Tomorrow, February 25th, the Boys & Girls Club will announce it’s annual Youth of the Year competition winner. This year’s four nominees will represent Springfield, St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach and the Westside (Ramona Boulevard).
I sat with Antwon Smith, the Springfield nominee, at 3 Layers and chatted for a bit. Antwon consistently surprised me with his answers and composure. Very smooth indeed.
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Antwon will receive a $1,000 scholarship for being a local nominee and the local winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship and the opportunity to move on to the state-level competition. The Youth of the Year competition will culminate with the national winner participating in a special White House ceremony with President Obama this fall.
Nominees are evaluated based on academic merit, obstacles to overcome, and community service.
Above is a screenshot of conceptual ideas for the Hogan’s Creek (and surrounding parks) revitalization master planning project. It was presented to Springfield community members for vetting at the SPAR Council general meeting held on October 29. I am told the concepts were favorably received and there will be additional meetings with government and corporate stakeholders in the coming weeks.
The scope of the master plan includes determining timing/cost for environmental remediation of soil and water, storm water management (flood control), preservation and restoration of historic assets where possible, and inclusion of beautification components. The master plan is scheduled for completion in January 2010.
Once the plan is complete and approved, then begins the long work of securing funding to execute the plans. Some interesting things to note from the plans which you can view/download below:
The South Confederate Park Concept shows the removal of the Park View Inn (Yay!)
The McPhearson & Schell Park Concept shows a skate park, creek expansions, a play ground and a fountain
Still no playground at Klutho Park, but I have no room to complain b/c I was not at the meetings.
Thanks to Reax Magazine for this artist write up. They have a huge Summertime in the City feature in the most recent issue. Pick it up!
The MC also known as BlakHart is tough to keep track of – the guy’s Internet presence is, like, nil these days, which in this day and age is unheard of, and all the more intriguing for it. Hip Hop Hell says “Jacksonville legend … known for his work with The IG Camp and The Funkmonsta.
Proper EP release coming on HHH Records with Delectable Beats.” His older stuff at BlakHart’s Myspace page showcases a seriously listenable mix of old-school gangsta and clubby refrains, but with a bit of upbeat vibe thrown in. It’s a pretty undeniable style that could easily climb into the mainstream consciousness without sacrificing any cred.
He is performing the second day of Summertime in the City at Shantytown in Springfield.
Day 2: Summertime in the City Grand Finale Blowout presented by HIP HOP HELL and Red Bull Music Academy
Where: Shantytown Pub 22 W. 6th St. (Springfield) MAP When: 10pm to 2am Price: $5.00
Featuring live performances by: Mr. Al Pete, Dope Sandwich, Steadfast, The Elevated Hip Hop Exp., Heavy Flow, The N Word, Dr. Sam Beckett and many more special guests.
The Dope Sandwich website describes this collective better than I could:
Dope Sandwich is a Hip-Hop collective that has taken the city of Savannah GA by storm over the past years. What started as a secret society of MC’s, DJ’s, B-Boys, and Graph artists, DSP is quickly becoming the voice of alternative Hip hop around the coastal South East. The bio goes on to say:
They own a live show that plays like a nonstop party, and truly have something for everyone. You have to see it to believe it.
Blue Collar – Bottoms Up
Lucky you! They are playing the second day of Summertime in the City at Shantytown in Springfield.
Day 2: Summertime in the City Grand Finale Blowout presented by HIP HOP HELL and Red Bull Music Academy
Where: Shantytown Pub 22 W. 6th St. (Springfield) MAP When: 10pm to 2am Price: $5.00
Featuring live performances by: Dope Sandwich, Steadfast, Grizleh (aka Blakhart), Mr. Al Pete, The Elevated Hip Hop Exp., Heavy Flow, The N Word, Dr. Sam Beckett and many more special guests.
Steadfast was raised in Ft. Washington, MD. Whether it was his sister playing the flute or his grandmother practicing with the church choir, it appeared early on that music would be a mainstay in his lifelong diet. He began writting in 1993 after listening to Wu Tang Clan’s debut album and after cultivating his style he linked up with The Homeless Society, a group of emcees and producers repping the New York, Maryland and DC areas.
He’s now on Social Light Sounds records and will be appearing at Summertime in the City 2009. You can also find Steadfast on MySpace.
Day 2: Summertime in the City Grand Finale Blowout presented by HIP HOP HELL and Red Bull Music Academy
Where: Shantytown Pub 22 W. 6th St. (Springfield) MAP When: 10pm to 2am Price: $5.00
Featuring live performances by: Steadfast, Grizleh (aka Blakhart), Mr. Al Pete, The Elevated Hip Hop Exp., Heavy Flow, The N Word, Dr. Sam Beckett, Dope Sandwich and many more special guests.
Rather than a “Grand Plan” intended to transform Downtown Jacksonville in one fell swoop, an incremental approach would allow the City to put some low cost fixes in place while waiting for the economy to turn around.
The Law Offices of Eddie Farah have announced plans to renovate the historic Kress Building and convert the former Lerner Shops site into an urban courty
It went into wide release in Belgium and France on February 11, and in the Republic of Ireland on March 3. On February 2, 2010, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Bahri Gas and Convenience Store is the latest project slated for Main Street. If it becomes a reality, this project will be built at one of downtown's most visible intersections.
Renn examines data that suggest job growth (or decline) in a metro region's core counties is a good indicator for the overall health of those regions. Renn argues that it's important to keep a close eye on what's happening in the urban core in order to forestall the kind of catastrophic decline we've seen in places like Detroit and Cleveland.
