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unkindest cut of all

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

P hoto by Vincent Hobbs

Makin

CONSOLIDATION: Augusta’s Cure or Curse

Augusta’s current politics are defined by a beautiful ideal –that unity makes us better. For the better part of 30 years, elected officials have served in a consolidated government, which has always been presented to us as a good-faith effort to save money and neutralize political dominance.

That ideal doesn’t deal with the realities of Augusta’s politics, which are similar to those throughout the South. Augusta, like other predominantly Black hubs, feel like apartheid states, even when Black people ascend to political office.

Why does white rule remain? Why can’t Black people experience true progressive power? Why does something with the presumed

noble intent of consolidation always inconvenience Black folks?

I hear the word “consolidation” within the context of the Garden City and I always know that Black people will suffer in its presence. The Richmond County Board of Education recently voted on a measure to decommission two elementary schools, Terrace Manor and Willis Foreman. In other words, they voted to consolidate the schools, which effectively relocated a number of students.

Parents and students alike have expressed their concerns about the moves, but such hearings were the illusion of choice. The establishment had already made its decision about the schools. It’s frustrating

when the concerns of Black folks go unheard, but this is a sad part of our city’s culture.

I can look at relatively recent civil rights moments in Augusta’s history, whether it’s the 1970 Augusta riot, or the desegregation of schools in 1972, or even consolidation itself, and know that the city largely chooses not to resolve its racial tensions.

At that point, consolidation is just forced integration, which is why “white rule” remains. The political faces might be Black, but the political interests and money remain white.

What’s more important than the illusion of unity is the organization of Black power with the intent of making life for the majority better.

As a local podcast eloquently puts it, we are more than the Masters. Augusta represents a beautiful Black legacy in arts and activism that provides solutions in the present through the challenges of the past.

As long as we detach ourselves from that history, consolidation will feel like a concession instead of coming together for a greater good.

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.

Historical Marker is tribute to Frank Yerby

On March 16, an historical marker in honor of Augusta-born author Frank Yerby, was dedicated. The marker is located at the corner of 8th and Hall Streets, off Laney-Walker Boulevard in Augusta. The marker reads:

Frank Garvin Yerby

King of the Costume Novel

Born in Augusta on September 5, 1916, author Frank Garvin Yerby graduated from Haines Institute and Paine College, and also attended Fisk University and the University of Chicago. He published poetry, short stories, and 33 novels, 12 of which became best sellers. His early novels depicted White characters in historical events; his later works focused on Black characters. Widely celebrated, he was criticized by some African Americans for not confronting racial injustice more openly in his writings. In rebuttal, Yerby challenged critics to read several of his works, including Speak Now and The Dahomean, which he felt addressed racism. Yerby moved to France in 1951 and then Madrid, Spain, in 1955, where he lived until his death on November 30, 1991. His works have been adapted for motion pictures and translated into 30 languages.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society, the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, Haines Alumni Association, and Paine College

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Bye, bye Boathouse

By Frederick Benjamin Sr. Special to UPW AUGUSTA

It’s official . . . there is not enough interest in renovating the dilapitdated city-owned Boathouse on the river. Many were hopeful that a solution could be found to salvage the facility, which for many Augustans was the premiere indoor special

events venue for city’s residents.

From weddings, retirement parties, political meetings, jazz, reggae and r&b gatherings were enhanced by the placid riverfront location and unbelievable view of the Savannah River.

The city, this week, voted to seek bids for the demolition of the facility. It has been reported that the full restoration project could cost in excess of $5 million.

Starting in 2020, citizens who inquired about the availability of the Boathouse were told that there would be no bookings during the pandemic, but after the emergency passed, the city let it be known that they were not ready to resume renting the facility to the public, but could never say when thing might get back to normal. Now we

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The Boathouse sits on the banks of the Savannah River and is also home to the Augusta Rowing Club. It has been shuttered for the last couple of years due to the need for major renovations and repairs. This week the city decided it was time for it to be demolished. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Richmond County School System

to host Walk-In Wednesday Job

The Richmond County School System will host a series of job fairs to recruit employees for open positions.

The recruiting began on Wednesday, March 22 and will continue until July (See schedule below). Recruiters and hiring managers will be on-site to conduct interviews and discuss open positions.

“We are looking for some talented and dedicated individuals to join our high-performing workforce to support the educational offerings and resources required to educate more than 30,000 students. Our employees are eligible for excellent benefits and we offer professional development and a collaborative work environment,” says Dr. Cecil Clark, Richmond County School System Chief Human Resources Officer.

The job fair will be held at the Central Office, 864 Broad St., from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Future job fairs dates are April 12 and 26; May 10 and 24; June 7 and 21; and July 5 and 19.

Boathouse From p3

know why.

Richmond County Inmates earn certification as forklift operators

On March 14, 2023, twelve Richmond County Correctional Institution (RCCI) inmates completed Augusta Technical College’s Forklift Operator’s Program. Augusta Technical College taught the two-day course at RCCI, providing formal classroom instruction with evaluation and hands-on training following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Individuals who completed the course earned their certificates as forklift operators. Augusta, Georgia’s partnership with Augusta Technical College aims to help inmates have employment opportunities when they leave the correctional institution.

Located at 101 Riverfront Dr., the facility was one of the few destinations that brought people to East Augusta.

Here’s how we got here according to recent media reports.

The Boathouse Community Center, home of the Augusta Rowing Club, already needed major repairs before a burst pipe partially flooded the facility over the Christmas holidays.

Augusta commissioners approved their staff looking for bids to clean and restore the Boathouse at 101 Riverfront Dr., to make it usable for the Augusta Rowing Club again.

Mold, holes and other damage was dealt on the structure after a pipe burst during the holiday season. While the building is in need of a lot of other work, these particular issues required

immediate assistance.

The cleanup and restoration is estimated to cost between $300,000 and $700,000, according to Augusta’s Interim Central Services Director Ron Lampkin. Roughly $580,000 in old sales tax funds have already been allocated to help the Boathouse.

However, the pipe burst only accelerated an already-present problem. The more than 30-year-old, riverside property has been in need of a lot of help for some time, so much so that Lampkin estimated a total renovation would cost as much as $5.8 million. Repairs are needed for the interior, exterior and deck, plus a new roof, water lines and fire protection.

Augusta’s Interim City Administrator Takiyah Douse expressed an interest in looking for bids for the full project as well. However, with the

level of repairs needed, the idea of replacing the Boathouse altogether has not been taken off the table.

The rowing club is still storing their boats and equipment in the Boathouse’s lower level, but because the water isn’t running, the city has provided porta potties and may provide further help if it’s needed.

History behind the Boathouse

The building was initially constructed in 1987 as a 250-seat restaurant called “Palmer’s Seafood House,” which not long after became “The Leavee Restaurant.” The lower area was opened in 1997 to offer proper storage, a training facility and headquarters for the rowing club. It was renovated for $850,000, which with inflation comes out to almost $1.6 million, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Davidson student named Finalist in National Merit Scholarship Program

SONG TING TANG, a senior at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, has been named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Tang is the only student in Richmond County to achieve this status in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Less than one percent of students who took the PSAT in Fall 2021 were named a National Merit Finalist.

Tang competed against more than 16,000 semifinalists to be named a National Merit Finalist by submitting an essay, letters of recommendation, SAT scores, transcripts, and documentation of school involvement and community service.

Augusta employees recognized for years of service

Recently, Augusta Commissioners recognized the Augusta, Georgia employees who have served between 25 to 50 years with the government. The employees include:

ROBIN AULDRIDGE, Engineering & Environmental Services, 30 years of service

BRUCE FLANNIGAN, Augusta Utilities, 25 year of service

THELONIOUS JONES, Augusta Utilities, 25 years of service

ROBERT SILAS, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, 25 years of service

STEPHANIE JACKSON, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, 25 years of service

JOHN STEARLEY, Augusta Regional Airport, 35 years of service.

Experience Augusta

Details at mayorsmasters.com

Mar 31: Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball

Apr 1: Neighborhood Association Alliance

Apr 1: HCD Family Fun Day

Apr 1: Easter Extravaganza

Apr 2: Mayors Masters Reception

Apr 3: Silent Headphone Yoga + Soundbath

Apr 5: Yoga + Soundbath

Apr 5: Food Truck Wednesday

Apr 5: ParTee On The Green - Augusta GA

Apr 6: ZMGroup event

Apr 7: Yoga + Soundbath

Apr 7: Jazz & Flow

Apr 8: Hobbs & Reid

Apr 8: Springfest

Apr 8: Sounds of the Season

Apr 8: The Cool Down

Apr 8: Jazz Battle

Apr 9: Easter Sunrise Service

Apr 9: Gospel Jazz Brunch

Apr 9: Hobbs & Reid

During the week’s Golf celebration

For the Love of Music, Farming and Green Beans!

Latrell’s Tasty Green Beans

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. My goal is to teach you about food, finance, anything about the home, gardening, and healthy living.

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, I am reminded of two of many amazing women that have contributed to music and agriculture.

Willie Mae “Big Mama”Thorton was a powerful blues singer. In 1952, she recorded the song Hound Dog, making her the first person to record the song. Although someone else recorded the song four years later, this song was written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller specifically for her. She delivered a tune that is memorable and moves the soul!

In the agricultural world, many people do not know of Fannie Lou Hamer who founded the Freedom Farm Cooperative. In 1969, Hamer purchased land in the Mississippi Delta that helped to empower underserved African American farmers.

The farmers had been a part of a sharecropping system that was unfair and left the farmers disadvantaged in many ways. During this time, African American farmers owned over 15 million acres of land compared to the one million acres today. As a professional in agriculture, the is a subject that is close to my heart. Farmland is important and knowing what to do with the food that comes from the land is equally important.

If you do not own acres of land, do not fret! You can grow food on your patio or in your backyard. In Georgia, we typically plant our spring and early summer vegetables during the second week of April. This is to ensure that we are past the frost season. During this time, you can plant your frost tender plants such as beans, cantaloupe, cucumber, and okra. Be sure to plant a second row of your favorite plants 2-3 weeks later so that you will have veggies all summer long! Here is my simple but delicious recipe for green beans.

Latrell’s Tasty Green Beans

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds cleaned fresh green beans, ends trimmed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat

Red pepper flakes to taste

½ cup finely chopped onion

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup of water

DIRECTIONS

Heat water to boiling in a skillet, add green beans, oil, bacon fat, onions, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until tender. Serve with tomatoes, pick-

led okra, and cornbread or as a side dish with your favorite meal. Enjoy!

If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or would like to learn about events by Latrell, please visit my website and send an email via the contact form.

Website: www.southernjazzandsweets.com first person to record the song. Although someone else recorded the song four years later, this song was written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller specifically for her. She delivered a tune that is memorable and moves the soul!

Thoughts When Downtown (Augusta)

Do that many people still smoke? And feel the liberty to flick their butts on the ground?

Oh, I can actually see the stars tonight.

How many leaves have I consumed while eating outside?

The aroma of roasting coffee is pure ecstasy.

When did that become a bar? club? loft apartment? art gallery with a single piece of pottery in a phallic shape?

Hmmm, I could use another new book.

Is the Parade today or tomorrow?

Dammit, the train.

Will I ever bore of these streets?

That outfit is perfect for someone. But that someone is not me.

Why is the volume so loud on motorcycles?

Didn’t shave. Shirt is wrinkled. Looking rough, but shouldn’t see anyone. And, they’re waving at me.

How many coffee shops do we need?

I can always guess the performers by the attire of people headed to the arena.

Can restaurants take turns being closed on Monday’s? Please.

Is it Tuesday or Wednesday?

Fuck it, I want tacos.

James Aaron Snow has been writing poetry for almost 25 years. He draws his inspiration, tone, and style from writers who call the South home and from spending most of his life below the Mason-Dixon line. His formal education falls within the field of Social Work, which serves as his source of empathy towards all humanity but rage towards all injustice. He is the former Poet-in-Residence for the Augusta-Richmond County Public System.

A special one-week exhibition about famous Women Artists will be showcased at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History through March 25th featuring original paintings by Augusta artist Rhian Swain. The exhibit includes 13 portraits of female visual artists who have made an impact on the arts.

“Breaking the Barriers” is a series of paintings that shine a light on some of the women who have made remarkable achievements in the visual arts. Like Louise Bourgeois, Sculptor Augusta Savage, Berthe Morisot, the iconic Dot Queen Yayoi Kusama, and visual revolutionary Kara Walker.

Let’s C.H.A.L.K.: Evolving Perspectives of Mental Health and Wellness Understanding the Challenges of Today’s Youth with Mental Health and Wellness Needs

In recent years, Gen Z youth have faced an unprecedented number of challenges when it comes to mental health and wellness. In a recent report from the CDC, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey: Data Summary and Trends Report, nearly all indications of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and acts increased from 2011-2021. The proportion of students who frequently felt depressed or hopeless, who thought about suicide, who plotted their suicide, and who actually tried to end their lives increased as well. This report also indicates that in 2021, 29% of students in grades 9-12 experienced episodes of diminished mental health, with female students more likely to experience poorer mental health than males.

What has caused this sudden surge in mental health issues among our youth? The primary factors behind this increase in mental health challenges include the ever-increasing pressure to “make it” in a competitive world, the demands of technology and social media, and the heightened awareness of the issues facing society today.

And to add to the challenges of Gen Z, the current COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated their mental well-being. This is because of the sudden instability and disruption it has causedsocial isolation, financial insecurity, lack of access to health care, and more. Despite these complex challenges, there are a few things Gen Z youth can do to take care of their mental health and emotional well-being.

It’s important that teens and their families take steps to address mental health challenges through a positive support network that includes peers and at least one trusted adult. Teens should also be encouraged to practice mindfulness, exercise regularly and find creative outlets for expression. Another great resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which has recently introduced a universal phone number, 988, for easier access during mental health distress or a suicidal crisis. Additionally, teens and families can follow social media accounts such as the Instagram accounts of Teens Lets Chalk @teens.lets.chalk and Free Your Feels @ freeyourfeelsga for connection, support and resources.

Dr. Onnie Poe letschalk@fillinginthegaps.net