UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW

Passionate Multi-talented artist discusses her next project

URBAN PRO WEEKLY APRIL 6 - 12, 2017 VOL. 6 NO. 12

medical pot is big business Is legal marijuana the new frontier for black entrepreneurs?

Black farmers in Florida shut out of $10 billion medical marijuana business

Ben Hasan

Discusses New Radio Show

Ken Makin

On American Exceptionalism

Vincent Hobbs

Sports Journal photos

e m o c l e W Masters Visitors

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Is legal marijuana the new frontier for black entrepreneurs?

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer If you’re just waking up to the opportunities that currently exist in the nascent medical marijuana industry (as well as the broader recreational marijuana products and technology) you have some catching up to do. Wall Street journalists can readily point to those who have already made and lost hundreds of millions of dollars thus far as the marijuana industry struggles to establish itself.

The good thing is that, now is as close to the “ground floor” as the small investor, entrepreneur or promoter is likely to get. And while the industry “gatekeepers” (the state legistalators and big money folks) will make it difficult for “regular folks” to gain a foothold in the lucrative medical marijuana industry, either as growers or dispensary operators, there’s a ton of resources available for any determined newcomer wishing to carve a niche for themselves.

It is ironic that the commodity, the enforcement of which has wreaked so much havoc in the black community, will likely lead to the creation of wealth (legally) to members of that same community. If now is the chance for African Americans to take advantage of an opportunity that’s before them, why not do so?

Georgia Marijuana Permit Card As I write this, Gov. Nathan Deal is poised to sign into law a measure that would expand Georgia’s medical marijuana program. The bill would make six conditions eligible for treatment with a limited form of cannabis oil allowed in Georgia: Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, autism, epidermolysis bullosa, peripheral neuropathy and Tourette’s syndrome. Patients in hospice care also could possess the oil.

In 2016, Black Enterprise Magazine hosted the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit and introduced participants to Scott Greiper, CEO of Viridian Capital Advisors, a financial and strategic advisory firm dedicated to the cannabis market. The company provides investment banking, market intelligence, investor relations, and corporate development services to emerging growth companies in the cannibis sector.

“What the black community needs is education, and insight, and access,” Greiper told the audience. “It’s right that people can build, grow, scale and operate with integrity.”

Also at that Summit, Wanda James

coached attendees interested in getting in on the cannabis action. James is the first black woman to own a cannabis dispensary in the state of Colorado.

She is the president of Cannabis Global Initiative.

“It’s time to get involved — the time is now,” Wanda James said. “If you’re in a state that just legalized, don’t think that you’re going in and will receive big money. You should anticipate operating in the negative for maybe a year later, maybe two.”

For those who don’t have the time or inclination to become dedicated entrepreneurs, there’s an easier route to get involved in the coming marijuana gold rush. I’m talking about marijuana penny stocks.

Just today, this message arrived in my email: The Marijuana Investment Jackpot ... Like it or not, marijuana legalization is sweeping the country ...

On Election Day, California, Nevada and Massachusetts all roundly voted to legalize recreational marijuana use...

And that means that very soon dozens of tiny marijuana firms could skyrocket by 100%, 300%, 500% or higher. . .

That pitch was for marijuana penny stocks. If you’re a novice investor, steer clear of penny stocks. unless you get professional help.

In an upcoming report, UPW will discuss the attraction of marijuana stocks and why time may be on your side.

Israel’s medical marijuana pioneers look to cash in on $20 billion market (The Guardian) In a small pharmaceutical lab in Jerusalem, a complex construction of rubber tubes, pumps and a brass pipe sits on a worktop. A prototype device, its purpose is to “smoke” cannabis to remove its active constituents and turn them into powder, with the hope that the resulting product can be used for pain relief in young cancer patients.

The Izun lab offers a glimpse of the ambition by Israeli researchers to corner the rapidly burgeoning new global market in medical marijuana, a market its proponents argue soon could be worth almost $20 billion annually by 2020 in the US alone.

Their aim is not simply to take part in a hugely lucrative market, but to transform the medical marijuana industry into a serious endeavour of pharmaceutical research, proContinued on page 5

Black farmers shut out of $10 billion medical marijuana business States laws may prevent black farmers from growing hemp plants

By Carolyn M. Brown Originally printed in 2015 National support for legalizing marijuana has been growing rapidly.

Now legalized in 23 states and the District of Columbia for medical use and four states – Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska – and DC for recreational use, cannabis is big business. Independent analysts have valued the legal industry at

$3 billion and rising to $10 billion when including ancillary trades and services.

Cassandra Farrington, the co-founder and chief executive of Marijuana Business Media, puts the industry’s workforce at 60,000.

Others sates are expected to follow suit over the next couple of years, putting an end to cannabis prohibition. With the industry concentrating on making cannabis more of a main-

stream and sellable product, a growing crop of businesses are expected to profit from the cultivation and distribution of marijuana.

There has been widespread concern that African American entrepreneurs would be left out America’s big green rush. Now there is concern that black farmers will be kept out as well.

In many states that have legalized medical marijuana, people with drug-related felony convictions can-

not open cannabis-related businesses. Additionally, application fees and licensing fees for medical marijuana dispensaries often total tens of thousands of dollars, further keeping opportunity at arm’s length for many minority entrepreneurs.

What’s more, many states like Florida are allowing nurseries to grow and distribute it, but under very tight Continued on page 5

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Special Report: THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA BONANZA

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MEDIA

NEWS

Networking, education and wealth creation set to be recurring themes in new Hasan radio show Can We Talk

Debuts on April 10 Mondays 7-8 pm 94.7 FM demand be on ourselves and about moving forward?”

In response, Fraser outlined three moral imperatives that he viewed as the key to black progress.

The first moral imperative involved everything that was required to go from slavery to freedom. The second dealt with the fight for equal rights and full citizenship. The third moral imperative is the struggle to overcome poverty and build wealth.

Ben Hasan is the Augusta That’s the moral imperative that’s Commissioner for in front of us now and education, District 6 in South Augusta entrepreneurship, and a new style of leadership what is needed to address UPW: Tell us about your latest this third moral imperative. project. When will it kick off?

HASAN: My latest project is a radio UPW: Is this a continuation of the talk program on 94.7 FM that will themes of the past or a new direchave the same name as my very first tion and focus for Ben Hasan? program called “Can We Talk.” The HASAN: I see it as a continuation of program starts on April 10 and will the same conversation because “Can air Monday evenings from 7 - 8 pm.

We Talk” always wanted the Black I want the program to be an honest Community to have an honest conconversation about wealth creation. versation about our challenges and The theme was prompted by some- opportunities to make our lives betthing that Dr. George Fraser said at ter.

Tavis Smiley’s State of the Black Union I see the show as an opportunity Conference back in 2005. Fraser is to address the issues of poverty, to Chairman & CEO of FraserNet, Inc. accept and address the fact in that and he deals with networking and our race has lost the appreciation for building effective relationships. education and wealth. I also want for Tavis asked Dr. Fraser, “In the days us to talk about leadership in a much and weeks ahead, what should the broader context than in the past

UPW Urban Pro Weekly Willis Foreman Road Hephzibah, GA 30815

where we looked mainly to the clergy and elected officials.

I think it’s important that we understand leadership is something we call can engage in through our actions.

Sadly, the Black community has not even begun to scratch the surface in this area.

What would you say are among the chief reasons why entrepreneurship in the African American community remains such a challenge here in Augusta?

HASAN: Entrepreneurship itself, on a one-on-one basis, is thriving in our community. But understanding it as a networking tool is what is missing. True entrepreneurship should create jobs+work+opportunity and wealth in our community — just as it does for any other people.

In our community, the trust factor becomes a hurdle. We must begin to accept building trust as a challenge. If we can do so, then we’ll begin to see leadership in it purest form. Then we need to have the faith to make sacrifices needed to accomplish our goals.

I say this, not as a commissioner but as a citizen who believes we have so much more to give and accomplish in a meaningful way.

How has your role as commissioner for the city’s sixth district impacted your view of economic development in Augusta?

HASAN: As a lifelong resident of Augusta, I have always realized in my Spirit that Augusta is a very interesting and special place in this country.

I believe that if we get our hearts and minds right in Augusta we can affect relationships and the quality of life in this county. Now as a Commissioner,

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

I believe the commission as a body is being a good steward of the taxpayers’ money. The proof of that is all the new construction that is going on and the many improvements that have already been made for the citizens of this city. The list is quite extensive. State and national governments have combined to infuse tens of millions of dollars into the local economy.

The investments in downtown are well known, but the Southside is beginning to hum with increased activity. I’m talking about the widening of Windsor Spring Road and Hwy 56 and the new business development along Peach Orchard Road.

South Augusta is, truly a “diamond in the rough.” We must continue to bring rooftops and businesses into South Augusta because the resources are there to support them.

Once we get past the discussion of economic empowerment, what’s next? How important is it to have a plan to move forward?

HASAN: Having a plan is what this conversation is really about, we cannot continue to allow our plight be just a conversation piece or a water cooler moment. We have an entrepreneurship and networking template that was put together in 1999 by four local businesspersons, which we will be discussing in the future.

By template, we mean it is a business model that can be tweak, modify, or we can create a completely new template. The most important thing is to have people at the table who believe that it is important to control our own destiny as much as humanly possible.

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

AUGUSTA Tabernacle Baptist Church will have five worship services for Resurrection Sunday on April 16.

There will be a 7:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. services at Tabernacle Baptist Church - Main located at 1223 Laney Walker Boulevard, Augusta, Ga. and 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services at Tabernacle Baptist Church - West located at 702 North Belair Road, Evans, Ga. All services are open to the community.

On April 20, 2014, Tabernacle Baptist Church hosted its first Community Resurrection Service at the Augusta Convention Center. The service

featured performances by Gospel Recording Artist Earnest Pugh and the Tabernacle Baptist Church 100 Voice Choir, as well as a special message from Rev. Dr. Charles E. Goodman, Jr. The service drew crowd of over 4000, which was the largest crowd in the history of the Augusta Convention Center. Tabernacle hosted its second Community Resurrection Service at the Augusta Convention Center on April 5, 2015 with special guest Gospel Recording Artist Anita Wilson.

For more information, call (706) 7241230 or visit Tabernacle Baptist Church website at www.tbcaugusta.org.

Israeli Medical Marijuana from p.3 ducing new strains and drugs able to alleviate the symptoms of of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, insomnia and other conditions.

Already, the “green rush” has seen about 500 companies apply to exploit cannabis products since February, when the Israeli government gave the green light to proceed with legislation

that would allow its cultivation, manufacture and export.

It is a move that has seen the US and others invest almost $100m in the last year into Israel’s nascent medical marijuana startups, as new territories, including individual US states such as California, open up to both medical use of the drug and its decriminalisation.

Black farmers shut out from p.3 constraints. A provision of a Florida medical marijuana law has caused much controversy among black farmers in the state who say it’s shutting them out of the potentially lucrative industry, reports ThinkProgress.org.

This group has now taken their fight to the Florida legislature in the hopes of passing an amendment that takes the regulation out of the bill.

Last year, Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) signed the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act, which allows some nurseries in the state to grow and distribute low-THC marijuana to patients who suffer from cancer, seizures, and muscle spasms. But the law stipulates that those who qualify for licensing must have operated as a registered nursery in Florida for 30 consecutive years — a criterion that many, if not all, black farmers in the state can’t meet. Farmers of color say they’ve been hampered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s past discriminatory practices that have made it difficult for them to thrive in the industry.

“There weren’t that many black farmers 30 years ago in the nursery

business,” Howard Gunn, Jr, the president of the Florida Black Farmers and Agriculturists Association, told FOX News. “Because of that, we weren’t able to produce as much or be as profitable as [other] farmers.

If we found one [black] farmer growing that many plants, it would be surprising.”

Regardless of the outcome, the current case in Florida has reminded some farmers of color that their economic position didn’t occur by happenstance, according to ThinkProgress.com. During the Reconstruction Era, for example, freed slaves couldn’t receive farming loans without credit history.

The USDA later marginalized farmers of color by increasing tax sale, seizing of land through eminent domain, delaying loans until after the end of the planting season, and denying crop disaster relief funds. By the early 1990s, the black farmer population fell by nearly 100 percent, eventually prompting a class action lawsuitagainst the USDA that resulted in the allocation of more than $2.3 billion to more than 13,000 farmers.

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Tabernacle Baptist Church adds fifth worship service for Resurrection Sunday

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SPORTS

Area Programs

(Above) A Paine College baseball player slides into third base during a game against Claflin University at Lions Field. The Lions lost to the Panthers 6-4 after nine innings of play. (April 2, 2017) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/ Sports Journal

Paine College’s Adam Martin pitches the ball during a game against Claflin University at Lions Field. The Lions lost to the Panthers 6-4 after nine innings of play.

(April 2, 2017) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/ Sports Journal

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(Above) Lakeside’s Caleigh Cox (L) runs down the field as Spring Valley’s Rochelle Tuazon (R) defends during a lacrosse game held at the Panthers stadium. The Panthers junior varsity team defeated the Vikings 6-5, while the varsity team crushed Spring Valley 16-2 in the final score.

(March 27 - Evans, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/ Sports Journal Lakeside and Spring valley lacrosse players try to scoop up a grounded ball during a game held at the Panthers stadium.

The Panthers junior varsity team defeated the Vikings 6-5, while the varsity team crushed Spring Valley 16-2 in the final score.

(March 27 - Evans, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/ Sports Journal

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The Wonderful World of

PASSIONATE

T

he songwriter and recording artist known as PASSIONATE is a bright light among many in Augusta’s burgeoning performing scene.

Through sheer energy, faith and undeniable talent, PASSIONATE keeps reaching higher.

On May 6, PASSIONATE will be performing and displaying her talents in her first singer-songwriter/ musical at Augusta University when she offers “The Wonderful World of Passionate.”

Besides entertaining and doing spoken word poetry throughout the United States, Passionate has also toured on the BET Music Matters Tour opening up for artists such as Marsha Ambrosius, Anthony David, and Melanie Fiona. She also has opened for artists such as Chrisette Michelle, Urban Mystic, & Mary Mary.

With her guitar as her main instrument, Passionate is able to create and manifest strong lyricism and melodies that pull at the heart strings. In 2011 Passionate created one full length project entitled The Journey-Love, God, and Relationships, with all songs written and performed by her. In 2013, she released her second project Stronger with two singles. She also recorded her first music video that selfsame year which was exposed to a greater audience by a retweet from the world renowned Bishop TD Jakes and supported by Grammy Award winner lead singer of All 4 One Delious Kennedy.

She is currently attending a performance arts jazz program studying piano to enhance her gift, and she is also writing and collaborating with other artists. Some of these artists she has written for will be performing in The Wonderful World of Passionate.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS: A.U. JSAC Ballroom, 2500 Walton Way Augusta Ga. on May 6, 2017. Doors will open at 6:30pm & the show will begin at 7:00m.

”

So, one day I was sitting with a talented friend of mine and realized that I had all the combined talents to write a musical, and all of my friends had all the combined talents to make it happen.

featured as a group in Sa Jules’ yearly project Life Logues. The Forces and Sa Jules together host an open mic at Humanitree each first and third Monday. I also was privileged to host a Poetry Matters event open mic every first Tuesday of each month at Hire Grounds Café. As far as live shows go, I have been fortunate to join the stage with Lady D and The Marley Tribute Band for the last two years headlining the Augusta Bob Marley tribute.

To add to this list, I also act. I am featured as a lead actress on ExFactor, a web series written by Karlton Clay of Victory Productions, and I am a supporting actress in his hit web series ColorBlind. I have also made cameos in different projects that Karlton has produced. Currently, I am a performance jazz piano major at Augusta University.

So, let’s just say, I have done and continue to do a lot.

Passionate’s tour de force, “The Wonderful World of Passionate” will be presented on May 6 at Augusta University.

UPW: When we first heard about your latest project, we were not surprised. It seemed to be so much in keeping with your unfettered creative energy and drive.

Tell us when and where your next project will be launched.

PASSIONATE: First off, let me thank you for your unwavering support of the projects I bring to the city. You have been there since my conception and have provided me with a platform in Augusta that I will forever be thankful of. My next project is “The Wonderful World of Passionate”. It will be at Augusta University JSAC Ballroom on May 6, 2017.

UPW: When I first became aware of you as a performer, you were a poet who accompanied herself on the guitar. Since then so much has happened. Kind of bring us up to date from your beginnings up until the point when you recorded “Stronger.”

PASSIONATE: So much has happened since Stronger, and what hasn’t changed is that I continue to write and perform at various venues. The song was produced by Claude Harris. Which by the way, the Stronger video directed by Yannik Cartier was retweeted by world renowned Bishop TD Jakes and supported by Grammy Award lead singer Delious Kennedy of All 4 One. This retweet & support helped expand my audience base across the world.

With collaborative projects, I am featured on Andreas Drizzy Smith’s project “Heavy Lies the Head” with two songs, one entitled Cold World ft Vanessa Harris “Most Elevated Deepness” and a collaborative song with various artists in the CSRA. After that, I wrote a new single called “Golden Chariots” ft Most Elevated Deepness produced by Akeem Wells which hasn’t been released yet. I have teamed up with spoken word artists Most Elevated Deepness and N-8 and formed a spoken word group called “The Forces”. We have been

UPW: Let us in on your creative process. How did “The Wonderful World of Passionate” evolve? Was it something that you always wanted to do, or did you just come to the realization that you had the skills to attempt something so bold?

PASSIONATE: I actually realized that it was something that I had the skills to do. I am a very skilled songwriter, a playwright, I act, and can also direct.

So, one day I was sitting with a talented friend of mine and realized that I had all the combined talents to write a musical, and all of my friends had all the combined talents to make it happen. It came as a light bulb moment. A lightbulb moment, that I believe could happen. A light bulb moment that is really happening.

I’ve long been a proponent of artists controlling their own shows – not just the creative aspect, but defining the business parameters as well. What’s your view of artists taking control of the business end of projects instead of waiting for someone to “hire” them.

Continued on next page

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Passionate from p.8

UPW: Why do you feel that it is important to ecollaborate with other artists and how did you lget so many fine performers to become a part tof your world? d PASSIONATE: It is very important to collaborate ewith other artists. I live for collaborations, simply obecause I love and believe in the beauty of people.

I believe that relationships and genuine love creates tsupernatural experiences and the advancement to shigher platforms that most people crave for in life. aI got so many fine performers to become a part of .my world because they believe in me, I believe in -them, they believe in my genuine love for what they Ioffer to the world, and they believe in what we all ecan accomplish together. l The Wonderful World of Passionate A Advance tickets can be purchased online d s on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ the-wonderful-world-of-passionate-tickets-32876586756?aff=ehomecard SoClay’s Haven of Beauty: 1913 Tubman f s Home Rd Augusta Ga. 30906 Humanitree House: 230 8th Street August t Ga 30901 s ProVisions Barber Academy: 11135 s d Atomic Rd North Augusta SC 29841 For more information on The Wonderful r World of Passionate event page: https://www. facebook.com/events/138301156695369/ Tickets will be sold at the door at $15

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HANDMADE DESIGNS

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PASSIONATE: I whole heartedly believe that no artist should have to wait on anyone to manifest their God given talents. When we wait, sometimes we tend to lose heart, momentum, and passion. I am a very passionate individual, hence the name. I tend to not wait for people to make things happen for me. I dive straight in with the faith that my gift makes room for me. I believe that it is my responsibility to manifest the talents that I was given instead of burying them. I constantly encourage all artists yaround me to learn what it takes with no fear of the dbusiness, and make it happen. I truly believe I am can example to show my friends and other artists dthat they have what it takes to do what they feel is tinside of them, and if they don’t have the faith yet, ythey can look on me and we can do it together. e , UPW: “The Wonderful World of Passionate” is ea multi-media event merging live performances ewith film and/or video. Give us a sense of gwhat the experience will be like for those who attend. m PASSIONATE: It will be a magical experience. ,Something the city probably has never seen. I have ysome of the most talented singers, dancers, music aproducers, and actors joining the stage with me to stell a story. The music is other worldly, the dancing nis enchanted, the writing is spectacular, and the -actors make every word come to life. It’s a fairytale eembodied with beauty, fantasy, magic, and love. .The experience will be something that they will -speak about for years to come.

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(Above) Aquinas’ Mia McBride (L) and ARC’s ShaCairo Canody (R) battle to reach the ball first during a non-conference game at the Musketeers stadium. The Lady Fightin’ Irish defeated ARC 1-0 in the final score. (March 30, 2017 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

A Laney soccer player (L) moves the ball down the field during a soccer game against rival Josey at the Eagles stadium.

(March 28, 2017 Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

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SPORTS

Area Programs

Westside’s Nick Norwood uses a backhand to return the ball during a tennis singles match against Aquinas at Newman Tennis Center.

(March 29, 2017 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

Westside’s Bryce Lampkin uses a backhand to return the ball during a tennis doubles match against Aquinas at Newman Tennis Center.

(March 29, 2017 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

Aquinas tennis player Cecilia McManus watches the ball during a singles match against Westside at Newman Tennis Center.

(March 29, 2017 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports

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UNDERSTANDING AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM

Oppressive ideology fuels this country’s mediocrity D

o you ever look at President Donald Trump or Congress and say to yourself, “I can do a better job than they ever could?”

Do you ever look at your local elected officials and say the same thing?

Truth be told, you’re probably right.

Trump’s election is a statement in white privilege, and so, by default, it is a statement in mediocrity. His “ascension” to the White House, and I use that term loosely, is based in his being a certain complexion and having a certain amount of wealth. It speaks nothing of his ability to govern, nor his ability to inspire his countrymen.

It requires a comparative analysis with the former president, Barack Obama, to show what it took for a man of MIXED origin who was perceived as Black to become President.

Prior to campaigning for President, Obama’s credentials were exemplary. He was a graduate of an Ivy League school, Columbia University.

He later enrolled in Harvard, where he became the first Black president (foreshadowing) of the Harvard Law Review. Prior to campaigning for president, Obama’s titles included civil rights attorney, professor, community organizer and Senator.

After Donald Trump earned his economics degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he took over the family business, which was founded by his paternal grandmother. Despite the prestige associated with such wealth, Trump chose to engage himself in sideshow acts such as “The Apprentice” and professional wrestling.

When Trump was elected President, he was the first without prior military or government service. He also assumed the presidency without the popular vote.

Upon comparing the two political figures, here is my profound question for the Black community – Why do we accept this standard?

Why do we accept this idea of “American exceptionalism”?

And ultimately, why don’t white folks have to abide by this standard?

This level of mediocrity is sickening, and it’s not like the establishment can’t do any better. I look at Masters Week – even the name is offensive – and I watch city workers of all walks of life scurry around to present an image that they only have to uphold one week out of 52. Augusta

is otherwise mediocre.

Instead of raising kids to be entrepreneurs – heck, to be whatever their passion and skill set implies, we make robots out of them in the name of “strengthening” our work force.

Actually, more like zombies, sleepwalking through careers and kids. Mediocrity.

It’s frustrating, and for Black folks, it means accepting a standard where we are treated as second-class citizens. And we deal with it, why?

Because this country’s programming teaches us that if we’re -just good- enough, if we’re -exceptional-, then we’ll get the fruits of our labor.

That’s some mediocre BS if I’ve ever heard it.

Black people built this country, with blood, sweat, tears, years and fears. We have an economic stake in this country and we have NEVER gotten our share. Black people have always been exceptional. The only thing that the establishment has been exceptional at is oppression.

This is an important conversation, and I would ask that you not confuse what I am saying here. I am not implying in the least that we should lower our standards. In fact, the history of African-Americans is one of overcoming impossible odds.

At some point, though, we should strive less for “American exceptionalism,” an ideal based on whiteness and wealth, and strive more for accountability of the people we put in place to allocate resources and responsibilities.

What’s the difference? Well, exceptionalism is a winning lottery ticket. One in a million might win it. It’s the same as a successful career in athletics or entertainment. For every Michael Jordan or Michael Jackson, there are hundreds of thousands of talented folks who fall through the cracks.

Accountability ensures that everyone, regardless of gender or economic class, has the ability to enjoy a quality of life where they have the opportunity for a good education, a stable environment to raise a family, for basic rights such as clean water.

Almost 50 years ago, on April 4, 1968, one of those standards of accountability was taken away from us in a violent fashion. He preached for equality in economics, as well as compassion and social justice. Contrary to popular belief, it was his ability to motivate the common man, the impoverished man, the “least of us,” that led to

his assassination. Today is a memorial day. It is a day of remembrance. We should honor, cherish, respect and pick up the fight of the late and great Martin Luther King Jr. That would be truly exceptional.

Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference,” a media conglomerate that incorporates podcasting/radio, social media and commentary. The podcast is available at soundcloud.com/makinadifference. Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached by email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com or by text at (803) 270-2331.

2017 GenCyber Teacher Camps

GenCyber Teacher Camp is open to teachers and teacher candidates of middle grades students ( 4 through 8). No coding experience required!

Camp tuition is free, however, a limited number of slots will be available. Participants will be proviced a stipend and camp supplies. Participants will be selected based on interest in incorporating cyber topics in their curriculum, diversity, creativity, and scope of influence.

Camp Topics: • Digital Footprints: Staying Safe Online • Yes, You Can Code: Beginning Coding • Uncovering Secret Messages: Exploring Cryptography • Lights, Camera, Action: Practicum Experience and Action Plans • Going Pro: Learning from Experts in Cybersecurity Careers.

APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 12

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

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Community Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Greenville Day-Trip April 22, 2017 SIGN UP TODAY! Join The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History on its next out of town excursion: Greenville, South Carolina on Saturday, April 22, 2017.

Explore many of the museums, art galleries and historic African American churches in the area. As a special treat the Greenville Museum of Art will have on display 14 pieces from their Dave the Potter collection.

Cost is $85.00 Register by calling 706-724-3576.

Deadline to register is April 8th.

2nd Annual Golf Tournament

May 20, 2017 The Augusta Municipal Golf Course Four-person best ball tournament (Captain Choice) Registration: 6:00 am - 7:00 am Tee-time: 8:00 am - Shotgun Start Golfer’s Entry Fee: $75 EARLY BIRD: Now - May 10 $85 per player: May 11 - May 20 Funds raised from this event will be used to support our community educational programming and facility maintenance.

Six sponsorship levels also available 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization Friday Night Pairing Reception at The Laney Museum May 19, 2017, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Live Entertainment and Museum Tour After Tournament Gathering at The Cotton Patch Restaurant, May 20th from 8:00pm - 11:00 pm.

Online registeration at: http://www.planmygolfevent. com/30365-LucyCraftLaney For more information and sponsor packages visit www.ucyCraftLaneyMuseum.com

Augusta Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Program Public Notice to Owners/Developers of Rental Housing in Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia The Augusta Housing Authority (AHA) will accept proposals from developers for a new construction project to incorporate an allocation of up to 20 Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Project Based Vouchers for rental properties in Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.

The Project Based Voucher Program provides long-term rental assistance through Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments contracts for rental properties occupied by low and moderate income persons. The properties must meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements, AHA’s selection policies and other scoring criteria. The purpose of this Project Based Voucher Program will be to provide rental assistance to those Owners providing newly constructed permanent elderly housing for homeless and/or low and moderate income families.

Information packets describing AHA’s Project Based Voucher Program, the selection and scoring criteria, etc. may be obtained by contacting Sirena Rogers, Director of Administration, at (706) 312-3112, or by picking up an information packet at AHA’s Administrative Office, 1435 Walton Way, Augusta, Georgia.

AHA will accept proposals through May 1, 2017. AHA estimates that it will provide funding for up to 20 Project Based Voucher Program assisted units, but reserves the right to allocate more or less units, depending on the number and quality of the proposals it receives. AHA also reserves the right not to award any units. AHA will only consider those proposals submitted in response to the guidelines in the “Project Based Voucher Program Assistance Plan” as described in the information packet.

The Augusta Housing Authority is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing by providing equal access to all of its programs, services and activities regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability or age.

Equal Housing Opportunity The Housing Authority of the City of Augusta, Georgia By: Jacob L. Oglesby, Executive Director

Due to inclement weather, the 2017 ParTee On The Green event has been postponed until Friday, April 28, 2017, in downtown Augusta. All details of the event – time, location, performers - remain the same. All tickets purchased in advance will be honored on April 28. Event headliner JAMP (James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils) will bring the sounds and spirit of the Godfather of Soul and native son, James Brown.

In 2014, a group of downtown business owners organized the community dance party after learning of the cancellation of the Mayor’s Masters Reception and the City of Augusta Par 3 Party. The inaugural event was moved to the Richmond County BOE Parking deck after heavy thunderstorms were forecast, but event organizers have opted against an indoor location this year – instead choosing to feature the scenery of Augusta’s ‘central park,’ The Augusta Common.

ParTee On The Green The Augusta Common 836 Reynolds Street, Augusta GA Time: 5:00 - 9:00pm TICKETS: $3 advance, $5 day of event, (free for children under 3 years old) ParTee On The Green is a dance party with music for all ages – beach, soul, pop, jazz, house, reggae, R&B, funk. Feature performances by community dance groups, a DJ mashup, line dance finale, and live band. *** Soiree: Jazz+Wine 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm 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 January 20, April 21, August 18, October 20; 7:30pm Venue: Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Building Construction for the New Dyess Parkway K-8 School project by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, April 25, 2017, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. No extension of the bidding period will be made.

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on April 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. local time at the project site located off of Jimmy DyessParkway.

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, Cheatham, Fletcher Scott Architects, 420 ½ 8th Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $400 (payable to the Architect) 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 tofurnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal to 100% of the contractprice.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities & 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 RichmondCounty AdministrativeOffice 864 BroadStreet Augusta, Georgia30901 c/o: Mr. C. GeneSpires

15 UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 2017

ParTee On The Green Community Block Party Moved to April 28

UrbanProWeekly - APRIL 2017

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ARE YOU AT RISK?

Stress Physical Inactivity Family 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