MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin The Band of Brothers Who Saved Augusta

Iremember riding through downtown last June with my wife and kids and seeing all of the beautiful Black people flooding the streets. It was June 19, 2022, and as Willie Hutch put it, the Brothers had it all worked out.

The Band of Brothers have collaborated to organize an event that is the best of Augusta – its annual Juneteenth presentation. I could mention how they’ve brought classic rap groups to the city such as Goodie Mob with more flair than our third-party entertainment complex, or how they’ve stepped up as mentors in Richmond County schools, being the true heroes that others have professed to be.

I would rather just talk about the brothas from the sense of cultural pride. From a soulful perspective, this is the city that James Brown made. Being Black and being proud means something here. There are so many entities, both domestic and foreign to Augusta, who challenge and strip away at that cultural identity.

The Band of Brothers represent something bigger than themselves. They are caretakers of a legacy of Black ingenuity and entrepreneurship. We should celebrate them and that legacy any chance we get.

I also want to take a moment to recognize the man whom I affectionately call the “Mayor of Augusta” –Napoleon Samuels, whom the media has continually recognized for his gesturing and welcoming demeanor.

You’ll find him most mornings adjacent to the cathedral at the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, waving and smiling. As much as we celebrate him, we should also be aware of the environment in which he gives the city his positive spirit.

He and others deserve better than the poverty that surrounds the beautiful cathedral. It’s time for city offi- cials to make like Brother Samuels and put their best face forward in eradicating homelessness and poverty from that corridor.

The brothas are working it out. It’s time for the folks with far more resources to also follow suit.

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.

IN FOND REMEMBRANCE Mary Kingcannon 1959 - 2023

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Mary Kingcannon’s passing, affectionately known as Sister Mary Kingcannon, an esteemed voice in Gospel radio within the CSRA community. Mary, who dedicated over four decades to the broadcasting industry, peacefully departed this world over the weekend. Her daughter, Destiny, expressed her deep sorrow through a heartfelt social media post.

Mary Kingcannon was an exceptional woman whose impact on the community was immeasurable. Her daughter described her as an extraordinary and loving mother, both naturally and spiritually. She was a devoted wife, a leader, and a tireless advocate for her community. Mary was highly regarded as an Elect Lady of Trumpet in Zion Fellowship Augusta Chapter Mother Church, embodying the values of philanthropy and fighting for what is right.

Throughout her illustrious career in Gospel radio spanning nearly four decades, Mary Kingcannon earned the well-deserved title of “The Radio Angel.” Her unwavering support played a pivotal role in propelling the careers

Peach Jam to return to N. Augusta for 2023

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.

The Nike EYBL Peach Jam is making its grand return to North Augusta in just one week!

In just a few short days, the Riverview Park Activities Center will be transformed into a thrilling battleground for high school basketball players eager to show off their skills in front of a roaring crowd and NCAA coaches. This year, the Nike Peach Jam is coming back even earlier than expected. Mark your calendars for Monday, July 3 through Sunday, July 9 The winner of 16-team Elite Youth Champions League will earn their ticket to this ultimate basketball extravaganza. How awesome is that? 2022 was the first year of full capacity at Riverview since the COVID pandemic hit. The Peach Jam is back and better than ever! Let’s make this a year to remember! of numerous gospel music artists. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she exuded grace, elegance, and timeless beauty, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Funeral arrangements for Mary Kingcannon are currently being finalized, as her loved ones and the community mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman at the age of 63.

On behalf of Pastor David Kingcannon and the entire Kingcannon Family, we humbly request your presence in celebrating the remarkable life of Mary Kingcannon. Her legacy will forever live on through the lives she touched. Mary paved the way for many, selflessly serving others, and her acts of kindness and love resonated deeply with all who knew her.

Join us in honoring the memory of this exceptional woman who left an indelible impact on our hearts. Let us come together to celebrate her life and the profound influence she had on our community. May her spirit inspire us to continue spreading love and compassion, carrying forward her enduring legacy.

Augusta, Georgia’s Independence Day Celebration

Augusta, Georgia’s Independence Day Celebration will be held on July 4, 2023, from 5pm to 10pm at the Augusta Common. The free event will include live entertainment, a fun zone for kids, food trucks, vendors, and more. Beginning at 9:15 pm, the festivities will conclude with a fireworks display.