UPW URBANPROWEEKLY.COM
SEPTEMBER 4-10 2014 VOL.4 NO.1
Dee Griffin’s journey home
UrbanProWeekly - SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2014
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Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800
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CL ASS WAR IN OL’ DIXIE? Economic opportunity is lowest in the Republican Bible Belt, a recent study reveals By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA Okay, so it’s no longer cool to be a racist idiot. Not to worry — Georgians and other southerners can still exercise their bigotry “chops” on their less fortunate neighbors. Recently, a popular local talk show host who gets his kicks by denigrating the poor residents of Richmond County proclaimed that it’s not about race — it’s about class. We’re so glad that he made this admission. We’ve been saying that for years about the local Republican party and their clueless fellow travelers who, although they earn less than $50,000 per year, have marched to the barricades under the banner of preserving good ol’ fashion “middle-class” values. What played out recently in the 20-percent property tax hike was symptomatic of a much deeper problem. Those who pay the most for the tax increase are those who own the most — those that benefit the most from the tax increase are those most in need of the city’s services. It was not by accident that those who voted for the tax increase represented constituencies that most need those services. Transit problems, flooding, public safety, affordable recreation outlets for youth and accessible public libraries are not things that the rich are much concerned about. Issues like the privately-run
Richmond County probation racket impact lower income Augustans disproportionately, as does asset forfeiture abuse and the workings of the criminal justice system in general. All evidence suggests that you can throw away the time-worn classifications of upper class, middle class and lower class. At this point in our history, it’s rich folks and everyone else. And if you live in the South, the problem is even worse. Class-rigidity is most extreme in the South, according to a recent study. Four leading economists from Harvard and Berkeley, recently published their study entitled “Mobility in the 100 Largest Commuting Zones.” It ranks all 100 largest U.S. cities for the chances of a person born poor to rise from the bottom 20% to the top 20%. Whereas all of the top 21 cities are shown clustered there closely around 10% for the given place’s odds that a resident born in the bottom 20% will rise into the top 20%, all except just four of the bottom 21 cities are in Old Dixie. Here, the probabilities of rising from the bottom 20% to the top 20% range widely, between just 6.7% (one-third less than in the best locales) down to merely 2.6% (around one-quarter of the probability in the best locales), among these 21 bottom-ranked cities. The “American Exceptionalism” hustlers, Tea Party loyalists, and everyone else who can fit under the umbrella of “Conservative Values”
have swallowed the false narrative that Democratic politicians engage in “class-warfare against the middle-class on behalf of the poor. If they would look at the issue more closely they would have to conclude that the GOP is waging (quite successfully) war against the middle-class on behalf of the rich. Democrats fare only slightly better than their Republican counterparts when it comes to supporting the lifestyles of the “rich and famous”, and their class bigotry is only slightly less malicious. The big difference, however, is that the Democrats are more above board. They recognize that supporting the mega-rich is a necessary evil on purely economic grounds whereas the Republicans and other “so-called” conservatives have injected their failed ideology into the mix. What ideology are we talking about? Look no further than the editorial pages of the city’s daily newspaper where they give a great deal of lip service to such vaunted, cherished ideals as: Individual liberty, self reliance, limited government, private property, family, faith. These are all fine phrases that don’t amount to a hill of beans when divorced from practices and policies that actually can work for all Americans. Too often in local parlance, “Richmond County” stands for the poorest, the blackest, and the dumbest. A casual online examination of local ideas and ideals suggest that
Richmond County is headed the way of Detroit. The hype about the Cyber Command being a boon for Richmond County will remain so much hot air as long as real estate agents and their media counterparts continually suggest that a Richmond County address is a step toward the gutter and steer their out of town “marks” toward Columbia and Aiken County. Racism? Could be. Class bigotry? Certainly. Let’s be clear about this. In the eyes of many residents of the CSRA, the poor, don’t smell too good. Yet, the descent of the “middle class” into poverty is a growing reality for more and more Americans, particularly those that live in the South. If those who live in Columbia County think they can escape from the class war, all they need to do is look about them on their daily commute to Richmond County. The suburbs of the old confederacy have become magnets for the poor. As gentrification dries up the pool of affordable housing in our central cities, more and more people are moving to the outskirts of town and inhabiting pockets of affordable real estate right across the road from the mansions of the “rich and famous.” With them come the need for public transportation, job training, and assistance in coping with subsistence wages. And it has only just begun.
UrbanProWeekly • SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2014
MONEY FEATURE
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UPW
POLITICS
ON THE RECORD
URBANPROWEEKLY.COM
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Urban Pro Weekly LLC 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, GA 30906 Executive Publisher BEN HASAN 706-394-9411 Executive Managing Editor FREDERICK BENJAMIN SR. 706-306-4647 Sales & Marketing 706-394-9411 Contributors VINCENT HOBBS Photography & New Media KRISTIE ROBIN JOHNSON Commentary TIMOTHY COX Correspondent View Urbanproweekly on Facebook
Janice Allen Jackson
Oscar Rodriguez
Stephen Layson
City administrator this year? AUGUSTA In July, the commissioners attempted to name the new city administrator, but could not get the needed six votes. The top candidates included Janice Allen Jackson, former city manager of Albany, Ga and general manager of Mecklenburg, County, N.C.; Stephen Layson, chief administrative officer of Bibb County, Ga.; and Oscar Rodriguez, former town manager of Taos, New Mexico. At the time, Mayor Deke Copenhaver made a bid to orchestrate the hiring of Rodriguez, a Harvard/MIT educated urban specialist, but could not get six votes. Commissioners Mary Davis, Grady Smith, Donnie Smith, Wayne Guilfoyle and Joe Jackson backed the mayor’s pick. Commissioners Bill Fennoy, Alvin Mason, Bill Lockett and
Marion Williams favored Jackson. Commissioner Corey Johnson fresh from a tough political campaign for state senator the previous day, was not there for the vote. Unable to reach a consensus, the matter was tabled, presumably to be revisited in January 2015. Now, however, at least one commissioner feels that there is no reason to wait until next year. Commissioner Marion Williams feels that there is enough support on the commission to hire one of the candidates this year. “Why wait. There’s going to be some period of adjustment before the candidate takes office. Why can’t they do that this year instead of waiting,” Williams told Urban Pro Weekly. The story being circulated after the failed attempt in July was that Bill
Fennoy was expected to cast the sixth vote for the mayor’s pick — Rodriguez. Fennoy, however, said that Jackson was his pick all along, but that if the mayor already had enough votes to hire Rodriguez, then he would go along. That didn’t happen. Whether there has been a new round of horse trading on this issue is unclear, but Williams feels pretty confident that the votes are there to elect somebody within the next three months. Commissioner Bill Lockett, however, doesn’t see any need to rush to judgement. He’s content with maintaining the status quo. “I don’t see any great urgency. Our interim administrator (Takeka Allen) is doing a great job and I would hope that she would be offered the job,” Lockett told UPW this week.
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UrbanProWeekly • SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2014
POLITICS
Augusta Commissioner Donnie Smith shares a chuckle with his colleagues during a meeting in the commission chambers. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Donnie Smith finds refuge on commission By Frederick Benjamin Sr. UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer AUGUSTA As the mystery surrounding the status of District 7 Commissioner Donnie Smith continues unabated, one thing is crystal clear — serving as an elected official agrees with him. On Tuesday, Smith announced that he obtained early retirement from Georgia’s Employee Retirement System citing “health reasons.” This, after weeks of speculation as to the nature of the infraction which caused him to be placed on administrative leave from his post at the Georgia State Patrol where he served for 21 years. Smith, a lieutenant, served was an assistant troop commander Smith, who entered the commission in 2012,
was part of the last wave of newly appointed commissioners which included Mary Davis, Bill Fennoy and Marion Williams. As the replacement for term-limited Jerry Brigham many observers felt that the commission was in for a kinder-gentler lawmaker. Early on, Smith revealed himself as thoughtful, optimistic and curious about the inner workings of the oft criticized county commission. For instance, he expressed a willingness to delve beneath the county’s apparent unwillingness to make positive strides concerning the city’s procurement disparity among women and minority businesses. Before long, however, he fell victim to the inherent contradictions which characterize the workings to the city’s policy-making panel. Smith learned first hand that politics in Augusta is no laughing matter.
He was among those who attended to the firing of former city administrator Fred Russell and, more recently, he was party to a tearful endorsing of the 1.75 millage rate increase. A week later, however, he voted the increase. Smith also supported the SPLOST VII measure which the voters rejected earlier this year. Smith appears to be a mix of hard-nosed determination on public safety matters and a conciliatory voice on issues which have recently divided the commission. (The support for the plight of Clerk of Commission Lena Bonner comes to mind). He projects more than an inkling of compassion when it is called for. Smith has reportedly donated a percentage of his salary to charity. If health issues forced his departure from his “day” job, the demands placed upon him as a commissioner are more psychological than physical.
UrbanProWeekly - SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2014
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SPORTS
A.R. Johnson volleyball players celebrate their victory at the end of a game against Butler High School at the Butler gym. The Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Bulldogs with a final score of 2-0. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
A.R. Johnson volleyball player Alahni Becks prepares to serve the ball during a game against Butler High School at the Butler gym. The Lady Panthers defeated the Lady Bulldogs with a final score of 2-0. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
UrbanProWeekly • SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2014
IMAGES
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FEATURE
a word with Dee Griffin Dee Griffin is a familiar face to Augustans, mostly through her work as a vibrant and talented news anchor on WJBF News Channel 6. Her journey through the world of journalism communications has taken her to a myriad of locations, including Hartford, Connecticut (WFSB TV), Kansas City, Missouri (KCTV-5) and Memphis, Tennessee (WPTY/WLMT TV). Griffin’s latest adventure finds her back home in Augusta, utilizing her journalism skills once again in the community. She was recently hired by the Augusta Fire Department as Public Information Officer and Fire Safety Educator, a position that seems to fit her skill set perfectly. UPW posed a few questions to Ms. Griffin in a recent interview. — Interview and photos by Vincent Hobbs
How did you become interested in a career in journalism and public relations communications? My Grandmother was an avid news viewer and loved to watch Walter Cronkite, Peter Jennings and Max Robinson. I enjoyed spending as much time as possible with my grandmother and truly cherished our quiet time together watching the news. At five years old, I proclaimed my desire to go into the television news and join the ranks of reporters who were making a difference by reporting on events and issues that were life altering for viewers. My passion for writing and years of training allowed me to transition in public relations.
Have you ever covered a story that was life-changing for you? All stories have impacted my life in some way, however, my coverage of tragic events always leave an imprint in some way. I interviewed the family of a man who was killed on September 11th , 2001 immediately after his death was revealed. Their resolve and spiritual foundation truly helped me understand the measure of faith. They helped me understand the importance of getting up when knocked down as well as the meaning of unwavering faith. What is the most “fun” story that you have covered as a journalist? While there have been many fun stories, I truly cherish the interviews with Mr. James Brown during my time at WJBF back in the 90s. He was always so generous with his time and very animated. He never said no to an interview and was very accommodating. After the interviews, Mr. Brown always left me “feeling good” from laughter. He was funny! I will never forget interviewing his “cape man” Danny Ray. During the interview, he actually put the cape on me. That was great! You were recently hired as the new Public Information Officer and Fire Safety Educator for the Augusta Fire Department. How did you become interested in working
with the Fire Department? While in elementary school at Immaculate Conception School, I entered the Augusta Fire Department’s “Fire Prevention Week” essay contest and won. My family and I went to the fire station on Reynolds Street to accept my award. A newspaper reporter was there as well as television cameras. The contest was the beginning of my passion for writing and provided the encouragement to explore other possibilities with the written word. Meanwhile, the contest gave my first personal interaction with news. Both components would play vital roles in my career.
How do your skills as a journalist translate into your new position? My skills are used to write news releases while my journalistic instincts assist in weeding out good opportunities to gain exposure for the great work being done by members of the Augusta Fire Department. I am also better able to provide comprehensive information and interviews for reporters due to my understanding of their deadlines as well as the needed elements to complete their assignments. Fires are events that can be utterly destructive. What steps are being taken by the Augusta Fire Department to broaden our knowledge of fire safety and prevention? The Augusta Fire Department is committed to educating the public about fire prevention and safety. So much so, beginning this fall, firefighters from the Augusta Fire Department will participate in an “adopt a school” program with Richmond County Schools. Each month, firefighters will spent time with third graders and teach them about the dangers of fire as well as ways to prevent them at home. Also, I have been hired as the “Fire Safety Educator.” It is not a new position for the department. But, my job is to speak to groups about fire prevention. Do you have any opportunities
to teach young kids about fire safety? If so, what is an important example of fire safety that children need to know? I will be speaking to children at schools and during local events. The Augusta Fire Department’s mobile “Fire House” is one way we are helping children learn how to escape a fire at home and also how to detect danger. We also use puppets and skits to help educate children of all ages. What are some of the communication tools that you use to keep the public informed about the activities of Augusta Fire Department? I consistently send out news releases to area media about fires as well as key information regarding the department’s activities that are of interest to the community. Also, I send out news releases containing valuable information that is pertinent to making the community aware of information that may affect local lives. I use social media such as Facebook to give immediate updates on fires as well as activities by the Augusta Fire Department to maintain training and physical fitness in order to better perform on the job. While you were based in Memphis as a news anchor, you hosted the “Dee Griffin 5K Run/ Walk”, which raised funds for the UNCF and LeMoyne-Owen College over the span of seven years. Are there any more personal community projects on the horizon for you? Currently, I am working with SafeHomes of Augusta to raise awareness of domestic violence and stop its existence as well as garner funds for a much needed shelter for victims. Three years ago, when my son was five weeks old, I became the victim of domestic violence. My son and I had to run for our lives and ended up here at home in Augusta. I am using my story of survival to save lives and provide a voice for those who are suffering in silence.
UrbanProWeekly • SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2014
PEOPLE
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MUSIC
FEATURE
Larry Graham & GCS still the baddest ‘funk’ group in the land By Timothy Cox WASHINGTON, DC Imagine five hundred senior citizens jumping, screaming, singing and dancing in the aisles at the Birchmere Music Hall in suburban Washington, DC. Well, it really happened, Wednesday night, August 27 - during a rare live appearance by one of the top funk acts from the 1970s -- Larry Graham and Graham Central Station (GCS). Hundreds of former Afro wearing folks, now sporting silver-gray hairs, receding hairlines, bald heads and fluffy-round physiques didn’t let father time’s physical effects prohibit them from partying like it was 1975. On the other hand, amazingly, Graham looks just as slim and trim as he did 40 years ago and he sings and plays his bass guitar as if he’s still 30-something. At age 68, Graham obviously defies father time’s impact. Unlike so many crooners like Frankie Beverly, Dionne Warwick, Al Green and even Eddie Levert, Graham’s vocal presence remains nearly unchanged, the rich falsetto and the soulful baritone - a range unmatched by most singers. When asked how he’s managed to maintain his original sound, the devout Jehovah’s Witness simply pointed his index finger to the sky and said, “I give God all the credit.” His recent performance mirrored a spiritual revival, tambourines and all, as the group delved into a perfect blend of GCS hits, R&B classics with a healthy dose of Sly & The Family Stone classic covers. As one fellow commented in the audience, Graham is a living legend -a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member who played the legendary Woodstock (Bethel, N.Y.) festival with Sly’s band exactly 45 years ago in August 1969. Although he’s aware of his historical legendary status, Graham remains humble and it clearly shows both on-stage during his three-hour performance and during his 90-minute-long, post-performance meet-and-
At age 68, Graham obviously defies father time’s impact. greet cell-phone photo session with his many adoring fans in the lobby of the venue. Gone are original members like Hershall “Happiness” Kennedy, David “Dynamite” Vega, Robert “Butch” Sam, Willie “Wild” Sparks, Gaylord Birch, Patryce “Chocolate” Banks and drummer Manuel “Manny” Kellough, the latter member appeared onstage Wednesday night to a rousing applause, after he performed his “mock Chinese dialect” made famous during his drum solo on “The Jam.” Kellough now lives in the local DC region. GCS’ current lineup are a fresh quintet of young musicians and singers who pridefully carry on the GCS tradition in utmost fashion. Notably, lead singer Ashling “Biscuit” Cole brought down the proverbial house with her fiery brand of vocalese reminiscent of “Chocalate,” and Biscuit’s other idols, Tina Marie and Chaka Khan. Guitarist Wilton Rabb was also a treat and delivered a diverse style similar to Rufus co-founder Tony Maiden with a touch of Ernie Isley. Others in the band, including drummer Brian “Rio” Brazil, named James Brown, Santana and Miles Davis as influences. In
fact, when the band swung into a version of JB’s “Cold Sweat,” Graham pulled up his white-suited pant legs and started doing the famous James Brown shimmy-shoe, mashed potato dance moves - the crowd screamed with approval. Keyboardist Jimmy “Joy” McKinney then offered a slice of traditional jazz during a brief taste of the Benny Golson-penned, “Killer Joe,” while keyboardist David Council led a timely tribute to the late George Duke with a funknasty version of “Reach For It.” Graham, always the cool bandleader, then delivered an unprecedented stunt by publicly inviting “all interested musicians” to the stage to perform on his band members’ instruments. Graham even allowed a fellow to play his four-string, white Moon brand bass guitar. Another fellow sang the Sly hit, “If You Want Me To Stay,” while two guys played Rabb’s guitar and another one played Council’s keyboards. No one, however dared to try and remove the polyrhythmic drummer Brian Brazil from his stool. He’s just that supremely gifted with old school funk pocket and new-skool polyrhythms.
Graham’s playlist included some of his original hits like “We’ve Been Waiting (for so long),” “Ain’t No Fun To Me,” “I Can’t Stand The Rain,” “Hair,” “The Jam” and “Release Yourself.” After announcing that he and his wife Tina Graham will celebrate 40 years of marriage in February, Graham delved into a couple of easy ballad hits from his solo days following the GCS breakup; 1981’s “Just Be My Lady,” and the forever current, all-time wedding classic, “One In a Million You” from 1980. He then performed several songs that he considers his favorite tunes to cover, “Going In Circles” by Friends of Distinction and “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder. A new tune from his latest “album” is called “Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda.” The latest tune enjoyed a respectful reception from the audience - but it was clear the fans on this hot summer evening wanted nothing but oldies but goodies. Notably, Graham is the uncle of Young Money (Lil Wayne) rapper, Aubrey “Drake” Graham, who’s also the nephew of Memphis guitarist/composer Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, of Al Green, HI Records fame. Hodges, 68, died in June reportedly of emphysema. At about the third-quarter mark in the show, Graham jumped back into his Sly phase, with classics like “Everyday People” and “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” Interestingly, it was a treat watching the man work the four-string bass, the legendary artist who’s credited with influencing the last 40 years of bass players worldwide with his originally-patented “Larry Graham slappin--thumpinpluckin bass licks;” a pattern he developed while playing gospel with his mother (Dell Graham), who played keyboard and organ in church during Graham’s Oakland, California developmental years. Graham remains very proud of his Bay Area, Oakland-San Francisco origins. In fact, his entire band are Bay area natives and according to Graham, Continued on next page
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Larry Graham “they were raised on GCS music” and already knew his tunes before they auditioned for the GCS gig. Graham, however, now lives in Minneapolis where he and his musical “brother,” Prince Rogers Nelson, still record and perform on special projects, he told the crowd. Fittingly the final song of three encores was the Prince classic, “1999.” The Birchmere is an excellent venue to witness such a legendary band like GCS, who proved that they remain “The Baddest Funk Band from East to West.” For more information about the GCS tour, access the www.larrygraham.com website. For sure, if Mr. Graham is touring anywhere near your town, you should really consider a road trip to witness this one in a million, legendary performer and musician. GCS still continues to host a ‘Warner Brothers Party’ -- a party that just won’t stop. Next up, more Bay Area greasy funk in the form of Tower of Power, Thursday, Sept. 25, also at the Birchmere Music Hall. For details, access http://www.birchmere.com/.
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HAPPENINGS COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER 6 EVENTS
For information, call Tonya Williams, (706) 396-7591 or Vonetta FlowersHinton, 706-396-8163.
2nd Annual Family Emergency Ready Day for Richmond County. Augusta Common 9 am to 3 pm. SAT. SEPTEMBER 20 Free food, child safety seat checks, the fire safety house, blood pres- COMEDY Rickey Smiley and Friends Live sure tests and more. For more information, call 821-1157. @ The Bell Auditorium Tickets available at the Champion’s Box Office at James Brown Arena or call 1-877-428-4849 or online at www. SEPTEMBER 13 georgialinatix.com
MUSIC
96.3 KISS Family Reunion Tickets” $20.00 Evans Towne Center Park Gates open @ 2 pm. Show starts at 3 pm. Artists: Johnny Gill, Freddie Jackson, CeCe Peniston and more. Tickets available at Pyramid Music & Video and Maximum Title Pawn (Grovetown). Discount tickets available at ETIX.com. For more information go to kissfamilyreunion. com. “SHOUT FEST” 11th anniversary of gospel radio station WA AW 94.7 FM located in Aiken, South Carolina, with the Shout Fest. To commemorate this milestone, we have planned a tremendous event Saturday, September 13. For information call 803.507.8070. Izora Norman Gunter
SEPTEMBER 14 MUSIC
Ann N. Johnson UNCF Jazz Festival Tickets are on sale now for the Ann N. Johnson UNCF Jazz Festival scheduled for September 14th at 6:00pm at the Jessye Norman Amphitheater in downtown Augusta, GA. This year the Festival features Sounds Unlimited, Mike Frost Band, TuTu D’Vyne featuring Quiet Storm along with Wondaland Arts Society featuring National recording artist Roman GianArthur. This is the second year of the Ann N. Johnson UNCF Jazz Festival benefiting the Augusta UNCF Campaign. Tickets:$25.00. Children under 17 and students tickets: $10.00 Purchase tickets in the office of Institutional Advancement located in Haygood-Holsey Hall, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
EVENTS
Augusta HBCU 5k Fun Run/Walk 100 Riverview Park Dr. North Augusta, S.C. 29841 Entry fees: 25.00 (Adults) $10 Youth Under 12 Register online: augustahbcu5k. eventbrite.com For more information: Visit Facebook page www.facebook.com/ GreaterAugustaHBCUAlumniAlliance
OCTOBER 12 FOOD
13th Annual Alumni & Friends Chef’s Showcase The next event, in celebration of its 39th Anniversary, Augusta Mini Theatre will present its 13th Annual Alumni & Friends Chefs’ Showcase, Sunday, October 12 at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center, Two-Tenth Street, Augusta, GA.
Jamail Larkins, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Atlanta-based Ascension Aircraft Best-selling author J.R. Martinez will be the keynote speaker.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ winner to speak at Diversity and Inclusion Summit AUGUSTA U.S. Army veteran, ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars season 13” winner, and best-selling author J.R. Martinez will be the keynote speaker for Georgia Regents University’s 2014 Diversity and Inclusion Summit. This year’s event will be held Friday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. Martinez will share his story of resilience and optimism after overcoming the challenge of sustaining severe burns to over 34 percent of his body while serving in Iraq as an Army infantryman. Another highlight for this year’s program will be a workshop led by Jamail Larkins, Chief Executive Officer and
Founder of Atlanta-based Ascension Aircraft. Larkins, a native of Augusta, Ga., has been featured in Forbes magazine’s “30 under 30,” and he is the first ambassador for Aviation and Space Education for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration. Other summit activities include discussions and various workshops on topics such as TED® talks on inclusive excellence, micromessaging and inclusion in STEM disciplines, and building organizational capacity for diversity transformation, examples in generational communication. For a complete schedule and more information, go to gru.edu/diversitysummit.
Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference September 3 – 5, 2015 at the Augusta Convention Center Augusta, GA – Travel professionals from across the state will gather on September 3 – 5, 2014 at the Augusta Convention Center for the 2014 Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference in downtown Augusta, Ga. This year’s theme is “Staying Current.” The attendee base consists of over 500 tourism professionals from Convention & Visitors Bureaus, lodging properties, attractions and activities, elected officials, tour and travel, education and media. During the conference attendees will learn critical tools, tips and information to help them grow and better market their destinations, hotels and attrac-
tions from an array of expert speakers. Exhibitors will be onsite to provide information about their products and services. The Augusta and Columbia County Convention & Visitors Bureaus have partnered to host a modern spin on an old-fashioned Lock Party at Savannah Rapids Pavilion on the evening of September 3. On September 4, Stan Byrdy, Augusta author and sports historian, will be the keynote speaker at the Leadership Luncheon. In the evening, attendees will take trolleys for a dine-around featuring some of Augusta’s best locally owned restaurants in downtown Augusta and Surrey Center.
The closing breakfast will feature a keynote address from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal on September 5. Tourism Industry Awards will be presented to the best and brightest professionals, organizations and initiatives at the breakfast. Categories for awards include Marketing Initiatives, Leadership, Creative Expression, Lifetime Achievement and Tourism Champions. The Augusta Convention Center is located at 2 Tenth Street, Augusta, GA 30901. For more information about the Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, visit www.georgiagtc. com.
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WORSHIP
UrbanProWeekly • SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2014
CHURCH
Sunday School 8:30 am Morning Worship Services: 9:45 am Evening Worship Services 6 pm (4th Sunday) Bible Study: 6pm (Mondays) Midday Bible Study: 12pm (Tuesdays) Prayer Services: 6pm (Wednesdays) Celebrate Recovery: 6pm (Fridays) and 12pm (Mondays) 2323 Barton Chapel Road • Augusta,GA 30906 706.790.8185 / 706.922.8186 (fax) Visit Us @ www.broadwaybaptistaug.org • Join us on facebook
Sunday Morning Services 10 am Wednesday Services 7 pm 2070 Brown Road, Hephzibah, GA 30815 (706) 592-9221 | www.alwc.net
Dr. C. William Joyner, Jr. Senior Pastor
Start your calling today! Mount Olivet Certified Academic Institution 706.793.0091 • 706.793.0335 • www.mocai-aug.org
Good Shepherd Baptist Church
Rev. Clarence Moore, Pastor 1714 Olive Road / P. O. Box 141 (mailing address) Augusta, GA 30903 706/733-0341- Telephone/706/667-0205 – Fax E-mail address: admin@goodshepherdaugusta.org Web address: goodshepherdaugusta.org Rev. Clarence Moore Church Service: 7:45 & 11:00 a.m. Church School: 9:45 a.m. / Prayer Service: 11:00 a.m. – Wednesday Bible Study: 9:00 a.m. - Saturday / 7:00 p.m. - Wednesday
Everfaithful Missionary Baptist Church
314 Sand Bar Ferry Road Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 722- 0553 Church School Sunday 9:25am Morning Worship Sunday 11am Evening Worship 6pm (1st & 3rd Sunday) Midday Prayer 12pm Wednesday Intercessory Prayer/Bible Study 6pm Wednesday
Bishop Rosa L. Williams, Pastor
Radio Broadcast: Sundays • WKZK 103.7 FM at 7:30 a.m.
Daily Morning Prayer
6:30 a.m. - 6:45 a.m. 218-548-1625 • Access Code 2331#
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3114 Augusta Tech Drive Augusta, GA 30906 Contact Manager: Wilma Moffett
Stress Physical Inactivity Family History of Cardiovascular disease Obesity Diabetes High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Cigarette Smoking HEART ATTACK • BRAIN ATTACK • PREVENT ATTACK East Central Health District Hypertension Management Outreach Program
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