Urban Pro Weekly
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Transcript of Urban Pro Weekly
good copbad cop
Eddie Bussey 706-772-9800
UPWURBAN PRO WEEKLY
DECEMBER 25 - 31, 2014 VOL. 4 NO. 16
When it comes to pop culture, cops have always gotten the short end of the stick. Pulp magazines from the 40s, rock lyrics from the 60s, blaxploitation movies in the 70s, gangsta rap of the 80s, and the digital media of the new millenium all cast a tarnished glow on the excesses of policing.
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By Frederick Benjamin Sr.UrbanProWeekly Staff Writer
When it comes to pop culture, cops have always gotten the short end of the stick. Pulp magazines from the 40s, rock lyrics from the 60s, blaxploi-tation movies in the 70s, gangsta rap of the 80s, and the digital media of the new millennium all cast the police in a negative light.
The influence of pop culture in forming attitudes toward society in general and the police in particu-lar cannot be overstated. Those who devour pop culture in the form of music lyrics, movies, novels, posters and t-shirts are likely to be forming attitudes toward the police that they don’t think about.
Stereotypes about the police abound. Pop culture is never very nuanced. Police are rarely portrayed in pop culture as normal human beings with fears and anxieties and insecuri-ties like the rest of us. Instead you’ve got the corrupt cop, the crooked cop, the racist cop, the killer cop and the drug running cop.
Cops are further dehuman-ized because they are seen as agents of an oppressive sys-tem. Disrespect for the law is as American as the Fourth of July and it started a long time ago.
The five-cent and dime novels of the late 1890s through the 1920s glorified outlaws of the Old West.
During the heyday of the pulp nov-els in the 30s and 40s crime novels reigned supreme. James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson were just a cou-ple of the antiheroes that did battle with the cops.
Even pop fiction heroes who battled criminals in the pages of crime nov-els in the 50s were mistrustful of the career cop. Popular fiction glorifies the role of mavericks who have bolted from the established police organizations and who became private investigators who came to view the police as suspi-ciously as they did the real crooks.
Pulp fiction historian Geoffrey Obrien reflects on the psyche of one of pop literature’s favorite private investigators — Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer.
“With the police Hammer has a love-hate relationship. He despises the when they kowtow to corrupt politi-cians or allow their hands to be tied by legal scruples, but acknowledges that fundamentally they fight the good fight,” he writes
When black writers began to come to the fore in the 50s and 60s, they portrayed the police as racist occupi-ers of the black community.
Richard Wright, Chester Himes, Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines and oth-ers wrote novels that portrayed the police in a most negative light.
Blaxploitation films like Sweet Sweetback’s Badass Song, Superfly and Black Caesar reveled in shootouts between black protagonists (often criminals) and the police. Dead police were everywhere and the audiences cheered.
Central to those plot lines were cor-rupt and racist politicians who used the police to do their dirty work.
In the turbulent sixties in the midst of urban rebellions that saw the rise of underground newspapers circulat-ed in the nation’s inner cities, the police were frequently portrayed in an adversarial relationship with the community.
In alternative newspapers like The Black Panther and Muhammad Speaks of the Nation of Islam, police were often portrayed as inhuman beasts who preyed on the black community.
Movement artist Emory Douglas was responsible for much of the iconic art that appeared in each edition of the Black Panther newspaper. In one of his cartoons he portrays a police officer as a pig in uniform holding an assault rifle. He portrays a state police-man and a national guard soldier in the same manner. At the time it was accepted as an apt representation of police brutality which was rampant in
COMMENTARYUPW FORUM
Pop culture unkind to the policeIn the wake of recent killings both of and by police, a national discussion on building trust between the police and the community has begun. Unfortunately, decades of police mistrust and misconduct has been amplified by the nation’s pop culture. Instead of acknowledging that reality, right-wing zealots blame Obama and Al Sharpton.
Many Americans have grown up with a negative attitude toward the police. These negative attitudes toward the police have been reinforced through various genres of music, literature, activist journalism and the world wide web.
the 60s and 70s.The rock music of the period played
its part. Anti-establishment lyrics and sentiment were paramount in rock’s early days. The police, of course, rep-resented the establishment.
Mick Jagger once wrote in one of his rock anthems, “All the cops are crimi-nals and all the sinners saints.”
In later movies of the late 80s and 90s, filmmakers including Spike Lee and Mario Van Peebles came out with movies (Malcolm X and The Black Panthers) that included scenes where armed and unarmed black men faced down hostile police officers.
More modern films also examined police life from within the police ranks and none of it was pretty.
Sly Stallone’s Cop City was a perfect portrayal of police criminality in New York City and plot lines that involved internal affairs investigations of dirty cops were prevalent. An earlier film starring Al Pacino as Serpico outlined police who were above the law.
The advent of hip hop music and culture blew through the nation’s inner cities and suburbs with anti-po-lice images and themes.
The iconic rap group NWA launched the careers of such entertainment heavyweights as Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. One of their most popular rap anthems was “F*** Tha Police.”
People loved it.Police are never looked upon as
knights errant who appear to rescue damsels in distress. They are more likely to be represented as agents of a paramilitary organization whose very presence spells trouble.
The events that are playing out on our TV screens and cell phones and online devices throw in stark relief the divide that has occurred between the police and the community.
The unfortunate thing is that those decades of negative portrayals of police and policing are being ignored and instead the protests that have been occuring across the country from San Francisco, to Boston to GRU in Augusta, Georgia are somehow being blamed for giving the police a bad name. Further right-wing conser-vatives embrace the silly notion that Barack Obama and Al Sharpton are responsible for giving the cops a bad name.
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4 CITYNEWS
What the heck is the mayor pro tem?By Frederick Benjamin Sr.UPW Staff Writer
One of the first things that the new commission will do on January 6, 2015 is to elect a new mayor pro tem. Outgoing mayor pro tem Corey Johnson held the post for two years, the limit for that position.
To those that rarely follow the goings on in city government, the election of the mayor pro tem is no big deal, but to the commissioners, there’s a lot riding on the selection. Here’s a brief primer culled with help from the city charter about the mayor pro tem:
What does pro tem mean?Pro tem is short for the Latin
phrase pro tempore which best translates as “for the time being.” This phrase is often used to describe a person who acts as a placeholder in the absence of a superior. In the present case, the mayor pro tem acts in place of the mayor of Augusta.
What should one look for in a mayor pro tem?
The mayor pro tem positions probably should go to commission-ers who are experienced in floor debate; who are familiar with the content and application of relevant rules and precedents and who have a reputation for fairness among their colleagues. But that’s not always the overriding criterion in local politics.
How is the mayor pro tem selected?
The mayor pro tem is voted on by the ten commissioners at the first meeting of the new year (Jan. 6, 2015). Six votes elects the mayor pro tem.
What are the duties of the mayor pro tem?
The mayor pro tem shall pre-side at commission meetings in the absence of the mayor and per-form such other duties as may be entrusted to the office of the mayor pro tem. Even while presiding over the commission meeting in the absence of the mayor, the mayor pro tem can still vote on issues that come before the commission.
The mayor and the mayor pro tem are responsible for recommending to the commission the committee heads as well as assigning mem-bers to the various committees.
If the mayor and the mayor pro tem don’t agree on those assign-ments, the commission steps in and makes those decisions. The mayor does not have the right to vote on the appointment of any member to a committee.
Are there any perks for the mayor pro tem?
The mayor pro tem gets a $10,000 boost in annual salary over and above the normal salary (about $1250.00 per month).
Augusta commissioners “Hap” Harris (L) and Grady Smith. One is in the running to be the next mayor pro tem and one has no chance. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
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COMMENTARYPOLITICS
Published by Urban Pro Weekly LLC
3529 Monte Carlo DriveAugusta, GA 30906
Executive PublisherBEN HASAN
Executive Managing EditorFREDERICK BENJAMIN SR.
Sales & Marketing706-394-9411
ContributorsVINCENT HOBBS
Photography & New Media
UPWURBANPROWEEKLY.COM
Frontrunners Grady Smith, Mary Davis, and Bill Fennoy,
Long shots Marion Williams, Ben Hasan, Bill Lockett, Wayne Guilfoyle
No chance Hap Harris, Sammy Sias, Dennis Williams
The mayor pro temWho’s hot, who’s not
Grady Smith Mary Davis Bill Fennoy
By Frederick BenjaminUPW Political Analyst
AUGUSTAOkay, let’s get it on. Who will be the
next mayor pro tem for Augusta?Urban Pro Weekly has not polled
the commissioners on whom they may or may not support, so what follows is pure speculation — albeit a calculated speculation.
It’s significant to note that even in 2015, race could be a factor in the commission’s decision.
This will be the first order of duty by new the commission composed of six blacks and four whites.
It matters to some commissioners whether the mayor pro tem will be black or white. I’m guessing that the next mayor pro tem will probably be
chosen from among the white com-missioners. Why? Because at least one commissioner has indicated that because there is a black mayor, black administrator, and a black majority on the commission, the mayor pro tem should not be black.
So far, there are indications that Commissioner Grady Smith would like to have the position. Mary Davis has also let it be known that she would serve if chosen. That’s import-ant because to serve as mayor pro tem, a commissioner must have enough free time to be able to do whatever is needed in the mayor’s absence.
Among the African American mem-bers, Bill Lockett and Bill Fennoy have been known to be in the running.
As noted in the headlines, the front-
runners, according to this analyst, include Grady Smith, Mary Davis and Bill Fennoy.
Why? Smith has to be considered because he is a senior member of the commission and has a reputation for being a man of his word.
Davis should also be considered a frontrunner. Her appeal includes her professional demeanor, her grasp of the issues and her willingness to vote on tough issues.
Fennoy should be considered a frontrunner because he may have gar-nered enough support to put him over the top and he is passionate on the issues that matter most.
Commissioner Lockett is a veteran lawmaker, but also has detractors. At the present time, he doesn’t seem to have the votes needed to land him the
position, but that could change once the process starts.
Marion Williams and Wayne Guilfoyle have both served as mayor pro tem in the past. Both how-ever, are eligible to serve again if picked. Neither has lobbied for the position. Commissioner Hasan has just joined the commission, but that does not preclude his selection. He, also, has not lobbied for the position.
Hap Harris may be leaving the com-mission if he does not win a special election for District 7 that will be held in March 2015. Others who will not be in the running include Sammy Sias and Dennis Williams who have yet to serve a day on the commission.
So who will be the next mayor pro tem? Commissioners are being quiet for now, but the persons who would appear to have the trust among the most commissioners includes Grady Smith and Bill Fennoy.
My guess is that either of those two would be voted on first. If neither of them get the votes needed, then my guess would be that Mary Davis would be the compromise selection.
At some point, commissioners who can’t get their first choice selected, might upset the predictions and sim-ply vote for someone who they feels can do the least harm. That could pave the way for someone like Lockett or even Hasan.
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GRU Augusta’s Henry McCarthy takes flight as he jumps up for a shot during a Peach Belt Conference game against Montevallo University at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Jaguars fell to the Falcons 72 - 67 in the final score. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
GRU Augusta basketball guard Keith Crump (#0) keeps the pressure on Montevallo University’s Ryan May (#22) during a Peach Belt Conference game at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Crump, an alumnus of Josey High School, is a sophmore at GRU. The Jaguars fell to the Falcons 72 - 67 in the final score. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
GRU Augusta cheerleaders motivate the crowd during a Peach Belt Conference game at Christenberry Fieldhouse against Montevallo University. Photo by Vincent Hobbs
Game DaySPORTS
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OF RICHMOND COUNTYThe Richmond County School System will accept bids and request for proposals until 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2015, for the following:
1. E-Rate 18 (2015) Data/Voice Networking, Digital Media Equipment and Integrated Communications Systems for Morgan Road Middle School Form 470 # 790730001276728
2. E-Rate 18 (2015) Network Infrastructure (54 Schools) Form 470 # 298960001276729
Bid specifications may be obtained by contacting Amy Bauman in the Business Office at 706-826-1298, on our web site at www.rcboe.org, or at the Richmond County School System, Central Office, 864 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Augusta, Georgia 30901.
The Richmond County School System reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive technicalities and informalities.
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OF RICHMOND COUNTY
By: Dr. Angela D. Pringle, Secretary
Santa Claus is coming to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia for young patients who are unable to be home to celebrate the holidays.
Santa and his helpers will be on hand at 10:45 a.m. on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014 in the lobby.
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Notice to the Public Augusta Housing Authority
Public Housing Program Effective Thursday, January 1, 2015, the Augusta Housing Authority will be accepting online applications only for the Elderly Public Housing Program waiting list. The waiting list will be opened for all applicants age 55 and older. Elderly families that require a two bedroom unit are encouraged to make application and all members of the family must be age 55 and older to be eligible. Applications will only be accepted by completing the on-line application at www.augustapha.org.
Equal Housing Opportunity The Housing Authority of the City of Augusta, Georgia
By: Jacob Oglesby, Executive Director
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AS
K FORTHE TESTYOU REFUSED AN HIV TEST TODAY . . .
• You are missing an opportunity to take care of your health and the health of others• Georgia recommends yearly HIV tests to help keep you healthy• By not taking the HIV test, you may have a medical condition that you and your doctor don’t know about• People who know their HIV status can make sure they don’t give HIV to other people• As many as 50% of people do not know their HIV Status
Ask your doctor if you have questions about taking the testYou can always change your mind and get tested
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIV VISIT WWW.ECPHD.COM OR
CALL 706/667-4342 TO SCHEDULE YOUR HIV TEST
Hands Across Augusta Day of Community Service
On January 3rd, 2015, the city will come together to kick off the Inauguration weekend along with the adminis-tration of Augusta’s 84th Mayor for Hands Across Augusta.
Hands Across Augusta Saturday, January 3
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Venue: TBD
Interfaith Worship Service
On January 4th, 2015 citizens from all faiths will come together to worship and share in a time of encouragement for this city, its leaders and Mayor-Elect Hardie Davis.
Interfaith Worship Service
Sunday, January 44:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.Venue: Beulah Grove
BaptistPOC: Rev. Larry Fryer,
706-399-1292
2015 Inauguration Ceremony
On January 5th, 2015 the city will come together to witness Mayor-Elect Hardie Davis take the Oath of Office as the 84th Mayor of Augusta, Georgia.
2015 Inauguration Ceremony
Monday, January 55:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Venue: Gilbert Lambuth
Memorial Chapel
2015 Inaugural Reception
On January 5th, 2015 Mayor Hardie Davis and First Lady Evett Davis will join participants at the Inaugural Celebration.
2015 Inaugural ReceptionMonday, January 56:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.Venue: Sacred Heart
Cultural Center
Mayor-Elect Hardie Davis Inauguration Celebration
For more information contact Tonia Gibbons, 706-664-7710 ~ [email protected]
District 6 Commissioner Ben Hasan will be taking his second oath of office in only four months when he along with District 2 Commissioner Dennis Williams and District 4 Commissioner Sammie L. Sias participate in the Oath of Office Ceremony on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014.
The ceremony will be held in the Lee Beard Commission Chamber in the Municipal Building at 11 a.m.
State Court Judge David Watkins will administer the oath to Mr. Hasan: Probate Judge Harry B. James will administer the oath of office to Dennis Williams and Superior Court Judge Carl C. Brown will administer the oath to Mr. Sias.
New commissioners to be sworn in Dec. 29
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Sunday School 8:30 amMorning Worship Services: 9:45 amEvening Worship Services 6 pm (4th Sunday)Bible Study: 6pm (Mondays)Midday Bible Study: 12pm (Tuesdays)Prayer Services: 6pm (Wednesdays)Celebrate Recovery: 6pm (Fridays) and 12pm (Mondays)
2323 Barton Chapel Road • Augusta,GA 30906706.790.8185 / 706.922.8186 (fax)
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Good Shepherd Baptist ChurchRev. Clarence Moore, Pastor1714 Olive Road / P. O. Box 141 (mailing address) Augusta, GA 30903706/733-0341- Telephone/706/667-0205 – FaxE-mail address: [email protected] address: goodshepherdaugusta.orgChurch Service: 7:45 & 11:00 a.m.Church School: 9:45 a.m. / Prayer Service: 11:00 a.m. – WednesdayBible Study: 9:00 a.m. - Saturday / 7:00 p.m. - Wednesday
Rev. Clarence Moore
Everfaithful Missionary Baptist Church314 Sand Bar Ferry RoadAugusta, Georgia 30901(706) 722- 0553Church School Sunday 9:25amMorning Worship Sunday 11amEvening Worship 6pm (1st & 3rd Sunday) Midday Prayer 12pm WednesdayIntercessory Prayer/Bible Study 6pm Wednesday
Radio Broadcast: Sundays • WKZK 103.7 FM at 7:30 a.m.
Bishop Rosa L. Williams, Pastor
WORSHIPCHURCH
Tabernacle Baptist ChurchEMANCIPATION DAY CELEBRATION PROGRAM
The Augusta Lincoln League Emancipation Celebration Program will be held Thursday, January 1, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Rev. Herman “Skip” Mason, Pastor of Trinity CME Church will be the speaker. The League is a local public service organization that supports higher education by providing scholarships to post-secondary school students (college students). The League is soliciting your financial support in one of the following categories: Platinum $500 plus; Gold $400; Silver 300; Bronze $200; Donations: $100; Patrons: Mr. & Mrs. $20 and $10. Please make check payable to Augusta Lincoln League. Please give contributions to Deacon Liz Wilhite; Mrs. Queenie Lawton or Mr. Paul Thompkins. Thank you for your support. Rev. Herman “Skip” Mason
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