FEATURING

Denise Tucker, host

Machere Denise Tucker is the Executive Director of the Greater Augusta Arts Council, where she blends over 30 years of experience in the arts with a deep commitment to community, equity, and creative development. Known for her hands-on leadership and innovative thinking, Denise is helping shape a more vibrant, accessible arts landscape throughout Augusta's River Region.

Before stepping into the Executive Director role, Denise served as both the Development Manager and Public Art Manager at the Arts Council. In these positions, she successfully began growing the organizational membership, transitioned the Council to a new CRM system, saving thousands in administrative costs, and managed several public art projects from conception to completion. From sculpture trails and mural installations to community-driven arts initiatives, her work has helped bring visibility and vitality to Augusta's public spaces.  

 A classically trained dancer and arts administrator, Denise began her artistic journey in Wichita, Kansas. Her lifelong devotion to the arts earned her the Pinnacle Award for Arts Excellence and membership in esteemed organizations like Alternate Roots and the African American Artist Collective of Kansas City.

 In addition to her work with the Arts Council, Denise is the co-founder of Humanitree House, now the Treehouse under a new partnership, which is Augusta's first 100% vegan juice bar and art gallery, which she created with her husband, visual artist Baruti Tucker. For over a decade, Humanitree has stood as a beacon of health, creativity, and community engagement.

 A mother, grandmother, and proud Augusta resident for nearly four decades, Denise continues to advocate for artists, amplify underrepresented voices, and create spaces where creativity and community can thrive.

Senator Harold Jones II, Keynote Speaker

Senator Harold Jones II, a Democrat, was elected to the Georgia Senate in 2014. He represents the 22nd Senate District, which includes portions of Richmond County.

 In 2004, Sen. Jones made history as the first African American elected Solicitor General for Richmond County, earning endorsements from the Augusta Chronicle, Augusta Focus, and Metro Courier. He was re-elected in 2008. As Solicitor General, he focused on prosecuting misdemeanor crimes, advocating for victims, and upholding policies rooted in fairness and equality for all parties involved. Sen. Jones was elected to serve as Senate Democratic Leader in 2024.

 He also serves as an ex officio member on the Senate Committees on Rules and Ethics and as a member of the Senate Committees on Administrative Affairs, Judiciary, Public Safety, Reapportionment and Redistricting, Regulated Industries and Utilities, and Higher Education. Sen. Jones has a long history of community involvement. His affiliations include the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Downtown Rotary Club, and Greater Augusta Arts Council, where he served as chairman. Sen. Jones is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He also chaired the Richmond Burke County Youth Council, was a board member for Leadership Augusta, and participated in Leadership Georgia. Additionally, he founded the Harold V. Jones II Social Studies Award, presented annually to a Glenn Hills High School senior planning to pursue political science in college. SENATOR HAROLD JONES II GEORGIA’S 22ND SENATE DISTRICT Sen. Jones earned a Bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University in 1991 and graduated from North Carolina Central University Law School in 1994. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Georgia Military College, Paine College, Voorhees College, and the University of Phoenix.