If you’re reading this, I want to welcome you to the Reaction Country School System, where everything is reactionary when it comes to education. And now, our pledge of allegiance, in the soulful sounds of Babyface and The Deele:
I only think of you, on two occasions
First days and fights
Our schools a joke
Let me whisper to you
Only you can make it right
Here in RCSS, the only thing that will bring parents to a school board meeting is the threat of violence! Big brawl, school shooting, that should do it! As if violence is the only issue facing our schools.
If you’re reading this, you probably think I’m only talking about the Richmond County School System. I assure you, the problems that our students, teachers and parents are facing in Augusta-Richmond County
are challenges all over the country. The holy trinity of public schools –students, teachers and parents – are fatigued from capitalism and the aftereffects of rushing folks back to work and class in the midst of a pandemic. Add that to the government’s continuing commitment to drain finances and other resources from the public school system, and what you have are the realities of America’s public schools.
Violence is a part of school culture because violence is a part of American culture. Our response to that violence is also reactionary –“thoughts and prayers.” And so, the violence continues.
How do we turn the tide? First, we have to become sensitive to school issues beyond fisticuffs. The goal of public education should be to provide students with a comparable opportunity to succeed. Folks will say “equal opportunity,” but we’re smart enough to know that economics plays a significant role
in a child’s success. Nevertheless, public schools can and should feed children for breakfast and lunch –plus send a kid home with dinner. If capitalism is going to force parents to work 50 and 60 hours to make it, the least we can do is send these latchkey kids home with dinner.
American propaganda is also a problem, which is why we have to hear whiny racists complain about critical race theory (CRT) and Black history initiatives. CRT ain’t scary –unless you’re racist. CRT is only an analysis of how laws and policies have been historically affected by the specter of race and other disparity-inducing elements. RCSS needs a Black history curriculum. It’s just as important for them to know about the Cyber Center as it is for them to know about the former Ware High School – and why we needed it in the first place.
Where’s the money coming from? Simple – teacher salaries and making sure our kids are fed should
be the responsibility of the federal government. They got money for wars, but they need money for more. Specifically us.
I’m ready for RCSS to become the Revolutionary Curriculum School System, but I know that won’t happen if the only time we run down to the school board meeting is after a fight. If you have all of the smoke for school officials, but none of the noise for CRT opponents or people who defund public schools in the name of “school choice,” then you’re no better than the run-of-the-mill school bully.
Let’s get to work.
Ken Makin is the host of Makin’ A Difference and a freelance writer for ESPN and The Christian Science Monitor, among other outlets. Look him up on Facebook at Makin’ A Difference, and you can also send him an email with your thoughts at makinadifferenceshow@gmail.com.
AUGUSTA
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson and North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams have officially challenged one another over which city can turn out the most volunteers and clean up the most trash in an event to raise awareness about litter, illegal dumping in and near the Savannah River.
The neighboring cities will go head-to-head in the third annual Trash Bash at the Border Challenge on September 9, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. Volunteers will compete for the most impactful cleanup measured by volunteer turnout, total amount of debris
collected, tires and recycling materials removed, and the most unusual, littered item found. Projects include cleanups by land and by water with kayaks and motorized boats.
North Augusta volunteers will meet at the North Augusta Riverfront Amphitheater and volunteers from Augusta, Georgia will gather at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater at the Augusta Riverwalk.
The Mayor with the least amount of volunteers will have to wear the opposing team’s shirt and present winning Mayor with the Mayor’s Cup at their city council or commission meeting.
Club Car, a global leader in golf, consumer and utility vehicles, is excited to announce the appointment of Lynthia Ross as Communications Leader.
In her new role, Lynthia will be responsible for Club Car’s internal and external communication strategies and will serve as company spokesperson. She will ensure the company’s values, mission, and vision are reflected throughout all company messaging and be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with members of the media, monitoring media coverage of the company, and creating customized communications materials for a wide range of audiences.
“Lynthia will be a key member of our Senior Leadership team and bring a strong communications and legislative affairs background to the business,” said Jeff Tyminski, Vice President, Marketing, Product Management & Customer Experience at Club Car. “We are glad to welcome her to the Club Car Team.”
Prior to joining Club Car, Lynthia led strategic communications and policy in roles with the Richmond County School System and HCA Healthcare/ Doctors Hospital of Augusta. Lynthia’s career in pub -
Lynthia Ross will bring experience to Club Car leadership lic service includes serving as the Chief of Staff to the Augusta Mayor’s Office and as a District Director for the U.S. House of Representatives, bringing a wealth of government and legislative affairs experience to the business.
Lynthia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations and a Master of Public Administration, both from Augusta University. She is an active volunteer and a passionate leader for both the Family Y of the CSRA (current Board Chair) and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia Philanthropy Board. Lynthia is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Xi Omega Chapter and a Leadership Georgia alumna.
The 11th Annual Women Empowerment Conference sponsored by AB Beverage of Augusta and the Wells Fargo Foundation, will take place on Tuesday, 17 October 2023 at 5:00 PM.
We will meet in the River Room of Saint Paul’s Church, located at 605 Reynolds Street, and via ZOOM Webinar, for anyone who would like to attend virtually.
There is no charge to attend, refreshments will be served to in – person attendees.
Vendor Spaces are available on a first come basis, please contact Ms. Montez R. Williams at administrativeassistant@business-league.org or at 706 722 - 0994. You can request an in – person ticket or a virtual ticket.
This event is open to the public, and those interested in participating can register here.
This event was developed through a partnership between Augusta, Georgia and Keep Aiken County Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful dedicated to ending litter and beautifying communities in the Aiken, South Carolina area. Other community partners include Augusta, Georgia’s Office of the Mayor, Engineering & Environmental Services Department, and Augusta Utilities. This event is supported by Two Dudes and A Boat Kayak Rentals.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AUGUSTA COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2023
The Augusta Commission voted to move forward with Developmental Associates, LLC. to serve as the executive recruitment firm that will assist in filling the City’s Administrator position.
Augusta Commission approved HCD’s request to enter into a service agreement with the Environmental Institute to provide an instructor to administer a Lead Worker and Renovation, Repair, and Paint Course. This training keeps HCD compliant with The Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes as they provide local training and certifications in Lead Worker and Renovation, Repair, and Paint aimed to grow the skills of the local workforce and increase the pool of applicants that can participate on the upcoming lead-based paint hazard reduction projects as part of the City’s Lead Hazard Reduction efforts.
The Augusta Commission approved the following grants:
• Augusta Fire Department has been approved to accept the FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $788,734.79 from FEMA, with the Augusta Fire Department complying with the grant stipulations by abiding by the 10% match of $78,873.49. The grant provides funding to purchase 28 automatic chest compression devices that will go on all fire apparatuses and cancer screenings for all firefighters.
• Augusta, Georgia has been approved to accept the FY 2022 Emergency Management Performance Grant of $45,000. The funding is provided through Office of the Administrator Takiyah A. Douse Interim Administrator AugustaRichmond County 535 Telfair Street, Suite 910 Augusta, Georgia 30901 Office (706) 821-2898 Fax (706) 821-2819 www.augustaga.gov the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security (GEMHSA) to support the implementation of the National Preparedness System by supporting the building, sustainment, and delivery of core capabilities essential to achieving the National Preparedness goal of a secure and resilient nation. The purpose of the EMPG program is to provide federal grants to states to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards.
• The Richmond County Juvenile Court’s Thrive Program has been approved to accept a $53,550 BOOST grant from the Georgia Department of Education. The funding will allow the court’s program to strategically focus on reducing learning loss and building opportunities out of school time for youth who reside in economically disadvantaged communities with higher concentrations of black and brown students.
AUGUSTA
On Saturday, Augusta 26, 2023 at 9:30 am, Sustainability CSRA and Walton Options will be hosting a “Ride the Bus” event in support of accessible, clean, and reliable public transportation.
Augusta and the surrounding CSRA are experiencing rapid population growth. With such growth, there is an ever-increasing need for accessible and reliable public transportation. In similar sized cities around America, local governments are committing themselves to making public transit a top priority budget item. Conservative estimates say that for every one dollar invested in public transit, there is a five-dollar return on investment to the local economy. Traveling by public transit is 10 times
safer per mile than traveling by automobile. New evidence suggests younger generations are more likely to use and support public transit.
Our goal is to have civic and community leaders see what Augusta Transit currently is like, and to hear from those who rely on it. It is our hope that this event will educate, spark further conversations, and inspire local leaders to push for a committed investment in public transportation. Committing to making public transit a priority is important because it helps solve inequities in transportation and accessibility, as well as it is economically and environmentally advantageous.
The day’s timeline is as follows:
Walton Options for Independent Living
948 Walton Way
Saturday, August 26
Doors open at 9:30 AM
Speakers & Community voices at 10 AM. Fare is $1.25
We will move across the street to the bus stop at James Brown & Fenwick Street, allowing for enough time for all to get there safely, and then will head through South Augusta and loop back to where we’ll begin. The approximate ride time is one hour.
Our speakers will include several voices from the community to include:
Commissioner Tony Lewis, Dr. Oliver Page, Augusta Transit, Heather Morales, Walton Options, Jensen Jennings, Walton Options, Reverend Nic Filzen, Unitarian Universalist Church, Christopher Hall, Sustainable CSRA
The physical state and ease of access to a bus stop may determine its use by the public and how the immediate commu-
nity perceive the transit agency. Augusta Transit, listening to the concerns of riders has recently upgraded two (2) bus stops
as part of a citywide bus stop upgrade plan.
1. Bus Stop #1640 Regency Blvd
Transit Office (route #6 Brown Line/ Gordon Hwy Outbound)
Waiting riders seated on benches at this bus stop were unsheltered and faced the direct sunlight. Given the frequency of buses during summer days the wait for a bus became excruciating and worse still for riders with chronic health conditions. Resolving this issue Augusta Transit worked with a local vendor to create an innovative screen awning. The screen significantly reduces the glare from the sun’s rays while maintaining a 100% unobstructed view of the waiting rider.
2. Bus Stop # 1431 Deans Bridge Rd @ Jay Ave IB (Route #8 Orange Line/Barton Chapel Inbound)
A formerly inaccessible bus stop for seniors or persons using wheelchairs or buggies. This bus stop also facilitated travel to the Walmart Deans Bridge Rd without the need to cross the busy Deans Bridge Rd. Working with a local contractor the bus stop was reestablished, shelter with benches placed and ultimately becoming 100% accessible to seniors or persons using wheelchairs.
The Salvation Army of Augusta is immensely grateful for the remarkable response from our community to the recent call for donations of girls’ clothing for The Center of Hope. Shelter Manager A’Neesa Hurdle’s appeal on her personal Facebook page has generated an extraordinary result.
In just three days, Hurdle’s post has been shared 245 times and brought in more than 50 bags filled with girls’ clothing, with donations continuing to pour in. Volunteers are preparing to visit the Center of Hope in the coming week, to sort through this abundance of donations.
For the month of July, The Center of Hope housed an average of 15 children a night, each of whom receives a week’s worth of clothes. Women and families made up over 50% of shelter
participants. Olga Gonzalez, Director of Social Services at the Salvation Army of Augusta stated, “We’re overwhelmed by the incredible support shown by our community in this time of need. Every donation, whether large or small, has a significant impact.”
The Salvation Army of Augusta is also accepting donations for its August Bedding Drive. We kindly request contributions of twin sheets and comforters, essential for the comfort and well-being of the individuals and families at the Center of Hope. Monetary donations, a cornerstone of our ongoing efforts, are also most welcome.
For further information on how you can contribute, please visit our website at salvationarmyaugusta. org or contact Development Director, Derek Dugan at derek.dugan@uss. salvationarmy.org
The September Community Luncheon will be held on September 13th at 11:30am until 1pm. Our monthly community luncheons continue to be well received. For September, we will feature a panel discussion on the history and legacy of the Lamar School of Nursing.
Our October luncheon will feature
District Attorney Jared Williams. Keep an eye out for more information on upcoming community luncheons.
Deadline for registration and payment for luncheon is the Monday before the luncheon. To reserve a seat please call 706-724-3576.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum is located at 1116 Phillips Street.
Alex Foltz & June KlementArtist’s Reception and Exhibit
Reception in Great Hall: September 7, 5-7 pm
Art Exhibit in Sacred Heart Art Hall:
September 8 - October 27, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm 1301 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 706-826-4700
Alex Foltz is a contemporary realist artist living in Augusta, Georgia. Foltz’s initial focus was on light and how it interacts with the world: how different light can convey a different mood. This shows in his conceptual work, which often depicts melancholy subjects with a more lighthearted tone. June Klement was born
in Knoxville, Tennessee and now calls Augusta, Georgia her home. Her work focuses on translating the emotions that she feels when exploring urban and natural environments into paint. Her impressionistic style of lively, vibrant, and bold brushstrokes highlights the ephemerality of color and light through textures on canvas.
UPW: Can you share the story behind the creation of your podcast “More Than The Masters” and how it aims to highlight issues of importance in the local community?
BRADLEY: At the time, podcasting wasn’t popular. So when I decided to take that step, I really wanted the name to, not only have meaning, but I wanted what I was talking about to reflect that meaning . When you hear “More Than The Masters”, it’s really just a way of saying, I know what Augusta is known for, but here is what Augusta is proud of or what Augusta has going on the other 51 weeks out of the year
UPW: How do you select and approach guests for your podcast episodes, and what criteria do you consider when choosing individuals to feature?
BRADLEY: I’m at the point now where I don’t have to search anymore and that’s great. But I pick guests now based off what I think they represent as it pertains to Augusta or what I see they can do. I look at all podcasts as little pieces to a bigger picture and if what you do or who you are fits my vision of that “picture”, I want to sit down with you .
UPW: Tell us about those aspects of your personal story that you were able to draw on to ensure that “More Than The Masters” was going to be true to your aspirations?
BRADLEY: Well I spent the first 15 years of my life in Brooklyn, NY and if you ask anybody from there, there is no greater place in the world. It’s a sense of pride you have being from there. I wanted to bring that same pride to Augusta – not Atlanta, not Columbia, not Conyers, but Augusta, GA . I think I do just that. Not only do I get to show people out of the city and state what Augusta has to offer, but I get to build that pride within the city – episode by episode.
UPW: Could you give us some insights into the topics or themes that your podcast covers and how they resonate with the experiences of your local audience?
BRADLEY: All things Augusta. It’s simple, whether it’s school system, politics, business, arts, or just a conversation with someone who was born and raised here or someone who wasn’t. I never want to be in a box topic-wise; so no topic is off limits, but I use my words and questions and paint and paintbrushes. And as long as I’m able to paint a picture or a piece of Augusta within, my podcast and my audience wins every time .
UPW: What are the long-term and short-term goals of your podcast in terms of raising awareness about important issues and celebrating the achievements of individuals in your community?
BRADLEY: My only goals are to the a staple in the city as it pertains
to media. I want to be a media outlet that people want to go to and that people feel good when called upon to be a guest. My other goal is to stay true to the mission of “More Than The Masters” and not what becomes in high demand. I want to grow but not change if that makes sense. A dream would be to make a living off what I do, but, right now, it is just something I love to do.
UPW: Can you share any memorable moments or interviews from your podcast that have had a significant impact on your listeners or the community?
BRADLEY: Personally, having family on is always most memorable to me but I’ve had lawyers, business owners, teachers, cops, plumbers, landscapers, parents, students, kids, coaches, players. It’s so hard to choose from. But as of recent I think the last time Karen Gordon was on I had the idea of recording with the light off and I’ve been in love with recording that ever since. Ben Hasan, who now has “Speak Augusta,” has been a recent favorite of mine for the year, also.
UPW: As someone deeply involved in the Augusta African American community, do you think that the local media is up to the task of preparing the community for the disruptive technological and political shifts that loom on the horizon?
BRADLEY: Yes, and me as front
runner, I will help any platform, that’s willing to put the work in, get ready and up to the task as well. Team work is everything and if I’m a resource, please feel free to reach out.
UPW: Could you highlight any collaborations or initiatives that “More Than The Masters” has been a part of, which have contributed to the betterment of the community?
BRADLEY: I’ve helped and filmed at rallies, school events, kids sporting events, Juneteenth events. I’m really all over the community but sports and arts have definitely seen more of me as it relates to betterment of the community. I’m giving some artist and athletes a platform and genuine real interviews that elsewhere would have had zero thought-out put into it. I want people to feel proud during and after talking with me!
UPW: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your podcast and its role in empowering and amplifying the voices of the Augusta African American community?
BRADLEY: I just want to lead by example. I work hard. I am dedicated. I put time in, I reflect, I take notes, I grow and I try to get better each week. I want to be the voice of the city, that would mean so much to me. I use the saying “through and to”. In all my episodes, I’m speaking through someone or to someone and I stand by that.
DIP INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ cups cooked fresh purple hull peas
15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes* finely chopped and drained
1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels*
½ cup Vidalia onion*, finely diced
1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
1 medium green bell pepper*, finely diced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, finely diced
2 jalapenos*, finely diced
½ cup finely diced cilantro* or parsley*
* These items available at the South Augusta Farmers Market
DRESSING INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, grated
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all dip ingredients to a large colander to drain. When the mixture has finished draining, add all ingredients to a large bowl
and mix to combine. Combine the dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well. Add to the dip and mix well.
Just before serving, taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed, and
combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Store this dish tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers are delicious and even better the next day. Do not freeze.
The following public meetings for the RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION will be held on the dates listed below at 864 Broad Street, Board Room Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia 30901:
August 29, 2023 – 3rd Public Hearing on FY24 Millage Rate – 5:30 p.m.
August 29, 2023 - Adoption of Final FY24 Millage Rate and Adoption of the Aiken County Branch NAACP General Membership Meeting (In-Person and Virtual)
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
7:00 PM 8:00 PM 416 Kershaw Street NE Aiken, SC, 29801
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/ j/83289798948?pwd=c0ZXUXJLOS9SR1hEN28wZDAwZXJ4Zz09 Meeting ID: 832 8979 8948
Passcode: 671949
OR One tap mobile +13052241 968,,83289798948#,,,,*671949# US
OR Dial by your location +1 305 224 1968 US Meeting ID: 832 8979 8948 Passcode: 671949
On January 27, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to strengthen (lower) the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5. We expect the EPA to finalize this new standard by late 2023 or early 2024.
Since a new lowered standard could have significant impacts on econom -
AUGUSTA Richmond County School System (RCSS) students in three eligible schools can receive free lunch through the Community Eligibility Provision during the 2023-2024 school year.
Families with children attending Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, Freedom Park K-8 School, and/ or C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School are requested to complete a free and reduced lunch application at school or online at rcboe.org/schoolnutrition.
Free and reduced lunch status from the 2022-2023 school year will apply until Friday, September 15, 2023. After September 15, parents/guardians must complete a 20232024 school year application for their child(ren) to continue to receive free and reduced lunches.
All RCSS students receive free breakfast meals at their school.
Free and reduced lunch applications are accepted throughout the school year.
ic development and public health in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), the CSRA Local Air Quality Coalition is being reconvened. The Augusta-Richmond County GA-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) may be the most impacted by a lower air quality standard.
The CSRA Local Air Quality Coalition was very active when the 2008 ozone NAAQS was finalized and was comprised of state and local governmental agencies, planning and economic development
officials, industrial stakeholders, community leaders, and other interested partners in South Carolina and Georgia.
A Kickoff Meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the North Augusta Municipal Building, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841 from 10am to 12noon.
At this kickoff meeting, you will hear more about the proposed rule and its potential impacts on the CSRA and what state officials are doing to prepare for the possible change to the
air quality standard.
Anyone who plans to participate in this kickoff meeting should complete the registration form below prior to Wednesday, August 23, 2023. A virtual option will be made available,and instructions will follow.
https://forms.office.com/g/ CfVNKNJ1q0
If you have any questions about this meeting or need more information, please contact Amy Curran at 803898-1644 or curranaa@dhec.sc.gov.
RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Tobacco Road Elementary School HVAC Project Bond Issue Program
PROPOSAL NUM: B-21-016-0294.2
Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Tobacco Road Elementary School HVAC Project by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the Board Conference Room, Richmond County Board of Education, 864 Broad Street, Augusta, GA 30901, until 3:00 p.m. local time, September 21, 2023, 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 August 31, 2023, 10:00 am local time at the project site, 2397 Tobacco Road, Augusta, GA 30906.
Drawings and project manual on this work may be examined at the Department of Maintenance and Facilities, Richmond County Board of Education, 2956 Mike Padgett Highway, Augusta, Georgia 30906
Bidding documents may be obtained at the Office of the Architect: Delta Engineering Group, LLC 3604 Wheeler Rd. Suite C; Augusta, GA – Office 706-364-1770. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $150 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 deposit s 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.
Note that digital copies of documents shall be available at no charge.
Contract, if awarded, will be on a lump sum basis. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of 35 days after time has been called on the date of opening.
Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond in an amount not less than 5% of the base bid. Personal checks, certified checks, letters of credit, etc., are not acceptable. The successful bidder will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price.
In accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act, and the General Wage Determination’s available from the DOL for Richmond County (www.wdol. gov) the Contractor will be required to comply with the wage and labor requirements and to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedule of wage rates establis hed by the United States Department of Labor. The highest rate between the two (Federal and State) for each job classification shall be considered the prevailing wage.
The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.
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. Kenneth Bradshaw
County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office
864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. Bobby Smith, CFO, CPA
Three RCSS schools will provide free lunch through the Community Eligibility
Join the gathering on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at May Park in downtown Augusta for an uplifting community event. The day’s events are targeting our youth allowing them to witness and embrace different perspectives on life.
The speakers will consist of parents who have lost children to gun violence along with State Representative Karlton L. Howard, radio host William BJ Murphy, District 6 Schoolboard Representative Edward Lowery, entrepreneurs and business owners.
Our keynote speaker, Trell “DONK” Webb, is bound to captivate your heart. Hailing from Louisiana and now residing in Atlanta, Donk’s life journey has seen extreme highs and lows. From enduring paralysis due to a gunshot wound at age 11, facing a life sentence at 15, to experiencing spiritual awakening and transformation while incarcerated, his
real-life testimonies shed light on redemption and resilience. Now dedicated to spreading God’s word, Donk reaches out to inmates and church congregations alike.
Also, the event will showcase our local talents like gospel singer Deana Butler Rahming, R&B artist Shantell Wheeler, TV/film actor and comedian LoRenzo Williams, and gospel rapper J-Nibb. J-Nibb’s own story of overcoming challenges like depression, homelessness, and a turbulent past is a testament to faith and perseverance.
The event will feature a job fair, extending opportunities for those in financial need. Local businesses are welcome to set up booths, whether to hire or just to spread the word about their services.
This event is free to the public, come and be fed.
For more information, please visit: www.themonroejohnsonfoundation.org
