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste) 2 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder , unsweetened 14 ounces fire roasted tomatoes , canned 2 cups vegetable broth , low sodium 2 14-ounce cans black beans , drained and rinsed 1 1/2 teaspoons Himalayan salt , more to taste (or preferred salt) 2 tablespoons lime juice , fresh squeezed (more to taste) Fresh cracked pepper , to taste INSTRUCTIONS In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. When hot, add onion and a pinch of salt. Sauté until onion is translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until garlic is lightly golden brown. Add potatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Now add tomatoes and cocoa powder. Stir to combine well. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Loosely cover the pot. Turn heat up to get a simmer going. Once simmering, reduce heat between medium & medium-low to keep a light simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on everything and stir occasionally. Now add the beans. Uncover the pot and lightly simmer for another 10 minutes or until liquid cooks down a bit and potatoes reach desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Taste for seasoning and add as needed. Let the chili rest a minute before serving. See notes for topping ideas. * Topping ideas: fresh-cut cilantro, vegan sour cream, diced red onion, fresh-cut green onion, and vegan cheese shreds.
ARTNATION
Turned Into Art Commemorating Floyd Killing BY LEILA FADEL
L
eesa Kelly unlocks the orange metal gates and then the double doors of a storage unit on the far end of an industrial building in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Inside are hundreds of painted plywood boards. There are portraits of Floyd’s unsmiling face, others of fists raised in the air. One board is pink with the words, “Black Girl Magic,” and another with the plea, “Please Don’t Hurt Us.” These are the boards that business owners put up in the midst of mass protests last year after the killing of George Floyd. The video of Floyd losing his life while his neck was pinned to the ground by a police officer’s knee sparked protests across this city. Buildings burned, police used less lethal bullets and tear gas on demonstrators. The city was in pain. “There were a lot of complex emotions at play within people’s bodies,” Kelly said. “All of a sudden, out of nowhere, there’s this blank canvas all around the city and no one kind of had ownership of it. No one knew what to do with it. And so Boards that were put up to protect buildings from civil unrest became vehicles of expression for devastated people just started painting.” and angry Minnesotans — a mural of this summer in paintings and words. Photo by Nina Robinson Boards that were put up to proon these temporarily erected planks pair teamed up in August to coltect buildings from civil unrest go? she wondered. So she found- lect and preserve these murals that became vehicles of expression for ed Memorialize the Movement. After appeared across the Twin Cities in devastated and angry Minnesotans a local news article about her work the days and weeks after Floyd’s kill— a mural of this summer in art also featured Kenda Zellner-Smith ing. The goal is to share them as a and words. and the similar work she did with her constant reminder of what happened “If you look around this room, organization, Save the Boards, the in the summer of 2020. it tells you a really full and complete story of what happened to George Floyd and what happened to our city in the months following his death,” Kelly said. “Fifty Applications being accepted for Pre-K Lottery years from now, when people are wondering what happened with the The Richmond County School System is accepting applications for the Minneapolis uprisings of 2020, they Pre-K program. Parents are encouraged to complete an application to be Leesa Kelly of Minneapolis, can literally come back to these entered in Pre-K Lottery if the students will be 4-years-old by September Minn., has been collecting boards and learn the entire history 1, 2021, and live in Richmond County. The deadline to apply is April 2. plywood protest murals with the just from what’s painted here.” organization, Save the Boards, Before George Floyd was killed Applicants will be notified if they have selected for a slot on April 20 since the civil unrest following Kelly was a lifestyle and travel blogby phone and April 28 via US Mail. killing of George Floyd. ger. But his recorded death set her Photos by Nina Robinson on a journey to find something she For more details and to apply, visit our website at rcboe.org/ could do to help her community. PreKLotteryRegistration. That search led her to these boards. Where would this recorded history
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Plywood From Boarded-Up Shops
JUSTICEWATCH
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Be Aware, Be Vigilant BY SHAWNDA KETTLES
I
t’s April, which means it’s time again for one of the biggest events here in the Augusta area, and one of the biggest events in the entire sports world. The Master’s Tournament is upon us once again, and with it comes heavy traffic and lots of people. Things might be a little different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but due to the magnitude and annual popularity of The Masters, we should still expect a great influx of people to our city. April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and with that comes the encouragement for our community to be on high alert for sexual assault and sex trafficking activities during this time. Any significant sports event is the perfect opportunity for traffickers to make money by selling their human “goods.” Marquee sports events like the Super Bowl or The Master’s create a perfect storm for an increase in trafficking because they draw highend clientele, visitors not familiar with our community and kids out of school for spring break. No longer are sex trafficking victims adult women or men, but kids and teenagers are being trafficked in high volume, and sex trafficking has become a multi-million dollar business. According to Investigator Terry Gore from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department, Augusta is No. 23 in the nation and No. 2 in Georgia for sex trafficking. We think of these children as runaways, delinquents or even children within the foster care system. While there is certainly truth to this, the profile of trafficking victims has evolved. Children from all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels are being lured and forced into this industry. It’s not just girls who are being trafficked, but boys are a growing desired commodity on the market. Our children are no longer entering trafficking just by being kidnapped.
SEX TRAFFICKING IS AN ISSUE
Many still go to school and then home, but now they’re being “put to work” during school hours because these ring leaders use kids to lure other kids.
Our children are no longer entering trafficking just by being kidnapped. Many still go to school and then home, but now they’re being “put to work” during school hours because these ring leaders use kids to lure other kids. Our children are being approached and solicited on their video game consoles, chat rooms, their social media apps and their game apps on their iPads, tablets, computers and phones. Gone are the stereotypes that we were taught about what a pimp looks like. Traffickers look like people donning suits and ties, judge’s robes, doctor’s white coats, nurse scrubs, accountants, athletic coaches and teachers, police officers, pastors, church members and others wouldn’t typically invite suspicion. Traffickers will also use your kid’s friends to recruit them, and even family members are selling children. Because of this now wide-ranging profile of a sex trafficker, it often takes a while to catch these predators because we are too busy looking for the false stereotypes. Investigator Gore heads the Commercial Sex Exploitation of Children (CSEC) program. They handle no less than 30 cases a month for sex crimes for children between the ages of 5-17. Gore has stated that he has about 50 different accounts on various social media platforms where he poses as a child. He will often say something like, “I’m bored,” and will immediately be bombarded by adults from all professions who try to solicit him (as a child). It’s horrifying to know that people whom we interact with on a daily basis are involved with buying, selling and
having sex with our children. These are the most heinous of crimes that should automatically trigger the harshest sentences. As a community, it is always our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us. We must be aware of our surroundings and know what to look for. Here are a few warning signs of to look for in potential trafficking victims: Appearing malnourished Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse Avoiding eye contact, social interaction and authority figures/law enforcement Seeming to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in social interaction Lacking official identification documents Appearing destitute/lacking personal possessions Working excessively long hours Living at place of employment Checking into hotels/motels with older males, and referring to those males as boyfriend or “daddy,” which is often street slang for pimp Poor physical or dental health Tattoos/ branding on the neck and/or lower back Untreated sexually transmitted diseases Small children serving in a family restaurant Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment, i.e., barbed wire inside of a fence, bars covering the insides of windows Not allowing people to go into public alone, or speak for themselves As The Masters draw near, keep your eyes and ears open for things and people that seem suspicious. And if you suspect someone is being a victim of sex trafficking, please contact the Richmond County Sherriff’s office at (706) 8211000. Get a detailed description of the potential victim and perpetrator, any vehicles including license plates and pictures if possible. Do not put yourself in harm’s way, but do try to help with these simple actions.
11 UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 1 - 15, 2021
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UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 1 - 15, 2021