7 - 19, 2024
There have been many efforts to reform education to ensure equity and accessibility for all children. These initiatives have been enacted through federal and state laws such as No Child Left Behind, House Bill 251, the Every Child Succeeds Act and most recently, The Promise Scholarship Act. The question is: Are the previous and most recently enacted educational mandates “rocking” the trajectory of education or more mundane laws “rolling” through that will become a part of other forgotten education reform ventures?
Most of us remember the federal mandate of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) which was a reform effort that came in “rocking”. It was to enact more accountability of testing at the state level and position highly qualified teachers within the education sector. Initially, I was onboard-no, judgment, this sounded like an opportunity to implement “equity in education.” Who wouldn’t want access for their child to high performing
schools filled with highly qualified educators and proficient learners? The emphasis on standardized test scores however, resulted in a large percentage of low performing school districts across the nation. No child-what? Say it loud–left behind. Let’s just say, “Most students were not catapulted to the front.” After about thirteen years, NCLB rolled out of the education reform movement and made-way for a new federal mandate, Every Child Succeed Act (ESSA) under President Obama’s Administration.
The latest Georgia state bill set to deploy to make improvements to education is Senate Bill 233. This bill is known as The Promise Scholarship Act. How long is the “promise?” It’s expected to become available for the 2025-2026 school year and can possibly last up to ten years–“Rocking Or Rolling? In addition, the scholarship will provide up to $6,500 to families whose children attend the 25% lowest performing schools in the state. Sounds like a “rocking” bill? The bills’
provisions however include intricate details that may limit access to this funding. Such as which schools will be deemed the low performing and the longevity of funding the bill.
Allthough the federal and state government periodically employ mandates as efforts of reformative practices in education, education reform remains complex and multifaceted with challenges such as: funding, stakeholder commitment, and the unique needs of individual states, communities, schools, and learner needs. Whether federal or state law, there is a need to create equal and accessible fully funded opportunities for all children that will have lasting positive impacts on communities. As we continue to roll out the old, it’s important to implement new consistent mandates that rock the current trajectory of education. My hope is that each new mandate will “Promise” that “No Child will be Left Behind” and “ Every Student will Succeed with “School Choice.”
(Ret.) SSG Charles Thomas Hobbs, Sr., 96, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. He was born in Matthews, GA (Sept. 7, 1927) and attended the public schools of Jefferson County. At an early age he was converted and baptized at Thompson-Springhill AME Church, Matthews, GA. He moved to Augusta, GA where he met his wife and raised his family. Later he joined Water Branch Baptist Church, Grovetown, GA, where he served in the Food Pantry with his wife until his health failed him. He enlisted in the Army during WWII and continued through the Korean War where he served as a Military Policeman. He retired as a Staff Sergeant after 20 years of service. Afterwards, he was employed as a technical operator at Proctor & Gamble for another 20 years and retired. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Hammond Hobbs; son, Michael Hobbs; parents, Zack and Carrie Birt Hobbs; siblings, Oliver Hobbs, Sr., Idabelle Kennedy, Ernest Hobbs, Gladys Washington and Willard Hobbs.
Survivors are his children, Charles T. Hobbs, Jr. (Denise) of San Antonio, TX, Mira J. Hobbs and Vincent I. Hobbs both of Augusta, GA; three grand-
children, Charnise Hobbs Johnson (Kevin), Charles T. Hobbs, III (Sasha) both of San Antonio, TX and Vincent C. Hobbs of Columbus, OH; six great-grandchildren, Neziah Johnson, Aythan Johnson, Adlai Johnson, Nazaryah Johnson, Gianna Hobbs and Charles T. Hobbs IV all of San Antonio, TX; sister, Catherine Bullock of Roanoke, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Viewing will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 2pm - 6pm. The family will receive friends from 5pm - 6pm at the funeral home. Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 12 noon at the Water Branch Baptist Church (5708 Wrightsboro Rd, Grovetown, GA), Rev. Linward Jackson, Jr., Pastor. Interment will be at the Water Branch Baptist Church Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory at Golden Harvest Food Bank (https:// goldenharvest.org) or Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org.) Cards of sympathy/comfort may be mailed to: The Hobbs Family (P O Box 14813, Augusta, GA 30919)
Professional Services are under the care of G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-North Augusta.
(706) 751-2537
A U.S. federal court of appeals panel suspended the venture capital firm’s grant program for Black women business owners, ruling that a conservative group is likely to prevail in its lawsuit claiming that the program is the
by Alexandra Olson NEW YORK(AP) A U.S. federal court of appeals panel suspended a venture capital firm’s grant program for Black women business owners, ruling that a conservative group is likely to prevail in its lawsuit claiming that the program is discriminatory.
The ruling against the Atlanta-based Fearless Fund is another victory for conservative groups waging a sprawling legal battle against corporate diversity programs that have targeted dozens of companies and government institutions.
The case against the Fearless Fund was brought last year by the American American Alliance for Equal Rights, a group led by Edward Blum, the conservative activist behind the Supreme Court case that ended affirmative action in college admissions.
Blum applauded the ruling, saying “programs that exclude certain individuals because of their race such as the ones the Fearless Fund has designed and implemented are unjust and polarizing.”
Fearless Fund CEO and Founder Arian Simone said the ruling was “devastating” for the organizations and the women it has invested in.
“The message these judges sent today is that diversity in Corporate America, education, or anywhere else should not exist,” she said in statement. “These judges bought what a small group of white men were selling.”
Alphonso David, Fearless Fund’s legal counsel who serves as president and CEO of The Global Black Economic Forum, said all options were being evaluated to continue fighting the lawsuit.
The legal effort to dismantle workplace diversity programs has suffered its share of setbacks as well, reflecting polarized opinions among liberal and conservative judges on the issue. Last week, for example, a federal district judge in Ohio dismissed a lawsuit against the insurance company Progressive and fintech platform Hello Alice challenging a program that offers grants to help Black-owned small businesses purchase commercial vehicles. Similar
discriminatory.
lawsuits have been dismissed against Amazon, Pfizer and Starbucks.
The case against the Fearless Fund has been closely watched by civil rights groups, philanthropic organizations, employment lawyers and the venture capital industry as a bellwether for how the courts are viewing programs intended to level the playing field for racial minorities and other groups that have historically faced discrimination in businesses and workplaces.
In a 2-1 ruling, the panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Miami found that Blum was likely to prevail in his lawsuit claiming the grant program violates section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race when enforcing contracts. The Reconstruction-era law was originally intended to protect formally enslaved people from economic exclusion, but anti-affirmative action activists have been leveraging it to
Fearless Fund co-partners
Arian Simone and Ayana Parsons.
Photo by Eduardo Munoz Reuterschallenge programs intended to benefit minority-owned businesses.
The court ordered the Fearless Fund to suspend its Strivers Grant Contest, which provides $20,000 to businesses that are majority owned by Black women, for the remainder of the lawsuit that is being litigated in a federal court in Atlanta. The ruling reversed a federal judge’s ruling last year that the contest should be allowed to continue because Blum’s lawsuit was likely to fail. However, the grant contest has been suspended since October after a separate panel of the federal appeals court swiftly granted Blum’s request for an emergency injunction while he challenged the federal judge’s original order.
The appeals court panel, consisting of two judges appointed by former President Donald Trump and one appointed by former President Barack Obama, rejected the Fearless Fund’s arguments that the grants are not contracts but charitable donations protected by the First Amendment right to free speech.
There are several changes occurring in 2024 to agencies that will have an impact on black and minority business owners. In 1979 the Carter Administration reorganized the Office of Minority Business Enterprise to the Minority Business Development Agency(MBDA). The Minority Business Development Agency mission is to promote the growth of minority owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. In 2023 the MBDA grew its business centers from 88 to 131 business centers across the nation. Through MBDA efforts and their national network they assisted in helping business secure
over 1.2 billion in capital, over 1.6 billion in contracts, and nearly 300 million in export deals.
On March 5, 2024 a Federal Judge ruled the MBDA must now be open to all businesses and not just minority classified businesses. The MBDA is working through overhauling services due to the recent ruling, but no official updates have been provided as of yet. There has not been much change in access to capital or contracting for black owned businesses in the last 20 years. When reviewing data from Ivy League schools and MBDA report on minority owned business there are still large disparities in access to capital. Once you begin to drill down to black owned businesses contracting is still at 2% or under across the nation. Accessing working and starting capital for black owned businesses is still a major
challenge. Loans provided normally have higher interest rates, denied 4 to 6 times as much than their counterparts with the same background, and this as lead to many owners not applying due to the obstacles experience when working to obtain capital. Advocates for black and minority owned businesses are unsure how this change will impact businesses in this category for the unseeable future.
Ronic West, Co-Founder/President Greater AugustaBlack Chamber of Commerce
If you are looking to start or grow your business be sure to connect with the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce at www.mygabc.org.
Richmond County School System (RCSS)
Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw was awarded the Georgia Head Start Association’s Superintendent of the Year Award for his partnership with the CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority (EOA), Inc. Head Start program.
“Dr. Bradshaw’s outstanding leadership and commitment to the Head Start and RCSS collaborative partnership are at the epicenter of his vision for students and families in the school district,” said Nedia Belcher, Head Start and EHS-CCP Director. “His standards for ensuring that all students receive quality education are high and should be emulated by those providing educational opportunities for children and their families.”
Under Dr. Bradshaw’s leadership, the school system worked with the CSRA Head Start program to help expand services to preschool students and families by opening school system-owned facilities to more than 250 Head Start students and staff. The partnership with RCSS also supported Head Start’s efforts to provide wrap-around services to more than 220 pre-kindergarten students in elementary schools.
Dr. Bradshaw will represent the state of Georgia at the Region IV Head Start Association conference in February 2025. He will join semifinalists from eight southeastern states in the selection process for the regional award.
The Division II Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) has selected former Augusta University Director of Athletics Clint Bryant as a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to athletics directors who have exemplified superior achievement during
their career at the Division II level. Steve Poston (Wingate) also received the honor.
“The impact that both of these individuals have had on the Division II community is second to none,” stated D2 ADA President Kirby Garry, director of athletics at Cal State Monterey Bay.
“Both Clint and Steve served multiple decades at their institutions, Clint at 34 years, and Steve
at 50-plus years. Their service, leadership and impact within the Division II community and across their institutions is something to be admired.”
Bryant’s career began at a Division II institution, Belmont Abbey College where he played basketball player and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977. From there, he went on to earn his master’s degree from Clemson University in 1979 and pursued a career in coaching until 1997 with stops at Clemson, University of Miami and finally at Augusta University (previously Georgia Regents University), where he also was named the director of athletics. Augusta is where Bryant continued for the next 34 years, stepping down from the sidelines in 1997, but continuing his illustrious career through 2022. Nationally, Bryant served on a multitude of NCAA and conference committees, including a two-year sting on NCAA Management Council where he also served as chair of the group. He is also one of the founders of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), serving as its president for 10 years. Bryant also was one of the founding members of the Black Coaches Association, trying to address the inequality in the coaching profession.
On May 19th, the Augusta Arts Council presented an exclusive art show at the home of Mike and Tracy Stolarski. The event featured artwork from artists Jill Stafford, Ana Thompson, Allen J. Lewis, and Becca Anchor. The artwork was not the only colorful feature at the event as Augusta Arts Council Executive Director, Brenda Durant, wore a stunning dress and posed with UPW Lifestyle Contributor, Felina Martin. The UPW Team sends well wishes to Brenda as she recently announced her retirement after 27 years with the Augusta Arts Council.
The Richmond County School System will continue recruiting for open positions now and for the 2024-25 school year on Saturday, June 8, in the Westside Comprehensive High School gymnasium, 1002 Patriots Way.
The Job Fair will take place from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
To view the complete list of openings, visit our website at rcboe.info/Work4RCSS
The second meeting to introduce the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program in Richmond County will be held at 6 p.m. on June 20, 2024, at the Carrie J. Mays Community Center. The community is invited to attend. During the meeting, city officials will provide updates on the initiative’s progress and offer a platform for residents to voice their thoughts and concerns.
Augusta’s participation in the three-year Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program is a clear testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to improving housing conditions. This program, which provides collaboration, training, and technical assistance, is a beacon of hope for the community, offering the opportunity to create and implement a locally-based plan to meet housing needs. Alongside Augusta, the City of Cornelia, the City of Thomaston, the City of Saint Marys, and Catoosa County were also chosen for this initiative, further highlighting the significance of our participation.
The Augusta GICH Community Housing Team, a group of seasoned housing professionals and subject matter experts, will be at the helm of developing a revitalization strategy for the Turpin Hill neighborhood. However, the City and the GICH Housing Team recognize that this strategy’s success relies on the community’s active participation and valuable insights. The Turpin Hill neighborhood was chosen as the pilot area for this effort due to the number of blighted homes and infrastructure needs. Once the plan is successfully implemented in this community, Augusta officials will replicate and tailor the revitalization strategy to other parts of the city, with the continued involvement of our residents. To ensure the community stays informed and involved in the progress of the GICH initiative, the public is invited to attend the following community meetings at the Carrie J. Mays Community Center, 1014 11th Avenue.
• June 20, 2024, at 6pm
• September 19, 2024, at 6pm
Get ready for an evening of celebration and inspiration! The Greater Augusta Arts Council invites you to the Augusta Annual Arts Awards on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 6 PM.
What’s Happening? We’ll be honoring the incredible Art Makers and Art Supporters who bring creativity and vibrancy to our community. This year, we are thrilled to present the President’s Award to our esteemed Brenda Durant as she prepares for a well-deserved retirement and so much more!
This is an event you won’t want to miss! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with great food, entertainment, laughter, art, and heartfelt moments.
Health and wellness instructor Avemaria Parks poses for a photo at Pole 4 UR Soul, a fitness studio that focuses on pole dance fitness, as well as other forms of dance expression.
Photo by Vincent HobbsI’m a life coach at the POLES – I help people understand their selfworth and how to channel their energy into a new way of fitness.
AVEMARIA PARKS is the Founder of POLE 4 UR SOUL, whose motto is We Pole on Purpose for a Purpose. Its mission is to provide a community where everyone can reset and reposition their mind, body, soul, and spirit.
“Many people ask what started me on this journey; the truth is Pole found me, and I consciously conformed to the calling. My journey began in 2011 and transitioned into a purposefulfilled lifestyle.
While other people may appreciate the “entertainment,” Pole Dancing is about the individual. Pole helps people tap into their feminine energy – it helps them get their groove back. I’ve seen people from all walks of life receive healing at the Pole.
I manifested Pole 4 UR Soul. I wanted to create a daily workout of fun that included a healing ritual routine…and I am doing that.
My story is truly saving many woMEN’s lives at the poles, and couples relationships. The ENERGY is Amazing and Contagious – you can’t help but receive therapy, healing, strength. You evolve in your soul, in your sexy, and your confidence in our Atmosphere. – AvemariaParks
UPW: Pole dancing has been around for a long time, but not so long in the business of fitness, healing, and relationship-building. How were you first introduced to the art of pole dancing and what inspired you to found Pole 4 UR Soul Health and Wellness Studio?
AVEMARIA: The truth is Pole found me, my sister Mimie told me about this new sexy, sensual way of dance fitness, and I consciously conformed to the calling. My journey began in 2010 and transitioned into a purpose-fulfilled lifestyle. I consider myself a life coach at the POLES – I help people build confidence, and understand their self-worth and how to channel their energy into a new way of fitness.
UPW: How does Pole 4 UR Soul differ from a traditional fitness gym or studio?
AVEMARIA: Birthed in 2009, Pole 4 UR Soul health and wellness is a way of life that evolves with you over time. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned dance professional, we offer a community filled with support, compassion and wellness. Our platform is all about the wo/man, and becoming aligned with your mind, body, spirit, and soul through phenomenal pole dance fitness, and group therapy. The healing of mind, body, spirit and soul magically appears on our platform. It’s physical, it’s mental, and it’s health and wellness. The energies Amazing
and Contagious- you can’t help but to receive therapy, healing, and strength. You evolve in your soul, in your sexy, in our atmosphere.
UPW: Who is the target audience for pole dancing?
AVEMARIA: Ages 21 and up .
UPW: What are the different levels that you offer the public and what can someone trying it for the first time expect?
AVEMARIA: New members will learn how to warm up, learn basic hand grips, transitions, spins, and choreography. Learning the foundational moves builds upper body strength and learning the proper techniques insures that everyone will perform the moves safely and effectively.
Our levels range from beginner to intermediate. Our specialty classes include •Cardio pole •Stuck on strut heels dance class •Stretching and flexibility •Pole low-flow •Pole Spin- on- spin ….and much more
UPW: Some of the benefits that are associated with Pole 4 UR Soul are not purely physical. Explain the sense of community, support, and relationship building that is a bi-product of pole dancing.
“Pole
the physical aspects of fitness and performance. Some of the key emotional, social, and psychological benefits associated with pole dancing include developing a sense of community, support, and relationship building. The friendships, positive reinforcement, networking opportunities and a sense of empowerment are all by-products of pole dancing.
UPW: Explain the concept of Couples Yoga.
AVEMARIA: Our Date Night emphasizes connection and collaboration between partners through shared poses and synchronized breathing. The movements promote emotional bonding, mutual trust and support, mindfulness and presence. The shared journey can be a source of joy, fun, creating memories and a stronger bond. It’s incredibly intimate and intentional.
UPW: You have said that Pole Dancing helps women to tap into their feminine energy as well as receive therapy and healing strength. Expand on the benefits for those who are not primarily interested in fitness.
AVEMARIA: Pole dancing brings a high level of body awareness, strength, and control. Not only physically, but mentally also. They gain a deeper connection with their bodies leading to increased self-confidence, awareness, body sensuality and positivity.
Sensuality, and Expression, Strength, Empowerment, Connection to self, reclaiming sexuality from society judgments and personal insecurities. Pole 4 UR Soul is a powerful pole dance platform built on purpose to articulate the artistry and celebrate the expression of the feminine energy of woman.
Aiken’s Juneteenth Celebration
June 15, 2024; Time: 11am-3pm
Hosted by: The Center for African American History, Art and Culture
120 York St NE, Aiken, SC 29801
Band of Brothers Augusta is excited to announce the 8th Annual Juneteenth Augusta Celebration, June 19, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. -9:30 p.m.!
This year the Juneteenth Augusta Festival will be held at the James Brown Arena 7th Street Parking Lot.
The Augusta Museum of History (AMH) is excited to host the Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 from 10:00 – 5:00.
AUGUSTA
The Salvation Army of Augusta is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest Family Store, located at 4099 Riverwatch Parkway Suite 4115, Augusta, GA 30907. The grand opening will take place on Saturday, June 8th, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with festivities from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will feature live music and free food (while supplies last). Attendees can also see a mural inside the store and meet the artists who created it.
“Our Family Stores are more than just thrift stores; they are a critical component of our mission to combat homelessness in the Augusta area,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander. “When the community shops, donates, and volunteers at our Family Stores, they directly support the operations at The Center of Hope shelter. We are excited to expand our reach to the Martinez area and continue serving those in need.”
The new Family Store will be open Monday
through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, starting June 8th. The store is conveniently located in the Martinez area of Columbia County and is now accepting donations.
The Salvation Army of Augusta remains committed to serving human needs in His name without discrimination. This new store is a testament to that commitment, providing the community a way to contribute meaningfully to local charitable efforts.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum will host two summer camps and sewing sessions this summer. While the first summer camp is currently underway, children in grades 1st through 5th grades may enroll in the June 10-14 in the Summer Camp. Activities will include arts and crafts, field trips, educational and financial literacy workshops, sign language and etiquette classes. Registration is $15.00. Please call the museum at 706-724-3576 to register.
The Laney Museum will host its first Sewing Sessions this summer, in recognition of the sewing skills that were taught to students who attended Miss Laney’s school, Haines Normal and Industrial Institute at the turn of the 20th century. Noel Corbin, an Augusta native who is a Fashion Educator and Black Fashion Curator, will instruct students in basic sewing machine skills. Classes will be held for over 8 sessions (one session = 2 classes at 3 hours each) and students will demonstrate their skills by making projects such as small pillows, tote bags, and simple garments using a sewing pattern. The sewing sessions will take place June 12th/13th, June 19th/20th, July 10th/11th, and July 17th/18th. The morning sessions, held from 9:00-Noon, are for Middle and High School students. The evening session, called Sip and Sew, will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Registration for each session is $15.00.
The Augusta Mini Theatre Arts and Life Skills School is announcing its 2024 Summer Fundraising Campaign.
The campaign will run from June 13-July 31, 2024. The Theatre is requesting the community’s support through
tax-deductible donations. Donations should be sent to 2548 Deans Bridge Road, Augusta, GA 30906 or online at www.augustaminitheatre.org or call 706722-0598.Share this campaign with the hashtag: #48FortyGreat Donations will be used to assist with
UPW’s Felina Martin (L) with Executive Luncheon Series guest speaker, Angela Canada, (R) Principal Culinary Team Leader at Chic Fil A. The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce hosted the recent Executive Luncheon Series that recognized women in business including Business Woman of the Year, Tiffany Heitzman, Executive Officer at Home Builders Association Greater Aiken-Augusta Region.
the cost of developing and offering our free dance, art, piano, and drama classes, general operation and keeping arts training affordable in the CSRA. Presently, students pay a one-time activity fee, and additional funds are raised through fundraisers, donations, and grant requests.
