AIKEN, S.C. - February is known for Black History Month and the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture in Aiken is kicking it off with its Rosa Parks and Transit Equity Day.
The center is tying in Rosa Parks' birthday with transit equity. Rosa Parks was born on February 4th, 1913. Park played a pivotal role in igniting the civil rights movement in the United States when she refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955.
People gathered at the center to celebrate the legacy of Rosa Parks and the rights to equity. Local officials from Aiken and Augusta were at the event, explaining why they believe public transportation is so important.
Brendolyn Jenkins-Boseman, Pastor of Hudson Memorial CME Church in Augusta, says " Especially, about her life and legacy but to bridge them right now with why transportation is still a major factor. Still a disparity right now, in our community".
Boseman says that seeing everyone in attendance brought her joy.
Several local leaders spoke during the event. FOX54 spoke with Christopher Hall, and he says he wants the event to be a learning opportunity.
"We also want them to know that this is still an issue, and we still need to work on equity and transportation," said Hall, Founder and Executive Director of Sustainable CSRA.
There is a bus service in Aiken County but according to officials, services are very limited. The next step for Sustainable CSRA is to try and fix that problem.
On Saturday, there will be another event to talk about transportation at Augusta City Hall from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Imani Group, Umoja Village, and Solar United National, LLC, present the EMERGE/SUN Solar Energy Job Training Program. Accepting 20 applicants. Get paid while you train. Learn solar panel installation, electric vehicle charging station installation and maintenance, OSHA 10, and employability skills. 18 and older males and females can apply. Application deadline Oct. 18, 2023. Training starts in November.
By The Aiken Standard 2023: The Imani Group and Umoja Village have collaborated with Solar United National LLC to present the EMERGE and SUN Job Training Program.
In response to the nation’s growing attraction to renewable energy, this collaborative partnership will offer up to 20 successful applicants the opportunity to attain skills training in the solar industry. Up to 10 of those applicants will move on to learn solar panel installation, electric vehicle charging station installation and maintenance training.
Phase two applicants will also receive OSHA 10 training, go through a graduation ceremony and will be interviewed by installation companies looking to hire.
“The Imani Group and Umoja Village have been cultivating this initiative for nearly two years,” said Pastor Brendolyn Jenkins-Boseman, founder and executive director of The Imani Group. “We are beyond excited to unite with an employment partner, in Solar United National, who is willing to provide our area’s citizens with the opportunity to learn skills in a thriving field.”
Phase 1 training will be held Nov. 2-8 and Phase 2 training will be held Nov. 9-17. All training will be held at Second Baptist Church, 1151 York St. N.E.
Candidates with perfect attendance will receive $15 an hour compensation during the training. Stipends will be funded by two Department of Energy grants and Umoja Village.
“Umoja Village promotes unity and inclusivity such that when we meet people where they are and provide them the tools needed to thrive and not just survive, ultimately we all win. Some adults will view this job training as a second chance to improve their lives and establish a life-long career in spite of what happened in their past. To me, this initiative exemplifies love in action,” said Donna Moore Wesby, CEO/cofounder of Umoja Village.
Those interested in applying must be at least 18 years of age or older and have a desire to work. The application process includes a pre-assessment interview, a low-level physical fitness workout and evaluations by a cross-section of Imani Group, Umoja Village and SUN staff. The application deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 18. To apply, visit umojavillage.com to access the flyer.
“The EMERGE and SUN Job Training Program is a model that is already postured to be replicated across South Carolina,” said Grant Scheffer, a representative for Solar United National. “Solar United National looks forward to equipping South Carolinians with transferable skills to help residents become productive citizens while making strides in the world of renewable energy.”
