Local Matters Podcast

Drawing on her personal experiences and knowledge of Georgia's political history, Janice discusses the political and cultural shifts that helped shape this moment. She explores changing voter demographics, the influence of younger voters, campaign messaging, and the factors she believes contributed to the election outcomes. Janice also shares stories about influential Black women from Augusta who inspired her and discusses what she hopes elected leaders will prioritize, including education, healthcare, affordability, and greater investment in communities. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

What does the future hold for Richmond County schools? In this episode of Local Matters Podcast of Georgia, Janice Allen Jackson speaks with Charles F. Williams Jr. and Edward D. Lowery, candidates for the Richmond County Board of Education District 6 seat. Both candidates share their backgrounds, perspectives on school leadership, and priorities for supporting students, educators, and families. From accountability and community involvement to student achievement and educational opportunities, these conversations give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates ahead of the 2026 election. Charles F. Williams Jr. is a proud product of the Richmond County School System, a community leader, and a dedicated youth coach and mentor with more than 20 years of experience working with young people throughout the Augusta community. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Strayer University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management. Charles is a graduate of Leadership Augusta Class of 2024 and continues to serve in leadership and community-focused roles throughout Augusta. His years of coaching, mentoring, and community service have given him the opportunity to work directly with students and families and understand the importance of strong schools, positive leadership, and opportunities for every child. Charles is currently a candidate for Richmond County Board of Education, District 6. His campaign is built around three principles: Accessible, Accountable, and Visible. He believes effective school board leadership means listening to students, parents, educators, and the community; being accountable for decisions and results; and being consistently present in the schools and communities he represents. Edward D. Lowery currently serves as Vice President of the Richmond County Board of Education and represents District 6. As an incumbent board member, Lowery participates in decisions affecting educational policies, student achievement, school operations, and the overall direction of the Richmond County School System. District 6 includes Cross Creek High School, Gracewood Elementary School, A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School, Pine Hill Middle School, Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School, Richmond Hill Elementary School, and Richmond Hill Middle School. Lowery is seeking reelection to the District 6 seat in the 2026 election. His current term expires on December 31, 2026. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

What does the future of Richmond County schools look like? In this episode, Richmond County Board of Education District 2 candidates Charlie Hannah and Ra’Shaun Holiday share their perspectives on student achievement, school safety, career and technical education, and parental involvement. Both discuss their priorities for supporting students, strengthening public education, and preparing young people for future opportunities. Charlie Hannah is a lifelong Richmond County resident, father, foster father, grandfather, and educator. He was instrumental in developing the Marion Barnes Trade School and the new T. W. Josey Career Center, expanding access to skills training and workforce opportunities for students. He holds double master’s degrees in law and public administration from National Jurist University and Columbia Southern University. He also serves as an adjunct instructor at Augusta Technical College and operates Augusta Paralegal, LLC, supporting small businesses, families, and elder care. Ra’Shaun Holiday is an Augusta native, mother of two, small business owner, former substitute teacher, and proud graduate of T.W. Josey High School in District 2. As a parent with children in the Richmond County School System, she is running for the District 2 Board of Education seat to advocate for safe schools, strong educational opportunities, and a greater voice for students, teachers, and families. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast 00:00 – Cold Open: Student Achievement & Career Opportunities 01:55 – Episode Introduction 03:25 – Election Information & Voter Awareness 04:50 – Introducing Charlie Hannah 05:20 – Charlie Hannah's Background & Experience 07:00 – Improving Student Achievement 09:40 – Career & Technical Education Opportunities 12:00 – Challenges Facing Richmond County Schools 14:35 – School Safety, Discipline & Student Support 15:55 – Community Concerns About Public Education 17:45 – Expanding Career Pathways & Accountability 20:55 – Introducing Ra’Shaun Holiday 21:25 – Ra’Shaun Holiday's Background 22:40 – Early Literacy & Academic Intervention 23:40 – Why She Is Running for School Board 24:55 – School Safety & Security 26:35 – Rebuilding Trust With Parents & Families 27:55 – Measuring Progress & Accountability 29:10 – Final Remarks 30:25 – Episode Closing

What does the future of Richmond County schools look like, and what will it take to help students succeed? In this episode, we hear from Venus Cain and Delvin T. Howard Sr., two candidates for the Richmond County Board of Education District 9 seat. Both share their perspectives on student achievement, school improvement, parental involvement, and the importance of supporting students inside and outside the classroom. Venus Cain discusses her experience on the Board of Education, including her priorities surrounding early literacy, school safety, career development opportunities, and continued improvements across the school system. Delvin T. Howard Sr. shares his perspective as a parent and community advocate, emphasizing tutoring, communication, accountability, and the importance of bringing families and schools together. These conversations give residents an opportunity to learn more about each candidate's background, priorities, and vision for Richmond County schools. Meet Venus Cain, Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Venus Cain is a U.S. Army veteran, mother, grandmother, and longtime community leader. She has served in several public service roles, including airport commissioner, PTA president, neighborhood president, and both vice president and president of the Richmond County Board of Education. After 30 years with the Department of Defense, she continues her involvement in education and community service. Delvin T. Howard Sr. is a lifelong Augusta resident, graduate of Richmond County public schools, local business owner, and father of two sons attending Richmond County schools. His experience includes serving in school council and PTO leadership roles at C.T. Walker Magnet School and Richmond County Technical Magnet School. He is also the co-founder of Blessing Our Community, an outreach initiative supporting Augusta residents. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast

What are the candidates for Richmond County Board of Education District 3 proposing for the future of local schools? In Candidate Conversations: School Board District 3, Janice Allen Jackson welcomes Dr. Carol J. Yancy, Dr. Kenyatta Brown, and Janice Ramirez to discuss their priorities and plans for Richmond County schools ahead of the November 3, 2026 election. Each candidate shares her background, priorities, and approach to improving student achievement, supporting teachers, strengthening parent involvement, and addressing school safety. Hear their perspectives on the challenges facing Richmond County schools and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Dr. Carol J. Yancy is a veteran educator and educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education. Her career includes serving as a teacher, principal, education supervisor, and assessment coordinator. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Capella University and has dedicated her career to instructional leadership, student achievement, and supporting educators. A native of Augusta and graduate of T.W. Josey High School, Dr. Kenyatta Brown is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She serves in nursing education at Augusta University and in community behavioral healthcare. She also founded “Hey Queens,” a mentorship program focused on building confidence, leadership, and personal growth among young students. Janice Ramirez is a wife, mother of three, veteran, and longtime Augusta resident with children in Richmond County schools. As a parent advocate, she has spent years speaking up for students and families. She is running to bring a parent's perspective to the Board of Education, emphasizing accountability, communication, and ensuring families have a voice in decisions affecting their children's education. DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates. To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at www.Janiceallenjackson.com Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalMattersPodcastofGeorgia Subscribe on Youtube: Local Matters Podcast of Georgia youtube.com/@localmatterspodcastofgeorg3624 Twitter: twitter.com/JAJAndAssocLLC Local Matters Podcast: Soundcloud: @localmatterspodcast Spotify: @localmatterspodcast Apple Podcasts: @localmatterspodcast