U W

rban Pro
NEWS COMMENTARY ARTS

Black buying power at 1 trillion

$
The CSRAs WEEKLY

ENTERTAINMENT

eekly

FREE

Newspaper VOL.2 NO.5

OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2012

POWER

MONEY DECEIT
The Wise Choice
2664 Tobacco Rd., Ste A, Hephzibah, GA 30815 www.taxwize.net

Navigating through the rhetoric of the charter schools debate

Personal and Business Income Tax Preparation Accounting/Bookkeeping IRS & State Problem Resolution IRS & State Audit Representation Levy/Lien/Garnishment Release Offers-In-Compromise And More

2
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2012

Our Streets, Our People

Public Info Open House set to discuss GHSU Laney-Walker enhancement project
AUGUSTA Georgia Health Sciences University and the Georgia Department of Transportation will hold a Public Information Open House concerning the Laney Walker transportation enhancement project, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, 1116 Phillips Street. Attendees can view design concepts and offer feedback on the project. GHSU announced earlier this year plans to begin construction for a project that will enhance the section of Laney Walker Boulevard that runs through the universitys campus. The current design concept is intended to make the roadway safer for the estimated 8,500 students, staff and faculty who cross it daily and beautify the streetscape. Primarily funded through a GDOT Transportation Enhancement Grant with additional funds from the university, the project will create two lanes of traffic, rather than the current four; eliminate curbside parking between 15th Street and R.A. Dent Boulevard; add bicycle lanes on either side of the road; incorporate slightly elevated crosswalks that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards; and add more trees, grassy areas and plant beds. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2013 and conclude by the fall. For more information, contact the GHSU Office of Community Affairs at A CHEERING MOMENT. A Josey High School cheerleader gets into the spirit at a recent contest vs Aquinas High School. Photo by Vincent Hobbs 706-721-4413.

Jennifer Norman-Dixon
Independent Cruise & Vacation Specialist

Paine College Gets Ready For Community Festival

Hephzibah, GA 30815 Phone 706-925-2929 Toll Free (877-790-6082 Fax 404-601-4492
AUGUSTA Paine College will host its annual PaineFest event, October 20, 2012 on the campus of Paine College from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The eagerly anticipated PaineFest is an annual community event that occurs during the month of October. PaineFest is designed to bring people together of all ages and backgrounds to engage in activities that connect the Paine College community with the broader community through its core values of excellence,appreciation of heritage, integrity, fiscal responsibility and service. This years theme is Going from Good to Great in the Community. Last year, the event attracted more than 1,500 visitors. This year the College expects a much larger crowd. The institution wants to go from good to great in the community. We want to be good neighbors, said Brandon Brown, vice president of Institutional Advancement. Events such as this allow us to share with the community the direction that Paine College is moving. All PaineFest events are designed for the CSRA community to enjoy. Admission is FREE and open to the public. TheCollege has teamed up with several churches, schools and community groups to plan events that will be fun and enlightening. The community is invited the to register for the Stage Performances, which will feature performances from aspiring dancers, singers, and choirs. Local cooks and restaurants can register and compete in Bubbas Great BBQ Cook-Off Competition.

U W
rban Pro
Publication
Publisher Ben Hasan 706-394-9411

Email:jdixon@cruisesinc.com www.cruisesinc.com/jdixon

eekly

An UrbanProWeekly LLC

Everyone is encouraged to bring their families to enjoy the free festivities. Children can look forward to the Childrens Art Village, which will include face-painting, arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, inflatable and much more. Adults can enjoy food court, vendors court, art exhibition and book signings by Georgia and South Carolina Authors. All events are free and will take place on the Paine College campus. Please visit www.paine.edu/ PAINEFEST for additional information. To register for the Great BBQ CookOff, Stage Performances or to become a vendor call (706) 821-8322. For more information, contact the Office of Communications & Marketing at (706) 396-7591 or Ncarter@paine.edu.

Managing Editor Frederick Benjamin Sr. 706-836-2018 Sales & Marketing Phone: 706-394-9411 New Media Consultant Director of Photography Vincent Hobbs email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com
Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Funeral Home
Affordable Prices Traditional Services Direct Burials Cremations Domestic & International Shipping Pre-planning Grief Counseling Notary Public

Peoples

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

Rev. Albert L. Smith Funeral Director/Owner

NO
Paid for by Murphy Middle School PTA

Serving with Dignity and Integrity

706-724-1885
723 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901

Special Report: THE CHARTER SCHOOL DEBATE part 1

If the Charter School debate was about reading writing and arithmetic, there would be very little reason to have to rewrite the state constitution. No, the charter school constitutional amendment that will appear on the ballot on November 6 is about political control of the peoples money disguised as a education reform initiative. Whether one likes charter schools or your traditional public school arrangement is not the issue. Apparently, one of the GOPs strategies is to make the discussion about school choice. Then they will throw in images of failing public schools and succeeding charter schools. The issues of power, money and deceit clearly frame this debate, but the public has no way of connecting the dots. Well start with a definition of charter schools.

3
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 -10, 2012

What are charter schools?

Charter schools are primary or secondary schools that receive public money but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each schools charter. Charter schools are attended by choice. While charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are not allowed to charge tuition. Where enrollment in a charter school is oversubscribed, admission is frequently allocated by lottery-based admissions

Power

systems. However, the lottery is open to all students. In a 2008 survey of United States charter schools, 59% of the schools reported that they had a waiting list, averaging 198 students. Some charter schools provide a curriculum that specializes in a certain fielde.g., arts, mathematics, or vocational training. Others attempt to provide a better and more cost efficient general education than nearby noncharter public schools. Charter school students take state-mandated exams. Some charter schools are founded by teachers, parents, or activists who feel restricted by tra-

ditional public schools. State-authorized charters (schools not chartered by local school districts) are often established by non-profit groups, universities, and some government entities. Additionally, school districts sometimes permit corporations to manage chains of charter schools. The schools themselves are non-profit entities. Corporate management does not affect the status of a school. As of September 2012, in the United States, the only school system with the majority of children educated in charter schools was the New Orleans Public Schools. Source: Wikipedia

Why the Charter School Amendment? Why now?

As benign as it may appear on the ballot, if it passes, the Charter School Constitutional Amendment on the November ballot would remove public education from the hands of the local school boards as well as the state Department of Education. It is clearly a power play by state Republicans who want to restrict the power of local boards and, by extension, local citizens who elect the boards. Republican leaders, who drafted the charter schools amendment, want the public to think this ballot initiative is the only way to save schools and improve education. The Georgia Department of Education and Republican state School Superintendent John Barge have been steadfast in their opposition of this constitutional amendment. The charter schools ballot conversation has focused on the idea that public schools are inferior to charter schools. Supporters have repeatedly cited facts and figures that make the claim of the superiority of charter schools. Charter schools can be a great addition to the education mix. Thats why local boards have already approved the creation of charter schools in Richmond County. The Republicans want to create schools run by private organizations who are not accountable to local educators. Make no mistake about it, local educators know what they are doing. Local schools are among the top performing schools in the state. Local boards of education and business organizations have encouraged taxpayers to reject this measure that would take away local control and divert funds from existing schools.

John Barge, Georgia Schools Superintendent opposes the constitutional amendment.

Money

Dept. of Education pressured to be neutral

(AP) With Superintendent John Barge under pressure for his opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment on charter schools, the Georgia Department of Education has declared its neutrality on the Nov. 6 referendum. The agency is scrolling an alert across its webpage stating that it takes no position on the vote. The message doesnt mention Barge. The superintendent has drawn fire for opposing an amendment that would allow a new state board to select private organizations to run taxpayer financed schools. In response to a complaint, Barge consulted with state attorneys about laws that limit the electioneering of public agencies and elected officials. Barge also has taken down an online explanation of his position.

Why would anyone believe that a dual school system wouldnt take money from local public schools?
Proponents of the constitutional amendment argue that the new proposed charter schools wont take money from existing public schools. Such an argument is ludicrous. The states Democratic leadership is opposed to the amendment. Listen to Steve Henson, a Democrat from Dekalb County. Once voters make it past the extraordinarily biased preamble language on the ballot and read the fine print, they will find that the proposed amendment creates a new state level funding mechanism that builds a parallel school system, diverting additional taxpayer funds away from our public school system. This parallel funding scheme uses charter schools as theme; but buyer beware. Local school systems, parents and educators, should be able to retain control of their districts and decide if, and when, they admit locally approved charter schools. As we continue to recover from the most severe economic collapse since the Great Depression, it is important to look at the financial ramifications of the amendment. The state has repeatedly cut teachers salaries, and funding for local school systems, increased class sizes, laid off 4,400 teachers, reduced the teaching tools available to educators and has shortened the school year by up to 36 days in two-thirds of our school districts. Year after year, budgets cuts to our secondary education system have left local school systems with no choice but to make drastic changes that hurt our most important resource: our children.

Deceit

Amendment Language the will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. Item 1

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

Why the confusing language on the ballot?

From the governor on down through the ranks of the precinct level Republican operative, the marching orders have been explicit, make sure that the charter school amendment is successful. Anyone not aware of the backstory would think that a yes vote provides for more student achievement and more parental involvement upon the request of local communities. And, incidently, it has something to do with charter schools. In reality, the local school boards already have authority to create charter schools for any legitimate mission. Why vote for what already exists? What the GOP-backed charter school amendment would really do is give the GOP-controlled state general assembly a blank check to create a dual school system controlled by private organizations. Since the Republicans by the wording of the amendment have proven that they cant be trusted. There is no guarantee that they would write the new charter school law in a manner that would favor their friends, allies and business partners. Thats what it would do, but they cant put that language on the ballot.

4
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2012

Special Report: GEORGIA BLACK BUYING POWER SOARS

Each year the Selig Center for Economic Growth at The University of Georgias Terry College of Business compiles The Multicultural Economy. What follows is an excerpt that deals with the power of the African American consumer. The Director of the Center is Jeffrey M. Humphreys. The following has been edited for length by the UrbanProWeekly staff.

Where Blacks Spend More

Where Blacks Spend Less used cars alcohol health care entertainment pensions
ing power (all races combined). In 2012, the nations share of total buying power that is black will be 8.5 percent, up from 8.2 percent in 2000 and from 7.5 percent in 1990. African-American consumers share of the nations total buying power will rise to 8.7 percent in 2017, accounting for almost nine cents out of every dollar that is spent. The gains in black buying power reflect much more than just population growth and inflation. Of the many diverse supporting forces, one of the most important and enduring is the increasing number of blacks who are starting and expanding their own businesses. The 2007 Survey of Business Owners (released by the U.S. Census bureau in June 2011) shows that the number of black-owned firms was 61 percent higher in 2007 than in 2002, which more than three times the 18 percent gain in the number of all U.S. firms. Also, compared to the 1997-2002 period, the overall rate of growth in the number of black-owned firms acceleratedas did the rate of growth in the number of all U.S. firms. Between 2002

phone services utilities groceries footwear

geted group of consumers is important because the higher their market share, the lower the average cost of reaching a potential buyer in the group. The combined buying power of these three racial groups will rise to $2.5 trillion in 2017, accounting for 16.4 percent of the nations total buying power.

Buying Power Statistics by Race

In 2012, the combined buying power of blacks, Asians, and Native Americans will be $1.9 trillion104 percent higher than its 2000 level of $912 billion which amounts to a gain of $946 billion. In 2012, African Americans will account for 56 percent of combined spending, or slightly over $1 trillion. From 2000 through 2012, the percentage gains in buying power vary considerably by race, from a gain of 164 percent for Asians to 156 percent for Native Americans to 73 percent for blacks. All of these target markets will grow much faster than the white market, where buying power will increase by 60 percent. The combined buying power of African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans will account for 15.3 percent of the nations total buying power in 2012, up from 12.5 percent in 2000 and from 10.6 percent in 1990. The 2000to-2012 gain in combined market share of 2.8 percent amounts to an additional $340 billion in buying power in 2012. The market share claimed by a tar-

Black Buying Power

In 2012, African Americans will constitute the nations largest racial minority market, but the buying power of Hispanicsan ethnic groupis larger. Despite the severe impact of the Great Recession, blacks economic clout continues to energize the U.S. consumer market. The Selig Center estimates that the nations black buying power will rise from $316 billion in 1990 to $600 billion in 2000, to $947 billion in 2010, to $1 trillion in 2012, and to $1.3 trillion in 2017. The 73 percent increase between 2000 and 2012 outstrips the 60 percent rise in white buying power and the 67 percent increase in total buy-

and 2007, the receipts of black-owned firms grew by 55 percent compared to the 34 percent increase in the receipts of all U.S. firms. Still another positive factor underpinning the groups buying power is that African Americans continue to become more highly educated, which should allow proportionally more blacks to enter occupations with higher average salaries. Census data show that in 2010, 84 percent of blacks over 25 years of age had completed high school or college, far better than the 66 percent reported in 1990 and the 79 percent recorded in 2000. Despite this, the percentage of African Americans (84 percent) who are high school graduates or better was still lower than the percentage of whites (88 percent) and Asians (89 percent). Also, the 2010 Current Population Survey indicates that 20 percent of blacks had a bachelors, graduate, or professional degree compared to 30 percent of whites and 52 percent of Asians. Nonetheless, the percentage of blacks who had completed college in 2010 (20 percent) was higher than in either 2000 (17 percent) or in 1990 (11 percent). Favorable demographic trends help, too, since the black population continues to grow more rapidly than the total population. From 2000 to 2012, the nations black population grew by 16 percent compared to 7.6 percent for Continued on next page

MEDICAL VILLA PHARMACY

WE TAKE:
Georgia medicaid Insurance plans Charge cards WIC vouchers
Marshall Curtis, Pharmacist/Owner Baron Curtis, Pharmacist

AQUA-CHI FOOT BATH

Our cells lose energy due to age, illness and injury. Does your body have enough energy to detoxify and heal itself?

Energize and Cleanse today!

$30 per session.

Essential Cleansing Center

2045 Central Ave. Augusta, Ga 30904 essentialcleansingcenter.com

706-722-7355

FREE DELIVERY SERVICE

706-733-5000

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY
{First Colon Cleansing Center In Augusta}
CONDITIONS RESPONDING TO COLON HYDROTHERAPY Cited by Rheumatologist, Arthur E. Brawer, M.D. Enhances Weight Loss Allergies Acne Constipation Irritable Bowel Gas/Bloating Asthma Chronic Fatigue Spastic Colon Potbelly
Shanta Johnson

You dont have to live with BACK PAIN

or any other kind of discomfort, including headaches, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, muscle tension, sleep 706-736-5551

Body Odor Headaches Improves Sexual Health 2045 Central Avenue, Augusta

ESSENTIAL CLEANSING CENTER

coloncleansingaugusta.com essentialcleansingcenter.com

706-733-5000

2 Locations: 1125 Druid Park Ave. MOST INSURANCE Drug Testing Now Available! 2583 Tobacco Road ACCEPTED Augusta, GA 30904 Hephzibah, GA 30815 1132 Druid Park Ave, Augusta, GA

Buying power from p.4

the white population and 12.2 percent for the total population. From 2012 to 2017, the nations black population is projected to grow by 6.9 percent, which exceeds the 5.7 percent growth estimated for the total U.S. population. Also, the black population is younger: the 2010 Current Population Survey indicates that the median age of blacks is only 31.4 years compared to 38.2 years for the white population or 36.7 years for the total population. Compared to the older white population, larger proportions of blacks will enter the workforce for the first time or will move up from entry-level jobs. This will provide an extra push to the groups overall buying power. Conversely, smaller proportions of blacks have reached their career pinnacles or are of traditional retirement age. In 2010, only 8.6 percent of blacks were over 65, compared to 13.8 percent of whites or 12.7 percent of the total population. So, black buying power may be slightly more resistant to reforms of popular government entitlement programs for retirees (e.g., Social Security and Medicare), especially if those reforms focus benefit reductions on higher income households. Because they are much younger, African-American consumers increasingly are setting trends for teens (and young adults) of every race and ethnic background. This isnt surprising given that 29.4 percent of the black population is under 18 years old compared to 23.3 percent of the white population or 24.6 percent of the total population. The youthful profile of the black population does have its downside, however. Compared to people who are either more established in their careers or retired, young adults, regardless of their race or ethnicity, are more exposed to job losses in economic downturns. So, in this regard, black buying power is vulnerable to the effects of economic recessions, but over time the aboveaverage growth of black buying power has more than compensated for that high cyclical exposure. Due the unusual severity of the Great Recession, employment growth no longer can be cited as one of the main forces behind the above-average gains in black buying power. From January 2000 through January 2012 (the most recent data available at the time of this writing), the number of jobs held by blacks had increased by only 235,000, or a paltry 0.1 percent per year. Furthermore, from its pre-recession peak in July 2007 (when blacks held 16,307,000 jobs) through January 2012 (when blacks held 15,512,000 jobs), the number of employed African Americans dropped by 795,000. The black unemployment rate therefore soared from 8.9 percent (July 2007) to 14.2 percent (January 2012). In January 2012, the employment-to-population ratio for blacks stood at only 52.2 percentit was 59.3 percent in July 2007. The jobs losses have been very heavy because recessions with credit crunches and housing busts are always deeper and longer than other recessions. The financial panic didnt help. This unusual set of events brought the economy to its knees, and it erased a decades worth of job growth for African Americans. At the time of this writing, it appears that the period of job losses is over, but the labor markets recovery is anemic, especially in states hit the hardest by the housing bust.

Despite lower average In 2012, the ten states with the larg- 5 District tional attainment, occupational distri- WRITE-IN Water Conservation household est African-American markets, in order, bution, geographic distribution, and income levels, African Americans lead (Vote ($86 culture, the spending habits of blacksFor Board of Education example, on in some categories. For District Supervisor are New York ($95 billion), Texas for One) ENOCH District households spent more billion), California ($77 billion), Florida EDas a group are not the same as those of average, for One) (Vote black 10 non-black consumers. Thus, as African than(Vote for One) non-black households on natural ($74 billion), Georgia ($73 billion), WILLIAM "BILL" LOCKETT Maryland ($63 billion), North Carolina Americans share of the nations total gas, electricity, telephone services, and (Incumbent) buying A. O'STEEN footwear. Also, ($48 billion), Illinois ($47 billion), Vir- CLEVELANDpower expands, business-to- HELEN MINCHEW blacks spent a signifiJOHNNY R. STEVENS (Incumbent) ginia ($45 billion), and New Jersey ($40 consumer firms can be expected to cantly higher proportion of their money (Incumbent) devote more resources to developing on shelter, groceries, car insurance, and billion). One characteristic that sets the and marketing products that meet the gasoline and motor oil. These findAfrican-American consumer market needs and match the preferences of ings strongly imply that energy utilities, WRITE-IN firms, automobile insurers, gas black telecom apart from the WRITE-IN Hispanic and Asian WRITE-INconsumers. Data from the 2010 Consumer stations, grocers, and shoe stores would markets is that it is not concentrated Augusta Commission For For Brier Creek Soil and do well to market themselves directly to in a handful ofFor Augustacon- Expenditure Survey indicate that the Water Conservation states. This vibrant Commission5 WRITE-IN District sumer market is very widespread, and average black household spent in total black consumers. 72 percent as Compared to non-blacks, blacks District only(Vote for One) much as the average District Supervisor therefore is an attractive customer seg- 7 (Vote for less non-black household, reflecting blacks spent much One)of their total outlays ment in many of the states. (Vote for One) "BILL" LOCKETT WILLIAM median household incomes. The on used vehicles, health insurance, lower (Incumbent) values are for money income, which JOHNNY R. STEVENS fees and admissions, medical services, The Black Consumer differs pets, KENNETH J. ECHOLS SR somewhat from buying power, (Incumbent) toys, and pensions and Social Due to differences in per capita but nonetheless offers some insights Security.

For Augusta Commission income, educa- into Creek Soil and Georgia is 5th largest black market MARY DAVISwealth, demographics,For Brier spending by black consumers.

5
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 -10, 2012

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

2012 Participants

District 7 11th DONNIE SMITHAlumni for One) Annual & (Vote Friends Chefs Showcase SR KENNETH J. ECHOLS
Celebrating 37 Years!
DONNIE SMITH

WRITE-IN Augusta Mini Theatre, Inc. presents

For Augusta Commission

A Little Taste of Nawlins Jackie Ms Villa Europa Augusta Mini Theatre Soul Food Corner The Harvest Table Buet Edible Arrangements French Market Grille Rouxs Gourmet Catering Augusta Technical College Culinary Arts Program Dent Creations Ring My Bell to Lillys Cake Southern Grilling & Catering Charlie Williams Cha Sconyers Bar-B-Que Collins Catering Service Sophias Antiques DeShawns Seafood Restaurant Creative Moments Catering The Wife Saver Restaurant (N. Augusta) Ashleys Fish & Seafood Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Custom Cakes Caterer Earline Brown Caterer Julia Jackson Sugies Kitchen Catering Services

WRITE-IN

Charter School Amendment

involvement through more -1public charter school options.

-1PROPOSED ProvidesCONSTITUTIONAL for improving student AMENDMENTS achievement and parental

Vote NO
WRITE-IN

For Augusta Commission District 9 SUNDAY, OCT. 14th

-1-

House Resolution No. 1162 parental achievement and Act No. 762 involvement through more 2:00PM WRITE-IN (Vote for One) public charter school options. (Doors Open @1:30PM) Ga. L. 2012, p. 1364 For Augusta Commission Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites House Resolution No. 1162 Two District 9 HAROLD V. JONES Tenth St., Augusta, GA 30901 II Act Constitution of Georgia be amended Shall the No. 762 (Vote for One) EVENT SPONSORS to allowGa. L. 2012, p. 1364 approval of public charter state or local Augusta Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Georgia Health Sciences University HAROLD V. JONES II schoolsShall the Constitution ofof local amended upon the request Georgia be Georgia Power Parade to allow state MARION WILLIAMS of Quartets/ WJBF News 6 communities? or local approval of public charter
Perry Broadcasting of Augusta Queensborough National Bank & Trust MARION WILLIAMS Savannah River Remediation, LLC SunTrust Wackenhut Services, Inc. WKZK 1600 AM & 103.7 FM

Provides for improving student

schools upon the request of local communities? YES

WRITE-IN
ADULTS -$37.00 STUDENTS/CHILDREN- $16.00
(Ages 18 & Younger)

Purchase tickets or tables by calling (706) 722-0598 or visit the oce at WRITE-IN 2548 Deans Bridge Rd., Augusta, GA 30906 and SunTrust Bank and Branches

NO

www.augustaminitheatre.com

TURN Paid for by The Richmond County Council of PTAs CON

NO
NO

YES

PRODUCTS

Auto Home Business Bonds

If youre looking for insurance, we will find the best Georgia and South Carolina insurance solutions for your needs.
Ben Crawford
1631 Gordon Hwy
(Southgate Plaza next to Terrys) Suite 4 Augusta Georgia 30906 706-305-1698 office bcrawford25@gmail.com

TBA
Trowell Builders & Associates Designers Builders Planners

Sanctuary Multi-Purpose Buildings Renovations

P.O. Box 211886 Augusta, Ga 30917 1.800.546.2685 Fax 706.738.6328 email: tbamakedreams@aol.com

www.gacoverage.com

6
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2012

Its Quilted
Annual Quilt Exhibition features

The Brown Sugar Stitchers

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History again brings to Augusta a wonderful array of the most beautiful quilts in the south! The quilts featured this year are crafted primarily by the Brown Sugar Stitchers, a quilting guild comprised of diverse AfricanAmerican quilters from the metropolitan Atlanta area. Also featured is the work of Pollie Wilkins Stevenson, a retired educator from Long Island, N.Y., who has participated in the exhibition for the last five years, and Tiffany Wood, lead channel manager at AT&T, whose work was last shown at the Southwest Art Center for the Sew-Journers Guild Quilt Show. The Brown Sugar Stitchers was conceived in 1999 as the vision of cofounders Jocelyn Carter and Nancy Franklin, according to current president Jeanette Walton. Encouraged and joined by former Dekalb County librarian Doris Wells, the trio moved towards the realization of a guild. In 2000, it was formally organized by a core group of quilters and elected Nancy Franklin as its first president. The guild embraces public service and involves itself in the cultural and educational affairs throughout the community, as well as in the enrichment programs of local schools, The Girls Scouts of America, Atlantas annual National Black Arts Festival, and Quilts of Valor. Their signature service activity is the yearly donation of quilts to children residing at the Carrie SteelePitts Home for Children in Southwest Atlanta. If you are interested in becoming part of the Brown Sugar Stitchers Quilt Guild, meetings take place at the William C. Brown-Wesley Chapel Library in Decatur, Ga., every third Saturday of the month. The museum will hold an opening reception for the exhibition on Sunday, October 7, 2012 from 3:00 5:00 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and military, and $2 for children.

Writers Group to host Voter Registration Drive

The For Passion Authors VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at the Downtown Augusta Library. The For Passion Authors will be on hand to welcome participants and share refreshments. If you havent registered, this may be your last chance and if you Some of the finest quilts in the South will be on display at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum are registered, you will be encouraged to vote. Use your of Black History. The opening reception is Sunday Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. voice and vote in 2012. The group plans to assist those who havent yet registered and encourage those who have TO USE THEIR VOICE & VOTE 2012!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

What: CSR A BUSINESS LEAGUE, INC. WOMEN CONFERENCE Featuring: MRS. LEONA BARR DAVENPORT PR ESIDENT & CEO, ATL A NTA BUSINESS LEAGUE When: Wednesday, 7 NOVEMBER 2012, 9:00 A.M. W here: K ROC CENTER, 1833 BROAD STREET AUGUSTA, GEORGIA 30901 The CSR A Business League is sponsoring a Women Empowerment Conference on Wednesday, 7 November 2012 at the Ray and Joan Kroc Center located at 1833 Broad Street with Atlanta Business League President & CEO Mrs. Leona Barr Davenport as the keynote luncheon speaker. Additional workshops being developed include Access to Capital, Technology, Credit and Procurement policies.

Livin OutLoud
Weve all heard the phrase, You only get one shot, dont blow it! As an artist, you are often faced with many hidden doors of opportunity. It is our job to notice these open doors and take advantage of them at the moment they present themselves. It takes a quick thinker to turn an event into a networking opportunity, a coffee date into a book signing deal, or an email into a long lasting business relationship. Artists are creative thinkers by nature so we must learn through experience and education which customized opportunities are best to advance our art. Think about your elevator conversation. Lets say you were lucky enough to get on the same elevator with the main person who could take your art to that next level. What would you say? What would be best to say in the 30 seconds that you have before the door opens and the window of opportunity is closed? Before opening your mouth, a handshake and a business card should be presented. Prominent people that

Artistic Commentary provided by LadyVee DaPoet

7
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 -10, 2012

Your 30 seconds of fame - make it count!

have reached a certain level of success most of the time dont have any time to spare. Theyve heard every hype story from artists pushing Cds and portfolios on them and it gets old to them after a while. You have to be unique, not fake, professional and friendly. Show them quickly that you wont waste their time and that you are someone they would be wise to invest in. Your conversation should consist of your name, your title and what you do that would benefit whoever youre speaking with. Networking is all about making mutual connections that benefit both parties. Sure, you want to get rich and famousthe person thats listening to you wants something out of the deal as well! In as few words as possible, you should convey to them how you are unique and how you can help them reach their goals. Make it seem like a nobrainer that you should be added to their team or involved in their project. Its like a 30 second job interview with a talking resume. If you want a call back its important to make a tell others about great first impression! it if the opporAs a spoken word artist, many of tunity presents my phone calls, emails and even face- itself. You never book chat conversations have turned know, that could be the big break into paid feature spots at different youve been waiting for! venues in various states. Even when I attend other peoples shows, I always have my marketing material with me in case anyone is interested. Its amazing to me how Ill go to places where I dont think Ill Provides for improving student know anyone, and achievement and parental involvement leave with a few through more public charter school options. new friends or get a chance to talk with someone that Shall the Constitution of Georgia be has seen me perform somewhere amended to allow state or local approval else. Be proud of of public charter schools upon the request what you create of local communities? and dont be shy to

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

RAFFLE TICKETS $5.00

Win (2) Game Tickets - Sunday, Nov. 4 2012 Atlanta Falcons vs Dallas Cowboys at the GA Dome Drawing on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 @ 5:30 p.m. at the Augusta Mini Theatre Call 706-722-0598

NO
Paid for by Barton Elementary School PTA

Quick Way Flower Shop

1335 Druid Park Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904

More than just a flower shop

Church Dcor Special Sentiments Wedding Ensembles Seasonal Arrangements Conventions and meetings Funeral Arrangements

Flowers For All Occasions

When in need of flowers stop by to see these lovely people. They do it right! (706) 736-8491 1(888) 239-3999 www.quickwayflowershop.com

Levi and Mattie Bush, owners

Harold V. Jones II
ATTORNEY AT LAW Criminal Law Divorce Personal Injury Employment Law

SHEPARD, PLUNKETT, HAMILTON & BOUDREAUX, LLP

429 Walker Street Upper Level Augusta, GA 30901 Phone 706-722-6200 Fax 706 722-4817 hjones@shepardplunkett.com

8
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2012

Changes in ASU nursing program

AUGUSTA The last day for blood pressure checks and minor first aid by the nursing department on Augusta States campus will be Nov. 30. According to Jean Pawl, acting chair of the Department of Nursing, the skill lab which houses the nursing equipment will be dismantled the following Monday. The changes are occurring as the nursing department prepares for its move on Dec. 19 to its new location on the campus of Georgia Health Sciences University. The departments move is part of the consolidation with GHSUs College of Nursing. In addition to the move, pre-nursing students will be advised by the Office of Academic Advisement effective Oct. 1. For more information, call the Department of Nursing at 706-7371725

Allied Health Sciences Dean to give State of the College Address Oct. 8
AUGUSTA ment, public health and clinical growth. Dr. Andrew Balas, Dean of the Georgia For more information, call the Deans Health Sciences University College of Office at 706-721-2621. Allied Health Sciences, will give the annual State of the College Address Monday, Oct. 8 in room 1222 of the Health Sciences Building at 987 St. Sebastian Way. The address will begin promptly at noon, with refreshments to follow. Balas will speak on the colleges increased emphasis on community involvement, cite achievements of the past year and give an overview of strategic initiatives in forward-thinking education, applied health research, student enroll-

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

Leaving the classroom to stay in college

AUGUSTA The role of study abroad programs in the efforts of increasing student retention rates is reviewed in the article Leaving the Classroom to Stay in College: Investigating the Relationship between Model UN Study Away and Retention. This research was conducted by Augusta State Universitys political science professors Craig Albert and Martha Ginn and ASU political science major Andrew Phillips. This article is set to be published in the Southeastern Political Review at the end of this year. According to Albert, the study was conducted in 2011 and uses the universitys Model UN program as a case study to review a possible relationship between study abroad trips and student retention rates. The program consisted of 18 students who answered several open-ended questions on how the semester-long program helped them become better students. With these audits, the researchers monitored the students success by observing how well they benefited from the programs rigorous curriculum and participating in the annual National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York. As part of the Model UN program, our students must learn various skills that will not only prepare them to compete in the NMUN conference, but will groom them for their future careers, said Albert. Based on our results, we find that the Model UN program at ASU was successful in developing both academic and social integration, as well as increasing intellectual development. During the course of the study, Albert said four of the 18 students graduated from ASU. However, of the remaining students that continued in the course, one graduated in December 2011, two graduated in May 2012, three transferred to other colleges, and the remaining eight enrolled in classes at ASU for the fall 2012 semester.

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

NO
Paid for by Lamar-Milledge Elementary School PTA

U Obama on white privilege W Commentary Barack

rban Pro
eekly

9
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 -10, 2012

and why progressives need to listen

By Ian Reifowitz Race. Class. Resentment. Taken together, this cocktail has the potential to do more damage to the progressive cause - the best hope, mind you, of combating the racism and class warfare that drive the resentment - than just about any other. Weve got (mostly) white anxiety about the demographic changes to our population; weve got resentment about racial discrimination, and, in the opposite direction, about active measures taken to counteract its continued existence as well as the lasting effects of past discrimination. In order to win support for progressive solutions, were going to have to talk about these issues in ways that feel right - even if not fully satisfying - to members of different ethnic groups. Thats not easy, but its doable. First, lets talk about the not easy part. I recently found myself hearing two sets of progressives discuss these issues in an (online) forum, and although they almost certainly agreed on the reality of racial discrimination, they talked right past each other in terms of how to talk about resentment, specifically to white working class voters. The discussion began around a Public Religion Research Institute survey showing that white Americans working in non-salaried jobs and lacking a college degree were significantly more likely than those with a college degree to believe that blacks and other minorities have received too many advantages and government attention. This was especially true in the South. The person presenting the information rightly highlighted the facts showing that such a belief - one that assumes weve left behind bigotry and discrimination - bears no resemblance to reality. Others in the dialogue, while agreeing on that fact, shifted to point out that those white working class people were reacting negatively to what appeared rather distant either geographically or to be a narrowing of their opportuni- chronologically. Both argued for an ties (aided, I would add, by right-wing approach that focused on expanding demagogues who feed that perception) the slice of the economic pie available and were not seeing - or not interested to all working-class Americans. in - the historical and moral justificaHeres where the disconnect tions for affirmative action and other occurred: The author of the origiattempts to rectify injustice. We pro- nal post about the survey replied by gressives, I would argue, must work to repeating the truth about why affirmachange that perception in order to win tive action exists and then characterelections and get the opportunity to ized those who expressed resentment implement our policy solutions. over affirmative action as a group of Along these lines, one of the respond- spoiled brats who got all the toys now ers argued: It is, bluntly, Pollyannish to complaining that they have to share a expect such a person, struggling for little bit. The responder agreed about survival in the current economy, to the moral and historical justifications not be receptive to the argument that for measures such as affirmative action they are being penalized for being and endorsed their continuation, but classed as white. Another stated that then added that people who are themno amount of hectoring from anti- selves working class arent likely to racists would convince someone to recognize themselves as privileged or plausibly make their life more difficult advantaged because of where they sit to give someone they dont know a on the economic food chain right now. leg up over things such people might not feel responsible for and that seem Continued on page 10

GUEST COMMENTARY

Reflections on Leadership and Transformation

A flattening world: Wire from the Far East Part II
by Ricardo Azziz There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. Sun Tzu The Art of War, (6th century B.C.) Great research universities are one of societys most powerful assets. They ensure the education and competitiveness of our present population and, more importantly, of our future generations. They ensure preservation and continuity of human knowledge, while serving a critical role in generating new knowledge. And great universities do not simply benefit the community in which they are located. Great universities impact all of humankind through their global reach and relevance, which has been made easier by advancements in communication technology never before experienced by humans on this planet technology that allows individuals or classrooms across the globe to instantaneously engage in debate or learning. Students have already embraced globalization through their use (and sometimes abuse) of the many online venues available Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare among them. In fact, I would bet that few of the younger readers of this blog would understand what the wire in the title refers to, having never received or worse waited for a telegraphic message. The past two weeks have been a reminder of how globalization is rapidly engulfing our university. Dr. Beheruz Sethna, president of West Georgia University, eloquently addressed the issue in his presentation The World is Getting Even More Flattened Are We Ready for it? at GHSUs 2ndAnnual Diversity Summit. He highlighted the value of mixing (not homogenizing) diverse cultures and ethnicities in university life and learning. We signed a partnership agreement with Jianghan University of Hebei, China, which allows students from Jianghan to train and graduate as nurses from our university. And Im writing this dispatch from mainland China. On September 16th, I left the United States with a small delegation for a visit to seven institutions. Our first stop was Shanghai Childrens Medical Center, one of the largest dedicated childrens hospitals in China, and Shanghai Jiaotang University. SJU is one of Chinas top 10 institutions of higher learning. The childrens medical center has an extraordinarily large pediatric population, with over 500 inpatient beds and more than two million visits yearly. They also have one of the largest cardiothoracic programs in China, performing more than 3,000 surgeries annually. Both institutions are interested in developing a partnership with our university around pediatric training, translational research, and pediatric epilepsy research and care. Our next stop was a meeting with the president and leadership of East China Normal University, one of a Chinas top liberal arts universities with more than 20,000 students, half of which are graduate students, and a strong global outreach. A number of American and European universities and consortia have a presence on the ECNU campus, which is also developing a more defined joint program with New York University, to be called the Shanghai-NYU partnership campus. ECNU is also an experienced partner in the creation of Confucius Institutes around the globe, anchoring seven of them in the US and Europe. Confucius Institutes are an exchange mechanism funded in part by the Chinese government to foster greater understanding and teaching of Chinese language and culture worldwide. Formation of a Confucius Institute may be a strategy that GRU should pursue as it expands its liberal arts offerings. This would also provide a link to the long standing heritage of the Chinese community in Augusta. We met with representatives from Central South University who are interested in establishing a joint MD/ PhD program. This would involve CSU medical students traveling to GRU to complete a PhD and then returning to China to complete their clinical training. And later in the week we met with leaders from Hanban, the governmental agency that develops the Confucius Institutes worldwide, in partnership with colleges, universities, and other educational partners. At present, Hanban cosponsors close to 400 institutes and more than 500 Confucius Classrooms throughout the world, although few around healthcare and the health professions. In Kunming City, in the Yunnan province, we met with the president and other leaders of Kunming University of Science and Technology. KUST is the largest university in Yunnan province, with over 66,000 students. KUST offers programs in the fields of engineering, agriculture, and environmental sciences. It also has schools of law, management, arts and media, and a newly established school of medicine. KUST leaders are hopeful that our Medical College of Georgia, with its extensive educational track record and history, may be able to provide guidance as they develop their new medical school curriculum, something we are well positioned to assist with. Interestingly, as KUST grows, many of its programs are moving to a new 500-acre campus about 30 miles outside of Kunming City. Along with 10 other colleges and universities, they will form part of a developing University Town. Weve made a lot of stops thus Continued on page 10

10
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2012

AZZIZ from page 10

far and along the way have learned a number of interesting facts about Chinese culture, higher education and healthcare. Our Chinese hosts are always gracious, punctual, and attentive. Although many Chinese understand English much better than they speak it, conversations are often carried out through interpreters, providing a calm and thoughful cadence to meetings (note to self: I really need to brush up on my Mandarin!). And in China, there are clear standards of ceremony (who sits where and next to who, the exchanging of business cards and gifts, toasting at dinner, and so on). Protocol is important in Chinese culture. Despite the broad cultural differences, over the past week we have discovered many similarities. For example, university presidents concerns are those we see everywhere, centering on obtaining sufficient resources to service their students and faculty. And while university presidents operate in varied political environments, our jobs require us to navigate and balance many different constituencies. And Chinese universities, despite being state entities, are quite entrepreneurial. Many have sold off parts of their campuses to real estate developers for ready cash to invest. They own or co-own hotels and meeting centers, which they also use, and work hard to develop technology transfer opportunities and revenues. Like we are undertaking now, China experienced a wave of university and college consolidations in the past ten years, bringing diverse institutions into one. Previously, Chinese higher education had followed the Soviet model, where groups of highly specialized primarily technical schools were established throughout the country (in medicine, in mineralogy/geology, in engineering, in science and technology, etc). But China is now focusing on creating the great comprehensive research universities that we are fortunate to have in the US and elsewhere (www.nottingham.ac.uk/ cpi/documents/discussion-papers/ discussion-paper-43-education-liwhalley.pdf and www.eai.nus.edu.sg/ Vol2No4_ZhaoLitao&ZhuJinjing.pdf). For example, CSU with over 50,000 students, was created through the amalgamation of the Hunan Medical University, the Changsha Railway University (a railroad engineering school, most recently working on high speed railways), and the Central South University of Technology. And KUST is the product of an earlier consolidation between KUST and the Yunnan University of Science and Technology. These mergers appear to be proceeding well, with strong central and provincial government support and financing, although many of the consolidations are still struggling to assimilate the varying cultures and missions, ensure appropriate longterm funding, and unleash their full potential. And like us, many Chinese universities are very interested in moving beyond local relevance and insularity, developing a global presence and worldwide collaborations. But they also differ in some aspects For example, Chinese students are generally expected to select their field of study immediately following high school. This has the advantage that

the students will be highly versed in their field from an early age but has the real (and increasingly recognized) disadvantage that it allows little for changes in individual maturity or preference. This potentially narrows the perspective of these students, a potential problem in ensuring their creativity and research effectiveness. China, contrary to the US, is investing heavily in upgrading and developing their infrastructure. Growing universities appear to have little difficulty in acquiring new campuses and constructing state-of-the-art facilities, with a building boom that is quite extraordinary. Witness the newly developing University Town outside Kunming City. And in China, quite differently from the US, there is significant emphasis on holistic and preventive approaches to health, in policy and in practice. This is no more evident than in the aged, who in the early morning walk to the many parks sprinkled throughout Chinese cities to exercise, sing, do tai chi, or simply socialize with groups of like-minded neighbors, striving to stay active and ensure mental and core body strength well into their 90s. But as interesting as these comparisons are, it is valid to ask why we should pursue international partnerships. What do we stand to gain and, of course, what might our international counterparts gain through these arrangements? And why China, or for that matter, any other specific nation? And finally, how exactly will we capitalize on the wave of globalization engulfing us? These are important questions. How do we benefit? By providing our students and faculty a more diverse and rich experience, exposing them to an international environment, locally through the hosting of international students, or remotely at the partner institution locale. By expanding our research partners, leading to new research collaborations, ideas and discoveries. And by increasing our relevance and impact, helping to educate future generations and leaders, and craft the future of not only our nation, but of the world. And how will our international counterparts benefit? Very much in the same manner with the additional benefit that they may be able to expand their curricular offerings and provide their most promising students with a greater array of skills and approaches, greater dominion of the English language, the international lingua franca, and greater insight into the Western socioeconomic system (including how we foster and support research and academic creativity and our capitalist business model, which is rapidly emerging as the dominant economic system in China). And why partner with institutions in China or any other specific country for that manner? Because the choice of international partners usually builds on previous relationships, often forged by individual faculty or students. We have many long-term and productive ties between GHSU faculty and our Chinese counterparts. China is a re-emerging superpower with a desire for excellence in education and research very similar to ours. A logical partner for many industries, not simply higher education. My last question how we will effect internationalization Ill discuss in Part 2 of this blog in the coming week. For now, signing off from the Far East

White privilege from page 10

The original author then essentially said those peoples concerns were not his and he wasnt interested in entertaining their false beliefs in bogeymen and ghosts like quotas or reverse racism. The author added that he refuses to have any: sympathy for people, as a class, i.e. working class whites, who have been benefiting from white skin privilege for centuries. A final counterpoint made by another responder: loss of privilege -even when the privilege was never deserved - still feels like loss. Thats the root of a lot of the reverse discrimination stuff. This discussion - one in which the two sides agree on much and in which both speak important truths - crystallizes the chasm between the two ways of looking at race, class, and resentment: moralist and realist. To win elections we must bridge that rhetorical gap. It is not impossible. We need a rhetoric that recognizes the realities of racism but which also acknowledges the validity of how working-class whites feel. Fortunately, this is exactly the approach taken by President Barack Obama. Obama addressed these issues most directly in his Philadelphia race speech. On white privilege, he stated: most working- and middle-class white Americans dont feel that they have been particularly privileged by their race. That doesnt mean he believes that they havent been privileged, but thats beside the point for the purpose of winning their support for his policies. The President also said to wish away the resentments of white Americans, to label them as misguided or even racist, without recognizing they are grounded in legitimate concerns--this too widens the racial divide and blocks the path to understanding. By this point he has, hopefully, established some credibility with the resentful whites he is trying to reach. He has established that he has empathy for their position.

Having done so, Obama can then deliver some truths: Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers unmasking bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism. He added: these white resentments distracted attention from the real culprits of the middle-class squeeze. This, I would argue, is a far more effective way to win white support both for universal measures to improve the lives of working-class Americans and for specific measures to counteract the all too real effects of discrimination non-whites still face. Berating the resentful among the white working class for their bigotry would, without question, lead any of them who were listening to stop, and to dismiss the speaker as someone who just doesnt get them. Speaking the way Obama did is far less satisfying - as nuance always is initially - but his election suggests that it worked in 2008. Well find out more in November. As progressives, we must not dismiss the perspectives of white working class voters - even those who express racial resentments - any more than we do the perspective of nonwhite voters, because we need to win their votes. We have to convince these white voters that their interests lie not in allying themselves with the economic elites against minorities, but in coming together and creating a broad, multiethnic coalition of Americans united. This is the truth, and it is what Obama seeks to do. Such a coalition can be the driving force for real change, for policies that benefit members of all ethnic groups while ensuring equal opportunities for all Americans. Ian Reifowitz is the author of Obamas America: A Transformative Vision of Our National Identity

LETTERS

Roundtree is capable leader

I wholeheartedly support Richard Roundtree for sheriff of Richmond County and ask the voters to give him the majority on Tuesday, November 6th. Roundtree has the training, experience, work ethic, technology savvy, leadership skills and personality to move the Sheriffs department in the 21st century and reduce crime in our area. I have attended a couple of his forums and talked with him personally. I am convinced that, if elected, he will become an outstanding sheriff who will make us all proud. I am impressed with his platform and Community Covenant. Also he wants to implement the following programs, policies and procedures as your new sheriff: Citizens Advisory Board Community Policing Police Reserves Accreditation and Certification for the department Greater use of the latest technology A Gang and Drug Task Force Updated Procedures for Staff Accountability Citizens Review Board Remember, this election will determine whether crime in our area will continue to grow or be reduced. Roundtree is very capable to lead the sheriff department into the future to provide the very best protection for all our citizens. So let us go out beginning with advance voting from October 16th - November 2nd and on November 6th to vote for Richard Roundtree, a great crime fighter. Tracy E. Williams, Jr. 3110 Fir Ct Augusta, GA 30906 706-798-8114

Census report finds pulse in the urban core of America

With Hispanics and young whites leading the influx, US cities of 5 million or more residents saw the population of their inner cores increase 13 percent in the last decade, the Census reported.
graphic changes down to a granular level in order to zoom in on localized population movements, notably reported that, across the US, urban neighborhoods locatUS cities saw their core populations boom by ed within a two-mile radius of city hall saw an across-the10 percent in the last decade, as both Hispanics board 2 percent increase in population. and young white Americans found it increasingly beneficial and appealing to live close often very close to the inner city, according to a unique Census report released recently. Many American cities Boston and Los Angeles being two good examples have of course seen similar gentrification movements since the 1990s, and even before. And, certainly, Rust Belt cities in Ohio and Michigan continue to be whittled down by suburbanization and the flight of capital. But the Census data showing that the influx to city cores has expanded more broadly, and that its primarily Hispanics and white pioneers who are targeting ailing downtown areas for revival, suggest that growing numbers of Americans are no longer seeing inner cities as founts of despair, but as harbingers of possibility. Leadership that you can depend on Whats new here is that it shows theres a A leader that you can count on pulse in the urban core, in big metro areas that have diverse economies, says William to speak for you in Augusta! Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Super District 9 Commissioner Institution, in Washington. Its interesting that Chicago and New York Can I have your Vote? were the top ones, which suggests these are A certified Augusta-Richmond County places that will attract young and well-off people who want to feel like they live in an Commissioner for 8 years important area, he says. You cant generalServed 2 consecutive years as Mayor Pro Tem ize entirely, of course, because while some urban cores are doing very well, others are still part of a broader suburban trend where Paid for by the committee to elect Marion Williams downtown areas are emptying out. The Census report, which analyzed demoBy Patrik Jonsson CSM Staff Writer Cities with 5 or more million residents saw their populations in areas within a two mile radius of their largest city hall increase by 13 percent, a trend mirrored at a slightly slower pace in cities with between 2.5 and 5 million residents.

11
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 -10, 2012

Charter School Amendment

Vote NO
-1-

MARION WILLIAMS

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?

NO
Paid for by T. Garry Garrett Elementary School PTA, Inc.

Dollars $ Sense Bookkeeping LLC

LARRY L McCORD LLC

Debra H. McCord
Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor

One-Stop Construction
Our Office Provides: Architectural Drafting & Construction House Plans Church Plans Renovation Projects Metal Buildings Larry L. McCord Can Provide All Your Design and Construction Needs All Under One Roof 2016 Highland Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904-5352 Office: (760) 733-2931 Cell (706) 267-7998 Email: llmccord@comcast.net

DESIGN - BUILD LLC

706/564-4898
CALL NOW . . . TAX TIME IS NEAR! Small Business / Individual 23 Years Experience
Website: www.dollarsandsense-augusta.com 2016 Highland Avenue; Suite C Augusta, GA 30904-5352

Email: d.mccord25@comcast.net

12
UrbanProWeekly OCTOBER 4 - 10, 2012

THE LAW OFFICE OF

Frails & Wilson

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Making Your Feet Feel Like Your First Steps

Fyne Foot Care Center

Randolph Frails

Edwin Wilson

EXPERIENCED REPRESENTATION

Real Estate Transactions Personal Injury Bankruptcy Social Security Disability Probate Domestic Criminal Defenses

Dr. Latanya P. Fyne Podiatrist

Ingrown Toenails Corns Calluses Spurs Injuries Hammertoes Diabetic Foot Care Foot Ulcer/Wound Care Other Foot/Ankle Conditions
NEW LOCATION

706-373-4402
Most major insurance accepted Including Medicare & GA Medicaid All Major Credit Cards Accepted fynefootcare@yahoo.com

706-855-6715
211 Pleasant Home Road Suite A1 Augusta, GA

1710 Central Avenue Augusta, GA 30904

1 blk from Family Dollar 2 blks from Druid Park Ave. Fax: (706) 364-8628