Richmond Free Press June 13-15, 2024 edition

Richmond Free Press

NAACP sues Shenandoah over Confederate names

By Nathaniel Cline

The Virginia NAACP on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the Shenandoah County School Board for what it called “reaffirming discrimination,” after the school system voted to rebrand schools with Confederate names in May.

The lawsuit alleges that the school board violated the U.S. Constitution, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Educational Opportunity Act. The plaintiffs seek to remove the Confederate names, mascots and vestiges and to prevent any future school naming involving Confederate leaders or references to the Confederacy.

On May 10, the Shenandoah County School Board reversed a

2020 decision by a previous board to rename two schools after Confederate Generals Turner Ashby, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. In 2021, the schools on the division’s southern campus, which included North Fork Middle, were renamed from Stonewall Jackson High School to Mountain View, and Ashby-Lee Elementary School to Honey Run.

Shenandoah County Public Schools responded to a request for comment, but did not immediately provide remarks.

“This backward move has received a negative reaction all over the world, and the world is watching to see if this variety of the seeds of hate and disenfranchisement will take root and return Shenandoah County and the commonwealth of Virginia to the days when racial exclusion was the law of the land,” said

Clock is TikTok-ing

TikTok creators brace for app ban

By Darlene M. Johnson

Meghin Martin created a TikTok account two years ago to share her experience working at a local Starbucks. Under the username @ex_barista, Martin asked other TikTok users who worked at the coffeehouse chain if they had been scheduled for only five hours a week as they had. The short video received over 3 million views and comments from other Starbucks workers citing similar experiences.

“TikTok has really blown it up to where I can get thousands of people’s eyes or millions of people’s eyes on one video,” they said.

Martin said their TikTok presence connected them with Starbucks Workers

Please turn to A4

By Sean Murphy Associated Press

The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit by survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, dampening the hope of advocates for racial justice that the city would make financial amends for one of the worst single acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history that left as many as 300 people dead and a once-thriving district in smoldering ruins.

The nine-member court upheld the decision made by a district court judge in Tulsa last year, ruling that the plaintiff’s grievances about the destruction of the Greenwood district,

although legitimate, did not fall within the scope of the state’s public nuisance statute.

“Plaintiffs do not point to any physical injury to property in Greenwood rendering it uninhabitable that could be resolved by way of injunction or other civil remedy,” the court wrote in its decision. “Today we hold that relief is not possible under any set of facts that could be established consistent with plaintiff’s allegations.”

Messages left Wednesday with the survivors’ attorney, Damario Solomon-Simmons, were not immediately returned.

The city said in a statement

the Rev. Cozy Bailey, president of the Virginia NAACP.

On Tuesday, Bailey, members of the state NAACP and their attorneys gathered with about 45 community members and students in front of the Shenandoah County Circuit Court to announce the legal action against the school board’s decision to restore Confederate names to the schools. It appears to be the first school district in the country to do so.

Bailey described the board’s decision on May 10 as “coldhearted” and reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. He said the organization is not trying to revise history, but is “chartering” a better path for the future by learning from the past and not

City Council votes 8-1 to increase their salaries

By George Copeland Jr.

City Council members awarded themselves substantial pay raises Monday night in a near-unanimous vote, the first salary increase for the elected officials in more than two decades.

The approved measures will see council members’ annual salaries jump 80% from $25,000 to $45,000. The city council president’s pay will likewise rise 80% from $27,000 to $47,000.

The significant compensation hikes represent an almost doubling of pay for Richmond’s council members and president. The raises take effect July 1 next year and will apply to the next council term and members when they start in January 2025.

Katherine Jordan, 2nd District, explained the ordinance as a solution to the challenges the current salary presents to those who might seek to serve Richmond, during a Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee meeting last month.

“This current salary, $25,000, is really prohibitive for a lot of people who may want to consider serving our city,” Jordan said during the meeting. “Either you have to be willing and able to forgo a different job or be reliant on someone else to make up the gap.”

Please turn to A4

Katherine Jordan

Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press Poolside fun

Eight-year-old Ziya Harris, a rising third-grader at Fox Elementary School, is excited that school is out and that she can relax in the pool with her colorful noodles keeping her afloat at the Woodville Pool at 305 Fairfield Ave. With her are friends 7-year-old Royalty MacNeir, seated left, 8-year-old Jailynn Bogle, center, and 9-year-

London Brown, all of Richmond. Richmond Parks and Recreation’s city public pools are open. The hours

Photos by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury

Left, Virginia NAACP President Cozy Bailey speaks in front of the Shenandoah County Circuit Court on June 11. Stonewall Jackson High School in Shenandoah County.

Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman via AP, File Lessie Benningfield Randle, a Tulsa Race Massacre survivor, is shown during the House General Government Committee meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol, Oct. 5, 2023. The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit of the last two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Meghin Martin, above Phyllis Kalu

New supportive housing complex opens in East End

Free Press staff report

A new supportive housing community celebrated its grand opening this week in Richmond’s East End. The Cool Lane Commons complex features 86 affordable apartments along with on-site services and amenities for residents.

Developed by the non-profit Virginia Supportive Housing, the $24 million project provides permanent housing for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness or housing instability. Units are reserved for those with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income.

Cityscape

Slices of life and scenes in Richmond

“Today, we’re so excited to celebrate all the work that has made these 86 new supportive apartments possible,” said Jason Snook, board chair of VSH, at the June 11 ribbon cutting ceremony.

The 90,000-square-foot building includes a community room, computer lab, fitness center, laundry facilities, offices for supportive services and parking. The project represents VSH’s largest development to date.

Units range from 500 to 800 square feet and contain private bathrooms and kitchens with full-size appliances. Thirteen apartments are fully accessible for those with disabilities.

“This is how you revitalize a neighborhood and build a better future for everyone,” said Henrico Supervisor Roscoe D. Cooper III. “Cool Lane Commons represents a collective win

Juneteenth holiday closings

In observance of Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19, please note the following: Government offices

City of Richmond offices: Closed.

Henrico County offices: Closed.

Chesterfield County offices: Closed.

State offices: Closed.

Federal offices: Closed.

Public schools

Richmond and Henrico and Chesterfield County public schools: Closed.

Courts

Richmond, Henrico County and Chesterfield County courts: Closed.

Public libraries

Richmond Public Library: Closed. Henrico County and Chesterfield County Public Libraries: Closed.

Library of Virginia: Closed.

CVWMA trash pickup and recycling: Regular pickup Wednesday, June 19.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers: Closed.

ABC stores: Regular business hours.

U.S. Postal Service: No mail or package delivery.

Banks and financial institutions: Closed.

GRTC: GRTC buses will operate a standard weekday schedule Wednesday, June 19, with no express service. The administrative office will be closed.

Free Press offices: Closed.

Free community testing for COVID-19 continues

For the week ending Saturday, June 8, confirmed hospital admissions for COVID-19 in Virginia rose 14.6% from the previous week. No deaths associated with COVID-19 were reported statewide during that timeframe. COVID-19 wastewater levels in Central Virginia remain below detection.

The Richmond and Henrico County health districts are offering testing at the following locations:

• Thursday, June 13, 1 to 5 p.m. - Henrico Arms Apartments, 1566 Edgelawn Circle.

• Friday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Southside Plaza WIC, 509 E. Southside Plaza.

• Wednesday, June 19, 8 to 10 a.m. - East Henrico Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave.; 2 to 4:30 p.m. - St. Luke’s 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 804-371-0433.

• 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 804-2302077.

• Whitcomb Court at 2106 Deforrest St., call 804-786-0555. Call the Richmond and Henrico Call Center at (804) 205-3501 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information on testing sites, or go online at vax.rchd.com.

The Virginia Department of Health also has a list of COVID-19 testing locations around the state at www.vdh.virginia.gov. Want a COVID-19 vaccine?

Those interested can schedule an appointment with RHHD by calling (804) 205-3501. Vaccines.gov also lists nearby pharmacies and clinics that offer the COVID-19 vaccine, and those interested can also text their ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children between the ages of 6 months to 4 years old may need multiple doses of the updated vaccines, depending on their COVID-19 vaccine status and whether they have received Pfizer and Moderna. Waiting periods for additional vaccines range from three to eight weeks or four to eight weeks.

Children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old who are unvaccinated or have received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Those age 12 and older who are unvaccinated should get either one updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two doses of the updated Novavax vaccine. People in that age range who received a vaccine before Sept. 12, 2023, should get one updated Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax vaccine. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and should talk with their health care providers. Information compiled by George Copeland Jr.

for our community.”

Financing for the project came from a variety of local, state, federal and private sources, including low-income housing tax credits and Project Based Vouchers from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. A key supporter and partner of the project is the Faith Community Baptist church, located

across the street from Cool Lane Commons, with leadership from Dr. Patricia Gould-Champ. Cool Lane Commons is also home to VSH’s administrative headquarters, known as the Bren Center. It is named after two of VSH’s original founders and earliest supporters, Karl and Jane Bren.

Lawsuit challenging stadium project dismissed

By George Copeland Jr.

A lawsuit looking to halt the Richmond city government’s plan for the Diamond District’s baseball stadium was dismissed last week. Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant tossed out the suit from attorney Paul Goldman during a hearing last Friday. The suit sought to force a ballot referendum on the planned redevelopment of the Diamond District, specifically a new baseball stadium.

City leadership seems confident that the matter has been settled.

“We are full speed ahead on delivering a world-class baseball stadium and an exciting new neighborhood for all to enjoy,” Mayor Levar M. Stoney said in a statement following the suit’s dismissal. “The Flying Squirrels are here to stay in Richmond!”

A key element of the plan, and the

reason for the lawsuit, is the financing plan for the stadium, which includes the issuing of $170 million in general obligation bonds. City officials have noted this plan comes with some risk of higher taxes for residents if area revenue falls below expectations. They also have stressed the benefits of this choice, including saving potentially over $200 million across 30 years, more money for the Diamond District’s redevelopment and leaving further funding sources open for schools and other city projects. The plan was unanimously adopted by the Richmond City Council. Marchant denied arguments from Goldman and his suit that the ordinance that allows the bonds to be issued violated the

city charter and the state constitution. Citing Goldman’s failure to provide a petition showing adequate community backing for a November referendum, Marchant gave him until June 11, 30 days after the ordinances’ approval, to obtain around 11,000 signatures from Richmond residents in order to qualify the issue for the ballot.

A petition to seek a referendum was filed Monday, according to Goldman, though he didn’t share how many signatures were collected. He also didn’t indicate whether he will appeal the judge’s decision.

“This is about the right to vote,” Goldman said. “That’s all this is about, it has nothing to do not with whether the people want the stadium or not.”

If Goldman doesn’t appeal Marchant’s decision, the redevelopment project is expected to begin later this month with the issuing of the bonds and the groundbreaking in July.

Richmond SPCA offers free pet adoptions through friday

Free Press staff report

The Richmond SPCA is waiving adoption fees for adult pets through June 14 to make space to help overcrowded municipal shelters across Virginia.

“When you [adopt] from the Richmond SPCA, you make it possible for us to help the next animal in need,” said Tamsen Kingry, chief executive officer. “There are municipal shelters all over the commonwealth that are eager for us to transfer dogs and cats to our humane center, and we need the community’s help.”

Free Press staff report

The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are partnering with Richmond Public Schools to provide immunization and physical clinics for students entering seventh and 12th grades this summer.

The health districts and school system encourage families to schedule appointments for rising seventh and 12th-graders to get their required school immunizations and physicals. Appointments can be made with a primary care provider or at one of the at-school clinics in June and July.

“It’s a great time to see your primary care provider for your wellness visit and

Qualified adopters can take home any pet 6 months or older for free this week. The nonprofit uses a conversation-based adoption process to match pets with the right families.

As of Monday, the Richmond SPCA housed 378 pets — 77 available for adoption, 169 in foster homes, and 132 being prepared for adoption.

The SPCA has already scheduled transfers from Caroline and Henrico county shelters this week. If adoptions allow, they also plan to assist shelters in Buckingham, Middlesex, Prince George and Gloucester-Mathews counties.

Last week, the nonprofit adopted out 93 pets while taking in 116 homeless animals. Adoption hours are Wednesday through Friday noon to 7 p.m. at 2519 Hermitage Road in Richmond.

Foster volunteers are crucial in warmer months when many underage kittens arrive needing bottle-feeding, Kingry said. All training, supplies and vet care are provided for foster pets.

get the vaccines your child needs,” said Virginia Slattum, community health nurse supervisor for the health districts. “We partner with Richmond Public Schools to provide another convenient place to get the required vaccines.”

The at-school clinics will offer physicals by appointment and immunizations on a walk-up basis for Richmond students only. Clinics will be held at Huguenot High School on June 13, Henry L. Marsh III Elementary on June 20, River City Middle School on June 27, and Broad Rock Elementary on July 11. All clinics run from 1 to 4 p.m.

Required immunizations for incoming

seventh graders include the Tdap, meningococcal and HPV vaccines. Required for rising 12th-graders is a second dose of the meningococcal vaccine.

Families without insurance or covered by Medicaid can make appointments at the health district clinics. The Vaccines for Children program provides free shots for uninsured, underinsured and Medicaid children. Those with private insurance should see their doctor or pharmacy.

“We want every student ready to learn on the first day,” said Renesha Parks, RPS chief wellness officer. “Physicals and immunizations are critical, and we’re proud to offer these services easily and free.” RPS

Paul Goldman

Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

NAACP sues Shenandoah over Confederate names

Continued from A1

making the same mistakes.

Some people, including a portion of Shenandoah residents who support the school names reversal, believe the Confederacy represents a heritage of Southerners’ courage against the federal Union while fighting for the rights of southern states. Others, including civil rights groups and some Shenandoah students and families, view the Confederacy as defenders of slavery and a foundational part of America’s history of racism.

Between the 1950s and 1960s, local leaders in Shenandoah County named public schools after Confederate leaders.

Since that time, a movement to make schools more inclusive and equitable has advanced in courtrooms and through legislation at the state and federal levels. In recent years, localities statewide have made a concerted effort to address the commonwealth’s history of white supremacist ideology and historical practices of creating unfair advantages for white people by implementing policy changes and hosting community discussions on

City

Council votes 8-1 to increase their salaries

Continued from A1

Jordan also noted during the meeting the salary increases seen recently for city employees, as well as Richmond Public Schools faculty, staff and board members, and saw the increase as ensuring their pay was “slightly more in line” with the duties and tasks that come with their roles.

The ordinance was proposed by City Council President Kristen M. Nye and Andreas D. Addison, 1st District. Councilmember Reva M. Trammell, 8th District, was the sole vote against the increase.

City Council has attempted in the past to raise their salaries, which have been capped for 25 years due to a state law that determined salaries for city councils in Virginia based on the size of the population they serve. A bill signed into law earlier this year by Gov. Glenn Youngkin will remove the salary cap July 1. The new salary increase will go into effect following the November election that will put all City Council seats and the mayor’s seat on the ballot and will be allocated as part of next year’s budget.

these topics.

Several Virginia communities renamed roads that bore the names of people connected to slavery and removed signs and symbols of the Confederacy, such as statues.

Attorneys from the Washington Lawyers’ Committee and Covington & Burling LLP are representing the plaintiffs — the NAACP and five current students in Shenandoah County Public Schools.

Marja Plater, senior counsel with the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, said the Confederate generals believed deeply and fought to preserve the ideology of white supremacy.

“It is what these men are known for,” Plater said. “Honoring them is to honor the legacy

of discrimination.”

According to Ashley Joyner Chavous, an attorney with Covington & Burling, the community was involved early in the process of pushing back against the renamed schools, before the legal team received assistance from families in the community and their “brave” children who stepped up to share their perspectives.

“We’ve only come to learn more, and we look forward to engaging with the community as we proceed in this meditation,” Chavous said.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in the Western District Court of Virginia in Harrisonburg. A judge and court date have not been set.

This story originally appeared at Virginia Mercury.com

TikTok creators brace for app ban

Continued from A1

United, a union of Starbucks workers. Martin’s experience at the store was referenced in a Supreme Court briefing regarding the National Labor Review Board and Starbucks Corp.

Martin has since left Starbucks and now covers other social justice issues, such as the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The 31-year-old said that broadening discussion topics increased the audience on the social media platform.

“I gained 5,000 followers once I started posting more explainer videos and focusing some on social justice and posting outside of the niche of being a Starbucks barista,” Martin said. “A lot of messages about what’s been going on in the world and social justice subjects have been able to spread as much as they have because of TikTok.”

But Martin, along with millions of other TikTok users, is at risk of losing their account. In April, President Biden signed a law to ban the app if it is not sold to a U.S.-approved buyer, by Jan. 19, 2025.

Selling on Social

Phyllis Kalu, 25, created a TikTok account in 2021 but didn’t use it for her herbal medicine company, Soul Earthy, until 2023. Kalu’s account, under the username @soulearthy_llc, has about nine thousand followers. She said her TikTok presence has driven sales, helped her gain more recognition and grow her clientele.

“There’s no other platform in my opinion that has mastered the algorithm the way TikTok has,” Kalu said. “It’s very easy for people to find you just off posting a video.”

Kalu suggests utilizing TikTok to grow a business but warns it should always be used with other marketing strategies.

“I think [the TikTok ban] would hurt a lot of small businesses, but it should also be a lesson to everyone, specifically business owners, that we don’t technically own anything on the internet,” Kalu said. “Our accounts do not belong to us and really they can be stripped away at any given second. So the only place our work is really sustainable is in our communities.”

During the pandemic, Liz Brown listened to a daily morning podcast that featured interviews with real estate agents. The host asked each guest if they used TikTok for their business, and the answer was often “no.” After hearing that same answer repeated, Brown, 43, created her TikTok account in June 2020. She has made at least one video every day since.

Brown, under the username @lizbrownrealtordaily, uses her platform to promote her realty business and provide video coaching to business owners. It was “easier” growing her account at first because it was like “getting to the party early” and she was one of the only real estate agents on TikTok.

“That being said, I think I got to 50,000 followers probably quicker than I got to 60 if you can even imagine that,” Brown said. “It’s just because I got there in the beginning, but it’s the consistency that continues to grow it. It’s changed my whole life.”

The videos least expected to go viral can become the most popular, something Brown teaches her video clients. Sharing other parts of her life outside of her business, like her morning makeup routine, helped grow her account. Brown has also learned not to try to figure out how the algorithm works.

“TikTok is like playing the lottery … if you’re not playing, you’re never going to win,” she said.

Brown is bothered by the idea that a ban could end her ability to express herself on the platform.

“I want freedom, I want free speech and I feel like this platform, more than other platforms, has allowed that,” she said.

Legality Questioned

Many who oppose the ban of TikTok have cited infringement on First Amendment rights, including ByteDance, the creator of TikTok. The tech company has filed a lawsuit claiming that the ban on a com-

munications platform is unconstitutional and that

Congress does not have the power to specifically name an app or platform when creating laws.

This potential ban is “unprecedented,” said Jim Gibson, a law professor at the University of Richmond. There has never been an instance where a single app is “essentially targeted on its own,” Gibson said.

A group of TikTok users have filed their own lawsuit against the federal government, alleging that a ban would restrict their freedom of expression.

“Regardless of whether TikTok has its own First Amendment rights, TikTok users can assert their own First Amendment rights,” Gibson said.

Those who support the TikTok ban, including U.S. legislators, have concerns about national security, what the company does with user data and that the platform is owned by a Chinese company that is subject to influence by their government.

Sen. Mark Warner discussed the app ban in a post from April 25 on X, stating, “To be clear, the law we just passed only forces a divestiture of TikTok from its parent company – which is legally required to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party.” He added that “TikTok can still exist & thrive in the US. It just can’t be controlled by one of our biggest adversaries.”

One person who has changed his mind about the platform is Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who joined TikTok recently despite attempting to ban the app during his presidency with an executive order.

Gibson said he expects the law to be vulnerable to challenges based on the First Amendment.

“If Congress had passed ... specific findings about TikTok’s practices that raise national security concerns or data privacy concerns then the courts have more to work with when it comes to justifying the ban,” Gibson said. “When you simply ban or demand divestment of the company and you don’t really give much of an explanation, then it’s harder to justify under the First Amendment.”

Martin, the former Starbucks employee,, believes there will be “a lot of angry, angry people” if TikTok is banned and that it will be a detriment to the community.

“A lot of messages about … social justice subjects have been able to spread as much as they have because of TikTok,” Martin said. “... When you go and scroll through TikTok, you’ll actually see the people...posting about it. Getting it from the firsthand experience is more powerful...than hearing about it through the news.”

The lack of a solid explanation for why the ban should occur could make it easier to challenge. The lack of justification for the imposition of speech is also “very damaging to the bill’s ability to resist a First Amendment pushback,” Gibson said.

Oklahoma Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit of last Tulsa Race Massacre survivors seeking reparations

that it “respects the court’s decision and affirms the significance of the work the City continues to do in the North Tulsa and Greenwood communities,” adding that it remains committed “to working with residents and providing resources to support” the communities.

The suit was an attempt to force the city of Tulsa and others to make recompense for the destruction of the once-thriving Black district by a white mob. In 1921 — on May 31 and June 1 — the white mob, including some people hastily deputized by authorities, looted and burned the district, which was referred to as Black Wall Street.

As many as 300 Black Tulsans were killed, and thousands of survivors were forced for a time into internment camps overseen by the National Guard. Burned bricks and a fragment of a church basement are about all that survive today of the more than 30-block historically Black district.

The two survivors of the attack, Lessie Benningfield Randle and Viola Fletcher, who are both now over 100 years old, sued in 2020 with the hope of seeing what their attorney called “justice in their lifetime.” A third plaintiff, Hughes Van Ellis, died last year at age 102.

The court also determined the plaintiffs’ allegations did not sufficiently support a claim for unjust enrichment, which it said are typically

limited to contractual relationships.

Other defendants in the case included the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Tulsa County Commissioners, the Tulsa County Sheriff and the Oklahoma Military Department.

The lawsuit was brought under Oklahoma’s public nuisance law, arguing that the actions of the white mob continue to affect the city today. It contended that Tulsa’s long history of racial division and tension stemmed from the massacre.

The city and insurance companies never compensated victims for their losses, and the massacre ultimately resulted in racial and economic disparities that still exist today, the lawsuit argued. It sought a detailed accounting of the property and wealth lost or stolen in the massacre, the construction of a hospital in North Tulsa and the creation of a victims compensation fund, among other things.

Public nuisance claims are typically used to address local concerns like blighted homes, illegal drug-dealing or dangerous animals. Such claims were used in lawsuits that states brought against tobacco companies in the 1990s and against opioid drug makers, but many of those led to settlements rather than trials.

In 2019, Oklahoma’s attorney general used the public nuisance law to force opioid drug maker Johnson & Johnson to pay the state $465 million in damages. The Oklahoma Supreme Court overturned that decision two years later.

Alvin C. Krupnick Co./Library of Congress via AP, File

In this 1921 image provided by the Library of Congress, smoke billows over Tulsa, Okla.

Liz Brown

Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury

A crowd gathers in front of the Shenandoah County Circuit Court on June 11 after the Virginia NAACP announced it has filed a lawsuit against the Shenandoah County School Board for allegedly “reaffirming discrimination” when it voted to return the original Confederate school names on May 10.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., a foundational figure in the Civil Rights Movement and an original Freedom Rider, passed away at 95, his family announced on Monday. Lawson, who dedicated his life to advocating nonviolent protest, died Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Los Angeles following a short illness.

Lawson’s commitment to nonviolence and civil rights profoundly impacted the movement. He was a close adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who hailed him as “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” During a three-year stay in India, Lawson’s studies of Mohandas K. Gandhi’s independence movement significantly influenced his understanding of nonviolent resistance.

S. Barry, Diane Nash, James Bevel and Bernard Lafayette, to withstand violent reactions from white authorities.

Born in Uniontown, Pa., on Sept. 22, 1928, and raised in Massillon, Ohio, Lawson’s early experiences with racism and the contrasting influences of his parents — his father, an itinerant African Methodist Episcopal minister, and his Jamaicanborn mother, who believed in resolving conflicts peacefully — shaped his lifelong commitment to nonviolent resistance. At age 10, an incident where he slapped a white child who had insulted him was a pivotal moment. His mother’s admonishment that love and intelligence were stronger than hate left an indelible mark on him.

Lawson’s activism began in earnest as an Ohio Oberlin College student. After spending 13 months in prison for refusing to register for the draft during the Korean War, he met King in 1957. The two young pastors quickly bonded over their admiration for Gandhi’s ideas. King urged Lawson to use these ideas in the American South due to his firsthand experiences.

In 1960, Lawson orchestrated sit-ins that led to the desegregation of public accommodations in Nashville, one of the first major Southern cities to do so. His workshops trained activists, including future leaders like John Lewis, Marion

Lawson’s activism placed him at the heart of several key events in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1961, he was one of the first Freedom Riders arrested in Jackson, Miss., for attempting to integrate interstate bus and train travel. During the 1965 “Bloody Sunday” march in Selma, Ala., he was among the protesters beaten by authorities at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In 1968, while pastoring in Memphis, he persuaded King to support the city’s striking sanitation workers. King’s assassination followed shortly after, and years later, Lawson visited James Earl Ray, King’s convicted assassin, in prison. Lawson ministered to Ray and publicly supported theories suggesting Ray had been framed.

Throughout his career, Lawson remained steadfast in his commitment to nonviolence, even as segments of the Black community shifted toward militancy and separatism. His activism extended beyond civil rights to include opposition to the Vietnam War, support for labor unions, gay rights, expanded abortion access, and liberalized immigration policies.

In 1974, Lawson became the senior pastor of Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, where he served until his retirement in 1999. His teachings continued through his role as a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University, which had expelled him 46 years earlier for his activism. Vanderbilt invited him back in 2006 and requested his papers for their archives.

Lawson is survived by his wife, Dorothy Wood, his son, John C. Lawson II, a brother, and three grandchildren. His son, C. Seth Lawson, died in 2019. His life and work are a testament to the nonviolent resistance’s power and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

“If Dr. King was our modern-day Christ, James Lawson was John the Baptist,” the Rev. Mark Thompson stated.

Rev. James Lawson

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY’S REQUEST TO REVISE ITS FUEL FACTOR CASE NO. PUR-2024-00078

On May 1, 2024, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Company” or application (“Application”) pursuant to Code § 56-249.6 to revise its fuel factor

Dominion’s total fuel factor consists of a current period factor (“Current Period Factor”) and a prior period factor (“Prior Period Factor”). For the July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 fuel year (“Rate Year”), the Company projects jurisdictional fuel expenses, including purchased power expenses, of approximately $2.178 billion, which results in a Current Period Factor rate of 2.4725 cents per kilowatthour (“¢/kWh”). Dominion proposes a Prior Period Factor rate of (0.3990) ¢/kWh.

The Prior Period Factor is designed to credit approximately $265.660 million to customers, which represents (i) the projected June 30, 2024, over recovery balance of approximately $263.384 million associated with recovery of the July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, current period expense and (ii) the projected June 30, 2024, over-recovery balance of approximately $2.275 million associated with recovery of the remaining June 30, 2023, prior period expense.

Together, these components result in a total fuel factor rate of 2.0735 ¢/kWh for the Rate Year. This represents a 0.7852 ¢/kWh decrease from the total fuel million when applied to the Company’s projected current period kWh sales over the Rate Year. Implementation of the total fuel factor rate of 2.0735 ¢/kWh would decrease the bill of a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month by $7.85 per month over the Rate Year.

Interested persons are encouraged to review the Application and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on the Application. Pursuant to Code § 56-249.6, the Commission also directed Dominion to implement the proposed rate decrease on an interim basis for usage on and after July 1, 2024.

On October 3, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic portion of the hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public 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 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)371-9141. This public witness portion of the hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting

On October 3, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from Dominion, any respondents, and the Commission’s

An electronic copy of the public version of the Company’s Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Elaine S. Ryan, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or eryan@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons scc.virginia. gov/pages/Case-Information.

On or before September 26, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Application electronically by following the instructions on the scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments such comments 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. All comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00078.

On or before July 23, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as

Commission at the address listed above. 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. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5 20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the 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 00078.

Commission, at , any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical 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

Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00078.

Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects,

Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

The Commission’s Rules of Practice, the public version of the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Order Establishing 2024-2025 Fuel Factor scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case Information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Richmond Free Press

Editorial Page

June 13-15, 2024

Rewinding a Reckoning

When police officers murdered Minneapolis resident George Floyd in 2020, and America went through what some people called a “racial reckoning,” a portion of the population seemed ready to have that “talk” about power and privilege that they had been avoiding. As fleeting at this moment was, it did create a cultural shift in business as usual that would’ve been unlikely years before.

Some of the changes didn’t last long. Corporations and colleges quietly removed positions at their organizations that were created to guide their organizations toward “diversity, equity and inclusion.” Once a major part of the political discourse, the term “police reform” seems to have vanished from the conversation. Despite calls to “defund the police,” most cities gave them a raise in 2022, according to a Los Angeles Times story.

The more substantial and lasting changes, however, may have been the symbolic ones. Sports teams named after Native Americans finally got new names. Confederate flags were taken down, along with statues of soldiers and generals who fought beneath it. Musical acts, such as Lady Antebellum and Dixie Chicks, shed their old monikers. And so did a lot of public schools. Including two in Shenandoah County, where School Board representatives recently decided they want the old names back.

This week, the Virginia NAACP filed suit against the Shenandoah County School Board for, in a sense, re-upping on racism when they decided to rename schools after Confederate leaders Turner Ashby, Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The board’s unfortunate decision is a sobering reminder that while events of 2020 made people start to think about racism, making real change takes years of work. And that we’ve come too far to turn around now.

Pick your shots

The sudden rise in the popularity of the WNBA seems to have caught the usual commentators on television and the internet off guard. For many of them, this a new game, although the league has been around since 1996. But that hasn’t stopped them from making the same kind of “hot takes’’ about players and teams that they have been known for. It hasn’t gone over so well for some of them.

The host of ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” had to apologize after calling WNBA star Caitlin Clark a “white bitch.” He said he meant it as a compliment. Stephen A. Smith, the host of ESPN’s “First Take,” was politely dressed down by a colleague when he attempted to position himself as a supporter of the league. She reminded him that he could’ve done a lot more, if he wanted to. NBA veteran Charles Barkley defended Clark, on a podcast recently, attributing some player criticism of her as “petty jealousy.”

The men making these comments are supposed to be the experts. In time, as the league grows and adjusts to its newfound attention, perhaps their thoughts and opinions will mature as well. For now, when asked about the WNBA, they might want to take a cue from NBA greats like Isaiah Thomas and Arvydas Sabonis — and pass.

Black-eyed Susans in Seven Hills School Garden

News that a conservative nonprofit legal group is challenging Evanston, Ill.’s groundbreaking reparations program got me thinking about the many attempts to redress the wrongs of systemic racism through monetary compensation.

Americans have a long tradition of offering reparations for slavery, only to see them clawed back.

During the Civil War, President Lin coln signed the District of Co lumbia Eman cipation Act bill on April 16, 1862, which freed enslaved people in the nation’s capital and paid their former owners who were loyal to the Union up to $300 in compensation for every individual freed.

But little was offered to the freed individuals except their freedom, which was no small matter. Lincoln’s bill signing continues to be celebrated with an annual holiday and parades in Washington, D.C., on April 16.

The issue of reparations for slavery endures, especially among African-Americans, with such questions as, what happened to our “40 acres and a mule?”

That’s a phrase that grew out of Gen. William T. Sherman’s order to reserve tillable land seized from the Confederates and give it to the formerly enslaved.

But Lincoln was assassinated before that was implemented, and Lincoln’s successor, Andrew Johnson, worked to reverse the initiative.

Fast forward. As a descendant of freed American slaves, I have long felt the chances of anything like reparations actually happening for me and my family were too remote to care much about. But in more recent years, the reparations movement

has lowered its sights to local actions.

Evanston’s City Council approved a program in 2021 that already has disbursed more than $3 million and has plans to distribute at least $11 million more. It’s aimed at compensating Black descendants of people who lived in the North Shore suburb between 1919 and 1969, when racial discrimination and neighborhood segregation were rampant.

Now, in a self-styled blow against what’s often called “reverse discrimination,” Judicial Watch, a conservative Washington, D.C.-based legal foundation, in a lawsuit accuses the anti-discrimination program of discriminating against nonBlacks by providing money only to African-American households. It filed suit against the city, arguing the program is discriminatory. Against non-Black people.

Under the program, qualified

recipients must have forebears who identified as Black and lived in Evanston during the specified half-century. Of course, those who are Black and lived in Evanston as adults during that period qualify. And Black adults who lived in Evanston after 1969 and can show they were victims of housing discrimination also qualify. Judicial Watch calls the program “nothing more than a ploy to redistribute tax dollars to individuals based on race.”

Judicial Watch’s lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court, names as plaintiffs six people whose relatives once lived in Evanston during that 50-year period. None of the plaintiffs or their relatives identify as Black, the lawsuit says. Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that the program awards applicants up to $25,000 based on their race, without having to prove they or their relatives faced housing discrimination. It’s a purported class action suit that, among other things, demands $25,000 for non-Black Evanstonians who are members of the class Judicial Watch defines.

The city declined to comment on the suit, but Kamm Howard, national co-chair of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, expressed confidence in an interview that the program will survive this legal challenge if judged not as a discrimination case but as a human rights case, using international standards for crimes against humanity.

CO2 pipelines a bad deal — follow the money

“Isn’t it sad that money controls everything?”

That is what Kim Junker says, as she laments the iron grip wealthy pipeline interests seem to have over some of Iowa’s most powerful lawmakers. What she is referring to is a years-long fight against a massive carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline project planned to run through the state.

by allowing them to challenge eminent domain requests in court earlier in the permitting process. Hardly radical stuff. By comparison in neighboring Illinois, state lawmakers just passed a moratorium on all CO2 pipeline projects for two years or until the federal government issues new safety rules.

“We do not take these avenues of redress because of discrimination but because human rights have been abused,” said Howard, who has worked with Evanston. Therefore, he argued, the legality of reparations should be subject to international standards that outlaw apartheid, slavery and other crimes against humanity. We’ll see. Howard has spoken at international conferences about a “new paradigm of reparations activism.” This may be an example of it. But international standards of human rights have had limited impact in the United States.

Other local governments across the nation are watching to see what happens in Evanston. But, judging by similar civil rights cases in the past— for example, affirmative action litigation—the more narrowly they can tailor the remedies the better their chances of success. The writer is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

Junker and her husband own farmland in both Grundy and Butler Counties where they grow corn and soybeans. She describes a “David vs. Goliath” fight. The irony is that in this case, David – at least in terms of the number of people on that side of the fight – is bigger.

The Iowans fighting the pipelines, and the use of eminent domain to seize people’s land for the projects, are a wideranging coalition of farmers and landowners, environmentalists, county supervisors and attorneys, and others. It is a coalition that crosses all party lines. Junker herself identifies as a Republican-raised conservative who is also a conservationist.

The bill that was in front of legislators this year was overwhelmingly popular (as is opposition to the pipeline project). Written to maximize its chance of passage, it would have protected landowners’ due process rights

The bill in Iowa passed the Republican-majority Iowa House of Representatives in March on a whopping 86-7 vote, with massive bipartisan

support. But this year, just like last year, the bill was killed in the state Senate before it could receive a floor vote.

Organizers in Iowa think the bill would have had enough support in the Senate to pass if it got a floor vote. Yet a handful of Senate leaders continue to prevent that… and, in doing so, are conveniently preventing it from getting to the governor’s desk.

You see, Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind the current pipeline plans, is owned by one of the state’s largest GOP donors and one of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ biggest benefactors: Bruce Rastetter.

The CO2 pipelines in question are part of a Carbon Capture and Storage project, to help capture carbon emissions from the many ethanol plants across the states and pipe them out

of state for deep underground storage. There are many reasons why CCS pipelines are not a good solution for curbing carbon emissions. Not the least of which is that the pipelines themselves are dangerous. In 2020, a plume of CO2 from a ruptured nearby pipeline settled over Satarcia, Mississippi. Residents felt the effects within minutes. More than 200 were evacuated and 45 people were hospitalized. Experts say it was incredibly lucky no one died. Three years later, some residents reported still dealing with residual health issues like severe asthma attacks, headaches, muscle tremors, and trouble concentrating.

The CO2 pipelines also harm the soil and reduce crop yields – a major concern for farmers. And for people like the Junkers, who have worked hard to own and maintain their land, the threat of losing their land is perhaps the worst dagger in the heart.

Junker says if these eminent domain claims to Iowans’ land were for a public good, it might be a different story – “if it was a road or bridge, or something that was a necessity … but it’s not. It’s not for the public good.”

She calls it a “scam.”

“They’re going to use our tax dollars to steal our land from us… they’re getting all these tax credits and subsidies to do this. We pay for that.”

The writer is the executive director of the Sierra Club and a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

Sandra Sellars/Richmond

Clarence Page

Ben Jealous

Black woman’s bid to buy Virginia Beach home faces illegal barrier, echoes of the past

People who overstate the racial progress America has witnessed over the past several decades need to be reminded, every so often, of the discrimination that still lurks in housing, education, employment and the like.

An African-American woman’s quest to buy a pricey condo near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront – impeded by the white homeowner’s refusal because of her race – is just the latest example.

The bias Raven Baxter faced, detailed in a recent article in The New York Times, was only unusual in this way:

Jane Walker, 84, candidly told her agent why she didn’t want Baxter, a molecular biologist and social media maven with a quarter-million online followers, to buy the condo. Housing rights officials say

this week. “And we forget racism isn’t something that we just leave in the past. It’s something that can pop up at any time.”

Indeed. Progress isn’t always linear. We often move forward in fits and starts. Or even fall backward.

Also, unless you’re the person directly affected by such bias, it’s very easy to dismiss.

Baxter seems somewhat taken aback by all that’s happened since she went public with her housing story. “I’ve kind of been overwhelmed [by] how deep of an issue this is,” she said. She declined to answer some of my questions, includ-

discriminatory homeowners and landlords frequently use subtle methods or mask the real reasons why they don’t want people to move in.

In the Virginia Beach transaction, however, the unspoken part was said out loud: Walker didn’t want to sell to a Black person.

The incident got tons of publicity because Baxter wrote about it on X (formerly Twitter), where she has more than 165,000 followers. She also has her own website, Dr. Raven the Science Maven

“I think that because we’ve come so far in history, we think that things can’t happen anymore,” Baxter, 30, told me

ing whether she’ll still buy the condo. However, an official with 757 Realty, the company assisting her, told me the closing is scheduled in August.

Baxter also has filed discrimination claims with the Virginia Fair Housing Office and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, The Times reported.

Baxter was born and raised in Buffalo. She works remotely for a New York hospital and lives in Northern Virginia with her partner, Ronald Gamble Jr., 35, a theoretical astrophysicist. Baxter wanted to own property outright, and Gamble encouraged her to find a house near the beach, a longtime dream of

hers, The Times said.

She viewed the Virginia Beach condo online and liked what she saw. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a marble fireplace. It’s a stone’s throw from a country club golf course, and it’s a quick walk to the beach and

Roger Chesley

Atlantic Ocean.

Baxter contacted a listing agent, did a virtual tour and agreed to the $749,000 asking price. She made a down payment. She and Gamble saw the condo in person May 17. That’s the same day when the owner’s agent, Susan Pender of Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty, introduced them to Walker, the seller.

757 Realty provided me a chronology of events. That narrative said shortly after Baxter and Gamble left the condo May 17, Walker told her agent – Pender – that she didn’t want to sell to Baxter because of her race. Pender relayed that information to the folks at 757 Realty.

One disagreement between buyer and seller was a decadesold air-conditioning system that needed to be upgraded. It’s unclear if that affected the seller’s attitude and demeanor.

Neither Pender nor her boss returned my messages. No one answered when I rang the doorbell at that condo this week, which is on the Virginia Beach Historical Register It’s telling, however, that none of the principals denied the biased statement occurred.

Discrimination in housing in the United States is illegal for home sellers and their real estate agents under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Yet racial bias remains an issue, along with discrimination based on skin color, national origin, religion, disability and other protected classes covered by federal law.

“We’ve had other complaints of direct use of racial slurs,” Brenda Castañeda, deputy director for advocacy for HOME of Virginia, told me. “I haven’t seen one this blatant or open.”

Her nonprofit organization assists residents who believe they have faced housing discrimination. It also sends in testers of different races to check if people are being given the same information, or whether some folks are steered elsewhere.

Baxter’s story is similar to the claims of actor Wendell Pierce, who says his rental application for a Harlem apartment was rejected by a white landlord. “Racism and bigots are real,” he said on X this week “There are those who will do anything to destroy life’s journey for Black folks.”

The National Fair Hous-

ing Alliance said in its most recent report covering specific trends that more than 33,000 fair housing complaints were recorded in 2022, the most in a single year.

The tally might only be a fraction of the actual total, the Washington-based coalition said, because “most incidents of housing discrimination go undetected or unreported.”

The organization continued: “Housing providers may lie about the availability of housing units or the monthly rent for apartments, steering Black people, Latinos, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans to rent or buy homes only in neighbor-

hoods of color.”

Another problem is the disparate treatment appraisers dole out as property owners place their homes on the market. I’ve written before about how African American home sellers are often given lower appraisals, only to receive more expensive ones when they obliterate any hint a Black family lives there.

John Robertson IV, spokesman for the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, told me the state’s Fair Housing Office has received 318 complaints this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

Nearly 25% were race-based.

The whole situation has been a whirlwind for Baxter, who thought buying the condo would be routine.

“The only color that should matter in a real estate transaction is green,” she told me. Even in 2024, that’s not always the case. The writer is columnist at the Virginia Mercury, where this commentary was originally published.

Most penalties for breaking the law, though, are civil ones, Castañeda said. Rarely does anyone face jail time. That should change. Without the threat of going behind bars, there’s little to compel racist property owners to do the right thing.

Roger Chesley/Virginia Mercury

The condo Raven Baxter agreed to spend $749,000 on sits two blocks from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Baxter was told the seller didn’t want her to buy the condo because she’s Black.

Hermitage grad Journette named HBCU National Player of Year

Justin Journette’s baseball reputation has gone national.

The Norfolk State junior left fielder was named HBCU National Player of the Year by Black College Nines.

Journette, who starred at Hermitage High School in Virginia before enrolling at NSU, hit .304 for the Spartans with 15 home runs, 47 RBIs and a .391 on-base percentage.

He also had 10 doubles and 3 triples. Norfolk State competes in the Northeast Conference since the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference doesn’t have enough baseballplaying members.

Basketball Hall of Famer dies at 84

Chet Walker, a key component on one of the most illustrious teams in NBA history with the 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers, died Saturday, June 8, 2024. He was 84.

Known as “Chet the Jet,” the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 19.3 points and 8.1 rebounds for the 76ers team that posted a 68-13 regular season record before winning the NBA title.

Philadelphia defeated Cincinnati 3-1 in the semifinals, Boston 4-1 in the Eastern finals and Golden State 4-2 to claim the championship. The 76ers’ 68-13 mark was the best regular season record at the time, later surpassed by Golden State’s 73-9 in 2015-16, the Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 in 1995-96 and the Los Angeles Lakers’ 69-13 in 1971-72. The 1966-67 Sixers were also one of the first teams to have an all-Black starting lineup of Walker, Luke Jackson, Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer and Wali Jones.

A two-time All-American at Bradley, Walker was the 12th overall pick of the 1962 draft by the Syracuse Nationals, who later relocated and became the 76ers. He played 13 seasons, averaged 18.2 points and 7.1 rebounds and was a seven-time All-Star for Syracuse, Philadelphia and the Chicago Bulls.

Neugebauer

smashes

NCAA decathlon record, aims for Olympic gold

With his chiseled 6-foot-7, 240-pound physique, Leo Neugebauer looks like he could be a basketball power forward, football tight end or even heavyweight boxing champ. Instead, the 23-year-old excels at the decathlon, a 10-event, two-day grind that challenges every muscle in the body. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, to a German mother and Cameroonian father, the University of Texas graduate recently repeated as NCAA decathlon champion in Eugene and has his sights set on the Paris Olympics and a gold medal.

Stories by Fred Jeter

Fifth-year backcourt fuels VCU hoops hopes for new season

If an experienced backcourt is the key to success, VCU’s Rams have reason for optimism.

Coach Ryan Odom’s Rams will have four guards — all arriving as transfers — entering their fifth season of college hoops.

This became possible when Max Shulga, All Atlantic-10 a season ago, returned to the Rams’ roster after transferring to Villanova.

The other fifth-year Rams guards are returnees Zeb Jackson and Joe Bamisile and newcomer Phillip Russell.

The NCAA created this fifth season of eligibility by giving all players a “bonus season” due to the problems associated with the 2020-21 pandemic-plagued campaign.

Here’s some background:

Shulga: The 6-foot-5 Ukrainian native played three seasons at Utah State before transferring to VCU a year ago. He came to VCU along with former Utah State Coach Odom.

Shulga averaged 14 points with 86 three-pointers, 135 assists and 141-for-

2161 free-throw accuracy. He looms as a candidate for A10 Player of Year. He logged 33 minutes per game.

Jackson: Following two seasons at University of Michigan, the 6-foot-4 transferred to VCU (under than Coach Mike Rhoades) where he will be entering his third season as a Ram. Jackson, a Toledo native, averaged 11.4 points with 119 assists in 29.6 minutes per contest.

Bamisile: A product of Monacan High in Chesterfield, the versatile 6-foot-4 athlete came to VCU after one season each at Virginia Tech, George Washington and Oklahoma. “Bam” averaged 13.1 points with 64 treys in 23.2 minutes per.

Russell, 5-foot-10, arrives after stops at St. Louis, Southeast Missouri State and Texas-Arlington. The St. Louis native averaged 15 points in 29 minutes, shot 38% on 3-pointers and 85% at the foul line.

Freshmen guards are Brandon Jennings, the Metro Player of the Year from St. Christopher’s, and Terrence Hill Jr. from Portland, Ore.

VCU also adds 6-foot-9 Jack Clark, who played at La Salle, North Carolina State and Clemson. He’s in his sixth year after a medical redshirt.

VCU was 24-14 last season, reaching the A-10 finals and NIT third round.

Non-conference games this season include Boston College in Annapolis, Md., on Nov. 8; at New Mexico on Dec. 18; and the Charleston (South Carolina) Classic from Nov. 21-24 against teams such as Nevada, Miami, Oklahoma State and Seton Hall.

Home games so far are Bellarmine (Kentucky) and Loyola (Maryland).

VCU will play at New Mexico in Albuquerque Dec. 18. The Lobos come to Richmond in 2025. Odom’s squad will play three games Nov. 21, 22 and 24 in the Charleston, S.C., Classic. Other entries include Nevada, Miami, Fla, Oklahoma State, Seton Hall and Florida Atlantic.

Squirrels’ McCray takes flight

There is a posted speed limit on Arthur Ashe Boulevard that runs by The Diamond, but there is no limit on speed on the base paths or in the outfield grass inside the stadium.

Grant McCray, perhaps the swiftest man in the San Francisco Giants organization, is building momentum in his first season with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

The 23-year-old centerfielder was named Eastern League Player of the Week for May 20-26. Competing on the road at Bowie, Md., McCray was 11-for-20 with a homer, three doubles, two triples, eight runs scored and five runs batted in.

It took the 6-foot-2 left-handed swinging native Floridian a spell to hit his stride on the Class AA level. His batting average was hovering in the mid .100’s before the recent surge.

Through games of May 31, he had juiced his average to .220 in 150 at bats with six homers, 33 RBI and six stolen bases in six tries.

McCray ranks 19th in the EL in extrabase hits with 19 and sixth in doubles with 11. All the while he’s run down numerous fly balls in center with his blazing speed and sure glove.

His stolen base totals will likely expand once his on-base percentage does.

McCray stole 52 bases last season for High-A Eugene, Ore., and 43 bases the year before for Eugene and Low-A San Jose.

His minor league total of 125 steals has come with just 35 times caught stealing.

Still, even the wing-footed McCray will be challenged to run down another fast man — his father, Rodney.

Between 1984 and 1993, Rodney McCray swiped 365 bags, including nine in brief big league stints with the Chicago White Sox in 1990 and 1991 and New York Mets in 1992.

There’s more to this speedy family.

Grant’s younger sister, Sydney, stole 51 bases in 53 tries this spring for Florida Southwestern State College,

while hitting .347. The Flying Squirrels’ record for most steals in a season is 50, set by outfielder Johneshwy Vargas in 2019. Vargas is now playing in Mexico.

Richmond’s all-time record for pilfering bags likely won’t be broken soon.

In 1969, Ralph Garr, “The Roadrunner,” stole 63 bags in 76 attempts for the AAA

Richmond Braves.

Negro Leagues remembered

The Flying Squirrels return to The Diamond for a six-game series, June 2530, against the Somerset Patriots, the AA affiliate of the New York Yankees.

On Saturday, June 29, the 6:05 p.m. game promotion will be Negro Leagues Heritage Night, followed by fireworks.

Ex-Norfolk State star Mauricio one step from yankee Stadium

In Eugene, Neugebauer set an NCAA decathlon record with 8,961 points, breaking his own mark of 8,836 from a year ago. His 8,961 ranks sixth-highest worldwide. Bruce Jenner won the 1976 Olympic decathlon with 8,616 points. At Eugene, Mississippi State’s Peyton Bair was second at 8,131. The world record of 9,126 was set by Frenchman Kevin Mayer in 2016. As of June 4, he ranked third internationally behind Canadians Pierce Lepage and 2020 Olympic champ Damian Warner.

Should the New York Yankees need to add a relief pitcher later this season, Alex Mauricio would be glad to oblige.

The former Manchester High and Norfolk State right-hander is now on the roster of the Triple-A International League’s Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

That means he’s one step from the Yankee Stadium bullpen.

In his first 14 outings for the RailRiders, Mauricio had 28 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings and a 1.07 ERA.

He suffered a minor setback on May 31 when he was placed on the seven-day injured list. He should return to the team’s bullpen by mid-June.

Mauricio starred as a pitcher and hitter at Norfolk State and was the 2017 MEAC

Player of the Year. His older brother Jonathan also played for Manchester and Norfolk State. Even as a pro, he is listed as a “pitcher/shortstop/ third baseman” by Baseball Reference even though he has not hit or played a position other than pitcher in the pros.

The 6-foot, 180-pound athlete has played on the Yankees’ Gulf Coast Rookie team, and for Charleston, W.Va., Staten Island, N.Y., Hudson Valley, N.Y. and Somerset, N.J., climbing the organization’s farm ladder. For his pro career entering this week, the reliever was 11-7 with a 3.71 ERA in 98 games with 187 strikeouts in 189 innings. He lost much of the 2018 and 2019 seasons to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. The son of Romauld and Carolina Mauricio played much of the 2023 season and the start of 2024 for the Double-A Somerset Patriots of the Eastern League, of which the Richmond Flying Squirrels are a member.

Should Mauricio, now 27, get the call from the parent Yankees, he would join Terry Bradshaw on Norfolk State’s list of big leaguers. Bradshaw, from Franklin, Va., played in the outfield with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1995.

Alex Mauricio

Chet Walker

Zeb Jackson Phillip Russell

Max Shulga Joe Bamisile

Coach Odom

Justin Journette

Leo Neugebauer

Grant McCray

Personality: Lindsay Kylene Bunting Eubanks

Throughout her career, Lindsay Kylene Bunting Eubanks has prioritized service to others. As an attorney with Sands Anderson, a Richmond-based law firm, she supports their Litigation Group. She said her work as a legal ally requires being proactive and remaining nimble.

In her five years with the firm, she’s enjoyed many professional highlights. However, through her philanthropic work, as board chair of ReEstablish Richmond, Eubanks is able to combine her faith-based values with her drive to give back to the community.

ReEstablish Richmond facilitates the integration of refugees into the city, enabling them to lay a foundation and establish themselves.Typically, refugee resettlement agencies support refugees during their first six months in the U.S., but ReEstablish Richmond helps refugees well beyond that time period. It connects refugees to the resources needed to establish roots, build community and become self-sufficient.

The organization works with refugees from all over the world, each with their unique challenges. From language barriers to societal norms, the struggle to assimilate is real.

Eubanks said many refugees find Richmond a reprieve because they no longer have to struggle to survive death and starvation. Some are sad because they’ve left family members behind — knowing they can never return. Eubanks highlights the significant contributions of numerous hard-working and intelligent immigrants to Virginia, implying that the challenges faced by refugees are ultimately rewarding.

“The American experiment is supposed to be about overcom-

Spotlight on board chair for ReEstablish Richmond

ing cultural differences,” she says. “Cultural sensitivity is important. It’s an uphill battle sometimes.”

As a mother of four, Eubanks spent 14 years as a stay-at-home mom before pursuing her law degree. She reduced her hours to balance her roles as an attorney, mother and board chair. Now it’s all coming together to help an underserved population.

Meet a lawyer who lends her legal expertise to those in need and this week’s Personality, Lindsay Kylene Bunting Eubanks:

Volunteer position: Chair, ReEstablish Richmond Board of Directors.

Occupation: Attorney.

Date and place of birth: 1980 in Newport News.

Where I live now: Henrico.

Education: Bachelor’s, University of Virginia, double major in political and social thought and French, juris doctorate, William and Mary Law School.

Family: I am married and have four children, ages 13 to 21.

What is ReEstablish Richmond: We help Richmond area refugees and new immigrants grow roots in our community beyond the first six months of their arrival in the U.S. through refugee resettlement agencies. Specifically, we help refugees and new immigrants gain transportation independence through public transit and driver’s education programs, obtain better employment opportunities in Virginia, navigate the school system for their children, become financially and digitally literate, and gain English proficiency — skills vital to their success.

Mission: We connect refugees

and new immigrants to the resources needed to establish roots, build community, and become self-sufficient. We envision a community where all are united in the well-being and welcoming of newcomers.

Founder: Patrick Braford

Why ReEstablish Richmond was founded: Patrick saw a gap in the government programs for Richmond’s refugee services while getting to know newly resettled families from Myanmar.

How I initially got involved with ReEstablish Richmond: I had a friend serving on the board of directors who asked me to help.

When elected board president: I was elected in the summer of 2022.

Why ReEstablish Richmond is meaningful to me: Over 100 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to armed conflicts, environ-

mental disasters and other hardships. Refugees make the hard decision to uproot their families and agree to go through an extensive vetting process before being placed in various host countries, including the US.

Many of the individuals in our current refugee population in the Richmond area risked their lives to serve the US Armed Forces in Afghanistan as military interpreters. Once here, it’s difficult for refugees to adjust to a new environment and learn to be self-reliant.

ReEstablish Richmond’s work is crucial in helping these individuals adapt and thrive. I am a native Virginian. I want our newest Virginians to feel welcomed and help them adjust to their new surroundings. Many of my forebears also were once refugees. Kindness builds community, especially when we extend that kindness to people who most need it despite real or perceived differences.

My No. 1 goal and strategy as board president: I want to raise community awareness about newcomers and refugees. I also aim to meet the needs of the people who come in a way they specifically want and need. It requires active listening and the flexibility to respond to the unique needs of a diverse refugee population. I am committed to helping grow sustainable programs and supports that help Richmond area refugees gain long-term self-reliance.

Biggest challenge: Like most nonprofits, we are perpetually challenged to find funding that is both consistent and flexible enough to meet refugee needs

as they arise and change over time.

The most joy I’ve witnessed through working with ReEstablish Richmond: Watching the community formulating in real time is my greatest delight.

For example, during the current international crisis, witnessing a Jewish family and a Muslim family break bread together in support of Richmond area refugees was terrific, given the current state of affairs in the Middle East.

The countries newcomers to Richmond are arriving from: Due to ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, and other areas, refugee and immigrant communities are among Richmond’s fastest-growing populations. The Richmond area has seen a 700% increase in arrivals since 2021. In just the two years following the US exit from Afghanistan, over 1,000 Afghans have settled in the area. Refugees are 64.9% Asian, mainly from Afghanistan, 9.8% African, predominantly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, 10.3% Hispanic/ Latino, and 3.4% Ukrainian. The gender mix is 71% female and 29% male.

The biggest hurdles our new Richmonders face: Language access and navigating the immigration system are the toughest for most.

Ways to contact ReEstablish Richmond for services: Anyone can go to our website and navigate to the Refer a Client — ReEstablish Richmond page.

Ways to volunteer: Volunteers can match one-on-one to help a newcomer work toward a self-determined goal. Other volunteer opportunities include

ers or delivering materials to clients so they can participate fully in group programs, performing administrative tasks, and supporting events. You can sign up on our website to attend a volunteer orientation, usually held every two weeks, to get involved.

How I start the day: I read the scriptures.

The three words that best describe me: Hopeful, cheerful and, according to my husband, stubborn.

Best late-night snack: Anything dark chocolate.

A quote that inspires me: “Think celestial.”

The best thing my parents ever taught me: My parents taught me most through their examples. My mother served as a public schoolteacher in Gloucester County for over 30 years. My father was a school psychologist and administrator in Gloucester and Henrico counties. He also coached basketball for local high schools for many years. They valued family, and they valued community. They truly loved the people they served, the students they interacted with, and all our neighbors and friends. My parents don’t know strangers. I learned from them that we are all brothers and sisters. We should treat every person with kindness and respect.

The people who influenced me the most: My parents.

A book that influenced me the most: Many books have influenced me. One refugee-specific one is “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. It chronicles the impact of colonialism on a Nigerian village.

Next goal: To make our Rich-

Juneteenth events highlight freedom, heritage

By George Copeland Jr.

Stevens Lawn at 1500 N. Lombardy St. When: Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. Cost: Free Information: efsinc.org/ VOWS 4th Annual Juneteenth Jamboree, 5K & Food Truck Festival in Carytown After a 5K run, hear live music, enjoy fresh brew and food truck fare in this day-long celebration in Carytown.

Organized by: VOWS Foundation Where: Carytown at 3320 W. Cary St. When: Saturday, June 15, 5K Run/ Walk - 10 a.m. to noon, Jamboreenoon to 6 p.m. Cost: Free; participation in the 5K costs $30 with potential fees. Information: vowsfoundation.org

Henrico County’s Juneteenth Celebration A vendor fair, kids zone, food trucks and other entertainment is featured at this event.

Organized by: Henrico County Recreation & Parks

Where: Dorey Park at 2999 Darbytown Road

When: Saturday, June 15, from 4 to 10 p.m.

Cost: Free Information: henrico.us/calendar/

Movies

series returns

The Richmond Flying Squirrels’ Movies in the Outfield series returns with four movie nights at the ballpark this year, the team announced Monday. Movies will be shown on The Diamond’s video board from June through October. Admission is $10 per person; children age 3 and younger get in free. Tickets are on sale at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Movies. The

June 21: “Cars” Gates open at 6p.m., movie at 7 p.m. Aug. 16: “Monsters, Inc.” Gates at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21: “Happy Gilmore” Gates at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m. Happy hour from 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 12: “Hotel Transylvania” Gates at 6 p.m., movie at 7 p.m. Happy hour from 6-7:30 p.m.

Seating will be on the field or in the first base lower bowl. Blankets and pillows are allowed, but chairs are prohibited. Concessions will be sold at the first base lower stand. No outside food or drinks are permitted. Only credit and debit cards will be accepted. Parking is free in the Blue Lot off Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Enter through the right field gate near the Cross Timbers Roofing Party Pavilion. More information is available at SquirrelsBaseball. com/Movies or by calling (804) 359-3866.

juneteenth2023, 804-652-1421 or Juneteenth@henrico.us

Juneteenth Day Festival

An afternoon full of fun, food and entertainment.

Organized by: Chesterfield Fairgrounds

Where: Chesterfield County Fairgrounds at 10300 Courthouse Road

When: Saturday, June 15, from 3 to 9 p.m.

Cost: Free entry before 4 p.m.; $15

afterward Information: eventbrite.com

Moving Forward Together for Freedom: A Juneteenth-Inspired Discussion

Ginter Park’s 3rd Tuesday Gathering is in honor of Juneteenth, with food and discussion centered on how to take action against racism and injustice.

Where: Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, 3601 Seminary Ave.

When: Tuesday, June 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: Free, but a $20 donation is appreciated.

More information: tinyurl.com/ Ginter-Park

“Juneteenth, Faith & Freedom” Film Showing

The Hanover NAACP will host a documentary on the origins and history of Juneteenth.

Organized by: Hanover NAACP

Where: The Atlee Library at 9212

Rutlandshire Drive

When: Wednesday, June 19, at 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free Information: hcbnaacp.org

Church Hill Juneteenth “Day of Freedom” Celebration Activities include a parade, an African dance performance by Ezibu Muntu and a picnic lunch.

Organized by: St. John’s Episcopal Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

Where: Peter Paul RVA, 1708 N. 22nd St.

When: Wednesday, June 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: Free Information: Rev. Bill Queen, at (804)-643-2686.

Untitled Wednesday’s Juneteenth Celebration

This event features live art, poetry and music celebrating black excellence and history.

Organized by: Legacy Band VA

Where: The Foundation, 401 East Grace Street

When: Wednesday, June 19, from 7 to 10:30 p.m

Cost: $15-$20

Information: tinyurl.com/UntitledWednesdays

5th Annual Juneteenth

Celebration & Pop Up Shop

The event features live performances, raffles and local vendors.

Organized by: The Hines Foundation

Where: 1100 E. Nine Mile Road

When: Wednesday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free to attend, individual vendor costs vary Information: Media Hines-Whitmore at (804) 878-1042

Moore

named executive director of The Latin Ballet of Virginia

The Latin Ballet of Virginia recently appointed Arianna Moore as its new executive director. Moore, a College of Charleston graduate with a bachelor’s in arts management, has a long history with the dance company.

“I’m excited to return to The Latin Ballet of Virginia, where my love for dance truly grew, and lead this esteemed organization into a bright future,” said Moore. “I look forward to working alongside Marisol to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Latin dance and continue the legacy of Ana Ines King.”

Moore began her dance training with The Latin Ballet’s Junior Company, where she performed under Sotolongo’s direction and King’s mentorship. She went on to choreograph her own works while still a student.

Though injuries cut short Moore’s dancing career, she remained involved in the arts. She choreographed extensively in high school and spent summers training at the renowned Joffrey Ballet School in New York. In addition to her dance background, Moore brings strong administrative experience from roles at The Lonon Foundation, Apple, Charleston Music Hall and other organizations. Her achievements include planning fundraising events and managing marketing strategies.

As executive director, Moore will oversee all operations, productions, tours and educational programs for The Latin Ballet of Virginia.

Arianna Moore

Photos by Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press

The Associated Press

The lead singer of the Four Tops said a Detroit-area hospital restrained him and ordered a psychological exam after refusing to believe that he was part of the Motown music group.

Alexander Morris filed a lawsuit Monday against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, alleging racial discrimination and other misconduct during an April 2023 visit for chest pain and breathing problems.

Hospital staff “wrongfully assumed he was mentally ill when he revealed his identity as a celebrity figure,” the lawsuit states.

The Four Tops started in the 1950s and had hits such as “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “It’s The Same Old Song.” The group was inducted into the Rock

Richmond

The Richmond Symphony recently named Christopher Anderson as its new vice president of marketing and sales, effective June 17.

Anderson brings 15 years of music industry and performing arts marketing experience to the role. He will lead the Symphony’s audience-building efforts, digital marketing, sales and communications strategies.

“I am honored to join the Richmond

Happenings

& Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Morris is not an original member, but he joined the group in 2019.

The lawsuit states a nurse finally believed Morris was in the Four Tops and the psychological exam was canceled.

The hospital offered a $25 gift card as an apology, but Morris refused to accept it, the lawsuit states.

“We remain committed to honoring human dignity and acting with integrity and compassion for all persons and the community,” the hospital said in response to the lawsuit. “We do not condone racial discrimination of any kind. We will not comment on pending litigation.”

Morris talked publicly about the incident last year, saying he had returned to Detroit, his hometown, and was “being told that I’m insane or schizophrenic.”

Symphony and a team dedicated to expanding audiences through the power of music,” Anderson said. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about connecting audiences with the magical experience of music and performing arts.”

Most recently, Anderson served as chief marketing officer for The Washington Ballet, where he helped drive $4.6 million in annual sales through strategic initiatives.

A University of Virginia music graduate, Anderson is an alumnus of the prestigious Sphinx LEAD program that trains arts executive leaders.

“I’m excited to bring my expertise to this role, collaborate with talented individuals, and drive our marketing and sales strategies forward,” Anderson said. “My goal is to innovate, expand audience connections, and ensure our performances inspire and delight while enhancing the Symphony’s storytelling.”

The Richmond Symphony, founded in 1957, offers over 200 annual performances for around 250,000 patrons through its professional orchestra, volunteer chorus, concerts, educational programs and touring.

Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File

Roquel Payton, from left, Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir and Duke Fakir of the Four Tops perform at the All in Music & Arts Festival in Indianapolis on Sept. 3, 2022. Morris filed a lawsuit Monday against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Mich. He is claiming racial discrimination and other misconduct during a 2023 visit for chest pain and breathing problems.

Gay pastor wants to help Black churches become as welcoming as his own

By Darren Sands The Associated Press

It was daunting when the Rev. Brandon Thomas Crowley, at age 22, replaced a beloved pastor who had ministered to one of suburban Boston’s most famed Black churches for 24 years. It was more daunting — at times agonizing — to reach the decision six years later, in 2015, that God wanted him to tell his congregation that he was gay.

To his relief, most of the worshippers at Myrtle Baptist Church in Newton, Mass., embraced him. Crowley’s career has flourished, and he has now written a book — “Queering the Black Church” — that he hopes can serve as a guide for other congregations to be “open and affirming” to LGBTQ+ people rather than shunning them.

Crowley, 37, was born in Atlanta and raised in Rome, Ga. He admired the preachers he heard as a child, especially at Lovejoy Baptist Church, his home congregation.

One Sunday, however, the pastor preached a fiery sermon against homosexuals.

“He called them all types of names, using derogatory phrases and really describing it as a detestable group and a sinful thing, and I just sort of knew he was talking about me,” Crowley said in an interview. “That was my first introduction to really knowing the beauty of who I am as a queer person.”

Crowley said his greatgrandmother repeatedly assured him that he was made in the image of God. She also told him about getting pregnant at 14 — and breaking away from her own church after refusing its demand to apologize to the congregation.

“She would say, ‘God loves

you,’” Crowley recalled. “She said, “They almost made me take my own life when I was pregnant, but I came to know a God beyond the church, and I’ve got beyond what these preachers say.’”

Nonetheless, throughout this period, Crowley felt he was called to be a Christian pastor — a preacher of the social justice gospel.

Believing he had to hide his sexual identity in order to pursue that calling, he began dating a girl at Lovejoy.

He had still not come out by the time he entered Morehouse College in Atlanta, joining its Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistants program. While at Morehouse, he said, he experienced his first serious romance with a young man.

After graduating from Morehouse, Crowley was accepted by Harvard Divinity School. He considered abandoning his dream to be a preacher, and instead “write books about the Black church being dead.”

But one of his friends, convinced of his spiritual talents, encouraged Crowley to apply for the open pastorate at Myrtle Baptist — less than 10 miles from the divinity school.

Soon after he expressed initial interest, Crowley said, he received word that he was “exactly” what Myrtle’s search committee was seeking. He recalled his inner reaction: “I was, like, ‘What are y’all talking about? Like, I’m gay! This can’t happen.’”

But he stayed in the running for the job — even breaking away from a weekend Gay Pride party in Miami to get back to Boston in time to preach at a service attended by the search committee.

Before long, Crowley was named a finalist. His closest

mentors were split over whether he should tell Myrtle’s leaders about his sexuality or stay quiet on that topic while doing a good job as preacher. He chose the latter course — and operated that way for six years after his election as Myrtle’s new senior pastor in 2009.

But over time, Crowley said, he realized “I could only really do the work of God if I operated from a place of real authenticity.”

He also found love in the church. Crowley first met Tyrone Sutton, his partner of three years, when he was guest preaching. Sutton was sitting at the organ. On one of their first dates they sang and played

music together.

Periodically during his life, Crowley said, he heard a voice he believed was coming from the spirit of God. He says it first spoke approvingly of his same-sex attraction as a child in 1993, after he was rebuked by a relative for saying that a male character on a sitcom was “so fine.”

“God doesn’t like that,” the relative said. But Crowley recalls hearing the voice tell him that God had made him that way. He says he heard it again at age 12, beckoning him to a life in ministry. And years later, as an adult, he said it would guide him through the emotional process of breaking

up with a girlfriend after telling her about his homosexuality.

But those occasions all occurred in private. In the spring of 2015, Crowley says he was sitting in Myrtle’s pulpit one Sunday when he heard the voice speaking to him — telling him it was time to come out.

“Are you crazy? These people are going to put me out,” Crowley recalls telling the voice that was urging him to share the truth.

But minutes later, a tearful Crowley did just that — announcing to his congregation, “I am a proud, Black, gay Christian male.”

“We already knew, reverend,” one church mother told him. “We were just waiting on you.”

Some congregation members decided to leave Myrtle

after the announcement, but mostly there was strong support for the pastor. Myrtle’s pews swelled with new members, many of them gay.

The Rev. Martha Simmons, an expert in Black preaching and founder of the advocacy group Women of Color in Ministry, became a mentor for Crowley after appearing at Morehouse as a guest speaker. She describes him as perhaps the most gifted of all the students she has encountered in her career.

“The most impressive thing about Brandon is that it’s really hard to be queer in a Black Baptist world, and that’s what he’s been in for most of his adult life,” Simmons said. “And he handles it all so well.”

AP Photo/Josh Reynolds

The Rev. Branch Thomas Crowley preaches during

service at Myrtle Baptist Church

last month in Newton, Mass. In 2015, Crowley, the senior pastor of the church, one of America’s oldest Black churches, announced, to his congregation, “I am a proud, Black, gay Christian male.”

city of richmond, virginia ciTY coUNciL PUBLic NoTice

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing, open to all interested citizens, on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: ordinance No. 2024-142 To amend City Code§ 2-1176, concerning the administration of the Human Rights Commission, for the purpose of modifying the frequency of the Commission’s meetings. ( co MM i TT ee : education and Human Services, Thursday, June 13, 2024, 2:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-145

To amend Ord. No. 2022-284, adopted Nov. 14, 2022, as previously amended by Ord. No. 2023-258, adopted Oct. 10, 2023, which accepted the second tranche of American Rescue Plan Act funds and appropriated such funds to the General Fund Budget and Capital Budget for certain agencies and contingencies, by transferring funds from certain previously identified projects as part of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act Spend Plan and transferring such funds to existing or new projects. (coMMiTTee: Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-153

To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to accept a donation of services in the form of construction materials and labor valued at approximately $100,000.00 from the Friends of The James River Park and, in connection therewith, to execute a Byrd Park Pump House, Right-of-Entry Agreement between the City of Richmond and the Friends of The James River Park, all for the purpose of funding the repair and restoration of the Byrd Park Pump House. ( co MM i TT ee : Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-158

To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a First Amendment to Help Me Help You Grant Contract between the City of Richmond and the Help Me Help You Foundation, for the purpose of facilitating the implementation of a guaranteed income pilot program for returning residents. (coMMiTTee: education and Human Services, Thursday, June 13, 2024, 2:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-159 To amend Ord. No. 2023071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, to (i) create certain new line items in the NonDepartmental agency, (ii) transfer $199,200.00 from the Non-Departmental agency Reserve for Heart of Richmond Awards, and (iii) appropriate such $199,200.00 to the new line items in the NonDepartmental agency, all for the purpose of providing Heart of Richmond Awards grant funds to certain entities. (coMMiTTeeS: education and Human Services, Thursday, June 13, 2024, 2:00 p.m.; Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-160 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Lease Agreement between the City of Richmond, as tenant, and the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, as landlord, for the purpose of operating a public dog park located at 4401 Forest Hill Avenue. (coMMiTTee: Land Use, Housing and Transportation, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 3:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-161 To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to accept an additional parcel of real property presently or formerly owned by Enrichmond Foundation, commonly known as East End Cemetery, for the purpose of preserving and maintaining such parcel as a historic AfricanAmerican cemetery and public greenspace.

ordinance No. 2024-162 To amend Ord. No. 2023-

071, adopted May 8, 2023, which adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 General Fund Budget and made appropriations pursuant thereto, by (i) increasing revenues from estimated local sales and use, consumer utility, and admissions taxes and from permits and license fees by $5,489,264.00, (ii) reducing total appropriations by $8,069,133.00, and increasing total appropriations by $13,558,397.00, (iii) transferring funds from various agencies and nondepartmental programs and appropriating the increased revenues and transferred funds to various agencies and non-departmental programs, (iv) providing for certain assignments of fund balance for the Employee Compensation Reserve Fund, and (v) requiring that certain funds appropriated to the Department of Housing and Community Development for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 shall be expended for affordable housing efforts. ( co MM i TT ee : Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-163 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Statutory Partnership Agreement between the City of Richmond and Groundwork RVA, Inc., for the purpose of applying for the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grant. ( co MM i TT ee : Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-164 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Agreement between the City of Richmond, Walmsley Gardens, LLC, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the construction of an affordable residential development located at 4824, 4838, 4850, 4870, and 4890 Walmsley Boulevard. (coMMiTTee: Finance and e conomic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-165 To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to execute a Grant Agreement between the City of Richmond, Walmsley Senior, LLC, and the Economic Development Authority of the City of Richmond for the purpose of facilitating the construction of an affordable residential development located at 4824, 4838, 4850, 4870, and 4890 Walmsley Boulevard.

(coMMiTTee: Finance and e conomic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-166 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 21-44 concerning designbuild and construction management contracts, 21-67 concerning competitive negotiation for goods, nonprofessional services, insurance, and construction, and 21-73 concerning job order contracting, all for the purpose of reflecting amendments to state law that Va. Code § 2.2-4343(A) (12) requires the City to follow. (coMMiTTee: Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-167 To amend and reordain City Code § 12-22, concerning the authority to accept payment by commercially acceptable means and service charge, to permit City agencies the option to remove currently mandated services charges for the payment of any amount due for taxes, interest, penalties, fees, fines, or other charges for the public. (coMMiTTee: Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

ordinance No. 2024-168 To amend and reordain City Code §§ 12-241, concerning definitions for fund balances, 12-242, concerning the disposition of calculated general fund surplus and reporting, 12-261, concerning the “Rainy day” fund, 12262, concerning the unassigned fund balance, 12-263, concerning the Budget and Revenue Stabilization Contingency Reserve, and 12-265, concerning special purpose reserves, for the purpose of changing

the minimum percentages for the maintenance of the “rainy day” fund and the unassigned fund balance, modifying the reporting requirements for the general fund balance, modifying the date by which assignments of special purpose reserves must be made, and changing the name of the “rainy day” fund to the “Downturn Reserve Fund” and the “Budget and Revenue Stabilization Contingency Reserve” to the “Contingency Reserve.” (coMMiTTee: Finance and economic Development, Thursday, June 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.)

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the June 24, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of

oF HANover roSLYN Moore Plaintiff v. KATrYce JAcKSoN, Defendant. case No.: cL24001807-00 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 29th day of July, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. 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 KiM LAWreNce, Plaintiff v. oLiver LAWreNce Defendant. case No.: cL22003829-00 orDer oF PUBLicATioN

Richmond Planning Commission

open to

July 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the

Conference

City

and the Council of the City of Richmond has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber on the Second Floor of City Hall, located at 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, to consider the following ordinances: ordinance No. 2024-169 To authorize the special use of the property known as 2711 Q Street for the purpose of up to two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

ordinance No. 2024-170

To authorize the special use of the property known as 409 Cleveland Street for the purpose of a café with accessory retail, production, wholesale, and certain distribution uses, upon certain terms and conditions.

ordinance No. 2024-171

To authorize the special use of the property known as 3513 Idlewood Avenue, for the purpose of two single-family attached dwellings, upon certain terms and conditions.

ordinance No. 2024-172

To authorize the special use of the property known as 308 Oak Lane for the purpose of a single-family detached dwelling, with driveway access to the street exceeding nine feet in width, upon certain terms and conditions.

Interested citizens who wish to speak will be given an opportunity to do so by following the instructions referenced in the July 22, 2024 Richmond City Council Formal meeting agenda. Copies of the full text of all ordinances are available by visiting the City Clerk’s page on the City’s Website at https:// www.rva.gov/office-cityclerk, and in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 900 East Broad Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Candice D. Reid City Clerk

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 29th day of July, 2024 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 oF THe coUNTY oF HeNrico cHArLeS eDWArD SLAUGHTer, Jr., Plaintiff, v. civil Law No.: cL24-2855 ANGeLiTA verNiTA roBiNSoN GoLDSTeiN, Defendant. orDer oF PUBLicATioN

The object of the abovestyled suit is to obtain a divorce from the bonds of matrimony from the defendant on the grounds that the parties have lived separate and apart without interruption and without cohabitation for a period of more than one year, since September 15, 2011. And it appearing by Affidavit filed according to law that the above-named defendant, is not a resident of this state and that due diligence has been used by or in behalf of plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the defendant is, without effect. It is therefore ORDERED that the said Angelita Vernita Robinson Goldstein do appear in the Clerk’s Office of the Law Division of the Circuit Court of Henrico County, 4301 East Parham Road, Henrico, Virginia 23273, on or before and do whatever necessary to protect their interest in this suit. A Copy, Teste: HEIDI S. BARSHINGER, Clerk I ask for this: Rudolph C. McCollum, Jr. VSB #32825 P.O. Box 4595 Richmond, Virginia 23220 Phone (804) 523-3900 Fax (888) 532-1870

cUSToDY

virGiNiA: iN THe JUveNiLe AND DoMeSTic reLATioNS DiSTricT coUrT oF THe ciTY oF ricHMoND commonwealth of virginia, in re JoUrNee & JAcir LYNcH rDSS v. JovoN LYNcH case No. JJ103286-03-00, JJ103285-03-00 orDer oF PUBLicATioN

The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights {“TPR”) of Jovon Lynch (Father) of Journee Lynch, child DoB 01/07/2023, and Jacir Lynch, child D o B 04/14/2020, “TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant Jovon Lynch (Father) to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 08/08/2024, at 10:30 A.M, coUrTrooM #3 (AFr)

virGiNiA: iN THe JUveNiLe AND DoMeSTic reLATioNS DiSTricT coUrT oF THe ciTY oF ricHMoND commonwealth of virginia, in re KYLie DArQUAN HArriS rDSS v. rAveN HArriS, UNKNoWN FATHer case No. JJ101948-11-00, JJ101948-10-00 orDer oF PUBLicATioN

The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights {“TPR”) of raven Harris (Mother) & Unknown Father (Father) of Kylie Daquan Harris, child D o B 11/17/2022, “TPR” means all rights and responsibilities remaining with Parent after transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including but not limited to rights of: visitation; adoption consent; determination of religious affiliation; and responsibility for support. It is ORDERED that the defendant r aven Harris (Mother) & Unknown Father to appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interest on or before 08/13/2024, at 2 P.M, coUrTrooM #2 (McG) ABc LiceNSe Maracuchos rvA LLc Trading as: Maracuchos 13979 raised Antler circle Midlothian, chesterfield, virginia 23112-2005 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA A LCOHOLIC B EVERAGE C ONTROL (ABC)

Ridgefield Parkway Sidewalk, Phase 3 County of Henrico, Virginia

Notice of Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing

The County of Henrico proposes constructing a sidewalk project along Ridgefield Parkway between Lauderdale Drive and Gayton Road. The Ridgefield Parkway Sidewalk, Phase 3 project will add approximately 1,700 feet of sidewalk along the southern side and is connecting to existing sidewalk at the Ridgefield Parkway and Gayton Road intersection. Construction is currently anticipated for 2025. Information related to these projects including the proposed sidewalk addition, project schedule, and funding information can be reviewed by appointment at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, 4305 E. Parham Road, Henrico, VA 23228, Telephone: (804) 501-4620. Project information is also available online at the following addresses: https://henrico.us/projects/ridgefield-parkway-sidewalk-phase-iii/ If your concerns cannot be satisfied, the County is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request a public hearing by sending a written request to Mazna Bilal, County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, Transportation Development Division, P. O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775, on or before June 28, 2024. If a request for a public hearing is received, notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing will be provided.

The County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Mazna Bilal at the above address or phone number or at Bil008@henrico.us.

Ridgefield Parkway Sidewalk, Phase III UPC: 117055 Project: VDOT #7516-043-R90

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE RICHMOND REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY ON PROPOSED PRIVATE ACTIVITY REVENUE BOND FINANCINGS

Notice is hereby given that the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (the “Authority”) will hold: (i) a public hearing on the request of Walmsley Senior, LLC (the “Walmsley Senior Borrower”), whose address is 2601 W. Broad Street, Suite 201, Richmond, Virginia 23220, for the issuance by the Authority of an expected maximum stated principal amount of $14,000,000 of its revenue bonds (the “Walmsley Senior Bonds”) to finance or refinance a portion of (a) the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping a multifamily residential rental housing project for seniors consisting of one building containing approximately 128 units (the “Walmsley Senior Project”), (b) the funding of reserve funds as permitted by applicable law and (c) the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Walmsley Senior Bonds; and (ii) a public hearing on the request of Walmsley Gardens, LLC

an expected maximum stated principal amount of $32,000,000 of its revenue bonds (the “Walmsley Family Bonds,” and, together with the Walmsley Senior Bonds, the “Bonds”) to finance or refinance a portion of (a) the costs of acquiring, constructing and equipping a multifamily residential rental housing project for families consisting of nine buildings containing approximately 216 total units (the “Walmsley Family Project,” and, together with the Walmsley Senior Project, the “Projects”), (b) the funding of reserve funds as permitted by applicable law and (c) the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Walmsley Family Bonds. The Projects will share an amenity clubhouse building with a leasing office, community room, fitness center, package room, pool and playground, and approximately 418 parking spaces. The Projects will

WNBA shoots, scores with crowds, ratings as they welcome rookies to ranks

The Associated Press

The first month of the WNBAseason drew its highest attendance since the league’s second season in 1998 and the best television ratings in its history, the WNBA announced Tuesday.

diverse audiences into our fandom. The WNBA continues to experience sustained growth as our league embraces this heightened momentum.”

Angel

The figures are the latest evidence of the surging popularity of the WNBA since it added prominent rookies, including Indiana’s Caitlin Clark, Chicago’s Angel Reese and Los Angeles’ Cameron Brink, all of whom drew big audiences playing in college.

Across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, ION and NBA TV, WNBA games are averaging 1.32 million viewers, nearly tripling last season’s average of 462,000, the league said Tuesday.

“What’s happening now in women’s basketball is confirmation of what we’ve always known: The demand is there, and women’s sports is a valuable investment,” said Colie Edison, the WNBA’s chief growth officer. “We’re encouraged by growing engagement across all our verticals, especially as we welcome new and

The WNBA finished May having sold out more than half its games, more than double the number of sellouts last year. Approximately 400,000 fans have attended games, the most through the first month in 26 years.

Arenas have been filled to 94% capacity, a 17% rise from last year, the league said. Some games have been moved to bigger arenas to accommodate increased fan interest, such as Clark and the Fever playing at the Washington Wizards’ downtown arena in front of 20,333 fans last Friday night instead of the Mystics’ usual venue, which seats 4,200.

On the television side, the WNBA said it saw a 96% increase in Hispanic viewers and a 67% increase in Black viewers.

Merchandise sales rose 236% from the same period last year, with Clark, Reese and Brink ranking in the top five for jersey sales during the first week of the season.

M�lest��e�

are meant to be celebrated. Share accomplishments in a special person’s life by announcing it in the Richmond Free Press.

Contact Cynthia Downing, advertising coordinator, today to find out more about affordable celebration advertising rates to celebrate a special achievement or a special occasion.

Richmond

Free Press

23219 www.richmondfreepress.com

Legal Notices/Employment Opportunities

S. Laburnum Avenue Northbound Sidewalk

County of Henrico, Virginia

Notice of Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing

The County of Henrico proposes to provide approximately 2,500 linear feet of sidewalk along the northbound side of Laburnum Avenue between Audubon Drive and Williamsburg Road to include ADA curb ramps and pedestrian crosswalks on the northern legs of Laburnum Avenue and Audubon Drive and ties to existing ramps at Williamsburg Road.

Construction is anticipated to begin in September 2026.

Information related to this project including the plans, project schedule, and funding information can be reviewed at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, 4305 E. Parham Road, Administration Annex Building, 3rd Floor, Henrico, VA 23228, Telephone: 804-501-5115.

County is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request a public hearing by sending a written request to the Department of Public Works, Attn: LaTheasha Hinton, P. O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775, on or before June 28, 2024. If a request for a public hearing is received, a notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing will be provided.

The County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities LaTheasha Hinton at the above address, phone number, or hin03@henrico.us.

VDOT UPC #: 117042

S. Laburnum Avenue Southbound Sidewalk

County of Henrico, Virginia

Notice of Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing

The County of Henrico proposes to provide approximately 420 linear feet of a sidewalk along the southbound side of Laburnum Avenue between 600 linear south of Gay Avenue and Williamsburg Road to include ADA curb ramps and pedestrian crosswalks on the southern leg of Laburnum Avenue and Williamsburg Road.

Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2026.

Information related to this project including the plans, project schedule, and funding information can be reviewed at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, 4305 E. Parham Road, Administration Annex Building, 3rd Floor, Henrico, VA 23228, Telephone: 804-501-5115.

County is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request a public hearing by sending a written request to the Department of Public Works, Attn: LaTheasha Hinton, P. O. Box 90775, Henrico, VA 23273-0775, on or before June 28, 2024. If a request for a public hearing is received, a notice of the date, time, and place of the public hearing will be provided.

The County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities

LaTheasha Hinton at the above address, phone number, or hin03@henrico.us.

VDOT UPC #: 117034

South Laburnum Avenue at Route 5 Turn Lane Extension

County of Henrico, Virginia

Notice of Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing

The County of Henrico proposes to provide a 200-feet long turn lane with a 100-foot taper to extend the southbound right-turn lane at Laburnum Avenue and shoulder on the approach to Route 5/New Market Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2026

Information related to this project including the plans, project schedule, and funding information can be reviewed at the County of Henrico, Department of Public Works, 4305 E. Parham Road, Administration Annex Building, 3 rd Floor, Henrico, VA 23228, Telephone: 804-501-5115.

Reese