Program Participants
Denise Tucker, host
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.
David Fitzer
Moment In Black History “Remembering Prince”
David Fitzer is an accomplished vocalist, performer, and scholar with a rich background in music and the arts. A graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, David honed his craft in some of the nation's most dynamic musical traditions, performing across a variety of styles and genres. With experience in choral, musical theatre, and solo performance, his passion for music has led him to stages ranging from intimate gatherings to major events.
He is also a graduate of Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, where he earned a Master of Divinity with a focus on theology, ethics, race, class, and religious studies. His work explores the intersection of creative arts and civic engagement, aiming to deepen our understanding of how artistic expression can drive meaningful social change. David hopes to continue his research in this area, fostering opportunities to connect the transformative power of the arts with the broader work of justice and community building.
David’s most recent work includes his Christmas EP, A Holiday Pause, which invites listeners to reflect on the beauty of the holiday season. In addition to his classical training, David has worked as a freelance creative artist, blending his vocal talents with skills in videography, storytelling, and event production. He also lends his talents to the worship and arts ministry at one of Metro Atlanta’s prominent churches, enriching the community's spiritual and creative experiences.
David is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, reflecting his dedication to leadership, artistic excellence, and academic achievement. David believes in the timeless force of music and the arts—a power capable of bridging divides, inspiring action, and catalyzing lasting change in the world.
Jovonda Patrice Songstress
Jovonda Patrice is one of today ’s finest and most versatile vocalists, known for a soulful voice that resonates across generations and genres. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she was nurtured in a musically inclined family with a strong Pentecostal foundation. Nearly thirty years ago, she relocated to Georgia, where her artistry and impact have continued to flourish. With nearly five decades of musical experience, Jovonda Patrice’s vocal range spans gospel, soul, jazz, country, and pop. She takes deep pleasure in her craft and is often told that her voice heals—an affirmation that reflects both her technical excellence and emotional depth.
Jovonda Patrice has shared her gift locally and nationally in both sacred and secular spaces. Her notable performances include singing the National Anthem alongside her sisters for a New England Patriots vs. New York Jets game, performing the National Anthem for the Augusta Green Jackets, participating in the Back to Holiness Conference with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Yolanda Adams, and rendering Amazing Grace for the National Jewish Association. She is the lead vocalist of Jovonda Patrice & Legacy and the founder of Jovonda Patrice & Intercession, a community choir.
Beyond music, Jovonda Patrice is an actress, educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate. She has appeared in Raisin AJ Productions’ hit stage plays Don’t Tell Daddy and Build a Man, among other productions. She is the Founder and CEO of Patrice’s Café, a mobile café, and LADY ORCHID, LLC, a therapeutic bed and breakfast designed to serve women and girls. Inspired by her own life experiences, Jovonda Patrice’s work is deeply rooted in healing, empowerment, and transformation. She is a devoted mother of four sons, a proud grandmother of five, a mentor, an aspiring author, and a future attorney and judge.
ChaVonne Campbell & Tre Sounds
Augusta’s Premier Live Band that can accommodate any crowd. TreSounds is an American R&B, Old Skool, Pop, Top 40s, Neo Soul, Funk band from Augusta, GA, United States. The band formed in 2014 from a collection of full-time gifted musicians who met locally in church and at musical events. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses hard-hitting grooves and sultry sounds with high energy and crowd engagement that will captivate any audience and make you want to dance all night.
Now hailed as CSRA Best Band by CSRA SBA Awards for 3 years, TreSounds has performed over 1000 shows and has sold an impressive 1000 tickets for their biggest show. "The entertainment that was given exceeded our expectations for our special day, and we will never forget it."