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WEDNESDAYS • Feb. 7, 2018

Richmond & Hampton Roads

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FLY… EAGLES…. FLY!!!! Philadelphia Eagles are Superbowl LII champs

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots with final score of 41-33, winning their first ever Super Bowl championship. The Patriots were 4.5 favorites to beat the Eagles but came up short. The Eagles are Super Bowl champs and Philly is going crazy. The Eagles scored decisive touchdowns, tacked on a field goal, and came up with a huge strip sack of Tom Brady to put the game out of reach. Nick Foles, the backup quarterback who took over as Philly’s starting quarterback after an injury to Carson Wentz in Week 14, completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and he even caught a touchdown pass in an offensive effort that few predicted he was capable of coming into the game. He repeatedly converted third down opportunities, threw aggressively into coverage all game, and appeared every bit as poised and confident as Brady. Some may even say he outplayed

Brady—a five-time Super Bowl champion. “I can’t tell you how happy I am,” Eagles quarterback Doug Pederson said. “World champions! World champions! This is what you’ve accomplished—it’s for this moment right here! A team makes a miracle.” The Patriots will be flying home as losers, but the Eagles will be soaring to the city of brotherly love with a championship for Philly.

The LEGACY

2 • Feb. 7, 2018

News Slain woman’s parents testify in favor of expanded criminal DNA collection LIZA DAVID

CNS - A woman nodded to Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, and approached the podium before the Virginia Senate Courts of Justice Committee with measured confidence. She flipped open a thin folder and introduced herself: “Susan Graham, mother of Hannah Graham, who was murdered by Jesse Matthew in September 2014.” Susan Graham paused before each mention of her late daughter’s name, and her voice threatened to break more than once. She calmly told her story as testimony for Obenshain’s bill, SB 565, which proposes DNA collection for additional misdemeanors including criminal trespass, petit larceny and obstruction of justice, among others. The bill passed the committee with a vote of 13 to 2, and will be heard next by the Senate Finance committee. Hannah Graham was abducted by Matthew on Sept. 13, 2014, from Charlottesville, and her remains were found five weeks later in Albemarle County. Matthew pleaded guilty in 2016 to two counts of firstdegree murder and two counts of abduction with intent to defile. He is currently serving four life terms. Graham’s mother said that Matthew’s DNA was tested following his arrest connected to her daughter’s case, linking him to a sexual assault and attempted murder in 2005 and the abduction and murder of Morgan Harrington in 2009. In 2010, Matthew was convicted of criminal trespass, Graham’s mother said. “If his DNA had been tested after his conviction for that offense, he would immediately have been connected to the previous heinous crimes,” Graham’s mother said, “and he would have been in jail in September 2014. Hannah would never have had misfortune of

encountering him in Charlottesville. He wouldn’t have abducted and murdered her, and she would be alive today.” “This proposal will hold perpetrators accountable. It will protect young women from sexual assault and rape, and it will save lives. Please don’t let what happened to my beautiful daughter Hannah happen to another young woman in Virginia.” Obenshain and Chip Harding, sheriff of Albemarle County, stressed the importance of DNA to not only convict criminals but also to exonerate people who have been falsely accused. Harding said that through the Innocence Project alone, “325 people have been exonerated with DNA,” and two thirds of those people are minorities. “I think DNA and DNA databanks are the best thing to ever happen to minorities,” said Harding, “and I’ve called for a justice commission to look at lessons learned from DNA exonerations.” Those in opposition expressed understanding and sympathy for the advocacy of the bill, but spoke to the significance of the potential intrusion of privacy if the bill were to pass. “DNA is not like fingerprints,” said Claire G. Gastrañaga, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. “It may be easy to get it from the inside of your cheek, but it is the most private and personal information you have about who you are, and we should not be putting that in a database without a correlation, a linkage, that is much stronger than an association.” On Nov. 9, 2017, Gastrañaga expressed opposition to the proposed bill in a letter to Del. Robert B. Bell, R- Albemarle. Gastrañaga wrote, “Virginia’s practices with regard to DNA collection and databank usage are unjustifiable overbroad.” In the letter, Gastrañaga cited

Susan Graham multiple reasons for the ACLU-VA to oppose the growth of the DNA databank, including the increased likelihood of false matches, increased possibility of ethnic bias and privacy concerns. Graham’s father, John, also spoke in front of the committee while acknowledging opposition to the bill. “I think the concerns of the privacy

of these people who are so far from societal norms and have been convicted of serious misdemeanors or felony offenses is something I’m far less concerned about than using this technology as a targeted means to provide some additional risk-based oversight, evidence-based oversight, to prevent other crimes,” Graham’s father said.

‘Ban the box’ bill tabled in House subcommitee KAY TRULASKE A House subcommittee voted unanimously to table a bill commonly known as “Ban the Box” The bill, HB 1357, would prohibit questions on employment applications regarding arrests, charges or convictions. HB 1357 was introduced by Del. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg. “I wanted to carry this bill because I have a significant population in my district of individuals who have been recently released back into the community, and they’re trying to rebuild their lives and strengthen their livelihoods," said Aird, who introduced a similar bill last year that also failed. Aird also said that despite the Executive Order to “ban the box” that was put in place by the Obama administration, she believes it’s time for Virginia to show its allegiance. “It’s time for us to codify that language so there is never any uncertainty about Virginia’s commitment to giving a second chance and a fair shot when it comes to employment,” . Aird said. Aird said the bill would not require job applicants upon their first application to disclose whether they have a criminal past, but rather for the applicant to first be judged on their knowledge, skills and abilities. If an applicant is then offered an opportunity for employment, then any criminal past can be taken into consideration, particularly if it is directly related to the job being offered.

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Feb. 7, 2018 • 3

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The LEGACY

4 • Feb. 7, 2018

Photo ‘pollbook’ voting bill advances despite concerns about discrimination SYDNEY LAKE CNS - Despite arguments about age and race discrimination, the Senate passed a bill that would require electronic pollbooks that contain ID or DMV pictures of registered voters. Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, proposed the bill in early January to prevent what he said was voter fraud. During the discussion of the bill, SB253, on the floor, Obenshain faced opposition from Democrats who said that voter fraud is not a problem in Virginia. Sen. Richard L. Saslaw, D-Fairfax, said on the floor that people had a better chance of being struck by lightning than being convicted of voter fraud, and therefore the Commonwealth should not spend time and money on a problem that does not exist. Sen. Barbara A. Favola, D-Arlington, also voted against the bill and she said she thought that it was too narrow. “In effect it would suppress the vote of folks who don’t have a driver’s license,” Favola said. “The elderly don’t have drivers' licenses and

100 Black Men of Virginia Peninsula partner for good deeds The Virginia Peninsula Chapter of 100 Black Men have teamed up with the city of Newport News Public Works and received training to participate in the city’s Adopt-A-Spot Program. The local chapter adopted the following sites to service the community it represents: Magruder Elementary School, Marshall Elementary School and the DowningGross Cultural Arts Center. The chapter picks up trash around these locations quarterly. Several bags of trash were collected during the first clean-up of the new year.

oftentimes people of color or lowincome people don’t have drivers' licenses. It sounds like on the face of it that it’s harmless, but it’s not, in my view. And I argued on the floor of the Senate that we really don’t have a problem with voter fraud. That is just not where we’re at here.” Anna Scholl, the executive director of ProgressVA, agreed with Favola. “I agree with Senator Favola that voter impersonation fraud is not a problem,” Scholl said in an email. “The real threat to the integrity of our elections are politicians rigging the rules to ensure they can't lose.” Despite Favola’s argument that the bill could cause racial or ageist discrimination, Obenshain argued for the bill on the basis of convenience. “A senator from Roanoke city has oft expressed the concern that while he is out jogging in the morning, he does not carry his wallet with him,” Obenshain said on the floor. “He may choose on election day to drop by the polling place and cast a vote and objects to the voter identification requirement that might require the poll officials to turn him away because he’s got his jogging attire on and doesn’t have his wallet with him.”

Scholl expressed concerns about the effect that this bill could have on polling places. “Under SB523, many localities would need to upgrade or purchase electronic pollbooks for the first time,” Scholl said in an email. “In addition to this unfunded mandate on local elections offices, without up to date statewide standards for security, we have strong concerns about the ability of a wide variety of electronic pollbooks to protect voters' confidential information.” Obenshain also pointed out that simply the idea of the electronic pollbooks having pictures of all voters would be deterrent enough to prevent voters from saying they are people they are not. “I don’t personally believe that voter fraud is something that is rampant, but I can tell you there are a lot of people who do,” Obenshain said after explaining the deterrent nature of the bill. “This bill is intended to encourage confidence and integrity in our system of elections. Our system works only as long as voters have confidence in the integrity of the system. And if people believe that there is voter

fraud, or an opportunity for fraud, it undermines that confidence.” Favola argued that rather than deterring voters, the Commonwealth should find ways to encourage voter turnout, and shared that the incident rate for voter fraud is between only 0.0003 and 0.0025 percent according to the Brennan Center for Justice. “Virginia has really struggled historically with low voter turnout because of Jim Crow laws,” Favola said. “Throughout the first half of the 20th Century, gubernatorial candidates were elected with support of less than 10 percent of the adult population. The bigger issue in Virginia, and in the country, is the disenfranchisement of voters, in other words people stay home, they don’t feel they are vested enough in the system to go vote.” Despite Favola’s opposition to the bill, she said she believed that the bill would pass the House. “I do anticipate it passing in the House,” Favola said. “I think the governor will then either amend it or veto it. Elections do matter.” The bill has since been referred to the House Committee on Privileges and Elections.

Feb. 7, 2018 • 5

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

GOP bill would cut funding for pre-trial funds used to determine bail, jail time WALTER KEVIN JOHNSON CNS - State funds used to provide assistance in incarceration and bail decisions would be eliminated under a bill introduced by Del. Todd Gilbert. The bill, HB 997, looks to dismantle the Pretrial Services Act that was passed in the General Assembly in 1994. It established aide for judicial officials in determining accurate bond payments and lowering the chance of wrongful imprisonment and holding those awaiting trial in custody. This bill is a more serious attempt to call attention to the issues many House Republicans find with the Pretrial Services Act: it's price tag. According to the Virginia State Crime Commission’s 2017 report on the act’s effect in the state, the budget for these services in 2018 is expected to reach $2 million, while

the annual state funding for most pretrial agencies was just over $10 million in 2017. Gilbert, R-Woodstock, has looked at this issue before with lighter-faring bills introduced in the 2016 House session, both aimed at preventing a misuse of funding by limiting those who can receive pretrial services. Charlie Schmidt, a policy counselor with the Virginia ACLU on criminal hustice, said this bill is a tactical offering in the House. “The bill to repeal pretrial services is most likely just a nuclear option if the General Assembly can't come up with a proposal to review and report on pretrial services around the state,” Schmidt said. The Virginia ACLU has taken on the criminal justice reform efforts from the national chapter of the ACLU by pushing for an end to

Henrico Co. legislators hold press conferenceto ‘reclaim their communities’ BRI PARK CNS - Two Henrico County AfricanAmerican female legislators vowed to reclaim their communities from various social issues during a press conference last week at the General Assembly. “We just want to pause a moment because so much of what we’re doing at the General Assembly affects our communities across the Commonwealth,” said Delores L. McQuinn, D-Henrico. “We emerge from the cloud of endless distractions

to reclaim our communities, our communities that are without a shadow of doubt in a state of crisis.” The event, which was led by McQuinn, was held in conjunction with representatives from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., a New York-based nonprofit that advocates on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment, according to the organization’s website.

the money bail system in the state, something the Pretrial Services Acts would lead to in an effort to help lowincome offenders. “The same problem can arise though, as with cash bail, that if the program is too costly or impossible for lower income people to complete, then they end up back in jail for no good reason,” Schmidt said. The debate around this act has flared up between the Virginia ACLU and Gilbert, specifically in an exchange on Twitter. Virginia ACLU Executive Director Claire Gastaña provided a quote arguing against the bill, which was tweeted by the state chapter’s twitter account on Jan. 11, stating, “We need more of these programs, not less.” Gilbert tweeted in response, “All bureaucrats need to be able to prove they perform necessary uses

of taxpayer dollars, and DCJS (the Department of Criminal Justice Services) has yet to offer a single fact that proves Pretrial Services either keeps the public safe or ensures defendants appear in court.” The Department of Criminal Justice Services in Virginia that Gilbert references in his tweet released a series of reports from 2012 to 2014 detailing the effects of the Pretrial Services Act in localities across Virginia, which have general returned positive results for local judiciaries. As of 2014, the success rate of misdemeanor pretrial closures was 81 percent, and for felony pretrial closures was 71 percent. “There are several pretrial services that have shown to work, including check-ins with probation officers and reminders to defendants,” Schmidt said of the act’s effects.

McQuinn said that the phrase, “reclaiming communities” was inspired by Rep. Maxine Waters of California, who used the phrase “reclaiming my time” at a U.S. House committee meeting in July 2017 to stop Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin from using time during his testimony to sidestep questions that Waters had asked him. McQuinn addressed several issues that she believed were affecting her community, including food deserts, the school to prison pipeline and high crime. She also responded to President Trump’s statement that the unemployment rate for AfricanAmericans nationally is the lowest that it has ever been, a point that he highlighted at the recent State of the Union Address. “While the White House may brag

about a 6.1 percent unemployment rate among African-Americans, there is still 6.1 percent too many of our brothers and sisters without jobs or working multiple jobs just to make ends meet,” McQuinn said. Sen. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Henrico, used the event to talk about how she believed inaccessible and unaffordable health care was affecting her community. “You should not make a decision on whether to receive quality care based on whether or not you can afford it,” McClellan said. “You should make the decision based on what is right for you and your family.” McClellan said that there are more than 10,000 working people in Henrico County who are uninsured, largely in part because legislators have not expanded Medicaid in the state, but that she will continue to support the program’s expansion. “We will continue to fight this issue, and we will make sure that any requirements that Republicans want to put on Medicaid expansion do not hurt our people any more,” McClellan said. “We will fight, we will fight, until we win.” L: A group of black women – including state legislators, community leaders and members of the NAACP and National Coalition of 100 Black Women – held a press conference last week to highlight concerns of the black community.

6 • Feb. 7, 2018

Op/Ed & Letters

The LEGACY

Black women show the way forward in 2018 MONICA SIMPSON There is a reckoning afoot in this country. On one side, Trump has emboldened and embodied a virulent and reckless hate that targets women, black people, and immigrants (among many others). Each day brings a new outrage. On the other side, #MeToo has followed #BlackLivesMatter as a hashtagturned-movement, led by courageous truth-tellers who are sick and tired of a violent and largely ignored status quo. The conversation about race and gender in this country has broken open, and now we must all contend with the truth of who we are as a nation. While this may feel like scary and unfamiliar territory to some, in reality, the U.S. is just catching up to an understanding and analysis that black women in this country have had for a long time. Black women have never had the luxury of ignorance—not to police violence, not to the rampant sexual harassment and assault that women experience at home, school, and work. In 2018, we should look to the work of black women to see the path forward for a troubled and divided nation. In a way, black women scholars and organizers have left breadcrumbs for us to follow to liberation, if we’ll only pay attention. In 1989, legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in her paper for the University of Chicago Legal Forum to explain how black women’s oppression on the basis of gender The LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 4 No. 6 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

combined with oppression on the basis of race to create something altogether new, an experience of discrimination did not match what either white women or black men experience. This concept would lay the groundwork for social justice organizing that now spans the globe, and provided a vocabulary for something black women experience on a daily basis. While intersectionality risks dilution as an increasingly popular buzzword, the analysis it provides is a crucial tool to cut through the noise and understand the Trump administration’s policies and their impact on different communities. Take for instance the recent Jane Doe case, and similar cases, of the Trump administration blocking young immigrant women from getting reproductive health care. The mistreatment of the “Janes” (as they’ve come to be called) at the hands of the Trump administration targets them both as women and as immigrants, and the two identities cannot be pulled apart. “Intersectionality” provides an analysis that explains why their treatment is so much more extreme, and its impact so severe. Just five years after Crenshaw’s groundbreaking work, the reproductive justice movement The LEGACY welcomes all signed letters and all respectful opinions. Letter writers and columnists opinions are their own and endorsements of their views by The LEGACY should be inferred. The LEGACY assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Annual Subscription Rates Virginia - $50 U.S. states - $75 Outside U.S.- $100 The Virginia Legacy © 2016

was founded by black women who, like Crenshaw, saw that their perspectives and experiences were being, once again, left out of the equation. Reproductive justice brought intersectionality and a global human rights framework together with a nuanced understanding of U.S. policies of reproductive coercion. The founding mothers of reproductive justice rejected White feminism’s focus on the birth control and the legality of abortion as too narrow, and described a vision for a world, where we can all prevent pregnancy if we want to, end a pregnancy if we need to, and have and raise children in healthy environments and without fear of violence. Reproductive justice broadened the lens of abortion rights to include low-income women and women of color “and” broadened the entire conversation to recognize the ways in which U.S. policies denied motherhood to some women even while forcing it on others against their will. This framework is crucial to connect the dots among Trump’s reproductive policies. Trump wants to make birth control unaffordable, push abortion out of reach, and punish women for having children. What seems inconsistent on the surface is, in fact, all part of one agenda to coerce and control a woman’s decisions about pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. When Trump was first elected, black women were the least surprised. We saw Trump coming from a mile away and we already knew how deep this country’s anti-

woman and anti-black sentiment ran. Now, more than a year later, the work of black women will help us understand and combat Trump’s agenda, with black women leading the fight. Let 2018 be the year of the black woman. Let 2018 be the year black women’s brilliance, leadership, and analysis are heeded at last. Let 2018 mark the beginning of a new era of listening to, respecting, and trusting black women. Just stop for a moment and imagine what might happen, if we actually made those words a reality. The day after the Alabama Senate race, the hashtag #TrustBlackWomen was all over social media. And yes, we should trust black women voters, because they’ve kept us from the brink many times. But black women’s wisdom and contributions have so much more to teach us all—and we’re going to need to understand that if we hope to keep Trump from dragging us backward. Like many other black women across the country, I was standing up in my living room cheering and clapping my hands as I watched Oprah deliver her passionate speech at the Golden Globes. The next day the media went wild with hopes for and critiques of a theoretical run for president—but they missed the point. While the thought of it made me smile, what I saw was an invitation. Simpson is executive director of SisterSong

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

Feb. 7, 2018 • 7

P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.

Feigning indignation

I am fond of saying, “weak people take strong positions on weak issues. There is no better example of this than the embarrassing behavior of the weak Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the National Urban League (NUL). These groups have all feigned righteous indignation about the alleged negative comments made by President Trump two weeks ago about Haiti, Africa, and El Salvador. Yes, our president can be extremely hyperbolic at times, but the essence of what he said was very true. Those countries, including many in Africa, are basket cases. So, all of the aforementioned radical liberal groups ran over their mothers to get to a news camera to denounce the president for his alleged statement. With all the issues facing the black community, CBC members joined other Democrats to attempt to pass a resolution through the U.S. House of Representatives to censure Trump for his comments, a symbolic gesture that must have kept Trump awake all night. Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP called Trump a “racist.” Wow. I am sure that Trump is going to change his ways now. Marc Morial, the president and CEO of the NUL, said that “President Trump’s crude comments further reveal the repugnant racial motivations behind his administration’s immigration policies.” Trump must be shaking in his boots.

I challenge my readers to find any issue directly related to Blacks in the U.S., i.e. American citizens, that these groups have put so much political and emotional capital in. It seems that these “mediaappointed” black leaders care more about those in the country illegally, homosexuals, or other groups that have no connection to America than they do the very people they “claim” to represent. Juxtapose their reactions to Trump’s alleged comments to their relative silence on the murder of Laquan McDonald in Chicago in 2014. He was murdered by Chicago police; they claimed that it was in self-defense, but the actual video revealed that the police lied and that McDonald posed no threat to the policemen. Former Democratic congressman and Obama’s first chief of staff and Chicago mayor at the time of the police murder, Rahm Emanuel refused to release the video until after his campaign for re-election in 2015 (which he ultimately won). Emanuel has proven his total disdain for blacks with his actions, not his rhetoric. Chicago is one of the most dangerous and violent cities in America. Where was the CBC’s outrage at this? Why was there no attempt to censure Emanuel? Why are they not marching through the streets of Chicago? The NAACP and the UL have not convened a meeting or massive demonstration against Emanuel to denounce him as a racist. Oh, I forgot, he is a Democrat, therefore, he can’t be racist. Just because you are the head of an organization, doesn’t mean you are a leader. Can you name me the leaders of the white community? But, I digress. To the NAACP and the UL: Why is amnesty for illegals a “moral” imperative, but the high crime rate in the black community isn’t? Why wasn’t the double-digit black unemployment

rate under eight years of Obama a “moral” imperative? Remember the famous quote from former chair of the CBC and congressman from Mo., Emanuel Cleaver from September 2011: “If Obama were white, we’d be marching on the White House.” This remark was made in regard to Obama doing nothing to reduce the black unemployment rate, which was around 17 percent at the time. Why do these “media-appointed” leaders make everyone else’s issues their issue? When have you heard the illegals speaking out against the high unemployment rate in the black community or discrimination in college admissions? When have you seen the homosexual community speak out against housing discrimination towards blacks or lack of access to capital for black business owners? Can anyone explain to me why these radical, black liberal groups are ignoring the needs of their own community to focus on the issue of those who have absolutely no connection to our community? Your first obligation as a parent is to take care of your own family. Period. Do you really think Michael Jordan gave a damn about Magic Johnson getting injured during a game in which they were playing against each other? Hell, no. So, then, why are we fighting everyone else’s battles at the expense of our own community? Raynard Jackson

Stop waiting

After every Trump outrage, we go through a similar routine. Trump says or does something that most sane people believe to be over the top; he is roundly condemned; some Republicans shake their heads; masses of people ask that something be done…and then it all fades into the next news cycle. What was different in connection with Trump’s recent alleged

remarks against Africa, Haiti and Latin America—the notorious “s– thole remarks”—was that some Republicans, who were in the room at the time of the alleged remarks, first played dumb and then claimed that the remarks had not been verbalized. At that point, there was laughter in the audience. Yet, in talk show after talk show there is a question that keeps getting asked: why isn’t something being done about this situation? Why can’t Trump be brought back to the standard of a respectable politician? The answer is not very difficult, but has several parts. Here goes. First, he is not now nor has he ever been a “respectable” politician. Whether as a reality show celebrity or candidate for office or now as President, he has insisted on being provocative. He believes in stirring things up. It is this modus operandi that inspired his right-wing populist base. They were not looking for what they believed as more of the same. On top of that it remains far from clear that Trump would understand how to be a respectable politician in either case. It seems to run against his nature. Second, who will do anything about Trump? The Republicans control both houses of Congress, the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court. They look at Trump as a blunt force object that serves the interests of their agenda. Third, the so-called moderate Republicans who are deeply uncomfortable with the crudeness of Trump worry that they will be challenged in Republican primaries by the extreme Right should they move against Trump. Perhaps they wonder and hope that there will be deeper revelations in the Mueller investigation of alleged Trump/Russia ties, but for now they will do nothing. Bill Fletcher

The LEGACY

8 • Feb. 7, 2018

Faith & Religion

Milestone for historic black church in Virginia One of the most historic black churches in the United States will reach a new milestone in March when it installs its first female pastor. This is a profoundly groundbreaking moment not just for First Baptist Church of Hampton, but for black churches across the country. The Rev. Dr. Joan S. Parrott was elected last fall as the 11th pastor in the history of First Baptist Church of Hampton. The church was founded in 1863 immediately after the Emancipation Proclamation, which

freed all slaves in the United States. Parrott’s week-long Pastoral Installation ceremonies will begin March 4th with a morning service at the Church, followed by a concert featuring The Brooklyn Tabernacle Singers on March 9. On March 10 the celebration continues with a banquet at the Hampton Roads Convention Center featuring special guests, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Co-Pastors Grainger and Jo Ann Browning and Apostle Michael Rogers. The Installation Worship Service will be on Sunday, March 11 at 10:15 a.m.

Plaintiff in Supreme Court case responds to Conference of Bishops siding with forced dues GREG BISHOP The plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court case Janus vs. AFSCME is responding to critics, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who call him and others who don’t want to be forced to pay fees to a union “free riders.” The bishops filed an amicus, or friend of the court, brief last month siding with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees over a worker who doesn’t want to be forced to pay fees to a union he doesn’t agree with. It cites a Catholic Church social doctrine from 1891 that called for workers associations to defend worker rights. Liberty Justice Center Director of Litigation Jacob Huebert, who represents plaintiff Mark Janus in the case, didn’t understand why the bishops would file such a brief. “I don’t know why,” Huebert said. “I don’t know why they would be against freedom of association when that, of course, works to their benefit and everybody else's when they chose to advocate the things that they advocate.” Janus, an Illinois state government employee, objects to being forced to pay an agency fee, which he said amounts to about $50 a month, to the AFSCME union because he doesn’t

agree with the union’s politics. He said even collective bargaining for higher wages is a political issue because those wages are paid by tax dollars. The bishops brief siding with the union said they’ve long supported the right of workers to collectively bargain and the right is weakened by right-to-work laws. A “misguided effort to protect one individual from government coercion would leave only individuals to stand against government (or economic) coercion,” the bishops’ filing said. It also said ruling in favor of Janus would create a free rider problem that would weaken unions. Janus took exception to being labeled someone who wants a free ride and that his lawsuit is only about himself. “Who’s the real free rider here?” Janus said. “[AFSCME is] taking my money, and thousands of other government workers. So who’s getting the free money here? They’re taking it out of my wallet and putting it in theirs without my asking and without my permission. That’s what I consider wrong. That I consider coercion.” The case is set to be heard Feb. 26. A ruling is expected sometime this summer. - WATCHDOG

The Rev. Dr. Joan S. Parrott Also highlighted during the week are plans for beginning construction on a new home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, right around the corner from First Baptist Church. Parrott is described as a faith-filled trailblazer, breaking barriers while serving communities for a long time. From 1981 to 1983, she served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer Rural Health Worker in Niger, West Africa. In 1991, she became the first woman to be ordained in the 144-year history of her home church, the Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. In 1993, she began serving as the Deputy General Secretary for the American Baptist Churches, USA representing them around the world while also serving as Vice President of the National Council of Churches and Chair of the NCCC Moscow Chaplaincy Program. She has served as the vice president of the Children’s Defense Fund at Haley Farm, been a Harvard University Community Builder Fellow in Camden, N.J., and executive pastor for The Park Ministries in Charlotte, N.C. and First Baptist Church of Hampton. She has preached, taught, done

missionary work and consulted with executive leadership and clergy throughout the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. On two occasions, she has had the rare privilege of private audiences with the late Pope John Paul II. Having traveled to nearly 90 countries, she considers herself a citizen of the world, who promotes compassion, justice and peace for all of God’s children. “This is a “Kairos” moment! I am extremely humbled to be chosen by God and elected by the people, as the servant who broke the seemingly impenetrable 154 year old stained glass ceiling at First Baptist Church of Hampton,” said Parrott. “I am convinced that my belief in passionate, but humble servantleadership, expressed through audacious, fiery faith in God and demonstrated by unlimited love for all of God’s children will continue FBC’s outstanding legacies of holistic ministry, evangelistic outreach and radical social action. My focus has always been on a loving relevant ministry that begins locally and extends globally to make God smile.”

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Feb. 7, 2018 • 9

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10 • Feb. 7, 2018

The LEGACY

Students in Richmond Public Schools experience the outdoors through Rice Rivers Center partnership with local nonprofit LEAH SMALL Many adolescents who have spent their lives in Richmond’s highpoverty areas are not able to explore the natural wonders this river city and surrounding areas have to offer. Lack of transportation, money and time are the main barriers of access to the natural world for low-income families. VCU Rice Rivers Center aims to get more kids outside despite the obstacles through a collaboration with the Richmond-based nonprofit Blue Sky Fund. Rice Rivers Center is one of multiple sites throughout the state used by Blue Sky Fund for weekend, school-day and after-school programs. The center is a nearly 500-acre environmental research facility located in Charles City County along the James River, which makes it an invaluable resource for Blue Sky Fund youth programs. The fund takes Richmond Public Schools students to the center to receive real-world environmental science instruction and to experience activities such as camping, volunteering and canoeing on the river. Gregory Garman, Ph.D., director of the Rice Rivers Center, said the goal of the partnership is to foster in Blue Sky students a lifelong interest in the outdoors. “In many cases, the Blue Sky Fund students have spent very little time in the natural environment and haven’t really experienced the woods, wetlands and waters that make up the center,” Garman said. “Through our partnership with this incredible nonprofit, I want these students to gain a level of comfort with, interest in and eventually excitement about being in the great outdoors. That will be the first step toward environmental literacy.” This spring, as part of its Explorers program, Blue Sky Fund will take a group of fourth-graders to the center for environmental science field investigations tied to Standards of Learning testing objectives. The students will spend part of the day meeting the center’s researchers.

Blue Sky Fund students canoe on the James at the Rice Rivers Center in October. David Kunnen, executive director of the Blue Sky Fund, said interacting with scientists could inspire career and education planning. “The ability to see people working and bringing science to life is one of the unique things the center offers,” Kunnen said. “Not everyone has on a white lab coat in a room full of beakers; science looks a lot of different ways. It’s also especially important for our girls to see women out doing that kind of work on the river.” Students in Blue Sky Fund’s Outdoor Adventure Clubs will volunteer for the Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program, which works to restore and preserve oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They will bag oyster shells to be placed on the bottom of waterways to create a substrate for sanctuary oyster reefs. The shells will then be seeded with juvenile oysters called spat. Ryan Hamlet, Adventure Program manager for Blue Sky Fund, said the activity reinforces previous lessons

about conservation. Last November, the students painted a storm drain near Blue Sky Fund’s Church Hill office to remind passers-by that everything that goes into the drains is released into the James River, and can potentially be harmful to the waterway. The work was a spin on a Richmond Department of Public Works storm drain art initiative. “The students will have learned about the importance of restoring, rebuilding and preserving waterways,” Hamlet said. “It should be a well-rounded educational experience that connected key things for them.” High school students in Blue Sky Fund’s Outdoor Leadership Institute and Blue Sky Fund volunteers will eventually assist in clearing educational trails at the center. “Not everyone has on a white lab coat in a room full of beakers; science looks a lot of different ways.” Last October, seven seventhgraders from Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School camped and canoed at Rice Rivers Center. It was a one-of-a-

kind experience for the students, five of whom had never camped in a tent or canoed. The students were considerably more experienced after three canoe trips during the cool, but sunny fall weekend. They paddled through wetlands restored by Rice Rivers Center researchers and across part of the James River. At night, glow sticks, stars and the Orionid Meteor shower, which is visible every October, lit the way as they paddled. The next day they devoured a breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes. Hamlet said Rice Rivers Center is the perfect place for a few hours of sunlight or long weekends in the wilderness. “It’s a beautiful location that is removed from the city, but not too far away,” Hamlet said. “A lot of our camping trips are two to three hours away into the mountains but Rice Rivers Center allows you to be close by while experiencing the woods in a pristine, natural setting.” -VCU NEWS

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Feb. 7, 2018 • 11

‘Black Panther’ movie commercial talk of Super Bowl advertisements

Ask Alma

Reader responds to “no good deed” column response King T’Challa, also known as the “Black Panther”, came all up through the TV screen during Super Bowl 52, and hands down, it won. The commercial used the set from the film, in which we hear actor Chadwick Boseman’s lilting voice as T’Challa, reveling in all his coolness in the spot featuring the all-new 2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport. Diehards will note the attention to canon detail in the portrayal of “Black Panther’s” Dora Milaje guards, and snippets taken from the film itself. Among criticism, there is no denying that “Black Panther” is making all kinds of footprints during Black History Month, with Boseman as Marvel Studios’ first-ever black lead, breaking Marvel Studios’ previous pre-sale box-office records. Moreover, the creative team behind the spot is also breaking gender and cultural barriers as well.

Walton Isaacson, the agency behind “Long Live The King” is not only co-founded by an AfricanAmerican man, Aaron Walton, but the executive producer of the spot is Shauna Williams, one of very few women of color to produce a Super Bowl spot. The 30-seconds of hypeness is directed by Samuel Bayer, and features the hit track “Legend Has It” from famed hip-hop duo, Run the Jewels. Lexus awarded Walton Isaacson the broadcast creative assignment for the launch of the LS 500, the brand’s new flagship sedan, reportedly the most technologically advanced vehicle Lexus has ever made. “Partnering Lexus and Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther’ was an authentic fit. Both the brand and the film are breaking new ground in terms of advanced technology and cultural leadership,” said Walton.

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Dear Alma, Love your column! However, I was a little concerned about the advice that you gave to “No Good Deed” about the worker who donated her time off to one of her co-workers, who claimed that her sister had died. If there is a possibility that the employer will find out the truth about this incident, then the coworker should be reported. The co-worker committed fraud and, in a sense, stole from the company and would most likely be terminated, if found out. Also all individuals involved could face discipline (even if they did not know about the situation upfront). I don’t think those workers who just wanted to do a “good deed” should jeopardize their employment. Besides, do they really want to continue to work with someone who lies to her company and her co-workers, steals from the company, and takes money out of their own pockets? Signed: An Ask Alma Fan Dear Ask Alma Fan, Thank you, thank you so much for reading my column. You know I got nothin’ but love for you.

Speaking of love and compassion, when it comes to “No Good Deed” I feel you and I understand where you’re coming from. If, hold up, let me repeat myself right here, “if” her story ain’t true, one would need credible evidence “and” one would need to prove that this co-worker was not at a funeral at said time and so forth. I’m not saying that can’t be done, but we just don’t know for sure. Her friend of a friend was one to many friends for me to take her word. I’m sure that has to do with me working in a newsroom. I need facts and not what you think she—maybe he— because her cousin said the truth might be. Alternative facts aren’t welcome here. #SideEyeKellyAnne. I know, I couldn’t help myself. Here’s what we know for sure: the employee had a death in her family and she didn’t have enough time on the books to be paid while taking time off to attend the funeral. Everything after that is pure speculation. That’s why I suggested to the person who donated the time (and emailed Ask Alma) to ask her directly, “Did your sister die?” This person should go straight to the source. Questioning said employee to clarify this coffin confusion is the first mode of action, especially if she’s confident in her assumption. Once she’s compiled relevant information, then she can contact HR, but it’s a waste of time for her to approach the supervisor with second-hand gossip. And secondhand gossip is what she presented in her question. Here’s the deal, when I read “Ask Alma” questions, my answers are based solely on what I’ve read, not what I think may have happened. I don’t add honey, lemon or sugar to the tea. I sip what is precisely delivered in my cup. Thank you, thank you again for emailing me. I love to hear from readers, especially those who disagree or want to add a spoonful of wisdom. I got to tell you, I’m so tickled, you’ve put a smile on my face! Alma Gill’s newsroom experience spans more than 25 years, including various roles at USA Today, Newsday and the Washington Post. Email questions to: alwaysaskalma@gmail.com.

12 • Feb. 7, 2018

The LEGACY

Va. senator, delegate from opposing parties propose identical bills to support apprenticeship programs in Richmond HUNTER MOYLER CNS - Two General Assembly members representing different political parties and serving in different houses have introduced two virtually identical bills that would create tax credit for businesses in high-demand fields that offer apprenticeships to Richmond high school students. The assembly members, Sen. Glen Sturtevant (R-Richmond) and Del. Jeff Bourne (D-Richmond), introduced the bill in their respective houses on Jan. 19. The bill proposed by Sturtevant is designated SB 937 and Bourne’s is HB 1575. The bill would amend the Code of Virginia to allow businesses to receive tax credit of up to $25,000 if they participate in a new program wherein they host a Richmond high

school junior or senior in the 20182019 or 2019-2020 school year. Students in the program would receive a stipend from the business they apprentice with. The stipend must be no less than the tax cut that the business receives for participating in the program. The bill states that the superintendent of the Richmond Public School system will select 25 students to participate in the program, based on recommendations from school guidance counselors and principals. It would also be the superintendent’s duty to determine which companies participate in the program, which will related to the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, Bourne said in an interview. “Some example fields would include, but are not limited to cyber

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Virginia lawmakers are pushing for bill aimed at helping young people without college degrees succeed at apprenticeships.

security, HVAC, and welding,” Sturtevant wrote. Sturtevant stressed that the bill is intended to help students who are not ready to or not interested in pursuing a four-year college degree find gainful employment after high school graduation. “Richmond and the Commonwealth generally benefit from creating access for students into needed fields in the workforce where they can, in many cases, out earn their peers,” Sturtevant wrote. Bourne also said that the bill would assist students in choosing a career path, and that the pay they would receive from their apprenticeships could add to the collective income of their families. Bourne and Sturtevant formerly served together on the Richmond School Board. Despite being members of different political parties, they wrote the bills in collaboration in response to community issues that they noticed during their time as school board members. “Jeff Bourne and I have a great working relationship,” Sturtevant wrote in an email, “and saw first hand while on Richmond School Board some of the challenges facing our high school students.” Bourne agreed that the bill sprung from productive cooperation between

he and Sturtevant. “The bill is a result of Glen and I putting our heads together to create something that would have a positive effect in the community,” Bourne said. Both of the identical bills are supported by other members of the General Assembly. Sen. Jennifer McClellan (D-Richmond) is the Senate patron of Bourne’s bill, and Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico) is co-patron of Sturtevant’s bill. Both bills were referred to their houses’ respective Finance committees after being introduced. Last week, the second House Finance subcommittee unanimously voted to report HB 1575 to the full committee. Senators voted to amend SB 937 requiring that the program outlined by the bill be included in a general appropriation passed by the General Assembly in 2018. If the apprenticeship program becomes law, Sturtevant said that he hoped it would serve as a pilot program to be imitated across the commonwealth. “We are confident that the outcomes of this program will be immensely beneficial to our communities, and hope that it can be applied state wide or in specific geographic locations,” Sturtevant wrote.

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Feb. 7, 2018 • 13

Bills to allow school boards to set their own start dates ASHLEE KORLACH & CAROLINE QUEALLY CNS - Every year, Virginia legislators propose a bill that could potentially cut the summer breaks of their young constituents short, and this year is no different. The Virginia House passed two bills last week that would allow school boards to determine their start date and eliminate the required postLabor Day start date The bills, House Bill 372 and House Bill 1020, are almost identical but vary slightly. HB 372, proposed by Del. Roxann Robinson, R-Chesterfield, would also mandate that schools close on extra day for Labor Day, either the Friday before or the Tuesday after. HB 1020, proposed by Del. Les Adams, R-Chatham, would not. Dubbed the “Kings Dominion Law” and enacted in 1986, current statute prohibits schools from opening before Labor Day, unless they are granted a waiver. The law was designed to allow the tourism industry to capitalize on the youth summer labor force for a few extra weeks each year. Yet a majority of school districts begin school before Labor Day because of waivers granted by the Department of Education. Reasons for a “good cause” waiver include losing an average of eight days per year in the last five to 10 years and providing students with an innovative or experimental program, among other reasons. Legislation to eliminate the postLabor Day requirement has been proposed in the General Assembly for years. A trend has emerged, whereby the House passes the bill but the Senate ultimately kills it in committee or subcommittee. It was the fate of at least one school calendar bill during last year’s session. Another similar bill last year never made it out of the House. Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, is the chairman of the House Committee on Education and supports this year’s bills. “This legislation provides for more local control and empowers local schools boards to determine the opening day for their schools,” Landes said in a statement. Del. Glenn Davis, R-Virginia Beach, was one of six who voted against HB 1020. “This bill comes up every year,” Davis said. “If anyone can show me a study that demonstrates the impact on test scores, I would be happy to change my mind and consider moving the date. No one has been able to do that.” Davis also added that both

Del. Roxann Robinson Michigan and Maryland have recently altered their calendars to begin after Labor Day. This change caused Davis to ask why Virginia wants to regress while two states are conforming to Virginia’s original plan, he said.

Landes agreed that this change is frequently brought up, which should demonstrate its importance to the people the legislators represent. He hopes this year will be the year it passes, as even he has altered his stance on the matter.

“While in the past I have opposed similar legislation, I believe the time has come to provide local school boards with the flexibility to determine their own schedules without the burden of seeking a waiver,” Landes said.

14 • Feb. 7, 2018

The LEGACY

Proposed bill would train bus drivers and aides on autism spectrum disorders ABIGAIL SEABERG

CNS - Thinking back to sitting on the school bus is often a pleasant memory for many children. Endless friendly chatter about the day ahead or observant eyes scanning the neighborhoods in a game of “I spy” constitutes a typical trip to school. Now imagine sitting on your school bus and being in pain. A debilitating sensitivity to the overwhelming noises around you incites the unbearable discomfort. In a panic, you scream to try to cover up the noises and ease the pain. An experience like this is not uncommon for children with autism. Dr. Toni Elitharp, the executive director of the Piedmont Regional Education Program, described a hypothetical bus trip like the one above to explain how children with autism may exhibit behaviors that can be misunderstood by bus personnel. This year at the General Assembly, Sen. Emmett W. Hanger (R-Greene) proposed SB 229, a bill that requires that the Virginia Board of Education establish a training program on autism spectrum disorders for schoolboard employees who assist with transporting students on school buses, including bus drivers and bus aides. “Providing training for bus drivers, aides and other personnel for children with autism will enhance the transportation experience for all children,” Elitharp said in an email. “Children with autism are unique

Sen. Emmett W. Hanger and the only commonality among our children with autism is that there is no commonality among them. Although unique, there are basic characteristics that can be addressed through training.” Elitharp’s program serves Greene County and eight other school divisions surrounding the Charlottesville area. This program provides special education programming and related services designed to meet the needs of special education students. Elitharp stressed that it is often unpredictability that causes problems for autistic children, and the training that the proposed bill requires would help school bus personnel to recognize and handle that trigger. “This training will ensure that those working with our children with autism understand how they think, how they interpret language and how

The Black Press & the NAACP join forces to address issues affecting the black community STACY M. BROWN The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade group representing more than 200 blackowned media companies, signed a historic, strategic partnership with the NAACP, one of the most influential civil rights group in the world, during the NNPA’s MidWinter Conference in Las Vegas.

“Sometimes you have to take a step back and reconnect in order to move forward,” said NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell. “Signing this agreement is taking that step back and it says it’s time for us to recommit to each other and work together to move our people forward.” NNPA President and CEO Dr.

(continued on page 15)

difficult it is for them to understand this unpredictable, inconsistent world they will experience,” Elitharp said. “There is a reason for every behavior and it is our duty as teachers, bus drivers, aides, support staff to figure out the reason for the behavior and offer strategies to help our children succeed and live in this unpredictable world.” Sen. Charles W. Carrico, Sr. (R-Lee) is chairman of the public education sub-committee to which SB 229 was assigned. Dylan Bishop, legislative aide to Carrico, noted that special needs children are often bused to schools that may not be close to their homes, and expressed the benefits of the possible implementation of SB 229 “This training would help mitigate serious issues, particularly with students with autism that may have communication barriers,” Bishop said. “I think that it’s a good thing that we can train the school bus drivers how to deal with students with autism in responsible and safe ways.” In an email statement, Rachel Peters, vice president of the Greene County Education Association and music teacher at Ruckersville Elementary School, said that her specific association as well as the Virginia Education Association as a whole supported SB 229. Peters said that bus drivers and aides are valued school professionals

that make a difference in any child’s school experience. “They start our students’ days off in the morning, and are the last professional to say goodbye to them in the evening,” Peters said. “Providing on-the-clock training and education for our drivers will provide additional support for students with autism, and allow us to extend the consistency and highquality behavior supports we strive to provide for all of the children in Greene County.” Last week, the bill unanimously passed the Senate and now awaits consideration in the House of Delegates. “I think this one, since it was unanimously passed, it’s got at least a good chance of making it through the House,” Bishop said. Bishop added that cost could be an obstacle to address if the bill was implemented. “That may be a little bit more difficult for poorer school districts that don’t have a lot of extra money to throw around," Bishop said. Elitharp, like others, believes in the benefits of the bill. “The bus ride is the first learning experience our children have every day,” he said. “This ride to school sets the day into motion and is critical in preparing them for their learning for the rest of the day.”

Feb. 7, 2018 • 15

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(from page 14 Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., who once served as president of the NAACP, called the partnership historic. “This [signing] consummates a working relationship of two of the world’s largest organizations focused on the empowerment of black people,” said Chavis. NNPA National Chairman Dorothy Leavell added that she’s very pleased with the new partnership. “I attempted to do something similar in the nineties and I’m very determined now,” said Leavell. “We are going to set a precedent and I hope we will be able to repeat this with many other national organizations, because if we solidify our strength, things will be different for all of us in the United States of America.” Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP, said one of the things he and Russell share in common is the rich tradition of the NAACP. “Anytime we move away from that [tradition], we lose our way,” he said. “The NAACP would not be here, if not for William Monroe Trotter, a civil rights activist, newspaper editor and real estate businessman based in Boston, Massachusetts; the NAACP would not be here today, if not for Ida B. Wells, a newspaper writer…

the NAACP would not be here today, if not for W.E.B. DuBois and his “Crisis’ magazine. I commit today, that we will be joining the NNPA.” Johnson added that the NAACP is as strong as its volunteers and the Black Press is as strong as its readers, many of whom are NAACP members. The recent signing was attended by a number of NNPA members, staffers from both organizations and Gary, Indiana Mayor Karen Freeman Wilson, the first African American woman to hold the office of mayor in the state of Indiana. “We have to take the resources that we have in our collective communities and we have to use these resources in a way that educates our children and benefits our people,” Wilson said. “We also have to support [black] businesses.” Wilson added that black consumers have to let go of the stereotype that black businesses are inferior to white businesses. Wilson also noted that African Americans aren’t receiving a fair shake from the federal government and, in her city, finances are a challenge she’s trying to meet head-on. “Many of the answers depended on the state, but last night, a light bulb went on and it was that we can’t wait on the Republican governor to

L-R: Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP; Leon Russell, the chairman of the NAACP; Dorothy Leavell, the chairman of the NNPA, and Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA sign a strategic partnership agreement to join forces in focusing on key issues that affect the black community, during the 2018 NNPA Mid-Winter Conference in Las Vegas. PHOTO: Freddie Allen/AMG/NNPA save Gary,” she said. “So, I said to my team that whatever the governor does or doesn’t do, we are going into the war room and we will stay there and not come out until we have a plan.” Wilson joined Russell, Johnson, Chavis and Leavell in advocating for a strong relationship between the NAACP and the Black Press.

“If black newspapers didn’t tell our stories, no one ever would have,” said Russell, echoing the founders of the Black Press, Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm who stated 191 years ago: “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us. Too long has the public been deceived by misrepresentations, in things which concern us dearly.”

16 • Feb. 7, 2018

Calendar

The LEGACY

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

2.10, 10 a.m.

2.8, 10.a.m.

The Heritage Ensemble Theatre will present its season finale show “Free Man of Color”, written by Charles Smith with direction by Toney Q. Cobb. The production is scheduled to contonues until Feb. 17 at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center, 4901 Old Brook Rd. A matinee, suited for students and seniors, will be held on Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. The Feb. 17 show will be accessible for deaf and hearing impaired patrons. General admission is at a cost. Visit brownpapertickets.com for details.

Hampton Roads has its fair share of African-American innovators and leaders who have gained national recognition and impacted American history. In celebration of regional contributions to Black History, Nauticus will present “And Still I Rise”, a special day of programming featuring African-American leaders in the history, military and science fields. The all-encompassing event will take place until 5 p.m. at 1 Waterside Dr., Norfolk. Admission is at a nominal cost for adults and children ages 4 to 12. Children ages three and under are free. Visit Nauticus.org for more details.

2.8, 6 p.m.

Participants in a free workshop offered by Virginia Credit Union will learn how to access their free credit report and gain insight into why they should review their credit report regularly. During the “How to Read Your Credit Report” workshop, participants will go over a sample credit report to help them better understand how to read their own. The seminar will be held at Virginia Credit Union, 7500 Boulder View Dr. in the Boulders Office Park near Richmond. To register, call 804323-6800 or visit the website www. vacu.org/seminars

Ongoing

The University of Richmond Downtown is hosting a new exhibition, “RVA Cures: Conquering Childhood Cancer.” The exhibition was part of September’s National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Organized by Connor’s Heroes Foundation, the exhibition tells the stories of local children, caregivers and researchers who are facing cancer, the number one disease killer of children. The exhibition features photographs by Richmond artist Kristin Seward and 100 zebrafish painted by children and local artists. The zebrafish is the symbol of pediatric cancer research conducted in Richmond. “RVA Cures” is on view at UR Downtown’s Wilton Companies Gallery, 626 E. Broad St., Richmond, through through Jan. 19, 2018.

Ibram X. Kendi

Black History Month Lecture “Stamped from the Beginning” VCU Libraries will host its 16th annual Black History Month Lecture on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. with a talk by historian and author Ibram X. Kendi, who will discuss his book “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America,” for which he won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2016. Kendi’s lecture will be followed by a Q&A, book signing and reception. The event is free and open to the public, though attendees are asked to register at: www.support.vcu.edu/event/blackhistorymonth18. “Each year, we look for an important contemporary voice who can put our culture and history in a meaningful and insightful context. Our 2018 speaker does just that. Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is recognized as one of America’s most distinguished scholars on racism and race-driven policy in America,” said University Librarian John E. Ulmschneider. VCU Libraries has hosted a Black History Month Lecture for 16 years, featuring such distinguished speakers as Peter Neufeld, co-founder of the Innocence Project; Melissa Harris-Perry, noted commentator and author; Dennis Parker, head of the ACLU Racial Justice Program; Keith Knight, celebrated comic artist and author of “The K Chronicles”; and last year, Colson Whitehead, winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

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.

2.17, 9 a.m. Newport News Public Schools and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Zeta Lambda Education Foundation are collaborating to conduct a oneday program that encourages and prepares students to attend college. MegaGenesis is being hosted at Woodside High School, 13450 Woodside Lane until 3:30 p.m. The free program is open to middle and high school students, parents, teachers, and youth group leader across Hampton Roads. The event features Rhodes Scholar and Season 4 winner of The Apprentice Dr. Randal D. Pinkett as the motivational keynote speaker.

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1-844-709-6890 www.dental50plus.com/28 *Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of thistype. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY;call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6096C

MB16-NM001Gc

The LEGACY

18 • Feb. 7, 2018

Classifieds

Serving Richmond & Hampton Roads Ad Size 3.4 inches - 1 column(s) X 1.7 in 409 E. Main St. #4 (mailing) • 105 1/2 E. Clay St. (office) Richmond, VA 23219 LEGAL, EMPLOYMENT, ANNOUNCEMENTS, FOR SALE, SERVICES 804-644-1550 (office) • 800-783-8062 (fax) ads@legacynewspaper.com 1 Issue - $37.40

Rate: $11 per column inch

PUBLIC AUCTION of Unclaimed Vehicles

Monday, Feb. 12, 2018 Gates open at 9:00 AM Auction begins at 10:00 AM

Auction will include the vehicles listed below plus many others: 2004 1999 1995 2003 1985 2006 2002 1997 2001 1994 2016

LINCOLN AVIATOR LEXUS RX 300 HONDA CIVIC INFINITI G35 CHEVROLET C10 KIA RIO HONDA CIVIC TOYOTA CAMRY VOLKSWAGEN JETTA LINCOLN TOWN CAR TAOTAO SCOOTER

5LMEU88H14ZJ14845 JT6HF10U9X0055106 1HGEJ2126SL029472 JNKCV51E23M315903 1GCEC14H9FS189439 KNADE123166179720 1HGEM22972L056005 JT2BG22K0V0049861 3VWSD69M41M150419 1LNLM82W7RY637639 L9NTEACX3G1500592

SEIBERT’S is now accepting vehicles on consignment! Reasonable Seller’s Fees.

642 W. Southside Plaza Dr. Richmond (804) 233-5757

WWW.SEIBERTSTOWING.COM VA AL # 2908-000766

TRACTOR TECHNICIAN Marten Transport, Ltd., is in search of experienced technicians at our Colonial Heights location. Competitive pay based on exp. & full benefits, including: Medical/Dental/Vision Ins. + 401(K) Paid Vacation & holidays Apply online today: www.

marten.com

EEOE functioning under an AAP

Reach 50,000+ each week! Call us to advertise.

Ad Size: 5.3 inches (1 column(s) X 5.3 inches)

Includes Internet placement

2 Issues (1/31 & 2/7) - $116.60 ($58.30 per ad) Will hold a Public Hearing in the 5th Floor Conference Room, City Rate: $11 per column inch

Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA on February 7, 2018, to

Please the proof, make any changes consider review the following under Chapter 30 ofneeded the Zoning Code: and re If your response is not received by deadline, your ad m

Includes Internet placement Thank you for your interest in applying for BEGINNING AT 1:00 P.M. Please review the proof, make any needed changes and return by fax or e-mail. opportunities with Theis City of Richmond. If your response not received by deadline, your ad may not be inserted. X_________________________________ 03-18: An Ok application of Watchtower Homes & Construction for a To see what opportunities are available, please building permit to construct a new single-family detached dwelling Ok X_________________________________________ at 921 NORTH 33RD STREET. refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com. Ok with changes _____________________ 04-18: An application of RaymondXArmstrong Guyer, III & Sherrie Ok with changes X _____________________________ EOE M/F/D/V Evelyn Page for a building permit to construct a one-story addition

Did you know...

(208 SF ±) and a one-story courtyard addition (648 SF ±) to a

REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m. single-family detached dwelling at 210 VIRGINIA AVENUE.

One of the strong benefits of newspaper advertising is that newspapers offer a variety of ways to target a particular audience. Whether it’s zoning inserts by zip code or using a niche publication to target a certain ethnic group or behaviorally targeting a certain group on a newspaper website, newspaper products offer a wide range of products to target any audience an advertiser is looking to reach. Talk to us for more information.

Are you in a suicide crisis? National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia's policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. For more information or to file a housing complaint, call the Virginia Housing Office (804) 367-8530 or (888) 551-3247. For the hearing-impaired, call (804) 367-9753 or e-mail fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov.

REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5

Copies of all cases are available for inspection between 8 AM and 5 PM in Room 110, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Support or opposition may be offered at or before the hearing. Roy W. Benbow, Secretary Phone: (804) 240-2124 Fax: (804) 646-5789 E-mail: Roy.Benbow@richmondgov.com

PRINT & DIGITAL AD SALES EXECUTIVE

200+/- IMPOUNDED AUTOS, LIGHT TRUCKS & MOTORCYCLES SOUTHSIDE PLAZA DRIVE-IN

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

The LEGACY is looking for a reliable, highly-motivated, goal-driven sales professional to join our team selling print and digital advertising in the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas. Duties include: Building and maintaining relationships with new/existing clients Meeting and exceeding monthly sales goals Cold calling new prospects over the phone to promote print and online advertising space

Qualifications: Proven experience with print (newspaper) and/or digital (website) advertising sales; Phone and one-on-one sales experience; Effective verbal and written communication skills, professional image and; Familiarity with Richmond and/or Hampton Roads areas. Compensation depends on experience and includes a base pay as well as commission. The LEGACY is an African-American-oriented weekly newspaper, circulation 25,000, with a website featuring local and national news and advertising. E-mail resume and letter of interest to ads@ legacynewspaper.com detailing your past sales experience. No phone calls please.

Feb. 7, 2018 • 19

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

EDUCATION/CAREER TRAINING AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students-Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute Maintenance SCHEV certified 877-204-4130 HELP WANTED / SALES EARN $500 A DAY: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents * Leads, No Cold Calls * Commissions Paid Daily * Agency Training * Life License Required. Call 1-888-7136020. HELP WANTED/TRUCK DRIVERS CDL TRAINING FOR LOCAL/OTR DRIVERS! $700-$1200 a week! 4-wks or 10 Weekends for CDL. Veterans in Demand! Richmond/Fredericksburg 877-CDS-4CDL; Lynchburg/ Roanoke 855-CDS-4CDL; Front Royal/Winchester 844-CDS-4CDL MISCELLANEOUS 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 SAWMILLS from only $4397.00. MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 800 567-0404 Ext.300N SERVICES DIVORCE–Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Telephone inquiries welcome-no obligation. Hilton Oliver, Attorney. 757-490-0126. Se Habla Español. BBB Member.

HEALTH/PERSONALS/MISCELLANEOUS IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson

1-800-535-5727

Thinking of buying a new or used car? Call to get current promotional pricing and local dealer incentives for free. No hassle. No obligation.

Call: 866-974-4339

WANTED TO BUY OR TRADE FREON R12 WANTED: CERTIFIED BUYER will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. (312) 291-9169; www. refrigerantfinders.com

Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) Presents

Driving Healthy Lifestyles

Meet sexy friends who really get your vibe...

Try FREE: 800-914-0978 18+

A community event that will provide information on how to create healthy outcomes for you and your family, both physically and financially. The BB&T Bus will be on site to provide free tax preparation and information on financial products that can help you get control of your finances and save for the future. HRCAP’s Housing Services Office will provide resources on housing and fair housing issues. Other vendors will be on-site and the event will feature raffles, entertainment, a mini job fair, workshops, other resources and more!

Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information contact Terri Francis

757-643-4086.

Advertise here 804-644-1550 ads@ legacynewspaper.com

learn more >

BORN TO BE GREAT By the time sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to attend college, the majority of all jobs will require education and training beyond high school. Jobs in healthcare, community services, and STEM will grow the fastest among occupational clusters. To be ready for these jobs of the future, students in grades K-12 need learning experiences that meet them where they are, engage them deeply, let them progress at a pace that meets their individual needs, and helps them master the skills for today and tomorrow. The Every Student Succeeds Act empowers parents like you to make sure that the opportunity for a great education is the standard for every student. To get involved, visit www.nnpa.org/essa.

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