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EDUCATOR SHIKARA WILLIS, who was named Richmond County School System’s “Teacher of the Year”, was honored by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as a “Hometown Hero.” Willis, who teaches 5th-grade at C.T. Walker Magnet School, took a ride in an F-16 fighter jet with Capt. Jeffrey “Simmer” Downie as her pilot. Willis shares a laugh during the pre-flight checklist. May 12, 2023 - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

We need holistic, people-based infrastructure

Nearly 15 years ago, when I began the Augusta city beat, one debate took over the news: Do we really need a TEE Center and parking deck?

The answer, of course, was no. However, there was a proposal tied to the presumed success of the Augusta Convention Center and adjacent parking deck on Reynolds Street – the revitalization of the Laney-Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods.

It didn’t matter that the TEE Center would share the same fate as other boondoggles such as the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, which were seen as a waste of space and money even before the start of the pandemic. COVID threw hotel

sales, which were supposed to be the lifeblood of convention center proposals like the TEE Center, into a tailspin.

It would all be worth it to revitalize the Laney Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods, which had been ravaged with blight and dilapidation. This proposal would change the face of a community, but not like many people thought it would.

A lot of the displaced faces were Black, and what was billed as urban renewal felt a lot like gentrification.

The challenge of growth and revitalization within a community should always lead with conscience. Sadly, most cities and their corporatist officials lead with capitalism. In a country where people suffer from

Georgia Historical Society to dedicate Historical Marker recognizing Augusta’s Chinese Community and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association

AUGUSTA

The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) will dedicate a new historical marker recognizing “The Augusta Chinese and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association” in partnership with the Augusta Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The historical marker describes the formation of one of the oldest Chinese communities in the eastern United States and the CCBA, the first incorporated Chinese organization in Georgia. The dedication is open to the public and will take place at 548 Walker Street in Augusta.

“We’re proud that the CCBA has been part of the cultural experience of Augusta for nearly 100 years,” said Gary Tom, CCBA President, whose great-uncle Sam Jue was a founding member. “This recognition by the Georgia Historical Society creates a lasting legacy that honors the first Chinese families who built their lives here in Augusta, who raised families here, and who became a vibrant part of this city.”

As a result of a civil war in

China, the United States saw an increase of Chinese immigration by the 1870s. When the City of Augusta sought to widen and deepen the Augusta Canal, it contracted over 200 Chinese laborers in 1873 to execute the canal’s expansion. Many laborers remained, forming a community there. The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) halted the immigration of Chinese laborers until its repeal in 1943, but because the act did not apply to merchants, Augusta’s established merchant-class community saw continued growth. The Chinese community in Augusta became the largest Chinese population in Georgia until the mid-twentieth century. Seeking an organized avenue for supporting the community, members founded the Augusta CCBA, later incorporated in 1927, which remains active in Augusta.

To learn more about the “The Augusta Chinese and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association” historical marker, please contact Keith Strigaro, Director of Communications at the Georgia Historical Society, at 912651-2125 ext. 153 or kstrigaro@ georgiahistory.com.

homelessness, lack of transportation and opportunity, we feature housing developments as a sign of community uplift. It is simply not accurate.

I would hope this is not the intent of housing departments, and I would agree that the notion of “affordable housing” goes beyond proposals such as the ones in the Laney-Walker neighborhood, or even those on the way in South Augusta. Affordable housing should be mutually related to a livable wage, which would provide profound security to residents. Because the price of housing continues to rise far beyond take-home pay, we must widen our gaze as community “partners.”

A city that builds the infrastructure of brick and mortar and not the infra-

structure that makes people whole – access to food, housing, transportation – essentially taunts those who pursue life, liberty and happiness. My heart goes out to those people who longed for the conditions of their neighborhood to be improved for decades, and when that change finally came, they couldn’t afford to enjoy their new surroundings.

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.

Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association building.

Performers at the Dragon Boat Festival in Augusta. 2019

NEIGHBORHOODS LANEY-WALKER HISTORICAL DISTRICT

Golden Blocks Mural Ribbon Cutting on May 26

Ribbon Cutting for “Women of Empowerment” Mural and Celebration of Lucky Spot Neighborhood Corner Store at 1119 James Brown Boulevard

A ribbon cutting and business opening celebration will be held Friday, May 26, 2023 at 11:00 am for the newest Golden Blocks mural, “Women of Empowerment”, located at 1119 James Brown Boulevard, the recently renovated space now home to The Lucky Spot, neighborhood corner store.

Guest speakers include Mayor Garnett Johnson, Senator Charles W. Walker, Commissioners Jordan Johnson and Francine Scott, Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse, RCBOE Board Member Shawnda Griffin, Housing & Community Development Director Hawthorne Welcher, Jr., Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History Executive Director Corey Rogers, Greater Augusta Arts Council Project Manager Pax Bobrow, and Mural Artist Salonika Rhyne.

The Golden Blocks project highlights the rich cultural legacy of the historically Black neighborhoods of Laney Walker and Bethlehem, in public spaces, inviting lifelong residents, newcomers, and visitors to enjoy the revitalization of the area while celebrating its past. It is an ongoing collaboration between the Greater Augusta Arts Council, the Lucy Craft Laney

Museum of Black History, and Augusta Housing & Community Development (AHCD), with this mural made possible through support by the Walker Group, which owns the building where the mural is located. This project is funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

As part of this project, local muralist Salonika Rhyne was commissioned through a competitive call for art to create a mural, titled “Women of Empowerment”, celebrating six women leaders in education in the historic Golden Blocks of Augusta. These include Ursula E. Collins, Rosa C. Tutt, Marjorie B. Carter, Margaret L. Laney, Rosa T. Beard, and Ruth B. Crawford.

Mayor Garnett Johnson stated, “I’m elated to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the ‘Women of Empowerment’ mural and The Lucky Spot corner store. As a native East Augustan and small business owner, I’m proud of the revitalization and growth happening in the Laney Walker corridor.”

Golden Blocks project leaders have provided the following statement: “It is through the marriage of public history and public art in Augusta that our missions support each other to promote vibrant art, history and neighbor-

hood reinvestment.”

The ribbon cutting will take place at The Lucky Spot, which is located at 1119 James Brown

Boulevard, and is open Mon-Sat 8am-11pm and Sun 9am-11pm, serving the surrounding neighborhood with daily essentials.

A MURAL TITLED “WOMEN OF EMPOWERMENT” by local artist Salonika Rhyne (@salonika_art) features portraits of trailblazing local women who have made an impact in the educational community. The mural includes educators Ursula Collins, Marjorie Carter, Margeret Louise Laney, Rosa T. Beard, Rosa C. Tutt and Ruth Crawford. The artwork is located on James Brown Blvd, near the intersection of Laney-Walker Blvd. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

The mural includes educators Ursula Collins, Marjorie Carter, Margeret Louise Laney, Rosa T. Beard, Rosa C. Tutt and Ruth Crawford. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

The artwork is located on James Brown Blvd, near the intersection of Laney-Walker Blvd. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

New storm drain murals created at local schools

Seven public schools in Richmond County were selected to participate in an exciting pilot program designed to teach students about the water cycle, Augusta’s water ecosystem, the role of stormwater in that system, and our community’s responsibility as water system stewards. The program was created through a collaboration between City of Augusta Engineering and Environmental Services Department, the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Phinizy Center for Water Sciences, and the Richmond County School System.

Classroom curriculum was taught at each school by staff from the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences, then based on what the students had learned, murals were painted next to a storm drain on the school grounds. Two high schools: Hephzibah HS

Augusta set to host annual Community Engagement

AUGUSTA

Augusta, Georgia is hosting a community engagement forum for citizens to learn about the services offered by the city and give feedback on the municipality’s proposed budget.

The second annual Augusta on Display event will be held on June 3, 2023, from 9am-12pm at the Julian Smith Casino, 2200 Broad Street. During the three-hour trade show style event, the public will have a chance to meet their elected officials, have one-on-one conversations with representatives from city departments, and share their opinions on how the city should spend tax dollars.

Additionally, there will be bouncing houses for children, family-friendly entertainment, and attendees will have the opportunity to tour a variety of government vehicles.

and Westside HS, created and painted the murals themselves. The elementary and middle schools: Goshen ES, Hephzibah ES, Warren Road ES, Willis Foreman ES, and Hephzibah MS, requested professional artists paint the murals and speak with their students. The selected artists Cyndy Epps, Nong von Buedingen, Aort Reed, Colleen Beyer & Wesley L. Stewart, and Stephanie “HAM” Willingham, involved the students in the creative process of designing and painting the murals.

An open call for artists was issued by the Greater Augusta Arts Council in its role as public art agency for Augusta. The artists were selected from applications received by the Public Art Advisory Panel, the official body that advises City of Augusta on public art.

Hephzibah HS student working on the storm drain mural.

Educator Shikara Willis, who was named Richmond County School System’s “Teacher of the Year”,

Thunderbirds as a “Hometown Hero”. Willis, who

Shikara Willis flies with the USAF Thunderbirds

Shikara Willis is in rare company. The Richmond County School System’s Teacher of the year learned a while ago that she had been selected to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thundedrbirds. Now, we’re not sure if Shikara knew that the T-birds cruise at 500 miles-an-hour and fly less than an arms length wingtip-to-wingtip, but we are sure that she was looking forward to it.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to be given this opportunity,” said Willis, a couple of days before her flight.

And on Friday morning, May 12, Shikara climbed into the backseat of Capt. Jeffrey “Simmer” Downie’s F-16 and prepared for the experience of her life.

On her 45-minute flight, Willis experienced the thrill of hitting up to seven G’s, along with the accompanying twists, spins and turns of the best roller coaster ride imaginable.

Willis was selected as part of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds “Hometown Hero” program that honors deserving local people.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were the featured performer when the Augusta Air Show played at the Augusta Regional Airport last weekend (May 13 and 14). In addition to the Thunderbirds, there was an amazing display of demonstrations including the F-16 Viper Demo Team, SOCOM Para-Commandos, Red Bull Helicopter, Red Bull Air Force, P-51 Mustang, as well as aerobatic pilots Buck Roetman and Kevin Coleman.

The Augusta Air Show was the third stop on the 2023 Air Dot Show Tour which also includes future shows in Ocean City, Maryland; New York; Atlanta; and Orlando.

•Shikara Willis has been an educator for 19 years and currently is a fifth-grade English language arts teacher at C.T. Walker Magnet School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education, a Master’s in reading and literacy, and a Specialist in advanced studies. She also has a gifted endorsement and English of Second Languages (ESOL) endorsement which allows her to provide the challenging instruction that her students need as she guides them to think outside of the box while still providing all students with an equitable education.

•Willis is active in her school and community, serving on the instructional leadership team, data team, and is an Augusta University clinical teacher, where she assists perspective educators as they complete their student teaching. She received the Richmond County Retired Educator’s Scholarship which allowed her to continue her educational studies and was also accepted into and completed the GenCyber Teacher Training Camp, Future Leaders Academy, and the Governor’s School Leadership Academy Teacher Leader Program.

•Outside of school, Willis volunteers with Brown Girls Code, an organization working toward closing the gender and diversity gap in technology, and with the Golden Harvest Food Bank.

was honored by the U.S. Air Force

teaches 5th-grade at C.T. Walker Magnet School, took a ride in an F-16 fighter jet with Capt. Jeffrey “Simmer” Downie as her pilot. Willis looks out at friends and family gathered on the tarmac before the flight. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Educator Shikara Willis, who was named Richmond County School System’s “Teacher of the Year”, was honored by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as a “Hometown Hero”. Willis, who teaches 5th-grade at C.T. Walker Magnet School, took a ride in an F-16 fighter jet with Capt. Jeffrey “Simmer” Downie as her pilot. Willis is seen walking toward family and friends after her flight.

Educator Shikara Willis, with Capt. Jeffrey “Simmer” Downie, her pilot.

Photo by Richard Dunn

Willis and her husband Lenard share a hug after the flight.

Photo by Richard Dunn

Photo by Richard Dunn

Got

STUDENTS FROM HEPHZIBAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL work on the school’s storm drain artwork project.Seven public schools in Richmond County were selected to participate in an exciting pilot program designed to teach students about the water cycle, Augusta’s water ecosystem, the role of stormwater in that system, and our community’s responsibility as water system stewards. See story on Page 4

Augusta IT Dept. Receives Award for Best Practices

Augusta Information Technology Department has been recognized as the 2023 winner of the GA Government Management Information Sciences (GMIS) Best Practices Award presented at their Spring Conference in Athens, GA. The GA GMIS is a leading professional association for government technology leaders, both municipalities and states, throughout Georgia.

This award recognizes the department for its implementation of their Information Technology Reorganization Plan. The plan utilized industry standards and best practices to demonstrate a more effective and efficient technology organization. This project allowed the department to retain and recruit qualified staff members while remaining within the allotted budget.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO), Ms. Tameka Allen, stated “It was truly a team effort. The leadership in the department came together along with the respective staff to implement this plan”.

MEETINGS

Richmond County Schools

The following public meetings for the Richmond County Board of Education will be held on the dates listed below at 864 Broad Street, Board Room Auditorium, Augusta,

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 – 1st Public Hearing on FY24 Budget – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – 2nd Public Hearing on FY24 Budget – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Adoption of Final FY24 Budget – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - June 2023 Committee and Regular Board Meeting – 4:00 p.m. (Regular Board will immediately follow the Committee Meeting)

Augusta, Georgia to host Tire & Electronic Recycling Event

Augusta, Georgia’s Environmental Services is hosting their quarterly Tire and Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 7am to 10am at the Richmond County Landfill, 4330 Deans Bridge Road. The event is only for Richmond County residents, and donors must show proof of residency. Below is a list of more details for donors:

• Tires may be on or off the rim.

• Tire companies or commercial businesses will not be permitted.

• Box vans or business or commercial vehicles will not be permitted.

The department’s next quarterly tire event will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023

Augusta appoints new board members

• Health insurance agency owner James Anderson, has been named to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission, representing District 10.

• Tonia Gibbons, a local small business owner, and Christine Rhodes, a congressional aide, have been appointed to the Augusta-Richmond County Library Board of Trustees. Gibbons will represent District 9 and Rhodes will represent District 10.

• Commercial Real Estate Agent Davis Beman has been appointed to the Augusta Aviation Commission representing District 10.

• Elmyra Chivers has been appointed to the Board of Zoning and Appeals representing Commission District 4.

• James Scott and William Mills have been appointed to the Augusta- Richmond County Board of Tax Assessors.

LETTERS

Homeless USA veterans deserve better opportunities

DEAR EDITOR

A May 10, 2023 article titled, Housing on the way for Georgia’s largest veteran population, by Channel 12 news reporter Craig Allison offered a solution for Augusta’s homeless veterans. But, it raises the question, in 2023 why is there still not enough housing for America’s military heroes?

One reason is the growing number of disloyal politicians who squander taxpayer money and bend over backward to house undocumented immigrants who have contributed nothing to America. Then, the same politicians behave lackadaisical when it comes to serving homeless veterans who have contributed to the defense of America. In the article, Craig Taylor, executive director, Solutions for Veterans, was quoted as saying, “These are the very veterans that protected this country, that made all the freedoms we enjoy, and they’re down on their luck.”

Politicians must be reminded to first serve the military heroes who have served this great nation. That means ensuring homeless veterans are housed before taxpayer money is spent on the noncontributing folk who had the audacity to illegally enter the country.

Kevin Palmer, Evans, GA,

Local AKA’s award $30K in scholarships and donations

The Zeta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® will award over $30,000 in college scholarships to graduating high school seniors from across the CSRA. Chartered in 1955, the Zeta Xi Omega chapter has served in and around Augusta, Georgia, providing critical needs, mentoring and leadership development to youth, and services to all mankind. This year, chapter members are soaring beyond past contributions by awarding more than 30 scholarships to students across the CSRA. Money provided for these scholarships has been garnered through various fundraisers as well as contributions. The scholarships will be awarded to students at a special reception on Sunday May 21, 2023, at 4:00 pm, at the Augusta Kroc Center. During this event, members of Zeta Xi Omega chapter will also award five financial donations to local community partners who continue making a difference in the lives of others.