Looking back on his first 100 days in office, newly elected Mayor Garnett Johnson is wasting no time in realizing the challenges facing Augusta-Richmond County, and creating a path for what it will take to make a difference. Johnson said his leadership rests on three principles: growth, action and results. 

A Growth Mindset

One important component to growing Augusta, Mayor Johnson says, is to improve the confidence of the residents that the city already serves. “I need to help our citizens grow their confidence, not only in calling Augusta their home, but in its leadership. That’s important to me,” he adds. 

As a board member of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Johnson recognizes that Georgia has grown “by leaps and bounds,” while Augusta has not. Surrounded by neighboring counties that continue to see population booms, Mayor Johnson’s sights are set on growing the tax base of Augusta-Richmond County beyond the mere three percent they have seen in the past decade. “If you look at what they’ve done over in Aiken, North Augusta, and what they’ve done in Columbia County, and municipalities like Grovetown, they’ve done a phenomenal job at growing, yet Augusta has not,” Johnson says. 

As mayor, Johnson hopes to bring educational awareness to the importance of more industry and more rooftops in the city, particularly South Augusta, to house a workforce needed to fuel those new businesses. “We have Aurubis that’s actually under construction, which is a copper smelting facility, however, there are so many other parts of the state that are really moving as it relates to the electrification of vehicles and battery development,” Johnson says. “I want to make sure that I use my influence on that board to create opportunities for Augusta. In order to do that, you have to be able to create economic opportunities so people can work here.”

Taking Action

A native of East Augusta, born to a single teenage mother, Mayor Johnson knows all too well the struggle of poverty for Augusta-Richmond County residents today. “I’m proud that I went through it,” Johnson says of his humble beginning. “I tell people, I empathize with a lot of those young men that are still there because I was prayers away from trouble. Trouble is easy to find in those environments, especially when you’re poor and the people that you idolize are the people that have.”

Johnson reflected that with a strong mother in his corner, he was able to overcome those obstacles and become a successful small business owner. His experiences have taught him the importance of taking action. Now, he is committed to being held accountable through action.

“Being a business owner, being a sales guy, you can only be measured on the things that you get done. I believe strongly that we need someone who is accountable to the taxpayers of Augusta-Richmond County,” Johnson says.

In his first 100 days, Johnson has tasked the city’s interim administrator with conducting an efficiency audit of the city’s departments to identify who does what, where, and what those processes look like. Culling that information presents one of his most important questions: Can it be more efficient?

“Grass cutting, simple, right? I had constituents call me and say ‘the grass is 10 feet tall, can you get it cut’? There are literally four departments that are responsible for cutting grass depending on where it is, depending on what side of the road it’s on, and what street it’s on. That’s crazy,” Johnson says. 

Another action item during Johnson’s first 100 mayoral days is a community cleanup initiative. After a successful gathering of community members to collect litter and debris, the next step is to “add teeth to the enforcement of the city’s littering ordinances.”  

“Soon, I will be having a meeting with the city’s marshal department to see what can be done; we have an awareness campaign that also penalizes those who choose to litter and throw trash out of the windows,” he says. “In addition to that, I am in the process of working with our folks over in the judicial side of our county, to see if I can get what I call some ‘weekend warrior’ volunteers — people who want to work on some community service.”

Johnson has also taken legislative action, through Senate Bill 231, which allows the mayor to “be a full voting member of the commission.” “In my opinion, it is a pretty big deal in that we have had this consolidation act and charter in place since 1996, and I felt strongly that sometimes we are not able to get things done simply because people abstained for no other reason than to abstain, and that prevents progress,” Johnson says. 

He added that after meeting with local legislators, the bill was designed to “provide a better balance of power.” Most importantly, he said, was that the final decision will be left to the voters. “Our population, our constituents voted on this charter that we have in place now, and any changes that are made to it should only be made by the voters.”

For the full article pick up a copy of our June/July 2023 issue on stands.

The post The First 100 Days appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

Young professionals between the ages of 25 and 35 are changing the landscape — surpassing previous generations in numbers and diversity, these young professionals have taken on a new role of influence, especially in shaping the future of economic growth and labor markets. Studies demonstrate that this ambitious and technologically-connected generation is placing a high value on entrepreneurship, leadership and social responsibility, and they are setting the pace for transforming work environments and social networks. 

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Augusta magazine, is pleased to announce 10 of Augusta’s most outstanding young professionals. The young professionals featured entered into a competitive nomination process in March and have emerged as this year’s most promising and rising stars. These outstanding individuals exemplify what can be achieved with passion and vision, and while we congratulate their current achievements, we look forward to watching them reach their dreams.

As part of being recognized for their talents locally, each of this year’s recipients have been nominated by the Chamber to Georgia Trend’s annual recognition of Georgia’s 40 Under 40.  We look forward to these individuals achieving statewide recognition and making us proud!   

—Sue Parr, president
Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce

Garrett Green

Age: 33

Education: Doctorate of Educational Innovation (Augusta University), Master of Education in Higher Education and B.S. in Communications (Georgia Southern University)

Employer: Augusta University, Chief Diversity Officer

As Augusta University’s Chief Diversity Officer, Green is a dedicated leader with strong personal and professional integrity who works closely with the leadership of Augusta University (AU) to develop and advance equity, diversity and inclusion.

Professional five and 10-year goals: Green wants to lead AU in applying and receiving INSIGHT into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award three out of the next five years and conduct regular climate assessments (every three years) to identify institutional barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion. He wants to apply and receive the Federal TRIO Program Student Support Services in funding year 2025 and launch a DEI Certificate program using virtual and in-person training offerings that will allow AU faculty and staff to obtain a biennial certificate from the ODI in 2023.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: He would love to host a biennial Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Summit with Paine College, Augusta Technical College, Augusta Metro and Columbia County chambers for faculty, staff, students and the local community. He also plans to build strong pathway programs that will provide the Richmond County student population with the resources and opportunities AU offers.

Volunteer work: Green is a member of Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and is a mentor at Laney High School.

Patricia Galvan

Age:28

Education: Graduate of Lakeside High School

EMPLOYER: Taqueria El Réy, Co-owner

Galvan is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of her establishments in the community; creating and implementing business strategies, ensuring high quality products and services; and fostering a positive work environment for her employees. 

Professional five and 10-year goals: She wishes to continue building her family businesses and expand into new markets while remaining loyal to her customers and employees. Galvan also plans to develop her skills as a business owner and grow her businesses into a larger and more successful organization.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Her current focus is on creating jobs and providing opportunities for local citizens to become entrepreneurs. She also actively engages in philanthropy, providing financial support for local charities and initiatives. She plans to continue her philanthropic efforts, with a focus on funding initiatives that support education and the development of the region’s workforce. Galvan would like to create a positive, long-term economic impact by investing in the region’s infrastructure and by building relationships with local businesses and organizations. Ultimately, she wants to contribute to the development of the region’s economy and create a vibrant, sustainable business community.

Volunteer work: Galvan family businesses helped feed kids during the pandemic. Every year, they organize a school supply giveaway, a yearly turkey drive and Christmas toy giveaway to help those in need. She also actively works with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and NECCO foster care to help ensure kids in the local foster care system have support and care for their futures.

Stephen Bradshaw

Age:33

Education: Master of Business Administration (Mercer University); B.A. Psychology with Business Minor (Mercer University)

Employer: Queensborough National Bank & Trust, Vice President/Commercial Lender

As a vice president and commerical loan officer, Bradshaw’s primary focus is lending money to both small and large businesses in the Savannah River Region.

Professional five and 10-year goals: Bradshaw has been mentored by some of the most experienced lenders in the community while helping the bank cross both the $1 and $2 billion mark in asset size. He plans to continue his professional education by seeking a graduate degree in banking which will equip him to better serve customers and take on more leadership roles in the organization.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: The local community is full of entrepreneurs who not only want to be profitable but also care about the overall impact in the area. Whether for established or new businesses, Bradshaw has made it his privilege to help these clients. As growth continues, there is the added benefit of not only keeping the best and brightest in the area but also attracting others to relocate here. In addition to helping customers with their financial needs, working for a local bank allows him to support local non-profit organizations through sponsorships, representation and volunteering.

Volunteer work: Bradshaw has volunteered with the American Red Cross since 2016, mostly in planning and facilitating the annual Boot Scoot Boogie fundraising event. He is an officer at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in the role of deacon and serves on the church’s finance committee. Bradshaw has also volunteered in Queensborough’s Golden Harvest Mobile Pantry events and the Stuff the Bus school supply event with the local United Way. He was recently a guest speaker at Heritage Academy’s first annual career week.

Kelsey Holcomb

Age: 35

Education: Holcomb has a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification; Master of Science in Operations Management (University of Arkansas); B.S. in Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology (Thomas Edison State University). He also attended Navy Nuclear Field “A” School/Power School/Prototype.

Employer: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Program Manager

Holcomb’s role includes long-term programmatic strategy development and short-term tactical planning that supports objectives for government, regulatory and community expectations while driving organizational performance.

Professional five and 10-year goals: He will continue the development of sustainable and efficient solutions to assist with the environmental clean-up mission and long-term protection of the Savannah River Region. Additionally, Holcomb hopes to help the upcoming generation by expanding mentorship, learning and training opportunities while creating a diverse and integrated young workforce. In ten years, he plans to further impact the clean-up mission and the talented incoming generation by becoming the vice president of his department.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: He has been able to make an impact by serving as a board member/project manager for his homeowners association. In this role, he worked with Richmond County to reduce stormwater fees for residents and used the savings to restore the community walking paths and stormwater retention ponds. He serves as a leader for the Leadership Augusta 2023 class project and recently proposed a Savannah River paddle sport race aiming to beautify the river corridor, increase accessibility/utilization of the river and attract locals and tourists to the downtown area. 

Volunteer work: He is an active volunteer for the Arts in the Heart Festival, Georgia Cancer Center Paceline fundraiser and a 50-mile participant. For the past five years, he has served as team captain to raise funding and awareness for the United Way organizations. For the past six years, he has organized and led fundraisers for the American Heart Association Heart Walk. 

Emily Doumar

Age: 27

Education: Juris Doctor (University of Georgia School of Law); B.S. in Agribusiness, Minor in Spanish (Clemson University)

Employer: Doumar | Rainsford, Associate Attorney

Doumar is an associate attorney with Doumar  | Rainsford.

Professional five and 10-year goals: Doumar plans to become a partner at Doumar | Rainsford in the next five to seven years and continue serving the Augusta community as an attorney and volunteer.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: She is presently serving as member of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center board of directors, which focuses on preservation, art and community service. Doumar also hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps and join the Augusta Tomorrow Incorporated board that focuses on the revitalization of Augusta.

Volunteer work:Doumar serves as the president of the Young Lawyers of Augusta, a board member of the Augusta Bar Association and a board member of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center. She also serves on the Southern District of Georgia Criminal Justice Act Panel, where she volunteers to represent individuals charged with federal offenses who cannot afford counsel.

Matt Kelly

Age: 29

Education: Attended Augusta University and Georgia Southern University for his undergraduate education.

Employer: Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate Co., Team Lead for The Matt Kelly Group 

Kelly is a real estate sales team leader.

Professional five and 10-year goals: Kelly intends to create a successful real estate sales team/program across multiple states. This team will not only exceed sales goals, but will also set the example of how business in the industry should be conducted in relation to ethics and character.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Currently, Kelly works with Leadership Augusta, the Columbia County Chamber, Young Professionals of Augusta, the Realtors of Greater Augusta and the Georgia Association of Realtors to protect personal property rights and build long-lasting, tangible improvements and relationships in the region. Additionally, he wants to help usher in a new generation of community contributors.

Volunteer work: Kelly is part of the Irish American Heritage Society Parade Committee and the Columbia County Chamber Steering Committee. He is a RGA Young Professional Network vice-chair, a Young Professionals of Augusta Professional Development chair and an Augusta Maddogs Rugby Club sponsor.

Heather Smith

Age: 34

Education: Smith has a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and has certifications as an Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC), a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent and is a Licensed Life and Health agent. She is also working on her Bachelor of Business Administration (Augusta University).

Employer: MAI Risk Advisors, Executive Vice President

Smith’s role includes leading the performance of multiple departments including sales, operations, finance and others through long-term strategies, business plans and resources.

Professional five and 10-year goals: Smith’s goals include making MAI Risk Advisors the best place to work in Augusta for insurance. She hopes to purchase significant ownership in the agency and to use her position and influence to help other professionals. She recently filed the paperwork for her first LLC dedicated to helping others grow and plan for their journey.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Smith’s impact on Augusta’s community is exemplified in her community involvement and professional goals. She is committed to making Augusta a great place to live by seeking mentees and other opportunities to use her influence and position in the community to impact others.

Volunteer work: Currently, she is the Wine, Women & Shoes Marketplace chair; Youth Leadership Columbia County Steering Committee member; previously a Young Professionals Board of Directors, Professional Development chair; Women on the Way graduate, Leadership Columbia County graduate; and a case competition mentor for Augusta University. 

Brandi Young

Age: 33

Education: B.S. in Business Adminstration (Augusta University); Associate of Arts in Management Studies (University of Maryland Global Campus/Online)

Employer: Young & Partners at Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners, Associate Broker/Team Owner

As an associate broker, Young is licensed to assist people in the sale and purchase of real estate in Georgia and South Carolina.

Professional five and 10-year goals: Young intends to be Augusta’s trusted and preferred real estate resource for buying and selling properties in the Savannah River Region. She is committed to impacting 1,000 families and individuals in the area over the next 10 years through homeownership, real estate career opportunities, mentorship and education. She would also like to help over 100 aspiring real estate agents create and sustain a productive career in real estate and entrepreneurship; help low-income families and minority youth through mentorship, education programs and scholarships; and ensure these families are financially prepared to purchase a home or start a successful career in real estate/entrepreneurship.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Young has provided in-depth real estate education to the public, resulting in over 500+ families and individuals meeting their personal real estate goals of buying or selling homes. She also partnered with several local non-profit agencies and faith-based groups, identifying health and human service needs and securing the resources that allow individuals and families to achieve their potential through education and financial stability.

Volunteer work: Young has previously volunteered with the United Way of the Central Savannah River Area (UWCSRA) Project Serve Community service day and the Stuff the Bus school supply drive; Operations Seats & Feet, Sock and Underwear collection; head of Giant Ministry Christmas gift drive; annual Keller Williams (KW) Red Day; participated in the Navy Junior Sailor Volunteer program; meals for the elderly, providing door-to-door meal service to disabled senior citizens; and the T.W. Josey High School beautification project. 

David Bash

Age: 27

Education: Master of Public Administration (Augusta University); B.A. Political Science (Augusta University)

Employer: Get Up Productions, CEO

Bash’s role at Get Up Productions includes billing and invoicing, HR, business development, accounts management and implementing new systems for growth.

Professional five and 10-year goals: His professional goals are to implement the growth systems and teams to make Get Up Productions an independent company. He hopes to expand the organization’s national presence and build new partnerships. He aims to attend law school and create a startup company helping other companies grow responsibly. Eventually, his goal is to also work in legislation. 

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: His current impact is the creation of a business that has generated more than six figures of revenue and helped launch more than 20 podcasts and content channels in the Augusta area. This includes sponsoring such shows as The Dip Metress Show and Augusta Local Music & Arts (ALMA Presents). Additionally, through the Augusta Rocks charity concert series, as an extension of the DropTheDis Podcast, they have raised over $10,000 for local charities. Through participation in the Young Professionals of Augusta, he helped raise almost $20,000 for local charities. In the future, he aims to make Get Up Productions’ headquarters in Augusta, continue investing in Augusta’s growth and help to support its creator culture and innovation.

Volunteer work: Bash currently serves as president on the Fraternity Board of Trustees; president and founder of the Fraternity Housing board; a member of the Columbia County, Augusta Metro and Aiken County chambers; social chair and secretary of the Young Professionals of Augusta; founding board member of Beautify Augusta; and Augusta University’s College of Business case competition mentor and career speaker (2023).

Jaqueline Thomas

Age: 34

Education: Juris Doctor (University of Georgia School of Law); B.A. Political Science (Furman University)

Employer: Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A., Counsel Attorney

Thomas is an attorney specializing in domestic relations, specifically adoptions, divorces, child custody, legitimations, contempt actions and child support cases.

Professional five and 10-year goals: She will continue practicing domestic relations law, specifically working with the Augusta University Healthy Grandparents Program in helping grandparents obtain custody of their grandchildren. She hopes to continue her pro bono will/estate-planning clinic and increase the number of participating grandparents/grandchildren. She plans to continue involvement with the Augusta Domestic Bar Association. Serving on the board of the organization has allowed Thomas to take part in organizing educational programs and opportunities for local domestic attorneys, helping them continue their professional development.

Current and Future Impact on Augusta: Thomas provides the legal work for the Augusta University Healthy Grandparents Program at a reduced cost to afford children in the area the stability needed to thrive and succeed, both now and in the future. She also hopes to continue serving on the Augusta Chamber’s Women in Business Committee and to lead and mentor other professionals, paving the way for women leaders in the Savannah River Region to positively impact the local community.

Volunteer work: Thomas is a current member of the Augusta Domestic Bar Association/Augusta Domestic Bar Association Executive Committee; secretary of the Augusta Domestic Bar Association; member of the Augusta Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee; a member of Wesley United Methodist Church; and a board member of Stevens Creek Elementary School PTO.

As seen in the June/July 2023 issue of Augusta magazine.

The post Top 10 In 10 Young Professionals to Watch appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

Executive administrator of the Augusta Boxing Club (ABC), Tiffany Cannon, has a soft spot in her heart for the club’s current director Rayonta “Stingray” Whitfield. 

Several years ago when the Augusta Commission was set to decrease its annual budget — ultimately impacting the boxing club’s future existence as a stand-alone, independent entity — Whitfield was simultaneously preparing for one of the biggest fights of his professional boxing career.

Not only was the fight significant for his profession, says Cannon, Whitfield also was looking at the largest purse (payout in boxing lingo) of his career.

A longtime member of ABC, Whitfield suddenly felt compelled to fight a different fight, one that would ensure his hometown boxing club would still exist for future student boxers like himself who grew up in challenging childhoods, void of economic advantage and educational opportunities.

News of budgetary cuts to the boxing club came on the heels of the retirement of ABC’S founder and former director, Tom Moraetes. “The timing was not good, but I feel that Tom had unofficially been preparing me to be his successor,” says Whitfield. 

“In the past few years before he retired, he pretty much took me under his wings and taught me everything he could about how to keep the boxing club successful,” adds Whitfield, who joined the club as a youthful boxing prodigy, at age 10, thanks to his uncle Ivory Whitfield.

“Tom took me to important meetings, had me filling out paperwork, all the necessities and valuable traits needed to be a successful director of ABC,” Whitfield recalls.

Throughout his affiliation with ABC, Whitfield enjoyed high success as a Golden Gloves champion and as the club’s most successful member, second only to his former mentor and two-time world boxing champion, the late Vernon Forrest, who was tragically murdered in Atlanta during an attempted car-jacking in July 2009.

In addition to winning numerous fights, Whitfield toured the world and met some of boxing’s most iconic champions, including his idols, Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Atlanta’s own Evander Holyfield. “I met Muhammad Ali in Colorado Springs, just before he died,” he adds.

In March 2010, the ABC celebrated its 45th anniversary. Thanks to Tom Moraetes’ foresight and commitment to the boxing club, Whitfield has been able to carry forward the former director’s mantle. Under his leadership, ABC continues to grow, but it is now a nonprofit organization and no longer reliant on the auspices of Augusta Commissioners’ budgetary decisions. 

Fortunately, the Augusta Commission approved a $300,000 windfall in 2020 to help with the ABC’s ongoing sustainability. Bill Fennoy, a former District 1 Augusta Commissioner, was a major supporter of ABC and helped convince his fellow commissioners of the club’s civic value and importance.

“First and foremost, I liked the fact that Mr. Whitfield put forth so much energy and effort into the club. He could have been doing any number of things, including developing his own boxing career, but he saw the need and how much the ABC would have [an] impact on so many of the young people in the community. He stepped up and did a great job. Not only did I appreciate what he was doing, but my colleagues on the commissioners’ board also realized the positive effect Mr. Whitfield was having on so many young people. Regardless if the club was in my district, or not, the entire city of Augusta could easily realize and recognize how we all would benefit from what he did,” Fennoy says. 

For the full article pick up a copy of our June/July 2023 issue on stands.

The post The Good Fight appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

Sheryl Lee Ralph made history last February at the 2023 Super Bowl. 

The actress/vocalist was the first person to sing the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (“The Negro National Anthem”) at the national sporting event. The audience probably included many who had never heard the song until Ralph performed the rendition with a choir at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. 

Although Black residents of Augusta and the surrounding area have been singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” for more than 100 years in churches and other places, few locals might know that two brothers from Jacksonville, Fla., co-wrote the song.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” (opening verse)

Lift every voice and sing,

’Til earth and heaven ring,

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the listening skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on ’til victory is won.

James Weldon Johnson was a 28-year-old principal of the all-Black Stanton public school in Jacksonville when he wrote a poem to celebrate the 91st anniversary of the birth of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. Johnson’s younger brother, John Rosamond Johnson, who became a famous composer for Broadway and vaudeville shows, set the verses to music which led to the famous anthem being born. A choir of 500 Black students in Jacksonville’s segregated Stanton School first performed the song live in 1900.

When the influential Booker T. Washington endorsed the song after the brothers relocated to New York, it gained momentum, especially among the Black communities nationwide. In 1998, Augusta Reverend Larry Fryer wrote in The Augusta Chronicle, “Mr. Johnson felt that black and white Americans must continue the struggle to ensure that all citizens were given the rights guaranteed to them by the U.S. Constitution.” 

By 1916, James Weldon Johnson had become a field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and by 1920 he was the executive secretary of the NAACP. He employed the song at NAACP functions and other gatherings.

Johnson was also a friend of the Reverend Silas X. Floyd who became the pastor of Augusta’s Tabernacle Baptist Church and the first black regular columnist of The Augusta Chronicle. The two were Atlanta University classmates and Johnson began visiting Augusta as early as 1917 at the invitation of Floyd. 

Floyd wrote of Johnson saying, “Jim Johnson is one of the brightest men Atlanta University ever turned out. He leaves today but promises an early return to Augusta.” It turns out that Floyd and Johnson had more than just business or religious connections to Augusta. Johnson’s brother ended up marrying Floyd’s niece whose mother, Mary Drayton Floyd, was raised in Augusta.

James Weldon Johnson would go on to become the first Black professor of New York University, write campaign songs for Teddy Roosevelt and be appointed by U.S. President Roosevelt as ambassador to Venezuela and Nicaragua. 

1939: Augusta Savage’s sculpture (a choir of children shaped into a harp), which was named after the song, was exhibited at the New York World’s Fair.

1969: Maya Angelou’s autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, included the song being sung by the audience and students at her 8th-grade graduation ceremony.

1972: Kim Weston opened the Wattstax Festival in Los Angeles with the song.

1975: James Brown quoted a lyric from the song during his performance of the U.S. National Anthem before the Muhammad Ali versus Chuck Wepner boxing match.

1990: Melba Moore’s modern version was recorded along with other notable R&B singers.

2009: Revered Joseph Lowery, former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, used a near word-for-word rendition of the third stanza for his benediction at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

2016: Renditions of the anthem were added to the National Recording Registry.

2018: Beyoncé sung the anthem at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

2020: During protests over the murder of George Floyd, the song Gained wider public attention. President Joe Biden referenced the hymn in his action plan called “Lift Every Voice: The Biden Plan for Black America,” concerning racial disparities in the U.S. 

Other notable recognition includes:

The National Football League Week one games’ performance of the song for the 2020 season.

The 2021 PBS Independence Day Special, A Capitol Fourth, included the song for commemorating Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

Google’s Juneteenth-themed home-page animation set to spoken word by LeVar Burton.

The post Lift Every Voice appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

In 2001, four people equipped with only an idea, tenacity and a heaping amount of faith, decided to open a small school in downtown Augusta. But it would not be just any school. This would be a faith-based learning environment for underserved children — a first-time opportunity for many of these families. So, with only two employees and ten children, Heritage Academy was born. 

Today, the school is over four hundred students strong with a dedicated staff of 80 and the newly opened Early Learning Academy. Since its inception, Heritage Academy has also developed two city blocks to expand its reach and message, and that was done without a single penny from the state. They raised the money and currently stand debt free. Now, to understand how something that amazing is even possible, it’s important to know where to start. So, let’s begin with Dr. Linda Tucciarone — the school’s founder and longtime executive director.

Linda was born and raised in Brooklyn, N. Y. She married her college sweetheart and a job change for her husband brought the couple to the South. She worked for 15 years at the Westminster Schools of Augusta and received her Ph.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. According to her biography, it was around 1998 when she began to hear the calling to start a Christian school for families in the Augusta community that needed it the most. Linda didn’t waste any time. 

Now, after a long and rewarding career, “Dr. T”, as called fondly by her students, has decided to pass the torch and retire. But when asked how proud she is of what she has accomplished, she is quick to reply, “I’m humbled by it. The school was never meant to be about just one person. It’s about the children. The students we taught are now coming back as interns or enrolling their own children. Even the effect we’ve had on the parents of our students — that’s the real reward. It’s not about me. It never was.” 

When asked what led to her retirement decision, she provides a clear and thoughtful answer. “The same way that several paths had to converge to form the school, those same paths are telling me it’s time to go. I just had to listen. I think it’s important for leaders to be self-aware and know when it’s time to step aside.” As perfectly stated her answer is, it’s equally important to point out all that Dr. Tucciarone has done for the community, and how grateful Augusta is for her grit and dedication. 

Of course, in order to retire, there has to be the perfect successor. Dr. Tucciarone is overwhelmingly convinced that person is Tana Watson. “I didn’t have to choose her,” she says, “because God did. And again, all I had to do was listen. Tana’s faith and unbelievable work ethic made her the perfect person for the role.”

Tana Watson is an Ohio native with a master’s degree in Higher Education. She was working as a consultant to the school before the call came to see if she was interested in moving to Augusta full-time. Tana says it was an easy “yes.” “You have to take those moments and breathe them in. I just knew I needed to be involved. And being mentored by a force of nature like Linda Tucciarone was an honor. That woman plows concrete.”

Tana’s sentiments were sincere because, in 2019, she packed up her two sons, and with her best friend, Tammy Puch (who coincidently also serves as the principal for Heritage Academy), she left her entire life in the rearview mirror to invest in the dream that Dr. Tucciarone put into action way back in 2001. It was a leap of faith. 

When asked about having to fill the shoes of her predecessor, Tana says, “I’m very excited to be moving forward into this next chapter and I’m absolutely up for it. But I also look at it like this: I’m a placeholder. What I mean by that is that I am here to show all these students who look like me, who come from humble beginnings like me, that they can do this, too. That they can do anything. I’m here holding the spot until one of our alumni says, ‘Thank you, Ms. Watson. I got it from here.’”

So, thank you, Dr. Tucciarone. On behalf of the City of Augusta, we are grateful for everything you’ve given us, and we wish you well. And we also say, “Welcome Tana Watson. It’s abundantly clear that we are still in good hands.” 

As seen the June/July issue of Augusta magazine.

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“There is a big difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer,” says Roger Davis, president of Davis Design Group in downtown Augusta. “I have a five-year degree, a two-year professional practice under a landscape architect and passed a state exam to be registered and licensed.” According to Davis, this difference is not widespread knowledge. “Most people think they are the same, but they are not.”

A landscape architect degree includes coursework requirements in architecture, civil engineering, land surveying, grading and drainage in conjunction with the horticulture studies of small trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. 

On the contrary, a landscape designer mostly studies plant aesthetics and works on smaller residential properties. Landscape architects have a higher level of technical expertise and knowledge in plant and structural design, and most importantly, their knowledge is supported by a license. 

So, if you are in the market to build an arbor with a surrounding stone patio and outdoor fireplace in an English-style garden, call a landscape architect. “Even grading an area for structural support, and providing correct drainage, takes technical knowledge that a garden designer does not normally have,” says Davis. 

Davis Design Group does it all — lawn care and maintenance, irrigation and garden design to master redevelopment plans for multi-million dollar developments. From just a few acres to several hundred, his landscape architect team has the knowledge and expertise to make any area appealing and long-lasting.

For full article pick up a copy of the May 2023 issue of Augusta magazine on stands.

The post Expert Advice appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

Mai King has always been the creative type with a passion for art and design. 

In fact, one of her first jobs was working at Macy’s as a visual merchandiser, but as the department store industry began to change King struck out on her own and started a painting business. 

“I did that for a while, but then I needed a new challenge,” King admits.

Then the pandemic hit. King, like so many, had time to reflect on her life and business. About the same time, wallpaper was making a comeback in the world of interior design. 

“So, I jumped on YouTube and watched as many videos as I could find about wallpaper installation,” King says with a laugh. “And then I began to hang wallpaper in every room in my own house to gain experience. I am 100% self-taught.” 

What began as simply another outlet for her creativity has become a full-blown business, Mai Wallpaper Lady, LLC. 

From powder rooms and bedrooms to living rooms and kitchens, King has done it all. Currently, bold colors are on trend, along with animal prints in jewel tones and stripes.

“The impact that wallpaper can make in a space is amazing,” King says. “But the best part is seeing my clients ecstatic with the end result.”

As seen in the May 2023 issue of Augusta magazine.

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If your house was on fire, what would you grab on your way out to safety? A pet, a favorite photograph or a beloved book are typical answers for the familiar, if inconsequential, icebreaker. On July 16, 2021, Kelly Hitchcock discovered her answer when she arrived home to find a two-alarm fire engulfing her home. Leaping from the car, she ran to rescue the family’s dogs; a Welsh Corgi named Beau, and Rosie, a Golden-Labrador Retriever mix. 

The Big Green Egg, burning off after a night of smoking meat, had crashed to the ground, the table bearing it up collapsing after years of wear, sending sparks up to the wooden soffit and setting ablaze the first and second levels simultaneously. 

For more than three hours, the Augusta Fire Department fought back the flames, dousing the fire and the Hitchcock’s belongings with water. “Everything got taken down to the studs and the foundation. The upstairs came completely off the house and the back wall, too,” says Kelly. “We were able to salvage the front brick, front porch and the side brick on the [main] floor.”

After the smoke cleared, Kelly and her husband, Chris (Oak Film Co.), called in Craig Peel (House Plans, Inc.) to re-work their home’s layout and Chris Lutz (Southeast Restoration) to handle construction. 

“Insurance says you must work within the existing foundation if it’s not compromised, but you can move walls around,” says Kelly. “We wanted to make sure the front of our house felt and looked the same, so we kept the rooms where they originally were.”

But with four grown boys, Michael (24), Will (22), John Reid (19), and Watts (16), and a large extended family, Kelly and Chris elected to tweak the entertaining space, opening the kitchen onto the den and breakfast area. They added a spacious island and replaced a picture window with a pair of French doors leading out to a new covered patio and lap pool.

With the floor plan finalized, Kelly called in Holly Weaver (Design Images & Gifts) to fill the home with new furnishings and art. “I wanted it to be light, airy, comfortable and for people to feel happy,” says Kelly. “I wanted it to feel like home again.”

From the crisp, white foyer and the playfully wallpapered powder room to the gracious back patio, the Hitchcock’s home is a lesson in traditional comfort. Kelly’s salvaged antique furnishings anchor each room and, for touches of unexpected glamour, Weaver spread funky upholstery, art and lighting throughout the house. 

“The challenge and fun of it has been to incorporate her antique pieces with the new,” says Weaver. “You have to throw a little punch of something fun in there. Sometimes she thinks I’m crazy, but she needs that fun. She’s a busy mom of four boys.”

A custom Lee Industries sofa finished with taupe tape trim (a genius trick of Weaver’s) and a pair of blue velvet armchairs feel right at home with Windy O’Connor face pillows and a chic zebra skin rug in the formal living room. 

The breezy blue and green color palette carries over into the open concept living space with its large abstract paintings, blue table lamps and vibrant green leopard print pillows. White, wipeable bistro stools, a pair of leather chairs and a sofa in performance fabric ensure the family’s guests can relax and put their feet up.

“[Holly] helped me think through our day-to-day,” says Kelly. “She helped me pick fabrics that can handle our dogs and four boys that I could wipe clean.”

With the construction dust settled, Chris and Kelly once again savor retiring to their primary suite at the end of a busy day. Aiming to create a serene retreat for the couple, Weaver stuck to a neutral palette that flows seamlessly into the bathroom tucked behind a pair of French doors. Here, a spacious, stone-clad shower and soaking tub offer the perfect spot for relaxation and sweeping views of the backyard while his and hers vanities ensure linens and cosmetics all have a home.

The monumental loss behind them and their family home finally complete, Kelly reflects on this chapter of her family’s story with gratitude — for life and the help her family received along the way. “So many friends and family came alongside us to care for and love on us, and Holly [was] just so wonderful to work with, so patient and gracious,” says Kelly. “It’s crazy to think about who should have been at home and what should have happened, but the Lord spared our family.”

As seen in the May 2023 issue of Augusta magazine.

The post Trial by Fire appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

Lenny Birt began his love affair with the rapids as a fisherman. 

“I would go down to the shoals and fish, mainly for bass, and I would look around me and see this beautiful place that might be on people’s radar, but [it] is so much more than a lot of people know. I started to get more interested in what I was looking at, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to share,” Birt says. “I figured the more people knew about the habitats and the wildlife, the more prone they’d be to get involved.”

The North Augusta resident and engineer took his involvement one step further in 2017 when he started the Friends of the Rapids. The group was born on Instagram and open to anyone who’d like to participate. The vision was to open a few eyes and educate people about “the jewel we have right here in own backyard.” 

In July 2022, the organization put together an event, or more a call to action, asking local kayakers and other visitors of the Savannah Rapids to pitch in and help keep the area clean. The idea was simple: If you see something that can be cleaned up, then help out. 

Since its inception, the group has garnered more than 500 members, including environmental advocates like State Representative Bill Hixon, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and even popular Chief Meteorologist Riley Hale from the news station WRDW. 

“I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the help I’ve received along the way in this effort,” Birt says. He has also taken several steps personally to educate the public.

 “We put up educational signs in a couple of high-traffic areas like the clearing by Interstate 20 and the Heritage Preserve on the South Carolina side. That way visitors could not only take in the beauty of the area but could also leave knowing a little bit more about what makes it that way,” he says.

Birt, being an avid fisherman and a fierce naturalist, even caught the attention of Clemson University. The university reached out for help on a study pertaining to the population and habits of the Bartram Bass, a fish native to the river’s shoals. Thanks in part to the work provided by Birt, the study was able to gather a significant amount of data to possibly increase the population of this rare fish. 

Birt also encourages local fishermen of the shoals to learn about the fish they catch and understand the different species — and as always, to practice catch and release. That way, the local community can pitch in to keep the shoals bursting with the resources that make it such a rich environment. 

Although Birt (and the Friends of the Rapids) has mainly existed as a vehicle for education, he hasn’t been afraid to get in the ring and advocate for the river that he loves so much. 

In March, Birt spoke with the Augusta Richmond County Commission about implementing wildlife protections on Riverwatch Parkway. The list of animals, plants and vegetation throughout the shoals can be pretty long and varied, ranging from the otters and osprey to the River Redhorse Suckerfish or the gorgeous and rare Rocky Shoal Spider Lily. Birt even encountered a partial albino deer that took his breath away.

“The area is just teeming with beauty, but it’s a beauty worth protecting. It’s a delicate ecosystem and the last area of its kind in the Savannah River Basin,” he cautions.

Next month, Birt and the Friends of the Rapids will again be getting the word out about their Help Clean The Rapids Month. By asking kayakers and other volunteers to be aware of anything harming the area, he and his organization hope to step up the care of one of the best natural wonders this town has to offer. 

To get involved, visit Instagram at @friendsoftherapids. Birt is also known to fill the site with facts and photography, making it definitely worth a look. 

As seen in the May 2023 issue of Augusta magazine.

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