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GARNETT JOHNSON ENTERS MAYOR’S RACE

BLACK CHAMBER / BoA BIZ TRAINING GRANT

MAURICE JOHNSON STARRING ON AMAZ ON FILMS

URBAN PRO WEEKLY

NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2021 • VOL. 10 NO. 6

JOSEY HOMECOMING

T.W. JOSEY STUDENTS AND ALUMNI celebrated their homecoming with events recently, including an alumni basketball game, the coronation of Miss Josey and Mr. Eagle and a parade. The Eagles were defeated 37-22 by the Oglethorpe County Patriots. More photos on page 7. (October 16, 2021 Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

COMMUNITY MOVES

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2021

BoA grant fuels Entrepreneurship Training Program Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation receives a $125,000 grant AUGUSTA Recently, the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce (GABCC) and Foundation unveiled plans for their new Intensive Entrepreneurship Training Program, funded by Bank of America. This program will provide entrepreneurs and small business owners of color with the needed training and capital to be successful in an ever-changing business world. Formed in 2017, GABCC is a historically Black chamber of commerce in the greater Augusta area that supports minority-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged, and black-owned businesses throughout the Central Savannah River area. GABCC has a growing partnership with Bank of America, which will provide further assistance to business owners in the CSRA area during unprecedented times. “The partnership with Bank of America will help to carry out GABCC foundation’s mission to enhance the CSRA community through innovative, effective, and equitable programming,” said Ronic West, President, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. “Our continued mission is to foster economic stability for businesses in the CSRA through advocacy, education, networking, discovery, and these strategic partnerships.” The GABCC Entrepreneurship program will be offered in the CSRA area as a comprehensive innovative approach to assist both new and existing entrepreneurs with the following: Four weeks of training, and an

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

additional six weeks of coaching and mentorship for new and existing minority owned business owners and entrepreneurs. The additional six weeks of coaching and mentorship are a critical component of the program to ensure that participants stay engaged, are taking actionable next steps, and have the support they need to succeed. At the end of the program guaranteed grants of $3,000 will be provided after all criteria are met within program guidelines. Courses from subject matter experts from the southeast and the CSRA that are from a similar demographic. Post-training support to aid business owners in becoming successful entrepreneurs. Business data gathering to track success and outcomes of programs. Training components include: Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Business Planning Basics, Business Structure 101, Bookkeeping & Recordkeeping, Business Insurance 101, Business Marketing/Branding 101, Growing Your Business and Obtaining Your First Customer, Credit Essentials, Reporting and Tracking cash flow, and Running a successful Business. The initiative is part of the bank’s $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity by focusing on small business, jobs and up-skilling, health and housing. . “The Greater Augusta Black Chamber has been instrumental

(L) Ronic West, President, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. (R) Ora Parish, President, Bank of America Augusta / Aiken. in supporting the success of Blackowned small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community,” said Ora Parish, President, Bank of America Augusta / Aiken. “Our partnership will further expand on Bank of America’s ongoing work to support jobs and small businesses in Augusta.” In Augusta, access to capital/credit and entrepreneurial training are

PUBLISHER Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co +1 (706) 751-2537 SALES & MARKETING http://www.growingaugusta.co/upw +1 (762) 233-5299

major barriers to success for minority owned small-business owners, and they cannot afford training and coaching that is needed to maximize their odds for success. Additionally, Covid19 has intensified issues facing the Augusta Black community. African American entrepreneurs have had to close their doors at more than twice the rate of their White counterparts.

CONTRIBUTORS K.L. Gordon Olivia Gaines Menia L. Chester Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia

THE VOTE ‘22

AUGUSTA Augusta entrepreneur and business owner Garnett Johnson formally announced his candidacy for mayor of Augusta at the corner of Tobacco Road & Windsor Spring Road on October 26, 2021. Johnson also promoted his economic development initiatives for the city. “The driving force behind my bid for mayor is to grow our city economically. These are challenging times, but with my vast experience as a successful business owner, I know we can make this city grow stronger than it ever has been,” said Johnson. “My vision for Augusta comes with well laid out plans with an emphasis on transparency, accountability and getting results.” Johnson is the president and owner of Augusta Office Solutions and Modern Business Workplace Solutions. The company supports a national customer base across all sectors including private, education, government, and healthcare with locations in Augusta and Savannah. He hopes to bring this

Garnett Johnson makes his mayoral candidacy official with southside rally. extensive business knowledge and experience to his role as mayor of Augusta. “I know what it takes to grow a small amount of money into some-

Commission candidate A.K. Hasan to donate gift bags to homeless students On Thursday, Nov. 4, the A K Hasan 40th Anniversary Celebration Committee in Sponsorship with A.I.D.E. Foundation will be donating 200 gift bags to the Richmond County School System in honor of A. K. Hasan, the District 6 commission candidate. The intention is to have the gift bags distributed to homeless students that attend Richmond County

UrbanProWeekly - NOVMBR 1 - 14, 2021

Garnett Johnson officially enters mayor’s race

Schools. The event will he held at 11:30 a.m. at the Richmond County School System Board Room at 864 Broad Street in Augusta. Attendees must RSVP: the in-person celebration is Evite Invitation Only. Available to the public online: On November 4, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. login to facebook.com/akhasan1

At the corner of Tobacco Road and Windsor Spring Road, Johnson announces his bid for Augusta’s mayorship. thing bigger and more successful. he also is a passionate supporter I’m about treating people’s money of the American Heart Association. with respect,” said Johnson. Johnson is a member of the In 2018, the Augusta Metro Executive Leadership team and Past Chamber named Johnson Augusta’s Chairman of the American Heart Entrepreneur of the year. Association’s Augusta-CSRA Heart Johnson is an active member Ball. He is a graduate of Augusta in Augusta’s business community. University’s Hull College of Business He serves on numerous boards. where he earned a Bachelor of Among them is the Augusta Metro Business Administration degree, Chamber of Commerce where he with a concentration in Business serves on the Executive Committee Management. as Treasurer. He is also a member of the Augusta Exchange Club. Not For more information about only does Johnson play a large Garnett Johnson, visit www.garrole in the business community, but nettformayor.com.

Emerging Leaders of Color program seeking applicants from the South Eighteen (18) cultural leaders of color across South Arts’ nine-state region will be selected to form a cohort and participate in professional development and networking opportunities. Emerging Leaders of Color (ELC) is a free multi-day professional development program for early- to mid-career arts administrators of color. This

partnership program between South Arts and our colleague Regional Arts Organization WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation) provides tools, continued learning opportunities, and a growing professional network to administrators of color who seek to move into leadership positions in the arts and culture sector. This second Southern cohort

will build on the success of South Arts’ first cohort and WESTAF’s ELC program which has been attracting, training, networking, and promoting a new generation of diverse arts leaders since 2010. Eighteen (18) participants will be selected for the second Southern cohort of this program, which will occur online in late January or early

February 2022. At least one participant from each of South Arts’ ninestate region will be chosen to participate, with participation expenses paid. Selected participants will also be invited to join program alumni for continued leadership development. Applications are due December 1, 2021. https://www.southarts.org/

COMMUNITY MOVERS

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WIGGIN’ OUT WEDNESDAY: A Hair Affair Extravaganza

was hosted by the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. on Oct. 13, 2021. The event was held at the Jessye Norman School of the Arts in downtown Augusta.

NEW DESTINY MINISTRIES: Annual Pastor’s Celebration for Angela C. Harden New Destiny Ministries “No Walls” family invites the public to the Anniversary Celebration for Pastor Angela C. Harden for 16 years as its Spiritual Leader. The Anniversary Celebration will consist of two nights of a Supernatural Revival: Thursday, November 4th and

Friday, November 5th at 7:00 pm, and Saturday Anniversary Gala and Dinner, November 6th at 5:00pm. For information, contact Sis. KeKe Rosier at 706-945-6412, Pastor Cassie Thomas, 951-782-1616 or visit website: blessingsangelaharden.com.

MLK Celebrants in Aiken seek applicants The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Committee is accepting entries for its annual contests and awards. The committee is led by Aiken Technical College (ATC) and the University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken), the presenters of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration held annually in January. Nominations for the 2022 Human & Civil Rights Champion Awards are being accepted through November 12. The awards recognize a community member and students from ATC and UofSC Aiken who have demonstrated advocacy and

support for diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights. Below are links to the nomination forms and criteria: Nominate an ATC student: https://bit. ly/3BVoalZ Nominate an UofSC Aiken student: https://bit.ly/3k63u0N Nominate a community member: https://bit.ly/38fdTVR For questions, contact Nikasha Dicks, Aiken Technical College’s Director of Marketing & Public Relations, (803) 5087477, dicksn@atc.edu

UrbanProWeekly - NOVMBR 1 - 14, 2021

LIVESHOT•JAZZ

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2021

DENNIS DiSANO takes a solo during the Augusta University & Friends concert on Oct 25.

Garden City Jazz and the Augusta Black Chamber selected as 2021 AARP Community Challenge grantees AUGUSTA Garden City Jazz and the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2021 A ARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 244 grantees selected from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With this “quick-action” grant we will present The Soul + Soil Initiative, an outdoor concert series of African-American music on African-American owned farmland, bringing awareness to and developing robust program sup-

port for two of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic: arts/culture and agriculture. Photos, videos, and live-streamed events will be compiled to develop an agri-tourism campaign for host farmers. “We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Garden City Jazz and the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce to receive this grant,” stated Karen Gordon. “AARP is a nationwide leader on making neighborhoods, towns, and cities more livable for all residents and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our community.”

Tickets, artists, and venue info for the 2021 Soul + Soil Concert

Series can be found at gardencityjazz.eventbrite.com.

••• About the AARP Community Challenge The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery and more. It’s all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life. To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation – including all 244 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

SPORTSVIEW

T.W. Josey students and alumni celebrated their homecoming with events throughout the week, including an alumni basketball game, the coronation of Miss Josey and Mr. Eagle and a parade. The Eagles were defeated 37-22 in a homecoming loss to the Oglethorpe County Patriots. (October 16, 2021 Augusta, GA) - Photos by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

UrbanProWeekly - NOVMBR 1 - 14, 2021

October 16, 2021 (Augusta, GA) - Naliayah Brooks (R) smiles after being crowned Miss Homecoming during half-time. T.W. Josey students and alumni celebrated their homecoming with events throughout the week, including an alumni basketball game, the coronation of Miss Josey and Mr. Eagle and a parade. The Eagles were defeated 37-22 in a homecoming loss to the Oglethorpe County Patriots. (October 16, 2021 Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs/Sports Journal

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2021

FILM Augustan to be featured as lead actor in two Amazon Prime films Former Glenn Hills High School star and Albany State University football player/graduate, Maurice Johnson, plays leading roles in two new films hitting digital and multiple on-demand platforms this week. Farm to Fork to Love, a romance drama, features Mr. Johnson as Bret Porchetta who works as an executive chef at one of the top restaurants in New York. The film was released last week on Amazon Prime Video in the USA, Canada, UK, and Italy. The Crickets Dance, an award-winning drama/crime/history film set in the deep south, features Mr. Johnson as Andrew McGrath, a Southern lawyer, who sought keys to his past most of his life. His discovery, shrouded in mystery and murder, turned out to be more than he expected.

T.R.E.A.T. Workshop set for Nov. 3 - 5 Here’s another awesome opportunity to attend a diverse developmental workshop for local community leaders to attend the next T.R.E.A.T. (Teaching Radiation, Energy, and Technology) workshop focused on educational experiences for the communities, environmental justice concerns, as well as Savannah River Site initiatives. This session will be from Wednesday, Nov. 3rd through Friday, Nov. 5th, from 8A-noon daily at the USC Aiken Business and Education Building. Attendance required all three days in order to receive the $350.00 stipend and a certificate of completion. For more information and to register today, contact Pastor Brendolyn Jenkins Boseman, 803-226-4452 or email admin@theimanigroup.org

The Black Church Green Movement Attention pastors, ministers, and faith leaders, you are invited to the last session of “The Black Church Green Movement” this Saturday, Oct. 30th, 12-3 p.m. via ZOOM. This workshop was created to equip our faith leaders with the knowledge needed to lead your congregation through this vastly changing world. You will learn about our access to clean water, air, and healthy spaces, what all these storms mean for our safety and for our pockets, and how we can prepare for the future. This work is done from the Christian faith perspective so you will also hear what God has to say about this( as per the Word). All attendees will receive a $100.00 stipend. Maurice Johnson The film is being released Tuesday, October 26, 2021, on digital and multiple on demand platforms including iTunes, Comcast, Dish, Verizon, Prime Video, Google Play, Vudo and Telus in the U.S. and Canada.

EMPLOYMENT ALERT:

The Barner Group (Reggie Barner) is looking for two experienced and dependable part-time custodian/janitorial staff to work in Augusta from 5:308 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, at $12/hour. Only serious inquiries please call 803-605-4729 or email him at rbarner@thebarnergroup.com

text UPW to (706) 528-6855

Get UPW delivered to your inbox OR your front door. Subscribe at growingaugusta.co/upw

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#gardencityjazz june 27 : july 25 code: UPW

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ConventionSouth’s Readers’ Choice Award goes to AUG CVB GULF SHORES, Ala. It is with honor that the publishers and editors of ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, present Destination Augusta with a 2021 Readers’ Choice Award. “ConventionSouth readers and fans have voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it is no surprise to us that Destination Augusta has been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said ConventionSouth Associate Publisher Ashleigh Osborne. “The value in receiving this prestigious recognition is that it comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. These planners demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have contributed in determining that Destination Augusta indeed displays the commitment to professionalism, creativity and service that they require.” Destination Augusta is among 415 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), meeting facilities and hotels located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. Throughout the year, meeting professionals nominated the meeting sites they believe provide exemplary service for group events. The nominated sites are then compiled onto an online ballot where meeting professionals and fans are asked to vote for the best of the best. With over 8,000 voters participating in the selection process and the highest social media interaction to date,

this has been the most successful and engaging year yet! Since creation in 2001, this is the sixth time that Destination Augusta has received the award, making it an even greater honor to present it with a 2021 Readers’ Choice Award. Destination Augusta will be featured as an award recipient in the December 2021 Awards Issue of ConventionSouth magazine. This exciting issue will also showcase some of the most talented meeting professionals in the nation as ConventionSouth also presents planners with its annual “Meeting Professionals To Watch” designation. “Featuring peer advice and trade secrets from our Meeting Professionals to Watch in 2022, our Awards Issue is one of the most popular must-read resources within the meetings industry,”Osborne said. Celebrating almost 40 years as a leading meeting planning resource, ConventionSouth magazine is based in Gulf Shores, Ala., and is distributed to more than 18,000 meeting professionals located across the country who book meetings held within the South, according to Osborne. A complete list of award winners can be found online at: https://conventionsouth.com/2021-readerschoice-award-winners-announced/ The ConventionSouth Readers’ Choice Award logo is available for use at: https://conventionsouth. com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ R e a de r s - C hoic e - Aw a r d -11024x981-1-1.jpg

City of Augusta to host citywide Covid-19 vaccine clinics in October-December In an effort to increase the number of individuals to receive the Covid19 vaccine, the City of Augusta will host several mobile Covid-19 vaccine clinics throughout November and December. View the schedule below: • Oct. 28 at the Augusta Aquatic Center, 3157 Damascus Road from 4-6pm • Oct. 30 at the James Brown Arena 601 7th Street from 10am-2pm • Nov. 4 at the Warren Road Community Center 300 Warren Road from 4-6pm • Nov. 6 at Henry Brigham Community Center 2463 Golden Camp Rd; 9-11:30am

• Nov. 6 Robert Howard Community Center 103 Diamond Lakes Way from 11am-2pm • Nov. 20 at the Augusta Mall, 3450 Wrightsboro Road from 10am-2pm • Dec. 2 at Jamestown Community Center & Park 3647 Karleen Road from

Latrelle’s Light and Fluffy Fruity Dessert

1. Drink more water. Water helps with digestion and will help to keep you hydrated. 2. Try to use less sugar and butter in your recipes. Some lightened up versions of traditional holiday recipes are delicious! 3. Exercise. Try to walk at least 6000 steps per day. This can be especially hard if you are working from home… but get moving! When you are out shopping, park further away from the door. This will help you get those steps in.

4. Don’t drink your calories. Many alcoholic beverages are highly caloric. 5. Make sure your meals are balanced and colorful. Selecting salads, fruit and vegetables are all good examples of how to add color to your plate. 6. Portion control—use a small plate and eat smaller portions. This will help you to reduce calories. 7. Lastly enjoy yourself! Don’t worry about every single calorie. You can always go for a long walk to burn them off!

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Latrell’s Light and Fluffy Fruity Dessert

Serves 6 Ingredients 1 angel Food Cake Cut into bite sized pieces 2 12 oz containers of whipped topping 1 ½ cup of diced fresh strawberries 1 12 oz can of mandarin oranges-drained ½ cup of fresh blueberries ½ cup of chopped pecans Directions In a large bowl layer angel food cake, oranges, blueberries, strawberries, pecans, and whipped topping. Fold ingredients until mixed well. Place decorative bowl. Cover and chill for 3 hours before serving. Enjoy! Cooking Tip—Be sure to use fresh strawberries, not frozen. This will help to reduce the overall sugar that is in the recipe. If you have questions or would like to see other recipes, please visit my website or send me an email. www.southernjazzandsweets.com dessertsbylatrell@gmail.com

UrbanProWeekly - NOVMBR 1 - 14, 2021

Holiday season is right around the corner and meal planning is essential! With proper planning, the holiday season weight gain can be avoided. There are also ways to cut calories but still have tasty meals that are full of flavor. Start planning now and you won’t have the holiday weight gain blues later. Live your best life! That is my motto. My name is Menia L. Chester, I am a chef, owner of Desserts by Latrell, a musician, lover of agriculture/ nutrition and I believe in Public Health. Here are a few tips that you can use.

UrbanProWeekly - NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2021