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EGACY Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

WEDNESDAYS • Dec. 20, 2017

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INSIDE GOP showdown for Senate seat - 4 What is the future of Christmas? - 8 Net neutrality, pay for play status - 13 Va. wants to help entrepreneurs - 17

Richmond & Hampton Roads

Dec. 26, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018

LEGACYNEWSPAPER.COM • FREE

Bringing joy to all

“Santa Claus”, right, portrayed by neonatologist Dr. Robert Sinkin, and “Mrs. Claus” visit a patient in NICU. PHOTO: Sanjay Suchak WHITELAW REED With a fluffy, white beard he has spent months grooming, a pair of glasses that sit elegantly on the bridge of his nose and a belly that protrudes perfectly over his belt,

you might be hard-pressed to find a more authentic Santa Claus than Dr. Robert Sinkin.

Well, except for the part about him not celebrating Christmas. Sinkin, who is Jewish, celebrates Hanukkah.

But that hasn’t stopped the

neonatologist from lifting the spirits of families in the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for the last 12 years.

“We recognize how difficult it is for families to have to be hospitalized

with a sick child and how difficult it is for families to get together at this time of the year and celebrate,” Sinkin said last week, just before posing for family photos. “Keeping

(continued on page 2)

The Legacy wishes you a very Merry Christmas!

The LEGACY

2 • Dec. 20, 2017

News

RVA celebrates Kwanzaa Elegba Folklore Society, billed as Richmond’s Cultural Ambassador, will present the 2017 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival with a series of events meant to “please the palette of attendees and capture the spirit and the significance of the Kwanzaa holiday”.

While Kwanzaa was meant to be for people from a certain culture, it can something for everyone.

Richard Griffin

The festival’s main stage will feature music, dance and message presented to strengthen families and galvanize the community. The African Market will be open with food and shopping. There will also be children’s events and workshops and more.

This year’s festival will focus on

the theme “Divinely Purposed” after the fifth principle, Nia, or purpose.

The event’s keynote speaker is Professor Richard “Griff” Griffin, an internationally recognized educator, writer, producer, musician, platinum recording/spoken word artist, lecturer and founding member of the pioneering, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hip hop group, Public Enemy.

What to know about Kwanzaa 1. Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African heritage and culture in the black American community in the United States that is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

2. Maulana Karenga, an activist and professor and chairman of black studies at California State University—Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. Karenga was motivated to create the holiday by a want to create stronger community between African-Americans in the wake of the police and community-based racial tensions in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts neighborhood riots in Los Angeles.

3. Kwanzaa is a nonreligous holiday that is modeled after a number African harvest celebrations, and its name is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, which means “first fruits” in Swahili.

4. Kwanzaa can be celebrated in different ways, but celebrations often include storytelling, songs, dance and a large meal.

5. A child lights a candle in the Kinara, a special candle holder,

during each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa. Each candle represents one of the Nguzo Saba, which is Swahili for “seven principles”. Each principle represents a value in African culture.

6. The seven principles include: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani).

7. Kwanzaa also incorporates seven celebratory symbols, and one is emphasized each day. Those symbols include: the crops (mazao), place mat (mkeka), ear of corn (vibunzi), the seven candles (mishumaa saba), the candle holder (kinara), the unity cup (kikombe cha umoja) and gifts (zawadi).

8. A Karamu, an African feast, is held on Dec. 31.

9. The holiday has spread from the U.S. to other areas of the world, and is celebrated among black Canadians, for example.

10. Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of people of African descent each year.

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The LEGACY

4 • Dec. 20, 2017

(from page 1) families apart is very, very stressful, so we love the idea that we can bring a little joy into their lives.”

Sinkin began dressing as Santa when he was in medical school at the University of Rochester (in New York) in 1984. When he came to the UVA Children’s Hospital in 2006, he immediately volunteered his services.

It was a stroke of luck for Susan Almarode, a neonatal nurse practitioner who had recruited snowmen and reindeer over the years, but had yet to find a Santa.

Still, Sinkin didn’t hit his stride in the role until 2013. That year, he sustained a shoulder injury that prevented him from shaving. The result was a beard that would make most Santas jealous.

“I said, ‘You’re never wearing the fake beard ever again!’” Almarode said, smiling.

Now, every September, Almarode reminds Sinkin to start growing his beard, which takes a couple of months.

Over the years, Almarode has brought in more and more characters. This year, there were a Mrs. Claus, a snowman, a Christmas

tree and a bevy of elves.

Stephanie Nuckols, who has been more or less living in the hospital since her twin sons were born on Sept. 14, said the hospital has done a great job of making her family feel at home.

When Nuckols’ boys, Gunner and Blaze, were born in Winchester, they had brain bleeding and weighed roughly 2 pounds apiece.

“It was really scary, but they’re fine right now,” she said. “Everything’s stable and right now, we’re just watching them grow.”

Now up to 7 pounds each, the family hopes to go home sometime in early January.

“It’s been a hard ride,” Nuckols said, smiling down at her newborns, “but they’ve taken great care of me and them.”

There were 39 babies from across Central Virginia in the NICU last week, as of this writing, with two scheduled to go home.

In posing for photos, Sinkin gives families a memento of their baby’s first Christmas.

“Unfortunately, some children might not leave the hospital – and the families have a cherished memory,” Sinkin said.

Stephanie Nuckols and her twin sons pose with “Santa” and “Mrs. Claus”.

Almarode, who has been at UVA since 2004, said people often make comments to her about how sad working in the NICU must be.

“It is true that there are moments in here that are quite traumatic and can be incredibly heart-wrenching,” she said, “but there can also be a lot of joy, too. There are good things that happen here. We see miracles every day.”

More than anything, Almarode,

Sinkin and other staffers try to provide families with some semblance of normalcy – and, with any luck, a precious memory.

Earlier in the day, a girl who had been in the NICU roughly four years earlier returned with her mom for a special visit.

“She knows that instead of going to see the mall Santa,” Almarode said, “she can see Dr. Sinkin.” © UVA News

Dec. 20, 2017 • 5

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

GOP sets up showdown for Sen. Kaine’s seat STAFF & WIRE E.W. Jackson, an outspoken and controversial minister last week announced his bid for the U.S. Senate setting up a showdown with Corey Stewart, a fellow controversial conservative.

Jackson, founder of Exodus Faith Ministries in Chesapeake, is hoping

Jenner is insane.

In a 2012 interview with Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, Jackson said that gay men and lesbians have “perverted” minds and are “very sick people psychologically, mentally and emotionally.”

“Homosexuality is a horrible sin, it

Corey Stewart

E.W. Jackson to win the Virginia Republican primary to challenge incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, in 2018.

Virginia state Del. Nick Freitas is another Republican hoping to unseat Kaine.

In 2013, Jackson unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor of Virginia.

Right Wing Watch recently published a long list of Jackson’s most outrageous comments, including stating that “demonic” former President Barack Obama has “unleashed hell on this country” and hates America, claiming that the left wants to see Christians and conservatives dead and asserting that transgender reality star Caitlyn

poisons culture, it destroys families, it destroys societies; it brings the judgment of God unlike very few things that we can think of,” he said.

During his 2013 campaign, Jackson denied calling gays “sick,” telling a television reporter that he’s “a person who respects every individual.”

Jackson, while announcing his candidacy last week, accuses Stewart, who is chair of Prince William County Board of Supervisors, of having “dealings” with the Muslim Brotherhood, which prompted Stewart to fire back by saying that Jackson “must be off his meds.”

Jackson made his announcement,

with the Muslim Brotherhood comments, on the John Fredericks radio show, to which Stewart responded—while in Alabama campaigning for Roy Moore—by telling multiple reporters that Jackson was “off his meds.”

When Fredericks asked Stewart to further respond to Jackson’s comments, he did in the same vein.

“Well, look, we’re not going to talk about self-styled Bishop Jackson, who has accused people who do yoga of practicing Satanism, who has said people are possessed by demons and who’s now saying that I’m a member of the Muslim Brotherhood even though I’m a Catholic. I mean, this is just crackpot stuff, he’s like off his meds or something, he’s gotten even crazier as the years have gone along,” Stewart said.

“I’m seriously worried about his mental health,” he added.

Both Jackson and Stewart supported disgraced former Alabama judge, Roy Moore, whon lost his election last Tuesday. Both also support Trump.

Jackson said that if he lived in Alabama, he would vote for Roy Moore despite the fact that he has some concerns about the multiple allegations that Moore pursued sexual relationships with teenage girls when he was in his 30s.

“E.W. Jackson joining Corey Stewart and Delegate Nick Freitas in the Senate race confirms that the

far right has taken over the Virginia Republican Party,” said Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker. “As I’ve said before, if these candidates were any further right they would be 50 miles off of Virginia Beach. All three of these candidates are racing to the right to see who could be the biggest lapdog in the Senate for Donald Trump’s dangerous, divisive agenda that benefits those at the very top at the expense of everyone else.”

Swecker noted that Jackson is “notorious for his offensive, disgusting views”, including defunding Planned Parenthood, which she said provides vital health care services to underserved populations, and called it ‘far more lethal to black lives than the KKK ever was.’

“He questioned President Obama’s faith, called him ‘evil’ and ‘the Antichrist, compared Obamacare to slavery, and called LGBTQ people ‘perverted’ and ‘very sick.’ Simply put, we can’t trust someone with this twisted worldview to fight for all Virginians in the Senate.

“Virginians deserve a leader committed to growing our economy, strengthening our health care, and protecting us at home and abroad -- and that’s Tim Kaine. As Virginia Republicans continue to elevate and prop up dangerous, out-of-touch candidates, the choice for Virginians in 2018 could not be more clear.”

6 • Dec. 20, 2017

Op/Ed & Letters

The LEGACY

Racism in the workplace & whitewashing of #MeToo JULIANNE MALVEAUX Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) was the first member of the Congressional Black Caucus to leave his job after the “MeToo” hashtag galvanized women to speak up about sexual misconduct, harassment and more.

Too bad that impetus did not float up to the top, where an avowed grabber of women’s genitals occupies the White House. It’s also unfortunate, that members of Congress have paid sexual assault accusers out of a taxpayer-funded slush fund have not been unmasked.

We know some of the names. Texas Congressman Blake Farenthold (R-Texas) arranged to have his former communications director paid $84,000 (a fraction of the $27,000 Conyers is said to have paid). Farenthold has not resigned, nor have Congressional Republicans called for his resignation, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). Farenthold said he will pay the money back. Yeah, right.

As a woman, I am cheered by the #MeToo movement, although I am also annoyed by the myopia about women of color and sexual harassment, assault and rape. In 1944, Recy Taylor was viciously raped by seven white men, who never paid a price. Civil rights icon Rosa Parks was an NAACP investigator in this case, as chronicled by Danielle McGuire in The LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 3 No. 51 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

her book, “At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance–A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power.”

The first case in which the Supreme Court ruled that sexual harassment was a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act was brought by Michelle Vinson, a black woman, in the case Meritor Savings Bank v. Vinson (1986). The high-profile, white women who are talking about workplace sexual harassment and assault really need to acknowledge the many ways that black women have been systematically abused, and systematically ignored (and sometimes conspired against) by their white “sisters.”

Perhaps I quibble, but this overwhelming stand against sexual misconduct and beyond (getting nude in front of your staff, forcible kissing, grabbing women by the 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

you know what, etc.) makes me wonder when there will be a similar groundswell against racism and racial harassment in the workplace.

Numerous cases of nooses being displayed in workplaces have been reported in the last decade, so many that a law journal published an article titled, “Does One Noose in the Workplace Constitute a Hostile Work Environment? If Not, How Many?”

One isolated incident is not enough, the article opines. What about one unwanted kiss or one abusive grope?

Why do nooses get to be seen as “jokes,” while unwanted kissing is seen as an occurrence of zero tolerance?

I’m not ever, ever, ever going to excuse sexual perfidy (and more) in the workplace, but I do wonder why we can wink, nod, and grin about racial workplace misbehavior while we stand our ground about gender.

I wonder why so many say accept the “just kidding” or “I didn’t know” excuse when people are racially insensitive, but are now willing to hold press conferences and speak out against sexism in the workplace. If you look at the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, the paucity of people of color as senior staffers is amazing, as documented by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Surely, there is no shortage of highly qualified African Americans and Latinos who could work on Capitol Hill. Why aren’t members of Congress calling each

other on their racial myopia?

Perhaps racism and racial harassment are a little more complicated than sexism and sexual harassment. Half of the population, after all, is female, and while women make the slow climb up the hierarchy in corporate America, politics, the media, and entertainment, the pace has been steady enough that powerful women are now able to call men out on their misbehavior, with women demanding resignations of (some) misbehaving men. However, too few white women and men have been willing to apply the same “zero tolerance” to employment matters regarding race.

There should never be another noose laid on a black employee’s desk or displayed in a workplace. There should never be another intimidating Confederate flag flying in a black person’s face. There should never be another opportunity for an employee (or fellow student, or faculty member) to talk about picking cotton.

There should never be another blackface performance, anywhere.

And there should never be another person who talks about zero tolerance around workplace sexism to accept any whisper of workplace racism.

Malveaux is an economist, author, and founder of Economic Education.

Her latest book “Are We Better Off: Race, Obama and Public Policy” is available via Amazon.

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

Dec. 20, 2017 • 7

P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.

Neutrality benefits Unrestricted access to the Internet has been revolutionary and life-changing for the disability community over the past three decades and the impact of internetbased services and supports on the quality of life for individuals with disabilities has been immeasurable.

Numerous advancements in person-to-person communications, healthcare resource availability, at-home supports, and employment opportunities have led to gamechanging improvements in the financial security, employability, socialization, and general well-being for individuals with disabilities, who collectively represent one of America’s most vulnerable and under-served communities.

Even with these advancements, unemployment remains endemic in the disability community and access to services and supports remains a critical problem in every state. As Virginia’s Developmental Disability Council, the board is keenly aware of these issues, as are its counterparts in the 55 other U.S. states and territories.

While the Internet existed for many years without the explicit net neutrality regulations currently

under review, it was only after major last-mile internet services providers began seeking loopholes and publically exploiting the generally neutral existing framework that it became necessary to formally enshrine those regulations. The proposal to undo that work threatens to undo years, if not decades, of advances in critical quality of life areas for individuals with disabilities.

The argument that the repeal of net neutrality will benefit people with disabilities, the sick, and the elderly rests primarily on the purported benefits of paid-prioritization for select online resources, such as telemedicine. While the board supports efforts by Internet providers to enhance and improve these services whenever possible, current FCC regulations do not hinder such improvements. Capabilities to provide services to individuals with disabilities have already received carve-outs under current regulatory guidelines. Several types of communications services, for example, including telemedicine, may already be, and often are, prioritized to increase speed and lower latency under existing rules pertaining to non-Broadband Internet Access Service (non-BIAS) data services.

Furthermore, a repeal of Net neutrality regulations would pose two threats to individuals with disabilities: First, it is likely that access to critical resources and supports for individuals with disabilities would be threatened

in favor of paid-prioritization deals with select service providers, leading to massive and potentially unsustainable issues in capability and continuity of care. Major Internet service providers, including several of those operating in Virginia, have already begun walking back prior pubic commitments to neutral access for all. It is also likely that access to at least some non-prioritized services could be cut entirely, particularly in rural areas, where these resources are already limited, and where there are already shortages of competing broadband providers from which to choose.

Secondly, the board is aware of no model in which the absence of a net neutrality framework produced lower costs or significant improvements in services, particularly on an international level, where the effects of neutrality-free models are visible and measurable in a number of other countries. Instead of lowering costs, repeal of these regulations would likely lead to higher costs for consumers either directly, through increased access fees, or indirectly, through increased fees for individual services and websites, as companies attempt to adjust to increase costs imposed upon them by ISPs for continued or preferred access to consumers.

Higher costs for internet access would disproportionately affect people with disabilities.

Unemployment and poverty are critical problems throughout the disability community: only 37

percent of working-age individuals with disabilities are employed, less than half the 81 percent of workingage people without disabilities who have jobs. Access to services and supports remain hugely problematic, with many individuals waiting years and, in some cases, decades, for public assistance via waiting lists that are frequently thousands of people long. As a result of these issues, people with disabilities in Virginia, and throughout the United States, face a myriad of financial challenges; many of them seemingly overwhelming. Any move that would increase the cost of internet access, a vital lifeline for many people with disabilities, would be harmful to those individuals and could threaten to price them out of the market entirely.

While the debate regarding net neutrality is nearing its deadline and the arguments both for and against are often buried in deeply technical rhetoric, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities firmly rejects the assertion that a repeal would work to the benefit of individuals with disabilities. In fact, a repeal of net neutrality would have negative consequences for many people with disabilities by increasing the costs of accessing internet-based services and supports, including communication services and telehealth services, making it likely that any repeal would be more harmful to the disability community than the general population as a whole.

Va. Board for People with Disabilities

8 • Dec. 20, 2017

Faith & Religion

The LEGACY

More jingle, less Jesus in Christmas celebrations

CATHY LYNN GROSSMAN WASHINGTON (RNS) — If there ever was a “war on Christmas” in America, Santa may have won.

Nine in 10 U.S. adults celebrate the holiday, according to the Pew Research Center. However, that celebration is shifting in a secular direction. And a growing number of Christians discount key elements of the biblical Nativity story.

Just three years ago, 51 percent of U.S. adults said Christmas for them is more a religious holiday than a cultural one. But that has slipped to 46 percent in the new Pew survey, released last week. Neither does this trend trouble most people. Only 32 percent say it “bothers” them even somewhat.

President Donald Trump’s demand that Americans all say “Merry Christmas,” which drew cheers at his rallies, now draws shrugs from most

U.S. adults: 52 percent say it doesn’t matter how they are greeted in stores and businesses, and 32 percent say they prefer to hear “Merry Christmas.”

The survey also finds a “striking shift” in the overall share of people — down from 65 percent in 2014 to 57 percent today — who believe four key elements of the biblical Nativity story.

Jesus was born to a virgin: From 73 percent to 66 percent.

Baby Jesus was laid in a manger: From 81 percent to 75 percent.

Wise men, guided by a star, brought Jesus gifts: From 75 percent to 68 percent.

An angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds: From 74 percent to 67 percent.

There’s slippage among both Protestants and Catholics. The Pew report notes the share of white mainline Protestants who believe in the virgin birth, for instance, has dropped from 83 percent to 71

percent. And the share of Catholics who believe the birth of Jesus was announced by an angel of the Lord now stands at 82 percent, down from 90 percent.

And the narrative doesn’t fly with most “nones” – people who claim no religious identification: 53 percent reject all four elements, up from 42 percent in 2014.

Christian culture-watchers say they’ve seen these trends gathering strength for years. Rather than despair, however, they see openings to evangelize about the Incarnation — God sending his son to be a savior.

“It’s not surprising, that as the culture grows more secular, fewer people find the Nativity story authentic, or even meaningful,” said the Rev. James Martin, editor at large of the Jesuit magazine America.

“But for the Christian, however, it is essential. The Incarnation is one of the key beliefs of Christianity. Many

people find it hard to believe: God becoming human, after all, is hard to fathom. But we have a God who is, at heart, mystery, and therefore unfathomable,” the priest said.

The survey captures how “too many people think Christmas is about a mall and not a manger,” said Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College.

“On the upside, and Christians always look at the upside, as fewer people celebrate Christmas without knowing the story of Christ, we have the opportunity to tell them why Jesus came, why he lived and died, and ultimately that he rose again — changing everything for Christians, not just one day,” said Stetzer.

The Pew survey of 1,503 U.S. adults, conducted by phone Nov. 29 to Dec. 4, has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points overall.

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

Dec. 20, 2017 • 9

First black mayor of Hopewell remembered for brave acts STAFF & WIRE The Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Harris, the first black mayor of Hopewell and a civil rights icon died on Sunday, Dec. 10 in Chester. He was 93.

Dr. Harris served as a human shield for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and marched along side Dr. King in the historic Selma to Mongtomery civil rights march that later led to to passage of the 1965 Voters Rights Act. “The Rev. Curtis W. Harris began fighting for civil rights during the 1950’s, and he continued until his passing. During the 1950’s and ‘60s, Harris worked as a janitor at what was then Allied Chemical Corporation in Hopewell.

In the early ‘50s, he became a union shop steward and pushed the company to hire African-Americans for positions beyond that of janitor.”

“We honored Dr. Curtis W. Harris in Newport News annually in September with the Dr. Curtis W. Harris Solidarity Lunch,” said Andrew Shannon, SCLC state vice president and Chapter President

The late Rev. Dr. Curtis Harris of the Peninsula District Chapter SCLC & founder and organizer of Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival.

“Dr. Curtis W. Harris is a civil rights legend who was my friend, mentor and patriarch of the civil rights movement in Virginia and

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nationally.”

In 1960, a young Curtis Harris participated in a protest sit-in at a segregated drugstore in Hopewell, Virginia. Over the intervening years, his passion for civil rights hardly waned. He continued to champion the rights of others at every opportunity, despite any personal costs or hardships his actions caused him. Harris eventually rose to become mayor of Hopewell, and Virginia’s first black mayor.

He was pastor of Union Baptist Church in Hopewell, and was recognized as one of Virginia’s most celebrated religious, social, civic and political leaders who devoted his life to actively pursuing and defending the rights of others. In the process, he won praise and honors from civil rights and civic organizations across the state and across the country.

Mindful of the struggle many young people face today, he counseled, “Every young person has something…to supply the needs of others.”

On July 1, 2017, Harris celebrated his 93rd birthday with family and

friends at a program titled “Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Curtis West Harris”. It was hosted by Union Baptist Church in Hopewell where he was pastor emeritus.

“I am filled with sadness at the passing of Rev. Curtis Harris,” said Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04). “We lost a great man of faith who fought for the greater good on behalf of those who faced injustice and discrimination in his community, and across the country. Many in our community knew him as the strong and fearless leader that he was.

Today and forever we shall honor the leadership of the renowned civil rights leader and pastor who was determined to make the changes we needed in our community.”

Harris was preceeded in death by his wife, Dr. Ruth Jones Harris. He is survived by a host of friends and family, including three sons and three daughters.

Harris laid in repose for public viewing on Saturday and a funeral service took place at First Baptist Church in Hopewell. He was laid to rest at Appomattox Cemetery.

NBCI rejects society’s ‘feminization’ The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million black Americans, notes that its members will resist the present movement, in their push to “feminize our society in light of the horrendous behavior” of certain males. The group notes that in sociological terms feminization is the shift in gender roles and sex roles in a society, group, or organization towards a focus upon the feminine.

This is the opposite of a cultural focus upon masculinity.

“What the Black Church is saying here is that we will resist any attempt at the cultural movement lead by radical females and their homosexual allies, to marginalize the role of men in society in favor of accommodating women and gays in leadership positions, just because of the present environment,” according

to the group.

“The reason why the church speaking out now is because many intellectuals and institutions will be creating policies in the notion of protecting women by deemphasizing male masculinity (neutering men) but, it will have a negative ramification on women’s relationships with men.

“The church wants to warn both the feminist movement and the gay movement that this is not an opportunity for them to try to pose their radical sexual agenda on this society. Men will then view women as a liability and not the opposite sex, therefore trying to undermine the concept of the Christian family.”

The group’s leadership notes that if these new rules are written and customs are adopted, they will run counter to biblical teachings of the role of women in a Christian

(continued on page 14)

10 • Dec. 20, 2017

The LEGACY

ILLUSTRATION: Carson McNamara

MOVIES

“Arrival” and “Moonlight” help restore hope

CT - With America’s stifling climate, Denis Villeneuve’s newest film “Arrival” and the indie darling “Moonlight” could not have come at a better time. Telling stories of hope and love during humanity’s darkest times, both films were able to give me some solace.

“Arrival’s” uniquely realistic take on an alien invasion movie impressed me during the first hour. Instead of trying to destroy the aliens, all the world powers are trying to understand them, constructing a more thought-provoking “what-if” scenario.

With “Moonlight,” we are given a genuine and personal look at growing-up as a black gay man in an American urban environment as we follow Chiron during three important periods in his life.

The realistic tone of “Arrival” is strengthened further by Amy Adams’ show stealing performance, proving how great of an actress she can be.

The special effects are also a show stopper, but ironically so, as they are never flashy, but simple and effective.

Yet, the film methodically reveals its true colors as time goes on,

explaining a genius twist that strengthens its themes rather than distracts from them. By the end, you realize that “Arrival” has done what all great sci-fi stories do, place on mirror in front of society. Without going into spoilers, Villeneuve has crafted an inspirational film and managed to release at the time when many of us need it most.

The performances in “Moonlight” are also incredible, with all three actors who play Chiron nailing the character’s nuances, making me forget that these were three different actors and not just one person growing up before our eyes.

While this all might sound too sentimental, “Moonlight” never feels exploitative or manipulative.

It instead feels genuine, taking a quiet, beautiful approach to telling its engrossing story of struggle and acceptance in finding one’s identity.

There’s no big twist, no life-altering revelation, but this works in the films favor. The audience is left to think about the subject matter rather than the filmmaking techniques behind the story, making for a more effective narrative that will stick with you long after you’ve left the theater.

These films have very little in common on the surface, but ultimately both are about having hope and strength in the face both uncertainty and certain doom. They show that as a nation, and as a global community, we need now more than ever to stay strong and cherish what makes existence great.

While “Arrival” and “Moonlight” may have accidentally come out at the perfect time, they will stand as amazing films long after the heightened emotions of the 2016 election have faded. Held together by expert directors and nuanced performances, these films have easily become my favorites of the year.

With ‘Arrival’ the question remains “Why they came? and why they leave?”

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Ask Alma

My co-worker stole my idea.

What should I do?

Dear Alma, During a team meeting at work, I came up with an idea to better assist our members and increase membership. Later while sitting in my cubicle, our boss came over and complimented my co-worker on submitting such a great idea.

I was shocked, I couldn’t believe he took my idea to management and took the credit for it. When I asked him about it, he said it was all of our ideas combined that made the suggestion a success and that’s just not true. I am so mad.

Should I go to my boss and tell him the truth? I don’t want to be a part of his team anymore.

Disgruntled co-worker

Dear Disgruntled, It is what it is; don’t make a fuss. I promise you, you’ll have your day. This happens all the time, and leads to one of two scenarios.

No. 1: This situation will come up again and they’ll look to him to lead the team.

Dec. 20, 2017 • 11

No. 2: Questions will be asked and they’ll look to him for answers. What I would do is better prepare myself. From now on, after making suggestions during a team meeting, you should come out and send an email reiterating what you said.

That’s right, add some “Loco” to your “Motion,” so you’ll be heard and seen the next go-round, otherwise you’ll look petty. This game is played all day, every day from corporate America to the family owned drugstore on Main Street.

To ease your pain, I’ll tell you what my mama use to tell me: “God, don’t like ugly.” LOL. So trust me, your time will come. I like the Michelle Obama quote: “When they go low, we go high.”

That’s a good one, keep that tucked in your back pocket.

No doubt, on the back end of this two-faced co-worker coup, I can’t stress enough the importance of you taking the high road and continuing to be the best you can be. I know it doesn’t always look like it, but hard work and determination never goes unrewarded.

Believe you me, managers and supervisors are always eyeballing, watching when you least expect it. They know who’s doing what and what’s doing who.

Truth is, we all strive for kudos, compliments, fist bumps and high fives, accompanying a big thanks from the boss. When that doesn’t happen, it’s cool.

What I’ve found on the other side of 50 is, I was rewarded more when I didn’t get a pat on the back, no acknowledgement at all.

It always worked out in the end.

I’ve experienced and learned a conference room full of cheers is fleeting; it’s my confidence, fortitude and purpose that matters most. Those qualities will never leave you; they’ll always propel you to achieve your highest goals.

MOVIES

Give ‘Quest’ a chance

They’re everyday saints. The Raineys are a loving family and community activists. They live in northern Philadelphia, an inner-city neighborhood that’s an archetype for lots of struggling, poverty-level American communities. Yet somehow, this endearing clan remains positive through the most challenging moments.

Their resilience and family bond are the heart of this very moving documentary.

Director Jonathan Olshefski followed the Rainey’s for eight years, starting back in the early days of Barack Obama’s presidency. He captures devastating moments, breakthroughs and acts of love that are amazing to watch. The stark realism on view makes you feel like you were invited into their home and given a seat at their dining room table.

You learn that dad, Christopher “Quest” Rainey, makes money several ways: he delivers papers and is a record promoter/producer. In his spare time, on Friday nights, he invites local novice rappers over who freestyle and jam in his basement studio where music is their salvation.

Quest gets to nurture young men in the neighborhood who sometimes lack direction and self-discipline.

He is a surrogate father to many.

His wife Christine’a “Ma Quest” is employed at a women’s shelter, where she is a mother figure. Though both adults have jobs, they put a face on this country’s working poor.

The Rainey’s kids are also a concern. Their daughter P.J. is a free spirit teen, loved deeply by her parents and the center of their focus.

But even that intense devotion is not enough to protect her from stray bullets. Christine’a’s son William, a young adult, is undergoing cancer treatment. His fight for life is another challenge that keeps the family on edge. The birth of William’s son over the filming brings three generations into one household. On view is a circle of life that is both universal and very normal in an urban environment.

This passion project started when Olshefski taught an art class in North Philadelphia and met Chris Rainey. His admiration for the dad’s love of music and his community and strong work ethic coaxed the artist into chronicling the family’s life in photos. That mission evolved into filming them and a project that took

Lakeith Stanfield plays Diego 10 years to complete. Editor Lindsay Utz has cut what must have been hours upon hours of raw footage into 122 minutes of captivating film.

What’s on view is further enhanced

by T. Griffin’s musical score.

This is cinema verité at its highest level. Never do you question the raw emotions that are on view: the difficult conversations about childrearing; the trips to the hospital for the wounded; the arguments with young men who are strung out on drugs; the positive shows of support.

Equally interesting are the ways Chris and Christine’a cope with their surroundings. He unselfishly helps the young African American men in his neighborhood, but yet it is quite possible that a neighbor’s stray bullets hit his child. At times, Chris has harsh words for the local police, who stop him and ask for his ID. But during community events, he is appreciative of their efforts. These kinds of everyday dualities and contradictions are rarely captured on film.

Some of the most interesting scenes feature street demonstrations where speakers rail against the state of their neighborhood and the times we live in: “We’re the only ones dealing with the blood on the concrete!” “How did Jay-Z and Meek Mill become leaders?

Our first role models should be us!”

When the final credits roll, it’s heartening to know that people like the Raineys, the backbone of this country, are thriving in the face of great odds. Their love for each other, family and community is a blessing that holds you in an emotional grip.

Quest is a joy to watch and its message should be shared.

12 • Dec. 20, 2017

The LEGACY

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Dec. 20, 2017 • 13

Internet now becomes a pay-to-play environment STAFF & WIRE The Federal Communications Commission voted last week to repeal Obama-era net neutrality guidelines in a move critics say will open the door to a more expensive, less innovative web environment.

By a vote of 3-2, the FCC’s leadership opted to repeal net neutrality standards enacted in 2015 to ensure that internet providers like Comcast, Verizon and AT&T would be unable to prioritize or punish any single company or service using their infrastructure.

The decision was billed by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai as one that would stimulate investment – and eventually create jobs – at service providers who would likely see their valuations rise and potentially increase spending on new broadband infrastructure projects.

But the so-called “net neutrality repeal” would also allow internet providers to regulate which sites and services customers can access. Critics of the deregulatory push argue the move will allow providers to charge additional fees on internet companies – and potentially speed up or slow down their online capabilities based on their willingness to play ball.

“There are incentives for companies to do what they do best, which is answer to their shareholders and look out for their own business interests,” said Mignon Clyburn, an FCC commissioner who voted against the proposal. “Now we’re about to reverse course and give the keys of the internet over to entities that answer to shareholders first.

They will look at their bottom line first. And if there is anything left over, then maybe they will think about the general public. I find that problematic.”

Streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, for example, could be forced to pay more to service providers – potentially forcing them to charge customers more, in turn – or face slower streaming speeds.

“The FCC’s vote today will give too much power to the largest internet service providers, while harming startups and small businesses,”

David Levine, president, CEO and cofounder of the American Sustainable Business Council, said in a statement, calling on Congress to pass legislation in 2018 that would “restore these important protections that ensure a fair and competitive internet for American businesses.”

Net neutrality is the set of rules that internet service providers to treat all traffic as equal.

Also voting against the decision was Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who called it a “misguided action” that will give service providers “the power to block websites, throttle services and censor online content.”

She also alleged of the record 24 million comments the FCC has fielded on the issue that 2 million featured stolen identities while “half a million are from Russian addresses.”

“I think our record has been corrupted and our process for public participation lacks integrity,” Rosenworcel said, also noting the FCC under Pai has not held a single public hearing on the topic of net neutrality. “It’s ugly in the cavalier disregard this agency has demonstrated to the public, the contempt it has shown for citizens who speak up, and the disdain it has for popular opinion.”

Fellow Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, meanwhile, argued on Thursday that the net neutrality rules protect against “hypothetical harms” and that he couldn’t endorse regulation that assumes “guilt by imagination.”

“Please take a deep breath. This decision will not break the internet,” he said at last week’s hearing, which at one point was broken up due to apparent security concerns.

Pai has previously argued that the net neutrality standards have stifled broadband and telecommunication company investment. Cyrus Mewawalla, managing director of research at CM Research, described

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai listens during a commission meeting last week in Washington, D.C. this as an “unintended side-effect” of the regulatory policy.

“There’s a big market distortion which is that internet companies that benefited from net neutrality are now many times the size of the tel-cos that provide that service,” Mewawalla said, arguing that Pai is “trying to incentivize U.S. tel-cos – AT&T, Comcast, other internet service providers – to invest in broadband.

Opponents, however, have countered that there are few signs that such investments have been meaningfully hampered by the Obama-era guidelines. They also argue that a pay-to-play dynamic would limit innovation and stifle startup activity well beyond the boundaries of Silicon Valley.

“The success of a startup should be based on the quality of their product or service, not how much they are able to pay ISPs to gain access to consumers,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., tweeted last week, alleging that a net neutrality repeal would instead “stifle American innovation.

Tom Wheeler, an Obama-era FCC chairman who was succeeded by Pai earlier this year, described the vote as “an inconceivable kind of action.”

“The key thing here is that since 1934, the FCC has been created by the Congress and charged with the responsibility of overseeing the networks of the nation,” Wheeler said

last week during an interview. “And for the first time since 1934, with this decision, the FCC is washing its hands and walking away from that congressionally mandated responsibility. And they’re only doing it for the most important network that will define the rest of the 21st century.”

“These light touch marketbased rules are the right way to go forward,” said Pai. “The best evidence of that is the 1.5 trillion dollars in network investment that we saw between 1996 and 2015.”

The vote doesn’t come without plenty of controversy. The public feedback period, which closed in August, included a record-breaking 22 million comments. Among those were fake comments, including two million that used stolen identities, according to a statement from New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, whose office is investigating the process.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) previously called on the FCC to investigate the hundreds of thousands of fake comments. Warner and other senators, including Sen. Tim Kaine (D), his colleague from Virginia, say these comments may have been produced by bots, and have resulted in an “incomplete understanding of the public record,” according to a Dec. 4 letter signed by 28 senators.

14 • Dec. 20, 2017

The LEGACY

(from page 9

40k grant for aviation academy

Denbigh High School’s Aviation Academy, a PRIME School (Partnership Response In Manufacturing Education) will use the grant to provide students with new equipment including five iPad Pros; five laptop computers; five desktop 3D printers; four Ultimaker 3D Printers; a 3-in-1 machine for milling, drilling, or performing lathe operations; and two 3D scanners.

Students will use the equipment to design and build models and prototypes, preparing them for engineering and advanced manufacturing.

marriage and the role of children in a Christian home.

“This conflict will cause many not to marry because they will see women as the enemy,” notes the group.

“The Black Church has consistently condemned the actions against women who have been sexually assaulted and harassed in their work space,” said Rev. Anthony Evans President of the National Black Church Initiative. “The church sees these are clear issues, especially in the case of Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose and Bill O’Reilly. What is disturbing here, is the fact that all three of these men were fired because of mere allegations. No due process, no rule of law was taken into account. Just because a person looks guilty and sounds guilty is not enough to say he is guilty according to our court of law. Not just in the court but also in the public marketplace.

“There seems to be a rush to judgement. These recent actions can only frighten males who have been accused of many things and the result has not been a loss of income but a loss of life. The church is speaking because of the many deep, moral ramifications in this presently toxic environment.

“We believe that there must be clarity and transparency. We cannot and will not take just one side of the story.”

There are four particular cases in the recent firings that have really sought to verify the crux of NBCI’s argument here. Forcing Sen. Al Franken to resign without due process, the firing of Matt Lauer from NBC, the firing of Charlie Rose from CBS and the recent firing due to several prominent white women who filed a suit against their teacher at Columbia University for something that occurred some 30 years ago. All of these cases speak to the need of due process but, they were handled in a lynch mob mentality thus creating an environment where men and women do not trust each other anymore.

“Many may be baffled as to why the National Black Church Initiative is taking such an ominous position,” noted Evans. “What we see emerging is the marginalization of men in society in light of this new women revolution, because they found out (which they already knew) that a few powerful males were using women as their sexual toys.”

The church has always condemned such behavior, notes the organization. The church is neither pro men or pro women. But, the Bible is clear as to the divine roles of both of the sexes.

“We are not going to sit idly by and allow a few white women who have been sexually abused, and their homosexual allies, to begin to redefine the role of men in the general society.

Dec. 20, 2017 • 15

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Where incomes for blacks are rising -and where they’re not The wealth and income of black Americans has often been used as a barometer of changes in inequality and discrimination in America. Black wealth and income that tick upward relative to overall figures, the thinking goes, are a sign of reduced inequality and discrimination; wealth and income that track downward relative to others are taken to be an indication that inequality and discrimination have worsened.

Nationally, the gap in median household incomes between blacks and whites has been remarkably persistent over the last 50 years.

In 1967, black households earned just 55 percent of white household earnings; by 2016 that figure was 61 percent.

But at the metropolitan level, there are vast differences in black household earnings — an indicator of stronger versus weaker metro economies and job markets, and of preferable migratory locations.

Where exactly are the successful and lagging metros when it comes to black household earnings?

Median household income data from the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey from 2010 to 2016 analyzes potential changes.

The data for the 51 metro areas with populations exceeding a million in 2010, encompasses about 60 percent of the nation’s population.

They also delve into changes in the overall median household income and examined black household income data as well. The results are revealing.

Looking at household incomes in the aggregate, overall, for the 51 metros with more than a million residents, median household income increased from $54,500 in 2010 to $64,000 in 2016, a gain of 17.4 percent. Black median household income rose from $35,900 in 2010 to $41,300 in 2016, a gain of 15.6 percent.

That slight difference in percentage growth means that black household incomes haven’t quite kept pace with the overall metric in the largest

metros; in 2010, black median household income equaled 65.8 percent of the overall figure, and in 2016, it was 64.5 percent.

Overall, San Jose tops the list at $110,040, the only metro with a median household income above $100,000. Washington, D.C., leads the way among blacks, at just over $69,000. There’s considerable overlap between the two lists, with both having several of the well-recognized New Economy winners. Six cities are on both lists (San Jose, Washington, Boston, Baltimore, Denver and New York), and both are dominated by the large metros on the East and West coasts.

New Orleans has the lowest median household income overall among the largest metros, at $48,804. Salt Lake City has the lowest median household income figure for blacks, at just $27,412 (more about that later). There’s little overlap between these two lists (only New Orleans and Cleveland are on both), but some trends begin to emerge: Those with the lowest overall median household incomes are Sun Belt metros dependent on hospitality and tourism (Las Vegas, Orlando, New Orleans), have large numbers of retirees (Miami and Tampa/St. Petersburg), are Southern metros that typically haven’t become tourist or retiree destinations (Birmingham, Memphis), or Rust Belt or Rust Belt-border metros with lagging economies (Louisville, Buffalo, Cleveland).

Looking at absolute figures for metros only tells part of the story.

It’s just as important — perhaps more so — to find out which metros are showing the largest gains in median household incomes, both for blacks and overall, and which aren’t.

The lists here include many of the new movers and shakers in the New Economy. In the overall list, upstarts like Austin, Nashville, Denver and Raleigh join Boston, San Francisco and San Jose. Somehow Louisville sits on this list and the one above it — it has a low median household

Blacks appear to be doing well and gaining on the East Coast. income, but it’s rising fast. Again, there’s considerable overlap between the overall and black lists.

On the overall list, Sun Belt metros seem to dominate. Six (Orlando, San Antonio, Memphis, Virginia Beach, New Orleans and Las Vegas) showed minimal gains in median household incomes between 2010 and 2016 (a seventh could be included if you consider Riverside/San Bernardino as a Sun Belt metro rather than a West Coast one). Two Rust Belt metros, Cleveland and Rochester, appear, as does Washington, D.C.. Many of the same metros appear on the blacks list as well. Remember Salt Lake City? The Utah capital had by far the largest decline of any metro in black median household income: -30.1 percent, going from a modest $39,240 in 2010 to $27,412 in 2016.

The data gives one a sense of which metros are doing well and which aren’t, but it doesn’t say anything about the relative changes in median household incomes, particularly for blacks. High median household incomes in a given metro area are well and good, but what if they’re losing out relative to other metros?

Low median household incomes can indeed be tough to endure, but are rapidly rising rates an indicator of strong economic growth? And are blacks making up ground, relative to the overall figures?

With that in mind, I thought of grouping metros into four categories, based on the average of median household income for black households ($41,271 in 2016) and the ratio of change in black household income to overall household income (with 1.01 or more meaning gaining

ground, and 0.99 and less meaning losing ground).

Trends become apparent through this analysis. Top-tier New Economy destinations like the Bay Area, Boston, New York and Seattle have the highest absolute median household incomes for AfricanAmericans, but incomes there aren’t quite keeping pace with overall figures in each metro. However, blacks are doing quite well in what might be considered nexttier tech centers like Washington, Atlanta, Denver and Austin, but also in otherwise booming cities like Dallas, Houston and Nashville. In this group, growth in black median household incomes is outpacing overall growth.

Metros with median incomes below the metro average tend to dominate the interior of the nation. As many as 24 of the 27 metros showing belowaverage black median household incomes are in the Midwestern Rust Belt, the Gulf Coast or the Southwest Sun Belt. Actual figures here may be lower in the nation’s interior, but the trajectories differ. More than half (15 of 27) aren’t keeping pace with overall median incomes.

Blacks appear to be doing well and gaining on the East Coast and in the larger Southern metros in Texas, as well as Atlanta and Nashville.

Blacks seem to be earning high incomes on the West Coast but are consistently losing ground relative to overall income figures. The Rust Belt and the largest metros in Florida and the Mississippi Valley are areas where black median incomes are consistently lower, with a mixed bag of metros gaining or losing ground.

16 • Dec. 20, 2017

Calendar

The LEGACY

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1.6, 9 a.m.

The British invasion has begun!

The public is invited to join Richmond National Battlefield Park and Historic St. John’s Church for a first-of-its kind event interpreting the capture of Richmond by British Brigadier General Benedict Arnold on Jan. 5, 1781. Dozens of reenactors from New Hampshire to North Carolina will take the field in Church Hill to bring the sounds, smells, and colors of America’s 18thcentury history to life.

From 9 a.m. to noon visitors can see British and American Revolutionary War camps on the grounds of the Chimborazo Medical Museum (3215 E Broad St.).

At 10 a.m. join National Park Service Ranger Nathan Hall in the Chimborazo Medical Museum Theater for a talk about Chimborazo’s evolution from 18thcentury battlefield to Civil War hospital to neighborhood, then hear Benedict Arnold describe his role in the American Revolution.

At 11 a.m. reenactors will conduct a weapons demonstration on the Chimborazo Medical Museum grounds before marching to Historic St. John’s Church (2401 E Broad St), where they will encamp on the grounds from 1 – 4 p.m. The church will hold an open house during those hours.

For more information, contact Historic St. John’s Church at 804690-5619 or the Richmond National Battlefield Park at 804-226-1981.

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SMV to recap 2017

The Science Museum of Virginia’s December events have something in common: all include launching something in the name of science.

Guests can watch museum educators dissect cow eyes, create “A Christmas Story”-themed crafts and try to win prizes by catching ping pong balls launched across the rotunda during the Bernoulli Blower Ping Pong Ball Extravaganza. Weather permitting, the Richmond Astronomical Society will be on the front lawn with telescopes letting guests use their eyeballs to stargaze at the cosmos.

Special all-live Cosmic Expeditions recapping the year in space news will happen at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. “A Christmas Story” is showing in The Dome at 8 p.m. Admission to Science After Dark is $10, which includes Museum exhibits and one Dome Feature (either a Cosmic Expedition or "A Christmas Story"). Additional Dome features are $5. Food and drinks, including craft beer, are available for purchase in the Periodic Table Café.

Continuing the tradition of the Museum conducting quirky experiments on fruitcake each December for nearly a decade, Fruitcake Science returns Dec. 26–30. During that week, daily demonstrations will take place on the holiday treat everyone loves to hate. Museum educators will freeze fruitcake with liquid nitrogen, burn it with a blow torch, shock it with electricity and drop it down a zip line. Plus, guests can see the museum’s special fruitcake collection which includes a fruitcake that launched to space and back, one that traveled directly from Buckingham Palace and new this year, a Virginia-shaped fruitcake recently baked by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

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.

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The University of Richmond Downtown is hosting a new exhibition, “RVA Cures: Conquering Childhood Cancer.” The exhibition was part of September’s National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Organized by Connor’s Heroes Foundation, the exhibition tells the stories of local children, caregivers and researchers who are facing cancer, the number one disease killer of children.

The exhibition features photographs by Richmond artist Kristin Seward and 100 zebrafish painted by children and local artists.

The zebrafish is the symbol of pediatric cancer research conducted in Richmond.

“RVA Cures” is on view at UR Downtown’s Wilton Companies Gallery, 626 E. Broad St., Richmond, through through Jan. 19, 2018.

Dec. 20, 2017 • 17

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New marketplace initiative to match entrepreneurs & investors Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner recently announced the launch of the Virginia is for Entrepreneurs (VA4E) initiative, an effort to better match entrepreneurs with potential investors across regions, backgrounds and industries.

VA4E’s first initiative will feature a standardized online application to better link entrepreneurs with more than 50 equity firms and potential funders to help launch or grow their Virginia-based businesses.

Partners in the network include universities ranging from Virginia Tech to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, angel investment groups such as 757 Angels and Shenandoah Valley Angel Investors, venture funds including Revolution and Village Capital, and statewide organizations including the Center for Innovative Technology.

“The commonwealth has long been home to innovators and entrepreneurs who make up the

Ross Baird backbone of our new Virginia economy,” said McAuliffe. “That’s why it’s so important that we

continue to expand our support for promising new ventures. The Virginia is for Entrepreneurs initiative will open new doors for local start-ups by increasing access to the capital they need to thrive and create good-paying jobs.”

“While Virginia boasts a number of innovative communities and ecosystems across the commonwealth, a consistent problem has been connecting promising entrepreneurs with capital available to support their vision,” said Warner. “As part of a broader effort to strengthen the connective tissue between Virginia’s startup communities, this tool will help founders evaluate their product fit and maturity, and connect them with venture and angel investors across the commonwealth.”

“Whether you’re an agriculture entrepreneur in Abingdon or a cybersecurity entrepreneur in Arlington, if you’ve got a great idea and work hard, you should be able to succeed,”

Va. elections commissioner supports ‘appropriate’ federal remedy for disputed election WIRE - The head of the Virginia Department of Elections wrote recently that he supports an “appropriate remedy” by a federal court for the disputed 28th District House of Delegates election in Fredericksburg and Stafford County.

Elections Commissioner Edgardo Cortés could get his wish.

U.S. District Court Judge T.S. Ellis last week set a date of Jan. 5—just five days before the General Assembly convenes—for a hearing on the House Democratic Caucus’ lawsuit requesting a new election for the seat, which could determine control of Richmond’s lower chamber.

Democrats had requested the hearing on or before Dec. 22, but the judge set it later to “accommodate the court’s schedule.”

Republican Del.-elect Bob Thomas defeated Democrat Joshua Cole by 82 votes for the seat, but the election has been tainted by

revelations that at least 147 voters in the Fredericksburg area received ballots for the wrong House race.

The 28th District outcome is critical in determining whether the GOP maintains its 51–49 advantage in the House, which would give it control over committees and legislation for the next two years.

“The errors currently identified … are of great concern to the Department of Elections,” Cortés, who was appointed by Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, wrote in federal court papers dated Dec. 6 and filed this week. “As the Department has no mechanism to provide a remedy to these voters, the Department supports the court providing an appropriate remedy.”

He did not say what he thought that appropriate remedy might be.

House Republicans reacted much differently to the suit, dubbing it “unnecessary litigation in federal

Democrat Joshua Cole court.” The lawsuit, filed on behalf of three 28th District voters who erroneously received ballots for the neighboring 88th District House race, also seeks federal court orders preventing Thomas from being sworn in Jan. 10 and requiring the State Board of Elections to decertify the results.

House Speaker Bill Howell, R– Stafford, is retiring from the 28th District seat after a 30-year political career.

Judge Ellis asked the defendants— including the State Board of Elections and voter registrars in

said Ross Baird, founder of venture firm Village Capital and one of the organizers of the VA4E initiative.

“Today, too often the best ideas don't even get the opportunity to start because of who they are or where they come from. Virginia is for Entrepreneurs is testing ideas statewide to fix that.”

The pilot initiative, the online application, was successfully tested by more than 200 entrepreneurs and investors statewide at the TomTom Festival in Charlottesville and by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.

The initiative will help build strategic sectors in Virginia, according to the governor’s office.

For example, one of the initial areas of focus for the investment portfolio will be a state-led pilot program to promote the growth of early stage unmanned aerial systems companies, which has been identified as a cornerstone industry for Virginia’s 21st century economy.

Fredericksburg and Stafford—to file their responses to the suit by 5 p.m.

Dec. 20.

House Democratic leaders say a new election is the only remedy for the disenfranchised voters in the Fredericksburg region. They submitted an amended complaint calling for the special election after Judge Ellis denied the lawsuit’s original request for an injunction prohibiting the State Board of Elections from certifying the 28th District result.

Ellis also denied Republicans’ request to dismiss the complaint entirely, opening the door for the amended suit.

At least 86 voters in the 28th District erroneously got ballots for the 2nd District—which includes parts of Stafford—or the 88th District, Cortés wrote in a report last month. And at least 61 voters in the conservative 88th District incorrectly cast ballots in the 28th District.

Democrats have not called for a special election for the 88th District seat, which Republican incumbent Mark Cole won by more than 4,000 votes.

The LEGACY

18 • Dec. 20, 2017

Classifieds

Ad Size 3.4 inches - 1 column(s) X 1.7 inches)

LEGAL, EMPLOYMENT, ANNOUNCEMENTS, FOR SALE, SERVICES 1 Issue - $37.40

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Will hold a Public Hearing in the 5th Floor Conference Room, City Hall,

900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA on January 3, 2018, to consider Please review the proof, make any needed changes and return by fax or e-mail. the following under Chapter 30 of the Zoning Code: If your response is not received by deadline, your ad may not be inserted.

Ok with changes X _____________________________ REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m.

BEGINNING AT 1:00 P.M. 01-18: An application of 3106 SLR LLC for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) to permit parking area use and expansion to serve an existing restaurant use and expansion located at 602 and 604 North Belmont Avenue at 3106 PATTERSON AVENUE. 02-18: An application of Roger Levasseur for a building permit to construct a single-family detached dwelling at 1312 NOTTOWAY AVENUE. Copies of all cases are available for inspection between 8 AM and 5 PM in Room 110, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219.

Support or opposition may be offered at or before the hearing.

Roy W. Benbow, Secretary Phone: (804) 240-2124 Fax: (804) 646-5789 E-mail: Roy.Benbow@richmondgov.com

PRINT & DIGITAL AD SALES EXECUTIVE

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

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF RICHMOND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

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.

Dec. 20, 2017 • 19

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

EDUCATION / CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING – Get FAA certification to fix planes. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified.

Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-204-4130 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.

PROC 01-156-002-03600/1215 HAMPTON SOLICITATION

HELP WANTED/TRUCK DRIVERS CDL TRAINING FOR LOCAL/ OTR DRIVERS! $45,000$60,000 1st Year! 4-wks or 10 Weekends for CDL. Veterans in Demand! Richmond/ Fredericksburg 877-CDS-4CDL; Lynchburg/Roanoke 855-CDS4CDL; Front Royal/Winchester 844-CDS-4CDL

The Director of Finance or his designated representative will accept written responses in the Procurement Office, 1 Franklin Street, 3rd floor, Suite 345, Hampton, VA on behalf of the Entity listed below until the date and local time specified.

CITY OF HAMPTON Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. ET ITB 18-33/CLP Commerce Drive Extension & Convention Drive Improvements. City Project No: 14-009. VDOT Project No: U000-114-R75, P101, R201, M501 (UPC 105779)

SERVICES DIVORCE–Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days.

Telephone inquiries welcome-no obligation. Hilton Oliver, Attorney.

757-490-0126. Se Habla Español. BBB Member.

This is a state funded project with an MBE goal of 4.34% and WBE goal of 3.82%.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11:00 p.m. ET in the Public Works Conference Room, 22 Lincoln Street, 4th Floor, Hampton, VA 23669. For additional information, see our web page http://www.hampton.gov/bids-contracts.

For additional information, see our web page at http://www.hampton.gov/bids-contracts.

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A withdrawal of bid due to error shall be in accordance with Section 2.2-4330 of the Code of Virginia. All forms relating to these solicitations may be obtained from the above listed address or for further information call (757) 727-2200. The City of Hampton reserves the right to reject any and all responses, to make awards in whole or in part, and to waive any informality in submittals.

Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned and Veteran Businesses are encouraged to participate.

18+

Warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season!

From The Legacy News!

Karl Daughtrey, Director of Finance

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