Thousands march in defiance of Trump
Diverse coalition
By Sarah Hagen and Andrew Kerley VCU Capital News Service
A diverse coalition of thousands marched in Washington on Saturday in the name of women’s rights, climate change, prison abolition and more, but also as an act of defiance against President Trump.
The march was a callback to 2017 when the first Women’s March was held the day after Trump’s first inauguration. The now rebranded People’s March was held two days before the start of his second term. Protests began in three separate locations, each with a different focus. Demonstrators marched through the district, to
eventually converge at the Lincoln Memorial.
Speakers at Franklin Park rallied the crowd over abortion access, LGBTQ rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. Former President Biden the day before declared the ERA to be law, though many say the move is just symbolic and could not stand on legal ground.
Protesters chanted throughout downtown “we’re not going back,” “trust Black women” and “this is what democracy looks like.” Lida Jones, a 79-year-old protester, said women of future generations will not have as many rights as she does “unless they care.”
“People don’t care about things like this until they’re personally affected,” Jones said. “I think
Richmond Free Press The General Assembly marked the 40th anniversary of former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s historic election as Virginia’s first African American lieutenant governor with a center-aisle presentation in both the House of Delegates and Senate chambers on Friday, Jan.17, which also coincided with his 94th birthday.
Protesters marched through Washington on Jan. 18 during the People’s
Wilder celebrates 94th birthday with tributes,
By Paula Phounsavath
Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s 94th birthday was celebrated with heartfelt tributes at the State Capitol, a jazz concert and reflections on his groundbreaking contributions to Virginia’s political landscape
The nation’s first elected African American governor and Virginia’s first Black governor was honored by the General Assembly at the State Capitol on Friday afternoon. Lawmakers across the floor sang “Happy Birthday” and shared speeches reflecting on the impact Wilder has had on their work.
“He always remains the same person every
Life sentences of ‘Waverly Two’ commuted by Biden
By George Copeland Jr.
Decades after two African American men were acquitted of the murder of a Sussex County police officer but still sentenced to life in prison, and after years of efforts to clear their names, Terence J. Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne are set to be released in the near future.
The two were among nearly 2,500 people who were pardoned by former President Biden for convictions from nonviolent drug offenses last week, commuting their sentences in the final days of his term. In the time since, Richardson, Claiborne and their families have begun to adjust to the new future ahead of them. “They’re doing well,” said Attorney Jarrett Adams, who has represented Richardson and Claiborne for years.
“They’re excited, anxious, nervous, all of those things. They’re doing good. They’re being processed out of the prison and will be home soon.”
In 1998, Richardson and Claiborne were arrested and charged with the murder of Waverly Officer Allen Gibson. Richardson and Claiborne pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and a misdemeanor charge as an accessory, respectively, at the recommendation of their attorney and in an attempt to avoid the death penalty.
Following an initial sentencing by a state court in 1998, a federal trial in 2001 saw the two found not guilty of the murder by a jury but given life sentences for related drug charges.
Richardson and Claiborne, who have maintained their innocence over the years, renewed their attempt to clear their names decades later with help from Adams, who began working
Speakers urge action to continue King’s legacy at celebration
By George Copeland Jr.
The enduring relevance of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.’s legacy was the focus for hundreds last Friday morning as they gathered for Virginia Union University’s 47th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast. The event brought local, state and federal officials to a Downtown hotel, where community members from Richmond and across Virginia reflected on King’s impact in the United States and around the world as the new year began.
“Today, as we navigate a world filled with social, economic and environmental challenges, [King’s] message is more relevant than ever,” Virginia Union University student Rodney D. Manning Jr. said during the opening. “In today’s world, we are witnessing a resurgence of the struggles Dr. King fought against, from ongoing racial injustice to economic inequality to voter suppression and environmental crisis.”
“The fight for equity and justice is far from over.”
jazz
time I go see him,” said state Sen. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico, who called Wilder his mentor and hero who influenced Bagby to run for public office since middle school. “I know what I’m going to hear: ‘What have you done?’ ‘Who did you do it for?’ and ‘Where is the money?’”
It also marked the 40th anniversary of Wilder becoming the first African American lieutenant governor in 1985, serving under former Gov. Gerald Baliles. During the General Assembly session, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears presented Wilder with two framed resolutions
Firm hired to investigate water treatment plant debacle
Free Press staff report
In the wake of a weather-related power disruption that caused flooding and equipment malfunctions at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plant, City officials have enlisted the help of HNTB Corporation to conduct an independent report. The firm, with over 100 years of experience in infrastructure development, will assess the circumstances surrounding the Jan. 6 debacle.
The corporation specializes in a variety of infrastructure services, including architecture, aviation, bridges, highways, construction management, mass transit, tunnels and water systems.
“I am committed to having a thorough investigation into what happened at the water treatment plant last week, and bringing HNTB on board is a key step in that process,” Mayor Danny Avula said. “As we move forward, my partners on City Council and I will keep the public informed and up to date on the after-action process.” The report will provide insight into the events of the outage, including an assessment of plant equipment and personnel performance during the disruption.
Mayor Avula, along with City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille and City Council Vice President Katherine Jordan, interviewed multiple firms before selecting HNTB.
“Vice President Jordan and I were pleased to work collaboratively with the mayor and administration to identify an independent third-party consultant to help us complete a thorough review of the water system and the recent crisis response. We have confidence that the community’s voice will be at the center of HNTB’s process,” Newbille said.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan speaks Jan. 17 during the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast at a Downtown hotel.
Terrence J. Richardson and his daughter, Iquisha Wyatt-Richardson.
Mayor Avula
Barbour launches campaign for Richmond commonwealth’s attorney
Free Press staff report
Tom Barbour officially launched his campaign for Richmond’s commonwealth’s attorney last week, focusing on public safety issues in the city. Barbour, who previously ran for the office in 2021, outlined his vision for change, emphasizing Richmonders should not be held back by perceptions of unsafe streets.
“I will take action to ensure people want to live here, work here, and send their kids to public school here,” he said.
He also pledged to advocate for reforms that create a public safety system that works for all. Also in his remarks, Barbour expressed opposition to prosecuting charges related to extremist legislation that restricts reproductive rights or equality.
He also committed to addressing gun violence in the city, utilizing Virginia’s Red Flag Laws and working with Group Violence Intervention efforts. He also promised to reduce reckless driving, improve pedestrian safety and tackle crime with reforms targeting key factors.
“Public safety is about people,” Barbour said. “It’s about fighting crime while addressing the root causes that lead to it.”
Barbour previously served as a prosecutor and senior policy advisor on public safety reform under former Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring. He later founded a law firm and nonprofit organization aimed at reducing recidivism.
Free community testing for COVID-19 continues
For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, COVID-19 accounted for 1% of all emergency department visits in Virginia, with overall respiratory illness moderate and trending down compared to previous data. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported within that period at press time. COVID-19 wastewater levels for Richmond and Henrico County were below detection as of the most recent sample collection week on Sunday, Jan. 12.
The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:
• Thursday, Jan. 23, 2 to 4:30 p.m. - Calvary United Methodist Church, 1637 Williamsburg Road.
• Friday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Woman, Infants and Children Office, 509 E. Southside Plaza
• Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2 to 4:30 p.m. - St. Luke Apartments, 117 Engleside Drive.
RHHD’s Resource Centers are providing free at-home tests for pickup at select locations:
• Creighton Court at 2150 Creighton Road, call 804-3710433.
• Fairfield Court at 2311 N. 25th St., call 804-786-4099.
• Gilpin Court at 436 Calhoun St., call 804-786-1960.
• Hillside Court at 1615 Glenfield Ave., call 804-230-7740.
• Mosby Court at 1536 Coalter St., call 804-786-0204.
• Southwood Court at 1754 Clarkson Road. Unit #B, call 804-230-2077.
• Whitcomb Court at 2106 Deforrest St., call 804-786-0555. For Virginia Department of Health testing locations, visit vdh. virginia.gov. Additional testing site information can be found at vax.rchd.com. Residents also can order four free at-home COVID test kits at covidtest.gov, while supplies last. Want a COVID-19 vaccine?
Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine can schedule an appointment with the Richmond and Henrico health districts by calling (804) 205-3501. Vaccines.gov provides a list of pharmacies and clinics offering the vaccine. Locations also can be found by texting your ZIP code to 438829 or calling 1-800-232-0233.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers a vaccine locator at vaccines.gov. The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are approved for everyone aged 6 months and up, while Novavax is for those aged 12 and older. Compiled by George Copeland Jr.
Cityscape
Slices of life and scenes in Richmond
Richmond opens overflow shelter to accommodate more residents
Free Press staff report
With cold temperatures persisting before a warming trend later in the week, the Salvation Army has extended the operating hours of its Inclement Weather Shelter to ensure continuous service through Friday, Jan. 24, at noon. The shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Parkway, will remain open without disruption, providing a safe space for those in need during the
frigid conditions. Additionally, the City of Richmond, in partnership with Daily Planet Health Services, recently opened an Inclement Weather Overflow Shelter at 900 E. Marshall St. This shelter can accommodate single adult men, single adult women and families and will operate continuously until noon on Friday, Jan. 24. The extended hours and additional overflow capacity were announced late last week as the forecasted temperatures began to drop. The shelters will remain open through Friday, ensuring individuals experiencing homelessness have a safe place to stay during the cold spell. The Inclement Weather Shelter, opened annually from Nov. 15 to Apr. 15, was established in 2023 through a partnership between the City of Richmond and the Salvation Army. The 106-bed shelter operates based on local temperature forecasts provided by the National Weather Service.
RPS budget proposal targets teacher pay, contracts
By Paula Phounsavath
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras presented a proposed $43.7 million increase in the operating budget and a $13.6 million increase for school infrastructure improvements at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting.
The proposal, referred to as Kamras’ “Estimate of Needs,” focuses on five key priorities outlined in RPS’s strategic plan, Dreams4RPS: academics, talent, wellness, engagement and operations
Kamras told the board that this operation budget increase is the largest he has proposed. The funding would come from two primary sources: the state and the city. Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s FY2026 budget proposal includes an additional $5.7 million for RPS, but the district anticipates receiving closer to $10 million based on the General Assembly’s historical support for K-12 education.
However, the final contribution from Richmond City Council remains uncertain as the city reviews its budget projections. RPS estimates it will need at least
$30 million from the city to fully fund the proposed operating budget.
“This is going to be a tight year for the city,” Kamras told the board, alluding to the city’s recent water outage. “As we saw just a couple of weeks ago, the city has some deep infrastructure needs as well.”
The largest share of RPS’ proposed operating budget—$22.7 million—is allocated for talent. This includes nearly $16.5 million for collective bargaining agreements covering existing and anticipated contracts. The $16.5 million also funds a 3% pay raise for teachers in the upcoming fiscal year, raising the average teacher salary from $52,000 to more than $73,000.
The second largest portion of the operation budget is $12.4 million in academics, which includes $5.5 million for 55 additional English-language learner
teachers due to the the growing population of English-language learners.
While RPS has made renovations to a handful of its facilities during the past few months, RPS is proposing $13.6 million to continue improving its school infrastructure, specifically HVAC – costing $3.15 million – and overall structural improvements – costing $3.65 million.
Matthew Percival, 1st District, praised the proposed infrastructure spending, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing practical needs.
“I see some very unsexy things like HVAC, roofs, electrical and fire safety. It’s interesting,” Percival said. “I would encourage our colleagues to take a hard look at our budget and see a lack of caviar and limousine to make the right decision.”
This is the first meeting under the new rule of shorter speaking times for the School Board, which allows for three minutes. Kamras expressed his gratitude to the board for their collaborativeness.
“This is hard work and it is great to feel like we’re in it together,” he said.
Campus workers lobby for collective bargaining rights, free speech on campus
By Brodie Greene
Over the past year, Kristin Reed, a career educator at Virginia Commonwealth University, has witnessed the university’s board of visitors vote to increase tuition after it laid off a record number of faculty members and increased class sizes, in addition to eliminating racial literacy general education requirements.
After 25 years in higher education, she has also witnessed the university she works for attempt to stifle pro-Palestinian activism on campus, Reed said.
“This year was the first that I saw my university sic riot police and chemical agents against my students, and that didn’t just happen at my university,” Reed said.
Reed, along with members of the United Campus Workers of Virginia union met with legislators at the State Capitol on Friday, Jan. 17. They spoke in support of restoring collective bargaining rights for public sector workers, promoting democratic governance of universities, and advocating for policies to lower costs for campus employees.
Amy Laufer, a former teacher’s union member and state delegate for the 55th District, spoke at the rally. She introduced HB 1621, which would require boards of public universities to have faculty and staff representatives.
“We know that our faculty and our staff are the closest to our students. We know that staff represent over 60% of many of these colleges, and they deserve a place at the table where decisions are being made,” Laufer said.
The organization is in opposition to HB 2529, which would prohibit colleges from divesting from any country not sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department, and HB 2207, which would prohibit “terrorist activities” on campus. These bills intend to punish students, faculty and staff who are involved in pro-Palestinian protests, according to Mark Wood, associate professor of world studies at VCU and a member of UCWVA.
“State legislatures are passing bills aimed to shut down all Palestinian activism and outlaw efforts to implement boycotts, sanctions and divestments,” Wood said.
Educator demands included better health insurance, fair pay and the right to protest and teach American history without fear of retaliation, according to Harry Szabo, president of the UCWVA. Through collective bargaining, all of these can be achieved, they said.
“The people in power – our administrations, the governor, the president – benefit when they are able to separate us from what we want,” Szabo said. “When they tell us to want a lot less, we need to get comfortable wanting a lot more.”
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Jesse Hendren, of the City of Richmond Department of Public Works, loads a wood chipper with Christmas trees during the “Bring One for the Chipper” recycling event Saturday at 1710
Robin Hood Road. More than 1,000 trees were expected to be broken down during the event, where paper and electronics also were accepted for recycling.
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
Virginia Commonwealth University Associate Professor Mark Wood speaks during the United Campus Workers of Virginia rally Jan. 17 at the Capitol Square Bell Tower in Richmond, advocating for collective bargaining rights and reduced financial burdens for campus workers.
Kamras
Tom Barbour
Thousands march in defiance of Trump
though she said it can be hard when there is “so much hate.”
Organizers this year requested a permit for up to 50,000 people, which some in the media speculate is a sign of a waning and splintered movement when compared to the 500,000 participants who flooded the nation’s capital eight years ago. The first Women’s March is often reported as the largest day of action in history, when including the associated events nationwide — even globally.
Ella Duncan, national organizing director for the Young Feminist Party, believes there is a stronger wave of feminism than ever, one centered around youth and intersectionality — when multiple forms of discrimination overlap and contribute
to oppression. A group of teenagers first launched the Young Feminist Party in 2019 in Virginia to support the effort to be the 38th state to ratify the ERA.
“When Trump is in office, we’re gonna have to be working hard together to basically do a lot of damage control and protect our trans youth and to protect our Black women who are most at risk for not having an Equal Rights Amendment in our U.S. Constitution,” Duncan said.
Soyinka Rahim — an interdisciplinary artist from California — urged people to listen to Black women and create new systems that serve everybody.
“Vote. Vote. Vote. Vote. Vote,” Rahim said. “Also — within your own communities — have real conversations about histori-
Richmonders join nationwide “We Fight Back” protests
By George Copeland Jr.
Chants of “the people united, will never be defeated,” echoed throughout Monroe Park on Monday afternoon as dozens of Richmonders rallied and marched in defense of the world’s oppressed, and against the wave of expected changes to come with the second term of President Trump.
The Richmond rally was one of over 60 held in major cities across the country during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as part of the “We Fight Back” National Day
of Action, and occurred after Trump was again sworn into office.
The Richmond rally saw endorsements from many local groups and figures, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation Virginia, Sunrise Richmond, Students for Justice in Palestine VCU, the Progressive Jewish Student Union and Richmond School Board member Ali Faruk.
A powerful message of unity and mobilization resonated as people rallied against looming threats to workers’ rights, the environment and communities worldwide, fueled by
war, bigotry and exploitation. Many attendees carried flags, banners and signs expressing support for immigrant families, Palestinians, laborers and other groups. And while Trump was a major focus of the protest, those assembled also made clear the Democratic Party must be held to task for allowing their priorities and agenda to enable his return and enriching a few at the cost of many.
Other “We Fight Back” rallies were held in other locations days before the Monday protests, and more are scheduled for the days ahead.
cal wealth, murders and genocide.”
The three marches met at the Lincoln Memorial around noon, ahead of scheduled speakers. Crowds of counter-protesters formed on each side of the memorial, yelling and holding signs. They were eventually escorted away by law enforcement.
Rachel O’Leary Carmona and Tamika Middleton, directors of the Women’s March organization, spoke at the greater rally — and they weren’t phased by the smaller crowd. After all, thousands of people still marched in the streets and buses trickled into the district from up and down the East Coast. Coordinating events were scheduled around the U.S.
“In 2017, we made history,” O’Leary Carmona said. “In 2025, we’re making our future.”
honoring his legacy.
“You’ve broken so many barriers for so many people,” Sears said. “We stand on the shoulders of the giants, but we’ve not been able to tell those giants that we are standing on their shoulders.”
Wilder then celebrated the evening at the L. Douglas Wilder Library—named in his honor—at Virginia Union University, where the library showcased memorabilia and artifacts he had collected over the years, along with a photo gallery of him alongside national and foreign leaders.
The invitation-only event partnered with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University and was attended by local government officials, HBCU presidents from across the country and Wilder’s close associates.
The celebration also showcased a newer documentary, “L. Douglas Wilder: Beyond Wilder Dreams,” on Wilder’s long career in Virginia’s political spotlight. The documen-
tary recounts his life as a boy growing up in a segregated Church Hill neighborhood, whose family valued education, despite being poor, a Korean War veteran, a state senator and then, a governor, known for his no-nonsense personality
and bipartisanship. At the event, Wilder reiterated his push for the General Assembly to continue funding HBCUs, expressing his desire for more Black students to have successful careers in public service and health care.
“Encourage those who know what education can do, but let them know that without it, you can’t make it, not in today’s world,” he emphasized. “Don’t let [detractors] tell you that crap about well, ‘[HBCUs] are not state schools.’ They are schools
that were forced to be whatever it is they are today as a result of Virginia’s laws.” The birthday celebration continued Saturday afternoon with a special jazz concert at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Wilder — a lover of jazz music — was treated to performances by two of his favorite artists, saxophonist Gerald Albright and guitarist Jonathan Butler.
“I’m pleased to be 94,” said Wilder at his birthday celebration.
Speakers urge action to continue King’s legacy at celebration
Continued from A1
The notion of an unfinished struggle for a better world was a frequent focus throughout the roughly 80-minute celebration, as guests ate, presentations were made and awards were given to area colleges. Speakers Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan and Mayor Danny Avula reflected on challenges ahead and what King’s mission and impact meant to them. Youngkin praised the power of prayer for King and himself, while Avula shared his personal experience with, and growing awareness of, racial hierarchies and inequities as he grew up and how it influenced both his professional and personal lives.
VUU President and CEO Hakim J. Lucas called on those in attendance to recommit their support for HBCUs.
“Historically black colleges and universities are critical to
with them through his legal nonprofit Life After Justice.
An investigation by Adams in 2018 found evidence that could have proven their innocence but wasn’t brought forth during their initial trial. Richardson, Claiborne and Adams’ work to prove their innocence and be released from their sentences have included innocence petitions, legal proceedings in the Virginia Court of Appeals and state Supreme Court and clemency petitions submitted to multiple presidential administrations.
The endeavor has gathered a number of supporters, including former Attorney General Mark Herring, who backed Richardson’s writ of actual innocence in 2021 following an investigation by his office. That position was reversed in 2022 by Attorney General Jason Miyares.
ensure that the future of the city, our commonwealth and our country is preserved for all,” said Lucas. “The collective consciousness, that is the responsibility of education to remind you of who you are, whose you are and your commitment to make this truly a country that reflects the beloved community, is what we celebrate today.”
While the lessons learned from King’s legacy varied, the need to be alert in the years to come emerged as a general message from many of the speeches. As McClellan noted in her keynote address, King knew laws like the Civil Rights Act were no “magic wand,” and the underlying inequities of American society he and others sought to overcome wouldn’t be solved so easily.
“Virginia was the birthplace of American democracy, but we’re also the birthplace of American slavery,” McClellan said. “The impact of 300 years of slavery and Jim Crow do not magically
Prosecutors with the AG’s office have continued to defend the sentencing and challenge the legal efforts to see the two released in various court hearings and appointments in the years since.
Richardson and Claiborne were not the only Virginians to receive a pardon from the outgoing president. Criminal justice advocate Kemba Smith Pradia received a pardon for her sentence to 24 years in federal prison for conspiracy drug charges. House Speaker Don Scott also received a presidential pardon Sunday for a drug conviction in 1994 that led to years in prison.
“My journey — from being arrested as a law student to standing here today as the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginia’s 405-year history — is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of second chances,” Scott said
disappear with the stroke of President Johnson’s pen.” It was within this context that McClellan saw King’s work as a blueprint for people of all ages, colors and creeds to continue building a better world. She stressed the need to intentionally undo the inequities baked into the nation’s foundations, and highlighted the importance of love in guiding actions for justice and responses to injustice.
McClellan acknowledged that, despite the progress made by King and others throughout the country’s history, cultural and political backlashes could stall or even reverse gains made in building a better world. She urged those present to follow King’s example fully and fearlessly.
“It is our turn to pick up the mantle that fell when Dr King fell, recommit ourselves to his work and build his beloved community.”
in a statement following the pardon.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin made a similar point in a provided statement, describing Scott’s “journey of faith and family, his determination to reshape his future, and his success in absolutely doing just that” as an inspiration for all.
Youngkin slammed the choice to commute Richardson and Claiborne’s sentences, however, calling it “a grim day for justice and for the families who trust that our system will hold the guilty accountable” in a press release. Miyares shared similar concerns in his own press release.
Adams criticized the statements as drawing attention away from a proper investigation of Gibson’s murder and making the re-entry process more difficult for Richardson and Claiborne.
“It’s going to be something that is going to
be emotional for these guys, coming home,” Adams said, “and it’s going to be that much harder for them to successfully reintegrate back into society if government officials are playing politics and making baseless accusations, but with no evidence to support it.”
According to Adams, they are awaiting a decision from the Court of Appeals of Virginia after a two-day evidentiary hearing for Richardson in Sussex County last year, during which a judge allowed new evidence to be admitted to his innocence petition case.
Adams said that securing their innocence will be vital to ensuring Richardson and Claiborne are able to rebuild their lives.
“They currently have a murder of a cop on their records in state court,” Adams said. “How can they ever get employment like that? So it has to come off, it needs to come off for the very simple fact that they didn’t do it.”
Kieran Stevens Courtesy of The Commonwealth Times
Protesters march in Monroe Park on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, carrying banners and chanting in solidarity with immigrant families during the “We Fight Back” protest, held in response to President Trump’s second inauguration and part of a nationwide call to action.
Photos by Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
A special celebration honoring the legacy of former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder was held at Virginia Union University on Friday, Jan. 17, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event included a screening of the documentary “L. Douglas Wilder: Beyond Wilder Dreams,” a speech by Wilder and the presentation of a birthday cake.
Delegate Don Scott, speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, presents a birthday gift to former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder during the General Assembly’s recognition of the 40th anniversary of his historic election as Virginia’s first African American lieutenant governor. The presentation took place in the House of Delegates and Senate chambers Friday, Jan. 17, coinciding with Wilder’s 94th birthday.
Bernice King to speak at ODU MLK Observance
Free Press staff report
As the nation reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Old Dominion University is preparing to host his youngest child, Bernice A. King, to share her vision for advancing social justice and equality.
The 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance takes place 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at at Chartway Arena in Norfolk. The event is free and open to the public. It was rescheduled from a planned appearance in 2024.
King, an attorney and author, serves as CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Founded by her mother, Coretta Scott King, the center serves as the official memorial to her father.
“Old Dominion University is truly honored to welcome Dr. Bernice King to learn how we can build upon the legacies of her parents, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, both in our daily efforts and through our important mission of teaching, research and service,” said President Brian O. Hemphill.
Under her leadership, The King Center has launched initiatives reaching more than 500,000 people worldwide. King developed Nonviolence365, a certification program in the Kingian philosophy of nonviolence, and
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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1401 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219 Request for Qualifications Contract ID #: C00119217DB135 0064-121-416, P101, B654 I-64 Denbigh Boulevard Interchange Phase 1 Design-Build Project
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking Statements of Qualifications for I-64 Denbigh Boulevard Interchange Phase 1 Design-Build Project from qualified and experienced respondents with design and construction experience of highway facilities. The Project, located in the City of Newport News, Virginia, will construct the first phase of a full diamond interchange on I-64 at Denbigh Blvd. This project will install the I-64 westbound on-ramp and off-ramp, widen I-64 to support westbound ramps, install ramp intersection traffic signals, and widen Denbigh Blvd for ramp turn lanes. Denbigh Blvd/ Warwick Ave & Denbigh Blvd/Jefferson Ave intersection improvements are also included that will provide new turn lanes and pedestrian accommodations. The proposed project objectives include improving regional mobility and safety, increase local network access and alleviate congestion, support increase in demand from developed urban corridor. The work includes but is not limited to: roadway design, structure, survey, environmental, geotechnical, hydraulics and stormwater management, traffic control devices, lighting, intelligent transportation systems, transportation management plan, right-of-way acquisition, utility adjustments/relocations, construction, 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 Daniel McBride, P.E., Assoc. DBIA (daniel.mcbride@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 non-discrimination in all activities pursuant to this advertisement.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1401 EAST BROAD STREET RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219
Request for Qualifications
Contract ID No. C00118662DB137B State Project No. 0660-086-791
McMullin Bridge Replacement – Rte. 660 Over NSRR Smyth County, Virginia Design-Build Project
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is seeking Statements of Qualifications for the McMullin Bridge Replacement – Rte. 660 Over Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) Design-Build Project from qualified and experienced respondents with design and construction experience of roadways and bridges. This project includes the demolition and full replacement of the existing Route 660 bridge structure over NSRR in Smyth County, which is currently closed to traffic due to the structure’s deteriorated state. The project includes realignment of Route 660 to facilitate construction of the new bridge structure over NSRR. The new structure will have increased vertical and horizontal clearance to meet railroad requirements and account for future expansion of the railroad by accommodating an additional set of tracks within the clearance zones. The project will improve quality of travel for various stakeholders, including adjacent residential landowners and residents, and local EMS.
This project includes, among other things, all work required to support the design and construction of: roadway; survey; structure and/or bridge; demolition and removal of the existing bridge; environmental; geotechnical; hydraulics; traffic control devices; transportation management plan; right-of-way; utilities; public involvement/relations; quality assurance and quality control; railroad coordination; construction engineering and inspection; and overall Project management.
Questions/clarifications regarding the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) should be submitted to Joseph Clarke, P.E. (joseph.clarke@vdot.virginia.gov).
Copies of the RFQ and additional submittal requirements can be found at (bidexpress.com).
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serves as an instructor for the course. In 2013, she led “Let Freedom Ring,” commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, where her father delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Participants included former presidents, members of Congress and other dignitaries. Her accolades include the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Award and the Atlanta Business Chronicle Lifetime Achievement Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. King is the author of “Hard Questions, Hard Answers” and the children’s book “It Starts with Me.” . The observance will include the presentation of ODU’s Hugo Owens Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Award, which recognizes contributions to civil rights, politics, housing and social programs. Hugo Owens, a civil rights leader, was the first African American rector of ODU’s Board of Visitors.
Please take notice that the School Board of the City of Richmond will conduct a public hearing during its meeting to receive public comment on the Superintendent’s proposed FY26 budget on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in School Board Chambers at 301 N. 9th Street, 17th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. Additional details regarding this meeting will be available at the RPS BoardDocs website: https:// go.boarddocs.com/vsba/richmond/Board.nsf/Public.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the Clerk of the School Board no later than three (3) business days prior to the meeting at (804) 780-7716 or prichard@ rvaschools.net. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency by calling the Americans with Disabilities Act Office TTY Relay Center at 711.
Bernice King
Richmond Free Press
January 23-25, 2025
The King’s speech
Every January, around this time, we hear the same things about Martin Luther King Jr from the same people. They attempt to reduce the sweeping legacy of one of the world’s greatest orators and civil rights leaders into a digestible soundbite. They focus on one speech, usually just a part of that speech or a single sentence – “I Have a Dream.” Taken out of context, those words can seem benign or non-threatening, but that certainly wasn’t the way many Americans interpreted them in August 1963 or how they perceived the popular baptist minister.
Don’t get us wrong, that moment was certainly one of King’s greatest and powerful speeches. But the unusual focus on those words that addressed the multitudes at the March on Washington perpetuates the misconception that it was his only speech, or the only one worth remembering.
It wasn’t.
Four years later, King delivered a powerful speech on the campus of Stanford University. We’ve included an excerpt below. Its painful relevance today speaks volumes about how far we still have to go. ***
Now there are several things that one could talk about before such a large, concerned, and enlightened audience. There are so many problems facing our nation and our world, that one could just take off anywhere. But today I would like to talk mainly about the race problems since I’ll have to rush right out and go to New York to talk about Vietnam tomorrow. and I’ve been talking about it a great deal this week and weeks before that.
But I’d like to use a subject from which to speak this afternoon, the Other America.
And I use this subject because there are literally two Americas. One America is beautiful for situation. And, in a sense, this America is overflowing with the milk of prosperity and the honey of opportunity. This America is the habitat of millions of people who have food and material necessities for their bodies; and culture and education for their minds; and freedom and human dignity for their spirits. In this America, millions of people experience every day the opportunity of having life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in all of their dimensions. And in this America millions of young people grow up in the sunlight of opportunity.
But tragically and unfortunately, there is another America. This other America has a daily ugliness about it that constantly transforms the ebulliency of hope into the fatigue of despair. In this America millions of work-starved men walk the streets daily in search for jobs that do not exist. In this America millions of people find themselves living in rat-infested, vermin-filled slums. In this America people are poor by the millions. They find themselves perishing on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity.
In a sense, the greatest tragedy of this other America is what it does to little children. Little children in this other America are forced to grow up with clouds of inferiority forming every day in their little mental skies. As we look at this other America, we see it as an arena of blasted hopes and shattered dreams. Many people of various backgrounds live in this other America. Some are Mexican Americans, some are Puerto Ricans, some are Indians, some happen to be from other groups. Millions of them are Appalachian whites. But probably the largest group in this other America in proportion to its size in the population is the American Negro.
The American Negro finds himself living in a triple ghetto. A ghetto of race, a ghetto of poverty, a ghetto of human misery. So what we are seeking to do in the Civil Rights Movement is to deal with this problem. To deal with this problem of the two Americas. We are seeking to make America one nation, Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Now let me say that the struggle for Civil Rights and the struggle to make these two Americas one America, is much more difficult today than it was five or ten years ago. For about a decade or maybe twelve years, we’ve struggled all across the South in glorious struggles to get rid of legal, overt segregation and all of the humiliation that surrounded that system of segregation.
Now let me say finally that we have difficulties ahead but I haven’t despaired. Somehow I maintain hope in spite of hope. And I’ve talked about the difficulties and how hard the problems will be as we tackle them. But I want to close by saying this afternoon, that I still have faith in the future. And I still believe that these problems can be solved. And so I will not join anyone who will say that we still can’t develop a coalition of conscience.
I realize and understand the discontent and the agony and the disappointment and even the bitterness of those who feel that whites in America cannot be trusted. And I would be the first to say that there are all too many who are still guided by the racist ethos. And I am still convinced that there are still many white persons of good will. And I’m happy to say that I see them every day in the student generation who cherish democratic principles and justice above principle, and who will stick with the cause of justice and the cause of Civil Rights and the cause of peace throughout the days ahead. And so I refuse to despair. I think we’re gonna achieve our freedom because however much America strays away from the ideals of justice, the goal of America is freedom.
Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up in the destiny of America. Before the pilgrim fathers landed at Plymouth we were here. Before Jefferson etched across the pages of history the majestic words of the Declaration of Independence, we were here. Before the beautiful words of the Star Spangled Banner were written, we were here. For more than two centuries, our forebearers labored here without wages. They made cotton king. They built the homes of their masters in the midst of the most humiliating and oppressive conditions. And yet out of a bottomless vitality, they continued to grow and develop.
And I say that if the inexpressible cruelties of slavery couldn’t stop us, the opposition that we now face, including the so-called white backlash, will surely fail. We’re gonna win our freedom because both the sacred heritage of our nation and the eternal will of the Almighty God are embodied in our echoing demands.
And so I can still sing “We Shall Overcome.” We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward Justice. We shall overcome because Carlyle is right, “No lie can live forever.” We shall overcome because William Cullen Bryant is right, “Truth crushed to earth will rise again.” We shall overcome because James Russell Lowell is right, “Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne — Yet that scaffold sways the future.” With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.
With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discourse of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to speed up the day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and live together as brothers and sisters, all over this great nation. That will be a great day, that will be a great tomorrow. In the words of the Scripture, to speak symbolically, that will be the day when the morning stars will sing together and the sons of God will shout for joy.
What would have Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. done to celebrate his 96th birthday? Sit on the sidelines and cheer for the incoming president who stands for everything that King was opposed to? Would he be wheeled to a protest to deliver rousing resistant remarks? Would he use the opportunity, the occasion of his holiday, to introduce young and vibrant new leaders? Would he embrace the Rev. William Barber and invigorate the Poor People’s Campaign? Dr. King is not here to tell us what he would do, but we can guess at his profound dissatisfaction at this moment in history. We must know that Dr. King would be “no ways tired” because he never was. He was a man of audacity who, in accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, spoke of his “audacity” to believe in justice. In his many speeches, he spoke of issues of distribution, getting to the economic bottom line – who gets what, when, where and why? What would’ve Dr. King done on his birthday? He’d be fighting! There are those who are
about to give up. We have an incoming president who wants to turn the clock backwards. He wants to eliminate DEI, set back progress in education, eliminate public broadcasting and more. We aren’t surprised. He told us what he was going to do through Project 2025, which he now somewhat disavows. I am not surprised about anything but the ways so many have rolled over with resignation. Civil rights
advocates did not roll over for the Bushes (although they were kinder, gentler Republicans that Mr. Trump is). We didn’t roll over for Ronald Reagan, whose racist rhetoric, while repugnant (remember the “welfare mother” with 13 kids), did not prevent him, under pressure, for making Dr. King’s birthday a holiday. We didn’t roll over the first time the Orange Man had a bite at the presidency apple, and we won’t roll over now.
So the road isn’t going to be easy, but it never was. Ask Sojourner Truth or Harriet Tubman. Ask Mary McLeod Bethune or Sadie Alexander. Ask Whitney Young or A. Philip Randolph. Take our leaders out of the history books, sit down
with them and ask them. Was it easy? And they will tell you that it was not.
So what would Dr. King do? What will you do? We keep fighting for equality. For reparation. For criminal justice fairness. We keep talking about the nonsense that the incoming President embraces. We keep showing up at rallies, and we engage in radical self-care so that we do not burn out. And we build community together, mindfully, purposefully and willingly.
Progressive people and civil rights advocates experienced a devastating blow in November. But we have been down this path before. I think of the days after President Lincoln was assassinated when, in the words of poet and playwright James Weldon Johnson wrote of the days when “hope unborn had died.” Our Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing” melodiously walks us through aspects of our struggle. It is our lesson, our blessing, our history, our reminder. What would Martin Luther King, Jr. do about poverty, inequality, homelessness, unequal education and resistance? What would he be doing in a nation that has still not fully accepted his brilliance? In too many
Dr. King’s dream still offers a great agenda
As we marked the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, ironically on the same day as Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, I am reminded of a famous quote from another King:
“Can we all get along?”
Yes, that plea came not from MLK but from Rodney King, no re lation to the great civil rights leader, in May 1992 as riots erupted in Los Angeles after a mostly white jury acquit ted four Los Angeles police officers of assault charges for his videotaped beating.
We can be thankful that race relations have made some notable progress since then, including the election of Barack Obama as this nation’s first Black president in 2008.
Yet assessments of whether we can all get along are colored by how much the nation’s great race debate has shifted.
Let us not forget, amid today’s proclamations of praise and commemorations for MLK as a great humanitarian leader, that his own approval ratings in his last year were strikingly low.
A Harris Poll earlier in 1968 found his public disapproval rating to be almost 75%, a startling contrast with how King generally is viewed today.
But, public opinion can be fickle for leaders and candidates on both political sides. A year after Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton, Gallup pollsters found his approval rating had fallen to 35%, lower than any previous president at that point in his
presidency, and he left office with an average approval rating of 41%, the lowest in more than seven decades of polling.
And yet he was re-elected anyway — partly, his MAGA supporters tell me, thanks to the persecution their hero suffered in various federal and state investigations of his alleged crimes.
At the polls in 2024, Trump garnered more support than his previous polling and controversies over immigration, among other ethnically sensitive issues, would have led many of us to expect.
Democrats lost ground with voters under 30 in most swing states, including former Blue Wall states in the industrial Midwest, which are still struggling with regional and industrial job loss, as well as immigrationrelated demographic changes.
Democrats also appear to have taken some Black and Latino voters for granted, most dramatically in areas where they underestimated the Trump appeal.
In other words, race and politics still refuse to be as simple as black and white.
I can see that in the degree to which conservatives have gained mileage by demonizing “identity politics,” whatever they consider that to be. In my view, politics have become so closely intertwined with the way people see themselves that separating the two can sound like a fool’s errand.
Still, identity issues of various sorts — not just race or ethnicity — may well begin to explain
why Democrats lost ground with voters under 30 in nearly every swing state.
There also was a seismic shift with Latino voters, whose support for Democrats declined gradually in recent elections.
Yes, Americans have made a lot of useful progress since Dr. King’s death, but a lot more work remains to be done to bring his dream to reality.
In one of his final speeches, which I read again every year on his birthday, he ends with an agenda for his audience that still remains very relevant today.
He said:
“And so I conclude by saying today that we have a task, and let us go out with a divine dissatisfaction.
“Let us be dissatisfied until America will no longer have a high blood pressure of creeds and an anemia of deeds.
“Let us be dissatisfied until the tragic walls that separate the outer city of wealth and comfort from the inner city of poverty and despair shall be crushed by the battering rams of the forces of justice.
“Let us be dissatisfied, and men will recognize that out of one blood God made all men to dwell upon the face of the earth.
“Let us be dissatisfied until that day when nobody will shout, ‘White Power!’ when nobody will shout, ‘Black Power!’ but everybody will talk about God’s power and human power.”
That would be ideal — and MLK was, if anything, an idealist, a dreamer.
It’s still up to the rest of us to try to turn his dream into a new reality. It’s worth the effort.
The writer is a columnist for The Chicago Tribune.
states, the King holiday has been paired with something Confederate, even though we know that the Confederates lost. It is a genuflection to Caucasity that allows some states, Southern in particular, to attempt to erase the meaning of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He will not be erased; we can’t let it happen. Thus, the struggle continues. There were King Day celebrations all over the country, along with a putrid inauguration of a man that King would be repulsed by. But King was among those who embraced the spiritual “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around.” WE are climbing a steep hill, and we are climbing. What would Dr King have done on this birthday? Fight! The writer is an economist and author.
or e-mail letters@richmondfreepress.com.
Clarence Page
Julianne Malveaux
Youngkin vetoes higher minimum wage despite economic research
Virginia’s minimum wage recently increased to $12.41per hour. Democrats sought a higher increase last year but Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed that effort. In his veto explanation, the governor repeated talking points used for the last half-century, including economic freedom and business competitiveness. I expected this from a former investment manager, and I can sympathize. Having worked in hospitality management after college, I know labor is the largest expenditure for most companies and managers are under pressure to keep costs low.
But Youngkin also said something blatantly untrue: that increasing the minimum wage would jeopardize jobs. There is no issue in economics studied so extensively as the minimum wage. The overwhelming conclusion is that raising the minimum wage is not a job-killer. Several economists
have won Nobel prizes, including in 2021, for demonstrating this. As Democrats again push their minimum wage bill and Youngkin contemplates his future, it is important that the public knows what economic research tells us about the minimum wage.
Before modern data science, it was generally taken as an article of faith that minimum wage laws had a negative effect on jobs. Many just visualized the price and demand curves from Econ 101. If the price line shifted upwards, the total area of economic activity diminished. Then in 1994, economists David Card and Alan Kreuger studied fast-food workers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before and after New Jersey raised its minimum wage. They
found that employment actually grew in New Jersey after the state’s minimum wage increase. These findings have been replicated by others using different data sets and subsequent minimum wage increases.
The Putty-Clay research model was developed in part to explain why there is littleto-no job loss. In the PuttyClay model, when a business first establishes itself, it can choose from any combination of feasible capital and labor it wishes. After this initial selection, the costs of meaningfully altering this are so great that businesses won’t do it in the face of minimum wage increases.
Research also supports the idea that increasing the minimum wage has positive effects beyond direct employment. Studies have shown increases in happiness and productivity in society as a whole. Wages of those earning above the
minimum wage also increased in tandem. Finally, there have been reductions in crime and community displacement associated with minimum wage increases.
The biggest dissention comes from David Neumark, who found a slight negative effect using data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) — mostly involving the number of hours worked by highschool age people. However, Neumark’s analysis has been criticized for omitted variable bias and it should be noted that these small losses appear only in the short-term. Other studies using the same data show no negative effect, and instead a gain, when longer time periods are utilized.
There is evidence that the magnitude of the increase matters. Nationally, most minimum wage increases resulted in salary increases between 16%
President Trump will raise your energy bills
Rate payers, beware. President Donald Trump’s eagerness to enrich his fossil fuel industry allies with a “drill baby drill” and “export baby export” agenda will raise energy costs for American households.
Burning fossil fuels is deadly on many levels.
Pollution from burning coal, oil and gas contaminates air and water, harming and killing people. Extracting and transporting fossil fuels also has fatal consequences. Moreover, the climate crisis, fueled by these practices, has led to extreme weather events — heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes — that cost lives and damage ecosystems.
Just as our continued reliance on fossil fuels kills people and entire ecosystems, slowing down our transition to clean energy kills jobs. Thanks to
President Biden’s legislative achievements — the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the CHIPS and Science Act — more than 406,000 new clean energy jobs have been created. These include
jobs in manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and batteries, bringing entire supply chains back to the United States.
Despite these gains, the Trump administration and its allies in Congress threaten to reverse this progress. By slowing the clean energy transition, they jeopardize economic opportunities while driving up energy costs for consumers.
Energy from solar and wind is already less expensive and more resilient than fossil fuels — and the cost keeps dropping. Policies aimed at undoing the
IRA or similar measures would result in higher energy bills for households. Claims that increased fossil fuel production and supply lower energy costs are misleading, especially with liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The U.S. is the world’s leading LNG exporter. While LNG is marketed as a cleaner alternative, its life cycle — from fracking and transport to burning — releases harmful methane emissions and drives up domestic energy prices. The Department of Energy confirmed that expanding LNG exports would increase costs for American consumers.
Big Oil and Gas prioritize profits over household energy burdens. Companies exporting LNG to countries like China risk not only higher domestic prices but also national security concerns.
President Trump has openly courted the fossil fuel industry, promising them favorable policies in exchange for campaign
contributions. At one fundraiser, he encouraged oil and gas executives to collectively contribute $1 billion to his reelection, describing it as a “deal” for them.
Beyond LNG, Trump’s proposed policies, such as tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, could raise gas prices by 35 to 75 cents per gallon, according to industry analysts. His attacks on energy-efficient appliances also threaten utility savings for millions, particularly lowincome families who spend a disproportionate share of their income on energy bills.
While Trump talks about lowering energy prices, his policies are more likely to increase costs for consumers. Americans need relief from high energy bills, not policies that prioritize fossil fuel profits over their needs.
The writer is the executive director of the Sierra Club and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania.
and 25%. Virginia Democrats’ plan for a $15 minimum wage amounts to a 20.8% increase.
The outlier is Seattle, which doubled its minimum wage when it increased to $15 in 2014.
An analysis by Jacob Vigdor’s and colleagues, using data provided by local and state government, found that Seattle’s minimum wage increase led to a decrease in the number of hours worked by employees within city limits.
Similar to Neumark’s findings, inexperienced high school-age workers saw the brunt of this reduction. The analysis also showed that employers “gamed” the law by shifting activities to the surrounding areas of King’s County. Thus, it’s hard to say magnitude and reach don’t matter. However, it would be much more difficult to bypass a state law than a local one, and there would be much less incentive with a smaller increase, like Democrats are proposing.
But Youngkin, prima facie, does have a legitimate concern about regional differences across Virginia. What differences, if any, minimum wage laws have on rural versus urban and suburban economies remains under-analyzed. According to
MIT’s living wage calculator, a family of four in Arlington County (where I am from) needs a livable wage of almost $48/hr. Whereas in Wise County, it is only $35/hr. This is an annualized difference of about $25,000. What does all this mean? There is a risk of further hurting rural Virginia, which justifiably feels cannibalized and abandoned by wealthier parts of the state. As John Maynard Keynes once said, “In the long run the market corrects itself, but in the long run we’re all dead men.” From 2021 to 2023, the bottom 20% of earners in Virginia only saw their wages grow by about $1,613. When adjusted for inflation, they actually lost $171. Meanwhile, the MIT calculator estimates the living wage for one person in Wise is now at $18.36 — more than either the current minimum wage or what Democrats propose. As Youngkin enters his final year as governor, he can afford a “wait and see” approach to alleviating wage poverty; over 1 million Virginians do not have that luxury. The writer is a research economist. This commentary originally appeared on virginiamercury.com
Past mayors’ priorities left Richmond’s infrastructure in ruin
Don’t blame Mayor Danny Avula forLevar M. Stoney and the other mayors’ mess! These mayors were focused on bringing an NFL team here, a baseball stadium there, and tell me, why do we need an amphitheater in the city?
Instead of past mayors checking the aging infrastructure of the city’s water systems, they were spending infrastructure money on other things!
Mayor Avula has been focused on taking care of patients, so don’t blame him yet! Someone from the other mayors’ teams knew that sooner or later this would happen, and it just so happened to fall on Mayor Avula! I hope Mayor Avula continues fixing the mess left by previous mayors before he faces more challenges left behind by them.
SHARON DEASE Richmond
from qualifying sources. The RPS Program requirements ‘’shall be a percentage of the total electric energy sold in the previous calendar year’’ and must be implemented in accordance with the schedule set forth in Code § 56-585.5 C. The statute permits Dominion to apply renewable energy sales achieved or RECs acquired in excess of the sales requirement for a specific year’s RPS Program to the sales requirements for certain future years. Code § 56-585.5 C further provides that, to the extent Dominion procures RECs for RPS Program compliance from resources it does not own,
one or more rate adjustment clauses for the timely and current recovery from customers of: [p]rojected and actual costs of compliance with renewable energy portfolio standard requirements pursuant to § 56-585.5 that are not recoverable under subdivision 6. The Commission shall approve such a petition allowing the recovery of such costs incurred as required by § 56-585.5, provided that the Commission does not otherwise find such costs were unreasonably or imprudently incurred . . . . In its Petition, Dominion states that that it will meet the annual requirements of the RPS Program through the retirement of RECs that will be sourced from a combination of RECs generated from Companyowned renewable energy facilities (including the “CE Projects” and “CVOW Project”), RECs generated from renewable energy facilities owned by an entity other than the utility with which the Company has entered into a power purchase agreement (including the “CE PPAs”), long-term REConly contracts, and market purchases of RECs. The Company states that it may bank the RECs generated by Virginia facilities from 2021 through 2025 for use in 2026.
To determine the total cost of RECs to be recovered through Rider RPS, the Company states that it first determined its projected RPS Program requirements for 2025, and then used those projections to determine the estimated volume of RECs needed during the rate year of September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026 (‘’Rate Year’’). The Company asserts it then determined the projected volume of RECs that the Company would need to utilize from its bank or purchase from the market. For any RECs the Company would need to purchase or utilize from the bank, the Company states that it multiplied the volume of RECs by a weighted average price in order to determine the cost of the gross purchases and banked RECs needed for the Rate Year. The Company expects to need approximately 13.8 million RECs during the Rate Year, approximately 138,500 of which it says must come from distributed energy resources. According to the Company, once it determined the total costs of RECs to be recovered in this proceeding, it applied a Virginia jurisdictional allocation factor.
Based on the framework approved in Case No. PUR-2020-00134, the Company asserts that the “costs” of RECs generated by the CE Projects, CE PPAs, and the CVOW Project will be recovered through the Company’s Rider RPS at an established REC proxy value, while an offsetting incremental “revenue” amount will be credited to Rider CE and Rider OSW, as applicable, as if those RECs were being “sold.” The Company then states that the REC proxy value and transfer of the REC cost from Rider CE and Rider OSW will ensure that the non-bypassable costs of RPS Program compliance are recovered from all retail customers regardless of electric supplier within the limits provided in the VCEA. For purposes of this Petition, the Company states that it utilized the REC proxy value as determined by the methodology approved in Case No. PUR-2021-00156. According to the Company, the revenue requirement for Rider RPS includes both a Projected Cost Recovery Factor and an Actual Cost TrueUp Factor. The Company is also proposing, similar to the interim true-up
a telephonic hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before April 16, 2025, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission: (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 3719141. Beginning at 10 a.m. on April 24, 2025, the Hearing Examiner assigned will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting
On April 24, 2025, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Petition from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.
To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.
An electronic copy of the public version of the Company’s Petition may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods. com
On or before February 25, 2025, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation with the Clerk of the Commission at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company, any other respondents, and Staff electronically as described above. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, 5 VAC 5-20-10 et seq. (‘’Rules of Practice’’), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-202400215. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.
On or before March 25, 2025, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served electronically on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with their filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00215.
On or before April 16, 2025, any interested person may submit comments on the Petition by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/ Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments with the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00215.
Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice.
The public version of the Company’s Petition, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in the case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information
Ben Jealous
Michael O’Grady
Virginia State defeats Virginia Union in close Freedom Classic showdown
Free Press staff report
In a thrilling Freedom Classic matchup, Virginia State University edged out Virginia Union University with a 7874 victory Saturday night in Petersburg. The game featured dramatic runs from both teams, including a late push by the Panthers that brought the contest down to the wire.
Virginia Union scored the game’s first two baskets before Virginia State’s Clint Wright Jr. got the Trojans going with back-to-back three-pointers. A monster block on defense turned into a fast-break score, giving Virginia State an 8-7 edge. Jayson Harris followed with a layup, putting the Trojans up by one, and Wright Jr. hit another three-pointer to extend the lead. Moments later, Daryl Mackey Jr. drained a triple, forcing Union to take an early timeout as VSU’s lead grew.
Wright Jr.’s dominance
Norfolk State’s head coach Michael Vick honored with Hall of Fame induction
Free Press staff report
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fameannounced the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class last week, and Norfolk State head football coach Michael Vick was among the honorees. Vick was one of 18 players, along with four head coaches, selected for induction.
The 2025 class was chosen from a pool of 77 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision, as well as 101 players and 34 coaches from the divisional ranks.
“We are thrilled to announce the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class,” said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 College Football Hall of Famer.
“Each of these legends ranks among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to adding their incredible accomplishments to those permanently enshrined in the Hall
of Fame.”
Vick, named the 19th head football coach at Norfolk State on December 23, 2024, earned recognition for his exceptional college career.
The former Virginia Tech quarterback was a standout player for the Hokies from 1999-2000, posting an impressive 22-2 record as the lead quarterback. In 1999, Vick led the nation in passing efficiency (180.37), setting an NCAA freshman record. He completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 585 yards and eight touchdowns. His remarkable performance earned him third place in the Heisman Trophy voting and an ESPY award for the top college football player.
The Hokies finished the season ranked No. 2 in the nation.
Vick’s redshirt sophomore season saw him complete 87 of 161 passes for 1,234 yards and eight touchdowns, while rushing for 617 yards and eight more touchdowns. He capped his college career with an MVP performance in the Gator Bowl, leading Virginia Tech to a No. 6 national ranking.
A two-time All-Big East performer, Vick was named First Team All-Big East in 1999 and Second Team in 2000. He earned Big East Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1999 and was also named Big East Rookie of the Year. Under Vick’s leadership, the Hokies won the conference title in 1999, finishing with just one conference loss and falling short in the national title game that year.
After his collegiate career, Vick spent 13 years in the NFL, playing for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Spiders secure fifth straight win with 75-42 victory over VCU
Free Press staff report
In front of a season-high crowd of 3,462, the University of Richmond women’s basketball team defeated crosstown rival VCU, 75-42, Sunday afternoon. The win marked Richmond’s fifth straight and its largest margin of victory over the Rams since December 2001. The Spiders improved to 15-5 overall and 6-1 in Atlantic 10 Conference play, while VCU fell to 9-10 and 3-4 in the A-10.
Richmond opened the game strong, with Rachel Ullstrom scoring the first basket and the Spiders going on an 8-0 run. VCU briefly cut into the lead, but Katie Hill sparked a 7-0 run and Faith Alston added a three-pointer to push the lead to 152. After a layup by VCU, Hill completed a hoop-and-harm to extend Richmond’s advantage to 18-4. Sweeney’s 3-pointer at the buzzer ended the first quarter with Richmond ahead 21-7.
In the second quarter, Ullstrom hit three consecutive 3-pointers to fuel a 9-0 run for a 35-9 lead. VCU responded with four points, but Hill’s triple and contributions from Ullstrom and Anna Camden pushed the lead to 41-11. Richmond went into halftime up 44-15.
The Rams came out strong in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 25, but Richmond answered with back-to-back layups from Alston and Hill to maintain a comfortable lead. The Spiders ended the third quarter with a 59-26 advantage.
Free Press staff report
Suellen Henneberry has been named the recipient of the 2025 Courage Story Award, which will be presented at the RVA Sports Awards on Feb. 8. The award recognizes individuals whose courage extends beyond sports, and Henneberry’s journey reflects this distinction.
In 2021, Henneberry faced severe complications from COVID-19 and pneumonia, leading to a leg amputation due to an autoimmune disorder. She later found purpose and strength through Sportable, an adaptive sports organization. Within six months of receiving her prosthetic leg, Henneberry
ran the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, which she later commemorated by adding its design to her prosthetic.
Henneberry’s accomplishments continued with the completion of the Allianz Partners Richmond Marathon in 2024, following months of preparation. She also participated in Spartan races and the Rocketts Landing 10-Miler, and served as a Sportable Ambassador, participating in adaptive sports such as cycling and pickleball.
“Suellen’s unwavering spirit is a beacon of hope and inspiration to so many in the Richmond region and beyond,” said Danielle Fitz-Hugh, VP of community relations at
Ullstrom’s and-one play to open the fourth quarter gave Richmond its largest lead at 62-26. VCU briefly responded with a 6-0 run, but Doogan sparked a 9-0 run to make it 71-29. The Rams closed the game with back-to-back layups, but Richmond secured the 75-42 win.
Hill led Richmond with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Ullstrom added 14 points, while Maggie Doogan and Alston finished with 12 points each. The Spiders shot 50% from the field, 42.9% from three-point range and 86.7% from the free-throw line.
The win marked Richmond’s fourth straight over VCU, moving the all-time series to 46-47.
Richmond Region Tourism.
“Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unyielding will to overcome obstacles.”
The awards will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. at The Altria Theater. Tickets start at $75, with VIP tickets priced at $125 A silent auction will be held during the event, with proceeds benefiting the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s Sports Grant Program, which supports local youth sports organizations. Donations for the auctioncan include items such as gift certificates, memorabilia and experiences. For more information, visit visitrichmondva.com.
continued with a steal and an assist to Dajour Rucker for a layup that put the Trojans up by 10. Wright Jr. then hit another three-pointer, pushing the lead to 15 with just over six minutes left in the first half. Union fought back with Jaedan Jefferson connecting from long range and Bobby Gardner’s three-pointer cutting the deficit to 10 by halftime, with VSU leading 39-29. Virginia State opened the second half with a layup from Tim Uzochukwu, followed by a putback dunk from Mackey Jr. to extend the lead to 14. However, Union’s Daylon Mitchell hit a three-pointer to spark a comeback, eventually narrowing the gap to seven. Mitchell stayed hot with back-to-back threes, cutting VSU’s lead to just four points. A layup by Mitchell later brought Union within two.
A tip-in by Uzochukwu snapped VSU’s scoring drought, but Union’s Jonathan King tied the game at 58 on a trip to the free-throw line. After Davian Coleman’s dunk briefly gave the Trojans the lead, Union answered with a layup to knot the score again. Mackey Jr. hit another key three-pointer to put VSU up by three with five minutes remaining. Rucker delivered a clutch
3-pointer with under two minutes left to extend the Trojans’ lead to six. Jacob Cooper’s crafty dribbling led to an easy layup for Harris, and Rucker sealed the victory with two clutch free throws. Despite Union closing the gap to two points in the final seconds, VSU held on with Wright Jr. redeeming himself at the free-throw line after grabbing a crucial rebound. Virginia State’s Jacob Cooper led the team with 14 points and 13 assists, while Davian Coleman paced the Trojans on the boards with six rebounds. For Virginia Union, DJ Mitchell’s 21 points led the way, with Jonathan King adding 19 points and seven rebounds. Gardner contributed 14 points, and Malachi Dark chipped in 12 as Union battled back but ultimately fell short.
“I thought we came out a little sluggish in the first half, and Virginia State jumped on us early,” said VUU Head Coach Jay Butler. “We gave up too many offensive rebounds to take the lead in the second half, and that was the difference down the stretch.”
The Panthers, now 7-9 overall and 1-3 in the CIAA, will look to bounce back against Bowie State University on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Bowie, Md.
3 local athletes nominated for McDonald’s All American Games
Free Press staff report
Three basketball standouts from the Richmond area have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 McDonald’s All American Games, set for April 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The nominees include Rayne Wright of Manchester High School in Midlothian, Aiden Argabright of John Marshall High School in Richmond and Troy Henderson, also of John Marshall High School. Wright represents the girls’ team, while Argabright and Henderson are members of the boys’ team.
Players were nominated by high school coaches, athletic directors, principals or members of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee. The selections were based on competitive criteria aimed at recognizing the nation’s top basketball talent.
These athletes join a storied history of nominees that includes some of basketball’s biggest names such as Candace Parker, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant and Breanna Stewart. The final rosters, featuring 24 girls and 24 boys, will be announced later this month on ESPN’s social and digital platforms.
Tickets for the event are available at mcdaag.com. The games will be broadcast on April 1 with the Girls Game airing at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and the Boys Game following at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Fans can find the complete list of nominees on the @McDAAG Instagram account.
Coach Vick
Aiden Argabright Troy Henderson Rayne Wright
Suellen Henneberry plays pickle ball, showcasing her commitment to adaptive sports and her inspiring journey after a leg amputation.
Rachel Ullstrom Katie Hill ?
photo courtesy Virginia State University
Virginia State Trojans celebrate their hard-fought 78-74 victory over Virginia Union in the Freedom Classic, hoisting the trophy as coaches, players, and cheerleaders share the moment of triumph.
Faith Alston
Amma Gatty, founder of Cultural Encounters, didn’t experience a culture shock when she moved from Ghana, West Africa, to Richmond — it was more of a “people shock.”
Americans teased her about her accent, and she was taken aback by the stark contrast between the transactional nature of U.S. culture and the communal values she grew up with in Ghana. She felt an unspoken pressure from others to abandon her own culture and assimilate into theirs.
“Because Ghana was a British colony, I learned British English,” Gatty said. “I was teased, and it made me self-conscious.”
Gatty came to the U.S. after completing her undergraduate degree in Ghana. She was surprised to learn how little many Americans knew about other cultures.
The Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank, asserts that assimilation is essential for immigrants to succeed in the U.S. In a 2023 study, they found that “by taking in or being absorbed into the cultural tradition of the native population, newcomers are better able to communicate and integrate into society and workplaces, as well as make better use of public services.”
However, according to Healthy Places by Design — a nonprofit promoting community-led action and place-based strategies for health and wellbeing — the psychological effects of assimilation and the loss of cultural identity warrant careful consideration.
Gatty advocates for integration over assimilation, emphasizing the importance
Personality: Amma Gatty
Spotlight on the founder of Cultural Encounters
of blending one’s culture with that of a new society to build a diverse and connected community. To advance this vision, she founded Cultural Encounters, an organization that creates opportunities for Richmonders to engage with immigrants and people from diverse backgrounds. Through these interactions, Gatty aims to promote understanding and foster a more welcoming, inclusive region.
After 23 years of living in Richmond, Gatty has an undetectable accent. She and her husband, whom she met as a teenager in Ghana, have lived most of their adult lives here. She acknowledges that growing up in Ghana’s conservative culture was restrictive and appreciates many aspects of American culture. However, she still finds certain elements of American culture peculiar.
“When I first arrived at the airport from Ghana, I didn’t know which box to check,” Gatty said, referring to the section of the immigration paperwork that requires racial identification.
“I wasn’t African American. In Ghana, there were no racial boxes to check.”
Gatty wants to share these distinctions to create a greater understanding of people of different cultures.
Meet the Ghanaian immigrant working to promote unity in diversity and this week’s Personality, Amma Gatty:
Occupation: Executive director and founder of Cultural Encounters.
Date and place of birth: June 2 in Accra, Ghana. Where I live now: Varina
Education: Bachelor ’s in renewable natural resources management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana; MBA, Strayer University; graduate certificate in family life education and coaching, North Carolina State University.
Family: Husband, Fred; daughter, Aseye; son, Freddy
Culture Encounters is : A nonprofit bridging the cultural divides in Richmond and surrounding communities. We center immigrant voices by offering immersive cultural experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds to make our region a more welcoming place
Mission: We exist to ignite cultural curiosity, knowledge and appreciation in the Richmond area through the transformative power of the arts, shared experi-
ences and open dialogue while serving as a model for global harmony.
I founded Culture Encounters because: As an immigrant, I understand the challenges newcomers face when arriving in this country. There is an unspoken pressure to assimilate, to become “Americanized,” which can lead immigrants to withdraw and form cultural silos.
Location: We meet and host events at various locations.
Funding: Events, donations, grants and business sponsorships.
Partners: Several Cultural performing groups in Richmond, The Children’s Museum of Richmond and Next Up.
Who can benefit from Culture Encounters: Those who may feel curious about other cultures or are hesitant to engage with people from different backgrounds.
Top goal or project for 2025: Our biggest project in 2025 is the 2nd Annual Richmond International Dance Festival, celebrating cultural diversity by connecting with several cultures through the universal language of dance. Participants can take free dance classes from different cultural dance groups, culminating in a dance show that evening. The inaugural festival was a huge success, and we are excited about this second event. Strategy for success: Plans are well underway for the festival this year. We are actively seek-
ing a location, securing funding, dance groups and partner organizations.
Biggest challenge: Securing an affordable venue that is suitable for this type of event due to limited funding.
How Culture Encounters has made a difference in Richmond: I’ve seen a significant increase in event participation in recent years. Attendance jumped from just over 430 people in 2023 to about 1,523 in 2024, demonstrating a heightened community interest. It also shows a deeper curiosity and willingness among residents to engage with and learn about diverse cultures.
How to get involved: Volunteer, serve on our board, be a contributor to our blog, attend our events, donate a cultural artifact or make a financial contribution.
Experiences we offer: We have a bi-monthly culinary and cultural experience at immigrant-owned restaurants called Eat.Talk.Connect. CultureFest Fridays in partnership with The Children’s Museum of Richmond; Youth Summer Food Tours; quarterly panel discussions, a podcast, afterschool programs, camps, and special curated cultural events for groups and organizations.
Communities where we operate: Richmond area.
Upcoming events: Our next Eat.Talk.Connect. is on Feb. 28 at The former Blue Sky Fund Building, at 2900 Q St. It will be a Ghanaian culinary experience. Also, CultureFest Fridays at the Children’s Museum of Richmond are every
first Friday at the Downtown location and every third Friday at the Chesterfield location.
How I start the day: My day starts at 5 a.m. I focus on beginning with gratitude and intention, spending my first moments in prayer.
The three words that best describe me: Nurturer, creative and disciplined.
Dream dinner party guest: Oprah Winfrey because I admire her longevity and relevance.
Top three on my playlist: I don’t have a top three, but I typically listen to Chandler Moore and Maverick City. I loudly listen to afrobeats on road trips.
Something I love to do that most people don’t know: People-watching, especially at a restaurant in Carytown.
A quote that inspires me: “Be anxious for nothing.” — Philippians 4:6-7.
Most influential person: My mother, who also founded a nonprofit organization.
Most influential book: “The 5 Second Rule,” by Mel Robbins, it helped me realize that the only thing that stands in my way of accomplishing anything is myself!
My current read: “The Grieving Brain ” by MaryFrances O’Connor. My biggest takeaway from this book is that grieving is not a neatly packaged experience. It doesn’t follow a specific sequence, and we all experience it and express it in unique ways.
Next goal: Start a Culture Encounters chapter on campus at one of our area universities.
Actor reflects on dual roles in ‘MJ the Musical’
By Karyn Cook
Joe Jackson, the controversial patriarch of the Jackson family, played a critical role in shaping Michael Jackson’s rise to superstardom. Seven years after his death, his complicated legacy is brought to life on stage by actor Devin Bowles in “MJ the Musical.” The production, which has grossed over $200 million according to BroadwayWorld. com, delves into the life of Michael Jackson as he prepares for his Dangerous World Tour. Bowles portrays two roles: Joe Jackson and Rob, a fictional character created for the musical who serves as a confidant to Michael.
A Tennessee native, Bowles joined the national tour of MJ the Musical in 2023. His theatrical journey began in high school, leading to a career that includes his off-Broadway debut in the play “Kinky Boots” two years ago. With “MJ the Musical,” Bowles takes on a dual challenge, bringing nuance to the complex figure of Joe Jackson while also providing a nurturing counterpoint through “Rob,” a character created for the show. Bowles reflects on his roles, their significance to the story and the challenges of life as a touring actor.
How accurate is “MJ the Musical” to the story of Micheal Jackson?
I really think we do a great job at giving the audience insight to what they already know and more. We really get a chance to dive into the humanity of who Michael Jackson was. A lot of people don’t know how gracious of a heart he was, how much of a humanitarian he was. A lot of people unfortunately don’t know the influence Joe Jackson had on Michael, not only is it a lesson but it’s an enjoyment for people to watch. I do believe we connected to some authenticity in that realm.
Is it tough getting into a character sometimes depicted as a bad guy?
Joe Jackson is definitely infamous. He conducted some behavior that if you played a 2024 lens on, we wouldn’t necessarily agree
New exhibitions, festivals coming to Science Museum
Free Press staff report
From interactive exhibits to seasonal festivals, the Science Museum of Virginia is gearing up for a year packed with unique experiences. Guests can look forward to a diverse slate of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages with science, technology, engineering and math.
Among the highlights, “Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks,” opens Feb. 1, offering a hands-on journey through architecture and design. Featuring 20 of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers from North America, Asia and Australia, the exhibit showcases more than half a million building bricks. Visitors can also build their own creations with an additional 200,000 bricks available.
The Science Museum also will unveil its new permanent astronomy exhibition, “Orbit,” this spring. With interactive exhibits exploring physics, biology and engineering, the exhibit promises a stellar experience for those eager to explore the cosmos.
On May 31, “Ultimate Dinosaurs,” makes its debut, bringing 20 full-size dinosaur specimens from the Southern Hemisphere to life with augmented reality. This immersive exhibit allows visitors to see intricate skeletons transform into lifelike creatures from the Mesozoic Era.
The museum’s festivals kick off Feb. 1 with the return of “GLOW.” This expanded event will run from 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m., featuring hands-on activities, live demonstrations and special laser shows.
On April 19, the Science Museum will host an Earth Day festival, where community partners will share knowledge about composting, solar power, recycling and other environmental topics.
In September, the museum will introduce “Well Made,” an artistic craft maker event on Sept. 26–27. The festival will feature artisans demonstrating their crafts, from sculpting to painting, while showcasing the intersection of creativity and science.
The Model Railroad Show returns over Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28 through 30, celebrating the museum’s history as a former train station with elaborate displays and engineering feats.
on. As an actor I have to place myself in his shoes and understand his why, and what drove him to treat those boys in that way and to conduct himself in that way. I’m not a father myself, but Joe Jackson was placed in a situation in Gary, Ind. and there were certain scenarios where he felt he had to do what he had to do – ultimately we have Michael Jackson. The question will remain, ‘Was there a different way, was it the right way or wrong way?’
Do you have a favorite scene or musical number: My favorite number to watch is “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” ... every scene has its own importance.
A young visitor builds a tower, previewing the interactive aspect of “Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks,” opening Feb. 1 at the Science Museum of Virginia. The exhibit features iconic skyscrapers and hands-on creativity with more than 200,000 building bricks.
Winter and spring events include “Minds of All Kinds,” a sensory-friendly event on Jan. 24, and the Teacher Resource Fair on Feb. 8. For adults, “Science on Tap: Mystery at the Museum,” offers a night of mystery-solving on Feb. 21.
Guests also can enjoy a Curiosity Camp-In from March 21through 22, where visitors can spend the night exploring the museum.
For full details and ticket information, visit smv.org. Additional spring and summer events will be announced in the coming months.
How has touring been for a national show like this? Is it grueling?
Touring has its pros and cons, doing the show has its pros and cons. The show itself is a beast and I love my cast and my company. Touring is tough, you feel detachment from family, but overall, there’s so much more good and excitement than bad. I take every show and city as a chance to grow.
“MJ the Musical” comes to the Altria Theater in Richmond Jan. 28 through Feb. 2. Showtimes vary. Ticket prices range from $49
Author to discuss book on Doug Wilder’s
mayoral tenure
Free Press staff report
Author Linwood Norman will discuss his book, “When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-Arm Politics in Virginia’s Capital City,” at a free event at the Library of Virginia on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at noon. Norman’s book examines the tenure of L. Douglas Wilder, who became Virginia’s first elected Black governor and returned to public service in 2005 as Richmond’s first popularly elected mayor in 60 years. While Wilder won in a landslide, many voters were unprepared for his strong leadership style. Norman details Wilder’s achievements in reducing crime, cutting government spending and boosting economic vitality, while also highlighting the conflicts with City Council and the School Board.
As a former press secretary to Wilder, Norman offers a unique insider’s perspective on the mayor’s controversial decisions. The book explores the City’s transition to the “strong mayor” form of government, a chapter in Richmond’s political history that continues to spark debate more than 15 years after Wilder’s time in office. Norman, a Richmond native, will hold a book signing following the discussion.
Event registration is available on the Library of Virginia’s website at va-virginia.libcal.com.
Green infrastructure projects planned for Belmont, Hull Street libraries
Free Press staff report
Two Richmond Public Library branches will receive green infrastructure upgrades this year as part of the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative. Improvements are planned for the Belmont Branch, located at 3100 Ellwood Ave., and the Hull Street Branch, at 1400 Hull St., to enhance sustainability and manage stormwater runoff. Residents are encouraged to provide input during public meetings later this month. The Hull Street Branch meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, and the Belmont Branch meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 29. Feedback collected at these meetings, as well as through online and in-branch questionnaires, will shape the final plans for the library grounds.
“We are incredibly excited to be expanding the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative to the Belmont and Hull Street branches,” said Scott Firestine,Richmond Public Library director.
“By incorporating green infrastructure practices like rain
Libraries initiative has implemented green infrastructure site plans at several branches, including Westover Hills, Broad Rock, East End, North Avenue, and West End. These plans have incorporated elements such as trees, conservation landscaping and rain gardens to manage stormwater and improve community spaces. In addition to the upcoming projects, the James River Association is seeking volunteers to help implement a green infrastructure plan at the Ginter Park Branch Library, located at 1200 Westbrook Ave., this spring. Volunteers will assist with planting trees, shrubs and perennials. For more information, visit the thejamesriver.org.
Matthew Murphy
Actor Jordan Markus, center, plays Micheal Jackson in the national tour cast of the musical “MJ.” Actor Devin Bowles, left, plays family patriarch Joe Jackson.
Linwood Norman, author of “When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-Arm Politics in Virginia’s Capital City,” will speak at the Library of Virginia on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at noon. His book examines Wilder’s achievements and controversies as Richmond’s mayor.
Flying Fish
Julianne Tripp Hillian/Richmond Free Press
In sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde pleads for immigrants, transgender rights
By Jack Jenkins Religion News Service
President Donald Trump attended the inaugural prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, Jan. 21, finishing off the festivities marking the beginning of his second term with an interfaith service filled with prayers and hymns — and a sermon that offered a religious challenge to his administration’s stated goals.
About halfway through the service, Trump, seated in the front row, heard a sermon that functioned as one of the first public criticisms of his second administration. After beginning her homily by exploring the difficulty of forging a “kind of unity that fosters community across diversity and division, a unity that serves the common good,” the Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, singled out three foundational principles for the task: honoring the inherent dignity of every human being, honesty and humility.
Near the end of her sermon, Budde directed her remarks to Trump himself, noting the declaration in his inaugural address that he believes he was “saved by God” from an assassination attempt last year.
She then expressed concern for LGBTQ people who may feel targeted by his administration: On Monday evening, Trump signed a blitz of executive orders, including one that condemned “gender ideology” and declared, “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
“Millions have put their trust in you. As you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” Budde said in her sermon. “There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in both Democratic, Republican and independent families who fear for their lives.”
Budde also made a plea for immigrants, a group under fire from Trump’s incoming administration, saying they include people who “pick our crops” and “work the night shift in hospitals,” among other vital roles.
“They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” she
said. “They pay taxes, and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches, mosques and synagogues, gurdwara and temples.”
It was a forceful rebuttal of Trump’s approach to immigration: He has pledged to enact the largest deportation in history, with early reports that his administration may begin conducting deportation raids as early as Tuesday. In addition, among Trump’s first executive orders included a move to end birthright citizenship and a measure declaring a near-total halt of the U.S. refugee admissions program — a move widely opposed by Trump’s religious critics.
Budde then implored the president to “have mercy … on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away. Help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”
She added: “Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were once strangers in this land.”
Budde concluded: “May God grant us all the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, speak the truth in love and walk humbly with one another and our God, for the good of all the people of this nation and the world.”
When Budde processed by the president as she left the service a few minutes later, Trump stared straight ahead.
Other prayers in the service also made reference to immigrants, refugees and the poor.
The service — which Trump officials call a “National Prayer Service” but which cathedral sources referred to as “A Service of Prayer for the Nation” — featured prayers, invocations and Scripture readings from Episcopalian, African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Mennonite, Jewish, Indigenous, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh traditions as well as members from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Attendees, who did not fill the space, also sang a range of hymns and songs, such as “For the Healing of the Nations” and the national anthem.
In addition to Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance also were at the service. So were members of Trump’s family, as well some
of his longtime evangelical supporter and advisers, including Pastor Paula White, former head of his White House faith office; Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas; Pastor Jentezen Franklin, head of Free Chapel in Georgia; Sean Feucht, a musician and activist; and Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of 180 Church in Detroit, who prayed during Trump’s inauguration on Monday shortly before launching his own cryptocurrency.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican’s ambassador to the U.S., also was spotted in the room, as was Pete Hegseth, an evangelical Christian and Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense.
The service differed from past iterations in that the preacher — Budde — was announced before Election Day, and the incoming administration generally had less say over the event. The changes were unveiled in October, with cathedral dean the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith insisting in a statement that “This will not be a service for a new administration.”
The move may have been an attempt to pre-empt the kind of pushback the cathedral faced from liberal-leaning Episcopalians when it agreed to host Trump’s first inaugural
prayer service in 2017, including public criticism voiced by the cathedral’s former dean — who left in 2015 — the Rev. Gary Hall.
“This will have the effect of legitimizing his presidency, which is something I don’t think the Christian community should give him,” Hall said at the time.
But Budde defended the decision at the time, saying she was “trying to create a church where we actually speak to people who see the world differently than we do.”
Even so, Budde was an outspoken critic of Trump during his first term, particularly
when racial justice protesters were forcibly cleared from Lafayette Square just before Trump convened a photo op that included holding up a Bible in front of St. John’s Church. Budde condemned the actions, noting that among those forcibly cleared were an Episcopal priest and a seminarian who were there handing out water to demonstrators at the behest of the diocese.
“The symbolism of him holding a Bible … as a prop and standing in front of our church as a backdrop when everything that he has said is antithetical to the teachings of our traditions and what we stand for as a church — I was horrified,” she told RNS at the time.
RNS photo/Jack Jenkins
The Right Rev. Mariann Budde, right, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, preaches Jan. 21 during the national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral.
WILLIAMS, Plaintiff v. ERIC WILLIAMS, Defendant. Case No.: CL25000036-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 6th day of March, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.
A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR.,
Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER CLYDE WALLACE, Plaintiff v. JANICE BROWN, Defendant. Case No.: CL25000083-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 7th day of March, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests.
A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR., Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER LESLIE WOODARD, Plaintiff v. HENRY WOODARD, JR., Defendant. Case No.: CL25000088-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 7th day of March, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests.
A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR.,
Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER
KIMBERLY SHAW, Plaintiff v. LEA MCCLENDON-SHAW, Defendant. Case No.: CL25000082-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, appear here on or before the 7th day of March, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect her interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR.,
Clerk I ask for this: Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Attorney VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HANOVER JESSICA JOHNSON, Plaintiff v. RYLAND JOHNSON, JR., Defendant. Case No.: CL24003277-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce from the bond of matrimony from the defendant on the ground of living separate and apart without any cohabitation and without interruption for a period exceeding twelve months.
It is ORDERED that the defendant, who has been served with the Complaint by posted service appear here on or before the 7th day of March, 2025 at 9:00 AM and protect his interests. A Copy, Teste: FRANK D. HARGROVE, JR.,
Clerk I ask for this: Dorothy M. Eure, Plaintiff’s Counsel Law Office of Dorothy M. Eure, P.C. VSB# 27724 8460 Mount Eagle Road Ashland, VA 23005 (804 798-9667
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA COUNTY OF HENRICO CIRCUIT COURT KELLEY LATRISE (ROBINSON) MOORE V TERRELLE DELANE OWENS Case No. CL24-8277 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to: OBTAIN A DIVORCE A VINCULLO MATRIMONII OR FROM THE BONDS OF MATRIMONY ON THE GROUNDS OF A ONE YEAR SEPARATION PURSUANT TO §20-91.
It appearing from an affidavit that the defendant is: that diligence has been used without effect, by or on the behalf of the plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city defendant is.
It is ORDERED that Terrelle Delane Owens appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before March 3, 2025 at 9 a.m.
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF HENRICO 4301 EAST PARHAM ROAD HENRICO, VA 23228 DAVID EMMERLING v. RENALYN EMMERLING Case No.: CL24007319-00 ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this suit is to: DIVORCE It is ORDERED that RENALYN EMMERLING appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before March 3, 2025 at 9 a.m. CUSTODY
VIRGINIA: IN THE JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND Commonwealth of Virginia, in re DRE’ONA CLAIBORNE
complete and final adoption.
3. It appearing from an Affidavit, that diligence has been used by or on behalf of the Plaintiff to ascertain in what nation, state, county or city the Defendant resides in without effect. It is ORDERED that the Defendant appear in this Court within fifty days after due publication of this notice on or before March 13, 2025, and protect his interest herein, A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWELL, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: William G. Shields, Esquire (VSB#14200) THE SHIELDS LAW FIRM, PLLC 11512 Allecingie Parkway, Ste C N. Chesterfield, VA 23235 T: 804-594-3966 F: 804-594-3855 (fax) E:Bill.Shields@ theshieldsfirm.com
PROPERTY
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND DONNIE J. AUSTIN, Plaintiff, v. AUGUSTINE J. SMITH, et al., Defendants. CASE NO. CL24004043-00 DED ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of the abovestyled suit is the partition of the property located at 3106 Duncan Road, Richmond, VA 23223. It appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the whereabouts of Defendant, Paulette Austin Freeman, are unknown, it is therefore ORDERED that notice of these proceedings be posted at the front door of the courthouse pursuant to Virginia Code §8.01-317; and it is therefore ORDERED that notice of these proceedings be published in a newspaper or online-only news publication prescribed by the court, once per week for four consecutive weeks and that the Clerk’s Office take appropriate action as required under Virginia Code §8.01-317; and it is therefore ORDERED that a copy of this notice be mailed to the defendants at the address provided in the affidavit pursuant to Va. Code §8.01316; and it is therefore ORDERED that Defendant, Paulette Austin Freeman, appear before this Court on or before the 7th day of Febtuary 2025, and do what is necessary to protect her interests in this suit. A Copy Teste: EDWARD F. JEWETT, Clerk I ASK FOR THIS: D. Gail Holstrom, Esq., VSB#46975 Holstrom Law, PLC 2520 Professional Road, B Richmond, Virginia 23235 (804) 592-0848
ABC LICENSE Gather For Grace LLC Trading as: Grace 6919 Patterson Ave Richmond, Virginia 23226-3627
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC)
AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restaurant - Wine and Beer on/off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Jessica Wilson, Chef/owner NOTE: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc. virginia.gov or (800) 552-3200. Pandora Cafe & House Music Inc. Trading as: Pandora Cafe & House Music 3119 West Moore Street Richmond, Virginia 23230-4419 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC)
AUTHORITY for a Retail Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed
Musician / Director Westwood Baptist Church seeks an experienced Musician / Director to serve on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, beginning in February, 2025. Any/all interested parties are encouraged to apply directly via Indeed / Ziprecruiter or reply to the WBC HR Team at wbcsta ng@gmail.com
