UPW Urban Pro Weekly

UPWURBAN PRO WEEKLY

District 1 candidates profiledFennoy, Thurman & Traina

Wycliffe Gordon

discusses new documentary

“Point and Drive”

Evans lacrosse player Brie Bell (R) takes control of the ball as Union Grove’s Sarah Inman defends during a game held at Evans stadium. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

APRIL 21 - 27, 2016VOL. 5 NO. 29

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2439 Peach Orchard Rd. Augusta Ga 30906 706-825-8529FINE MEN AND WOMEN’S CLOTHES

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Inspiring Fashion For The Distinctive Woman

Special Selections in time for Mothers Day!

Urban Pro Weekly2746 Willis Foreman Road

Hephzibah, GA 30815

Publisher URBAN PRO MEDIA

[email protected]

CEO / SalesFREDERICK BENJAMIN SR.

[email protected]

ContributorsVINCENT HOBBS

Photography & New Media

KEN MAKINcontributing columnist

UPW URBAN PRO WEEKLY

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POINT AND DRIVEThe Augusta Premiere of the Inspiring Marching Band Documentary Film

World Renowned Trombonist, Composer, Recording Artist

WYCLIFFE GORDON

DISCUSSION

®

“FROM THE MARCHING BAND FIELD TO SUCCESS IN LIFE”

VENUE: Jessye Norman School of the Arts

739 Greene St. Augusta, GA 30901

with Producer/Director

BRANDIMITCHELL

VIP RECEPTION $25 : 3 PM - 4PMGENERAL ADMISSION $15 : 4 PM - 6PM

Q&A + DISCUSSION With Producer/Director Brandi Mitchell and Cast Member Wycliffe Gordon, World Re-

nowned Trombonist, Arranger, and Recording Artist

#pointanddrivemovie www.PointAndDriveMovie.com

WORK HARD, OR WORK HARDER. THOSE WERE THE OPTIONS.

fi +

Promo Tour Kicks-off in Detroit April 9 with stops in 12 cities. More info at:

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2016

&

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: http://pointanddriveaugusta.eventbrite.com

WYCLIFFE GORDON

WYCLIFFE GORDON PRESENTS

WYCLIFFE GORDONPromo Tour Kicks-off in Detroit, April 9 with stops in 12 cities.

More info at: #pointanddrivemovie www.PointAndDriveMovie.com

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Denice Traina, candidate for District 1 Commission, is a familiar face on the commu-nity scene, particularly through her work in the Harrisburg area. She hopes to translate her grassroots movement into a successful political bid. Photo by Ken Makin

District 1 Commission Bill Fennoy stands out-side of a retention pond that sits next to Eastview Community Center and runs through the adja-cent neighborhood. For four years, he has cam-paigned and committed to the improvement of a community ravaged by flooding and blight. Photo by Ken Makin

Michael Thurman, candidate for District 1 Commission, stands in front of the McGillicuddy Rental Properties. Thurman, who has shown a knack for renovation projects since he was a teenager, has a similar design for Augusta. Photo by Ken Makin

AUGUSTAAs an 18-year-old, District 1 candidate Michael

Thurman knew the power of revitalization. He bought his first home in the Apple Valley

neighborhood, fixed it up, then bought three more homes with the same “do-it-yourself” intent.

“Augusta has a lot of older homes that still have a lot of life, if treated properly,” Thurman said. “We should not only take care of empty houses, though. We should take care of those houses with elderly (inhabitants). We should take care of homes owned by those who can’t afford to make those improvements, perhaps through churches or nonprofits.”

Years later, he has translated his passion for “urban renaissance” into a budding busi-ness. Now, his next project, so to speak, is ensuring a successful bid to become District 1 Commissioner. Thurman, along with Denice Traina, will vie for the seat against incumbent William “Bill” Fennoy on Tuesday, May 24.

“(Revitalizing District 1) is one of the biggest challenges we have,” Thurman said. “District 1 is the oldest district in town.”

Thurmond’s political platform has five key points – the stormwater fee, transit service, the Sheriff’s Office, government transparency and

Continued on page 5

Continued on page 5

Continued on page 5

URBAN RENAISSANCE

Business owner with a knack for renovation sets sights on District 1 Commission seat

AUGUSTA In his political experience, District 1

Commissioner William “Bill” Fennoy has played the role of the heartbroken candidate – and the redeemed champion.

For the last four years, Fennoy has not looked back and has heeded his campaign plat-form to address rampant flooding and blight in District 1.

“I think it’s long overdue,” Fennoy said. “We finally have commissioners who see a need to do something about the issue of flooding. I came to Augusta in 1966. The city was flood-ing then and still is flooding now. It’s time this issue be addressed.”

One of the current measures in place is a retention pond and adjacent runway next to the Eastview Community Center.

“This has helped relieve a lot of the flood-ing that takes place down here,” Fennoy said. “When the voters approved SPLOST VII, $9 million was set aside for this area in regards to flooding. Once we get that taken care of, we should no longer have issues with flooding.”

As he prepares to take on challengers Denice Traina and Michael Thurman for the District 1 seat on Tuesday, May 24, he is upholding his standards to address com-

FENNOY AND THE FUTURE

After addressing issues of flooding and blight, incumbent has ambitious goals for District 1

SPROUTING SEEDS OF CHANGE

Traina aspires to turn grassroots efforts into profound District 1 political victory

AUGUSTA District 1 Commission candidate Denice

Traina’s grassroots movement in the Harrisburg neighborhood began fittingly enough – with a community garden.

Since the garden was established, Traina has made her presence felt, not only in her local community, but also through various political efforts.

“As a resident of Augusta for over 20 years, I have had the pleasure of experiencing what a close and supportive community of neighbors is really like,” Traina said. “I meet many of my neighbors while gardening, and during those

conversations, I realize that Augusta has come a long way, but that many people feel left out when it comes to moving us forward to reach our highest potential.”

Traina, along with challenger Michael Thurman, will take on incumbent William “Bill” Fennoy in a three-candidate race slated for Tuesday, May 24. She believes diversity and community are the keys to securing a political bid – and more importantly, to understand the needs of the constituency.

“District 1 is the most diverse district,” she

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As a FAMU alumnus, why did you think it was important to be involved in the making of the documentary film Point and Drive?

I am a proud member of the Marching 100. I feel it is a great opportunity to bring to the light what such an orga-nization has done for my growth and development – both as a musician and as a good citizen of this country.

What is the scope of your role in the film?

I was simply interviewed about my band life and how it has affected my present existence. The question every-one asked was, “What does Point and Drive mean to you?”

Point and Drive is the way we were taught to march on the field or in a parade. Point and Drive is also what prepared us for any obstacle that came our way. You point, you drive and you leave an impression or a trail for those to follow.

Dr. William Foster was a great exam-ple to all of us. He taught us to give our best on the field and to give our

best in life. What we were given goes far beyond parades, football games, fanfares, marches and dance routines. The “point and drive” we learned on the marching field prepared us to “point and drive” through life.

How do you think this film will influence the viewing audience?

I must admit that I will see the film in its entirety for the first time tomor-row (April 20, 2016). I believe it will influence the viewing audience in a positive way, but more importantly, it will function as an affirmation of the values and morals taught and given for all that are in band/music programs or chorus and the arts in general. I am able to get through almost any challenge that may present itself to me in life because of what I was given in that band – the Marching 100. Glory! Glory!

I believe that the film deals with the turbulent times of the band, as well as the glory days, just like in life. You must know the whole story and I’m sure it has been done with great style, taste and grace by film director Brandi Mitchell.

Briefly tell us about one of your favorite memories as a member of the FAMU Marching 100.

My favorite memory? There are many great moments of grandeur in perfor-mance with the Marching 100. But my favorite moments would be rehearsals at 11:35 PM, the night before the game, in preparation for the half-time show - in a horrendous rain storm. This would be at least the second rehearsal of the day. The band would be standing at atten-tion after running the half-time show a third or fourth time, hoping to go home and rest. Dr. Foster or Dr. White would say, “Band! That’s not it! That’s not good enough for the Marching 100! Take it again!”

We worked hard, or we worked hard-er – no exceptions! This is what it took and why we knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt, we were the best! Dr. Foster wouldn’t accept anything less than the best at all times. He always had the highest commendations and accolades for The Marching 100 because he knew, for sure, that we earned it!

Acclaimed trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is a Florida A & M University alumnus, where he actively partici-pated as a member of the Marching 100 band. A new film, Point and Drive, chroni-cles the diverse experiences of band life at an HBCU and Gordon has a starring role in the production. The film will be screened in Augusta at Jessye Norman School of the Arts on Saturday afternoon as part of a 12-city promo-tional tour. Gordon, along with the film’s director Brandi Mitchell, will discuss the film at the event. UPW spent a few minutes with Gordon to get his take on the upcoming release of the film.

— Interview by Vincent Hobbs

Wycliffe Gordon’s “Point-and-drive through life”

. . . don’t missThe Augusta screening of POINT AND DRIVE Sat. April 23

Continued on page 5

Fennoy from p.4

Traina from p.4

munity issues, while adding on an ambitious vision for his district.

“I believe that this area can be one of the most popular and flourishing areas in the whole city,” Fennoy said. “There’s a lot of growth and planning

that can go into make this area one of the best in the state of Georgia.”

Fennoy acknowledged that SPLOST VII and the stormwater fee suffered some backlash in terms of community feedback. However, he believes those two funding streams will provide the necessary resources to take the city to

Thurman from p.4downtown progress.

He says the stormwater fee – while costly, is necessary.

“Like everyone else in town, I don’t want to be taxed,” he said.

“My stormwater fee is $200 per month. There’s no one in town more motivated to complete the work that the stormwater fee has been started for, to make sure it’s transparent, and that there’s an end.”

In the past, the race for District 1 has

said. “There are neighborhoods such as the Laney-Walker and Harrisburg neighborhoods that are going through a transition, and then you also have a mix of professionals.

“I think if we can work through the issues of (various groups), then we will see a happier city.”

Traina, who has petitioned and

pushed for improved transit for years, has made public transportation a vital part of her platform.

“Most folks realize that we are the second largest City in Georgia but they wonder why we don’t have a more expansive public transit system so that more people might be able to have access to jobs and public services or to pursue their education in order to move up in

another level.“With the stormwater fee and

SPLOST, we’re going to see a brand new Augusta,” Fennoy said. “Something that frustrates me is seeing people come into town for work, then after 5 p.m., I see them leave. Given the right situation, the people who work here

would rather live here.” Fennoy, 68, is widowed, with two

adult children. For more information on his campaign, call (706) 726-4014 or visit the “Re-Elect William ‘Bill’ Fennoy As Your District 1 Commissioner” page on Facebook.

— Profile by Ken Makin

life,” Traina said. “They want to be able to move freely downtown for recreation and special events and the truth is, so do visitors to Augusta.”

Traina also elaborated on the cor-relation between transit and financial freedom.

“I see jobs on Washington Road, up Highway 56, up Fort Gordon, but those jobs are unreachable for many

people,” she said. “Public transit and the economy go hand-in-hand, and another part of that discussion is talking about livable wages for our residents.”

Traina, 61, and her husband, Anibal Ibarra, have two adult chil-dren. For more information on Traina’s campaign, visit www.denicetraina.us.


harbored racial overtones. Thurman acknowledged those dynamics, yet said he would not be swayed by them.

“I am hoping and praying that the fact that I am white will not have any (influence on voters),” he said. “I want people to see what’s in my heart.”

Thurman, 46, and his wife, Angela, have three children: Addison, 7, as well as twins Alex and William, 18 months. For more information on Thurman’s campaign, visit www.thur-manfordistrict1.com.


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(Above) Union Grove lacrosse player Kalli Smith (front of group) runs down the field with the ball as Evans defenders Izzy Russell and Brie Bell keep the pressure on during a game against Union Grove held at Evans stadium. The Lady Wolverines crushed the newly-formed team of Lady Knights 20-0 in the final score.(April 16, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Evans lacrosse player Brie Bell (R) defends against Union Grove’s Lauren Burkett (L) defends during a game held at Evans stadium. Photo by Vincent Hobbs

SPORTSHS Lacrosse

Evans vs Union Grove

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(Above) A.R. Johnson soccer player Arianna Barnes (L) battles Westside’s Megan Riley (R) for control of the ball during a game held at Laney stadium. The Lady Patriots defeated the Lady Panthers 4-2, after a rainy start to the match.(April 12, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

(Left) Westside teammates Rahmat Adejumo (L) and Haley Sparks (R) celebrate their victory over A.R. Johnson during a soccer game held at Laney stadium. The Lady Patriots defeated the Lady Panthers 4-2, after a rainy start to the match.

(April 12, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

SPORTS HS Soccer

Westside vs A.R. Johnson

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Augusta University’s Joey Stillwell makes the pitch during a game against Columbus State at Jaguar Field. The Jaguars were defeated by the Cougars 7-2 after 9 innings of play. (April 16, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Augusta University baseball players look out toward the field from the dugout during a game against Columbus State at Jaguar Field. The Jaguars were defeat-ed by the Cougars 7-2 after 9 innings of play. (April 16, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Augusta University’s Jamal Cummings goes up to bat during a game against Columbus State at Jaguar Field. The Jaguars were defeat-ed by the Cougars 7-2 after 9 innings of play.(April 16, 2016 - Augusta, GA) - Photo by Vincent Hobbs

SPORTSCollegiateBaseball

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6MAKIN’ A DIFFERENCE COMMENTARY by Ken Makin

‘Masters Week’ offers annual and fleeting — glimpse of Augusta’s potential

Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Ken J. Makin. I was born in Georgia (Augusta),

raised in South Carolina – the oppo-site of James Brown.

I had the chance to vacation during Spring Break – or, as it’s more com-monly known in the Augusta area, “Masters Week.” I went to an exciting destination. This city had a lot of community events. I saw where beau-tification projects came to fruition. The restaurants and shoppes were first-class.

Now, what if I told you – my vacation was a “staycation,” meaning I didn’t leave home? Yet, I watched Augusta as it transformed into another world.

Truly, when it comes to “Masters Week,” Augusta is a tale of two cities.

I see you all nodding your heads in agreement. I also see the inevitability on your faces. You have to come to accept this as they way things are.

I tend to see life a little differently. I ask the challenging questions, and here is one for our city: Why can’t Augusta be more like “Masters Week” all year around?

Here are some trends I saw when a certain golf tournament was in town, trends that I believe can translate for the good of EVERYONE:

• Government collaboration and cooperation. Usually, when you hear about our city leaders, you hear about dissension. You hear about fighting and bickering. As a result of that, you see where our city’s needs are not met. You see where there is a lack of vision.

No such thing happens when big golf

is in town. Everything is on schedule. City officials are on their P’s and Q’s. They want to put their best foot forward for national and international visitors.

All of that is simply awesome. I just want our city leaders to put their best foot forward for their constituency – the folks who are here for 365 1/4 days, not just seven.

• A city that spares no expense. You know what you will NEVER HEAR during the big golf tournament? “We don’t have the funds for that.” You know why? Because it’s understood that this particular event is important – crucial to the city.

Well, why don’t we feel that way about our constituency? It’s as simple as this – we have able-bodied people who want to work, play and LIVE in Richmond County. Yet our city government can’t even scrape up the resources to put forth an adequate transit service. Worse off, they’re not only hurting their constituents, they are hurting the potential for our city to expand further.

Everyone is touting a handful of the new businesses coming to Augusta, including myself. It’s the start of a new era for Augusta. Yet there are more businesses who are not coming to our city – who aren’t bringing jobs – because our transit system is inferior.

Oh, I know what you’re going to say about “Masters Week” – the “eco-nomic impact” is tremendous. Yes, it most certainly is, but for whom? It’s not advantageous to all Augustans. As a matter of fact, I would argue that those “impacted” are those with the

economic wherewithal and/or oppor-tunity to either operate or provide a service for the golf tournament.

We have watched big golf expand its influence along Washington Road in dramatic fashion over the past few decades. The city has literally bent over backwards to accommodate Augusta National. My issue isn’t even with the accommodations, it’s the fact that the city refuses to provide basic city services to a constituency that’s here all the time.

With all my heart, I want to see Augusta bloom like those azaleas we often talk about the first week in April.

The irony of those beautiful azaleas is they are a year-round project.

Instead of growing one flourishing spot in our city, let’s grow the ENTIRE city.

Ken J. Makin is the host of “Makin’ A Difference,” an online radio program available on iTunes and Soundcloud (soundcloud.com/makinadifference). Updates on the show are available at facebook.com/makinadifference-show. You can also reach Ken by email at [email protected], or via Twitter @differ-encemakin.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

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