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Pg 2- Women’s History Month Pg 4- Justin Fairfax saga Pg 10- Motown Magic Pg 13- Jussie Smollett charged
Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
WEDNESDAYS • Feb. 27, 2019
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New bill increases tobacco age to 21 starting in July
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed a bill that raises the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 years old. Northam signed the bill last week after it previously passed the Virginia Senate and House. Six other states have already implemented this change, California, Oregon, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB2748 in a 62-32 vote and the Virginia Senate passed the bill with a vote of 32-7 earlier in February. This is legislation to address the epidemic of teenage vaping and end teen access to tobacco products by
raising the minimum age required to purchase tobacco products in the commonwealth of Virginia to 21. Even though teenage use of traditional tobacco products is at an all-time low, self-reported teenage use of vaping doubled last year. Over 20 percent of high school seniors reported vaping in the last 30 days in 2018 compared to 11 percent in 2017. For 10th graders, the rate was 16 percent in 2018 compared to eight percent in 2017. For 8th graders, it was six percent in 2018 compared to three percent in 2017. The federal tobacco purchasing age remains 18.
In addition to raising the legal smoking age to 21, the law will also affect online ordering and shipping regulations for vaporizer and nicotine products, as well as impose steep penalties for providing such devices to minors or consuming such items as a minor, rendering violators subject to civil penalties and fines. All vaping products, hardware, juices, and e-liquids for sale will be required to display a prominent “and conspicuously displayed” Surgeon General’s warning—similar to the one we now see on cigarettes. Historically, Virginia had lax tobacco regulations and first raised
the legal smoking age from 16 to 18 in 1991. The legal smoking age has been 18 years old for almost three decades. Rather than adding another set of rules entirely, the bill structures its foundational argument on amending existing cigarette laws by replacing age 18 with age 21, and to also expand the definition of that which “cigarettes” quantify — meaning, for legal purposes, vaporizers, vapes, Juuls, e-cigarettes, etc. will now be pursuant to most of the restrictions in cigarette laws. Vaporizers and cigarettes will now both be treated as legally equivalent.
The LEGACY
2 • Feb. 27, 2019
News
March is Women’s History Month Toni Morrison personifies the strength of black womanhood
Toni Morrison’s first novel was 1970’s “The Bluest Eye”. She was the first black woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature and she is also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Black Girl Magic, Black Girls Rock, and other slogans have surfaced in recent years to describe the power, resilience and steadiness of the black woman. But, 88 years ago, a legend was born who would eventually embody the spirit and definition of strength of black womanhood: Toni Morrison. “Being, a black woman writer is not a shallow place but a rich place to write from. It doesn’t limit my imagination; it expands it,” Morrison famously said. With each masterful stroke of her pen, typewriter or (later) her computer keyboard, Morrison kept readers of her works and listeners of her words spellbound.
“We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives,” she once said. Throughout Women’s History Month in March, Morrison will undoubtedly be talked about. Her words will flood social media and other platforms, and somewhere a young Black girl will be inspired. Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, on Feb. 18, 1931, Morrison earned a B.A. in English from Howard University in 1953 and a Master of Arts from Cornell University in 1955. She later taught at Howard for seven years. In 1958, while she was teaching
at Howard, she married Harold Morrison, a Jamaican architect and the couple had two sons before they divorced in 1964. In 1988, Morrison won the American Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel, “Beloved”, which was later adapted for a film starring Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. Her first novel was The Bluest Eye in 1970. Other celebrated novels include Sula, Song of Solomon, Tar Baby, Jazz, Paradise, and God Help the Child. The first black woman to ever be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Grammy Award,
Morrison’s list of accolades are nearly endless. Some of those awards include: • 1977: National Book Critics Circle Award for Song of Solomon • 1977: American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters Award • 1987–88: Robert F. Kennedy Book Award • 1988: Helmerich Award • 1988: American Book Award for Beloved • 1988: Anisfield-Wolf Book Award in Race Relations for Beloved • 1988: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for Beloved
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Feb. 27, 2019• 3
(from page 2) • 1988: Frederic G. Melcher Book Award for Beloved. • 1989: MLA Commonwealth Award in Literature • 1989: Honorary Doctor of Letters at Harvard University • 1993: Nobel Prize for Literature • 1993: Commander of the Arts and Letters, Paris • 1994: Condorcet Medal, Paris • 1994: Rhegium Julii Prize for Literature • 1996: Jefferson Lecture • 1996: National Book Foundation’s Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters • 2000: National Humanities Medal • 2002: 100 Greatest African Americans, list by Molefi Kete • 2011: Honorary Doctor Asante of Letters at Rutgers University • 2005: Honorary Doctorate Graduation Commencement of Letters from Oxford University • 2011: Honorary Doctorate • 2008: New Jersey Hall of of Letters from the University of Fame inductee Geneva • 2009: Norman Mailer Prize, • 2012: Presidential Medal Lifetime Achievement of Freedom • 2010: Officier de la Légion • 2013: The Nicholsd’Honneur Chancellor’s Medal awarded by • 2011: Library of Congress Vanderbilt University Creative Achievement Award for • 2014 Ivan Sandrof Fiction Lifetime Achievement Award
given by the National Book Critics Circle • 2016 PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction • 2016 The Charles Eliot Norton Professorship in Poetry (The Norton Lectures), Harvard University • 2016 The Edward MacDowell Medal, awarded by The MacDowell Colony “At the wisdom-age of 88,
the creative courage and genius of Sister Leader Toni Morrison continues to awaken the consciousness of millions of people in America and throughout the world,” said National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Morrison personifies what it means to be a long-distance freedomfighting author,” Chavis said.
NN hosts free event aimed to empower and engage women In celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Newport News One City Marathon and Women’s History Month, Newport News has added a Women’s Forum to the line-up of Marathon Weekend events. On Saturday, March 2, women are invited to the Holiday Inn Newport News City Center from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. to learn from a diverse panel of speakers, participate in a variety of workshops and much more. Branded F.E.W.: Fiercely Empowered Women Can Run the World, the goal of the event is to provide a forum where women from diverse backgrounds, ages and walks of life can learn from one
another. The event begins at 1 p.m. with a keynote address by Crystal Harper, meteorologist with 13NewsNow (WVEC-ABC). She’ll be joined by Mrs. Newport News, Morgan Spurlock, who will serve as moderator for the panel discussions. The afternoon will consist of various panels, workshops and vendor displays, all aimed at informing women while encouraging them to be fearless in pursuit of their goals. Panel discussion topics include mental and physical health, small businesses and career, fashion and beauty, and relationships and motherhood. Panels will be
complemented by workshops on healthy eating, financial security, revamping your wardrobe, and selfdefense. This year, event organizers have focused on engaging the community in a range of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, including fitness classes, Dinner with a Dietician, and a Meal Prep Delivery Food Service Tasting. Upcoming events include a boot camp class on Monday, February 25 at 6:15 p.m. and Financial Bingo on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. with BayPort Credit Union. Both events are free and will be held at the Brittingham-Midtown Community
Center. All races – the One City Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon (new this year), Maritime 8K and Nautical Mile Fun Run – take place on Sunday, March 3. Online registration is available through Feb. 26, with registration also available at the Health & Wellness Expo Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2, and on race day at the starting line of each event. The Women’s Forum is free and participants do not have to be registered for a One City Marathon race to attend. For additional information, visit www. onecitymarathon.com.
The LEGACY
4 • Feb. 27, 2019
Justin Fairfax deserves a fair hearing Opinion
By Frederick H. Lowe Justin Fairfax, the lieutenant governor of Virginia, has asked the FBI to investigate allegations by two women that he sexually assaulted them. The alleged assaults, which occurred years earlier, were never reported to police or to physicians but were reported to the women’s friends. Dr. Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson, the two women, indicated they are willing to testify at a hearing to impeach Fairfax. Virginia Del. Patrick Hope recently said he soon would introduce articles of impeachment against Fairfax. Tyson said that Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him after they kissed consensually while they were attending the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Meredith Watson says she was raped by Fairfax in 2000 while the two were students at Duke University. Fairfax has denied the allegations of both women, but that hasn’t stopped almost everyone, including senators Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Kamala Harris (D-California) and Virginia’s Legislative Black Caucus from demanding that he resign. The sexual assault allegations against him also have taken attention away from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam who admitted wearing blackface at a Michael Jackson dance contest and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring wearing blackface at parties. Both men said they will not resign from office and they may survive. Appearing on CBS’s Face the Nation, Gayle King interviewed Northam who said it was 400 years ago when black indentured servants were brought to the Commonwealth. That comment seemed to go right over King’s head because blacks brought to Virginia were slaves. Indentured servants
paid for their passage and worked for their employer a set number of years until they paid off their debt and were free. King claims she corrected the governor, but I didn’t hear it. Margaret Brennan, Face the Nation’s host, asked King about the allegations against Fairfax. She said Tyson’s and Watson’s allegations were very credible. King is a black woman, but no black men or someone who could add a historical context to rape allegations against black men appeared on the show. U.S. history has plenty of tragic examples. On June 15, 1920, a white mob in Duluth, Minnesota, lynched three black circus workers —- Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie —- after Irene Tusker, a 19-year-old white woman charged that the three men had raped her, although a physical examination by a physician established she had not been raped, according to the book “The Lynchings in Duluth.” Recently, Rick DeSantis, Florida’s governor, pardoned four black men for the 1949 rape of a white woman that never occurred. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (D., Illinois) and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D., Illinois) said they
will introduce legislation that would designate the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riots a National Historic Monument after whites and immigrants burned down an entire black neighborhood after a white woman claimed a black man raped her. The woman later admitted she made up the story. Black women are not unbiased observers of the way society treats black men. Some are sympathetic, while others know they have cachet with whites, especially white men, because they are women and women who are expected to be especially deferential. I have had this happen to me. I was a member of the Art Institute of Chicago. I was waiting in the gift area of the modern wing for my wife and son who were shopping nearby to join me. A black woman security guard, dressed in plainclothes, said to her White partner, ‘I am going to see what he’s up to.’ With an angry look, she pressed her face close to mine and said nothing. When my wife and son ran up, she told her partner, “Let’s go,” and they left. Another abhorrent incident of this ilk took place while I was a fellow at Northwestern University. The
fellows were waiting to visit Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart after twice clearing jail security. I was the only Black man among the fellows who were all younger White women except for one older Black woman and an older white man. A black woman deputy sheriff walked up to me and wanted to know why I was there. I explained to her that I was a fellow, which she didn’t believe. My answer angered her. She moved her watch hat with one hand in a threatening manner. Her other hand rested on the butt of her gun, leading me to fear that she was going to shoot me. I was waiting with the others to go inside the jail. I wasn’t breaking out. I wasn’t an inmate. I was an invited, registered guest. At some point, I must have dissociated because I can’t remember what happened next. I was subsequently aware the deputy sheriff had left without explanation. None of the other fellows came to my defense to say I was with them. A few just stared at me. The black woman fellow said something which I don’t remember. I wonder who will come to Fairfax’s defense. People are already building gallows to lynch him over the Internet. He deserves a fair hearing.
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Feb. 27, 2019• 5
Elegba Folklore Society presents new art exhibition Sankofa features paintings by Ghanaian artist Ben Agbee on view through April 30 at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center. These varied and vivid canvasses depict “… the love of African ways of life, the natural environment, extended families and strong communities…,” according to Agbee. Sankofa is the Asante Adinkra symbol, or expression of wisdom, that means go back and fetch it. In his paintings, Agbee welcomes the viewer to as he says, “look back to the Motherland to see its future.” His palette knife and brush techniques create a unique
More information: Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center 101 E. Broad St 804.644.3900
vibrancy that makes his work stand out in synonymousness with his name in the industry and in the marketplace. His works are a visual preservation of foundational Ghanaian values. This is Ben Agbee’s second exhibition at Elegba Folklore Society. He has exhibited in Europe, Canada and other US locations in addition to various West African nations. His work has been committed to cards, bags, calendars and the like and can be found in gift shops at the Smithsonian and elsewhere. Agbee’s original works reside in numerous collections worldwide.
Highway Ninety-Two (Route 92) Bridge Replacement over Butcher Creek Mecklenburg County Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing
Find out about the proposed bridge replacement over Butcher Creek in Mecklenburg County. The bridge is located on Highway Ninety-Two (Route 92) near Parsons Road. The project will replace the bridge on its existing alignment. Work will occur in phases with partial closures and temporary traffic signals to permit through traffic without posting a detour. The existing structure was built in 1923. Review the project information and National Environmental Policy Act documentation at VDOT’s Richmond District Office located at 2430 Pine Forest Drive in Colonial Heights, 23834-9002 804-524-6000, 1-800-3677623,TTY/TDD 711. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions.
Elegba Folklore Society’s African dancers, drummers and singers presented an interactive concert based on the Manding cosmology of West Africa in an interactive concert at the Henrico Theatre held last week.
If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Phillip Frazer, Project Manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002 or by email to Phillip.Frazer@VDOT.Virginia.gov on or prior to March 9, 2019. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. State Project: 0092-058-030, P101, R201, M501, B652 Federal Project: STP-BR04(297) UPC: 110646
6 • Feb. 27, 2019
Op/Ed & Letters
The LEGACY
Discovering the excellence within
I had my first taste of global cultural learning in 2015 when I traveled to Qatar at the age of 14 for a week-long Arabic debate competition. Two years earlier, in seventh grade, I had started taking Arabic classes at Lindbolm Math and Science Academy, a selective high school serving gifted and marginalized students in Chicago. Until I became a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow and studied in South Africa last summer, the Qatar trip had been my most extensive abroad experience. But what transpired The LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 5 No. 9 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
during the summer of 2018 in South Africa, made me realize that was only the beginning of my personal development. When I started at Lindbolm Academy as a seventh grader, I experienced a challenging environment, something more dynamic than anything I had experienced before. I relished in the opportunity to engage with a new culture through my Arabic language and dance courses because it provided an outlet for some of my feelings of displacement. 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 Š 2016
I felt lost and uncomfortable in my new environment. I was forced to push the boundaries to which I had grown accustomed, and at times, I struggled with the changes. I often wondered: How did I get here? How did I become so privileged to be in a space with people so brilliant? I was surrounded by individuals who were intelligent and inquisitive, and I never thought of myself on that level. This began my quest to understand my worth. My quest continued when I applied to be a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow as a college student at Xavier University. I was in complete disbelief when I was accepted for a study abroad to South Africa. I knew the program was prestigious and competitive, and I had a lot of self-doubt about my own abilities and sense of belonging. Throughout my time in South Africa, however, I came face-to-face with the power of my excellence-and the power of what I could achieve. I never imagined myself hiking, never even gave it any thought. The 12-year-old girl who felt out of place in a new school wouldn't have ever pictured herself living in South Africa for four
weeks. The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship program was also transformative for me because I had so many new experiences and was able to process them in liberating ways. It was an emotional experience for me to see the vast range of socioeconomic lifestyles in Cape Town and compare them to my own transitions in Chicago from low-income neighborhoods to highincome neighborhoods. I was able to recognize my own privilege, gain a global consciousness about poverty, and ponder what steps I can take to help alleviate socioeconomic divide. During these moments of deep reflection, I had a revelation: "Honey, you have to come to grips with your power." I expected good things, not great things, to happen to me. Becoming a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow validated the excellence within me. All of my doubts were crushed beneath the soles of my feet, as I walked each step in South Africa. I've learned that as soon as I stop fearing my greatness, my impact on society will be beyond anything I -- or my 12-year-old self -- could ever fathom.
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Feb. 27, 2019• 7
P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.
A dehumanized America Vice President Pence’s recent visit to honor Jewish Holocaust victims at Auschwitz reminded me about America’s still ongoing inhumanity and disrespect for human life. We are shocked about how Nazi Germany, under Hitler, became so inhumane that they murdered millions of God’s elect-Jewish people, trying to exterminate them. They displayed total disregard for human life in this horrific crime against God and humanity. And we should also be alarmed that Iranian leaders want to “kill all Jews and annihilate Israel.” They have been fed hate toward God’s chosen nation for so long that they say it is “legal and acceptable” to exterminate them. They sure do not know that God said He would bless those who bless Israel, and curse those who curse Israel. With such hate they only curse themselves. A society which believes in killing innocent human beings is a morally sick society. God’s just Commandments
were edged in stone by God’s fiery finger, and given to Moses, to create a just and orderly nation/world, and so that Israel would be a blessing to the world. After more than 400 years in captivity in Egypt, God kept His promise to Abraham, and gave the land of Canaan as inheritance to Jacob/Israel, one of Abraham descendants. The people in that land had become morally corrupt and God passed judgment upon them to cleanse the land. Parents were spilling their children’s blood by throwing them into the fire in worship of idols. In the last several decades America has gone so far away from God that it is now even more corrupt, than Nazi Germany and Canaan. Respect for God, and for His God-given-human life, is sorely missing. Individual and national judgment is coming. Time to Repent! Manuel Ybarra, Jr.
What’s really important in America? Every day we face life. What is really important? Social Security? We pay into Social Security all of our working lives. When we reach our 60s we anticipate collecting the benefits promised to us. Some will collect income at 62 while others will not collect it until 66.2 or later. The full retirement age should be returned to 65. Millions of Americans will never collect a penny of Social Security. Imagine paying into Social Security most of your life but dying early and never collecting a cent. This happens to millions of Americans. Health? Your mortality doesn't become much of a reality until you hit about 50. The body begins to react to how we have treated it or to problems that we may have inherited from past generations. Colon polyps start showing up, the thyroid starts acting up, blood pressure, heart, diabetes and much more becomes a daily concern. Listen to your body. Go see your doctor
and don't be passive when your doctor tells you about health issues that you should address. Stay active. Focus on more vegetables, fruit, baked or grilled chicken and fish and cut out desserts. Money? Americans are working today longer than ever it seems. Many senior adults are working into their eighties to keep food on the table or pay the rent. If you think you may be working into your 70s, consider preparing yourself for a job that you can physically and mentally do late in life. Underground coal mining may not be for you when you are 75. However, working out of your home two days a week as a plumber or carpenter might be enjoyable. much Longevity? Life is short. We are just passing through this world. Life is a gift. All in all, our most valued possessions are being at peace with our souls and our Creator, spending time with our family and friends and guarding our health. Glenn Mollette
The LEGACY welcomes opinions from our readers.
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8 • Feb. 27, 2019
The LEGACY
Angela Robinson talks becoming Veronica Harrington Angela Robinson auditioned for her role of Veronica Harrington on OWN Network’s “The Haves and The Have Nots” under devastating circumstances. “My best friend was visiting and her father in-law passed away,” she recalls. “So I had her and her husband and their children over and I got a call that they wanted me to send in a tape for Veronica. You know, to audition on tape and then send it in. I really didn’t think I could do it because there were so many people there and they were going through a rough time but my husband felt like I should do it.” That advice from Robinson’s husband of over twenty years, Scott Whitehurst, was a word in due season. “I pretty much waited until everybody went to bed,” Robinson recalls. “And stayed up all night filming it and sent it in. I got the call that they wanted to fly me in and meet Tyler Perry and audition
for him in person. I did that and the next day I got the offer.” Because Robinson, who has an extensive career in theater, had already worked on “The Color Purple” on Broadway, she was already acquainted with Oprah Winfrey, owner of OWN Network on which “The Haves and The Have Nots” airs. “She is just like Tyler Perry,” Robinson explains. “Her persona in real life is just as she is in her public life.” Robinson shares that Winfrey is not only as warm as she seems on screen but she also walks her talk in terms of supporting women. “She is extremely supportive. When I won the Gracie Award a few years ago, for my work on the show, she took the time to congratulate me and take some pictures with me. It is just an honor always to be in the presence of people who are doing such great things.”
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(from page 8) Although the Florida born and raised Robinson has been playing Veronica for a number of years now, the character’s out of this world shenanigans still regularly shock her. “Every time I get new script and read it, I think ‘Oh my goodness! Probably the one thing I was really disturbed by was when she had Wyatt raped.” Still, Robinson can see some humanity in Veronica’s cold and calculating character. “Everything great about Veronica- her smarts, the fact that she is a black women who is a self made millionaire–all of that came because she was a perfectionist, they came because she was controlling, it’s how she fought her way out of the ghetto and made something of herself.” Robinson has relished the opportunity to play the powerful,
Feb. 27, 2019• 9 though dastardly, diva. “I trained as an actress so I envisioned myself playing all sorts of characters.” Being so different from the type of person Robinson herself is, she admits it is a process to construct Veronica. “You sort of have to break the character down to what their temperament is,” she begins. “Then you play that temperament as opposed to thinking about the whole character.” In real life, Robinson admits she personally feels most powerful when she is able to say no. “When I choose me or my family or my values, whatever it is, when I choose those things over being seen or the job or the money, when I choose myself or my well-being or family I feel very much empowered when I do that.” This clarity when it comes to priorities perhaps owes much to the lessons she learned from her father
with whom she was very close, and who passed away a few years ago. She says wistfully, “I carry him with me every day. There are so many stories he told me like fifty times,” she laughs “That I didn’t want to hear anymore but now I would give anything to hear.” One of the most poignant of those lessons took place on a drive through Florida when Robinson was an impatient ten year-old. “We were at a toll booth. Back then, you threw the quarter in and then you wait for the light to change and you keep going. There were no people manning the toll booth. I remember my dad was looking around for a quarter and I was like, ‘Dad, nobody’s looking. Let’s just go!’ My dad said to me and I never forgot it, “You wanna have integrity, no matter who’s looking. I’ve tried to always live by that.”
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10 • Feb. 27, 2019
The LEGACY
The magic of Motown comes alive in animated show
What a great way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Motown – by putting the iconic music in a family-friendly animated series. Since November of 2018, great music and animation have merged on Netflix with “Motown Magic.” Now, you can watch the complete first season on the streaming network, which features 52 newly-recorded versions of the famous songs by contemporary acts such as Ne-Yo, Becky G, BJ The Chicago Kid, Calum Scott, and Trombone Shorty. The show’s theme song is the Jackson 5’s “ABC,” sung by 11-year-old Zacary James of The Melisizwe Brothers, who have performed on “The Ellen
Degeneres Show,” “Showtime at the Apollo,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” and “America’s Got Talent.” Hailing from Alberta, Canada, James told the EUR in a recent phone interview, “I’m really honored and happy that I’m doing the theme song for the show. The show is really awesome, fun, and I’m really happy for it.” James even got a vote of confidence from one of the famous Jackson brothers, “I love Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. (I) actually talked to Tito Jackson and he said, ‘You’re going to do a wonderful job and keep on doing what you’re doing.’ It was very cool.” James and his brothers, who
all play multiple instruments, also went viral when millions watched their video version of the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” a few years ago. But the trio can also throw down singing other Motown hits. Even though he is only a preteen, James added that Motown is very special. “Motown really touches my heart. It’s always something you can listen to. I’ve loved it since I was two. Stevie Wonder is my favorite artist. Meeting him was really awesome. He bought me and (my brothers instruments).” Josh Wakely, the “Motown Magic” creator and executive producer, had an exhaustive search looking for the voice of a young Michael Jackson.
The Australian native said in an EUR phone interview that when he received a video of James, he knew he was the one. But the real test would be hearing James sing live in a recording studio. “I’ve worked with some big artists and they’ve done great performances but often they take a day, a day and a half, or even a week to get the songs right, but he did it in one take,” Wakely said. “I turned to my engineer in the recording studio and was like, ‘That’s close to perfect, let’s do that again, that was a fluke.’ He was perfect every time.”
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Feb. 27, 2019• 11
ELC offers a half million dollars in educational scholarships The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the pre-eminent global organization composed of current and former black executives, announced it is offering $500,000 in scholarships for black undergraduate and MBA/ MA college students in 2019. With the generous support of corporate sponsors and ELC members, hundreds of students will apply or compete for the more than 60 awards
of education-based financial support through six distinct programs. Undergraduate college students will be able to apply for scholarships ranging from $4,000 - $12,000 through five (5) programs: Alvaro L. Martins Scholarship; Ann Fudge Scholarship; Award for Excellence in Business Commentary; Nationwide's Future Leaders Scholarship; and the Praxair Engineers of Tomorrow
Scholarship. In addition, teams of MBA, MA and MS students from U.S. graduate schools of business will compete to become one of three teams selected to share $70,000 in cash awards in the 2019 National Business Case Competition in Houston, Texas. “Ever since The ELC was established by 19 trailblazing black corporate executives in 1986, the organization has worked with
Skiffes Creek Connector Project James County Willingess to Hold a Public Hearing
Find out about the proposed Skiffes Creek Connector road that will relieve congestion and provide connectivity between Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) and Merrimac Trail (Route 143) in James City County. Come and see the proposed project plans to construct a new .95 mile two-lane connector road from Route 60 to Route 143, starting at the Green Mount Parkway intersection and ending near the VDOT maintenenance facility on Route 143. The project will also include the addition of culverts/bridge and new intersections. Review the project information and the Environmental Assessment (EA) at the VDOT Hampton Roads District Office located at 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435, 757-956-3000, 1-800-367-7623, TTY/TDD 711, or at the VDOT Williamsburg Residency Office, 4451 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188, 757-253-5138. Please call ahead to ensure the availability of appropriate personnel to answer your questions. If your concerns cannot be satisfied, VDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Mr. John Harman, Virginia Department of Transportation, 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435 on or prior to March 4, 2019. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is provided in the environmental documentation. VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT’s Civil Rights Division at 757-9563000 or TTY/TDD 711. State Project: 0060-047-627, P101, R201, C501
Federal Project: STP-5A03(455)
UPC: 100200
colleges and universities to identify and support a pipeline of future black leaders,” said Skip Spriggs, president and CEO of The ELC. "In 2019, through the generosity of our members and corporate sponsors, The Executive Leadership Council will reach the highest number of minority students and offer the most financial aid in a given year in its history. Our overall goal is to build relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to ensure that we are reaching and supporting top talent within their respective institutions.” The ELC’s scholarship programs are designed to recognize and reward black college students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and commitment to community service. In addition to receiving a scholarship award, a select group of scholarship recipients will participate in The ELC’s Honors Symposium where they will have an opportunity to engage, network and consult with The ELC’s accomplished business executives in a multi-day professional development experience. ELC members are current or former corporate CEOs, senior executives, and board members of Fortune 1000 and equivalent companies; top-tier entrepreneurs; and global thought leaders. The focus of the organization is the development of a pipeline of global black executives for C-suites, corporate boards and global enterprises to leverage the full power of diversity and inclusion. The mission of The ELC’s Undergraduate Scholarships is to build a pipeline of black corporate talent by supporting the academic achievement and development of black undergraduate and graduate students. Corporate sponsors include The Coca-Cola Foundation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Nationwide and Praxair Inc. Students may visit The ELC’s website at www.elcinfo.com for information about our scholarship offerings and apply.
12 • Feb. 27, 2019
The LEGACY
Zacary James (center) pictured with his brothers. James will be featured in the theme song for “Motown Magic”. (from page 10) Wakely, who is not new to children’s programming, created another children’s show two years ago, the Emmy-winning “Beat Bugs,” inspired by The Beatles’ music. After that success, Wakely started working on “Motown Magic” three years ago. After getting the blessings of Motown mogul Berry Gordy, Motown executive Clarence Avant, and Stevie Wonder, when it came to choosing the Executive Music Producer for the animated series, Wakely
sought the legendary Smokey Robinson. In addition to singing, Robinson also wrote many Motown hits for other artists. “I thought Smokey Robinson was a good pick to get a final blessing because he was both a hugely influential artist, who was a mentor to Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and a whole bunch of people but he was also involved in the business of it all. He was the perfect person to bridge both sides.” The super-cute series centers on a young boy named Ben, who
transforms his city with a magic paintbrush against a backdrop of the Motown sound and streetart. Armed with degrees in business and theatre, newcomer Avia Fields plays Ben but she is not a child or a boy. However, the Alabama native told the EUR she was the right person for the role. “He’s so similar to me,” said Fields. “He’s smart, creative, likes to read, and values academics like I did. The little bit of shyness and awkwardness was pretty much my personality as a kid.”
After graduating from college and moving to New York to pursue musical theater, the Alabama native often looked for auditions in Backstage, a performance arts trade publication. However, one day, she glanced at a section she never bothered to look at before. “It was so random because I never looked at the voiceover auditions,” said Fields. “I was home for the weekend and ‘Motown Magic’ popped up and I fell in love. “It was a stroke of fate.”
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Feb. 27, 2019• 13
Jussie Smollett officially a suspect and faces felony charges
Although Jussie Smollett was charged with filing a false police report he still stands by his story and claims of telling the truth. By A.R. Shaw Jussie Smollett could face jail time. The Chicago Police have officially named Smollett as a suspect for filing a false report. According to tweet by Chicago police communications officer, Anthony Guglielmi, Smollett faces a Class 4 felony and detectives are currently presenting evidence before a Cook County grand jury. Smollett initially told police that he was attacked in Chicago by two White men who wore Make America Great Again hats and yelled racial and homophobic slurs on Jan. 29. During the attack, Smollett said the men poured a chemical substance on him and tied a rope around his neck. When he arrived at the hospital, the rope was still around his
neck. Police questioned two brothers, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, on Feb. 15. Police learned that the brothers purchased the rope from an Ace Hardware store in the Chicago area. CBS reports that the brothers were paid $3,500 before leaving for Nigeria and were promised an additional $500 upon their return. After the attack, they returned to Nigeria. Following the interrogation, the brothers, who both appeared as extras on “Empire,” were released from police custody. Video has emerged of the brothers buying MAGA hats and ski masks from a store. At press time, although the evidence against Smollett continued to mount, Fox and the creators of “Empire” continued to stand by the actor.
14 • Feb. 27, 2019
The LEGACY
Computers can be a real pain in the neck
It’s a posture so common we almost don’t notice it anymore: someone sitting at a computer jutting his or her head for¬ward to look more closely at the screen. But this seemingly harmless position compresses the neck and can lead to fa¬tigue, headaches, poor con¬centration, increased muscle tension and even injury to the vertebrae over time. It can even limit the ability to turn your head. “When your posture is tall and erect, the muscles of your back can easily support the weight of your head and neck — as much as 12 pounds,” ex¬plains San Francisco State Uni¬versity Professor of Holistic Health Erik Peper. “But when your head juts forward at a 45 degree angle, your neck acts like a fulcrum, like a long le¬ver lifting a heavy object. Now the muscle weight of your head and neck is the equivalent of about 45 pounds. It is not sur¬prising people get stiff necks and shoulder and back pain.” Peper, Associate Professor of Health Education Richard Harvey and their colleagues, including two student re¬searchers, tested the effects of head and neck position in a recent study published in the journal Biofeedback. First they asked 87 students to sit upright with their heads properly aligned on their necks and asked them to turn their heads. Then
the students were asked to “scrunch” their necks and jut their heads forward. Ninety-two percent reported being able to turn their heads much farther when not scrunching. In the second test, 125 students scrunched their necks for 30 sec¬onds. Afterwards, 98 percent reported some level of pain in their head, neck or eyes. The researchers also monitored 12 students with electromy¬ography equipment and found that trapezius muscle tension in¬creased in the scrunched, head forward position. So if you suffer from headaches or neck and backaches from computer work, check your posture and make sure your head is aligned on top of your neck, as if held by an invisible thread from the ceiling. “You can do something about this poor posture very quickly,” said Peper. To increase body awareness, Peper advises purposefully replicating the head-forward/ neck scrunched posi¬tion. “You can exaggerate the position and experience the symp¬toms. Then when you find yourself doing it, you can become aware and stop.” Other solutions he offers include increasing the font on your computer screen, wearing computer reading glasses or placing your computer on a stand at eye level, all to make the screen easier to read without strain.
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Feb. 27, 2019• 15
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16 • Feb. 27, 2019
Calendar
The LEGACY
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
February 27
March 1, 2, 3
PETERSBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Petersburg City Public Schools regularly holds Child Find events to locate children who would benefit from special education services. Here are upcoming Child Find events, which are open to children from birth to age 21: 9:45-11:45 a.m. Feb. 27 at Blandford Academy 816 E. Bank St. 9 a.m.-noon April 11 at Westview Early Childhood Education Center 1100 Patterson St. Child Find is open to all Petersburg children. This includes children in private schools and children who are homeschooled. Petersburg parents who have concerns about their children’s vision, speech, hearing, learning, motor/physical development, behavior, ability to pay attention, understanding or self-help are encouraged to bring them to Child Find. Child Find offers free professional consultation for parents, screenings for children and help referring children for full evaluation for early intervention services or exceptional education services. For more information: 804-861-4563.
ONE CITY MARATHON WEEKEND MARCH 1st Health & Wellness Expo, presented by Riverside 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Denbigh Community Center 15198 Warwick Boulevard Free & open to the public
MARCH 2nd
Health & Wellness Expo, presented by Riverside – Free & open to the public 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Boulevard Health and fitness exhibitors and activities Women’s Expo – Free & open to the public 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Newport News City Center, 980 Omni Boulevard Panel discussions on women’s issues, workshops on a range of topics, women’s empowerment sessions, various vendors Family Fit & Fun Day – Free & open to the public 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Brooks Crossing, 3100 Jefferson Avenue Sports-themed games, obstacle course, relay races, face painting & more Pre-race Pasta Dinner, presented by Riverside 6:00 p.m., Tradition Brewing, 700 Thimble Shoals Boulevard in City Center
MARCH 3rd
March 16, 17 MILITARY THROUGH THE AGES Jamestown Settlement visitors can experience centuries of military history during Jamestown Settlement’s time-honored “Military Through the Ages” event on Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17. This event will feature a special salute to women’s roles in the military and their contributions during times of war. For information, call (888) 593-4682 toll-free or (757) 253-4838
One City Marathon Race Events Marathon & Marathon Relay 7:00 a.m., Newport News Park BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon – 7:00 a.m., Menchville High School Maritime 8K, presented by Anthem – 8:15 a.m., West Avenue and 24th Street Nautical Mile Fun Run – 10:30 a.m., West Avenue and 24th Street One City, One Celebration – Free & open to the public 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Super Block, Washington Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets Music, food, runner relaxation areas, games, interactive activities and more
Submit your calendar events by email to: editor @legacynewspaper.com.
Include the who, what, where, when and contact information that can be printed.
Deadline is Friday
Feb. 27, 2019• 17
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18 • Feb. 27, 2019
Classifieds NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF RICHMOND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Will hold a Public Hearing in the 5th Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA on March 6, 2019, to consider the following under Chapter 30 of the Zoning Code: BEGINNING AT 1:00 P.M. BZA 04-2019 (CONTINUED FROM JANUARY 2, 2019 MEETING): An application of Nancy and Ernest Bush, Jr. for a building permit to construct a new single-family attached dwelling at 900 NORTON STREET. BZA 08-2019: An application of McKenna Brown for a building permit to construct a second story addition onto an existing accessory building at 3019 STONEWALL AVENUE. BZA 09-2019: An application of 2202 4th Avenue Series of the Affordable Housing Association for a building permit to construct a new single-family detached dwelling (No. 2204) at 2202 4th AVENUE.
The LEGACY
LEGAL, EMPLOYMENT, ANNOUNCEMENTS, FOR SALE, SERVICES
Ad Size: 9.8 inches (2 columns X 4.9 inches) 2 Issues - Feb. 20 & 27- ($107.80- per run) $215.60 total Rate: $11 per column inch
Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond. Includes Internet placement To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. Please review the proof, make any needed changes and return by fax or e-mail. EOE M/F/D/V If your response is not received by deadline, your ad may not be inserted. Ok X_________________________________________ Ok with changes X _____________________________ REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m.
BZA 10-2019: An application of Kurt Engleman for a building permit to construct a masonry wall at 2308 IDLEWOOD AVENUE. BZA 11-2019: An application of 604 St James Street, LLC for a building permit to re-establish the nonconforming use rights to a retail use and convert the building to a two-family dwelling at 604 SAINT JAMES STREET. Roy W. Benbow, Secretary Phone: (804) 240-2124 Fax: (804) 646-5789 E-mail: Roy.Benbow@richmondgov.com
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Feb. 27, 2019• 19
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409 E. M
AUCTIONS
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ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide or in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804521-7576, landonc@vpa.net
156- Procurement 222 HAMPTON SOLICITATION
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND TRUCKS AUCTION. Accepting Consignments through 3/14. Live and Online Auction. Tues, March 19 at 9 a.m. 3600 Deepwater Terminal Road, Richmond, VA. www.motleys.com or 1-877-MOTLEYS
CITY OF HAMPTON Thursday, March 7, 2019 2:00 p.m. EST – ITB 19-43/TM Turf Installation, Maintenance & Trail Grading Services on an as needed basis.
EDUCATION/CAREER TRAINING
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 3:00 p.m. EST-ITB 19-44/CLP Provide power washing services to clean the roof and exterior of the Hampton Coliseum, located at 1000 Coliseum Drive. A non-mandatory attendance pre-bid meeting will be held – date TBD.
AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance SCHEV certified 877-204- 4130
FARM EQUIPMENT GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com
FOR SALE HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools looking for Demo Homesites to display new maintenance free Kayak Pools. Save thousands of $$. Unique opportunity! 100% financing available. 1-888-788-5464
HELP WANTED / DRIVERS NEED CDL Drivers? Advertise your JOB OPENINGS statewide or in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach truck drivers. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa. net
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE ATTN. REALTORS: Advertise your listings regionally or statewide. Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net
SERVICES DIVORCE-Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-490-0126 Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https:// hiltonoliverattorneyva.com.
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 2:00 p.m. EST-ITB 19-21/EA (RE-BID) On-Call Minor Concrete and Asphalt Repair For additional information, see our web page at http://www.hampton.gov/bids-contracts 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 right is reserved 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. Karl Daughtrey, Director of Finance
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