Over the past year, there have been some high-profile arrests made in the name of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, to include the former president Donald Trump and rapper Young Thug.
Many people laughed at Trump’s mugshot and have smirked at various antics from Young Thug’s legal team, but the latest RICO indictments in Georgia are no laughing matter.
Sixty-one activists who are part of the “Stop Cop City” protests have been indicted on RICO charges, with Republican Attorney General Chris Carr calling the defendants “militant anarchists.”
It would be an understatement to
say that the charges are an overreach. If anything, the activists are more in step with what the people of Atlanta want than elected officials.
Back in June, the Atlanta City Council voted to fund the controversial million-dollar project 11-4. Early reports stated that the “training facility” would cost $90 million, but there are projections which suggest that Cop City’s cost could move into the nine-figure range.
Perhaps the most disappointing part? In a city made famous by the civil rights activism of folks like Martin Luther King, it’s Black elected officials who are co-signing this insidious plan.
The “Black Misleadership Class”
is nothing new. The term was made famous by the late Glen Ford, a journalist who got his start in Augusta, Ga., at a radio station owned by James Brown.
We’ve seen Black misleadership in both Atlanta and Augusta. Any time a Black elected official chooses to satisfy a corporation over the needs of the people, they’re part of the Black misleadership class. Any time a Black elected official chooses to fund the police instead of funding education or other anti-poverty initiatives, they’re a part of the Black misleadership class.
Any time a Black elected official uses Blackness to get elected, then immediately puts the interest of Black
folks aside upon election, they’re a part of the Black misleadership class.
There’s far too much at stake in Augusta, Atlanta and all over this country to allow Black folks in office to misrepresent us and mislead us. I could name folks, but their actions speak for themselves. And the people should recognize those actions and challenge them long before an election day
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.
The Augusta Minitheatre, this week, announced that it has reached its $2.5 million capital campaign goal.
A few weeks ago, the Augusta Mini Theatre announced that it needed to complete funding for construction of a 150-seat theatre at the 2548 Deans Bridge Road complex. The goal was to raise $600,000 by August 31, 2023, or possibly lose the $1.3 million already provided by the City of Augusta.
When the latest phase of the campaign began, $1.9 million of the $2.5 million had already been raised. The theatre then appealed to the public to help it reach its goal.
The successful campaign will allow the school to complete construction of the present arts school.
Established on October 8, 1975, Augusta Mini Theatre is the first arts school in Augusta to offer the four
AUGUSTA
The Augusta Information Technology (IT) Department has been recognized as the 2023 winner of the Government Management Information Sciences (GMIS) International Best Practices Award presented at their Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO, on August 21, 2023.
GMIS International is a professional IT association of worldwide government IT leaders dedicated to providing best-practice solutions for initiatives. The organization
consists of 14 state chapters and 7 International Affiliates. Technology organizations were from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and The Netherlands.
This award recognizes Augusta’s IT Department for implementing its 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
disciplines (Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, Music) under one roof. After 48 years, the commitment to community service, arts education, and life skills continues to shine throughout the city of Augusta and the U.S (over 8,000 youth served).
The Augusta Mini Theatre is open to CSRA students in 1st – 12th grade. Presently, it offers classes in drama, modern dance, visual arts, and piano,
and is now home to the 1970 Augusta Riot Exhibit.
For more information about classes or to enroll or donate, visit https:// augustaminitheatre.org, follow us on social media, or call 706-722-0598. Augusta Mini Theatre is located at 2548 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta, GA.
Augusta Mini Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts & life skills school.
while remaining within the allotted budget.
The State of GA GMIS also recognized the Information Technology Department for this project in April 2023. Augusta, Georgia’s Chief Information Officer Tameka Allen stated, “This is truly an awesome recognition for the department. Not only were we recognized by our peers in our state of Georgia, but also amongst our peers nationwide!”
Registration is open for the 2023 Back to Business with Augusta, Georgia event, scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 6pm in the Atrium of Building 1000 on Augusta Technical College’s Augusta Campus.
This free symposium aims to increase and improve the relationship between small businesses and Augusta, Georgia government.
The program includes presentations
from Augusta officials, testimonials from respected local business leaders, a networking session, and light refreshments will be served.
Registration is open until Wednesday, September 20, 2023, or until capacity is reached.
Online registration is available here and at www.augustaga.gov. Interested participants can also call 706-312-5511 to reserve their space.
AUGUSTA
If you haven’t checked out the 5th Street Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Augusta, you’re missing one of the city’s attractions that is garnering praise from all corners of the state and region. Late last year, the city completed remodeling the 1,201-foot-long walkway that spans the Savannah River dividing Georgia from South Carolina and this year the positive reviews began.
The latest accolades come from the Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. That organization recently recognized the City of Augusta in the 2023 America’s Transportation Awards. In it’s annual meeting in
Mobile, Ala., last month the bridge won in the ‘Quality of Life/Community Development Small Project’ category.
Earlier this year, the city received the 2023 Georgia County Excellence Award for the bridge from the The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). That organization recognized that the city’s work to modernize the historic bridge into a stunning 1,201-foot-long walkway across the Savannah River adds value, offering residents a new recreational space as the structure continues connecting pedestrians with the community. The organizations lauded the new recreational space which continues to connect pedestrians to the downtown commu-
AUGUSTA
The Salvation Army of Augusta announced it has received a grant from the Bank of America. This $10,000 grant will significantly enhance The Salvation Army’s Job Skills Training Program, a threemonth initiative aimed at empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to achieve self-sufficiency and career success. The Bank of America contribution will be officially recognized at a check presentation ceremony scheduled for September 1st, at 2:00 PM, during The Job Skills Training Program graduation at The Kroc Center.
The Job Skills Training Program offered by The Salvation Army of Augusta is tailored to help participants unlock their full potential by equipping them with essential life and career skills. This free program caters to individuals with low income, offering them an opportunity to acquire practical expertise that is crucial for personal development and employment success.
Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander & Senior Kroc Officer, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are grateful to Bank of America for donating $10,000 to our Job Skills Training program. We cannot effectively meet the needs of others
nity. New features added to the bridge includes Wi-Fi, mobile-device charging stations, benches, artwork and water fountains for both people and pets.
Funds for the project were provided by the state’s Transportation Investment Act program. The City applauds Dr. Hameed Malik, Director of Augusta, Georgia’s Department of Engineering and Environmental Services, and the community partners involved in this project’s planning and design process. These local organizations include the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Tomorrow, Dickinson Architects, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Greater Augusta Arts Council.
without generous donations like this.”
“The job skills training program at The Salvation Army is continuing to meet the needs of our community,” said Ora Parish,
president, Bank of America Augusta - Aiken. “We look forward to seeing how this investment helps them make even greater strides with workforce development.”
The 11th Annual Women Empowerment Conference sponsored by AB Beverage of Augusta and the Wells Fargo Foundation, will take place on Tuesday, 17 October 2023 at 5:00 PM.
We will meet in the River Room of Saint Paul’s Church, located at 605 Reynolds Street, and via ZOOM Webinar, for anyone who would like
to attend virtually. There is no charge to attend, refreshments will be served to in –person attendees.
Vendor Spaces are available on a first come basis, please contact Ms. Montez R. Williams at administrativeassistant@business-league.org or at 706 722 - 0994.
Recently, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw announced the five finalists for Richmond County School System Teacher of the Year. The finalists are Terri Green, Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School;
Dr. Lawanda Lovett-Cunningham,
A. Brian Merry Elementary School;
Tawanda Marbury, Barton Chapel Elementary School; Sanqual Sampson, Jenkins-White Elementary School; and Andrea Smith, Glenn Hills High School.
The Richmond County Teacher of the Year will be named during a banquet on Thursday, September 28, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center beginning at 7 p.m.
MASTER SGT. ANDREA SMITH leads the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) at Glenn Hills High School. Smith has been a teacher for nearly eight years. Before becoming a teacher, Smith held various roles in the United States Marine Corps for more than 20 years. She holds an associate degree in liberal arts from St. Leo University and a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park University. She received her Master of Education from Trident University International.
TERRI GREEN is a science teacher at Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School who has worked with RCSS for 13 years. Green holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Pain College, a Master of Arts in teaching with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction from Augusta State University, and a Tier I Certification in Leadership from Augusta University. She is currently enrolled at Grand Canyon University to earn an education specialist degree.
TAWANDA MARBURY teaches second and third-grade students in the Early Intervention Program (EIP) at Barton Chapel Elementary School. Marbury has worked with RCSS for six years. She holds an associate degree in childhood development from Southern Union State Community College, a Bachelor of Science in early childhood development from Kaplan University, and a Master of Education in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. Marbury received her education specialist degree in early childhood education from Walden University.
DR. LAWANDA LOVETT-CUNNINGHAM is a special education teacher at A. Brian Merry Elementary School. Lovett-Cunningham has taught in RCSS for three years and has been a teacher for more than 14 years. LovettCunningham holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Morris Brown College, a Master of Arts in Christian counseling from Luther Rice Seminary and University, and a Master of Arts in teaching with a concentration in special education from Walden University. She received her Doctor of Education in special education from Walden University.
SANQUAL SAMPSON is a kindergarten teacher at Jenkins-White Elementary School who has worked with RCSS for 11 years. Sampson is an RCSS alumnae who graduated from the Academy of Richmond County High School in 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in child and family development from Benedict College and earned a Master of Education in early childhood development and an education specialist degree in curriculum development from Nova Southeastern University.
One of these unique educators will be named Teacher of The Year for the Richmond County School System at the end of September
On September 8, the University System of Georgia Foundation presented Joseph Hobbs, MD, with the prestigious Regents Hall of Fame Alumni and Distinguished Friends Award at the annual Board of Regents Gala in Atlanta.
Hobbs dedicated 45 years of service and leadership to the Medical College of Georgia and Augusta University, imparting an enduring legacy.
“The citizens of our community, our state and beyond are the beneficiaries of his life’s work,” said Brooks A. Keel, PhD, president of Augusta University. “Dr. Hobbs is a man of great accomplishment but even greater humility – always focused on how his service benefits the overall mission of the Medical College of Georgia and its commitment as Georgia’s only public medical school. It’s my privilege and honor to congratulate Dr. Joseph Hobbs on the 2023 Regents Hall of Fame Alumni and
Robert Bledsoe presented Regents Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award
Distinguished Friends Award.”
Hobbs became interested in science and medicine in junior high. The Josey High School graduate spent Saturdays at MCG shadowing a couple of physician scientists. After high school, Hobbs accepted a full scholarship to Mercer University, where he earned a biology degree.
In 1970, Hobbs was one of just seven African American students accepted to the Medical College of Georgia, where he graduated in 1974. A trailblazing physician, Hobbs stayed on to complete his family medicine residency at MCG and was one of the first African Americans to become a chief resident, full-time faculty member, tenured professor and, ultimately, the first African American department chair at the institution, a position he held for over 22 years.
“As the distinguished chair of the MCG Department of Family Medicine (recently renamed
the Department of Family and Community Medicine), Dr. Joseph Hobbs taught and influenced thousands of medical students and cared for even more patients,” said David C. Hess, MD, dean at MCG. “A passionate caregiver and innovator, he propelled the Family Medicine Center to national recognition for patient-centered approaches, and he advocated for the profession while serving as president of its two most prestigious organizations. He also saw great value and took immense pride in a weekly health clinic he and his students established for Augusta’s homeless.”
Though he retired in 2020, Hobbs continues to serve Augusta University as a strategic adviser, helping identify more clinical training opportunities for MCG students. He was also the voice for MCG’s Medical Minute, a health and science segment that was broadcast across Georgia Public Radio from 2014 through August of this year.
The University System of Georgia Foundation also presented a Regent’s Scholarship of Teaching and Learning award to Robert Bledsoe, PhD, a professor in the Department of English & World Languages in the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University. The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning centers on investigating what and how students learn in order to develop innovative teaching practices that lead to significant learning gains.
“His dedication to discovery and leadership in active-learning pedagogy are making a significant impact on the lives of our students,” said Neil J. MacKinnon, PhD, Augusta University’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Dr. Bledsoe influences others to employ best practices in the classroom and to apply evidence-based approaches to their own teaching.”
ROBERT BLEDSOE, PHDUPW: In January of this year you hosted the 2nd Annual Small Business Awards and you are, yourself, a small business owner. What inspired you to create an awards event for small business owners?
BARBIE: I was inspired to create CSRA’s Small Business Awards Gala by my mother… Vanessa Carter. Prior to her passing she would have a breast cancer awareness event every year where she would honor survivors and their supporters. While attending her event every year I used to observe how special this small gesture made everyone feel. Being a business owner myself, I wanted to create an atmosphere where my fellow entrepreneurs could feel this same energy.
UPW: Thinking back to when you were contemplating your very first small business awards event, what were the challenges facing you and how did you overcome them?
BARBIE: When I first started organizing the small business awards gala I did not realize it would be such a big task. I spent many sleepless nights trying to insure that every detail was addressed. With the constant reassurance and encouragement from my family, friends and fellow business owners I was able to continue being persistent and get the job done.
UPW: How did your own personal
experience in starting your own business inform your decision to create the small business awards event?
BARBIE: I have been a service provider for over 20 years and a full-time entrepreneur for 11 years. I know firsthand the blood, sweat , tears and sacrifices that goes on behind the scenes. I felt like us small business owners weren’t really getting the recognition that we deserved. The CSRA Small Business Awards Gala was created to celebrate US.
UPW: What do small business owners need to know and do to be considered in the running for an award in the next SBA event?
BARBIE: The main thing that small business owners need to know to be considered in the running for the upcoming SBA event is that this is the perfect opportunity to network with others and promote your business. I encourage every entrepreneur and or service provider to enter their self into their respective category. You can follow our Facebook page for additional details: CSRA’s Small Business Awards Gala
UPW: Are there awards for certain categories and how many awards are offered? Is there a nomination process to be considered for the reward?
We give out over 80 awards. Entrepreneur of the year, Nail Technician of the year, Teacher of The
Year, Chef of The Year, Event Venue of the Year… just to name a few.
UPW: Can you share the names of some of the past winners of the awards event and the experiences they may have shared with you as a result of being an award winner.
BARBIE:
Female Hairstylist of the Year: Sharika Jacobs; Children Based Business of the Year: Rich Kangz Entertainment; Cleaning Company Of The Year: She Cleans Up; Restaurant Of The Year: Top Crab Seafood & Bar; Tax Preparer Of The Year: HH&S Tax Services.
Many of my fellow business owners who participated in the awards gala have built long lasting business partnerships with other providers, they have also noticed an increase in brand recognition and have received additional business opportunities.
UPW: Who are the key partners or sponsors who make the awards ceremony possible?
BARBIE: My family, friends and clients are definitely my key partners. They have volunteered so much time and effort over the couple of years to assist me with my vision. Others include: Monique Freeman of Freeman’s Treasured Events, Mayor Garnett Johnson, Shelly Jones Legacy Center, Eddie Bussey of State Farm, John Milton of Jay’s Place Barber Shop, Dorian Harris of The Art Dealer Inc and Kris Rucker of K
Rucker Production are just a few of our sponsors.
UPW: What marketing or publicity strategies have you found to be most effective in promoting the awards ceremony as well as your own business?
BARBIE: The use of social media has been the most effective marketing approach so far for the awards gala and for my own business.
UPW: What are future plans for the awards?
BARBIE: I plan to make the awards show bigger and better every single year. I want to honor and highlight as many local businesses and service providers as possible. This year we are adding a few special live performances and surprises.
UPW: What advice do you give to a small business owners or potential owners who aspire to be considered for future awards?
BARBIE: My advice would be… just put yourself out there. So many times we tend to overthink and over analyze things which causes us to talk ourselves out of opportunities. CSRA’s Small Business Awards Gala is open to everyone…. you can come out and network with other business owners or you can come and honor/ celebrate yourself. Even patrons are welcomed to come and help fill the venue with love and support.
All four Richmond County School System (RCSS) magnet schools are near the top of national and statewide education rankings in the latest U.S. News & World Report released on August 28.
Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School ranks third out of more than 400 Georgia high schools on the “20232024 Best Georgia High Schools” list and is one of the best magnet schools in the United States at No. 47 out of nearly 900 magnet schools nationwide. A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School, C.T. Walker Traditional Magnet School, and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School (RCTCM) also ranked highly in several state rankings.
“We are immensely proud of our students, educators, and staff
who are making waves on regional and national stages for advancing student achievement,” said Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw, Superintendent of Schools.
The rankings are based on the 2020-2021 academic year and are calculated based on college readiness, scores on AP exams, state standardized test scores, underserved student performance and graduation rates. A.R. Johnson joins Davidson on the best Georgia high schools list at No. 24 in the state. RCTCM ranked No. 56 on the same list.
C.T. Walker, which was ranked based on serving kindergarten through eighth-grade students, is No. 24 out of 1,245 Georgia elementary schools and No. 50 out of 551 middle schools in the state.
The September Community Luncheon will be held on September 13th at 11:30am until 1pm. Our monthly community luncheons continue to be well received. For September, we will feature a panel discussion on the history and legacy of the Lamar School of Nursing.
The October luncheon will fea-
ture District Attorney Jared Williams. Keep an eye out for more information on upcoming community luncheons.
Deadline for registration and payment for luncheon is the Monday before the luncheon. To reserve a seat please call 706-724-3576.
The Lucy Craft Laney Museum is located at 1116 Phillips Street.
Alex Foltz & June Klement
Artist’s Reception and Exhibit
Reception in Great Hall: September 7, 5-7 pm Art Exhibit in Sacred Heart Art Hall:
September 8 - October 27, Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm 1301 Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901 706-826-4700
Alex Foltz is a contemporary realist artist living in Augusta, Georgia. Foltz’s initial focus was on light and how it interacts with the world: how different light can convey a different mood. This shows in his conceptual work, which often depicts melancholy subjects with a more lighthearted tone. June Klement was born
in Knoxville, Tennessee and now calls Augusta, Georgia her home. Her work focuses on translating the emotions that she feels when exploring urban and natural environments into paint. Her impressionistic style of lively, vibrant, and bold brushstrokes highlights the ephemerality of color and light through textures on canvas.
