L
EGACY Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
WEDNESDAYS • Jan. 10, 2018
‘
MORE MEGA Mentors ‘walk the walk’ - 2 $45m mortgage settlement for Va. -5 Civil rights journalist to be honored - 8 Oprah, the Globes & the future - 10
Richmond & Hampton Roads
‘Black Panther” excitement spills over
LEGACYNEWSPAPER.COM • FREE
Northam speaks of post-rally unity at C’Ville church MICHAEL BRAGG
Gov.-elect Ralph Northam visited First Baptist Church in Charlottesville on Sunday to deliver a message of unity to the congregation just days before his inauguration. The last time he visited the church was Aug. 13, when he and Gov. Terry McAuliffe and others from Richmond delivered messages of hope and of moving forward together one day after the deadly Unite the Right white supremacist rally. During Sunday’s visit, the first church service of the new year, Northam briefly outlined his vision as governor and reflected on the rallies that put Charlottesville in the national spotlight last summer. The next governor of Virginia was accompanied by his wife, Pam Northam. Two fellow Democratic politicians, Charlottesville City Councilor Wes Bellamy and Del. David J. Toscano, sat next to them during the service. “I think it is excellent that the governor is a man of faith and committed to loving God, and to doing the best job that he can do for the citizens of Virginia,” the Rev. Troy Savage, pastor of First Baptist Church, said after the service. Northam kept his comments at the beginning of the service short, and said he came to the church that morning for the same reason as everyone else — to worship. “But this is the beginning of our week of inauguration here in Virginia, and I wanted to be here to bring you a message of unity, because that is the way we want to move forward,” he said. “We have a lot of challenges in Virginia right now, and the way that we’re going address those challenges is by working together.” He first reflected on the reason for his last visit to the historic church, and said the events of Aug. 11 and 12
Virginia Gov.-elect Ralph Northam (left) speaks with Deacon Lewis Warren during a visit to First Baptist Church. were a “horrific tragedy” when white supremacists came to the University of Virginia and the city with their torches, “spewing their hatred and bigotry.” “And we were here in August ... to make sure that people understand we don’t condone hatred and bigotry in the commonwealth, we don’t condone it in Charlottesville, and we asked those people to go away and never come back,” he said, followed by several “amens” from the congregation. In addressing inequities and challenges in Virginia, Northam talked about access to high-quality education for all. “There is power in every child, and we want to make sure that every child has access to a world-class education,” he said. Northam said that achieving worldclass education means making higher
education affordable, addressing the Standards of Learning tests and making sure students are not just taught to take multiple-choice tests. “And then something that Pam and I are very encouraged about and excited about is early-childhood education,” he said. “And that’s a tremendous learning potential in our children before they ever get to kindergarten, and we want to make sure that all of our children in Virginia have access to pre-K education.” Northam, a pediatrician, followed up his comments on education by telling the congregation that health care is a right. “No individual, no family should be one medical illness away from financial demise,” he said. “So, it is important now that we all come together and expand Medicaid to make sure that we give up to 400,000
working Virginians access to health care, so this is something that is a top priority of our administration.” Northam closed his comments with a reflection on diversity in Virginia — as well as a promise to return to Charlottesville again soon. “We want to make sure that we promote inclusivity, that we welcome people to the commonwealth of Virginia, that our doors are open, our lights are on,” he said. After the service, Bellamy, who has been a longtime and vocal supporter of Northam, said he appreciates the next governor’s willingness to come worship with the community in Charlottesville. “Northam is an absolutely fine man and I believe that he’s going to represent the commonwealth of Virginia in a phenomenal way,” he said. Northam will be inaugurated Saturday. - CP
The LEGACY
2 • Jan. 10, 2018
News
MEGA Mentors walk the walk with panache GLEN MASON MEGA Mentors talk that talk, and walk that walk. That is, they do it with panache when it comes to promoting achievement in academics, funding scholarships and providing mentors in various professions. There is truth to power in their mission. Their broad community-based programs don’t rely on federal, state or local funding. To say they put their money where their mouth is, “an over simplification.” A good portion of it is provided by corporate and private donations, and proceeds from their annual Fine Art Benefit that, incidentally, will be held in Richmond at the historic Hippodrome Friday, Jan. 12,. Invited guests and patrons will be greeted at 6 p.m.
It is an eclectic event featuring fine art, haute cuisine and Smooth jazz. What started as a unique fundraising concept has now become a major weekend on the Greater Richmond social event calendar. In conjunction with the annual Freedom Classic Festival, the brainchild of Greg Cummings, and Al and Jackie Lester of Fine Art Images, the Fine Art Benefit and Sale (FABS) represents the Friday evening kickoff to the Martin Luther King weekend of activities that culminates with the basketball clash of traditional HBCU rivals Virginia Union University and Virginia State University. Most patrons highlight it on their schedules each year because they look forward to the annual celebration. FABS showcases trending local, regional and national artists of the
day. Past appearances are a fine art marquee that includes such notables as Woodrow Nash, Rene Dickerson, Stacey Brown and Phyllis Stephens. The artists who are invited to exhibit are a virtual who’s who of styles, themes and media. The affair itself has a chic, urban sophisticate veneer. Now, in its seventh year, it has grown into a destination event. The artist being showcased this year is Willie Earl Robinson. “We continue to address a fundamental need in Chesterfield County Public Schools. The students are benefiting from our programs and we are truly making a difference by being present and showing that we care,” said Otis Jones,” an IBM executive who is on the event committee. “That’s why the Fine Art Benefit
and Sale is so important. The funds we raise allow us to continue the mission of serving those students who want, and deserve, an opportunity for mentoring and experiential learning opportunities outside of the classroom.” MEGA, (Mentors Expecting Greater Achievement) was organized over nine years ago as a divining rod for youth leadership. Students from various backgrounds and schools are provided cultural and extracurricular learning opportunities that would normally be unavailable with current funding. Their professional network is international. The impact of MEGA Mentors is tangible. Their testament on the
(continued on page 4)
.
THIS BUS IS HEADED TO THE FUTURE. Streamlined routes are on the way. Get ready for faster, more consistent transit service. Because GRTC will soon have new routes. Many buses will come more frequently. Connections will be easier. Bus route names will be simplified. And at the same time, we’re launching the new Pulse route. Go to ridegrtc.com to explore the changes, or call 804-358-GRTC. You can even schedule up to three free “practice runs” of your route with a GRTC Travel Buddy.
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
Jan. 10, 2018 • 3
WANT BETTER REWARDS? WANT FREE SHIPPING? W A N T M O R E S AV I N G S ?
MEET THE NEW
Macy’s Cardholders can discover their status and the benefits they’re eligible for by speaking with a store associate or visiting macys.com/starrewards.
ONE DAY SALE SHOP 10AM-10PM FRI & SAT, JAN. 12 & 13 Hours may vary by store. See macys.com & click on stores for local information.
FREE SHIPPING ONLINE WITH $25 PURCHASE Valid 1/12-1/13/18. Exclusions apply; see macys.com/freereturns
10
$
OFF TILL 2PM
YOUR PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE Limit one per customer. Valid 1/12 & 1/13/18 till 2pm. In store only. Exclusions apply; see below.
20
$
OFF TILL 2PM
YOUR PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE Limit one per customer. Valid 1/12 & 1/13/18 till 2pm. In store only. Exclusions apply; see below.
EXCLUDES ALL: Deals of the Day, Doorbusters, Everyday Values (EDV), Last Act, Macy’s Backstage, specials, Super Buys, athletic clothing/shoes/accessories, baby gear, cosmetics/ fragrances, designer handbags, designer jewelry/watches, designer sportswear, electrics/electronics, furniture/mattresses, gift cards, jewelry trunk shows, select licensed depts., previous purchases, restaurants, rugs, services, smart watches/jewelry, special orders, special purchases, select tech accessories, toys, 3Doodler, American Rug Craftsmen, Anova, Apple Products, Ashley Graham, Avec Les Filles clothing, Barbour, Brahmin, Breville, Briggs & Riley, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, COACH, Demeyere, Destination Maternity, Dyson, Eileen Fisher SYSTEM, Fitbit, Frye, Global Cutlery, Hanky Panky, Jack Spade, Judith Leiber, Karastan, kate spade new york, Kenneth Cole kids’ shoes, Kiehl’s, KitchenAid Pro Line, Le Creuset, Levi’s, littleBits, Locker Room by Lids, Marc Jacobs, select Michael Kors/Michael Michael Kors, Michele watches, Miyabi, Movado Bold, Natori, Nike swim, Original Penguin, Panache, Rimowa, Rudsak, Sam Edelman, Shun, Spanx, Staub, Stuart Weitzman, S’well, Tempur-Pedic mattresses, The North Face, Theory, Tommy John, Tory Burch, Tumi, UGG ®, Uttermost, Vans, Vitamix, Wacoal, Wolford & Wüsthof; PLUS, ONLINE ONLY: kids’ shoes, Allen Edmonds, Birkenstock, Hurley, Johnston & Murphy, Merrell, RVCA & Tommy Bahama. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer except opening a new Macy’s account. Purchase must be $25 or $50 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.
ONE DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 1/12-1/13/2018, EXCEPT AS NOTED.
The LEGACY
4 • Jan. 10, 2018
Freedom Classic Festival returns to RVA Jan. 8 The 23rd annual Freedom Classic Festival returns to Richmond Jan. 8 – 14. The annual event commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement will culminate, as usual, by the marquee matchup between the men’s basketball teams of the area’s two Historically Black Universities, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University. The game takes place at the Richmond Coliseum with tickets still on sale. In 2017, VSU beat VUU 74-59 in the classic game, earning itself bragging rights for the past year. In addition to the basketball game, the final day will be packed with tons of activities for the entire family, including a high school drumline competition, a gospel showcase, a college fair, and a special halftime performance. This year, the Freedom Classic Festival is encouraging everyone to “Get Active” about their future by making investments in education, careers, finances, health and social causes. Throughout the week the festival will feature events designed to
help uplift and enrich area youth including STEM–ED Connects, MEGA Mentors Fine Art Benefit & Sale, and the Freedom Classic Festival Leadership Summit.
Coalition for Justice plans ‘Prison Reform Rally” Saturday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m. Bell Tower on Capital Square 101 North 9th St., Richmond “Families of prisoners are invited to speak at the rally and we will also be reading statements from inmates. There will be an open mic opportunity as well. “We’ve just gone over 50 people who say they’ll be at the Jan. 20 rally for prison reform - and 458 who say they are interested. Please remember: This event is initiated by Virginia prisoners themselves and is endorsed by a growing list
of organizations. Not only will your presence help to get the attention of the legislators on the issues being raised, but it will send a strong message to our sisters and brothers behind bars that they are not forgotten. That morale boost can be an objective factor in their being able to continue their very difficult ongoing struggles for justice. “Please plan on joining the Blacksburg Coalition for Justice, the Virginia Defenders, RIHD and many more organiztions and individuals. No one else can take your place.” -Virginia Defenders
(from page 2) recognition. To paraphrase their organization’s website states that their members believe children deserve an equal opportunity to share in America’s bounty through education and mentorship. They work with public and private organizations to provide additional resources and bring credence to the needs of students to increase success rates. As the adage says, “it takes a village to raise a child.” MEGA Mentors see themselves as the village’s stewards of education. The Mentors say they are committed to growing this movement and helping students become more successful in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Their mission statement imparts that they strive to teach life skills, provide meaningful learning experiences and build leadership skills in African-American and other underrepresented Chesterfield County Public School students through mentoring, tutoring, experiential field trips and
primary focus, or as the adage would suggest, their village encompasses the following Middle Schools: Carver, Falling Creek, Providence, Salem, and Manchester. The participating high schools are Meadowbrook, Carver College and Career Academy, and Chesterfield Career and Technology Center @ Hull. Their accolades, like their passion for service, are stellar. MEGA, as they are fondly referred to, has awarded thousands of dollars in senior scholarship money. It was awarded President Barack Obama’s Volunteer Service Award for community service. The Hope Survey documented that their program is making a difference in building student optimism, “self initiation” and goal orientation. The non-profit organization has received the highest Chesterfield County Public Schools Award – Partner of the Year, and was also recognized by the Chesterfield County School Board.
Jan. 10, 2018 • 5
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
$45m mortgage settlement to benefit 1,000 Virginians Some Virginia borrowers are expected to receive compensation totaling more than $630,000 as part of a $45 million settlement with New Jersey-based mortgage lender and servicer PHH Mortgage Corporation. Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring, along with attorneys general from 48 other states plus the District of Columbia and more than 40 state mortgage regulators, reached the settlement, which resolves allegations that PHH improperly serviced mortgage loans from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2012. The settlement includes $30.4 million in payments to borrowers
and requires PHH to follow comprehensive mortgage servicing standards, conduct audits, and provide audit results to a committee of states. æThe effects of the mortgage and foreclosure crisis continue to ripple through our economy, our communities, and the lives of our citizens,” said Herring. “We will remain committed to holding mortgage companies accountable for harms homeowners suffered from improper loan servicing, especially improper foreclosures. The agreement requires new servicing standards to help ensure that PHH
Kay Coles James becomes first black woman to lead the Heritage Foundation
doesn't repeat conduct that led to improper mortgage servicing, and to provide financial relief to Virginians who were hurt.” Borrowers who were subjected to PHH foreclosures during the eligible period will qualify for a minimum $840 payment, and borrowers who faced foreclosures that PHH initiated during the eligible period, but who did not lose their home, will receive a minimum $285 payment. Approximately, 1,071 Virginians are eligible for a payment, including 600 Virginians who qualify as foreclosed borrowers, and 471 who qualify as referred borrowers. A settlement
RVA appoints new city auditor
STACY M. BROWN Kay Coles James, the newest president of the conservative Heritage Foundation and the first African American woman to lead the organization, said that she plans to set an example for engaging with people of different political stripes to have a positive impact in the black community and America. “I’ve seen the rhetoric heighten [since President Donald Trump took office] on all sides,” said James, 68, founder of the Gloucester Institute in Virginia. “And, when you’re a conservative, black Republican, you know what the rhetoric is like on the ‘Left’ and, trust me, it’s not good.” James added that everyone has to bear responsibility to get beyond partisan differences and political debate that devolve into name-calling and character assassination. “If I can turn that just a little bit, I would declare a success,” she said. James who describes herself as a “happy warrior,” said big challenges come with the job, but as the first African American woman to lead the more than 40 year-old organization, James is proud to celebrate black achievement. “It’s a fine line of acknowledging and taking a minute to stop and celebrate, not only what this means for me, but also for our community,”
Louis Lassiter Kay Coles James said James. “When African Americans are being recognized as leaders, no matter where they are on the political spectrum, I’m glad to see it from the both the ‘Left’ and the ‘Right.’” James recalled Obama’s first election she and others set aside politics and policy to celebrate what that meant for America. James said that she celebrated the accomplishments of Barack Obama and admired his senior advisor, Valerie Jarrett, and that she’s been encouraged to see that people are also celebrating what it means for
(continued on page 8)
administrator will contact eligible payment recipients at a later date. The agreement has been filed as a consent judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The Virginia aspects of this multi-state matter are being handled by the Predatory Lending Unit of Attorney General Herring's Consumer Protection Section. The Unit was established as a part of Herring’s reorganization of his Consumer Protection Section, which now includes a focus on predatory lending in addition to deceptive conduct, anti-trust matters, charitable solicitation, and more.
Richmond City Council members, during a recent scheduled special council meeting, appointed, Lou Lassiter as its new city auditor to head the Richmond City Council Office of the City Auditor. Lassiter’s service is set to begin Feb. 1. Lassiter, who is leaving his deputy county administrator for Finance and Administration in Chesterfield County, replaces Umesh Dalal, who resigned the city auditor post last July after 11 years. William C. Barrett, III temporarily served in that capacity during the ensuing months. In the city auditor position, Lassiter will assist council members in “helping to ensure the administration, management,
integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of city government expenditures on behalf of Richmond residents”, according to a city press release. His duties will include “administering internal audit and investigation functions in verifying accountability over city resources; evaluating efficiencies and effectiveness of city operations; and, determining compliance with laws, regulations, and policies”. The city auditor position provides management and oversight of Richmond City Council Office of the City Auditor staff and other resources necessary in auditing evaluating, and investigating city departments, offices, boards, etc. and other individual or entity expenditures of city-funded monies. Lassiter’s predecessor, Dalal, was a firebrand who exposed government waste for well over a decade. His abrupt resignation in July followed an investigation into his office and allegations of bullying, retaliatory behavior and other issues toward his staff. Lassiter is a certified public accountant and certified government financial manager. He also has served as a member of the national Association of Local Government Auditors Board of Directors, and President of the Virginia Local Government Auditors Association. Lassiter earned his bachelor of business administration from James Madison University.
6 • Jan. 10, 2018
Op/Ed & Letters
The LEGACY
Too much at stake to allow ‘16 federal elections to stand JERROLL M. SANDERS We now know beyond all doubt that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. elections to help Donald J. Trump and certain Republican congressional candidates win. Although a year has passed since Trump and newly-elected congressional leaders took office, it’s still not too late for a revote. Redoing 2016 federal elections is the only way to make things right for the American people. There is nothing unique about my call for a revote of the 2016 primary and general elections. It is customary for contest winners such as athletes who are victorious due to fraud or doping to relinquish their title and metals. Why shouldn’t we expect the same of politicians? If the U.S. Supreme Court were to declare the 2016 federal elections unconstitutional, Trump and newly elected congressional leaders would be forced to vacate their office. The ruling would also lead to an undoing of all federal laws, policies and judicial appointments accomplished during the Trump administration. Some view the call for a revote as wishful thinking. Others have taken a wait-and-see position, hoping that Trump will be impeached and removed or will succumb to defeat in 2020-as might be suggested by recent democratic victories in Virginia The LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 4 No. 2 Mailing Address 409 E. Main Street 4 Office Address 105 1/2 E. Clay St. Richmond, VA 23219 Call 804-644-1550 Online www.legacynewspaper.com
and Alabama. But the Revote Coalition’s goal is not to remove Trump from office but to ensure that the American people, not a foreign enemy, determine who our elected officials are. Congressional and presidential actions undertaken during the Trump administration will change this nation for generations to come. Citizens, particularly minorities, will continue to rely heavily upon the federal judiciary to enforce laws and rights. Getting federal judges to rule favorably on discrimination claims and social injustices has been difficult in the past. But securing fair and balanced rulings in the future may prove far more difficult in federal courts stacked by Trump with judges who stand ready to rollback The LEGACY welcomes all signed letters and all respectful opinions. Letter writers and columnists opinions are their own and endorsements of their views by The LEGACY should be inferred. The LEGACY assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Annual Subscription Rates Virginia - $50 U.S. states - $75 Outside U.S.- $100 The Virginia Legacy © 2016
social and racial advancements and short-circuit policing and other protective reforms. The Revote Coalition’s quest for a revote began days following the 2016 presidential election when I published a YouTube video calling for a new election and shared my first revote legal brief with 2016 Virginia Congressional Candidate Shaun Brown. Brown circulated the brief to various political camps. Soon, others joined our nationwide effort to find an attorney who would usher a constitutionally sound revote case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Unable to find an attorney, I-a non-lawyer-put pen to paper and drafted a legal brief based upon my newly devised legal argument, which asserts: “The United States has many territories, including a cyber territory.” Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution says: “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against invasion.” The U.S. government failed to protect each state’s cyber territory against invasion in 2016. Because of Russia’s invasion, states do not know the source of winning votes, and consequently, do not know if they seated the right party’s electors to cast electoral votes.
Members of the former congress violated their oath of office when they swore into office candidates who were helped by Russia. I provided my legal brief to three groups of citizens who filed the revote brief in three different federal courts. I was a named petitioner on the Colorado case. The Massachusetts Appeals Court quickly rendered a decision that labeled the case “novel”, since no one had ever made the argument before. I then drafted an appeals brief to advance the revote case to the U.S. Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court opted to not review our citizen case, members of the Revote Coalition are convinced the Supreme Court will entertain the revote case if it is filed by a State Attorney General (AG), since our legal argument hinges on the federal government's obligation to protect states from invasion. In the end, the actions of the American public will determine whether we get a revote. Make noise in the streets. Call, visit and email AGs listed at www.revote. info; insist the AGs work to have the 2016 federal elections declared null and void. Sanders is an entrepreneur and executive and originator of the Revote Project. She can be reached by email at voicesofmillions@gmail.com. For more information: www.Revote.info
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
Jan. 10, 2018 • 7
P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.
Bad plan
My boyhood hero, Robert Kennedy, used to say that Jobs are better than welfare”. As a liberal/progressive Democrat, I agree. But I would add that having a job that pays a good and living wage that is well above the federal government's “official poverty line” is the human riight of every American who is willing to lead a responsible and productive life. Therefore, I am proposing that following the November 2018 elections, our president and Congress reverse the 2017 tax cuts and instead spend $1 trillion on a new federal government jobs-creation bill that guarantees a job with dignity and respect to all Americans that not only pays well above the official poverty line, but also pays well above the official “near-poverty line” (which is between 100-125 percent of the official poverty line). It is the humane and just thing to do. Stewart B. Epstein Rochester
‘Reckless’
Trump’s reckless plan for a drilling ‘do over’ must be rejected. This plan was hastily concocted, has no basis in science, employs faulty economics and blatantly disregards the flood of public opinion that strongly opposes opening the Atlantic Ocean to risky,
dirty and unnecessary offshore drilling. For over 30 years there has been a ban on drilling off our coast, and for good reason. A healthy, biodiverse environment is the lifeblood of our vibrant coastal economy, which depends entirely on clean beaches and ocean waters to sustain multibillion dollar a year tourism, fishing and aquaculture industries that employs tens of thousands of Virginians. The current plan was finalized by the Obama administration in November 2016, excluding the Atlantic coast and nearly the entire Arctic Ocean. Following the release of the plan and in response to the calls of coastal communities and millions of Americans across the country, President Obama acted under his authority designated by Section 12a of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to permanently protect parts of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans from the threat of offshore drilling. The Trump administration’s plan to roll back these protections is reckless and untenable. Kate Addleson
‘Co-opting’ King holiday
Attaching their anti-Trump agenda to the upcoming national holiday commemorating the life and accomplishments of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., congressional liberals plan to hijack the civil rights-era tactic of “teach-ins” to further demonize recently-passed tax reform and to promote amnesty for illegal aliens. Black activists with
the Project 21 leadership network condemn this misappropriation of the King legacy, particularly since the recent economic upswing has been beneficial to black Americans. This is a stunning development. In the name of black America and our nation’s historic civil rights legacy, liberals want us to believe that having more money in our pockets and greater job opportunities is somehow a negative. But they are willing to threaten a government shutdown to protect their new favorite class – illegals. Blacks get teach-ins, illegals get citizenship. I don’t understand the point of using – or, in this case, misusing – our memorial day for Reverend King to protest a tax cut allowing Americans to keep more of the money they’ve earned. These teach-ins are really the liberals’ attempt to advise American taxpayers that their money doesn’t belong to them, and that it really belongs to a bigger and more intrusive government. On Jan. 13, in conjunction with observances of Martin Luther King Day, and at the urging of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (DCA), congressional liberals are expected to hold teach-ins evocative of the civil rights movement to create a new line of attack on the Trump administration’s tax reform and economic revitalization efforts as well as to promote the “Dream Act” to provide amnesty for some illegal aliens. The real lesson here is that progressives are so out of touch with the needs and values of black America that they forget that the
most important civil right is selfdetermination. This is the right to come and go as you please without needing permission or handouts from the government. Trying to use Martin Luther King’s legacy as a tool to scare black America won’t work. And being much more interested in fighting for illegal immigrants than actual black citizens is just insulting. Sorry, this bait and switch gambit won’t fly. Already, some workers are receiving bonuses and raises due to the enactment of the Trump Administration’s tax reform. Likewise, black unemployment reached a historic low during the month of December. Protesting this productive Trump agenda shows a lack of support for average Americans. To protest using Dr. King as a rallying point is particularly disturbing. Why were there no teach-ins during the Obama presidency when household income and wealth were reduced by policies enacted to allegedly catalyze an economic ‘recovery’ — which ended up being the worst since World War II? Why were there no teach-ins to protest the ugly reality that this so-called ‘recovery’ left upwards of 47 million people on food stamps? Or that Obamacare robbed them of their doctors despite a promise that it wouldn’t? Why do the liberals want to protest a strong economy and the government giving Americans their money back? And why do so in Rev. King’s name? It’s appalling. Derryck Green & Horace Cooper
The LEGACY
8 • Jan. 10, 2018
Faith & Religion
Simeon Booker to be memorialized at National Cathedral A memorial service for trailblazing civil rights journalist Simeon Booker will be held on Monday, Jan. 29, his wife, Carol McCabe Booker, announced. The service is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Booker, a journalistic icon, died Dec. 10 at the age of 99. Booker’s more than half-century of civil rights reporting, most notably the brutal murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Mississippi, helped propel the civil rights struggle onto the front pages of newspapers across the country which had long ignored the oppression of black Americans. Previously, he had been the first fulltime black reporter at the Washington Post. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Simeon Booker Scholarship at Youngstown State University. All gifts designated for this minority scholarship are matched by the Youngstown State U Foundation, to which checks should be payable, at 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44502. The biography of Simeon Booker is documented as follows at TheHistoryMakers.org: Magazine and newspaper reporter Simeon Saunders Booker, Jr. was born on Aug. 27, 1918, in Baltimore, Maryland to Roberta Waring and Simeon Saunders Booker, Sr., a YMCA director and minister. After his family moved to Youngstown, Ohio, Booker became interested in journalism through a family friend, Carl Murphy, the owner and operator of Baltimore’s The Afro American Newspapers. In 1942, after receiving his B.A. degree in English from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Booker took a job at the The Afro American Newspapers as a young reporter. In 1945, he moved back to Ohio to work for the Call and Post. Five years later, Booker was the recipient of the Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University to study journalism and develop his talent as a reporter. After leaving Harvard in 1951, Booker became the first full-time black reporter at The Washington Post. In 1954, Booker was hired by the
he retired in 2007. Among his journalistic holdings, Booker has also authored four books. They include a 2013 memoir, “Shocking the Conscience: A Reporter’s Account of the Civil Rights Movement”, which was co-written with his wife, Carol. In 1982, Booker received one of the most prestigious awards in journalism, the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award. Booker was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association, The Black Press of
America, in 2007. The National Association of Black Journalists’ inducted Booker into its Hall of Fame in 2013. He also received a career George Polk Award for lifetime achievements in journalism and the top award among journalists upon the 70th Anniversary of the Capital Press Club, proclaiming him “Dean of Black Journalists, Iconic Trailblazer for Justice in America.” Booker is survived by his wife, Carol, and three children, Theodore Booker, Simeon Booker III, and Theresa Booker. A third son, James Booker, died in 1991.
(from page 5) Health and Human Services under her to be a black woman leading the premiere, conservative public policy think tank. Simeon Booker “It’s something we can celebrate, but at the same time we also have to Johnson Publishing Company to say all of these individuals [Obama, report on current events in its weekly Jarrett and James, herself], were there, digest, Jet. In 1955, Booker helped because of our skills, abilities, knowledge to redefine the role of Jet and the and competence,” said James. entire Civil Rights Movement with James said that she believes his famous coverage of the Emmett that Americans are tired of the Till murder and trial, turning an all “toxic environment that exists in too familiar event in the Deep South Washington right now, where we into a national tragedy that united the hate people who disagree with us. black community. Booker remained “I’m not saying that we will sit on the dangerous front lines of the down at the table and all agree—we Civil Rights Movement, reporting on will not—but if we, as Americans, the 1957 integration of Central High can’t demonstrate to the rest of the School in Little Rock, Arkansas. world what it looks like in a pluralistic In 1961, Booker rode with the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE) society to reach a consensus and move forward, then what can we say to the Freedom Riders through the Deep Sunnis and Shias?” South. When the buses were fire The Heritage Foundation president bombed in Anniston, Alabama, said that Americans have to Booker arranged the Freedom Riders' demonstrate what it looks like for evacuation with U.S. Attorney General thoughtful people to solve problems. Robert F. Kennedy. Continuing his According to her official biography work of in-depth reporting, Booker on the Heritage Foundation’s toured Vietnam and interviewed website, James began her career in General Westmoreland for Jet in the public service as a member of the mid-1960s. National Commission on Children In 1964, Booker outlined the under President Ronald Reagan importance of the ongoing Civil Rights Movement in his book, “Black and later served as associate director of the White House Office Man’s America”. Booker covered of National Drug Control Policy and every Presidential election since the Eisenhower Administration in his 53 as assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of years with Johnson Publishing until
President George H.W. Bush. In 2001, James returned to the federal government to serve as President George W. Bush’s director of the Office of Personnel Management. “In 2017, James and former U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese III led President Donald Trump’s transition team for the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Personnel Management, and General Services Administration,” according to her biography. James is a graduate of Hampton University, the recipient of numerous honorary degrees, the author of three books, and president of The Gloucester Institute, an organization that trains and nurtures leaders in the African American community. “My motivation comes from my five grandchildren,” James said. “Someone once told me about QTR— Quality Time Remaining—and I think about the QTR I have and I want to do something meaningful. “For me, being the president of the Heritage Foundation is the best way to use my QTR and when I look into the eyes of my grandchildren and think about the world today, my pledge to them is that I will do whatever I can to turn things around.” James said that the reports that the Heritage Foundation must remain on the same page with the White House are untrue; the organization holds everyone’s feet to the fire, no exceptions, she said.
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
Jan. 10, 2018 • 9
MACY’S JOINS THE WORLD
IN HONORING
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
10 • Jan. 10, 2018
The LEGACY
Black Panther movie causing excitement around country JESSE J. HOLLAND
PHOTO: Entertainment Weekly/Marvel Studios
There’s a Black Panther party going on all around the country. Superhero fans, movie fans and especially connoisseurs of black culture — American and African — are all eagerly awaiting the debut of Marvel’s “Black Panther” movie starring comic book’s first black superhero with an enthusiasm not often seen in American cinema. “Black Panther” will be in theaters on Feb. 16. “Black Panther” viewing parties are already being scheduled around the country for its February release, smack dab in the middle of Black History Month. There are lines of clothing based on the movie’s African style being prepared — the bright colors and Afrofuturism styles of Wakanda are in for the spring. And Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar was just named to produce the soundtrack.
And people are already calling the yet-to-be seen movie one of the most important of 2018, despite the fact that the character that has only appeared once on the silver screen and until now, has not occupied the same pantheon as comic book stalwarts like Superman, Batman and Spiderman. But for some fans, none of that matters because the Black Panther holds a unique position in the superhero world and especially in the African and black diaspora. “As the father of two little Black boys I’m super excited to have a superhero that looks like them on screen,” said Glen Greezy of New York City, who along with more than 900 of his friends on Facebook, plan to hit Times Square and see the movie together on opening weekend. “Other super heroes are great and I see their movies too, but something about having a black man as the main character in a superhero movie is extra appealing.”
Oprah, others triumph at black-draped Globes FROM WIRE REPORTS With a red carpet dyed black by actresses dressed in a colorcoordinated statement, the Golden Globes were transformed into an A-list expression of female empowerment in the post-Harvey Weinstein era. Oprah Winfrey led the charge. “For too long women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men,” said Winfrey, accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. “But their time is up. Their time is up!” More than any award handed out Sunday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, Winfrey's speech, which was greeted by a rousing, ongoing standing ovation, encapsulated the “Me Too” mood at an atypically powerful Golden Globes. The night — usually one reserved for more carefree partying — served as Hollywood’s fullest response yet to the sexual harassment scandals that have roiled the film industry and laid bare its
gender inequalities. “A new day is on the horizon!” promised Winfrey, who noted she was the first black woman to be given the honor. With a cutting stare, presenter Natalie Portman followed Winfrey’s speech by introducing, as she said, “the all-male” nominees for best director. The movie that many believe speaks most directly to the current moment — “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, about a mother avenging the rape and murder of her daughter — emerged as the night's top film. It won best picture, drama, best actress, drama, for Frances McDormand, best supporting actor for Sam Rockwell and best screenplay for writer-director Martin McDonagh. Accepting her award, McDormand granted she was befuddled at the identities of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, but gave them credit. “At least they managed to elect a female president,” she said. She added that the evening indeed had a special feeling. “Trust me, the women in this room
Oprah Winfrey tonight are not here for the food,” said McDormand. Host Seth Meyers opened the night by diving straight into material about the sex scandals. “Good evening ladies and remaining gentlemen,” he
began. In punchlines on Weinstein — “the elephant not in the room” — Kevin Spacey and Hollywood's deeper gender biases, Meyers scored laughs throughout the ballroom, and maybe
(continued on page 11)
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
Ask Alma
Boyfriend doesn’t do enough for me Hi Alma,
I’ve been with my boyfriend almost four years. He works but doesn’t make enough to help me. He makes up for it though in other areas, but he’s also a little
Jan. 10, 2018 • 11 controlling. He’s taken my engagement ring from me three times and I went and bought my own replacement ring and he told me that no other ring should be on that finger, and made me take it off. Should I continue in this relationship? Oh and yes, I do love him. K. Well K, it depends. Yes if you’re 16 and no if you’re 26. Newsflash! Your boyfriend isn’t ready to get married and neither are you. When you love someone and you’re ready to commit, you don’t take back the ring every time there’s a problem. And you especially don’t go out and get a replacement ring, frontin’ to your friends, so they don’t see the real deal, ain’t got no skills, you’re dealing with. What your partner offers, is who they are. You can’t change, transform or rearrange anyone. Wise up to the truth of your relationships, otherwise you’re living in the fantasy of what you want your life to be.
ESSENCE is back to being 100% black-owned Essence Ventures LLC recently announced its acquisition of ESSENCE Communications Inc. from Time Inc, which re-establishes ESSENCE as a 100 percent blackowned independent company. Additionally, ESSENCE will now have an all black female executive team. “Since 1970 ESSENCE Magazine has been the voice of black women, honoring and celebrating their lives and contributions to the world,” said United States Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) President Ron Busby. “ESSENCE Communication’s recent acquisition by Essence Ventures LLC is a testament to this commitment. “We are so proud to stand alongside Michelle Ebanks, president of ESSENCE, and her executive team as they chart a new course in black
Ron Busby media ownership and consumption.” Richelieu Dennis and Essence Ventures made the purchase, making ESSENCE one of few 100 percent black-owned media companies. ‘It’s up to us to renew our subscriptions. Ownership is one part of the equation; the other is supporting our black-owned businesses,” said Busby.
(from page 10) a sense of release. “For the male nominees in the room tonight, this is the first time in three months it won’t be terrifying to hear your name read out loud,” said Meyers. The first award of the night, perhaps fittingly, went to one of Hollywood’s most powerful women: Nicole Kidman, for her performance in HBO’s “The Big Little Lies,” a series she and Reese Witherspoon also produced. Kidman chalked the win up to “the power of women.” “Big Little Lies” won a leading four awards, including best limited series and best supporting actress for Laura Dern. Like seven other female stars, Dern walked the red carpet with a women's rights activist as part of an effort to keep the Globes spotlight trained on sexual harassment. Dern was joined by farmworker advocate Monica Ramirez, Michelle Williams with “Me Too” founder Tarana Burke, and Meryl Streep with domestic worker advocate Ai-jen Poo. “May we teach all of our children that speaking out without fear of retribution is our new North Star,” said Dern, accepting her Globe. Other winners continued the theme. Amazon’s recently debuted “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” about a 1950s housewife who takes up stand-up comedy, won best TV series comedy, and best actress for Rachel Brosnahan. Elisabeth Moss, accepting an award for her performance in Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” movingly dedicated her award to Margaret Atwood, whose book the show is based on. “The Handmaid’s Tale” later added the award for best TV series, drama. “We no longer live in the blank white spaces at the edge of print,” said Moss, referencing Atwood’s prose. “We no longer live in the gaps between the stories. We are the stories in print and we are writing the stories ourselves.” Hollywood’s awards season is seen as wide open. And though the Globes have little correlation with the Oscars, a handful of movies came away with big wins. Greta Gerwig’s mother-daughter tale “Lady Bird” won best picture, comedy or musical, and best actress honors for Saoirse Ronan. Guillermo del Toro’s Cold War-era fantasy “The Shape of Water” won for its score and del Toro’s directing. The emotional
Mexican-born filmmaker wiped back tears and managed to quiet the music that urged him off. Notably left empty-handed were Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk,” Jordan Peele’s horror sensation “Get Out” and Steven Spielberg’s “The Post,” starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. At the top of the show, Meyers alluded to Spielberg’s film’s awards-season bona fides, feigned to present an armful of Globes before the show even started. The Globes had long been the stomping grounds of disgraced mogul Weinstein, whose downfall precipitated allegations against James Toback, Spacey and many others. Weinstein presided over two decades of Globes winners and was well-known for his savvy manipulation of the 89-member press association. Though it bills itself as Hollywood’s biggest party, the Golden Globes struck a slightly more formal, Oscarlike tone, complete with moments of appreciation for movie legends. Kirk Douglas, 101, appearing with his daughter-in-law, Catherine ZetaJones, received a warm standing ovation. Best actor in a comedy or musical went to James Franco for his performance as the infamous “The Room” filmmaker Tommy Wiseau. Franco dragged his co-star and brother, Dave, to the stage and called up Wiseau. When the Wiseau, wearing his trademark sunglasses, got to the stage, he moved for the microphone before Franco turned him back. “Whoa, whoa, whoa,” said Franco as the audience chuckled. Gary Oldman, considered by some to be the best actor front runner, won for his Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour,” edging out newcomer Timothee Chalamet (“Call Me By Your Name”) and Hanks. Best foreign language film went to Germany’s “In the Fade.” Allison Janney took best supporting actress in a comedy for the Tonya Harding tale “I, Tonya.” Aziz Ansari took best actor in a comedy series for his Netflix show “Master of None.” Best animated film went to the Pixar release “Coco.” Pixar cofounder John Lasseter is taking a “six-month sabbatical” after acknowledging “missteps” in his workplace behavior. Backstage, “Coco” director Lee Unkrich was asked about changes at Pixar. “We can all be better,” he said. “We have been taking steps and continue to move forward to create art.”
DENTAL Insurance
12 • Jan. 10, 2018
The LEGACY
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day* Keep your own dentist! NO networks to worry about No wait for preventive care and no deductibles – you could get a checkup tomorrow
Coverage for over 350 procedures – including cleanings, exams,
fillings, crowns…even dentures
NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits you can receive
FREE Information Kit
1-844-709-6890
www.dental50plus.com/28
*Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY;call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN)
6096F
MB16-NM001Fc
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
Jan. 10, 2018 • 13
Soles4Souls new donation facility in Richmond A local non-profit continues to encourage local citizens to donate unwanted new and gently worn shoes to help people in need around the globe. In fact, Soles4Souls - a Nashvillebased social enterprise has opened a new donation facility in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition Historic District to help the process. Shoes can now be dropped off at 1733 Summit Ave. in Richmond. As part of a nationwide initiative, Soles4Souls has launched five new locations across the country to fulfill its mission of “disrupting the cycle of poverty”. These facilities will collect used shoes to help the organization keep unwanted textiles out of landfills while creating meaningful opportunities for those living in poverty. The organization notes that every pair of shoes collected from the community will go to helping those in need. Shoes collected in the Richmond area will be distributed to Soles4Souls’ micro-enterprise programs that create jobs in Haiti, Honduras and other developing nations. The resulting revenue will help fund the free distribution of new shoes in the U.S., Canada and developing nations around the world.
Through its disaster relief, small business and direct assistance programs, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 30 million pairs of new and used shoes in 127 countries and all 50 states since 2006. “We are excited about this new chapter in Soles4Souls’ mission and to have a stronger presence in the Virginia and DC areas,” said Buddy Teaster, president and CEO of Soles4Souls. “Every time we serve a community in need, we are reminded that there is still much more work we can do. These regional donation centers will allow us to collect much more product and thus provide relief to more people in need.”
The World Bank estimates that approximately 900 million people, 400 million of which are children, live on less than $1.90 per day. Millions of these children don’t have access to adequate footwear resulting in significant ramifications for their health and well-being. Meanwhile many adults don’t have access to
sustainable employment. “Each pair of donated shoes that we receive truly makes a difference,” said Teaster. “Just one pair of used shoes sold by an entrepreneur in Haiti can provide five meals for a family, and 20 pairs can generate enough funds to send child to school for an entire year in Honduras.”
14 • Jan. 10, 2018
The LEGACY
Co. CASA seeks volunteers to serve as child advocates Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) will hold an information session Tuesday, Jan. 30 for people who may be interested in working in the court system on behalf of abused or neglected children. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the CASA offices at the Hungary Spring Office Park, 3001 Hungary Spring Road, suite A. To reserve a seat, contact Rebecca KalmanWinston at 804-501-1670 or kal001@ henrico.us. Henrico CASA is a private, nonprofit organization that has worked closely with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for more than 23 years. CASA volunteers serve as a court-designated advocate for minor children involved in cases
before the court. They assist case attorneys and judges by providing information about the children’s circumstances. “Children involved in cases before the court find themselves in frightening, unfamiliar situations. CASA ensures they won’t have to face these challenges alone,” said Barbara Herzog, director of Henrico CASA. “Volunteers truly make a difference. Children supported by CASA receive more services and are more likely to succeed in school. They also spend significantly less time in foster care. What’s that worth to a child? The answer is beyond measure.” A total of 106 Henrico CASA volunteers advocated for 375 children during fiscal year 2016-17. For more, visit henricocasa.org.
PSA As a person who is passionate about Alzheimer’s disease, and, as an Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, I have started a campaign for an revenue sharing ALZHEIMER’S LICENSE PLATE through DMV. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, anyone with a brain should be concerned about Alzheimer’s and, the license plate is a great way to raise funding for awareness and support. Since 2000, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased by 89 percent. Alzheimer’s is the only cause of death in the top 10 that cannot be prevented or treated and has no cure. This must change. Today, 130,000 Virginians are living with Alzheimer’s, and 400,000 are caregiving for someone who has it. We must effectively prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease soon and support those impacted by it until researchers achieve this goal. We need your help! Together all Virginians can help us get the required 450 prepaid applications needed to be able to get DMV to produce the ALZHEIMER'S LICENSE PLATE. Amanda Chase, Senator, has agreed to present this license plate bill to General Assembly in January 2018 once 450 applications are collected. Once 1000 license plates are in circulation in the state of Virginia, $15 of the annual $25 cost for the ALZHEIMER’S LICENSE PLATE will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. *REGISTER TODAY* Online registration available at www.vaendalz.com! Email: vaendalz@gmail.com for information about the license plate. Katy Reed, Louisa, VA - 540-967-7098
Charlotesville appoints new historic mayor Charlotesville has a new mayor and she has made history by being the first black woman in that city to hold the title. Nikuyah Walker, an independent who was one of two new council members elected in November, was chosen by her fellow councilors at a recent meeting. Her role includes presiding over council meetings The city of Charlottesville is still coping with the aftermath of white nationalist rallies last year. Walker has been an outspoken critic of local leaders’ response to the rallies and a frequent presence at council meetings. Former Mayor Mike Signer will still serve on the five-member council. He became the public face of the city as it dealt with the rallies. At a city council meeting in August, a few days after the “Unite the Right” event believed to be the largest white nationalist gathering in a decade, many residents were
Nikuyah Walker angry at Signer, frustrated that the city had granted a permit for the rally and at the police for letting the violent clash play out. “Why did you think that you could walk in here and do business as usual after what happened on the 12th?” Walker, then a City Council candidate, said at this meeting. Walker, a grassroots organizer and the first Independent to be elected to the Charlottesville City Council since the 1940s, has already stirred up strong emotions. At one point, she called Signer a “white, liberal and progressive — a keeper of the status quo” and she has frequently called out racial and wealth inequality in the community in emails to city leaders. In return, the Charlottesville newspaper labeled her as “unabashedly aggressive.”
C.L. Belle’s
E Z Car Rental 3101 W. Broad Street
(804) 358-3406
WINTER SPECIAL
ALL Cars
Small - Medium -
29
$
Large
95
a day
Free Pickup in Richmond Area
NO CREDIT CARD NEEDED
www.ezcarrentalsrva.com
Jan. 10, 2018 • 15
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
Lottery decides intense Virginia House election Republican David Yancey has been declared the winner of a House of Delegates race that could determine which political party controls the chamber. In a rare but dramatic election lottery that was livestreamed, his
name was pulled from a stoneware because the deciding method was bowl borrowed from the Virginia an odd way to decide a highly NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BYand the lottery Museum of Fine Arts. This lottery consequential contest VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY settled the tie between Yancey andPERCENT may RENEWABLE not be the final word. FOR APPROVAL OF 100 ENERGY TARIFFS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL Democrat Shelly Simonds. Simonds and a crowd of about CUSTOMERS PURSUANT TO §§ 56-577 A 5 AND 56-234 OF This lottery drew nationalTHE attention state officials, journalists and CODE OF100 VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2017-00157
politicians were on hand for the drawing in the West Reading Room of the Patrick Henry Building. While Yancey was not present, Simonds was front and center with her husband and daughter by her side.
•Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion”) has applied for approval of two voluntary 100% renewable energy tariffs for residential and non-residential customers with peak demand of less than one megawatt. •A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hear the case on April 17, 2018, at 10 a.m. •Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. On November 17, 2017, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) pursuant to §§ 56-577 A 5 and 56-234 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) for approval of two renewable energy tariffs, collectively designated Continuous Renewable Generation (Subscription) Rate Schedules (“Rate Schedules CRG-S”), whereby new and existing residential and non-residential customers with peak demand of less than one megawatt can voluntarily elect to purchase 100 percent (“100%”) of their energy needs from renewable energy resources. Dominion requests the Commission to approve the Rate Schedules CRG-S as 100% renewable energy tariffs under Code § 56-577 A 5. If the Commission approves the Rate Schedules CRG-S as 100% renewable energy tariffs under Code § 56-577 A 5, such approval will impact the Company’s obligation to allow retail choice to certain customers seeking to purchase renewable energy. The Company states that it will develop a portfolio of renewable energy resources (“CRG-S Portfolio”) to serve Rate Schedule CRG-S customers. The Application states that all resources included in the CRG-S Portfolio will meet the definition of “renewable energy” under Code § 56-576 and that the Company intends the initial CRG-S Portfolio to consist of a combination of hydroelectric, wind, and new solar (i.e., constructed after 2017) resources. A customer electing to take the generation component of electricity supply service under the applicable Rate Schedule CRG-S would no longer receive such generation component of electricity supply service under its existing rate schedule and would have all of its energy and capacity supply needs met by the selected renewable energy resources. The Company proposes a fixed rate of 9.627 cents per kilowatt-hour (“kWh”) for residential customers, and 8.608 cents per kWh for non-residential customers, to be the price (“CRG-S Rate”) for the retail generation component of electricity supply service for participating Rate Schedules CRG-S customers; this price will be in lieu of the customers’ generation component of electricity supply service billed under their standard tariffs. The Company further proposes the CRG-S Rate to be fixed for a period of three years after receiving Commission approval but states that the rates may be subject to change thereafter in order to reflect any changes in market conditions, such as market prices, and subject to subsequent Commission approval. According to the Application, subscribing customers of Rate Schedules CRG-S will be subject to a minimum one-year term. The Company states that in addition to the CRG-S Rate, participating customers would continue to be subject to distribution service charges and transmission demand or energy charges, consistent with the distribution and transmission charges in the corresponding standard rate schedules for non-participating customers. Rate Schedule CRG-S customers would also be subject to any existing and future distribution and transmission riders, unless otherwise exempt. Because participating customers will not receive any of the generation components of their energy or capacity needs from the Company’s existing fleet of generation resources, they will not be subject to the Company’s existing or future fuel or generation riders. According to the Company, if Rate Schedules CRG-S are approved, a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month who voluntarily switches from the standard residential tariff to Rate Schedule CRG-S would experience a monthly bill increase of approximately $20.68. The Company indicates that it will retire the renewable energy certificates associated with the renewable energy generated and used to serve participating customers on their behalf. The Company states that it will expand the CRG-S Portfolio as needed to meet customer enrollment in Rate Schedules CRG-S up to an initial participation cap of 25 megawatts of customer peak load. Should Rate Schedules CRG-S become fully subscribed, the Company states it will evaluate raising the participation cap, expanding the CRG-S Portfolio, changing the CRG-S Rate, or taking other actions, and will address any changes with the Commission at the appropriate time. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing to be held at 10 a.m. on April 17, 2018, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony of public witnesses and the evidence of the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness should appear at the hearing location fifteen (15) minutes before the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff. Copies of the public version of all documents filed in this case are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Copies of the Company’s Application and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing also may be inspected during regular business hours at each of the Company’s business offices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Copies of these documents also may be obtained, at no charge, by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. On or before April 10, 2018, any interested person may file written comments on the Company’s Application with Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Interested persons desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before April 10, 2018, by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2017-00157. Any person or entity may participate as a respondent in this proceeding by filing a notice of participation on or before February 13, 2017. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be filed with the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. A copy of the notice of participation as a respondent also shall be sent to counsel for the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent shall be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2017-00157. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing. The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
16 • Jan. 10, 2018
Calendar 1.12, 7 p.m.
MEGA Mentors will host its 7th Annual Fine Art Benefit and Sale featuring Willie Earl Robinson at the Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd St, Richmond. In conjunction with the 2018 Freedom Classic Festival, the benefit and sale will feature a fine art sale with works by Heather Moss, Leroy Campbell, William Tolliver, Kevin Williams, Charley Palmer and featured artist, Willie Earl Robinson. Additionally, there will be a silent auction filled with great prizes and live music. MEGA Mentors notes that it is committed to helping at risk students in Chesterfield County Public Schools become more successful. The organization works to teach life and leadership skills to African-American and other underrepresented Chesterfield County Public School students through mentoring, tutoring, experiential fields trips and recognition. By attending and making purchases at the Fine Arts Benefit and Sale, you’ll be supporting the efforts of MEGA Mentors.
The LEGACY
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
MLK Day offerings The University of Richmond will celebrate the 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday through a series of events in January that focus on learning about and serving the greater Richmond community. Events open to the public include: - A screening of “Hidden Figures” at the Byrd Theatre, Jan. 14 at 4:30 p.m. A guided community discussion will follow the screening. - A brown bag discussion on “What is AntiRacist work?” Jan. 19 at 12:30 p.m. Glyn Hughes MLK commemoration event on Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in Modlin Center for the Arts, Camp Concert Hall. This year’s theme for the MLK commemoration event is “Activating The Beloved Community,” and features Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney as the keynote speaker. The commemoration will include performances from UR’s Ngoma African Dance Troupe and the Octaves. A reception will follow. “We recognize that the work of Dr. King remains unfinished, and at the University of Richmond we are committed to honoring his legacy and vision, and their implications for our current moment,” said Glyn Hughes, director of Common Ground. Campus only learning activities include: A screening of the film “Selma” Jan. 15 A walking tour of historic Jackson Ward on Jan. 19 The campus community will also have an opportunity to participate in a number of service opportunities, including helping clear the overgrown brush at the East End Cemetery and spending time with residents at a senior community creating arts and crafts.
1.13, 1 p.m.
Join the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia for the film “Martin Luther King in Palestine” that follows an African American gospel choir and Palestinian actors across the Holy Land amid a rising tide of nonviolent struggle for change. Following the film participate in a conversation moderated by Gary Flowers, host of the “Gary Flowers” show on WREJ-Rejoice radio 101.3 FM and 990 AM, and Adeeb Abed, president of the Arab American Association of Central Virginia. The free event is sponsored by Richmonders for Peace in Israel and Palestine and the Arab American Association of Central Virginia. Registration is requested online at: blackhistorymuseum.org .
1.19, 7 p.m.
The African Children's Choir melts the hearts of audiences with their charming smiles, beautiful voices and lively African songs and dances. They will be the honored guests at a program featuring well-loved children’s songs, traditional spirituals and Gospel favorites. The concerts, free and open to all, will take place at Calvary’s Love Ministries, 118 S 11th Ave. in Hopewell. A free-will offering is taken at the performance to support African Children’s Choir programs, such as education, care and relief and development programs. Music for Life (the parent organization for The African Children’s Choir) works in seven African countries such as, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. MFL has educated over 52,000 children and impacted the lives of over 100,000 people through its relief and development programs during its history. MFL purpose is to help create new leadership for tomorrow’s Africa, by focusing on education. The African Children's Choir has performed before presidents, heads of state and most recently the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, for her diamond jubilee. For more information, visit the website africanchildrenschoir.com or call 804-541-8300.
CHTravels.com
Submit your calendar events by email to: editor@legacynewspaper.com. Include who, what, where, when & contact information that can be printed. Submission deadline is Friday.
One-stop for travel planning and booking. We’ll do the work so you don’t have to.
Jan. 10, 2018 • 17
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
More black men needed in early childhood education As educators, there is an obligation to give students every opportunity to succeed. Parents rely on educators to ensure children are armed with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive, once they leave the classrooms. “Over my more than 15 years in education,” said Royston Maxwell Lyttle in a recent commentary piece. “I have learned that to fulfill this responsibility, schools must give children the opportunity to learn from men of color. The profound impact black male educators can have on the trajectory of a child’s life cannot be overstated and it’s time that we acknowledge it.” Lyttle is principal for grades 1-3 of the Eagle Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. He strongly believes that all students should be provided a high-quality education and that all students can reach their full academic potential regardless of their social or economic background. According to the U.S. Department of Education, less than two percent of our nation’s teachers are black males. At a time when non-white students outnumber white students in U.S. public schools, the need for a
diverse teaching force has never been greater. Lyttle said at Eagle Academy Public Charter School, diversity is something that is not only celebrated, but aggressively pursued. “We constantly look for ways to expose our students to different experiences, perspectives and methods for coping with challenges. And this starts with diverse educators,” he said. It should come as no surprise that men and women bring different perspectives to the classroom, and the same is true for individuals of varying backgrounds and ethnicities. It is crucial that schools cultivate a diverse and stable environment to facilitate this development, especially in early education, where children develop the foundation for the rest of their lives. Lyttle says he has seen firsthand that when children learn and grow in a diverse community, they begin to challenge stereotypes that have, for far too long, prevented children from reaching their full potential. Lyttle further points out that early childhood education is still widely viewed as a woman’s profession. With
New tax plan lacks compassion for most Americans, NAACP says The NAACP is up in arms about the tax plan passed by Congress. NAACP officials claim the new tax giveaway removes healthcare for 13 million Americans and dumps over $1.5 trillion of debt onto the American public while continuing to perpetuate the sad mythology which says by giving the rich more, we all do better. “This plan completely ignores what we all know to be the truth: extra money given back to the working class will go into the economy at a much higher rate than money given to the wealthy,” according to a NAACP release. While millions prepared for the holidays and now are in finaicial recovery with the stark reality of the loss of healthcare and an uncertain future, the NAACP notes, the nation’s most powerful elected officials decide to take from those without to give more to the nation’s wealthiest one percent, who already own 40 percent of the nation's wealth. According to one estimate, by 2027, individuals making over a million dollars will see an additional tax giveaway of $5.8 billion more; yet those making $40-50,000 will pay an extra $5.3 billion more in taxes. What Congress has continued to show is that far from representing the interests of the people, the nation’s policies disproportionately favor the wealthy. “Our democracy becomes healthy only when the politics and polices emanating from Congress reflect the American people and not solely the interests of corporations or our wealthiest citizens,” the release states. The NAACP unequivocally stands in strong opposition to this tax giveaway and calls on the president to veto it.
Royston Maxwell Lyttle men representing only 2.5 percent of preschool and profession. With men representing only 2.5 percent of preschool and kindergarten teachers and 21.5 percent of elementary and middle school teachers, the chances of having a male educator—let alone a Black male educator—before reaching high school are slim. The environment children are exposed to in their first years of education has a profound impact on how they view the world. Therefore, there should be a sense of urgency among early educators to combat stereotypes. When children see a diverse teaching staff working together in the same profession, they not only learn the importance of equality, but are also encouraged to ignore gender and racial stereotypes associated with certain careers. “As a black man working in early education, I have seen how these societal constructs negatively affect children and I have dedicated my life to breaking them down,” Lyttle said. Role models play a critical role in a child’s development. Young boys who come from disadvantaged backgrounds may not have a strong father figure at home, and often come to school hoping to fill that void. As a leader of a 98 percent African American student body, Lyttle feels it is important for students to find someone they can see themselves in, look up to, and aspire to be. “Boys who grow up with only female teachers and role models don’t have this opportunity,” said Lyttle. “Children tend to mimic influential individuals in their lives. They benefit from strong, black male teachers who lead by example.”
This is something Lyttle learned from a student while working. “He was a young boy whose behavioral issues were hindering his ability to learn,” Lyttle explains. “Without a father figure in his life, his mother was struggling to get through to him. “Upon sitting down with the boy in hopes of identifying the root of these problems, I was surprised to find he had just one request: to spend time together. After our first outing to the movies, his attitude and schoolwork improved dramatically. I didn’t have to employ any complicated learning tactic or psychological theory to help this child—I just had to be there and listen. Over the remainder of the year, I watched him grow into a successful and happy student. “That experience left me determined to be someone my students can always rely on and look up to inside and outside of the classroom.” While looking to the future of early childhood education, Lyttle urges parents, teachers, lawmakers and communities to invest in ways to bring diversity to the classroom. “I also challenge my fellow black men who are passionate about education to buck the norm, ignore the stigma, and put the children first. “As a black male principal, I feel it is my duty to spread this message and be a catalyst for change in order to create a more diversified environment for our children to learn in. “I have found there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student succeed against all odds, due to the lessons you have taught them. I encourage more black men to join me in this journey,” he said.
The LEGACY
18 • Jan. 10, 2018
Classifieds
LEGAL, EMPLOYMENT, ANNOUNCEMENTS, FOR SALE, SERVICES
Are you in a suicide crisis? National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. EOE M/F/D/V
Thinking of buying a new or used car?
Call: 866-974-4339
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia's policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. For more information or to file a housing complaint, call the Virginia Housing Office (804) 367-8530 or (888) 551-3247. For the hearing-impaired, call (804) 367-9753 or e-mail fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.
HEALTH/PERSONALS/MISCELLANEOUS IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson
1-800-535-5727
Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged and Disenfranchised (RIHD) P.O. Box 55 Highland Springs, Virginia 23075 (804) 426-4426 NEW Email: rihd23075@gmail.com Website: http://www.rihd.org/ Twitter: @rihd
Did you know... One of the strong benefits of newspaper advertising is that newspapers offer a variety of ways to target a particular audience. Whether it’s zoning inserts by zip code or using a niche publication to target a certain ethnic group or behaviorally targeting a certain group on a newspaper website, newspaper products offer a wide range of products to target any audience an advertiser is looking to reach. Talk to us for more information.
CHTravels.com
One-stop for travel planning and booking. We’ll do the work so you don’t have to. PRINT & DIGITAL AD SALES EXECUTIVE
Call to get current promotional pricing and local dealer incentives for free. No hassle. No obligation.
The LEGACY is looking for a reliable, highly-motivated, goal-driven sales professional to join our team selling print and digital advertising in the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas. Duties include: Building and maintaining relationships with new/existing clients Meeting and exceeding monthly sales goals Cold calling new prospects over the phone to promote print and online advertising space
Qualifications:
Proven experience with print (newspaper) and/or digital (website) advertising sales; Phone and one-on-one sales experience; Effective verbal and written communication skills, professional image and; Familiarity with Richmond and/or Hampton Roads areas. Compensation depends on experience and includes a base pay as well as commission.
The LEGACY is an African-American-oriented weekly newspaper, circulation 25,000, with a website featuring local and national news and advertising.
E-mail resume and letter of interest to ads@ legacynewspaper.com detailing your past sales experience. No phone calls please.
Jan. 10, 2018 • 19
www.LEGACYnewspaper.com
AUCTIONS FORECLOSURE SALE 28 Income Producing Properties Includes 48 Rental Units. Suffolk, VA January 18th @ 2 pm Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk www.motleys.com • 804-601-8147 VA16 EHO FARM EQUIPMENT GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com HELP WANTED / SALES EARN $500 A DAY: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents * Leads, No Cold Calls * Commissions Paid Daily * Agency Training * Life License Required. Call 1-888-713-6020. HELP WANTED/TRUCK DRIVERS CDL TRAINING FOR LOCAL/OTR DRIVERS! $700$1200 a week! 4-wks or 10 Weekends for CDL. Veterans in Demand! Richmond/Fredericksburg 877-CDS-4CDL; Lynchburg/Roanoke 855-CDS-4CDL; Front Royal/ Winchester 844-CDS-4CDL PERSONALS Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-855-465-7060. SERVICES DIVORCE–Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twentyone days. Telephone inquiries welcome-no obligation. Hilton Oliver, Attorney. 757-490-0126. Se Habla Español. BBB Member.
Advertise here Meet sexy friends who really get your vibe...
Try FREE: 800-914-0978 18+
804-644-1550 ads@legacynewspaper.com
MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018