UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPW MARCH 15 - 28, 2018

Dr. Randal Pinkett to be keynote speaker at the CSRA Business League’s Annual Affair

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

VOL. 7 NO.9

GOULD WHO?

Photo by Ken Makin

Meet Keith Johnson Esq. Former North Augusta athlete is the first African-American male to head the Augusta Bar Association

Is the ‘anti-Hardie’ coalition for real or a pipe dream?

Racial politics in Augusta is not as ‘cut-and-dry’ as in the past.

UrbanProWeekly - MARCH 2018

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COMMENTARY

Is the ‘anti-HardieDavis’ coalition real?

COULD RACIAL POLITICS IN AUGUSTA BE HEADED IN A NEW MORE HOPEFUL DIRECTION?

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA To those voters out there who are new to the area, or who have just come of voting age or who have just not been paying attention, welcome to the new era in Augusta politics.

Over the past 20 years, “white flight” and shifts in demographics created a black voting majority in Augusta. What had been a solid wall of white political domination in Augusta politics dating back the 18th century began to crumble in 2012 when Sheriff Richard Roundtree, an African American, became the county’s most powerful locally elected official.

Then in the 24 months that followed, a swift accension of black political hopefuls became office holders.

The culmination was the election of Ben Hasan in Commission District 6 — formerly a “safe” white district in South Augusta. That delivered the balance of power on the Augusta commission to African Americans who controlled six seats in the 10-seat commission.

There was great anticipation in the black community to see what would happen once the county’s chief law enforcement officer, chief executive officer, city administrator and commission chambers were in black hands.

Since then, however, the conversation is less about race and more about power, personalities, class and the want of effective leadership.

In 2014, not a single candidate from Augusta’s very capable and politically sophisticated white electorate would even bother to qualify to run for mayor. Mayor Hardie Davis sailed to

UPW Urban Pro Weekly Hephzibah, GA 30815

an easy victory despite a crowded field of black mayoral candidates.

Once in office, Davis quickly managed to alienate the newly elected black commissioners with an ill-conceived “power-grab” that ended badly for the mayor. He had run on a campaign touting his ability to bring folks together.

Things went downhill from there.

A very public feud with the AfricanAmerican city administrator dragged out for far too long. Finally, the commissioners came down on the side of the administrator, consolidating her power and independence from the mayor.

Constant sparring and bickering during commission meetings between the mayor and Commissioner Marion Williams suggested that harmony and even common courtesy were in short supply.

Commissioner Williams’ enmity toward Commissioner Sammy Sias, and Sias’ seeming contempt for the mayor dampened any hopes that the blacks, who were “in charge,” would ever be able to forge an effective working team.

The problems and challenges of governance that presented themselves in stark relief over the past two years far transcend the practice of racialbloc voting.

The narratives that have been swirling about in regards to the upcoming election have been surprisingly neutral along racial lines. That’s the first indication that racial politics have entered a new era in the Garden City.

The first time that I heard someone refer to the “anti-HardieDavis vote,” I actually felt that it was a euphemism for the “anti-black vote.” But, on closer examination, there is something to be

said for the accuracy of the term — “AntiHardieDavis vote” Prior to 2014, one could intelligently refer to the white vote and the black vote. For instance, too many candidates could either “split” the white vote or split the black vote. It was kind of simple.

Not so anymore. Mayoral candidate Gould Hagler and prospective candidate Brad Usry both bought into the notion that two white candidates would split the “anti-HardieDavis vote.” Of course, a simplistic and antiquated notion was at work here. They simply could not fathom the idea that two whites in the race at the same time was viable against a single black candidate in Augusta.

That was a mistake. The anti-HardieDavis electorate was simply left without a choice of candidates. There were African American voters and political operatives who were ready to drop the racial bloc voting history and really get behind the “anti-HardieDavis” candidate. So instead of two “anti-HardieDavis” candidates — one strong and one weak — you have one. The one who is not so strong.

Now on the flip side, Davis was all to ready to shed the “racial bloc voting” custom by outwardly courting those white political elements from the Southside districts, not on the grounds of their racial pedigree, but on their self interests.

On this Davis’ approach was far more sophisticated than those of his detractors in the white community who were so afraid of splitting the “Anti-Hardie Davis vote.”

In fact, some political observers feel that Davis would be comfortable in supporting a white candidate in Ben

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CEO / Sales FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 editor@urbanproweekly.com

Hasan’s District 6 race which would result in tipping the power balance on the commission in the favor of white politicians.

Now in some quarters of the black community, that is anathema, but in 2018, it’s the sign of things to come.

The narrow 6-4 black advantage on the commission could be erased in a single day’s voting.

Davis has his detractors among the white and black electorate. But, he also has support among a significant sector of South Augusta whites who feel that he speaks to their interests.

The Regency Mall debacle or — however you choose to term it — that hangs around Davis’ neck will not be an issue that sinks his candidacy. The idea is very popular in South Augusta and South Augusta could very well win the day in the upcoming election.

In the next round of redistricting watch for how the commission district lines could change. The newly gentrified District 1 could be drawn in such a way as to include far fewer blacks. On the flip side, District 3 which is currently a “safe” white district could seen some realignment.

Consider that in the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump was defeated

by Hillary Clinton by nearly 1,500 votes. In District 8, another “safe” white district, Trump barely won by less than 500 votes.

Did the white voters in District 3 and District 8 support Hillary or did black voters in those districts come out of the woodworks and assert themselves.

Whatever the case, the city would fare a lot better if prospective voters get behind effective leaders who have the whole community’s interest at heart.

Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KEN MAKIN contributing columnist

LOCAL ATTORNEY IS LIVING BLACK HISTORY

Keith Johnson is first Black man ever to lead Augusta Bar Association in its 122-year history

By Ken J. Makin - Special To UPW AUGUSTA Local attorney Keith B. Johnson’s career as a lawyer began with a bad break in high school.

Johnson was a highly-ranked and recruited defensive back at North

Augusta High School, but after he broke his arm in his senior year, he said the “letters and phone calls stopped coming.”

“It was devastating, but it forced me to realize at the age of 18 that football would not always be there,” Johnson said. “I chose Furman (University) for

Dr. Randal Pinkett to keynote CSRA Business League’s 48th Anniversary The CSRA Business League will celebrate 48 years of providing service to the Central Savannah River Area on Friday, March 23 at the Augusta Marriott Hotel at the Convention Center at 7 p.m.

Dr. Randal Pinkett, the Season 2 winner of the Apprentice, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Pinkett has established him-

self as an entrepreneur, speaker, author and scholar, and as a leading voice for his generation in business and technology. He is the founder, chairman and CEO of his fifth venture, BCT Partners, a multimillion-dollar consulting, research, technology, and analytics firm.

During the banquet, the League will

announce the winners of our Women Entrepreneur of the Year, Harvey L. Johnson Small Business of the Year, Henry L. Howard Public | Elected Official of the Year and Not for Profit Organization of the Year Awards.

Tickets for our 48th Anniversary Banquet, which are $50.00 for Individual

Tickets and $500.00 for a Table that seats 10, may be purchased from any member of our Board of Directors, at the League’s Office located at 821 12th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 or online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ csra-business-league-48th-anniversary-banquet-tickets-42433671253

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Photo by Ken Makin

its 122-year history. He was also named one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys in the United States by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

“The history began with our first black member, Judge John Ruffin. It continued with men like Judge Carl Brown and Judge David Watkins,” Johnson said. “It continues with Judge (Kellie Kenner) McIntyre and my colleague Judge (Amanda) Heath.

“We are all apart of a wonderful story — a story that’s based on merit and not quotas,” Johnson continued. “I’m humbled to stand on the shoulders of giants.

We have so much more work to do.”

The bad break didn’t end Johnson’s football career. Prior to entering the legal profession, he played cornerback at Furman on two Southern Conference Championship teams in 2001 and 2004.

In 2008, he was awarded a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University. While in law school, Johnson served as the Notes and Comments Editor of the Michigan State Journal of Gender Law and Received the Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law. Johnson began his legal career at the District Attorney’s Office and served in that capacity before entering private practice. As a prosecutor, he tried numerous high level felony jury trials and obtained multiple life sentences for violent offenders. Since entering private practice, he has represented a wide spectrum of individuals who have been accused of criminal offenses in state and federal courts throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

Johnson’s goals now include setting the bar for a younger generation and making lawyers more accessible in the area.

“Personally, I didn’t know any lawyers growing up. I doubted myself along the way at times, but I was fortunate to be apart of a collegial bar association,” he said. “My goal is to make the bar the academics and without that chain younger by getting our new attorneys of events there is no way I become an involved in our community based outattorney.” reach in metro Augusta.”

Johnson, now 34, is not only setting the bar as a top-notch lawyer, but is Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ also making Black history. In January, A Difference.” Ken can be reached via he was named the first Black man to email at makinadifferenceshow@ head the Augusta Bar Association in gmail. com or via text at (803) 270-2331.

UrbanProWeekly - MARCH 2018

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SportsVIEW

(ABOVE) NORTH AUGUSTA’S HYORI MCDOWELL moves the ball down the field during a soccer game against ARC at the Musketeers stadium. The Lady Yellow Jackets defeated ARC 7-0 in the non-conference matchup. (March 13, 2018 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal (Top right) ARC’S HEAD GIRLS SOCCER COACH KEVIN SCHEYEr (center) advises the team before the start of a game against North Augusta at the Musketeers stadium. (March 13, 2018 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

(At Right) NORTH AUGUSTA’S MICHELLE FURMAGE (L) defends against ARC’S SHACAIRO CANODY (R) for control of the ball during a soccer game at the Musketeers stadium. . (March 13, 2018 - Augusta, GA) Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

RICHMOND COUNTY HS SOCCER

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Downtown Augusta Community Partners present The 4th Annual “ParTee On The Green” The City of Augusta’s Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, along with friends of Downtown Augusta will host the fourth annual “ParTee on the Green” on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at the Augusta Common. This is one of many exciting activities taking place downtown during Masters Week and Spring Break.

ParTee on the Green is a dance party with music for all ages from beach, soul, pop, jazz, soulful deep house, disco, afro beats and more with a family-friendly feel-good vibe. Think of it as American Bandstand meets Soul Train meets Shag City meets Teen Town in this amazing Celebration of Community and new Augusta Golf Week tradition.

For 2018, featured artists and performers are: The Soul Sliders of Augusta, Urban Suite Augusta, The ZFIT Crew, Drum Circle Augusta, Bizzo Beats, and a collective of local visual artists painting live at the event. The headlining musical artist will be announced on March 4.

With ParTee on the Green, organizers have an opportunity to strengthen a sense of pride in the Augusta community, among residents and visitors alike, by showcasing a beautiful space downtown and providing family-friendly activities in a casual environment.

Tickets are $5 at the gate and group discounts are available at http:// parteeaugusta.com. For text weather alerts on the day of event, text PARTEE to 84483. Vendors and volunteers welcomed.

ParTee on the Green is a family friendly event, and all are welcome.

You don’t want to miss this evening of music, beautiful people and celebration. Bring Chairs but LEAVE Pets and Coolers.

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY WE TAKE

• Georgia medicaid • Insurance plans • Charge cards • WIC vouchers

Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-722-7355

UrbanProWeekly • MARCH 2018

PARTEE On The Green 2018 Wednesday, April 4, 2018 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Augusta Common Entry: $5 www.parteeaugusta.com

UrbanProWeekly - MARCH 2018

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MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin RECLAIMING OUR HISTORY

The notion that Black history ends in February is unforgivably wrong

W

hen California State Representative Ma xine Waters sliced through Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s question-dodging last July with three words, “reclaiming my time,” she represented defiance and courage in the face of President Donald Trump’s controversial cabinet.

I think we need to display similar courage and similar defiance in the face of how we view Black history.

And so, I’m here to say, it’s time to reclaim our history.

When Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926, it was done with the intent to ultimately ensure that Black history is taught perpetually.

It wasn’t meant to be a stopgap. It was meant to be a paradigm shift.

Yet here we are.

This failure to build on Woodson’s legacy — and, more importantly, his urgency — created a world where folks prefer and pretend to understand Black heroes. As a result, the interpretations of Black historical figures lack accuracy and integrity.

Take a familiar Black figure — the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We are so far from understanding his pursuit of economic justice that, just last month, Ram ran a Super Bowl ad with an excerpt of Dr. King’s “Drum Major Instinct” speech.

It goes without saying that the ad displayed commercialism at its most crass. Yet as I sat and watched this commercial play during the Super Bowl, I witnessed as some folks nodded in agreement with the commentary.

That commercial is a perfect example of why we need to reclaim our history.

Dr. King’s “Drum Major Instinct” speech (look it up via Google!) is an anti-capitalist message that not only SPECIFICALLY criticized car ads, it also challenged listeners to not keep up with the Joneses.

Too often, we allow our heroes to be co-opted. We allow their movements to be used for commercial gain,

and in some cases, to power other movements at our expense.

Recently, Dr. King’s name has been invoked in the argument against illegal immigration. The conversation that includes DACA and the

DREAMers has included Dr. King’s familiar “I Have a Dream” speech.

I understand the concerns of those who are fighting for DACA and consider themselves DREAMers. I will also acknowledge that the original

dreamers in America are the descendants of slaves (DOS) who built this country — Black people.

If government and the populace Continued on next page

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY The Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 18, 2018, for the following: 1. Bread 2018-2019 RFQ #18-806 2. Elevator Service and MaintenanceRFP#2018-006 3. Emergency Generator Inspection and MaintenanceRFP#2018-007 4. Fire Sprinkler System Inspection and MaintenanceRFP#2018-003 5. Frozen Treats 2018-2019 RFQ#18-805 6. Fuel Management Service 2018-2019 RFP#18-802 7. Grocery 2018-2019 RFQ#18-801 8. Kitchen Exhaust Hood System CleaningRFP#18-808 9. Milk, Dairy Products and Water 2018-2019RFQ#18-804 10. Post Event Stadium Cleaning RFP#2018-004 11. Pumping and Cleaning of Grease TrapsRFP#18-807 12. School Nutrition Paper Products 2018-2019RFQ#18-803 13. Solid Waste Collection, Recycling and Disposal RFP#2018-005 Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Cecilia Perkins in the Business Office at perkice@boe.richmond.k12.ga.usor 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org/bids, or at RichmondCountySchoolSystem,CentralOffice864BroadStreet,4thFloor,Augusta,GA30901.

The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY By: Dr. Angela D. Pringle, Secretary

Makin from page 6

Ken J. Makin is the founder of “Makin’ A Difference.” Updates on the show are available via Facebook at facebook.com/makinadifferenceshow. Ken can be reached via email at makinadifferenceshow@gmail. com or via text at (803) 270-2331.

Past and present columns can be viewed at VersesAndTiles.com.

COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals from Contractors will be received for the Building Construction for Addition to Warren Road Elementary School project by the County Board of Education of Richmond County at the address below until 3:00 p.m. local time, March 27, 2018, 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 March 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. local time at the project site located off of Warren Road. School Address is 311 Warren Road, Augusta, GA30907.

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, (706) 724-2668. Applications for documents together with refundable deposit of $350 (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 to furnish performance and payment bonds in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities & 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. Angela Pringle County Board of Education of Richmond County Administrative Office 864 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 c/o: Mr. Bobby Smith

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are willing to support the rights of (formerly) illegal immigrants, then we need to have that same energy and drive when it comes to talking about reparations for DOS. Reclaiming our history isn’t only about reclaiming our heroes, though.

It’s about reclaiming our honor.

Take Malcolm X and the Black Panthers. Whitewashing of history has led to negative reviews of Brother Malcolm and the Panthers.

The former Malcolm Little wasn’t the bloodthirsty and unrepentant extremist that America paints him out to be. He was a conscientious leader who loved Black people. Less than a year before his death, he founded the Muslim Mosque, Inc., and the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

Those outlets promoted Muslim faith — regardless of race — and highlighted beautiful Black pride.

The Black Panthers, meanwhile, weren’t just gun-toting “thugs.”

Their ten-point program highlighted self-protection, yes, but also ensured that the youth in the community were fed.

And still, reclaiming our history is about more than heroes and honor.

It’s also about heralding the forgotten.

Last year, I had a chance to learn about local Black history when I spoke out against the supremacist obelisk that sits in downtown North Augusta, S.C. I learned about the brave Black militia that fought and died in the Hamburg Massacre.

In all my years of journalism, it was only last year, and in the time of his passing, that I learned of the legacy of Simeon Booker. He was a trailblazer in this field — the first Black journalist at The Washington Post. He is credited with helping to present the story of Emmitt Till’s murder to a national audience.

My ultimate point is this — Black history doesn’t stop in February. We need to reclaim our history so that we can truly reclaim our time — not only in the present, but also the past, so that we can ensure our future.

RICHMOND COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION B-17-002-2064 Phase V SPLOST Building Program ADDITIONS TO WARREN ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

UrbanProWeekly - MARCH 2018

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SportsVIEW

COLUMBIA COUNTY HS LaCROSSE

LAKESIDE’S PAYTON JOHNSON (L) runs down the field as Dacula’s Mya Isler (R) defends during a varsity lacrosse conference game at the Panthers stadium. Lakeside crushed the Falcons (Dacula, GA) 17-1 in the final score. (March 10, 2018 Evans, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

LAKESIDE’S TYRA HOLMES moves down the field during a varsity lacrosse conference game against Dacula (Dacula, GA) at the Panthers stadium. March 10, 2018 - Evans, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal LAKESIDE’S CAROLINE PINSON (L) tries to keep control of the ball as Dacula defender Jena Little (R) keeps the pressure on. (March 10, 2018 - Evans, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal