Mr. Edward M. McIntyre, who was a member of the first graduating class of Lucy C. Laney High School, was heavily involved in Augusta politics for more than three decades. In 1970, he became the first black member of what was then the Richmond County Board of Commissioners.

That election was the first of several firsts for Mr. McIntyre that would stamp him as a player on the local - and state - political scene.

His most renowned political achievement came Oct. 27, 1981, when he narrowly defeated Joe E. Taylor Sr., in a runoff to become the first black to hold Augusta's top office. Mr. McIntyre overcame racially tinged accusations by Mr. Taylor, who said publicly that "Augusta didn't have a black-white problem. We've got a black candidate problem."   more »

The clouds were dark, but spirits were bright. Excitement filled the air in Paul Snow Stadium during the Homecoming pep rally held Thursday evening, Oct. 18, despite the threat of rain and the absence of the traditional bonfire.

For many, the most exciting part of the evening was the Homecoming Queen crowning ceremony.

Valencia Cantrell won the crown. Supporters stood and cheered feverishly when Cantrell's name was called.

"Honestly, when they called my name, I didn't even have time to be excited because everybody ran onto the field and tackled me. My immediate thought was, 'Oh my gosh, what's going on?" Cantrell said.

"Then after a second, after they rushed me and knocked me, tackled me, I was excited. I was so nervous and so excited. Then, it made me even happier that they were all excited. So, it was just like they had won something too. It was a big rush. It all happened so fast."   more »