Vol. 124, No. 7 - February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

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February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

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PART THREE:

Why does Black art matter in the discussion of Black History? The same reason representation matters.

Art can be defined as another way of storytelling or recording history. Black art documents the evolving chapters of Blacks in America from a period of enslavement to today’s 21st century. Thusly, it serves as a visual history lesson for each generation of Black Americans.

It is well known that before slavery, nations in Africa were full of art, sculptures, statues, tribal cloths, etc.

Like the varied languages

ART:

Another Way of Telling Our Story

2024 New Journal and Guide Staff

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2024

Nevertheless, talent is something that cannot be stripped from a race of person and over the centuries, many different types of art have emerged within the realm of Black art. From painting to drawing, murals, and sculptures, Black art attests to how creative Black people are.

During the period between the 17th century and the early 19th century, art took the form of small drums, quilts, wrought-iron figures, Photo: Public Domain and ceramic vessels in the William H. Johnson’s southern United States. These Three Friends, c. 1945. artifacts have similarities with that were stripped away their tribes, much of that comparable crafts in West and from the enslaved Africans culture was lost in the middle Central Africa. ...see Art, page 7A as they were separated from passage.

From painting to drawing, murals, and sculptures, Black art attests to how creative Black people are.

Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

Army Col. Tanya S. McGonegal recently became the first Black woman appointed to command Fort Eustis.

A brief ceremony was held at Mullan Hall on Feb. 9 to welcome McGonegal, the 13th commander of the U.S. Northern Command’s Joint Task Force-Civil Support (JTF-CS). McGonegal is a trailblazing command leader who has made history throughout her career by being the first Black female commander to lead every unit she’s commanded to date. She has served as an executive officer six times, according to news reports. She succeeds U.S. Army Col. Lamar Parsons.

“The world is unpredictable, and changing, but we all should sleep better at night knowing that this

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

You probably know the names of several Hampton University graduates who left campus, became trailblazing artists, and put a human face on this year’s Black History Month theme, “AfricanAmericans and the Arts.”

Hampton University graduates who went on to become famous artists include 1986 HU grad Wanda Sykes, 2000 HU grad Stephen Hill and 1982 HU grad Ruth Carter. Sykes’ list of accolades includes a 1999 Primetime Emmy Award and a 2003 comedy special. Hill, meanwhile, left Hampton, became an NFL player with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers before he became an in-demand actor whose credits include Magnum P.I. But before Ruth E. Carter, age 63, picked up two Academy Awards and an Emmy or designed hundreds of costumes for actors appearing in “Black – Army Col. Tanya S. McGonegal Panther” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” she probably strolled across Hampton’s campus with an armload of books, envisioning her future.

Eleven years after she graduated from Hampton in 1982, she was nominated for a 1993 Academy Award for “Malcolm X.” Five years later, she was nominated for costumes she designed for “Amistad.” Later, in 2016, she was nominated for an

I knew that if I joined the military, FIRST BLACK WOMAN would have the opportunity to be ASSUMES COMMAND Imore decisive.”

OF FORT EUSTIS

By Rosaland Tyler

Hampton Roads Has Groomed And Produced Many Artistic Trailblazers

command will always be ready to go at a moment’s notice,” Parsons said at the recent change of command ceremony, according to Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

McGonegal, the new commander, told the audience at the recent change of command ceremony, “I’m ready and eager to lead and work alongside this team as we continue the tradition of professionalism and dedication to our unique, joint mission. As we embark on this chapter, let’s remain, like our motto says, ‘Ever Vigilant, Always Ready.’”

The new commander has assumed increasingly responsible positions since she joined the Virginia Army National Guard in 1997. Two years later, Photo: Courtesy she was the only female in her class to graduate Army Col. Tanya S. McGonegal from Virginia State Officer the opportunity to be more a recent interview.

Candidate School. ...see Commander, “I knew that if I joined decisive,” Col. McGonegal page 6A the military, I would have told WTKR-TV, News 3 in

Photo: Gage Skidmore-https://commons.wikimedia.org

Ruth Carter … HU graduate

Tim Reid … NSU graduate Emmy for costumes she designed for “Roots.” Carter also designed costumes for “Selma (2014),” as well as “The Butler (2013).”

Carter said her threads aim to capture Black America’s past, present and future.

“That’s what we’ve been doing this whole time,” Carter told The New Yorker in a 2018 interview. “Exploring our past in our present.” ...see BHM, page 8A

CORRECTION: Norfolk Public Schools Elects Its First African-American Woman Chair: NJG: January 25, 2024 - January 31, 2024 We incorrectly wrote that Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) had elected its first African-American woman Chairman, Tiffany Moore-Buffaloe. Mrs. Buffaloe was elected the first Black woman Chairman of an ELECTED Norfolk School Board. The first Black woman Chairman of the NPS was Dr. Lucy R. Wilson, an educator and widow of Dr. Harrison B.Wilson, former president of Norfolk State University, who served under the city’s formerly APPOINTED school board. We regret the error and offer our thanks to an NJG reader for bringing this historical fact to our attention.

– Publisher Brenda H. Andrews

Black History Month: The History of Black Theater – Part 2

By Leonard E. Colvin

Chief Reporter Emeritus New Journal and Guide During Black History Month (BHM) 2024, the nation is celebrating AfricanAmericans’ contribution to Arts and Entertainment in this nation and globally.

Black Theater, encompassing storytelling, literature, poetry, visual arts, dance and acting, reveals the varied layers of AfricanAmerican culture, history, struggle and triumph during four centuries in the Americas

as it entertains. ◆◆◆ Some early Black Theater highlights include the following.

In 1903, Bert Williams and George Walker starred together in ‘In Dahomey’, marking the first all-Black musical comedy performed in a major Broadway theater.

The first African-American to produce and star in a Broadway production ‘The Oyster Man,’ which introduced ragtime music, was Ernest Hogan in 1907.

Angelina W. Grimke’s ‘Rachel’ in 1916 became the first play authored by a Black person featuring a racially mixed cast.

But it was the Great Migration that gave Black Theater its big boost.

Beginning in 1916, around 1.6 million African-Americans and people from the Caribbean moved northward to large cities like New York’s Harlem Community.

The migration created a Black Middle Class seeking education and art, sparking the Harlem Renaissance.

This period saw African-

It was the Great Migration that gave Black Theater its big boost.

Americans create numerous experimental groups and theater companies in cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York.

Activist James Weldon Johnson wrote that this was “the single most important event in the entire history of Photo: Courtesy Black theatre.”

Ernest Hogan in “The Oyster Man” ...see Theater, page 7A

New Journal and Guide

2A | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

MORE THAN 12M FAMILIES PAY HALF THEIR INCOME ON HOUSING

By Charlene Crowell TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM A new report on rental housing from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) makes clear why so many people are dissatisfied with the nation’s economy.

Released in late January and entitled, America’s Rental Housing 2024, the report documents how ever-rising rental costs are burdening people in every state of the country.

In 2022, a record high of 22.4 million cost-burdened renter households rose by two million families since 2019.

Affordable housing should cost no more than 30 percent of total household income.

“Median rents have risen nearly continuously since 2001 in inflationadjusted terms and are 21 percent higher as of 2022,” states JCHS. “Meanwhile, renters’ incomes have risen just 2 percent during the same period ... Among costburdened households, 12.1 million had housing costs that consumed more than half of their income, an all-time high for severe burdens.”

At the same time, eviction filings have returned to prepandemic levels in 2023 as relief measures expired.

A record-setting 653,100 people were unhoused on a given night in January 2023, an increase of nearly 71,000 people in just one year. Once more, Blacks and Latinos are disproportionately impacted.

Black people are 37 percent of all unhoused people but just 13 percent of the US population; while Latinos, representing 28 percent of homeless people are less than 20 percent of the population.

Ironically, according to the report, cost-burdened renters include people with full-time jobs with a span of incomes that some may find surprising.

While all income groups had increasing cost-burden rates from 2019 to 2022, middle-income renters making $45,000 to $74,999 saw their cost-burdened share rise the fastest with a 5.4 percentage point increase to 41 percent. Additionally, 8 million cost-burdened households were headed by a full-time, year-round worker.

Among the 14.6 million renter households comprising the working poor – those earning $30,000 or less each year - had median cash savings of just $300 and total net wealth of only $3,200. They were also the most likely to live in substandard housing with multiple problems such as structural deficiencies, a lack of upkeep, or the inconsistent provision of basic features such as hot and cold running water, heat, and electricity.

NEW JOURNAL AND GUIDE P.O. Box 209, Norfolk,VA 23501 Phone: (757) 543-6531 Fax: (757) 543-7620 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Brenda H. Andrews ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Desmond Perkins ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Rosaland Tyler CHIEF REPORTER EMERITUS: Leonard E. Colvin STAFF REPORTER: Melissa Spellman PRODUCTION: Tony Holobyte New Journal and Guide (USPS 0277560/ISSN 8096) is published weekly on Thursday for $50 per year, $30 per year for six months by New Journal and Guide Publishing, Incorporated,5127 East Va. Beach Blvd., Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23510. Periodicals Postage Paid at Norfolk, VA 23501. Postmaster: Send address changes to New Journal and Guide, P.O. Box 209, Norfolk, VA 23501. The New Journal and Guide is not responsible for any unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or related materials.

Ironically, according to the report, cost-burdened renters include people with full-time jobs with a span of incomes that some may find surprising.

Charlene Crowell Households with lower incomes and households of color are disproportionately exposed to substandard conditions.

Long-standing federal programs like HUD’s Housing Voucher Program, better known as Section 8, were intended to provide sanitary, standard housing for low and middle-income families. But today’s reality reveals a much different experience.

In 2022, HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers assisted 2.3 million households, covering the difference between 30 percent of a household’s income and their area’s fair market rent. Their usage, however, depends upon participation by privatemarket landlords, who are not required to accept the vouchers in most places.

Additionally, program rules and timelines discourage some landlords from participating.

According to the report, 40 percent of people who receive a

voucher are unable to secure a signed lease in the allotted time.

“Nationwide, states and cities also generate about $3 billion annually through housing trust funds to meet local housing needs,” states the report. “All of these efforts are crucial but fall short of the growing need ... In 2022, just 7.2 million units had contract rents under $600 – the maximum amount affordable to the 26 percent of renters with annual incomes under $24,000. This marks a loss of 2.1 million units since 2012, when adjusting for inflation. The spike in asking rents during the pandemic accelerated the trend, with more than half a million lowrent units lost just between 2019 and 2022.”

For Diane Yentl, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the nation’s dearth of affordable housing is at a crisis level.

“Without affordable, available housing options and higher incomes, more than 10 million of America’s lowest-income households, disproportionately people of color, pay at least half

their income on rent and utilities,” said in a recent statement. “With so much money going to keep a roof over their heads, renters with the lowest incomes are forced to live precariously, always one unexpected expense – for a brokendown car or unreimbursed medical bill – away from housing instability, eviction, and, in the worst cases, homelessness. Yet Congress only provides housing assistance to one in four eligible households.”

The JCHS report reached a similar conclusion: “The instability caused by a lack of affordable housing bleeds over to other public spending, threatening the well-being of millions of people ... With housing challenges growing ever more severe, now is the time to make a fuller commitment to ensuring that all people living in the US have a decent, safe, and affordable place to call home.”

Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

League of Women Voters Mourns Loss of National President WASHINGTON, D.C. National President of the League of Women Voters Dr. Deborah Ann Turner passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, of complications from a pulmonary embolism.

Called a “fearless advocate for voting rights and women’s rights,” Dr. Turner is remembered by the National League for devoting her life’s work to impacting meaningful changes in the lives of voters across the nation.

As the 20th president of the 103-year-old voting rights organization, “Dr. Turner played a pivotal role in fighting for a more fair and representative union, while uplifting racial equity in the League’s mission work,” wrote the League in announcing her death.

Dr. Turner first joined the League of Women Voters of Metro Des Moines in 2010 and later served as president until 2015. At the same time, she also served on the LWV of Iowa board as the state vice president from 2011 to 2015, becoming co-president in 2015. In her dual roles with state and local Leagues, Turner is credited with strengthening relationships between local leagues and the state Board.

“Dr. Turner was the consummate leader who poured her heart and soul for the preservation of our democracy,” said Virginia Kase Solomón, CEO of the

Dr. Turner first joined the League of Women Voters of Metro Des Moines in 2010 and later served as president until 2015.

League of Women Voters.

“Her leadership exemplified grace, empathy, strength, and determination, and we will forever be grateful for her passion and dedication to this organization.”

Dr. Turner practiced gynecologic oncology for 35 years, working directly with patients and teaching students and trained residents in university programs across the Midwest. She participated in a dozen international medical missions and served as the associate medical director of Planned Parenthood of North Central States.

In its National LWV press release, an official wrote, “Our thoughts are with Dr. Turner’s family during this difficult time. We are committed to honoring her legacy by continuing to uphold our values to empower voters and build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.”

From The Guide’s Archives Archives taken from the pages of the (New) Journal and Guide February 4, 2003, Edition of the Guide New Stamp Honoring Thurgood Marshall HAMPTON ROADS Celebrating African American History Month in Hampton Roads will begin February 6 when the Diversity Committee of the local Division of the United States Postal Service (USPS) unveils a national Black History Month commemorative stamp featuring 2003 the late U.S. Supreme Court Association Justice Thurgood Marshall.

The event will take place at 12:30 p.m. at ODU’s Constant Center.

Leroy Hassell, the first Black Chief Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, will be the keynote speaker.

According to Sabrina Brown, a member of the USPS Diversity Committee, local Gospel Choirs will be on hand, along with speeches by local USPS and political leaders.

Marshall was born in Baltimore and died ten years ago. He was the first African-American appointed to the high court.

Before joining the Supreme Court, he was appointed Solicitor General during the Kennedy Administration.

Bush Plan Would Endanger 38-year-old Head Start Program

By Leonard E. Colvin Lawanna Dowden and the nation’s Head Start Program for preschoolers are like old friends who have grown up together. They love and protect each other.

Dowden was a young single mother when she enrolled her youngest child into a Head Start center in her native Pittsburgh.

She was among the first generation of parents who enrolled their children in the new program in 1965. Head Start was designed to assist poor urban and rural children during their preschool years with the academic and social skills to succeed once they enter regular public-school classrooms.

That year, 561,000 children were enrolled in Head Start, which at the time had a budget of $96.5 million Great Society dollars to spend. Today, its budget is $6.5 billion.

Dowden’s child, she said, had a rewarding experience.

Dowden herself later went on to achieve a master’s degree in social work.

Today, she is the Executive Director of the Head Start Programs in South Hampton Roads under the control of the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP).

While Dowden has improved her life, Head Start has broadened its horizons, too. The local division has 1,500 children in 37 classrooms with a staff of some 347. Its budget is $10 million.

However, the Bush Administration is bent on determining the long-term benefit of such expenditures.

Dowden said current Head Start supporters and staff cannot measure the longterm benefits for children once they leave the classrooms of the programs.

“We know we do a good job of aiding children in their early years of development,” said Dowden. Undoubtedly, we help our parents determine the strengths and weaknesses of their children to help them get a good start. Once they leave our program, we cannot account for the impact public school teachers and programs will have on them as students and individuals.”

Dowden said one of the troubling proposals by the Bush Administration is placing Head Start under the Department of Education.

Currently, it is under the Department of Health and Human Services. Dowden said Head Start is under the authority of the Department of Education. “It will then be told to do this ... and that but will not be given any money to do it,” she said. This is just like the standardized testing the administration has imposed on the states since it took office.”

is “The Soul of Black Folk: A Centennial Celebration,” a tribute to the book and ideals of Dr. W.E.B. DuBois. Dubois wrote about the plight of African Americans from slavery through emancipation to the imposition of Jim Crow laws during the latter part of the 19th Century.

For decades, “The Souls of Black Folk” has been a revealing and inspirational chronicle of African Americans and the effects of racism and second-class citizenship on them in America.

Williams Burghardt Duboise was a socialist historian, educator, journalist, civil rights activist, and Historic icon.

Duboise helped found the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

He received the World Peace Council Prize in 1952 and the Soviet Lenin Peace Prize in 1959. Dubois became a member of the Communist Party in 1961 and a citizen of Ghana, where he served as director of Encyclopedias Africana. He died in 1963.

The Newport News SCLC Wants City Park To Change The Park’s Name

The Newport News Chapter SCLC has called on the city to stop using the name of its founder, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the name of KingLincoln Park. Under the theme “Symbolism Without Substance Lacks Merit,” the civil rights groups claim the city uses King’s name without respecting the group that the slain civil rights leader founded.

In December 2001, the SCLC presented concerns regarding King-Lincoln Park to the City Council.

Specifically, the group asserted, “If you are sincere about fulfilling Dr. King’s dream, we ask you to give Dr. King a park of his own.”

SCLC President Andrew Shannon said the city had not changed the park’s name and discriminated 2003 Black History Theme against his organization when it denied the group the The 2003 Black History opportunity to serve on the Month Celebration theme Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Memorial Committee 2002 but was denied.

In a SCLC Press statement released January 20, Shannon said on June 25, 2002, during a televised Council meeting, the Vice Mayor denounced the organization’s existence in the wake of a visit by Martin Luther King, III, SCLC President and CEO on May 4, 2002. Shannon said the city did not act in good faith and has failed to honor our compromise agreement.”

We know that we requested to honor Dr. King last year singularly; to date, that has yet to happen. In keeping with the spirit of progress, we wrote to Mayor Joe Frank and met with him to devise a compromise in July 2002. This position was taken to avoid confrontation with council members who oppose views to our original plan,” said Shannon.

Askew Loses Judgeship The Judicial Career of Newport News Circuit Court Judge Verbena Askew, Virginia’s first Black woman on the Circuit Court, ended last week when the House and Senate Court of Justice Committees voted not to reappoint her.

The Committee’s decision came after weeks of controversy.

Republicans Senators and Delegates representing Newport News launched an effort in late October seeking to unseat Askew. They first stated they had received complaints about her demeanor on the bench, her work habits, and the excessive sentences she has imposed on Black male defendants who have been tried before her.

But these accusations were not enough to weaken her position for appointment, as support from the Newport News community’s Black and White quarters rallied behind her.

It was the disclosure of accusations of sexual harassment against her by a former female employee with a Peninsula Drug Court that proved to be the smoking Gun opponents needed to end Askew’s career.

Critics said Askew lied

about knowledge of a $64,000 legal settlement the City of Hampton granted Brenda Collins, who worked under Askew after she filed a complaint with the EEOC against the judge. The complaint was investigated by a Richmond law firm and found to lack credibility.

In the House, the Courts of Justice Committee voted 13-7 not to recertify Askew for another term. In the Senate, the Committee vote was 10-5.

Actress-Singer Nell Carter Dies In Her California Home BEVERLY HILLS, CA Nell Carter, who began her career on Broadway in the renowned play ‘Ain’t Misbehavin,” died of natural causes on January 24, according to her Publicist.

Carter, who was 54, played the tart-tongued but motherly housekeeper in the NBC-TV sitcom “Gimme A Break” during the 1980s. But she received her most acclaim in her Tony Award-winning performance in 1978 on the stages in the Broadway Musical “Ain’t Misbehavin.”

A Black History Month Cruise On February 8 and 28, along the Elizabeth River, where slave ships sailed to plantations with enslaved Black people packed in their holes, the Spirit of Norfolk will be sailing with Felix Simmons and his Afrika History and Music Performing group.

Simmons says the ship will be transformed into a floating education center.

Simmons said he and his fellow artists will play drums and tell traditional African and African-American folk tales and songs while allowing the audiences to participate in the free-flowing activities.

In Africa, there is no such thing as an audience ... because everyone around participates in what is going on,” said Simmons.

‘Everybody, children, adults, Black and White, regardless, will enjoy what we do. But the most important thing is educating people about a small portion of African art, history, and culture.

New Journal and Guide

February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024 | 3A

New Journal and Guide

4A | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

CARRTOON By Walt Carr PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF SOCIOLOGY VIRGINIA TECH

NATIONAL BLACK ANTHEM AT THE SUPER BOWL

The singing of the Black National Anthem at Super Bowl pre-game “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” often called festivities lit up the social media and the Black National Anthem, was sung again sent MAGA folk into meltdown.

By Wornie Reed, Ph.D.

this year during pregame festivities at the Super Bowl. AfricanAmerican singer Andra Day received a rousing ovation at the stadium.

However, many people ask why that song and many others went berserk.

This “tradition (?)” was begun several years ago following racial and social justice protests following the murder of George Floyd. The NFL also announced it would commit $250 million over ten years to social justice initiatives targeting “systemic racism” and supporting “the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African-Americans.”

The singing of the Black National Anthem lit up the social media and sent MAGA folk into meltdown.

Before the game, Representative Matt Gaetz wrote on X, “They’re desecrating America’s National Anthem by playing something called the ‘Black National Anthem.”

Former Arizona Republican candidate for governor, Kari Lake, proclaimed, “I’m not standing for this divisive

garbage. One nation. One anthem.”

“No such thing as a ‘Black National Anthem’ ... The end,” another politician wrote.

I understand the MAGA crowd, and I understand those more polite people asking why have such a song at the top game of the country’s national pastime.

As a youngster, I often wondered why the National Anthem was sung at the beginning of sports events. It seemed an odd practice to my way of thinking.

I thought the Anthem more appropriate at civic events, e.g., military events, government events, Fourth of July festivals and parades, and even PTA meetings. But sporting events? I never saw a connection, even though I liked sports and was a high school and college athlete. Later, I learned that business reasons influenced this practice, like many societal matters.

For nearly a century, baseball was THE sport in America, the socalled national pastime.

So, it is not surprising that they played the National Anthem to kick off the World Series

during World War I and occasionally played it at holiday games.

However, the Anthem was not played regularly–before every game – until World War II. As many citizens and industries geared up for the WW II “War Effort,” Major League Baseball team owners wanted to continue playing (and, of course, making money), but they wanted to do so without being criticized for not helping the war effort. So, they solicited from President Roosevelt what became known as his “Greenlight Letter,” suggesting they continue the games to give Americans a way to have recreation during the strenuous period of the war.

To show that they were patriotic and supported the country while at war – while doing nothing else differently–they hit upon the idea of playing the National Anthem before each game. And the rest, as the saying goes, is history. Through the years, other sports followed baseball’s Anthem practice, and now it’s institutionalized.

Ill-placed, maybe, but serving another American pastime – making money.

NFL’s Head Coaching Ranks Are Looking Better Marc H. Morial (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) “It’s hard to tell what, if any, trends will emerge from this hiring cycle. Maybe the emphasis on diverse candidates will continue.

Maybe team owners have opened their minds to defensive-minded coaches.

Perhaps the ‘leader of men’ model will continue. Nothing has been solved, per se. But there’s cautious optimism the Marc H. Morial league is in a place to grow from here.”

The first move of the – Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports year to replace a white head coach with a coach of color came from Patriots

owner Robert Kraft, who Two years ago this has been outspoken about week, I met with NFL inequality and prejudice.

Commissioner Roger He recently founded the Goodell, along with my group, Foundation to Antisemitism, fellow civil rights leaders, Combat to discuss the failure of and endowed a Chair in the “Rooney Rule” to Diversity, Equity, and diversify the ranks of the Inclusion at Massachusetts General Hospital.

League’s head coaches.

He downplayed the At that time, despite of Jerod nearly 20 years under a significance becoming the requirement that teams Mayo interview at least one Patriots’ first Black head candidate of color for coach, saying “I chose head coaching and the best head coach for senior football operation this organization.” But positions, only one of the Mayo acknowledged the NFL’s 32 head coaches moment: “What I will was Black. Brian Flores say, though, is I do see had just been fired after color because I believe if three seasons as Miami you don’t see color, you Dolphins head coach and can’t see racism … It does was suing the NFL and matter so we can try to fix several teams for racist the problem that we all know we have.” hiring practices.

On cue, anti-racial Thanks in large part to our advocacy, the 2024 justice activist Stephen season will begin with Miller, a former advisor nine head coaches of to Donald Trump, filed an color, including six Black EEOC complaint against the NFL, trying to keep coaches.

It’s a far cry from the the League from fixing parity we continue to seek the problem we all know in a League where more we have.

Miller is calling for than half the players are Black, but it is significant the same thing the progress for which National Urban League Commissioner Goodell, called for two years ago: team owners and senior elimination of the Rooney leadership should be Rule. However, we were seeking a better way to acknowledged.

SIMPLY THE BEST!

Dick Gregory was a great motivator, (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) and as he was This is Super Bowl time! I have been blessed leaving this earth to know many of the best in sports. I want to remember a few years ago, some of them during this he warned us to Black History Month.

First, I had the honor “Wake Up and of knowing the one and only Dick Gregory who was a master at many Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) Stay Woke.”

By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

things. He was a health guru, a comedy genius, a Civil and Human Rights icon, and a track star. Most of all, he was a friend to so many. He could make us feel better. He could make us feel special. He could make even those who wanted to be enemies laugh. He was a great motivator, and as he was leaving this earth a few years ago, he warned us to “Wake Up and Stay Woke.” In these troubling days, we sure need to do that. His work inspired us to vote in every election.

He was simply the best at motivating us to be our best selves at all times.

I had the pleasure of counting among my best friends Eddie Robinson.

Excellence has always been associated with his name. He was a football

It’s a far cry from the parity we continue to seek in a League where more than half the players are Black, but it is significant progress for which Commissioner Goodell, team

By Julianne owners and senior Malveaux Republican Congressman leadership should Troy Nehls (R-TX) be acknowledged. attacked his colleague, St.

coach at Grambling State University. You might say that he made men out of so many boys who came to Grambling by being their example of what a man should be like.

He produced the best.

Among them were Paul “Tank” Younger, Willie Davis, Doug Williams, Mike Williams, Charlie Joiner, Willie Brown, Buck Buchanan, Ernie Ladd and so many more – at least 80 who joined teams in the National and American Football Leagues.

In 1985, he tied Bear Bryant’s record in victories for the all-time winning coaching record.

My Prairie View friends may not forgive me for mentioning this but they had to feel a little bit of pride again in 1985 when

Coach won 324 games putting him on top as the Winningest Coach, causing him to receive more awards than any coach in history.

He began each meeting with his players drilling into them the importance of education, and unlike many others, most of his players graduated! He was simply the best.

I knew women track stars.

Among them was Wilma Rudolph who was my neighbor for several years.

As a student, I met her in Nashville. What’s so great about Wilma is that she had to overcome a serious disability to become the star that she was. She was a world champion record holder in the Olympics.

She won several gold medals. ...see Best, page 5A

Congressman Troy Nehls - Rash, Brash, Out of Control

Republican Congressman Troy Nehls (RTX) fits right in Louis Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO), with ras, He with the racist was a great motivator, and achieve equal opportunity as he was leaving this earth crowd that has for candidates of color. a few years ago, he warned Miller is seeking to us to “Wake Up and Stay nothing but eliminate opportunities Woke,” and out-of-control for candidates of color.

Julianne Malveaux language. disdain for Black Since we met with It happened at the end of Commissioner Goodell, January, but somehow, his people (except the NFL expanded the attack stuck in my craw. I the same thing.

Rooney Rule to require am tired of unprincipled Troy Nehls, clearly a Tim Scott) and teams interview at least attacks on Black women, virulent racist, was asked two external minority and more than that, I am what he thought. He Black women. candidates for head coach and general manager jobs.

As we noted at the time, the effect of the rule as it had existed was for team decision-makers to regard interviews with candidates of color as an extraneous step, rather than an integral part of the hiring process.

The coach that Mayo replaced, Bill Belichick, inadvertently proved the ineffectiveness of the Rooney Rule and triggered Flores’ lawsuit when he texted Flores to congratulate him on being named head coach of the New York Giants – three days before Flores was scheduled to interview for the job. ...see NFL, page 5A

tired of the casual use of racist tropes to demean us.

The misogyny that Black women experience often goes unanswered. I’ve had enough.

Congresswoman Bush is being investigated for her use of campaign funds.

After numerous death threats, she has chosen to use those funds, which are not federal funds, to hire security to protect her. One of the security officers she has hired is her husband, who has worked as a security guard. She has done nothing illegal, although anyone would say the appearance is challenging.

One investigation has found that she has done nothing wrong. The second investigation will likely see

described Cortney Merrits, Cori Bush’s husband, as a “thug. ”Really? Nehls is a disgraced former police officer fired for mishandling evidence.

He served our country as an Army reservist and was an elected sheriff in Fort Bend, Texas, from 2013 through 2021.

He ran for office planning to address issues of health care for veterans. So why is he attacking a fellow veteran, Cortney Merrits, as a “thug”? Does he only have concerns for veterans when they are white? Should he not have respect for a colleague’s husband, who served our country and put his life on the line?

A deep dive into Mr. Nehls’s background reveals him to be a deeply flawed,

indeed unsavory, individual and an undistinguished member of Congress who needs to know how to keep his mouth shut.

Nehls did not stop at attacking Cori Bush’s husband. He went on to call her “loud” and to say that if she “toned it down,” she would not have experienced the death threats that require her to have private security.

Loud? Cori Bush was not elected to be quiet. She has been a tireless advocate, a Black Lives Matter leader, and a vocal member of “The Squad,” a force for social and economic justice. Loud?

I wish she were louder and more vocal because she speaks our truth. ...see Nehls, page 5A

New Journal and Guide

Best Continued from page 4A In the 1960s she was known as the fastest woman in the world. She earned so many complimentary names for her talent. Among them are The Flash, The Black Gazelle, The Tornado, and The Black Pearl. She became the most highly visible Black woman in America and abroad. She was a strong role model for many of us and is considered a women’s rights pioneer.

She taught so many how to succeed despite a handicap.

That’s what Delta women so often do!

In the past few days, the world honored one who also was simply the best.

Nehls Continued from page 4A Some are upset that she has called for a cease-fire in Israel, and in her reelection campaign, she has attracted opponents who disagree with her stance. She increasingly represents the progressive voices who are disgusted with the loss of 25,000 or more Palestinian lives because of Israel’s “response” to the Hamas October 7 attack. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, wants to wipe Palestinians out of Gaza, and the United Nations has advised Israel to stop targeting civilian lives.

Cori Bush is saying nothing more than any conscientious human being is saying. Tone it down? No, turn it up!

Nehls’ comments about Congresswoman Cori Bush are inflaming, and his description of her as “loud” reminds me of the 1918 lynching of Mary Turner, a young Black woman who protested the murder of her husband and threatened to press charges against the white men who killed him. She was described as “mouthy,” or in other words, loud. Because she had the nerve to confront white men, she was lynched. She was nine months pregnant when she was killed, hung by her ankles, doused with

NFL Continued from page 4A Belichick thought he was texting Brian Daboll. Not only had the Giants already decided to hire Daboll before even interviewing Flores – presumably to comply with the letter, if not the spirit, of the Rooney Rule – but the team already was sharing the news.

The League also created the Coach and Front Office Accelerator, which allows diverse candidates for positions across the League

February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024 | 5A I’m talking about Kobe Bryant. He motivated a new generation of young people to be Black and proud. He was so good that he became a Los Angeles Laker for life.

He didn’t just play the game.

He defined it. His motto was “Leave the game better than you found it.” He did just that.

He and his daughter, Gianna, died in a tragic helicopter crash in 2020, but before that, he inspired so many. He’s a legend and is the subject of three planned statues at the Star Plaza in Los Angeles. Who could ever forget his 81-point game? He was a 5-time NBA Champion. He played with others who were great, but he is still SIMPLY THE BEST! Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of The Dick Gregory Society. gasoline, and set on fire.

She was under such physical distress as she was lynched that she expelled her fetus, which rabid and soulless white men then stomped to death.

Most of our nation’s five thousand known lynchings were of Black men, but as many as one hundred Black women were lynched, and Mary Turner is one of them.

She was lynched as an example. Don’t speak up, Black women, or you will suffer consequences. Don’t confront white men, or we will knock you down. Mr. Nehls invoked a dangerous racist trope, and he has yet to apologize for his language.

He isn’t likely to apologize because it is open season on Black people, and these racist tropes play well with his crowd. He helped the Capitol Police barricade the Capitol on January 6 but has since written a book supportive of the 45th President. He fits right in with the racist crowd that has nothing but disdain for Black people (except Tim Scott) and Black women.

Nehl’s racist rant is rash, brash, and out of control.

We must respond to him forcefully and throw our enthusiastic support behind Congresswoman Cori Bush, an American patriot, activist, and sheroe.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author.

She can be reached at juliannemalveaux.com. to network with club owners and executives and participate in personal and professional development workshops.

A federal judge ruled in July that Flores, now defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, may proceed to trial with his claims against the NFL, Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Houston Texans, but must pursue his claims against the Dolphins through arbitration.

Regardless of the outcome of Flores’ legal action, he has helped propel the League toward equity and opportunity.

OP-ED

Why Being A Fraternity Brother Is Entirely Compatible With My Christian Faith

By Keith Magee (TRICEEDNEYWIRE.COM) Historically Black fraternities and sororities – often referred to as Black Greek-letter organizations, or BGLOs – have been making a difference in the lives of Black Americans for more than a hundred years. Members of these organizations have historically been at the forefront of the struggle for racial equality and have been change-makers in every professional sphere.

BGLOs regularly band together to fight principalities, dark powers and wickedness in high places and to promote social justice, voting rights, and anti-poverty measures.

And yet, over recent years, some Christians have denounced their BGLOs, publicly attacking them for being “idolatrous” in their use of symbolic Greek letters and for causing members to put loyalty to their organization above loyalty to their faith.

I know the most fundamentally important aspect of my identity is my love for Jesus as Lord. I trust the Holy Spirit as my lead and guide into all truth, and I constantly seek to live the life that is required of me as a believer. I am convinced that through the story of Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension and soon-to-come return, the message He is sending us, in His wisdom, is one of love. I try to embody that message in everything I do.

I am also a proud member of two Black fraternities, Kappa Alpha Psi (one of the Divine Nine collegiate BGLOs) and Sigma Pi Phi (for professionals).

Kappa was founded by 10 principled Christian men.

With Kappa, I was younger when I crossed and not

Keith Magee quite as knowledgeable as I am now about my faith.

Nevertheless, at no point in my life have I ever entered into an unorthodox, uninformed, or ungodly alliance with a Greek deity.

Nor have I ever sworn an oath that would in any way hinder, absolve, or negate my Christian beliefs.

The Divine Nine were established, mainly in the first decades of the 20th century, as peersupport mechanisms for Black college students.

These young people experienced routine racial discrimination, not just in predominantly white institutions and in wider society, but also in the majority white fraternities and sororities already established on campuses.

For many Black students, joining BGLOs helped them survive and thrive.

Membership allowed them to bond, build lasting networks of brother- or sisterhood, and empower one another and the whole Black community, both at university and then beyond.

It would be impossible to list here the names of all the illustrious leaders from our community who were or are affiliated to BGLOs – there are simply too many to mention. But notable examples include Rev. Samuel DeWitt Proctor (Kappa Alpha Psi); Rev.

To this day, when the initiates of BGLOs swear oaths of loyalty, they are pledging to participate in the ongoing quest to unlock the secrets of great knowledge for the good of humanity as well as committing to uphold the ideals of their fraternity or sorority for life.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Alpha Phi Alpha); and Rev. Jesse Jackson (Omega Psi Phi). Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the first female bishop of the AME Church, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, the sorority of which her grandmother, Vashti Turley Murphy, was one of the founders. My own mother, Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds, is a Delta too.

One of my peers, Rev. Teraleen Campbell, is the International Chaplain of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

And let’s not forget, some of our current political heavyweights are also pledged to Greek letter organizations, including Vice-President Kamala Harris (Alpha Kappa Alpha), Minority Leader of the U.S House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries (Kappa Alpha Psi), and U.S. Senator Rev Raphael Warnock (Alpha Phi Alpha).

From their foundation, both Black and white fraternities and sororities chose to associate their organizations with letters of the Greek alphabet as a nod to the intellectual innovators who flourished in the rich cultural arena of ancient Greece. The enduring contributions made by sages like Plato, Aristotle, Heraclitus, and Pythagoras to fields such as philosophy, science,

and mathematics meant aspirational collegeeducated men and women naturally wanted to be connected to such a tradition.

To this day, when the initiates of BGLOs swear oaths of loyalty, they are pledging to participate in the ongoing quest to unlock the secrets of great knowledge for the good of humanity as well as committing to uphold the ideals of their fraternity or sorority for life. Why anyone would see that as being somehow in conflict with Christian values is utterly baffling to me.

I am in no way opposed to an individual deciding to renounce their affiliation to a BGLO because of their personal beliefs, any more than I would take issue with someone choosing to no longer eat shellfish, wear wool, or straighten their hair.

However, when I hear a person denouncing BGLOs in general, insinuating that they are somehow “demonic,” and inciting all other members to follow their personal example, that causes me pause. Even if you experience what you believe to be a revelation that must guide your own choices, how can you then deem that to be the truth, rather than your truth? ...see Faith, page 6A

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

TRUTH–IN-SENTENCING IS AN EVIL POLICY Editor: The Democratic Party controls both the upper Senate chamber and lower House chamber of the Virginia state legislature.

The vast majority of the good citizens of the Commonwealth must demand that our state government finally end the egregious, racially motivated and discriminatory policy of warehousing African-Americans being subjected to decades of higher sentencing guidelines than Caucasians recommended by the majority of white Commonwealth’s Attorneys and enforced by the Courts.

Real criminal justice reform starts with repealing the Truth–inSentencing “Proposal X” in Virginia, the most prominent sentencing reform movement of the 1990s, implemented under the former segregationist George Herbert Allen (Governor 1994-1998), to effectively restrict and eliminate parole eligibility and good time credits.

The so-called Reform and Truth-in-

Sentencing law became effective in the Commonwealth of Virginia on January 1, 1995. Virginia’s sentencing reforms abolished parole, reduced good time allowances to ensure that inmates serve a minimum of 85 percent of their imposed sentence, and became the most effective profitable warehouse prison complex business to date that disproportionately affects ethnic minorities.

Along with the federal government, Virginia is the worst state for ensuring civil rights and one of eight states that have abolished parole and implemented the so-called Truth-in- Sentencing legislation that requires offenders to serve 85 percent of the imposed sentence.

The amount of time served by nonviolent offenders was supposedly not changed by the move to Truth-inSentencing. Judge-imposed sentences for nonviolent offenders are supposed to be lower under Truth-in-Sentencing, the time served in prison remains the same 85 percent because sentences

THIS WEEK IN BLACK HISTORY

are no longer reduced dramatically by parole and good time allowances.

Under Truth-in- Sentencing, offenders serve an average of 89.7 percent of the judicially imposed sentence.

Although parole was abolished for all offenders convicted after January 1, 1995, parole remains in effect for individuals incarcerated prior to Truth-in-Sentencing reform, but post statute inmates are repeatedly denied parole and good time allowances based on decades of blanket denials of the serious nature of the offense and disrespect of the law, back door enforcement of the Truth-inSentencing evil policy.

How long will our leaders continue to ignore the inhuman warehousing of our rehabilitated men, women and youths incarcerated in Virginia? Not long, Not Long!

Mr. Roy L. Perry-Bey, Executive Director of Civil Rights United Front For Justice

New Journal and Guide

6A | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

HISTORIC OBESITY BILL OF RIGHTS UNVEILED AS OBESITY SURGES

By Stacy M. Brown

Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia NNPA NEWSWIRE In response to a relentless surge in obesity rates nationwide, a powerful alliance of leading consumer advocates, aging experts, and public health groups have introduced the groundbreaking Obesity Bill of Rights for Americans. The initiative, with the National Consumers League (NCL) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) at its forefront, aims to transform obesity care by enacting significant changes in federal, state, and employer policies.

The Obesity Bill of Rights is the culmination of a yearlong, meticulous fact-finding effort involving experts and communities, marking a crucial turning point in the battle against the United States’ most pervasive and expensive chronic disease. Shockingly, even a decade after the American Medical Association (AMA) classified obesity as a severe disease requiring comprehensive care, it continues to be largely overlooked and untreated.

Obesity is a chronic condition – not a personal or moral failing.”

– Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI)

Photo: Courtesy

“Our aim with the Obesity Bill of Rights is to designate quality obesity care as the inherent right of all adults, empowering those with the disease to demand unbiased treatment, regardless of their size or weight,” Sally Greenberg, CEO of the National Consumers League, said in a news release.

The Obesity Bill of Rights establishes eight fundamental rights. These rights are designed to ensure that individuals with obesity undergo screening, diagnosis, counseling, and treatment according to medical guidelines, eradicating pervasive weight bias and ageism within the healthcare system.

The staggering statistics

surrounding obesity underscore the critical need for this initiative. Presently, only 30 million out of an estimated 108 million adults living with obesity have been diagnosed, and a mere 2 percent of those eligible for anti-obesity medications have received these treatments.

Officials noted in a news release that the consequences of untreated obesity include worsening outcomes for over 230 obesity-related chronic diseases, approximately 400,000 premature deaths annually, and an estimated $1.72 trillion in direct and indirect costs to the U.S. economy.

The online hub, www. right2obesitycare.org, will serve as the epicenter for

mobilizing stakeholders, focusing on national and state policy efforts.

Right2ObesityCare will develop national “obesity goals” for fully implementing the Obesity Bill of Rights

by December 31, 2029.

Plans include regional town halls, workshops, advocacy forums, and meetings with federal and state legislators and regulators.

“Obesity is a chronic condition – not a personal or moral failing,” Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), asserted.

“We need to ensure our health care system treats it as a disease, so that Americans with obesity can access holistic, high-quality care that meets the full spectrum of their needs.”

NAACP UNVEILS ITS NOMINEES FOR 55TH IMAGE AWARDS SHOW

NNPA NEWSWIRE/ LOS ANGELES The NAACP has unveiled the full list of “55th NAACP Image Awards” nominees with Netflix and Amazon leading the pack with 55 and 27 nominations respectively. The winners will be revealed during the two-hour LIVE TV special, airing Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. Colman Domingo leads the nominations across the motion picture categories with three nominations. Ayo Edebiri received the most nominations in the television and streaming categories with two for Abbott Elementary and The Bear.

Victoria Monét and Usher received the most nominations in the music recording categories, earning six and five nods, respectively. RCA Records received an impressive 20 nominations, the most across record labels.

HarperCollins Publisher and Penguin Random House lead nominations across literary categories seven and four nods, respectively.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of this year’s nominees, whose outstanding contributions across film, television and streaming, music, literature,

The 55th NAACP Image Awards air as a LIVE TV special, Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and CBS. podcasts, and more have inspired us all,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “The NAACP Image Awards stand as a tribute to their creativity, talent, and dedication to authentic storytelling and are a testament to the richness and diversity of our community.”

“As we reflect on the rich legacy of the NAACP, we take pride in honoring the artistic brilliance of this year’s nominees. We are excited to illuminate and celebrate the extraordinary talent within our community,” said Scott Mills, President and CEO, BET Media Group By visiting www. naacpimageawards.net, the public can vote to determine the winners of the “55th NAACP Image Awards” in select categories. Voting closes February 24 at 9 p.m.

Winners will be revealed during the “55th NAACP Image Awards” telecast on March 16, 2024, on BET and CBS. NAACP will also recognize winners in non– televised Image Awards categories March 11-14th, which will stream via naacpimageawards.net. For

information and updates, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @ NAACPImageAwards.

The “55th NAACP Image Awards” is proudly presented by this year’s incredible partners and sponsors. We extend our thanks for their invaluable support and commitment to promoting excellence in the Black community.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees and winners include Angela Bassett, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union, Tems, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars Anderson. Paak Silk Sonic, Rihanna, Quavo, Takeoff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne,

Commander

Guard military police.

She also played a role in critical missions, including Operation Noble Eagle in 2001, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005.

Prior to assuming her new post, she previously served as the division chief for strategy and policy in the Joint Manpower and Personnel directorate for the National Guard Bureau.

“I’m looking forward to working with the service members and families,”

she said in a recent statement. “We do a lot of exercises. Our unit is trained for the worst day ... We’re supporting local and state-level emergency responders, whether that’s law enforcement, firefighters, [or] EMS.” JTF-CS is the only standing, no-notice Joint Task Force in the country that conducts chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response and all-hazards defense support to civil authority’s operations.

state.

In contrast, I would ask that we all extend a measure of grace to any group or institution – including Black BGLOs – whose members are exhorted to spend a lifetime making a positive impact on their communities and exemplifying the kindness Jesus teaches us.

In the case of both my fraternities, I can unequivocally and wholeheartedly serve Jesus as Lord, while fulfilling our collective purposes and aims in the certain knowledge that Jesus gets the glory out of my being a member. Why? Because

when I’m present with my brothers, the Holy Spirit is there abiding in me. I can, likewise, say that in every formal fraternity setting, overt reverence is always paid to what I believe. In fact, I often either attend or serve as the celebrant for the weekly online services that are currently held by one of Kappa’s alumni chapters.

Therefore, I am not tethered by being a fraternity brother – far from it. Nothing about my membership of these illustrious organizations restricts me in my faith. I’m entirely free in Him who set me free.

Continued from page 1A “After college, they were offering a program where you can go into officer candidate school right after college, and that’s what I selected to do. And 26 years later here I am, it’s wonderful.”

Her resume includes a nearly decade-long stint in the Army National

Faith Continued from page 5A One person’s shortcomings in life, or the way an individual lives in a particular state of sin doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone. Rather than rail against BGLOs, I wish more believers would be concerned about the ungodly alliances or oaths some of us make to certain churches, other organizations, and leaders who really do act or live in a perpetual reprobate

Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more.

Instagram: @ naacpimageawards |Twitter: @naacpimageaward | Facebook: / naacpimageaward

New Journal and Guide

February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024 | 7A

Art Continued from page 1A Enslaved Africans in America by and large did not have access to formal education, and particularly not art training, even for the few that did learn to read and write. Yet, in northern parts of the country where Black artisans had more freedom to be creative, some like the New England-based engraver Scipio Moorhead and the Baltimore portrait painter Joshua Johnson created art that was fashioned in European traditions.

During the 19th century, Harriet Powers made quilts in rural Georgia, United States that are now considered among the finest examples of 19th-century southern quilting. Later in the 20th century, the women of Gee’s Bend developed a distinctive, bold, and sophisticated quilting style based on traditional Black quilts with a geometric simplicity that developed separately but was like that of Amish quilts and modern art.

Photo: Public Domain

Photo of Harriet Powers’ 1898 Bible quilt; obtained from African-American Artists.

During the 19th century, Harriet Photo: Public Domain Powers made quilts in rural Georgia “Am I not a woman and a sister?” that are now considered among the Engraving of a chained female slave by Patrick H. Reason (1835). Often circulated with the caption finest examples of that era.

“Am I not a woman and a sister?”

After the U.S. Civil War, museums and galleries began to display more frequently the work of Black artists. However, Black artists were mostly limited to cultural expressions influenced by the dominant European standard.

It was not until the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s that Black artists turned their focus to their

Theater Continued from page 1A Starting in and for 500 shows, 1921, Eubie Blake and Noble Lee Sissle presented ‘Shuffle Along’ to a Broadway audience.

Professor Anthony Anthony Stockard M. Stockard, Norfolk State University Theatre Company’s Founder and Producing Artistic Director Tragedy of the Deep South’ of the school’s program, said (1935). His Black Nativity is that even poets like Langston still being performed.

Hughes contributed their

work for the stage. Hughes’ first play was ‘Mulatto: A

own themes, such as the influence of slavery, Black identity, community, and the everyday experience of Black people. It is when Black art began to come into its own and gain attention by whites.

During the 1920s, Black artists such as Richmond Barthé, Aaron Douglas, Augusta Savage, and photographer James Van

Der Zee became well known for their work. During the Great Depression, new opportunities arose for these and other Black artists under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) which provided federallypaid jobs to relieve the country’s massive unemployment.

The WPA led to a new wave of important Black art

Also, formed in the early 1920s were community theater groups such as the Norfolk Players’ Guild, a group of amateur local actors.

On another front, in the 1920s and 30s, students and faculty at HBCUs, located mainly in the South, such as Virginia State and Virginia Union, formed Players’ Guilds to perform plays and compete with other Black schools in the region.

Also, formed in the early 1920s were community theater groups such as the Norfolk Players’ Guild, a

group of amateur local actors, which staged its plays at the Attucks Theatre, Booker T. Washington High School and churches, according to articles in the Norfolk Journal and Guide.

The Norfolk Attucks was built by the Black community in 1919, a symbol of Black empowerment and ownership economically and artistically.

The Norfolk Guild provided not only theater entertainment, but also raised money for various causes, including funding of Norfolk Community Hospital.

Black theater was used to bring attention to the injustices of Jim Crow segregation in a more direct and militant tone.

Blacks fought in WWII to save Democracy. But they faced Jim Crow racism back home leading up to the Civil Rights movement of the 60s and 70s.

This was reflected in 1940s and 1950s Black theater with plays such as Lorraine Hansbury’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ At the same time, there was a brief boom in Broadway musicals starting in 1940 with Vernon Duke who put on ‘Cabin in the Sky’, a parable of life for African-Americans in the South.

In 1946, the revue ‘Call Me Mister’ focused on returning American troops facing employment barriers back home.

A militant Black rights movement sought OffBroadway theater freedom

professors. Mixed media, abstract art, cubism, and social realism became not only acceptable, but desirable. Artists of the WPA united to form the 1935 Harlem Artists Guild, which developed community art facilities in major cities. Leading forms of art included drawing, sculpture, printmaking, painting, pottery, quilting,

weaving and photography.

In 1939, however, the costly WPA and its projects all were terminated.[In 1943, James A. Porter, a professor in the Department of Art at Howard University, wrote the first major text on African-American art and artists, Modern Negro Art. In later years, other programs and institutions, such as the New York Citybased Harmon Foundation, helped to foster Black artistic talent. Augusta Savage, Elizabeth Catlett, Lois Mailou Jones, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and others exhibited in museums and juried art shows, and built reputations and followings for themselves.

The Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s was a period of resurgent interest in Black art. During this period, several Black artists gained national prominence, among them Lou Stovall, Ed Love, Charles White, and Jeff Donaldson.

Notable contemporary Black artists include Willie Cole, David Hammons, Eugene J. Martin, Mose Tolliver, Reynold Ruffins, the late William Tolliver, and Kara Walker.

The material in this article is compiled from Wikipedia.

in the 60s and 70s and even money’ and producing the today. work of white playwrights.

Much of the output of the

BAM (including ‘The Taking of Miss Janie’) exploited the Everett LeRoi Jones and imagery of sexual aggression Ed Bullins supported the against women and the Black Arts Movement (BAM) relationship Black women had following the assassination of with the feminist movement.

Malcolm X in 1965. Prior to It was revived in 2010, on this, Jones had won an Off- Broadway but the original Broadway (Obie) award for “For Colored Girls Who Have his multi racial ‘Dutchman Considered Suicide/When the and the Slave’ (1964) set in a Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake subway.

Shange, opened in 1976.

Jones moved to Harlem, According to Stockard, it changed his name to Amiri was one of few plays depicting Baraka and set up the Black the complicated world of Arts Repertory Theater for African-Americans women.

BAM, to be the spiritual August Wilson was a sister of the Black Power member of BAM who comovement. founded the Black Horizons Its older counterpart, The Theatre in Pittsburgh. In1984 Negro Ensemble Company his work ‘Ma Rainey’s Black (NEC) continued to look Bottom landed on Broadway. to accommodation and His 10-play Pittsburgh Cycle integration as the solution to highlighted the lives of Black racial tensions, BAM resisted men and women from 1920s BAM led protests against to the 1990s with ‘Fences’ NEC plays, accusing the (1987), ‘The Piano Lesson’ company of ‘taking white (1990), set in the 1930s and featuring a family’s mixed feelings over an heirloom.

Both plays were awarded Pulitzers.

The August Wilson Theatre became the first Broadway theater to bear an AfricanAmerican’s name when the Virginia Theatre was renamed after him in 2005, two weeks after his death.

In 2024, according to Stockard, nationally there has been an upsurge in Black Theatrical productions on Broadway and in regional theater, including Chicago and Houston.

Further, theater centered around Black casts reflect the continued struggles of women, and the LGBTQ communities have joined join the historical themes of protest Attucks Theatre in the Black theatrical story.

New Journal and Guide

8A | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

BHM Continued from page 1A In other words, Carter puts a human face on this year’s Black History Month theme, due to the fact that she has impacted the entertainment industry and changed the world.

Step by step, Carter designed costumes for Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” In keeping with this year’s Black History Month theme, the accomplished artist said she changed the landscape by connecting the past, present and future. Specifically, she launched change by creatively mixing beads, jewelry, shiny fabrics and 3-D printing technology in movies directed by Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg,

Photo: Greg Hernandez - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Photo: Courtesy

Clayton Singleton

Wanda Sykes Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler.

Carter is not only the first Black female to win two Academy Awards, but she is also the first person to win this prestigious award for both an original and a sequel.

What’s her secret?

When Carter picked up her second Oscar on in March 2023, she told the audience, “She endures,

she loves, she overcomes.”

Other famous Hampton University graduates include award-winning Comedian Wanda Sykes, and Actor Stephen Hill, who has appeared in “Law and Order,” as well as “Mission Impossible” and “Magnum PI.”

Norfolk State University can boast of a share of

trailblazing Blacks who graduated from the HBCU and became famous. One of the most recognizable is Tim Reid.

Chesapeake native Tim Reid graduated from NSU with a 1968 business administration degree, relocated to Hollywood, and began to land plum acting roles.

Reid is among a dozen or so Black artists and performers, who grew up in Hampton Roads and made it big in Hollywood.

Reid also puts a face on this year’s Black History Month theme: “AfricanAmericans and the Arts,” due to the fact that he returned home aiming to make an impact.

It is important to remember that Reid is one of many Virginia-born, Black actors. The list includes Afemo Omilami, whose screen credits includes “Forrest Gump.”

Drummer Al Foster, age 81,

Norfolk State University BHM & The Arts

By Melissa Spellman

NSU kicked off Black History Month on January 31, 2024, African-Americans have at Douglas Wilder Performing made numerous contributions to the Arts to include Arts Center with a special event visual and performing arts, literature, language, fashion, featuring Ndaba Mandela, the movies, and music. The creativity of architecture grandson of Nelson Mandela.

Staff Reporter New Journal and Guide

within Black people built the pyramids and the foundation of America. Whether it is through culinary arts expressing love, creativity, and culture through food or performing arts dancing to a rhythmic beat of a drum Black people are proven artistic innovators, Black culture defines what is in, what is new, hip, dope, and fly. Black culture is popular culture setting trends in music, fashion, dance, and art. Norfolk State University is celebrating the AfricanAmerican and African influence in the world of the

Arts.

NSU is embracing the Arts with an array of events featuring African dance and drumming, art exhibits, discussions on African/ African-American art and art research. February 15, 2024, marks the halfway point of Black History Month and if you haven’t participated in NSU’s African Art events here is what you missed.

NSU kicked off Black History Month on January 31, 2024, at Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center with a special event featuring

Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela. Ndaba Mandela who was raised by his grandfather, discussed the positive relationships between Africans and African-Americans.

On Feb. 5th NSU held a Chat & Chew BHM Faculty Talk Series: Black Fashion & Culture as a Currency. The talk featured NSU Professor Christy Frederick. The Chat and Chew BHM Talk Series sets the stage for faculty to share lunch and discuss various topics concerning Black culture, fashion, music,

and art. Its free and open to the public and a lunch is provided. Also, on Feb. 5th NSU Health and Wellness Initiative for Women sponsored a cultural event the African Diaspora Dance with Live Drumming.

Other events you may have missed were Black History Musical BINGO, Chat and Chew BHM Faculty Talk Series, featuring Dr. Msia Kibona Clark of Howard University.

Clark was also featured during a talk called Hip-Hop: A Shared History of Struggle and Resistance between Coloured South Africans & AfricanAmericans.

On February 28, 2024, the James Wise Gallery will close out the month with an Art Exhibition entitled “Afrofuturism and Hip Hop: A Way Forward held in the James Wise Gallery in the E.L. Hamm Fine Arts Building from 5-8 p.m.

Actor Antonio D. Charity, B. Scott (The Skinny), Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Lynchburg Native Carl Anderson, who starred in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Reid returned home after he experienced a wildly successful acting career sparked by the popular “Tim and Tom” comedy show. Reid’s professional ascent continued as he earned starring roles on the “Lynn Redgrave” sitcom “Teachers Only” (1982) and as Lt. Marcel “Downtown” Brown on “Simon & Simon” (1981).

Reid and his wife, actress Daphne Maxwell Reid, launched the now-closed New Millennium Studio near Petersburg in the late 1990s, on a 60-acre plot.

“Ninety percent of the time, you’re going to hear no,” Reid once said, explaining the reality of auditions. “It took me seven years to make ‘Once Upon a Time ... When We Were Colored.’ Nobody wanted to see the movie made. I got the movie made.”

Reid’s upward trajectory has included roles such as Venus Flytrap, in “WKRP in Cincinnati.” But after the show was canceled in 1982, and Reid earned a starting role in the detective drama “Simon & Simon,” in 1987, Reid went on to earn critical acclaim as the co-creator, producer, writer and lead actor of “Frank’s Place,” a dramedy that involves the exploits of a college professor who inherits a New Orleans restaurant.

The point is Reid is

one of a dozen or so accomplished Virginiaborn, Black performers in Hollywood.

Another example is a homegrown artist, “Timbaland, who was born in 1972 in Norfolk.”

This famous rapper’s real name is Timothy Zachery Mosley. Timbaland went on to write and produce award-winning songs.

Most recently, Timbaland, was featured on the Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Here is the name of another famous artist from Hampton Roads: Artist Clayton Singleton.

He was selected as the VEER Magazine 2020 Mural Artist of the Year and curator of “Light from All Sides.” His work was displayed at the DowningGross Cultural Arts Center.

The longer an artist works, the more he arrives at “revelations,” Singleton said.

Singleton’s exhibits include “Light from All Sides,” which was originally conceived in 2019 for a Virginia Beach venue. Singleton, who is a teaching artist activist and a popular and longtime teacher at Lake Taylor High, has also held exhibits at The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the James Wise Gallery at Norfolk State University, and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

Visitors have also strolled past Singleton’s compelling exhibits at Walking on Paper at ArtWorks gallery.

New Journal and Guide

February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024 | Section B

SECTION B HONORING SEN. YVONNE MILLER

RICHMOND On February 6 members of the Virginia Legislative Caucus and Hampton Roads officials joined forces to read a Senate Resolution honoring the late Dr. Yvonne B. Miller, the first AfricanAmerican woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates 40 years ago. She won re-election and served two terms (from 1984-88). In 1987, she ran and was elected to her first four-year term in the Senate of Virginia. She is also the first African-

Senator Yvonne B. Miller American woman in Virginia to serve in each house, representing the city of Norfolk.

Photo: Courtesy

NORFOLK’S 1ST BLACK COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY PASSES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

By Leonard E. Colvin

Chief Reporter Emeritus New Journal and Guide Greg Underwood, 68, Norfolk’s first AfricanAmerican Commonwealth’s Attorney (CA), died February 10 after a long battle with cancer.

Word of his passing was initially posted on the Facebook page of current Commonwealth’s Attorney (CA) Ramin Fatehi, who replaced Underwood in 2021.

Underwood was elected in 2009.

Fatehi, who was hired by Underwood in 2012, called the late CA his “professional father.”

“A lot of folks did not know Greg, and a lot of the local political class had mixed or even negative feelings about him,” Fatehi wrote in a heartfelt

Greg Underwood recollection of Underwood for his Facebook page. “(B)ut I have said it before and will say it again: Greg was the single most underestimated person with whom I have dealt in my professional career. Greg was a talker, but he was also quite private in many ways.”

Underwood was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and served as an aircraft

electrician.

Four years later, he entered Fayetteville State University and joined the Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation in 1980, he returned to the Air Force as a Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander.

He was accepted to Law School at UNC Chapel Hill.

In 1990 he accepted a job in Norfolk as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, earning a promotion two years later to the Career Criminal Division, where he tried homicides and other violent crimes.

According to Fatehi, Underwood asked the current CA what he needed to be promoted to Deputy.

“His boss at the time told him that if he wanted to be a Deputy he should consider working in Portsmouth or Newport News,” Fatehi wrote. “That particular piece of advice and its overtones did not sit well with Greg,

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and when Greg told his boss so ... he came back to work to see his things in a box outside his office door.”

Underwood opened a private practice, and before running for and winning the CA position in Norfolk, he worked in the Virginia Beach CA office.

In 2012, Underwood was arrested for DUI and Fatehi recalled, “The news coverage was savage. The political establishment in Norfolk and, frankly, a good portion of the office turned on Greg, too.”

Yet, Fatehi said what impressed him most was “he came to work every day and worked hard, as if nothing had changed. He left his personal difficulties at the door, and he did his job.

Most people do not have that kind of guts.”

Underwood was reelected in 2017. ..see Underwood, page 3B

New Journal and Guide

2B | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

LOCAL AUTHOR PENS NEW BOOK THAT EXALTS THE COLOR “BLACK” VIRGINIA BEACH Dr. Brynda E. Parker of Virginia Beach has published a new book to help people understand and appreciate Blackness in all its forms in the world.

“Black Like the Rainbow” from Page Publishing is a poignant story that takes a look at the world of Black, from a Black sun to Black raindrops and everything in between. Through her writings, Dr. Parker hopes to invite readers of all backgrounds to realize the beauty found within Blackness, and to accept and appreciate Blackness in all its forms.

“This book, ‘Black Like the Rainbow,’ has been written to encourage children, youth, and adults of every race, creed,

Dr. Brynda E. Parker ethnicity, class and religion to seek to understand God’s divinely creative concept of Blackness,” writes Dr. Parker. “Blackness is to be welcomed, appreciated, and respected, especially as it relates to understanding the Black peoples of the world. Like the rainbow of biblical scriptures, there is

not one color therein that supersedes all the other colors in any way.

“Each person is a promise – a golden pot filled with distinct measures of masterful potential,” she says.

The Author is an award-winning educator, musician, poet, and inspirational speaker. She is also the author of the popular end-time book, “There Ain’t No Pews in Hell.” Dr. Parker resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia, along with her husband, Alex Parker.

“Black Like the Rainbow” with illustrations by Valeria Leonova, is available at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

NSU’S WISE GALLERY TO SHOWCASE AFROFUTURISM & HIP-HOP EXHIBIT NORFOLK The James Wise Gallery, E.L. Hamm Fine Arts Building at Norfolk State University will present a national juried exhibition harnessing the expansive perspective of Afrofuturism and the cross-cultural philosophy of hip-hop to envision a brighter future for the

arts. This takes place on Wednesday, February 28, from 5-8 p.m.

Selected artists contemplate, reimagine, and portray through their artworks, a future with new possibilities in the African diaspora. The artwork created underscores the importance of Afrofuturism.

For o A All and Every Day Valentines ti “Love to You Always Dear”

BY DELORES DUDLEY HAMPTON ROADSʼ POET,

Overcoming The Impossible Saluting Black Non-profit Leaders Black history is made every day by those who lead and serve African-American non-profits. We salute the many unsung heroes who take on the day-to-day task of making an impact on our communities. They have been at it for generations.

Most likely you are either one of these heroes or you have been impacted by one. We are talking about people who dedicate their lives to philanthropy, historically Black colleges and universities, churches, faith-based community organizations, and the community organizers and community developers who change policies and build neighborhoods.

When it is time to receive an award or public recognition these individuals are showered with praise.

But the rest of the time they are busy “fighting a lion with a switch.” These leaders face challenges that most do not see, and some do not believe. Here are just a few.

Many leaders – whether they are executive directors of grassroots organizations or presidents of HBCUs – are working without the level of board support that many white organizations take for granted. They don’t have board members they can call on to launch a new

program, fill a deficit, or endow a scholarship fund.

The organizations they work for are under-resourced, but that can’t stop their work.

They find a way where there is no way. These leaders work for little or no pay: a “good paying” position offers a much lower level of compensation than that of peer organizations.

Here’s a common refrain, often spoken with pride: we do a lot with a little. That’s true. Look at any Black organization and you will see miracles made from next to nothing. Outsiders are in awe – they would never consider taking on the work that is par for the course for Black leaders. These leaders advance services, programs, advocacy, and all forms of Black excellence despite a lack of engagement and involvement on the part of leaders from the larger community. They contend with racism in all its many forms.

That includes historic lack of investment and giving which means facilities are not “as nice” as those that serve other communities. What people don’t see is decades of government decisions that “overlooked” – the building and upgrading of Blackserving schools, community centers, swimming pools,

senior centers, and more.

There’s also us – wellintentioned, high-minded people, who don’t match our rhetoric with gifts of time and money. We too don’t see those leaders who are looking out for us.

Sometimes it’s because of apathy, or images we have of non-profits that are just that – images that really don’t match reality! We too can be guilty of a double standard – we want our nonprofits and HBCUs to live up to our expectations, but we aren’t supporting them.

If you are a Black nonprofit leader or board member, know that we appreciate you.

Your community appreciates you.

You are moving mountains every day. You are strong.

You are casting a vision for our betterment. You remind us of who we are, where we come from, and how we can soar. We thank you.

Comprehensive Fund Development Services.

Video and phone conferencing services always available. Let us help you grow your fundraising.

Call us at (901) 522-8727 or visit www.saadandshaw. com.

Copyright 2024 – Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw

LOVE is defined in many a personʼs mind as an overpowering feeling that is so purely divine,

Delores Dudley

And it makes two people begin to like one another so much so that for each, on this EARTH, there will never be another:

RESPONDING TO 1 NO TRUMP OPENING BID For when LOVE is REAL, there is but a one on one ONLY appeal, as those two become committed to a dearest darling deal.

And together, on any given day, we will hear one of the two say: “Well,here we are,and I want you to know that I am so happy that we met, and though I didnʼt know it; yet, on today I will not ever forget. For you are the one person in this world who can always cause me to smile, and you are the only person in this world that through the most troubling time will hold my hand as we walk down a frightening mile,and you are my greatest,secular friend with whom I can find comfort again when after lifeʼs pouring rain,for you will dry me off , wipe away my tears, and then help me to feel whole again. So now, I will whisper in your ear, “LOVE to YOU ALWAYS DEAR!” And now that several decades have passed, and our children are almost grown, Valentineʼs Day does have even more meaning, for we are happily still together at our home, and we can have times when we must be a part; yet, you and I are never alone, For the love that we have for each other has matured with the passing of time, so you and I are just so close to each other that our love is so securely sublime, and together, every day, I can say very loudly and clear” LOVE to YOU ALWAYS DEARʼʼ!

And sometimes on a beautiful day at home, I remember many memorable days: days when we were young,always having fun and looking gorgeous and handsome as to social events we would run, then our wedding day,and our childrenʼs arrivals, and our wonderful extended families, I know that OUR GOD with HIS INFINITE POWER granted our love to most definitely be, And though our faces and forms now have changed a bit,so outside we may not look the same, the warmth of your heart and the depth of your soul still make me so glad because OUR LASTING,GREAT LOVE still does remain.

And I am so thrilled that weʼre still here,and I still say, DARLING,”LOVE to YOU ALWAYS DEAR.”

Bid Options

0-7 Points

8-9 Points

10-14 Points

< 4-card Spade or Heart

Pass

2 N/T

3 N/T

Only 4-card Spade or Heart

Pass

Stayman

Stayman

One 4-card and One

Jacoby

Stayman

Stayman

5+ card Spade or Heart

Transfer

_____

_____

> 4-card Spade or Heart

Jacoby Transfer

Jacoby Transfer

Jacoby Transfer

H

ello and welcome to The Bridge Corner. In this session, we want to list and explain the responses to the 1 No Trump opening bid.

The 1 No Trump (N/T) opening bid, like EVERY one-level opening bid, is saying four things: 1) Giving point count (1 N/T = 15 to 17 points); 2) Indicating whether or not there is at least a 5-card major suit in the hand (1 N/T = no 5-card Spade or Heart suit in the hand); 3) If 1 Spade or 1 Heart is opened, then asking for at least 3 cards in the suit opened; if 1 N/T, 1 Diamond, or 1 Club opened, then asking for at least a four card major suit.

So, when 1 N/T is opened, the opener is asking his partner for at least a four card Spade or Heart suit (majors) and at least 8 points in order to respond.

Before we look at the responses to a 1 No Trump opening bid, let’s examine what a N/T hand looks like: 1) No 5-card or longer major suit (Spades or Hearts); 2) No singletons (suits with only one card); 3) No voids (suits with no cards); 4) if there is a doubleton (only two cards in one suite).

PLEASE NOTE: Whether a 1 No Trump (15 to 17 points), 2 No Trump (20 to 21 points), or 3 No Trump (25+ points) hand is opened, all opening No Trump hands have no 5+ card Spade or Heart suite,

no singleton or void, and if the hand has a doubleton, there can only be one doubleton.

Using the chart above, when your partner opens 1 N/T, and your hand is 3 Spades, 3 Hearts, 4 Diamonds, and 3 Clubs with 7 High Card Points (HCP), you will Pass! If you are responding to a 1 N/T opening bid holding 3 Spades, 3 Hearts, 4 Diamonds, 3 Clubs with 8 or 9 HCP, then you raise partner’s suit to 2 N/T. And, if you are fortunate enough to be holding 3 Spades, 3 Hearts, 4 Diamonds, and 3 Clubs with 10 to 14 HCP when your partner opens 1 N/T, you will JUMP to 3 N/T. In our next session, we will cover the “Stayman” and the “Jacoby Transfer” Conventions.

You are invited to join us on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a “Retrain the Brain: Learn to Play Bridge” seminar.

Old Dominion University will sponsor this event; each participant will receive the book Bidding in the 21st Century, handout sheets covering lesson one in bridge, a nylon backpack, and the opportunity to kickstart your bridge journey!

Light refreshments will be served. The cost is $10 per person. You MUST register at jldouglas23462@aol. com In the “Subject” section of your email,

please use ‘ODU Bridge Session”; also, let me know how many people will be in your party. Hope to see you at the bridge table.

TIDEWATER BRIDGE CLUB The Banks at Berkley 701 South Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23523 WEDNESDAYS 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This is a locked building.

An assigned person will be at the door to let you in until 11 a.m. Take the elevator up to the second floor Community Room. The game fee is $4 for 2 ½ or more tables.

Bring your lunch. Light packaged snacks/water will be provided.

Winning Pairs from the February 7, 2024, Bridge Game Aldis Raymond – Leon Ragland (1) Gloria Brown – Barbara Whitfield (3) Lillye Holley – Jennifer Douglas (2) Rodney Smith – Lawrence Owes Elva Taylor – Shirley Nottingham Any question, concerns, or comments, please feel free to contact Lawrence Owes, President, Tidewater Bridge Club at l.a.owes1@ gmail.com.

New Journal and Guide

February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024 | 3B

VSU Offers Free Tax Help

NAC Save Our Youth Foundation Plans 2nd Annual Black History Month & Scholarship Program NORFOLK The NAC Save Our Youth Foundation, Inc., will host its 2nd Annual Clarence F. Nelson, Jr. Black History Month Program on Saturday February 24, 2024 at the Wyndham Garden, 700 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk Downtown. The event will start at 9 a.m.

The theme for this year’s program is “AfricanAmerican and the Arts.”

The keynote speaker is Retired Major General Cedric T. Wins, a 34-year decorated Army Veteran and the first Black man to serve as Superintendent of the 181-year-old Virginia Military Institute.

This year’s event focus is on celebrating African-

American culture that has spread worldwide in the arts, music, literature and film, and honor all Black people from all periods of history, The program also will recognize the academic achievement of AfricanAmerican male students from each of the five high schools in Norfolk public schools. Two of the top students from each of the five schools will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship upon entering a college or university.

For questions on sponsorships, ticket sales and ads, contact Timothy Lamb at (757) 541-9161 or Keith Chapman at (757) 639-6290.

Underwood

his ailing mother, whom he lost just last year.”

The afternoon before he passed, Fatehi said Underwood had gone out walking.

Fatehi wrote, “Greg loved a good smoke. He loved a good drink. He loved a good war story.

He loved a good walk ... a good time. But more than that, he loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and, of course, his wife Gracie. He loved justice. And he loved his God, and I know that he has placed himself once again in His hands.”

Continued from page 1B Fatehi said “toward the end of his term Greg spent less time with us and more time with his greatgrandsons. He became less steady on his feet and started to have heart trouble. He preferred to keep his health problems largely private. He also spent a good deal of time shuttling between Norfolk and Fayetteville to care for

Photo: Courtesy

Promotion In Virginia Beach VIRGINIA BEACH Recently Virginia Beach Police Lieutenant William Gervin was promoted to Captain during a special ceremony in the City Council Chambers. Gervin (pictured right) receives the Citation of Promotion from Police Chief Paul Neudigate.

With this promotion Gervin is now the fourth AfricanAmerican to attain the rank of Captain in the city’s police.

Photo: NPL

RICHARD TUCKER DAY IN NORFOLK

NORFOLK As part of the city’s observance of Black History Month, three days before his official birthdate, the city of Norfolk proclaimed Feb. 10 as Richard A.Tucker Community Day.A special ceremony was held at the Norfolk Public Library Branch Berkley named to honor him.A Mardi Gras party at Blessed Sacrament Church was held later in the evening. City officials and Norfolk Public Library (NPL) board members attending the event from left to right: Norfolk City Councilperson John Paige, NPL board member,Vickie Rodgers; Mavis McKenley, Board Chair; Sona Rastogi, NPL Director;Andrea Petras, board member and Charles E. Johnson,Vice Chair. Richard A.Tucker was born in Berkley on February 13, 1850. A Howard University graduate, he was also an ordained minister and returned to Norfolk to teach in the city’s public schools for 47 years.

Chrysler Museum of Art’s Black History Month Celebration Features The Boys Choir of Hampton Roads

By Julius McCullough

Special to the Guide In a grand symphony of cultural reverence and artistic prowess, the illustrious Boys Choir of Hampton Roads emerged as the heralds of enlightenment, igniting the flames of celebration to mark the dawn of Black History Month at the revered Chrysler Museum of Art. Known far and wide as “The Pride of Hampton Roads,” the Boys Choir ascended to the pinnacle of honor as they were bestowed the prestigious task of inaugurating the city of Norfolk’s Black History Month Celebration on the esteemed First Thursday of February. With hearts swelling with pride, they graced the hallowed halls of the museum, their voices poised to weave a tapestry of melody and memory that would resonate through the ages.

In a moment of sublime unity, they shared the stage with the venerable John E. “JP” Paige, a luminary of the Norfolk City Council’s Ward 4, standing shoulder to shoulder in a testament to the enduring bonds of community and kinship.

Together, they ushered forth a jubilant gathering, joined by an array of esteemed community service organizations, converging upon the Kaufman Theater to partake in the transcendent spectacle of “Iron Sharpens Iron” – a sacred rite that summoned men of all walks of life, irrespective of age, creed, or creed, to gather in fellowship and fortitude.

Photo: Courtesy

As the melodies of the Boys Choir echoed through the corridors of time, they became the harbingers of a new era, their harmonies weaving a tapestry of unity and resilience that transcended the boundaries of mere performance. With each triumphant note, they stirred the souls of all who bore witness, igniting the flames of inspiration that would illuminate the path forward on this sacred journey of remembrance and reverence.

Amidst the hallowed halls, where each stroke of the brush whispered secrets of ages past, the crowd found solace in the embrace of artistic wonder.

They perused the treasures of the Museum Shop, their fingertips grazing the exquisite artifacts of human ingenuity, while the tantalizing aromas of Zinnia Café beckoned them to partake in culinary delights fit for royalty.

And yet, amidst this cornucopia of sensory delights, it was the celestial strains of the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads that truly enraptured the soul. With

poise and grace befitting angels, the choir ascended the gallery stairwell, their voices soaring like eagles across the expanse of Hubert Court.

The breathtaking inauguration of Black History Month at the Chrysler Museum of Art served as a radiant prologue to a series of captivating events. As the echoes of jubilation reverberated through the halls, guests embarked on a transformative journey to the hallowed confines of the Kaufman Theater for the stirring spectacle of “Iron Sharpens Iron.”

Meanwhile, the illustrious Boys Choir of Hampton Roads embarked on a pilgrimage through the museum’s myriad galleries, their voices intertwining with the visual splendor of artworks that bore witness to the indelible contributions of African-Americans. Each performance, each brush stroke, served as a radiant beacon, illuminating the rich tapestry of heritage and legacy woven by those who came before us, in a joyous celebration of Black History Month.

LOCAL VOICES

I Build Bridges

By Sean C. Bowers

empowered youth, like welders

I build bridges over troubled waters, For our sons and daughters

I write to defend the voiceless and less fortunate, Using my limited abilities and resources to create

I am a conductor of the modern day Quaker above ground railroad, Disseminating power, one youth blueprint presentation at a time, to help them carry their life’s load I pose prose mind melders, Fabricating skyscrapers of

I take on our democracies hypocrisies and their systemic divisional rational, In my daily travels I build bridges of poetic solutions spanning heaven and earth over this earth planes, daily hell

Against The State

By Sean C. Bowers I make today’s stand, Uniting all fingers of the hand Because we are lost, And underestimate the cost Young and old, Futures still being bought and sold Against the state, I carry this relay baton’s debate

... from page 6B

Against the state of our collective consumeristic materialism, I make points frequently flying Quaker Style Gracism

Against the state of status quo, I do daily battle for priceless give-backtiv-ism, is all I know Against the state of Loving vs. Virginia, To insure all matter, all’s rights from every corner of the world, to even freed Russian Georgia Against the state of inequality, I maximize my ability, For others to see and show their true equity, Making a new state against this reality Against the state, I throw my shoulder, forever opening the gate department.

PETERSBURG, VA Accounting students at Virginia State University will provide free income tax preparation and filing assistance to 2023 individual and joint filers in the TriCities area, thanks to its ongoing partnership with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Low-income and elderly residents in the Tri-Cities area may drop off their tax information with valid identification, at Singleton Hall, Room 128, on the VSU campus. The university participates in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The service is open to individuals or joint filers with an income of $73,000 or below.

“A VITA worker will call clients to review the tax return,” a press release on the university’s website noted. “Once the return is picked up and approved by the taxpayer, the return will be filed electronically via the IRS E-file system.”

Dr. Theodore R. Andrews, Jr., assistant professor of accounting and VITA manager, said in a recent statement on Virginia State’s website, “This program not only benefits the community but also provides valuable hands-on experience for VSU students, who will gain practical skills in tax preparation and client communication.”

This is the 37th year that VSU students have provided this service. The site is staffed three days a week from Feb. 6 to April 7, 2024: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The service will not be available on days when the school is closed.

For more information, please contact Dr. Andrews at (804) 504-7079 or Ms. Bertha Morgan at the VSU Accounting and Finance Department at (804) 5245842.

New Chesapeake Men For Progress Plans Annual BHM Program CHESAPEAKE The New Chesapeake Men for Progress, Inc., will host its Annual Black History Month Program on Saturday February 17, 2024 at the Buffalow Family and Friends Multipurpose Center. The event will start at 11 a.m. and is scheduled to end at 1 p.m.

The theme for this year’s program is “AfricanAmericans and the Arts.” The program will feature three noted leaders in education and Black history, followed by a question and answer period.

They are Dr. George F. Reed, NCMFP, who will speak on “African-American Art Influence on America;” Artist Donald G. Wilson, who will speak on Art of Prominent African-American Artists; and Dr. Ella P. Ward, Board Chairperspon, Cornland School Foundation, Inc., and Councilwoman, City of Chesapeake.

There will be a display of Black History Artifacts by Mrs. Linda Nichols and Mrs. Annie Smith. Soloist Trena Washington will sing the Negro National Anthem.

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of AfricanAmericans to the United States. It honors all Black people over from Africa to African-Americans living in the United States. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, in 1915, who founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, reminded us “Those who have no record of what their forebear have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

The program is free and open to the public; however, donations will be accepted.

The Buffalow Family and Friends Multipurpose Center is located at 2403 Bainbridge Boulevard, Suite B, Chesapeake, Virginia 23324.

New Journal and Guide

4B | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

MOMENTS of MEDITATION

By Rev. Dr. Archie L. Edwards, Sr.

BUILDING TRUST John and Mary were concerned about building trust in their marriage.

Recently they had seen the tragic effects of its absence in the lives of some of their acquaintances – suspicion, defensiveness, distancing, withdrawal, and in one instance divorce.

Though their own marriage was good, they had some unsettling moments when they too experienced similar signs of mistrust.

So they wisely sought out their pastor and his wife for advice. This is what they learned: if there is to be trust between spouses, each must be trustworthy.

Each marriage partner must be generally trustworthy – that is, entirely dependable in speech and action. This is not always simple, because our culture fosters deception.

Exaggeration, hyperbole, half- truths, and even lying are common in the media, especially in advertising.

Many Christian husbands and wives are infected with untruthful habits of speech that promote conscious and unconscious lying to each other. Stories are colored.

White lies (incredible term!) are told without the slightest twinge of conscience.

Moreover, many share a related weakness: they cannot be depended on to follow through on their word.

The bottom line for those who want trust in marriage is this: regardless of where your spouse is, you must begin by being trustworthy yourself! Though this truth is self-evident, it is often overlooked by those who long for trust in marriage.

The focus is on reforming the partner; nevertheless, it is with oneself that trust must begin.

HOW CAN YOU BECOME MORE TRUSTWORTHY? Begin with an honest assessment before God of your trustworthiness. In prayer ask Him to help you see yourself clearly.

Hold yourself up to the mirror of God’s Word regarding trust and truth (Psalm 51:6; Matthew 5:33-37; Ephesians 4:25). Discipline yourself to godliness (1 Timothy 4:7) in all you say and do.

Enlist your spouse’s help in holding you accountable in truth – telling and keeping your word. Free your spouse to privately call you up short if need be. It is said that the 18th century English author Samuel Johnson used to do this for his children by insisting that even unwitting misstatements of the truth be immediately corrected, so that the habit of truthtelling would be instilled.

By committing yourself to general trustworthiness,

you have taken a major step in building trust in your marriage. This prepares the way for the challenge of building marital trustworthiness – assurance that each of you will always be faithful to the other.

Here we suggest four ways to enhance marital trust: 1. Be candid with one another. Begin with spiritual candor with God and each other about your humanity.

You are sexual beings and the fact that you are Christians does not make you impervious to infidelity.

As with all sexual beings, you will be tempted and if you think your Christian commitment frees you to be overly familiar with members of the opposite sex, you are putting yourself in harm’s way. If fact, being a caring, empathetic believer may make you even more vulnerable to seduction.

2. Pray. Candor and prayer make a powerful combination. At times you should pray together for your intimacy and fidelity.

Pray regularly, perhaps daily, in detail for each other. Prayer will steel and seal your trust.

3. Discipline yourself. The quality of self-discipline is indispensable to marital trust, Both spouses must refuse to allow stimuli encouraging sensuality and unfaithfulness to touch their lives – namely, lewd and suggestive TV shows, movies and literature.

Job spoke of this discipline when he said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl” (Job 31:1). Husbands and wives need to make a mutual covenant with their

eyes. Discriminate about where and with whom you spend your time. Fill your mind with “whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (Philippians 4: 8).

4. Cultivate intimacy.

A good way to cultivate marital trust is to invest thoughtful care in providing for growth in intimacy.

There is a second element in building trust between spouses. Not only must each be trustworthy, each must also be trusting. Simply put: suspicion is perversely self-fulling. Husbands and wives who distrust their spouses (with no adequate reason) may sometimes find that their suspicion drives the other toward the feared sin. “He’s been accusing me of it for years anyway – so why not?” goes the twisted reasoning.

Scripture calls us to be trusting. Love “always trust,” says Paul (1 Corinthian 13:7). Trust is self-fulling: a trusting spirit promotes trustworthiness.

Finally, there must be a mutual commitment to building trust. We suggest that you do what John and Mary did: officially covenant with each other to be trustworthy. Take each other’s hands and promise out loud to help the other be generally trustworthy, speaking the truth always and following through on one’s word.

Also promise to build marital trustworthiness through candor, prayer and self-discipline. Then in prayer officially call God as the witness to your covenant, humbly asking for His grace to fulfill your promise.

Passes: Dorothy Valencia, 89 Retired BTW Educator, Local Realtor

By Rosaland Tyler Associate Editor New Journal and Guide

On Feb. 9, funeral services were held for Dorothy Valentine Valencia, age 89, at First Baptist Church, 418 E. Bute St. in Norfolk.

She graduated at age 15 from Booker T. Washington High School and earned an undergraduate degree in biology at Virginia State College. She earned her master’s degree at New York University. She became the first woman of color to teach at an exclusive private school in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. There, she taught the children of famous actors, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Todd.

She returned home to Virginia, where her brothers Frank Valentine and Herman Valentine had launched a trailblazing Hampton Roads company. Herman Valentine launched Systems Management American Corporation (SMA) where Frank later worked as an assistant to the president in many roles before his retirement in 1991. SMA was one of the largest minorityowned companies in the country, offering countless opportunities to local women, minorities, and the disadvantaged, who went on to develop lauded careers of their own.

After Dorothy Valencia relocated from New York to Hampton Roads, she taught biology at Norview High School, until she retired.

“During this time, she was honored as Teacher of the Year on multiple occasions

Dorothy Valentine Valencia and received numerous other accolades and awards nationally for science,” according to her obituary on the Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory website.

Dorothy Valencia eventually entered the real estate industry. She became a Million Dollar sales agent during her more than 25-year tenure in the industry.

“She loved helping young people find their first new home,” her obituary noted.

“Dorothy’s greatest loves were her family and her students. She also had a passion for travel and has traveled the world, visiting destinations far and near and was always excited to embark on new adventures.”

Predeceased by her husband Allen Valencia Jr, brothers Frank Valentine and Herman Valentine, her son Marco Valencia and daughterin-law Emily Valencia, she is survived by her daughter Vicki Mahone, son Allen Valencia, III, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister-inlaw Dorothy Valentine, and an abundance of nieces, nephews and friends.

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New Journal and Guide

February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024 | 5B

New Journal and Guide

6B | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

MAHOMES’ MAGICAL COMEBACK:

CLASSIFIEDS

CHIEFS TRIUMPH IN SUPER BOWL OT THRILLER REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Maybe it was Usher’s star-studded halftime show that inspired the Kansas City Chiefs and their superstar quarterback Pat Mahomes in the second half to win their third Super Bowl in four years with a thrilling 25-22 OT victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas. Or, perhaps, it was just inevitable that Mahomes, a Black quarterback was inspired by the pregame singing of “Lift Every Voice,” and the bold “End Racism” sign painted at each end zone. Or could it have been a combination of all of the above along with the specter of playing a 49ers team where Colin Kaepernick took a stand for Black Lives Matter that’s cost him a football career?

Whatever it was, Patrick Mahomes again proved why he’s worth every penny of his mega $500 millionplus contract and why, on the football field at least, he overshadows all the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift nonsense. Mahomes helped Kansas City overcome a stifling 49ers defense and San Francisco’s potent offense after being stifled in the first half. The Chiefs trailed 10-3 at the half, and it appeared they couldn’t figure out how to break through the 49er’s defense, while the Chiefs’ own defense had all kinds of trouble limiting Brock Purdy and his offense.

While they gathered in the locker room after two quarters, Usher took center stage and not only whipped out all of his classic hits but brought out several A-list superstars to punctuate the Apple Music Halftime

Show. With Alicia Keys joining in with her hit, “If I Ain’t Got You,” and the collab “My Boo,” charttopper H.E.R. rocked the Allegiance Stadium crown with a blistering solo on U Got It Bad. Will.i.am then joined Usher on “OMG,” and Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, and Ludacris helped close Usher’s set with “Yeah.”

The Chiefs got the ball to start the second half, but they didn’t solve the 49ers. At least not at the start. However, the Chief’s defense figured out Purdy, and the trick plays punctuating San Francisco’s first-half dominance, and Mahomes worked his magic.

After yielding an overtime field goal to the 49ers, the Chiefs had to at least match that to keep the game going under the new NFL OT rules that allow both teams to have the ball on offense. A pivotal 4th down conversion helped

propel the Chiefs before Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman, and Kansas City became the NFL’s ninth repeat Super Bowl champs.

“With all the adversity we’ve been through this season to come through tonight. … I’m proud of the guys,” said Mahomes, who earned his third Super Bowl MVP award. “This is awesome.

Legendary.” The 28-yearold Mahomes becomes the fourth starting quarterback to win three Super Bowls – joining Brady, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Troy Aikman – and second youngest.

“I am going to celebrate tonight, celebrate at the parade, and then work my way to get back in this game next year,” Mahomes said.

“I am going to do whatever I can to be back in this game next year. Three-peat.”

Hip-Hop Icons Head Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

By Stacy M. Brown

Indeed, Mary J. Blige’s plea for Senior National Correspondent impassioned liberation from turmoil has always set the stage among NNPA NEWSWIRE In a harmonious blend of hip-hop and R&B royalty. iconic lyrics, Mary J. Blige’s At the same time, Eric B. soulful anthem “No More & Rakim’s poetic verses on Drama” Eric B. & Rakim’s pursuing success resonate timeless declaration in powerfully in rap. A Tribe “Paid in Full” and A Tribe Called Quest’s laid-back Called Quest’s rhythmic groove and infectious call to wisdom from “Can I Kick action infuse the narrative with It?” intertwine to create unity and self-expression. a symphony of musical Hip-hop has taken a front seat in the Hall, which has become mastery.

Showcasing a diverse a celebration of popular music lineup of influential artists, the from all genres.

The complete list of trio of hip-hop icons heads the list of nominees for the 2024 nominees comprises Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Cher, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. & Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool & the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Sinéad O’Connor, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade, and A Tribe Called Quest.

The 2024 induction ceremony will stream live on Disney+, with an exclusive airing on ABC later and availability on Hulu the following day, officials announced in a news release.

Eligibility for nomination requires an artist or band to have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years before the year of

nomination. Ten out of the 15 nominees are on the ballot for the first time, introducing a fresh wave of talent to the prestigious recognition.

John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse list of nominees, emphasizing the impactful contributions of hip-hop artists. “This remarkable list reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors and celebrates. These hip-hop artists have created sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others” he stated.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

CONTRACT ID #: C00118973DB132 STAUNTON DISTRICT BRIDGE BUNDLE

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking Statements of Qualifications for the Staunton District Bridge Bundle design-build project from qualified and experienced respondents with design and construction experience of bridges. The Staunton District Bridge Bundle includes complete bridge replacements of Route U000 over Jackson River, Route 159 (1037) over Dunlap Creek, and Route 159 (1039) over Dunlap Creek; complete culvert replacement of Route 39 over Guys Run; and superstructure only replacement of Route 707 over North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The project does not increase the traffic capacity of current roads and bridges. The work includes but not limited to: roadway and bridge design, survey, environmental, geotechnical, hydraulics and stormwater management, traffic control devices, transportation management plan, utility relocation, public involvement/ relations and stakeholder coordination, quality assurance and quality control, construction engineering and inspection, and overall project management.

Questions/clarifications regarding the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) should be submitted to Marshall Eichfeld, P.E. (marshall.eichfeld@vdot. virginia.gov).

Copies of the RFQ and additional submittal requirements can be found on Bid Express (bidexpress.com)/ The Department assures compliance with Title VI requirements of nondiscrimination in all activities pursuant to this advertisement.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Chesapeake Public Schools RFP: #31-2324 Title: Building Enclosure, HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical Commissioning Services Closing Date/Time: March 1, 2024 @ 4:00 PM More Info: https://www.cpschools.com/o/cps/page/purchasing

FUN PUZZLE FOR YOUR LEISURE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS NRHA-TRADE GROUPS AND GENERAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES PR-2183-183-24

... answers to this week’s puzzle, page 3B

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) seeks proposals from qualified State of Virginia Class A and B Contractors. The Authority intent is to establish a contract with multiple qualified contractors/contractor pool to furnish labor, equipment, materials and incidentals for Capital and Non-Capital Construction at communities/properties owned by Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (herein referred to as the Authority, Agency or Owner).

This RFP consists of multiple separate trade groups and licensed trade groups.

The Scope of work includes all supervision, labor, materials, and equipment necessary for new construction, renovations, repairs and/or improvements to existing buildings and/or grounds. Types of future projects include, but are not limited to, renovations to apartment units, painting, concrete work & masonry, metal & wood stud framing, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, carpet & vinyl floor installation, plastering, drywall installation and miscellaneous types of new construction, renovation and repair projects at communities/ properties owned by the Authority. Throughout properties owned by Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority Needed requirements are for: The Scope of work includes all supervision, labor, materials, and equipment necessary for new construction, renovations, repairs and/or improvements to existing buildings, fire damaged buildings and/or grounds. Types of future projects include, but are not limited to, renovations to apartment units, painting, concrete work & masonry, metal & wood stud framing, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, carpet & vinyl floor installation, plastering, drywall installation and miscellaneous types of renovation and repair projects at communities/properties owned by the Authority. Throughout properties owned by Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Davis Bacon Wage Rate shall apply to each task order issued.

Contract Time Period: (1)-Year with (4) Option Renewals Proposals which will consist of (1) original and (4) color copies are due in person or by mail (no faxes) no later than 11:00 AM local time on March 11, 2024 in the office of NRHA Department of Design and Construction Management, 910 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia 23504.

Please contact Clayton Odom, DCM Director (codom@ nrha.us) for any related questions. All questions must be received by February 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM. Contract documents will be available for review by appointment only at the NRHA Office of Economic Opportunities, Calvert Square Envision Center, 975 Bagnall Road, Norfolk, VA (please call (757) 314- 2026 to schedule); Builders and Contractors Exchange Website, Norfolk, VA; and on the Virginia Procurement Website (www.eva.virginia.gov). A thumb drive will be available from NRHA, 910 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk, VA for the non-refundable price of twelve dollars (Company Check Only).

NRHA provides equal housing and employment opportunities for all persons.

NRHA does not discriminate against any applicant, resident or employee on the basis race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, personal appearance, marital status, political affiliation, matriculation, place of residence or business in the admission or access to or operations of programs, services or activities.

NRHA complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. An internal grievance procedure is available to resolve complaints. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity by calling toll free 800-669-9777.

Qualified individuals who need communication aids, services or other accommodations to participate in programs and activities are invited to make your needs known to 504/ADA Coordinator Corey Brooks at 757-623-1111, TDD: 800-545-1833. Please give NRHA seven business days advance notice to meet your needs.

New Journal and Guide

February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024 | 7B

8B | February 15, 2024 - February 21, 2024

New Journal and Guide