AUGUSTA, Ga. () – This happens all the time here: picture taking at the James Brown statue.

“Visitors, whether they’re from out of town or are locals, consistently stop to snap a picture,” Fred Jones explained.

“Have you ever taken a picture of the statue?”

“Of course! Who hasn’t,” Fred said.

This month celebrates the statue’s 20th anniversary, a testament to years of photographs. Despite the statue’s excellence, its surroundings fall short.

“Absolutely not. This setting should be significantly improved. Considering his impact on this town and beyond, it’s essential that they enhance this area,” Joshua Rose commented.

It’s abandoned and blighted buildings photo-bombing every statue pic.

“They definitely need to renovate that area especially how spectacular the street is. That is kind of awful. Not a worthy background for him,” said Cynthia Gonzalez

The Brown statue has his back to the buildings, but it looks at the Augusta Common.

There’s grass, trees, and art, so what if the statue was turned around, and the common was the backdrop for all pictures something like this?

“It will be beautiful in the long term to switch it around because he’s all about music and harmony, and that’s what nature is,” said Christy Wood.

Maybe it’s time to turn the Brown around.

“The old disco song: Turn the Beat Around. Well, turn the Brown around.”

“A new motto! Lets got for it,” said Fred.

“Turn the Brown around,” sang Christy.

“Turn the Brown around. All the people got to get together,” sang Joshua

Turn the Brown around so all the pictures have the Common as the background that could be a hit.