My sincerest prayers and condo lences to anyone who watched last Friday’s political debate between Georgia senatorial candi dates Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker. Some outlets had the nerve and audacity to ask which of the two Black men “won” the dialogue, even after photos of a badge-toting Walker went viral.
I don’t think there’s any question about who would be the better can didate for the seat. Warnock is more sensible, politically savvy and consci entious than Walker. With that said, I can tell you definitively who LOST the debate – Black men.
During the discussion, the moderator asked both candidates if they believed that the minimum wage should be raised. Regretfully, neither candidate said it should be raised.
Walker’s stance was expected –he is, after all, a badge-carrying Republican. Warnock’s stance was disappointing, since he is the pastor of the world-famous Ebenezer Baptist Church. I’ll share a quote from one of Ebenezer’s former ministers, the Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., from his last book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?
I am now convinced that the sim plest approach will prove to be the most effective–the solution to pov erty is to abolish it directly by a now widely discussed measure: the guar anteed income.
Dr. King wrote that in 1967, and we are here 55 years later watching two Black men discuss their reluctance to slightly bump the minimum wage. It is a familiar approach by Black folks in politics – making reformist
suggestions, if any suggestions at all, instead of radical ones.
This approach, which lacks cour age, certainly hurts Black people, the working class, and poor people over all. When Black men are the faces of such an approach in politics, it flies in the face of the realities which face brothas overall.
The outcomes that we face in edu cation, healthcare and employment require us to be bold. The Black women in politics are reflective of educated sistas – upwardly mobile. Their politics can be similarly con servative at times, but there is cohe sion and charisma with the likes of Stacey Abrams and others.
We see none of that with Warnock and Walker – and that is part of the reason why this race is so close. There needs to be a radically politi
cal uprising among Black men, one that responds to the perpetual dis respect we face in this society. This doesn’t mean we should run to the Republican Party – far from it. We need to craft our own local political movements and unify in a way that demands the attention of states and the nation overall.
Anything less will leave us at the mercy of bad politics, and those politics are mercilessly emasculating Black men.
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.
MUNICIPAL BUILDING - 535 TELFAIR STREET
Route #3 Gold Line/East Augusta (no service on Sundays)
Monday through Friday, October 17 - October 21: 8:30am – 5pm Saturday, October 22nd 9am – 5pm Monday through Friday, October 24 - October 28: 8:30am – 5pm
Saturday, October 29: 9am – 5pm Sunday, October 30 : 11am – 4pm
Monday - Friday October 31 -November 4: 8:30am – 5pm
ROBERT HOWARD COMMUNITY CENTER - 4335 WINDSOR SPRING RD
Saturday October 29: 9am – 5pm
Monday – Friday, October 31 - November 4: 8:30am – 5pm
HENRY H. BRIGHAM COMMUNITY CENTER - 2463 Golden Camp Rd
Route #8 Orange Line/Barton Chapel (no service on Sundays)
Route #9 Red Line/Lumpkin Rd (no service on Saturdays or Sundays)
Saturday, October 29: 9am – 5pm
Monday – Friday, October 31 - November 4: 8:30am – 5pm
WARREN ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER – 300 WARREN ROAD
Route #5 Green Line/Washington Rd 0.5-mile walk
Saturday, October 29: 9am – 5pm
Monday thru Friday October 31 - November 4: 8:30am – 5pm
Buses accommodate persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To find your nearest bus stop and which bus gets you to your polling station, call (706) 821-1719.
Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency LLC http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (706) 751-2537
URBAN PRO WEEKLY SALES & MARKETING
PUBLISHER http://www.growingaugusta.co/UPW +1 (762) 233-5299
• K.L. Gordon • Ken Makin
Vincent Hobbs
Menia L. Chester
Frederick Benjamin Sr. Layout/Design : UrbanProMedia
Today, the City of Augusta, the constituents of House District 124, and the state of Georgia mourn the loss of State Rep. Henry “Wayne” Howard.
Representative Howard was a true public servant, not just at the state level, but here at home in Augusta.
Representative Howard was a true statesman, and a staple in our community.
“I had the privilege of serv ing in the legislature with
Representative Howard as a part of the junior class of 2007.” said Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr. “We made a pact to work together and do the best for the citizens of Augusta, and that’s exactly what he did; everyday.
Representative Howard was an example to many of us who came into politics, and offered himself to all.”
Representative Howard and his family are Augusta.
Representative Howard stood up businesses, supported
youth by starting a mentoring program, and and alongside his family, was a part of the Parade of Quartets, the longest continuous running program in its category in the United States.
His legacy will continue on through the lives of everyone he has served in his multi ple capacities. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Mrs. Cassandra Howard, the Howard family, and the beloved community, Augusta.
(UPW) Georgia law stipulates very clearly the steps to take when a House seat is left vacant due to death — that is, in most cases. Typically, a special election is called for by the governor and he sets the date. But when a state represen tative dies within 30 days of a general election where he/she on the ballot and running unop posed, the picture is more muddled. Such is the case here, in the wake of Rep. Wayne Howard’s
recent passing.
Another section of state law states that if a can didate dies between his party’s nomination and the general election, a special primary must be held to fill the seat. But details remain sketchy. Because of that, local election officials can’t say definitively when a special election would be held. Local election officials are seeking clarifi cation from the Secretary of States Office.
FALL IS HERE!! Whether you’re looking to snazz up your wardrobe with a new sweater or want to try a new look, Fall has plenty of options for you. off the shoulder sweaters
Sweaters are the perfect way to stay warm during the fall season. Sweater sleeves come in so many different styles: long, short and even knit cap sleeve options for those who want to show off their arms without exposing too much skin, try pairing yours with some leggings or tights instead of jeans.
Over the knee boots are a great way to add some flair and femininity to your outfit. They come in many different styles, materials, and colors so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re wearing jeans, I recommend trying out a pair of black over the knee boots. If you want to wear them with dresses or skirts, then go for a colorful pair like red or blue.
Track pants, leggings and sweatpants are all great options for fall. Paired with a chunky sweater or a tunic top, they’re the perfect alternative to jeans. Sweatpants and yoga pants are not only comfy but also versatile in their ability to be dressed up or down depending on what you pair them with
The fall season is here, and we’re loving it!
Voting by Mail will begin being mailed on October 11, 2022.
The last day to request a ballot is Friday, October 28, 2022.
Advance Voting will be held beginning, October 17, 2022
Election Day Voting will be available from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM on November 8, 2022
UPW: Are you a CSRA native or did your work or family bring you to the area?
Chris JOHNSON: I have been in Augusta since February of 1977. My father, Handsel E. Johnson, Jr. was Command Sargent Major of the Signal School and Military Police Brigade at Fort Gordon. He retired in 1972 and became the Affirmative Action Officer for the Augusta Police Department. He and his wife Elizabeth adopted me in 1977, and I came to Augusta from Glenville, Georgia as a sixth grader.
UPW: What is your philosophy regarding civic service and responsibilities of government workers to the pub lic?
JOHNSON: God gave me a servant’s heart, so I believe in being a blessing in whatever role that I’m blessed to play. I believe in treating people with dignity and respect and treat ing others the way I would want to be treated. I see taxpayers as customers who deserve to receive the best service possible while complying with all lawful orders and completing the requirements of the position. I don’t believe in — “it’s good enough for government work.”
UPW: How long have you been in the Tax Commissioner’s office and how long was it before you became deputy commissioner?
JOHNSON: I have been in the Tax Commissioner’s Office for over 10 years. I retired from Savannah River Remediation (Savannah River Site) after 24 years of service. While there, I worked in positions of increasing responsibility to include First Hire Supervisors, Public Affairs Specialist, Safet y and Health Assistant Manager, Project Integrator, Operations Manager of a Nuclear Facility, Equal Employment Opportunity Investigator, Human Resources Operations Specialist, and Operations Training Specialist. In 2012, I came to the Richmond County Tax Commissioner’s Office as the Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner and served in that position until I became Tax Commissioner in March.
UPW: How many workers do you supervise and what amount of tax revenue must you account for each year?
JOHNSON: I lead a team of 51 employees at the Tax Commissioner’s Office. The office con sists of Property Tax Operations, Motor Vehicle Registration Operations, and Business Support Operations.
The Tax Commissioner’s Office collects over $200 million dollars in property and motor vehi cle taxes. That includes in excess of $28 million in Motor Vehicle taxes and fees, and in excess of $179 million in property taxes and fees.
UPW: In some way your office’s activities figures into the daily activities of most county residents. Explain the scope of your office’s activities.
JOHNSON: The Tax Commissioners Office is an elected Constitutional Officer responsible for every phase of collecting property taxes to include billing, collecting, accounting, and dis tributing those taxes to the City of Augusta, the Richmond County Board of Education, and the State of Georgia. The Tax Commissioner’s Office is responsible for processing property Homestead Exemptions and preparing the digest.
The Tax Commissioners Office is also respon sible for the collection of all fees and penalties for Motor Vehicles applicable under the Georgia Code.
UPW: Will Richmond County property owners see an increase in their tax bills as a result of rising home values in the past decade?
JOHNSON: The increase in property values and subsequent increase in property taxes are not the responsibility of the Tax Commissioner. The Tax Commissioner is responsible for collecting the taxes established by the Board of Commissioners for the City of Augusta, and Board of Trustees for the Board of Education. The Tax Assessor deter mines the value of the property.
Because there was a reassessment of all Richmond County properties, some residents will see an increase in their property taxes.
The Tax Commissioner provides assistance for those needing options for getting those increased taxes paid. If needed, give our office a call.
UPW: If so, is there any assistance for those on fixed incomes?
JOHNSON: Anyone needing options for getting their bills paid, including those on a fixed income give us a call so that our specialists can work with you. Call our office at (706)-821-2391 or assis tance. We have employees trained to assist our Seniors and those on a fixed income.
UPW: Many homeowners don’t realize that they can apply for homeowner exemptions based on their demographics. How can home owners find out if they qualify and can they get help from the county in applying?
JOHNSON: All homeowners are eligible for a Homestead Exemption on their primary res idence. They can access assistance and information on Homestead Exemptions on our web site, arctax.com, or by calling (706)821-2391 and speaking to our Homestead Exemption Specialist.
UPW: What are some common misconcep tions that the public has about the annual rise or fall of millage rates? How do the rates impact those who rent apartments or homes?
JOHNSON: A common misconception is that millage rate is the only determiner of the amount you pay in taxes. It is one leg in a threelegged stool. First is the value of your proper ty which is determined by the Tax Assessor. Secondly, the Augusta Commission and Board of Education determine their financial needs for the year. A millage rate is adopted that will collect the amount needed to fund the government. The millage rate is multiplied times your property value to determine your taxable amount.
This year, the millage rate is lower because of the Augusta Commission took the “roll back rate” – which is the millage rate that gets you the same amount of taxes from the previous year. If millage rate was the only determiner of taxes, there wouldn’t be an increase in taxes this year, but because the value of property in Richmond County increased, the lower millage rate multi plied times the higher values have caused some taxpayers to have higher taxes this year for their homes, and potentially higher rents for those liv ing in apartments.
UPW: You recently moderated a panel at the Augusta Land Investment Conference. How closely does your office work with the Augusta Land Bank Authority and why is that relationship important?
JOHNSON: The Tax Commissioner is one of the seven voting members of the Augusta, Georgia Land Bank Authority Board of Directors. I also serve as the Board Chairman.
The Land Bank Authority serves as a tool to help the city to remediate and eliminate blight. Its mis sion is to put vacant, abandoned and dilapidated properties and put them back in to a tax gener ating state. Many of the blighted properties are also tax delinquent. Using the Tax Commissioner’s authority to acquire these properties and partner ing with the Land Bank Authority to get them into the hands of public, non-profit, and private orga nizations helps to revitalized our city and provide housing for our citizens.
UPW: You recently became Tax Commissioner due to a vacancy. However, in order to continue in that office, you must enter the political realm. Prior to this, had you ever contemplated entering politics?
JOHNSON: I actually have a degree in Political Science, but never intended to run for political office. As the Chief Deputy, it was always part of my responsibility to fill in for the Tax Commissioner upon his leaving office for continuity sake, but it was not a requirement for me to run for office. After having been in the office 10 years, making relationships with the taxpayers, government offi cials and staff, as well as the business community, I realized I like what I do. I love the satisfaction of helping those I get to help and being a part of the continued growth of Augusta; so I made the decision to run to keep my position as Tax Commissioner.
It is important that those who are inclined and have an opportunity, give of themselves for the growth and health of our fair city.
The Tax Commissioner’s Office collects over $200 million dollars in property and motor vehicle taxes
A common misconception is that millage rate is the only determiner of the amount you pay in taxes.
All homeowners are eligible for a Homestead Exemption on their primary residence.
They can access assistance and information on Homestead Exemptions on our website, arctax.com,
“
“
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. This week we are going to talk about pumpkins and other types of squash.
In the south, we are very familiar with straight neck squash and crooked neck squash. Although pumpkins are tasty and are good for you, this type of squash is not typically cooked in a southern household. The same can be said for butternut squash.
Butternut squash is not only beautiful to see, but it is delicious! It has a natural sweetness that pairs well with nutmeg and cinnamon. Here is one of my favorite versions of butternut squash soup. You can use fresh or frozen butternut squash for this one!
• 8 cups cubed seeded peeled butternut squash (2 medium)
• 1 large sweet apple, peeled, chopped
• 1 small onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons light olive oil
• ¼ cup of packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups of water
• 2tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of half and half
In a large add squash, apple, onion, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Add water. Cover; heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; simmer until squash is tender.
Puree boiled mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour the mix ture back into the pot. Add half and half. Heat over low heat, stirring occasion ally, just until heated through. Ladle into bowls; sprinkle with parsley if desired. Season to taste…Serve with crusty bread. Enjoy!
If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or learn about events by Latrell, please visit my website and send an email via the contact form. Website: www.southernjazzandsweets.com
The Zeta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® recognized one of their chapter mem bers, Ms. Yolanda Copeland. Ms. Copeland was appointed as the Cluster VI Coordinator for the South Atlantic Region. As Cluster VI Coordinator, Ms. Copeland will oversee 29 Graduate and Undergraduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Her primary responsi bility is to assist the Regional Director with promoting her goals and the clus ter concept, while aiding in the devel opment of leadership potential and skills of sorority members within the region.
Ms. Copeland continues the legacy of her mother, Ms. Hettie Copeland, who served as the Cluster VI Coordinator
from 1982 – 1984. The chapter honored Ms. Copeland in a reception on Sunday, October 16, 2022.
Jordan Kameron Howard, a junior at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, has been selected to serve on the 202223 State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Howard is among 66 other students who will meet with the State Superintendent four times over the academic year and work locally on a proj ect they are passionate about to impact student experience. Howard also served on the State Superintendent’s Middle School Advisory Council as an 8th grade, but he expects this time to be different. As a representative for the CSRA,
Howard plans to focus on transportation needs during his time on the Council.
The Augusta Fire Department has been awarded a $4,928,040 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This is the first time the Department has received this grant, and the funding will be used to offset personnel costs.
The program, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER), was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communi ties.
“This is a very competitive grant, and I am glad to know that FEMA selected Augusta, Georgia, to be funded,” said Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden. “The award of these funds will provide additional support to hire well-trained firefighters so we can effectively provide fire and life safety services to the residents and visitors of Richmond County.”
Last year, Augusta, Georgia, firefighters responded to more than 23,000 emergencies. Media interested in covering this topic should contact Public Information Manager Danielle Harris at 706-312-5511.
The Paine College Department of Humanities will celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the RichardsonEtheridge Conference on the Harlem Renaissance on October 26-28, 2022, at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. This year’s con ference is a blended celebration in both virtual and on-campus for mats. This year’s theme is, “Art Matters: Historicizing Emancipation Through the Arts.”
The conference will host several major events, music, visual, and literary significance. There will be a town hall meeting as has become a feature at the conference as well as plans for tents featuring special presentations throughout the con ference.
The Conference, founded in 1997 by Dr. Lola Richardson, former chair of the Department and Paine alum na, will examine the national and international impact of one of the most important artistic and cultural movements in history that spanned from 1919 to 1940 and produced notable writers, critics, and artists such as Claude McKay, James Weldon Johnson, Augusta Savage, Gwendolyn Bennett, Bessie Smith, and Alain Locke. This year’s confer ence is particularly special because the Harlem Renaissance turns 100, and this year’s theme is “Art Matters: Historicizing Emancipation through the Arts”.
This year’s keynote speaker is Mr. Omar Wynn, former Director of Exhibits Production, and Special Projects Coordinator at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. The conference invites pro
The keynote speaker is Omar Wynn, former Director of Exhibits Production, and Special Projects Coordinator at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
fessors, undergraduate and graduate students, and independent scholars to present research that will examine the origins and the legacy of the Renaissance through interdisciplinary collaborations.
For more information on the con ference, please contact Ms. Heba Elziebair, Conference Coordinator, at (706)821-8326 or by email at helzie bair@paine.edu. You can also visit www.paine.edu for more information and a detailed schedule of events
Augusta Mini Theatre mourns the loss of two of our closest and strongest supporters and friends. Calvin Green, propri etor of Hot Foods by Calvin, and State Representative Henry Wayne Howard both passed away last week. We will miss them dearly and ask for continued prayers for their families and loved ones.
Calvin Green was the founder of our annual Alumni & Friends Chefs Showcase. His presence was always appreciat ed. He had a smile that lit up the room. There will never be another like him.
Rep. Howard was a supporter of AMT on many levels. On a political level, he always spoke up for us. As a part of the Parade of Quartets, he was one of our favorite interviewers. He will always be remembered.
