L
EGACY Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
WEDNESDAYS • Feb. 1, 2017
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INSIDE
Chaos erupt following Trump travel ban - 2 Proposed bill to clear juvenile records - 3 Pastor: ‘Bowing down is not an option’ - 8 Awareness for mental health and suicide - 15
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The LEGACY
2 • Feb. 1, 2017
News Trump’s travel ban targeting 7 countries provides political moment for Va. Democrats Virginia Democrats on Sunday slammed President Trump’s executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim countries — though some also spent the day explaining why they missed out on high-profile demonstrations Saturday night at Dulles International Airport. As bad as most of them found the order that prevented even green-card holders from entering the United States, it was a golden political opportunity in the immigrant-rich areas of Northern Virginia that will be key to winning statewide races this year and next. While some Democrats seized the moment — Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark R. Herring appeared at Dulles on Saturday night — others reacted from afar, or quietly worked the phones. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) showed up among the emotional crowds that packed Dulles to show support for returning immigrants, but neither of Virginia’s Democratic senators — Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner — made the scene Saturday night. Their absence was noted on social media. “Where are Warner and Kaine?” tweeted Anna Scholl, head of ProgressVA, a left-leaning advocacy group. The situation also posed the first major test for Ed Gillespie, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor and is figuring out how to position himself in the Trump era. Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, released a statement Friday night, after Trump announced the executive order, that said he has always been open to a pause in the refugee program to allow a reassessment of national security but that Trump’s action jumps the gun. Warner spokesman Kevin Hall said the senator directed his staff on
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) speaks at the international arrivals area of the Washington Dulles International Airport on Jan. 28 in Northern Virginia. He protested the executive order signed by Donald Trump halting the refugee program, and cracking down on immigration from seven predominately Muslim countries. PHOTO: Paul J. Richards/Getty Saturday to work the phones, trying to connect constituents with legal representation. They encountered a great deal of confusion and did not get satisfactory answers from federal agencies about what the order meant in practical terms, Hall said. “[Warner] directed top staff to work on it, and we did all day and into the night,” Hall said. Kaine was in Richmond on Saturday night attending the India Association of Virginia’s 68th Republic Day celebration. A spokeswoman said he had directed his constituent casework team “to stay in contact with attorneys and
immigration rights groups at Dulles through the night to offer assistance and help ensure detained travelers have access to legal representation.” Kaine appeared on “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning and harshly criticized Trump. He said it was “not a coincidence” that Trump issued an executive order banning travel from Muslim countries on the same day he issued a Holocaust message that failed to mention Jews, which he said amounted to “Holocaust denial.” “We think this administration poses a real threat to our reputation, our values and our people, and we’re going to battle [it],” he said.
Warner and Kaine wrote to Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly on Sunday to ask, among other things, whether his department will honor temporary stays of the executive order issued by federal courts over the weekend. Of the two Democrats running for governor this year, outsider Tom Perriello, a former congressman, was quickest to seize the moment. He appeared at Dulles on Saturday night, fresh from days of barnstorming around Northern Virginia, and issued a series
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Feb. 1, 2017 • 3
Va. Senate approves bill to clear some juvenile crimes from criminal records NIDHI SHARMA
CNS - The House will soon vote on a bill by Sen. Ryan T. McDougle that would allow crimes such as underage drinking and marijuana possession to be cleared from a criminal record in five years if the offense occurred before a person’s 21st birthday. The bill, SB976, unanimously passed the Senate Jan. 19 and must also pass the House before it has a chance to become law. This is the second time that McDougle, R-Mechanicsville, proposed a bill to offer what is called expungement in legal terms. “The bill does not eliminate the penalties if you are in possession, but it does give an avenue. After a period of time, if you were under 21, you can expunge it from your record,” McDougle said. “In today’s technology world, it does not eliminate all records; it just eliminates the criminal record. I do think that can be important for individuals pursuing different careers.” While drafting the bill, McDougle attempted to approach the bill’s terms logically. “I still think that both of those substances [alcohol and marijuana] can have very negative impacts on individual lives,” McDougle said. “Part of the reason we’re giving people under the age of 21 the opportunity to expunge the bill is that you do learn the nature of consequences more as your mind develops – and there is some evidence to suggest you do not have full brain development until you are a little older. That’s how we ultimately came to the age timeframe.” W. Edward Riley IV, a defense attorney in Richmond, supports the bill. “So often, things end up on the record, and kids have a hard time getting jobs or even getting into college,” Riley said. “Once they get involved with the law, it’s hard to move on. Youth these days gets in
Sen. Ryan T. McDougle trouble for things I never got in trouble for; the cops would just pick you up and take you home.” The proposed bill enjoys bipartisanship support, with both Democrat and Republican co-patrons. “The bill started as a conversation between different groups of people; it was actually a coalition of individuals who would be on the more conservative side, and individuals on the more liberal side,” McDougle said. Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance, D-Petersburg, is one of the copatrons of McDougle’s bill. During a Senate session on Jan. 27, she spoke about her bill SB 1171, which would prohibit state agencies from including on any employment application a question inquiring whether the prospective employee has ever been arrested or charged with, or convicted of, any crime, subject to certain exceptions. Sen. John A. Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, stood up in session to object to the bill – his voice reverberated through the chamber as he implored the Senate to not support the bill, calling it a waste of time. Dance was equally firm in her response. “This bill is not waste of time,” she said. “It would allow people, even people with a criminal past, to provide for their families.” McDougle voted against Dance’s
Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance
bill, although it passed the Senate and was also referred to the House. McDougle, in an interview, said that bad choices had consequences, but those consequences didn’t necessarily have to last forever. “I think as people go through their lives, they make good choices and bad choices, and sometimes those choices have consequences – I think people need to be aware if that,” he said. “What we’re attempting to do is say that even though consequences may be severe; they do not have to be for the rest of your life -- in these limited cases.”
I-95 On-Ramp Improvement at Belvidere Street
Richmond City Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing The Virginia Department of Transportation is proposing to extend the acceleration lane from Belvidere St. to Interstate 95 north (mile marker 76) in the City of Richmond. This project will enhance safety for motorists merging onto I-95 north and I-64 west from the Belvidere St. ramp. A shortterm detour will be in place during construction. Review 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, or TTY/TDD 711. 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 David Steele, P.E., project manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, Richmond District, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002 or DavidA.Steele@vdot.virginia.gov on or prior to February 8, 2017. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of the 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 have questions or concerns about your civil rights in regards to this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager listed above. State Project: 0095-127-859,P101, R201, C501 Federal Project: OC-095-1(337), OC-095-1(342), OC-095-1(349) UPC: 107797
The LEGACY
4 • Feb. 1, 2017
McQuinn bill seeks to preserve historic black cemeteries CNS - Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Richmond, has always been interested in preserving history – in remembering the stories of those once downtrodden, forgotten because of racism, neglect and apathy. This year, McQuinn introduced a bill to the Virginia General Assembly that would push to preserve historic African-American cemeteries. Her legislation was based in part on a research paper published in 2008, written by VCU anthropology professor Christopher M. Stevenson, locating an African-American cemetery buried under 10 feet of dirt below Interstate 95 in Richmond. McQuinn spent years working to memorialize the burial ground and bring justice to the bodies of slaves sold in Richmond, whose bodies lay underneath what is now a highway, while Virginia legislation has been — for years – providing organizations with $5 per Confederate grave for
(from page 2) of statements on social media condemning Trump’s action. Perriello also joined protesters outside the White House on Sunday, tweeting that he was there to “defend our constitution & conscience.” The longtime Democratic frontrunner, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, reacted from Richmond, calling an impromptu news conference late Saturday. His spokesman, David Turner, said Northam had a commitment in Petersburg early Sunday morning and could not make the trip up to Dulles in time. Instead, Northam turned to social media through Sunday. “Irrespective of political party, our current President has used his first week in office to trample on the values that made our country a beacon of hope for many across the world,” Northam said Sunday in a post on Facebook. Gillespie, the Republican frontrunner in the governor’s race, was noticeably silent on the situation until Sunday afternoon. A former strategist for President George W. Bush, Gillespie kept his distance from Trump during the presidential campaign and is now grappling with how a mainstream Republican navigates the expectations of Trump voters.
maintenance purposes. McQuinn’s bill, HB 1547 , has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
and is awaiting approval and further steps. “I have a profound interest in African-American history, history that’s been left out of the equation,” McQuinn said. “There are many leaders that are buried there, many leaders who have made amazing contributions to history—but their stories have not been told, have not been shared.” Passing the bill would mean funding for nonprofit organizations to help cover the cost of routine maintenance of the East End Cemetery of Henrico County and Evergreen Cemetery in the city of Richmond, keeping remaining African-American cemeteries accessible and ensuring their place in Richmond’s history. “Cemeteries offer a unique look at an individual’s past, even though that individual may be voiceless,” McQuinn said, when asked why her
bill was important. “The date of their birth and death, in between that is a dash – and there’s a story to be told there. It’s amazing how a burial ground can speak to an individual.” The burial ground containing the bones of African-American slaves– which Stevenson concluded lay underneath what is now a highway– would not benefit from McQuinn’s proposal. “I’m sure someone knew, before the state of Virginia decided to pave that way, I’m sure someone had knowledge of that,” McQuinn said. “We will make sure eventually that there is a designated area dedicated to people buried there.” Stevenson declined comment on the proposed bill, but expressed the similarities between the former burial ground and East End Cemetery, which is set to gain funding for maintenance should McQuinn’s bill pass.
At least one Republican rival for the nomination pounced with gusto. “Ed Gillespie is hiding in the weeds,” said state Sen. Frank W. Wagner (Virginia Beach), one of four Republicans seeking the party’s nod for governor. Wagner said he supports Trump’s action. “Putting your finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing is not leadership, Ed,” he said. Later Sunday, Gillespie staked out middle ground. “When you factor out all the misinformation and media hysteria, it’s clear that a temporary pause on refugee resettlement is a rational step to secure our homeland and keep Americans safe,” he said in a statement, “but it should accommodate those Green Card holders who pose no security threat returning from travel outside the United States.” Corey A. Stewart, the Prince William County supervisor who formerly chaired Trump’s campaign in Virginia, issued a full-throated support of the executive order and took the chance to bash Democrats. “McAuliffe and Northam would rather see a terrorist attack in Virginia than offend liberals,” he said. Denver Riggleman, the fourth GOP contender, put out a statement Sunday endorsing the executive order, defending it as “not an
outright Muslim ban. This is an initial security review of seven countries that are currently at the highest risk of having bad actors integrated into refugee populations.” Northern Virginia’s congressional delegation is largely made up of Democrats, most of whom had missed the Dulles demonstrations Saturday but headed there Sunday. The lone Republican, Barbara Comstock, who had called on Trump to drop out of the presidential campaign at one point, issued a statement Sunday morning saying that it is unconstitutional to ban immigrants on the basis of religion but that she supports increasing vetting for national security purposes. “The President’s Executive Order issued yesterday went beyond the increased vetting actions that Congress has supported on a bipartisan basis and inexplicably applied to green card holders, people who are legally within our country who have followed the rules,” she said. Green-card holders, or permanent legal residents, are vetted, pay taxes and must register with the Selective Service, she said, noting that many serve in the military. Her spokesman, Jeff Marschner, said her office has contacted the All Dulles Area Muslim Society, known
as the ADAMS Center mosque, to see whether constituents needed help. Local Headlines newsletter Democrats representing the area in Congress made high-profile appearances at Dulles on Sunday. Reps. Gerald E. Connolly and Don Beyer attended an airport rally along with colleagues from the Maryland congressional delegation, Reps. John Delaney and Jamie B. Raskin. The four took turns talking in a thick crowd of protesters who were waving signs, plus a small contingent of Trump supporters. One yelled, “Support your president.” Connolly had been working Saturday to get a constituent released from the airport, spokesman Jamie Smith said. Pressure from his office helped secure the release of Ahmed Mohedian and his wife, Houry Nozemi, who were detained for about eight hours after a trip to Iran. The 71-year-old Mohedian, who uses a wheelchair, had received treatment for a heart condition, according to Humza Kazmi, a Tysons-based immigration lawyer assisting the family. Mohedian and Nozemi are both green-card holders, Kazmi said. “It was still far, far too long for him to be detained, but he was released and was able to get back home, which was our main concern,” he said. © WaPo
Del. Delores McQuinn
Feb. 1, 2017 • 5
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Following Roanoke’s lead, small businesses in Richmond call for sales tax on online retailers DAMIAN HONDARES CNS - As Roanoke calls for a sales tax on online retailers, many owners of brick-and-mortar businesses in Richmond find themselves in agreement. Roanoke is facing a $4 million revenue shortfall, largely due to low sales numbers. Many small businesses blame the rise of online retailers, who they say avoid the state’s 5.3 percent sales tax. In response, the city passed a resolution on Jan. 3 that urged members of Congress to pass the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would collect sales taxes from all online purchases across the country. Many small business owners in Richmond are now aligning themselves with Roanoke, calling for an online sales tax, at the state or federal level. Tina Miller is the owner of Ladles and Linens, a kitchen shop with locations in Richmond, Roanoke and Lexington. She also owns Walkabout Outfitters, an outdoor shop with locations in Richmond, Roanoke, Lexington, Blacksburg and Harrisonburg. She has spent two decades of her life running the stores, and she has seen the Internet change the way business works. “You have to be competitive with price,” Miller said. “Twenty years ago, nobody was using the Internet.” Nonetheless, Miller said that her business had grown every year, in spite of competition from online alternatives like Amazon. She said that growth was attributable to low prices, as well as the loyalty of her customers. “We do have some people who come in, look at the products, and go buy them on the Internet, thinking they can get them less expensive, which is usually not the case,” Miller said. “But we are seeing that there are people who prefer to keep small businesses open, so they do their research online and then they come to shop with us, to keep real families and real businesses open.” Mark Burkett, the owner of
Mongrel, a Richmond gift shop, said that his business had weathered the changes in retail as well. “We thought we might see some changes in the greeting card business,” Burkett said. “But our sales are still what they need to be, because of our boutique style.” He said that customers valued the service they received in a real store, though he admitted that there were some exceptions to that rule. “Probably any retailer can tell you this, but we do have some customers who come in and we see them snapping pictures on their phones,
and they’re comparing prices online,” Burkett said. “But it has not affected our business adversely. And, really, unless you’re buying from some of the large retailers like Amazon, you’re still paying shipping costs. So you might even end up paying more.” Though Miller and Burkett had thrived in a new age of retail, both agreed that a sales tax should be applied to products purchased on the Internet. As Joyce Waugh, the president and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, said, the current laws regarding sales taxes
and online purchases in Virginia are virtually impossible to enforce. “In Virginia, if you bought your girlfriend a gift for the holidays, at the end of the year, you’re required by law to pay sales tax on that and to submit that sales tax to the Commonwealth of Virginia, just like if you bought that same item in a store,” Waugh said. “Most people don’t know that. I think I know one person who does that.” Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, agreed that the law
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Op/Ed & Letters
The LEGACY
The famous poem by an antiNazi pastor, rewritten for Donald Trump’s America GIDEON LICHFIELD Reprinted from June 2016 First Trump came for the women And I did not speak out Because I was not a woman. Then Trump came for the people with disabilities And I did not speak out Because I did not have a disability. Then Trump came for the African Americans And I did not speak out Because I was not African American. Then Trump came for the Mexicans And I did not speak out Because I was not Mexican. Then Trump came for the Muslims And I did not speak out Because I was not Muslim. Then Trump came for the gay, bi, and trans people And I did not speak out Because I was not gay, bi or trans.* Then Trump came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew.** Then Trump came for the journalists And I did not speak out Because I was not a journalist.*** Then Trump came for the judges And I did not speak out Because I was not a judge. And now Trump is coming for the Constitution of the United States And if I do not speak out, what am I? * Actually I am one of those, and I didn’t speak out about that. ** And one of those, and didn’t speak out about that either. When I grew up in Britain, Martin Niemöller’s poem “First they came…” was a well-worn standard in any sort of Jewish education. It was plastered on The LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 3 No. 5 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
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posters issued by the Union of Jewish Students, printed in books and flyers, quoted at political meetings. I saw it so often that it became, for me, a secular version of the shema, the prayer anyone with the slightest amount of Jewish upbringing knows by heart: “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” The shema and “First they came” are both statements of something at the core of Jewish identity, and they form a kind of point and counterpoint stretched across thousands of years of history. The shema reminded the early Israelites that they were the people who, unlike their pagan neighbors, worshipped a single deity. Niemöller’s poem reminds modern Jews that, as a people who were almost wiped out, it’s our duty—as it is everyone’s duty—to speak up for other minorities under attack, lest we be next. The shema sets us apart from other peoples; “First they came” binds us together again. To see Donald Trump methodically lay into one group after another during the months of the presidential campaign has been to see Niemöller’s warning writ large across our screens. But during all these months, I haven’t noticed much speaking out by one group in support of another. A notable exception is the AntiDefamation League (ADL), the Jewish anti-racism body, whose head launched a blistering attack on
Trump’s Islamophobia and racism in March. Yet just a week earlier Trump got standing ovations at the annual conference of the powerful pro-Israel lobby group, AIPAC—a moment that I believe should stand as a mark of eternal shame for the leaders of America’s Jewish community. There are probably more gestures of solidarity by one group towards another than we can easily see. One small example: non-Jews adding the “echo symbol”—triple parentheses, (((like this)))—around their names on Twitter, in a fight back against antiSemites on the “alt-right,” who have used the symbol to single out Jews. Yet such moments, while mildly heartwarming, almost never command the emotional power that makes them go viral; they tend to be buried in the social-media maelstrom by the latest Trump outrage. Moreover, I suspect that such solidarity is largely confined to the grassroots. How many African American leaders are there speaking out against Islamophobia, Muslim leaders speaking up for Mexican immigrants, and LGBT leaders coming out to defend people with disabilities? It’s time for everyone to remember Niemöller’s words, and speak out in support of anyone who becomes the target of this hate-monger and his alt-right cohorts. At the end of the day, Trump is coming for all of us.
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Feb. 1, 2017 • 7
P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.
Selective profiling U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s sweeping executive order paves the way for unconstitutional racial immigration profiling practices, targeting Latinos subjecting them to aggressive police and security detention and deportation based on their race or ethnicity, on the belief that this minority group is more likely than others to engage in unlawful behavior, while excluding, Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese, Cubans, Dominicans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, Indonesian, Koreans, Australians, Canadians, Africans and the other Largest U.S. Immigrant Groups, Northern Europeans, Western Europeans and Southern Europeans from 1960-Present. The term “immigrants” (also known as the foreign born) refers to people residing in the United States who were not U.S. citizens at birth. Trump, of German descent, ignores that in February 2001—notably, before the events of Sept. 11— President George W. Bush directed the attorney general to review the use of race by federal enforcement agencies and to develop specific recommendations to end racial profiling and issued a ban on the practice by federal law enforcement agencies—including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, the DEA, and the Department of Homeland Security— but permitted exceptions for the use of race and ethnicity to combat
potential terrorist threats. The policy prohibits the use of “generalized stereotypes” based on race or ethnicity, and allows officers to consider racial factors in “traditional law enforcement” activities only as part of a specific description or tip from an informant. However, the guidance “do[es] not affect current federal policy with respect to law enforcement activities and other efforts to defend and safeguard against threats to national security or the integrity of the nation’s borders.” When federal law enforcement officers are “investigating or preventing threats to national security or other catastrophic events (including the performance of duties related to air transportation security), or enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nation’s borders,” they may consider both race and ethnicity “to the extent permitted by the Constitution and laws of the United States.” The impact of the guidance may be limited by several factors. First, it applies only to federal agents, whereas the bulk of national law enforcement remains a state and local matter. In addition, the guidance is largely advisory, since it imposes no penalties and otherwise appears to lack legal force. Second, its numerous exceptions, particularly for national security investigations, invite broad circumvention, such as where individuals of Middle Eastern appearance are concerned.
Similarly, profiling of Latinos allegedly to preserve “border integrity” with Mexico would arguably be permitted by the current policy. In spite of current policy, Trump’s ordering ICE to specifically target Latinos and withhold federal funding from sanctuary cites in the U.S. if they don’t follow the law, yet several courts have considered the constitutional ramifications of such discriminatory and segregated practices as an “unreasonable search and seizure” under the 4th Amendment and, most recently, as a denial of the 14th Amendment’s equal protection guarantee. Roy L. Perry-Bey
Predator entrapment? Are these internet sex sting operations in American agenda politically correct? If the American public really uses some insight one will understand most all these internet sex sting operations done on adult chat sites to catch sex predators are attempts to catch anyone that is carnal by nature. A lot of us remember the old “To Catch a Predator” series or the “Justice” series of the past but are they really protecting the innocent or instilling or presenting on the other person a situation of a devient nature? Are we a nation of solutions or confusion? One would gather this
represents a form of entraptment and would lessen the credibility of the United States government in this. Is this a form of hyprocrisy or destruction? Protecting a fictitious person is unheard of. Where is truth and justice today? Is America unbalanced in some way? Does the the golden rule refer to the government as well as others? Is one enticing and instilling one to make a free will choice by this crafty tactic that police and government have come up with to infringe on a person’s will in our ordained governmental society? I am sure the American voters did not come up with any of this for the hinderance of others. It would appear a change will need to come with a new president and one that vows to “make America great again”. True justice is done in public not with someone behind a desk pretending to be some fictitous teenager on a screen giving love calls to induce someone that they are some Lolita type siren of deception. Has lying and deceit became the form of justice today in these sex offender ordeals or do ministers still give warning?. Are they honestly protecting and serveing and if so who? Remember one cannot protect a ficitious person. Has truth and honestly slipped by the wayside or are we still one nation under God? My hope is that the new president makes this America great again. Anthony Burwell
8 • Feb. 1, 2017
Faith & Religion
The LEGACY
Rev. William Barber tells Black Press: “Bowing down is not an option” FREDDIE ALLEN Rev. William Barber, the president of the North Carolina state chapter of the NAACP and leader of the Moral Mondays movement, delivered a rousing keynote address to open the 2017 Mid-Winter Conference of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). The theme of the conference was “Strengthening black-owned Newspapers through Training, Innovation and Technology.” The NNPA partnered with General Motors, Chevrolet, Ford Motor Company, Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to host the conference; Volkswagen, Ascension, Coca-Cola, and the American Association for Cancer Research supported the event as sponsors. During his speech titled, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” Barber tackled voter suppression in the aftermath of Shelby v. Holder, white evangelicalism and the current political environment in the age of “alternative facts.” Noting that President Woodrow Wilson played the white supremacist propaganda film “Birth of a Nation” in the Oval office in 1911, Barber said that Trump’s ascension and election is not an anomaly in American history. “This is not the first time that White supremacy has occupied The White House. This is not the first time that America has elected a racist egomaniac,” said Barber, reminding the audience that President Wilson, a former college president, played “Birth” to signal that Reconstruction was over. “Education doesn’t necessarily get racism out of you.” To a chorus of “Amens,” Barber said that the one thing that we have to first decide to do in this moment is that bowing down is not an option. Recognizing that he was addressing
Rev. William Barber a room full of journalists and publishers, Barber pitched ideas for a number of articles and commentaries. “Somebody has to unpack ‘so-called’ White evangelicalism that is illogical malpractice and heresy,” said Barber. “We’ve got to have some papers that write and do some investigative work to connect the money to white evangelicalism to the policies of extremism and racism, because some of our own folk are sending money to some of these TV white evangelicals.” Barber said that the loss of the full protections of the Voting Rights Act and voter suppression were two of the most underreported stories
during the last election cycle. “Long before any Russian hack, the American electoral process was hacked by systemic racism and fear,” said Barber. “The Southern Strategy is alive and well.” Barber acknowledged that civil rights leaders and Democrats could have voiced louder criticism about the lack of work done in the U.S. Congress to restore the Voting Rights Act. “Democrats talked more about David Dukes than they did about voter suppression and the Voting Rights Act being dismantled,” said Barber. Barber said that they were 868
fewer voting places across the nation; those closures disproportionately affected black voters. “Voter suppression has been proven, voter fraud has been disproven. The lie about voter fraud is a distraction from the truth about voter suppression, because voter suppression is about thievery. You scratch a liar, you’ll find a thief,” said Barber. “Trump won because of the voter suppression that went on in the black community.” After delivering a brief history of fusion politics, a time when poor whites and blacks worked together to achieve political power in the
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Feb. 1, 2017 • 9
M A C Y ’ S I S P R O U D T O C E L E B R AT E
JOIN US IN HONORING BLACK ART AND EXPRESSION THROUGH THE WORK O F E M I N E N T P O E T, A C T O R , A N D M U S I C I A N , S A U L W I L L I A M S M A C Y S . C O M / C E L E B R AT E
10 • Feb. 1, 2017
The LEGACY
University of Richmond Downtown to open exhibition on ‘Richmond Justice’ The University of Richmond Downtown is hosting a new exhibition beginning Feb. 3. at 5 p.m. “Richmond Justice” will be on view through March 17. Each week in 2016, a new portrait and story about a Richmonder whose life was shaped in some way by the justice system will be online at richmondjustice.org. Elected officials, artists, activists, social workers, attorneys and family members of currently and formerly incarcerated people, among others, were profiled. The content collected for the year-long project was turned into this exhibition, which will feature more than 50 portraits, as well as interview excerpts, maps and a short film related to Richmond’s criminal justice landscape. “Years of making media about incarceration helped us appreciate two essential facts,” Ayers said. “The number of people touched by the justice system is far greater than folks tend to imagine, and stories
about institutions and individuals shaping one another through crime and punishment are too profound to go untold.” “More often than one might expect, when we think about people affected by the justice system, we thinking about our neighbors. To care for them requires first that we understand them, through their own words,” said Warren. Hannah Ayers and Lance Warren produce the documentary with the documentary production company Field Studio. They are trained in history, and specialize in producing media at the intersection of history and social justice with an emphasis on race, incarceration and community. Their first film, “That World is Gone: Race and Displacement in a Southern Town,” won the Audience Award for Short Documentary at the 2010 Virginia Film Festival. Their most recent film, “An Outrage,” is about lynching in the American south and will premiere in spring 2017.
Susheela’s story (excerpt)
but I knew I wanted to be able to represent people and help them improve their lives. After law school, I was working at a national nonprofit organization focusing on federal affordable housing issues when I decided to take on a pro bono case from an organization called Women Empowered Against Violence (WEAVE). My client needed a protective order against an abusive spouse. Around this same time— Thanksgiving 1998—my parents called to tell me that they were getting a protective order against my brother. He was abusing my parents. I ended up hired as the first staff attorney at WEAVE, and that’s when I first acknowledged that I grew up in a violent home, where my dad abused my mom. It was always something I had hidden. None of my friends knew what happened behind closed doors. “That’s when I first acknowledged that I grew up in a violent home.”
Susheela Varky is a staff attorney focused on Domestic and Sexual Violence Law at the Virginia Poverty Law Center. The organization advocates for the civil legal needs of low-income people and supports local legal aid offices throughout the state. I’m one of those wack job people who knew exactly what they wanted to do as a kid: I wanted to be a public interest lawyer. It was a vague notion at the time,
Micky’s story Micky Jordan is a genderqueer activist working with Southerners on New Ground (SONG), a Queer Liberation organization that builds community and advances civil rights for LGBTQ people across the South. In 2015, Micky helped organize and advance #BlackLivesMatter in Richmond, and presently works with the LGBTQ+ Safety Advisory Group at Virginia Commonwealth University to create a series of trans-affirming police trainings. This [past] election season, I’ve heard candidates for mayor and City Council asked, “What would you do to protect the LGBT community?” The typical response is: “Well, I want to help everyone.” It’s great to be inclusive, but that type of response doesn’t recognize that LGBT people face specific challenges. That response doesn’t recognize that many LGBT people are also people of color, are also poor, are also undocumented. There need to be specific policies that ensure the safety of LGBT people. The reality is that there are over-policed parts of Richmond, and a lack of accountability in terms of how policing takes place. The organization where I work, Southerners on New Ground, wants to help establish a Community Review Board that would allow citizens to report problems they encounter with law enforcement to an independent body—not to the police. Right now, a lot of trans people are hesitant even to call the police. They’re afraid that the police won’t do anything, or that police won’t understand a situation involving a trans person. That hesitation stems from the fact that a lot of trans people have faced harassment from law enforcement. Some officers see trans people at night and assume they’re sex workers. Some officers harass trans people when a governmentissued ID card doesn’t reflect their trans identity. The reality is that some individuals can’t walk around without fearing for their lives. A lot of officers simply don’t think about or understand the challenges of LGBT people, so it’s important to offer them training. I’ve helped the VCU LGBTQ+ Safety Advisory Group train officers from VCU, Chesterfield County, and Richmond Police Departments, as well as from the Richmond Sheriff’s Office. These trainings address terminology and the pronouns that trans people use. More importantly, the trainings involve roleplaying scenarios so that officers can practice how to react in real-world situations.
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Michael’s story... excerpt Michael Gordon is the Furniture Bank procurement manager at CARITAS, Richmond’s largest provider of services for individuals and families struggling with homelessness and substance abuse. In this extended interview, Michael shared with us his wrenching but ultimately uplifting life story. No family is perfect. But mine raised me with good core values. My father served in the military for 30 years. We moved around, so I was always the new kid on the block— and always the smallest. I learned how to fit in. My friends came from all over the world. When my father retired, I moved into the first entirely African American neighborhood I had seen. And at that time, in Tidewater, that meant moving into an area full of poverty, drugs, and crime. I didn’t have to do the things that other kids did, but I still wanted to fit in. I began to make bad decisions in my late teens. When I caught my first drug charge, in 1990, the judge sentenced me to two days in detention to wake me up. I went back to school and did well. I got a real job. But not long after, a fire destroyed our home. My family lost everything. It was a tragic moment for us and it split the family apart. I had a hard time handling it and returned to the drug scene. I was looking for instant gratification, for cash—not stability, not a future. So, for dealers, I was a perfect recruit. In time, I caught two more drug charges, and was sentenced to 15 years in the penitentiary. I served two and a half years and was allowed to come home. By this time, I had two children—a daughter and a son. I tried to do the right thing. I got a job, but without a high school diploma or GED, I couldn’t get the kind of job you need in order to pay the bills. I remember getting my first paycheck, for $122, and spreading it thin, as far as it would go. It wasn’t enough. “Let me tell you what I knew: I’m a felon, I’m black, and I don’t have an education. So what do I do?” Let me tell you what I knew: I’m a felon, I’m black, and I don’t have an education. So what do I do? I was too scared to go back to jail. Drugs became my escape: I began to use the product I was selling. I looked in the mirror one morning and realized I was addicted. My parents tried to get me back on track. Judges and POs tried to get me back on track. I tried to focus on my kids, and thought of not being there for them. Years passed. Nothing worked. In 1999, I was shot. I wasn’t in the wrong place at the wrong time. It
had gotten to the point where I would pick up a gun and rob the dealers for drugs. An associate of mine—a guy I called a “friend”—set me up to be shot. I stayed in a coma for more than a month and a half. I had to learn how to walk again, how to talk again. But even after going through all of that, I couldn’t get past my addiction. My mother and father passed away and left me and my siblings $33,000 each. I was dead broke within two months. I did some good things: I paid off a good chunk of child support and helped my kids in other ways. But the drugs still had me. I bumped into a friend who I hadn’t seen in a while. I asked him, “Hey, have you been locked up?” He told me he hadn’t; he had gone to a program called The Healing Place in Richmond. And he looked real good. He said, “I can get you the same help—and it’s totally free.” I didn’t want to hear this. I was just trying to get to the nearest place to get a score, so I asked him for a ride. He said, “Sure, I’ll drop you off if you’ll listen to what I have to say along the way.” What he said stuck with me. “I hadn’t smiled in years. There was nothing to smile about. ” For every addict—whatever the substance—there comes a point when the vice just doesn’t cut it. We call that point, “a moment of clarity.” I started hearing a voice telling me, “You can do something better with your life.” I fought it. I thought, “Maybe if I can just get higher, the voice will go away.” But it wouldn’t go away. I called my family and told them, “I’m done. I’m going to get help.” My friend took me to Richmond and I went to my first class at The Healing Place. I listened to people who had been down the same road as me, with the same struggles. But they were sitting up straight, smiling. I hadn’t smiled in years.
There was nothing to smile about. I was disconnected from my family. Physically, mentally, psychologically, I was a mess. All the potential that I had growing up, all these dreams, were just gone. I began to learn about my disease— about addiction, and what made me tick. I learned about accountability, how to stop blaming the system, my mother, my father, and everybody around me. I learned that we all have struggles, and those struggles are harder for some than for others. But we all have a choice—
we can do the next right thing, or the next wrong thing. Through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, I learned to stay clean one day at a time. But some of my greatest struggle was still to come. August 26 is my older brother’s birthday. He called me that day in 2009. I said, “Hey, man, I’m sorry I forgot your birthday—I meant to give you a call.” He was quiet. “No, I didn’t call you for that,” he said. “Your son was killed today.” My son was 16 years old. That was the hardest moment of my life. I went to Tidewater to make arrangements for my son’s funeral. He had no insurance and the family had no money, so we had to hold a car wash to raise funds for his coffin and headstone. It was real tough. But The Healing Place gave me all the support I needed. They donated food for the wake, and there were guys from the program who came down to Portsmouth to support me while I was there. At that point, I made a decision, and it was a decision I made with God: No other parent should bury their child. I have to help others make sure this doesn’t happen to them. “You can’t change overnight. But you can change.”
12 • Feb. 1, 2017
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(from page 5) was unenforceable and largely unfamiliar to most Virginians. She said that Virginia was losing up to $300 million a year from uncollected sales taxes on online purchases and that new legislation was needed. She pointed specifically to a proposal from Gov. Terry McAuliffe. “Gov. McAuliffe has proposed legislation that would require Amazon or eBay or any online company that has a distribution center in Virginia to collect a sales tax,” McClellan said. “I think that’s a good measure until Congress acts on a national level.” McClellan, who represents Senate District 9, which includes Charles City County and parts of Henrico and Hanover counties and Richmond city, thought that there was bipartisan support for online sales taxation at the state level, though she wasn’t sure about the federal government. She cited the fact that both former Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, and former Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, had supported an online sales tax. Miller said that she had been advocating for an online sales tax for years, even meeting with Rep. Robert Goodlatte, R-6th, in Washington, D.C., to express her opinion. “The fact of the matter is that there should be a sales tax that’s online to level the playing field,” Miller said.
Chamber RVA hosts “THRIVE”, a free program for mentoring small businesses. “Millions and billions are being lost. But this is also for the community. Amazon, of course, is taxed, but none of those taxes probably see your community. Whereas our store, there’s a local tax, so it goes back for your schools, your roads, your police.” Burkett has also been in agreement with online sales taxes for years, though he said he was more interested in seeing state tax laws enforced than having a new national tax established. “There should have been a tax from day one,” he said. “We spend a lot of time, energy and money on our brick-and-mortar store, just to have someone do something out of their garage and have their customers not face the same expenses. Where it’s shipped from, that state should
receive sales tax.” John Easter, vice president of government and community affairs for Chamber RVA — formerly the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce — echoed the sentiments of McClellan, Miller and Burkett. He said that the Chamber had a general position on the issue of online sales taxes. “The chamber supports uniform, fair standards for taxing out-of-state businesses that do business within the state, regardless of whether they have a physical presence,” Easter
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said. Though Easter said that the chamber hadn’t taken a position on whether action should come from the state or federal government, he said that it would continue to fight for new sales tax legislation, alongside small business owners like Miller and Burkett and senators like McClellan. “It seems like the brick-and-mortar stores are at a disadvantage right now,” Easter said. “So it’s really a simple matter of fairness.”
Sex Offender Helpline The helpline provides support to communities on issues related to accessing sex offender registration information; responsible use of information; sexual abuse prevention resources; and accessing crime victim support services. The tips program provides the public an opportunity to report registrants who are failing to comply with registration requirements. Tips can also be provided at www.parentsformeganslaw.org. This program is not intended to be used to report police emergencies.
14 • Feb. 1, 2017
The LEGACY
Delegate hopes bill brings awareness to suicide prevention, mental health issues AUDREY JORDAN CNS - With suicide as the third leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds in Virginia, Del. Richard P. Bell hopes to bring awareness to mental health issues by designating the week of Sept. 10 as National Suicide Prevention Week. “I think what we have is, I hesitate to call it an epidemic, but is a serious problem of suicide in general and suicide among young people,” said Bell, R-Staunton. The bill, HJ 548, also recognizes the week of May 1 as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and the week of May 16 as Mental Health Awareness Week. The issue of suicide is particularly common among teenagers as a result of peer pressure and bullying. Impulsivity, hopelessness, and lack of a strong support system are all risk factors according to Alexandra “Sandy” Lewis, executive director at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children. “Often, the adults around them are not aware of what is going on nor are they comfortable knowing what to say or how to approach them,” Lewis said. She believes that Bell’s bill provides a much needed shift of focus toward mental health by encouraging people to educate themselves about the prevalence of the issue. “When you open up the dialogue and raise social awareness, it reduces the stigma which isolates so many,”
Creigh Deeds, right, and his wife Pam. Lewis said. Bell is optimistic that increasing both awareness and funding for mental health can help to prevent future incidents from occurring. He attributes the assembly’s increased focus on mental health in part to the assault and suicide by the son of Sen. Creigh Deeds in November, 2013. “There’s no question that we haven’t funded mental health the way it should be funded. We have
Warner introduces bill to combat synthetic drugs U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (DVA) joined Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lindsey Graham (RSC), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (DCT), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to introduce bipartisan legislation to help fight synthetic drugs. The Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances (SALTS) Act would make it easier to prosecute the sale and distribution of “analogue” drugs, which are synthetic substances
that are substantially similar to illegal drugs, by making it easier to prove that these drugs are intended for human consumption. Current law makes it difficult to prosecute new synthetic drugs because they are often labeled “not intended for human consumption” despite their well-known use as recreational drugs with dangerous side effects. “We must provide law enforcement with the flexibility that’s needed to fight the rise of new and dangerous synthetic drugs, which are clearly distributed for no purpose other than
not put in place some of the things that might have prevented the Deeds situation and I think we’re all aware of that,” Bell said. Bell thinks this lack in funding is partly caused by an “out of sight out of mind” attitude toward mental issues. He believes that the Deeds tragedy helped trigger law makers to make a change in mental health funding. “It’s too bad that it takes a
catastrophe like this to wake people up sometimes, but I think for a long time we just sort of set mental health and mental health funding aside,” Bell said. “We weren’t proactive and we should have been.” The bill is awaiting a vote in the Committee of Rules. “It’s imperative to keep talking,” Lewis said. “Keep making others aware of the risks and that treatment is effective.”
human consumption,” Warner said. “This bipartisan bill takes quick steps to ensure that law enforcement has the tools needed to keep these ever-changing substances off the market, saving a countless number of lives in the process.” The SALTS Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow for consideration of a number of factors when determining whether a controlled substance analogue was intended for human consumption, including the marketing, advertising, and labeling of a substance, and its known use. The bill also provides that evidence that a substance was not marketed, advertised, or labeled for human consumption, by itself, is not sufficient to establish that
the substance was not intended for human consumption. Synthetic drugs are a significant problem in Virginia and across the country, including drugs closely related to fentanyl, which is a Schedule II prescription drug that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine that has been implicated in the rising number of overdose deaths. The bill is supported by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National District Attorneys Association. Warner has been a strong supporter in the fight against legal and illicit drugs, voting last year in support of a major overhaul in the fight against opioid addition that became law.
Feb. 1, 2017 • 15
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Third class of Fitness Warriors graduates 30 graduates help create daily fitness opportunities in underserved communities After spending the past six months immersed in training and gaining practical experience leading fitness programs in communities across the Richmond region, a class of 30 ‘Warriors’ graduated on Jan. 28 from the Fitness Warriors program. The program trains community members to become fitness instructors and is part of Sports Backers’ Keep It Moving initiative. The ceremony and reception will take place at the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center in Church Hill and will begin at 5 p.m. Since its inception in 2014, the Fitness Warriors program has grown significantly in both size and geographic reach. The first two classes saw 17 and 26 graduates, respectively, and the 30 members of the current class of Warriors are now leading free fitness sessions across the region, including locations in Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell, and Colonial Heights, as well as the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and Charles City. In addition to completing classroom training in the fundamentals of group exercise and community organizing, Fitness Warriors have led over 40 free fitness classes a week. From September to December 2016, over 800 attendees participated in one of these classes held in a wide variety of venues, including churches, community centers, libraries, schools, and underserved housing communities. The classes have allowed emerging fitness professionals to hone their skills while providing an essential resource to communities by using their passion to encourage and inspire residents to be active on a daily basis.
“Fitness Warriors strengthen our city and empower residents of all ages and abilities by making exercise safe and fun, and they are helping to build a culture of physical activity in neighborhoods that don’t otherwise have regular fitness opportunities,” said Dr. Danny Avula, director of the Richmond City Health District, a founding partner of the Fitness Warriors program. “To reduce rates of obesity and chronic disease, we need passionate residents who are willing to take charge of their health and lead their communities by example, and that is exactly what Fitness Warriors are doing on a daily basis.” The current class of Fitness Warriors has successfully increased the number of classes available in the Richmond region, and several Warriors in this class branched out into the Tri-Cities area, with positive results. “Improving the overall health and wellness of residents in Hopewell is a very important goal for the city,” said Aaron Reidmiller, director of Parks and Recreation for Hopewell. “Free Fitness Warrior classes at the
(continued on page 17)
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Calendar 2.1, 8:30 p.m.
Chesterfield County Public Library will host Ban Caribe, Thursday, Feb. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., Meadowdale Library, 4301 Meadowdale Blvd, North Chesterfield, VA 23234. The program is one of a series of events offered in observance of Black History Month. Ban Caribe is known for its blend of Latin, Caribbean and soulful rhythm, and blues music. The group has been part of the Richmond area music scene since the mid-1980s. The program is one of a series of events offered in observance of Black History Month Registration is required. For more information, visit library. chesterfield.gov or call 804-751-CCPL.
2.4, 9 a.m.
The Henrico County Department of Community Revitalization will present a free workshop to discuss home improvements that can improve accessibility and allow residents to age in place. The class will be held. at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave. Exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and refreshments will be included. The session also will include tips on hiring a contractor. The class is part of a workshop series that began in October and is focused on helping residents maintain and improve their homes. For information, call 804-501-7640 or go to henrico.us/revit.
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
Maggie L. Walker National Historic site hosts February film series To commemorate Black History Month, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site is hosting a film series titled “Matinees with Miss Maggie” each Saturday in February at 1 p.m. In honor of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Independent Order of St. Luke, an organization Maggie Walker used to empower black women during the Jim Crow era, the four films will highlight some of the courageous African-American women who challenged the status quo before, during, and after Mrs. Walker’s lifetime. From a woman who escaped slavery to one who ran for president of the United States, these films document how courageous black women have always been an integral part of American history. All film showings are free to the public and run approximately one hour. Seating is limited. Feb. 4: “The Life and Legend of Sojourner Truth” Feb. 11: “Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice” Feb. 18: “Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker” Feb. 25: “Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed” The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site has been a unit of the National Park Service since 1978. Guided tours of her restored home, located in historic Jackson Ward, are given by National Park Rangers. The park visitor center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information is available at 804-771-2017, or on the web at www.nps.gov/mawa or the Facebook page at Facebook.com/MaggieLWalkerNHS.
Are you in a suicide crisis? National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
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.
2.8, 8 a.m.
The Hampton Employer Symposium will be held at Ruppert Sargent Building, Veterans Conference Room, 1st floor, 1 Franklin St., Hampton, to enhance partnerships among employers, workforce, economic development, and educational institutions to ensure agencies work together to meet employer training, business assistance and incentives needs and get employers in touch with the right workforce and economic agency services. Representatives from several agencies will be in attendance to provide information on available incentives, partnerships and services for business. To reserve a seat, register online at http://bit. ly/2klYdUK or call 757-727-6895.
2.17, 4:30 p.m.
Henrico County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) will offer a training program beginning March 4 for volunteers who would work in the court system on behalf of abused or neglected children. The free, 14-session training course will include classes at the Henrico CASA office in suite A of the Hungary Spring Office Park, 3001 Hungary Spring Road. A swearingin ceremony will follow Wednesday, April 5 at the Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. Anyone interested in serving as a volunteer advocate must apply by Friday, Feb. 17, be at least 21 years old and have regular access to a computer. Applicants will be interviewed, fingerprinted and undergo criminal background and reference checks. For information, contact Jeannine Panzera at 804501-1673 or pan01@henrico.us. Applications are available at henricocasa.org. The training program prepares volunteers to interview children and others involved in their cases, submit reports to judges and assist case attorneys.
Feb. 1, 2017 • 17
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(from page 8) South following the Civil War, Barber questioned why so many poor, white people today cast votes for lawmakers that oppose establishing living wage standards, better healthcare and more educational opportunities for low-income families. The North Carolina pastor noted that there are 18.9 poor white people in the United States, about eight million more than the number of poor black people, though black people experience poverty at higher rates than whites. Barber said that exploring the real reasons why so many poor whites vote against their own self-interest, would make for a great investigative report. Returning to the theme that today’s political environment in America is nothing new, Barber told the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who he described as “three millennials from the Bible days,” that liked to write and Nebuchadnezzar, “a maniacal egomaniac who loved to tweet out his own news,” loved to build towers and invited people to come to his towers to bow down. When Nebuchadnezzar commanded that everyone bow down to his image and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused, the king threatened to throw them into the furnace. “He didn’t know they already had a fire. They came from people who had been through the fire,” said Barber. “They remembered how the lord had dealt with pharaoh. They remembered how David dealt with Goliath.”
(from page 15) Hopewell Community Center provide a great opportunity for residents to improve their overall wellbeing in a fun and exciting group environment.” The Fitness Warriors graduation ceremony honored the hundreds of hours of free fitness classes organized by the Warriors in the communities where they live and work. “We are excited to continue to grow this program and build a team of Fitness Warriors to bring active living opportunities to every corner of our region,” said Jon Lugbill, executive director of Sports Backers. “It’s great to work with the Windsor Foundation Trust and other program partners to prepare these community-based fitness trainers and advocates to
Barber said that the three young leaders had a fire in them, because they sung the songs of their ancestors. “Can we just make a decision, black folks? Can we just make a decision, publishers? Can we just make a decision, civil rights…that bowing down is not an option?” Barber implored. “I gotta suspicion that it’s going be some fiery times. I gotta suspicion that it’s gonna get hot. I gotta suspicion that Nebuchadnezzar is gonna do some rough stuff.” Barber implored the publishers, journalists and activists in the room to go into the proverbial fire standing up, because help won’t come, if you go in the fire bowing down. “If you go in the fire standing up, God can transform the fire and the same fire that was meant to destroy you, can become a fire of deliverance!” Barber shouted. The crowd roared, delivering Barber a standing ovation. The Moral Mondays leader continued: “Bowing down is not an option! Standing down is not an option! Looking down is not an option! Breaking down is not an option! We’ve been through worse before.” Barber exclaimed. “We’ve been through slavery. We’ve been through Jim Crow. We’ve been through the Trail of Tears and we’re gonna stand up in this moment!” The next day at the conference, Barber committed to writing a regular guest column for the NNPA Newswire that will be distributed throughout the NNPA’s network of 211 black-owned media properties and will reach an estimated 20 million readers in print and online. provide programs in the areas that need them most.” The Fitness Warriors program is a partnership between Sports Backers, the Richmond City Health District, Fit-To-Go, and the American Council on Exercise, with support from the Windsor Foundation Trust. The Warriors’ class participants, families, and professional mentors were also be at the graduation, which provided an opportunity to understand their stories and learn about the success they’ve already experienced. The new graduates and 43 alumni of the Fitness Warriors program continue to offer free classes on a regular basis, and a full schedule of the weekly classes can be found at www.sportsbackers.org/warriorsschedule.
Height honored on U.S. stamp The U. S. Postal Service kicked off the 2017 Black History Month with the issuance of the Dorothy Height Forever stamp to honor the civil rights legend. The Dorothy Height Forever stamp is the 40th stamp in the Black Heritage series. The late Dr. Height is considered to be civil rights royalty. Having led the National Council of Negro Women for four decades, Height was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Bill Clinton in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal, awarded by President George W. Bush in 2004 for her pioneering work for the civil rights of AfricanAmericans and women. President Barack Obama gave her eulogy upon her death on April 12, 2010.
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for Produce (in refregerated truck, to (mailing) each Cafeteria). To obtain 409 E. Main St. #4 • 105 1/2a E. Clay St. (office) DELEGATES, 71ST Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 copy of the Invitation for Bid: Richmond, VA 23219 Please review the proof, make any needed changes and return by fax or e-mail. D Iresponse S T R I C Tis, not W I Lreceived L B E Hby EL D Gates at 9:00 AM If your deadline, your ad may notopen be inserted. (office) • 800-783-8062 (fax) Visit our website804-644-1550 at www.richmond.k.12.va.us/purchasing_new Auction begins at 10:00 AM ON TUESDAY, FEB. 7, 2017 ads@legacynewspaper.com Bids will be received until, but not later than 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. Ok X_________________________________________ Auction will include the vehicles listed The only City of Richmond 15, 2017. Any bids received late will be returned unopened, to the sender. below plus many others:
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308, 309,REMINDER: 310, 505, 602, 603,is Fridays @ 5 p.m. Deadline SEIBERT’S is now accepting Rate: $11 per column inch 604, 606, 607, 701, 702, 706, vehicles on consignment! Got Knee Pain? 707 and 708 Reasonable Seller’s Fees. Includes Internet placement Back Pain? The polls will be open from Please review the proof, make any needed changes and return by6:00 fax orAM e-mail. to 7:00 PM Shoulder Pain? If your response is not received by deadline, your ad may notPHOTO be inserted. ID IS NOW REQUIRED AT THE POLLS. Ok X_________________________________________ Voters who do not have
1 Issue (Feb. 1) - $104.50
Get a painrelieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline!
Photo ID will have to vote a provisional ballot.
Ok with changes X _____________________________ Information about
what is an acceptable form of photo ID and what to do if you do not have one is available online at www.elections.virginia.gov and in any General Registrar’s office.
REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO
1- 800-514-2189
Management Analyst II – Surplus Property Coordinator 84M00000010 Department of Procurement Apply by 02/12/17 Tax Representative – Business Unit 25M00000030 Department of Finance Apply by 02/12/17 ********************************* For an exciting career with the City of Richmond, visit our website for additional information and apply today!
precincts involved in this election
Ad Size 9.5 inches (1 column(s) X 9.5 inches) 1995 TOYOTA PREVIA with 204, changes _____________________________ are: Ok203, 206,X 208, 213,
VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION FOR THIS ELECTION IS
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 YOU CAN NOW REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE AT
WWW.ELECTIONS.VIRGINIA.GOV. Register in person in room 105, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except holidays. Applications are also online at www.elections.virginia.gov, at all city post offices and libraries, and DMV. The Office of the General Registrar will mail applications upon request. Voter registration applications must either be postmarked or received in the Office of the General Registrar by the deadline.
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR A MAIL ABSENTEE BALLOT IS: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 YOU CAN NOW APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT ONLINE AT
Call 804 644 1550
WWW.ELECTIONS.VIRGINIA.GOV. Applications for absentee ballots through the mail must be received by the Office of the General Registrar by 5 PM on the deadline date. The deadline to apply and vote an absentee ballot in person is 5:00 PM, Saturday, February 4, 2017, except in the case of certain emergencies or military personnel. The Office of the General Registrar will be open on that Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Call the Office of the General Registrar at (804) 646-5950 for more information
642 W. Southside Plaza Dr. Richmond (804) 233-5757
WWW.SEIBERTSTOWING.COM VA AL # 2908-000766
HEALTH/PERSONALS/ MISCELLANEOUS
IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO and suffered internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, required hospitalization or a loved one died while taking Xarelto between 2011 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson
1-800-535-5727
Feb. 1, 2017 • 19
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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 HEALTHCARE/ADULT SERVICES English Meadows Senior Living Community Affordable Assisted Living, Memory Care & Senior Living Apts. Call 540-5535024 to tour! www. englishmeadowsslc.com Christiansburg, Abingdon & Bedford Elks Home Campuses HELP WANTED/TRUCK DRIVERS Regional & OTR. Excellent Pay + Rider Program. Family Medical/ Dental Benefits. Great Hometime + Weekends. CDL-A, 1 yr. EXP. 877-758-3905
156-127 HAMPTON SOLICITATION
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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 (ies) listed below until the date(s) and local time(s) specified. HAMPTON CITY Thursday, February 16, 2017 2:30 p.m. ET – ITB 17-52/E (Re-bid) Purchase and Installation of a new Generator at Pump Station 134. Mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 10:30 am, 64 Tide Mill Lane Hampton, VA 23666. Tuesday, February 28, 2017 2:00 p.m. ET-ITB 17-61/TM Annual Needs Cleaning Supplies
SERVICES DIVORCE – Uncontested, $395 + $86 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twentyone days. Telephone inquiries welcome - no obligation. Hilton Oliver, Attorney. 757-490-0126. Se Habla Español. SWIMMING POOLS
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.
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