UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY
2022 ELECTION
Stacey Abrams to lead Dems in 2022 midterms
Karlton Clay’s 20-year challenge lands in our living rooms Local independent filmmaker inks deal with streaming giant, Peacock
PHOTO BY VINCENT HOBBS
DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2021 • VOL. 10 NO. 8
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Movers & Shakers
Hasan celebrates 40 years of civic life
M
ICHAEL HARDEN, CEO of MACH Academy, Inc. has been awarded the inaugural John Callen “Excellence in Leadership” Award for 2021. The award recognizes a United States Tennis Association (USTA) Georgia, Community Tennis Association (CTA) or National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) staff member who exemplifies leadership and excellence in their organization. Mr. Harden holds a Master of Science in Computer Systems Management from the University of Maryland University College. He is a certified Internet/Intranet professional and also received a professional certificate in Web Development & Administration from Learningtree International. Mr. Harden received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University. Harden is a PTR certified Junior & Adult Development Tennis Professional and has provided tennis instruction, mentoring and personal skills development training to MACH participants since 1992. Mr. Harden was Captain of the Men’s 5.0 1997 USTA National Championship Team. He is the win-
ner of the 1999, 2000 and 2001 American Tennis Association Men’s 35 Doubles National Championship . He serves as Program Director of the Augusta National Junior Tennis League chapter. Mr. Harden is a Life member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) & the American Tennis Association (ATA). He is also a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff. Mr. Harden has worked with and trained state, sectional and nationally ranked junior players. He also serves as the Project Director for the Family Housing program. Mr. Harden is one of the original founders of MACH Academy, Inc.
DISTRICT 6 SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE A K HASAN recently celebrated his 40th Anniversary of Public Service. The Anniversary committee, under the leadership of C. Keith Brown, commissioned a painting by local artist Marsha Lea Moorman to commemorate the occasion. It depicts two different perspectives of his career path - from where he started to where he is now. Moorman’s Angels In Disguise Exist (A.I.D.E.) Foundation, Inc., provided 200 Manna bags containing school supplies, which were donated to the RCSS Families in Transition due to Homelessness in Hasan’s honor.
Augusta Mini Theatre Celebrates Year 46 Augusta Mini Theatre is celebrating 46 years of service to the CSRA and is hosting events that will allow the public to join the celebration. On December 10, the Mini Theatre will host its Memorial Balloon Release at 10 am at the Wallace Branch Library. The event will remember those that have been lost this year. Also, on the same day, the organization will have a Drive Thru Donation Celebration from 11 am
UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY
to 6 pm. The Mini Theatre is asking for $46 donations to commemorate each year, but all donations are welcome. For more information and to donate, contact Shantelle Wheeler or Reishal Cummings at 706-7220598 between M-W from 9:30 am 1:00 pm or email tyronejbutler67@ yahoo.com or visit www.augustaminitheatre.com.
PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/upw +1 (762) 233-5299
CONTRIBUTORS K.L. Gordon Olivia Gaines Menia L. Chester Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia
THE VOTE ‘22
Georgia Dems hope for political magic in 2022 as the state becomes one of the nation’s most closely watched political battlegrounds. By Greg Bluestein, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA Stacey Abrams launched a campaign for Georgia governor Wednesday with a pledge to fight for economic equality and expand health care access, setting up a potential rematch against Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in one of the nation’s most competitive political battlegrounds. The Democrat announced her campaign with a video that highlighted her work in the state since her narrow 2018 defeat to Kemp, along with a message that “opportunity and success in Georgia shouldn’t be determined by your ZIP code, background or access to power.” Her decision, long expected by local Democrats, clears the way for what could be a titanic showdown between two longtime political rivals. That is, if Kemp survives a fight for the GOP nomination first. Abrams lost to Kemp by less than 1.4 percentage points in 2018, the closest Georgia gubernatorial election in decades, and her refusal to concede defeat because of what she called an “erosion” of voting rights made her an icon to many Democrats and a villain to conservatives. If Abrams prevails, she would become the first Black governor in Georgia and the first Black woman elected governor in U.S. history. She would also end a string of Republican
Stacey Abrams launched a campaign for Georgia governor Wednesday with a pledge to fight for economic equality and expand health care access. victories in gubernatorial contests dating to Sonny Perdue’s upset win in 2002 over Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes. She’s running in a tough political environment. Despite statewide victories in the last election cycle, Georgia Democrats will be on the defensive during the 2022 midterms, when U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is also on the ballot. Abrams’ campaign countered by noting Democratic gains in this year’s mayoral elections, including flips of several Republican-held seats this week. Kemp might as well have ripped a page from his 2018 playbook with his reaction to her announcement, which repeated a stark warning that Abrams’ “far-left agenda” doesn’t reflect Georgia’s values. “Next November’s election for governor is a battle for the soul of our state,” he said. “I’m in the fight against Stacey Abrams, the failed Biden agenda and their woke allies
to keep Georgia the best place to live, work and raise a family.” ‘ONE GEORGIA’ Abrams’ announcement ends a guessing game among some Georgians about what she would do next. A former Democratic leader in the Georgia House, Abrams is now a nationally known politician who has been talked about as a future White House contender. She gave the response to then-President Donald Trump’s State of the Union in 2019, was considered as Joe Biden’s running mate and started a constellation of influential advocacy groups. And she’s grown her media platform with lucrative book and movie projects and a national tour that just wrapped up. But she’s also maintained a foothold in state politics, pummeling Kemp for his approach to combating the coronavirus pandemic, his support for an overhaul of the state’s voting laws and his refus-
al to expand Medicaid. Her campaign launch video emphasized her Georgia focus. “Regardless of the pandemic or the storms, the obstacles in our way or the forces determined to divide us, my job has been to just put my head down and keep working toward one Georgia,” she said. “Because in the end, we are one Georgia.” The campaign, which filed paperwork Wednesday, will be led by her longtime aide Lauren GrohWargo. A major statewide launch is in the works for next year, but Abrams’ initial steps are expected to involve small-scale meetings with Georgians and fundraising events. Abrams can count on a unified Democratic Party behind her candidacy. No other credible Democratic contender has entered the race, and her fundraising record and visibility allowed her to wait until December to announce. The timing gives her a full month to raise funds in 2021.
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Abrams enters ‘22 governor’s race
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UMOJA VILLAGE
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Umoja Village Resource Center celebrated its open house and dedication on Thursday, Dec. 2. The center is located at 827 Haynes Ave. The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Aiken, which is composed of all Black Greek sororities/fraternities, is holding a fundraising fish fry on Saturday, Dec. 11th, 11AM-until, 425 Hampton Avenue, Aiken, SC. Two-piece dinners $10; three-piece dinners $12. The Black Historical Committee of Aiken will hold its 22nd Annual Black History Parade on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m. This year’s theme will be: Excellence In Community Service: Honoring Betty Gyles. Entry fee is only $20.00. Pick up applications at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center, 400 Kershaw Street in Aiken; or Brothers & Sisters of Aiken, 132 York Street in Aiken. Together, let’s make this parade the best year ever and truly demonstrate unity. Attention
Umoja Village Co-Founder and CEO Donna Moore Wesby with Umoja Village Board Member Richard Johnson (center) as they sign the lease for the first-ever Umoja Village Resource Center with landlord and Entrepreneur Reggie Barner. all churches, youth groups, praise dancers, families, organizations, and businesses! For more information, call The Black Historical Committee of Aiken, 803-642-7634. Attention all churches, organizations, and businesses, please use the Umoja Village Community Calendar as a planning tool and a marketing tool. This calendar is paid for by the Umoja Village organization and exists to help us work together so that our events and activities can be as effective as possible and to help alleviate dividing our intended audience due to multiple events planned on the same dates. You can use this calendar, on www.umojavillage.com, so others can learn what’s happening within our communities. UMOJA=UNITY
Augusta Locally Grown (ALG) receives a planning grant to support the Augusta Food & Health Hub WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) this week announced a $90.2 mil-
lion investment in 203 projects to strengthen and explore new market opportunities for local and regional food businesses. The funding is made possible through grant programs administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (A MS) as part of the Local Agriculture Marketing Program (L A MP): the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs (FMLFPP) and the Regional Food
System Partnerships (RFSP). Of the 84 projects funded under the local food promotion program, Augusta Locally Grown (ALG) received a planning grant to support the Augusta Food & Health Hub. ALG’s space will consist of a teaching/incubator kitchen, online market food storage, food pharmacy, and the year-round location of the area’s only fresh food access point.
Karlton T. Clay joins The BIG Peacock! AUGUSTA After years and years of hard work and self-determination, independent filmmaker and content creator, Karlton T. Clay and his company, Victory Productions, celebrates a big win. Reindeer Games, which is written, directed, and produced by Clay, has been acquired by NBC’s Peacock TV, which was included with his distribution partnership with Maverick Entertainment. Reindeer Games was originally released in 2020 on Tubi TV, which is the streaming service for the FOX Network. Clay, which he says was a “Godgiven vision”, was inspired to start Victory Productions back in 2002 after his bout with leukemia, and he produced and directed his first production in 2003. In September 2006, Clay created, wrote, produced, and directed his first series, College Daze, and ever since then, he has continued
to create and tell stories that not only entertain, but also encourage and inspire. Since the inception of his first series, Clay has created and produced 15 web series: College Daze (20062011), The Lyons Den (2012-2021), KARMA (2014-2017), Lovers Lane (2015-2019), Color Blind (2015-2017), EX-Factor (2016-2021), BrothAhood (2017-present), Bondage (2017-present), Sweet Mahogany (2018), My Best Friend (2018-2021), In The Nick Of Time (2018-present), Peace Be Steel (2019-2021), SistAhood (2019), The MAINE Way (2020-present), and My Life (2020-2021). Recently, Clay celebrated writing, producing, and directing his 400th episode. Two of those series - thanks to a distribution deal with Maverick Movies - were transformed into feature films: Sweet Mahogany and SistAhood. To date, Clay has written, produced, and directed 7 feature films: Sweet Mahogany
Brother’s Keeper (2021), SistAhood (2021), and The Assistant (2021, ITN Studios). Clay will be releasing his 8th feature film, A Very Merry New Year, in the fourth quarter of 2021. In January of 2021, Clay received the MOST ACCOMPLISHED AWARD from the Bavarelee Bernstein Online Awards, and he was named the 2021 BREAKTHROUGH CREATOR by the Capital City Web Awards in Washington, D.C. Victory Productions Network received a total of 16 nominations at the 2021 Hollywood And African Prestigious Awards (HAPA) in Los Angeles garnering Best Comedic Actress In A Film/TV Series/Mini Series for Kiara C. Bennett’s performance in Karlton T. Clay Reindeer Games. (2020), Reindeer Games (2020), Sweet To view all of the Victory Mahogany 2: Pure Indulgence (2021), Productions Network shows and Redemption For Easter (2021), My films, visit thevpntv.com
UrbanProWeekly - DECEMBER 6 - 19, 2021
Independent Filmmaker & Content Creator’s Film Acquired By Major Streaming Network
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Davidson wins State AA – One Act Play
CAST AND CREW MEMBERS OF DAVIDSON’S “THE TERRIBLE INFANTS.” Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School captured the State AA One-Act play championship on Saturday,
November 20 at Monroe County Fine Arts Center. Performing Oliver Lansley’s “The Terrible Infants,” Davidson won first place and seniors Teresita Cabral and David Brown won “All Star Cast” awards for their commitment to their performance.
“The Terrible Infants” was directed by Davidson’s Head of the HS Drama Department Betty Walpert. The scenic design for the play was by Davidson’s Technical Director and Tech Theatre Teacher Ben Wheeler.
Soul + Soil Black Farm Concert Series
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For more images and video from Soul + Soil Farm Concert Series check out UPW social media.
music on a mission . . .
Laney Walker Bethlehem Heritage Festival Follow UPW on Facebook for more photos and video
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. . a community on the move
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Latrell’s Warm Peachy Parfait Live your best life! That is my motto. My name is Menia L. Chester, I am a chef and owner of Desserts by Latrell and Southern Jazz and Sweets. I am also a health coach. I teach people how to live better lives. During the holidays it has been noted that most people gain 8-10 pounds. That is because of all of the wonderful rich foods that are available during the months of November and December. They are loaded with extra calories that can help add on the weight. Let’s talk about some tips to avoid weight gain during the holiday season. 1. Utilize portion control. Using a smaller plate will help you select smaller portions. 2. Don’t stress about the calories. If you feel like you have eaten too much…talk a walk. You will feel so much better. 3. Eat before you go to a party. 4. Stay active and burn those calories! The key to weight loss is to burn more calories than you put in. Try this low-calorie recipe! You might like it.
Latrell’s Warm Peachy Parfait INGREDIENTS *6 sheets of crushed cinnamon graham crackers *2 tbsp butter-melted *½ tsp cinnamon *¼ tsp nutmeg *2 tbsp brown sugar *15 oz can of peaches –diced *1 1/2 cups of low-fat vanilla yogurt and drained of liquid
DIRECTIONS 1. In a pan, melt butter. 2. Add graham cracker crumbles to melted butter and stir to mix..toast in the pan for one minute. Place in a bowl and set aside. 3. In a saucepan, mix peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg 4. In a parfait cup layer graham cracker crumbs, yogurt and peaches. 5. Top peaches with graham cracker crumbles and serve. Enjoy! If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or learn about events by Latrell, please visit my website or send me an email. Have a food safe holiday season! Website: www.southernjazzandsweets.com Email: dessertsbylatrell@gmail.com
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Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Seniors DAVID BROWN AND TERESITA CABRAL pictured with their All-Star Cast awards. Davidson captured the State AA One-Act play championship on Saturday, November 20 at Monroe County Fine Arts Center. Performing Oliver Lansley’s “The Terrible Infants,” Davidson won first place.
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Small Business Forum
5 Simple Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business BY RHODES PORTER Answering these 5 simple questions before you start a business will lead you on the right path to small business success. Asking yourself these 5 simple questions before you start your business will also help build the foundation of information needed to create your business plan. Who is Your Customer? Defining not just your customer or client but the customer’s problem and/or need you are trying to address is the first step. Most business entrepreneurs either skip this step or fail to drill down to a specific target market of customers. Start with your value proposition. What is the compelling reason that made you want to start this business? If the first answer is money, realizing profits will be tough, but if your answer has something to do with a solution to problem or need you have a fight chance of success as long as you are targeting the customers who need your product or service. How does your Customer like to Buy? Only after discovering your customer can you truly realize the method in which they like to buy. Asking yourself this simple question before starting your business allows you to
understand the way you will distribute your product or service making it easy for the customer to buy in a way that is familiar. If most of your customers buy from specialty retailers, it would be hard to reach them when your efforts are in large box stores. It would not be wise to reach people on social media platforms when the data shows they will not use their card on the platform but will use it at trusted big box retailers. How will you get your Customers Interested in Buying Your Product/ Service? Let’s go back to the customer’s problem or need you are trying to solve by starting your business. People spend more on want they want and less on what they need. So, you must gear a marketing message around your business that your product or service is what they want, even though you know it is something they need. How will you Get Your Customers to Actually Buy Your Product/Service? As the business owner, you will find having customers know your business and liking your service or product is not enough. Most business entrepreneurs create the marketing message but forget to close the sale. How will you convince your customer to pull out their card and buy from you instead of their current provider? How will you get Your Customers
to Buy from You Again? Congratulations, you have asked yourself the simple questions to get your target customers to buy a product or service from your business. Now, to sustain your business you must discover how you can make those same customers buy from you more than once. This can be as simple as useful life of your product or service that makes them buy and like it enough to want to replenish again from your business or a small upsell. All the answers to these simple questions to ask yourself before you start a business should be answered using source data and proven numbers. Contact one of our advisors if you get stuck trying to build a success strategy for business. Schedule a Consult Want to do business contracting with the government? Yes, Rhodes Porter
helps with government certification packaging. Business development management is vitally important to any entrepreneur. Recordkeeping and receipt handing can be daunting. Let one of our associates assist your business in back-office maintenance and recordkeeping
Rhodes Porter http://www.rhodesporter.com/ Small Business Development Management Company | Increase Sales Profitability and Admin Support for Small Businesses to Grow, Attract and Access Capital Funding - #Entrepreneurs, #Government #Contractors
GABCC names Pitch winners
CONGRATS TO: 1st Place Georgia Alexander - SOCA VEGAN KITCHEN CO. 2nd Place Stacy Roberts - SMR LEADERSHIP SOLUTIONS, LLC 3rd Place Jasmine Ryans - SOUL(TRE), LLC
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Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce (GABCC) Fourth Annual Pitch Competition was a success. On behalf of President Ronic West, we would like to thank our judges, pitchers, and the GABCC team for making this event a success. Thank you to 600 Broad Hub and Urban Pro Weekly for your partnership and adding in additional prizes for our winners.
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